(BPT) - Savvy travelers know Nanjing as a hidden treasure, offering an array of rich historical and cultural sites for visitors to explore. Located in Jiangsu Province just outside of Shanghai, this city of more than 8 million sits along the Yangtze River, with the majestic Purple Mountain rising in the east. One of China's four ancient capital cities, Nanjing enjoys a relaxed pace compared to mega-cities like Beijing and is easy to navigate, with modern public transportation and plenty of taxis. Once you’ve enjoyed Nanjing's cultural traditions and historical attractions, relax and enjoy the remarkable hospitality and incredible food.
(BPT) - Looking for a window into the past? For families, history buffs, students — and anyone aspiring to understand the legacy of African-Americans who helped shape our country's history — there's no better place than Virginia. Explore the significance and impact of African-American history by visiting these sites from the 17th through the 19th centuries, which bring to life the amazing stories of the people who shaped the American Evolution.
(StatePoint) It may be winter, but that’s no reason to put your outdoor adventures on hold. When you’re properly equipped, you may find you can brave all kinds of weather.
(BPT) - Does wanderlust have you longing to get away? Consider the possibilities of the classic American road trip. With a tank of gas, the right attitude and some smart supplies, you can explore amazing locales on a budget.
(BPT) - No matter where you live, the weather can be unpredictable any time of year. Storms can disrupt your family’s routine, but a little preparation can mean reducing the stress that unexpected weather events can cause. Preparing for storms or other weather conditions just takes a few practical, proactive steps that can save you time, money and give you peace of mind.
(BPT) - While you may not need more reasons to visit Hawaii beyond its natural beauty and pristine beaches, the islands also celebrate unique cultural events to make any vacation truly memorable. The melting pot of cultures in the Aloha State make Hawaii different than any other place on earth. Planning your 2019 visit around one of these five festivals from March through July will make your trip even more special.
(BPT) - While Hawaii is known worldwide for its beautiful beaches, it may not be the first location that pops into your mind when you think of whale watching. If you’re a fan of the most majestic marine mammal on earth, you owe yourself the opportunity to view North Pacific Humpback Whales in person. Here are a few facts about whale migration to Hawaii that you may not know.
(BPT) - Do you remember being a child, sitting in front of a glowing television? Eyes wide, legs crossed and a little bowl of marshmallow-filled breakfast cereal in front of you? The familiar theme song would play, color would fill the screen and there they’d be — that futuristic family in a flying cartoon car. It was an incredible sight, one that filled us with wonder and excitement, and the hope of having our very own airborne automobile by 2020.
(BPT) - People who visit Florida's Space Coast often end up making it their favorite vacation destination, mainly because it features such a wide range of enjoyable activities for all ages. Rich in entertainment and adventure, new learning experiences and natural beauty, the area is considered very affordable for tourists. If you're already visiting the Central Florida area, the Space Coast is only a 45-minute drive due east from Orlando, making it an ideal option for extending your next wintertime getaway.
(BPT) - According to Podcast Insights, 73 million Americans listen to podcasts regularly, seven per week on average. You can find a podcast about virtually any subject that strikes your fancy, so if you're looking for a new show to engage and delight you, there is no shortage of fun, information, news, controversy and commentary out there to choose from. But where do you start?
(BPT) - Looking for the perfect getaway? Nestled in the heart of Northern California is a remarkable hidden gem: Downtown Napa. A picturesque, unique place with much more to do than any other small town, Napa attracts a wide variety of travelers, tempting the wine and food lover, plus those who enjoy music, art or shopping.
(BPT) - For many, the holiday season means travel! In fact, millions of U.S. residents travel more than 50 miles away from home during the holiday season. Unfortunately, burglars are also aware of these holiday season travel statistics. While many families look forward to the holidays, it is easy to get carried away with excitement and forget to prepare your home for your time away. There’s nothing worse than coming back from a relaxing vacation to a stressful situation at home, so it is best to be prepared and protect your home before you travel.
(BPT) - Is planning the perfect family vacation on your to-do list?
(BPT) - "From Atlantic to Pacific, gee, the traffic is terrific" … because it’s time for winter vacations! No matter their destination, Americans are more than twice as likely to drive as fly this year (76 percent vs. 24 percent), according to Hankook Tire’s newest Gauge Index Survey.
(BPT) - Arkansas boasts a mild four-season climate, diverse terrain and unparalleled beauty, making it the ideal destination for year-round mountain biking for riders of all skill levels.
(BPT) - Winter driving can pose a real threat to your safety. From slippery roads to a lack of visibility, you need to be ready for lots of dangerous conditions. But a little preparation can go a long way to keeping you and your family safe. Here are the hazardous weather conditions you’re most likely to face this winter and how to prepare your car for the driving challenges they present.
(BPT) - What’s better than a simple stroll through the snow? Completely winning at winter! All right, maybe the season isn’t technically a competitive sport, but there are ways to make the most of the shortest days of the year — with where and how you choose to travel. Here are eight ways you (and your wallet) can win this winter.
(BPT) - Imagine mornings exploring Australia’s rich culture, afternoons playing on warm, white sand beaches and evenings savoring the country's award-winning wine, incredible local produce, and impressive nightlife.
(BPT) - If you’re planning to travel for the holidays this year, you’re not alone. Over 107 million people traveled last year for the holidays, according to estimates from the American Automobile Association (AAA), and more than 97 million of them did so along the nation's highways. If you plan to join them this year, traffic and potholes aren't the only potential problems you'll need to navigate. Weather can also be a challenge during the holidays. According to the Federal Highway Administration, over 70 percent of the roads in the United States are located in snowy regions, which receive five inches of snow or more, on average each year.
(BPT) - Last year we experienced an unprecedented cold and flu season. The CDC reported an early flu season and much higher than expected rates of hospitalizations for the flu. It is never too early to start preparing your home and workplace to prevent the spread of this viral and infectious, but also life-threatening, illness. These tips can help prevent you and your family from catching the virus.
(BPT) - If you really want to go deep and learn how the American tradition of innovation and entrepreneurship came about, there’s no better place to begin than the Commonwealth of Virginia.
(StatePoint) Planning for the holiday season? Whether you’re a guest or a host, there are easy ways to ensure that everyone enjoys their time with family and friends. Check out these tips for a joyful holiday season:
(BPT) - Moving to a new home can call for the coordination of a lot of details. That’s especially true if you’re a do-it-yourselfer who’s renting a truck rather than hiring a moving company.
(BPT) - Follow these tips to save time, money and your sanity this holiday season.
(BPT) - With the winter season approaching, you may need to pay closer attention to watching your step. Even if you’re active, healthy and full of life, statistics show that you have a greater chance of taking a debilitating fall as you age. Mayo Clinic notes that some 400,000 “fragility fractures” occur annually due to falls injuring osteoporosis-weakened bones.
(StatePoint) There’s no need to resign yourself to the gym all winter long. Outdoor adventures are the perfect way to stay fit and have fun, even during the chilliest months of the year.
(BPT) - There are a lot of decisions to make when it comes to driving, and the list only grows once you’ve got your own set of wheels. Whether you’re facing a purchasing dilemma over which make and model is best for you, or simply wonder how much is too much to top off the gas, being a responsible driver comes with more options than there are gears on a manual car.
(BPT) - The preparation of a good meal can be about much more than satisfying your family’s hunger. Not only can the process be fun, creative and rewarding, but it can be a meaningful way to share and learn about different cultures.
(BPT) - As one of Mexico’s top artisanal hubs, Guadalajara offers culture, cuisine and shopping. Travelers can find everything from expertly crafted pottery to luxe leather goods in markets throughout the city. For those who travel the world in search of the best locally produced, stylish souvenirs, Guadalajara provides a vibrant, festive atmosphere — after all, this is the birthplace of mariachi, tequila and charrería, the Mexican rodeo!
(BPT) - Does the thought of a bed bug infestation send a shiver down your spine? Do you immediately think of insects hiding in beds? Did you know that bed bugs aren’t just found in those places? The experts at Terminix are here to clear up some common misconceptions and provide information so that you can be more prepared than scared if you ever find yourself dealing with these pests.
(BPT) - Foodies with adventurous palates might be tempted to vacation in El Salvador just to enjoy its array of delectable local dishes.
(BPT) - Following military service, many veterans feel overwhelmed by the transition to civilian life and the decision about what’s next. While veterans may feel that it’s challenging to identify civilian jobs that match their skills, there are job opportunities across the country and in their own backyard — they just need help finding them.
(BPT) - Traveling, especially during peak times, can come with lots of hassles. Booking a flight, traversing through a packed airport and getting to the gate on time are just a few things that can cause stress. Then there's using those tiny on-board bathrooms, and hoping you get your luggage back in one piece.
Travel is difficult for the average person, but now imagine doing all this in a wheelchair.
“Problems for travelers with disabilities are extremely common,” says Shaun Castle, a service-disabled U.S. Army veteran and deputy executive director of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). “By far, the number one complaint that we receive from our members about any issue, is about the problems with air travel.”
Castle has experienced the difficulties firsthand. He has had his wheelchair bent, cracked and even lost in separate incidents.
“These are more than minor inconveniences,” Castle says. “If my wheelchair is damaged, it may mean I am stranded until I can get it repaired.”
But things could be getting better soon for Castle and tens of thousands of travelers with disabilities with the signing of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018 (H.R. 302) by President Donald Trump.
The passage of H.R. 302 provides a “bill of rights” and an advisory panel for passengers with disabilities, as well as revised training and procedures for TSA screenings for people with disabilities.
PVA calls it a matter of basic civil rights and has been a vocal advocate for safer trips for all travelers with disabilities. The congressionally chartered veteran’s service organization even challenged the Department of Transportation in court to move forward with requirements for accessible bathrooms on single-aisle planes.
There are some things travelers with disabilities can do to reduce risks, especially during the busy peak travel times.
Write it down. The group recommends attaching written instructions for folding and stowing directly to wheelchairs and scooters. Many airlines have forms online for passengers to complete.
Plan ahead. Call the airline a week in advance of the flight to confirm special arrangements and call the TSA Cares helpline 72 hours in advance (855-787-2227) for assistance with security.
"This new bill recognizing the rights of travelers with disabilities is a huge move forward, but there's more work to do," says Castle. "Paralyzed Veterans of America will continue to work toward accessibility for all Americans with disabilities."
Check pva.org/travel for more tips, resources and to share your travel story.
(BPT) - Dreaming of an Italian vacation? You can experience the country's ancient, romantic regions without even leaving home. The wines of Italy embody the heart and soul of the regions in which they're grown.
(BPT) - Short, chilly days mean more time spent indoors with family and friends. This is the perfect time to focus on home improvement, starting with finding the right door hardware. While home security is typically top-of-mind, door hardware such as locksets and deadbolts are generally overlooked and purchasing new locks is not a simple decision. Does it need to withstand repeated, long-term use? Or heavy impact, in the case of an intruder? Does it need to be capable of withstanding certain weather conditions?
(BPT) - Changing households can be a time for new beginnings, fresh perspectives and boundless opportunities.
(BPT) - Snow, Nor’easter storms and too many blisters to count — no challenge was too big for Matt and Trevor to overcome as they journeyed across the country this year. The determined duo began their excursion on March 1 in Delaware and recently celebrated their final steps in San Francisco on Sept. 8. Traveling across 15 states, Matt and Trevor experienced the trip of a lifetime. And they raised over $6,000 for veterans along the way.
(BPT) - Did you know that many police departments have a community affairs officer whose primary goal is to build a strong working relationship with the community? That means you have access to a trained safety expert who wants to give you ideas to keep your home and neighborhood safe.
(NAPSI)—The most significant worldwide travel trend today is individuals’ desire for experiential travel.
(NAPSI)—It is often said that, in real estate, it’s all about “location, location, location.” However, when it comes to rental properties, the key to maximizing their potential is all about “timing, timing, timing.”
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