Can I Ask My Cab Driver to Speed to Get Me to My Destination on Time?

Many people who find themselves living in or visiting a city for the first time where they have to use taxi services frequently find themselves with many questions regarding exactly how the cab companies operate, and what the proper protocols are. They may wonder if they can haggle over price, or about how the fare is calculated, or even about the etiquette of asking the cab driver to change the radio station. One of the most common questions that people ask, though, is whether they are allowed to ask their cab driver to speed to get them to their destination on time. There is a short answer and a long answer to this question.

The short answer is that you are free to ask anything that you want, if you don't mind being told "no!" If you are determined to ask, the worst that can happen is for them to sneer and say no. And normally, they will say no. The driver for the taxi service gets the same pay whether he gets you there on time or not. If he speeds, he risks a traffic ticket, which would eat up all of his profits for the day. So the driver normally has no incentive to honor your request. The long answer to this question is that it depends on what country you are in.

In some countries, where haggling is more common, you may be able to sweeten the pot for the driver and make this happen. Again, the driver is risking a traffic ticket if he honors your request, so you have to make it worthwhile for him. In the United States, this might be seen as bribery, but in many parts of the world, it is just how business is done, and it is not looked down on. In those instances, if you offer the driver more money than what a speeding ticket would be, he may be willing to drive faster for you.

Also, in some countries, the rules of the road are not heavily enforced. These are the countries in which you find yourself thinking that the taxi service driver is driving like a maniac, but then you realize that that is how everyone drives! In instances like these, you may actually be able to simply ask the driver to speed, particularly if you can establish good rapport with him, and he will do so just in hopes of getting a better tip from you.

Brandon Caldwell is a consultant for Chicago taxi service and Willowbrook taxi services as well as national courier service businesses.

Marine Tourism Damage - The Causes, Effects and Solutions

Have you ever been to a beach filled with garbage, very little coral and even less fish? Unfortunately this beach wasn't always like this and it was brought to this state by none other than us. Tourism is a major threat to our marine life. It's generally the marine life that attracts us to go on these beach vacations however, it's these beach vacations that are ruining our marine life.

Coral reefs house 25% of the earths marine life, therefore it is in our best interests to protect the coral reefs in order to protect our marine life. There are many reason why reefs and their inhabitance are very important to us. They provide us with entertainment, food and even medicines.

Our idea of an ideal beach vacation consists of a radiating sun, a beautiful beach and crystal clear fish abundant waters. In order to keep this dream a reality we must protect our coral reefs. Snorkeling and diving sites are continually degrading in quality as fish and coral die out, leaving only stark white life less coral.

Throughout the last twenty years developing countries have increasingly marketed their tropical beaches which has lead to an increase in tourists and hotels along these tropical beaches. This is beneficial to the country as it helps to increase the countries GDP and employs the locals in these often remote areas. Unfortunately these developing countries may not be able to look forward to this income for too many more years to come as the increased tourism has drastically damaged the nature which tourists have come to see.

According to a criteria laid out by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature coral is the most endangered species on the earth. Coral is the basis of life for more than 25% of all marine species, without coral a massive amount of our marine life will become extinct. We already have a problem on our hands because ten years ago 2% of our coral was endangered whereas today around 30% of our coral is endangered (according to the Global Marine Species Assessment). This means something must be done today before the problem can get any worse.

One of the major reasons for this incredible damage to our underwater reefs is tourism. There are many ways in which tourism damages the basis of life for our fragile underwater ecosystem. Its damaged through water activities, pollution and transport.

If this article was useful you can find more information at http://marinetourism.scienceontheweb.net

Second Homes 101: Advantages and Investing Tips

If you're thinking of buying a second home, don't think twice because you are not alone. Even though there are people out there who worry about two-fold utility bills, double property taxes and mortgages, twice the amount of roof maintenance, heating systems, plumbing and fixtures, still a good number of homeowners realize how second homes can be very good profitable investments.

Second homes can be a permanent getaway spot, a retirement home, or something which you can get profit from through rentals and lease. Depending on your location, a second home is a very good venue to escape the hustles and buzz of the city; it is where you can just sit, relax and get closer to your family. Unlike rented vacation houses, you can tweak your second home according to your tastes and interests in a way that you and your loved ones will feel most comfortable. Also, marketing-wise, homes value are less likely to depreciate, or usually don't depreciate at all.

But before you plunge into second home ownership and buy a second home, you need to consider your needs to make a good decision. Where should it be? How should it look like? Should I get someone who is a pro on real estate to help me decide? And how about the taxes? Worry no more. Here's a guide on how you should start to make one of the largest investments in your lifetime.

• Where should it be? Look for a location which suits best your interests, personality and hobbies. If you are a party person and you want to be conveniently located with bars, clubs and the best diners, then search for a second home in the city. However, if you don't want to travel to far distances but wants a peaceful and a closer to nature space, look for a second home which is an hour or a two-hour drive from your first home. Usually, second home owners prefer locations near vacation areas where they can play golf, surf or kayak depending in their interests.


• Decide how it should look like. This primarily depends on your location and your lifestyle. If you don't want to maintain your lawn in your second home every time you go there and rest on weekends, chose those options which are low maintenance - a townhouse for example. You also need to make sure of its size. Consider those second homes which are in bigger sizes if you want your family and relatives to be in it, or if you're planning on having to lease it's right of use.


• Look for a real estate agent. Having a qualified real estate agent is necessary to guide you through financial and safety considerations, especially in looking for a secured environment for your children and your whole family. Real estate agents can advice you on generating revenues out of your old home as funds for your second home, and chose those second homes for sale which has considerably low property taxes. Also, a real estate professional can help you determine rental prices.


• Grab the best home. The world wide web is the best venue to search for the best second home listings across different states. Real estate websites offer homes for sale sorted out depending on location, lot sizes, price range and type of bedrooms. There are even galleries of photos showing the houses' interiors, lawn and a view of the location outside. Recently, some websites are incorporating virtual tours to let you look at those houses as if you are physically there. Ah, the perks of technology.

Take time to think and decide before you purchase a home for sale in your preferred location. Heed those tips above to make the purchase of your second home a success. There are thousands and thousands of homes for sale out there. Start looking in real estate sites in the internet. Know what you like in a house and where you like it. Get a real estate professional, settle your finances and alas! You just started a paramount investment for a second home.

Jennifer Lennett specializes in real estate blogging in Briargate, Co (her hometown). If you want to find out more about Briargate real estate and Briargate homes for sale, visit her website at http://www.alltopbriargatehomes.com.

Ten Things You Must Know Before Taking Holidays In Dubai

Dubai has become a very popular tourist destination. There are few things you must know before taking holidays in Dubai. These tips will help you to get the best from your Dubai vacation.

1. Best time to visit - Dubai has extreme weather conditions. Few months of the year are extremely hot. The best time to visit Dubai is from November to March. This is the "winter" period in Dubai. The temperature is mild (average 20C).

2. Avoid Ramadan - Ramadan is the fasting month of Muslims. Ramadan usually falls in September-October period. There is a daily fasting time, which approximately starts around 5:00am and ends around 5:00pm. NO ONE (including tourists) can eat, drink or even smoke in public places during this time.

3. Visa requirements - You may have to apply for a visit visa before visiting Dubai. Citizens of few countries (first world countries such as USA, UK, Australia etc) can get visa on arrival. Check with your travel agent to confirm the visa requirement for your country.

4. Liquor - Visitors cannot buy liquor from liquor shops in Dubai. Only residence who are holding a liquor license can buy them. Visitors have to go to a bar in a hotel or to a nightclub to get liquor.

Tip: Buy liquor from the Dubai duty free on arrival.

5. Car rentals - Taxi fare is expensive in Dubai. Rent a car is the best option. Do it in advance.

6. Driving - Dubai is a left hand driven state.

7. Accommodation options - Dubai has a range of accommodation options. So do not spend unnecessarily on accommodation. There are cheap but quality 2 start hotels. If you are travelling with a big group then renting an apartment is the cheapest option. Do not let your travel agent to limit your options.

8. Shopping - Dubai is a paradise for shoppers. Shopping malls, gold and cheap electronics will tempt you to buy even unwanted stuff. Have a shopping budget and stick to it. "Discount" is a common word in Dubai. You must always ask for a discount, because sellers are always keeping a margin for discounts.

9. Language - Arabic is the main language in Dubai. Most of them can understand and speak English. But make sure that you speak slowly for them to understand properly.

10. Law - Dubai has become one of the safest places on earth because of tough laws. Respect the law and Dubai culture.

Author lived in Dubai for 5 years. You can read a unique review of holidays in Dubai and valuable tips for your Dubai vacation in his web site http://www.thatsdubai.com

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is situated in the northeastern part of the U.S and is better known as the granite state. New Hampshire was discovered in 1600 and the date of the earliest settlement goes as far back as 1623. Capt. John Mason gave the state its name in 1630.

Some of the important cities in the state are Manchester, Concord, Derry, Rochester, Salem and Hudson. Portsmouth is the only port and it serves as an important commercial center.

The state has an abundance of natural wealth, with 142 parks and forests. These include the famous White Mountains National Forest with an area of 724,000 acres. Rich in natural beauty, it provides a serene atmosphere and has been a popular tourist destination. Demographically, New Hampshire is a mixed state, with people of different races residing in the state. 95 % of the population is white and the total population of the state is 1,309,940.

The economy of the state rests mainly on its fiscal policy of no sales tax or personal income tax. The absence of these taxes has lured the small businesses from the neighboring Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine, to this state. However, the absence of the tax system has ended up with the people paying exceptionally high property tax.

Tourism has emerged as one of the leading industries in the state. People flock to the state to enjoy the sun and sandy beaches, mountains and the lakes. About 274 islands in the Lake Winnipesaukee and beaches in the Atlantic are the major tourist attractions, giving a boost to the economy.

The state of New Hampshire is famous for its recreational activities and is visited by tourists for the skiing competitions and the winter sports. The New Hampshire International Speedway is considered to be the longest motorcycle race in the U.S.

New Hampshire [http://www.NewHampshire-Web.com] provides detailed information on New Hampshire, New Hampshire Real Estate, New Hampshire Mortgages, Map Of New Hampshire and more. New Hampshire is affiliated with Vermont Vacations.

Tin City

In the heart of Naples lies Tin City, a historical piece of soul nestled in a midst of intimate waterways, is home to more than forty distinctive boutiques and several charming restaurants including The Riverwalk Restaurant and Pinchers Crab Shack, and offers site seeing and sunset excursions, water sports, boating and deep sea fishing adventures, and dolphin watching. Tin City was founded in the late 1800's by group of affluent Kentuckians who wanted to make access to Naples more practical and convenient. Naples by this time had become a true gem of discovery for well-to-do tourists, celebrities, investors, industrials and the like but it was difficult to get to. So, the boys from Kentucky decided to construct a 600-foot pier right into the crystal blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This was quite an intelligent move; not to mention a most profitable undertaking as well.

By the 1920's, the tin-roofed buildings in Tin City became the core of Naples fishing industry, primarily for clam shelling and oyster processing plants along with boat construction facilities and boat maintenance shops. Due to the construction of the Seaboard Airline Railway in the first half of the 20thcentury, industrial trades such as these were made possible, making the transportation of goods to and from the area a reality. The Seaboard Airline Railway fashioned itself as 'The Route of Courteous Service' and by the 1900's was 2,600 miles of railway stretching from Virginia to Florida. The railway contributed greatly to the economic development particularly to Florida bringing vacationers from the Northeast and carrying timber, minerals, and produce (primarily Florida citrus crops) to the northern part of the United States.

Today, one can take a stroll through and find an eclectic array of antiques and nautical displays, all fantastic mementos and reflections of days gone by. Tin City's Waterfront Marketplace is a fully air-conditioned, indoor marketplace that even offers valet parking in-season with free parking also available. Inside the marketplace discover treasures of yesteryear, unique gifts, fine jewelry, apparel, and arts and crafts. Enjoy endless dining options that offer delectable fare from the finest steaks to the freshest catch of the day, complimented by never-ending views.

Looking for accommodations nearest to Tin City? The Bellasera Hotel is a beautiful Tuscan-inspired resort just minutes away, the elegant Trianon Old Naples Hotel, and the charming Lemon Tree Inn are just a sampling of your lodging options. Plus getting to Tin City is easy, and it's in close proximity to downtown Naples. Just follow US 41 to where it ends at Goodlette Road.

The historical magic of Tin City awaits its visitors to discover time and time again. Tin City is a true connection to Naples' past, and beyond a doubt enjoyed by all who visit this very special piece of Naples' history.

About the Author - Tim Ryan specializes in helping buyers find great deals on Naples Real Estate. You can visit Tim's website where you can find thousands of Naples homes for sale.

Disney World Vacation Myths

Disney World is the premiere vacation destination for tourists around the globe, but its popularity has spawned plenty of rumors and inaccurate information about planning a Disney World vacation. For those who are planning their first trip to Disney, it is important to research all aspects of your vacation before making any set arrangements. A good staring point is to address some of the common myths about Disney World. Here is a breakdown of the more widespread misconceptions.

Myth #1 - Tickets Can only Be Bought from Disney.

Many people think that Disney is the only source for theme park tickets. The truth is there are a number of other authorized vendors that can provide tickets. AAA, military bases, and possibly even you employer are all alternatives to buying from Disney. Florida residents are entitled to even more options through the many regional tourist organizations. The key is to talk to your travel agent or AAA chapter before you buy. Otherwise you may miss out on an opportunity to save.

Myth #2 - Vacation Packages are the Best Deal.

Disney vacation packages are heavily advertised on the internet and in travel magazines. Most people assume that the word "package" translates into a discount on the individual prices. The truth is that most of these packages are more of a convenience as opposed to a discount. Typically, the package price represents the itemized costs combined into a large offering. While this can make the reservation process easier, you should study the package options and make sure you can use all of its features.

Myth #3 - The Best Deals are on eBay.

eBay has revolutionized many competitive marketplaces by giving consumers instant access to a wide array of vendors. This holds true for Disney vacations as well, but there are some drawbacks to consider. Most notably, there is always that risk that the seller is running a scam. You can usually assume that if a price is too good to be true, then it probably is. eBay transactions are typically more stringent in terms of refunds and cancellations, so make sure you know what you are doing before you buy. Overall, eBay is probably not the best place to plan your first Disney vacation.

Sorting through the facts and fiction about Disney World should be the first step in organizing your trip. Don't just assume that everything you hear is accurate. Do your research and talk to friends and family members about their experience. References are always the best way to learn about your shopping options. Remember, planning your vacation shouldn't be stressful, and the more you learn about Disney world, the better off you will be.

With so many things to do and places to stay at Disney World, you are bound to need the help of an expert. Disney Vacation Specials offers a comprehensive guide to saving money while maximizing your Disney World Vacation.