Rolling Daily Volume 11 by Deliverabilities

ROLLING DAILY FIRST CLASS IN EVERY WAY

TOURS | CHARTERS | CASINOS

ISSUE 11 MARCH 2019

06 10 14

ABOUT SOUTH PADRE ISLAND The moment you cross the Queen Isabella Causeway, you feel like you’ve...

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND HISTORY A STORY MORE THAN 350 YEARS IN THE MAKING...

WHAT ARE SISTER CITIES? The sister cities concept was launched in 1956 when President...

16 24

6 GAMES YOU CAN WIN AT THE CASINO During seminars and general interactions I am constantly...

WHAT TO PACK FOR KIDS ON A BUS TRIP AGES 3-8 When talking about traveling to other parents one of the main...

NINE REASONS TO VISIT SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TEXAS South Padre Island, Texas, a barrier island off...

PRODUCTION Production deliverabilities layout&design: Phone: 360.468.3699

Email: info@deliverabilites.com www.deliverabilities.com

10 WAYS TO MAKE A STAYCATION YOUR BEST VACATION EVER

FIRST TIME AT A CASINO? HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT

6 SAVINGS SECRETS FOR SENIOR TRAVEL

106

WHERE TO GO. WHAT TO DO.

I am a wholehearted devotee of the staycation, which may come as a surprise to those who...

So you’ve decided to make your first trip to a real casino for some gaming, but you may....

Seniors, take note — traveling just might extend your life. According to a report in....

ADVERTISING First Class Tours

opportunities:

Phone: 281.590.8800 Email: info@firstclasstours.net www.firstclasstours.net

MARCH 2019

One question asked of me is, “What does First Class Tours do every day?” That is a big question because every day more than 100 employees work to deliver an outstanding travel experience to hundreds and at times thousands of individual customers who are traveling on more than 60 motorcoaches. The “what do you do question” requires a long answer. However, answering the “why do you do it” question is easy. We are in business for our employees to create raving fans by passionately making First Class Tours, “First Class in Every Way.” Our team is passionate about being first class in all we do. Our customer service team, maintenance team, operations team, sales team, and leadership team challenge one another to be “First Class in Every Way.” To reinforce this “First Class” approach to our business, we are training our team in Servant Leadership principles. As a company, we are excited about this process and the transformative power of being servant-leaders, and I believe it will propel us ever closer to the challenging vision of being “First Class in Every Way.” One of the great insights of servant-leadership is understanding LOVE. The “L” word in business makes us nervous because most of the time we define love as an emotion or a feeling. However, love is a verb. Love does things. Love is an action. Servant leadership teaches us that love is a behavior manifested in seven key behaviors: Patience - showing self-control; impulse control Kindness - giving attention, appreciation, and encouragement; displaying common courtesy Humility - displaying an absence of pride, arrogance, or pretense; behaving authentically Respect - treating people like they are important Selflessness - meeting the needs of others Honesty - being free from deception Commitment - sticking to your choice When we truly “LOVE”; “LOVE” will change our behavior. I believe LOVE is transformative to a family, business, or community. When love is patient, kind, humble, respectful, selfless, honest, and committed, it becomes a force of positive change in the world. I hope to unleash the power of love in our company. I hope you will travel with us soon!

-Jeff Rogers

www.firstclasstours.net

Jeff Rogers President First Class Tours Houston, TX

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND #TEXASBESTBEACH

The best getaway starts right here. At Texas’ Best Beach. And it’s all yours. Catch the wind and ride the waves with your choice of watersports. Go parasailing and get a bird-eye’s view of your island. At day’s end, check out our nightlife, with plenty of restaurants and live music venues. Of course, there’s always the option to do nothing at all. Just kick back and soak up the sun. It’s your choice. Make It Yours.

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ABOUT

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

THE ONLY TROPICAL ISLAND PARADISE IN TEXAS BY: SOPADRE.COM 6

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MARCH 2019

The moment you cross the Queen Isabella Causeway, you feel like you’ve left all your cares behind – you’re now on South Padre Island time and free to experience your own tropical getaway. With 34 miles of beautiful white sand and clear emerald water, South Padre Island is one of the world’s most exquisite barrier islands – and the only Island in Texas. Calm weather and water and more than 300 days of sunshine make South Padre Island a great place to live and visit all year. If you’re visiting in the summertime, the cool breezes blowing in your hair will refresh you as you sip an icy drink; in the winter, the warm sun will melt away your cares as you stroll down the beach in shorts and sandals. You can close your eyes, breathe deeply, and let go of all the worries you left behind when your trip to South Padre began.

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Not much of a planner? Visit the South Padre Island Visitor’s Center, where the friendliest Texans y’all ever did meet are more than ready to help you plan an itinerary that’s perfect for you. Taking a crusty history buff on your beach vacation? They’ll instantly be won over by centuries of Karankawa Indian traditions and the influence which the Ballí family of Spain had on later settlers of the Christian mission. Got kids? We’ve got you covered. Try our sandcastle building lessons, indoor water slides, mini golf, go carts, fireworks, pirate ship, and miles and miles of clear, cool water and clean, white sand — South Padre Island was made for family fun. Tying the knot? There’s no more romantic and memorable way to say “I do” than with your feet in the soft sand and the waves quietly lapping on the shore. No

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matter why you’ve come, how far you’ve traveled to get here, or where you call home, you’ll feel like you belong on South Padre Island from the very first moment you arrive. LOVE WHAT YOU LOVE MORE ON YOUR ISLAND Nestled between the Lower Maguna Madre and Gulf of Mexico, South Padre Island sits at the southern tip of South Padre Island. Once you’re here, you’ll instantly fall into the tropical Island experience. And with the widest point of the Island just a half-mile, you’re never too far from the white, sandy beach and crystal clear ocean. Known for its clean, wide, white 8

beaches, South Padre Island holds the title of Sand Castle Capital of the World, Fireworks Capital of Texas, and the kiteboarding and windsurfing capital of Texas. The Island also hosts the Texas International Fishing Tournament (TIFT), the largest fishing tournament in the state, attracting fishing enthusiasts and visitors from all over the world. Love what you love more on your Island – South Padre Island. ¦ .

SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.

CLICK HERE.

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MARCH 2019

YOUTH

SPORTS Transportation

Is our

specialty

Game Day starts here!

Ready, Set, Travel! It seems that every season there are more games, seasons are longer and the travel commitment gets more and more complex. Imagine taking the entire team on one motorcoach, arriving at the game together ready to play, with plenty of space for players, families, and gear. With full sized motorcoaches that accommodate up to 56 passengers, have video capabilities, an onboard restroom and more. The possibilities are endless, often with prices less than driving in separate cars. Call us today and let our team of professionals put your team transportation in the fast lane!

GoMotorcoach Make the Smart Move! Safe | Green | Efficient | Affordable | Fun

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FIRST CLASS IN EVERY WAY

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SOUTH PADRE ISLAND HISTORY BY: WWW.SOPADRE.COM

A STORY MORE THAN 350 YEARS IN THE MAKING Once upon a time, South Padre Island was a beautiful, desolate place where native Karankawa Indians, migratory birds and sea turtles were the only residents. The Island was granted to Nicolás Ballí from King Carlos III of Spain in 1759 and later passed to Ballí’s

grandson, Padre José Nicolás Ballí. Soon after, Padre José brought the first permanent settlers, establishing a church and teaching Christianity to the Karankawa Indians. When Padre Ballí owned the Island, it was known as the Isla de Santiago. Due to the Padre’s reputation as a kind man, the people to whom he ministered

affectionately referred to the Island as La Isla Padre – Padre Island. While the Island’s population has grown significantly since then, the sandy, white beaches and calm ocean waters still attract migratory birds and sea turtles, and the strong sense of community and acceptance Padre Ballí taught continues to live on today. That’s one of the

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MARCH 2019

many reasons why so many people choose to live on and visit South Padre Island every year. As you make your own traditions on South Padre Island, you’ll be creating history too. Maybe you’re planning to propose, kneeling in the white sand as the waves wash upon the shore and the sunset lights up the sky; that’s a part of

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your history that you’ll share over and over again. Later, you might bring your first child here to take some of their first wobbling steps in the warm Gulf water, their tiny hands searching for seashells. Perhaps building sandcastles on the beaches of South Padre every fall with your children will become a part of your family’s story. The island may become a gathering

place for you and your extended family as you reunite with aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents, laughing and playing in the ever-present sunshine. These memories will become as eternal as the shifting sands, as endless as the sea, a part of your own history to cherish forever. ¦ SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.

CLICK HERE.

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Just a short 2 hour drive from Houston, Golden Nugget Lake Charles combines the glitz and glamour of

WEEKLY TRIPS AS LOW AS $17.00 Las Vegas withDAY the hospitality and charm of the South – creating an exceptional one-of-a-kind gaming and entertainment destination in Louisiana.

Since it’s unveiling in December 2014, the 242-acre casino and resort has attracted guests from all WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, & SUNDAY! neighboring states. The Golden Nugget name is synonymous with exceptional service and luxury, including TICKETS START AT $17 deluxe accommodations, 15 restaurants and lounges, a private beach and marina, a championship golf FRIDAY & SATURDAY! TICKETS START AT $18 course and an innovative casino floor.

Ride with First Class Tours to The Golden Nugget Lake Charles departing Terminal and Eastex Terminal Located off of interstate 210, Lake Charlesfrom is theFM fifth1960 installment of the iconic Golden Nuggeteach brand which Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday! is owned and operated by Houston-based restaurant, hospitality and gaming group Landry’s Inc. The

Perk

craftsmanship and attention to detail is evidence of money well spent. The luxurious rooms and suites feature plush bedding, premium amenities like idocking stations and picturesque lake and pool views.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKET AVAILABILITY

PROPERTY FEATURES • 1,600 of the newest slot machines WITH PERKS • World-class spa, salon and barbershop OVERNIGHT TRIPS • State-of-the-art fitness center • 70 table games • • • • • •

• Pool complex with swim-up bar, lazy river Poker room and waterslide 740 luxury rooms and suites, with a tower addition in 2017 NEW TRIPS COMING SOON • Shopping promenade 18-hole championship golf course 30,000 square-feet of meeting and convention space $74 PP - DBLE OCCUP • Arcade • A-list entertainment Wedding gazebo $149 PP - SINGLE OCCUP Marina with dockage up to 206 feet

Perk

Ride with First Class Tours to The Golden Nugget Lake Charles, departing from FM 1960 Terminal and Eastex Terminals

G A M B L I N G CLICKPHERERFOROTICKET B AVAILABILITY L E M ? 12

P L E

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New for 2017!

MARCH 2019

B US TOUR S PACKAG ES DAY TRIP PACKAGES (Minimum 5 Hour Stay)

Package A • Golden Nugget will pay $10 per passenger • Receive $5 Free Slot Play or $10 Food Credit • Group leader receives $15 Free Slot Play or $25 Food Credit *No minimum passenger count required.

Package B • Golden Nugget will pay $500 for Bus Transportation • Receive $5 Free Slot Play or $10 Food Credit

GOLDEN NUGGET TRIP • Group leader receives $15 Free Slot Play or $25 Food Credit *Minimum 40 passenger counter required.

Package C

• Golden Nugget will pay $1,000 for Bus Transportation • Group leader receives $15 Free Slot Play or $25 Food Credit *Minimum 50 passenger count required.

*All passengers must be 21 or older. No deposit required. Any payment made by Golden Nugget will be sent to the approved motor coach company. Group leaders are not eligible to receive payment.

From upscale to casual, Golden Nugget Lake Charles also boasts a collection of Landry’s, Inc. awardwinning and nationally recognized restaurants that cater to every palate. Grotto Ristorante, Saltgrass Steak House, Landry’s Seafood House, Claim Jumper, Lillie’s Asian Cuisine, Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar and the crown jewel of steakhouses – Vic & Anthony’s – are just a few of the impressive selections. Guests can also peruse through a shopping promenade featuring all of the latest fashions from designers like Tommy Bahama and Michael Kors, catch a game of golf, or bask in the sun at H20 – an opulent Vegasstyle pool, swim-up bar and lounge. To learn more about available Bus Tour Packages to Golden Nugget Lake Charles, please call 337.508.7221 or email BusTours@gnlcm.com. 2550 GOLDEN NUGGET BLVD.

A S E

C A L L

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LAKE CHARLES. LA 70601

GOLDENNUGGETLC.COM

1 . 8 7 7 . 7 7 0 . S T O P 13

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WHAT ARE SISTER CITIES?

TOURS | CHARTERS | CASINOS

SISTER CITIES SPAN THE GLOBE, CONNECTING PEOPLE AND FOSTERING DIPLOMACY BY: SISTERCITIESHOUSTON.ORG

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MARCH 2019

The sister cities concept was launched in 1956 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower proposed linking American cities with cities in other countries to exchange people, ideas and cultures. President Eisenhowerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal was to involve individuals at all levels of U.S. society in citizen diplomacy in the hope that these people-to-people relations would lessen the chance of future world conflicts. Founded in 1956, Sister Cities International is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit which serves as the national membership organization for individual sister cities, counties, and states across the U.S. Sister Cities International serves as a hub for institutional knowledge and best practices in the field of citizen diplomacy. As a membership association, Sister Cities International continues to strengthen the sister cities network through strategic institutional partnerships, grants, programs, and support for its members. Sister City relationships are official relationships established through formal agreements by the respective municipal governments. Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sister city program is a volunteer-based program that works with the City of Houston to further the sister city relationships. Volunteers develop and implement programs and activities that connect the cities on mutually beneficial matters.

OUR SISTER CITIES ASSOCIATIONS Houston has 18 Sister Cities around the globe. Together we build international partnerships. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (2001) Baku, Azerbaijan (1976) Basrah, Iraq (2015) Chiba, Japan (1972) Grampian Region, Scotland (1979)

Luanda, Angola (2003) Nice, France (1973) Perth, Australia (1983) Shenzhen, China (1984) Stavanger, Norway (1980) Taipei, Taiwan (1961)

Guayaquil, Ecuador (1987)

Tampico, Mexico (2003)

Huelva, Spain (1969)

Tyumen, Russia (1995)

Istanbul, Turkey (1988) Karachi, Pakistan (2009) Leipzig, Germany (1993)

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SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.

CLICK HERE.

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As a local, it is not at all uncommon to be asked “What is there to do in Galveston?” To me, it seems like such an odd question. The question really should be more like “What ISN’T there to do in Galveston?” Galveston Island has a diversity of entertainment and leisure options that has made it one of the top beach destinations along the Gulf Coast. I think it’s the fact that Galveston has so much more than just sand and water to lure people across The Causeway. Let’s look at just Downtown Galveston – the epicenter of entertainment, food, drink and social activity in the city. So if you’re looking for something fun to do and need a little nudge for ideas, here’s a quick list of the top 10 things to do in Downtown Galveston. And I offer this one disclaimer – this is in no way intended to be inclusive. It is not the result of any survey. This is merely my list of top 10 things I recommend to folks based on living here 21 years and visiting the island city my entire life.

1. Shop If you’re fond of unique and interesting items for yourself or gifts for others, downtown Galveston is where you need to spend some time with Hendley Market as your first stop. Be sure to check the store for current hours – they tend to change from time to time. But it is worth the effort for the spectacular collection of unusual items you’ll find. Nativity scenes

6 GAMES YOU CAN AT THE CASINO BY: NICHOLAS COLON

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MARCH 2019

During seminars and general interactions I am constantly being asked how to win at the casino what are the casino games that can be beaten. Believe it or not, the answer is that every game can be vulnerable to a skilled practitioner of advantage play. Here we are going to take a look at 6 games and how you can attack them in a way that will give you the best chance to acctually win at the casino. They are: The casino games that any player can beat are: Blackjack Craps Roulette Big Six Wheel Carnival Card Table Games

N WIN

Slots In order to win at the casino, I am going to take the games one at a time and give a big picture overview on the governing principle that each method of advantage play adheres too for the given game. Note: Though the ideas presented here are easy to understand the execution is

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complex and takes several months of intense training to implement them correctly. Reading just one article won’t make you a winning player. Some of the tips are also applied for online casino games. Blackjack table layout with an Ace of spades, King of hearts Cards and casino chips BLACKJACK Why will you want to play blackjack? Because this is the first and most widely publicized game you beat the casino with, and for that matter you should learn how to play it in order to understand how

to win it. Card counting was introduced by Professor Edward Thorp in 1962 in his classic book “Beat the Dealer”. Card counting keeps track of the low to high card ratio of cards that remain in the deck and subsequently determines the advantage the player has over the house or vice versa. It’s a reliable method but also easily detectable by casino personal. There are additional methods that have been used by players in the past and some are still applicable in today’s gaming environment

while others have become sparse in their relevance. Shuffle tracking was popular in the mid 1990s but has countered by casinos with increasingly complex shuffles. Key card sequencing was a method used to predict when an Ace would come out. This opportunity has also been reduced because of complexity of shuffles. The last opportunity in blackjack is the rarest form and is hole carding. This is the technical art of determining of what the dealers down card is. I say this is a rare because it’s only found in approximately 1 in 80 dealers. And it’s not

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MARCH 2019

something that card cannot be determined every hand. Further complicating things is that you are not determining exactly what the card is. Often times you only get a glance at the pips of the cards. You then have to determine a strategy that is optimal by the narrowing of the card. Is the card a 10 value or not is a popular strategy. Is the card an 8 or a 9 are a few more examples. The strategy determination often requires computer simulations. Craps table layout with casino chips

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CRAPS Craps is another game that can be attacked for profit. But as in blackjack, it requires a substantial time investment as well as a large financial investment in a full size craps table, and for that matter you have to learn how to play craps and practice. What the aspiring craps AP practices is floating the dice to bank the back wall, and land how you want them to. This is most often in a way that limits the number of times a combination of dice that adds up to 7. Another way

is to throw a dice in a way that the spins the dice on the horizontally that takes 5 numbers out of play on one dice. The player then bets accordingly. Steve Fortes video series on gambling does a great job of showing how this is done, but like blackjack it takes substantial practice to pull off. Another way to win at the casino at craps is to have a partner at the table and you bet Pass Line and your confederate bets the Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Pass line. The bets will offset each other 35 out of 36 rolls (on average). The betting portion is a negative expectation

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game but you more than make up for the loss with comp points. Roulette table layout with roulette wheel and casino chips ROULETTE

losses in acquired comps.

BIG SIX WHEEL

Roulette prediction is another way to beat the wheel. It is tough, and like craps, you have to make a heavy investment in a roulette wheel. There are many intricacies that the successful player is going to have to account for but when you perfect the approach and you know what the roulette odds are, it is a very profitable game. The how to method is way beyond the scope of this article, but the best methodology found in the two book series by Laurence Scott.

The Big Six wheel is the large wheel where a pretty girl usually stands there and spins the wheel. The player hopes that the wheel of fortune like wheel lands on their bet to get the payout. To beat this game the player times the average spin of the wheel and then bets whatever of the two 40 to 1 long shots that the wheel is expected to stop closest too.

A player can beat roulette in a couple of different ways. The simplest way is similar to the offsetting bets that we discussed in craps. We will lose on average 2 of 36 spins, assuming the 2 players bet opposite one another in a red and black or 1-18 and 19-36 fashion. The proposition is a losing bet but similar to the craps bet Two versions of Big Six we will make up for the Wheel

Mississippi Stud table layout with card and casino chips, and a video poker machine

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MARCH 2019

CARNIVAL CARD GAMES

Counting Exhibit CAA.

tips.

These include games like:

Nine types of casino slot machines games

The first is to play slots on triple point days. This is where the casino gives the player 3X the points that they would normally give. This will triples the comp value the player would earn.

Let it Ride Three Card Poker Mississippi Stud To gain an advantage in these games you have to apply hole carding techniques. And similar to blackjack hole carding these are rare opportunities. And again like blackjack you have to develop a particular strategy. The best resource for finding determining the strategies is James Grosjeanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book Beyond

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SLOT MACHINES So, how can you win at slots? These are called the one arm bandits for a reason. It is because in almost all cases they take your money without apology. These games are high variance games, this means that 99% of the people lose and only 1% of the players will win money. But there are a couple ways to play that gives the player an advantage over the casino, and also this great article about slot

The second method is to play with the casinos money. Every so often a casino will send a player $20, $50 or even $100 dollars in free play. The player then uses this money to play with and any money won during these free spins the player keeps.

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To maximize the chance to win a player can log on to the gaming regulatory boards website of the jurisdiction and see what denomination slot machine has the loosest hold percentage, and play that machine.

SUMMARY It is not an easy task to get the level where a player can be proficient enough to risk real dollars in order to win at the casino, but when the aspiring player puts forth the effort the rewards can be

substantial. These broad brush strokes are meant to be a starting point for the aspiring player. A lot of hard work lies ahead. But be patient and work on your game and before you know it you will be there.ÂŚ

SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.

CLICK HERE.

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MARCH 2019

Nothing BRINGS A

Family

TOGETHER

Better Than a Motorcoach. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Show You Why!

One of the biggest challenges with any large family reunion can be transportation. How do you move that many people around town? How do you get from the destinations to the hotels? How do you spend your time together without spending hours stuck in traffic, in separate rental cars? We understand family reunions and know that transportation can be the difference between an extraordinary event and just another few vacation days wasted. Call us today and let us help you put your family reunion in the fast lane to fun!

GoMotorcoach Make the Smart Move! Safe | Green | Efficient | Affordable | Fun

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WHAT TO PACK F KIDS ON A BUS T AGES 3-8 BY: JURGA

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MARCH 2019

When talking about traveling to other parents one of the main concerns seems to be flying with children and the most common question is what to pack and how to entertain kids at the airport and during the flight. We are just back from yet another trip and so I thought Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d share some tips about what our kids pack to take on the plane. Our boys are 5, 5, and 7 years old now, but their carry-on luggage looks pretty much the same since they are out of diapers. 43 flights and counting. How to pack for a bus trip with kids

FOR TRIP

When it comes to packing for kids, remember that less is more. Take only what you really need! Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pack a bag full of toys. The chances are big that your kids will take all the toys out of the bag, play with them for 2 minutes and announce that they are bored or that they want that one toy they left at home. We have a pretty strict one toy per kid policy when traveling and I have to say it works pretty well. We used to take more toys with us when the kids were little, but quickly stopped doing it. Why we never take toys when we travel with children Toys take lots of space in your luggage. Familiar toys are boring and they

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stay in your suitcase or in the hotel room most of the time. Toys get lost or broken. Tears guaranteed. If you have more than one child, the chances are very big that they will fight over the toys. Even more tears guaranteed. Kids can play with pretty much anything when traveling: stones, sea shells, leaves, dry plants, etc. etc. Actually, not having toys stimulates their creativity and you’ll be amazed at how well they can keep

themselves busy without any toys whatsoever. Try it! Should each child have their own carry-on bag? Do you really need a separate bag for each child? If you are not sure, don’t take it. While kids love the idea of having their own travel bag, they quickly get tired of it and you end up carrying all the bags at the airport. However, if you want to get a cool travel bag for your child which they will want to carry themselves, take a look at the amazing

selection of kids’ travel items from Trunkitrunki. They have original ride-on suitcases, little backpacks, and many other cool travel bags that any preschooler will love! When we rent a car abroad (which is pretty much all the time), we always take Trunki Boostapakbooster (car booster seat and backpack in one) for our kids and so they each have a separate carry-on bag. This doesn’t mean, however, that they are allowed to fill it with toys. You can also just take

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MARCH 2019

a regular kids’ travel backpack or give each child a packing cube that they can use to pack their stuff. What to pack for kids on the bus Make sure your kids wear comfortable clothes which are somewhat stainresistant. Always dress in layers and keep their feet warm as it can get cold on the plane. We never take pyjamas, joggings, or other special clothing for kids to wear during the flight. When traveling with three young children you learn to keep things simple. KIDS’ HAND LUGGAGE PACKING LIST First tip to successful packing is to let the kids help you pack. Make sure you have the last word though. Let them choose one toy or a travel game to take on the plane. It will keep them busy for a while as choices like that are not easy for a child, but they will appreciate the fact that you let them decide and will be more willing to co-operate. The kids will probably try to negotiate to take a few extra toys. You can let them pack more if it makes them and you

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happy, but remember that you have to set a limit somewhere. You can agree on some rule that you are all comfortable with, for example you could let the kids pack whatever they want as long as it fits in one little packing cubepacking cube, a ziplock bag, etc. The following items are always in our carry-on luggage when flying with children: Twistable crayons, pen and paper. If you take one item on a plane, make it this one. Make sure you have enough paper and I really recommend twistable crayonscrayons. They don’t break easily, they don’t need to be sharpened, and they don’t make kids’ hands dirty. Ideal on a trip! Workbooks. Workbooksworkbooks have always been a big success with our three boys. Read also this post for some great travel books for kids. Boogie board. Boogie board is just another way for kids to draw, but it does miracles when the traditional methods fail. One cuddly toy, a blankieblankies, or whatever ‘friend’ your child sleeps with.

Lollipops. It took us many years, lots of flights and aching ears before we came up with this simple yet very effective solution. Now we always have lollipopslollipop in our hand luggage. Give them to the kids during take-off and landing and you’ll see that it does wonders. Not only do the kids sit quieter in their seats, it’s also the perfect way to help them avoid the ear pain due to the changing pressure. All three our kids had a cold when we flew to Lithuania last week and I was really worried that landing would be tough for them, but none of them complained about the aching ears this time. I still cannot believe it! UNO or single-player travel games. One-player travel gamessmart games are ideal to keep older kids busy during the long flight, while UNOuno is the perfect game to keep the kids busy while waiting at the airport. Digital tablet. We hardly ever use it on a plane, but it’s proven helpful a couple of times when we had to wait longer at the airport. Amazon has really affordable Kindle Fire Kids tablets that might be a good choice when traveling with young kids.

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Warm socks. This is particularly useful on long-haul flights with children as they can keep their shoes off during the whole flight. Medication. You don’t need to take the whole medicine cabinet with you, but make sure you always have some painkiller, nose spray and some band-aids with you. Some snacks. Depending on the time and the duration

of your flight, you may want to take some food with you for the kids. Apples, grapes, and cookies are always a big success with our kids. Sometimes we take sandwiches as well. Try to avoid any food or drinks that can be messy. You don’t want to deal with dirty clothes or sticky fingers on the bus.

On the long rides we also take one set of extra clothes. Try to pack something that would fit any of your kids and avoid having to pack a separate outfit for every child. ¦

SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.

CLICK HERE.

Paper tissues and wet wipes. No explanation needed, I suppose.

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MARCH 2019

Retirement

sets you free.

A MOTORCOACH

helps make it

The best it can

possibly be. The Good Life Starts Here!

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BY: CINDY RICHARDS,

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MARCH 2019

South Padre Island, Texas, a barrier island off the southern coast of Texas, is the place for an affordable beach vacation. It’s easy to find accommodations for less than $100/night, there are lots of things to do that are free or relatively inexpensive and there’s free public transit to get you from one end of the island to the other and back to the airport when you’re ready to go home. Visiting South Padre Island, Texas South Padre Island has long been on my list of “Places I Want to See.” It’s my best friend’s favorite family vacation spot. She’s a big road tripper. So hopping in the car and driving 20+ hours across the United States to get to South Padre

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Island from Chicago is no big deal to her. I’m more of a fly-there kind of gal. But flying to South Padre from Chicago was never easy. It required at least one stop and took the better part of a day for travel. That’s all changed now. United Airlines now flies direct from O’Hare International Airport to Brownsville Texas and discount carrier Frontier Airlines flies direct from O’Hare to Valley International Airport in Harlingen, Texas. Both airports are less than an hour from South Padre. United flies an Embraer-175 on the route. That’s a smaller jet with two seats per side (no middle seat misery), overhead bins that are big enough for roll-aboard bags and more legroom than a

big jet. It makes for a much more pleasant ride. Even better, there’s a free shuttle from the airport to South Padre Island, so there’s no need to rent a car. Transportation challenge solved, I hopped on the inaugural United flight and arrived in Brownsville three and a half hours later. Check out the beauty of South Padre Island: Natural Beauty of South Padre Island The first thing to notice when you arrive on this barrier island off the coast of Texas is the nature all around. The expansive beaches, emerald waters and robin’s egg blue sky is a beacon for migrating birds. The long, skinny

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island offers the chance to watch spectacular sunrises each morning over the Gulf of Mexico and equally spectacular sunsets each evening over the Laguna Madre Bay.

the students in check, this is not an optimal family vacation spot during those two weeks.

The climate is subtropical– this Texas Gulf Coast spot is at the same latitude as Fort Lauderdale, Florida–so South Padre weather tends to be warm in the winter and hot and humid in the summer.

With the Laguna Madre Bay on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, there are plenty of water sports opportunities here. From stand up paddleboarding to jet skiing to scuba diving and deep sea fishing trips to horseback riding on the beach, there are plenty of ways to get active in and around the island. The island also is home to Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark. I was not traveling with kids on this

TravelingMom Tip: Don’t plan to visit during the two weeks in March when most Texas colleges have spring break. South Padre is a favorite spring break spot for college kids, and despite an aggressive plan for keeping

9 Things to Do on South Padre Island

visit, but if I had been, that definitely would have a required stop. 1. Take a Dolphin Watching Cruise We took the Sea Life Safari Cruise with Osprey Cruises. Yes, we saw dolphins frolicking in the Laguna Madre, as you do on most dolphin tours. But the dolphin sightings were not the highlight of the trip. The highlight was the sea life education we got on this eco-tour cruise. As we left the dock, the crew dragged a net behind the slow-moving boat. When they pulled it in, it was filled with sea life. One by one, the crew pulled out

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a curious creature, offered a little information and gave kids and their adults a chance to touch the jellyfish, starfish, and dozens of other underwater wonders. 2. Learn to Build a Sand Castle Sure, you’ve been building sand castles your whole life. But we’re not talking about a few lumps of sand here. We’re talking actual castles, with bridges and staircases, windows and doors. Castles that stand two feet high. The teacher here is professional sand castle artist Lucinda “Sandy Feet” Wierenga. She’s been building sandcastles on

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South Padre Island since 1985. Her 2-hour sand castle lessons are a fascinating hands-on experience. In the end, my castle looked nothing like hers, but it was a better sand castle than I have ever built in my lifetime of lumping sand into castlelike formations. 3. Get to Know a Sea Turtle Sea Turtle Inc. is the first place in the world to rehab injured sea turtles. The hospital has treated about 400 sea turtles in 2018. Many of them became entangled in fishing line and ended up losing a flipper. Those that can be rehabilitated are released back into the sea. Those that can’t, including

Allison, a sea turtle with a prosthetic rudder, are on display. This charming attraction with a mission was founded by Ila Fox Loetscher, a female aviator pal of Amelia Earhardt. Loetscher died in 2000, but her legacy, Sea Turtle Inc., remains. After moving to South Padre Island in the late 1950s, she discovered the wonders of the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. These miraculous animals were fast disappearing. People were killing the mama turtles as they crawled out of the sea to lay their eggs on the beach — a really effective way to kill off an entire species. Their shells were harvested for leather

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products, their eggs used as aphrodisiacs, and their meat stirred into soups. Today, Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are protected and their numbers are growing. Their biggest challenge now: Mother Nature. The temperature of the nest buried in the sand determines whether a turtle egg will deliver a male or female turtle. In Australia and parts of Florida, rising temperatures have resulted in groups of baby sea turtles (fun fact: a group of sea turtles is called a “bale”) that are 99 percent female. In some places, it’s so hot that sea turtle tenders shade the nesting areas just to keep the eggs from cooking before they have a chance to hatch. This facility with the wonderful mission is staffed by helpful docents who are happy to talk about the patients swimming in the tanks. 4. Commune with Nature The SPI Birding and Nature Center is the place to see the birds that call the Rio Grande Valley home — at least for a few days on their migrations north and south. Meander along the 3,300+ feet of boardwalk, stopping along the way to read the informative signs and peer into the leaves in search of

birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Grab a sheet filled with photos of the birds likely to be in residence when you visit and challenge the kids to see who can spot the most varieties of birds during your walk.

the Gulf

5. Learn Some Local History

Climb the 100+ stairs of the Port Isabel Lighthouse (including the final segment at the top that is basically a vertical ladder) and step out for expansive views of the area, the bridge to South Padre Island and the seas surrounding it all.

Treasures of the Gulf Museum tells the harrowing stories of shipwrecks, lost crews and treasure beneath the sea. What’s not to love about that? As an added bonus, there’s a section The highlight of our South just for kids. It has a stage, Padre Island birding walk a table for drawing and a wasn’t a bird at all. It was the sandbox where they can dig 12-foot alligator we spotted for buried treasure. soaking up the sun on the 7. Climb the Lighthouse banks of the marshland.

The Port Isabel Historical Museum tells the history of Port Isabel and the Champion family. One of the early settlers in the area, the family operated a store from the building that now houses the museum. The museum is thick with historical displays sure to enthrall a history nut who wants to understand the politics and international dispute that led to the Mexican American War. But it isn’t likely to enthrall kids since the displays are mostly text and photos. If the kids get antsy, head next door to the Treasures of the Gulf Museum. TravelingMom Tip: Buy the combination entry ticket that gets you into the history museum, Treasures of the Gulf and the lighthouse. 6. Discover the Treasures of

8. Eat Some Incredible Food This is the Gulf Coast, so the seafood is delectable. And it’s Texas, so there are steaks. Really big, juicy steaks. But I can get a big juicy steak in Chicago, so I stuck with the seafood. Three of the restaurants we tried had views of the water and the sunsets that were just as yummy as the meals. The fish tacos at Pier 19 come with a view of the dolphins cavorting in the bay. The blackened shrimp and red snapper at Sea Ranch restaurant included a

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front row seat to the sunset. The ceviche at Painted Marlin Grill came with a laid back vibe and a sky painted the most gorgeous shades of red and purple. Our final dinner was at F&B, the newest fine dining restaurant right on Padre Boulevard. It did not come with a view, but every meal was as pretty to look at it as it was delicious to eat. TravelingMom Tip: Most of the meals were Texas-sized, meaning big. If you aren’t ravenous, consider ordering an appetizer, one main course and a dessert to share. 9. Take a Pirate Cruise A rare cloudburst on the afternoon I was scheduled to join Captain Black-Hearted Andy, the “Scourge of the Laguna Madre,” for the Black Dragon Cruise resulted in a cancelation, so I can’t say whether this is worth the money. But I can say that if I return, I’ll book it to find out. I’m a sucker for these campy, kid-friendly pirate cruises. Aye, Matey, I have done 3 in various spots around Mexico and always find them silly and entertaining. Getting Around South Padre Island Without a Car It’s easy: Just stand on the street and wave down “The Wave.” This shuttle bus

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service has been boringly rebranded “Island Metro,” but the yellow buses still ply the streets and work the same way: When you see one approach, raise your hand and wave. The driver pulls over, picks you up and takes you where you want to go. For free. The buses even run across the two-mile Causeway Bridge between Port Isabel and South Padre Island. I did not get a chance to test this, and I saw only a handful of the buses on the street. The local tourism authorities assured me, however, that during the busy summer and spring break seasons, the buses zip up and down the main streets regularly. Family Friendly South Padre Island Hotels There are lots of options for non-hotel stays on South Padre Island, including vacation rentals, RV parks, and campgrounds. In fact, a large percentage of visitors are what the locals call “Winter Texans.” Those are the northerners who head south and stay for a month or more to avoid the cold winter months. If you prefer a more traditional stay, there also are a growing number of hotels along Padre Blvd. I stayed as a guest of Visit South Padre Island at the

Hilton Garden Inn. The extra space of the second room with a pull-out sofa bed couch and its own television, as well as the over-large bathroom, always make a Hilton Garden Inn a good choice for families. Features to love about this one: It’s just a short walk along a lovely boardwalk to the beach and the pool is huge and inviting. Unfortunately, when I visited the pool water was very chilly—even the kids didn’t last long before they repaired to the two small hot tubs. The pool deck is lined with comfy round cabana chairs. Sign up for the Hilton Honors program to get free wifi, which worked well even in my room. My phone, however, was a different story. I’m a Verizon customer and have never had trouble getting a signal. Until now. Apparently, that Verizon dude who walks around asking, “Can you hear me now?” did not make a stop at the Hilton Garden Inn on South Padre Island. ¦

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I VISITED MORE TH CASINOS. HERE AR THINGS YOU NEED T BY: KIM EISLER 36

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MARCH 2019

HAN 100 RE THE 7 TO KNOW. www.firstclasstours.net

This area is now flush with casinos—all designed to separate you from your money. Here are seven things to know before setting foot in one. With last December’s opening of MGM National Harbor, the era of casino-building in this region—which started in 2009 when table games were approved for Charles Town, West Virginia, and ramped up in 2010 when Maryland approved six casinos throughout the state—is finally complete. Now with four major casinos within

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a 90-minute drive of downtown DC, there’s little reason for gamblers to head to Atlantic City or Las Vegas. (Atlantic City, in fact, is a bit of a ghost town, with nearly half of its boardwalk casinos shuttered.) Along with MGM, the other three close-by casinos are Live Casino & Hotel—formerly Maryland Live—just off I-95 between Washington and Baltimore; Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia; and Horseshoe Baltimore. While each of these is different (we’ll discuss that in a bit), what they have in common is that they’re noisy, filled with bright blinking lights, and designed—from the background music to the lack of windows to those lights—to separate you from your money. Which is why for most people, walking into a casino can be an intimidating—and often expensive—experience. In my conversations with casino newbies, I often hear the same defeatist refrain: “We’re setting aside $200 for the evening, and that’s what we’ll lose.” I guess that’s realistic, so I never try to talk anyone out of that attitude.

Personally, I walk into a casino every time expecting to win a fortune. That’s happened to me only a few times, if a $9,000 jackpot is a fortune. But I have a hopeful attitude. I admit that I’m comfortable in casinos—I’ve been to more than 100 over 25 years. While it’s true that most new or occasional gamblers don’t win a lot of money, you can walk away with some of it still in your wallet. Breaking even is okay. Here are seven things to know before visiting a casino. 1. Don’t start making big bets right after arriving. Some people get a burst of adrenaline when they enter a casino. Walk around a bit and get acclimated before you wager. Also, it’s best not to overdo the drinking. Try to stay clear-headed if you intend to gamble. 2. If you plan to play table games such as blackjack, craps, baccarat, poker, or roulette, practice online before trying it at a casino with real money. When you play a game such as craps or roulette, in which chips are flying and some bets are made by gestures, you might

assume the other players know more than you do. My experience has been that no matter how little you think you know, other players know less. Still, a little practice can make you feel more confident. A number of online sites let you try your hand; one is CasinoGames77.com. Have more time? One of the best books to read before you go is Casino Gambling for the Winner by Lyle Stuart. Published in 1978, this classic is still available on Amazon. If you want to attack blackjack, check out Edward O. Thorp’s Beat the Dealer: A Winning Strategy for the Game of Twenty-One. In most table games, you aren’t opposing other players—you’re playing against the house. Only in poker is this not true. Just remember that while dealers are instructed to be friendly and helpful, their boss’s goal is to empty your pockets. Although it’s fine to ask dealers for advice, they may suggest you make a bet that has a lower chance of winning. If dealers are helpful, you can tip them by making a side bet for them. That way you become the dealers’ partner, and if they win, you win.

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3. Most of a casino’s floor is given to slot machines because those are the moneymakers. These days, slots have motifs that blatantly appeal to particular interests (fans of TV shows including Wheel of Fortune, The Big Bang Theory, and The Walking Dead). One machine, based on the entertainment show TMZ, will take a photo of the player and superimpose his or her image into the game.

walk away with less than 90 percent, because the longer you play, the longer you keep giving the casino 10 percent of what you’re feeding the machine. I recommend cashing out when you’re ahead, pocketing your profit, and starting again with whatever your original stake was.

4. You don’t have to dress up to visit a casino—this isn’t Monte Carlo. While I am a believer in looking presentable (call me oldMy advice on playing the fashioned), the bigger slots is simply to find one issue is being prepared for that looks fun and hope to any temperature. Casinos get lucky. There’s no proven are freezing in summer— strategy for beating slot on the hottest days, you machines. That said, some might want to bring a light are popular for a reason— jacket, especially for poker they may be “looser” than or table games where you other machines and pay might be sitting awhile. out more. 5. This may sound crazy, If you put a $100 bill into but remember where a slot (today’s machines you parked. In all the no longer take or dispense excitement of the casino coins) and play it out—say atmosphere, it isn’t you hit the bet button 100 uncommon to forget times on a $1 machine— where you left your car. I you should actually get always take a picture of about $90 back. Maryland my parking space with my law requires that slot iPhone, including the row machines return at least and level. 87 percent of the money fed into them, but most 6. A fun, less intimidating casinos return about 90 way to spend an evening percent. That’s on average— at a casino is to sit at one some people win big of the bars and play video jackpots, and others lose it poker. Usually there’s all. In reality, you’ll probably a choice of games—the

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two with the best chance of winning are Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild. Check the odds when you start playing, and make sure that at a minimum you get an 8–1 payout for a full house and 5–1 for a flush. Bars also have video blackjack, craps, and roulette. 7. Sign up for a player’s card. When you make your first bet, you’ll be asked if you have a player’s card. This allows casinos to track and rate your play. Some will even give you a win/ loss statement at the end of the year. Unless you’re craving anonymity, it makes sense to sign up. While it’s mainly high-rollers who reap the benefits—Live Casino & Hotel gives away cruises to its higher-rated players— even infrequent gamblers can accrue points that can be used for meals, discounts, and free play. At MGM, your points can get you free rooms at its Las Vegas and Atlantic City casinos. ¦

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10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TEXAS BY: VACATIONIDEA.COM

South Padre Island is nestled on the Gulf of Mexico, near Brownsville, at the southeastern-most tip of Texas. Because the island is only a half a mile wide, you can see beaches from nearly any vantage point on the island. There are ecological tours, dolphin sightings and peaceful walks along the sand.

South Padre Island, TX is a choice destination for honeymooners, couples and families. 1. Sea Turtle Inc Sea Turtle Inc. was formed to protect and recover an endangered sea turtle species. Since then the mission has expanded

into three: Education, Conservation and Rehabilitation. Donations keep the doors open, the turtles cared for, and the educational programs afloat. Even without any government assistance, 1/5thof the income is used to fund conservation projects involving sea turtles worldwide.

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Sea Turtle Inc. provides college scholarships and a summer internship program for biology students. It rescues, aids, and releases injured sea turtles and assists with conservation efforts for all marine turtle species, all while endeavoring to educate the public.

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6617 Padre Blvd. South Padre Island, TX 78597, Phone: 956-761-4511 2. South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sea Life Nature Center The family-friendly Life Center offers boat tours to see bottleneck dolphins, field trips, and a hands-

on experience which lets guests become familiar with creatures they may have never met before including: fish, crabs, octopi, snails. Guests even have the opportunity to touch starfish. Staff and volunteers are on hand to show you how to feed the rescued giant turtles and to

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demonstrate how seahorses are fed. Meet all the rescued animals and learn how to become ecofriendly. Boat tours give a unique insight into the lives of the dolphins in the wild. Read more 10 N. Garcia St., Port Isabel, Texas 78578, Phone: 956299-1957 3.The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center This is Rio Grande Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top destination for birdwatching, and an ideal place to observe butterflies and natural wildlife in coastal South Texas. You can walk down the boardwalks;

take a birding tour; and experience the nature center. The butterfly garden is full of fluttering visitors from summer to late fall, when the Monarchs arrive. Any number of varieties of warblers arrive in the Spring. Orioles and numerous species of hummingbirds and other species are forced to land here because of severe weather during their migration routes. Experience the wonderful views of the Buff-bellied Hummingbirds, the Wood Stork and countless warblers. Brown Pelicans, White Ibis, Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Red-winged Blackbirds, and

many other species of birds reside here year round. 6801 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island,TX 78597, Phone: 956-7616801 4.Padre Island National Seashore South Beach begins where the paved road ends. This national park has 60 miles of beach you can drive on. South Beach ends at the Port Mansfield Channel. Texas beaches are public highways, so all traffic laws apply, and all vehicles traveling on Padre Island National Seashore must be

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street legal and licensed, including ATVs because The National Seashore uses ATVs to patrol for nesting sea turtles in the park. The driving conditions at the beach are constantly changing due to the currents, winds, and tides. Toilets and cold-water showers can be found at Malaquite Pavilion. Enjoy birds, turtles and other beach wonders without distractions. P.O. Box 181300, Corpus Christi, TX 78480, Phone: 361-949-8068 5.Southern Wave Sailing

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Charters of South Padre Island Southern Waveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 48â&#x20AC;&#x2122; custom-built Catamaran is a safe way to experience state-of-the-art sailing while enjoying the beauty of South Padre Island and the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to Dinner Cruises and Snorkeling trips Southern Wave rents out Kayaks, Paddle Boats and Paddle Boards. Catamarans have a double hull construction and flotation devices which make them almost unsinkable. Our experienced personnel help rookies and the experts

alike on the snorkeling trip. All snorkeling gear is provided for the 4 hour snorkeling trip, as well as a delicious lunch. Enjoy a memorable day of sailing, an afternoon of dolphin watching, or an evening of beautiful sunsets on one of the famous dinner cruises. PO Box 833, Port Isabel Texas, 78578, Phone: 866704-7245 6.Isla Blanca Park, South Padre Island, Texas Isla Blanca Park is a state park, surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, the Brazos Santiago Pass and the

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Laguna Madre. For day trips, there is ample parking and excellent bathroom facilities. For longer stays, it offers over 500 RV spots. Walk out on the jetties to see surfers, shrimp boats, cargo ships, dolphins, and the enormous Cristo De Los Pescadores statue. Sea shells abound for collecting. Three restaurants are within walking distance from the park. The park features a fishing area and a bait shop. It is a clean, well maintained park with a wide paved trail around the 1 Â˝ mile perimeter of the park which is perfect for walking, jogging or biking.

33174 State Park Road 100 South Padre Island, TX 78597, Phone: 956-7615494 7.Laguna Madre Nature Trail The Laguna Madre Nature Trail is a boardwalk that runs from the South Padre Island Convention Center to the Laguna Madre wetlands. This is a great place to see almost 300 species of birds. The Laguna Madre Nature Trail is open 24 hours a day and there is no charge. Visitors rave about the diverse amount of animals they were able to see on the Laguna Madre Trail,

especially all the alligators and the different varieties of birds. The Laguna Madre is a hyper saline lagoon. It is saltier than the ocean, one of only 6 such lagoons in the world. It is the nesting area and home of many creatures found nowhere else. 7355 Padre Boulevard South Padre Island, TX 78597, Phone: 956-7613000 8.What to Do in South Padre Island: Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort Experience the most popular waterpark, a 25

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acre attraction, in the Rio Grande Valley. Enjoy the best waterpark attraction in the Texas Gulfcoast region. Roar down 13 amazing indoor and outdoor water slides, or float down one of the river systems. The resort includes lodging, great Gulf beaches, wonderful dining experiences, and unlimited use of both the indoor and outdoor water features. Seasonal packages are available for the whole family. Plan a weekend getaway. Enjoy a fun filled day; then stay the night in a room just steps away from the beach with the best

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indoor water attractions in the area. 100 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX 78597, Phone: 855-923-7543 9.South Padre Island Adventure Park Ride horses, enjoy the Zip-lines and the petting barn. Take a hayride on the beach, swim in the ocean, then end the day on the beach with a luau menu and a bonfire. Birthday parties are a specialty, with ponies and barn animals, hotdogs and refreshments. This park specializes in special events and parties,

just tell them what you want, and it will be organized for you. Groups of all sizes are welcomed. With the stateof-the-art quick zip-line transition system, you will be able to go around the circuit as fast, or as slow as you want to. There are several horseback riding opportunities available: a 10 am morning 1Â˝ hour walk along the beach or 3pm, evening, and night-time tours for horseback riding enthusiasts. P.O. Box 3633,South Padre Island, Texas 78597, Phone: 956-415-0546

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10.Coastal Studies Laboratory, South Padre Island, Texas The Coastal Studies Laboratory located on South Padre Island was established in 1973, and provides educational opportunities, research and community outreach about coastal concerns in the Gulf of Mexico with an emphasis on the South Texas region. The Coastal Studies Lab is open to the public Monday - Friday 1:30 pm to 4:30

pm for self-guided tours, to see marine aquaria with local fish and invertebrate species. There is a touch tank, as well as sea shell collections featuring shells found locally and elsewhere around the world. There are nature videos and a gift shop. No admission is charged, but donations are accepted. School groups can arrange to visit the Coastal Studies Lab Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The group sponsor

should visit www.utrgv.edu/ csl for details and pricing on guided tours. 100 Marine Lab Drive, South Padre Island, Texas 78597, Phone: 956-761-2644. ÂŚ

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10 WAYS TO MAK A STAYCATION Y BEST VACATION BY: FAITH DURAND

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I am a wholehearted devotee of the staycation, which may come as a surprise to those who know my love for travel. Going to sleep on a plane and waking up in London or France is a thrill, and zipping up to New York for a long weekend is a treat, but travel and vacation are not always compatible; the jet lag and stress of highways and airports can erase your vacation chill. When you need to unravel that knot of tension in your shoulders and get some real, restorative sleep, home is often the place to be. I believe in staycations so much, in fact, that I took one for my honeymoon a few years ago, and right now I am fresh off another with my husband and new little daughter. Over time Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned some little tricks and strategies for turning a staycation into a luxury to be savored.

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Of course, a staycation is not always a first choice. There have been many years where a staycation was the only thing that fit in the budget. This year we were tempted by a trip out west to get our fix of hiking, ocean, and mountains. But with a new baby and bills for muchneeded home projects, it was a better, more prudent decision to stay home. A Good Staycation Needs a Plan! But like every good travel adventure, every good staycation

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needs a plan. It is far too easy when you stay in your normal routine and environment to get sucked back into work (“Just checking my email once, dear!”) or into the little chores of home (my pantry is a mess and oh that closet upstairs). So my husband and I make it a point to talk through our staycation strategy for relaxing, having fun, and recharging. Do our little strategies make a staycation surpass a week on the beach in Hawaii, or a getaway to the mountains? Perhaps,

perhaps not — it depends on your personal quotient of homebody. But whether you are staying home because you love it or because travel just isn’t in the budget this year, I hope you find these tips helpful in having the best vacation ever.

full clean from a housecleaning company, or a visit from a local high schooler who wants to make a few bucks cleaning out your sink and refrigerator.

I had our house cleaned the morning our staycation started and 1. Get the house cleaned it was the best — all the by someone else. dishes done, the floors washed, the bathrooms Remember all that smelling fresh and clean. money you’re saving by Almost like we were in a not going out of town? hotel. Put a little of it aside for 2. Put something some luxuries during fresh and pretty in the staycation, starting with getting the house bedroom. cleaned. This could be a

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A vase of flowers, a new candle, a new set of sheets — anything to freshen up your bedroom and make it feel a teeny bit extra special will go a long way. If nothing else, change your sheets and plump up your pillows. (Bonus: If you have cleaners come, have them make up your bed in that really crisp, hotelstyle way that I can never seem to manage on my own.) 3. Split up room service responsibilities. One of the loveliest things about going on

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vacation to a hotel or resort is room service. As mediocre and expensive as it can be, I really can never get over the luxury of having someone bring me a tray of hot food with tiny ketchup bottles. If you’re taking staycation with a partner or roommate, swap days where you’ll serve the other room service. Stretch out in bed and enjoy a good book while the smell of omelets and toast, cooked by someone else, wafts up from the kitchen; it’s even better than a hotel. (Here are 26 brunch recipes we

love, if you want some ideas.) 4. Buy new coffee mugs (or another “souvenir”). This is another little splurge: Before a staycation I buy something as a souvenir of our time at home. This year I bought a pair of coffee mugs I had been coveting for about a year. I pulled them out of their box on the first day of staycation and we drank our coffee out of them every day — a little treat and souvenir of our week off.

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5. Savor the planning of indulgent dinners. Whether you’re staying in and cooking or going out to restaurants, spend some time really planning your meals.

They say most of the pleasure of vacation is in the planning, after all; take some time to luxuriate in your cookbooks and pull out things you’ve been meaning to make, or

research local restaurants you’ve been hoping to try. 6. Go wild at the grocery store. Maybe a staycation means you eat out every

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day. For us this year, we splurged on food at home. The triple-creme + good bread + prosciutto dinner happened at least twice; we grilled a slab of steak; we had fabulous salmon in olive oil with herbs from our garden boxes. We sought out some wine we really wanted to try. These meals are made by shopping more than cooking, but a splurge-y trip to Whole Foods cost less than a week of restaurant meals, and it was so fun to go be indulgent at the grocery store. 7. Learn a new cocktail (or try a new wine). My husband loves tinkering with cocktails, so he restocked some essentials in our liquor cabinet so he could play bartender. It’s so fun to try something new, like the Negroni and Sidecar variations we drank all vacation. 8. Decide if you want to be a hometown tourist. Now, the obvious thing to do on staycation is to roam about your hometown and check out the museums and other hotspots that you

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don’t usually have time to enjoy, but don’t feel pressure — part of the bliss of staycation is in the absence of any obligation to leave your bedroom. (Something I can’t say about London or Paris; staying in your hotel all day in a great city is a bit embarrassing.) We had plans to check out our renovated downtown library and art museum, but in the end only made it out to a matinee of Star Trek while my mom stayed with the baby. I don’t have a whit of guilt about this. 9. Delete your work email account from your phone. This may be specific to my own line of remote, always-on, alwaysconnected digital work, but I think it is more and more common to be tied to your phone even on vacation — especially if you’re in a familiar setting. During vacation my husband and I turn on our auto-responses, then delete our work accounts (and Slack) from our phones. 10. Take lots of photos. We tend to take tons of

photos when we travel to far-flung places, but what about when staying at home? We put so much time and energy into our homes, keeping them clean and organized, beautiful and healthy. Don’t they deserve to play the starring role in our vacation photos, just as much as a beach in Bali or seafood shack in Maine? The time to stretch out and rest at home is just as precious as the time we have traveling or lazing at the shore; memorialize it! We spent a lot of time on staycation enjoying our new back deck, and some of the photos of our baby daughter sitting on my husband’s lap in the summer sunshine, in whatever fleeting stage of babydom she was in that week, will be some of my favorites. Have you staycationed this summer? Do you have plans to do any of these things? Or do you have other strategies for getting away from it all in your own home? I would love to hear! ¦ SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.

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FIRST TIME AT A CASINO? HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT BY: JANAE JOHNSON

So you’ve decided to make your first trip to a real casino for some gaming, but you may feel a little uneasy because you’re not quite sure what to expect or even what to do next. We don’t blame you. The first time at a casino can be quite an overwhelming thing as you find yourself

among the glitz and glamor, hundreds even thousands of different types of flashy games from slots to poker, Pai Gow to baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and craps; the crowds of people, noise, and multitude of distractions. It seems like the bells and whistles that casinos come with have no

end. People out for a night on the town, bachelor/ bachelorette parties, retirees with buckets of coins in hand perched in front of machines, men in suits, dolled-up women, cocktails and champagne, buffet tables, music, live events, jackpots, lines of tourists, every type of person young and old;

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all of these things are a common part of the casino experience. As someone who wants to play you may feel excited, but possibly a little disheartened if you don’t know where to start. Just keep in mind that you’re there to have fun! Casinos have evolved into some

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of the world’s premiere entertainment locations, and guarantee a whole range of activities for players from complete beginners to the most experienced professionals to enjoy. And if you find yourself in the casino newbie category, don’t be alarmed because we’ve come up with some easy tips for what to expect

for your first time at a casino! Age requirement legal age casinoThis might not strike you as surprising, but every casino has a minimum gaming age. Depending on where you visit it’s important to take note that the gaming ages of each country will vary depending on what part of 57

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the world you are in. For instance, in the U.S. the gaming age can fluctuate from 18 to 21 depending on state. Most casinos in Europe allow gaming at age 18, some at 20, but for example, in Greece the minimum age for gaming at a casino is 23! Each country varies, and the same goes for Asia and South America. Here at Planet 7 online casino, we stick to a strict 21 and over policy.

rules vary for each casino. For instance, some casinos have strict dress codes while others are more lax, some restrict smoking and drinking as per city or county laws, and even the games may differ from how you have played them in the past. That’s one of the perks of online casino gambling, no dress code, smoke ‘em if ya got ‘em and drink what you like!

Once you’ve done the math and are sure that you are of a legal gaming age, be sure to carry a valid ID or passport for your visit, something you’ll also need to withdrawal money at an online casino. Just because you’re playing in the comfort of your own home, on your tablet or smartphone doesn’t mean we won’t check to make sure you’re of legal age! Most casinos will check visitors’ IDs as per their policy, and if you don’t have it on you they won’t let you in to play. At Planet 7, you won’t be able to walk away with your cash if you’re not legal age to play.

Bin Vegas or Atlantic city, be sure to read what’s posted to avoid confusion or in the worst-case scenario any arguments. For instance, you want to take a photo with your friends inside the casino? Ask first. Most casinos won’t allow photography inside, and pit bosses and casino managers don’t take too kindly to people breaking the rules. These are almost always posted outside each establishment by the entrance and if anything is ever unclear you can ask a floor manager or employee. Any big guy with slicked back hair in a nice suit with a name tag will usually do.

Follow the rules

Get familiar

Another no-brainer, but an important one. Every land based casino has specific house rules, and these

Ok, you’ve made it in! Now what? Well, it helps to take a good look around and familiarize yourself with

your surroundings. All the bright lights, swarms of people and plethora of gaming activity, though a heck of a lot of fun, makes it easy for an individual to forget that they are in a building designed for one thing: keeping you there. It’s not a prison, but more like a labyrinth, so it’s good to keep a phone or watch on you to keep track of time. Just don’t leave it on a game table, dealers won’t allow it. The same thing is true of online casinos like Planet 7. Have a look around first. Check out the games list, click over to the bonus codes section and study the special offers to help you increase your play time and bankroll. What’s next? Why not grab a drink! Most casinos in Las Vegas offer complementary drinks in order to encourage people to loosen up and play, just don’t forget to tip. If you’re not in Sin City most casinos will have servers walking the casino floors offering anything from drinks and food to vouchers. All are brought to your table or slot machine if you decide to play first. If you’re at home, head to the fridge or your wet bar and mix up something special.drinks in

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casino If you do decide to drink at the table, however, use the cup holder. Nobody likes a spilled drink on their lucky table. Hungry? Many casinos offer great restaurants to choose from and some pretty tasty offerings at their buffets. Just be sure to have a look at the prices or compare lunch to dinner fare in case you aren’t willing to spend your entire gaming budget on an overpriced entrée at a five-star establishment. If you’re planning on settling in for a long home session, order the pizza first, or get out a selection of snacks to keep you in the groove. The slots Don’t let the name fool you, “penny slots” as they are known, are actually the most profitable games for many casinos, especially in places like Las Vegas. Slot machines have rose staggeringly high in popularity due to their ease of play and massive jackpot offerings (unfortunately they also have some of highest odds in the casinos’ favor). Not long ago the layout of these machines were set up more like a labyrinth to keep players engulfed in a maze of play, but now

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many casinos, though not foregoing the flashy lights, noise and highlighted jackpots, are turning to a more welcoming layout on the casino floors. They know customers will come in to play slots regardless. Just be sure not to get entangled in the allure of the biggest machines, try to bet on various machines with lower jackpots to better your chances if you’re looking for a return. The same is true online. It’s always a good idea to check out what’s on offer. Better yet, at online casinos like Planet 7, you can play for free before you put down your cash. This is highly recommended, as it gives you time to familiarize yourself with the features and bonuses of different slots before you settle in to hit the real money jackpot. Place your bets cashier casinoAlright, so you’ve walked around some, and even managed to navigate your way past the shiny slot machines. What’s next? Any casino will require you to bet in chips or casino credit, so it helps if you bring a set amount of money with you and have a budget in mind. Your cash can be changed into chips at

tables, but it’s faster if you visit the cashier’s cage. These are usually located all around the casino, but may not always be clearly marked depending on the size of the building. Exchanging your money at a cage will save you time, and will not take away valuable minutes from gameplay. Though many casinos carry ATM machines, be careful about using these unless absolutely necessary. These ATM machines can charge incredibly high rates for cash withdrawals. When it comes to online casinos, life is a bit easier. No need to worry about extortionist ATM rates. Simply pull out your credit card, or get out your Bitcoins, head to the cashier and you’re up and running in just a few moments, no lines, no chips to juggle, no worries. Also, be mindful of minimum and maximum bets at each table. If your gambling budget is only $100, it’s probably not a good idea to play at a table with a $25 minimum bet, because you’ll only be given four chips to start out with! So ALWAYS start low. Once you get more comfortable, and perhaps even win a little, you can

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up your bets. Again, one of the real perks of online casinos, from slots to table games like Blackjack and Let ‘Em Ride to specialty games like Roulette and Craps, is that minimums are set exceptionally low and can be adjusted higher depending on your preferences and bankroll. Take your time It may be intimidating figuring out where to head to first, but it’s probably a good idea to do a little homework about the types of table games popular at casinos. Research which varieties are offered at the casino(s) you intend to visit. Once you’re in the building you can simply watch the action before you choose to play. It’s a perfect time to learn. Every hand is important, so just watch as a spectator for starters. Or practice before you play! If nerves get the better of you or you are simply unfamiliar with the rules of the games you want to play on your visit, why not practice first online? Most online casinos have free play/practice modes for each of their games including in-house casino favorites from blackjack to poker and slots and Planet

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7 is no exception. Pick the ones that suit your style of play best and get familiar with them. This way you’ll feel more comfortable once you enter a real-life casino or decide to play for real money online. Casino staff are very friendly and helpful especially for first time players, because they want you to have a good experience. This will ensure them that you will come back in the future. If you can’t find a game suitable to your needs just ask a floor manager. It’s usually the guy/girl in a green or red jacket walking the casino floors. Tap them on the shoulder and they can suggest some other games more suitable for you or your budget. If you’re online, don’t be afraid to use the live chat feature to speak with a friendly customer service rep. They are there to answer your questions and ensure your gaming experience is a blast that will keep you coming back for more. No question, no matter how simple, is ever a bad question, so feel free to ask away! Find a card room Alright, so by now you’ve noticed that the casino

floor has tons of different types of table games: Three and Four card poker, Pai Gow, Caribbean Stud, Craps, Black Jack, Baccarat, Roulette, Wheel of Fortune, and the list goes on. Though most of these games don’t deviate much from the standard games you might have seen online, at these tables you’ll still be battling the casino. If you don’t want to risk just playing the house you should look for a card room instead. However, don’t simply sit down at any empty seat in a card room. Put your name down first on the waiting list, these are usually on whiteboards located near the tables of the card rooms. You’ll find actual players to game with instead of just playing the house. Just be careful which table you choose, card rooms can be shark infested waters, and very experienced players can put your dollars in the negative quick. Silence isn’t always golden If you’re luck in the card room is running dry or you don’t yet feel comfortable trying one out, it’s best to move to a table that’s making some noise. Craps

is a popular choice for beginners (and has great odds to the player), just be sure to bet on the pass line. If the shooter shouts with joy, good news, you’ve won. Noise usually means that the players are enjoying themselves, and are engaging in the following: a) winning, b) drinking, c) winning and drinking, and d) just plain having fun. After all, you’re there to have fun, so this can be increased exponentially at a table where people are playing well and having a good time. It’s a good way to make more friends that are possibly willing to give you a few pointers. As long as you remain respectful to them (and the dealer) and play well, you might end up leaving the table with fatter pockets. The drinks aren’t (always) free Ok. So, we’re willing to bet you’re enjoying yourself. You may have even made some friends, and the cocktails aren’t bad. Just be careful not to have too much fun. While many casinos (especially in Las Vegas) offer complementary drinks for players, be sure you consume alcohol in moderation. A fact no less

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true when playing online at home. Alcohol is likely to reduce your inhibitions, so the more you drink the more likely you are willing to take risks, especially when it comes to gaming. In the right state of mind you probably wouldn’t be willing to risk your entire month’s paycheck or debit limit on a single roulette spin. Sloppy mistakes and overestimating your gaming skills especially when inebriated could come back to bite you in the end. Play smart and manage your money. Dealer tips If you do start getting lucky there are certain factors of casino etiquette you should follow; a big one is tipping your dealer. Win or lose, most casinos in the U.S. require you to tip your dealer. The reason for this is that dealers pool their money and split the pot. So if you’re betting $20 a hand, it’s good to give your dealer a $5 dollar chip every once and awhile especially if you’re having a good night. Just keep in mind that this is not the custom at every casino worldwide. For instance, some casinos do not want you to tip and may even find it suspicious. So, be

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sure you know what the tipping etiquette is at the casino you visit before you decide to play. tiping dealersYet another perk of playing online at Planet 7, the dealer is a random number generator, i.e. a computer and fortunately, doesn’t expect to be tipped! Dealers are there providing a service, and no one likes to be short-changed or possibly berated on the job. Reward the dealers if they’re helping you have a winning night, and if you aren’t, be kind to them. Just because the casino staff are friendly doesn’t mean that the casino doesn’t have the right to throw you out if you start insulting them for losing. On the other hand, when playing online in the comfort of your own home, feel free to scream at the dealer as much as you like as long as you don’t upset your significant other. Casinos will pay for play The number one mistake many first time casino goers make is not signing up for a player card. Did you know that a casino will pay for the more you play? Unless you don’t ever see yourself setting foot inside a casino again,

it’s worth investing in a player card. Many casinos will offer benefits and complementary gifts as incentive for you to play and reward you the more you play at their facilities. These include anything from free meals and drinks to free tickets to live events and even free rooms or weekend stays. It all depends on how much you are willing to spend playing. Playing online? Check out the Player’s Rewards Card on offer at Planet 7. Together with a long list of affiliate casino partners, the Player’s Rewards Card at Planet 7 offers you all sorts of perks, bonuses and rewards for using the card when you play. Even first-time players will receive sign up bonuses, and can redeem rewards for a variety of cool stuff! When you use your card at the tables, or at slot or video poker machines, the casino tracks your play, and will reward you accordingly. So sign up for new member/player/ VIP cards at the casino to take the most advantage of your stay. Simply put, it pays to play. The house edge Now that you’re getting

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the hang of it, and even comfortable playing, it’s good to get an idea of what games are worth playing in terms of pure economics. We’ve all hear the expression “the house always wins”. Casinos wouldn’t be very good at what they did if they didn’t have a guarantee of a return on their investment: the players. In a nutshell, casinos don’t need luck to win. They have a mathematical advantage already incorporated into each game they offer their players in order to gain a profit. In other words, the odds are against you. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t win. Since the house edge is just a calculation of the average percentage that players will lose over the long term for any given game, as a player you can still win short term. If the house edge is 5% on a game, your average return for every $1 dollar you spend will be 95 cents. The more you play the closer your average losses will equal the house edge. Though there may be nothing you can do to overcome the house advantage, there are a couple of things you can do to minimize the size

of that advantage, and these include: improving your skills as a player and knowing which games have a low house edge to begin with. Here’s a list of most common casino games and their house advantages (the lower the percentage the better it is for the player). The average house advantage differs based on the version of game played. And they become even more volatile when it comes to sports betting like boxing or football or common favorites like dog and/or horseracing; where a number of different factors come into play to determine the outcome. Strategy can also help you whittle down the house edge. Check out Escape Magazine’s Tips & Tricks section for how to get the most out of different games. Get entertained If you’re looking for entertainment, you’ve come to the right place. Casinos offer a wide range of entertainment, besides gaming of course, from jaw-dropping acrobatic performances and magic shows to more risqué acts like burlesque and strip tease. There’s no limit to the range of things casino

resorts in particular offer to their guests; like popular music acts to other live events like stand-up. But it doesn’t end there. Some resorts have built in theme- and waterparks like the Atlantis Resort and Casino in Paradise Island, Bahamas or the Cotai Strip in Macau. Some of the world’s most renowned casinos are spectacles themselves. Millions even billions of dollars are spent on stunning interior décor for rooms, pool and bar facilities, restaurants, grand statues and lavish designs to heighten the element of opulence at casino premises; like the faux canals and gondola rides at the Venetian, the famed Bellagio Fountains of Las Vegas or the Dragon of Fortune show at the Wynn Macau are just a few examples. If you’re spending the night at a casino resort, your hotel room alone can offer state of the art amenities that might keep you entertained for the length of your stay. Casinos are the Disney World for adults, even families with children can enjoy what they have to offer as many are becoming more family

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friendly. However, if you’re single or on a night with friends then the nightlife scene is definitely for you; bars often offer incredible dance floors with DJs, VIP and bottle service that attract everyone from the rich and famous to the beautiful or average clubgoer. The casino reception will always give you more details on where to go if you’re hankering for a night out after gaming. However, if you are only coming in for a brief visit to play, just don’t forget where you parked your car. In all the excitement of the larger than life casino atmosphere and beehive of activity it’s not uncommon for the location of your ride to slip your mind.

researching which casino is right for you, or even a number of casinos, and frequent the one(s) that you are most comfortable with. When you do decide to test your luck and/or skills be sure that you’ve set a limit on how much you’re willing to spend for each visit. If you lose just go home and come back another time, and the same goes for if you win! You can do this at any time! Enhance your life by playing for entertainment, win or lose, enjoy yourself, and most importantly have fun! Whether online or in real-life, casinos are a great way to spend your time either by yourself or with friends and family. And remember these simple tips:

Playing online at home and feel the need for an entertaining break? Have a scroll through the Escape Magazine Fun Time section, where you’ll find our ever-increasing archive of fun, wacky, weird and wild original articles for your reading pleasure.

Practice at an online casino before you play Follow the casino rules and etiquette, and know your limits (financial or otherwise) Sign up for a casino player/club card to take advantage of rewards Beware of the house edge for each game (including slots) Be patient, play smart, and have fun! Before you decide to take on your first time at a casino, why not practice with us at Planet

Most of all – have fun! Potentially the most overlooked fact when it comes to casino gaming is that you don’t have to play with all of your money at once. Spend time

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7? With over 140 games to choose from, it’s a great opportunity for you to hone your skills at blackjack, a hand of poker or a on roll of the dice at the craps table. You can play for fun on any of our stunning specialty games or exciting slot machines. Want to play online casino for real money? Why not sign up for a chance to win, and increase your bankroll? So, once you do decide to make a trip to your local brick and mortar Indian casino or even fly over to the bright lights of Las Vegas, you’ll be ready to tackle even the biggest gaming challenge. ¦

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BY: KIM VIJ

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The summers seem to pass too quickly these days and here we are at the end of another summer. Where did you getaway with your family this summer? With only 18 summers in a child’s life, it’s very important that you make an effort to plan for something special to capture those childhood memories with your kids and if possible extended family. Have you ever considered an vacation with your extended family? I personally recommend planning for a summer vacation getaway with your children and children’s grandparents. Planning it at the end of the summer somehow seems to make summer feel longer. It’s also a special way to end the summer making memories before the business of the school year starts. For our family it’s our way

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of pressing pause and really enjoying moments with our children and with our parents. PLANNING A TRIP WITH EXTENDED FAMILY We planned a multigeneration stay in Orlando with grandparents who are visiting us from India. This summer trip we were invited as guests at the WyndhamBonnet Creek Resort in Orlando. Here’s a sneak peek of our stay at this gorgeous resort along with some tips we’ve learned after traveling with our whole family for many years. These tips can help you plan your next adventure with your extended family to your favorite destination. As you begin to plan for your family vacation getaway it’s always best to get together and find a system that works for everyone. Here are a few

online tools that we use as a family with my parents, my husband’s parents, our siblings and their families and even close friends when we plan vacations with a large group. We’ve planed quite a few trips with kids that include family members and I’d like to share some tips that work best while planning. PICK A DESTINATION– This is probably the hardest task of them all! As a family we keep an ongoing list with our extended family of places we’d like to explore. We each try to find budget friendly deals at those locations when possible. We’ve traveled to the beach, mountains, and even a cruise together with multigenerations but pretty much any location can work. We

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have a Pinterest Board filled with Places to Travel if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for inspiration. This summer we wanted to be in Orlando with the variety of options to choose from. {Click here} for my post about places to Visit in Orlando. FIND A DESTINATION TO ACCOMMODATE A LARGE GROUPAs you are choosing a vacation destination I recommend looking for a location that can hold a large group with multiple rooms. Booking a large space at times can be more budget friendly too.

We all need space at times during the extended trip, especially when you have little ones who need naps too so having separate sleep areas can help. Be sure that it provides a full kitchen. With a large group on vacation you can save a lot of money making meals at home together. Many larger places require a week stay so keep that in mind while you are searching. We planned our trip at Wyndham Bonnet Creek in Orlando at the end of summer because of the choice of having 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms with your vacation condo. The condo

had a large common area for all of use to spend time together and at the same time also had the ability for us to each get ready in our own areas and for the kids to have some playtime together too. The full size kitchen and eating area was a helpful feature so that everyone could sit down to eat together at mealtime. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something very special about having all of your family eating meals together for a period of time that helps to build connections and memories. One thing to keep in mind as you schedule is to give your family time

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to just enjoy the space that you’ve booked for the week. Many facilities have great amenities to keep your family entertained. Our resort, Wyndham Bonnet Creek, had far more amenities that we could ever have anticipated. Plus the have a daily activities calendar too. We enjoyed discovering all of features together each day. They had 5 pools, splash park, 2 lazy rivers, private cabana’s, hot tubs, kids playground, volleyball court, ping-pong tables, pool tables, walking path, fitness center, game rooms, picnic area with grills, kids craft center, and much more! We packed a

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few family games that we knew everyone loves to play too for back in the room too when we need down time to refresh. Honestly the lazy river, near our condo in Tower 5, attracted our family the most and we spent several hours there floating around the pool in our tubes. I loved that there were grandchildren, grandparents, aunts, uncles and parents all doing the same thing with smiles, laughter and relaxation. We floated and swam around it as we enjoyed the castle features and cannons that splashed us. We packed a snack and

drinks in our cooler so that we could stay there a bit longer. A few of the pools even had water slides, one even looked like a pirate ship! One of the highlights of our trip at Bonnet Creek was each night to be in our room on the balcony when it was time for Disney’s Fireworks. Since the resort is on Disney property you are so close! From our balcony all of us joined together to watch them at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.They were gorgeous reflecting over the water. CREATE A VACATION BOARD ON PINTEREST

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– Research Local Attractions together as a whole family and add pin ideas onto a shared Pinterest Board. We usually make our secret board so no one needs to see what we’re planning outside of our family. Plus then we can type below in the comment section opinions about things and why they are ideal. You could even add the price of the venues on the pin description so you can budget accordingly. We make ours a Place Board so we can also highlight where the locations are that we are pinning. Makes it so easy to find when you are at your destination. One tip is to start with a hotel’s feature page. Many

Hotels have already done the search for you on what’s close by. Many hotels and visitors bureaus have also started creating their own Pinterest Boards too. IDEAS FOR THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO We did spend quite a few days at Bonnet Creek Resort however since we were there for a whole week we also had days to go on adventures together in the mornings or afternoons. We spent time at Downtown Disney Area near the Resort. Then we drove up to International Drive to explore the new Sea Life and the Orlando Eye. We also drove over to the Florida Mall to go to the new Crayola Experience. No trip to Orlando is complete without a beach trip so we drove up to the Central Florida Zoo on our way to

Daytona Beach. It was so much fun exploring these locations together as a whole family. Plus we had our good friends who are local join the fun a few times too! The more the merrier! Keep your eye out for my articles about the Central Florida Zoo and the Crayola Experience. Of course with the resort on Disney property we could have easily spent time visiting the Disney amusement parks. We’re saving that for our next time visit this fall when it’s a bit cooler. Here’s our Planning for Disney Pinterest Board we can’t wait! Perhaps a quick trip to SeaWorld too, we loved it last holiday season. CREATE A GOOGLE CALENDAR-

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One way that we’ve found to be effective is to use a Google Calendar to schedule out our days.Once you add multiple people to an experience it’s helpful to be sure everyone in on the same page and have felt that their interests are being expressed. You could even add in a link from your Pinterest board pin to be sure everyone knows what’s planned. COMMUNICATE ON A GOOGLE DOCUMENT OR FACEBOOK GROUP– Find one method that works for your family to discuss the trip. We’ve done both ways and either way using a Google document or a Facebook group with files works well. It’s a way that no matter where you log in, you can view it and add to it when needed. It also keeps an Audit track of who added what notes. SHARE RESPONSIBILITIES WITH EVERYONE– We took turns being the person who does various roles such as cooking dinner. It’s a vacation and trust me it takes a little bit of work with so many people in one spot to be sure one person doesn’t feel that they need to take care of the whole family. The kids really get into helping when they

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know what’s expected of them too. We hung task list up on the fridge so everyone could remember what they committed to. Having so many family members in one space it’s important to keep things organized. CREATE A VACATION MEAL PLAN TOGETHERWe all have our own little things that we enjoy eating so take time before the trip to plan out what needs to be added to the grocery list.My suggestion is to only send one person or two to the store to grab all the items on the list. It can be overwhelming if everyone joins the shopping adventure. Take a peek at the area you are visiting and find a few select restaurants that you want to save as special experiences together. With larger groups see if they take reservations so that your family isn’t having to wait for long periods of time for a table. Bring something for ALL the kids to do so that they are entertained. Bigger tables tend to take a little bit longer for service, especially when all the grown-ups are having fun talking. DISCOVER WYNDHAM BONNET CREEK RESORT Our vacation at Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resorthad a

variety of options to keep our family entertained and making lifelong memories together. The property was well maintained with active and friendly staff. The landscaping surrounding the entire property made your feel like you were in a tropical paradise. Our condo itself was beautifully furnished with everything you need for your family to live there for a week but still make it feel like a special experience in upscale family friendly space. THE VIJ FAMILY REVIEW Our family had an amazing vacation at the resort that we will never forget. I’ve already asked my parents to look at their calendar to see when we can book a trip with them and the kids to return. The kids’ favorite was the lazy river feature. The view from our room in Tower 5 on the 10thfloor made our experience extra special each morning and night. We hope you find these tips helpful as you plan your next vacation getaway with extended family. With the convenience of online tools you’ll be set for success and able to spend quality time with your whole family making memories that last a lifetime. ¦ SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.

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HOW DO WINNE THE BEST EDGE A CASINO? BY: JULIANA PEYTON

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ERS GET AT A

Casinos are magical places. Walk right in and you’ll see people winning big, celebrating their growing bankrolls, and partying like rock stars. It’s a strange sight, especially considering the old adage, ‘The house always wins’. That old saying is definitely true. Casinos are businesses and they exist to make big money. Yes, people win. But in the end, the biggest winner is the house. So how are all these people actually making money? Why are there always people celebrating like champions at every corner of the casino? Why do we rarely see angry people leaving casinos in absolute tears? Well, the smart ones know how to get the best edge at the casino, and it usually involves making sure the casinos don’t get the upper hand. You see, in every casino game there are good bets and sucker bets. The trick is to know how to swing the edge over into your direction, or at the very least mitigate any edge the house might have. Wondering how to do that? Today, we’ve got the inside scoop on what winners do to maximize their advantage and put the house on notice. Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to winning like these champions. Blackjack When it comes to getting the best edge at the Blackjack tables, the trick is to avoid all

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those fancy side bets. We’re talking about Perfect Pairs, Lucky Ladies, or the likes of which pay out extra cash. Some of these bets are attractive, especially when you stand to win 8 to 1 or even 20 to 1 payouts. Imagine dropping $5 and winning the side bet. That would be huge. Except the truth is that these side bets pay out less often than you think. You’re better off putting that side bet money onto

the regular section of the felt and playing a separate hand, or simply adding to your original bet. Sure, you might not snag as handsome of a payout if that side bet hits, but slow and steady wins are more likely and that’s the way to a bigger bankroll. Craps Craps can be an incredibly intimidating game, especially with so many possible bets on the

table and general chaos happening with every dice roll. But at the end of the day, you really only need to know a couple of bets to understand the game and ensure you’re getting the best edge. If you’re a newbie learning the game or a seasoned pro who wants to limit the house edge. Stick with pass line bets or place bets of 6 or 8. These bets actually have a house advantage of less than 1.5

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percent, making it perfect for players who want to grow their bankroll faster.

to make sure you’re playing a game that doesn’t give the house an extra edge.

If you do want to venture out beyond these bets, really familiarize yourself with what each bet is worth. There are some bets that come with a house advantage as high as 16 percent, which is ridiculous when you compare it to that 1.5 percent edge you’re getting with the above-mentioned bets.

Casino War

Video Poker When it comes to games where you don’t have to think about house edge too much, video poker is definitely it. There really isn’t much house advantage to consider because you’re technically betting the same thing every time. You place your bet, get five cards, decide if you want to swap any of those cards, and then get paid out for any wins. But while every bet is pretty much the same, that doesn’t mean every game is exactly the same. There are lots of difference video poker games, both online and off. Each game comes with different wild cards and different ranking systems. Always read the payouts before feeding just any video poker machine

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It’s one of the most straightforward casino games on the planet. You vs. the dealer. High card wins. At first, you might think that there’s no way the house could gain an edge on you at all. After all, it’s essentially 50/50, right? Wrong. The house gets a huge edge when you choose to go to war. If you end up with the same card, you can choose to go to war or just walk away. Before you decide what you want to do, the house has already taken your bet away. If you want to go to war, you’ll place the same bet you just placed. So if you had bet $10, you must now commit another $10. Now you’ve got $20 committed. If you win, you’ll get $20, but half of that $20 was yours. So you essentially bet $20 to win $10. To gain an edge, stay away from this bet. Baccarat When it comes to games with inherently low house edges, Baccarat is the game you need to play. By focusing on the Banker bet, you’re basically taking

away any big edge the house can gain. Player bets come with a larger house edge, but it balances out because Banker bets come with a commission on any wins. But there is a bet with huge payouts that many Baccarat players are tempted by. That’s the tie bet. If you place that wager and your bet pays out, you’ll win 8 to 1 payouts. Except the probability of hitting a tie bet is less than 10%. You’re essentially handing the house buckets of money by betting on a tie, so if you want to gain an upper hand, avoid this bet completely. Put these tips to the test At Palace of Chance, you’ll find all the games mentioned above, each available to play for free. All you need to get started is a free Palace of Chance account. It takes a second to sign up, so create your account and start enjoying these games, plus over 150 other great titles. You can even play for free to see how following this advice — or not following this advice — pans out.t! ¦ SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.

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6 SAVINGS SECRETS FOR SENIOR TRAVEL BY: MELISSA PALOTI

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time to travel. Because many seniors are retired, unusually flexible schedules are the norm. You may be excited to see the world (or at least the items on your bucket list) now that children are out of your hair — or maybe you’re simply looking forward to visiting loved ones. Experiencing new cultures and exploring new places is food for the soul, if not the elixir of youth. The good news: That soul food doesn’t have to eat up your entire nest egg, and deep travel discounts are not relegated solely to the hostel-hopping crowd. These six tips will get you out on the road for less green. 1. Ask and ye shall receive. Seniors, take note — traveling just might extend your life. According to a report in USA Today, geriatrician and author Dr. David Lipschitz believes that travel helps senior citizens live longer lives. Whether the travel bug has always been abuzz or happened to bite a bit later in life, your senior years are an excellent

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Never book anything without asking if there’s a special rate or price cut for seniors. These discounts are not always advertised well (if at all), but they do exist. Some are more generous than others, so do some research. For example, while many hotels offer only 5 to 10 percent off, Marriott properties promise “15 percent or

more” for those age 62 or older. Few airlines offer meaningful savings programs, but we’ve found that flashing a smile, regardless of age, is often enough to get an upgrade or other perk. You never know unless you ask. One caveat: Don’t assume that the senior rate is the absolute lowest! Check any quoted discounts against other offerings (AAA, “best available,” early booking) that may be available to you. 2. Take advantage of AARP programs. AARP members have access to savings and discounts on all types of travel, including cruises (Windstar Cruises Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line were two we spotted), car rentals (up to 30 percent off at Budget), vacation packages and hotels. And don’t forget about activity and restaurant discounts. Many discounts, including special limited-time offers, are listed at discounts.aarp.org. Again, as above, doublecheck AARP rates against other special

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offers that could save you more money. 3. Travel off peak. Visiting destinations during their off-peak or shoulder season (fall or winter in Europe instead of summer, for example) presents many benefits to travelers — a smaller price tag, to be sure, but also cooler weather and fewer crowds. Seniors are well suited to take advantage of low season discounts because they typically aren’t trying to plan trips around stringent work, school or holiday schedules. There are a few things to bear in mind, however, when traveling out of season. For one, be sure to pack appropriately for the weather and work some indoor activities into your plans in case you’re faced with chilling winds or rain. Also, check in advance on the operating hours of museums and other attractions you have your heart set on, as some scale back their hours — or shut down altogether — outside of the high tourist season. 4. Take your time.

The gift of time also makes alternate methods of travel more attractive for mature travelers. Train travel has long been popular overseas and is now making a comeback in the U.S. The many hassles of flying — from security checkpoints to the oft-uncomfortable flight itself — can be avoided by riding the rails. It’s also an increasingly cheaper alternative, even before factoring in senior discounts; on Amtrak, for example, travelers 62 years of age and over save 15 percent on most fares. And don’t forget to factor in baggage fees. You can bring up to four 50-pound bags on Amtrak trains for free (two carry-on, two checked) — imagine trying that on an airline! Renting a car is another option for self-guided and self-paced scenic travel, both as a way to get to a destination and a way to explore a destination once you’ve arrived. Just be sure to read the fine print of your rental agreement if you plan to rent a vehicle overseas, as some companies do impose maximum age

restrictions. 5. Protect your investment. It may seem odd that we’re recommending spending more money among our tips for paying less, but this expense could save you a bundle if anything goes wrong while planning or on your trip. Travel insurance is especially important for individuals who may get sick and need to cancel at the last minute, or may encounter medical difficulties while traveling. Trip cancellation insurance covers you in case unforeseen events cause you to have to scrap a trip or come home midway through. Travel insurance can also provide replacement value on lost baggage and default coverage when travel suppliers go out of business, and supplemental health insurance can cover expenses Medicare or other providers might not, particularly outside your home country. Tip: Purchase insurance from a trusted company, preferably a third party; ask your travel agent for

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advice if you aren’t sure where to start. Also, be sure to take the time to read the fine print, as some scenarios, such as pre-existing medical conditions, may not be covered. 6. Travel with friends or family.

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Bringing along your children, grandchildren or other travel pals can result in significant savings, particularly if you share a vacation rental in lieu of booking hotel rooms or can snag a discount from a travel company that offers group discounts. Traveling with friends

and family members is also a fantastic opportunity for bonding and creating lasting memories together. And that’s priceless.. ¦

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When you’re travelling around the world, you’ll meet all kinds of people. Some will become best friends for life and others you’ll be glad to see the back of. But the people you really don’t want to annoy are the locals. Here are our 10 top tips for being a traveller that locals love to have around:

1. DON’T RUSH Slow down and give yourself enough time to explore a place, ask questions and listen. You’ll learn a lot by just asking locals – for example, where the best places to go are, rather than the usual tourist traps.

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10 WAYS TO BE A TRAVELLER THAT LOCALS LOVE BY: YOUTHEWORLDWANDERING.COM

2. DON’T GET TOO DRUNK Know your limits. When you’re in a new place, the last thing you want to do is get too drunk and offend the wrong people. By all means, enjoy a few drinks but don’t take it too far. 3. LEARN SOME OF THE LANGUAGE

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Knowing a few key phrases will go a long way. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect, people appreciate you making the effort. 4. ASK PERMISSION BEFORE YOU TAKE A PHOTO Basic manners still apply when you’re travelling so before you start snapping

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in someone’s face, ask them if they mind being in your photo. 5. PAY ATTENTION TO DINNER ETIQUETTE In Japan and Korea, it’s polite to slurp your noodles and, in India and Sri Lanka, people only eat with their right hands. Paying attention to these nuances makes sure you’re a guest people will invite back. 6. KNOW WHEN TO TIP When you’re provided a service – whether that’s at a hotel, restaurant or bar – it’s important to know whether to tip and roughly how much. In the US, it’s standard practice to tip waiters, housekeeping staff and taxi drivers between 15-20%, but in Japan tipping anyone will offend them. 7. GET LOST Leave the guidebook behind and explore by yourself. It doesn’t matter if you find yourself going in circles, it’s a great chance to interact with the locals and ask for directions. You’ll find most people are willing to help and have a quick chat. 8. VOLUNTEER By spending time

volunteering, you’ll not only be making a difference but making friends. It could be teaching English, helping build homes or caring for animals – volunteering opportunities are endless. You won’t regret spending some of your time travelling helping others. 9. PAY ATTENTION TO HAND SIGNALS Around the world, hand signals – including pointing and giving a thumbs-up – mean different things. So before you use them to communicate, check you’re not going to cause offence. 10. GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE To get the most out of your travelling experience, you’ve got to be brave. It’s a chance to learn new things, go on adventures and challenge yourself. Start by taking off those headphones and just saying hello. ¦ SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.

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11 ESSENTIAL RESTAURANTS ON SOUTH PADRE ISLAND BY: MAI PHAM

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(956) 761-7437 With one of the best sunset views in town, Pier 19 is a family-friendly all-day diner known for its generous portions and friendly service. At breakfast or brunch, it’s all about the massive cinnamon roll and Texasshaped (and -sized) strawberry-pecan waffle. For lunch and dinner, tourists and islanddwellers come for shrimp po’ boys, coconut shrimp, and whole fried fish. Bring in your own fresh catch and the kitchen will prepare it however you like — blackened, grilled, or fried. Stiff and wildly garnished cocktails (try the Tiki Caesar Mary or the painkiller) rival those at any upscale beach resort. 2. Padre Island Brewing Co Blessed with year-round sunshine and the longest stretches of white sand in Texas, South Padre Island is rightfully the Lone Star State’s most prized beach destination. Just two square miles in size, South Padre Island is more laid-back and friendly than its spring break reputation suggests. Proof can be found in the local cuisine,

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which celebrates shrimp platters, Gulf oysters, and fresh-caught fish fry. From sprawling patios for sunset gazing to casual hangs where the day’s catch is king, here’s what to hit. 1. Pier 19 1 Padre Blvd South Padre Island, TX 78597

3400 Padre Blvd South Padre Island, TX 78597 (956) 761-9585 Padre Island Brewing Company is a locally owned treasure, and the island’s preferred stop for an ice-cold, locally brewed craft beer. Third-generation brewmaster and owner Mark Haggenmiller has

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five house brews on tap at any given time, and serves beer-friendly grub like fried calamari, pizza, po’ boys, and burgers. Happy hour, which runs weekdays from 2 to 6 p.m., is a hit for items like 75-cent Gulf oysters, crabcakes, and Wisconsin cheese curds. 3. Dirty Al’s 33396 State Park Rd 100 South Padre Island, TX 78597 (956) 761-4901

A bait shop turned restaurant, Dirty Al’s — named after patriarch Alfonzo Salazar, a Gulf Coast shrimper — specializes in simply prepared, wild-caught Gulf Coast seafood. Plates range from fresh Gulf oysters and peel-andeat shrimp to blackened redfish, king crab, and shrimp po’ boys, but it’s the fried shrimp that Dirty Al’s is most proud of (apparently they’re “the World’s Best!”). The

blackened fish tacos, each filled with an entire fish fillet, have impressive kick, and the seafood botana — a mammoth platter of fried shrimp, oysters, and french fries — is a wonder to behold. 4. Ceviche Ceviche 1004 Padre Blvd H1 South Padre Island, TX 78597 (956) 772-1555 Locals gush about this hidden counter-service

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gem that specializes in build-your-own ceviche. Choose from shrimp or fish, one of five house styles (the classic features tomato, red onion, cilantro, and avocado), and a variety add-ons, then watch the staff hand-chop and -mix your custom concoction. With just a couple of tables, this lunchtime favorite is better for take-away than a sit-down meal. 5. Painted Marlin Grille 202 W Whiting St

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South Padre Island, TX 78597 (956) 761-2977 With views of the Laguna Madre and a lively indoor-outdoor vibe, the Painted Marlin (named for its signature piece of decor) is an especially enchanting spot for watching the sunset while dining on dishes like blackened mahi mahi, shrimp poâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; boys, and fish and chips. The simply grilled catch of the day is a solid bet, as are the strong margaritas

made with fresh lime juice. 6. Cafe on the Beach 3616 Gulf Blvd South Padre Island, TX 78597 (956) 761-2703 Hidden among the sand dunes, Cafe on the Beach offers unobstructed bay views from a gazebolike covered deck, a breakfast menu worth waking up early for, and seafood-focused American fare the rest of the day. Among the

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morning must-haves is the gooey Monte Cristo, a migas plate with chorizo, and thick buttermilk pancakes. In the afternoon and evening, enjoy Gulf Coast crab fingers, seafood bisque, and red snapper Veracruz. 7. Chilitto Pikin 3305 Padre Blvd South Padre Island, TX 78597 (956) 433-5484

Chilito Pikin is the kind of unpretentious mom-and-pop hang every neighborhood needs. For South Padre Island, it’s the place to come for fish or shrimp tacos, handmade flour tortillas, and soulwarming enchiladas served with refried beans and Mexican rice. The restaurant also serves what they call “monster” portions of its signature tacos and tortas. (Note: If you’re able to finish the whole monster torta in

one sitting, you get it for free.) 8. Yummies Bistro 700 Padre Blvd South Padre Island, TX 78597 (956) 761-2526 Many of the whipped cream-topped specialty drinks here look more like milkshakes than coffee, but that’s part of the appeal. Yummies is known for its supersize breakfast and lunch food: Think giant Belgian

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waffles surrounded by ruby-red fruit, an Instagrammable eggs Benedict, hyper-fresh lox and salmon, and sky-high club sandwiches. Bonus: The staff prides itself on latte art — order one for a surprise chocolate design drizzled in the foam. 9. Sea Ranch Restaurant & Bar 1 Padre Blvd South Padre Island, TX 78597 956-761-1314

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With a prime marinafront location, water views, and white tablecloth service, Sea Ranch has been doing Gulf-style fine dining for more than three decades. The menu highlights wild, locally caught seafood as well as steaks and pastas, and favorites include oysters Rockefeller, coconut shrimp, lobster surf and turf, and a whole fried snapper. For the best sunset perch, request a table by the window on the second floor.

10. Cap’n Roy’s 1313 Padre Blvd South Padre Island, TX 78597 (956) 761-9990 Fish taxidermy and fishing trophies adorn the walls at the nauticalthemed Cap’n Roy’s, where owner Lee Roy Summerlin — a veteran charter-boat captain on the Laguna Madre — has been serving fresh seafood for more than two decades. The

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restaurant is famous for its “Reel Meals” menu of everything from fresh Gulf oysters to stuffed jalapenos, enchilada platters, and Veracruz-style seafood preparations, but the star dish is the camaronitas diablitos — baconwrapped shrimp with pineapple cream cheese and jalapenos in a smoky-sweet barbecue glaze.

11. Gabriella’s 700 Padre Blvd South Padre Island, TX 78597 (956) 761-6111 Rat-Pack-era crooners serenade you over the speakers; tables are draped in red-and-white check; the strong aroma of garlic greets diners as they walk through the door. This homey, family-run establishment

is the island’s choice for handmade pasta, brickoven pizza, and ItalianAmerican classics like chicken alfredo, fried mozzarella, and shrimp scampi. End the night with a shot of housemade limoncello. ¦ SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.

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7 TIPS FOR MANAGING YOUR ANXIETY ABOUT TRAVELING BY: CAROLYN L. TODD

Travel anxiety can strike even the most unflappably chill among us. Sure, it can be incredibly rewarding and rejuvenating to break out of the day-to-day and explore new places—or, you know, park horizontally on the beach for five days. But there’s no getting around the inevitable hassles that come with those perks: nightmare security lines, massive flight delays, 96

FOMO-fueled itineraries, chaotic train stations, frustrating language barriers, worries about the work/kids/pets/obligations you’re leaving at home. The list is endless. When you think about it, the travel experience is practically designed to boost stress. Broadly speaking, there are two types of situations that

are most likely to cause anxiety, Martin Antony, Ph.D., a psychology professor at Ryerson University in Toronto and author of The AntiAnxiety Workbook, tells SELF. “One is when we don’t know what’s going to happen. The other is situations where we’re not in control.” What is traveling if not a series of largely unpredictable, www.firstclasstours.net

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often uncontrollable circumstances and events— some of which may be delightful, others decidedly less so? There are also, in a sense, two major kinds of travel anxiety. One takes place when you’re actually traveling and some part of the process is going belly up. The other is the more everpresent anxiety you might www.firstclasstours.net

feel about safety while traveling, or about how the trip is going overall. Whether you experience one, the other, or both, there are ways to become a less anxious traveler. There’s also help out there if you don’t think you can manage on your own. Here are seven tips to get you started. 1. First, repeat this phrase,

either mentally or out loud: “Anxiety is a necessary and even helpful part of traveling.” Having a 100 percent stress-free trip is simply not feasible, says Antony, who travels a few times a month for work. “There’s a lot that can go wrong when you travel, and some of these things do happen,” he says. Getting hopelessly turned 97

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around, dealing with flight delays, losing your luggage, and similar stress-inducing scenarios aren’t exactly rare events. The simple thought of some inconvenient, unexpected circumstance crashing your travel party might ramp up your anxiety. Instead of just steeping in that stress, use it to fuel action in the areas where you do have control. This can help you avoid feeling like you’re woefully unprepared for anything that might not go according to plan. It can also offload some of the stress when something does go wrong, since you’ll at least have

braced yourself for various possibilities. That’s why Antony describes this as “normal, useful anxiety.” Someone going on a trip with no knowledge of or concern about the possible issues they could face is much more likely to encounter something they’re not prepared for. Acknowledging that things might go wrong is really the first step in making sure they don’t. So, how do you use that travel anxiety to prevent any major fumbles? Good question...

2. Identify what usually causes you the most stress, like being rushed or worrying about missing your flight, then take steps to fix it, like setting a ton of alarms to guarantee you’re out the door with ample time. A little practical planning can help you avoid some of the most common anxietyprovoking travel scenarios. Here are a few ideas, though it makes sense to focus on whichever parts of traveling always leave you harried and wishing you could go back in time to avoid the problem at hand.

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If you always show up to your flight gate riiight as they’re closing the doors: Choose a specific goal you could only achieve in your wildest travel dreams, like having time to brew an espresso at home so you don’t have to spend money on airport coffee. With that goal in mind, set alarms to go off throughout the day of your departure and alert you to things like when you should be completely done packing (yes, even your toothbrush), when you need to order a ride to the airport, when you need to actually be in your ride to the airport, etc. This will help you pace yourself properly instead of coming out of a packing fugue and shrieking when you catch sight of a clock. Be sure to build in a buffer so you’re still running ahead overall even you’re a little behind on the alarms. Also, make sure the alarm sound you choose is as soothing as possible, or even an energizing song to get you amped up for your trip. Basically, avoid the same blaring alert that rouses you for work every morning, which might make you even more stressed out. If you’re far too familiar with that panic-inducing “Wait, where’s my passport?!”

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moment: Always keep your identification in the exact same holder or pouch in the same spot in your home when you’re not traveling. Then make a rule, like, “No matter which purse I take to the airport, I’ll always put my passport in the inside pocket.” (Or, if you always take the same bag, designate a specific compartment for important documents.) Also, make a paper copy just in case you lose the real thing. You can even add a “girl, where’s your passport?” alarm to your phone, too. If you might as well be on Mars the second your GPS doesn’t work: Print a paper copy of the directions you’ll need to get from the airport to wherever you’re staying, make sure you have an up-to-date guidebook that includes detailed maps, or look up navigational phrases in the local language to ask for directions in case you can’t find something. (Or do all three.) You can even take screenshots of maps or directions on your phone in case you lose service. If you inevitably board a long train ride only to realize you left your headphones at home or your phone is dying, so you have no way to entertain yourself: Seriously, those phone reminders are golden. Set one, perhaps for

the night before you leave, so you remember to charge all the necessary devices you’ll need for amusement during your trip, or to bring books and magazines. While the specifics here vary based on exactly what increases your travel stress, you get the gist. 3. If you’re going out of the country or somewhere you’ve never been before, definitely read up on basic travel logistics beforehand. Cover things like: • A few common phrases to help you get by in the local language • If you need a visa • If your passport’s expiration date is far enough away from when you’ll be traveling • Where to exchange currency for the best rate • What kind of electrical outlets people use there • If drinking the tap water is basically begging the toilet gods to get diarrhea • If tipping is customary or if you can save that money for things like souvenirs • If your phone company will charge you the equivalent of your 401k to send texts, make calls, and upload travel photos

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to Instagram • What, if any, kinds of scams people might commonly use with tourists • The local emergency number, just in case “Planning out this stuff ahead of time doesn’t come naturally to everybody,” Antony says, “but if [something happens], it can really make things a whole bunch easier.” 4. Instead of just ruminating on worst-case scenarios, play them out to their logical conclusions. You know those nagging what-ifs about everything that could go wrong as you travel? Don’t simply run those stressful scenarios on a mental loop or try to block them out completely. “Keep that scene playing out until you’re in a safe place where you’re OK,” Ellen Hendriksen, Ph.D, a clinical psychologist at Boston University’s Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders and author of How to Be Yourself, Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety, tells SELF. For example, if you know the local cuisine is generally safe to eat and you really want to try it, but you’re going to skip because you’re

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terrified of getting sick, walk through the steps of what would happen if you caught a stomach bug. Maybe it would involve taking antidiarrhea medications, which you could stock up on in advance so you can taste test with less risk. This even works if you’re nervous about getting really ill. “Picture yourself calling the hotel management and asking them to get [you] to a hospital. Then picture going to the hospital and getting medicine. Then picture calling relatives at home,” Hendriksen says, explaining that laying out steps in an exercise like this “can ease the anxiety of picturing that worst-case scenario.” 5. Keep a running list of your past travel wins and lessons learned, then read through it when you’re freaking out. If you don’t consider yourself the best traveler, every time you make it through a trip (or don’t have to sprint through an entire concourse to get on your flight, or go out to dinner on your own and order in the local language) is a triumph. Each roadblock you successfully navigate proves you’re capable of getting through travel intact. Instead of forgetting those

moments, file them away with the intention of being able to recall them easily, or write them down in a notebook or on your phone. “You gather evidence that [traveling] isn’t dangerous, this situation isn’t scary, that it’s OK to be away from home,” Hendriksen explains. When you’re feeling like you really just cannot handle whatever situation you’re dealing with, you have proof that you’ve dealt with at least some kind of travel blunder in the past. Doing this will also prepare you better for the next time because it’ll help you learn from your mistakes. “That’s a way to reframe some of these negative experiences,” Antony says. “It’s not a reason not to travel, it’s an opportunity to learn how to travel better.” 6. Recognize when your anxiety is overblown, then challenge it with facts. There’s normal stressing out about pretty realistic scenarios, like that you’ll miss your train because you always cut it too close. Then there’s irrational stressing out about things that are unlikely to happen, like a terrorist attack. It’s of course smart to do any research to make sure the places you go to and the activities you partake in are safe. But if

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MARCH 2019

your worries about some impending tragedy get in the way of fully enjoying your experience once you’ve taken all the necessary safety measures, your anxieties may be at least partially unfounded. For many people, the key is to break down those outsized fears, examine them closely, and counter anxiety with facts, Hendriksen says. For example, if you’re headed to Rome and worrying about a terrorist attack, ask yourself what the odds actually are of it occurring, perhaps by thinking of how many times it’s actually taken place in the last five

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years, Hendriksen says. Take it further, too: Even if something terrible does happen in the area you’re traveling to, what are the chances of it taking place exactly when you’re in that specific dangerous spot? Pretty unlikely, right? If it’ll help tame your anxiety, you can look at statistics to back this up. Looking at the numbers might reassure you of just how rare certain scary events—like terrorist attacks or mass shootings—really are. Of course, this isn’t a solution for everyone. You can know just how unlikely something is and still be afraid of it. That’s where preparation comes in, like

knowing where to go or who to call if you do have an emergency. As another way of examining your fears, Hendriksen recommends asking if you’d advise a friend not to go to Rome (or to avoid the tourist spots she desperately wants to see) because there could be a potential terrorist attack. “See if it sounds reasonable or a little bit ridiculous. If it makes you laugh, then maybe it’s something you don’t have to listen to,” Hendriksen says. If none of this actually helps tame your travel anxiety, it might be time to see a

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mental health professional. 7. Know when to talk to someone about whether you’re dealing with something more than typical travel anxiety. It’s important to seek help for your anxiety about traveling if it’s affecting your life. While some travel anxiety can be normal, planning ahead and trying to rationalize away your fears can only do so much if you have a clinical anxiety disorder (i.e., maybe not much at all).

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There are two main factors to take into account when deciding whether to see someone about your travel anxiety, says Antony. The first is how much the anxiety interferes with your ability to travel. The second is how important traveling is to you. Is it something you really want to do more? Are you in a relationship with someone who loves traveling? Could you benefit career-wise from taking more work trips? Is your best friend’s destination wedding coming up?

If you want or need to travel for any reason but you can’t (or you physically can, but you can’t enjoy your time away) you’ll want to consider seeking treatment, Antony says. A therapist can help you work on coping strategies for dealing with anxiety, or potentially refer you to a psychiatrist to see if medication will help you fulfill your wanderlust with as little stress as possible. ¦ SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.

CLICK HERE.

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DAILY TRIPS WITH PERKS

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OVERNIGHT TRIPS WITH PERKS

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WHERE TO GO. WHAT TO DO.

m e M

A DEFINITIVE LIST OF THE BEST, HOTTEST, HIPPEST, COOLEST, DOWNRIGHT AWESOME GROUP TRAVEL IDEAS THIS SIDE OF... WELL ANYWHERE!

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s e ri

o m

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HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO

Currently Running until March 17th NRG Park

2019 ST PATRICKS FESTIVAL March 17th and 18th Luckyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pub - Downtown

MOVING MYTHS: STORY TELLING THROUGH DANCE April 24th Miller Outdoor Theater

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BLACK HISTORY BENEFIT FASHION & CULTURAL SHOW March 24th Alegria Gardens Reception Hall

HOUSTON ROCKETS VS PHOENIX SUNS March 15th Toyota Center

ANYTHING GOES 3/28 -4/5 Miller Outdoor Theater

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STAR WARS: A NEW HOPEâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; IN CONCERT

INTERNATIONAL HOUSTON BLACK FILM FESIVAL

HOUSTON ROCKETS VS NY KNICKS

LET ME BE MYSELF: THE LIFE STORY OF ANNE FRANK

March 22-24th Houston symphony

April 5th NRG Stadium

DALLAS BLOOMS

Now Through April 7 Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

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March 28-31st NRG Park

March 5th - Aug 1st Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance

HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE TOUR 3/31 4/6 and 4/7 New Orleans Spring Fiesta

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DALLAS ST. PATRICK’S PARADE AND FESTIVAL

MAR 16, 2019 Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade on Greenville Avenue

DOG BOWL

MAY 5, 2019 Cotton Bowl Stadium

PURANAVA INDIA CULTURE FEST March 23rd Pearland Town Center

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SPENDING A FEW SANDCASTLE DAYS IN SOUTH PADRE BY: WWW.TOURTEXAS.COM

Last weekend, I crossed another item off my bucket list: I attended “Sandcastle Days 2013” on South Padre Island. Sandcastle Days is a 3-day event which attracts master sand sculptors from around the world, all competing to become a “Master of Sand”. The annual event takes place the first weekend of October which fell this year on the 4th through 6th. It was started 26 years ago by Master Sand sculptors Walter McDonald

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(aka Amazin’ Walter) and Lucinda Wierenga (aka Sandy Feet) and has grown from a local celebration to one of the most respected art events in the country. “Sand Castle” is almost a misnomer for this event because most of the showpieces are not castles (though there are some). Designs typically include people, animals, buildings, mythical creatures. I’ve always been downright amazed by great sand art – it seems almost impossible

to create such intricate detail in something as temperamental (and temporal) as sand. South Padre supposedly has some of the best sand for this art form so it’s a perfect location to host this event. I figured it would be entertaining to watch these sand sculptors at work. At the very least, how bad could a day spent on SPI’s beaches be? I found out that it’s a bit more than just entertainment, this is

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true art. The skill of these sculptors is apparent in the minute detail of their work. I found myself mesmerized by the process of carving away the smallest bits of sand to create the fantastic detail in these pieces. At the end, I couldn’t believe that there would only be one first-place winner. During the event, free sand sculpting lessons are available to anyone who wants to try their hand at it. I took one short lesson and I enjoyed it so much, I took another more “serious”

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class on my own with South Padre’s sand legend, Amazin’ Walter. Maybe “serious” is the wrong word, because Walter is not exactly a serious guy. He’s quite a character. He looks a bit like Santa on vacation, wearing his signature pith helmet and he had me chuckling at his funny comments and expressions. But he’s also a great artist, a wonderful teacher and very passionate about the environment. I’m not much of an artist myself, but I did see that even without the inborn talent, there were

many tricks of the trade and things I could learn to become at least a good amateur. On the shores of South Padre, thousands of sand sculptures have risen up and been swallowed by the tides. But in some strange way, that is part of the appeal: knowing that something so unique and beautiful is there in front of you for that brief moment and never again. ¦ SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.

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FCT NEWS FIRST CLASS WINTER FUN!