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Blueberry Health Secrets Exposed Blueberry Health Secrets Exposed Did you know that the blueberry is one of the most underrated fruits commonly available to us today? It has a long and illustrious history in America but yet the majority of us do not count it amongst our favorite foods. When you look at the health benefits we really should. There's nothing like a good portion of tasty, juicy blueberries to treat our taste buds and help our bodies to stay as healthy as possible. In this day and age, there is always going to be press reports about how certain foods are bad for your health, even if it was previously considered to be good for you. Blueberries, on the other hand, you can feel completely safe with. As one of nature's little gems, it can provide many health benefits that manufactured foods cannot. The antioxidants found in blueberries actively fight free radicals, the substances that are produced within the body in increasing amounts as we get older and cause irrevocable cell damage as well as affecting our DNA. Both of these side effects of the free radicals may enable diseases such as cancer to occur and spread more easily. However, as the blueberries' antioxidants neutralize the free radicals within the body, they actually promote health and may go some way to helping our immune system to prevent and fight off such threats. The antioxidants that blueberries contain have a wide range of other benefits, such as prevention of urinary tract infections and overall memory improvement, but they are not limited to the health properties that the antioxidants promote. 140 grams of blueberries actually only contains 1 gram of fat, and all of it is healthy fat that is used by the body to maintain healthy tissue rather than the saturated fat that the body cannot use. The blueberry is completely healthy as far as nutritional content is concerned. They contain no salt (listed as sodium on nutritional content tables) or cholesterol, both of which have well documented adverse affects on the collective health of the nation these days and can put our individual health in jeopardy. The 140-gram portion of blueberries also contains 2% of our recommended daily iron intake as well as 15% of the Vitamin C daily recommendation. The overall health benefits of the blueberry make it one of the most invaluable tools in our personal arsenal in the war against disease. In fact, in terms of long term benefits, blueberries are by far the best fruit, and even food in general, to consume and make an integral part of your diet. After all, can we really afford not to make the most of one of nature's tastiest and most healthy gifts? Chincoteague Island Vacation Paradise Chincoteague Island Vacation Paradise Just a short drive off Virginia's Eastern Shore lies an island so stunning that its seven mile length is the vacation destination for more than one million annual visitors, each one of whom arrives to enjoy a taste of Paradise. Chincoteague's Island natural beauty, coastal charm, and Southern down-home hospitality are what draw them from around the globe to this small place big in romance and tradition. If you decide to take a page from their travel itineraries, you'll soon understand how easy it is to succumb to the spell of Chincoteague. That same spell has captivated the Chincoteague colony of artists, who do their best to capture the spirit and substance of life on their beloved island in paint, sculpture, glass, metal, and wood. Chincoteague Island can be your stepping stone to the undeveloped wilds of Assateague Island, the 37-mile barrier island to its east which for millennia has protected Chincoteague from the worst of the Atlantic's legendary gales. Assateague is where you'll find the world-famous ponies of Chincoteague running free. The Chincoteague ponies, except during Pony Penning Weekend, spend their days happily grazing and sunning in and along the marshes, forests, and beaches of the Chincoteague Island National Wildlife Refuge at the southern end of Assateague. They share their territory the over three hundred different migratory bird species which make Chincoteague and Assateague the best bird-watching haunts on the entire Atlantic Flyway. You won't understand why the ancient Algonquin Indians named Chincoteague "The Beautiful Land across the Waters" until you've witnessed the sun setting across its marshes or stood on the Assateague shore at dawn as the Atlantic waves tumble along the pristine sands. Spend as much time as you like exploring the solitude of Assateague's protected waterways by kayak, canoe, or nature cruise. Cast your line from a deep sea charter for marlin and other great gamefish, or dig for a supper of legendary Chincoteague "Lil Nik" clams. Step into the Eastern Shore of yesteryear by reserving your accommodations at one of Chinctcoteagues' exceptional 19th century bed and breakfasts, one of which was built before the Chincoteague Islanders displayed their characteristic independence by remaining loyal to the Union during the Civil War. Drift off to sleep and awaken again to the gentle whispers of the surf and the island breezes, and start your day's adventure with a breakfast of mouthwatering Southern delicacies. Take time to mingle with the local artisans and shopkeepers. View the ceiling mural at wood carver Jay Cherrix' Sistine Shed, as well as his life-size sculpture of a Chincoteague pony foal. Get up close and personal with Chincoteague's marine life at the Island Aquarium where the touch tank will give you a hands-on introduction to both fish and shellfish. Experience the shellfish in a different way by lunching on clam chowder or crab cakes at one of Chincoteague's several outstanding seafood restaurants. Follow lunch by crossing to Assateague Island on a rented bike for some wildlife viewing on the Wildlife Refuge's loops. Put the perfect ending on your day in Paradise by boarding Captain Barry's champagne evening cruise. You'll be entertained with the Captain's encyclopedic knowledge of Chincoteague history and enchanted by the sight of the sun setting on Chincoteague Bay! Chincoteague Island Secrets Revealed Chincoteague Island Secrets Revealed If you didn't succumb to the affliction of horse-craziness as a youngster, then the odds are high that you know neither where Chincoteague Island is, nor why it is important. So we're here to fill you in on the secrets that make the seven-mile length of Chincoteague Island irresistible to over a million visitor each year. Yes, one of those secrets has to do with horses, which have inhabited Chincoteague and its neighbor Assateague Island for longer than anyone can remember. The secret lies in how the horses, which are actually pony-sized, came to run free on two rather inhospitable (for horses, anyway) strips of sand and marsh where fresh water is at a premium and the grass comes already salted. If, on the other hand, you had succumbed to horse-craziness in your youth, you'd know all about the classic children's book Misty of Chincoteague, published in 1947 and largely responsible for putting Chincoteague Island on the fast track to tourism super-stardom. In her book, Marguerite Henry attributed the existence of the Chincoteague ponies to the shipwreck of a Spanish galleon in the 1600s. While the more likely story is that today's ponies are descendants of ones turned loose by 18th century island settlers to graze in the islands' vast expanses of marsh grass, no one knows for sure. That may be one Chincoteague Island secret forever lost to history, but we're going to reveal a few more which will add a bit of extra island zest to your visit. The delicately flavored, slightly salty Chincoteague oysters, a specialty at the Island's popular island eating establishment The Village Restaurant, really do taste different from oysters you'll have anywhere else. Why? Because all oysters take on the flavor of their surroundings. Fresh Chincoteague oysters will give you a true taste of what it means to live on Chincoteague! Assateague Island's beaches, just a very short bridge east of the Town of Chincoteague, are certainly some of the truly great beaches about which you've never heard. Standing on a stretch of undeveloped Assateague waterfront which seems to extend endlessly in either direction, you'll be facing an expanse of open ocean which reaches the shores of Europe. Behind you will be sand dune upon sand dune, and if you're in the right place, you'll be able to spot the Assateague Island Light House, which has stood sentinel on the entire scene since 1867. No cabanas, hot dog stands, or boardwalk with souvenir hawkers. Just you, the sea, the sand, and the sky. The weekly National Seashore campfire put on during the summer by the National Park Service rangers who maintain the Assateague Island National Seashore will give you a chance to lie on the beach under the stars munching on your toasted marshmallows and filling your head with tales of Blackbeard the Pirate's lost treasure as the Assateague Light House beam searches the darkness overhead. (The secret location of Blackbeard's treasure, however, remains unrevealed.) Secret treasure may still be yours, however, if you stop in at Payne's Sea Treasures, a former hot dog stand on Ridge Road in Chincoteague. This odd establishment has evolved into one of the most amazing curio shops you'll find during your life. If your shell seeking efforts on Assateague have come up empty, Payne's can supply you with beach glass or any number of shells-- horseshoe crab shells in particular. Across the street from Payne's is a 20-foot tall Viking statue. Payne's Sea Treasure's late proprietor Mr. Capt'n Bob Payne purchased the statue from a defunct Muffler Man store. Chincoteague has lots more secrets to uncover, but we'll let you have the fun of discovering them for yourself! Chincoteague Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow Chincoteague Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow The waters and winds of Chesapeake Bay never rest, and over the eons they have built up and carved away countless land masses. The Island of Chincoteague, about five miles off Virginia's Eastern Shore, rose from the Chesapeake's waters about four thousand years ago and is surrounded by vast areas of marsh. More than twenty miles of the tiny island's coastline, in fact, consists of marshes, and the vast majority of its land mass is less than 10 feet above sea level. While its topography may leave Chincoteague vulnerable to erosion from flood and wind, those wetlands, waterways, and beaches have also allowed the Island to develop into one of America's premier vacation spots, with annual visitors numbering close to one million. Many of them are drawn to Chincoteague's sister island and protector Assateague, the 37-mile long barrier island just a few hundred yards to Chincoteague's east. Assateague is home to both the Chincoteague Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Assateague Island National Seashore, and, of course, to the world-famous Chincoteague Island ponies. Until four hundred years ago, Chincoteague and Assateague were left to themselves except for hunting and fishing parties of Native Americans. They were first settled in the 18th century following the arrival of the English in 1607, and the Chincoteague ponies of today are thought to be distant descendants of the settlers' horses which once to graze on the islands' meadows. Chincoteague's annual Pony Penning, which brings about 50,000 visitors to the Island each July, is a modern rendition of the pony pennings (complete with feasting and drinking) practiced by those settlers. Today's Pony Penning and Auction is managed by the Chincoteague Island Volunteer Fire Department, the legal owners of the Chincoteague pony herds which roam the Virginia end of Assateague Island. Proceeds from the sales of the ponies have raised more than $2,000,000 to support the Fire Department since 2000. There's much more to Chincoteague, however, than her ponies. When a causeway connected the Island to the Virginia mainland in 1922, the Island's economy began a transition from its dependency on oyster, clam, and crabbing industries. Although Chincoteague shellfish are still prized as good eating, the Islanders now do whatever it takes to provide their visitors with the vacation of a lifetime. They try hard to maintain the down-home Southern charm of the Town of Chincoteague, with a Main Street full of family-run B&Bs, restaurants, galleries, and shops. Outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, water sports, boat tours, wildlife viewing, and of course, fishing, crabbing, and clamming abound on Chincoteague and Assateague. While preserving the character of the past is paramount, the residents of Chincoteague are already planning for the future. With the help of the Virginia department of transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, the Town of Chincoteague has come up with a transportation plan to be fully implemented by 2020. It includes the creation of a trolley or shuttle service to relieve downtown traffic congestion, improved bikeways, and additional public parking facilities. The people of Chincoteague have always found ways to meet flood, fire, or any other challenges come their way, and are preparing for whatever the future may bring! Travel Lean and Green- Eco-tourism Today Travel Lean & Green- Eco-tourism Today The new trend in travel is eco-tourism these days, or ecological tourism to give it its full name. In a world where more and more people are looking at ways and means to save the environment as a result of environmental degradation. As a result, eco-tourism has been around for years, since the 1980s to be exact. It has only been the last few years that it has really caught the attention of travellers everywhere though. Eco-tourism is perfect for individuals that are interested in the natural world. It is all about getting back to nature and valuing everything around us. As a result, eco-tourism is incredible and can really make you feel like you are alive. The one thing that puts most individuals off is that it sounds expensive, but if you know where to look and take the hints and tips given to you, then it need not be expensive at all. There are many countries all over the world that have very active eco-tourism resorts, and the majority of them have received rave reviews from individuals that have already experienced them. Costa Rica, India, Ecuador and Kenya are the most popular destinations that support eco-tourism at the moment, but there are others that seem to fly under the radar and these may be the best picks for individuals or couples wanting to experience it firsthand in a remote location. New Zealand is one such country supporting eco-tourism, as is Australia. Both countries have not publicised this fact because they are relatively new to the world of ecological tourism and are developing their resorts as we speak. The variety of eco-tourism there and the sheer beauty of the landscape is definitely worth a trip for, but you can actually turn it into a tour of the region and spend a month or so there if you so wish. If you do want a successful trip of the eco-tourism variety then you should research the area first to find out what the customs and values of that country actually are because it is quite easy to undo all of the good work in ecological areas by making one of several mistakes. The list below will help you to distinguish between what you can and cannot do: 1. The first is obviously to do your homework. The areas that individuals visit in eco-tourist trips are finely balanced and usually value more natural ways life. If you do not know those values then it is easy to damage the equilibrium of the area. In fact, you can actually cause more harm than you realise by just acting as you would in a Western First World country. 2. Try not to give things away to those in need. This may sound harsh to begin with, but eco-tourism is all about helping individuals work their way out of poverty and giving things away simply encourages begging, which is exactly what the country is trying to avoid by setting up eco-tourism. 3. Don't barter with the locals if it is not in their culture for you to do so. The items that they are selling usually help them to live and cost just pence back home. The whole point of eco-tourism is outlined above and this applies here as well. 4. Avoid buying souvenirs that are made out of flora or fauna from the local area because the likelihood is that this is going against the principles of eco-tourism. It is about using local materials, but that does not include animals and plants. 5. Be wary of where you take photos because it may offend some people if they are actually snapped without giving their consent. This is just common decency. They are not there to be made a show of, just simply to do their job. Chincoteague Island: Ecotourism Paradise Chincoteague Island: Ecotourism Paradise Although the Chincoteague ponies may roam barefoot and free on the wilds of Assateague Island for most of their lives, horseshoes are still readily found on both Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. They're horseshoe crabs, and they have an enormous role to play in making Chincoteague Island an ecotourism Paradise. Why? Because the horseshoe crabs choose to lay their eggs in the sand and mud flats of Toms Cove Hook, making those areas prime feeding gro Air Travel Nightmares: How To Cope If you are scared of flying or air travel then you are not in the minority. In the post-9/11 world, a good percentage of people are fearful of air travel, and with good reason. Air travel has always been a major source of fear but there have been a few hints and tips that have been developed, tried and tested in recent months. These tips cover literally everything from cancelled flight to key things to remember, and are all designed to ensure that you rest easy with peace of mind in the time immediately before you board the plane and during the flight itself. First of all, make sure that you book your air travel nice and early. If you leave it until the last minute then you are liable to have to travel on a flight that you do not want with times that do not suit you. Alternatively, it may be that you have to take a more expensive form of air travel. Booking early not only assures you your set, it can also save undue panic too. If you have any frequent flyer miles you can also use them in part payment so that it will not be as expensive as you think to fly. If your budget is a priority then you may want to look at flying off peak. Not only will the flights be cheaper, but they will also be less crowded and if you suffer from anxiety, this could be just what you need from your air travel. The space will prevent you from having a panic attack and enable you to travel in style and comfort. Off peak times are generally in the middle of the day or in the evening, so look for flights at those times of day. If you happen to have booked on air travel that has no reserved seats then check in early to make sure that you can board first and choose the seat that is best for you instead of the one seat on the plane that you do not want above all others, which would inevitably happen if you were to turn up late! Some airlines actually allow you to choose your own seats so that you can allocate yourself where you like. American Airlines is the best air travel company for that. Another reason to arrive at the airport early is to avoid the queues at check in. If you have luggage then at least two hours in advance for air travel is about right. You can sit and have a coffee after your bags are taken care of and relax before you board. If you are already anxious then the crowded halls will do nothing to help you so always arrive early for air travel. If you are nervous about cancelled flights then make sure that you take a good book and a music player so that you can retreat to your own little world in case of an air travel delay. If your flight is announced as cancelled then seek out a flight attendant to ask about another scheduled flight. He or she should be able to direct you to the help desk and they can alter your flight for you. Think of it as an opportunity not to lose your temper or panic, but as an opportunity to have a little me time, courtesy of air travel. Few of us actually have time out these days so unexpected delays should be welcomed and not feared. All in all, there is no air travel situation that you should not be able to deal with if you can think reasonably and logically, so enjoy! How To Travel With Children Travelling with children can be a nightmare. Any parent that has had to put up with a child on a long journey will testify to that point! Travel with children is extremely stressful and can indeed test you to the end of your patience. Not only that, there is no way to get away from the child if he or she does start acting spoilt. While spending time with family is extremely important, so is enjoying the experience so you have to have a plan of action prepared well in advance in order to make sure that you can have a relaxing time away from the stresses and strains of modern life! Before you even set off, you should plan out how you are going to travel with your children. You should always pick a child-friendly destination to travel to if you are taking the whole family with you. Travelling with children to a remote destination that is tailored for adults is not a great idea because they will be constantly complaining that they are bored and thus will ruin your vacation as well. Look for a beach resort with a hotel that offers free activities for children. This will certainly save you money because the beach and free activities will keep the children amused for hours! You should also think about the food available at the destination. Children are generally fussy eaters and travelling with children can highlight that fact, but if individual resorts offer buffets then this is likely to cater for all tastes! It is always best to choose a hotel offering breakfast only if you are travelling with children. This way, if they do not like the food at the hotel then you have lost absolutely nothing and can find a restaurant elsewhere that they do like! Travelling with children is perhaps the most difficult during the journey, but there are a few tips that can help ease the stress for you. For example, get to the airport early because they can amuse themselves with watching the aeroplanes and it saves the last minute rush than can really see your stress levels rise! Also, if you can get flights during the night then this will also help you to relax because the children will sleep during that time! Always pack a box full of treats when travelling with children too because this will help to keep them quiet throughout the trip! Include snacks like raisins, juices, cereal, rice cakes and fruit, along with some candy for the purpose of bribery if need be! Also, pack a few of their favourite toys and games to keep them amused if they do happen to wake up at any time! If they have comfort toys then be sure to pack those as well because travelling with children can be a nightmare if they do not have them! When you do get to your destination, the nightmare of children can be far from over if you do not take the necessary precautions to ensure that all runs smoothly. Make sure that you have something different planned for every day to ensure that they do not get bored as a result of repetition. This can be extremely difficult in a resort that caters solely for older children and/or adults. A little research ahead of time can always help, but insist that you all spend the first day exploring so that the children are able to find things that they want to do on their own because this will keep them quiet and give you ammunition should they moan later on! Travelling with children can be a nightmare, but travelling with children can also be an absolute joy. Just make sure that you have done your homework and know ahead of time what to expect and you will find that your vacation falls into the latter category rather than the former! Travel Like a Pro: How to Tour the World In Style Travel Like A Pro: How To Tour The World In Style Travelling in style is the way that most people see themselves travelling these days. It is infinitely possible, but the majority of the time, that plan goes completely wrong because we get caught up in packing, arranging documents and finances and forget to concentrate on what it is that makes travel so important - taking the time out to relax and chill out for a while. Travelling in style is the epitome of that for a number of reasons. Travelling in style is all about taking care of yourself and making the time to do so. Very few people find that they can take their time when heading to the airport because, for the majority, it is a mad rush to pack grab everything they need and then get to the airport on time. It is possible though. There are several ways you can achieve this, and all require you to take certain steps: Step one - Start planning the week before you are due to fly if you want to travel in style. Make a list of what you are to pack and lay out the outfit that you are to wear when you board the plane. It does not matter where you are travelling to, just as long as you remember to include all of the essentials in your carry on. A book, a music player of some sort, an eye mask, facial wipes and some candies to suck on when the plane takes off and lands so your ears do not pop! Make sure that your carry on is light but also contains a change of underwear just in case your luggage gets lost! This way, you don't get caught short. Step two - Plan ahead some more! This time, check out the essentials of the destination that you are heading to. If you want to travel in style then you cannot land in a mini-skirt and flip-flops if it is freezing cold and raining. Keep a watch on the weather forecast in the week before you fly because it will constantly update and give you a great idea on what to expect. Also, buy a map and travel guide so that you can easily find your way to your hotel when you get there. Travelling in style is all about being prepared and making sure that you can handle anything that your trip throws at you! Step three - Wear layers when you board the plane if you want to travel in style. If it is hot then you can strip off the layers, but a cold plane is nobody's friend and encourages bugs and colds to spread to the vulnerable. As a result, you want to be warm! If you wear layers then you also escape using the airline blankets! You can look good and feel good all in one go! Step four - Finally enjoy it! Travelling in style should be fun! Air travel should not be a chore, but it will be if you view it that way! Travelling should be about adventure, so be determined to make it one!