http://www.j2venture.com/travelblog ....traveling the world, blogging along the way! Tue, 27 May 2008 22:16:14 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Have you ever thought “there’s just got to be a better way to fly than going commercial”? Well join the club. For most of us who fly often these days, what used to be no big deal, has become a nightmare to be avoided at all costs. You know, I remember ... http://www.j2venture.com/travelblog/2008/05/27/private-jet-charters-are-a-far-better-alternative-than-airlines/ One doesn’t have to spend a great deal of time flying these days to reach the point where they despise air travel. Actually, it’s not the travel part so much as the waiting, the lines, the delays, hassles, lost luggage, sardine seats, and so on. There is little else that can ... http://www.j2venture.com/travelblog/2008/05/19/the-aggravation-of-commercial-air-travel/ Airline frequent flyer programs have always been marketing tools but nothing like they are today. Used to be that the rewards they offered were somewhat desirable and even useful – enough so to entice one to show some loyalty when choosing who to fly on that next trip. Nowadays they’re mostly ... http://www.j2venture.com/travelblog/2008/05/12/airline-reward-programs-have-become-worthless/ Earthwatch is the world’s largest environmental volunteer nonprofit organization. In existence for over 35 years they have a goal that at its simplest is to help the world achieve a sustainable environment. To this end they fund scientific field research and provide ways for regular folks – like non-scientists, to act ... http://www.j2venture.com/travelblog/2008/04/28/volunteer-for-an-earthwatch-research-expedition-and-see-the-world/ Known as the three most important things in real estate, location, location, location, was obviously something the Mayan Indians had taken to heart hundreds of years ago. I mean just look at some of the gorgeous locations they chose to build at. White sand beaches, incredible turquoise water, cliff-side locations to ... http://www.j2venture.com/travelblog/2008/04/25/location-location-location-the-mayans-had-it-all-figured-out/ This wreck diving Mecca was first introduced to the world by adventure divers like Jacques Cousteau and Al Giddings. Today, it’s called Chuuk, but most divers still refer to it as Truk Lagoon. By whatever name, it has a fascinating history, incredible marine life and the world's largest concentration of ... http://www.j2venture.com/travelblog/2008/04/24/diving-the-ghost-fleet-of-truk-lagoon/ No brainer – white powder sand, turquoise water, no crowds. But wait, I’d really like some clear water & reef to do some snorkeling, so maybe a little rocky offshore – but keep some of the bottom sandy for playing on without stubbing a toe. And I’d like to do a ... http://www.j2venture.com/travelblog/2008/04/23/whats-the-definition-of-the-worlds-most-perfect-beach/ Atiu is one of those places that remains mostly undiscovered. Translation – it’s not been turned into a typical tourist trap. One reason for this is it takes some effort to reach, and the masses are unwilling to work that hard. But that’s good news for those looking to go ... http://www.j2venture.com/travelblog/2008/04/23/atiu-cook-islands-is-way-off-the-beaten-path/ One could liken St. Croix to a sort of "hidden gem", not just for divers looking for great diving in lesser known locales, but for anyone wanting to get away from the crowds and more visited places that have become way too “touristy”. Here divers will find healthy, pristine reefs, a ... http://www.j2venture.com/travelblog/2008/04/22/dive-st-croix-americas-backyard/ First off, this isn’t your usual kind of cruising. This is where you can buy an address on a luxury ship and enjoy the world as your backyard. Never see the same destination more than once every four years, your view changes continuously as the ship sails around the earth ... http://www.j2venture.com/travelblog/2008/04/22/the-magellan-residential-cruise-line/