What is Schengen Visa?

If you plan to travel to European countries that implement Schengen agreement, a “Schengen Visa” simplifies your travel between those countries.

With this Visa you can travel between countries like travelling inter-state in USA. So all internal air, road and train travel are handled as domestic trips between those countries.

What is Schengen?

Schengen is a wine-growing village in south-eastern Luxembourg near the point where the borders of Germany, France and Luxembourg meet together.

Which Countries Can I Travel With this Visa?

At present, there are 15 Schengen countries in Europe. The 15 countries are;

1. Austria

2. Belgium

3. Denmark

4. Finland

5. France

6. Germany

7. Iceland

8. Italy

9. Greece

10. Luxembourg

11. Netherlands

12. Norway

13. Portugal

14. Spain and

15. Sweden.

All these countries except Norway and Iceland are European Union members.

What are the Benefits Of this Visa?

Before Schengen agreement, people from some countries were required to have separate visas for every country in Europe they wished to visit. A vast network of border posts existed around the continent which disrupted traffic and trade, causing delays and costs to both businesses and visitors.

With the Schengen Agreement, border posts have been closed between participating countries. Road traffic is no longer delayed; road, rail and air passengers no longer have their identity checked when crossing borders.

How to Apply for Schengen Visa?

People from Non-EU(European Union), Non-EEA(European Economic Area) countries who wish to visit Europe as tourists, and who require a visa to enter the Schengen area, are simply required to get a common Schengen Visa from the Embassy/Consulate of the Schengen country they intend to visit first.

After this, they may visit any or all of the Schengen countries as tourists or for business without hindrance. They are not required to get separate visas for all the (Schengen) European countries they wish to visit.

Important Information.

Eventhough you can travel with one visa between Schengen countries, it is always safe to carry your passport and any other identification with you.

Some countries like Sweden and Finland still maintain customs control at their borders. Non-EU members Norway and Iceland are not a part of the EU customs union and therefore enforce the same level of custom control towards any traveler regardless of whether they come from within the Schengen area or not.

South African passport holders need a visa to enter the Schengen area of Europe. The countries of the Schengen territory are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

If you are visiting only one Schengen country, you must apply for a Schengen visa at that country’s embassy or consulate.

If you intend visiting several Schengen countries, you must apply for your Schengen visa at the embassy or consulate of the country where you will be spending the most time. For example, if you are visiting Germany for three days, France and the Netherlands for two days each, you would apply for your Schengen visa at the embassy or consulate of Germany.

If you are visiting several Schengen countries, but will not have a main destination, you must apply for your Schengen visa at the embassy or consulate of the first country you enter.

A Schengen visa is comparable to a multiple visa for all the above countries, and you need only one Schengen visa. There are several kinds of Schengen visas – a transit visa, a short-stay visa, a long-stay visa, an airport-transit visa and a group visa (only under some circumstances). The general cost of a Schengen visa (of any category) is l60 (R575).

When applying for any visa, you must phone the embassy or consulate concerned.

A Schengen visa will be issued to South Africans on a temporary passport provided the passenger is travelling within two months of the issue of that temporary passport and if that traveller has a South African identity document. Some Schengen countries do not allow entry on a temporary passport. Check before you travel.

Austria: Austrian Embassy, Pretoria, phone 012-452-9155. Cost: E60.

Belgium: Belgian Consulate-General, Rosebank, Joburg, phone 011-912-9600. Cost: E60.

Britain: South African passport holders do not need a visa to enter Britain for visits of up to six months. However, visa clearance cannot be issued on a temporary passport. Working holiday makers must have a visa when entering Britain. Working-visa applications should be made at the DHL Visa Centre (the British High Commission’s outsource partner). Call 0861-858-4727 or go to http://www.britishvisas.co.za. Cost: R195 to DHL plus cost of relevant visa.

Canary Islands: SA passport holders will need a Schengen visa for entry. The Spanish Embassy, Pretoria, phone 012-460-0123. Cost: E60.

Cyprus: Cyprus High Commission, Pretoria, 012-342-5258. Cost: R110.

Denmark: Royal Danish Embassy, Pretoria, phone 012-430-9340 or Royal Danish Consulate-General, Sandton, phone 011-804-3374. Cost: E60.

Finland: The Embassy of Finland, Pretoria, phone 012-343-0275. Cost: E60.

France: French Consulate-General, Rosebank, phone 011-778-5600. Cost: E60.

Germany: German Embassy – visa section, Pretoria, 012-427-8999. Cost: E60.

Greece: Greek Consulate-General, Illovo, 011-214-2300. Cost: E60.

Iceland: The Royal Danish Embassy represents Iceland in the issuing of visas, Royal Danish Embassy, Pretoria, phone 012-430-9340 or the Royal Danish Consulate-General, Sandton, phone 011-804-3374. Cost: E60.

Ireland: SA passport holders do not need a visa to enter Ireland for a stay of up to three months. Contact the Embassy of Ireland, Pretoria, 012-342-5062 for further information.

Italy: The Italian Embassy in Pretoria issues visas only to Pretoria residents. Phone 012-423-0000. Applications from South Africans living in the postal code areas 1000 to 2899 and 9300 to 9999 can be made to the Consulate-General of Italy, Houghton, phone 011-728-1392. Cost: E60.

Luxembourg: The Belgian Consulate-General, phone 011-912-9600. Cost: E60. South Africans with temporary passports are not allowed entry into Luxembourg.

Malta: SA passport holders need a visa to enter Malta, but if you already have a Schengen visa, you can enter Malta on that. The Honourary Consulate for Malta, Cape Town, phone 021-430-5319. Contact the Malta government website http://www.gov.mt

Monaco: Contact the Honorary Consulate of Monaco on 021-702-0991/2.

Netherlands: The Netherlands Embassy, Pretoria, phone, 012-425-4500. Cost: E60. South Africans travelling on a temporary passport will not be allowed to enter the Netherlands.

Norway: Royal Norwegian Embassy, Pretoria, phone 012-342-6100. Cost E60. As well as a Schengen visa, South Africans travelling on a temporary passport must have their SA identity books to show as proof of residence.

Portugal: Portuguese Consulate-General, Johannesburg, 011-622-0645-9 or the Portuguese Embassy – consular section, Pretoria, 012-341-5522. Cost: E60.

Spain: The Spanish Embassy, Pretoria, phone 012-460-0123. Cost: E60. As well as a Schengen visa, South Africans travelling on a temporary passport must have their SA identity books to show as proof of residence.

Sweden: Swedish Embassy, Pretoria, phone 012-426-6400. Cost: E60.

Switzerland: SA passport holders do not need a visa to enter Switzerland for a visit not exceeding three months. But if you are studying, working, etc, you need a visa. The Embassy of Switzerland, Pretoria, phone 012-452-0660.

Turkey: South African passport holders need a visa to enter Turkey. The Turkish Embassy, Pretoria, phone 012-342-6053/4. The cost of a visa is R676.

Have a new job and need to move your pet across the country? Trying to decide on the best and cheapest way to accomplish this? This article will provide some insight of how to travel cheap with your pets across the country or even just across the state if that’s how far you need to go.

Many people look upon their dogs, cats, and other pets as children. I know I do! I could never consider moving to another place without taking my pets along. Whenever I hear about someone taking their dog to the shelter because they are “moving” I really can’t fathom it. So let’s see what you need to do to get your animals moved with you!

First, be sure your pet is healthy. You need a health certificate, license, and proof of vaccinations, so pack those along for each pet.

If you are flying and wondering how to travel cheap on planes, the best thing is to take your pet on board with you if they are small enough. I recommend avoiding planes if your pet cannot be taken on board with you. But if you have no other options, shop around well in advance for discounted airfare for pets.

Remember that you will be in a strange place so – this is very important – check all collars and make sure they are very secure and with identification tags attached. See that the collar cannot slip over your pet’s head. You will be getting out of the car to let them potty in, most likely, different rest stops on the interstate and I have heard of many horror stories of dogs getting lost at rest areas. Please be extra careful the minute you open the door. Dogs are amazingly adept at backing out of collars so use a harness if possible.

Plan ahead for your accommodations. Many books feature pet-friendly hotels, or you can look them up online. However, be sure to call ahead to verify and also make reservations so you won’t be left driving late into the night looking for a place to stay. How to travel cheap at pet-friendly hotels? Compare prices before leaving home and make your reservations well in advance to take advantage of specials.

Consider a seatbelt for your dog if he or she is not traveling in a crate. I am a volunteer with english pointer rescue, and we require all our traveling pointers to be secured in the car with a doggie seatbelt. You can easily find one in your local pet shop or online.

With a little extra effort, and a little research on how to travel cheap, you can easily move you and your furkids across the country without a lot of trouble.

Siesta Key is a district of the city of Sarasota, located along the Gulf Coast south of Tampa. It is part of Sarasota county; and is considered as one of the most livable, friendliest, well-maintained counties in all of Florida.

At present, there are approximately 24,000 residents living in this key, as some are permanent residents while others live on the island during the winter season. The Travel Channel recently named this area as the “Best sand Beach In America.” Siesta Key was selected by a panel of prominent beach experts who reviewed different criteria such as cleanliness, sand quality and surrounding areas.

How The Lovely Beaches Make For An Added Incentive To Buying Real Estate Here

According to the manager of the Sarasota County Parks and Recreation department, “This beautiful, wide beach has something for beach lovers of all ages,”.

The County Parks department also added that, ” The key the greatest sand anywhere, leading to the clear blue water of the Gulf of Mexico, with shade trees and recreational areas nearby.” This is not the first time that the beaches in Siesta Key have been ranked among the best. Last year, the Travel Channel also listed it as one of Florida’s top 10 beaches.

In a recent readers poll by USA Today, more than 3,000 people across the continental US named Siesta Key as one of the top three U.S. beaches. The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution also designated Siesta Beach as having “the whitest, finest beach sand in the world” out of more than 30 other locations worldwide. The Conde Nast Traveler Magazine also hailed the areas’ sand as being “the best of the best” in 1999.

Real Estate Options Abound In Siesta Key

Many travel and real estate observers have noted that Sarasota and surrounding Gulf Coast areas in Florida are truly wonderful places to live and invest in. The area offers a wide array of homes for sale, from standard to upscale condominiums and lavish luxury estates.

In getting the best housing option, it would be advisable to acquire the services of a local property broker who can show you the best real estate choice that would be suited to your preferences and needs. From choosing a wide option of upscale condos, waterfront homes and estates, a knowledgeable property broker from the Sarasota area can guide you in selecting the right real estate investment option.

The Keys Are Going Green With New Environmental Standards For Hotels And Housing

A growing number of hotels, resorts, condos and other housing projects in this area have begun to implement greener standards, which are mandated by the Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Lodging Certification. A significant number of resorts, hotels and condos in Siesta Key, have made major strides in following ethical business practices to conserve water, reduce waste, and improve energy efficiency and air quality.

In order to receive consideration for getting a Florida Green Lodging Certification, hotels, lodges and resorts, as well as other property projects must complete and submit an application for admission, and also implement core activities. Once the core activities are completed, the properties may request an on-site review, wherein the resort or establishment undergoes a thorough Environmental Department inspection.

http://siestakeyrealestate.com – Siesta Key Real Estate

Over 135 years ago, many German-Swiss immigrants traveled well into the south central United States to stake their claim. And back in the 1870′s, the beautiful Ozark Mountain area of northwestern Arkansas seemed an appropriate place to begin. Rolling mountains, while not quite the height or splendor of the Swiss Alps, offered a reminder of home.

And so, a large German-Swiss settlement blossomed in the west/northwest area of Arkansas, “The Natural State”. Now, almost a century and a half later, this European influence is still felt in a unique area of the state, roughly between Little Rock in the state’s center and Fort Smith, at its’ western boundary. Not far off of Interstate I-40, about 50 minutes east of Fort Smith, you’ll find Arkansas Wine Country.

Traveling west/northwest out of Little Rock (actually, North Little Rock) on Interstate 40, it’s about 140 miles to the heart of Arkansas wine country. As you travel outside of Little Rock, you’ll notice the topography changing … lush valleys and rolling mountains … a perfect subclimate for grape growing and wine making. Approximately two hours outside of Little Rock on Interstate 40, look for exit 41, Arkansas Route 186. Go south about five miles on 186 and you’ll enter the charming and historic town of Altus, heart of Arkansas wine country and home to four area wineries. Let’s take a closer look.

Chateau Aux Arc Vineyards and Winery: Directly on Rt. 186, actually just two miles off I-40 and before you reach the town of Altus,is Chateau Aux Arc, the world’s largest propagator of Cynthiana grapes. Be sure to check out their gorgeous tasting room, situated on top of St. Mary’s mountain. Enjoy the view of the Arkansas River Valley while you taste the fruit of Chateau Aux Arc’s labor.

Mount Bethel Winery: Three generations of the Post family have proudly guided this beautiful historic winery. Just 1/4 mile east of the town of Altus, Mount Bethel Winery offers a full selection of reds, whites, and fruit wines. Since Arkansas is a renowned fruit producer, we decided to try the Elderberry and Blackberry wines, both produced from fruit grown and hand picked by the Post family. Both were sweet, tangy, and quite enjoyable. Mount Bethel is also renowned for their port wine, Big Daddy Port.

Post Familie Vineyards and Winery: On to downtown Altus, where one block north on Rt. 186 stands the Post Familie Vineyards and Winery. They say the scenery in this area is just as beautiful as Napa Valley and we wouldn’t disagree! Post Familie is known for their muscadine wines (a southern specialty), as well as a very nice Pinot Grigio.

Wiederkehr Wine Cellars: A pioneer in the U.S. wine industry (Wiederkehr is Bonded Winery #8), Wiederkehr Wine Cellars is an introduction to the Swiss winemaking heritage. Housed in an Alpine lodge, Wiederkehr offers 45 minute winery and cellar tours for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into winemaking. We enjoyed a German-Swiss lunch in their onsite restaurant, the Weinkeller Restaurant. As for wine, try Wiederkehr’s deliciously dry Johannisberg Riesling or their unique, crisp Verdelet, a white wine made from a French developed grape variety.

Cowie Wine Cellars and Museum: Our last stop takes us to the smallest winery in Arkansas, Cowie Wine Cellars and Museum. Located three miles west of Paris, Arkansas on scenic Rt. 22, Cowie Wine Cellars is a must stop, not just to taste and buy their wines, but also to see their museum, dedicated to the art of Arkansas winemaking and Arkansas wineries.

The Wine Museum traces Arkansas wine history through the last 130 years. Be sure to see the original wine press and other historic winemaking artifacts. Interestingly, this is the only museum in the United States dedicated solely to the wine history of one state. A new branch of the museum was recently opened in Hot Springs, a popular tourist stop further south in the state.

I traveled throughout the world for many years as a Tour Host for a major travel company. At times our tour plans were altered based on information from The US State Department or CIA. Wise international travelers have learned to follow these government briefings and bulletins.

Recently my youngest son traveled to Peru for a study program through NC State University. There were some mildly disruptive issues in that area of South America, including nearby Bolivia. If you are planning a Bolivian or South American trip be sure to get the latest information and alerts concerning the countries you plan to visit.

At the time of this writing there are somewhat escalated political and social tensions in Bolivia. These are reportedly due to the highly polarized nature of the Bolivia Constituent Assembly process.

Recent protests and demonstrations have led to numerous violent clashes. These skirmishes have resulted in casualties and mass injuries at various locations throughout Bolivia. The US State Department recommends that U.S. citizens hold off non-essential travel to Bolivia at this time until tension eases a bit. Even the U.S. Embassy La Paz is restricting the official travel of U.S. Government employees to Bolivia during this period.

Since protests and demonstrations can break out with little or no notice, U.S. citizens in Bolivia should monitor local media sources for the latest developments, according to the State Department. If you are now in Bolivia, or any foreign country, use common sense and avoid all demonstrations.

Strikes and road blockades are a constant risk in Bolivia and are likely to disrupt transportation at the local and regional levels. A traveler should never attempt to cross a blockade. In addition to affecting transportation, blockades and strikes may limit access to important services and desirable amenities.

During this time, the Santa Cruz Administration and Auxiliary Services of Aerial Navigation have suspended services in and out of Viru Viru International Airport. All domestic and international flights were cancelled for a period. As a potential traveler you should contact your airline and/or tour operators before travel for the latest updates and information.

U.S. citizens living or traveling in Bolivia are encouraged by the State Department to register with the U.S. Embassy in La Paz or the U.S. Consular Agencies in Cochabamba or Santa Cruz, Bolivia .

Registration may even be done online and in advance of travel. Travel can be a great adventure, especially when traveling smart and safely.

What is the real secret to cheap international travel? It is the same as the secret to doing anything for less. Learn to be an opportunist. Opportunistic travelers get to travel more, see more and do more. Of course, you can ignore this advice if you have unlimited funds.

I went to Ecuador because it was cheap. Honestly, aren’t there many interesting places in this world? Why not choose one you can travel to inexpensively? The other places will be there in the future, and you may have an opportunity to go to those places cheaply at some point.

Cheap Countries

Ecuador is my favorite international destination. You can still get a decent meal for two dollars. U.S. dollars, by the way, since that’s conveniently the official currency of Ecuador now. From the beautiful snow-capped Andes mountains, to the Galapagos Islands, you’ll never run out of places to explore in Ecuador. Travel there is safe and inexpensive.

South America in general is inexpensive, and the most affordable countries are, in my opinion, the most beautiful. These are the countries along the Andes mountains; Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Argentina, thanks to it’s recent economic troubles, is once again a cheap place for travelers as well.

In Central America, it costs very little to travel and vacation in both Nicaragua and Guatemala. Nicaragua, in particular, has become more stable and safe for travelers in recent years. Costa Rica is a wonderful too, and though it is one of more expensive counties of Central America, that probably still leaves it cheaper than Europe.

In Asia, India is still low-cost, especially if you stay in the numerous hostels and boarding houses. Thailand and Indonesia are also very cheap. With all international destinations, the plane tickets will be your single biggest travel expense. This is especially true with the asian countries. Being there is cheap, but getting there may not be.

Cheap International Travel Tips

Wherever you go, there are things you can do to keep it cheap. Eat where locals eat, for example, instead of at the tourist restaurants. To keep it really cheap, eat fruit from street markets (wash it well) and packaged snacks from grocery stores.

Visit the free and cheap attractions first. It’s possible you’ll have so much fun that you’ll never get around to doing the expensive things. A higher price means better quality with travel bags, but not with travel experiences.

Busses are cheaper than taxis in any country, but be careful of crowded city busses, where pickpockets hang out. Walking is even cheaper, and it’s a great way to learn about a city. Just ask the locals where the dangerous parts are before you wander too far.

For cheap accommodations find out where local visitors from within the country stay. Negotiating room charges is common in some areas. In Banos, Ecuador, we negotiated our room rate down from $12 to $6 per night, by paying for several nights in advance. Consider hostels, if you don’t mind sharing a room. They’re much more common overseas.

Cheap international travel is often only as cheap as your plane tickets. Use the techniques outlined on our site to save big on tickets, or search the fares to several interesting countries. If one is $500 less than the others, consider going there. $500 can buy a few extra days, or an extra mini-vacation some other time.

According to the data presented by “iJet Intelligent Risk Systems” and “Control Risks”, consulting agencies in the field of security, the magazine “Forbes” has composed the rating of the world’s most dangerous countries for tourists. Tourists are recommended to visit these countries accompanied by professional bodyguards or not to visit them at all.

While composing the rating, the agency “iJet” took into account such factors as the criminality rate, security services, civil disorders, terrorism, kidnapping and geopolitical stability in the country and gave it a grade from 1 to 5, where 1 is the lowest level of threat, and 5 – the highest level. The agency “Control Risks” estimates the degree of danger of a country as extremely high, high, middle, low and insignificant.

So, the top 10 of world’s most dangerous countries for tourists is as follows:

1. Somali. Grade of “iJet”: 5. Estimate of “Control Risks”: extremely high level of threat to tourists’ safety and movement. Armed conflicts, kidnapping with the purpose of getting ransom, pirates’ attacks and mines are among the dangers waiting for travelers who arrive in this country.

2. Iraq. Grade of “iJet”: 5. Estimate of “Control Risks”: extremely high level of threat to tourists’ safety and movement. There is a risk of terrorist attacks. The most dangerous regions of the country are Baghdad, the territory from Tikrit in the north to Hilla in the south, from Ramadi in the west to Mandali in the east.

3. Afghanistan. Grade of “iJet”: 5. Estimate of “Control Risks”: extremely high level of threat to tourists’ safety and movement. There is a risk of terrorist attacks. Terrorist attacks occur not only in Kabul, but in other towns of the country.

4. Haiti. Grade of “iJet”: 5. Estimate of “Control Risks”: high level of threat to tourists’ safety and movement; extremely high level of threat to movement in Port-o-Prince. Despite the democratic parliament and president elections that took place in February 2006, you may easily obtain fire-arms in Haiti; corruption flourishes among police force; and the system of justice is inefficient.

5. Pakistan. Grade of “iJet”: 5. Estimate of “Control Risks”: high level of threat to tourists’ safety; there is a risk of terrorist attacks; high level of threat to movement in Karachi and Baluchistan. It is worth mentioning that Benazir Bhutto, the former Prime Minister, was killed in December, 2007.

6. Sudan. Grade of “iJet”: 5. Estimate of “Control Risks”: extremely high level of threat to tourists’ safety and movement in Darfur; high level of threat to tourists’ safety and movement in south districts of Sudan, border districts at frontier with Ethiopia and Eritrea.

7. The Democratic Republic of Congo. Grade of “iJet”: 5. Estimate of “Control Risks”: high level of threat to tourists’ safety and movement – extremely high level of threat to tourists’ safety and movement in the region of Ituri.

8. Lebanon. Grade of “iJet”: 5. Estimate of “Control Risks”: high level of threat to tourists’ safety, medium level of threat to movement throughout the country, medium level of threat of terrorist attacks.

9. Zimbabwe. Grade of “iJet”: 5. Estimate of “Control Risks”: high level of threat to tourists’ safety, insignificant level of threat of terrorist attacks, medium level of threat to movement throughout the country.

10. Palestine. Grade of “iJet”: the Gaza Strip – 5; West Coast – 4. Estimate of “Control Risks”: high level of threat to tourists’ safety and movement.

This rating is not the first one that comprises countries where the travelers are in danger. Recently there was another rating of 12 most dangerous countries of the world that was based upon the threat of terrorism and the general security of travel.

When my husband Tim announced he wanted to “chuck it all” and travel around the country in a converted bus for a year, I gave this profound and potentially life-altering notion all the thoughtful consideration it deserved.

“Why can’t you be like a normal husband with a midlife crisis and have an affair or buy a Corvette?” I demanded, adding, “I will never, ever, EVER, not in a million years, live on a bus.”

We’re both psychiatrists, but he’s obviously the better shrink, for we soon set forth with our two querulous cats, sixty-pound dog – and no agenda – in a 340-square-foot bus.

How Traveling & Seeing The World Was Truly a Life-Changing Experience

1. We learned how not to put off our dreams.

2. We discovered the importance of living now.

3. We grew to understand we had to pare down our lifestyle, so that we could spend more time with the people we love – instead of the things we love.

4. We recognized how comfortable – too comfortable – our lives had become. Many of us work so hard year after year. Then, one day, we wake up and wonder, “Is this all there is?” We hadn’t realized the importance of continuing to challenge and stretch ourselves.

Yes, we had our share of disasters on the trip including:

- Fire

- Flood

- Armed robbery

- And my developing a bus phobia to name just a few

But, the adventures and misadventures helped us grow. They shook things up and added a certain “spark” that we didn’t even realize was missing. It was hard enough getting on the bus, but nothing taught me the importance of getting outside my comfort zone more than going to a nudist RV park!

What I Discovered About Nudist Parks, How It Shook Things Up & How The Experience Changed Our Lives Forever

Although as a psychiatrist Tim is very much in tune with unconscious drives, hidden meanings, and deep-seated motivations, he is also a typical guy. And typical guys want to go to nudist resorts. Not being any type of a guy myself, I had always informed him I would never, ever, EVER, not in a million years…

But, now I had clearly lost any semblance of free will. I was, after all, living in a bus for a year. I didn’t stand a chance. Not that I was nonchalant about this. I started Atkins in anticipation – just in case – months before. I need not have bothered, for as I discovered, nudists are incredibly low-key. Unless, that is, you’re trying to get into one of their parks. Then, they can be just as big a pain in the ass as any prudes.

When we pulled into Olive Dell Ranch Nudist Resort in Colton, California, I faced yet another dilemma: Usually, I headed to the office to check in while Tim stayed with the bus. Should I take my clothes off now? What if, in a variation on the universal nightmare, this was some God-awful joke and everyone was clothed but me? I was wearing earrings. Do I take them off, too?

I could have called on my cell phone and asked, but I didn’t feel like being laughed at just yet, especially as I was anticipating that reaction as soon as I stepped off the bus, anyway.

So, I kept my clothes on. The woman in her home office had not. (Note to self: This could very well be my dream job, for not only can one work at home, but not even have to get dressed.)

I soon discovered that none of my concerns mattered. In a nudist park, everything is stripped down, so to speak.

What You Will Not Find at a Nude RV Park

As Tim observed, there’s no macho, no pretense, no posturing. Your balls (and whether or not you have any) are out there for everyone to see. (Especially, as we would later discover, when partaking of naked karaoke.) But our favorite part of the entire experience had to be the maintenance guy who walks around nude except for his tool belt. An interesting effect, for every time he turned around, I nearly exclaimed, “Hey! You dropped your . . .” Oops.

And, don’t forget that you too, should add some spice to your life. Don’t put off your dreams any longer. Discover the importance of living now. And, don’t settle in life, at work, or in relationships. It will help you keep growing, something we all need to do our entire lives.

America’s rich tradition of wine making began in earnest in the 1800′s, when European immigrants brought their skills to various unsettled areas of the country. A few decades before California and other west coast wine producing states were settled, many eastern and midwestern states had thriving wine industries. In the 1830′s, a group of German immigrants made their way to the Missouri river valley, west of St. Louis near the present town of Hermann, Missouri.

These early settlers noted how the topography and climate of the river valley resembled their European home areas of Germany and Switzerland. In particular, various grape varieties were growing wild on hillsides surrounding Hermann, prompting founding fathers and town leaders to encourage further cultivation and ultimately, wine making. After a few short years, the prolific grape crop merged with the settler’s wine making skills, and America’s first wine district was born.

After Prohibition, wine making became viable again, and since the 1960′s over 75 wineries have opened in Missouri. Situated on a 20 mile stretch, this wine district just over an hour from St. Louis boasts historic villages and seven wineries. Those who enjoy wine trails and wine travel are drawn here for a variety of reasons, not the least of which are award winning wines and spectacular scenery.

Missouri has long been known for deep, rich red wines typically produced from traditional grape varieties such as Norton and Chambourcin. Wineries in this area use these native grapes to develop award winning varieties of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Burgundy styles. But these wineries aren’t all about reds, as winemakers on this wine trail also produce clean and delightfully crisp styles like rieslings and chardonels.

A visit to the central Missouri wine trail usually begins with a visit to St. Louis. From St. Louis, travel west on Interstate 44 to Missouri Highway 100, continuing on Highway 100 twenty miles to the town of New Haven. This charming village is the eastern edge of the wine trail and is home to historic Robller Vineyard and Winery, which offers a spectacular view of the Missouri river valley.

Just west of New Haven and on your way toward Hermann is the Bommarito Almond Tree Winery, a family owned estate winery producing a savory award winning port, among other offerings. A few miles west is Bias Vineyards and Winery, situated on a 64 acre farm and featuring a microbrewery and winery, only the 2nd such operation in the United States. Be sure to try Bias’ River Blush Rouge, an easy drinking friendly blush.

As you reach the Hermann area, you’ll discover four thriving wineries offering the chance to try Missouri wine. Stone Hill, Oakglenn, Adam Puchta, and Hermannhof wineries all offer wine tasting, winery tours, and scenic views. Take time to savor the offerings at each. Among those we particularly enjoyed were Oakglenn’s spicy Chambourcin and Stone Hill’s Vidal Blanc. Stone Hill and Hermannhof are other must stops, not only for their fine wines but also for their historic settings.

The western end of the wine trail is punctuated by the picturesque town of Hermann, MO. This is a town you’ll really enjoy – historic architecture, local restaurants, and specialty shops galore. It’s a perfect place to spend the night and participate in one of their many local events, several devoted to enjoyment of wine. Also, for the fitness buff within you, Hermann is also known for its easy access to the Katy Bike Trail which winds through the Missouri river valley.