Homemade Wind Power and What It can do for You

If you want to harness the power of the wind to generate your own electricity for your home I have good news and bad news. The good news is that homemade wind power really is a viable option.  The bad news is it may not do as much as you'd hoped it would.

Converting wind power into electricity is done by using a wind turbine, once the energy is converted into electricity it can than be sent to the grid to be used or stored in batteries for later use.

If you want to use wind power at home you will need a turbine. To get a turbine you have two options: buy one, or make one.

One thing to take into consideration, especially if you are going the more expensive route of buying one, is how long you plan on living in your house.  Buying a wine turbine for home use is going to be pretty pricey.  If you're planning on staying in your home for many years you'll have time to recoup that investment.

If, on the other hand, you're planning on moving in a year or two you won't have saved enough on your utility bills in that time to get your money back. 

There is another option, an option where it doesn't really matter how long you stay in your home.  You can build your own turbine.  The cost will be dramatically less than buying one, less than $200 for all the parts, yet you will still benefit from the same amount of savings on your utility bills, up to 80%.

Another thing you have to keep in mind is that one wind turbine won't be enough to provide all the electricity your home needs, though it will supply around 60% of what you need.

You can buy a turbine or build your own and you will see significant savings on your utility bills no matter which option you choose.  You'll just see it sooner if you lower your initial investment by building your own homemade wind power.

How To Get Electricity From Wind

Saving money and saving the environment seem to be on most everyones mind these days.  The great thing is you can do both at the same time.  There is an inexpensive way that you can get electricity from wind and you can do it all right at home.

Many people are becoming aware that they can use a wind turbine to capture the energy of the wind and convert it into electricity.  More and more of these turbines are popping up in backyards all over the country.

Unless you have very deep pockets, and/or plan on staying in your house for 10 or more years, buying a turbine most likely wouldn't be the best way for you to go.  They are expensive and it will take you a long time to recoup that investment.

It is a good idea, however, to build your own turbine. The technology has advanced to the point where turbines can be small enough to fit in your backyard yet still be able to generate enough electricity to cover around 60% of your household needs.

By building your own you get the best of both worlds: low initial cost (you therefore can recoup your money much more quickly, usually in a matter of months), and the ability to save upwards of 80% on your utility bills.

If you decide to build your own turbine there are three basic steps you need to take:

1. Buy a manual that will show you how to build it in easy step by step directions.

2. Purchase the parts you will need to assemble your turbine. These parts can be bought at your hardware store for around $200.

3. Set aside a day or two to assemble your turbine. 

That's it.  You're done.   You now have a way to get electricity from wind and save a lot of money on your utility bills for years to come.

Going Green And Saving Money, Can I Do Both?

I know a lot of people are concerned with the environment and would like to help by going green.  I also know that a lot of people are struggling financially and think that it would cost too much money to go green.  The truth is that there are many things you can do to help the environment that will also save you money.

One of the best places to start is at home,  simple changes there can save you a lot of money.

One of the biggest expenses of most homes is the utility bill.  Heating and cooling a house are where most of the utility budget gets spent.  That's why it makes sense to target these areas in your efforts to save money and be environmentally responsible.

To save money on your heating and cooling costs the first step is to make sure you only heat and cool your house, not the outside.  To do this you want to make sure you have adequate insulation as well as plug any cracks and gaps around windows and doors.

Another way to save money is to make sure your heating and cooling unit is working at peak performance. Have it inspected annually by a HVAC professional, and keep the filters clean by changing them at least monthly during heating season.

Adding a programmable thermostat is another way of saving money since you are only paying to keep your house toasty during the hours you are home. 

And last, but not lest, consider investing a few hundred dollars and building your own wind turbine.  It's easy to do, it's cheap, and it can generate up to 60% of the electricity you'll need for your home. That's 60% less you'll have to pay for.

Going green is easy.  Just follow one or more of the tips above and start today.

Easy Ways To Cut Energy Bills

Even though summer is almost over there's no need to panic.  Cry yes, panic no.  Last year many of us were wondering how we were going to pay our utility bills: incomes were falling and energy prices were rising.  This year things are a little more stable but we still want to know how to cut energy bills.

The good news is that it doesn't take huge actions to cut your bills.  While it's true the bigger steps you take the bigger savings you'll get.  But even if you're not in a position to take the big steps even small things can help you save.

So here is a list of some of the things you can do, big and small, to start saving on your energy bills. These savings will last long beyond this upcoming winter and could add up to thousands of dollars in savings.  Some of these things may even make you eligible for a tax credit of up to $1,500.

1. Add insulation to your attic.  This one thing can dramatically cut the amount of air you've paid to heat escaping to the outside.  Find out the proper 'R' value for your area.

2. Keep your furnace in top condition by having it inspected annually by a qualified professional. Also make sure to change the filters at least monthly.

3. Get insulated curtains or blinds to keep the heat loss from windows to a minimum.

4. Let the sun shine in.  On sunny winter days the sun coming into your home can help heat it.  Make sure you close the curtains after the sun goes down to help keep the cold air out.

5.  Try to cut your dependence on your utility company. Install your own solar panels and/or wind turbine.

These things are just a start, but they can still help you cut energy bills this winter and for many years to come.

Home Renewable Energy

Now that the technology has advanced to the point where home renewable energy such as solar power and wind power, are viable options, it's time to get going and cash in on the savings available by using these green energy sources.

Both solar and wind power have been around for a long time.  I imagine many people are more familiar with solar power for home use than they are for wind power.  After all, we've been seeing solar panels on our neighbors roofs for a decade at least.

Wind power, at least for home use, is a newer trend.  Of course we've seen windmills forever and we've even been seeing huge wind farms for a long time, it was pretty rare to see a small, home sized wind turbine in someone's back yard or on their roof.

The reason for that was due largely to the fact that the technology wasn't yet good enough to create enough electricity from such a small turbine.  When it comes to wind power bigger is not only better, it's a necessity.

Now that technology has advanced enough to make smaller wind turbines a reality (even though they're small they can still be worthwhile because they can generate a reasonable amount of electricity) it might be time you considered getting your own. 

With wind power and solar power you can build your own turbine and panel respectively.  Especially in the case of wind power that is the preferred way to go because purchasing a turbine simply isn't cost effective.  It would take you a very long time to recoup that investment.

Anyone can build their own home turbine all you need is a manual to follow, about $200 worth of parts, and a few days of your time.

Even though the investment is small the potential savings is not.  Most people are reporting a savings of around 80% on their electricity bills.

So start today to take full advantage of home renewable energy by using wind power, solar power, or a combination of both and you'll save thousands for years to come.

Cut Energy Bills- In 3 Easy Steps

In this article I have provided a list of items you can do to cut energy bills this winter.  Just think of this as a checklist that you can go through one by one.  Some of the items listed are very simple and inexpensive to do, but will still save you some money, others, are far more elaborate and will save you a lot of money.

1.  Have a professional HVAC inspection done on your furnace.  Your furnace is just like your car in that if it isn't tuned up properly it will work harder to run and will burn more fuel. 

Replacing your filters monthly is one inexpensive way to help your furnace run more efficiently.

2. Inspect your fireplace.  Make sure there are no obstructions in your chimney.  Have it cleaned by a professional if you use it a lot, at least once a week. 

Install a wire cap on the top of the chimney to prevent birds from building nests in it.

3. Add insulation to your attic.  This is the place where a lot of energy gets wasted.  As you know, hot air rises.  If your attic isn't properly insulated all the air you've paid to heat will just rise up and out of your house.

4. Either replace leaky doors and windows are at least add some caulk and/or an insulated window kit to prevent heat loss.

5. Install insulated curtains that you can close at night to keep heat from escaping.  Make sure to keep them open during the daytime so the heat from the sun can help heat your house.

6. Consider generating your own electricity by building a wind turbine for your home.  This easy 1 day project will only cost about $200 but can save up to 80% on your electricity costs.

Use this checklist and do one, or more, of these projects before winter hits.  That way you can cut energy bills this season which will give you more money to do other things...like go somewhere warm!

All You Need To Know About DIY Wind Power

Installing a wind turbine for your home is a very realistic way for you to save money on your electric bills.  Even one small home sized wind turbine can generate around 60% of the energy you'll need for your home use.  This article will give you and overview of everything you need to know about DIY wind power.

The first thing you need to be aware of is that if you're not planning on doing it yourself but rather you're planning on buying a turbine, the cost will be dramatically higher so it will take you much longer to recoup your initial investment.

If you build your own turbine the cost will be a fraction of that to purchase one so you can recoup your investment much more quickly.  On average purchasing a turbine will cost around $600 and up, but building your own will only be around $200.  As you can see, the difference is significant. 

It doesn't matter if you build or buy, you will still be able to generate the same amount of electricity, 60% of your daily needs on average. A 'store' bought turbine won't generate any more electricity than one you've built.

To build your own turbine you will need to purchase a manual that can easily illustrate all the steps.  You don't have to be a carpenter or have any particular skills in order to build your turbine.

All the parts you need for building a turbine can be found locally and will only cost around $200. For most people it will only take a day or so to build a turbine.

It is important to note that one turbine won't allow you to completely supply all your electrical needs.   In order to do that you'd need several turbines or combining your turbine with other sources of energy such as solar.

DIY wind power is not only feasible, it's inexpensive and will provide you with a high return on investment.

What Are The Best Renewable Energy Sources?

Now that many of us are starting to re-think how we get and use our energy, people are starting to ask questions.  One of the most common is about different types of renewable energy sources and which one is the best.

I'm not sure that you can really say one type is 'the best' across the board.  They all have their pros and cons.  To some extent which type of energy source you choose will depend on where you live.

Another factor is how much electricity you want your energy source to generate.  For the purpose of this article we're going to stick with solar and wind power. 

These are probably two of the most common, cost effective forms of green energy for individual household use today.  Technology will to continue to advance and make converting the energy from the sun and wind and then storing it for later use, even more efficient.

Even so both of these forms of energy are viable right now for household use. 

You've no doubt seen solar panels on rooftops before.  This is simply a way of gathering the energy of the sun where it can be converted into electricity and stored for later use.

Solar energy is great for certain parts of the country that get a lot of sunny days, but it still won't work at night so basically about 12 hours  out of every day you won't be generating energy with solar panels.

Wind turbines can provide around 60% of your household needs daily with just one turbine.  You can build your own for very little money and with no special skills.

Of course a wind turbine needs wind to generate electricity.

Both solar and wind power have their advantages and disadvantages.  For many people combining both types of renewable energy sources is the best option.  No matter which you choose the important thing is that you start using green sources of energy right now.

Easy Ways To Cut Energy Bills This Winter

Old man winter is getting ready to breathe down our necks again, even though fuel costs aren't quite as astronomical as they were last winter, we still don't want to spend more than we have to.  The good news is that there are simple things you can do to cut energy bills.

Just look through the flier from your local hardware store and you will be inundated with ideas of inexpensive ways to winterize your home so that the air you've paid to heat isn't escaping to the outside.

Here are a few places you can start that will help you make a dent in your utility bill, not just this winter but all year long:

1. Have your furnace inspected by a professional to make sure it's running at peak performance.  Also don't forget to change the filters monthly.

2. Add a programmable thermostat, that way your home can be nice and warm while you're home but the temperature can be lowered automatically when you're not there which will save money.

3. Add insulation to your attic.  You can also add an insulated blanket to your water heater.  There are foam insulating products made specifically for pipes and behind electrical outlets too.

4. If you can afford it, replace old, drafty windows and doors, you might even be eligible for a tax credit.  If you can't afford to replace your windows you can buy a window insulating kit to help prevent heat loss.

5. Use wind power and build your own wind turbine.  Don't laugh, this is very easy, and cheap, to do.  Anyone can do it and it can save you 80% on your electric bills.

If you want to cut energy bills this winter just follow one, or all, of the steps listed above.  The savings can be significant and with the money you save maybe you can take a trip to someplace warm!

How Can I Benefit From Wind Power?

Windmills have been around a very long time.  People have been harnessing wind power and putting it to work for them long before the technology we have today was available.  Thanks to the advances we've made we can not only use the wind too, we can use it much more effectively.

While the huge wind farms with the gigantic turbines have been around in the U.S. for a while now, it's only been fairly recently that the technology has advanced to the point where we can convert the energy of the wind into electricity more efficiently therefore making smaller scale turbines feasible for home use.

Before you go out and buy a windmill though, there are some things you need to keep in mind. For one thing, you have to decide if you want to buy a turbine or build your own.  Just keep in mind that buying one will be expensive and will therefore take you longer to recoup the investment.

On the other hand, you can build your own simply and inexpensively without sacrificing the amount of electricity you will generate.  Either option, buying or building, will allow you to generate around 60% of the electricity your home needs daily.  That will add up to about an 80% savings on your electric bill.

Multiply that savings by every month for the next ten years, or so, and you can see that the savings is going to be huge, well worth the investment particularly if you've built your own unit and have much less 'start up' cost.

If you build your own turbine for $200 you can probably recoup the savings in a month or two, whereas if you've bought one for a few thousand dollars it could take up to a few years to recoup that amount.

So, yes, you really can benefit from wind power.  The only real question is how fast do you want to recoup your investment?

Domestic Wind Turbine - Reality Or Science Fiction?

If you're ready to go out and invest in a domestic wind turbine you might want to ask yourself a few questions first.  It's important to know the facts so that you don't spend money and then later regret it.

For many people their own home wind turbine can make a lot of sense.  Even so, there are some important things you have to keep in mind.

One of the most important things to consider is whether you will build or buy your turbine.  If you are considering buying it just keep in mind that they are pretty pricey and  the more money you spend up front the longer it will take you to recoup that investment from the money you save on your utility bills.

You can build your own turbine, and for many people this option makes the most sense since it doesn't cost much, you don't need any special skills, you can buy all the parts at a hardware store, and you can buy a manual that will walk you through the building process.

Buying or building is only one of the questions you need to ask yourself.  Another important factor is how long you intend to live in your house.  If you're not going to be there in a year from now you might not want to take the time to build a turbine.

You also have to have realistic expectations about what a turbine will and won't do.  One turbine won't be enough for you to get off the grid and produce all the electricity your home needs.  It can, however, save you about 80% on your utility bills, which is significant.

So before you go out and buy a domestic wind turbine just take a few minutes to answer these questions.  While there is no doubt that generating your own electricity with a wind turbine is a good idea, it's important that you have realistic expectations.

Best Ways To Go Green and Help Yourself

It's like many of us have just gotten a double whammy, we want to help the environment and go green,  but we are struggling to keep our heads above water and can't afford to buy more expensive green products.

The good news is that you don't need to spend more to be green.   While it's true many organic foods and green household products do cost more money, there are other things that you can do that will help the environment and actually save you money.

Most of these things revolve around your energy use either at home or in your car.

To cut back on the amount of fuel your car uses try these simple steps: drive less by combining trips when possible, make sure you have clean air and oil filters, and properly inflate your tires.

None of these steps will save you so much that you'll be the next millionaire, but the diminished fuel use will help you and the planet.

There is even more potential for saving on fuel costs around your home.  The biggest part of most household budgets are heating and cooling costs.  If you take some simple steps to be more fuel efficient around your home you can really save a bundle.

Some of the things you can do in your home is to make sure it's properly insulated, have your furnace inspected to make sure it's running properly and change the filters monthly, replace or repair leaky windows and doors.

If you want to do even more to save money on fuel costs you can actually generate your own electricity. That's right, technology has advanced to the point where it's now feasible to have your own small wind turbine.

You can easily build one yourself for a couple hundred dollars with parts from your hardware store in just a few days.  One turbine can save you about 80% on your utility bills.

So go for it, take steps to go green and save money, it's easy.

Easy Ways To Cut Energy Bills

Wow, it's amazing. I just opened up a sales flier from my local hardware store and I'm overwhelmed by all the home winterizing products available.  I figure that if I spend just a little time and a little money I should be able to really cut energy bills this winter.

They have everything from foam insulation pieces you can fit behind your light switches and outlets, to insulated blankets for your pipes and water heaters, to programmable thermostats.

That list barely  scratches the surface, and none of of the products cost very much.  It won't take much money at all to winterize my home.

But I'm looking for more, I don't want to have to buy my electricity from the utility company.  I want to make my own, and after some research I've found that I can easily generate about 60% of the electricity my home needs.

Wind power has now become feasible for home use.  The technology behind wind turbines has improved to the point where even a small turbine can generate decent amounts of electricity. 

Just one turbine can save me around 80% off of my utility bill, and the best part, I can build it myself for only a couple hundred dollars.

I just need to get a manual that will walk me through the process, step by step, take a trip to my hardware store to buy the parts, and invest a few hours of time to build it.

I don't need any special skills or tools, which is good since I don't have any!

So I decided that the best way to cut energy bills this winter, and for years in the future, was to spend some money on caulk, insulation, window kits, etc, but to also build my own home wind turbine.  After all, what I really want is to be able to kiss my utility company goodbye forever!

Can I Make My Own Wind Turbine?

After some rough times over the last year I'm just starting to get ahead, the stabilizing of fuel costs has helped.  I don't want to ever be that vulnerable again to the greed of the oil companies, so I've decided to build my own wind turbine.

I did some research and I've found some interesting information on wind power and turbines.

First of all, the technology now is advanced enough so that even a small home sized turbine can generate enough energy to make it worthwhile to install one.

They are small enough to fit in a backyard or up on a roof and while one turbine won't supply enough electricity to run your household it can supply enough to allow you to save around 80% on your utility bills.

Buying a turbine isn't the best option since the price is rather high and it will take longer to save enough on your bills to get that money back.

It is easy to build your own and it will only cost about $200.  You don't need any special skills or tools and all the parts can be found in any hardware store. 

For those who build their own turbine they often recoup their investment in just a few months.  If they bought theirs it would take several years, on average.

One turbine will generate about 5 times the electricity as one solar panel.  Wind turbines can run day or night (as long as there is wind) whereas solar panels will only produce electricity during day light hours (as long as it's sunny).

After the research I've done I have come to the conclusion that taking the time to build my own wind turbine just makes sense.  It'll be nice knowing that I have some control over my utility costs from now on.

Yes, You Can Build Your Own Home Wind Turbine

Recently I've been giving a lot of thought to what I can do that will not only help me save money but will be good for the environment too.  I've heard a lot about wind turbines for home use and I've found that it can be quite inexpensive to build a  home wind turbine.

If you were thinking about building a turbine for your home too, here is an idea of what it's all about.

The first thing I found out was that it probably wouldn't make sense for me to buy a turbine since the price of one can be anywhere from $600 all the way up to over $10,000! That's out of my league at this stage in the game.

It would take me several years, at least, of energy savings to be able to recoup that investment. 

I did find that building my own was a much more achievable goal.  There are manuals that can walk you through the whole building process step by step.  I don't need to be an engineer or need any special skills or knowledge. 

The materials you'll need to build your turbine can be purchased at any hardware store for around $200, which is the total cost of your home turbine. A small wind turbine can easily fit in your yard or even on your roof. 

While you can't realistically expect one turbine to supply all your electricity needs it can help cut your bill by as much as 80%.  When you take that 80% and multiply it by, say, 10 years...that's a huge savings.

So after checking out all the facts I have decided to build my own home wind turbine.  It won't cost very much to build, it will save me money for years to come, and I can't wait to brag to my neighbors about all the money I'm saving!

Wind Power VS. Solar Power, Which Is Best?

Trying to save money?  Want to be environmentally friendly?  If you've answered yes to these questions you've probably wondered which way is the best way to go: solar power or wind power.  Well, the answer to that question is: if depends.

Whether you use wind or solar or even a combination of each will depend on several factors. 

The first thing you need to consider is how much do you want to spend to upgrade your home to wind or solar power?  With each type of power you can build your own collection systems: panels for solar and turbines for wind. 

Another thing to consider is do you expect to generate enough electricity so that you can completely sever all ties with your utility company?  If so than you will need way more than one or two solar panels or one turbine.

What type of climate do you live in?  Do you get a lot of sunny days?  Even if the answer to that question is yes you have to remember that approximately half of every day is spent in darkness so your solar panels won't be generating electricity.

Do you live in an area where there aren't a lot of open spaces such as in a low lying area or an area with a lot of tall trees or buildings.  Wind turbines aren't as effective if the wind flow is obstructed by trees or other objects.

These are just a few of the things you have to take into considering when trying to decide between solar and wind power.  Oh, and not to confuse you further, but you may want to combine the two and install solar panels and wind turbines, that way you can maximize the prevailing weather conditions.

So now that you've got an idea of some things to think about take a little time, ask a few more questions and decide which source of energy makes the most sense for you and your needs.

Is Your Dream To Get Off Grid?

There is a saying: 'What was old is new again'.  It's more true now than ever.  When this country was just starting out our ancestors took pride in their independence. Now it seems  like people want it back, and one way is to get off grid and produce their own electricity instead of paying the utility company.

There are a few ways you can generate your own electricity, each has it's pros and cons.  I'll list two of the main sources of home electricity generators and list a few of the pros and cons of each so you can decide which is best for you.

Solar Energy
For many years we've seen solar panels on the roofs of homes all across the country.  The panel absorbs the heat from the sun, converts it into electricity and than stores it for later use. 

Pros1. Once you have the panels installed it's a free source of energy
2. It doesn't pollute and it's renewable

Cons1. It doesn't work with out sun so you will only generate energy on sunny days and for about 12 hours a day when the sun is actually up.
2. One or two panels won't generate enough electricity for your home.

Wind PowerIn order to harness the energy of wind you will need a turbine that can convert that energy into electricity and store it in batteries for use later.

Pros1. You can build your own turbine for little money so it doesn't cost much to set up.
2. Non-polluting, renewable energy source.

Cons1. Will only work when there is wind.
2. One turbine won't be enough to meet all your household electrical needs.

I hope this brief overview has given you some ideas as to what you will need to do to go off grid. As you can see, a combination of solar and wind power might be the best way to achieve your goals.

Everything You Need To Do To Go Green

Since winter is on it's way now is as good a time as any to find ways to save energy.  The great thing about that is that you can save energy and go green at the same time.

Going green can be as big or small as you want it to be.  You can buy organic foods, buy totally green environmentally friendly household cleaners, use reusable bags, etc.

None of those things will cost a lot yet the positive impact they will make on the environment can be enormous. 

If you want to do more, like use renewable energy sources, the impact will be even bigger and the savings to you will also be significant.

Many people will use either solar power, wind power, or a combination of both as renewable energy sources.  Both have their good and bad points.  It's up to you to decide which ones will work best for you, your home and your overall goals.

In order to harness the power of the sun you will need solar panels. These panels are designed to absorb the heat, and convert it into electricity that can be used to power your home.

One of the problems with solar power is that even on sunny days it will only work about 12 hours, since it won't work at all during the night time hours.

Wind power is another alternative for a homeowners energy needs.  To use the power of the wind you'll need a turbine. You can easily build your own turbine for less than $250 yet it will save you around 80% on electric bills. These turbines can be small enough to be mounted on your roof.

If you want to go green you have many choices.  Something as simple as using reusable water bottles to something as elaborate as building your own wind turbine.  No matter which option(s) you choose you can be happy in the knowledge that you're doing your part for the planet, and saving money in the process.

Energy Windmills - Can They Really Save Me Money On My Utility Bill?

Saving money really seems to be on everyone's mind these days.  That's particularly true this time of year when summer is fading fast and the prospect of high electric bills this winter is looming on the horizon.  If you've thought of getting  energy windmills to save you money I've got news for you.

A windmill is just a style of wind turbine that can convert the energy of the wind into usable electricity.  That electricity is than sent to a grid for immediate use or stored in batteries for later use. 

Turbines today come in different sizes and even different shapes.  They can be easily mounted on rooftops to produce electricity for your household needs.

There are two things you need to keep in mind about this type of energy:

1. One small turbine can't generate all the electricity your home will need.  It can help you save upwards of 80% on your utility bills, but it won't be enough to supply all your electric needs.

2. To buy your own unit will cost quite a bit of money and this option may not work for many people.  It is, however, possible to build your own unit even if you aren't an engineer or carpenter.  To build your own unit will cost only a few hundred dollars, it will take a few days of your time, and the parts you need can be found in any hardware store.

So if you've been interested in not only saving the environment but also saving some of your hard earned money, you should definitely look into energy windmills as a way of saving some money.

By building your own unit you can save significant amounts of money this year and for many years to come. That savings will add up to be thousands  of dollars over the next 5 -10 years.

Cutting Energy Bills And Going Green, You Can Start Right Now

If you've decide it's time to take back control of your budget and you're going to start by cutting energy  bills, you've picked a great time.  With winter fast approaching, along with those huge utility bills, now is the time to take a few simple steps that will save big over the months and years to come.

Many of the things you can do are simple but will save you hundreds of dollars in heating costs this season alone.  Here are a few of the easiest changes you can make today so you can save more tomorrow:

1. Have your furnace inspected by a HVAC professional to make sure it is running properly.  If your furnace isn't tuned up it will have to work harder and burn more fuel.  Make sure you change your filters every month too.

2. Install a programmable thermostat.  This may sound like a little thing but it's not.  It will not only help you save money but it will also keep your house at a comfortable temperature. 

You can program it to lower the heat during the day when no one is home and overnight when you're sleeping.  You can also set it to raise the temperature right before you get up in the morning or when everyone returns home in the evening.

By doing this your house is always a nice toasty temperature for you but you don't have to pay to keep it at that temperature all day long.

3. Add caulk around all of your doors and windows.  Add insulation to your attic and behind electrical outlets.  If you can afford it, buy new energy efficient windows and doors.  If not use a insulation kit over your old drafty windows.

4. Invest $200 and a weekend of your time and build your own wind turbine.  You don't need any special skills just buy a manual and follow the step by step instructions.

Cutting your energy bills isn't hard just follow these steps today.

Want To Know More About Energy Conservation? Read On...

Energy conservation doesn't need to be a huge ordeal, or a massive lifestyle change. Conservation can start small with simple day to day changes that anyone can do.

There are things that you can do at home, at the office, and while driving down the road.  All of them are easy but can add up big.  And the great thing is that not only will the planet benefit but your wallet will benefit too. 

Things you can do to your car such as keep it tuned up, replace dirty filters, change your spark plugs, keep the tires properly inflated, etc, are all easy things that will help your car run more efficiently and therefore burn less fuel.  That will save you money and help the environment.

At the office you can recycle your water bottles, don't use disposable coffee cups, pack your lunch in reusable plastic containers instead of disposable plastic bags. 

And last, but not least, at home.  Here you probably have more options for saving energy than anywhere else.  The biggest energy consumption, and biggest expense, in most households is utility costs.  The good news is that there are many things you can do to bring these costs under control.

Some simple things you can do are to get your furnace inspected to make sure it's running properly, change the filters monthly during heating season, add a programmable thermostat so you can automatically turn the temperature down when you're not there or sleeping, and add insulation and new windows and doors.

If you want to really conserve energy you might want to consider investing $200 and a weekend of your time to build your own wind turbine.  You don't need any technical skills or knowledge, just pick up a manual that will walk you through the whole process quickly and easily. 

You can go big or you can go small when it comes to energy conservation, it doesn't matter.  The point is as long as you do something you can help the environment and save some money.

Going Green Today - It's Easier Than You Think

With the economy in free fall,  many people out of a  job, and the approaching winter months with the accompanying high utility bills, now is a great time to consider going green.  Following some simple advice can help the planet as well as help your bottom line.

There are a lot of things you can do to go green. Some things are simple and will save you a little money, other things are more involved and will save you a ton of money.  It doesn't really matter if you decide to start big or small as long as you start.

I know there are people who are just worried about hanging onto their house and it seems like just too much at this point to worry about the planet.  But the thing you have to remember is that one can help the other.  Helping the environment can help save you a bundle on your utility bills.

Below is a list of some simple, and not so simple, things you can do to save money.  Some will pay off with bigger dividends than others, but they'll all help.

1. Get your furnace inspected to make sure it's running as efficiently as possible, and don't forget to change the filters every month.

2. Install a programmable thermostat.  This may not sound like a lot but it can add up big.  No one wants to pay to keep their house really warm when they're not home. 

3. Take advantage of the tax credit and install energy efficient windows and doors.

4. Build your own wind turbine to supply 60% of your own electricity.  It only costs $200 and you don't need any special skills.

I hope this brief list has helped get you thinking.  Saving money on utility bills is one great way of going green and it will save you a lot of money too.  That way you and the planet both win.

DIY Wind Power - What You Need To Know

If you're looking for ways to save money on your utility bills this winter and were wondering if DIY wind power is really a viable option, this article is for you.  I will briefly explain what wind power is and what a wind turbine can and cannot do.

First of all a simple explanation of a wind turbine is that it converts energy from wind into electricity which can than be used immediately or stored for later use.

 Technology will continue to advance and make this process even more efficient in the years to come, but even now the process is efficient enough to allow this form of energy to be used for households.

Many people who have installed their own wind turbines have seen savings on their utility bills of up to 80%.  Take that amount out over the next 20 years and you can see that the savings will be huge.

When it comes to a small, household wind turbine your only real option is to do it yourself.  Buying one and paying to have it installed just isn't cost effective and it will take you years to recoup that investment.

But if you build it yourself you can recoup your investment in a matter of months.  There are manuals you can buy that will walk you through the process of building your own turbine and you don't need any special skills or knowledge.

The parts you need to build your own turbine can be purchased at any hardware store for less than $300.  The whole assembly process will take anywhere from a few days to a week depending on how much time you can devote to the project everyday.

All in all diy wind power is a great way for you to save money on your utility bills as well as have the feeling of pride and independence that comes from doing something yourself.

Alternative Energy Sources

Finding ways to save money while looking out for the environment isn't as hard as you might think.  As a matter of fact, there are many things that you can do that will accomplish both things at the same time.  Using alternative energy sources to provide power to your home is one of those things.

There are many types of renewable energy  sources, but for this article we are going to focus only on two: solar power and wind power.

Solar power might be the best known source of providing energy directly to your household.  Many people have had solar panels on their roofs for  years,  so it's not an unusual sight. 

The panels collect the energy from the sun, convert the energy into electricity and store it. 

The obvious drawback to this type of energy is that it won't work at night or on overcast days.

Even though windmills have been around for centuries, using one to generate electricity for your home is a  pretty new concept.  The technology to convert the wind into electricity and then store it has finally gotten good enough to make this viable on a smaller scale for private home use.

Of course in order for it to work you need wind, but unlike solar power, wind is available anytime day or night.  So with wind you have the potential to generate more electricity more often.

If you want to buy a turbine for home use the cost will be an issue. A turbine can easily cost well into the thousands of dollars.  The good news is that you can build your own unit for just a few hundred dollars and you don't need any building experience or technical skills.

So if you decide to use solar power, wind power, or any other alternative energy sources, the important thing is that you are aware of the fact that you do have options.  There are ways you can help the planet and help your finances at the same time.

What Are The Advantages Of Wind Power?

It's so hard nowadays to sort through all the information that seems to be bombarding us on a daily basis.  Most of us would love the opportunity to go green and save money, but which way do we turn? Should we use wind power to save money and if so, what are the advantages of wind power?

Using the wind to run things is not a new concept.  Windmills have been around a long time.  In the past they were used to pump water and grind wheat.  Today we have a huge advantage over those old types of windmills.

Our technological advances has made it possible for us to much more efficiently convert wind energy into usable, and storable, electricity.  We have even gotten to the point where units are small enough to be installed in a backyard or on a rooftop.

Not all wind generators are the traditional windmill shape, there are now different sizes and even different shapes.

The technology for capturing and converting the wind will only continue to improve so the amount of electricity we get from wind power will continue to increase as well.

Even so, today's wind generators can generate up to 60% of the electricity the average household needs to run their electrical appliances.  That can add up to a huge savings yearly and for years to come.

While one small home generator won't be able to generate all the power your home needs it will still be able to generate enough to make it worth the investment. 

To really get a high rate of return on your investment, you should consider building your own generator.  It's easy and inexpensive and you'll recoup your money in a few months.  If you bought a unit the cost would be significantly more and therefore take much longer to recoup the investment.

I hope this article has helped you better understand the advantages of wind power for your home.  You can be environmentally friendly and save money at the same time.

Para-sailing High Above Jamaica

There’s something that you need to consider before you even seriously contemplate para-sailing as an activity you want to try out on your Jamaican vacation.  Namely, are you afraid of heights?  That doesn’t mean you can walk up to the top of a high building without getting dizzy, but rather you wouldn’t be afraid being suspected from the top of it!  How will you be suspended by little more than fabric and ropes being a human kite over the ocean below?  Para-sailing is an extreme sport that’s not for the fainthearted, so if you watch the participants yelling with exhilaration as they take off, and think about wandering along to sign up – think long and hard about whether or not you’re really up to this one!

One way of finding out if you’re ready to take such a step into the unknown is to fly tandem.  In this scenario, you will be attached to an experienced para-sailer who will make sure that you aren’t hurt.  This should be enough to find out if it’s something you could do solo, or if the tandem flight was all the para-sailing experience you need!

Many of the hotels offer para-sailing opportunities, equipment and coaching as part of their activity packages and this is probably all a beginner needs.  The things to watch out for are the force of the take-off when the jet ski starts up and you fly backwards up into the sky – and the tricky part of getting the landing just right.  In the middle, just sit back and enjoy the ride – and if you’ve got the nerve, take a few pictures, but it might be an idea to have the camera fastened to some clothing so that if you lose a grip on it, you won’t lose the camera into the ocean below.

If you want to try something a little bit different, or get a bit bored of lying on a sun-kissed beach, para-sailing is certainly worth considering – but remember, if you can’t handle heights, it’s not for you!

Offshore Banking Terms All You Ever Wanted To Know

Many investors are puzzled by the various terms used by bankers in describing ways to protect their money. Here is a short list of some of the most common ones.

Asset Protection Trust (APT) is an irrevocable trust, usually created (settled) offshore for the principal purposes of preserving and protecting wealth against creditors. Title to the asset is transferred to a trustee. It is used for asset protection and usually tax neutral. Its function is to provide for the beneficiaries of the APT. A trust is a contract affecting three parties, the settlor (who sets up the offshore trust; also called the grantor in U.S. or IRS terms), the trustee and the beneficiary. A trust protector is optional but recommended, as well. Through the trust, the settlor transfers asset ownership to the trustee on behalf of the beneficiaries.

Business trust is created for the primary purpose of running a business. These trusts are treated as persons under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). It must have a commercial purpose and actually function as a business.

CARICOM is the Caribbean Common Market. Its members consist of 14 member countries of the Caribbean community, including Antigua, Bahamas, Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Surinam, Trinidad and Tobago. The purpose of this organization is to encourage free trade and free movement of labor. Conspicuous by their absence are the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands, the two major players in international banking and finance, which did not wish to be regulated by a small local community because of greater international ties.

Discretionary Trust is a grantor trust in which the trustee has sole discretion as to who among the listed beneficiaries receives income and/or principal disbursement. The trustee has full authority over the fund, or it would cease to be a discretionary trust. A letter of wishes, or side letter, can provide guidance to the trustee without having any legal and binding effects. The letter(s) must be carefully drafted, as the trustee cannot be seen as a pawn of the beneficiaries or there is basis for the argument that there never was a complete renouncement of the assets.

Estate is the sum of personal interests in real and/or personal property.

Flight Capital is money which flows offshore and likely never returns. It is exacerbated by a lack of confidence in government fiscal management.

GmbH is a German form of a limited liability corporation.

High Net Worth (HNW) Person is any individual with more than $1,000,000 in liquid assets.

International Business Company (IBC) is a corporation formed (incorporated) under the Company Act of a tax haven, but is not authorized conduct business within that country. It is intended to be used only for global operations. It is owned and operated by members and/or shareholders, just like other corporations.

Limited Company is not an international business company. May be owned by a resident of the tax haven and is set up under a special corporate law with a simpler body of administrative laws. A Limited Liability Company (LLC) consists of member owners and a manager, at a minimum. It has tax advantages and operational flexibility found in a partnership, operating in a corporate-style structure, with limited liability as provided by the state's laws. A LLP is a Limited liability partnership, a form of the LLC frequently used for professional associations, such as accountants and attorneys. A LLLP is a Limited liability limited partnership, intended to protect the general partners from liability.

Member is an equity owner of a limited liability company ((LLC), limited liability partnership (LLP), limited liability limited partnership (LLLP) or a shareholder in an IBC.

NRA is a nonresident alien of the U.S. An NRA is not a U.S. person as defined under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC).

Offshore is an international term meaning not only out of your country, but also out of its tax jurisdiction.

PLC is a UK public limited company.

The Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1995 proposed changes to the Internal Revenue Code affecting foreign trust reporting, among other changes.

Securities are shares and debt obligations of every kind, including options, warrants, and rights to acquire shares and debt obligations.

Settle. To create or establish an offshore trust. Done by the settlor (offshore term) or the grantor (U.S. and IRS term).

Settlor. One (the entity) who (which) creates or settles an offshore trust.

TCI are the Turks and Caicos Islands, a popular tax haven.

Trustee is the controller of a trust fund. This person is independent of the settlor or grantor and has the fiduciary responsibility to manage the assets of the fund as a reasonable prudent business person would do in the same circumstances. The trustee must defer to the trust protector when required in the best interest of the trust fund. The reporting requirements of the trustee are defined at the creation of the trust include how often, and to whom, the trustee will respond to instructions or inquiries, investment strategies and fees for the trustee's services. The trustee may have full discretionary powers to distribute the fund to beneficiaries.

Uniform Partnership Act (UPA) is one of the uniform laws adopted by some states or used as a baseline for other states.

Vetting is the process used by the offshore consultant for evaluating whether a prospective client is a good candidate for offshore asset protection.

World Bank was formed to be the lender and technical advisor to developing countries, utilizing funds and technical knowledge from member nations. It has often been criticized for promoting austurity programs in indebted third-world nations.

Hopefully this short guide will help investors seeking asset havens and offshore banking facilities.

Jet-skiing Through Jamaica

Jet skiing used to be quite an extreme sport, now it’s more of a way of getting around the island!  If you have the courage and the skill, hire a jet ski for the day and you can ditch the official tours and travel at your own pace.  You could even consider a vacation where you spend a few nights at a hotel, say in Montego Bay, and then jet ski across the Negril before returning back.  Think of it like a moped on the ocean!

As with a moped however, there are things you need to watch out for.  The first thing is to look out for swimmers, especially as you get nearer to the shore line, but even further out you need to watch out for divers who are surfacing around you.  If there are any boats in the area, this could be a warning of people below the water so be extra careful.

There are local laws and restrictions that cover jet skis – concerning such things as how close to the shore you are allowed to be in specific areas.  This could be at certain times of the year to protect wildlife, or could be year-round.  Make sure that you are aware of all the rules and restrictions that are valid in all of the areas you will encounter on your jet ski trip.

The sun’s rays can be really strong out on the water, especially with the reflection back from the ocean, so make sure that you wear the right kind of protection both in terms of clothing and sun screen, so that you avoid sunstroke from overexposure.  You should also carry sufficient water with you so that if you get stranded anywhere, you won’t dehydrate from the heat.

The most important thing to watch out for is not to run out of gas!  If you run out of gas in your moped, you will probably be able to walk to a nearby village to get help if someone doesn’t pass you on the road and help out.  If you run out of gas on a jet ski, it’s a little more dangerous!  Check how far you will be traveling and ask the experts who run the jet ski rental company how much gas you will need, and if you have enough to make it there and back.  If not, where will you be able to get the tank topped up on your travel route?  Don’t set off without being 100% sure that you have enough gas, or the possibility of getting more gas, to complete your trip.

Jet skis are loud, and they’re fun.  If you love the energy and have a yearning to try something a little bit “extreme” without it being too extreme, then you should certainly give it a try – but don’t plan anything too adventurous unless you’re very proficient in both the handling of the jet ski and navigating the waters off the Jamaican shore.

Jamaican Beauty at the Green Grotto Caves

One of the locations used in the James Bond movie, Live and Let Die, the Green Grotto Caves located just outside of Discovery Bay are of interest not only to Bond fans, but also to people who are interested in the history of Jamaica, and also those who have a passion for natural beauty.  Be warned however, to see this attraction you will have to walk downwards on centuries old steps, so anyone with mobility issues should discuss their situation with the guide before starting down to the cave.

As you descend the steps down into the caves to marvel at the stalactites that hang somewhat precariously from the roof of the cave, take a look at the artwork.  This was created by the pre-Columbia Arawaks.  Over the centuries the caves have become a refuge for many different types of people, from the Spanish who used it as a place to hide from the British in the 17th Century to the slaves who managed to escape their owners in the 18th.  More recently smugglers taking guns into Cuba have used the caves as a hideaway!

The main highlight in the limestone Green Grotto Caves however is the huge lake that’s some 36m below the surface.  Once you get down the steps to this level, you’ll be able to get a closer look at the natural beauty of the cave by boat.   Be sure to look up at the ceiling pockets, and to marvel at nature as you see both stalactites and stalagmites.

Although the tour of the caves only takes about an hour, it’s an hour well spent because of the amount of interests it spans, the stories that your guide will be able to tell you about its past, and the sheer beauty that is unlike anything else you’ll encounter on the island.   It’s not a time-consuming attraction but it’s one you won’t forget.

Is it Safe to Drink the Water on your Visit to Jamaica?

For the most part, the answer is yes.  In most of the main areas of Jamaica that are usually populated with tourists, it is “safe” to drink the water from the faucet or tap.  However the further you go from the cities and into the more rural areas of the island, the less safe the water becomes.  If possible you should always carry bottled water with you so that you’re sure that what you’re drinking isn’t responsible for any illnesses you pick up whilst you’re away.

There’s a bigger threat to your health than water however, because you see water and think “Water – is it safe?”  But it’s not always as easy to consider how safe the ice is when you’re hot and longing for something cool to drink.  Ice is a far bigger danger and in the Jamaican heat it’s far too tempting to just think “it’ll be ok” when you see a street vendor selling snocones.  It’s possible that it will be ok, depending on where you are when tempted, but it’s also possible that that moment of weakness will ruin your vacation – so stop and think before you buy!  Also beware of ice in your drinks.  If you are having ice from the bar in your hotel, and the hotel is a good standard tourist hotel that caters mainly for international guests, chances are that the ice will be just fine – as the water from the faucet there will be.  If however you’ve stopped into a local Jamaican bar that’s mainly frequented by the locals, or if you’re in a hotel in a smaller town, then skip the ice out – it’s better to be hot than sorry!

On what should be a fabulous holiday, there are certain precautions you need to take, and ensuring that the water you drink is clean is one of them – even if it means that if you’re camping, you boil the water and leave it cool before you drink it!

Is Holiday Insurance Necessary for your Vacation to Jamaica?

Whether or not to pay for holiday insurance is a big question when it comes to setting the vacation budget, and often it’s something that you can safely go without.  But should you go without it when visiting somewhere off the beaten track like Jamaica?

One of the things you’d need to consider is “how far off the beaten track” are you likely to be going in Jamaica?  The more extreme your vacation plans, the more likely you are to be at risk of accident.  If you have an accident, what would the options of getting back home be?  What kind of expenses would you be facing?

If you are taking expensive equipment with you, such a digital camera, or laptop, then you should certainly have insurance in case these are stolen while you’re away.  With expensive individual items such as these however, you need to make sure that these are specifically covered by your insurance policy for everything from accidental damage (such as that which could happen in transit), to theft of the item.  You should also be aware of what paperwork you will need to produce in order to claim for the items so that you have any receipts at hand before you leave and you bring back any copies of official documentation from the Jamaican authorities such as a police theft report.

When traveling to parts of the world which are noted tourist destinations, but which are not as commercial as some more popular destinations such as Paris, London or Sidney, it’s wise to have some form of holiday insurance.  Just make sure you read all the small print before you sign up for the policy so that you are covered for everything you think you’re covered for, and you won’t be faced with any hidden policy financial excesses/penalties should you need to make a claim against the insurance policy upon your return from holiday.

Ian Fleming - James Bond's Creator

Ian Lancaster Fleming (1908-1964), the author of the James Bond 007 novels, was the grandson of a Scottish banker and the son of a Conservative MP (Member of Parliament). His father died in the first world war. In his will, he bequeathed his property to his widow on condition she never remarries.

Ian's youth was inauspicious. He was expelled from Eton following a sexual liaison with a girl. He left Sandhurst without obtaining an officer's rank, having been caught violating the curfew. He continued his education in Kitzbuhel, Austria, in Munich and in Geneva where he studied languages. But the chain of disappointments continued apace. He failed in a Foreign Service exam and had to join Reuters as a journalist. There he successfully covered a spy trial in Russia (1929-32).

He then joined a British investment bank as a stockbroker and moved to live in a converted temple in Belgravia, a fashionable district of London, where he entertained the members of the Le Cercle Gastronomique et des Jeux de Hasard.

In 1939, Fleming took on an assignment for The Times in Moscow - in effect a cover. He was spying for the Foreign Office and later for Naval Intelligence where he attained the rank of Commander.

During the second world war, he worked from room number 39 in the Admiralty building in Whitehall as assistant to Admiral John Godfrey. He was involved in the evacuation of Dieppe in 1940, in the smuggling of King Zog out of Albania and in setting up the Office for Special Services, the precursor of the CIA.

As commander of the 30th Assault Unit, he sometimes operated behind the German lines, trying to secure important documents and files from destruction. But, mostly, he directed the Unit's operations from London.

When the war was over, he built a house - Goldeneye - in Jamaica. He worked for the Kemsley group of papers and vacationed every winter in the island.

While awaiting the divorce of one of his numerous paramours - the pregnant Lady Anne Rothermere - the 44 years old Fleming wrote "Casino Royale" published in 1953. It was the first of 12 James Bond thrillers, translated to 11 languages and with total sales of 18 million copies. James Bond novels are now being authored by a new generation of writers.

In 1961, John F, Kennedy, the newly elected president, listed a James Bond title as one of his favorite books. Many movie plots were loosely based on Fleming's novels and have grossed, in total, more than $1 billion. The 007 trademark was merchandised and attached to  everything, from toys and games to clothes and toiletries.

But Fleming was also renowned for his non-fiction: tomes like "The Diamond Smugglers" and his "Atticus" column in The Sunday Times where he served as foreign manager (1945-9). He successfully branched into children's literature with "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" (1964), also made into a movie.

Ironically, his mother died and left him a fortune in 1964 - when Fleming was already wealthy and dying. The trip to her service may have done him in. His son committed suicide in 1975 and his wife died in 1981. He left behind one heir: James Bond.

How to Avoid Harassment on your Vacation to Jamaica

One of the worst things about any vacation is being harassed by local traders.  It’s bad enough when they shout at you as you walk by, not deterred by your ignoring them they shout louder making a comment that clearly identifies you in the crowd of other tourists, but when if they follow you, or come up to you when you’re clearly not wanting to be disturbed, it’s enough to make you wish you’d went somewhere else!  For the most part however, there are some simple things you can do to avoid being constantly pestered.

The first one is not to make eye contact with any of them, especially if you see them trying to sell to someone else.  They are bound to take your eye contact to mean that you’re interested in buying from them, and will come after you once they’ve finished trying to sell to the people they’re with.  If you’re in a market area, or even just minding your own business on the beach, don’t stare at anyone!  You have to keep looking around, but don’t look long enough in any one direction to give the hustlers the wrong idea!

The next is simply to make it a policy never to give money or anything else for that matter to anyone who asks for it.  If you are in an area of high poverty, it’s not easy to turn away from the children, but the mistake that many tourists make is in giving something to these children, and then more children arrive and the grown-ups follow.  As harsh as it sounds, for your own peace and quiet you have to turn away.

Many hotels are situated on private land that they own and it is illegal for the hustlers to try and harass the hotel visitors.  Find out the policy your hotel has on day 1, and if you are bothered anywhere within the confines of the hotel property, you can tell the vendor that you will report them to the hotel staff if they bother you again.

Last of all, and probably the most wearing, but it will work is that the hustlers make their living by harassing people.  They hope that by persistently dogging you, they’ll wear you down and you’ll buy from them just to make them go away.  Do so, and you’re sending up a flare to the other vendors!  Be calm and equally persistent in your right to ignore them.  Eventually they’ll find another tourist to bother and leave you alone – and hopefully will get the message that they’ll be wasting their time with you and won’t try again!

How Safe are Women Traveling Alone in Jamaica?

Whether women travel alone, or with a partner, the first thing that they need to be aware of – and if they aren’t before they arrive, it won’t take long for them to learn – is that women are not generally respected by Jamaican men.  They may find that they have “admirers” but a quick dip into the local community will show how much real respect is attached to the admiration!

Women tourists who travel alone need to be extra vigilant about personal security and make sure that they know what areas of the place they are staying are relatively safe for tourists – especially women – and which aren’t.  They should always make sure that someone knows where they are going if they are leaving the hotel grounds, and they should make sure that they don’t stand out from the crowd too much.

It may not be very appealing for an independent woman from the US to have to join a group tour simply because going alone isn’t recommended, but if you are in Jamaica, you must listen to the recommendations on personal safety issues.  They aren’t given just to stop the hotel being sued in the unlikely event of you being mugged.  They are issued for your own safety by people who know that as beautiful as the country is, there is another side to it, that must be respected.  If you enjoy solitude, then join a tour but keep yourself to yourself on the bus, and go your own way when you arrive at the destination – just don’t wander too far away from the rest of the tourists!

Just as you would follow some basic safety rules if you were visiting a city such as New York, follow the safety information given to you at your Jamaican destination and you should be as safe as you would be walking through Manhatten.

Fishing in Jamaica

The hardest part about fishing in Jamaica is knowing exactly what it is you want to fish!  From little fish, to big fish, from standing on shore with a line, to hiring a boat with spear fishing facilities, you’ll find it all – so the first thing to do to find a spot to fish in is to identify what it is you want to fish!  All along Jamaica’s beautiful coastline – and just off it – you’ll find fish big and small, so what’s your pleasure?

Although finding a fishing hole isn’t difficult, finding a boat that falls within your budget might be!  You’re a tourist and as such, you’re easy pickings for the locals who hire out their boats to holiday makers.  Unless your hotel has some local arrangement, or their own vessels for hire, you are at the mercy of the locals and so should anticipate paying well above the going rate if you want to hire a boat.  You could also investigate if there are any local boat chartering companies you could use instead – the advantage of this is that even if you have to pay a similar price to what the locals would charge, at least you are assured of the boat being sea-worthy and equipped for the kind of trip you’re planning.

If you want to try your hand at something more unusual, you could try deep sea fishing.  There are a number of charter companies who offer their services for this, but they aren’t all equal so make sure that you get the one that has the package you’re looking for – does it have tuition, equipment, length of time, distance from shore, experienced in the kind of fish you’re looking for etc.

Anyone wanting to try spear-fishing needs to find an experienced company that knows the reefs and where to fish so ask your hotel for a recommendation, or do some searching on the Internet before you leave home and email any possible companies located in the area you’ll be staying.  Even you don’t catch anything, the experience of being out there taking part in the activity will be something to remember a lifetime.

As with many outdoor activity tours, check what the package includes before you make your reservation so that you know whether or not you need to supply drinks and food or if they are included.

Coffee: The Story

The growing and the drinking of coffee spread around the world rapidly. Coffee drinkers know how to drink a cup of coffee but how many of those know the details of coffee, sources or the formulations of each cup. These are the basic information about coffee.

History

In Europe, the coffee was first imported to Italy. The trading between Venice merchants and the other country merchants such as North African, Egyptian and Eastern. After the coffee was introduced to the Venetian, the coffee was widely used in Venice and the other countries in Europe. The coffee house was first opened in Italy in 1645.

In England, the coffee was available in the beginning of 16th century. The coffeehouse was first opened in St. Micheal’s Alley in Cornhill. In 1675, there were a lot of the coffeehouses spread widely around England. There were about 3,000 or more coffeehouses located.

In Asia, it was started at Malabar in India and spread to Indonesia. Now Indonesia is the 4th largest exporter in the world.

Coffee strains

The science name of coffee is ‘Coffea’. There are more than 6000 strains of coffees in the world but only 2 strains of coffees that used in the marketing. These are Arabica and Robusta.

Arabica has 44 chromosomes. The products of each garden are about 240 to 480 kilograms. The Arabica will have flowers after rainy season and the duration of Arabica to produce the fruits is about 6 to 9 months. The character of Arabica products is flat shape fruits with acidity taste. Each fruit has caffeine from 0.8 to 1.4 percentages. The suitable temperature for plant the Arabica is 15 to 25 Celsius.

Robusta has fewer chromosomes than Arabica, it has only 22 chromosomes. The fruits of Robusta are egg-shapes. The Robusta will have flowers in every season and take time from 8 to 11 months to produce the fruits. The products of each garden are about 360 to 480 kilograms. And contain caffeine inside the fruits about 1.7 to 4.0 percentages.

Sources of Coffee

Many countries produce the nice quality of coffees to the world markets. Coffee drinkers ought to have a special taste of coffees from the popular sources such as Columbia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Guatemala or Jamaica.

Columbia is a source of Arabica strain. The temperature and soil in Columbia can produce high quality of coffees. The renowned coffees are Medillin, Bogota and Suremo.

Brazil has the coffee trees more than 4000 millions and it is the biggest source of coffee in the world. The popular brand of coffee from Brazil is Brazilian Sandos.

Costa Rica is the one of high quality source of Arabica. If you go to visit Costa Rica, try to ask for the coffees named Tarrazu and Tres Rios.

Guatemala, the Atitlan mountain of Guatemala is the source of Arabica. The renowned coffees are Antigua and Coban.

Mexico, the prominent of coffee from Mexico is the organic coffees. The good taste of coffee in Mexico is Veracruz.

Jamaica, the renowned coffee from Jamaica is Blue Mountain. The Blue Mountain is the best strain of Arabica and about 90 percentages of Blue Mountain export to Japan. The brands of Blue Mountain in Japan are High Mountain Supreme and Prime Washed Lamaican.

Bob Marley Nine Mile

When visiting Jamaica’s beautiful Ocho Rios make sure you take some time out of your vacationing, water sporting, fun in the sun, and exciting nightlife partying to visit the Bob Marley Nine Mile, the community that helped shape the life and career of one of the most famous musicians of all time.  Even if you’re not a particular fan of the man’s music, you’ll get a real sense of what he was about.

Many Bob Marley fans come to Ocho Rios specifically for this unparalleled experience. The quaint village of Nine Mile is nestled high in magnificent mountains of St. Ann, and serves not only as the birthplace of the legendary Reggae King (1945), but also where he was laid to rest in 1981.  Fans of Marley have described the Nine Mile experience as one that allowed them to get more in touch with the musician’s roots, to understand the depths of his lyrics, and to come away from it feeling a renewed sense of faith about what’s most important in life.

Be sure to check out the small family house—where the Bob Marley legend all began. Some of Marley’s family are still there, most notably his mother (“Mother B”) and Uncle Lloyd.  The small home is littered with photos of the renowned late musician, and you will likely hear stories of Marley’s childhood and early musical career from his mother and/or uncle, as well as the guide.  You should also visit Mount Zion Rock (the famous Bob Marley meditation spot), the Fireside, where he cooked many meals, and finally, the mausoleum, the King of Reggae’s final resting place.

If you’re not quite sure how to go about touring through the Bob Marley community, try a Nine Mile guided tour complete with an authentic Rastafarian guide (in authentic Rastafarian garb, no less!) who will take you through the village from one important element to the next, so you don’t miss anything and so you can soak in the entire experience from beginning to end.

Being A Paperwork Prepared Tourist

When you think about a cruise vacation, you probably think of being a pampered tourist, enjoying lush accommodations and fabulous service. However, there is a lot of work to be done to prepare for a cruise before you get to enjoy the cruising life.

Documentation is key. Depending on where you are going the documentation items you need could be limited or extensive. If you are just going on a one or two day cruise that is in the U.S., you may not need much. But, if you are going into deeper waters and to foreign ports the rules are a little different.

Even if you are only going on a few day cruise to somewhere like Jamaica you are going to need a passport. While it is an island that is very close to the state of Florida, it is still a foreign country, and therefore you need the proper documentation to show your citizenship.

If you don’t have a passport, you need to get one well in advance of your trip. Also, if you do have one, make sure it is not about to expire. Generally, you should give your self up to six months to get your passport, at a minimum two. Passport offices around the country are backed up and getting a passport these days takes longer than it did before. If you’re within a few months, you may want to pay extra to get your passport expedited.

There may be even more documentation to be had if your family has some children who are from previous marriages and do not have the same last name of the parent taking them on the trip. If this is the case in your family, you may have to file some extra pieces of paperwork to get a passport, and then to make sure the authorities know it is ok for the child to be traveling out of the country with one parent.

Some countries actually require those who want to stay for a little while to apply for visas, which would mean even more paperwork. The rules for what documentation is required to go into and out of a country will differ by nation, so check with your cruise line about this possibility.

For other countries, you will need to have proof of some medical vaccinations due to the possibility of illnesses in their region.

If you normally book your vacation through a travel agent, they may well help you take care of all of this. They know that for the most part tourists really want to focus on what they will see and what accommodations they will have on their cruise, not the little paperwork details, so they will usually compile a list of all the documentation and any medical certification you will need in order to be allowed to go on your trip. In addition, a good travel agent will know enough about the cruise industry they may be able to recommend great deals on wonderful destinations for your cruise.

Are Drugs Prevalent in Jamaica?

Jamaica is a laid-back country.  It’s a country of “chilling”.  One of the reasons for this could be that it’s hard to avoid the abundance of marijuana – locally known as “Ganja”.  Despite drugs being illegal in Jamaica, ganja and cocaine are relatively easy to obtain, and you may even find yourself being approached by street or beach hustlers who are hoping you could use a quick fix of one or the other!

There are two warnings for tourists when it comes to drugs.  First of all, don’t buy them and don’t take them from anyone offering you a free smoke.  Just avoid them completely!  Tourist status, American passport and all, is not going to save you from an obligatory sightseeing tour of the inside of a probably overcrowded Jamaican cell!  Even if they clear you of everything except using, you will still have had an experience you’d rather not remember.  If they are able to charge you with anything more than using – then you could be facing gaol time in the local penitentiary.  The Jamaican culture is known for its connection with drugs, but it’s not so well known for the tough penalties it gives out for those who are caught, so just avoid finding out the hard way and stay well clear of any drugs.

The second warning is in respect of your belongings.  We are becoming a society where we are wary of leaving our luggage lying around anywhere, or of carrying a bag for someone else because of the risk of a terrorism attack.  Use this to back up your resolve not to carry a doll or even a baby across the airport boundaries from one country’s laws to another!  If you’re holding it, when the officials check it and find illegal drugs, you’re the owner – so don’t put yourself in that position.  Make sure you don’t take care of anything belonging to someone else, and that your own luggage is never left unattended and open for someone to put something into it.

Activities to Do Around Kingston on Your Jamaican Visit

Kingston is full of activities for you to experience while you’re in Jamaica, from walking tours to festivals and from water sports to museums.

As far as festivities go the best way to find out what is going on is through the local daily paper, “The Gleaner” it’ll have a list of events going on while you are down there. In 2007 Kingston will be holding the Cricket’s World Cup, which is sure to bring in a lot of entertainment and tourists.  March is a big month for festivals that’ll include a 3K walk, street dancing and then in April there’ll be a Road parade and a concert at the National stadium.

To make sure that you exercise off the extra calories consumed at one of the local restaurants with their tempting array of local cuisine, there are walking, hiking and biking tours.  These are a great way to explore the city.

Blue Mountain’s peak is at 2,256 m.  If you are looking to hike up to the summit with a group, prepare yourself to rise before the sun comes up.  Blue Mountain treks begin around 1am, so book a night’s sleep nearby at Pine Grove, Whitefield Hall or Wildflower Lodge.   If hiking really isn’t your thing, Blue Mountain Bicycle Tours will also take you up through the mountains.   The best time of year to do this particular activity is from December thru April since it isn’t wet during these months. Always make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes and a warm jacket, and just because the sun doesn’t seem to be shining doesn’t mean you should leave the suntan lotion at home.

If none of these sounds exciting to you why not try your hand at snorkeling, diving, dancing, shopping, cruising or partying. There is fun to be had in Kingston during your Jamaican stay, all you have to do is decide what you want to do and then find where it’s at!

Where to Find Surfing in Jamaica

Jamaica is well-known for their beautiful beaches and awesome waves, but it isn’t always easy to find the best surfing locations – and that’s simply because despite Jamaica being an island with beaches all around it, the best surfing is only on one side of the island!  If you are a beginner, you prefer the gentler waves on the North or East shores in which to find your surfing feet, but if you’re already an experienced surfer, then the South side of the Island is the best place to catch a few trickier waves – not to mention more rocks to look out for!

The most popular surfing spots are around Ochos Rios, Long Bay, Negril and of course, Montego Bay – although one of the best areas for surfers is actually around Kingston, not too far from the airport!

For the most adventurous surfers, Treasure Beach is a must!  Here the undercurrent will provide even the most advanced surfer with a challenge to keep them busy all vacation.  If you’re more into traditional locations however, Boston Beach is a must because this is the place that put Jamaican surfing on the map.

For those who didn’t anticipate surfing as part of their vacation activities, or who have an impulsive need to experience it whilst on holiday, there are plenty of places where you can hire a surfboard – your hotel should be able to help you locate what you need, as well as recommend a surfing trainer if you want to take a class in basics before hitting the waves.

Jamaica is a perfect backdrop for all water sports, and anyone who has either surfed before, or is inspired by watching those who are enjoying the waves, is sure to have a good time – but if you’re a beginner, remember to stay away from the less safe waves off the Southern side of the island.

What are the Legal Formalities for a Wedding in Jamaica?

There are many reasons why getting married abroad is popular, and when it comes to getting married in Jamaica, one of the main reasons is the location!  What could be more romantic than being married on a beautiful beach, or in an air conditional hotel reception room overlooking the ocean?  At one time this was no more than a fleeting dream many brides-to-be would have as they stressed their way through the seemingly endless decisions associated with a traditional wedding at home.  These days, more and more couples are opting for a Jamaican wedding in paradise where the emphasis is on them and not the “details”.  But how legal is it?

If your intention of going to Jamaica is to get married, then there are some things you need to make sure that you have in order beforehand.

First of all, you must be over the age of 18.  If one or both of you are under 18 then written parental consent must be supplied for whoever is underage.

Both the bride and groom must also supply a birth certificate which shows their nationality, and father’s name.

If either the bride or the groom (or both) has been married before then additional paperwork that proves they are now free to remarry must be shown, such as a death certificate, or a certificate of divorce.

There are other restrictions as regards place, and time of marriages but the legal paperwork is very straightforward.  If you are staying at a hotel, it would be advisable to put your arrangements in the hands of their wedding planner.  They will ensure that all the formalities are completed, that you obtain your license on time, and can be married when you want.  They can also advise on such things as venue, and if necessary even secure you the services of a photographer or someone to video the marriage.

As long as you comply with all the local necessities, and obtain your license, you can find yourself married in less than 48 hours!  Remember, if you get married in Jamaica, you’re legally married!  The marriage is recognized by the US, so don’t do something that you’ll regret later.

Taking Children to Jamaica on Vacation

Although there’s no real reason not to take children to Jamaica on vacation with you, there are two important issues that you need to keep in mind when it comes to health and safety.

The first of these is that you need to keep a check on where they are and what they’re doing.  Even if you are in a resort, and there’s a children’s activity center or club, you should check on the security measures in operation to ensure that your children are not at any kind of risk.  In this Jamaica is not unlike many other countries, but because of the relaxed atmosphere, it’s easy to let your guard down.  Don’t!  If you aren’t staying in a tourist orientated compound type resort, you need to be extra vigilant as it’s easy for your children to be at risk not only from people, but also from the natural environment if they should wander off alone and become lost.

The second of these could actually determine whether or not you choose Jamaica as your vacation destination.  Although there’s nothing physically preventing you taking your little ones, there’s a big issue with the necessary vaccinations.  Some vaccinations are not advised to be given to children under a certain age, and if you find that you would need these particular vaccinations in order to go to the location you’ve chosen, you will probably need to revise your plans, or find some way of protecting your child against the disease(s) covered by the inoculation.

Jamaica is a country of extravagant color and culture, and it’s a place where children will experience the holiday of a lifetime.   However, unless you want some of the memories they bring back to be negative, you need to be on your guard both before you go, and whilst you’re there, to ensure that they are kept safe and healthy.

Planning Your Jamaican Family Vacation

Are you interested in taking a vacation with your family within the next year or so? If you are, have you already decided on a destination for your family vacation? If you have yet to do so, you are urged to examine Jamaica. Jamaica is often associated with beauty and romance, but it is also the perfect destination for family vacations.

If you are interested in taking a family vacation to Jamaica, there are a number of important decisions that you will have to make. One of the many decisions that you will have to make is where you would like to stay, in terms of overnight accommodations. What you need to know about popular vacation destinations, especially those in the Caribbean, is that many vacation resorts and hotels have age limits or age restrictions. This means that some vacation resorts may not allow guests who are under the age of fourteen. With that in mind, you can also find a number of vacation resorts that are family friendly or designed for those vacationing with children.

In addition to your overnight accommodation reservations, it is also important that you examine that activities that you would like to participate in while on your family vacation in Jamaica. This is particularly important because you need to make sure that the attractions that you visit and the activities that you participate in are family friendly ones. For instance, you may be interested in going scuba diving, but that doesn’t mean that it is something that your children can do alongside with you. With that in mind, it is also important to refocus on the Jamaican resort you want to visit. Many popular Jamaican resorts have childcare centers or childcare services. These types of programs can provide you and your partner with a little bit of free time to enjoy yourselves.

The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many that you will have to take into consideration, when looking to plan a family vacation in Jamaica. Unfortunately, this planning and preparation often leads many individuals to rethink their decision to travel to Jamaica. Of course, the decision as to whether or not you really want to vacation in Jamaica is your decision to make, but you should know that it is actually a lot easier to plan a Jamaican family vacation that it looks at first glance. In fact, there are multiple steps that you can take to simplify the process of planning your next Jamaican family vacation.

When it comes to simplified vacation planning, there are many hopeful vacationers who automatically think of travel agents. Yes, a local travel agent may be able to help you with the planning and booking of your next family vacation, but that is not your only option. Thanks to the internet and the development of family vacation packages, you can easily book your next family vacation in Jamaica in no time at all. Vacation packages are what, essentially, enables you to book multiple reservations, like your resort stay or your airline reservations, all at the same time. This, alone, can save you a considerable amount of time and stress.

In addition to standard Jamaican vacation packages, it is also possible for you to find and purchase all-inclusive vacation packages, as well as super-inclusive vacation packages. These are vacation packages that not only include your travel arrangements, but your food, drinks, and often your entertainment as well. There are number of all-inclusive vacation packages and super-inclusive vacation packages that are deigned for family vacations. These types of vacation packages may include stays at family friendly vacation resorts, family friendly food and drinks, as well as entertainment that may include access to onsite game or arcade rooms or even in room video gaming consoles.

If you would like to book your upcoming Jamaican family vacation in the form of a vacation package, namely a super-inclusive vacation package or an all-inclusive vacation package, you will want to examine Superclubs.com. With vacation packages that include stays at family friendly vacation resorts, like Starfish, you are sure to find the vacation package that can best fit your needs and the needs of your family at Superclubs.com.

Off to a Jamaica Sailing Cruise Vacation!

Jamaica sailing cruise vacation offers you all the beauty the place has to offer. Since it is one of the most popular West Indies' island, Jamaica is quite famous not only for unique gastronomic selections, wide array of music selection to choose from, and of course, its magnificent beaches.

If you ask people who have been to a Jamaica sailing cruise vacation, they would tell you not to miss out on its beaches. This is because majority of tourists who go to there love the Jamaica beaches among any other attractions. The most famous beaches to visit include the Negril, the Montego Bay, and the Ocho Rios. These three are major and the most beautiful beaches Jamaica has to offer.

Aside from skinny-dipping in the wonderful sands and clear waters of any of these beaches, there are so many water activities you can choose from. With its calm waves, sailing is the most famous sport in the place—both for foreigners and locals. And since the water in the is lukewarm as always, many people cant get enough of swimming in the beaches.

For vacationists who are into sailing, visiting Negril is a must. Located 50 miles at the west side of Montego Bay, Negril is a superb beach that is ideal for almost all kinds of water sports and activities.

Ocho Rios, on the other hand, is also among the most visited places in Jamaica—especially its Blue Mountains that is filled with wide variety and selection of fauna and flora. This is the most ideal place to stay in especially to those who can't live without the comforts of commercialization because almost all amenities are available at the hotels nearby.

Among the three beaches mentioned, the most popular is the Montego Bay wherein you can find three of the most sought-after beaches in the world—the Doctor's Cave Beach that has a five-mile stretch of white sand and has peaceful waves perfect for cruise sailing, the Cornwall Beach that has smooth and white sand and the Walter Fletcher Beach with clear and warm water also ideal for sailing.

What you need before leaving

Once you have decided to go on a Jamaican sailing cruise vacation, you should consider not only your destination experience but also a list of things that will ensure the success of the trip including:

1. Peak seasons. The peak season for tourists start from January until March because this is the most ideal time to arrange Jamaica sailing cruise vacation. People who are planning to cruise should remember not to arrange their sailing vacations from the month of July until November. This is because no one can sail in the ocean because these months are cyclone season in Jamaica.

2. Type of ship to be used. When planning a Jamaica sailing cruise vacation, you can choose from three types of ships. These include the skippered bareboat, the crewed charter, and the bareboat.

3. Legalities. Aside from choosing the right boat that will cater to your needs, always bear in mind some legalities and confirmations for your Jamaica sailing cruise vacation. These include informing the customs of Jamaica about your arrival in the territory and your intention to stay for a couple of days of weeks.

Here, the officials from customs will conduct an inspection in your ship and will ask you to fill up necessary documents such as ship registration, affirmation, permission for departure and a list where the stores of the ships are recorded.

Nightlife in Kingston, Jamaica

If you like music you’ll love the nightlife in Kingston, there’s music around every corner.  You could even say that music the soul of Jamaica.  Kingston’s nightlife is mainly focused around one street and that’s Knutsford Boulevard.  It isn’t hard to find it, especially at night, just look for all where the lights and music playing.  As far as the type of music goes, Jamaica has all types from Latin and Jazz to Reggae and 70s. If you don’t like the music in one venue, walk across the street until you find one more to your taste.

A great way to begin your nightlife in Kingston is to buy the local paper, “The Gleaner” and find out what’s going on that night.  Every night there’s something new happening, whether it is entertainment at a club, theater or a festival.  Jamaica is all about partying and Kingston knows just how to do it right.  Once you’ve settled on what to do you may want to treat yourself to a meal at one of the local restaurants. After dinner, it’s time to start clubbing, don’t worry there is more than a couple to choose from!

The happening place seems to be the “Asylum” where you’ll find all types of music - reggae, dancehall music (which is kind of like reggae and rap), 70’s, 80’s and even disco.  Make sure to arrive early because if you arrive late in high season you may not be able to get in – it fills up fast!

There is always some type of fun entertainment going on stage somewhere, whether it’s a comedian or a contest for everyone to join in. If you’re a lady and looking for a way to save a few bucks and still go out to the clubs, go when it it’s Ladies Night Out. This is when all the ladies get free drinks on the house – just make sure you don’t have too many drinks, or you take a friend to get you safely back to your hotel!

Other clubs in town include Peppers, Mirage Night Club, Halftime Sports Bar, Mingles Pub and Mayfair Pub.  For Latin or Jazz music lovers head on over to Jonkanoo Lounge.  Devon’s House, aka The Grog Shoppe has live karaoke and jazz bands.  There is always something for everyone happening in Kingston at night, just slap on the aftersun, and go out and enjoy yourself.