SANTO DOMINGO

Alternative vacation Tough economic times call for cutting back on luxuries. But it doesn't mean you have to completely forfeit your summer vacation. Many lighthouses offer free housing in exchange for volunteering, allowing you to enjoy the aqua waters without drowning in debt. Volunteering while on vacation "It was one of the highlights of my life," said Karren Jeske, who volunteered twice at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on Lake Superior, WI for the United States National Park Service. Jeske trained for about a week on the mainland and helped out at the lighthouse from May to October. The work schedule consisted of 10 days on and four days off with tasks including greeting visitors, painting picnic tables, keeping the house clean, and providing on-site vandalism protection. The lighthouse was primitive, located on a remote island without running water or electricity. Jeske would take solar showers, which involved heating up a ...

In addition to packing in your carry-on baggage and necessities such as baby food, diapers, medicine and items that will keep your child entertained, there are a few more steps that you should take to make the flight safer for yourself and your baby. Debra Holtzman, JD, MA an internationally recognized safety and health expert and author of the book, The Safe Baby: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Home Safety , offers these tips. 1. Fly non-stop It is more than inconvenient to have to change planes, running the risk of missing a connecting flight and racing through a busy airport carrying a baby or toddler and all of her gear. A nonstop flight is actually safer. Most crashes occur during takeoff, climbing, descending and landing than the flight itself. Sometimes changing planes cannot be avoided. Most airlines will provide assistance in transporting your child, child safety seat (CSS) and luggage. Arrange for this in advance. 2. Plan ahead for the appropriate child safety seat ...

Can one vacation truly have something for everyone? Yup! Absolutely! Sedona, Arizona not only has the "Wow!" factor, but is also a place where "boredom" is not part of the vocabulary. Sedona - Vistas galore! What Sedona is most known for is the views. No matter where you look, you're bombarded by sights of amazing limestone and red sandstone rock formations created by millions of years of erosion. The creative imagination of Man has given these formations clever names such as Coffee Pot, Snoopy, The Family, Mittens, Bell Rock, and Cathedral Rock for the shapes they appear to take. The most photographed of all is Cathedral Rock as it beautifully captures the golden hues of sunset. Sedona's Vortexes Sedona is also internationally known for the uplifting power of its Vortex meditation sites. Many believe these enhanced energy locations facilitate prayer, meditation, mind/body healing, and exploring your relationship with your Soul and the divin...

Can one vacation truly have something for everyone? Yup! Absolutely! Sedona, Arizona not only has the "Wow!" factor, but is also a place where "boredom" is not part of the vocabulary. If you're looking for breathtaking 360-degree vistas plus endless activities for the entire family, then Sedona, Arizona is the place for you. Hop into your car in Phoenix and watch the Sonoran Desert quickly drop behind as you make the climb north to Sedona. Two hours later, your jaw will drop and you'll simply gasp "Wow!" at your first sight of the red rocks of Sedona. You won't be the first to be taken by Sedona's beauty – you certainly won't be the last, because Sedona is one big – Wow! Location Located at the mouth of Oak Creek Canyon and at the center of the state's legendary Red Rock Country, Sedona sits at a cool altitude of 4,500 feet. Named for the wife of early settler Carl Schnebly, Sedona now boasts the second most visited ...

Nothing is quite like traveling in the summer. Everything seems brighter. People are nicer. And sometimes, cities just seem to come alive. So this year, if you have the opportunity, check out one of these hotspot summer destinations. They're guaranteed to relax and thrill even the most finicky traveler. 1. Cote d'Azur, France This glamorous destination, stretching from St. Tropez to Monaco, is home to the rich and famous, and is one of the most expensive locales in the world. What to do: From taking in the sun to enjoying long nights at the casino or disco, something's available for everyone . Be sure to check out the area's amazing restaurants (especially for seafood). Look out for: Inflated prices. Everything gets marked up in the summer -- even water. 2. London, United Kingdom London is at its best in the summer when sunny, dry days overtake the dank, gloomy days of spring. What to do: Shop Chiswick or Notting Hill. Stop by one of the city's m...