Let’s look at some facts of the matter. Not only is
there enough raw oil in the United States to last us
for 50 plus years alone, but we are not harvesting that oil ourselves and we are subjugating ourselves to the leaders of the Oil Producing and Exporting Countries (OPEC) and their price setting.

OPEC is currently running at only 80% capacity as well. This means that they could produce more barrels of light, sweet, crude oil for the open market, but since there is a lower demand, the price would go down. Yes, that is the very definition of artificial price inflation for a good or service.

You can thank OPEC for paying nearly $3.00 a gallon
for fuel right now, with an expectation that the price will only go up as the summer driving season kicks in.
Ok, so how does this relate to residential and commercial real estate investing? It completely relates. The rule of thumb when looking at an economy is that “housing starts”, or the amount of new homes that are being built, is a sign of a good or bad economy.

Well housing starts and home building companies rely on cheaper fossil fuels to help truck supplies across the US and run machines at job sites.

So what happens if the cost of cheap fossil fuels becomes not so cheap? The builders slow development, thus laying off more workers, and again heading away from an increase in production.

The lower production results in further declining home values. These lower priced home values equates to the best-priced Real Estate in decades. Use this opportunity to round out your investment strategy by using your IRA to invest in Real Estate.

Take some of the IRA funds that you have invested in simple stocks that have been under-performing as of late, and invest the money into a rental property, strip mall, or vacation home. But do it soon while
the best-priced properties are still available.

Let macroeconomics and fuel prices take care of themselves. You take care of your retirement.

No one else will.

Seize this opportunity to cement your retirement with dignity.

Paul R. Whitacre is a managing partner at WealthyIRA.com. Our vision is to teach others to invest their IRAs and 401(k)s in the deepest discounted Real Estate in decades. Check out more at our http://www.WealthyIRA.com blog and follow us on Twitter at http://www.Twitter.com/WealthyIRA

Distributed by http://www.ContentCrooner.com

If you are looking to rent an apartment there are many tips that will make your search much easier. Being smart about your choice make take more time now but will be well worth it in the long run.

First, you want to make sure that the apartment is equipped with all of the necessary safety features. This means that there should be smoke detectors installed, fire extinguishers present and carbon monoxide detectors.

The safety equipment should come with the apartment and it is very important that you have it. These pieces of equipment could save your life.

When you walk through the apartment you are going to want to make sure that you check all of the pipes, toilets and faucets for any leaks in the plumbing. You will also need to make sure that there are no mold spots.

Mold spots are most common in kitchen and bathroom areas. Make sure you look at the wall area closest to the floor for any mold problems.

You will also want to check the water pressure in the unit that you are walking through. You can do this by turning on the water in the shower and turning the showerhead on.

You will also want to check the temperature of the water. Turn on the shower to the temperature that you would want to shower in and then leave the shower running as you go through the rest of the apartment.

By the time you leave the water should not have lost all of its heat. If the water is cold as you are leaving it is very possible that you will find yourself running out of hot water as you shower.

Even if the water is still hot when you leave you will want to find out if the water heater is shared between multiple apartments. If you share with a neighbor that takes long showers everyday at the same time that you want to shower you may not have any hot water.

If the water heater is an in-unit accommodation you will want to inspect it. Make sure that there are no chips or leaks in the heater.

If you find evidence of rusting, cracks or chips you could have a potential carbon monoxide problem. A good way to tell if there are problems with your water heater is to look for debris around the water heater.

You will also want to inspect the washer and dryer that you will be using. If the washer and dryer are inside of your unit you want to make sure that they are up to date and they are working properly.

If you will have to use a laundry facility you will also want to see the facility. It is important that this facility is only open to residents of your apartment complex.

You will want to go into the laundry area and check to make sure that there is enough lighting and that there are plenty of washers and dryers. This area should also be clean and well taken care of by the apartment complex.

Along with the washer and dryer you will want to make sure that any provided appliances work correctly. Turn on the oven, turn on the burners, stick your hand in the refrigerator and test the microwave.

There is nothing worse than moving into an apartment thinking that you have a working microwave, oven, refrigerator, washer and/or dryer and finding out that something does not work. This can throw a wrench into your plans.

Renting an apartment can be a very rewarding experience, but it is not for everyone. If you are looking to eventually own your own residence you are going to want to stray from making monthly rental payments in an apartment.

Terry Daniels is a resident of Austin, Texas and has written hundreds of articles relating to tourism and real estate. He recommends (http://alltexasaptlocators.com) for your next home in Texas.

Distributed by http://www.ContentCrooner.com

Mar 04, 2010
30-fixed 4.97 15-fixed 4.33 5 ARM 4.11 1 ARM 4.27

Feb 25, 2010
30-fixed 5.05 15-fixed 4.40 5 ARM 4.16 1 ARM 4.15

Feb 18, 2010
30-fixed 4.93 15-fixed 4.33 5 ARM 4.12 1 ARM 4.23

Feb 11, 2010
30-fixed 4.97 15-fixed 4.34 5 ARM 4.19 1 ARM 4.33

Feb 04, 2010
30-fixed 5.01 15-fixed 4.40 5 ARM 4.27 1 ARM 4.22

Aug 27, 2009
30-fixed 5.14 15-fixed 4.58 5 ARM 4.67 1 ARM 4.69

So rates are one thing but it’s also interesting to look at actual mortgage payments. We used our free mortgage calculator and determined mortgage payments from today’s mortgage rates. We also did the same thing with rates from February, 18 2010 and rates from August, 27 2009.

Mar 04
30-year $1069.97
15-year $1512.66
5-year ARM $967.55
1-year ARM $986.22

Feb 18
30-year $1065.1
15-year $1512.66
5-year ARM $968.71
1-year ARM $981.53

Aug 27
30-year $1090.82
15-year $1538.17
5-year ARM $1033.67
1-year ARM $1036.07

So payments are slightly up (0.45 percent) from two week ago. But overall payments are still low by historical standards. Payments are 1.91 percent lower than what we were seeing 6 months ago.

So what do we expect to see moving forward? In general the expectation is that rates are going to increase. There is some speculation about how high rates are going to increase. There have been a few people speculating that in the best case scenario rates are going to stay low and then increase slightly to 6 or 6.5 percent. No one (in the news at least) has been expecting rates to decrease. So I would expect rates to be higher in 6 months from now.

Given that what is our advice? I would avoid arms. The risk that rates will be substantially higher in 5 years doesn’t seem to justify the slightly lower rates one can get on a 5 year arm unless one is absolutely certain that A) they are going to move in less than 5 years and B) they will be able to relatively quickly sell their house in 5 years.

Ki’s site helps buyers search homes in the Austin MLS http://www.escapesomewhere.com/realestate_searchthemls.html along with providing information on Austin real estate http://www.escapesomewhere.com market and historical mortgage rates http://www.escapesomewhere.com/mortgageinterestrates.html

Distributed by http://www.ContentCrooner.com

Recently Mint.com, a personal finance website, had a map showing the future of job growth around the country. Then a couple of days after that there was a map depicting the current state of the housing market. The job growth map was based on information compiled by NPA Services, Inc, a statistics company In Washington, D.C.

The map depicts job growth in the next 20 years in major cities all over the country. It neither indicates what sectors the future jobs will be in, nor does it give information for how NPA Services arrived at these numbers. The housing map was compiled with information from the National Association of Realtors.

According to the jobs map, Denver job growth by 2030 is expected to be 1.3 million and the current housing market there has improved with sales up 1.8 percent. Colorado has gone from being down in home sales more than 11 percent in 2008. Colorado’s current unemployment rate is 7.5 percent. With an unemployment rate better than national average it’s perhaps not a stretch to see job growth in Colorado.

Los Angeles is expected to increase jobs by 1.9 million in the next 20 years, but that area is still taking a hit in the housing market with prices down over 12 percent. Home sales have yet to come back statewide and California’s unemployment rate is 12.4 percent. It might take twenties years for California to hit its stride again.

Atlanta is supposed to be the job Mecca over the next 20 years with 2.5 million jobs heading to that city, yet housing hasn’t rebounded there, with home prices down over 16 percent. Sales are starting to come back after being down 6-10 percent in the state of Georgia, but Georgia’s unemployment rate is 10.3 percent. With home values so low, it could take awhile for this area to be out of the recession.

Texas, where the current unemployment rate is 8.3 percent, is expected to see significant job growth in most of its major cities in the next 20 years. The housing market in Texas also started to rebound at the end of last year.

The housing news for January is not good. The winter is historically not a great time to sell a house, and this winter has been particularly tough. According to the Commerce Department, housing sales were down 11.2 percent last month. There was a small gain in sales in the Midwest, otherwise this drop was seen in housing markets across the country.

It’s an interesting idea that the areas where housing is recovering will have jobs soon to follow, but at this point it’s just fancy graphics. As a special section in Time last year pointed out about the future of jobs in America, 20 years ago the Internet was hardly heard of, there was no blogosphere or Facebook. How can anyone know exactly what might happen to the job market in the next twenty years? We still have to get through this year.

Ki’s site helps buyers search homes in the Austin MLS http://www.escapesomewhere.com/realestate_searchthemls.html along with providing information on Austin real estate http://www.escapesomewhere.com market and historical mortgage rates http://www.escapesomewhere.com/mortgageinterestrates.html

Distributed by http://www.ContentCrooner.com

Some new homes are put under contact before the foundation is poured. This can leave 6 to 12 months before the home is completed and closed. All statistics from the MLS are based on the “Sold” date. Therefore these statistics are skewed. The sale is not reflected properly.

Prices are actually coming down this fall and probably will continue through the winter as the inventory continues to build. It is taking longer for homes to sell and there are more homes for buyers to choose from.

The real estate markets in California, Arizona, Florida and other key states are leading indicators on how the market in Bend will do. In1989 real estate values in Bend jumped 35%. Out of state buyers from California, Florida, Arizona, Washington State and other hot markets were selling their homes for large profits and moving to Bend to buy larger homes. 1990 and 1991 saw the out of state markets dry up with prices falling. The Bend market followed these markets before it picked up again.

This winter is the time to buy real estate in Bend. There are homes on the market now that have been substantially reduced with seller’s willing to take any reasonable offer. Some homes are vacant and can be bought with a lease-purchase. We look for the market and prices to pick back up next spring.

A report recently released by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., or FDIC reported that Bend is the 35th fastest growing job market in the country for the second quarter of 2006, wit a job growth rate of 4 percent during that period. The FDIC reported sales activity in Oregon fell 12 percent in the same quarter.

Building permits for single family homes have been constantly falling but the pace of building takes a while to slow down from the torrid pace of 2005. Builders have to develop the lots, get permits and start the construction. Construction of the average homes takes about six months. There are still new homes coming on the market today that were in the planning stages in 2005.

Some builders are also starting to offer more incentives if you buy one of their homes. Upgrades in appliances, floor coverings, wood work, landscaping and other aspects of construction are now free. Some builders are also willing to pay points in order to help buyers qualify for lower payments on their loans.

The National Association of Realtor’s chief economist, David Lereah, predicted that sales through the rest of 2006 will be lower than earlier predicted. “This year, sales are slowing, homes are plentiful and sellers are negotiating,” Lereah said. “Under these conditions, we will probably see prices dip temporarily below year-ago levels as the market works through a buildup in housing inventory.”

The Central Oregon Association of Realtors is the best place to track the home sale statistics in Bend and Central Oregon. You can find these statistics on their web site. Keep in mind that these statistics include many new homes that were put in escrow months before the official closing date.

If you are a real statistics buff you can go to the web site of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight. It has a housing price index for all states individually, a house price calculator and other useful tools. However, keep in mind that these reports lag behind reality somewhat. Real estate prices in Bend are falling now and will continue through the winter.

Interest rates are still low and gas prices are falling, all good signs that the real estate market in Bend will be picking up next spring. If you have ever thought about buying real estate in Bend Oregon now may be the best opportunity you will have in a long time. There are some good buys in today’s market. Look for prices to start going up this spring.

Jim Johnson CRS is a real estate expert who has lived in Bend Oregon since 1981. Call 541-389-4511 or see his web site http://www.bendoregonrealestateexpert.com/ Search the Central Oregon Multiple Listing service at http://www.bendoregonrealestateexpert.centraloregonrealtors.com/

Distributed by http://www.ContentCrooner.com

* Is the wallpaper throughout your home outdated?
If yes, replace the wallpaper, or paint or texture over it.

* Is your paneling outdated?
Typical grooved paneling is outdated. If you have this type of paneling in your home, paint it a neutral color. High-quality paneling without grooves, which is $30+ a sheet unfinished, as of January 2010, is timeless. Tongue-and-groove is also timeless. Knotty pine and other high-quality paneling, however, are outdated.

* Are your cabinet embellishments outdated?
If yes, modern knobs are available for sale at most hardware stores. Pick out some classy ones for an inexpensive and easy way to make the cabinets in your kitchen and bathroom “pop.”

* Is your kitchen up-to-date?
Do you have outdated vinyl flooring? How about the counter tile that needs new grout or the old faux brick backsplash? Replaced outdated vinyl flooring with either updated classy vinyl or inexpensive tile, which is easy to do-it-yourself. Hire out the vinyl installation. For the faux brick or other faux backsplash and wall covering, remove it. It is outdated. Paint the wall a neutral color.

* Is your master bath up-to-date?
If you have neutral tiles and colors, you’re good to go. If not, you’ll need to consider replacing the colored tile and toning down the bright wall colors. Don’t go crazy by buying travertine and the most expensive fixtures. Stay with the standard of the neighborhood, since you may or may not recoup your money in the sale. If you’ve got frumpy bathroom cabinets and mirror, consider replacing them with inexpensive modern and classier ones. Whether you do-it-yourself or hire it out, it always benefits the seller to ensure the master bath is updated.

* Is your home painted inside and out with neutral colors
If you have a pink house inside and out, you can pretty much be guaranteed that if you even get an offer, you will have to concede several thousand on the sale price of your home. It is worth it to purchase the paint and apply it before putting the house on the market.

* Is your carpet a neutral color?
Carpet must be a neutral color, too. If you have blue, mauve or any of the other 70s and 80s crazy colors, you need to consider ripping out the carpet. Find out if you have hardwood floors underneath. If it was built in the 60s or before, you may be in luck. Refinishing hardwood floors can add thousands to your bottom line. Or, if no hardwoods are present, find the cheapest elegant neutral-colored carpet to replace your old outdated rug.

* Do you have colors in your home from a previous decade?
Are you seeing a common theme here? Neutral colors are the way to go throughout your home if you’re looking to sell your abode quickly.

* Do you have popcorn ceilings?
Another clue that your home is “dated” is popcorn ceilings. They went out with foofy bangs in the 70s. Scrape them off and paint them.

When you’re deciding on the work to be done, it’s better if you do a walkthrough with a pad of paper and pen in-hand prior to performing the work. Make note of all the things that need repair in each room, even the little things. The more repairs you do, the less dickering you will experience with buyers during offers. There is a lot of preparation that goes into getting your house ready for sale. Go to the effort and expense to get it done, and you will reap a powerful payoff.

Ki’s site helps buyers search homes in the Austin MLS http://www.escapesomewhere.com/realestate_searchthemls.html along with providing information on Austin real estate http://www.escapesomewhere.com market and historical mortgage rates http://www.escapesomewhere.com/mortgageinterestrates.html

Distributed by http://www.ContentCrooner.com

Feb 25, 2010
30-fixed 5.05 15-fixed 4.40 5 ARM 4.16 1 ARM 4.15

Feb 18, 2010
30-fixed 4.93 15-fixed 4.33 5 ARM 4.12 1 ARM 4.23

Feb 11, 2010
30-fixed 4.97 15-fixed 4.34 5 ARM 4.19 1 ARM 4.33

Feb 04, 2010
30-fixed 5.01 15-fixed 4.40 5 ARM 4.27 1 ARM 4.22

Jan 28, 2010
30-fixed 4.98 15-fixed 4.39 5 ARM 4.25 1 ARM 4.29

Aug 27, 2009
30-fixed 5.14 15-fixed 4.58 5 ARM 4.67 1 ARM 4.69

As we can see even with the jump this week rates have been relatively stable staying between 4.93 and 5.50 over the last month. In addition to rates is also interesting to look at mortgage payments. We took today’s rates and translated them into a payment for a 200k loan using our free mortgage calculator. We also did the same thing with rates from February, 11 2010 and rates from August, 27 2009

Feb 25
30-year $1079.76
15-year $1519.78
5-year ARM $973.37
1-year ARM $972.2

Feb 11
30-year $1069.97
15-year $1513.68
5-year ARM $976.86
1-year ARM $993.26

Aug 27
30-year $1090.82
15-year $1538.17
5-year ARM $1033.67
1-year ARM $1036.07

As we saw before the last two weeks has seen minimal movement. For a 200k loan the payment is 9.79 more a month for an increase of less than one percent.

So moving forward what do we see? The general expectation has been that mortgage rates were going to rise over the next year. Now with a weakening economy there are some arguments being made that mortgage rates might remain roughly where they are for the next year. If you are thinking of getting a loan it’s probably better to get one sooner than later. While there is some argument about whether rates are going to go up, with rates at all time lows, there is no speculation that rates are going to go down. So while there is a risk to waiting to lock into a mortgage there doesn’t seem to be a huge benefit to waiting.

Ki’s site helps buyers search homes in the Austin MLS http://www.escapesomewhere.com/realestate_searchthemls.html along with providing information on Austin real estate http://www.escapesomewhere.com market and historical mortgage rates http://www.escapesomewhere.com/mortgageinterestrates.html

Distributed by http://www.ContentCrooner.com

Either way it is a sign of progress. As mentioned in the previous article, there are several steps that should be followed to make a wise real estate purchasing decision.

In addition to the advice given in the previous article, a business owner should also consider following the suggestions given here. As soon as business has the capital for the down payment, they should switch from a rental payment to a mortgage payment.

The money will then go to the purchase of the asset for the company instead of simply paying money to someone else. Essentially, once the mortgage is paid off most of the money that you paid toward is will be back in the business.

Before purchasing, think about purchasing a place that has more room than is needed right now. Now only is it fun to anticipate growth of a company, but it can save a lot of money and time in the long run.

In the mean time, you can charge rental income for the extra room. To qualify for a loan, you may have to occupy most of the building, but you can still rent out part of it.

Once you own the building, establish an Eligible Passive Concern (EPC) or real estate holding company to own the new property. By creating a master lease between the EPC and the operating company you will connect the two entities.

When you decide to sell the business you can keep the real estate business and the property by extension. This will result in rent checks still coming to your mailbox once you have sold the company.

If you are struggling to pay the down payment for the building, consider working with another company or business owner to form an EPC. This partner company will also have to be examined for a loan, if you applied for one.

Be very wise when selecting a partner company and be very specific in things such as buy-out provisions from the very beginning. Write down your agreements and specifications.

This will prevent disputes and misunderstandings later on. A commercial specialist will save you time and money, if you select a good one.

Extra people will hinder the process and waste your time. Time is a precious commodity for business owners.

Do not waste it by involving unnecessary people such as residential mortgage brokers or bankers. In addition to slowing you down, they may have less expertise than a commercial specialist.

A commercial specialist would know which deals are the best as far as loan terms and fees. Hiring a specialist does cost a little more in the beginning, but think of it as part of the down payment, and they will save you a lot of money in the long term.

As owner of the property, your company will cut costs and earn many tax benefits. An accountant will know all of the possible ways owning the property can save you money.

For example, in addition to tax deductions, there is depreciation and amortization. Amortization is the keeping track of the increase and accounting for an amount or property.

Eventually, you will pay off your mortgage and the rent income will be applied to simply company expenses. Officially owning a building with a paid mortgage is a land mark for your company.

Hopefully, through wise commercial property decision making, your company will thrive off of the new space and continue to increase in size, reputation, and prestige. Purchasing commercial real estate is even more fulfilling with self-accomplishment as you see how your company has grown and it establishing itself more firmly in the market.

A business that owns its own company can continue to grow exponentially and provide excellent services to its customer’s more fully.

Jack Landry has worked since 1991 in property investments. He loves all things financial. He recommends (http://www.stanjohnsonco.com) for your property investment needs.

Distributed by http://www.ContentCrooner.com

If you have never vacationed to the East Coast, it is important that you understand a little bit about the culture and the history of the area. Virginia Beach is a perfect vacationing spot for many people, an ideal home for others and yet there are some people that would rather vacation elsewhere.

Virginia Beach is a city in and of itself. The city is located in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.

The coast meets the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. The city has become a very popular tourist spot and the tourism is a big contributor to the economy of the city

The military and the agribusiness sectors of the city also contribute to the Virginia Beach economy. It is estimated that Virginia Beach’s economy brought in about $857 million dollars.

Not only does the tourist industry bring in money for the city but it also provides jobs for the people that live in or near the city. There are about 15,000 jobs in the city that are supported by the tourism industry.

There are many military bases in the Virginia Beach area. The United States Navy’s NAS Oceana and FTC Dam Neck, the United States Army’s Fort Story and NAB Little Creek are all located within the city limits.

Surprisingly, this area also has a lot of farms and reaps a lot of crops from the farms. All in all the agribusiness produces around $80 million for the economy of the city.

The city hosts a farmer’s market that enables the farmers to sell their products to the customers that are interested in having locally grown produce, flowers, etc. The city also exports many of the products that the farms produce.

Virginia Beach is often associated with the American South. The accent is not the same as the stereotypical American Southern accent because the vowels have a longer pronunciation than in a regular southern accent.

Many people visit this area to see the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. This popular aquarium near the oceanfront is home to many exotic sea creatures.

There is a 300,000-gallon tank that contains the sand tiger, nurse and brown sharks, stingrays and other creatures that live at the bottom of the ocean. There are parts of the aquarium that offer hands on exhibits so that those visiting can touch the sea creatures.

An exhibit with sea turtles holds 70,000-gallons of water and there is also a sea turtle hatchling laboratory. There are many other exhibits for different sea creatures.
Besides the aquarium Virginia Beach also is home to the Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheatre. This venue has housed a wide variety of shows in past years.

The Ozzfest, Kenny Chesney, Coldplay and the Ozzfest are all concerts that have made it out to this venue. The large difference between the different performances shows the wide variety of taste in the people that visit Virginia Beach.

Virginia Beach is not made of all fun. There are many serious jobs and many serious companies that are based in Virginia Beach.

Edgar Cayce Hospital for Research and Enlightenment facilitates the learning and healing of people from all over the world. Cayce accumulated a large following of people while he was alive.

After Cayce passed away he continued to have a large group of people following his work. Believing that healing was a psychic matter, Cayce accumulated many followers during the 1960’s.

The Neptune Festival brings around a half a million people to Virginia Beach every year. This festival recognizes the Norweigan heritage that is so prevalent in Virginia Beach.

The events that are associated with Norway are held throughout the town and on the beach. During this time NAS also puts on their air show which attracts 350,000 visitors.

The American Musical Festival also brings a large crowd to the city. Live music is preformed on many different stages up and down the beach.

Many of the keynote players play on the stage that is located on the beach on Fifth Street. The American Musical Festival commencement includes the Rock and Roll Half Marathon.

Virginia Beach offers a unique vacation or living experience for anyone looking to relocate. Although it may not necessarily be the first place you imagine when you picture your vacation, taking the time to learn more about the city may help you form your opinion concerning the city.

Tom Selwick is a resident of Virginia and has written hundreds of articles relating to tourism and real estate. He recommends (http://www.trydunlo.com) for your next home in Virginia.

Distributed by http://www.ContentCrooner.com

Kawai features a dreamland setting for any honeymoon, vacation, or business trip. Surrounding Kawai is lush, green, tropical forest.

There are many luxury lodges located in Kawai, many of which pride a beautiful oceanfront with a coastline view. The combination of sun, ocean waves, and vibrant wildlife provides a throughly refreshing atmosphere.

The landscape hosts many various activities for vacation goers. Many of these activities offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature.

The ATV tour is about four hours long and delves into the thick vegetation and rugged terrain in the forest. There are two magnificent waterfalls along the way, one of which is the ideal location to spend some time eating lunch.

People also have the opportunity to swim in the cool waterfall pool and hike to a nearby bamboo forest. ATV transport is the best mode of moving around on the forest floor quickly.

Another option is tour Kawai by helicopter. The helicopter’s that are used for touring the island are the fancy Hughes 500’s.

They have no doors and guarantee window seating which ensure a spectacular view of the landscape. These helicopter’s are also the kind that are used for search and rescue as they are able to land in the mountainous terrain.

Only about 20 percent of the island of Kawai is accessible by foot or vehicle, which means that if you travel in a helicopter you get an exclusive ticket to visit areas that relatively few people have ever been able to visit. The helicopters can travel up to 140 miles per hour around the island.

Around lunch time, the helicopter will touch down for a picnic lunch near a crystalline waterfall. This will also be an opportunity to go swimming.

One of the best ways to see much of the tropical forest in a short amount of time is to take a zip line. On this trip all-terrain vehicles will take tourists up to the starting point.

This trip provides an opportunity to see the forest from ground level before zipping through the trees. This drive is also educational as guides will be able to point out and discuss various wild life and fauna.

The starting point is deep within the forest and on a mountain. Traveling down the zip line there are seven different sections that give tourists the sense of flying and spectacular view of the forest.

Like traveling on the ATV’s and helicopter, the zip-line trip also includes a stop at a waterfall for lunch and swimming. However, the zip line provides a very unique view of the forest.

In the evening luaus are marked by the beat of drums and the blowing of conches. Luaus are a particularly unique party to the Pacific islands.

As tourists enter they are greeted with the traditional lei’s. Following this is the Imu Ceremony, which involves a Kalua pig being cooked in a pit in the ground and covered with rocks.

When the pig is done all of the spectacular island food is offered in an all-you-can-eat buffet. To wrap things up, there will be traditional hula and ceremonial dancing.

The number one rated fun activity on the island of Kawai are the Movie Tours. On these tours people can take either the off-road jungle tour or an air-conditioned mini-bus to the sites.

The off-road version is not recommended for people with bad backs or pregnant women because the journey is quite rough. Both of the tours stop at sites in the forest where major Hollywood film were shot and will show clips from those movies.

The off-road tour also stops at a working cattle ranch called Kipu Ranch. This ranch has 2500 acres of terrain and is a prime location for the shooting of many Hollywood movies.

There are also many water based activities offered in Kawai. These activities include kayaking, sailing, tubing, scuba diving, fishing, whale watching, and surfing.

No matter what the occasion or demographics of the traveling group, Kawai has something to offer everyone.

Ronald Pedactor is a former travel agent and has written hundreds of articles relating to tourism and real estate. He recommends (http://www.fractionalluxurylodging.com) for your interest in Kauai vacation homes.

Distributed by http://www.ContentCrooner.com