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(ARA) - There are over 4 million snowmobilers in the United States and Canada, and studies show that snowmobiling has become a family activity. A survey by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) shows that 95 percent of snowmobile enthusiasts consider it a family sport.
“Snowmobiling is a wonderful way for families to share an active, outdoor lifestyle in the winter, spending time together while appreciating the beauty of nature when it is blanketed with snow,” says John Tranby, marketing communications manager for Arctic Cat, a leading snowmobile manufacturer. With 230,000 miles of groomed and marked snowmobile trails throughout North America, families have many opportunities to explore the great outdoors.
Resorts, restaurants and shops near popular snowmobiling areas have started catering to families as well. Even traditional skiing destinations like Vail, Steamboat and Aspen in Colorado and Stowe, Vt., have recognized the appeal of snowmobiling and now offer ski/snowmobile packages. Many resorts rent snowmobiles for families that want to try the sport.
“Today’s snowmobiles are designed with a variety of comfort and convenience features that make them safe and enjoyable to ride for hours. Manufacturers have developed cleaner and quieter engine designs to lower the noise levels as well as emissions. In addition, the continued popularity of touring snowmobiles that make it easy and comfortable for two people to ride shows the impact of the family on the sport,” says Ed Klim, president of ISMA. Arctic Cat’s T660 Turbo Touring model is a good example. It offers the convenience of a quiet four-stroke engine, rear racks for extra storage, heated handgrips and mirrors -- perfect for a family outing.
Anyone who operates a snowmobile should take a safety course, but this is especially true of children; in many states, training courses are mandatory for youths and underage drivers. Many snowmobiling clubs and state snowmobiling associations offer this type of training. There are nearly 3,000 snowmobile clubs in North America, along with 27 state associations in the United States. Virtually all snowmobile clubs are involved in trail maintenance, charity fund raising and family activities.
The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association and Arctic Cat encourage all riders to follow the safe rider’s pledge:
* I will never drink and drive a snowmobile.
* I will drive within the limits of my machine and my own abilities.
* I will obey the rules and laws of the state or province I am visiting.
* I will be careful when crossing roads, and always cross at a right angle to traffic.
* I will keep my machine in top shape and follow a per-op check before each ride.
* I will wear appropriate clothing, including gloves, boots and a helmet with a visor.
* I will let family or friends know my planned route, my destination and my expected arrival time.
* I will treat the outdoors with respect. I will not litter or damage trees or other vegetation.
* I will respect other people’s property and rights, and lend a hand when I see someone in need.
* I will not snowmobile where prohibited.
With proper training and a respect for nature, snowmobiling can be the perfect family activity. To see the variety of snowmobiles available today, visit www.arctic-cat.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
(ARA) – Because of what happened on September 11, 2001, a trip through the airport will never be the same. Gone are the days when your friends and loved ones could greet you or bid farewell at the gate; but thanks to advancements in technology, it’s once again okay to lock your luggage.
A new lock that can only be opened by someone who works for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the federal agency in charge of airport security, is now available to consumers. Travel Sentry locks were developed with the cooperation of luggage, lock and travel accessory manufacturers, and the TSA.
“The Travel Sentry system is the direct result of the travel industry developing a solution that addresses the public’s desire to lock their bags with the need of the TSA to have access to those bags for inspection,” says John Vermilye, managing director of Travel Sentry, the organization that developed the new locking system.
If a bag with one of the special locks -- that are clearly identified with a Travel Sentry Certified mark -- needs to be inspected, screeners will use a combination of codes and secured tools to unlock the lock, instead of cutting it off. Following inspection, the screener will re-lock the bag and send it on its way.
“This is a great solution to the problems travelers have encountered with the bag screening process since 9-11. Being able to lock their bags again without fear of the locks being cut off gives passengers peace of mind,” says Anne McAlpin, author of “Pack it Up, Traveling Smart & Safe in Today’s World.” McAlpin is a packing expert with more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry. She says people lock their luggage not only for a feeling of security, but to prevent buckles from coming undone, dumping their belongings out in the cargo hold or luggage belt.
Several leading baggage manufacturers are currently designing luggage with built-in Travel Sentry locks, but you don’t have to wait until they roll off the assembly line to lock your luggage. Travelers can protect their belongings right now with Austin House Travel Sentry Certified locks. They are available as either key or combination locks and come in 8 different colors: black, brass, 3 different neons and 3 contemporary colors.
“The availability of different colors helps passengers easily identify their luggage on the baggage belt. The locks are sturdy and have large dials so you won’t need a magnifying glass to read them," says Stuart Taylor of Austin House.
Locking your luggage isn’t the only step the experts recommend you take to have a pleasant travel experience. “Doing a little prep work before you arrive at the airport will go a long way,” says McAlpin. In her new book, “Pack it Up, Traveling Smart & Safe in Today’s World,” she offers the following advice:
* Get a boarding pass holder. This travel essential has individualized pockets for your boarding pass, photo ID and passport, and hangs around your neck, giving you easy access to your papers as you make your way through the airport.
* Use plastic bags. Pack as many items as possible inside plastic bags. You’ll help make security’s job easier as they can see and feel what’s packed inside each bag without directly touching it, especially personal items like underwear.
* Bring along some comfort items. A few “must haves” for every carry-on bag: an inflatable neck and lumbar pillow, earplugs, a healthy snack and bottle of water. Most airlines have done away with serving food in the cabin, unless you pay extra for it.
* Wear comfortable shoes. Be sure to wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off, in case you have to take them off to go through a security check.
You can find Austin House Travel Sentry locks at your local travel specialty or AAA store. To find out more about the new locks, log onto www.austinhouse.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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