Can I Take a Bowie Knife on a Plane If it is in My Suitcase?

Carrying weapons aboard a plane is a big no-no, isn't it? If you're the proud owner of a bowie knife, you might think that there's no possible way that you'd ever be allowed to carry that knife on a plane. However, while you're right, you're wrong at the same time. You can take your bowie knife with you when you fly, but you have to follow some pretty specific guidelines. What's the system you have to follow? What do you need to do?

How do you go about carrying your bowie knife on the plane? First, don't put it in your carryon bag, or wear it on your belt. These are sure ways to be stopped and investigated by the airport security personnel. In order to transport your knife aboard an airplane, you will need to put it in your checked baggage and leave it with the ticket desk. You should also ask whether or not sharp objects need to be declared. Firearms, ammunition and even paintball guns are required to be declared, so your knife might also.

Next, you will need to pack your knife appropriately. You would think that just placing it in your suitcase would be enough, but the TSA demands more stringent measures. You'll need to make sure that your bowie knife is sheathed, first and foremost. You will also need to make sure that the knife is secured within the sheath in some way. Some sheaths have a buttoned strap for this purpose. However, even a simple piece of twine can serve your purpose here.

What if you are not taking any checked luggage? If you're only going for a short trip, or just like to travel light, it's pretty common to only take carryon baggage with you. If this scenario sounds familiar, you should consider shipping your knife ahead, through UPS or FedEx. However, you should check the freight carrier's weapons policy before attempting to ship that bowie knife ahead.

Carrying your bowie knife with you is more convenient than you might think, but it will necessitate that you plan ahead and prepare for any contingencies that might arise. That said, with a bit of forethought, you can arrive at your destination and have your bowie knife with you at the same time, which is better than many travelers assume.

Dylan Sabot is the owner of an online bowie hunting knives store featuring the Cold Steel training knife. Additionally, Dylan is also the President of an online humidors store.

November 22 2009 | Travel | No Comments »

Here Are 6 National Parks to Enjoy Without the Crowds.

So, you're planning an outing with the family this summer and you've chosen to tour some of the best national parks the United States and Canada have to offer. However, you cringe at the thought of the crowds you are about to encounter and the accompanying lack of privacy. Don't despair. If solitude is your thing, these six parks may just be the answer:

1. Arches. Located in southern Utah, the stunning sandstone arches are an amazing scene. Two not to be missed are Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch, the latter of which happens to be the park's largest. Because of the terrain, hiking is the main activity of choice.

2. Badlands. South Dakota's Badlands National Park is truly a marvel of nature. Amid the wandering bighorn sheep and bison, you'll notice the vast prairies along with the buttes and canyons. It truly does feel like two parks (or three) in one.

3. Big Bend National Park. This is truly the park for the water enthusiast. Located in western Texas, river rafting on the Rio Grande is a popular attraction. Canoeing and kayaking are perfect ways to take in the breathtaking views. The park, situated on more than 3/4 of a million acres, got its name because of the very large bend in the river.

4. Biscayne. The uniqueness of Biscayne is the fact that you can really only get there by boat. Located about 25 miles from Miami, you can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing that the 40+ keys have to offer. If viewing marine life is your thing, the crystal clear waters make it a snap to observe the many stingrays, small sharks, fish, and turtles you are likely to encounter.

5. Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Looking for different experiences at different times of the year? This Nova Scotia wonder is just the ticket. Believe it or not, depending on the time of year, this is one place where you can hike in the fall, play on the beach in the summer, or even ski in the winter. Once home to Alexander Graham Bell, Cape Breton offers breathtaking views of the highlands and coastlines regardless of the time of year.

6. Congaree National Park. Some 75 species of trees and multitudes of animals call Congaree National Park home. Located near Columbia, South Carolina, the park is the largest floodplain forest in North America. It also is one of the newest, earning its national park status in 2003.

You really can't go wrong with any of these destinations, especially if you're looking to enjoy the experience of the national park without the hassle of crowds. You'll be pleasantly surprised at what you'll find. A whole new world is just waiting to be explored.

April 10 2009 | Travel | No Comments »

Mexican Bass Fishing Trip

Mexican bass fishing trips is the latest craze with sport fishermen around the world. The idea of taking a bunch of friends and spend some time together in a tropical location while fishing for one of the most remarkable fish in the world appeals to many. They know that Mexico's lakes are well stocked, therefore offering plenty of catch for all. Since bass is a top game fish, it has a wide appeal to many.

Some of these stocks originated from Florida bass all the way back to the late 70s and they have had plenty of time to grow into rich fishing grounds that offer you more ways than you can imagine of peacock bass fishing and butterfly bass fishing.

Mexico is ideal in many senses because you will combine a trip of a lifetime with a relaxing vacation all the same. There are tours and fishing trips for all ages and likes, from hobbyists to women only groups. If you do a search online you'll soon find plenty of bass fishing tours in Mexico to consider.

Some fishing lakes known for top fishing in Mexico are vast in size, ranging in 50,000 acres. They offer people a relaxed environment for nature lovers with plenty of spots to indulge in their hobby. It's like fishing in paradise. And there is always plenty of room to cast your fishing rod.

Among the many fish you can catch in Mexico are peacock bass, a well known species of game fish who love to put up a good fight. Peacock bass range in sizes up to 30 pounds and higher. They are beautiful given the fact that they are huge and as you can imagine, they are not easy to catch. You need to be well prepared with your gear and your mentally. Make sure to use the right sized lure and rod to increase your chances of success. Only fishermen with plenty of experience usually manage to catch plenty of bass.

The all year round good weather and sunshine make Mexico a favorite with many bass fishermen from around the world. Just imagine, you are sitting in a small motor boat surrounded by your mates while enjoying the day out on the water. What better way to spend time.

During the Mexican dry season Bass fishing is best attempted. There are many rich schools of fat bass who have gorged themselves on the rich fishing grounds during the wet season and they are ready to be enjoyed by you. Plus when the fish are fatter they are a little easier to catch.

If you are a beginner you should learn all you can about hooks, fishing lures, casts and bass itself. By choosing the right fishing equipment you increase your chances of success.

To have the time of your life when going bass fishing in Mexico learn all you can before you leave home. It will be worth your time.

April 02 2009 | Travel | No Comments »