Do you suffer from jet lag every time you fly? Well jet lag can happen to anyone. It’s not a disease or that serious and complicated. Everyone at times get jet lag and though it’s not that serious, jet lag can make you waste a day or a two while trying to recover.  Causes of jet lags are mainly due to change in temperature, difference in daylight saving time and so on, anyone can avoid jet lag. So, here are some tips and trick that will help you avoid jet lag, next time you fly.

• For those flying to a destination with a complete daylight saving, start preparing you schedule in advance such as sleep and wake up an hour earlier everyday and so on. But if your visit is only for a day or two, maintain the same daily schedule as usual.

• While flying, please avoid alcoholic beverages, rest well, take naps during daytime. If you are prone to motion sickness do bring along some medicine.

• While booking your flight, try to book a flight scheduled to reach at night, so you can head straight to bed right after reaching.

• Incase if your flight reaches your destination in the morning or afternoon, try not to head straight to bed, no matter how tired and sleepy you are. Instead take a shower, then enjoy a short tour of the city by visiting nearby attractions, get an early dinner and head to bed. By doing this you will have a tough day but you can enjoy exploring the city as a local from the next day.

• Sleeping pills, jet lag prevention medicines are also highly recommended. Please consult your doctor before any purchase.

Travelling can be difficult. After all, it has the potential to be the best of times and the worst of times. It can make or break relationships. Being a fussy traveller makes any trip harder. I am not terribly hard to please; I merely have standards of cleanliness and comfort. As such, I took care to do as much research on travelling as I possibly could before embarking overseas.

I checked Trip Advisor, skimmed Frommers, and borrowed Lonely Planet from the local library. I visited and revisited, sometimes as much three times a day, various low-cost flight sites: Kayak, Expedia, and Travelocity among others. I googled and yahooed until my eyes were blurry. I checked and rechecked RailEurope until I was aware of certain train schedules by heart. In the meantime, I also worked and saved my money. By the beginning of September, we had an itinerary!

Despite being thorough in my research, after the trip was said and done, I realized that there were some things every traveller (especially a fussy one), should be aware of, though no guidebook cares to mention them.

WHAT EVERY FUSSY TRAVELLER IN EUROPE ON A BUDGET SHOULD KNOW

SOAKER TUBS ARE AN AMERICAN LUXARY

Forget about the much-hyped Roman baths - there are NO baths! At least none in low to medium grade hotels, hostels, or bed and breakfasts. What you can expect are small and smaller showers. No exaggeration necessary, in some showers, even I (a slim woman of 110 lbs) had trouble turning around in without hitting either my head on the shower cord when reaching for soap, or my back and behind against the wall or knobs when picking up the slippery soap.

VARIETY OF ETHNIC FOODS IS A CANADIAN SPECIALTY

If you adore bread and cheese, you'll adore France. If you adore bread and thinly sliced meats, you'll adore Italy. If you (like me) are only in like with sandwiches, your love affair with either country may hit a roadblock. Having lived in my home city for the past ten years, I expected the rest of the world's cities to offer similar variety: subtle Japanese sushi available around the corner; cravings for greasy Chinese to be sated past midnight in Chinatown; spicy and tasty Indian foods to be so ubiquitous, it may be found in the work cafeteria. Indeed, fusion food outlets are a norm not a specialty here - butter chicken is often on the same menu that also offers bison burger. Not so in Europe! If you find a supermarket selling meat and bread in the same place, you're in luck! Otherwise of the ten food stores on your block, three will be selling bread, three will be selling meat, two will cater to desserts and the other two will be offering wine for less than ten dollars Canadian. In short, bread, wine, cheese, and dessert in abundance, but little else.

BE READY TO FEEL INADEQUATE

European men and women are always fabulously turned out. No one looks as though they spent less than an hour, never mind fifteen hurried minutes, on their outfit. Also, I did not see one obese person the entire three weeks plus that I was there. Instead, model-ready girls graced Parisian cafes while trendy Italians strolled confidently along cobblestone side streets. It seemed I was doomed to feel less than adequate, especially in Paris where streets were filled with nothing other than pouty pretty blondes and brunettes, one and all toting dreamy leather bags while tossing long locks into the French fall wind.

GET USED TO THE SMELL OF CIGARETTES

Everyone and I mean everyone and their smaller than 20 lb pooch smokes. Although most public places no longer allow smoking indoors, it is not uncommon to have a cigarette waved in your face as you walk down a sidewalk, or to have one flicked past you as you turn into a doorway.

PREPARE TO DUCK, DODGE, DIVE, ROLL, AND DODGE AGAIN

People have said Edmonton-ians are bad drivers - hah! Scooters go everywhere from alleys to sidewalks, to roads. Everywhere you go, people are hurrying, muttering apologies as they plunge ahead anyway, knocking your purse about or jostling a shoulder. Friends may pull you aside as a scooter roars past or a car whizzes by. Horns are honked and curses are yelled. Traffic in European cities is not unlike an acute game of dodge-ball, one which may land you on a bench permanently.

On the other hand, France and Italy also had many things to offer. Here's my top five:

FRENCH PASTRIES

I have never tasted a better chocolate croissant or honey nut strudel than in France. All over France, the pastries were top notch. If I could have bottled that warm delicious fragrance of patisseries, I would have, and undoubtedly sold it for millions as love potion. In fact, I did not and still do not like croissants with the exception of the two weeks spent in France!

ITALIAN PASTA

No surprise there! However, I must take the opportunity to rave about the best spaghetti al ragu I have ever EVER tasted in my life! It was in a restaurant called Da Cecio in Corniglia, Cinque Terre. F- had the pasta with pesto and was very pleased by it as well. Fair prices and a nice courtyard overlooking the sea - it was a find! As well, in a cafe called Donatello right by the Duomo in Florence, Italy, I had the opportunity to eat the best ravioli I have tasted in my 27 years on this planet: Ricotta ravioli in a mushroom and truffle sauce...mmmmm!

FLORENTINE GELATO

One can usually buy gelato anywhere in Italy and parts of North America. It's not uncommon, but what is uncommon is the unusually creamy and delicious gelato I had in Florence. It never failed to delight and was a fabulous find. My favourite was from a little corner gelato store just across the Santo Sprito bridge. For 1.50 euro, you may choose two flavours. Afterwards, we'd climb back on the bridge to gaze at passersby and the hustle of Ponte Vecchio.

PARISIAN SCARVES

I was not a scarf girl until I went to Paris. Some things may be extraordinarily expensive overseas, but cashmere scarves were not among those things in Paris. In the Marais neighbourhood, we found an outlet that sold us scarves for no more than 2 euro a piece, and all were either 100% or 70% cashmere. Not surprisingly, I loaded up on pashminas as well.

ROMAN ART

All of Europe is covered in historical buildings, bridges, and fountains. What makes Rome so special? Well, to be frank, it's got the best art - both new and old. Baberini's fountains still grace Piazza Baberini, Navona and the base of the Spanish steps. Raphael's masterpieces are kept up in the rooms named after him inside the Vatican Museum. The Coliseum's ancient grace still awes today. You may still trace the steps of emperors gone by in the Old Forum. And if you wished to purchase sizeable pieces of art, then the only place to go for originals and copies of famous works, is Piazza Navona. Nowhere else in Europe, not even during the art walk / sidewalk exhibition of art in Nice, France were so many large oils available. Nor were their techniques as nice. Rome - there's a reason it's known as the eternal city.

Buy from a travel agent you know, if at all possible

If you look for professional affiliations for the travel agent, you are less likely to end up with a disappointing vacation, or one which costs a great deal more than you had planned. If an unknown agent wants to sell you a deal on the vacation package, at least take the time to go online and do some checking about the agent.

Verify that the names of the seller and the provider are the same

The point of this caution is to stay away from telemarketers who are only out to sell you the ticket, but take no further responsibility for the success of your trip. Deeply discounted prices or extra amenities may require that you sit through a sales presentation. Be especially wary of faxes, emails or post card promotions received from an unknown seller. Further, don't fall into the trap of paying for the trip via a courier who comes to collect, or of paying through overnight delivery. This may indicate the seller is trying to avoid mail fraud or wire fraud.

Verify travel details with the agent before paying

Each portion of the details should be verified. For instance, know the name of the hotels or lodging where you will be housed. Specific airline carriers or cruise ships should be spelled out. Check on the need for cancellation insurance, and find out whether the travel business has insurance as well. All this confirmation effort should be done prior to payment.

Pay for your travel plans via credit card

Don't fall for the scam precipitated by some telemarketing firms and provide your credit card information for "verification" or "confirmation" purposes. By using a credit card, you can dispute some of the charges, at least, with the credit card company.

Don't purchase long term vacation packages

These terms are often used in marketing time shares or vacation. Buyers are convinced to prepay for 5 years or more. Marketers may not let you know about rising maintenance or upkeep fees, or association dues. There is virtually no resale value for a vacation home such as this,

Learn the buzzwords

You should be particularly aware of luxury dream vacation offers. Only you can determine what is your dream vacation. Make sure you understand what is being promised by the marketer. Also be aware of such terms as "blackout dates" when you can't enjoy the discounted prices and "subject to availability" may mean you can't use the accommodations if someone else gets there first.

Avoid instant travel agent offers

Some marketers sell a discount card that promises to provide discounts on everything from cruises to airline tickets to hotels to meals. Be aware that only a travel agent has access to these discount deals, and only the associated industry will make provide the discounts.

Don't get me wrong, guidebooks have their place.

I like to read up before hand and get to know the area I am visiting like anyone else, but that is as far as I can take it. As a traveler I love to live in the mystery of each day. Let your nose lead you to breakfast while out for a morning walk, or let your eyes lead you down an ocean trail you would have never know existed if you were looking for some place you will likely be waiting in line.

Perhaps I am just the kind of person who prefers to spend his time off the beaten path. That is true, and yet, that is exactly what I am trying to encourage. There is plenty of path out there that has yet to be beaten. People need to find a sense of adventure and freedom in their travels, yet most everyone has an itinerary when they travel. Sites to see, retaurants to eat at, other places to spend their money and wait in lines. 

To immerse yourself in a place you must let your senses lead you around. Leave the guidebook at home. Reference it when you need to, in the evening before bed, but don't take it places with you. Take your sense of humor and a healthy dose of optimism. And if your like me, maybe a compass.

Travel Forums

Forums are great place to ask questions about your travel plans. Many people on the forums have already traveled to where you're going. Don't forget to search the forum and read older posts, many questions have already been answered!

Guide Books 

Guides are a great to read before leaving, on arrival and during your travels. Most will have history, culture, do's & don'ts sections. So study up and learn as much as possible. If the books have a language section, try learning the basic (Hello, Thank you, Good Bye etc), the locals will love it!

Whilst guide books are great, don't be afraid to leave it in your bag and explore! Remember a guide book is just that, it is NOT a bible!

Blogs

There are literally millions of travel blogs out, many written by travelers currently on the road. So search and find the ones relevant to your travels.

Travel Companies

Many travel companies publish glossy books outlining their tours. Generally speaking, these companies travel to the popular and best towns with in a given country, helping you to plan a route or get idea's on what to see and what to miss.

On The Road

One of the best sources of information is other travelers and Locals. Having a chat over beer or fruit shake you can learn plenty just by listening. Find out what's good, how much things are, good hostels, how to get there, cheap eats and much more.

Wing It!

This is one of the greatest and most full filling ways to travel. Pick a destination and go! It's not for everyone, but it's a great way to travel. No plans, no commitments. Just go with the wind.

• You do not have to stay long in Disneyland to get the most out of it. A couple of days can be enough to enjoy every ride and attraction there. The longer you stay, the greater will be your expense, so if you are going on a budget, keep your stay short.
• Get yourself a map of Disneyland, preferably before you leave home. It is always a good idea to familiarize yourself with a place before you reach it. This will enable you to manage your time well.
• Don't be surprised if you see tons of people lining up before every attraction. Remember that you are going to a famous tourist spot, so it is quite natural to expect so many other people having their vacation there. You can maximize your time by getting a Fast Pass ticket. This is a free service that will keep you from having to stand in line for a long time.
• You do not have to book in any of the Disneyland Hotels there. However, I personally feel that staying in either the Disneyland Hotel or the Hollywood Hotel is worth the experience. The accommodation is great, and the buffet breakfast at the hotel is definitely something to look forward to! The Disneyland Hotels are definitely world-class.
• There are so many souvenir shops in Hong Kong Disneyland, but you do not have to buy everything you see. Pictures make better souvenirs, and they're not as expensive.

Going to a tourist destination like Hong Kong Disneyland may seem costly, but if you consider the exciting experiences you can have in the Happiest Place on Earth, it's all worth it.

The Island of Gotland

Located in the Baltic Sea, this absolutely stunning island is a must. You can reach it by ferry from the mainland (several daily departures from the cities of Oskarshamn or Nynashamn), or by air from Stockholm. The medieval town of Visby is the largest town in Gotland and hosts a spectacular fortress wall surrounding the old city. In the summer, Visby turns into a party place of rare proportions attracting young people from all of Scandinavia. If you prefer a more quiet experience, try Faro in the north of Gotland and be sure to see the “rauks” - the oddly shaped stone columns created by natural erosion.

Stockholm

The capitol of Sweden is beautiful in the summer. If you´re here for a short stop only, be sure to visit the palace and the old town and take a ferry or bus to Djurgarden where you can visit the two amusement parks of Grona Lund and Skansen in one single day. If you´ve got more time on your hands, go on a boat trip to see the archipelago located outside of Stockholm - several routes and tours are available.

Lund, Malmo (and Copenhagen, Denmark)

Due to the proximity of these three cities and great communications between them, you can easily get the most of them in one day. Start in Lund and stroll around the small medieval city centre and be sure not to miss the very special Lund Cathedral (Domkyrkan) built in 1103. Continue to Malmo which is about 15 minutes away by train. Go to Vastra Hamnen and walk along the sea for a perfect view of Oresundsbron, the long bridge connecting Sweden and Denmark, as well as the “Turning Torso”, a twisting skyscraper which is the tallest residential building in the European Union.

Whenever you´re ready, continue with the train crossing the Oresund bridge over to Denmark and Copenhagen to complete your day. If you´re not up to this final stop, you can get off at the Kastrup airport, which will be on your way to Copenhagen!

Although there are many establishments that you may not want to stay in more than overnight on the way to somewhere else, often comfortable hostels are the perfect place for tourists to set up base for a few days. Many hostels provide not only a great social atmosphere, but they also provide plenty of information on transportation routes as well as supply the visitor with other travel information that they may need. Each country has different traditions, and there may be a large selection of places to stay (depending on your location), but it is good to know something about them before you set out on your vacation.

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands - Flying Pig Uptown Youth Hostel

   
   
   The Flying Pig is located in the heart of Amsterdam and is just a step away from this cities' famous nightlife. With its clean rooms and free breakfast, this is an excellent spot for exploring the crazy parties and the smoky coffee shops that this city has to offer. This cozy Amsterdam hostel has a very friendly atmosphere and a great combination of laidback hospitality mixed up with those wild Amsterdam party vibes. There is also a well known bar in the basement that is a great spot to meet fellow travelers as well as being a great place to enjoy some of the cheapest beer in the city.

2. Berlin, Germany - Circus Hostel

   
   
   This stylish hostel is found in an early 20th century building that has since been completely renovated, and is located in the center of Berlin's bustling "Mitte". It has both dorm style rooms and private apartments and provides a fantastic view of the city. With an all-you-can-breakfast lasting until 1pm and a very helpful staff that is expert at providing you with any travel information or questions that you may have, this is an excellent choice for an enjoyable stay.

3. Corfu, Greece - Pink Palace Hostel

   
   
   The Pink Palace Hostel is found on the "Emerald Island" of Corfu in Greece, and is literally a fantasy location that embodies the beautiful green of the Greek countryside with the bluest waters imaginable. Filled with Ancient Greek monuments and Venetian fortresses, this beautiful location offers a unique landscape with a natural breathtaking beauty that has captivated mankind for thousands of years. At this hostel you will have access to a private beach with a Jacuzzi, and can enjoy your evenings with a free 3 course dinner and some lively nights in the club featuring Greek music.

4. Banavie, Scotland - Chase The Wild Goose Hostel

   
   
   Located beside the Caledonian canal and the Great Glen Way in the breathtakingly beautiful and ruggedly wild Scottish Highlands, this lodging is recommended for those who "want to live life to the eXtreme". The highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis, is located a little to the east and if you want to party, the town of Fort William has lots of exciting bars and traditional Scottish music available only 2 miles away. This hostel has plenty of modern conveniences including comfortable beds, available private rooms, broadband access and offers plenty of sporting activities like mountain biking, climbing and walking.

5. Sydney, Australia - Wood Duck Inn

   
   
   For cheap and comfortable accommodations in the thrilling city of Sydney, this newly renovated hostel is a great place to stay. Run by young local people who have backpacked plenty themselves through Australia and overseas, these folks know what a traveler is looking for and know just how to provide it. Including a super friendly staff and a large rooftop area with a B.B.Q. and an awesome view of Sydney, the social atmosphere here is definitely contagious and it shows why this has become one of the most popular hostels in the area.

6. Nice, France - Villa Saint Exupery

   
   
   

   Voted the number one hostel in France in 2007, this stylish spot near the French Riviera offers high quality lodgings and a professional staff. Including free Internet with 12 computers, a legendary all-you-can-eat free breakfast and a bar (cheap drinks €1), this location also offers easy access to museums, jazz clubs, and the famous beaches. Family-run and well known for its great social ambiance, the Villa hostel is a fantastic place to relax and to meet other travelers.

7. Sinai, Egypt - St. Catherine's Monastery Hostel

   
   
   This destination is "a sparkling example of an undiscovered jewel of travel" and is a place for the world traveler who is looking for something peaceful, remote and wonderful. Located in the same Sinai Peninsula that is associated with Biblical places named in the Exodus, the monastery itself includes literally priceless works of art and one of the most important collections of illuminated manuscripts in the world. The monks from the Monastery that make up the hostel staff are known to be a little gruff, but in this magical location, you may not be bothered. The rooms are single-sex dormitories with seven beds, or rooms with three beds and a private bathroom for a little extra, and breakfast consists of a hard boiled egg, pita bread, humus and olives. Although the conditions are a little rough, this location offers the opportunity of a real once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
   

8. Rarotonga, Cook Islands - Backpackers International

   
   
   

   For literally £7 per night, you can find yourself in a paradise hideaway among the huts on a Pacific island beach fringed with coconut palms and lush green tropical gardens. This hostel offers both dorm rooms and private rooms, a large kitchen and dining area, a lounge and Internet terminals, and includes complimentary airport pickup. This holiday getaway also has BBQs and pizza nights, beach volleyball, nature walks, night tours, and a wicked authentic island feast on Thursdays. This is a great place to meet new people, and possibly one of the most relaxing vacations imaginable.

9. Buenos Aires, Argentina - Casa Esmeralda

   
   
   

   A cross between a guesthouse and a hostel, Casa Esmeralda can house about 15 guests, and comes complete with a pretty little garden and a small roof terrace. The house is spotlessly clean, comfortable and cheap with a communal kitchen and old couches and exudes a very friendly atmosphere. Here you can take a nap in a hammock in the back garden or play with Casa Esmeralda's happy-go-lucky, bouncing black dog in the afternoon and in the evening you are walking distance from the infamous Buenos Aires Palermo Hollywood bar scene.

10. Prague, Czech Republic - Czech Inn Hostel

    
    
    

    Czech Inn offers high quality facilities and services at budget prices and have an innovative approach to "providing accommodation for both the backpacker and comfort seeker". Visitors can appreciate the beauty of Prague's architectural history while staying in this beautifully restored 19th century building as well as enjoying the comforts of a modern designer-hostel with all the amenities it has to offer. Located close to the city center with easy access by public transport, this hostel is an ideal base for visitors to explore historical Prague. The Czech Inn offers a large breakfast buffet, and has an in-house café with a full bar and a complete selection of Czech beers and wines. This hostel has 24-hr reception, no curfew and a comfortable 12 noon check-out time.

The next time you find yourself planning a vacation somewhere in the world, don't forget to consider staying in a hostel that can make your holiday time even more memorable. Bon Voyage!

1. Before Booking Your Ticket

   
   
   If you are flying economy (as most of us poor worker bees do) you want to first visit Seat Guru. This terrific website allows you to type in your airline and get a list of the best and worst seats in there entire fleet of planes. You have to decide if being too close to the bathroom is worth the trade off of having extra legroom.

2. Booking Your Ticket

   The second tip is when you book your ticket. Most tickets are bought online now and you always have the option of choosing your own seat. Now if you are travelling alone always look for group of seats where an aisle or window are already taken. You then take the other aisle or window seat, leaving the middle free. These middle seats fill up last so you have a greater chance of having a free seat. And I don't need to tell experienced economy travellers how valuable a free middle seat is. Now if you are travelling as a couple, choose both the window and the aisle leaving the middle open. If the seat gets taken, no one will mind changing from the middle seat so you can sit together and if it is not taken, it's a much more pleasant flight.

3. Booking Your Meal

   
   
   When you book your ticket you can also choose from a variety of meals (low fat, vegetarian, kosher, etc). I quite often will order one of these meals because you get served first (more sleep time) and often they are fresher.

4. Before You Leave for the Airport

   A lot of people will tell you to check in online. They say it's quicker and you don't have to get to the airport as early. It might be quicker if you have no luggage but if you have bags to check, that line is often just as long as the check in line.
   
   Also, if you check in you have the opportunity to ask for an upgrade. Don't be a jerk about it, dress well and ask nicely. I always say “if the flight is booked and you need to bump someone to business I'd be willing to change seats”. They usually smile at you and tell you they will see what they can do. Quite often you won't know until boarding, when they take your boarding pass and issue you a new one (in business!!!).
   
   I would say I have gotten an upgrade about 10% of the time just by being nice and polite. Also if you are pregnant, tell them. I flew 4 times during my second trimester and got an upgrade on every flight.

5. At the Airport

   Arrive early and bring a book. I try really hard not to work when I travel on long haul flights. I find if I relax at the airport beforehand I am much more likely to sleep on the flight.

6. Boarding

   
   
   As soon as they call your plane boarding, use the restroom. This reduces the amount of airplane washroom trips. And then just relax until the line is finished. Why rush to get on the plane and sit in those cramped seats before you have to. Stay in the boarding lounge and watch the line. I always get up when I see about 6 people left to go through. I have never understood the rush to get on the plane first. I wonder if those people think they will get there sooner.

7. On the Plane

   Before you even sit down get out everything you want for the flight and put it within your grasp. Book and bottle of water can go in the pocket in front of you. Laptop (if you HAVE to work) can go under the seat in front of you.

8. Dinner Service

   Hopefully you pre-ordered your special meal and you will eat first. This is perfect if the middle seat is free. You can finish your meal; put the tray in the middle seat and watch a movie and drift off to sleep. My big secret here is to take a Nyquil tablet with my dinner (not when I am pregnant though!). Its amazing how much more likely I am to sleep. I don't take sleeping pills at all but that Nyquil puts me out and I wake up feeling great.

9. Sleeping

   
   
   Your Nyquil should be kicking in. Put on your headphones even if you aren't watching the movie so that people won't talk to you. Put your seat back as far as possible. Don't worry about the guy behind you; the guy in front of you isn't worried about you. Pull out the foot bar from under the seat in front of you. Unbutton your pants, pull up the blanket up to your chin and head off to dreamland before the guy beside you starts snoring.

10. Arrival

    
    
    Here it pays to get off the plane quickly. If you can walk fast do it. You have to get ahead of all the rest of those passengers or you will be stuck behind them at passport control/customs. Use the moving sidewalks and walk on them!

11. Passport Control/Customs

    
    
    Your journey is almost over. You have made it this far. You are well rested, well fed and just got some great exercise racing to customs. All you need to do here is have your documentation ready, be courteous, be polite and avoid the line with a slightly chubby, dark haired Canadian woman because I NEVER get through without a hassle.

So next time you have an overseas or other long haul flight try these little tips and maybe you can find a little of the magic that exists above the clouds.

With unexpected waterfalls and cliffs 100 feet and higher, driving the long way the Hamakua Coast line is amazing. It also allows you to visit side attractions such as Akaka Falls and see Lapahoehoe point.

Once you enter Hilo you might think to yourself, “This is it?” Down town Hilo consists of wide open lush green parks as a reminder of the tsunamis that devastated this once tin roofed agriculture community. In 1946 and again in 1960 tsunamis battered this area claiming more than 220 lives.

These huge waves can reach amazing speeds up to 500 miles an hour over thousands of miles of open water. On April 1, 1946, tsunami waves generated by an earthquake in Aleutian Islands raced 2,300 miles in five hours sending a 25 foot wall of water bashing into the coast of Hilo. Striking with little to no warning this massive wave took the lives of 159 people and destroyed more than 1,300 homes and business.

Fourteen years later, on May 22, 1960 an earthquake off the coast of Chile sent tsunami waves ripping through the Pacific at 442 miles an hour. It only took 15 hours before Hilo would see the 35 foot wave. Yanking building off their foundation and leaving 61 people dead, Hilo never recovered.

Thus when driving into Hilo and you are greeted with wide open spaces of green fields think about it for a moment. This once was the business center of Hilo. It once was a place for traders and fishermen. From Kamehameha Avenue, downtown to the shores of Wailoa River near Banyan Drive evidence of these massive unexpected waves can be seen and respected.

And so words to live by; never turn your back to the ocean. You never know when a huge wave may come to claim yet other victim. If the sea surges inland or retreats out to sea, quickly move to higher ground. That is a major indication of something coming your way. There is not a tsunami season. They can and usually will happen without warning. Pay attention to the evacuations signs posted around the coast. And don't stay where you are thinking it will be a great shot or awesome story to tell when you get home, the point is you might not make it home if a tsunami hits.