Author: Ben Kelly

A question that’s frequently asked in the initial stages of planning a Breckenridge, Colorado ski vacation is “how do I get to Breckenridge and how will I get around once I’m there?”  Travelers are faced with a number of airport options as well as a myriad of transportation options once they are on the ground.  While the variety of choices may seem a bit daunting at first, a better understanding of them is sure to help you plan a successful trip to the Rocky Mountains.  If you are flying into Colorado, your destination of choice should be the Denver International Airport.  DIA Is far closer to Breckenridge than Colorado Springs and offers a greater array of transportation options to get you to the mountains once you arrive.  Don’t buy into the myth that flying into Eagle-Vail will save you time.  This airport is just as far from Breckenridge as Denver’s and you’ll most likely end up with a layover at DIA along the way.  The next step in planning your vacation is determining how you’ll get from the airport to Breckenridge.  Your choices here include shuttles, private car services, limousines and car rentals.  A shared ride shuttle from Denver to Breckenridge is the most economical option for your party and includes door to door service from the airport to your accommodations.  This service typically includes transportation in 10-passenger van, outfitted with ski racks to carry your equipment and luggage.  The down side to shuttle services is that you’re sharing the ride with people you don’t know and may be stopping at their lodging properties before being dropped off at your own.   Private car and limousine services provide a chauffeured, high end transportation experience for those seeking the exclusivity of their own vehicle.  Transport is typically provided in Cadillac sedans, Chevrolet Suburbans or Executive Vans depending on the size of your party.  Vehicles include luxuries such as leather seats, DVD players and complimentary bottled water.  Private cars and limousines provide direct transportation to your accommodations with no stops along the way, unless of course you request them.    The above options are the most popular choices for travelers visiting Breckenridge.  They prevent you from having to navigate a wintry interstate and alleviate the hassles of having to find parking for your vehicle after reaching your accommodations.  The town’s pedestrian-oriented nature makes the need for your own vehicle virtually nonexistent, with nearly all shopping and restaurant options being located along the historic Main Street corridor.  Guests leaving their vehicles at home will find Breckenridge offers a convenient, complimentary public bus system known as the FreeRide, in addition to a new public gondola, the BreckConnect.  If you’re seeking to travel beyond the borders of the town, the Summit Stage bus provides free county-wide transportation.  Several private ski shuttles also operate in the immediate area with regularly scheduled service to Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Copper Mountain and Arapahoe Basin.   Guests seeking to have a vehicle at their disposal while on vacation will find car rental the most convenient option for them.  4-wheel-drive SUVs are highly recommended for travel in the winter months as the I-70 interstate can become extremely treacherous during frequent snowstorms.  Car rental is generally the most convenient option for visitors seeking to explore Breckenridge’s sister resorts without having to hire a private ski shuttle each day.  Be advised that you should plan on paying for parking each time you travel to a neighboring ski area and that airport surcharges may be as high as 24% of your quoted car rental costs.  The town of Breckenridge does become congested during the winter months which can lead to a shortage of parking, even at your accommodations.    When considering transportation options, contemplate your comfort level with winter driving conditions as well as whether having a vehicle will be an asset or a hindrance to you.  It’s also a good idea to check with your Breckenridge lodging provider as to whether they provide complimentary shuttle service within the town.  Book your reservations well in advance to ensure the vehicle or transportation service that best suits your needs will be available upon your arrival.    Although selecting your method of transport isn’t the most important decision you’ll make when planning your Breckenridge ski vacation, it’s one that could drastically affect the convenience and comfort of your trip.  By weighing a few simple options and conditions, you should easily arrive at the option that works best for your party.  No matter how you choose to get here, enjoy your flight, the gorgeous ride up and the number one ski resort in North America.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/breckenridge-colorado-transportation-getting-here-and-getting-around-220468.html

About the AuthorBen Kelly is the owner of Summit Vacation Concierge  and can offer expert advice on Breckenridge vacations including lodging, transportation, activities, travel services, and more.  This article may not be copied, modified or reproduced without providing a link to the author’s website.

You may be of the type that thinks, unless it has less than three wheels, it is not the vehicle for me. You may not think there are a lot of motorbike riders taking two-wheels to the Chicago roads, well you would be wrong.

There are many motorcycle riders in Chicago and there are some hard-core enthusiasts who truly love to ride the bike through the streets of the Windy City and feel the air rush through their hair. It is a rush they can’t equal, and they simply love it.

Many people choose taking two-wheels to the Chicago roads because they will be able to experience the city in a completely new way. They will be able to enjoy the tall buildings, the crowds and the wonderful scenery of the lake while they ride by on their motorcycle.

However, what many Chicago motorcycle enthusiasts seem to have a problem with is that there is no real community of bike enthusiasts to talk to. They feel that they are almost alone in the city with their love for the motorcycle, when Chicago is such a car city.

To feel the wind and not just see the sights, but to see them in a way is more personal is what makes motorcycles such a delight. This has brought out more of the fans of the two wheels and what they can offer in a form of intimacy that someone can lose sight of when they are behind the wheel. The motorcycle is a time-honored joy that many have used to see the spring growth and the explosion of colors in the autumn.

The communities that place the motorcycle in the center are a challenge to find, but are not impossible. Some can be located at motorcycle shops and also through the lanes that are on the Internet. Just as someone may canvas the streets searching for those of the same mind, the same can be said for those that are willing to search the streets of the Internet. The growth and friendliness of the Internet has made the growth of these communities more ideal and also easier to find the social events that may be occurring in the Windy City.

Just as there are group in the Internet, there are also methods that one can interact with others as well. These methods are a dream come true for someone that is seeking others to ride with or just want to know the best routes are for a leisurely ride. Chicago offers the drivers of a motorcycle both urban and rural routes that can be taken where they can see the best of both worlds. There are also routes that are more preferred for a motorcycle than for the bulk of a car. This can make such routes more personal and also something that is as unique as the concept of riding on two wheels. Some have seen this as reason enough to ride the exposed rides that have outdated the horse in terms of riding in a way that is alien to the confines of a metal box.

For a forum related to Chicago Motorcycles you might want to check out ChicagoVelocity. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hendrik_Hendricius_Kleinwaechter

Author: Brian Mcfenion

Colorado home loans have risen significantly in the last two quarters in areas such as Colorado Springs, Denver, and Arvada. One of the reasons why Colorado home loans have been so active is because of the $8,000.00 dollar Colorado homebuyer’s tax credit. The pricing of real estate in Colorado is motivating people in from the west from neighboring states like California, Arizona, and Nevada.

Most will attempt to contact a Realtor before securing a Colorado home loan. This is not a wise decision and you should attempt to lock in the best rate before hand. If you’re thinking about rearranging your life and heading east, the most important thing you can do is get a pre-approved first for a Colorado home loan and lock your rate. It could take some time to find a house, relocate, and move the family. Mortgage companies like Golden Lenders in Colorado have the ability to lock in rates for 60-90 days remotely without you having to be present in most cases. Most home buyers are letting valuable time tick away when you’re taking all that time to find a Realtor you’d like to work with. Why not secure home financing beforehand? It would let you know what you can afford, ensure your credit is up to par, and half the work is done before you begin home shopping.

Colorado home loans are offering very competitive rates right now. As we’ve seen in the past with other states, this is somewhat of a scary pattern. However, Colorado has an edge on the entire mortgage crisis; most mortgage brokers have studied the trends in the last 5 years to better accommodate and defeat home loan problems that may arise like the ones in the west.

You should feel safe getting locked into a fixed rate mortgage with a clear and concise plan in front of you. Most lenders can send pre-approval letters by email, fax, or Fed Ex to get you your pre-approved documents faster. Figuring out where you stand first will better assist you in the Colorado home loan process. Colorado online mortgage websites can give you the information you need and it allows you to start the process immediately.

D.J. Robbins, a Colorado mortgage broker in Denver, Colorado says, “With rates changing almost weekly, getting pre-approved immediately with the lowest rate possible would have a great influence on the client saving or spending thousands of dollars extra in the life of the loan.” While the entire west coast seems to be in disarray in regards to the housing turmoil, Denver and other areas have kept their heads well above water throughout it all. Not all Colorado lenders like Mr. Robbins are putting in overtime to assist homebuyers. He went on to say, “I’ve been putting in an extra 3-4 hours a day processing loans from folks coming from neighboring states like Arizona and California.”

There are many Colorado home loan programs available, be sure to check them out on the Colorado online mortgage website. A listing of rates with an analysis can be provided to you at no charge. If you’re thinking about applying for financing, you and your family will feel more at ease working with people like D.J. Robbins who believes in providing Colorado home loan education before you sign on the dotted line. He went on to say, “What good is for me to give a loan to someone who would struggle paying for it or default?” Although all lenders don’t possess the same level of passion and commitment, the smaller to medium size lenders aren’t in the news being scrutinized as the ones who started the mess in the west.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/colorado-home-loans-seeing-more-action-from-west-841398.html

About the AuthorColorado Home Loans About Me

Author: Brian Mcfenion

Colorado home loans have risen significantly in the last two quarters in areas such as Colorado Springs, Denver, and Arvada. One of the reasons why Colorado home loans have been so active is because of the $8,000.00 dollar Colorado homebuyer’s tax credit. The pricing of real estate in Colorado is motivating people in from the west from neighboring states like California, Arizona, and Nevada.

Most will attempt to contact a Realtor before securing a Colorado home loan. This is not a wise decision and you should attempt to lock in the best rate before hand. If you’re thinking about rearranging your life and heading east, the most important thing you can do is get a pre-approved first for a Colorado home loan and lock your rate. It could take some time to find a house, relocate, and move the family. Mortgage companies like Golden Lenders in Colorado have the ability to lock in rates for 60-90 days remotely without you having to be present in most cases. Most home buyers are letting valuable time tick away when you’re taking all that time to find a Realtor you’d like to work with. Why not secure home financing beforehand? It would let you know what you can afford, ensure your credit is up to par, and half the work is done before you begin home shopping.

Colorado home loans are offering very competitive rates right now. As we’ve seen in the past with other states, this is somewhat of a scary pattern. However, Colorado has an edge on the entire mortgage crisis; most mortgage brokers have studied the trends in the last 5 years to better accommodate and defeat home loan problems that may arise like the ones in the west.

You should feel safe getting locked into a fixed rate mortgage with a clear and concise plan in front of you. Most lenders can send pre-approval letters by email, fax, or Fed Ex to get you your pre-approved documents faster. Figuring out where you stand first will better assist you in the Colorado home loan process. Colorado online mortgage websites can give you the information you need and it allows you to start the process immediately.

D.J. Robbins, a Colorado mortgage broker in Denver, Colorado says, “With rates changing almost weekly, getting pre-approved immediately with the lowest rate possible would have a great influence on the client saving or spending thousands of dollars extra in the life of the loan.” While the entire west coast seems to be in disarray in regards to the housing turmoil, Denver and other areas have kept their heads well above water throughout it all. Not all Colorado lenders like Mr. Robbins are putting in overtime to assist homebuyers. He went on to say, “I’ve been putting in an extra 3-4 hours a day processing loans from folks coming from neighboring states like Arizona and California.”

There are many Colorado home loan programs available, be sure to check them out on the Colorado online mortgage website. A listing of rates with an analysis can be provided to you at no charge. If you’re thinking about applying for financing, you and your family will feel more at ease working with people like D.J. Robbins who believes in providing Colorado home loan education before you sign on the dotted line. He went on to say, “What good is for me to give a loan to someone who would struggle paying for it or default?” Although all lenders don’t possess the same level of passion and commitment, the smaller to medium size lenders aren’t in the news being scrutinized as the ones who started the mess in the west.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/colorado-home-loans-seeing-more-action-from-west-841398.html

About the AuthorColorado Home Loans About Me

With its prime location along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and its miles of stunning sandy beaches just waiting to be explored, a Daytona Beach vacation is bound to be a relaxing and excite affair. For your stay in this seaside haven, consider a spacious and convenient waterfront vacation rental that places all of the amenities and comforts of home at your fingertips.

Whether you are traveling with a large group for your spring break getaway or spending your Daytona Beach getaway in a romantic twosome, there is a vacation rental that will meet all of your beachfront needs. From high-rise, one bedroom condo rentals to spacious house rentals with enough room to comfortably sleep up to fourteen guests, you can find a rental that makes it easy to enjoy all of your favorite attractions without ever enduring that cramped or confined feeling that can arise in some vacation accommodations.

Daytona Beach vacation rentals are scattered throughout the city with the largest concentration located near the banks of its white sandy beaches. If you can picture yourself waking up to the sound of the surf crashing ashore before heading out for an invigorating early morning stroll in the hard-packed sands, then a waterfront vacation rental is just your style. Soak in the sights and sounds of the water from your private patio all while enjoying a quick breakfast or a hearty family dinner complete with tales of your exciting Daytona Beach day.

In addition to the amazing, panoramic views you will enjoy throughout your stay, a waterfront vacation rental also makes accessing the beach a quick and easy process. Rather than packing up your traveling group and searching for a parking spot near your favorite sunning spot, you can simply grab your supplies and go for a truly relaxing day. Forget about the days when everyone is frenetically rushing around the accommodations, trying to pack all of their day’s supplies, and step into a world where you can walk back and forth between the beach and your convenient house rental any time throughout your sand-filled afternoon.

While most individuals want to be near the beach when they head to a waterfront resort destination, there are numerous Daytona Beach rentals located away from the shore for those who prefer a quiet and secluded hideaway. Enjoy a serene, natural setting as you relax on your porch listening to the sounds of the birds rather than the sounds of children running up down the beach. And with attractions such as cozy restaurants, pristine beaches, shopping boutiques, and Daytona International Speedway just a short drive away, you can easily enjoy everything amazing about the area.

Although the location of your accommodations is one of the most important considerations, it is important to keep in mind other aspects of your housing before settling on a particular rental. Wireless internet, a washer and dryer, a private pool and spa, and other amenities that may be included with the vacation rental such as tennis courts and a fitness center can make your trip more relaxing and enjoyable than you ever thought possible.

Daytona Beach rentals are loaded with all of the comforts of home you expect, including a fully-stocked kitchen, plenty of beach towels, and numerous TVs and DVD players, and come complete with little extras such as game rooms and saunas that only serve to make your trip more fulfilling than you imagined. To experience the sun-soaked Daytona Beach getaway of your dreams, begin your search for the perfect vacation home rental today.

Today’s condo market closely resembles a food supermarket. The condo supermarket shelves are full with high quality goods and ready for the right buyer. Yes, the market has cooled, we all know this, but the difference is that the Daytona Beach condo supermarket will not spoil. These newly constructed condos that are now available are very impressive and perfect for a retiring couple or successful business man or woman. True luxury is waking up in the morning to the gentle sounds of the waves crashing on Daytona Beach. Nothing compares to reading the newspaper in the morning and enjoying the ocean views in your backyard. One condo that comes to mind is the newly developed Ocean Villas Condominium in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Ocean Villas will “knock your socks off” and impress the pickiest of buyers.

The oversized balconies at the Ocean Villas fill a void in condo construction. Balconies range from 500-600sq ft. The spacious balconies offer spectacular views and a true taste of Florida. You may not believe this, but parties can actually take place on the balcony with plenty of room for all your friends and family. The balconies are also appointed with electric grills with plenty of storage room below for grilling supplies. Other amenities at the Ocean Villas include, secured and controlled entry to the building, semi-private elevators with garage parking, brand new state of the art fitness center with his and her saunas, a meditation garden for beachside relaxation, an oriental soak bath, a gigantic private club room that over looks the infinity-edged pool and ocean, a business center, and much more.

The Ocean Villas floor plans include, The Avalon, The Carlton, The Diplomat, and The Bellaire. Every single condo unit at the Ocean Villas has views of the ocean and river. There are 3 bedroom 3 bathroom units, 3 bedroom 3.5 bathroom units, and 2 bedroom 2.5 bathroom units.

The Ocean Villas Condos are located in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida. This condo is located just south of Daytona Beach and just north of New Smyrna Beach. Shopping is only a short walk or drive away. Excellent restaurants surround this property and the nightlife entertainment is very enjoyable.

If you are shopping for a condo, don’t forget to search all the condo supermarket shelves. The newly constructed Daytona Beach condos are top shelf!

So there are a lot to be analyzed in Florida commercial real estate loans, well it come in various forms. If you’re looking for Florida commercial property loans that will help your housing or commercial property venture get the financing it needs, you may be in luck. In Florida, there are many new programs to help you. I think that the commercial real estate market have gained enough recognition to the world that it in some point become one of the premiere in real estate investing. It is such a big hit in the investing world that it has to be one of the most profitable types of real estate. I think that more and more people have been trying to invest in that particular market based on potential alone. It is a great thing to have in mind that Florida having known as the “Sunshine State” has been getting all the attention throughout.

Come to think of it, there are really untapped potential on real commercial real estate especially in Florida. For residential developments, there are some Florida commercial real estate loans that can fund up to $50,000,000. These types of loan are typically for residential units that will be rental properties. The development must contain at least five different units to qualify. It is something that people would love to make fuzz about. More and more the serious thought on this is that the commercial real estate making waves on the overall market. Investing to it is can be really serious and very much critical because it factors a lot and the realization to it may make you really put your head to it.

Remember that for mixed-use commercial spaces, you can also find good financing. Expect a lender to ask questions about your business record and future intentions. If your investment projection seems sound, you may be able to land a loan at a fantastic interest rate. Reality of the commercial real estate is important that you pay attention to it most importantly on its location. Florida as a state is a rich tourism spot which people always go to relax and enjoy the sun and surf, so whether you invest in the place or not you’ll see that it being a tourism spot can always give you much more than potential alone. It is a pleasant market that can drive you lengths and can give you the balance attack of a market.

Well, finding brokers for Florida commercial real estate loans. You can find some excellent Florida mortgage brokers on the Internet. A licensed broker can help you to find the Florida mortgage lenders who offer the best terms on commercial loans. Once you’ve fixed the rates on an affordable loan, your worries about financing are over. That is something the people have already put their heads on because it is something that the people have reacted to a modern front. Especially on making it on a location which is filled with investment opportunities, Florida commercial real estate can be something that can always uplift your investment.

The state of Florida seems, on the surface at least, to be experiencing a real estate meltdown. Rampant real estate speculation, development and the sub-prime mortgage debacle are being blamed for the glut of homes for sale that has left the market upside down and many homeowners under water and facing the prospect of foreclosure. With many Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM) due to reset at higher rates the fallout may not be over. Further manifesting the situation is the insurance premium increases coming down the pipe to cover the devastation and property loss/claims associated with the last several hurricane seasons.

Compounding the problem is the expected increases in condo fees to cover property losses not covered by insurers. The fallout has created a unique opportunity to re-visit real estate opportunities right across the state. There are a couple of by-products to this type of market. One is a rise in For Sale by Owner properties. Homeowners are looking for any edge they can get when they are looking to get out from under a high equity mortgage or negative equity mortgages. A For Sale by Owner allows the homeowner more options when it comes to pricing. They can expedite the sale of the property by passing on the real estate commission savings associated with a For Sale by Owner. This can represent a substantial savings to the buyer and certainly make your property more attractive when you consider the real estate commission savings on a $280,000 property is $16,000! The For Sale by Owner also has more latitude when it comes to making their home “appear” to be more attractive.

They can offer creative seller concessions like “no condo fees for a year” or “0% financing for 3 years”. Essentially instead of passing the savings directly to the buyer they create a “package” that may seem more appealing. I have personally seen everything from “Free Plasma TV’s” to “Timeshares in Puerto Rico”. Creativity can certainly perk someone’s interest, but I tend to prefer a straight “cash” discount or rebate. This allows the prospective homebuyer the opportunity to decide how they want to best use the monies. Cash has a set face-value; $2000 always carries a “value” of $2000 regardless of the buyer, whereas a “timeshare in Puerto Rico” will have different values to different people.

The 2nd by-product, unfortunately, is “Foreclosures” – which have been rapidly increasing in Florida since 2006. Industry experts blame this increase on “sub-prime mortgages”. Sub-prime mortgages are higher risk because they are made to borrowers that typically do not qualify under traditional more rigorous criteria because of limited or poor credit history. Sub-prime mortgage loans have a significantly higher failure rate then prime mortgages. Sub-prime mortgages typically have a higher debt service-to-income ratio and the homeowner simply can’t make ends meet. The end result is more foreclosures and an increase in houses for sale - the fact that they are “distressed” and vacant further erodes the overall values of all homes. As the inventory of unsold properties continues to grow, residential real estate prices decline.

The bottom-line is there is an abnormally high number of existing homes currently listed for sale in Florida. As supply outpaces demand, property values drop. For Sale by Owner may allow the homeowner to bridge that drop in value and allow them to avoid foreclosure.

Mark Camphaug is currently President of FreeFSBO.com and it’s parent Martcam LLC. Website that offers a free online listing and free real estate lawn sign to prospective FSBO home sellers. Camphaug offers a unique combination of experience in both online advertising, garnered from his 6 years as Vice President of one of the worlds largest and most successful Interactive Marketing Agencies and 12 years of sales and marketing in the ultra competitive new home industry. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Camphaug

Undeniably, fishing in itself is a pleasure that is hard to top. Being able to eat your catch, too; now there is a true experience that dates back to caveman days: “I catch….I eat”. When in Florida, snapper fishing is a must do trip that will cap off your Florida vacation.

Florida waters are home to several varieties of snapper. Some snapper prefer shallower waters, 200 feet and less, while others are deep water dwellers, found in waters from 500 to 1000 feet in depth. One common thread of the snapper species is their bottom living habits, so fishing for snapper is a bottom fishing experience. Within the species, each has their own habits which must be learned in order to successfully locate and reel them in. Some prefer rocky crevices on the ocean bottom in which to troll, others take up habitation in wrecks and yet others stick to reefs, canals and mangroves.

Shallow water snapper varieties include yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, lane snapper, school master and mangrove snapper. Some of this category also can be found along reef lines, such as school master, yellowtail and lane snapper.

Among the deeper water snapper families are the yellow-eye, cubera, queen, and vermillion snapper. Many of these will be located in large numbers in and around deep water wrecks, along with other varieties of Florida fish.

Another key to having a great Florida snapper fishing experience is to know the snapper’s feeding preferences. Chum works very well with certain varieties like the Mangrove and School Master, while others will turn up their noses (figuratively speaking, of course) at chum yet feast voraciously on shrimp and squid.

The type of fishing equipment you use should be appropriate to the variety of snapper, as well. Some of these snapper put up a pretty good fight. Once an area has been identified as a “hot spot” for the bottom dweller, bumping the bottom with your line achieves great results. Generally, it will take only a few minutes in a hot spot to get your first strike. Patience is the key in reeling in a large snapper, some of which, like the Red Snapper, can weigh in at more than 50 pounds, although average sizes are 5 to 25 pounds. You will want to be aware of legal size limits before your fishing venture begins.

Different varieties of the snapper species spawn at various times of the year, conveniently creating a long Florida snapper fishing season. Two of the earliest are the yellowtail snapper and the mutton snapper, with the best times of angling being spring and early summer. One of the latest varieties is the vermillion snapper that spawns in the winter.

After your Florida snapper fishing trip is over, the enjoyment will continue as you feast upon your catch. Grilled, fried, baked, or even raw, snapper is just plain good eating. No one in your family will complain about your fishing habits when you bring home results like this! So be sure to include a snapper fishing trip in your next vacation to Florida.

A few months ago, I received my Virginia Driver’s License. It took me 2 years, 3 months, required MULTIPLE visits, 46 hours of my time and SURGERY to accomplish this. It was ridiculous because I when I went to the Virginia DMV, I held a valid Florida Driver License and have never had a ticket or charged accident in my LIFE. I can understand why people go postal and kill everyone in the office after the experience I had to go through to get my DL from Virginia.

In Florida, you walk in and give them your out of state license, they check your vision, charge you $15 or so and you leave with a FL license in about a half an hour. I foolishly assumed that it would be the same in Virginia, alas this was not the case. I went the first time because my FL license was about to expire and I thought it would be a simple matter to get a Virginia license. I was very wrong. After 3 visits, I renewed my FL DL online with a credit card and had it sent to my VA home as I continued to go through the INCREDIBLE red tape required to get a license in Virginia. On my first visit, I didn’t have the documents I needed. My FL DL was not enough to get me approved by the ASSHOLES running the DMV in Virginia, as I needed proof of residency. On my second visit, I brought along proof of residency, but then was told that I needed proof of citizenship. I left and wrote to the State of Florida for a copy of my birth certificate. When I got that, I went back to the VA DMV for the THIRD TIME with my birth certificate, deed to my VA house and my Florida DL. I was then informed that I needed my social security card which I hadn’t seen since I memorized the number because the state of Virginia wouldn’t accept the record that the state of Florida DMV had for my social security number. I went to the social security office to get a duplicate and was told that I couldn’t get a duplicate SS card because my birth certificate was NOT proof of identity even though I never changed the number when I got married and the birth certificate was not enough to prove who I am. I then had to write off for my marriage certificates to get a social security card which took a while but I did get my social security card.

Armed with my documents, I returned to the Virginia DMV for the FOURTH time and was turned away because I missed the cut-off time by 3 minutes to be processed before closing time. At this point I said to myself, “SCREW THIS” and decided that I would simply continue to use my Florida driver’s license for the rest of my life and for two years I continued to drive in Virginia without bothering to procure a VA license. Unfortunately I had to get a VA DL because of my work, so I gathered up all my documents and went back to the DMV for the FIFTH time and proceeded to fail the vision test since in the two years since I had first attempted to get a VA DL, the cataract in my right eye had progressed to the point that I couldn’t pass the eye exam!!! I had the surgery, recovered beautifully and went back yesterday FOR THE SIXTH TIME and actually RECEIVED a VA DL. I nearly passed out when they actually gave it to me!!

My police officer boyfriend tells me that at least HALF of the people he stops for traffic violations do NOT have a valid license–and I don’t blame them one bit!! If I had to do it all over again, I would move back to Florida before I would ever go through the incredible hassle of getting a VA license again. My license is good until my birthday in 2013 and I’m sure that I will have to start two years in advance in order to renew it before it expires. No wonder people go postal and kill everyone!! It was easier to get and renew my concealed firearm carry permit than it was to get a driver’s license–UNBELIEVABLE!!!! Now the Communist Commonwealth of Virginia has passed a new law adding civil penalties to traffic fines where if you are convicted of a traffic offense, they charge you a minimum of $250 a year for THREE YEARS in addition to the fine! This is only applicable to Virginia residents, so if you have an out of state license, you don’t have to pay the civil penalty. I now have an Illinois Driver’s License. It took me 14 minutes and $10 to pass the eye test and receive the license. I’m never going back to Virginia!

The author, Teri Davis (Limo Barbie) owns and operates Dependable Limos. She has been nationally recognized by Limo Digest magazine for excellence in the field. Dependable Limos was first runner-up for Small Limousine Company of the Year for the United States in 2003 and nominated for Mid-size Limousine Company of the Year in 2004. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Teri_Davis