Travel And Leisure

Great travel and leisure bargains for November

New York Fall Sale!

New York Fall Sale – Enjoy up to 30% off when you stay 3+ nights in the Big Apple! – Expires 11/16/11

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Orlando Hotel Deals!

Last-Minute hotel deals in Orlando starting at $60 per night! – Expires 11/26/11

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Flight + Hotel Save $500

Don?t throw money away this Holiday Season! Book your Flight + Hotel together & Save up to $500! – Expires 11/30/11

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Fall In New York

In a city of superlatives and with so many wonderful things to see, listing “must do’s is an impossible task and a matter of personal preference. There are, however, classic venues integral to the New York experience. Get your bearings and hop on one of the different New York tours, there are a number of hop on/off buses all giving you a great view of the ‘big apple’.

Image via Wikipedia

See the city from the Empire State Building. Get a panoramic view of this remarkable city from the 86 th floor of the iconic Art Deco landmark, the world’s most famous skyscraper. Pick a beautiful day to maximize the view from the glass-enclosed observatory. Tickets can be purchased in the main lobby of the building, but be prepared for lines. Consider purchasing them online, in advance.
Discover the multitude of things to do in Rockefeller Centre. Start out early, on the sidewalk across from the Today show, for a chance to be beamed back home; walk through lovely gardens; take in the major public art; ice-skate October – March in the rink that transforms in the summer into the Sunken Garden, an al fresco cafe. Shop in the underground “catacombs,” dine, visit NBC studios, where you can go on a backstage tour (buy tickets ahead online or by calling), take a behind the scenes tour of the grand Radio City Music Hall, or see the spectacular city from the Top of the Rock.
Fall in New York is a great time to get up close to the Statue of Liberty. Catch the ferry to Liberty Island from Battery Park. You’ll be amazed how big this globally recognized symbol of freedom really is. Or, see how her assured presence dominates the harbor from one of many harbour tours, or by walking along the promenade at Battery Park.
Walk through Ellis Island, the moving symbol of the American immigrant. Relive the personal experiences of the 12 million immigrants who first stepped onto American soil on this small island. Exhibits and oral histories in the Immigration Museum movingly express the hardship of the voyage, the anxiety of walking into the Great Hall for processing, the feeling of being displaced, the missing of those left behind, and the anxiety of facing the unknown. While there, find personal family entry information through multimedia technology in the American Family Immigration History Centre. Get there on the same ferry from Battery Park that goes to the Statue of Liberty.
Get caught up in a Broadway show. It’s the best theatre in the world. You’ll find yourself singing after a musical, chuckling after a comedy, contemplative after a serious play. Purchase tickets in advance, by phone, online, or it may be difficult, expensive or impossible to get them. On the day of the show, try the TKTS booth at Times Square for greatly discounted prices. You’ll wait in line, and shows you want may not be available, but there will certainly be some show stoppers to choose from. In a move of desperation to get into sold out shows, go to the theatre ticket booths about 6pm before the 8pm curtain, to see if they have unclaimed seats available.
Shop ’till you drop along Fifth Avenue , where there is no end to dazzling stores – Cartier, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Tiffany’s, Henri Bendel, the boutiques in Trump Tower, and countless boutiques and shops in between. For a change of pace along New York’s “Main Street,” enter into the calm of two of America’s grandest architectural structures: the majestic New York Public Library, whose glorious, gilded Main Reading Rooms are masterpieces themselves, and the awesomely beautiful and serene St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Stop for lunch at any restaurant you pass that appeals to you or, for a really special treat, end your walk with afternoon tea in the elegant Astor Court in the St. Regis Hotel or stop for a classy cocktail in the hotel’s luxurious King Cole Bar.
Spend a day in the Metropolitan Museum of Art ( The Met) largest museum in the Western Hemisphere, whose collections span cultures of the entire globe. While on Museum Mile, visit other stellar museums along the way. For great modern art, see the world’s most comprehensive collection in the Museum of Modern Art.
Take a trip through space in the Hayden Planetarium in the impressive American Museum of Natural History, itself a day’s visit. The Planetarium, part of the Rose Centre for Earth and Space is a dramatic, state-of-the-art, multimedia, multi-sensory experience housed in a 3-story 87 foot wide sphere. It’s an awesome “big bang.”
Attend at least one performance at Lincoln Centre, City Centre, or Carnegie Hall. Dance, music, and opera run the gamut from classic to cutting-edge and the abundant selections are dazzling. You’ll be moved to your feet by the quality of the performances.
Kick back in Central Park, particularly in March through November. See it from a horse-drawn carriage ride, on a gondola ride in Central Park Lake, at a performance at Shakespeare in the Park, from the Boathouse Cafe. See it creatively on specialized tours: Central Park Movie Sites Tour takes movie buffs to over 40 Central Park locations where scenes were shot for well-known movies; the Central Park 4 Hour Photo Tour places you in the centre of the scene in photos taken at well-known park sites.
See the city by water. Marvel at the formidable buildings seemingly balancing on a sliver of land. On the New York Water Taxi’s Hop-on/Hop-Off Tour see the city from the water and hop off at any stop along the way to see sights on foot. The venerable Circle Cruise Line offers the Semi-Circle Cruise, a 2-hour city highlights tour. Enjoy a harbour tour, along with brunch or dinner, on the sophisticated Bateaux New York Cruise, the high energy Spirit Cruise or the elegant World Yacht Cruise. Get up and personal with your favourite celebrity or historical figure at Madame Tussards. Fun for the whole family and a great indoor activity any time of year.
Have a drink in a venue with a view: the Rise Bar at the Ritz-Carleton Battery Park Hotel, the Top of the Tower on the roof of the Beekman Tower Hotel, the rooftop terrace of the Metropolitan Museum, the revolving View Lounge in the Marriot Marquis at Times Square, 230 Fifth, near the Empire State Building, the Pen-Top Bar in the Peninsula Hotel, the Stone Rose Lounge and Cafe Gray in Time Warner Centre.
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge – the view is astounding. The most fascinating of Manhattan’s five major bridges, it spans the East River. The elevated pedestrian walkway above the traffic, which begins on Park Row, just across from City Hall Park in Lower Manhattan, makes the 30 minute walk possible. Once on the Brooklyn side, before turning around to go back, lunch at the River Cafe at the foot of the bridge, or to enjoy homemade ice-cream at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.

Bringing you the best of Fall In New York. New York Fall Sale – Enjoy up to 30% off when you stay 3+ nights in the Big Apple! – Expires 11/16/11

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You could easily spend a lifetime just exploring the Centennial State’s scenic mountain country, which contains a plethora of stellar vistas teeming with wildlife, world class hunting and fishing, and historic mining towns with old-world Victorian inns or bed and breakfasts. Long term cabin rentals are ideal bases of operation for your family’s Colorado escape. The Rockies present sights for everyone, from outdoors enthusiasts to history buffs.

Start your trip of America’s Alps in the town of Durango, located in Colorado’s southwestern corner. In the winter, the tourist has their preference of five different ski resorts  within an hour’s drive. In the summer, there is an almost infinite number of outdoor activities in and around the village, including hiking, backpacking and mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking and golf. Rail fans will love riding the Durango & Silverton Railway, one of the last two remaining lines of the old Denver & Rio Grande narrow gauge railroad. Powered by steam locomotives and featuring both open cars and antique rail coaches from a century ago,  this is an actual in service railroad that through the winter is the only manner to get in and out of Silverton to the north.

Traveling over the San Juan mountains, on the “Million Dollar Highway”, along the Rio de las Animas Perdidas, literally meaning “River of Lost Souls”, you will run into most historic mining towns that include Silverton, Telluride, Ouray and Ridgway.  At Montrose, you will want to cut over to the east on U.S. 50, skirting the southern edge of Gunnison National Forest in order to see Gunnison and Salida, which is residence to one of the oldest whitewater kayaking events in the country, the FIBArk Race, which is the “weekend that Salida comes out to play,” held in June during the spring runoff.

It is difficult to select one place in Colorado’s mountain country that stands beyond the rest but the Rocky Mountain National Park and nearby Estes Park in the north central part of the state are absolutely front runners. Take advantage of local cabin rentals, or stay at the historic Stanley Hotel, where writer Steven King got the inspiration for The Shining. Founded by a settler from Missouri in 1859, Estes park is situated along the Big Thompson River, and is the gateway to the national park located just a few miles west.

You can travel down U.S. 34, the Trail Ridge Road, which has the distinction of being the highest unbroken highway in the country. This majestic drive will transport you to an height of over 12,000 feet above sea level and some of the most stellar mountain scenery in North America, if not the world.

Of course, Colorado is the West, and that means cattle drives and horses. Well, the grand cattle drives are long over and were primarily in the flat eastern part of the state, but you and your family can experience some of it at one of the area’s many “dude ranches”. Even with the great quantity of highways and  jeep trails, there’s no better method to see this part of Colorado than from horseback.

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Around the Rogue Valley and Josephine County are many great things to experience for vacationers of all ages.  It’s a peaceful and relaxing retirement region which additionally offers the wild and scenic Rogue River.  By staying at one of the numerous suitably situated Grants Pass hotels nearly anything worth visiting will be no more than an hour’s drive away. Many Grants Pass hotels might even provide shuttle services to nearby points of interest.

The Rogue as well as Applegate river happen to be acknowledged for wild salmon, bass and trout angling.  Ashland, which is just a 45 minute commute from Grants Pass, hosts the yearly Shakespeare Festival.  Some hotels provide all inclusive packages that include tickets to see a few of these plays.  The Rogue and Applegate Valleys now have many family held wineries that provide award winning wines.

You will find hiking paths galore around the Grants Pass area.  For the serious hikers there are hiking trails at Crater Lake, Mount Ashland as well as Mount McLoughlin.  A hike up lower Table Rock is some thing everyone might achieve together. Once on top of the plateau, hikers will be gratified with a panoramic view around the Rogue Valley, the winding Rogue River, and also seasonal wildflowers and wildlife.  Each of these areas contain hiking trails that are nicely maintained and fairly simple to follow.

Head just a couple miles north of Grants Pass from the I-5 and enjoy a beautiful drive down the Merlin/Galice Road along which you will find beautifully engineered bridges offering incredible sites along the Rogue River and Hellgate Canyon.  Near the end of this road you can take a 3 mile walk to Rainey Falls. It is usually advisable to inform someone where you are going before starting out.  The above suggested nature hikes are less hazardous in the spring, summer and early fall.

Considered the most exceptionally positioned Grants Pass hotel definitely is the Riverside Inn and Resort.  Each and every room faces the Rogue River.  This is the spot where the well-known Hellgate Jet Boat Cruises departs.  A few of their room packages may consist of tickets on one of these enjoyable river cruises that can also consist of a brunch, lunch or dinner at the OK Coral restaurant.  The jet tour boat of the Rogue River will be something every visitor ought to do.  It offers valuable historical information about the river, the wildlife and also the Rogue Valley native Americans and founding fathers.

Grants Pass has a beautifully unique and historical shopping location with several excellent dining spots which provide breakfast, lunch and dinner.  You can find shops with numerous collectibles that could possibly have been discovered in the Rogue Valley.  Several stores also carry many nearby wines. You will find that each store is distinctive and interesting with welcoming merchants.

The local wine industry has rapidly built a reputation for itself.  The majority of the nearby wineries are family owned.  You could easily take a day and tour the Rogue and Applegate Valley vineyards where you’ll connect with the owners and try out their award winning wines.

Within an easy stroll of some of the Grants Pass hotels you will discover restaurants which include fresh Alaskan or native salmon or trout and also locally grown fruits and vegetables.  From March thru November local farmers, ranchers and artisans are obtainable at the Growers Marketplace on Saturdays until 1pm.  Here you will find great souvenirs to take home or perhaps eat some of the delicious baked or home grown items at that moment. Grants Pass has certainly got lots to see and do, in fact, so much you may need to extend your stay for over a week.

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The leading lodging web site Rentalo.com revealed the findings of a recent marketing study conducted on 6,694 opted-in travelers who searched for vacation rentals in Pennsylvania’s Poconos from July 2008 to January 2010.  This excellent study confirmed what travel specialists have been announcing about the flourishing interest in comparison shopping among travelers.

The survey showed that seventy-two percent of the trip planners who searched for lodging showed curiosity in comparison shopping among Poconos vacation rentals, bed breakfasts, and hotels.  The cautious planners who began their trip plans one or two months in advance represented the thirty-one percent and the ones who waited until last moment prior to the arriving to their Poconos lodging represented the 40 percent. Lastly, the 27 percent were vacationers making plans at least 60 days before arriving to Poconos.

The study revealed that the most common vacation theme in Poconos is family reunions with the seventy percent of people inquiring for a place to stay for groups of more than four adults or families with children. The 16 percent was represented by romantics searching for a special place and the last 5 percent were those traveling alone.

We just saw that comparison shopping is the right way to search and find the best lodging alternative for travelers to Poconos. Now, we’ll see a good example of it:

Poconos Chalet from $93 per night
A beautiful chalet house offered at a discounted rate of $93 USD a night. It is located in a gated community and there are three swimming pools and two large lakes. It has three bedrooms and two bathrooms and can accommodate up to nine people. More information and details can be found at rentalo.com, ID 111019.

Poconos vacation houses from $337 per night
This beautiful contemporary three story house can sleep up to 14 guests and it features four bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. There is a game room with a pool table, a fireplace, and ceiling fans. There is also a clubhouse, a community pool, and tennis courts. More information on this Poconos accommodation can be found at rentalo.com, ID 317849.

Lake Harmony Vacation Lodge from $200 per night
This Poconos vacation house features four bedrooms and can accommodate up to 14 people. Three bedrooms feature full size beds, the fourth bedroom has a queen size bed and two twin beds. It also has a private balcony / deck overlooking the beautiful Pocono Mountains.  All bedrooms have dressers and television for your entertainment.  For more information about this beautiful mountain lake house in Poconos, visit Rentalo.com, ID 312513.

It is well known by the travel industry and it is documented by search engine stats the most people can’t find what they look for online.  At Rentalo.com, travelers can find the best lodging option for them in a easy and fast way by comparing quotes directly from vacation home owners, hotel operators, and innkeepers.

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The “City of Brotherly Love, ” Philly unwraps its arms towards hundreds of thousands of holiday-makers annually. And from cheesesteaks and history right to works of art, there’s ample to enjoy within this legendary destination of Pennsylvania. The birthplace of the Declaration of Independence as well as the Constitution, Philadelphia offers heritage choices refreshing in authenticity.

Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House, and the Congress Hall each offer visitors an incredible inside look into the birth of America. In addition the birthplace of Benjamin Franklin, the city is able to feature a first- person account of a lot of the initial undertakings for the nation’s birth.

Meant for the younger ones, the Crayola Factory illustrates to young artists how the popular crayons are created, additionally, the Ghost Tours allow for lots of unique spooky yarns around the campfire. The cities trolley system will be able to carry you throughout the city, or should you prefer an added adventure, experience the Ride the Ducks guided tour and get a first- hand view of the Delaware River.

If you’d like to escape the city for a day, a quick trip will place you at the home of Six Flags Great Adventure, but if roller coasters are not your favorite cup of tea stop by historical Valley Forge and witness what was a real- life adventure! For those who might value simply visiting some well known faces, Sesame Place provides entertainment for the whole family. The Philadelphia Zoo boasts being acknowledged as being the oldest zoo in America, whilst the Rodin Museum shows off the works of world- famous sculptor Auguste Rodin.

Go on tours of the U. S. Mint, or see the collections exhibited in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Naturally should you only have several hours to fill, order a cheesesteak (be prepared because these things are massive so maybe order 1 between 2)and catch an Eagles game. Or even the 76ers. Or the Phillies. It just depends on really the season but there is invariably loads you can see and do in Philly.

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It maybe only a tiny state but Delaware has a lot to offer including the national scenic byway historical route.

It’s only 10 miles on Route 52 from Exit 7 on Interstate 95 in Wilmington, Delaware to the end of Kennett Pike in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. Yet that short stretch of road is perhaps the single most historic thoroughfare intersecting I-95 in its entire 1,925 mile trek from Maine to Miami. Perhaps that’s why it’s a certified “National Scenic Byway.”

The “path” that would become the “pike” dates back to the late 17th century when it linked Wilmington with the agriculturally-rich highlands of southeastern Pennsylvania near Kennett Square. In 1811 Kennett Road was purchased and christened the “Wilmington and Kennett Turnpike,” and it slowly became the principal travel “spine” in northern Delaware with ribs that linked a host of world-class du Pont mansions and estates in the region.

It’s those estates and the quaint villages that grew up around them that make Kennett Pike one of America’s premier “Highways to History.” For the first hundred feet (off of I-95), Route 52 is known as Delaware Avenue. Then it veers west as Pennsylvania Avenue, where it passes “Gilbralter” the former home of Hugh Rodney Sharp and his wife Isabella du Pont Sharp. Owned and Operated by Preservation Delaware, Gibralter features an exquisite formal garden designed and restored by legendary landscape architect, Marion Cruger Coffin. The gardens are open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 to 5 for self-guided tours. Additional hours are available by appointment.

A few hundred feet further, “the Pike” passes a 250 year-old stone mansion called “Goodstay,” which is now owned by the University of Delaware. While the house is certainly historic in its own right, it’s the Goodstay gardens that get all the press. A 100 year-old wisteria vine arches over the gate to the garden, which is planted with irises, roses, peonies, daffodils, daylilies and azaleas. As a final touch, there are 30 pink blossoming magnolia trees leading to a circular reflecting pool. The Goodstay gardens are open to the public without charge every day during daylight hours.

But Goodstay is dwarfed by two dupont estates just off the Pike in Wilmington - Hagley Museum and Library, the ancestral home of the du Pont family in Delaware and site of the first du Pont black powder mills; and the 300-acre country estate of the late industrialist and philanthropist Alfred I. du Pont, Nemours Mansion & Gardens,  The 47,000 sq. ft. mansion was built in 1909-1910 and looms over massive formal gardens. It is furnished with fine antiques, famous works of art, beautiful tapestries, and other treasures. Quite simply, Nemours is the grandest of the grand du Pont estates in the Brandywine Valley. The mansion and gardens are both open for tours between May and December, but tickets can be hard to come by so call early!

Historic “Saint Joseph’s on the Brandywine” Catholic church is literally within walking distance of Hagley. St. Joseph’s was built in 1841 by DuPont Company stone masons on property donated by Charles I. DuPont. The cost of construction was financed largely through loans and gifts from the DuPont Company and family. St. Joseph’s church and cemetery are listed for three different historical associations in the National Register of Historic Places.

Driving further north, you’ll discover the 1,000-acre estate of Henry Francis du Pont, called “Winterthur.” The 13-story mansion houses the largest collection of American furniture and decorative arts in the world, displayed in175 rooms connected to a 20,000 square foot exhibition gallery. Across the street from Winterthur lies the Delaware Museum of Natural History, founded by John E. du Pont in 1972.

When you leave Winterthur and the Natural History Museum, you’ll pass through the National Historic District of Centreville, a quaint village of about 50 shops and restaurants, and several privately-owned historic houses. The center of Centreville is Buckley’s Tavern, a wonderfully eclectic eatery that caters to any and all types of customers – from princes to paupers. For a more genteel fare, try the Centreville Café. Centreville is also home to one of the region’s finest art galleries, Hardcastle Gallery, but you’ll have to keep a sharp eye as it’s set back off the road on the east side just south of Owl’s Nest Road.

Not to be outdone, Pennsylvania has its own historic village on Kennett Pike, the Fairville National Historic District about five miles north of Centreville. Fairville looks like something out of a storybook. Dotted with antique stores and small shops, the village is probably best known for its historic bed & breakfast, the Fairville Inn. For the less affluent, the Mendenhall Inn is just south of Fairville on Kennett Pike.

Kennett Pike terminates at Baltimore Pike which is U.S. Route 1 (the principal Maine to Miami route until I-95 was built). But there’s so much more to tell you about. So far I’ve only mentioned the extraordinary historical and cultural sites that are directly on Kennett Pike! Within five miles on either side of the Pike are several more world-class museums and country estates, including the Brandywine River Museum and Longwood Gardens on Baltimore Pike. For more historical information about the entire region, visit the Delaware History Museum and Research Library on the downtown Wilmington campus of the Delaware Historical Society.

A complete list of articles by the Wilmington Tourism Examiner can be found at http://www.examiner.com/x-25324-Wilmington-Tourism-Examiner

photo credit: BMigulski While Manhattan has long held the spotlight of the world and Brooklyn has recently come of age  as a destination in its own right, the other three New York City boroughs are not as devoid of attractions as the locals would have you believe and they can definitely provide a unique travel experience for those looking for something a little different.

Queens is not just a multicultural community of working-class immigrants who staff the fine hotels and boutiques of Manhattan; a lot is going on there, from excellent ethnic restaurants to good-time parties and a raging club scene.  Besides being home to the US Open tennis tournament and other major sporting events, Queens offers much to the regular subway rider who dares take the 7 across the East River.
View Larger Map Cinema lovers make the crossing to catch a weekend film screening at Astoria’s excellent Museum Of The Moving Image.  Astoria is New York’s place to be for movies, with both Silvercup Studios and Kaufman Studios situated next to the Movie Museum.  This is not strictly a film museum; moving images relate to film, television, and even video games, and all three genres have their places in the very imaginative exhibits.  The Museum also offers demonstrations of sound editing, film editing, and other aspects of what goes on behind the scenes of filmmaking.  You will never hear Titanic the same way again.  If you love movie locations, On Location Tours offers a visit to many familiar New York TV and movie locations and runs the extremely popular Sex And The City Tour that has become a female bonding experience like few others.

Staten Island, the forgotten child in the borough family, is closer to New Jersey than Manhattan and it certainly doesn’t feel very New York-like, but it too has attractions worth a ride on the (free) Staten Island ferry, which in itself is worth the journey because it affords the best view in town of the Statue of Liberty.  If you miss China while in New York, Staten Island is the place to go.  The Chinese Scholar Garden at the Staten Island Botanical Garden was created by a team of horticultural experts brought from China and is a tranquil retreat from city life; in the warmer months, people spend the entire day here.  Delve a little deeper into the heart of the island and you will find the small and very unexpected collection of the Jacques Marchais Museum Of Tibetan Art, housed in a recreated Tibetan monastery, perched on a hill just off Lighthouse Avenue.  All of this can be visited by local bus, look for the visitor information maps as you hop of the ferry.

The Bronx, named after Dutch settler Jonas Bronck when New York was still New Amsterdam, has its share of surprises, too.  While The Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Gardens are already famous for their outstanding exhibits, there are other little gems which are not as well known but certainly still worth the subway or bus ride, like City Island and the Hall Of Fame of Great Americans.  City Island is an enclave of New England within New York and if you are a seafood lover this is the place to be and be seen especially during the weekend.  The Hall Of Fame Of Great Americans, which is on the grounds of the Bronx Community College, is the hall of fame that led to all other halls of fame.  This simple display of 98 bronze busts placed in an open-air, white-marble colonnade overlooking the Harlem River represents the inspiration that these leaders gave to the greater community of America.

They maybe the forgotten boroughs but if your really want to ‘see’ New York then a visit to Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx and there hidden gems will certainly complete your Big Apple experience.

Start spreading the news.  New York, the big apple, the city that never sleeps – whatever you choose to call it – is in its element right now, making it the prime time to visit.  Lapping up global praises as a fast, furiously fun, electrifying city, New York isn’t holding back, giving visitors a taste of the high life with everything it’s got.
Spend a few hours in the heart of  New York and you can see why it is frequently described as a city unlike any other.  After all, where else does hot fashion trends emerge at breakfast only to be deemed outdated by lunch or a dose of culture can be easily acquired during a lunchbreak by way of museums, art galleries or simply strolling along 42nd street passing by the United Nations, the Theatre District and Times Square
View Larger Map.  It is a place where a city tour of famous sites can take days and perhaps most uniquely, where you can get anything you want, anytime you want, delivered right to your door.
Some say what makes a great city is its people and New Yorkers would be the first to agree.  Being hip is almost a full time job and water cooler jargon can turn into the new lingo chattered across the globe.  Spend enough time in New York and you’re almost guaranteed to become a millionaire, with a cute spoodle to boot.
If you only have a few days to spend in New York, you’ll most likely only experience the tip of the iceberg, so be sure to have a clear idea of what you want to see and do before arriving so you can hit the ground running, literally.
New York is very much a walking city and taking in the sights and sounds by foot is a great way to explore famous landmarks and even come across a few hidden ones, but taxis are abundant and easily available for those that tire easily.
Even though some may say visiting the Empire State Building, Rockefeller’s ‘Top of the Rock’ and cruising past the Statue of Liberty are on the hilt of the most touristy things one could do, seeing them is a must for New York virgins.  Take in a day tour or pre-purchase a New York City Pass or New York Pass for additional benefits and discounted entry into most of the top attractions.
The City Pass also includes discounted entry onboard Circle Line ferries which operate full-commentary cruises along the Hudson River past New York’s famous skyline and its most famous resident, the Lady in Green.
From the lower Hudson and East Rivers, the daily cruises onboard “Miss New York” includes spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the city’s world famous bridges and buildings.  History buffs, or for those that can spare additional time should take the effort to sail to Ellis Island and explore the Immigration Museum, or stand at the foot of the Statute of Liberty with a trip to Liberty Island.
Aside from the main attractions, a lot of what happens in New York is by chance, being in the right place at the right time goes a long way, but a few handy hints on where these ‘right places’ are always helps.
If you are not fortunate to know any New Yorkers to steer you in the right direction, keep your eyes pealed for posters around town displaying what’s on in the world of street entertainment where attendance is mostly free.  Hang around the theatre district after catching a show and a swarm of ticket sellers for everything from comedy clubs to plays will offer last minute discounted entry into venues.
New York is also home to some of the trendiest bars, cafes and restaurants across the globe.  A great place to start the evening is the hip meat-packing district, made famous from being coined in a number of recent TV shows and movies.
Packed with clubs, boutique hotels and hidden bars, this area is easily accessible to most budgets, tastes and social trends.   But it’s the old style of New York that brings out the real glitz and glamour, and an example of that is the 70 year old institution, Tavern on the Green.  Billed as an “experience like no other”, the restaurant has been embraced by locals as a place to see and be seen.  Located in the heart of Central Park, a trip to the restaurant of yesteryear would be incomplete without a fairy-tale horse and carriage ride ending.

Even ocean cruising can be a great travel experience. I know people will say how is this possible but you have to remember that ships stop in ports and you can find some treasures to explore if only for a few hours. The ships themselves are also experiences, so if you haven’t been cruising then it really is something to try.

The Oosterdam in port

Below is one of my cruising adventures to the Mexican Riviera onboard the wonderful Oosterdam.

I guess the above and anything else DAM was the catchcry for the Mexican Riviera cruise on Holland America Line’s the Oosterdam.

Classic, cultured, sophisticated and wonderful service probably sums up the Oosterdam. From the subdued navy and white on the outside to the elegant decorations and jaw dropping Waterford crystal globe centrepiece in the Atrium, and roomy comfortable staterooms on the inside the Oosterdam is class all the way.

The check in was reasonably smooth and efficient.  Greeted by staff at the ship’s entrance you were immediately made to feel at home and after a quick guided tour we settled into a great buffet lunch at the Lido restaurant – the start of many gastronomic delights during the week.

The combination of 3 days sailing and 3 days in port was great, giving the best of both worlds – plenty of time to experience Mexico and its culture and to make the most of the ship and all it had to offer whilst cruising.

Booking of shore excursions was our first piece of ‘work’, the hardest part was deciding what to do in our 3 ports of call.  I opted for going out of town in Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos, a charming oasis town and mission. Added to this an authentic Mexican lunch at the Hotel California (the inspiration for the Eagles’ well known song).

Second port of call Mazatlan my favourite, and here again I experienced the genuine Mexico visiting the Sierra Madre mountains and the villages of Concordia and Copala ( very unique with its cobble stone streets and colonial lamp posts).  This tour also gives you the chance to see local artisans working and of course to purchase some of their wonderful offerings.

Puerto Vallarta our third port and the most well known to tourists had a wonderful ‘old town’ area and here I decided to try my hand at some Mexican cooking on the ‘Taste of Mexico’ tour. Our tour took us firstly on a walk through the town itself and then to a restaurant where we made and then ate our lunch – very good I must say!

Onboard ship you could either find a corner all by yourself or otherwise occupy your whole day with the many activities on offer.  I became a bit of a bingo fanatic ( I had not been to a bingo game in about 40 years) urged on by Tina who on one occasion actually was calling out BINGO for me when all my numbers came up. Another of the favourite activities were the Trivia sessions, we made up a team – (Team Oz of course), but struggled a bit when it came to questions like “ name the running back who was MVP for the finals in 1983?” Our first question was “what is a running back? They did however in one session ask questions about cricket and New Zealand so we scored 2 points there. For the more serious gamblers there is a casino, there are many bars to sit and savour the view, have a drink or listen to a great tune in the piano bar, a library and games room, a huge internet café so you can keep in touch with family and friends, a gymnasium with an awesome view for the fitness fanatics( I stuck to the walking track on the promenade deck), there were the art auctions and art history talks, tours of the ship’s kitchen and cooking demonstrations – amazing, and the 2 indulgence areas, the Green House Day Spa – bliss, and the Dam Signature shops – bliss for me but not for the credit card.

Children are not forgotten with Club HAL. The club caters for 3 – 12 year olds and offers all sorts of wonderful entertainment, the kids absolutely love it and it also gives Mums and Dads a chance to have some time out as well.

The other highlights on the Oosterdam were the wonderful staterooms – large and cheerful with excellent furnishings and extremely comfortable beds and a room attendant who delighted us with his animals made using bath and hand towels, dinner in the Vista Dining room with exceptional staff who really ‘made’ the cruise with their interaction with us and magician’s tricks, dining in the 5* Pinnacle Grill again with fabulous staff, top class entertainers in the Vista Lounge including the Oosterdam’s show cast, Las Vegas magicians, comedienne and Australia’s very own virtuoso piano and vocal entertainer Shelly White(we became Shelly’s very own cheer squad, Aussie style- Oi, Oi, Oi).

Holland America Line definitely has the wow factor , I found the Oosterdam to be one of the best cruise ships I have sailed on. And, knowing that all the HAL fleet are very similar in style and fit out and offer the same wonderful experience there are obviously lots of places around the world left to cruise to.

Had a great cruise experience? I would love to hear from you about your adventure please leave a comment below.

If you are you a photographer, a wildlife enthusiast or just someone who wants to experience nature, then this is your dream come true.

There is a unique tour which will take you into the Canadian wilderness, home to some of the largest predators on the planet. Here amongst the breathtaking scenery of British Columbia you can discover grizzly bears as they feed on migrating salmon , search for orca whales, black bears, pacific white-sided dolphins, minke whales and bald eagles.

Then you will head east to Churchill in Manitoba, “the polar bear capital of the world”, to view these magnificent bears. This is really a first hand experience as the party is restricted to 16 which means plenty of room on the Tundra Buggies in Churchill (which normally take from 21 to 38 people).

Following are some of the special activities you will be able to experience.

* 4 nights at Knight Inlet Lodge during salmon spawning where you will witness one of the largest concentrations of grizzly hears in B.C.
* Exclusive use of the Tundra Buggy in Churchill for a maximum of 16 people to view the majestic polar bears.
* Marine excursions (weather permitting) to view seals, sea lions, porpoises, dolphins, orcas and possibly minke and humpback whales.
* Knight Inlet is one of the largest fjords on the B.C. coast with spectacular scenery and over 200 species of bird.
* October is the only time you can combine trips to see both grizzly bears and polar bears.
* Town and area tour Churchill on the shores of the Hudson Bay and includes a visit to the Inuit (Eskimo) museum and Parks Canada Interpretation Centre.
All in all just incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing & photography.

Six hundred forty thousand years ago, a volcanic eruption with a magnitude greater than the eruption of Mount Saint Helens in 1980 formed the area now known as Yellowstone National Park. Travel to the park which is considered by many National Park vacationers as the Crowning Jewel of the United States’ National Park System, these days is easy. The land known as Yellowstone, was the first National Park protected by law in 1872 by then President Ulysses S. Grant and many natural wonders can be found within the confines of Yellowstone.

Old Faithful is without a doubt the most well known natural attraction in Yellowstone National Park and arguably the most well known attraction in the United States’ National Park System. Sixty percent of the world’s geysers are located in Yellowstone Park. The largest number of geysers is located in the Upper Geyser Basin. In fact, over one hundred fifty geysers are located within a one square mile area in the Upper Geyser Basin. Yellowstone naturalist staff are able to predict the eruption of at least five of the major geysers in this small area including Castle, Grand, Daisy, Riverside, and of course Old Faithful. Many other smaller geysers may frequently erupt in this area as well. You can also view numerous hot springs and a recently developed mudpots.

The Old Faithful Inn is a great place to stay while visiting the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful. The lobby of the hotel features a sixty five foot ceiling, a huge fireplace, and railings made of lodge pole pine. Three hundred and twenty seven rooms await you or if you prefer cabin-style accommodations, your best bet is Old Faithful Lodge. The lodge features a cafeteria, gift and coffee shops. A popular resting place for visitors is the Knotty Pine Porch, it provides a great view of Geyser Hill and is the oldest building at Old Faithful. This building was built for F. Jay Haynes as a photo studio in 1897.

Venture into the Mammoth area and you’ll notice the red-roofed, many-chimneyed buildings that make up part of historic Fort Yellowstone. Fourteen years of poor management of Yellowstone led officials to turn management of the National Park over to the United States Cavalry in 1886. For the first five years, the Cavalry, lived in Camp Sheridan but, after five bone chilling winters the soldiers built the more permanent post known as Fort Yellowstone.

Yellowstone National Park Travel, prior to 1903 was by way of the train to Cinnabar, Montana then  into horse-drawn carriages to  the park. Eventually the railway extended all the way to Gardiner and people then entered the park through the immense stone gateway, known as the Roosevelt Arch. Designed by Robert Reamer, a renowned Yellowstone architect, the arch was designed for coaches to travel through as they entered the park. During construction, President Theodore Roosevelt was visiting the park and took the opportunity to lay the cornerstone of the arch which now bears his name. The top of the arch is inscribed with the words “For the benefit and enjoyment of the people” a quote from the Organic Act of 1872 which enabled the legislation for Yellowstone National Park.

Other Must See Sites in Yellowstone National Park include the Engineers Office, built by the Corps of Engineers; the Scottish Rite Chapel and Capitol Hill, the former site of Superintendent Norris’ headquarters.

The Kite Hill cemetery is a great place to visit and contains the graves of early Yellowstone settlers and employees. Another landmark designed by architect Robert Reamer is the Reamer House. Reamer House is a beautiful example of Prairie-style architecture.

One of the best travel experiences I have had is motoring along Rute 66. Although the tradition is Chicago to LA, we travelled the opposite from LA to Chicago taking about 18 days to complete the journey.

If you are of the baby boomers generation or just love history this is one of those experiences that has to go on the bucket list. There are so many wonderful ‘moments’ along the way and you certainly get to see a diverse cross section of American culture. From ‘standing on the corner in Winslow Arizona’ to the Arch in St Louis and meeting wonderful characters like Eddie Edwards who opened the “Pig Hip” restaurant at Broadwell, Illinois in 1937 and who remembers well the numbers of people who traversed Rote 66, you will find many fabulous experiences.

Have you travelled Route 66 the mother road?

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Bringing you a wonderful post from Margot Peck who writes about the wonderful retirement life of reading and travel.

Just waiting to be found!

I’m taking a break this week from showing you one of our Favorite Places so I can share with you one of the resources we use to get to those places.
This book is for the traveler who likes to see interesting and under-visited places around the U.S. There are over 1,000 destinations spread from Maine to Hawaii and Alaska to Florida.

This handy guide is organized by state. Within each state you will find an updated map, a list of the unique sites and lots of colorful pictures. Plus, there is a good description of each place with all the necessary information. We are preparing to hit the road this week, heading east from California. I’ve looked through each of the states we plan to visit and I’ve scouted out some great places along the way.

To give you an idea of how unique this book is, I picked a state right in the middle: Missouri. There are 24 Off the Beaten Path places in the state. Here’s a sample:

* Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge – a bird lover’s paradise (warblers, avocets, snow geese, bald eagles)

* The YouZeum – interactive exhibits about your body and health

* Jefferson Farm and Gardens – showplace on the importance of farming and horticulture inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s garden at Monticello (67 acres)

* City Museum in St. Louis – This museum is devoted to the eccentric and surreal with exhibits both inside and outside.

I hope you get the idea with just a few examples. I didn’t even mention the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum or Mark Twain’s Historic site or the Winston Churchill Memorial and Library. Every state has its own unique set of places to visit. These are good vacation destinations or day trips if you live nearby.

We have used this guide for years but now they have a new, up-dated Third Edition. Keeping this guide up-to-date is one of the things I like about it. Be prepared, it is a big book, over an inch thick, and heavy. We are selective on what comes along with us as we travel. This one makes the cut. On the Contents page is a quote of Mark Twain’s that I find so appropriate for Off-the-Beaten-Path Travelers.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. . . Explore. Dream. Discover.”

What are your Favorite Places that are Off the Beaten Path? Find Margot at http://joyfullyretired.com