Grand Caymans

May 31st, 2010

Grand Caymans, is the capital and the largest city of Cayman Islands. It is extremely popular among tourists, thanks to its stunning coastline.
In fact the Grand Caymans’ Seven Mile beach, on the west coast north of George Town, is considered to be one of the finest beaches in the world.
Needless to say most of the city’s attractions are associated with its beaches or marine life. The following is a list of some of the most popular ones-

Boatswain’s Beach- The beach is home to over fourteen thousand turtles from the tiniest to over 600 pounds.

Cemetery Beach- The beach gets its name from a small island cemetery situated right next to it. It covers the northern end of Seven Mile Beach and is a popular snorkeling spot.

Stingray City- This is where you will find huge rays that you can feed and pet while snorkeling. What’s more once their hunger has been satiated, they will let you play with them and will even happily pose for pictures with you!

Among the non-marine attractions, the following are some of the most recommended ones-

Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park- The park has a short walking trail, a 1900 Cayman farmhouse as well as a sand garden.

Pedro St. James Castle- You may want to include this castle in your itinerary if you are a bit of a history buff. The castle is a 1780 stone structure, surrounded by a preserve. Hourly multimedia shows are hosted here for the benefit of visitors.

Hell- This is a truly fascinating site with huge black rock volcanic formations! As the name suggests, people believe that this place is what hell probably looks like. You can even buy all sorts of hell themed souvenirs here.

Cayman Islands are also known for the incredible water sports opportunities they offer. So, make sure you don’t miss out on snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing and the fascinating under-sea tours (where you get to travel in submersible vessels and take an off shore tour with shipwrecks and reefs as the main attractions).

Sounds like a fun place to visit? Then go ahead and start looking for accommodation in one of the several Grand Caymans Vacation Rentals.

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New London Connecticut

April 27th, 2010

New London has everything that a vacationer can ask for- from excellent beaches to mouth watering restaurants and fascinating historical buildings. The city boasts of several 17th, 18th and 19th century buildings that are extremely popular among tourists as well as several fascinating sight seeing places including the following-
The Monte Cristo Cottage- This is the home of the famous playwright Eugene O’Neill. If you liked his play the “Long Day’s Journey into Night”, you will find the cottage even more interesting as this is where the play is set!

Essex steam train and river boat (New London, Essex) – A ride in the steam train followed up by a romantic cruise on the Connecticut River is another activity that most tourists who have been to New London recommend.

The Submarine Force museum (New London, Groton) – The submarine museum tells the tale of America’s marine history with a focus on submarines through several fascinating exhibits.

Shaw Mansion (1756) – Originally built by ship owner Capt. Nathaniel Shaw Jr. the Mansion served as the headquarters of the Connecticut Navy during the American Revolution and since 1907 it has been home to the New London County Historical Society

Hempsted Houses -The reason why you should visit these houses is because the furnishings on display here are absolutely gorgeous. The Hempsted houses were built in 1678 and 1758.

The Lyman Art Museum- The exhibits in the museum include- a toy collection, American and European artworks as well as contemporary pieces by Connecticut artists, and a collection of New England furniture.

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Vacations in Phoenix

April 27th, 2010

Phoenix is like a green oasis in the middle of the desert- gorgeous, green and a real sight for the sore eyes. Because of its warm climate Phoenix is quite popular among sun lovers and attracts a lot of vacationers during winters. The city in fact is also extremely popular among tourists thanks to its rich history and culture.
As history goes the Hohokam Indians lived in the phoenix region around 200 BC, they were an intelligent tribe and knew how to grow crops in the desert through proper irrigation. The irrigation channels built by the Hohokam Indian mysteriously disappeared late in the 13th century.

By 1870 a new settlement started growing on the remains of the lost Hohokam Indian culture, the settlement was likened to the phoenix- the bird that rises from its own ashes, and was named after it. In 1889 Phoenix became the capital of Arizona.

You can still see remains of Phoenix’s fascinating history in its museums, art centers and historic neighborhoods, the most famous which are-
Hear Museum- The museum houses exhibits related to the art and culture of the Indian people from the southwest. These exhibits include basketwork, jewelry, pottery, dolls, textiles, etc.

Pueblo Grand Museum- The museum houses the ruins of the Hohokam settlement and remains of old irrigation channels.

Apart from historical sites Phoenix also offers several hiking, climbing, biking and water sports opportunities to travelers. There is also no shortage of family re-creation opportunities in Phoenix either. You may pay a visit to the Phoenix Art Museum if you and your family members are interested in art and fashion. The museum displays artworks belonging to European Renaissance and Baroque, the Far East and the American Wes and also boasts of a fascinating fashion design gallery!

Music lovers would definitely enjoy a visit to the Phoenix symphony and if you are travelling with your children in tow, you must include a visit to the Castle and Coasters amusement park, the Enchanted Island as well as the Arizona Doll and Toy museum. The park boasts of the only double loop roller coaster in the State, the Enchanted Island has several arcade games and rides for children aged between 2-10 and Doll and Toy Museum houses an amazing collection of 19th century dolls and toys.

For comfortable accommodation, Phoenix vacation rentals would be your best option.

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Tourist attractions in Houston

April 9th, 2010

Houston is the largest city in Texas. It is also the fourth largest city in the country. The city is home to the NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the internationally famous Texas Medical Center. Houston boasts of a seven-mile stretch of tunnels and skywalks that links buildings in downtown and includes convenience stores, restaurants, and shops. This kind of a system makes it possible for the pedestrians to beat the summer heat and showers of rain while walking from one building to another.

Houston is renowned globally for its energy industry – mainly natural gas and oil. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are also contributing to its economy. Thus existence of major energy companies has made Houston the energy capital of the world. The Port of Houston also contributes to the economy of the city significantly. The port stands first in the country in international commerce, and is also the tenth-largest in the world.

While mentioning the major tourist attractions of the city one cannot miss out the Theater District. It is home to the Bayou Place entertainment complex, parks, plazas, movies, and restaurants. The Williams Waterwall in uptown Houston, Old Market Square, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science are some of the places which draw plenty of visitors every year. If you are interested in the history of NASA’s manned space flight programs then you should visit Space Center Houston, the official visitor’s center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

Various festivals and annual events has also become a major attraction of the city. The Bayou City Art Festival is rated within the top five art festivals of the country. And the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the largest annual Livestock Show and Rodeo in the world. Other notable annual events include the Houston International Festival, Houston Greek Festival, and the Houston Pride Parade.

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Vail, Colorado – Modeled after European ski towns

April 3rd, 2010

Located at the base of Vail Ski Resort, the town of Vail is modeled after European ski towns. Vail is renowned for its ski mountain in North America. As the town is high in the mountains, it experiences very cold winters and pleasantly warm summers. On an average Vail receives two hundred inches of snowfall every season, with the surrounding mountains experiencing even more. Unlike other Colorado ski towns like Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs, and Aspen, which existed before their ski resorts, the town of Vail grew only because of the establishment of the Vail Ski Resort. The town is served by Eagle County Airport and provides one of the country’s largest free bus services.

The economy of Vail relies heavily upon tourism. And it flourishes during winter when activities like snowboarding and skiing take place. However, brisk mountain breeze make summers in Vail refreshingly cool. Thus, Vail has also developed into a popular summer vacation spot. Fishing, carriage rides, horseback riding, and mountain biking are the popular summer activities for you. You can also dine in any of the trend-setting restaurants located in the picturesque backdrop for making your Vail experience memorable forever.

You must visit Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the world’s highest botanical garden, at an altitude of 8,200 feet in the Rockies. Founded by Denver and Vail horticulturists in the year 1985, this botanical garden in Vail includes several separate gardens like the Alpine Rock Garden, Mountain Meditation Garden, Children’s Garden, Alpine Display Garden, Mountain Perennial Garden, and the Schoolhouse Garden. More than five thousand different varieties of alpine plants and wildflowers exist within these gardens.

If you are in Vail during the month of March or April then you should take part in the Vail Film Festival. This four-day annual film carnival usually in late March or beginning of April draws international media attention.

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San Francisco, California – You would love to come back again

March 31st, 2010

Situated on the west coast of the country, San Francisco includes significant stretches of the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean within its boundaries. It is the twelfth most populous city in the country. San Francisco is home to more than thirty international financial institutions and is known for its high standard of living. The city is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year.

San Francisco is considered as one of California’s greatest Bay Area cities. The city has so much to offer that it would take at least a week to cover the important places. The parks and beaches that forms the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, draws over thirteen million visitors yearly. Fisherman’s Wharf is also a fantastic place to stay and visit. It is a neighborhood and an extremely popular tourist attraction in San Francisco.

The Moscone Center is a must watch when you are in San Francisco. It is the biggest convention and exhibition complex in the city. Also visit the Yerba Buena Gardens situated above the Moscone Center and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art across the street. Don’t forget to check out the Cliff House, the Dutch Windmill, and the San Francisco Zoo as well.

Some of California’s most popular and beautiful beaches are placed within the city limits of San Francisco. These sun-kissed beaches are ideal for exploring, surfing, kite flying, photography, and picnicking. Ocean Beach is the largest beach in the city. And it is about five miles long. Starting at Cliff House at the northern end, it continues all the way to Fort Funston at the south end. Popular activities at Ocean Beach include beach volleyball and sand castle building.

No matter what you do, you will finish up having a great time in San Francisco and would love to come back again and again.

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Colorado Springs – Second most populous city in Colorado

March 27th, 2010

Located at the eastern edge of the southern Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is the second most populous city in Colorado. It is also the largest city in the state. The city is not very far from the state capital Denver. The economy of Colorado Springs is driven mainly by the military and the high-tech industry. The aerospace industry is also instrumental in shaping the city’s economy to a great extent. And with places like Garden of the Gods, it has flourished in the tourism sector as well.

Garden of the Gods is a public park with several trails for walking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking. However, it is most famous for its spectacular rock formations. An enormous balancing rock, known locally as the ‘Balanced Rock’ is the center of tourist attraction. Many consider it as a natural wonder. Also a rock formation in the shape of a steamboat attracts plenty of eyeballs. It is a popular tourist spot for photography. Presence of steep rock formations make Garden of the Gods an attractive place for rock climbers. However, visitors and rock climbers should be careful about rattlesnakes during hot summer days. The Garden of the Gods Visitor Center located near the entrance of the park will provide you useful tips for viewing the park safely.

Cave of the Winds is a frequently visited cave located just west of Colorado Springs, close to Manitou Cliff Dwellings. It is definitely one of the best natural attractions you will get to see in Colorado. It will allow you to explore the world under your feet. The Silent Splendor room is the most renowned section of the Cave of the Winds. This section is formed of various rare crystalline speleothems. The magical formations deep beneath the surface of earth will be a lifetime memory for you and your family.

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Miami – The magic city

March 24th, 2010

Popularly known as the “Magic City”, Miami is situated on the Atlantic coast in southeastern Florida. It is one of the significant financial centers of the country. The city is also home to many performing arts centers, museums, theaters, and entertainment venues. Miami is a renowned fashion center and has several television studios and international company headquarters. The Miami International Airport is considered as one of the busiest international airports and the Port of Miami as the best cruise/passenger port in the world. With festivals, beaches, and plenty of other attractions, the city has turned into a great tourist destination.

Downtown Miami is the heart of the city. It is South Florida’s central business district and includes Port of Miami, Watson Island, Virginia Key, and Brickell. Downtown has the most number of international banks in the country along Brickell Avenue. It is also home to several financial headquarters, parks, and schools. The South Beach, situated east of Downtown, is a major tourist attraction. So whether you are a visitor, resident or a business owner, in Downtown Miami you are guaranteed of enjoying a high quality life.

Miami is truly a world class destination. With miles and miles of sun-kissed beaches and variations in flora and fauna, it is an ideal place for nature lovers. Located just east of Miami, the Biscayne National Park of Miami-Dade County protects a unique combination of coral reefs, emerald islands, and aquamarine waters. It is one of the top scuba diving spots in the country. Over ninety percent of the park is water; while the shore of the bay contains a widespread mangrove forest. Other attractions apart from scuba diving include sailing and kayaking. Private boat tours for exploring the area of the park have also become extremely popular. The place has also proved ideal for camping and fishing.

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Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

March 20th, 2010

Placed in the northern part of Arizona, the Grand Canyon is considered as a natural wonder. It is also one of the most researched geologic landscapes in the world. This two seventy seven miles long and more than one mile deep gorge is mainly within the Grand Canyon National Park.

The Grand Canyon National Park has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The park area is mainly separated into two portions – the South Rim and the North Rim. The North Rim is a lot higher than South Rim, and therefore less accessible. It is over eight thousand feet. Walking at this elevation is strenuous and visitors with heart and respiratory problems may experience serious difficulties. Also heavy amount of snowfall makes it impossible to reach this part of the rim from late October to mid May. On the other hand the South Rim is the most accessible part of the park and includes Hermits Rest, Desert View, and Grand Canyon Village. The Lipan Point on the South Rim provides a breathtaking view of the canyon. Open throughout the year, the South Rim provides excellent lodging and camping facilities.

For many people, the wildlife in Grand Canyon National Park is equal to its magnificent view. The park is home to several endangered animal and plant species. Rock squirrels, elk and the mule deer are common along the South Rim. Bighorn sheep, badgers, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes are present in less numbers and pose considerable threat to visitors. But still one should take note of the fact that chances of getting bitten by a rock squirrel are much more than any other species. However, the beauty and diversity of the Grand Canyon is worth all risk. And this is the reason why almost five million people visit the park every year.

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A Trip to Denver, Colorado

March 14th, 2010

Denver is the capital of Colorado. It is also the most populous city of the state. It has been nicknamed as the “Mile-High City” due to its elevation of exactly one mile above the sea level. The city of Denver is young and full of life. And with three hundred days of brightness and the Colorado Rockies at its backdrop, it offers nothing less than pure excitement and fun.

While at the city you can spend a good time in the mountains by either camping in the summer or skiing during the winter. Denver also has more than two hundred city parks. These parks provide constant source of entertainment for both Denverites and visitors. Each fall, the city hosts the Great American Beer Festival. Visitors from all over the world come to Denver for enjoying the mega event.

However, if you think that Denver is all about outdoor activities then you are deeply mistaken. Besides being a place for adventure and fun lovers it is also a place for people who have developed a strong taste for art and culture. The Denver Art Museum is a place for such art lovers. The museum’s American Indian art collection is considered as the best of its kind in the country. Some of these artworks are over two thousand years old. The Asian art galleries in this museum are based on the arts of Japan, China, India and Korea. These Asian artworks along with the African gallery have gained worldwide recognition. They also represent the creative artistry of the past in these regions.

Denver is also a place for shopaholics. Shop till you drop in Colorado’s shopping capital. Besides the shopping malls, the independently-owned boutiques in the streets are fabulous places to fill your shopping spree. The Larimer Square, LoDo, and the Denver Pavilions are great places to buy gifts and mementos. Look at the list of Denver vacation rentals to find a comfortable accommodation in the city.

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