Posts Tagged ‘California’

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Ten Necessities for Your Vacation


2010
05.28

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Posted in Travel Destination, Travel Tips, Vacation | 1 Comment »

Are you ready for a great vacation in a sunny, warm, and possibly sandy area? Ingredients for a hot holiday youll remember for a lifetime are easy to plan. Here are a few to keep in mind:

First, make sure your rooms at the resort are booked in advance. Many of the best vacation resorts are fully booked ahead of time, and having reservations will make sure you have a roof over your head. In fact, some of the best destinations are booked months in advance, so do your planning early. Also remember that you may get better rates on your hotel by paying in advance.

Second, make sure your money is safe. Rather than carrying cash, use travelers checks. If travelers checks are lost or stolen they can be quickly replaced. Or, better yet, use a credit card. Most resorts take the major bank cards. Youll have a record of your purchases and the ability to dispute any inaccurate claims. If your card is lost or stolen, it can also be quickly replaced and you wont be responsible for fraudulent purchases made with it. Nothing could ruin a great vacation faster than having your cash lost or stolen with no way to replace it, so dont take that chance. Use credit cards or travelers checks and be safe.

Third, make sure the kids are taken care of. If your children are traveling with you, make sure the resort has adequate play areas and hopefully a daycare service so that youll really have a vacation without chasing the kids through the sand all the time. Many resorts have activity directors for the childrens events, and the kids will have a great time.

Next, what is the nightlife like? If you and your significant other want to dance the night away, fantastic! Just make sure that the location you pick has a reputation for quality nightlife. Warm vacation spots that pride themselves on good nightclubs include Key West a favorite of Ernest Hemmingway; Miami the home of Gloria Estefan; Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Diego, and if you dont mind skipping the beach, Las Vegas has some of the most exciting night life on earth. And remember to take along some cab fare. Definitely dont drive when youve been drinking.

Next think comedy. Are there good comedy clubs in the area? Nothing beats a good stand up comedian. And if stand up isnt your bag, what other entertainment do you prefer. Magicians and musicians are always popular.

Water sports and excitement go together, and most warm, sunny vacation spots include plenty of both. How about parasailing or hang gliding? What about Scuba diving, snorkeling, or swimming with the dolphins. If you like the water but dont want to get wet yourself, check out the deep sea fishing if you are ocean side. If in Florida, remember all the inland lakes and the trophy bass they hold.

Number seven in our list of necessities is a practical matter. Make sure that either you speak the language of the natives, or they speak English. That makes Jamaica a great hot spot, as well as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Also Bermuda, Tahiti and the Dominican Republic are waiting to provide you with a wonderful vacation in paradise.

Number eight is rather simple. Is transport in and out of your vacation paradise easy? Do they have a quality airport? Or will you be driving. Make sure the transportation needs are easily taken care of.

Next, number nine, sure to be a hit with the ladies, is shopping. Does your warm sunny vacation destination have adequate shopping facilities? Nothing makes a woman happier than a chance to shop.

Finally, the top necessity for your warm and sunny destination is that it be a place youve always wanted to visit. Whether youve always desired a Florida beach, a California surfing wave, or a tropical island, make sure that your destination is one youve always wanted to visit. And number eleven, as a bonus, is to bring along the video camcorder and still photo camera so that you can record the memories of your vacation and enjoy them for years to come.

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Top Ten Best Boating Lakes


2010
04.17

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Posted in Travel Tips | 2 Comments »

When it comes to boating there are plenty of lakes that allow you to have fun. However, there are few lakes that are the best for boating and you should take advantage of the fun these lakes have to offer.

1. Houghton Lake – Michigan

Houghton Lake is the largest inland lake found in the state of Michigan and it is also one of the largest natural inland lakes in the entire United States. The lake is an extremely popular resort and is know for its year round fishing and water sports including ice fishing in the winter.

2. Lake Tarpon Florida

About ten miles west of Tampa is Lake Tarpon, Florida which has 52 square miles of water. This lake is popular with boaters because of its renowned largemouth bass population. Because of their two largest tributaries, South Creek and Brooker Creek, this is a regional recreational destination that offers some excellent fishing for boaters.

3. Red Lake Minnesota

In northern Minnesota there is Red Lake which is the second largest natural freshwater lake found in the United States. It is divided into two sections with a peninsula in the middle which is home to the Ponemah community. The size and quality of this lake offers some excellent boating opportunities.

4. Lake Geneva Lake Geneva

Southwest of Milwaukee there is a resort city located on the edge of Lake Geneva in Wisconsin. Because of railroad access from Chicago this lake has become both an excellent resort and outdoor recreational facility. Everyone can enjoy any type of boating they want at this lake or they can relax beside the lake in one of the many resort communities.

5. Clear Lake California

The largest natural lake located entirely in California is Clear Lake. Many streams feed this lake, but it only has Cache Creek as the outlet. The lakes capacity and outflow is regulated by a dam located on Cache Creek. It is also believed to be one of the oldest lakes in North America. Due to its large capacity and the fact that it stays at the same depth all year round makes it an excellent lake for boating sports or for fishing.

6. Lake Travis – Texas

On the Colorado River in central Texas there is a reservoir known as Lake Travis. It is a man-made lake after the Mansfield Dam was constructed in 1942. It is popular recreational lake due to its large capacity, which makes it one of the largest of seven reservoirs known as the Highland Lakes.

7. Lake Marion South Carolina

In South Carolina the largest lake is Lake Marion, which has about 315 miles of shoreline. They offer several public boat ramps so it is easy to get your boats in and out of the water. It is also known for some of the largest fish, which offers excellent opportunities for those who want to catch large fish such as striped bass, trout, white perch, white bass, crappie, channel catfish, Arkansas blue catfish and bream.

8. Lake of the Ozarks Missouri

In central Missouri the Osage River was impounded to create the large man-made reservoir known as the Lake of the Ozarks. This lake features over 1,150 miles of shoreline. Although much of the shoreline on the lake is privately owned it is also a popular site for recreational activities. In fact it is home to Party Cove, which is one of the most popular boating gathering spots in the United States and has even been featured in several magazines and newspapers.

9. Reelfoot Lake – Tennessee
The northwest portion of Tennessee is home to a shallow natural lake known as Reelfoot Lake. It is more of a swamp and bayou-like ditches rather than a lake. The lake features a system of parks, wildlife refuges, recreation areas and public boat ramps so you can always enjoy the lake no matter what type of boating you do. For those who want to do some fishing it is one of the largest lakes for crappie in the United States.

10. Deep Creek Lake Maryland

The largest inland body of water found in Maryland is Deep Creek Lake. It is a man-made lake that has a variety of freshwater fish for the fishing enthusiast. While fishing has been the most popular draw for the lake it is also expanding into a recreational boating community during the summer. Some of the fish species found in the lake include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, brown trout, rainbow trout, black crappie, walleye, yellow perch, rock bass, bluegill, common carp and northern pike.

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Worlds 10 Most Unusual Hotels


2010
04.03

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They say that travel is about the journey, not just the destination. But if youve ever arrived at your destination only to find out that your hotel room is dingy, dirty, and miles from all the action, its time to take matters into your own hands.

An increasing number of hotels are positioning themselves to be more than just a place to sleepthey are the action.

You may have heard of the ice hotel in Sweden or even funky spots like the Dog Bark Park in Cottonwood, Idaho but here are few more unusual hotels to inspire your next trip.

1. To the Lighthouse

Love all things nautical? Then try sleeping in a lighthouse.

There are actually dozens of lighthouses around the world that welcome overnight guests, but at Browns Point Lighthouse in Tacoma, Washington, you get to be the lighthouse keeper.

This 30-foot concrete structure is perched by Commencement Bay and the keepers dwelling (at right) was recently restored for overnight stays. Guest participate in the keeper program, in which they maintain the lighthouse and hold public tours. This job is designed for at least two people, and six maximum, making it a great educational experience for families. Rates range from $500-$700 per week. 253-927-2536, www.pointsnortheast.org

2. Go Climb a Tree

If it seems like the days of kids clambering up trees and running around outdoors are a thing of the past, skip the sedentary vacations and force them out and up.

The Cedar Creek Treehouse is a private mountain retreat in the woods of Mt. Rainier, located 50 feet up in a 200-year-old Western Red Cedar tree.

Owner Bill Compher built the treehouse himself, making it large enough to accommodate up to five people.

Theres a bathroom, kitchen and dining area, not to mention skylights and an observatory 100 feet up that offers great views from all around.

Though its a safe climb up, kids under 10 are not allowed inside the treehouse. Rates are $250 for two people, and $25 for each additional guest. 360-569-2991, www.cedarcreektreehouse.com

3. All Aboard the Romance Train

To conjure up the romantic days of train travel, why not cozy up inside an actual train car for the night? The Northern Rail Traincar B&B in Two Harbors, Minnesota, is made up of connected rail cars with 18 guest rooms.

The Porter Suite sleeps two and includes a dinette and a private bath for $109-$139.

Located on 160 acres of forested land (about 25 minutes outside of Duluth), you have access to Lake Superior and Gooseberry Falls, plus outdoor activities like hiking and golfing. 877-834-0955; www.northernrail.net

4. Were You Raised in a Barn?

Located on the Puget Sound, just a ferry ride away from Seattle, is a quirky little spot designed for two. The Big Red Barn Getaway is a real barn built in the 1890s which has been renovated into a tiny inn.

Youll be surrounded by miles of unspoiled nature (and may even catch sight of a Bald Eagle). The historic Victorian seaport of Port Townsend is a 10-minute walk away, and Fort Worden State Park is only two minutes away, with gorgeous beaches and plenty of hiking trails. 360-301-1271, www.BigRedBarnGetaway.com

5. How About a Yurt?

Ever slept in a yurt? Even know what a yurt is?

These round, canvas dwellings were created by Mongolian nomads more than 2,000 years ago; its an ingenious structure that sits sturdily on the ground and often can fit several people at once.

Treebones Resort in Big Sur, California, has 16 yurts along the ridge above the Pacific Ocean, four of which can fit families. Youll have the best ocean-view room in town. Rates are $170-$270 for two to four people, including a waffle breakfast. 877-424-4787, www.treebonesresort.com

6. Batting Around in a Cave

You may not know that there are several underground hotels in Cappadocia, Turkey (a region in the middle of Turkey not too far from Ankara), but the most highly touted one of all is the Gamirasu Cave Hotel, which is located inside a restored, thousand-year-old Byzantine monastic retreat. There are 18 exquisitely adorned rooms, some of which were actually monk cells, which are carved into the cave or built with volcanic rock.

Dont worry, there is running water. Room rates range from about $110 for a double room to about $500 for a deluxe suite. www.gamirasu.com

7. Digging the Dug-Out

The Australian outback is filled with opal mines and dugouts galoreso dive in and experience one first-hand at the Desert Cave Hotel located within the sandstone of Coober Pedy.

The hotel boasts 19 underground rooms, and about 30 rooms above ground for those who prefer not to live troglodyte-style. Also underground are casinos, shops featuring locally mined opals and Aboriginal arts and crafts. Rooms are about $150 a night, not including meals or a cave tour. www.desertcave.com.au

8. Sleeping in the Pipelines

If you ever wanted to brag that you slept in a drainpipe, read on Daspark Hotel in Lintz, Austria consists of three concrete drainpipes in the middle of a park.

Inside each one is a teensy room built for two, with a double bed, a lamp, a small storage space, and even power outlets. Food, toilets and showers are all located nearby.

If youre concerned about sleeping in a public park, rest assured that the drainpipes are all locked with a safety code. And best of all, you get to determine your own rates. www.dasparkhotel.net

9. Sleeping with the Fishes

With both China and Dubai building underwater hotels called the Hydropolis, sleeping under water seems to the wave of the future. China is hoping to have its land-based HydroTower component open by the Olympics, but if you cant wait until then, visit the Jules Verne Undersea Lodge.

This underwater hotel is actually a research lab in Key Largo, Florida, but regular landlubbers are invited to spend the night. Youll actually have to scuba dive your way into the hotel, but theyll give you all the necessary training. An overnight visit costs about $475 and includes diving gear and unlimited dives if youre certified. 305-451-2353, www.jul.com

10. Doing Time

The new Liberty Hotel in Boston has been making headlines as a former jail-turned-luxury-hotel. After a five-year renovation program that cost upward of $150 million, the Charles Street jail has maintained some precious features that pay homage to its historysuch as a restaurant called Clink, and a bar called Alibi housed in the former drunk tank.

But if youre looking for a more, well, authentic prison experience, youll have to jet yourself over to Latvia to the Karosta Prison. Located in Liepaja (about three hours west of Riga), this former Soviet detention facility was once known as the prison that nobody escaped from.

Today, it welcomes (if thats the right word) visitors to spend a night for about $16.

Guests play the role of a prisoner, complete with ex-Soviet military guards berating and ordering you around, cold iron beds, and toilets that remain uncomfortably close to their original state. http://www.karostascietums.lv/1/EN/news

By Managing Editor Sarika Chawla for Peter Greenberg.com.

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Bus Travel in the USan Overview for Visitors


2010
03.24

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Bus travel takes a different role in the car-driven culture of the United States than it does in most countries. Because the area of the US is so vast, flying is often the most attractive transportation option for traveling between cities and can be priced quite competitively when factoring in time and convenience. For shorter distances driving is usually the first choice for US domestic travelers. However, for routes that are under five or six hours, the bus is almost always the most economical and often the most convenient form of travel. Furthermore, as Amtrak (the national rail service) continues to see cuts in government funding, bus service is often the only ground transportation option for many destinations. Visitors who are planning to stick to major cities will most likely find having a car to be inconvenient, expensive, and unnecessary. Therefore, taking the bus between destinations is a great option.

Many Americans view traveling by bus with some trepidation, and, whether deserved or not, bus service in the US often has the reputation of being rather basic. In truth, the level of service varies greatly among bus carriers. Some carriers, like LuxBus in California or Transfloridian in Florida, offer deluxe buses and feature services that are rarely even found on airlines today, such as on-board entertainment and complimentary food and beverage service. Still, standard bus service is generally more on the budget level and offers few amenities. Food options are more likely to be a ten minute stop at a roadside fast food restaurant than on-board meal service.

The bus industry in the United States is dominated by Greyhound, which is the only remaining nationwide bus carrier. Several other companies such as Trailways and Coach USA are made up of independently owned bus companies that share marketing functions and branding. In addition there are several strong regional players in the bus industry. While these companies compete with Greyhound, they often end up sharing service on routes that do not have enough traffic to sustain two carriers. This is similar to code sharing in the airline industry.

The most recent development in the U.S. bus industry has been the Chinatown bus phenomenon. Several years ago a few enterprising business people in New Yorks Chinatown started running buses from Chinatown in NY to Chinatown in Boston, charging less than half of what traditional bus companies did and a fraction of what it cost to take the train or fly. They targeted Asian immigrants who wanted to shop or visit relatives and needed inexpensive and convenient transportation. Although the buses were modern and comfortable, the service was bare bonesno advertising, customer service, or bus stations. Customers simply went to the bus stop, waited for the bus, and paid the driver upon boarding. For those willing to do without frills, these companies offered virtually the same service as Greyhound at a substantially lower price. Before long, word spread about the service and all kinds of travelers started using these bus lines. They became especially popular with students, budget travelers, and people for whom the service was simply more convenient.

Soon more bus companies duplicated this model and started offering service in other markets. Now you can find this type of bus service in Philadelphia, Virginia, Washington DC, Los Angeles and San Francisco. At this point the term Chinatown bus is used more loosely to describe this sort of low-cost/low-frills service. Many, if not most, of the companys do not have Chinatown as there main location and may not cater to the immigrant population at all. When these companies first started operating, concerns were raised about safety standards. There is still controversy within the industry about whether these low-cost bus companies are complying with the same regulations as the traditional companies. Nonetheless, all bus companies operating in the U.S. must undergo the same inspection standards and must comply with the same rules.

Finding information about scheduled bus service is not always easy for visitors to the US. Historically bus companies have sold tickets at on-site ticket booths. Many now sell through their own websites as well. Whereas for plane travel there are many online booking sites that allow travelers to compare different carriers, it is more difficult to find route information for bus service. GotoBus.com is a centralized booking site focused on bus travel. It offers search capability similar to Expedia or Travelocity and sells tickets for many different bus and tour companies.

Overall, the bus is a great option for visitors to the US who are looking for transportation between major US cities. For most cities, a car is not necessary and will be inconvenient and expensive. In metropolitan areas there are more choices for bus service today than at any time in the recent past. Particularly for shorter distances, it is the best way to go for the budget minded traveler.

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