Posts for North America Category

3 Epochal places to visit in New York City

North America - Ross French - March 16, 2020

If you want to escape from your work stress, then New York is the perfect location for you. New York is probably the most visited city in the United States. It’s famous for nightlife, fashion, art, food, theater and more. If you’re a traveler who is striving to check the best places in New York City? Then you’ll get to know about it in this post.

New York City is famously called as “The city that never sleeps”. It is a country with a whirlwind of activities around every corner. This city is known as the “Cultural Capital of the World”. New York City is larger than life itself in terms of population, square feet in culture and food, in arts and entertainment.

There’s so much to do and see in New York City. Whether it’s your first visit or tenth, you’ll never go out of place in New York. As you’re striving to find out the best places in New York City, you should explore these top 3 places in New York City. These are the places that capture the energy, spirit and style of the city.

Statue of Liberty:

The Statue of Liberty “Enlightening the world” is a gift to The United States from French as an offering of friendship. This statue is considered as the symbol of freedom and democracy. That’s why, this will be one of the best places in New York City you have to explore.

When you have a glance at this statue, you’ll find a woman with a torch in the left hand and tablet with inscriptions of the declaration of independence in the right hand. You’ll see broken shackles at the bottom of its feet depicting the abolition of slavery standing 305 feet tall.

The torch in the statue’s hand is 29 feet from the tip of the flame to the bottom of the handle. As a traveler, you shouldn’t miss out exploring this Statue of Liberty.
There is an elevator that carries the visitors to the observation deck, where u can see the beautiful New York Bay on Liberty Island and Ellis Island. One can go around the liberty statue in a ferry ride. You can appreciate its beauty or can enter into the museum or observation deck within the statue as well.

Grand Central Station:

One of the most iconic transit terminals in New York. This place is located at 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.

Although it is not just a simple transit station but is a hub for shopping, dining and various cultural aggregations. It is the place where great engineering comes to life every day. This can also be called as a symbol of survival and rebirth.

Four faced Opal Clock, is one of the main attractions in the grand central station. It is the place where thousands of people chose to meet their friends and loved ones. It is one of the most visited destinations in New York.

This place has the largest railroad in North America with 1247 km length track connecting the Hudson, the Harlem and the New Haven. One can reach from grand central to Statue of liberty through Park Ave and Broadway.

Times Square:

It is one of the most visited locations in the United States. It is a place with various tourist destinations, entertainment centers, commercial intersections, billboards and advertisements etc.

People call this place as “the crossroads of the world”. Time Square is situated in Midtown Manhattan, at the junction of Broadway and seventh. It is the major hub for the Broadway theater district and the center of the world’s entertainment industry.

In New York City, this is a place with lights and music and Broadway theater. This is one of the largest neighborhoods stretching from West 42nd to West 47th. The New York Times used to have its old office over here.

Later on, New York Times has opened it’s new office after that it got its name as Times Square from Long-acre square. The most popular activity in Time Square is it’s New Year’s ball drop. Here is where the popular glass ball game has started.

Many tourists around the world along with the New Yorkers gather here to celebrate the arrival of New Year. There are many popular attractions in and around Times Square, such as the top of the rock and Madame Tussauds.

Tourists can experience the world famous digital art exhibition in the Time Square. Experience the huge billboards that are synchronized to form breathtaking views here at Times Square. These amazing looks will simply blow anyone just because of its beauty.

New York is famous for its nightlife and Musical Events. So, you’ll be never out of musical or play events in this region. That’s why tourists can enjoy these events on their trip because of its ravishing cultural events. Along with that, this place has some delicious restaurants with mouthwatering dishes as well.

It is a place with a lot of commercial centers which open early in the morning till late at night where one can quench once thirst for shopping here. This is one of the best places in New York City you have to explore in your short New York trip.

Conclusion:

Whether you are interested in enjoying the nightlife, are curious about fashion, or want to spend time outdoor by partying, you’ll find what you’re looking for in New York City. It’s truly a world-class destination for all the party freaks and travel lovers.

No matter what you’re looking for, New York City will not disappoint you.

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The Best of the West Coast

Destinations, North America - Ross French - December 18, 2019

From glamorous cities to stunning national parks, some of the best places to visit are on the West Coast of the United States. If you are planning your next travel adventure, consider going west and checking out some of these amazing places on the Pacific Coast. Read on to learn more:

Los Angeles, California

Home to the iconic Hollywood sign, the City of Angels is a glamorous and dynamic city. There’s plenty to see and do here. Immerse yourself in all things Hollywood and go on a behind-the-scenes tours at Paramount Pictures, Universal or Warner Brothers. Visit the TCL Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard to see your favorite celebrities’ handprints or see their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

If you’re a frequent traveller, Los Angeles is also home to one of the biggest, busiest airports in the United States. Hundreds of thousands of travelers pass through Los Angeles International Airport every day. Parking can be notoriously difficult to find, so save yourself time and frustration and reserve a parking slot in advance via ParkON.com.

ParkON offers parking slots in more than 200 parking lots strategically located close to all the major airports in the United States. Reserving LAX parking is a breeze; you can search for, reserve and pay for a slot all in under five minutes. ParkON’s services are reasonably priced and secure, so you won’t have to worry about your car as you go off on your travels.

Yosemite National Park, California

Nestled in California’s majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite National Park is famous for its towering, ancient sequoia trees and breathtaking views. There’s almost no end to the things you can do here, from camping to rock climbing, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and rafting along the Merced River.

Miles away from the nearest city lights, it’s the perfect place to go stargazing. In winter, you can strap on your skis and hit the slopes for an exhilarating downhill adventure. Must see attractions include Mariposa Grove, home to over 500 mature sequoia trees; Hetch Hetchy Valley; and several stunning waterfalls.

Seattle, Washington

This beautiful city is incredibly rich in culture and history, with a diverse and booming music scene, and plenty of interesting places to visit. You can’t miss the famous Space Needle, which is arguably the most recognizable landmark in the city. A visit to the lively and iconic Pike Place Market can keep you occupied for almost a whole day, what with the sheer number of things to see and do, and places to eat.

If you’re interested in art and culture, you must pay a visit to the Seattle Art Museum and the Museum of Pop Culture. Browsing through these fascinating museums can take up a whole other day. Other interesting attractions in the city include the Seattle Aquarium, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Seattle Center.

As you can see, the West Coast is a rich and varied area, and it has something to offer everyone. Whether you prefer a city vacation or an outdoors adventure, you can definitely find a location on the West Coast to pique your interest. Which travel destination on the West Coast most appeals to you?

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Group Retreat Destinations in the San Francisco Bay Area

North America, Travel Blog - Ross French - October 22, 2018

Whether it’s for a school friend trip, family reunion, or group outing for your sports team or church group, the San Francisco Bay Area offers many great weekend retreat destinations that are a short drive away from the city. Since the task of choosing from the many options near San Francisco can get too daunting, we have compiled a list of the top 5 group retreat destinations in the SF Bay area. Moreover, your group can also book a private charter bus rental out of San Francisco to ensure that everyone arrives safely, no one gets lost, and everyone can enjoy the sites along the way.

1. Yountville

If you are looking for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Yountville which is a quiet country spot where one can rest their mind, body and soul amidst the landscapes and sounds made by geese, pheasants and coyotes in the hills. With wineries surrounding you on all sides, you must go on a wine tasting tour in one of them! A great accommodation option is the Bardessono which is an eco-friendly romantic getaway with organic everything and massage tables!

2. Nick’s Cove

If you are seeking for some coastal solace, head to Nick’s Cove which is located in Tomales Bay on the Pacific Coast. There are many options to choose from when it comes to accommodations with each offering warm hospitality,stunning rooms and breathtaking views. Head to Nick’s Cove Restaurant and Oyster Bar for a hearty meal of seafood and cocktails! There are many exciting things to be done at Tomales bay ranging from kayaking and fishing to hiking and biking!

3. Costanoa

Only a 90 minute ride from the main city, Costanoa is essentially an eco-adventure resort with a focus on healing, wellness, and rest. It is located in proximity to pretty beaches, trekking trails and Coast Highway 1. They also provide free Wi-Fi at three spots across their property and even if it is not the most secure network, it is still great for uploading photos to social media. Furthermore, you can choose from a wide range of accommodations starting from comfortable canvas tents to fancy cabins. What is guaranteed is excellent hospitality and stunning views irrespective of where you crash. Make sure you get a deep tissue massage during your time in Costanoa from The Spa at Costanoa a delicious breakfast of pancakes and a unique seafood omelette from Cascade Bar & Grill.

4. Camp Navarro

Think of corporate retreats in Northern California and Navarro’s image will stir up in your head. It is one of the most popular corporate retreat venues where many offices from Silicon Valley such as Google and Microsoft have visited before. Apart from the aesthetics, the experience here is equally impactful which makes it highly recommended. Whether you are seeking a fun time or an official meeting setup, you can find it all here! Accommodations here are varied, ranging from teepees and tents to deluxe cabins and more. The food here is excellent and there is no reason why you shouldn’t visit Navarro on your next retreat!

5. The New Children’s Museum

It is located in the heart of downtown San Diego and this 50,000 square foot modern structure is an ideal location for anything that you are planning. Whether it is a corporate event, a college reunion or children’s birthday party; this venue is a one-size-fit-all and we can assure you of how beautifully it fits! You have the option to book the entire museum for your event or choose from either of their 3 venue spaces and 4 meeting rooms. Accommodation is also offered here making it one of the most wanted retreat destinations in the Bay Area.

These 5 destinations that have been mentioned above are a miniscule percentage of the many spectacular retreat locations that one can find in the San Francisco Bay Area! Plan a trip to either of these and embark on a memorable journey with your loved ones!

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Interesting Things to do in Colorado

North America, Travel Blog - Ross French - December 16, 2017

Colorado is one of the most beautiful states in the United States of America. Named after the River Colorado, this states is packed with the Rocky Mountains. Just like the River Colorado carries some Ruddy silt from the mountains, the state also delivers a feeling of Refreshing Happiness to her visitors. Noted for its diverse geography, the city is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the country. Packed with tourist destinations all year round, this state has never disappointed its tourist. If you find the hotels to be too expensive, you can always go for the cheap but high-quality Colorado Rentals.

Fasten your seatbelts and we will take you on a brief ride to the highest altitude state in the USA.

• Hotels:

In Colorado, plenty of hotels and lodging facilities are available, from Star hotels to budget-friendly inns. You have the options to choose between the most prominent international chains of hotels to cabins. The City of Grand Junction is a major commercial and transportation hub of Colorado. Junction refers to the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers. A Quick search of Grand Junction, Colorado hotels will give you plenty of popular and pet-friendly ideas for places to stay.  Most of the famous hotels are with pools. It has premium lodgings from favorite inns to modern boutique hotels. They provide a luxury blend with service and hospitality, which makes them unique.

• Museums

Colorado is one of the states in the country housing various types of Museums. If you ever plan to go on a family trip along with your kids never ever miss a Single Museum. The state has been recently funding a lot of Museums which are dedicated to kids. The state houses a wide range of museums including Science Museums, State-of-the-Art Museums and History Museums. Engineers should never miss the Forney Transportation Museum which has a collection of almost everything with wheels. The National Mining Museum is another must visit spot for engineers at Leadville, the richest mining town in America. The Denver Art Museum and the Aspen Art Museum top the list of most visited art museums in the country.

• Hiking

Hiking is the most adventurous activity which could pump your adrenaline. Hiking is the activity which has been known to mould a person’s character within a short span of time. If you ever had an overstressed month and if you are looking for some time to stretch your legs, hiking is your medicine. Colorado has got a lot of picturesque hikes worth visiting. Stacked with Alpine lakes, waterfalls and wildflowers the four pass loop is one of the most beautiful sites to visit in Colorado. The aesthetically appealing La Plata will definitely give you the unforgettable hiking experience with the view from the peak and its refreshing Twin lakes.

• Nightlife

If you are going to Colorado on a business trip or on a bike trip with your adult friends, then you should not miss the state’s crazy nightlife. If you have been churning out quite a lot of cash recently, you could brag about it here. Packed with a lot of nightclubs and bars, this might turn out to be the place where you would meet the person with whom you would be sharing your apartment bed and couch.

If you are a music lover you should pay a visit to the Black box which has got two rooms with bass couch sound. The La Rumba is one of the popular adult Latin Dance Clubs where you could test your dancing skills in Salsa, Bachata. If you are planning for a Collegemates reunion you should try the Beta Nightclub.

Colorado is one of the awesome states in the country where you will get a once in a lifetime chance to rediscover yourself.

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Discover the Magic of the New York City Tours

North America, Travel Blog - Ross French - November 27, 2017

New York City is one of the globe’s great cities. It’s a bustling metropolis which is a feast for the senses. Last year (2016), over sixty million people chose to visit the Big Apple. This is the highest number of yearly visitors ever! Clearly, New York hasn’t lost its magic. Today, we want to show you some of the best ways to tour NYC.

From Ellis Island to the Empire State Building to the glittering jewel that is legendary Central Park, this is a city that has it all…it’s the city that never sleeps!

There are tons of tour operators out there. Before signing on for New York City Tours, be sure to vet provider companies carefully. Check Yelp reviews, visit their official websites and compare tours and prices. You’ll find that there is a tour from a reputable company which fits your budget and hits all of the right local attractions.

Here are three New York City tours which are perennial favorites!

1.) Explore NYC’s Heritage at Historic Ellis Island

Did you know that twelve million immigrants came to the USA via Ellis Island’s famous gold-toned door? These immigrants were filled with hope for a better life and many did manage to make the American Dream come true!

When you take a ferry from Battery Park in the Big Apple, out to The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, you’ll be able to learn so much about the history of the city. It’s quite possible that some of your ancestors arrived at Ellis Island for processing before entering the city proper. To get to the museum, you’ll need to book with a company called Statue Cruises. It provides ferry services to the Island and it’s the only cruise company which is approved by the National Park Service, for the purpose of transporting passengers by ferry to Ellis Island.

2.) Check Out America’s Most Famous Lady

The Statue of Liberty is a gorgeous and inspiring symbol of hope and freedom. However, it wasn’t made in America. It’s actually a gift from France. It’s now located upon the grounds of Liberty Island, in the New York Harbor. Crafted from copper, this wonderful statue of America’s most famous lady was designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and then constructed by Gustave Eiffel. The dedication of this statue took place on the 28th of October, 1886.

To see the statue up close and personal is an unforgettable experience…especially if you’re seeing it for the very first time. You’ll need to take the ferry from Liberty State Park or Battery Park. E-tickets are available and we do recommend using e-tickets which you may download and print out at home and then take with you. When you have e-tickets for the ferry passage, you’ll be able to go right to the security check.

We recommend the open level of the ferry, as it offers the most superlative views. Once you arrive at Liberty Island, walk across the pier and then visit the information building. If you wish to, you may sign on for a guided tour of the park. If you prefer to wander and take it all in, without a tour guide, you’ll be free to do so. The Island features a gift shop and refreshment concession.

The ferry which travels to Liberty Island stops at Ellis Island afterwards. So, there’s always the option of getting on the ferry again and heading out to Ellis Island. How much you do in one day is really up to you.

3.) Unwind in Central Park

Some New York City tours will put you in contact with big crowds. With the sheer volume of tourists flooding into the city each year, it’s no surprise that the city’s key attractions are often surrounded by lots of people. If you want to escape from the crowds, while still enjoying one of the New York’s most appealing attractions, why not book a pedicab tour of the Big Apple? When you do, you’ll discover so much natural beauty.

Since the park is large (3.41km), there’s plenty of room for everybody. There’s room to breathe in fresh air, see the sights and take plenty of beautiful photographs. The park allows for superb people-watching and also gives people space to think and chill. It’s really a great place to be and some of its attractions, including Strawberry Fields (a tribute to late Beatle, John Lennon), Bethesda Fountain and the Loeb Boat House, are so much fun to see!

It’s best to book a pedicab tour, as the park is vast and you will be likely to miss its key attractions if you try to cover it all on foot. Central Park Tours NYC will make sure that you are comfortable as you snuggle into the back of a rickshaw-type vehicle. He or she will pedal you along a route that takes you past some amazing park highlights. Tours and tour durations will vary, as will tour prices.

A two-hour tour should be extremely relaxing. An hour-long pedicab tour will also be great fun, but may leave you wanting more.

When you see the park from the padded passenger seat of a pedicab, you won’t need to tire yourself out, as you’ll be pedaled around. This is nice, as you’ve probably spent some time pounding the pavement on the city sidewalks already, or will after your tour.

As a bonus, Tavern on the Green (one of New York City’s most iconic restaurants) is right in Central Park. A perfect day in the city might include a pedicab tour, followed by a luxurious supper at Tavern on the Green.

Gossip Girl Tour is one of the popular pedicab tours among teenagers.

Plan Your Big Apple Itinerary Today

You deserve to take a big and flavorful bite out of the Big Apple. Now that you know three New York City tours which really deliver, why not plan the ultimate NYC itinerary?

In New York City, there’s never a shortage of things to see and do. A mixture of outdoor and indoor activities will provide the right balance, so consider visiting the Metropolitan Museum, the flagship Tiffany’s jeweler on Fifth Avenue and the The American Museum of Natural History, which is located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

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