Posts for North America Category

3 Fantastic Things To Do In New York City

North America, Travel Blog - Ross French - July 21, 2016

New York City

There is something about New York City. It is one of the most memorable cities in the entire world. Known for its bright lights, vibrant energy, and the endless list of things to experience…there is a reason so many people long to visit. Is The Big Apple on your wish list? Have you been dreaming of an unforgettable vacation? Here are three fantastic things to do on a trip to New York City.

Do Some Serious Shopping. There is one thing we all love to do on vacation: go souvenir shopping. It is exciting to bring unique gifts home for friends and family. Oh, and splurge on ourselves a bit, too! Not to worry. There is no shortage of great shopping in NYC. In fact, the shopping in New York is legendary. There is absolutely everything to choose from. Whether you have an unlimited budget, something more modest, or fall somewhere in between. You can find unbelievable places to get your shop on. The city is full of traditional souvenir shops as well as mid-range stores (think Forever 21, the Disney Store, and other Times Square drawing cards). Then there are the high-end shops. 5th Avenue has it all. Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Armani, and Prada, to name a few! Whoever you are shopping for – and whatever your budget may be – New York City has what you want.3 Fantastic Things To Do In New York City 2

Go And See a Broadway Production. It simply isn’t a trip to The Big Apple without seeing a Broadway performance. It doesn’t matter if you choose a play or a musical…. the experience is one that cannot be missed. There are many different performances to choose from at the moment. (Hamilton is easily the most popular. Not to mention the hardest to get tickets for.) So take a look at the scheduled time of your trip. Then determine what is playing and book some tickets of your own. On a budget? That doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your Broadway experience. Just head to one of the many discount ticket boots in the city. They sell cheap tickets for same day performances. The selection might be a tad limited but it’s a great way to save some cash.3 Fantastic Things To Do In New York City 3

Check Out The Iconic Sights. It doesn’t end there! Your trip to New York City should also be packed with things to see. There are so many incredible sights! Like the iconic Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. There is even the famous restaurant exterior from Seinfeld. Yes, the city boasts architecture, history, entertainment, and so much more. That is what makes New York such an exciting city to visit. You can customize your trip to match your interests. Just be sure to add Central Park to your travel itinerary. It allows you to slow down a little. The expansive grounds, large trees, and breathtaking sights will add to your vacation. Not to mention the Central Park Zoo, the restaurants, and the John Lennon memorial. Walk around and fall in love with New York City.

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Five Don’t Miss Activities in Las Vegas

North America, Travel Blog - Ross French - February 25, 2016

One thing you will never have a problem with in Las Vegas is finding something to do. At all hours of the day and night there is plenty to keep visitors occupied. If you want to venture away from Las Vegas itself then there are horse riding and car driving experiences to be had, as well as trips to the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam. Continue Reading

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New York City Water Taxi Around the Island of Manhattan

Central America, North America, South America, Travel Blog - Ross French - December 3, 2015

This is one of the best ways to start your trip in New York City. What could be better than touring around the island of Manhattan in a Water Taxi? It’s a hop on / hop off tour like many busses are in any major city. But with this one you are on a boat in New York Harbor.

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Planning a Trip to Niagara Falls

North America, Travel Blog - Ross French - March 9, 2015

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On our ‘to do list’ is definitely Niagara Falls, so we sat down the other day and started to plan our trip. We know we are only likely to go once as a family, so it is a trip that we are especially keen to get right.

Where to stay

The first decision is where to stay. Currently, we think we will be staying in the Niagara Falls hotel in Canada.  Our decision to stay on the Canadian side is influenced by the fact we want to spend some time in Canada and experience the culture, but, for us, the deal clincher is definitely the spectacular views this particular hotel offers.

Not only do the rooms have views of the falls the restaurant does as well. There is a spa, sundeck and pool, so we know everyone will be kept busy and happy when we are not out and about.

The hotel is also in a good location. Not only is it close to the falls it is also close to many of the other attractions.

Seeing the falls

There are several ways to enjoy the Niagara Falls. Some like the helicopter tour, we would love to do, but they are outside of our budget. However, there are plenty of other fun ways to see the falls.

The great thing is that you can get really up close. It is ok seeing the falls from a distance and makes for some spectacular photos, but if you want to experience the power of the falls, you need to get up close.

We plan to see the falls from below by taking a boat trip. This will probably be with Hornblower Cruises, which takes you past Rainbow Bridge and right into the curve of the Horseshoe Falls.

I cannot wait to take those photos. Rainbow Bridge is so named because you regularly see beautiful rainbows near it. Later we will take the walking tour and see the falls from the bridge itself, which literally enables you to walk along the edge of the falls.

Last, but by no means least is seeing the falls from the air. For this, we will probably go with the cable car option. We all love cable cars.

A little art

Naturally, I cannot go to Niagara without visiting The Niagara Falls Art Gallery. It is home to the William Kurelek Art Collection.

The collection also includes works of art dating back to the 1700s. It supports community art, especially art for children, so for us this is the perfect art gallery.

More visual fun

Another visual attraction that interests me is the XD Theatre. It is a 4D theatre, which means 3D films with the fourth dimension being provided by seats that move, spray you with water and release appropriate smells. I am curious to see how realistic the experience feels.

If we have any time, we can also experience Safari Niagara and Marineland. Safari Niagara is home to 400 different animals, plenty of inspiration. Exactly when we will make the trip is not clear, but when we do decide to go we have a plan, so will be ready to book everything in advance. Something that is essential in a busy place like the Niagara Falls, which attracts over 12 million visitors per year.

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Exploring North Carolina: Notable Cities and Attractions

North America, Travel Tips - Ross French - July 6, 2014

Can’t afford a getaway to Paris, Tokyo, or Rome? That’s okay! Your travel plans don’t have to suffer just because you’re on a budget. The solution? Stay a little closer to home. There are plenty of exciting places to visit in the United States. One great destination is North Carolina.

Okay, you may not hear the words North Carolina and think vacation spot of a lifetime…. but it’s time to re-think that! Get ready to explore North Carolina’s most notable cities and attractions.

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Wake Forest, North Carolina

There is something to be said for small towns. They give you that down home charm that big cities tend to lack. There is truly nothing better! To enjoy small town life on your next trip, why not travel Wake Forest? It is located in Wake County and has a population of 30, 000. Once the home of Wake Forest University, this 100-year-old town now boasts The Wake Forest Historical Museum, NC Speciality Shops, and The Factory. Add in a stop at the Olde English Tea Room and you’ll have a perfectly memorable trip!

Charlotte, North Carolina

Want to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the big city instead? You can do just that in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is the largest city in the state and offers tourists plenty of things to see and do. With a gorgeous skyline along with dozens of museums and theatres, you can soak up all the culture this city has to offer. During your stay, be sure to check out the NASCAR Hall of Fame. There you can learn more about the sport, its history, and even check out a few racing cars. Here’s a travel tip: If you live in Europe…don’t forget  to apply for your visum usa-ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) online before you go!

Asheboro, North Carolina

If you love animals, then Asheboro, North Carolina is the place to be! There’s a reason it is often referred to as “Zoo City.” Asheboro is home to The North Carolina Zoo – a popular tourist attraction for locals and travellers alike. The zoo offers over 1600 animals that fall into the categories of North America and Africa in addition to a full Aviary.  With over 700, 000 people coming to visit the zoo each year…. you could be next!

Swain and Haywood County, North Carolina

Do you enjoy the great outdoors? Then plan an excursion to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as the most visited national park in the United States. It runs along the border of Tennessee and the Swain and Haywood Counties in North Carolina. While you’re at the park, you can spend your time checking out the visitors centre, walking along one of the many hiking trails, going fishing, enjoying the sights, or even looking at some of the historic areas in the park. There will certainly be no shortage of ways to experience nature in this breathtaking national park.

Are you ready to plan a trip to North Carolina? Then put a little thought into what to do while you’re there. With unforgettable towns, cities, and attractions, you’ll be on the vacation of your dreams.

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