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
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.
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.
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.
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.
It’s springtime and your backpack has never looked more appealing. Winter has decided to take a break for most of us and now it’s got you thinking of the places left untraveled. To quench that travel thirst, there is no time like the present than to see what is going on in Oklahoma. Now before you get incredulous, hear me out. Oklahoma has got a lot of cool things going on, and not many people are in on it. So do yourself a favor and forgo the cliché vacation spots and give the Sooner State a whirl. Here are a few reasons that will make you purchase your ticket faster than you can say the state capital.
Oklahoma City Thunder
OKC are arguably the best young NBA team within the league. Made up of a team with great work ethic and good hearts OKC has done many charities and is a pillar of their community. Last year Kevin Durant even put up $1 million to donate to the Oklahoma tornado disaster. Now that’s a class act. Fun fact, Oklahoma City Thunder made it to the NBA Championships a mere 3 years after moving from Seattle. They had one of the youngest team to compete in the finals, ever. Currently they are duking it out with the LA Clippers in the playoffs with their star player Kevin Durant being named MVP. Seeing them in action during the playoffs alone should make you want to take trip to Oklahoma, like yesterday.
Wildlife
Oklahoma boasts an incredibly diverse terrain. Lakes, prairies, mesas, and the like are abundant and are guaranteed to take your breath away. Plus this would be a great time to polish those photography skills you’ve slightly abandoned due to working so much. Dust off your camera and be one with nature in Oklahoma. If you want to do more than sightsee, there are a ton of wilderness activities for you to enjoy. Fishing and hunting are two popular pastimes in the Sooner state. Be sure to check out the Wildlife Department to get the ins-and-outs of everything you will need to know on regulations. Rare animals also call Oklahoma home. Creatures such as the roseate spoonbill, purple gallinule, and white ibis all reside in this wondrous place. I don’t know about you, but nothing beats being able to tell friends you have seen animals that they could not have even dreamed up. It will definitely give you a good story to tell down the road.
Local Events
You can explore local Oklahoma events and get the amazing opportunity to be part of something bigger than yourself. You can learn a great deal about the Native American history of Oklahoma. Packed full of festivals, dancing, casinos, and a variety of lodging, this is an experience you and your travel mates will be sure to appreciate. Not only are there wonderful cultural activities, but also Chickasaw Nation is a popular venue to see some of the most treasured artists perform in addition to the local talent. Their event calendar is always bursting at the seams so you can never go wrong. There is no doubt that you will find some grand adventure to take part in at Chickasaw Nation.
It’s that time of year where the traveling bug is at it again. You do not want to stay in the same place and who can blame you? The weather has stopped being bipolar all over the country for the most part. It’s time to spread your transient wings and find a new place to explore. Oklahoma is a great state, though at times it can get a bad rap. Underneath it all there is so much to see and do. It is home to one of the best NBA teams in the country. The natural beauty of Oklahoma cannot be compared, as its geography is very diverse. The local events are infused with its rich Native American culture and you can get a sense of the State’s immeasurable history. Traveling to Oklahoma is a decision you will not soon regret as it offers a different and unforgettable experience that you could not get anywhere else. Lastly, Oklahoma is the home state of Brad Pitt; need I say more?