Secret Vacation Destinations to Die For
October 21st, 2011 by Henry, under Vacation Destinations. No Comments
Secret Vacation Destinations to Die For
There are the typical “dream” vacations like Hawaii, Orlando, Florida, London, and Paris. But what about all the unbelievable destinations you may not have even heard about? Here are a select few of them. 1. Cinque Terre, Italy is a series of villages clinging to a remote stretch of the Riviera coastline. The quaintness of the towns and the area’s natural beauty is forever preserved because Cinque Terre has been declared a national park. Hikers love to walk trails that tower above the Mediterranean and pass close by the native villages. Riomaggiore takes you through a tunnel to a tangle of colorful homes and an uncrowded beach. Corniglia sits smugly upon a hilltop from which you can swoon at the view. Vernazza is a rugged place full of vineyard terraces for the best wine in the region, all overseen by a mysterious ruined castle. Monterosso al Mare has a sandy beach where you can swim if you really want to. Then it’s back to Vernazza for a delicious dinner of the freshest seafood. This is beautiful, authentic Italy-the one you dreamed of experiencing. 2. Four Seasons Tented Camp, Thailand: The Golden Triangle is comprised of bamboo forests where Thailand, Burma, and Laos meet. This is where you can find Four Seasons, the ultimate jungle luxury-an eclectic mix of asian rustic and modern taste. Fifteen elevated tented accommodations are reminiscent of 19th century adventure expeditions, even down to the hand-hammered copper bathtubs. An open-air thatched roof pavilion by the riverbank offers Thai, Laotian, Burmese, and western cuisine. During the day, one can watch elephant training or go on one of the fascinating excursions. If you need pampering, go to the spa for rejuvenating treatments for your body and spirit. At night, torches burn by the tents as travelers gaze out at a magnificent sunset and find perfect serenity. 3. Marrakech, Morocco: And now for something completely different! When you step into Marrakech you will think you have just stepped into a Middle Eastern movie set. Picture scores of market stalls along an endless labyrinth— snake charmers, monkeys, musicians, dancers and storytellers performing to the sound of weird music and drum beat. Visit the Majorelle Gardens, visit actual Berber villages, see the Dar Si Said Museum, or tour the ornate El Bahia palace. If you want more action, go biking, Hot Air Ballooning, or White Water Rafting. The government ensures that all food stalls offer fresh, top quality food so not to worry. Buy grilled sausages on Moroccan bread, beef stew, harira soup, riifa (Moroccan pancake) and the delicious spicy tea. For posh surroundings, you can eat at the La Makarechi. Otherwise, enjoy repasts at Café Agrana, Café Alhamra, or Chez El Bahia. Foods not to miss are pastille (sweet, savory meat pie), Kefta (superb ground beef and egg), tagine (chicken/olive, prune/almond, etc.), or a spicy dessert. There’s a wide span of lodgings, from modern western hotels to native riads. Equity Point Marrakech is a beautiful hostel to check out in the best section of the city. The place has an amazing rooftop from which to view the town. There are doubles, singles, and dorms available. Rooms have full bathrooms, incredible furniture, mezzanines, cushions, etc. There’s also a restaurant attached serving excellent Moroccan food. If you have a taste for the exotic, Marrakech is for you. 4. St. Vincent, the Grenadines: I know. You’ve probably never heard of the Grenadines. That’s for the best. They are still fresh and unspoiled. It’s a small group of islands between Puerto Rico and the Venezuelan coast. What do these islands offer? Only natural waterfalls where you can swim, black sand beaches, majestic volcanoes, botanical gardens, fortification ruins, Romanesque and Gothic Christian sites, spectacular diving, and serene resorts with every amenity. These are only the perfect islands for you. 5. Whitefish, Montana: Whitefish is a small town in a huge state. But this small town stands near the entrance of one of the most remarkable state parks in the U.S., Glacier National Park. We can heartily recommend two lodging places, depending on your tastes: If you don’t mind country rustic and a distant train whistle, then the Grouse Mountain Lodge is your pick. It has a gigantic fireplace, antler chandeliers, and stuffed bears in the lobby. On the other hand, if you like peace and complete privacy, you might opt for the North Forty Resort with its well-equipped cabins where you can sit on your porch and cook out every night if you want. Some other great places to eat are the award-winning Tupelo Grille, the Red Caboose (breakfast), Mackenzies (pizza), and the Craggy Range (buffalo burgers).There are a thousand things to do, including the national park which encompasses over 1 million acres, 300 lakes, 50 active glaciers, the longest designated wild river system in the U.S., and hundreds of animal species including the wild mountain goat. Do I really have to list all that you can see or do? I think you can figure it out. 6. Bernese Oberland, Switzerland: In the famously beautiful nation of Switzerland, the Oberland could be called the crown jewel. On a comfortable summer day, you will wonder how you can walk through a field of flowers, step over jagged rocks, view snow-studded peaks above you, while lakes just below the peaks are not frozen solid. Gazing down from a mountain top you glimpse bluffs boasting over 70 waterfalls, and then you’re awestruck with panoramic Lauterbrunnen Valley. Even skiers who’ve seen a hundred similar sites agree it’s the most breathtaking valley in Europe. The area offers both great hiking and fast skiing—along with mountain-biking, rock climbing, swimming, golf, horseback riding, tennis, sailing and windsurfing. Bed down in a cozy chalet in Interlaken, Grindelwald, Gstaad, or Thun. 7. Finger Lakes, New York: We’re talking about eleven slender lakes, 25 state parks, 1,063 waterfalls, strings of river gorges, a national wildlife refuge, and acres and acres of wine vineyards. In the midst of this wondrous area, the John Treman State Park comes highly recommended. Two great restaurants are the Taughannock Farms Inn and Port’s Café. Three bed & breakfast inns that folks rave about are: South Glenora Tree Farm, Wagener Estate, and Elmira’s Painted Lady. Between the hiking, the water sports, festivals, cultural events, and the wine-tasting, one does not run out of things to do. 8. Quebec City, Canada: Calling this city the “poor man’s Paris” is very unfair. It’s cobblestone streets and chateau-style clifftop architecture is charming, expenses are lower than in Paris, and it offers attractive options for either summer or winter. Between July 4-14 the International Summer Festival offers streetside improvisational theater and some of the best jazz, folk, and rock performances you will ever hear. And beginning in the middle of January and into February, the city offers Carnival de Quebec. Here you will find the Calgary Stampede flapjack breakfast, outdoor dance parties, ice fishing, a single- and double-harness sleigh race, dog agility competition obstacle course, snow slides, downhill skiing, an ice tower, snow rafting, and a snow sculpture contest. (While you’re in the city, you really can’t afford to miss the Laurentides Wildlife Park). And I’ll bet you thought the only thing to do in Canada was fish. Wrong. I’ll bet you can’t decide which of these destinations you most want to visit. Well, why not rank them and try to go to everyone during your lifetime.
Debra Fortosis is a professional travel agent. You can book travel on her user friendly website. She can even help you easily launch your own turnkey e-travel business.
Book Travel: http://www.mndgetaways.com
Contact Debra: mndgetaways@comcast.net
Chicago, Illinois Vacation Destinations for 2008
October 13th, 2011 by Henry, under Vacation Destinations. No Comments
Chicago, Illinois Vacation Destinations for 2008
Article by Annie Celsia
A great vacation doesn’t have to be far, far away amid rolling hills or gushing streams. With rising prices and tighter budgets, most people do not have the time or the money to spend on vacations. That’s why; it’s a great idea to spend the vacation closer to home in a Midwest vacation destination like Chicago, Illinois. The windy city has quite a lot to offer to anyone and everyone. To the singles who love to explore the museums during the day and the pubs after sunset, Chicago has a bustling nightlife. To families that look forward to fun times together, there are a whole lot of entertainment options in and around the city. Whatever be your interest – history, arts, sports or shopping, Chicago has it all and more.
Sears TowerThis is a must-see for any visitor to Chicago, IL. Standing 1454 feet high, this skyscraper is indeed a wondrous sight! You can ride up this 110-story building on a 70-second elevator ride and catch breath-taking views of Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin from the 103rd floor sky deck. You can learn more about the history of Chicago and the construction of the tower, right here.
Navy PierThe Chicago navy pier is bustling with sights and sounds. There’s a fifteen-story Ferris wheel, lots of refreshments, an IMAX theater, troupe performances and so much more. There’s even a children’s museum that you’re kids will absolutely love. Kids can explore a whole lot of things from dinosaurs to sailboats at this wonderful museum. Of course, there’s the beautiful view of the lake that’s a treat to your eyes.
Adler Planetarium and Astronomy MuseumThis twelve-sided building includes two sky theaters, one of which was the first planetarium in this part of the world. The theaters allow you to take an up-close look at distant stars and planets. You will also enjoy the Star Rider Theater that features virtual reality shows using 3-D simulation technology.
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and StudioGuided tours are offered through this historic building, constructed in 1889 by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. You can see Wright’s studio and its chain-hung balcony, along with a playroom designed for his children. You will marvel at the intricate design and the exquisite features of this unique home.
Wrigley FieldA trip to Chicago is incomplete without a visit to this cozy stadium – the favorite haunt of the Chicago Cubs fans. The stadium first opened in 1914 and boasts ivy-covered brick walls in the outfield and a manual scoreboard, just like in the previous era.
Field Museum of Natural HistoryEnter this powerhouse of knowledge and you are greeted by two massive elephants and Sue, the museum’s famous Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton. Here, you will discover a world of wonders from botany, geology, paleontology and much more.
Chicago Botanic GardenLocated 25 miles from the city, this place features recreated prairies, Japanese gardens, and giant topiaries and nearly 20 varieties of gardens. The Bee Line, a glass case that features over 10,000 pollinating bees is a major attraction. The garden is a 400-acre preserve and is a great place for a picnic and a fun afternoon with the family.
ChinatownChinatown has a wide array of Chinese and Cantonese restaurants and offers a Far Eastern feel in the heart of Chicago. The place comes to life with colors and decorations during the Chinese New Year Celebrations. Visitors can hunt for bargains in the gift shops and book stores.
Don’t forget to taste the real flavor of Chicago – the famous Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. It tastes like nothing you have ever had before. Also, experience the magic of jazz and the blues in the city’s many live music clubs, because these are the things that make Chicago, a great vacation destination. Chicago – It’s not just a city. It’s an experience, you’ll never forget!
About the Author
Annie Celsia is a freelance writer who works for MontalbanoHomes, a popular home builder in Arizona and Illinois states.