Category: TRAVEL

A Guide to Rocky Mountain Vacations

The legendary Rocky Mountains stretch from New Mexico up through the United States and into Canada. The Rocky Mountains are over 3000 miles long, spanning parts of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming before continuing into Canada. Stories of early adventurers like Lewis and Clark exploring the Rocky Mountains are legendary.

The majestic Rocky Mountains are a major tourist destination in the western United States. Visitors can participate in a number of activities, including hiking, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and many more. The Rockies are home to several campgrounds, ghost towns, gold prospecting sites, and national parks. Some of the biggest tourist attractions in the Rockies are Pike’s Peak and Royal Gorge. There are several world famous national parks in the Rockies, including Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, Grand Teton, and Glacier.

The Rockies are a tourist attraction all year round. The summer months are fairly warm, with the average temperature reaching 82 degrees Fahrenheit. January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 7 degrees Fahrenheit. The year-round average temperature is a brisk 43 degrees, a perfect temperature for many outdoor activities.

Just about everyone will find something to enjoy on a Rocky Mountain vacation. Aside from all of the great outdoor activities, the Rockies have a number of other attractions as well. The Telluride Film Festival is a prestigious yearly event that attracts some of the biggest stars in Hollywood to a small Colorado town. Many Smoky Mountain resorts offer spa treatments and other relaxing diversions.

There is a plethora of lodging options in the Rocky Mountains. Travelers can camp, visit RV parks, stay in hotels or ski resorts, or lodge in unique cabins and chalets. Vacationers on any type of budget will be able to find an affordable place to stay.

A Rocky Mountain vacation is a perfect getaway from everyday life. Travelers can find a wide range of activities to suit their desires in the Rockies.

A Guide to Punta Cana

When Christopher Columbus called the Dominican Republic “the most beautiful land on earth,” he did not realize that it would one day be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean. Columbus could well have been referring to Punta Cana!

Located on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is a nature lover’s paradise with 20 miles of white, unspoiled sandy beaches lined with swaying coconut palms. What makes this stunning Caribbean island all the more inviting is the average year-round temperature of 25°C (77°F) and an average water temperature of 23°C (74°F).

Punta Cana’s shoreline is protected by law, ensuring that no manmade structure can detract from its natural beauty. The calm, tranquil beaches with their warm tropical breezes are perfect for those who love the outdoors and adventure travel. Visitors can enjoy their favorite water sports amidst the stunning scenery. Whether it’s diving, a 4×4 motorbike excursion along the beach, swimming with dolphins or taking a walk in the jungle, Punta Cana has something for everyone.

Apart from its breathtaking beaches, Punta Cana has a 2,000-acre natural forest reserve maintained by the Punta Cana Ecological Foundation and 14 kilometers of protected coral reef directly parallel to the coast. Punta Cana also has a number of unique natural features like freshwater lagoons and coastal mangroves that make it a delight both for visitors and environmentalists.

For the most part, Punta Cana has a European ambiance as can be seen in its European style hotels. Punts Cana is hardly a town; it is more of a resort area. The cheap prices of land have attracted many a hotel owner to set up hotels and resorts with extensive facilities for swimming, water sports and golf. Most resorts have their own golf courses, each of them well maintained and situated in stunning locales, making them second to none.

Other attractions for visitors are the Manati Park Bavaro, with performing dolphins and sea lions, an authentic replica of an ancient Taino Indian Village and more. Its no wonder that Punta Cana is called an escapist’s dream!

A Guide to Punta Cana Beaches

Punta Cana Beaches are among the most beautiful in the world and offer a recreation area for young and old to enjoy.

The beaches around Punta Cana and Bavaro, are full of white sand and beautifully maintained. The clear blue waters lined with tall palms, seem to go on forever. The calm waters around the Punta Cana area make for great swimming, especially for younger children, and are ideal for water sports as well. All beaches offer a wide range of excursions, water sports, and beach activities including beach volley ball, boat tours, paragliding and sailing trips. Most of the beaches offer guided instructions and classes for diving and other water sports ranging from beginner courses for children and advanced training for professionals.

There are various diving packages available ranging from $41 for one dive with your own equipment to $800 for 25 dives and equipment is also available to rent on the spot. There are also diving tours available for those who prefer them. Prices of these tours may vary from $200 to $1,200 depending on the kind of package offered. Before taking part in these activities it is advised that visitors carry a doctor’s note stating your fitness level.

In Punta Cana, there are a lot of large, all-inclusive resorts along the beach that seem like small, self-contained cities. Resorts like the Bavaro Beach, Paradisus, Iberostar and others offer everything from swimming and water sports activities, different restaurant and nightlife options, casinos, golf courses, spas, tropical gardens and even mini-zoos. Some resorts have freshwater lagoons and provide facilities for visitors to snorkel among a fantastic array of sea creatures.

Some beaches are children-friendly while others have big waves, strong undertow and rocks. Visitors are advised to stick to the shore whenever in doubt. As with anywhere else in the world, the same rules apply in Punta Cana. It is best not to take a swim soon after a meal. Avoid swimming alone and leave your valuables at the hotel in order not to risk losing them.

A Guide to North Carolina Mountain Vacations

The mountains in western North Carolina are among the most beautiful in the entire United States. Three mountain ranges — the Great Smoky Mountains, the Appalachian Mountains, and the Blue Ridge Mountains — converge in North Carolina, giving the area a charm unsurpassed in the rest of the country. These three mountain ranges provide the perfect backdrop for a fun and adventurous North Carolina mountain vacation.

There are a wide variety of attractions in the mountains of North Carolina. Visitors can go camping in the vast wilderness surrounding the mountains, stay in an historic cabin not unlike the dwellings of the area’s early settlers, or stay in a modern, state of the art resort. The Appalachian Trail, Nantahala National Forest, and the Western North Carolina Nature Center are just a few of the exciting places to visit in this region.

The Appalachian Trail is a footpath that stretches over 2000 miles from northern Georgia all the way to central Maine. This beautiful trail winds through some of the most stunning parts of the mountains in North Carolina. Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the trail, provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area. On a clear day, visitors can see up to 100 miles away.

Nantahala National Forest encompasses many of the peaks and valleys of the western North Carolina mountains. It includes the Tusquitee River. Another attraction of the Nantahala area is the river rafting. There are difficult class II and III rapids along with calmer waters more agreeable to families.

The Western North Carolina Nature Center offers a number of features for visitors. The Center has a petting zoo, gardens, a predator habitat, a nocturnal hall, and other interesting and educational attractions to lure visitors. The Center also serves as a sanctuary for injured or orphaned animals that could not survive in the wild.

A North Carolina mountain vacation is a great idea for a family, or as a romantic getaway. The beautiful scenery and fascinating attractions will please anyone.

A Guide to Mountain Cabin Rentals

No mountain vacation is complete until travelers have stayed in a cabin. Most mountain lodgings consist of beautiful and historic wood cabins not unlike the ones early settlers lived in. Rest assured that though these cabins look rustic, they often have all of the modern day amenities that people look for in a lodging. There are literally over a thousand different cabin models to choose from. They vary depending on location, amenities, and size. A solitary traveler, couple, or entire family or group will be able to find a cabin to suit their needs.

Mountain cabin rentals provide a great alternative to standard hotels and motels. They can vary in size from one bedroom to over ten. A secluded one-bedroom cabin is perfect for a honeymoon or any sort of romantic vacation. A larger cabin is perfect for a family reunion, corporate retreat, road trip, or any other large group activity.

Cabins can come with all of the features of modern hotels. They can have hot tubs, cable TV, fireplaces, and other comforts. Of course, a major advantage of mountain cabin rental is the mountains themselves. Many cabins are situated within walking distance of the mountains, and have breathtaking mountain views.

Mountain cabin rentals are common in most mountain locales. The types of cabins differ from region to region. For example, colder locales have warmer cabins with fireplaces and other heating options, while cabins located in warmer climates may feature swimming pools. Many cabins are located near ski slopes, hiking trails, lakes, or other outdoor activities. One advantage of cabins is their privacy; visitors are not stuck close together as they are in hotels. Cabins can either be secluded in the mountains or clustered in small groups.

Mountain cabin rentals provide unique comfort and charm to mountain visitors. Cabins often have all of the modern features and amenities of hotels, but in a more private, rustic setting. Different cabins can accommodate groups of any size.

A Guide to Great Smoky Mountain Vacations

The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the biggest tourist draws in the southern United States. This majestic area is considered to be a part of the Appalachian Mountains, which run from central Alabama all the way to Canada. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most beautiful sites in the country. The Great Smoky Mountains are conveniently located within a day’s drive for the approximately half of the country’s population that lives east of the Mississippi River.

There are a multitude of attractions in this region. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a staggering range of activities. The historic and beautiful cabins in nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge provide excellent lodging options for people who want to get a feel for the area.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best-known tourist attractions in the country. The park features camping, RV hookups, and cabins for lodging. Visitors can hike on the numerous footpaths, including parts of the 2000-mile long Appalachian Trail. Travelers can also visit the old growth forests contained within the park. The most visited part of the park is Cades Cove, which is a valley that is fully surrounded by mountains. Within the cove, visitors can marvel at the natural foliage and wildlife, go hiking, or ride the trails on a mountain bike.

Many tourists stay in the historic cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge while on their Great Smoky Mountain vacation. These cabins range from being simple one-bedroom houses perfect for a romantic vacation, to ten bedroom dwellings made for large families or corporate events. The cabins have all of the modern amenities that travelers want, including hot tubs, cable TV, and swimming pools, all within miles of the Great Smoky Mountains.

A Great Smoky Mountain vacation is a great idea for anyone looking to escape the stressful fast pace of city life. The mountains provide a great setting for the adventures that are possible in this exciting place.

A Guide to Great Smoky Mountain Vacations

The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the biggest tourist draws in the southern United States. This majestic area is considered to be a part of the Appalachian Mountains, which run from central Alabama all the way to Canada. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most beautiful sites in the country. The Great Smoky Mountains are conveniently located within a day’s drive for the approximately half of the country’s population that lives east of the Mississippi River.

There are a multitude of attractions in this region. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a staggering range of activities. The historic and beautiful cabins in nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge provide excellent lodging options for people who want to get a feel for the area.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best-known tourist attractions in the country. The park features camping, RV hookups, and cabins for lodging. Visitors can hike on the numerous footpaths, including parts of the 2000-mile long Appalachian Trail. Travelers can also visit the old growth forests contained within the park. The most visited part of the park is Cades Cove, which is a valley that is fully surrounded by mountains. Within the cove, visitors can marvel at the natural foliage and wildlife, go hiking, or ride the trails on a mountain bike.

Many tourists stay in the historic cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge while on their Great Smoky Mountain vacation. These cabins range from being simple one-bedroom houses perfect for a romantic vacation, to ten bedroom dwellings made for large families or corporate events. The cabins have all of the modern amenities that travelers want, including hot tubs, cable TV, and swimming pools, all within miles of the Great Smoky Mountains.

A Great Smoky Mountain vacation is a great idea for anyone looking to escape the stressful fast pace of city life. The mountains provide a great setting for the adventures that are possible in this exciting place.

A Guide to Discount RV Rentals

RVs are a unique way to travel with no hotels or crowded airports. It’s just you, America’s highways, and anything you want to see. Owning an RV, however, can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. A cheaper alternative is to rent an RV. This is even a cost-effective way to sample different RVs before purchasing one of your own.

But renting an RV can still be expensive. Many companies charge a flat day rate on top of fees for additional miles. Plus there’s insurance, supplies, and a security deposit that is often not refunded in full, if at all.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the cost of renting an RV. One of the simplest ways is to rent an RV during the off-season. The weather may not be as warm, but you will probably save hundreds of dollars. Rental agencies offer discounts up to 70-percent during the off-season. Plus, you will travel without a swarm of other tourists.

Many Web sites also provide discount RV rental coupons. Search around to find a deal.

The most popularly rented RV is the class-C motor home. It can sleep six to nine people and has a modern kitchen. If you can go for a smaller motor home, maybe even one that’s a little more rustic, you will be sure to save money. Don’t go for the TV and DVD player. Also, comparison-price with rental agencies outside major cities. You may get a cheaper price.

One simple way to get a discount RV rental is to buy your time in bulk. You get a cheaper rate when you travel for more days. Many RV rental agencies also charge less the sooner you book your RV. So plan ahead!

If you plan on renting an RV frequently or stopping at lots of campgrounds, it may be cost-effective to join a discount camping club like the Happy Camper RV Club that gives up to a 50-percent discount at many camping sites.

A Guide To Discount Cruises

Discount cruises are the buzzword today, with more and more people spending their vacations on cruises. In earlier days, cruises were the reserve of the rich and the famous. With more and more travel agents offering discount cruises, the average family that stands to benefit from these reduced ticket fares, and you will find that almost all travel agents provide discount cruises.

You can choose cruises to exotic locations such as Alaska, Bermuda, Bahamas, Caribbean, Europe and Hawaii. Imagine you and your family aboard a cruiser in a luxury setting traveling the seas to an exciting destination. Just because they are discounted cruises, services are not compromised. You will enjoy exceptional service. More and more average income people have become patrons of cruise vacations, thanks to the words ‘discount cruises’ seen in the magazines and on websites.

Although a person is bound to be attracted to the discount cruises, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing a cruise liner. You should always deal with an experienced cruise agent, and make sure the agent is bargaining for the best cruise, at the best price, with the best services. There are different rates available for families and honeymoon couples. Additionally, some packages include transportation charges from airport to port. Lastly, discount cruises usually do not apply for ultra luxury cruises such as Royal Caribbean Cruises and Celebrity Cruises.

Discount cruises are usually offered for family travelers. There are special children rates for kids aged between 3 and 12. Children below three years old are usually not charged. However, the infant care nursery services will probably have a fee, depending on the cruise line. Group bookings attract heavy discounts compared to individual bookings

A Guide To Deep Sea Fishing

Deep-sea fishing is fishing that involves trolling deep waters with large fishing tackle. Compared to other types of fishing, deep-sea fishing requires more fishing equipment including more line, rods and lures. Rods, reels, bait and tackles are the fishing equipment generally required for deep-sea fishing, and specialized fishing boats are needed for angling.

Basically, there are two types of deep sea fishing techniques – trolling and bottom fishing. The fishing technique is chosen, based on the location of the fish. Trolling techniques require keeping the fishing boat at a constant speed of six knots. The bait used is usually a fishing lure that is drawn on a line through the water slightly below the surface of the water. In bottom fishing, the boat anchors in deep water and hooks charged with lures are dropped to the bottom of the sea.

Seining, long lining and netting are some other techniques used in deep-sea fishing. Seining is an angling technique used in areas where there are large schools or groups of fish. As the name implies, long-lining gets its name from the length of the lines that are used. It is one of the popular methods of fishing used to attract fish. The bait is strung out on a long line held up by buoys. Netting techniques rely on nets that are set in shallow water around the coasts.

The Mississippi Gulf coast, San Diego coast, Cozumel coast and Cancun beaches are among the most popular destinations for deep-sea fishing. Even though deep-sea fishing is specifically for an experienced angler, it is one type of sports fishing that anyone can enjoy.