POPULAR CITY IN USA

Hanalei Beach

2010-02-15T08:28:00.000-08:00

Hawaii is on your mind, either because you've never been and feel that you're missing out on something, or because you have been but need another taste of paradise, then it's time to figure out the where, what, and why of your next trip. Well, the "why" is easy, you're overworked and jonesing for a jaunt to one of those too-good-to-be-true kinds of places. The other two questions will take a little more examination. Put yourself on the right track by narrowing things down a bit, perhaps focusing on Kaui; its north shore, to be exact.

Here is where you'll find Hanalei, a dreamy little spot that sits at the foot of the mountains and encompasses a city, a beach, a bay, and so much more. The name means crescent shape, and as you look out over the valley you'll see the unique geography and stunning scenes reaching out into the sparkling blue water, inviting you to go exploring. Start at one corner and work your way around, you surely won't regret a single moment of your Hawaiian adventure.

Starting with the obvious, the beach is where you may end up spending the bulk of your time. White sands frame the ocean and provide a striking contrast to the rolling mountains that rise behind you, and the conditions are perfect for surfing and boogie boarding. Grassy stretches make for good picnic spots, and lifeguards are standing by to ensure a safe time is had by all.

Enjoy Hanalei Beach Park Pavilion, as it's certainly different than anything you see on a daily basis. Even kicking back for a nap on your towel or finally taking the chance to read a book for pleasure will count as properly enjoying the scenery, as every glance towards the sky you indulge in and every breath you take will contribute to your overall sense of well-being.

Hanalei is the site of several taro fields, or kalo lo'I, in case you were wondering what native delicacy was being grown in patchwork formations all around this region. This Hawaiian staple is used to make poi, among other things, so try some while you're here and appreciate the fact that it is truly authentic and homegrown.

There are several shops and restaurants in Hanalei, so sample the local fare and pick up a few souvenirs for the guys back home. You'll also want to drive around a bit and explore the waterfalls that cascade towards the poi fields and ultimately, the sea, as well as the Hanalei Bridge, which looks rickety but will promise to keep you safe.

Note that much of Hanalei is a wildlife refuge, so keep your eyes open for exotic flora and fauna. This is how Hawaii exists in its natural state, and any worries of visiting an overly trodden tourist trap will disappear once you stop to absorb the sweet sound of quiet and the goose bump-inducing sights of rainbows, mists, and lush green hills.

Princeville, another spectacular North Shore gem, is just down the road, and a number of vacation rentals can be found sprinkled throughout this end of Kauai. If you've done the hotel thing one too many times, consider booking a special place for this special trip. Having more than just a square room with a mediocre view will bump this trip to a first-class affair, and after having known what its like to have a kitchen, porch, and hot tub all to yourself, it'll be hard to go back to your old ways.

Captiva Island

2010-02-15T08:22:00.000-08:00

Sunny Southwest Florida is one of America's most beautiful tropical paradises. The weather is warm and the beaches stretch along miles of beautiful, uninterrupted coast. One of the best places for families and couples is a small island just off the coast of Fort Myers, known as Captiva Island. Beach resorts on this island offer a variety of accommodation styles and feature an incredible variety of activities. From horseback riding to romance, there is something at Captiva Island resorts for everyone.

The Best Beach Resorts

The most popular place on the island is the South Seas Island Resort. South Seas, and the other resorts like it, are all geared both toward families and couples. Whether seeking a romantic holiday or a fun family getaway, many new visitors come to South Seas every day. In a sense, South Seas Island Resort is like multiple Captiva Island beach resorts in one location: the size and the diverse fun activity offerings allow it to fit every vacationer's style. The accommodation styles vary as well, allowing for closeness for couples and easy living for families. It is hardly surprising that Captiva Island resorts are top choices for celebrities seeking to relax and retreat into a private, exclusive tropical paradise.

But even those without celebrity status can explore and enjoy the Captiva Island beach resorts. The rooms are smartly furnished, spacious and designed for luxury. The rooms overlooking the sandy white beaches of the Captiva Island resorts make the ideal setting for every vacationer, whether newlywed, a family, or empty nesters.

Captiva Island Resorts: Outdoor Fun With An Island Twist

Thanks to the great weather, Captiva Island beach resorts have outdoor activities as the cornerstone of their activities program. Water activities are very common; jet skiing and parasailing are very popular if you like adrenaline rushes, whereas kayaking through the mangroves appeals more to the calm nature lover. But you can't go wrong with a sunset dolphin cruise. The kids will enjoy the animals and the adults will enjoy the beautiful sunset seen from on the water.

But the fun doesn't stop when the water ends. Vacationers the islands can play tennis and golf, polishing swings on the court and on the green. Sanibel Island also features some great biking paths, allowing nature lovers to enjoy the island's bounty in its natural habitat. Does this list of activities seem impossibly long? Don't fret - visitors rarely find time to do everything the islands have to offer.

Great Dining Is Just Minutes Away

Food is the perfect complement to the Captiva Island resorts experience. Many of these resorts offer first-class dining in a restaurant setting and in room service. At Capiva Island resorts like the South Seas Island Resort, for instance, guests can choose their desired dining experience -- from a casual dining hall to a gourmet restaurant with wine, all expressed within seven unique dining options.

If you're interested in a light snack, Scoops & Slices offers ice cream and pizza for the hungry man, woman, or child on the go. If you're interested in dancing and live music, then head over to Ellington's Jazz Bar, a local legend, for upscale cuisine and a fun night.

Whether you're enjoying the outdoors or the fine dining, Captiva Island beach resorts offer lasting memories. You'll enjoy the best accommodations and conveniences, including a friendly staff and beautiful scenery. And long after you leave, the island will have a place in your heart.

Atlanta Attraction

2010-01-28T22:36:00.000-08:00

World of Coca Cola
Atlanta's most famous invention is also the world's most popular soft drink and nowhere is this more clear than at this unique downtown museum. The new 20-acre (eight-hectare) complex features a 4D cinematic experience, and the largest collection of CokeÂ® memorabilia ever assembled, including a pop-culture gallery. The museum draws many visitors, and features an exhaustive look at the history, manufacture and distribution of Coca-Cola. Perhaps the most popular phase of the tour is the final stop, where guests are invited to sample vast and various recipes of Coke as it is marketed throughout the world. Tickets may be purchased through their website.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site
A few blocks to the east of downtown, the Sweet Auburn neighborhood is home to the birthplace of America's most influential Civil Rights leader. Operated by the National Park Service, this historic site contains Dr. King's boyhood home, his crypt and the Ebenezer Baptist Church. Tours are conducted daily on the hour beginning at 10a. During the summer, tours are on the half-hour, starting at 9:30a. Since the historic site covers several city blocks, visitors are advised to stop at the Visitor Center upon arrival for a map and touring advice. Free admission.

Centennial Olympic Park
This park, created for the 1996 Olympic Games held in Atlanta, has 21 acres (8.5 hectares) of green space, rock gardens and artwork. The nearly 500,000 commemorative bricks that make up its main walkway were part of fund raising efforts for the Games. During scorching Atlanta summers, children frolic in the ground-level Olympic Rings, which periodically shoot streaming arcs of water in time to the seven light and music concerts put on throughout the day. Flags honoring the nations that have played host to the Olympics in the past surround the fountain.

Piedmont Park
The most expansive and popular of Atlanta's city parks was originally laid out for the Cotton States and International Exposition of 1895, and it now attracts more than 2 million visitors annually. Dog owners, sun seekers and sports enthusiasts flock to the park to enjoy the fair weather, largely unaware that this was the spot of the Battle of Peachtree Creek during the Civil War. The 189-acre facility is home to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and scenic Lake Clara Meer, and plays host to many of Atlanta's favorite concerts and festivals.

Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Founded in 1976, this 15-acre (six-hectare) expanse of natural wonder is located adjacent to Piedmont Park. A hardwood forest intertwined with walking trails surrounds the Fuqua Conservatory, which houses a Japanese garden, rock garden, and displays of flora from all over the globe. In addition to the Southeast's most comprehensive showing of indigenous plants, the conservatory maintains an amazing collection of carnivorous specimens and roses. Moonlight garden walks and seasonal shows are also sponsored.

High Museum of Art
It is hard to miss this ultra-modern, stark white structure on Peachtree that houses Atlanta's finest collections of classic and contemporary art. A towering atrium soars to four interior levels, with the galleries moving from 18th- and 19th-century collections near the ground floor to the cutting edge of art on the upper levels. The High has increased in size to 312,000 square feet (29,000 square meters) with three buildings designed by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano: the Susan and John Wieland Pavilion, the Anne Cox Chambers Wing for galleries, and an office building. The High plays frequent host to the most important touring collections as well, hosting exhibitions featuring artists like Pablo Picasso and Norman Rockwell. The High also displays old prints of Abe Lincoln and of General William Tecumseh Sherman.

Zoo Atlanta
Just minutes from downtown Atlanta in historic Grant Park, this exciting zoo features the Southeast's most impressive collection of wildlife from around the globe. Legend says that the zoo got its start when the owners of a traveling animal show went bankrupt and suddenly fled town. Today, popular exhibits include daily elephant demonstrations, orangutan feedings, and the recently-acquired Chinese pandas.

Santa Catalina Island,California

2007-09-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

Santa Catalina Island,California

Just off the coast of Southern California is an island that looks much like California did two hundred years ago, a wilderness of oak, cactus, and sage, with secluded coves surrounded by ocean with lush kelp forests and abundant sea life. Catalina Island is a wilderness preserved for all to enjoy, yet it has all the lodging, restaurants and recreational activities of a modern beach resort.This beautiful island lies just 26 miles across the ocean from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. Yet it might be thousands of miles away. As soon as you step ashore you can feel the pace of life slow perceptibly. Even the name of the main 'town' on the island is evocative - Avalon. The 76 square mile island was originally owned by the Wrigley Family (of chewing gum fame) but over 80% is now owned by The Santa Catalina Island Conservancy. The island's interior is unspoilt and protected as a wildlife natural habitat. There are very few cars on the island - transport is mainly by bike or electric golf cart(!). But you can easily explore Avalon on foot, and the only way to enjoy the shops, bars and restaurants along The Crescent. Tours include a guided tour of the Casino, glass-bottomed boat trip from the pier to some kelp fields to see fish being fed from the boats and various bus tours into the interior of the island. Tours can be purchased from the tourist office located by the pier. The problem is trying to fit everything in before your return ferry!

http://www.siamaffiliate.com/beachinusa-catalina.htm

Hamoa Beach - Beach Vacation Paradise

2007-09-11T04:48:00.000-07:00

Hamoa Beach - Beach Vacation Paradise

Hamoa Beach Park is located off Piilani Highway about two and a half miles south of Hana. It received the late James Michener's vote as the most beautiful beach in the Pacific paradise. Hamoa Beach is a nice place for swimming and snorkeling in the summer and bodysurfing in the winter The black sand of Hamoa beach is one of our favorite beaches on Maui. The water was not too rough, there are no rocks in the surf, the crowds are minimal, and the scenery is amazing.Hamoa beach is tucked away down a flight of stairs from Haneo'o Road in Hana. The only parking is along the side of Haneo'o Road. The Hotel Hana-Maui has facilities on this beach (even though the hotel is fairly far away) and runs a shuttle bus for its guests.

The beach is a long strand of soft grey sand tucked between lava rock outcroppings. Because the waves break right at the shore, it can be a dangerous beach, especially during high surf. Body surfing and boogie boarding can be difficult here due to the shorebreak. Dr. Beach's 9th pick for "Best Beaches in America" 2006 is another beautiful spot in Hawaii. Hamoa Beach is on the west side of Maui near Hana, a less-developed part of this popular island. Hamoa Beach has sea cliffs and lush vegetation; the public beach shares some facilities with the Hotel Hana Maui. Offshore is a little island with coconut trees. Hamoa Bay is not the most family-friendly place to swim: big surf and strong currents can be dangerous, and the beach isn't lifeguarded. Summer and early fall are the safest times of year.

http://www.siamaffiliate.com/beachinusa-hamao.htm

Hampton Beach Guide

2007-08-11T15:26:00.000-07:00

Hampton Beach Guide

Choose Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, for a Classic Family Beach Vacation "The family that plays together stays together," and Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, is the perfect place for families to play in the sun and to create enduring summer vacation memories they'll share for a lifetime. Few New England beaches can rival Hampton Beach for the sheer number and variety of amusements for ocean lovers of all ages. For starters, the beach is open free to the public (though parking is scarce and at a premium on peak summer days). The waves are tame enough so as not to intimidate toddlers, yet they roll in with enough "oomph" to keep teens and adults armed with Boogie Boards entertained for hours.

Once you're thoroughly waterlogged, there is still so much to do. The west side of Ocean Boulevard is lined with all of the amusements integral to a classic beach vacation. Munch on oily fried dough coated in snowy powdered sugar. Get that temporary tattoo you've always coveted. Feast on fried seafood. Walk up to a waxy-looking fortune teller held captive in a glass box and find out what your future holds. Engage in a friendly battle for the title of "Ski Ball Champ" or "Mini Golf Pro." Don Old West garb for a family portrait session. Try to hit a 100-mile-an-hour fastball out of the park. Or simply watch the people go by. During special events, such as the annual Seafood Festival, the Master Sand Sculpting Competition and the Children's Festival, there are even more diversions to fill your days. When the sun goes down, Hampton Beach stays lively during the summer with fireworks on holidays and every Wednesday night, free nightly concerts at the Sea Shell Stage and headline acts appearing at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom. In the winter, the throngs of bronzed bodies vanish, and Hampton Beach becomes an East Coast ghost town. Some hotels and guest houses and most restaurants and shops shutter for the cold weather season. Between Labor Day and Memorial Day, visit Hampton Beach if you're attracted to the idea of affordable, off-season rates and quiet, contemplative walks on the beach.

http://www.siamaffiliate.com/beachinusa-mainbeach.htm

Salt Lake City Travel Guide

2007-07-22T05:38:00.000-07:00

Salt Lake City Travel Guide

Situated in a basin between the rugged, snow-covered Wasatch mountain range to the east and the Great Salt Lake to the west, Salt Lake City's scenic backdrop frames a pleasantly spacious and hassle-free city that is surprisingly sensible and down-to-earth for a growing state capital.The vast salty wasteland that ultimately became one of America's prize cities was originally picked out by a band of Mormon pioneers who were searching for a quiet spot where they could follow their faith undisturbed by the world. Led by Brigham Young, leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the followers surveyed the desolate-looking valley of the Great Salt Lake basin and declared it to be the peaceful haven they had been seeking for the past five months. This Is The Place Heritage Park commemorates the site where they ended their trek, named after the famous words uttered by Young in 1847: 'This is the right place'. To this day the city is dominated by the Mormon influence, with more than 40 percent of the population belonging to the Latter-Day Saints. Visitors come to listen to the singing of the exceptional Mormon Tabernacle Choir and to see the fascinating Temple Square that is the spiritual headquarters of the Mormon faith and the heart of the city.Despite being steeped in religious tradition, Salt Lake City is rapidly emerging as one of the foremost business locations in the country, attracting large numbers of high-technology firms and software corporations, and a favoured venue for major corporate and professional conferences and conventions. The city is also growing in reputation as an outdoor recreation centre, enhanced by its international recognition as the excellent host of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Throngs of outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the nearby mountains where world-class skiing is offered at top resorts, as well as miles of stunning mountain trails for hiking, biking and rock climbing. Salt Lake City is also within a day's drive of numerous national and state parks, rivers, forests and canyons, offering endless opportunities for outdoor sports and recreation.

http://www.siamaffiliate.com/saltlakecity1.htm

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Phoenix Travel Guide

2007-07-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

Phoenix Travel Guide

Arizona’s capital city, Phoenix, has risen from the mythical ashes of an ancient agricultural Indian village to become a sprawling modern metropolis, the sixth largest city in the USA. Its rapid urban growth has filled what is known as the ‘Valley of the Sun’, encompassing the neighbouring towns of Scottsdale, Mesa and Tempe as suburbs and is America’s fastest-growing urban centre, claiming to have more 5-star hotels than any other city in the USA. With luxurious resorts and spas, glitzy shopping plazas, upmarket restaurants and superb golf courses, together with over 300 days of sunshine a year, the area has become a popular winter getaway for the rest of the country. Phoenix’s greatest attraction however is its location, surrounded by a vast cactus-studded desert and the magnificent scenery of the Red Rock Country around nearby Sedona, whose landscape of canyons, pinnacles and red cliffs have been the setting for numerous ‘Wild West’ films and novels. The Apache Trail is a winding scenic drive that passes through some of the beautiful rugged terrain of central Arizona, passing ghost towns, ancient ruins and the Superstitious Mountains.

http://www.siamaffiliate.com/phoenix1.htm

Houston Travel Guide

2007-06-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

Houston Travel Guide

The massive metropolis of Houston, sprawling across the Gulf Coast plain of East Texas from its busy port, is almost twice the size of the entire state of Rhode Island. Even with this heavy urban concentration, though, Houston is green and lush, sited at the end of a belt of forest coming down from the north, and characterised by marshlands and bayous lined with cypress trees in the southern reaches.Houston, named after former Republic of Texas president Sam Houston, is hot and humid. To make life more bearable in the close-packed downtown area much activity has gone underground. The city centre sports an air-conditioned seven-mile (11km) pedestrian tunnel system full of restaurants and shops. Unlike most cities, downtown in Houston is the hub of residential development, so it remains busy and bustling long after dark.Texas’ largest city is not generally a sought after tourist destination, being concerned more with business than pleasure and leisure. Computer manufacture, gas and oil, and a huge concentration of medical institutions account for most of the economic activity, but all those hard-working citizens have to play sometimes, and there are some good attractions like excellent museums, the amazing Astrodome sports pavilion, some wonderful theatres and, thanks to the cosmopolitan mix of its residents, some ethnically diverse cuisine on offer in its many restaurants and neighbourhoods. For visitors the absolute “must-see” in Houston is the famed Space Center, mission control for the US space programme.

http://www.siamaffiliate.com/houston1.htm

Kiawah Island

2007-06-13T03:18:00.000-07:00

Kiawah Island

Charleston, SOUTH CAROLINAOnce the sole domain of the Kiawah Indians, this island off South Carolina’s coast ranks as one of the region’s cushiest resorts. In past centuries, it served as plantation grounds, pasturelands, a logging site, and a family retreat. It wasn’t until the early 1970s, however, that its beginnings as a resort were realized, when a Kuwaiti-led group began to develop the island as a leisure destination. These days, ownership has changed multiple times, but Kiawah’s status as a luxury vacationland has been cemented. In fact, it’s gained lasting fame for its spectacular, oceanside golf courses, all designed by top golf pros. Host of international and domestic competitions, these manicured beauties draw countless aficionados, who come to soak in the island’s incredible scenery and play where their heroes have trod. Besides golf, tennis is a popular attraction, and Kiawah’s scenic, undeveloped shoreline stands among the country’s best beaches. In an effort to maintain the integrity of the barrier islands, developers have preserved the most sensitive terrain and lumped land-use so that it doesn’t negatively impact wildlife and vegetation. Such planning, of course, relies on substantial funds; as a partial result, Kiawah exists as a private resort where only residents and island guests are permitted past the gates. Beachwalker Park is the exception, granting public access to the beach on Kiawah’s western end. Those who do gain entrance find an unhurried, sophisticated atmosphere, marked by lazy days at the beach and time devoted to relaxation and fun. An increasingly upscale dining scene and a few shopping enclaves provide further distraction, and Charleston is only 21 miles north if brief escape is necessary. However, Kiawah’s rarefied pleasures ensure that little outside of its gates competes for its attentions - at least for the duration of a sun-soaked summer

http://www.siamaffiliate.com/kiawah.htm

Detroit Travel Guide

2007-06-07T16:44:00.000-07:00

Detroit Travel Guide

The sprawling industrial city of Detroit, the oldest city in America’s mid-west, began life as a trading post when French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac landed on the banks of the Detroit River in 1701 and established a fort. He was later removed because of bad conduct, but unlike its outpost commander, the settlement of Detroit was flourishing. In 1796 Detroit became American, and by the early 19th century had already earned a reputation as a centre for the manufacturing industry, particularly kitchen ranges. As most people now know, however, Detroit did not go on to become the stove-making capital of the world. Today it is renowned as being the automotive centre of the globe, birthplace of the motorcar and home to some of the nation’s top brands. Originally automobile empires were established by Detroit families like Ford, Olds, Chevrolet and Dodge, which have become household names, thanks to the invention and perfection of the motor vehicle production assembly line, which all began in Detroit.It is not only hard work and industrial enterprise that drives Detroit, however. The city in southeast Michigan is also famous for the Motown record label, founded by former autoworker Berry Gordy Jr, which has introduced the world to stars such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, the Temptations and Diana Ross, to name but a few.Modern ‘Motown’ Detroit is a little decayed and shabby, but efforts are being made to increase the city’s appeal as a tourist destination, and there are several attractions worth seeing. In the downtown area new hotels and restaurants are appearing to complement a new sports stadium, and there is a focus on the arts, particularly in the city’s historic theatre district.

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Denver Travel Guide

2007-06-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

Although it is literally a 'Mile High City', being sited one mile (1.6km) above sea level, Denver is flat and sprawling, overwhelmed by the backdrop of the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains.It was founded as a gold mining camp in 1859, and at the centre of the Old West it was filled with cowboys, gamblers, saloons, gunslingers, Native Americans, and crooked characters such as the infamous Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith. Although very little gold was discovered, a city was laid out and the name Denver attributed it.Having since shed its cow-town image and evidence of its western past, it has developed into a modern city with wonderful museums, historic architecture, cultural attractions, shopping venues and a world-class airport. It has more than 200 parks and tree-lined boulevards and a completely refurbished lower downtown area (LoDo to the locals), where blocks of old Victorian buildings and warehouses have been carefully restored to house restaurants, galleries, antique shops and jazz clubs. Historic Larimer Square is the heart of the dining and nightlife scene. Denver brews more beer than any other city in America and most of it can be sampled in LoDo where the city's brewpubs proliferate.Most residents are active nature lovers who take advantage of the city's setting, the pleasant climate and unlimited outdoor adventures just minutes from the centre, including skiing, hiking, mountain biking and fishing. Tourism focuses on its natural setting and the outdoors, and as such it is a major destination for tourists heading into the mountains. Visitors to Denver will be pleasantly surprised by its welcoming and friendly nature.

Seattle Travel Guide

2007-05-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

Seattle Travel Guide

Seattle is known as “the Emerald City”, and just like the home of the Wizard of Oz in the fairy tale, it is a magical place. Rated as one of the world's most liveable cities, after Melbourne and Montreal, it boasts among its citizens three out of the world’s ten richest men, including Bill Gates, head of the mighty Microsoft empire. The city’s emergence as a trend-setting and fashionable metropolis with sky-high property prices has occurred in less than 200 years, since it was founded in 1869.Sitting at the extremity of the United States’ northwest, at the gateway to Canada, Seattle reaches for the sky with its landmark soaring “space needle”, built in the 1960s, a modern monument that epitomises the city’s image as a high-tech, dynamic and young community.Seattle is not a place that fosters couch potatoes. Visitors and locals alike revel in the outdoor activities the city’s situation provides for. Seattle sits on the shores of two large lakes and Puget Sound, with remote wilderness less than an hour away, and it is flanked by two major mountain ranges (Olympics and Cascades), with Mount Rainier in full view from the city. It is also within easy reach of the San Juan Islands, Pacific Ocean beaches and major rivers.This active city lends itself to walking tours, particularly around the two main tourist areas, the waterfront and Pike Place Market. In addition, 80 percent of the city limits are surrounded by water, so tour boats also abound. To fully enjoy Seattle be prepared to go boating, and bring a comfortable pair of shoes.

Miami Travel Guide

2007-05-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

Miami Travel Guide

Miami may be the retirement capital of the United States, but there is nothing old fashioned about this bright, brash playground city that shines under the sunny Florida skies. This coastal city was a sleepy holiday town until the 1920s, when the 'in crowd' decided to make it their own. The town bloomed into a fun seaside capital and was blessed with a legacy of Art Deco architecture, particularly along South Beach, which has been carefully preserved. During World War II the forces came to town when Miami was an important military base. Today, apart from being a favourite holiday Mecca and sunny spot for retirees, it is also the gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America.Miami's large Cuban community add to the atmosphere in the sultry neighbourhood of Little Havana. Trendsetters hang out in Coconut Grove, while sunlovers strew the miles of white sandy beaches. For families there are entertaining attractions like the Seaquarium and Metrozoo. The nightlife is sophisticated and varied. The city also gives easy access to Florida's popular Gold Coast resorts and attractions, as well as the natural wonder of the Florida Everglades.No wonder Miami is America's favourite vacation station and the hub of a vibrant cruise ship industry, its port jammed constantly with sleek passenger liners. North of the city, miles of beautiful sandy beaches of the Gold Coast are hemmed in by southeast Florida's major tourist resorts: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach and Palm Beach.

Boston Travel Guide

2007-05-16T17:25:00.000-07:00

Boston Travel Guide

As one of the oldest settlements in the USA and the largest city in New England, Boston has plenty of historic culture. Yet with over 50 colleges and universities situated in the greater Boston area there is a youthful vibrancy that adds a different dimension to the historic charm of the city.Cambridge lies across the Charles River and is the largest college town in the world, synonymous with Harvard University founded in 1638. The neat ivy-covered brick buildings of the university grounds, as well as the labyrinth of twisting streets in Boston centre and the historical buildings in the old-world neighbourhoods are best explored on foot. Boston refers to itself as the ‘Walking City’ and is a remarkably compact city that is centred on the country’s oldest public park, Boston Common. The Information Centre in Boston Common is the starting point for two of the city’s main attractions, which are in fact walking tours. The Freedom Trail explores the city’s revolutionary past and the birth of the modern American Republic, while the Black Heritage Trail highlights Boston’s place in black American history and its role in anti-slavery.Boston is an easy blend of historic charm and modern conveniences with a busy street life and beautiful architecture, green parks and gardens, skyscrapers and modern freeways, museums, galleries and colonial churches. Boston is home to the first public library, the first public school and the first subway system; it is the site of the Boston Tea Party that started the Revolutionary War, and is the location of the Cheers bar, made famous by the popular TV sitcom Cheers. Boston is also the city from whence both planes that crashed into the World Trade Centre on 11 September 2001 originated, and many of those who died were local residents, a tragedy that thus hit the city particularly hard.

San Francisco Travel Guide

2007-05-12T18:16:00.000-07:00

San Francisco Travel Guide

The most attractive of American cities and regularly voted the best city in the USA, San Francisco is adored because of its colourful history, dramatic setting and its laissez-faire atmosphere, a quality missing from synthetic Los Angeles. It is a regular trendsetter in everything alternative, from flower-power to 'free love' and gay liberation; it prides itself on being individualistic, down-to-earth and cultured.Streets rollercoaster up and down the hills, and when not swathed in the city's trademark fog, there are superb vistas of San Francisco Bay, spanned by one of the world's most famous sights, the Golden Gate Bridge. Surrounded by hills and urban development, traversed by bridges, dotted with sails and 14 small islands, including the notorious Alcatraz, the bay is the largest inlet on the Californian Coast. Fisherman's Wharf at the edge of the bay is a popular place to eat, stroll and shop, with its resident seals a favourite photographic subject.Within the surprisingly compact city are distinct neighbourhoods that reflect the cultural background of diverse communities that were attracted to San Francisco by the discovery of gold in 1848, and the promise of a new life for those desperate to escape their harsh circumstances. Most of San Francisco's residents were born outside the city and this mix of cultures is reflected in the dragon-studded temples of colourful Chinatown and Japantown, the characteristic bohemian flavour of the Italian pasta restaurants and cappuccino cafes in North Beach, the old Spanish-speaking Mission District that blends with the nightlife of SoMa, the modern Financial District, the gay centre of Castro and The Haight, characterised by the memory of the hippie movement of the 1960s.

Washington DC Travel Guide

2007-05-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

Washington DC Travel Guide
Chosen by George Washington for its tactical location between the South and the North, and for its accessibility to the sea via the Potomac River, the capital of the United States is situated in a district specifically created to avoid the establishment of the capital city in any one state. Washington, DC (District of Columbia) with its low-profile skyline, is a city of green parks and open spaces, grand buildings, historic landmarks, marbled monuments and impressive museums, with character-filled neighbourhoods that support a thriving cultural scene with scores of top-notch restaurants, shops and night time entertainment.This thriving cosmopolitan city is an international hub of power and diplomacy, commanding the political centre stage for one of the most powerful nations in the world, and representing all the democratic ideals that the country takes pride in. Washington, DC was one of the targets of the terrorist attack on the USA on 11 September 2001, when a hijacked plane crashed into the Pentagon, the heart of national and international security. Since then security has remained high around Washington’s key monuments and police checks at top city attractions have lent a sober air to this pleasant city.After politics, tourism is the capital’s main industry. The city plays host to millions of people annually who come to explore famous sights such as the domed US Capitol, the stately White House, Lincoln Memorial and the soaring Washington Monument. The most well-known sights are located along the National Mall, a green park stretching from the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial on the Potomac River, and include several memorials to great US presidents of the past, as well as the outstanding museums of the Smithsonian Institute. Almost all major attractions are free.Besides political sights, Washington is also a city of interesting neighbourhoods, each with its own character and culture. The most famous of these is historic Georgetown, with elegant colonial houses, boutiques, fancy restaurants, and a lively nightlife. One of the most colourful neighbourhoods is the bohemian district of Adams-Morgan with an assortment of funky shops and ethnic stores, while the arty suburb of Dupont Circle is an affluent business and residential area, with excellent restaurants, art galleries and shops that makes up the centre of DC’s gay community.
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Dallas-Fort Worth Travel Guide

2007-04-28T15:12:00.000-07:00

Dallas-Fort Worth Travel Guide
The two biggest cities in North Texas, Dallas and Fort Worth, are 30 miles (48km) apart but have been drawn together into one urban concentration known as the "DFW Metroplex" with a combined population of more than four million.The two cities are, however, very different halves of a whole. Dallas, its soaring glass-sided skyscrapers seemingly growing like mushrooms out of the prairie, is full of glitz and glamour. Its urban landscape is vigorous and classy, its citizens enjoying the good things in life from fashionable clothing to flashy cars. This thriving city is the ninth largest city in the United States, having grown from a frontier outpost with 20 streets in 1841 to a centre for big business and big banking, helped along a little by "black gold", the oil that was discovered 100 miles (161km) east of the city in 1930.Fort Worth, the western half of the Metroplex, is exactly that: the gateway to the Wild West. Having started out as "Cowtown", a base for cattle drives, Fort Worth still reflects a laid-back and slightly "cowpoke" attitude, although surprisingly it has also developed into a cultural centre with world-class museums and a thriving performing arts sector.Dallas is certainly the place for visitors to enjoy a rich shopping experience and upmarket wining and dining, but Fort Worth is the venue for exciting and interesting attractions and a taste of western culture.

AUSTIN TRAVEL GUIDE

2007-03-05T06:52:00.000-08:00

AUSTIN TRAVEL GUIDE

Capital of Texas, the city of Austin lies almost in the centre of the state, a big city with a small town feel, young population, casual lifestyle and reputation as a Mecca for live music shows.Home of the University of Texas campus, Austin life is closely entwined with the energy and enthusiasm of its students, but this city that has been a state capital since 1838 does not ignore its history. Young people are drawn here too by the array of live concerts that are held frequently around the shores of Town Lake. Most famous of these events is the annual South by Southwest music festival-conference held each March. Visitors wanting to tune in to Austin’s live musical repertoire, which spans everything from blues and country to reggae, simply have to drift down the famous Sixth Street strip of pubs and clubs any night of the week.Austin’s laid-back attitude lends itself to the great outdoors, and the city has miles of hiking and biking trails linking parks, preserves and greenbelts adding to the ambience of its leafy streets.

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Los Angeles Travel Guide

2007-01-19T05:16:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles Travel Guide

Millions of visitors arrive each year in Los Angeles eager to experience for themselves the epitome of the American Dream; to find the self-indulgent living soap-opera lifestyles, to experience firsthand the images that are strangely-familiar thanks to the 'big screen', and to walk in the footsteps of the stars. The fantasy worlds of Disneyland and Hollywood, the famed extravagance of Beverley Hills and Malibu, and the sun-soaked beach culture are just some of the attractions within this 'City of Angels'.Los Angeles is not really a city but rather a sprawling metropolis constituting more than 80 smaller city areas woven together by a daunting network of traffic-congested freeways without a clearly defined centre. LA is just one of these cities with Downtown at its heart, and lying outside the city limits is the surrounding conglomeration of cities that comprises LA County.Los Angeles offers a dazzling variety of attractions and world-famous amusements. Downtown is a mixture of cultures and local communities: the traditional herbalists of Chinatown's Bamboo Lane; Little Tokyo with its sushi bars and Japanese gardens; and the narrow Latino-influenced Olvera Street. Los Angeles County is endowed with a rich diversity of backgrounds and is a mix-and-match of people from 140 countries speaking 96 different languages, of those who have left home to seek acceptance for ideas or unconventional lifestyles not tolerated in the more conservative parts of the country, and would-be stars with dreams of fame and fortune. West Hollywood is the focal point of gay and lesbian culture, and the posh beachside resort of Santa Monica and body-builders at Muscle Beach, as well as the childhood fantasy of Disneyland are all a part of the diversity, although not always a harmonious one. There are exciting museums, cinemas featuring every conceivable production, swanky boutiques with the latest fashions, comedy clubs, poetry readings and coffee house recitals, and music of every kind played in various venues throughout the city.Underneath the huge 'Hollywood' sign on the crest of the Hollywood Hills, the high energy and pleasure-seeking atmosphere, bold billboards, sexy sun-bronzed people, bright lights and fancy cars are images of a city that everyone loves to hate; but whether one likes what one finds or not, Los Angeles must be experienced at least once in a lifetime.

Hawaii Travel Guide

2006-12-06T07:04:00.000-08:00

Hawaii Travel Guide

Travel destination reviews that highlight 'The Best of …' invariably refer to the Hawaiian Islands as the best place for sun, sand and natural attractions - the place to head for a fun holiday.This is the location of some of the finest beaches in the United States, each unique in its dimensions, shapes and hues. These sandy stretches are fronted by crystal waters teeming with tropical fish darting through forests of coral. Some of the world's best surfing and watersport opportunities are offered here and for those intent on premium sightseeing it is hard to beat the thrill of watching lava flow from the world's longest erupting volcano.Visitors who relish exploring different cultures and ancient civilisations will find the best of Polynesian relics in which to indulge their passions, as they soak up some of the 'Mana' (spiritual power) with which the islands were imbued by the legendary gods and goddesses.Hawaii's nightlife is centred on traditional festivals which visitors are encouraged to experience as they don 'leis' (necklaces of flowers) and dance the famous 'hula' after sunset.The state of Hawaii includes approximately 130 islands in the Pacific Ocean, many of which are uninhabited. The islands lie about 1,600 miles (2,600km) off the coast of mainland USA. The largest island, Hawaii, is known imaginatively as the Big Island, but the state capital, Honolulu, and most of the population is located on the smaller island of Oahu, which is also the main tourist destination. The other main islands are Maui, Molokai and Kauai. Between them the islands boast an amazingly diverse geography providing endless recreation opportunities, from snowboarding on mountain summits to hiking through rainforests. The possibilities offered by a Hawaiian holiday are limited only by the boundaries of the imagination.

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New York Travel Guide

2006-12-04T07:44:00.000-08:00

The problem with visiting New York is knowing where to begin, but even if you don't immediately rush off to view the world-famous sights and icons of this most dynamic of cities, just being there is enough. The wonder of New York is in the energy and the diversity that emanates from its densely packed, multi-cultural population. The city vibrates with colliding cultures, languages and nuances; here high-life and low-life rub shoulders, and whoever you are and whatever your taste, there will be something to amuse and stimulate you 24-hours a day.Whether lolling on a bench in leafy Central Park, watching the world go by from a French bistro in Soho, gazing up at 'Lady Liberty' from the deck of the Staten Island Ferry, most visitors will feel they've done it all before, simply because New York is so familiar to anyone who has ever seen a movie or watched television. There is something special however in actually seeing the familiar landmarks and experiencing the pulse of the clich?d, but true, 'city that never sleeps'.New York City is made up of five boroughs - Staten Island, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, but many visitors never leave Manhattan. There is a lot packed into this tiny area: the 24-hour pasta restaurants of Little Italy and the bustling sidewalks of Chinatown, the jazz clubs of Greenwich Village and the theatres of Broadway; and of course the iconic sights of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Times Square.New York has been described as the best three-day city in the world, and that's about right. After a frenzy of museums, galleries, bars and clubs, some visitors are ready for a break. Fortunately there's a lot of choice, from the National Parks of Upstate New York, to the beaches of Long Island or simply the leafy oasis of Central Park. Whatever you're after, New York is ready and waiting to bewitch, bother and bewilder.

Times Square
Named after the New York Times, which moved here in 1924, Times Square is a vibrant, neon-lit area in the heart of the Theater District. Over the years, this area has transformed with increasing number of hotels, office towers and commercial businesses that have sprung up here. Conde Nast , mega stores and theme restaurants have also set up shop. Times Square remains the city's favorite venue for New Year's Eve, where a huge street party is highlighted by a glitter ball dropped from Times Tower. The Times Square Alliance which was founded in 1992, works for the betterment and promotion of this most popular New York city attraction.

Central Park
Right in the heart of Manhattan stands this oasis of rolling pastures and gardens, stretching from Midtown to Harlem. It was created in 1857 by Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux. These days walkers, roller bladers, bikers and joggers compete for space. Lovers meet at the Bethseda Fountain on Bethseda Terrace. To the north, others wonder at the mystery of Belvedere Castle . Nearby is the Delacorte Theater, where you can watch plays in the summer. It blends so easily with the Manhattan environment that it is difficult to guess that it is totally man made. Across the park lies a charming Central Park Wildlife Conservation Center , and children of all ages love the restored carousel .

St. Patrick's Cathedral
This massive cathedral, situated across from Rockefeller Center on Fifth Avenue, is the largest Catholic cathedral in the United States. With its two soaring 330-foot spires, St. Patrick's Cathedral is also one of the city's most spectacular architectural sights. Construction on the neo-gothic structure had started in 1850 and completed in 1878. Inside, it boasts a seating capacity of 2,500, numerous altars and stained glass windows, and a giant organ with over 7,300 pipes. Services are held throughout the day, and many New Yorkers stop in for a moment of serenity in their otherwise hectic lives.

Statue of Liberty
Lady Liberty, representative of freedom to the world, shines bright in New York Harbor. Created by Frenchman Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the Statue was a gift from France to the United States. Now, visitors can view the inside of the statue through a glass ceiling, and capture a better image of Lady Liberty through the enhanced lighting and video system surrounding the statue. Visitors can walk onto the observation deck to see New York City and its Harbor. With a torch and a book in her hands, Lady Liberty has generously welcomed immigrants and visitors for over a century.

Metropolitan Museum of Art
Any visitor to the "Big Apple" should spend at least a couple of hours at this vast museum. Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, it has more than 1.5 million square feet of exhibition space. European paintings on display include works by Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Titian and Vermeer. The Egyptian gallery is unparalleled. Asian art, sculpture, armory, and photography also vie for your attention. During warm weather, the open-air roof garden displays contemporary sculpture. See their website for exhibition schedule, membership details, complete visitor details and especially Met Holiday Mondays.

Greenwich Village
The zigzagging streets and charming brownstones of the Greenwich Village have a far more laid back atmosphere than most neighborhoods in the city. The center of New York's gay and student communities lies here, with a variety of funky shopping and nightlife including jazz, rock and dance clubs, restaurants, bars and cafes. By the early 1900s, the Village had fully established itself as the center of radical thinking in the United States. Famous reformers, artists and intellectuals all gathered here—and many still do. Do not miss a visit to Washington Square Park as it will take your breath away!

Chinatown
New York's Chinatown is a cultural haven full of ancient and exotic traditions, and a huge amount of restaurants. This bustling and crowded neighborhood is home to over half of the city's Chinese population. In the grocery stores and fruit stands, you will find many food items available nowhere else in the city - from exotic fruit and vegetables to live snails and dried shrimp. Excellent Thai, Vietnamese and Korean restaurants have joined the mix. Every lunar new year, the street are filled with the hubbub of the Chinatown Chinese New Year Parade .

Hotel Advice

The Plaza Hotel

New York Marriott Marquis

The Hilton Club New York

Jet Luxury Resorts At St. Regis, New York

Restaurants

Presidential Pizza

Carmine's

Lasvegas Travel Guide

2006-12-03T06:49:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas Travel Guide

Set in the middle of the vast Mojave Desert, Las Vegas was created entirely to entertain and has been described as the world's largest theme park. This psychedelic city of sin is home to over a million people and welcomes 35 million more each year to its lavish hotels and casinos. Visitors today are amazed that only 70 years ago this thriving metropolis was a backwater with less than a thousand inhabitants whose only guests were railway passengers stopping off to stretch their legs on the long journey between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City.Things started to change in March 1931 when the State of Nevada legalised gambling; one month later the City issued six licenses, then in 1946, Mafia don Ben 'Bugsy' Siegel opened the sensationally lavish Flamingo Hilton on Highway 91. Las Vegas Boulevard was born and the city would never be the same.Soon stars like Elvis, Liberace and Sinatra were making the pilgrimage to what was fast becoming America's premier entertainment Mecca. In the early days the Mafia dominated the gambling industry but in the 1960s their influence waned and soon all the large hotels and casinos were controlled by big business.Las Vegas has 18 of the largest 21 hotels in the world and walking down 'The Strip' visitors will see the skylines of New York and Paris, discover the canals of Venice and the Pyramids of Egypt and, at Treasure Island, see a full on-sea battle between a Pirate ship and a British Galleon. Despite these excesses, room rates and restaurant bills are the lowest in the western world - all subsidised by gamblers intent on a free holiday.Although the principal draw card is still gambling, Las Vegas is now marketed as a family destination and there is no shortage of theme parks, shopping malls or golf courses. However, the vast majority of visitors come to gamble and the incredible displays are mostly designed to lure passers-by into the casinos, and once there it's hard to leave; the exits are discreetly hidden.

Atlanta Travel Guide

2006-12-01T03:17:00.000-08:00

Atlanta Travel GuideBack in 1837 Atlanta was little more than a hamlet existing to serve as a railway terminus; then came the Civil War that saw the town burned to the ground. Undaunted, 135 years later Atlanta swarms with more than three million people, and has been chosen by numerous leading international companies as the home of their corporate or regional headquarters. The lively, thriving city styles itself as the capital of the 'New South', and its dramatic skyline is littered with gleaming skyscrapers.Atlanta attracts visitors both for holidays and business, with its plethora of entertainment, shopping and cultural attractions as well as innumerable top class convention and accommodation venues. Looking at the swarming city, home to more than three million people, today it is hard to believe that it was virtually destroyed when it burned to the ground during the American Civil War.

It is now headquarters for many leading international companies, its skyline lit with gleaming skyscrapers. The downtown Peachtree Centre pedestrianised precinct covers 14 blocks of retail space, including three massive hotels, dozens of restaurants and imposing office towers.Atlanta has not lost its pioneering southern spirit or charm despite its modern guise. The energy that was embodied in its famous sons, Martin Luther King, Jr and Ted Turner (founder of CNN) still crackles in the air and the genteel olde-world atmosphere still lingers in the residential neighbourhoods. Above all, Atlanta radiates a warm welcome in the true tradition of Southern hospitality.

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HOTEL GUIDE

Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, Atlanta

Marriott Atlanta Marquis

Grand Hyatt Atlanta

RESTUARANT

Fogo De Chao

Bones Restaurant

Chicago Travel Guide

2006-11-29T23:25:00.000-08:00

Chicago is the major metropolis of America’s heartland, with three million people hustling and bustling in the city of skyscrapers that appears to rise straight out of the waters of Lake Michigan, in northern Illinois. Once a gangster’s hang-out synonymous with infamous names such as Al Capone and Bonny and Clyde, the ‘windy city’ today has a squeaky-clean reputation as an international business and commercial capital boasting an eclectic mix of architecture, world-class theatre, art exhibitions, and super-enthusiastic sportsmanship.Chicago emerged as a rough and tough survivor after being destroyed in the Great Fire of 1871 and a huge influx of immigrants from all over the world in the early 20th century brought with them a determined spirit infusing the city with ethnic diversity and the unmistakable sound of Chicago-style blues music.

Chicagoans have built a city that is to be reckoned with, boasting soaring skyscrapers including the Sears Tower (one of the tallest in the world); thriving ethnic neighbourhoods; a lakefront business district, the re-energised downtown; unbeatable shopping along the famed Michigan Avenue; and top-class sports teams.One thing that does not attract visitors to Chicago is the weather, which, because of its geographical location is breezy at best, and freezing and gale-ridden at worst. It is possible to ignore the weather though, when getting caught up in the myriad of things to do, see and experience in this Midwestern metropolis - there are 30 excellent museums alone.