International Museum Day 2010

March 14th, 2010

If you share a special feeling for history and do not miss the museums when you visit a new place, then you will simply love this event. Every year, International Council of Museums designates a day around May 18 as the International Museum Day. A special theme is also decided for the event.

ICOM has announced the theme of this year. International Museum Day 2010 will focus on “Museums for Social Harmony”. A lot of museums from all parts of the world will participate in this event. Here is a full list of world wide activities published by ICOM.

In USA, Museums in Erie County, Ohio have confirmed to celebrate the International Museum Day 2010 already. It will be held on May 22, 2010. So if you are planning to visit Ohio in May, make sure you stay near the Erie County on May 22 to celebrate the prestigious event.

Maritime Museum of Sandusky, Merry-Go-Round Museum, Follett House Museum and many other Museums in Ohio will organize special activities and events for the day. Here is the full list of participating museums. You can also look around the place before and after the event.

In 2009, the theme was “Museums and Tourism”. It was held on May 18 and Arizona Museums took part in the event along with other museums all over the world. Special events were organized for the day. Arizona Military Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, ASU Art Museum, Deer Valley Rock Art Center, Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting etc. participated celebrated the day.

ICOM has been celebrating International Museum Day since 1992. The event is quite popular now and a lot of people wait for ICOM to announce the day and list of participating museums every year. If you are one of them, plan your Ohio tirp today. Take a look at the list of Ohio vacation rentals to find where to stay in Ohio.

Make a Trip to Deer Valley

March 13th, 2010

Situated in the Wasatch Range of northern Utah, Deer Valley is rated as one of the top alpine ski resorts in North America. The exceptional services provided by this resort can only be compared with a five-star hotel. Its luxurious amenities include boutique shopping and fine dining in the main lodge, groomed-to-perfection slopes, and ski valets. While providing on-site child care is considered as a specialty of the resort. The resort’s mid-mountain lodge will also provide you excellent spa and therapeutic facilities. So if you make a trip to the Deer Valley it will be in your memory forever.

The readers of SKI Magazine voted Deer Valley as the best ski resort in Northern America for a staggering three years in a row from the year 2008 to 2010. The Deer Valley staff thoroughly deserves every bit of this recognition. The resort is scheduled to host the 2011 World Freestyle Ski Championships, the event which Deer Valley hosted in the year 2003 as well. The championships of 2011 will help make Deer Valley gain the rare distinction of becoming the only resort in the country to host the prestigious event twice. Its excellent facilities also made it one of the sites for the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Deer Valley’s state-of-the-art snowmaking and presence of nearly three hundred inches of powder snow every season make it a great skiing destination. The presence of an interstate highway has made it easier for the tourists and skiers to reach the resort. Deer Park is also an ideal place for learning the art of skiing. The beginners can hone their skills with the help of the friendly trainers in the area.

This alpine resort has so much to offer to you and your family that you would not consider any other winter destination once you visit it.

Woodland Park Colorado

March 8th, 2010

Situated at 8465 feet above sea level, Woodland Park is known as the “The City Above the Clouds.” It is the largest city in Teller County and enjoys breathtaking views of Pikes Peak, one of the most famous American mountains.

Woodland Park is a wonderful place to work, live and visit! It enjoys a deep blue clear sky and a perfect weather even when the neighboring towns are overcast or rainy. The town is also an ideal place for fishing. The Manitou Lake is a popular fishing destination in the town. However, the wintertime ice fishing remains the main attraction amongst those who love to fish.

The famous Mueller State Park & Wildlife Area is very near to Woodland Park. The Mueller is home to the mule deer, elk, and the black deer. The park’s fifty miles of trails provide a five thousand acre playing arena for the mountain biker, hiker and the winter sports fanatic. Winter camping can be a delightful experience in the Mueller. The park is also used for sledding and skiing. So without a thought come and camp at Mueller this winter.

Residents and tourists alike can enjoy the variety of public parks and leisure-time facilities within the city. There are about twenty five acres of parks including Lion’s Park, Bergstrom Park, Meadow Wood Park and the Memorial Park. With special events being held every now and then you can also enjoy softball, skating, and picnicking whenever you wish.
The Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center is the latest attraction of the city. It’s a terrific museum for children. Again, if you wish to go back thousands of years from now then you should visit the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.

So with so much on offer it is certain that you would have a rocking time in Woodland Park, Colorado.

Texas Vacation – Everything for Everyone

March 5th, 2010

Located in the South Central part of the country, Texas is bordered by Oklahoma to the north, Mexico to the south, Louisiana to the east and New Mexico to the west. El Paso, San Antonio, Austin and Houston are the major cities. Nicknamed as the ‘Lone Star State’, Texas is a traveler’s paradise.

The Lone Star State is divided into some beautiful regions. With plenty of open spaces and rolling plains, the Panhandle Plains is a place not to miss out for. The Texas-Oklahoma border is the region’s northern edge which stretches south to San Angelo. If you move just south of the region you will find one of the most beautiful natural attractions of Texas, the Palo Duro Canyon State Park. It is one of the biggest state parks in the state and includes over eighteen thousands acres of breathtaking scenery.

If you wish to witness the beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert, then land in the Big Bend Country region. This vastly diverse place is filled with rough mountains and valleys but when even the slightest of rains touches the ground the area unleashes a beauty which is impossible to describe in words. It is the ultimate place for nature lovers in quest for a wonderful experience. You can take as many photographs as you wish for your friends to witness and can also camp, bike, hike or just relax in the desert wilderness.

Head straight from the beauty of the desert to the warm waters of the Gulf Coast for having a swim. If you love birding then Gulf Coast is an ideal place. Also enjoy yourself in the sun-kissed beaches and explore the North Padre National Seashore, the longest stretch of barrier-island beach in the planet.

So in a state as diverse as Texas, there is everything for everyone.

A Trip to San Diego

February 12th, 2010

Located along the Pacific Ocean on the west coast of America, San Diego is the site of one of the largest naval fleets in the world and is therefore known as the “birthplace of naval aviation.” This naval fleet along with the tourism industry constitutes the city’s economy.

The Balboa Park in San Diego is a National Historic Landmark. This urban cultural park has an array of attractions including theaters, museums, shops, restaurants as well as the San Diego Zoo. Several gardens located in the park include the Japanese Friendship Garden, Cactus Garden, Zoro Garden and the Alcazar Garden. Many popular museums, such as the San Diego Natural History Museum, the San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego Museum of Man are all located in Balboa Park.

The San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park is one of the largest tourist attractions in the city and Southern California. It contains rare animal species from South and North America, Asia, Australia and Africa. The Nairobi Village at the Wild Animal Park is very popular and deserves a special mention. The park is also noted for its extensive botanical gardens.

Street Scene is a popular music festival in San Diego held every summer. It is one of the biggest music festivals in the country and features more than seventy musical acts covering various musical styles and genres on multiple stages. The San Diego County Fair held each summer at the Del Mar Fairgrounds also features several daily musical performances from artists of varying notability. You can enjoy these wonderful fairs and festivals while staying in the San Diego vacation rentals.

The crime rate in the city is very low and the weather also stays quite pleasant throughout the year. So if you are looking to discover a new realm of fun filled holidays, San Diego is the place to be!

Know the place you are traveling

February 4th, 2010

You will find different types of travelers around – there is one type that travels to rejuvenate. This type of travelers would be more interested about the spas and night clubs in their vacation destinations; they will wake up late even when they are on vacation.

And there is the other type that will try to roam around all the lanes of the new city! They will try to get in touch with local people, will try local cuisine or try local recipes with the help of a native person and will be able to write a book about the place at then end of their vacation.

Both the types are good; everybody has their own tastes and preference – it will not be right to impose something on people. If you do not want to go so deep with local culture, then don’t go. But, at least, do some research about the place before finalizing your travel dates – make sure you would not be in a trouble after reaching there.

Local political events: Political tension can be a nightmarish experience for the travelers. Make sure the place you are visiting will not be hosting any political event during your stay.

Festivals, Sports, Local Events: If you are looking for a calm and quiet holiday do not visit any place during local festivals. On the other hand, if you belong to the second group of traveler as mentioned above, then you must plan your vacation around local festivals. If you are visiting Alabama, book Alabama vacation rentals during local festivals or popular events.

Finally, before you get out of your home, run a web search, news search or social media search to know the latest condition of the place. It is better to cancel a tour than finding yourself amidst troubles and natural calamities.

A Trip to Santa Cruz

January 29th, 2010

Santa Cruz is home to several state parks with trails for outdoor enthusiasts seeking wildlife, hiking, picnicking and beaches whose waves are known all over the world. It is a great place to surf or to learn to surf. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is California’s oldest amusement park and a designated State Historic Landmark. This lovely city has something in store for everyone.

The Beach Boardwalk offers a variety of rides to enjoy. The Boardwalk today is largely famous for its thrill ride on the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster. This is a great place to spend a wonderful afternoon with your family. The wharf area is also an exciting place, featuring many seafood restaurants, and also eateries that offer delicious Mexican and Italian cuisines.

The vacation rentals in Santa Cruz, California are affordable and cozy. With provisions for outdoor space and private kitchens, you will find California Vacation Rentals your home away from home. The city enjoys a Mediterranean type of climate characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Fog and low overcast are common during the morning hours and night due to its proximity to Monterey Bay.

The Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, the Wilder Ranch State Park and the Nisene Marks State Park are popular picnic spots. Unlike Wilder Ranch, Nisene Marks is fully protected by a thick green canopy of redwood trees, which brings the feel of an ancient forest. Among the beaches the Seabright State Beach, and the Lighthouse Field State Beach are well-liked by the tourists from all over the country.

You can also spend time in the souvenir shops or head over to the local ‘mystery spot’ where nature’s gravity doesn’t seem to function normally. However, book the California Vacation Rentals in advance as they are high on demand.

5 Tips for Traveling with Kids

January 18th, 2010

If you are an avid traveler and you are afraid to have kids because they will spoil your annual travels, then you should give it a second thought. Traveling with kids can be enjoyable too; all you need is a little bit of planning. Let’s see how to make a travel-with-children fun-filled and safe.

1] First, consider the age of the child. If they are below 5, then this might not be the right time to take them for a long tour. Think of some short weekend trips to a nearby vacation spot.

2] Consult a child specialist before you buy the ticket or book the vacation rental home. Inform the doctor where you are going and what kind of precaution should you take. Children are more prone to cold and other infections. Make sure you take adequate protection.

3] Find out some sightseeing and funny events for the kids there. You can also take them to some educational places near your vacation destination. Make them aware of local natural resources, wildlife and history of the place while traveling. Buy some books about the region so that they can get familiar with the place.

4] Vacation rental directories list vacation homes, condos and cabins that are good for kids. An accommodation with swings, playground and other amusement opportunities for kids will be good to stay at.

5] Give them some pocket money provided they are able to handle it. Let them spend the way they want. This will give them a feeling of freedom and you will be able to track their areas of interest!

Do you have any tips on traveling with kids? Feel free to share.

California Vacation for Travelers of All Ages

January 11th, 2010

Whether you are traveling with kids or with your special someone; whether you are newly wed couple or going to celebrate your 25th marriage anniversary, California vacation will certainly offer you an unforgettable experience.

Here is a list of popular California cities; these are the favorite vacation destinations for native and international travelers:

  • Berkley
  • San Diego
  • San Francisco
  • Los Angeles
  • Santa Barbara
  • South Lake Tahoe
  • Napa

You will find California vacation rentals in all the cities. Choose your vacation home near your favorite vacation destination. Vacation homes for singles, adults, couples, groups, honeymooners or families are available at affordable rates.

California is full of attractions; here is a list of ‘places to see’ in California:

  • Golden Gate Bridge
  • Death Valley
  • Palm Springs
  • Japanese Tea Garden
  • Big Sur
  • Joshua Tree National Park
  • Sea World Adventure Park
  • Disneyland
  • Hollywood

A trip to California is a lifetime experience. Cities offer exciting nightlife; beaches offer attractive coastal line and many beach activities; simply put California offers fun unlimited. Set out for California; more you explore the state, more association you feel with the place.

Wonderful California Vacation

January 5th, 2010

Are you preparing for a California vacation? There are plenty of destinations for you to choose from. Whether you are interested in a beach vacation or you love to be around forests or snowcapped mountains – you will be able to find a suitable destination in California.

California vacation is popular among native and foreign travelers. Accommodation is not at all a problem here; lots of hotels are available all over the state and around all popular vacation destinations. If you are looking for a homely and comfortable shelter, you can go for California vacation rentals.

To make your California vacation a blissful experience, you need to plan the entire trip efficiently. You can take help of a professional travel guide if required. If you want to do all the planning and homework yourself, consult travel ideas and California vacation tips online.

Popular vacation destinations in California are San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Palm Springs,  Big Bear Lake, California Wine Country, Joshua Tree National Park etc. There are many other tourist destinations in the state. Here is a list of popular tourist destinations in California along with vacation rental properties in and around the spots.

While visiting a place in California, inquire about the attractions, tourist activities, restaurants and local cuisine, amusement options etc. Once you visit a place, try to cover adjacent spots as well. Choose a suitable accommodation that will help you to connect to all your favorite places easily.