Vacation and Travel Advice
Vacation and Travel Suggestions and Advice from unbiased source. Read about other traveler’s reviews of different holiday locations, vacation spots and hotels. Find out what and where to avoid when going on Vacation.

Archive for the ‘Nature Preserve’ Category

Looking for Mountain Cabins for Rent

Wednesday, September 13th, 2006

Some of the best vacations I’ve ever had have been by way of staying in mountain cabins for rent.  When vacation time finally rolls around after an especially stressful year, there’s really no better way to relax than by staying in mountain cabins for rent. When you’re in a remote cabin in a beautiful, wooded environment, you can’t help but just take it easy and relax. In fact, you’re almost forced to relax, so if you’re like me and have a hard time taking it easy you might want to look into some mountain cabins for rent.

Mountain cabins for rent aren’t as much money as you would expect, either. You can get a good-sized cabin in a beautiful area for around the same price you’d pay for a nice hotel in a big city. There are some great deals on mountain cabins for rent in Yosemite, for instance. Yosemite is definitely what I would call the most beautiful region on Earth, and I’ve been to a lot of other really scenic areas around the country and world. There two best ways to really see a place like Yosemite is either backpacking or renting a mountain cabin; backpacking may be even more scenic, but the cabin is by far more luxurious!

Of course, the larger and much nicer mountain cabins for rent are more expensive. If you go with a group of friends, however, you can split up the costs to the point where its actually cheaper than staying in hotel. Spending a few days in a mountain cabin with a group of friends can be a lot of fun to boot. Fishing, hiking, swimming, hunting, bird watching, lake sports, jumping off cliffs into a freezing cold river, getting chased by mountain lions, whatever you’re into you can find it in the woods.

Renting out a smaller more intimate mountain cabin can be a great idea for a romantic getaway as well. Mountain cabins for rent basically ensure that you’ll have plenty of quality time to spend with that special someone. A trip to a hotel in a big city is great too, but its very easy to get caught up in all the sights and sounds of the town and to forget about the real reason you’re getting away; to be with each other.

For a nice change of pace in you next vacation, consider looking into some mountain cabins for rent. You’ll likely be surprised on what kind of great deals you can get, and you’re sure to have an excellent, enjoyable, and truly relaxing time.

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Things to Do on Canada Vacations

Monday, August 21st, 2006

Canada vacations are some of the most satisfying getaway solutions. With the summer heat the way it is in some of our towns, a cooler, or freezing winter in Canada is actually inviting. With half the world at war, the politically free and socially indifferent Canadians seem like a welcome community. And with the fascinating history, locations, events, and activities available in the deep north, Canada vacations give promise to otherwise droll weeks of work.

Where could you plan to visit on Canada vacations?

Wow. So many locations to cover in this the second largest country in the world–from Alberta to Quebec to Ontario to BC (British Columbia). Add Manitoba, Vancouver Island, and Newfoundland (not Canada, but nearby). Then consider specific tourist attractions as the awesome Niagara Falls, the stunning Banff National Park, and the equally majestic Jasper National Park.

What can you do and see during your Canada vacations?

Go hiking, waterskiing, sporting, then try the wilder regions where hunting and fishing draw hundreds of professional and casual sportsmen. Catch a hockey game with the Edmonton Oilers five-time Stanley cup champions. Try the French-Canadian cuisine, the maple syrup, the galumpies (what my Mom calls them, anyway) and the gallettes.

And none of this is appealing to you yet, consider getting involved somehow in all that Canada vacations have behind them great people, natural entities, and a rich history (free of international strife!). That is, think about some of the vital info, found on Canada vacations sites in the trivia categories though by no means is this info all that trivial:

Go check out the CN Tower, which is 553.33 meters high.

Take the challenge to scale the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson, in British Columbia.

Go kayaking, boating, or whitewater rafting down the longest river in Canada, the Mackenzie, which starts in the Northwest Territories and ends up at the Hudson Bay.

Visit the big cities in Quebec; buy art from the locals or the Inuits; take in a culture fair or festival with the Canadians who live up to their country s name, Canada, or Kanata, village, or indulge in some of the hottest clubs and hot spots.

In fact, don’t forget, such brilliant comics as Mike Myers, Caroline Rhea, Tom Green, Dave Foley, Jim Carrey, John Candy, Phil Hartman, Dan Akroyd, Tommy Chong, and Martin Short all hailed from Canada, so your Canada vacations, should they for some ungodly reason be lacking, could include a visit to a local comedy club! No visitors should miss it.

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Romantic San Diego Vacation

Wednesday, August 2nd, 2006

Going to California for a vacation? Then you should really consider the San Diego area. There is multitude of activities and sights to see; you probably won’t have enough time to do it all! To make your San Diego vacation is one to remember, be sure to start plenty ahead of time. It’s possible to purchase tickets online for such attractions as Sea World and the San Diego Zoo, which are usually available at a discount when purchasing in advance. There is something for everyone, depending on what you have in mind. Torrey Pines State Park offers room to run with viewing of wild rare birds and a stately abundance of pine trees, which of course, gives the historic park its name.

With such a wide variety of activities, events, restaurants, and lodging, you can plan your trip on a budget or spend lavishly, whichever you prefer. Such historic sites as the Hotel del Coronado, offer upscale shopping, dining, and informative tours as well as fine overnight accommodations. Many festive occasions take place at this ocean side historic landmark; grand weddings being the most popular. There are many family friendly activities also available, such as bike rentals, swimming, and sand toys to rent. This grand old hotel is also rumored to be haunted, something for those who enjoy the paranormal!

The San Diego Zoo is one of the most popular attractions. It is considered to be America’s best, and one of the most famous zoos also, with many of the rarest animals on display. According to Frommer’s, a well respected travel publication, the zoo serves as residence to over 4,000 different creatures and is operated by the Zoological Society of San Diego. Plan on spending a whole day and then some meandering through the many paved walkways of the park, or you can take the popular tramway for a wonder aerial overview. There can sometimes be a wait for some of the zoos newest and most popular exhibits, but all well worth it! Bring your camera and take lots of pictures, the animals love the attention!

Another must see attraction is Sea World, home of Shamu and as of December, 2004, Baby Shamu, the killer whales. These spectacular creatures put on shows daily exhibiting their unique relationships and many talents. Watch out for the big splash if you’re sitting in the front rows! Brrrrr! When the killer whales make their dives, they splash chilly 55 degree salt water on the closest fans; an exciting, wet experience!

Where ever you stay, or what attractions you see, you won’t be disappointed by the over abundance of things to do or experience in San Diego. Fine dining on the wharf, or shopping in Gaslamp Quarter, the possibilities are endless. Bring the kids or leave them with the grandparents for a romantic trip for two, you can’t go wrong! Either way, you will get to enjoy a unique San Diego vacation.

Posted in Advice, Budget Travel, California, Cheap Travel, Children, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Nature Preserve, San Diego, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »

Enjoy Diverse Culture on Australia Vacation

Tuesday, July 4th, 2006

Have you thought of visiting Australia for a vacation? The Land Down Under has everything, absolutely everything the traveler could desire. The country is very diverse so that you can actually have many vacations when you take an Australia vacation.

Are you the kind of person that wants to be surrounded by a big city when you get away from it all? In Sydney, your trip would include cultural events at the world famous Sydney Opera House.

An Australia vacation could include an outing at their exquisite horse racing facilities. If a casino is more to you liking, the city of Perth combines a world class gambling resort with a small town atmosphere.

An Australia vacation can also mean getting totally away from the hustle and bustle of the city and going to the unspoiled landscape of the outback. Care to try your hand at looking for rare gemstones while on your vacation? You can actually mine for opals and perhaps make a fortune. Do other cultures appeal to you? On your Australia vacation, you can visit and see the lifestyle of the Aborigines, showing you art and craft forms handed down for thousands of years.

If the wide-open spaces is more to your liking, travel across the continent and watch kangaroos frolicking along the road as you travel to the famous Ayer’s Rock in Alice Springs.

One other thing that visitors particularly like about an Australia vacation is the people. Aussies are some of the most open and friendly people on the planet. Their hospitality makes you feel like one of their own almost from the moment you get off the plane.

If water sports are what you are interested in, the Gold Coast adjoins the Great Barrier Reef. No trip to Australia is complete without going to Cairns for boating, diving, and sailing. You will think you have returned to a nature before man ever set foot on those beaches.

In the north, near Darwin, the unspoiled beauty of the seacoast is unlike anything you probably have ever experienced before you took your vacation.

Having traveled there a number of times, I can personally tell you that an Australia vacation means going to a place where people share nature and not dominate it. Every location in Australia reminds a person that they are a part of nature. Even in a large metropolis like Sydney, the beauty of the ocean is always a part of your experience.

An Australia vacation should also include a trip to Hobart on the island of Tasmania in the south of the country. You will think that you had turned back the clock a hundred years and have been transported to another country. And while on your Australia vacation, do not miss Adelaide. You could be standing in an 18th century whaling town.

You will want to spend plenty of time exploring Australia. One trip will never do. There are endless new sights and experience waiting for you in Australia.

Posted in Adventure Travel, Advice, Air Travel, Australia, Beach, Children, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Nature Preserve, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »

Short Trip to Cedar Key, Florida

Friday, June 30th, 2006

Cedar Key is list right on top of the vacation spots list for the nature lovers. If you are looking for a special hideaway for your next vacation, or even short day trip, look no farther than Cedar Key, Florida.

Cedar Key is off the Florida mainland, in the clear, rich waters of the Gulf. Time rather stands still when you are surrounded by nature as it was intended to be. The unique quality of the local coastal environment gives you the opportunity to take in this beautiful area, unspoiled by the commercialization and hassle of everyday life.

This is a special quiet place, a serene village set among the numerous tiny islands on the Gulf Coast of Florida. You might call it the Old Florida In fact, it is one of the oldest ports in the state and along the old railway line that connected the east and western parts of Florida. Over time, the island became a major supplier of both seafood and timber to the northeast. Today, artists and writers come to settle in Cedar Key for its tranquil lifestyle and easy ambiance.

Visitors come to the island to walk around its historic streets and savor the galleries and the world famous restaurants. Cedar Key is the USA’s top producer of farm raised Clams. However, there are many activities within the close area.

Because the Cedar Key area is a protected nature preserve, this is definitely the place for bird watching. No less than seven protected sites are in the area, allowing visitors pristine nature walks and excursions. This is what is said about the area; Federally protected sanctuaries around Cedar Key are ideally suited to a vast range of migratory and shore birds, including the elusive white pelican, roseate spoonbill, and bald eagle. The variety of natural habitats, from salt marshes to Indian shell mounds, makes this truly a nature lover’s paradise.

No location on the water would be complete without fishing and boating, and this place is no exception. You can charter boats for pleasure or fishing or take along an experienced guide to show you the local sights. Visitors to Cedar Key are always impressed with the hospitality of the local people who are eager to share the wonder of this location as well as their special lifestyle. Canoes, kayaks, motorboats, as well as bicycles are available. There are several golf courses in the immediate area also.

There are numerous places to stay in Cedar Key including motels, condominiums, bed-and-breakfast, cottages, and private homes. It is a vacation suitable for family with small kids.

FACTS:

Cedar Key is located 50 miles west of I-75 at Gainesville, Florida, via State Road 24, four miles out into the Gulf of Mexico, accessible by bridges and causeways. The average year-round temperature is 80 degrees and the population is approximately 1000.

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