Archive for 2012
Although many Americans think of the beach as a place for active singles, seaside vacations are actually ideal for families, couples, and senior citizens as well. In part, this is because the beaches in the United States are highly varied – as they should be, considering that the U.S. is a nation with many thousands of miles of coastline.
The most famous beach areas in the United States are located in California and Hawaii, but thePacific coastline is located at a great distance from most of the states in the Union. There is no need to travel quite so far, however, to enjoy an excellent seaside vacation; the East Coast offers a wealth of destinations that allow tourists to romp in the Atlantic Ocean instead. Standard beach pursuits such as swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and windsurfing are abundant up and down the coast, but visitors will also find that East Coast destinations offer activities that cannot be enjoyed further west. Many of these relate to the unique history of the United States – a history, whichindeed began in coastal locations along the eastern seaboard.
The Outer Banks
One of the most popular beach destinations north of Florida is the Outer Banks. Technically a chain of barrier islands dotting the coastline of North Carolina, the Outer Banks offer generally calm surf conditions, a feature that makes beaches here an ideal vacation destination for older Americans.
Tourists enjoying their golden years also tend to appreciate the Outer Banks for their wealth of intriguing historical locations. Kill Devil Hills, located just south of Kitty Hawk, is the site of the world’s first airplane flight. Visitors here can examine a replica of the Wright Flyer built by aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright. Those who are interested in pirate history may enjoy Ocracoke, the site of the feared Blackbeard’s last battle. The Outer Banks are also famed for early colonial history, for it is here that the fabled “Lost Colony” is rumored to have vanished, leaving nothing but a single unexplained word carved upon a tree: Croatoan.
Virginia Beach
Another popular beach destination along the east coast is Virginia Beach. Situated along scenic Chesapeake Bay, the area includes cities such as Hampton, Norfolk and Suffolk and features hundreds of Virginia Beach hotels, many of them located on the waterfront so that tourists have immediate access to recreational activities in the Atlantic Ocean.
This region is particularly suitable for families with young children, since they will enjoy seeing the world’s longest bridge-tunnel, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, and playing along the sandy shore of the world’s longest pleasure beach. Older children will likely enjoy visiting Virginia Beach in late August when the East Coast Surfing Championship, a major amateur competition, draws large crowds.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Perhaps the most famous beaches along the eastern seaboard are those that ring the state of Florida, whose coastline measures more than a thousand miles. While Miami Beach is best known for its vibrant nightlife, many couples find that they prefer Fort Lauderdale, located approximately 30 miles further north. Fort Lauderdale retains all the best elements of the classic Florida beach life, such as palm trees, gentle breezes, and vast expanses of sand so white the locals call it “sugar sand,” but the atmosphere here is a world apart from Miami. Not only is it easier for young couples to find excellent lodging deals in Fort Lauderdale, they will also appreciate how the more restrained beach environment makes it simpler for them to have eyes only for one another.
Tourists to Fort Lauderdale may also enjoy a visit to a pioneer house that dates from the early 1900s. Originally a trading post, Stranahan House also served as a residence for the first schoolteacher in the city. A tour through the house, which features period furniture and a wealth of information on early settlers to the Fort Lauderdale area, can provide tourists with something different from the usual sun and sand that characterize a Florida vacation.
As the unofficial national anthem of the United States insists, the country stretches from “sea to shining sea.” It is no wonder, then, that both coasts are popular with tourists who seek to enjoy a relaxing or invigorating beach vacation. From Florida to Virginia to North Carolina, the eastern seaboard is in every respect the equal of the more famous beach areas located further west.
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Sample some salt beef in one of Brick Lane’s finest!
As well as being the location of several fine Indian restaurants, Brick Lane is also synonymous with the Londoners for its delicious bagels. Open 24 hours a day and serving a wide variety of fillings, a Brick Lane bagel is a must for any foodies!
Take a tour at the British Museum
For an educational day out, there is no better place than the British Museum, where visitors will get a chance to see historical gems such as the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon Marbles.
Have a look at the city from the London Eye
Located in Waterloo, the London Eye truly is the best way to take in the whole city. Marvel at some of the cities most famous landmarks including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and even the Queen’s backyard!
Spend a day at the South Bank
There is no better way to spend a relaxing Sunday than walking along London’s South Bank. Browse the book markets, have a coffee and put your feet up! Cinephiles should also be sure to check out the British Film Institute for retrospectives of some of the world’s greatest auteurs, an IMAX cinema and shop.
Enjoy afternoon tea, London style!
Probably the most British experience on offer would be to sip tea from a china cup and nibble on some nice patisserie. Bea’s of Bloomsbury and The Berkeley’s are where to go for delicious cakes and a lovely cuppa!
Relax in some of the country’s finest pubs
Many would say that until you venture in to one of London’s finest, you haven’t seen the real side of the city. So why not relax, read the paper and treat yourself to a nice pint in any one of the lovely pubs to be found in and around the city.
Shop till you drop on the King’s Road!
For those of you looking to shop till you drop, King’s Road is a must. Boasting a wide range of luxury shops and boutiques, King’s Road is the place to be for the fashion conscious visitor. Using your credit card in London may entitle you to a number of credit card rewards so be sure to check out if you can get any added extras with your purchases!
The author of this article is part of a blogging team that works with brands like American Express. The content contained is for information purposes only and should not be used to make any financial decisions.
Hong Kong makes the perfect weekend break destination. With so much happening in such a small space, there is never a shortage of activities or things to see. From modern glamorous shopping malls to cultured temples the combination of flashing neon and airplanes overhead against flickering candles and chanting monks, this merge of culture boundaries a place like no other.
A bus tour of the city is always an effective way of getting a city sampler. The daily Land between Tour by Heritage Tours takes in the highest mountains, rural markets and fishing villages. If you have energy, the Hong Kong Tourism Board walking tours offer innovative and free walking experiences with lectures by a group of experts on the local culture and feng shui. If you have your credit card with you, the Splendid Tour offers a helicopter ride over the city with a dramatic view as well as lunch in Aberdeen Harbour and time in Stanley.
One of the key attractions for short term visits is Victoria Peak. This is a high point overlooking the city. The views are dramatic by both day and night with panoramic views of the city and harbour. This can be reached by tram and is a particularly memorable experience.
The Central Market is home to fried greens and fresh ginger prawns, rivalling some of the best Chinese and Asian restaurants in the city. Wan Chai is the island hot spot and where to get the best out of the night scene during your visit.
Despite the noise, energy and chaos, it is possible to find some tranquile whilst you stay. Stanley and Shek O are beach towns on the island’s south and have a relaxed coastal ambiance along with excellent seafood. Lamma Island is a pretty fishing port with a feel of the Greek islands. For a perfect day here, chill out on the beach, potter around the boutiques, sample the harbour side restaurants and bars and then take the scenic route back to Hong Kong bay with the skyline alight with an amazing night view.
Tips for your weekend:
- The weather is best in Hong Kong from November through March
- It’s customary to exchange business cards when meeting someone and important to overlook the card carefully before shaking someone’s hand.
- The hotel concierge will be able to give you a ‘cheat sheet’ (if you ask) which will list the popular Hong Kong attractions in English and Cantonese as the taxi drivers do not speak English.
- The Aqua Luna Harbor Cruise offers the best view of the light show.
If possible, everyone should consider booking Barcelona flights well in advance of their travel dates. There are two reasons for this. One, Barcelona is a highly popular destination and flights on certain dates can sell completely out. Secondly, booking in advance is generally considered the best way to secure a lower price. For these reasons, advanced planning may hold some advantages over waiting until closer to your travel date.
Flights to Barcelona are priced quite reasonably at this time. You can easily use your computer to search through the available prices, and will be able to purchase your seat directly online if you wish. Keep in mind that should you choose not to purchase immediately after searching, the rates you find when you next search again could indeed be different. Flights always have been, and always will be, subject to availability.
If you are unsure of your specific travel dates, you may still be able to find an excellent last minute deal on Barcelona flights. Obviously, there are no guarantees when you shop at the last minute. However, if you find that you do have some level of flexibility over the time frame during which you travel, you may be able to grab a last minute deal on a flight that has open seats. Again, check online to see what is available.
Lifestyles have changed over the years; people have become too busy to spend good quality family time together. How can a family grow closer together if they are never physically with each other? Taking trips together can help a family have a closer bond and relationship, but a family who never spends time with each other will not have this opportunity to draw closer together.
Family holidays are joining families together in special ways. They are making memories to last a lifetime. The tensions that build up from everyday living can cause stress on families today, but by taking a holiday together those stresses can become lighter and easier to deal with. A family can stay closer by sharing in a relaxing break from the daily stresses of life.
A holiday for the family might be soaking up the sun on a beach, or it might be a more energetic holiday at a theme park. The location is not as important as the fact that the family is taking a holiday together. So many families drift apart because of never doing any fun activities together. A holiday is an opportunity for the whole family to have fun while they bond together.
For a family to connect, they need to spend some time away from the daily activities with the ones they love. A family unit can build a stronger relationship when they are not under stress. As someone gets older, they can look back on their childhood and remember those family trips together. The trips will be remembered as some of the happiest times in their lives. A holiday can enable a family to concentrate just on each other instead of the daily routines. They can have fun playing and laughing together while they explore the world around them.
Families need to find more times to build lasting relationships with each other. Holidays spent together will ensure better relationships with the loved ones, and they will create memories to share with others throughout the generations. A holiday with the family can become a tradition to pass down throughout the years.
In the world of travel, package holidays have quickly gained much popularity, and with good reason. Package deals that include the cost of both the flight and accommodations tend to cost a great deal less than purchasing these things separately. If there is anyone who does not like to save money on the cost of travel, it is hard to imagine who that might be.
So where does one find these deals? Online. Travel services such as Thomas Cook now offer you the opportunity to easily search online for the lowest prices to the destination that you have in mind. In addition to flight and lodging deals, all inclusive holidays are also offered. Both are excellent ways to stretch your travel budget even further than you imagined. For many, traveling while sticking to a budget has become an absolute necessity.
Package holidays are most definitely here to stay. They have become a huge hit with both occasional and frequent travelers alike. With both popular, as well as out of the way destinations included, excellent options abound. If you are planning to travel, simply log on and select you deal. Complete your booking, print out your confirmation, and prepare to travel. Before you know it, you will be off to see new areas of the world without spending a fortune to do it!