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Visit Washington DC, The Nation’s Capital

By Andrew Regan

For many, Washington D.C. is more than just the capital and administrative centre of the United States: it’s also the spiritual home of the nation, which houses some of its most important documents and artefacts. That’s why any vacation to Washington D.C. should incorporate a comprehensive tour of its many famous landmarks and highly acclaimed museums and galleries, in order to foster a better understanding of America’s historical legacy.

Of course, anyone intent on exploring Washington D.C. will likely have the White House as their most important point of interest. However, it’s crucial not to let the allure of the President’s abode get in the way of appreciating the city’s other well-known political landmarks. Pay a visit to the National Mall -, a large open area which features many monuments to American leaders, including the Washington Monument. In close proximity to the Mall, you’ll also find the Lincoln Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Albert Einstein Memorial.

The Library of Congress and the National Archives are also worth a visit, as they house the United States’ most important documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and Bill of Rights. As Oone of Washington D.C.’s most popular attractions, the Library of Congress and the National Archives serve as a permanent reminder of America’s historical and cultural heritage, and are an equally popular attraction with both domestic visitors and foreign tourists.

You’ll also find the world-famous Smithsonian Institution in this area of Washington D.C. Today, the Smithsonian Institution incorporates a complex of museums, many of which are must-see attractions for any tourist in Washington D.C. The collection caters to to a diverse array of interests, including the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Zoo, among others.

In keeping with its tradition of hosting some of the nation’s leading artistic and historic exhibitions, Washington D.C also offers tourists and culture vultures some more unique galleries and museums. For instance, visitors will find the Untied States Holocaust Memorial Museum adjacent to the National Mall, a unique institution that is dedicated to researching, documenting and interpreting the history of the Holocaust. Additionally, the National Building Museum offers a cultural museum with a difference, acting as a dedication to “architecture, design, engineering, construction and urban planning”.

If you’re planning a visit to Washington D.C., you’ll be able to find a number of hotels in Washington’s downtown district, so you’ll definitely be able to locate central accommodation that will give you easy access to the capital’s most vibrant attractions. Not only will you be able to take stock of the country’s solid historical standing, but you’ll also be able to take in a range of cultural exhibits at the same time.

Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Regan

               

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Victoria Travel

By Jessica Elliott

Overview
There are two sides to Victoria that appeal to tourists. The first is the city’s connection to its British beginnings — Victoria is the most British city in Canada. The other side is the city’s tourist appeal. Recently named one of the world’s ten best cities to visit by a leading U.S. travel magazine, Victoria is overloaded with tourist attractions, including the Royal London Wax Museum, the Pacific Undersea Gardens, Miniature World, English Village, and Anne Hathaway’s Thatched Cottage. The most popular district of Victoria is the Inner Harbor, home of the Royal British Columbia Museum and the Empress Hotel. Victoria is also the home of some of Canada’s finest beaches. The best in the city is Willows Beach, but there are others in the suburbs that are nicer and less crowded.

Sightseeing Attractions
While the Undersea Gardens and the Royal London Wax Museum are very tourist-oriented attractions, they do have their appeal. Keep in mind, though, that entry fees are typically high. The Inner Harbor and Chinatown are appealing and worth visiting for their cultural appeal. The streets of the Inner Harbor are packed with artists and musicians selling their work and filling the streets with music. Chinatown is a great place for market shopping and for dining on traditional Chinese cuisine. The Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay make for a great day trip. They were built over what used to be a limestone quarry and now have fireworks during summer nights and Christmas lights during the winter months.

Outdoor Activities
If you’re looking for some outdoor adventures, you may want to check out some of Victoria’s beaches. Many offer surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling opportunities. Another great experience is taking a Harbor tour on a ferry where tourists can watch the buildings of the Inner Harbor while they float past in the water. The Galloping Goose Trail is a great place for hiking or biking, and many places rent bicycles for unprepared tourists. Finally, visitors can go whale watching through one of the vendor companies that operate at the Inner Harbor.

Nightlife
There are several places that are great for shopping in Victoria. Inner Harbor is a great spot for buying hand-crafted goods, Government Street is the largest and most commercial stretch of shopping venues, Market Square is a less commercial open-air market with many unique souvenirs, and Fort Street is the best place for antique shopping. Most of Victoria’s eating and drinking establishments are located within walking distance of each other downtown. Restaurants serve everything from traditional North American cuisine to British cuisine to Asian cuisine and vary in price from snack shops to luxury dining venues. Victoria also has a few great bars and nightclubs, some offering live music, some offering a quaint atmosphere, and some offering DJ-controlled dance music.

Jessica Elliott is a freelance writer for Directory of Hotels.com – Hip Cool Hotels. For travel to this region, she recommends staying at any one of these fine Boutique Hotels in Victoria.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Elliott

               

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Rushford Lake NY

By Michael Tasner

Looking for a beautiful lake to relax at during the summer? Rushford Lake NY will definitely fit the bill! It’s located in Allegany County and is northeast of Olean, NY. This man made lake is home to great fishing, boating, hunting and much more!

My family and I have been vacationing at Rushford Lake New York for years and get to the lake every chance we get. For us, it’s about a 90 minute drive. The drive however is a nice drive through the woods and many small towns such as Holland and Arcade. When we start getting close to our cottage, our hearts start pumping as we know any worries or stress will be checked at the car.

Rushford Lake NY is a place where you can simply do just that, forget about everything and just relax. Some people relax by sitting on their docks tanning in the sun and listening to the boats go by and the water hit their shorelines. Others, take a boat ride around the lake in their new pontoon boat or speed boat. Whatever your pleasure is, Rushford Lake is a great place for it. Many people have asked “how’s the fishing.” I reply “great.” We’ve caught fish all over the lake from trout and carp to all types of bass and perch. I’m not a hunter, nor is anyone in my family, but I know neighbors have caught a variety of deer. Because the location is discrete and nestled in the woods there is bound to be deer all over the place!

If your looking for a place to visit whether it be for a weekend rental, or even to purchase a cottage, I’d highly recommend checking our gorgeous Rushford lake NY.

Michael Tasner is an avid Rushford Lake NY visitor. Check out his website at Rushford Lake NY

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Tasner

               

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Copenhagen Travel

By Jessica Elliott

Overview
Copenhagen, the capital of Scandinavia, is one of Europe’s smallest capitals and one of the most easily traveled. Copenhagen’s center, Slotsholmen, encompasses no more than a thirty minute walk from one side to the other. Slotsholmen is the district with the most historical and architectural appeal of the city. On the opposite side of the Slotsholmen Kanal is Indre By, the most-modern city district, packed tightly together with cafes, bars, restaurants, shops, churches, and museums. Opposite of Indre By is the island of Christianshavn, Copenhagen’s art district. Northeast of Indre By is Copenhagen’s former aristocratic district, home of several palaces, including the Rosenborg palace, and Kastellet, the oldest continually-utilized military fort in Europe. South of Indre By is Rådhuspladsen and Central Station.

Tourist Attractions
Copenhagen is home to many amazing museums: Bakkehus Museum, the Barbie Doll Museum, the Museum of Modern Glass Art, Museum Erotica, the Museum of Copenhagen, the National Museum, and the Worker’s Museum, just to name a few. All of these museums display an interesting array of treasures that Copenhagen tourists will enjoy browsing. A trip to Amalienborg Palace to watch the changing of the guards can be an enjoyable experience, and the Botanic Garden is a must-see for flora enthusiasts. Kids will enjoy a trip to the Copenhagen Zoo, and art enthusiasts will want to take a trip to see Edvard Eriksen’s statue of the Little Mermaid.

Historical and Architectural Attractions
While Slotsholmen is a monument in itself to Copenhagen’s historical architecture, there are places outside of the city center’s walls that are just as rich in historical value. On the city’s outskirts lie Kronborg and Frederiksborg castles, Kronborg being the actual castle that Elsinore Castle of Shakespeare’s Hamlet was based on. There are also many historical attractions northeast of Indre By, including the Rosenburg palace, the Kongens Have gardens and the Botanisk Have greenhouses, the Marmorkirke church, the Amalienborg palace, and the Kastellet military fort.

Nightlife
There are two great places for shopping in Copenhagen: Strøget, the pedestrian mall that links four of the city’s streets, and Fields, Scandinavia’s largest shopping center. For dining, fresh herring can be found in the restaurants along Nyhavn, and typical Mediterranean cuisine can be found in establishments condensed mostly within Indre By. Drinking is a popular pastime in Copenhagen, and it is not difficult to find a pub on just about every corner serving lager, Scandinavia’s drink of choice. However, wine is also pretty easy to find in some of the city’s more upscale dining establishments. Recently, Copenhagen has acquired some cocktail bars and nightclubs These clubs can be found in four different areas around the city — Indre By, Tivoli, Vesterbro, and Nørrebro.

Jessica Elliott is a freelance writer for Directory of Hotels.com – Hip Cool Hotels. For travel to this region, she recommends staying at any one of these fine Small Hotels in Copenhagen.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Elliott

               

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Top 5 Places I Wouldn’t Miss In Phoenix

By John Abignale

It was a tough task trying to narrow down the top 5 places I would choose to go to if I hired a charter bus because there are too many places I would love to visit again in Phoenix. Ranking my fav Phoenix attractions was tough, but here they are for you to enjoy.

1. Desert Botanical Garden
To me, the Desert Botanical Garden is the best place in Phoenix to take a charter bus to. It has one of the world’s largest collections of desert plants – just something you don’t usually see in other botanical gardens in other parts of the country. They have a wide variety of endangered species of plants there; so, when you’re in Phoenix, get the charter bus to take you Papago Park Desert Botanical Garden. You won’t regret it.

2. Heard Museum
Learning about Native Americans has always been of interest to me. There’s just something fascinating about how they lived and how they molded their culture. So, when my family and I finally got the chance to rent a charter bus to Phoenix, Heard Museum was definitely on my list. In this museum, you’ll see an amazing showcase of art and culture back during Native American days, learn about the tribes and their culture.

3. Camelback Mountain
My hike up this renowned Phoenix Peak was nothing short of awesome! It took a little more than an hour for the group to hike up the lofty mountain that looks somewhat like a camel (hence the name, get it?). Rock climbers are going to love this mountain too because at some points during the hike, we had to resort to mountain-climbing techniques to get to the top because of the steep angle of the trail. The picture we took at the top is one of my favorite keepsakes from the trip.

4. Carolina’s Mexican Food
Here you can let reality go and just forget about pretending to be a rich and elegant tourist from another state or country; just relax, hang out, chill out, eat to your hearts content and be weary about the real world later! A beguiling little restaurant tucked away in a corner of Phoenix that we wouldn’t have otherwise found if not for the charter bus driver’s recommendation. If you’re interested, here’s where you can find them. 1202 E Mohave St, Phoenix, AZ.

5. Phoenix Zoo
If you’re bringing kids along for the charter bus trip to Phoenix, it would only make sense to make a trip to the Phoenix Zoo. Although there isn’t anything particularly extraordinary about the Phoenix zoo, the kids loved it and parents felt comfortable with the cleanliness of the place and the well-organized structure of the zoo.

John Abignale is a writer for The BusBank www.busbank.com/rental-charter-Phoenix charter bus rental provider in Phoenix. The BusBank provides Phoenix hassle free group and event transportation solutions with a high level of safety and service.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Abignale

               

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Paris Vacation Planning

By Frank Collins

When planning a vacation to Paris you want to consider activities, entertainment, meals, and of course some of the world famous attractions. Paris has a wide array of choices from sporting events, art festivals to fine dining.

In Paris, many people stay in apartments for vacation. The hotels are nice, yet the apartments are cheaper and more relaxing with more of a home feeling. Moreover, an apartment has extra living space versus a hotel. Some of the apartments in Paris are on islands or neighboring environments along the exquisite Seine River.

You can plan a stay at the apartments near the St. Martin Canal. Some of the apartments have Internet connection, which is ideal for writers, business executives, and traveling students. For the travelers on a budget, there are also youth hostels.

When choosing places to stay in Paris, be sure you research the market. Hotels and apartments are available for vacationers. The downside is many hotel rooms cost $100 and up per night. Choose from the many hotel booking sites online.

How to get around in Paris:

Getting around in Paris is quite easy using the metro or bus passes. It is wise to purchase passes before you leave for vacation, you will save money. The passes include the Roissy Bus, which costs only $10. You can use this bus to travel to Paris’s popular airports, such as Charles De Gaulle. In addition, you can purchase museum passes. The passes include transportation in some instances. If you purchase the passes in Paris, you will need to consider exchange rates. Online however, you can find the passes for the same amount you would spend in Paris and avoid waiting in line.

If you intend to visit the famous museums in Paris, such as the Louvre, you may want buy two day passes. The passes will take you to la Carte and to many monuments and museums in Paris. You are taken straight to the destination. The price of the passes are $40. Paris monuments and museums however allow children under eighteen free passes. If you are on a budget, you may want to get a three-day pass, which allows you to travel on the metro bus. The pass gives you unlimited entries up to three days. The passes cost $13 for children ages 11 and below.

You will find better deals by choosing travel packages. The downside is if you prefer to visit Paris without a tour guide, then forgets your itinerary. The packages have tour guides that take you to Paris’s main tourist attractions.

The travel packages often include flight, car rental, activities, entertainment, accommodations, etc. In some instances, you also get discounts on fine French cuisine. If you choose a cruise package, normally your items are paid with the package. Taking a cruises is also nice, since you’ll be on some of Paris’s most beautiful liners, which carry you across some of the most amazing shores of Paris.

To learn more about packages, planning, and more check out the many web sites online where you will find coupons, promotions, discounts, sales and more.

Frank Collins is an traveler and an editor for Exploring Abroad.com

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frank_Collins

               

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One Day Tours Hawaii

By Kevin McNally

If you are someone who is going to be spending a vacation in Hawaii but are going to be spending your time located at one particular resort during your stay then you may want to consider learning more about one day tours Hawaii.

Such tours allow you to spend time either for the day or you can stay overnight if you wish at some of the other islands that make up this beautiful state. So let us learn a little more about one day tours Hawaii State that a person can take.

The best way to probably first start booking these day tours is through the agent who originally arranged your vacation for your. Certainly you may well discover that they can actually get a better price for you than if you actually arranged the trips yourself.

Also there are a number of companies that are based in Hawaii that offer these trips and can be arranged once you have arrived and settled into your vacation. Some of the companies you may wish to consider using in order to organize such a trip include the following:-

1. Roberts Hawaii – This is one of the biggest tour companies on the islands and they can provide you with day and overnight trips to either Maui, Kauai or Big Island.

2. Polynesian Adventure Tours – This company is just as large as Roberts Hawaii and can provide visitors to Hawaii with 2 different kinds of tours that will take them to the outer islands as well as then taking them on from their to another island of their choice.

3. Aloha Island Tours – This particular company only offers those who wish to spend a day touring Maui, Kauai or Big Island.

The other way of doing one day tours of Hawaii and if you want to do it at your own pace and not one that has been set by a travel or tour operator is to arrange to purchase a 7 day island pass from Aloha Airlines. This costs around $336 and allows you unlimited flights between the various islands that make up Hawaii for the seven days that you have paid for. You can fly from Honolulu to Maui to Kauai to Molokai to Lanai and to Big Island using this pass. Generally the flights from Honolulu take from 20 to 45 minutes to complete depending upon which island you are going to be visiting.

So if you are someone who does not want to spend all of their vacation sat on a beach watching the ships go by, but wants to learn a little bit more about what the islands have to offer then why not arrange some one day tours of Hawaii either before you go or when you get there.

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For more information on Hawaii activities information visit www.hotelsinternationalairfares.com/hawaii_activities_information.html

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_McNally

               

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See Alaska By Cruise Ship This Summer

By Mandy Karlik

Sometimes I think that even if nobody new ever went on a first-ever cruise to Alaska, the cruise industry would stay busy with Alaskan cruises just taking people who’ve already been there back again…and again.

The largest state in a very large country, Alaska is probably not the place you think it is. First, it is a vast land where civilization exists in outposts against a wilderness background. There are many parts of Alaska where animals outnumber people.

The wilderness theme crops up where you would least expect it. Try to get in and out of the state’s capital city, Juneau, and you find that you need to do it by boat or plane. The place is not accessible by car.

Flying is altogether a normal way of going from point A to point B in Alaska. The state has made flight-seeing popular since so many great natural attractions were best accessed from the air.

Alaska also has a railroad system that was built specifically to show off the state’s enthralling natural beauty. Though not extensive, you can travel by rail in Alaska in dome-topped luxury club cars and see the mountains, valleys, and wildlife from the comfort of a luxury vehicle.

That’s not such a very different concept from cruising, where you can sail by glaciers, mountains, wildlife, and postcard-perfect scenery all without leaving the comfort of the balcony of your stateroom. (If you like to travel inside stateroom to save money, you can watch this from the many public rooms on the ship.)

If you cruise to Alaska, expect to find chilly temperatures, even in summer. Factor in the breeze off the water and the chill when the sun sets and you can see why a cruise to Alaska requires you to take what passes for winter wear in some of our more southern states.

Of course, that has never stopped adventurous souls from appreciating Alaska. The state has a very diverse history. First, it’s the only part of the United States that was ever once part of Russia. You may find Russian artifacts, habits, and even souvenirs in some places. When Seward bought Alaska for the U.S. in the 19th century, the deal was negotiated with Russia.

Early in its American history, Alaska became the sight of a gold stampede as lots of miners headed north to make their fortunes. A few even planned to pan for gold.

Today, Alaska is more concerned with “black gold,” or its native oil reserves. Despite abundant natural wealth and beauty, life and even tourism in Alaska isn’t always easy. Many products and services in Alaska are expensive, at least by lower-48 standards. The climate is cold and can be hostile, so travel requires a lot of advanced preparation and some physical hardiness.

That’s why an Alaskan cruise makes sense, particularly for those modern-day adventurers who aren’t so sure they want to climb a mountain of ice to see a glacier or struggle along an unpaved road in an off-road vehicle in the snow to get to the next town.

When shopping for an Alaskan cruise, look at the excursions that are offered. Most cruise ships offer plenty of time for you to soak up on-board activities, so you should take advantage of whatever shore excursions best match your interests.

Want to see polar bears? Go whale watching? Go fly fishing? Flight-see around a glacier? Shop for native art? Drive a dog sled? Most Alaskan cruises offer great excursions like these.

Some cruise shoppers penny pinch for excursions, but it is usually a better deal to penny pinch on a stateroom. Here’s why. The biggest part of your bill in seeing Alaska is getting there. That’s your cruise fare. Once you’re there, you may be able to flight-see or whale watch or do other once-in-a-lifetime thing for a few hundred dollars.

Think of it this way. If you wanted to go fishing for Alaskan king salmon, right this minute, you’d have to get to Alaska and then charter a fishing trip.

If you wanted to whale watch today, you’d have to get to Alaska and then book passage on a whale-watching expedition.

On the cruise, you’re already there. You’re just paying a supplement or up - charge for these incredible experiences. If you have to economize, you’re better off making do with a smaller or inside stateroom and getting the excursions.

Years from now, you won’t remember your cruise so much from what your room was like but rather the excursions you had.

Mandy Karlik loves to travel and wishes she was on a cruise ship to Alaska right now. If you’re not on an Alaskan cruise, either, find out how to get there by going to www.thecruise-shopper.com

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mandy_Karlik

               

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The Romance of a Jamaica Honeymoon

By Andrew Bicknell

If you are trying to decide where to go for your post wedding trip a honeymoon in Jamaica is one of the best places to choose for those days of romance and bliss. Jamaica, an island nation in the Caribbean Sea known for its scenery and amazing weather is one of the most gorgeous and romantic tropical honeymoon spots in the world. Going off to secluded lagoons, lying on pristine white beaches, watching the coconut fronds wave in the breeze are just some moments unique to a Jamaica honeymoon.

Jamaica has everything a newlywed couple needs to start their life together; steel drums, clear blue Caribbean waters, soft breezes, warm sand, and a slow island pace. It is lush, mountainous and offers plenty of adventure and honeymoon hideaways where any couple can spend intimate moments away from it all.

There is no lack of adventure to be found on this beautiful island, even if it is nothing more then spending time doing nothing together. While the tropical beaches and warm tropical waters are the main draw there is more to this island paradise then that. Ghostly Grotto Lake, which is underground and only accessible by boat, is a favorite spot amongst the honeymoon set. For the more adventurous there is cliff jumping into pools of warm water or the opportunity to swim through underwater caves.

For the couple that is more interested in the night life and enjoying the sight and sounds of a city then Montego Bay is the place. It is a large resort city with a nightlife that just never quits. You can be on the beach with a cold drink in your hand in less then an hour after getting off the plane if you choose to stay in this vibrant tropical city.

If you are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere then check into the resorts around the Negril area of the island. Negril is a laid back resort town with some of the most beautiful sunsets to be found. This sleepy tropical town also has a good nightlife and shopping to keep even the most avid of shoppers happy.

Unquestionably, on you Jamaica honeymoon you and your new spouse will have a lifetime experience because a trip to this tropical island is loaded with all kinds of pleasant surprises. A honeymoon in Jamaica will allow you to enjoy each other in a beautiful setting as your life together begins.

For more information about a Jamaica Honeymoon check out the website Honeymoon Destinations.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Bicknell

               

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