Country Traveling

Disney Vacation Rentals and Holiday Homes in Florida, Davenport, Kissimee and Orlando

If you are looking forward to visiting Disney World or other attractions in Orlando, planning the trick with a little information could help save you money. Instead of opting for the first package that comes your way, its best to get some more knowledge of hotels and other kinds of lodgings available might be a good idea. Even if you are from Florida, some tips form this article may help you in getting your required and budgeted accommodation.

A popular misconception is that the resort exists in Orlando. In fact, the entire Walt Disney World property is outside Orlando city limits; the majority sits within southwestern Orange County, with the remainder in adjacent Osceola County to the south.

Most of Walt Disney World’s Central Florida land and all of the public areas are located in the cities of Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista, located southwest of Orlando and a few miles northwest of Kissimmee. The land within Walt Disney World Resort is part of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which allows the Disney corporation to exercise quasi-governmental powers over the area.

Hotels always come across to be trifle expensive on the agenda whenever you travel irrespective of the destination. The alternative is vacation rentals that offer far cheaper rates than most hotels. Vacation rentals may come to include various kinds of lodging like privately owned cottages, condos or large and luxurious villas that can be directly rented or leased from their owners, their agents or through vacation rental agencies. A lot of variety is available to choose from and they are ideal for families looking forward to make use of Disney vacation rentals.

Florida Disney vacation rental lodgings offer cheaper prices resulting in huge savings in costs compared to staying at a hotel. Most of these privately owned accommodations are listed directly by their owners, resulting in saving more money by avoiding middle men. Orlando being one of the most popular vacation destination in the USA because it has something for everyone – Disney with its four theme parks MGM Studios, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom in addition to the 3 water parks and more than eight golf courses, not to mention many other attractions.

The Walt Disney World resort also includes six world-class golf courses. The five 18-hole golf courses are the Magnolia, the Palm, Lake Buena Vista, Eagle Pines, and Osprey Ridge (the last two are part of the Bonnet Creek Golf Club). There is also a nine-hole walking course called Oak Trail, designed for young golfers. Together, they are known as Disney’s “99 holes of golf.” There are two miniature golf courses, Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland.

Walt Disney World paved the way for many other theme parks and attractions in the area, including SeaWorld and Universal Studios, and helped make Orlando a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world.

Since the best time to visit Florida and its attractions is from October to April, it is best to get reservations at least 2 months in advance. If you are a regular Disney buff, you may even consider owning a vacation home there which can be rented out as and when not required by you. Investment, return and appreciation along with the pleasure of a Disney holiday is a reality.

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Tasmania is Australia’s island state, separated from the mainland by the 240 kilometre expanse of Bass Strait. A land of wild and beautiful landscapes, Tasmania boasts a comfortable temperate climate, quality wine and food, rich history and a leisurely, relaxed lifestyle. Tasmania is home to one of the world’s 10 best beaches (Wineglass Bay), the world’s best small town (Strahan) and is rated third in the world for wise management of the natural environment.

More than any other state in Australia, Tasmania enjoys four distinct seasons, each with its their own special characteristics. Both local Tasmanians and visitors enjoy the state’s temperate maritime climate. Summer is a festive season when the Launceston Festivale and the Hobart Summer Festival are held. Autumn is a mellow season with calm, sunny days when the native deciduous beech trees and European trees blaze with a riot of red, orange and gold colours. Winter days are crisp and clear with a dusting of snow on mountain peaks. Spring is cool and refreshing, with gardens bursting back to life as Tasmania celebrates the Blooming Tasmania festival.

Tasmania’s capital Hobart is an intriguing blend of the old and the new, a city defined by the river and sea. Hobart’s maritime focus can be appreciated with a harbour cruise or drive to the top of Mt Nelson or Mt Wellington – suburbs line the Derwent River, city buildings are clustered around the historic docks and the Derwent estuary broadens into Storm Bay. Only twenty-five kilometres from Hobart is the historic town of Richmond, home to the old Richmond Gaol and part of Tasmania’s early convict origins. The nearby vineyards and wineries of the Coal River Valley are home to many of Tasmania’s superb cool-climate wines. Hobart is an ideal base from which to explore southern and eastern Tasmania.

Hobart has more summer daylight hours than any other Australian capital city. Tasmania is the southernmost of the eight Australian states and territories, and enjoys over 15 hours of daylight on the summer solstice (22 December). This is 2.5 more hours of daylight than Darwin (Northern Territory) receives and 1 hour more than Sydney (New South Wales) receives on the same day. Experts at the Launceston Planetarium claim that the day is even longer if twilight periods at dawn and dusk are taken into account. On the other hand, Tasmania receives less daylight than mainland Australian states and territories in winter. Hobart has around 9 hours daylight in winter, 1 hour less than Sydney and about 2.5 hours less than Darwin.

Rainfall in Tasmania varies dramatically from region to region. Hobart is Australias second-driest capital city after Adelaide, while on the West Coast an annual average of 2400 millimetres ensures that temperate rainforests thrive. Minimal artificial light makes Tasmanias night sky an exceptional location for stargazing, including the wonder of the magnificent Aurora Australis.

Devonport is a diverse and interesting region, home to charming historic towns, beautiful beaches and forests, fine foods and the magnificent craggy peaks of Cradle Mountain. Cradle Mountain is a dramatic mountain peak in the northern section of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, a World Heritage Area. The mountain is one of the most popular features in the park, and is surrounded by stands of native deciduous beech trees, rainforest and alpine heathlands. Icy streams cascade down the mountainsides, and ancient pines are reflected in the still glacial lakes. The walk to the top of the mountain (1,545 metres) takes eights return. Lake St Clair is the deepest in Australia (190 metres), having been excavated by glaciers about 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. Towering cliffs rise sheer from the waters of the lake, in which fishing and boating are allowed.

The east coast of Tasmania is a region of agreeable contrasts – sunshine and sea, wine and wildlife, rugged cliffs and glorious beaches. A centre of fine food and wine, the area is famous for its fresh, natural produce. It is also home to a series of excellent national parks, including Douglas-Apsley National Park with majestic rivers, eucalypts and Oyster Bay pines, Freycinet National Park which is renowned as a bushwalkers’ and sea kayakers’ paradise, and Maria Island National Park rich in history, scenic walks and fauna. The east coast’s history is told by its place names. Schouten Island and Maria Island were mapped by Dutch navigator Abel Tasman, while the Freycinet Peninsula was charted by Frenchman Nicolas Baudin. Welsh settlers named the town of Swansea, while Triabunna and Wielangta recall thousands of years of Aboriginal presence in Tasmania.

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Swellendam, South Africa’s third oldest town is nestling at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains and has much to offer visitors who have an interest in history, nature, outdoor activities and art. Swellendam is ideally situated halfway between Cape Town and George and is therefore an ideal stop over for tourists. In these two hours from Cape Town to Swellendam, you will pass through unspoilt villages and towns. Take a trip back in time and stay in some of the historic homesteads and country houses in the area, which offer bed and breakfast. Rainfall is spread over the year and there is little wind and temperatures are moderate all year round

Swellendam has been an important travel centre for centuries. Early travelers and explorers traded with the Khoi-Khoi people and in 1743 the Dutch East India Company declared Swellendam a magisterial district and built the Drostdy which was completed in 1747. This Drostdy, a national monument, is the only eighteenth century Drostdy that is preserved in its original form and will give tourists a wonderful insight as to the life of the settlers.

The more adventures tourist can go on the Swellendam hike. Located in and around the Marloth Nature Reserve this hiking trail is one of the most beautiful in the Cape. There are numerous shorter routs if a six day hike is too long for you. On this trail you will see stretches of fynbos alternated with cool indigenous forest, small animals and birds. Other sections of the trail will give you the sensation of being in a peaceful and secluded wilderness. The six day hike demands a medium to high level of fitness and is therefore not recommended for the light hearted. The Marloth Nature Reserve is also one of the best birding spots in the Western Cape and therefore defiantly worth visiting.

The rare and beautiful Bontebok antelope and other small buck species can be seen at the Bontebok National Park. This park is only 6km out of Swellendam. A total of 126 different bird species have also been identified here. There is a charming caravan park on the banks of the Breede River where they also have fully equipped chalets for hire and where day visitors are welcome to swim, fish or picnic.

Other than hiking the adventurous at heart can also enjoy a day or two off river rafting. The Breede River rafting adventure is about a 2.5hour drive from Cape Town. On this adventure you will enjoy your days paddling in two-man Mohawk canoes in the tranquil waters of the Breede and your nights socializing around a campfire. The Up the Creek Camp is situated near Swellendam on a hill side overlooking the river where the accommodation is A-frame chalets or 3 ox-wagons. This accommodation includes comfortable beds with linen and Duvets. All in all, this adventure will be well worth a try and is ideal for a family to enjoy together.

Youngberry tasting can be done at the Buffeljags Dam. This cultivated wild berry was imported to South Africa in 1939 by Prof OSH Reinecke. The industry is sadly declining because of endless problems associated with wind and rain damage or to much heat, pest attacks and insufficient labor during the peak harvesting period from mid – November to early December. Today over 90% of the total annual crop of just over 600 tons is produced by farmers in the Swellendam area. On your visit to the Hermitage Liqueur Farm just 3km out of town you can sample some of the liqueur made from youngberries. Other Youngberry products are also for sale here.

Local artists like the potter Jan du Toit’s vases are famous, visit him and other artists in the town.

Other activities that Swellendam has to offer include:

* 4×4 Mountain Experience: Marloth Nature Reserve
* Canoe the Breede River
* Sunset Cruises on a kitted-out double-decker wooden raft
* Buffeljachts Dam for Water sports
* Horse Trails
* White water raft the Breede River
* Waterskiing
* Several well-known artists have settled in Swellendam and their studios may be visited
* Pop into the Sulina Faerie Sanctuary: Magical Faerie display & garden
* Cruise down the Breede River on a double-decker river boat – “Pot se Vlot”
* Motor glider flights

As you can see Swellendam is well worth a visit. Come and enjoy a few days of relaxation in our beautiful town while we pamper your every need.

Tags: Best Kept Secrets, Bontebok National Park, Country Houses, Dutch East India, Dutch East India Company, East India Company, Hiking Trail, Historic Homesteads, History Nature, Indigenous Forest, Khoi Khoi, Langeberg Mountains, Little Wind, Magisterial District, Marloth Nature Reserve, Nestling, Routs, Small Animals, Travel Centre, Unspoilt Villages

For the more adventurous and nature lovers, Canada offers some of the best vacationing areas in the world. Winters are wonderful in Canada; with snow clad mountains and skiing “highways”. Adventure and relaxation in cities, parks and mountains of Canada can be an everlasting memory, if planned and budgeted properly.

Most favored vacationing spots in Canada are the British Columbia, Victoria, Alberta, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and Prince Edward Islands. The majestic coastal mountains of British Columbia house some of the North America’s largest ski resorts, Blackcomb and Whistler Mountain. These towering mountains heighten to about a mile from the valley and are strewn with skiing trails for all levels. They have about 200 trails covering more than 7,000 acres of treacherous mountain terrain.

These skiing trails are often rated high when compared to popular, expensive and always over booked resorts like Colorado, Vail and Aspen. This is due to the magnificent ski slopes and a host of pedestrian-only villages that have multiple shops, restaurants and a variety of nightlife. The best part of the Whistler Resort is its social and community atmosphere. Added to this the value of US dollar in Canada contributes to the attraction of skiers from across the globe.

Glacier National Park is another of the major tourist and vacationing attraction. Known for its breath-taking views of waterfalls, lakes and high mountains and covering about a million acres, this Crown of the Continent” is very sparsely populated compared to the Yellowstone or Yosemite national parks in the USA. This house of the grizzly is all the more attractive because of the wildlife which is another major attraction for vacationers is Canada. The wildlife spotting in Canada can be exhilarating when one spots a wolf, mountain lion or a Rocky Mountain sheep.

Planning your vacation in Canada can be very easy and low budget considering a host of vacation rentals and private accommodation available across the most sought after tourist destinations.

Many vacation rentals offer a choice of vacation homes, condos, villas, and cabins to meet various needs and tastes of the vacationers. Many of these vacation rentals are also well staffed. Out for offering are pet friendly rentals, vacation rentals on the beach or close to the water, child friendly vacation rentals, vacation homes on a golf course or close to one, ski vacation rentals on the mountain or located close to the chairlift.

Cottages are a preferred mode of vacation rentals in Canada. Many people dive to cottages for the hammock-swaying snoozes, exceptional natural air quality and outdoor pursuits. The distance from millions in a crowded city is to soothe ones nerves in natural surroundings of most of Canadas known tourist attractions have made them the favorite of vacationers.
Renting a vacation home or cottage is easy, pay the rent for as many weeks as you need. You can rent direct form the owner or through various rental agents strewn all over the place. Choices are easy to make using the book or a brochure available with most agents. The only disadvantage compared to a hotel is that you may end up doing most of the housework, if the vacation home or the private accommodation is not staffed.
The cost of renting or leasing a vacation home or private accommodation is very nominal compared to the cost of hotels. Many owners have turned towards part time renting their properties due to rising cost of real estate and cost of living.
The private accommodation and vacation home renting can bring down your costs of vacationing in the skiing paradise down drastically, allowing you to budget more for your shopping or adventure needs, or even to extend your holiday a little more.

Tags: Blackcomb Whistler, Canada Accommodation, Columbia House, Community Atmosphere, Everlasting Memory, Glacier National Park, High Mountains, Majestic Coastal Mountains, Multiple Shops, National Parks In The Usa, Prince Edward Islands, Rocky Mountain Sheep, Scotia Ontario Quebec, Ski Slopes, Towering Mountains, Vacationing Spots, Whistler Mountain, Whistler Resort, Wolf Mountain, Yosemite National Parks

Australia Vacation Walk on the Wild Side!

Travel is great isnt it? And when you get home you organize all your pictures and souvenirs. And you think, wouldnt it be great if I could find a beautiful Australian Flag to remember my vacation by that doesnt cost too much to add to my whole vacation experience? Well, Ive found a great site that sells great looking flags for not a lot of money and their shipping is super fast www.FlagWave.com .

Now, for vacation ideas, I highly recommend Australia! Here are a few tips and facts to help you on your way to this vacation paradise.

Money
You should not carry too much cash on you when you travel here. That said, you are not going to be able to use a credit card or write a check when you are visiting Australia. A sensible way to make sure that you have enough money is to get travelers checks. This is a way that you will be able to get what you need and then some and also have the added security of knowing that you are covered if they are lost or stolen. Australian currency is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit. There are exchange shops where you can cash in and get the local currency that you will need.

Climate
The climate is moderate and there is not as hot as some people might thing. The temperate will depend on what time of the year you are there. Usually you will find nice temperatures and a great weather pattern. You will want to bring lightweight clothing for your trip and a couple of sweaters or sweat shirts just in case.

Customs
Laws prohibit any drugs, firearms, or any other foreign objects. They have these laws to protect the wildlife and citizens of their country. Unlike some foreign countries, there is not limit on the amount of Australian cash that may be brought into or taken out of Australia.

Tipping
Unlike the United States, tipping is not expected and services charges are not automatically added to hotel and restaurants. For any special services, a tip of ten percent is good. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but will appreciate anything that is offered to them. Feel free to tip when you feel youve had great service.

Information centers
You will find local tourist information and free advice in most places in Australia. Look for the signs that have an “I” on them. This will guide you to get the information that you need. Have a great vacation!

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Locked in the vaults of Scottish legend lies an enigmatic stretch of water famous the world over. Within the wells of Celtic folklore, the mystery of Loch Ness has baffled scientists for decades.

Loch Ness sits in the north of Scotland, near the town of Inverness. It forms part of a series of lochs running from the Irish Sea on the east coast, over to the North Sea on the western shoreline, almost dividing the country in half.

Loch Ness is the deepest body of water in the United Kingdom. Despite its natural beauty and standing as a tourist attraction in its own right, of course the real reason Loch Ness achieves cult status is the legend of the Loch Ness Monster.

Since those first blurred, black and white photographs from the first half of the twentieth century, the legend of the Loch has kept the world captivated; countless scientific expeditions have failed to reach a conclusion, elevating the monster myth.

Standing on the shores of Loch Ness, I have come here to experience the aura and mystery which has besieged the entire neighbourhood.

Drawn by a desire to meet the land and its people, I headed north from England, navigating the secluded mountain roads and low winter sun.

The journey trod a magnificent path through the bleak Scottish mountains, the neighbouring landscape carpeted with a blanket of snow. An immense feeling of isolation gripped me along the open roads, greeting little other traffic.

This was quintessential Scotland, just as nature had intended. Vast, wide open spaces, with barely a sole to witness, civilisation stripped to its bare bones. Lifes fundamentals were all this place required.

The water rippled gently about my feet as I stared deeply across the waters surface, clear, but for several birds bobbing on the surface. I felt the answer to the legend was out there somewhere, but it was going to take a better man than me to work it out. I was simply here to enjoy the ride.

Theres a romance about the uncertainty. The enigma drives the tourist trade, on which the livelihoods of many people depend. But its not just about money. The people here are proud to be associated with such an iconic landmark.

To be honest, Im undecided whether the truth either one way or the other is what people really want. I get the impression the majority of locals feel the same way.

Tags: Better Man, Blanket Of Snow, Body Of Water, Celtic Folklore, Cult Status, Irish Sea, Legend Of The Loch Ness Monster, Loch Ness, Loch Ness Monster, Lochs, Mountain Roads, North Sea, Open Roads, Real Reason, Scottish Legend, Scottish Mountains, Tourist Attraction, Western Shoreline, Wide Open Spaces, Winter Sun

Spain is one of the better countries in the world with rich culture based on religion and customs. The country is inhabited of about 45 million people of whom 80-94% are Roman Catholics. This is the reason why local as well as national events are based on Catholicism and faith. Spain is also home to several great things to do. While in this country, you will never have to worry how to spend your days because believe it or not, Spain travel can give you total vacation experience.

Here are some of the events you can catch and the things you can do if you decide to travel to Spain:

Run with the bulls. If you dare and tough enough to face the challenge of running with the bulls or simply want to join the fun without actually getting face to face with the bull, Pamplona should be your destination. The festival happens every July and has already attracted visitors from all parts of the world. The celebration is offered to San Fermin, the patron saint of Pamplona. This religious and unusual celebration makes Pamplona a good destination for your Spain travel.

Skiing and Mountaineering. Visit Catalunya, Aragon, and Torremolinos and Malaga in Andalucia and stay at one of the top winter resorts in Spain. Perfect time to go is during the late spring where you can have your winter sports by day and go at the beach and sunbathe in the afternoon.

Watch the Primera Liga Live. See you favorite football stars like Zidane, Raul, Roberto Carlos, Figo, Ronaldo, and David Beckham as they all play for the best football team in the UAFA Cup: Real Madrid.

Caf all Day. Treat yourself in the relaxing day at one of the caf in Spain. The country has lots of cafs in every village, town, and city where you can spend your whole day chatting with friends or alone savoring the Spain environment.

Go to local village fiesta. Spain travel might not be complete if you havent seen any local village fiestas. Since every town has their own patron saints to offer thanksgiving, you can never miss attending one. Fiestas normally have parades, religious activities, and parties during the night.

Meet the Artists. Spain travel would introduce you to several world-renowned artists. Visit Frank Gehrys Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Barcelona beachs giant copper fish and other Gehnys contemporary structures. Know more about the art of Antoni Gaudi in his structures at Barcelona and get introduced with his unusual tile style and graceful organic curve.

Take a glimpse of Diego Velazquezs art in Prado Gallery in Madrid. Diego Velazquez painted the “Old Woman Cooking Eggs” and “The Rokeby Venus”. And of course, who would not recognize Pablo Picasso? See his work Guernica at the Reina Sofia. Or visit the Picasso Foundation in Malaga.

Stay during the Holy Week. Spain travel is also ideal during holy week where the whole country commemorates that passion, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. See all the plays, activities, traditions, and the celebration of the country. If you are not a Catholic, you can still witness this activity.

Eat Snails. The Snail Festival happens every snail Lleida give you a different appetite for food. Although snails are the main course, you can also drink, dance, and eat other local foods all day and all night.

Tags: Best Football, Caf, Cafs, David Beckham, Football Stars, Late Spring, Local Village, Patron Saint, Patron Saints, Real Madrid, Resorts In Spain, Rich Culture, Roman Catholics, Running With The Bulls, Spain Travel, Sunbathe, Uafa Cup, Vacation Experience, Village Fiesta, Winter Resorts

As summer approaches, there’s only one way to beat the heat–lakeside! According to a 2005 summers survey conducted by the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), over 70 percent of Americans will spend their summer splashing in lakes or heading to the beach for their vacation. Whether you’re planning a weekend away or spontaneously hitting the road, some of the best lakeside vacation destinations reside within our own National Park system.

“The U.S. National Park system offers a wide variety of destination and accommodation options at some of the most magnificent lakes in the country,” said Sheri Smack, a spokesperson for ARAMARK Parks & Resorts, an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service. “We strongly suggest planning your next vacation at one of our national treasures.”

Several of the National Parks located in the Western states provide unique lakeside vacation options.

Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah

Often referred to as America’s favorite houseboating destination, Lake Powell, located on the border of Arizona and Utah in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, offers a wide array of houseboats for rental, including the new luxury-class, 75-foot Excursion, featuring a fireplace, an eight-person hot tub, home theater system, six staterooms, gas BBQs, waterslide and a GPS auto-tracking satellite system. Additional houseboat rentals include the Discovery- and Adventurer-class houseboats that sleep up to 12 individuals and include all the comforts of home.

With thousands of miles of shoreline to explore and rising lake levels, Lake Powell’s most popular water-based activities include powerboating, fishing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, water skiing, tubing, kayaking and water trampolines. All equipment is available for rent at Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, and personalized water-based instruction is also available.

Lake Powell is also home to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, offering visitors the opportunity to explore one of the Southwest’s natural wonders. Full-day and half-day boat tours operate daily from Wahweap Marina.

Lake Quinault, Washington

For those planning a getaway in the Pacific Northwest, Lake Quinault is nestled among the lush Olympic National Forest, offering a myriad of activities from fishing to canoeing. Built in 1926 within the heart of one of only three temperate rain forests in the world, Lake Quinault Lodge is a rustic, historic retreat offering lakeside lodging and spanning views of the forests.

Visitors can explore the lake by renting canoes, kayaks, rowboats, or by scenic boat tours, which are available through the summer and offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding Olympic Mountains. Lake Quinault is also a great place for fishing, with an abundance of trout, salmon and steelhead, and guided and non-guided fishing excursions can be arranged.

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Located on the south shore of Lake Tahoe just four miles from Stateline, Nevada, Zephyr Cove Resort & Marina is an historic recreational destination offering everything from camping and lakeside cabins to boating and watercraft rentals and cruises to Emerald Bay. The Zephyr Cove Marina serves as the departure point for the authentic paddlewheeler M.S. Dixie II, voted “Best of Tahoe” for the past 11 years. The M.S. Dixie offers daily cruises, including the GlenBrook Historic Breakfast Buffet and champagne brunch in the summer season and the Emerald Bay Sightseeing Dinner cruise featuring a three-course dinner, live music and dancing.

More adventurous visitors can rent powerboats, WaveRunners™, pedal boats, kayaks and canoes. Zephyr Cove Marina also offers parasailing aboard a new 12-passenger parasail boat.

Tags: Accommodation Options, Aramark Parks, Canyon National Recreation Area, Gas Bbqs, Glen Canyon National Recreation, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Home Theater System, Houseboat Rentals, Jet Skiing, Lake Powell Arizona, Lake Powell Resorts, Lakeside Vacation, Magnificent Lakes, National Recreation Area, Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Travel Industry Association, Travel Industry Association Of America, Vacation Options, Water Skiing, Water Trampolines

A Boston vacation is a mesmerizing trip through the nations past and to a celebration of its future and center of learning. Here in one city you can experience the start of the revolutionary war, see a coral reef, take a bus on a river, and experience the campuses of MIT and Harvard – and all before dinner.

Youll find Boston vacations a refreshing mixture of historic and modern buildings. And whats even better is you can see it all – or most – by walking. Thats right the ole soft shoe shuffle. Youll save time and see more by expending some shoe leather.

But before you do that I highly recommend an orientation tour first.

THE FAMOUS DUCK TOUR

One of the best and most unique tours is the Duck Tour ride. This is a popular 80-minute tour for first-time Boston vacation visitors. But be warned, during the summer tours are usually sold out by lunchtime – so make them reservations in advance. You can pick-up and buy tickets for the tour at two places: The Museum of Science, and The Prudential Center in Bostons Back Bay.

The tour is done in a renovated World War II amphibious vehicle. You get to not only experience Boston from the streets of the city, but also from the Charles River… and without getting wet!

Thats right, during the tour, the bus youre on will become a boat, and youll see the beautiful Boston skyline from the river that separates Boston from Cambridge.

Its a great tour and youd have to be “quackers” not to do it! Sorry couldnt resist it.

THE FREEDOM TRAIL

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile easy-to-follow red brick line that links 16 historical sites together around the streets of Boston… and its free. Its starts from Boston Common and winds its way through Boston landmarks such as the State House, Boston Massacre Site, Paul Reveres House, USS Constitution, before ending up at the Bunker Hill monument in Charlestown.

If you do the whole walk, plan on at least 2-3 hours for distractions – nice ones though – or better still take the whole day.

The trail also takes you through Bostons famed North End, where youll be sure to return during your Boston vacation to sample the superb Italian restaurants or stroll around this little corner of Italy.

THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM

As San Diego has its world famous zoo, then Boston has the New England Aquarium.

New England and its coastline have a history of fishing and whaling. But today instead of harpooning whales, New Englanders spend most of their time saving them. And the aquarium is a vital link in the areas ocean preservation movement.

The centerpiece of the aquarium is the giant tank. The floors of the aquarium run around the tank and up four levels. At the top you get to peer down into a coral reef and listen as the staff explains about the tank and the fish that live in it.

Youll get the answer to questions such as: “Why dont the big shark fish eat the little tasty fish?” or “How old are those huge sea turtles swimming around down there?”

Your ticket will include a visit to the Discovery next to the main building, where you can see and learn about sea lions during an amazing show. A few years ago the Aquarium opened an IMAX theater that shows a mixture of sea-related and general science films.

A word of warning – this is a favorite Boston vacations attraction for families so it can get crowded. But youll always get in, even when the ticket line seems to stretch for miles.

BEACON HILL

Beacon Hill is a popular walk for people on a Boston vacation. Here just off Boston Common you can stroll around Louisburg Square and admire the picturesque block of perfectly preserved residences.

This quiet and bewitching area is full of alleys and narrow red brick cobbled streets, where time has stood still for the last century. Its a sheer delight to walk. Youll find walled gardens and an authentic 19th century neighborhood feel. Even the original gas lights remain on streets lined with ancient elms.

While many tour buses and trolleys drive through Beacon Hill, the only real way of experiencing it, is by foot. So put on some comfy shoes, take out your camera and breathe in the scenery… its fine.

THE CENTER OF LEARNING
Boston has a strong traditional in universities. With MIT and Harvard perhaps the best known worldwide, but with other great colleges such as Tufts, BU, Boston College, and of course Northeastern.

MIT and Harvard are just a short train ride across the river. Take the Red Line to Harvard Square and hang-out in the Harvard campus and stroll the grounds, and if everything seems familiar to you, it probably is. Many movies – including Love Story – where filmed here.

And come back and visit at night when on a summers evening street performers are everywhere and you dont have to pay a nickel for some of the best entertainment on your Boston vacation.

AND THERE’S MORE…

Other places to visit on your Boston vacation are THE J.F.K Library and Museum at Columbia Point in South Boston – and the Boston Harbor Islands, tours to the islands leave from Long Wharf and Rowes Wharf, both located near the aquarium.

Boston has tons of things to do and see, and Ive really just started to scratch the surface for you. The rest is yours to discover and for more ideas check out my website at http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com/

Tags: Boston Common, Boston Landmarks, Boston Massacre, Boston Skyline, Boston Vacations, Brick Line, Bunker Hill Monument, Coral Reef, Duck Tour, Experience Boston, Freedom Trail, Orientation Tour, Paul Reveres House, Prudential Center, Red Brick, Soft Shoe Shuffle, Time Boston, Uss Constitution, Vacation Visitors, World War Ii

A Boston vacation is a mesmerizing trip through the nations past and to a celebration of its future and center of learning. Here in one city you can experience the start of the revolutionary war, see a coral reef, take a bus on a river, and experience the campuses of MIT and Harvard – and all before dinner.

Youll find Boston vacations a refreshing mixture of historic and modern buildings. And whats even better is you can see it all – or most – by walking. Thats right the ole soft shoe shuffle. Youll save time and see more by expending some shoe leather.

But before you do that I highly recommend an orientation tour first.

THE FAMOUS DUCK TOUR

One of the best and most unique tours is the Duck Tour ride. This is a popular 80-minute tour for first-time Boston vacation visitors. But be warned, during the summer tours are usually sold out by lunchtime – so make them reservations in advance. You can pick-up and buy tickets for the tour at two places: The Museum of Science, and The Prudential Center in Bostons Back Bay.

The tour is done in a renovated World War II amphibious vehicle. You get to not only experience Boston from the streets of the city, but also from the Charles River… and without getting wet!

Thats right, during the tour, the bus youre on will become a boat, and youll see the beautiful Boston skyline from the river that separates Boston from Cambridge.

Its a great tour and youd have to be “quackers” not to do it! Sorry couldnt resist it.

THE FREEDOM TRAIL

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile easy-to-follow red brick line that links 16 historical sites together around the streets of Boston… and its free. Its starts from Boston Common and winds its way through Boston landmarks such as the State House, Boston Massacre Site, Paul Reveres House, USS Constitution, before ending up at the Bunker Hill monument in Charlestown.

If you do the whole walk, plan on at least 2-3 hours for distractions – nice ones though – or better still take the whole day.

The trail also takes you through Bostons famed North End, where youll be sure to return during your Boston vacation to sample the superb Italian restaurants or stroll around this little corner of Italy.

THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM

As San Diego has its world famous zoo, then Boston has the New England Aquarium.

New England and its coastline have a history of fishing and whaling. But today instead of harpooning whales, New Englanders spend most of their time saving them. And the aquarium is a vital link in the areas ocean preservation movement.

The centerpiece of the aquarium is the giant tank. The floors of the aquarium run around the tank and up four levels. At the top you get to peer down into a coral reef and listen as the staff explains about the tank and the fish that live in it.

Youll get the answer to questions such as: “Why dont the big shark fish eat the little tasty fish?” or “How old are those huge sea turtles swimming around down there?”

Your ticket will include a visit to the Discovery next to the main building, where you can see and learn about sea lions during an amazing show. A few years ago the Aquarium opened an IMAX theater that shows a mixture of sea-related and general science films.

A word of warning – this is a favorite Boston vacations attraction for families so it can get crowded. But youll always get in, even when the ticket line seems to stretch for miles.

BEACON HILL

Beacon Hill is a popular walk for people on a Boston vacation. Here just off Boston Common you can stroll around Louisburg Square and admire the picturesque block of perfectly preserved residences.

This quiet and bewitching area is full of alleys and narrow red brick cobbled streets, where time has stood still for the last century. Its a sheer delight to walk. Youll find walled gardens and an authentic 19th century neighborhood feel. Even the original gas lights remain on streets lined with ancient elms.

While many tour buses and trolleys drive through Beacon Hill, the only real way of experiencing it, is by foot. So put on some comfy shoes, take out your camera and breathe in the scenery… its fine.

THE CENTER OF LEARNING
Boston has a strong traditional in universities. With MIT and Harvard perhaps the best known worldwide, but with other great colleges such as Tufts, BU, Boston College, and of course Northeastern.

MIT and Harvard are just a short train ride across the river. Take the Red Line to Harvard Square and hang-out in the Harvard campus and stroll the grounds, and if everything seems familiar to you, it probably is. Many movies – including Love Story – where filmed here.

And come back and visit at night when on a summers evening street performers are everywhere and you dont have to pay a nickel for some of the best entertainment on your Boston vacation.

AND THERE’S MORE…

Other places to visit on your Boston vacation are THE J.F.K Library and Museum at Columbia Point in South Boston – and the Boston Harbor Islands, tours to the islands leave from Long Wharf and Rowes Wharf, both located near the aquarium.

Boston has tons of things to do and see, and Ive really just started to scratch the surface for you. The rest is yours to discover and for more ideas check out my website at http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com/

Tags: Boston Common, Boston Landmarks, Boston Massacre, Boston Skyline, Boston Vacations, Brick Line, Bunker Hill Monument, Coral Reef, Duck Tour, Experience Boston, Freedom Trail, Orientation Tour, Paul Reveres House, Prudential Center, Red Brick, Soft Shoe Shuffle, Time Boston, Uss Constitution, Vacation Visitors, World War Ii