Cleveland, Ohio was founded in 1796 and has been through various stages of growth, despair and renewal. However, it is a city where visitors will feel welcome and have fun whatever type of activity they are looking for. Great historical attractions and modern facilities offer the best of both worlds.

There are many sites and attractions in Cleveland that will entertain visitors and keep them coming back for more. Some of the most popular are located in University Circle, downtown Cleveland. Here can be found:

• ClevelandMuseum of Art

Believed by many to be one of the best there is, the Cleveland Museum of Art was opened in 1913. The Museum boasts over 40,000 pieces in its various collections. It remains one of if not the only major museum in the USA still offering free admission to view its collection.

The Museum’s armor court remains a popular attraction for visitors of all ages. The collection includes sculptures including a cast of Rodin’s The Thinker, as well as pieces from various cultures including African, Chinese and of course, American art forms.

In addition to its permanent collection there are also special exhibits during the year. You can also purchase a keepsake of your visit in the Museum shop.

• ClevelandBotanical Garden

The almost 80-year-old Garden was previously known as the Garden center of Greater Cleveland. The talking point of the site is the Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse. Here can be found a unique collection of plants and animals taken from two separate geographical and climatic regions. There are over 50 species of animal life and over 300 different types of plant life.

Other noteworthy museums in the city include:

• The Rock & Roll Hall of FameMuseum

Lovers of music will enjoy strolling through the halls of the museum. True to its mandate it really is an educational adventure that takes you through the history and development of rock and roll music. If you are lucky or if you plan your trip in advance you can enjoy one of the free events.

Cleveland is the ideal city to visit for museum lovers and history buffs. However don’t be fooled into thinking that is all there is to Cleveland. Cleveland’s nightlife must also be experienced to get a true sense of the city. At night, the city truly comes alive with a wide mix of music, wine bars and lounges – something exists for everyone. It’s a city where once the sun goes down it takes on another aura.

It’s hard to recommend any one place for nighttime entertainment, but a few spots worth keeping in mind are:

• The Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery

Situated on the waterfront, this is a place for great company and fine drinking in a casual and relaxing atmosphere. In fact, there are about 28 other Rock Bottom locations scattered across the USA. As the name suggests, there really is a brewery at the location.

• Anatomy Nightclub & Ultralounge

Not only is the décor great, this nightclub is one of the happening places to be.  Guests can get both an indoor and outdoor feeling depending on where they choose to party.

Where to Eat While in Cleveland – Cleveland Tourism

Cleveland is known for its regional cuisine, which reflects the cultural heritage of the many immigrants who settled there. Italian, Polish and Irish influences remain dominant where all things food are concerned. Some restaurants that are normally recommended include

• The Spanish themed, Marbella Restaurant. It is known as the ‘must eat place’ for authentic tasty Spanish fare. If you stop by, you must sample the Authentic Spanish Paella. Despite its upscale atmosphere the Marbella caters for anyone, so you’ll feel at home whether decked out in your best or classy casuals.

• Benihana Japanese Steak House and Seafood

If you like Japanese food you will enjoy dining at the Benihana. Like the company says on its website, “our food is not cooked it’s choreographed”, and once you eat here you will understand. The décor is all Japanese incorporating traditional elements of wood and stone.

Events to Attend While in Cleveland – Cleveland Tourism

Right throughout the year there are things happening in Cleveland.

One of the most popular events held annually in Cleveland is the internationally known Fashion Week Cleveland. This event is as good as any of its kind, and is a fixture on the calendar of most in the fashion industry. Other noteworthy events include Holiday Circle Fest held in December, Cleveland’s International Film Festival in May and April’s Tri-C JazzFest.

Cleveland is definitely worth exploring and you’ll leave with memories that will last a lifetime. Just be sure to get some lasting mementos such as pictures and souvenirs.

I visited Italy a few years ago.  We did it simply, buying a cheap car in England, then using it for five weeks as we traveled around Europe, then giving it away to an attendant at a London airport when we left.  Ah, those were my younger days – but Ishall always remember Italy.

We camped across the bay from Venice at first – and this offers an overview of one of the most famous cities in the world.  I don’t know if that campground run by Australians is still there, but you can check it out.  And showing what a small world it really is, we ran into a group of young Australians who had stayed at the same campground, later in the week in Rome.

Nowadays, it’s one of the many great hotels available to travelers, and in themselves they are often one of the Italy Tourist Attractions that we stay in.  Go visit Venice in the morning.  It’s less crowded and the shadows on the water and colorful ancient buildings are incredible.  Gondoliers, standing or sitting in their boats tied to striped poles, and waiting for your business, are likely to offer you a greeting as you walk by.  The sound of the water lapping on the stone steps and breakwaters is incredibly soothing.  Stop a moment to listen as you take photographs.  This spot is quintessential Italy.

Ladies, if you’d like to go inside St. Mark’s Church, make sure your legs and head are covered.  Anything will do, even if you have to improvise a skirt or head covering.  It’s always wise to carry a scarf and a shawl anyway. That way, you can be prepared for almost anything.  A scarf also protects you from the numerous friendly pigeons which are accustomed to tourist handouts, outside in St. Mark’s Square.  Visit a few shops – Venetian Glass is world famous and absolutely stunning.  The shop owners will be able to ship overseas for you, so don’t worry about transporting the delicate works of art.

If you are in the mood for a leisurely day of visiting Italy Tourist Attractions, give yourself a self-guided tour in the countryside – up and down twisty roads laden with gorgeous scenery, especially at the coast.  It reminded me of my native California.  The human scenery at the coast is also of interest – beachgoers of all types take leisurely strolls, enjoying each other’s company and shopping or eating many times during the day.

Speaking of Italian food – we visited the Leaning Tower Of Pisa (that always did remind me of Pizza as a child).  This was before it was brought more into vertical alignment, as it had been leaning so far over that everyone was worried it would go past the point of no return.  When we visited it, there were no railings on the windows or porticos and the height gave a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside.  It was renovated and re-opened in 2001 so there are safety features in place now, but the steep climb up many narrow steps remains.

If you are in Rome you must visit the catacombs.  This underground city of the dead may sound eerie but the catacombs are utterly fascinating.  And at least a drive-by of the Coliseum is in order.  Although mostly in ruins – the ruins are Rome.  As you drive or walk around Rome, many partial ancient buildings and structures are visible – left intact as part of Italy’s glorious past.

Between Rome and Florence is the area known as Tuscany.  Besides an “in” decorating style and it being depicted in the world famous I Love Lucy episode where she crushes grapes and gets into an argument with the local women, this area of the Italian countryside is breathtaking, especially at sunset.  That’s where I think the inspiration for the warm Tuscan colors is taken from.

I hope that these few paragraphs have inspired or encouraged you to take in the innumerable Italy Tourist Attractions for yourself.  This glorious old world country needs many vacations to fully appreciate.  Take the plunge and get going!

Myrtle Beach is a coastal resort city in Horry County, South Carolina.  It is an international tourist destination.  With a city population of 22,759 and the Metro Area of   299,353, it is the 13^th fastest growing Metropolitan area in the USA.  It receives 14 million tourists per year, making it the second most popular tourist destination in the USA. It is also known as America’s Beach Playground.  The city’s motto is First in Service.

It features the Grand Strand, a sixty mile stretch of beautiful white sand, from the North Carolina border to Georgetown.  It has a unique combination of beach, sports, arts and culture, history, shopping and food which makes this destination truly amazing, diverse, affordable and easy to tailor to suit your interests and needs.

History

The Waccamaw Indians occupied this land near Long Bay.  It was first settled in the 17^th century by Europeen plantation owners for indigo and tobacco.  It became a town in 1938 and a city in 1957.

It was named by Mrs. Burroughs in a contest after the wax myrtle, an abundant shrub in the area.  The former name was New Town.

The economy is primarily tourism-based.  The newspaper is the Sun News for local information.

How to get there

Myrtle Beach International Airport MYR, which opened in 1976, is served by six major airlines including Continental, Delta, Hooters, NorthWest, Sprint and US Airway.  Daily non-stop flights are available form over 20 destinations.  This airport, located on the south side of the city has a convenient Airport Shuttle service, serving the entire Grand Strand, over sixty miles long.  It also houses nine car rental companies, limousine service, taxis and bus service.  Just type MYR into your favorite travel search engine to find your next flight.

Myrtle Beach is located on Hwy 17 in South Carolina, on the Atlantic Ocean.  Nearby driving distances:  are from Charleston, SC 83 miles; Raleigh NC 150 miles.

It is also accessible by Greyhound, depot is located at 55 7^th Ave. 843-448-2471.

Getting Around

Veteran’s Hwy links U.S. 501 W of Conway to U.S. 17 North of Myrtle Beach.

Most attractions are on Rte 17/ Kings Hwy which splits into a business route and a bypass.   Be careful not to confuse north Myrtle Beach with the town North Myrtle Beach.   Rte. 501 runs west to Conway and I-95.

Visitor information is available at the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, 1200 N. Oak St., parallel to King’s Hwy at 12 St. N. (843) 626-7444 or 800-356-3016.

Ocean Boulevard Lymo is a bus shuttle service that runs up and down the main strip 488-0865 daily 8am to midnight.

The Bike Shoppe located at 715 Broadway near Main St 448-5335 rents bicycles for ½ or the whole day. M-F 9-6, Sa 9-5.

Weather

Myrtle Beach boasts an average of 215 sunny days per year.   The winter months average temperature is between 55 and 60 º F.  Starting in March until November, the average temperature is above 70º F, with June to September being over 85º F.  The National Weather Service has indicated that Myrtle Beach Is Tsunami Ready and Storm Ready.

Things to do

Water

Canoeing, kayaking, jet-skiing, ocean surfing, swimming, sail boating, scuba diving, parasailing, and fishing (ocean or in stocked ponds and lakes) abound.   Boats are available for charter.

Sports

Golf paradise is here in this golf capital of the world, with over 120 courses, many award-winning.  10 of the country’s top 100 courses are here.  Visit mbn.com; it features all area courses, tee times and packages.  From novice to expert and whether you are reserving ahead or last minute this is the place to get your information. 4.2 million rounds of golf are played here annually. Mini golf is everywhere.  There are over 200 tennis courts available.  Annual Bi-Lo Myrtle Beach Marathon is in November. Myrtle Beach Pelicans are the Atlanta Braves farm franchise. 51 players from this team made it to the MLB since 1999.  Check their schedule and try to see a game when here.  The local hockey team is Thunderbolz in ECHL, based in nearby Conway.

Wedding

You can get romantically married right on the beach for non-commercial weddings.  Wedding licenses are issued in nearby Conway. You can rent the historic Myrtle Beach Train Depot for receptions or parties. Many hotels feature day spas to pamper the wedding party.

Adventure

Helicopter rides are available via Myrtle Beach Aerial Tours, which originate from MYR. Gray Line offers guided motor coach tours of the Grand Strand call (800)261-5991.

Myrtle Beach Amusement Park comes complete with roller coasters, waterslides and mini-golf. Family Kingdom Amusement Park is located at 300 S. Ocean Blvd. Hard Rock Park is a new 140-acre theme park featuring six themed areas to celebrate Rock ‘n Roll: located at 211 George Bishop Pkwy (843) 236-7625.  Ripley’s Believe it or Not Aquarium features live sharks and boasts it is the most visited attraction; 1110 Celebrity Cir. in the Broadway at the Beach Complex jct US 17 and 29^th Ave.  Ripley’s Haunted adventure is at 915 N. Ocean Blvd. N. (843) 916-8971    IMAX 3D theatre is open for business at Broadway and the Beach call (843) 449-IMAX (4629). The Nascar Speedpark is at US 17 bypass and 21^st Ave. N. opposite Broadway and the Beach; it is a 26 acre theme park with 7 different tracks, climbing wall and mini-golf. Gambling and gamings are available.

Arts and Culture

Art galleries, symphony, theatre and dinner theatre are all here.   The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simoeon B. Chapin Art Museum is at 3100 S. Ocean Blvd, Tues-Sun (843) 238-2510. Historical information is available at the history museum, featuring the plantation era and civil war years.  Grandstrandevents.com have up-to-date listings of happenings in the city.

Nature

Myrtle Beach State Park Campgound opened in 1936 and was the first in South Carolina.  It is 3 mi. S of the city off U.S. 17 (843) 238-5325, with 347 sites and access to the beach, fishing pier, pool and nature trail.   It is great for birdwatching.  Day use fees.

Huntington Beach State Park Campground is 3 mi. south of Murrell’s inlet on US 17 has lagoons, beach and marshes complete with gators.  (843) 237-4440.

The butterfly pavillon, which features over 40 species of butterfly in free flight, is located at Broadway at the Beach (see above). Alligator adventure has hourly gator feedings and a huge collection of snakes, lizards and frogs; located at Rte 17 at North Myrtle Beach Landing (843) 361-0789.

Family

The Children’s Museum of South Carolina features self-discovery and hands on learning at 2501 N. Kings Hwy (843) 946-9469.  Waccatee Zoo features a 500 acre farm for more than 100 species and scenic canal cruises; US 17 bypass, 6 mi. SW via SR 707 to 8500 Enterprise Road (843) 650-8500.

Music and nightlife

Carolina Opry offers live music and comedy performances: call (843) 913-4000 or (800) 843-6779, located at jct. US 17 and US 17 bypass.  Broadway at the Beach is a large entertainment complex featuring sounds from the beach, shag, country and blues.  Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede and Dinner Show details the history of America and includes a buffalo stampede, horsemanship, North vs. South and a music finale; located n. jct of US 17 and US 17 bypass 843-497-9700 or (800) 433-4401.  The Palace Theatre showcases big acts in a large 2600+ auditorium; located at 1420 Celebrity Cir. (800) 905-4228.

Dancing, karaoke, sports bars, pubs with music for every taste ranging from rock, country, bluegrass.

Nearby

Murrells inlet has deep-sea fishing cruises from this seaside village, known for its crabbing, shrimping and seafood restaurants.

Brookgreen Gardens on Rte 17, Murrells Inlet features over 500 sculptures from the 19^th and 20^th centuries.  The landscaped gardens include 2000 varieties of plants, a wildlife area and nature trails.

Huntington Beach State Park offers camping, surf fishing, picnicking and nature trails Admission $.

Pawley`s Island is a quiet summer resort known for its hand-woven Hammocks and artesan demonstrations.

Bellefield Nature Center, off Rte 17 near Georgetown, is a 17 500 acre wildlife refuge, exhibits on ecology, natural history and local marine animals including sea anemones.

Where to Stay

Myrtle Beach Lodging Reservation Service can help with reservation free of charge; it is located at1551 21^st Association (843) 626-9970 or (800) 626-7477, Monday to Friday.

All your favorites are here, prices range from 35$-500+$ per night: large condo style with ocean view to average motel.  High season is May to November.  Great rates are available during the low season December to April. Accommodation tax is 11%.

Camping is available at  Huntington Beach State Park Campground and Myrtle Beach State Park Campground (see nature).

Shopping

The Coastal Grand Mall is the largest in South Carolina at 170 acres; located at US 17 bypass and US 501.  Broadway at the Beach on Celebrity Circle has 100 shops. Colonial Mall is 8 mi. north off US 17 Bus. Rte. Tanger Outlet Center has two locations: on US 501, 3 miles west of Intracoastal Waterway and the second is at junction of US 17 Bus. Rte and Kings Rd.    There are also other shopping malls, boardwalk shops and flea markets.  Taxes are 7% retail.

Restaurants

Over 1800 restaurants serve every imaginable food from haute cuisine to deli style, with seafood, American steakhouse and ethnic food in between. Rte 17 offers many restaurants to tempt your palate with family diners, all-u-can-eat and buffets.  Hard Rock Café pyramid style is here at 1322 Celebrity Circle (843) 946-0007.  Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament features a castle experience, with supper medieval style and royal entertainment of jousting and horsemanship; located US 17 bypass off US501 at 2904 Fantasy Way (843) 236-8080 or (800)436-4386.

Tips for a great stay

Relax, take time out at the beach during the day, and stroll the strip at night.  Plenty of coupons are available for discounted entry, see:  mbchamber of commerce.  Pick up the Monster Coupon Book, Sunny Day Guide, Myrtle Beach Guide or Strand magazine at any tourist center.  Great deals can also be found online.

Reserve in advance wherever possible.  Wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Make it memorable by trying to sneak in a sunrise on the ocean or a night stroll to watch the moon’s reflections in the ocean and feel the warm evening breezes.  Strolling along the strip is also fun, to see the local characters and tourists come to life after a full day out in the sun.  Plan to stay as long as possible as there is so much to do here.

Interesting Facts

• Spanish Explorers sailing North from Hispaniola in the early 1500’s were the first tourists along the Grand Strand.

• George Washington visited Myrtle Beach in 1791.

• Actress Joan Crawford was the guest of honor at the first ever Welcome Center for Travellers in February 1968.

• Myrtle Beach was a site for a German Prisoner of War camp in the latter half of the Second World War.

• Myrtle Beach appeared on two Saturday Evening Post covers in 1957 and 1961, giving it national recognition as a tourist destination.  These covers are on display at the Chaplin Memorial Library.

• Colonel Charles M. Duke Jr., a South Carolina Astronaut, visited the moon.  His moon-booted cement footprints are on display at the Convention Centre.

• Loggerhead sea turtles nest and lay their eggs right on the beach between April and September.  The eggs take 2 months to hatch.  Baby turtles emerge at night from June to November.  This year 11 nests containing 1163 eggs were found.

• Leeza Gibbons graduated from the University of South Carolina’s School of Journaliam.

If you’re planning a vacation trip to Texas, the Lone Star State offers something for everyone, with major airports serving the cities of Houston, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Dallas and Fort Worth.

For a trip that offers a bit of everything the state has to offer, check out these Texas Tourist Attractions in the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area.  DFW is just one of the major metropolitan areas in the state, with more than enough to do to keep you busy for days.

The DFW “Metroplex,” served by the DFW International Airport, is full of Texas Tourist Attractions that range from the historical to the sophisticated, as well as the macabre.  In fact, inside the Metroplex you can take several “mini-vacations” that will give you a good overview of everything the Lone Star State has to offer.

If you’re looking for “true Texas,” start in Fort Worth, where the Fort Worth Stockyards is the only place in the country where you can see a real cattle drive each and every day, as hundreds of impressive Texas Longhorn Cattle are driven down Exchange Street to represent the history of the cattle industry in the west.

While in this National Historic District, be sure to visit one of the many authentic western shops where you can get yourself a pair of genuine cowboy boots and, of course, some Wrangler jeans.  Then, as the sun sets, don your duds and hit the nation’s largest honky tonk: Billy Bob’s Texas, for live entertainment and a cold Lone Star Beer.  Billy Bob’s is so big, there’s even a live rodeo inside, as well as a mechanical bull you’re welcome to mount and ride.  Billy Bob’s is also open during the day and welcomes families for an array of family-oriented games like billiards and skee ball, as well as  traditional southwestern cuisine.

Finish your stay in Fort Worth with a visit to the Amon Carter Museum, which houses one of the nation’s largest collections of American Art, including one of the most comprehensive collections of works by western artists Fredric Remington and Charles M. Russell.  The Kimbell Museum in Fort Worth is also an acclaimed international museum of fine art, with one of the most valuable and impressive collections of priceless art in the world.

After a couple days in “Cowtown,” drive a few minutes east to Arlington, mid-way between Fort Worth and Dallas, choose from among the dozens of affordable hotels, and hit the area’s “entertainment capital.”  This family-friendly area features Six Flags Over Texas, one of the nation’s largest theme parks, as well as its sister park, Hurricane Harbor, with its giant wave pool, North Texas’ largest water slides, and a meandering “lazy river.”

If you can stand the heat, catch a game at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, a 49,000 seat stadium that is home to Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers, the team formerly owned by President George W. Bush. From there you can see the cranes working on the world’s largest construction project: the new Cowboys Stadium, a $2 Billion state-of-the art sports complex and center of a major new shopping area.  In a few short years the stadium will be home to the National Football League’s Dallas Cowboys and is scheduled to host the Super Bowl in 2012.

Arlington’s nearby neighbor, Grand Prairie, offers Texas Tourist Attractions like thoroughbred horse racing at the luxurious Lone Star Park.  In Grand Prairie you will also find Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum and major music and theatre events at Nokia Theatre.

When you’re done with the thrills and family fun in the mid-cities region, drive a

few miles to the west and hit Dallas for some culture, important American history, and some interesting, if not “great” food.

The Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Garden are located in the arts district near downtown Dallas, where breathtaking exhibits of fine art are housed.  The museums are near the historic West End, where you can visit the Dallas Aquarium, a cool escape from the city’s formidable heat.

The West End is also home to Dealey Plaza and the infamous “grassy knoll,” as well as the Sixth Floor Museum, located in the former Book Depository Building where Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly gunned down President John F. Kennedy.  The museum is a must-see part of dark Texas history, documenting the president’s life and times, as well as his assassination in 1963.   An “X” still marks the spot on the street where the motorcade was attacked. You’ll also meet conspiracy theorists who keep vigil in front of the museum seven days a week spreading their belief that Oswald did not act alone.

From late September to mid-October head to Fair Park in Dallas for the Texas-sized State Fair of Texas.  There you can enjoy delicacies ranging from corn dogs to fried Snickers bars, visit the Arts & Crafts Building to see blue-ribbon winning heirlooms made by Texas residents, ride the world’s largest ferris wheel, hit the rides on the giant midway, and enjoy the nation’s largest collection of art deco architecture, which surrounds the park.  A spectacular fireworks display caps an evening at the fair each night at dusk.

Fair Park is also home to the Cotton Bowl, which hosts world class entertainment,  special events, and on one crazy weekend in October, the Red River Shoot-Out, the annual football game between college arch rivals the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners.

Dallas is also a place to shop ‘til you drop, with dozens of impressive shopping malls in every corner of the city, including the Galleria in North Dallas, where you’ll find Texas-based Nieman Marcus, as well as Nordstroms, Macys, and major designer boutiques.

Finally, even though it’s been decades since it aired, the television show “Dallas” is still a fan favorite, and Southfork Ranch where J.R. Ewing and his clan played out their devious money grubbing antics, is open to visitors in Plano.  The ranch is known as the world’s most famous ranch, and although not exactly a major mansion by today’s standards, it’s still a fun place to see when you’re in “Big D.”

For more Texas Tourist Attractions, you’ll want to return to the state and visit the regions surrounding the other major cities. Sadly, the state is just “too dang big” to see in one visit, so be sure to come back, ya’all!

Travelling to New Zealand can often be a long awaited trip for many. This country is an archipelago of islands that lie north west of Australia in the Tasman Sea. Many people will take a trip to this area to see the lush life of the seas as well as the friendly and fun accommodations that are available for tourists. New Zealand tourism can be a lot of fun for the entire family, and can certainly create memories that will last a life time.

When making reservations for travel to New Zealand, many will turn to the internet for assistance. The internet is a wonderful place to turn to in this instance, as there are multiple websites that offer information in regards to New Zealand tourism and the country’s accommodations. During the warm summer months, many people will find that reservations to the area may be a little bit more difficult. This is because the summer offers some of the best times for tourists to go swimming, surfing, snorkeling or scuba dive off of the beautiful beaches. There are beautiful limestone reefs that line the beaches, all of which are full of fossils that are waiting to be discovered. Castlepoint is a wonderful location to travel to for such scenery. The beautiful and historic lighthouses that blaze the New Zealand skies only add to the touch of grace that is in the Castlepoint area.

The scenery does not stop with the beaches in Castlepoint. There is also Fox Glacier, a tourists favorite glacier to climb. This glacier jets out of the deep blue seas that surround New Zealand, and is truly a majestic sight to see. Many thrill seekers will enjoy climbing this glacier. There are also guided hiking tours up the glacier, which is a must for those that are visiting the area, as the glacier can be quite dangerous in some spots.

Lake Taupo is a historical lake that is present today in a crater that was created from an erupting volcano. This enormous, yet peaceful, lake offers swimming, trout fishing, and beautiful carvings in rock from a local and well- known artist. There are even eels and freshwater lobsters that are known to migrate out of the river that is a tributary out of the lake.  Many families that are travelling to this area enjoy taking a leisurely canoe ride into the lake, and picnic along the lake’s shores.

Families, couples, and even single travellers will not have a difficult time locating a place to stay while in the various areas of New Zealand. There are holiday houses that are available year round along the coastlines, as well as in the New Zealand countryside. For those that would like to be pampered while they are touring the New Zealand area, they can stay at a local hotel, such as the Sheraton or the Hilton hotels. There are hotels that also offer cheaper rates for those that may have a tighter budget. Tourists that are looking to stay at a self contained residence while vacationing will also be in luck, as there are areas throughout that are available for such sleeping arrangements. New Zealand tourism is certainly a lot of fun, and is sure to be pleasurable for everyone.

Accomplishing with ease what other tourist destinations such as Las Vegas and New York have been trying to achieve for decades, the great state of Florida had a little something for everyone.  From breathtaking natural beauty, to happening nightlife for the young or young-at-heart crowd, to romantic getaways for honeymooners, to wild theme parks for families with children, to exciting adventures for empty-nesters and retirees who are just now beginning to realize their travel dreams, Florida is sure to please no matter what type of vacation you seek.

Glimpse into the past…

With hundreds of miles of beach and world-famous locations such as the Everglades and Key West, Florida is the perfect destination for any nature buff looking to enjoy the diverse and beautiful sites that Florida has to offer, all within miles of each other.  Those many beaches, located on both the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts, make Florida a popular destination for students looking to relax on spring break, or newlyweds looking to experience a warm and wonderful honeymoon.

The Everglades, second only to Yellowstone among the largest US national parks, welcomes visitors from all over the world from its home in South Florida.  Offering a wide variety of tropical flora, fauna, and wildlife, the Everglades presents you with a glimpse into the landscape that Ponce de Leon and other explorers first experienced when they landed in Florida in the 1500’s.  And for an experience that is closer to the “real Florida” as deemed by Florida residents, Myakka State Park offers canoeing, kayaking, and airboat tours though its opaque blankets of wooded scenery.

Got kids?  Ain’t Florida got fun!

Another aspect of Florida that brings in tourists by the millions from around the world is its theme parks and attractions.  Orlando and its surrounding area is inhabited by the ubiquitous Disney franchise, Universal Studios, and Sea World, while the Tampa area offers Busch Gardens, and the Space Coast is the home of the Kennedy Space Center.  From plastic mouse ears and ducks without pants, to roller coasters that will have your spleen in your throat and your lunch on the ground, to zoos and aquariums with animals not otherwise seen anywhere in this hemisphere, to the heart-stopping experience of seeing a space shuttle launch live and in person, it is no wonder that families travel by the vanload to Florida each and every year.

On a more subdued note, there are many places to visit on Florida that are still family-friendly, but might also afford you a less crowded, more distinctive experience.  St. Augustine, for example, provides old world charm with unique restaurants and quaint hotels, and a trip here is a bit like going to Europe while being able to stay on this side of the pond.  Indeed, as the oldest remaining city in the US, this locale retains its history and grace, while offering the kiddies entertainment as well with Potter’s Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not.  And for you baseball fans out there, don’t forget that Florida is the home to the spring training to dozens of professional teams, who can be seen here for a fraction of the cost of an in-season game.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

After a day taking in the sites at the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, the Holocaust Memorial in Miami, the home of the late Gianni Versace, or simply lazing away on the hot sand, there is nothing like Florida nightlife to make a vacation memorable.  With delicious food and drinks as well as sinful clubs and discos, days under the Florida sun can’t compare to nights under its secretive moon.

Being located in the southern United States, but across the gulf from Louisiana and only a stone’s throw away from Cuba and other Latin countries, Florida finds itself at the crossroads of a delightful area on the culinary map.  You can find everything from barbecued alligator to a medianoche sandwich, with gumbo and fresh, still-wiggling-that-morning seafood somewhere in between.  The drinks are as diverse as the food—be sure to try a Mojito, the Cuban concoction featuring rum and fresh mint, that has fortunately found its way stateside.  While nearly every Florida city and town has its own party district, perhaps one of the most famous is the Miami-South Beach area.  This area features clubs that cater to any music lover, whether they favor Latin music, rock, hip-hop, or jazz and R&B.

These suggestions are just a few of the possibilities for your trip to Florida—in addition to the more popular destinations, try some of the places that are off the beaten path, and sample the locals, the culture, and the history that makes this state such a unique and wonderful part of the US map.

The alluring Aloha of Hawaii invites millions of savvy travelers to visit every year.  As you step off the plane, you are welcomed to Pacific paradise with the scent of tropical flowers and breathtaking views of majestic mountains, sapphire seas and lush rain forests.  The heavenly Hawaiian islands are not just a scenic delight but an adventurous destination filled with incredible natural wonders and rich cultural history.

Each of the Hawaiian islands has its own unique wildlife, fauna, history and atmosphere and all of them welcome exploration by water, land and air.  Because of rugged terrain and diversity of the islands, you can see Hawaii tourist attractions you may never otherwise experience by taking tours on foot or bike, by boat, in a submarine and in a helicopter.

Magnificent Maui

There are over 81 beaches in Maui with a shoreline over 120 miles long.  Famous celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey are so impressed with magnificent Maui they purchase their own Hawaiian homes in paradise.  Other Maui visitors include over 3,000 humpback whales every year, which make this an ideal destination to go whale watching in a charter boat or submarine.  For seafaring folk, a charter boat gives you an opportunity to view whales, sea turtles, dolphins and other sea life while you feel the salt spray against your lips.  You may even choose to have a dolphin encounter and go snorkeling under the crystal Maui waters.  If you prefer to stay dry and comfortable, you can experience the wonder of the whales up close when you go on an underwater submarine tour.

If you want to stay on land and find out more about sea life, you can visit the Maui Ocean Center.  At the center, you will get to view the nation’s largest tropical reef aquarium without ever stepping off solid ground.  For a waterfront experience, visit one of the many gorgeous beaches in the untamed area of South Maui, such as Big Beach and Little Beach.  Big Beach features jade waters, white sands on a beach 100 feet wide and 3,000 feet long.  Big Beach is separated from Little Beach by a volcanic cinder cone, Pu’u Ola’i and clothing is optional at pristine Little Beach.

For those who prefer to view Maui from a helicopter, make sure to spot the infamous Haleakala crater during your journey over turquoise lagoons and emerald valleys.  When you get back on land, visit the dormant Haleakala Volcano at Haleakala National Park.

Captiving Kauai

Captivating Kauai is better known as the island of discovery in Hawaii because of the all interesting Hawaii tourist attractions.  With over 69 beaches, there are unlimited ocean adventures such as scuba diving, surfing, waterskiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, dolphin encounters and whale watching.  You can appreciate the green palisades of the Napali Coast in a kayak or catamaran or take a boat up the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto.

Waimea is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and you can reach it on coastal hikes, mountain bike tours, all-terrain vehicles and motor bike tours.  Going to Waimea on horseback will give you a chance to visit canyons, forests and mountains and even take a waterfall swim.  Another great way to view Waimea is by helicopter, where you can enjoy all the fauna visually rather than physically.

Additionally, Golf Digest has rated Kauai as a golfer’s paradise because it is home to five of the top courses in Hawaii, including Kauai Lagoons Golf Club and Princeville Golf Club.

Beautiful Big Island

Big Island Hawaii is actually divided by three volcanoes, the Mauna Loa, the Hualalai and the Mauna Kea.  The calm, leeward section of Hawaii is called Kona, which is famous for colorful sunsets, snorkeling, sportfishing and delicious coffee.  The area of two seas called Kailua has trickier currents and invites activities such as surfing and parasailing.

There are several marathons that take place in Kailua-Kona for biking, swimming and running, making it an ideal destination to explore by land.  Big Island Hawaii is a historic place and should should definitely check out Kealakekua Bay, the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park and the Hulihe’e Palace.

Alluring Oahu

More than 4.5 million people visit alluring Oahu annually.  One of the major attractions in Oahu is the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and the Pearl Harbor site.  You can visit this famous destination by helicopter, water and submarine to get various views of this historical place.

Taking a helicopter tour to view the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial will give you the opportunity to get a bird’s eye view of the extinct Diamond Head Volcano, Nuuanu Pali and the tropical rain forests made famous by television shows and movies such as Lost, Jurassic Park, Gilligan’s Island and Magnum PI.

Back on land, there are outstanding golf courses in Oahu that have hosted PGA, LPGA and Champions Tour events such as Turtle Bay, the only 36-hole course on the island.  Families will enjoy the Polynesian Cultural Center, where you can learn more about local customs, and the exciting Honolulu Zoo.

Water activities are abundant in Oahu, with Waikiki beach considered to be the most photographed, famous beach in the world.  One of America’s best beaches according to “Dr Beach” (Stephen Leatherman, Ph.D) is delightful Haunama Bay, which also has its own Nature Preserve.  Just north of Haunama Bay is the Halona Blowhole, an underwater lava tube that naturally blows streams of water into the air.  To the right is Haiona Beach Cove, otherwise referred to as Cockroach Cove, the site of the love scene between Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancaster in From Here to Eternity.

No matter where you are in Pacific paradise, there are unlimited Hawaii tourist attractions to visit and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Travelling is the ‘in’ thing at the moment, with people of all ages discussing the places that they have visited and the experiences they’ve had. The world is a huge place and very few of us can manage to visit everywhere we want to within our lifetimes, and so we have to prioritise. If you are looking for a place that has it all – history, natural beauty, culture, excitement – Quebec tourism should be at the top of your list!

Warm in summer and cold and snowy in winter, Quebec is the only French-speaking province in Canada and lies on its eastern shores, bordering the United States to the south. In terms of Quebec tourism attractions, the area is hugely diverse and steeped in history. The people are extremely friendly and immensely proud of their culture, and are thus willing to show it off wherever possible! Quebec tourism definitely benefits from this, but if the people are welcoming, then the area itself is simply breathtaking! There are many cities and towns to visit in Quebec, with a whole host of things to do that will keep you happy all vacation long!

Montreal

Montreal is perfect for a visit in both winter and summer because of its breathtaking natural beauty. You can view the panorama of the entire city from Mount Royal and marvel at the city, whether basking in sun or covered in snow, but the natural attractions do not end there! The Biodome is one of a kind. It is the home to several different ecosystems that feature flora, fauna and all kinds of animal species. Its diversity is unique and will have you amazed at the natural side of Quebec tourism!

Montreal is also full of culture, with a Quebec tourism visit to Old Montreal being a must! Modelled on Paris, the cobbled streets are home to various shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as historical sites featuring the most beautiful architecture. A short stroll away is the Notre Dame Basilica, the site of the oldest church in the city. Although the new church here was built in the 19^th Century, the site dates back to 1656.

Quebec City

Quebec City is not as world-renowned as Montreal in terms of Quebec tourism but is still worth a visit. On the St Lawrence River, you can go whale watching and take part in various water sports, such as kayaking, or opt for the cultural experience. The Palace Royal and OldPort areas are packed with art galleries and stunning architecture, with the CanadianMuseum of Civilisation a short distance away. Quebec City is also host to various parades and celebrations of the city’s history. No matter what time of year you go to Quebec, you will find something on there and be able to completely immerse yourself in the culture

Other Cities

Located half way between Montreal and Quebec City, Trois-Rivieres is a great place to visit as well. The locals are extremely friendly and the food is amazing there! Regardless of which city you are staying in, Trois-Rivieres is only a short drive away so it would be worth hiring a car for the day. The Ursuline Monastery and the De Tonnancour Manor are old buildings dating back to the 18^th Century and should be visited.

Sherbrooke is also a city of note. The Magog River Gorge is fatastic for those liking adventure because there are tours available as well as the related extreme sports. Wellington Street and King Street in the downtown area are great for shopping and sampling authentic French-Canadian cuisine.

Regardless of what your interests include, there is something for everyone in Quebec tourism. From extreme sports to nature to architecture to shopping to food… the list is endless but will ensure every minute you are there is fully occupied. One of the most diverse areas in Canada, once you have sampled the lifestyle and culture of Quebec, you will never want to leave!