What to know about traveling in Central America
December 1, 2009 by admin
Filed under Tourist Attractions
Since it appears that the only article in this category is the same “what to know” for Central America as it is for everywhere else; do Internet research, check water quality, etc, I figured I would offer my own opinions that weren’t quite so obvious. I hope anyone traveling to Central America would at least do some internet research. I would recommend the Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree Discussion Board as a place to start doing general research: http://thorntree.lonelyplanet. com/
This board covers destinations around the globe. You can ask questions of experienced travelers or browse different country boards for relevant information that might interest you.
Now for what I would recommend knowing before traveling to Central America:
1. Spanish
Having at least some level of proficiency in the native language will offer you the chance to gain a better understanding of the people and culture of Central America. Some areas frequented by tourists will have plenty of English language speakers, but it is always a compliment to native peoples to at least attempt their language. This will also make your day to day transactions easier and give you the chance to feel confident in venturing off the beaten path a bit. Much of the joy of traveling is meeting new people. This is a more rewarding experience when verbal communication is possible. The people of Central America are one of its main attractions.
2. Don’t Let a Lack of Spanish Skills Keep You From Going
It might seem contradictory to put this number two after the above entry but traveling to Central America can be an excellent chance to learn or improve your Spanish language capabilities. Language schools are abundant and the immersion alone will improve your skills quickly. Just go. Even without Spanish you will be able to get by with a little creativity and imagination. The people of Central America are accommodating and will be eager to try their English out on you.
3. Take Your Time
Many people rush through Central America attempting to accumulate stamp in their passport. In my mind this can diminish your travel experience and defeat the purpose of a vacation. Relax. Central Americans do. If you find a place you enjoy don’t feel rushed to check another city or country off your list. It can take awhile to wind down from the hectic American pace, but once you are able to you’ll have a better appreciation for what we have sacrificed in that American lifestyle…and don’t
Guide to visiting New York City with teenagers
October 11, 2009 by admin
Filed under Restaurants
Most people would agree that teenagers are a difficult group to please sometimes. It takes a lot to pique their interest and even more to keep it. This can make planning a family vacation a bit of a challenge. If you desire a successful vacation, it is most important to make everyone involved content with the location of your trip! Where can you find a hot spot to entertain a teenager, make a worthwhile trip, and not bust your wallet? One of the most valuable places to go as an all-pleasing family trip is New York City!
New York is one place that has the ability to appeal to everyone on the roster. Not only does it have a multitude of things to see, but also it has history and education everywhere you look. It is a tough city to acclimate to on a short vacation, so the best thing to do is find some help! New York offers that with Big Apple Greeters! They are local volunteers that will take you on a several hour-long tour of the Big Apple! This is a non-profit group, so it’s free. You are paired up with a guide that will show you whatever it is you are interested in seeing. Talk about custom design.
There are the ever-faithful tourist destinations like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. You can add a history lesson in without breaking out the books! Ellis Island is well worth a half-day trip. Battery park is full of bustling activity to entertain a teenager, as there are street performers and vendors with teenager food!
Food can always be fun when a teenager is involved, but not in NYC! They have all the pizza and ice cream any teen can handle. Their pizza is the best on the planet and you can find these off the beaten path pizza joints and mix with local a bit. Right after lunch is a great time to catch a matinee on Broadway! You can even get tickets that day for cheap! The TKTS ticket booth in Manhattan is the way to find cheaper tickets and they also offer tickets for other tourist attractions in the area.
Time Square is perfect for any teen. There you can find Planet Hollywood, the WWF restaurant, a Toys R Us so large it contains an indoor Ferris wheel, the largest music store in New York, MTV Studios, Good Morning America, talented street performers, vendors with tasty New York treats, and much more.
St. Marks Place in the East Village is a hot teen spot as well with cheap and hip shopping. There you will find everything from incense to clothes and jewelry. There is also Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. Take a ride on The Beast. A high-powered ocean racer that takes you on a 30-minute thrill ride, with music blaring, close enough for a good photo of the Statue of Liberty. It is the fastest thing in New York Harbor, sure to thrill teens! Hush Tours has a one-of-a-kind, hands-on retrospective of the origins of hip-hop. The actual celebrities of this movement present a four-hour cultural sightseeing tour of the historical spots in the Bronx and elsewhere in New York City. The tour includes transportation, live entertainment, buffet lunch, and gifts.
A family trip with a teen does not have to be a nightmare. Plan your trip and leave some things for spontaneity. New York City absolutely has a plethora of activities and tours to keep you and your teen happy and well fed! You are sure to come home well bonded and with all you hair still attached to your head!
Odd Tourist Attractions in the Usa
March 21, 2009 by admin
Filed under Tourist Attractions
There are certainly plenty of popular places to visit in the USA. New York City, Disneyland and Disneyworld, Washington DC (and all of its museums), Boston’s historical tours, San Francisco’s hills, Hawaii’s beaches and even Alaska’s wide open spaces. But have you ever wanted to take a trip to somewhere a little wacky? Somewhere off the beaten path? Here are few things that everyone, even residents of the USA, should do at least once in their lives.
The Extra Terrestrial Highway: The Extra Terrestrial highway can be found about an hour outside of Las Vegas and it really is one of the loneliest roads in the country. This road stretches out to nowhere across land that is so flat it will look like you are about to hit a hill—and then you never do. This road goes past Area 51 (not a tourist location and don’t try to get in) and is, apparently, the site of quite a few alien visits to our little blue planet. Stop and take a look at The Mailbox—a big metal mailbox that has had messages and names scratched into it for decades. You can drop your letter for the aliens in the box or simply inscribe your name on the side. Follow up your drive with a meal at the Little A-Le-Inn and then drive back to Vegas. If you stay past dark, the view of the stars will be well worth whatever you spend on gas.
The Top Secret Upside Down White House: This huge white house (that sits on its own roof with its floor aiming at the sky) is located in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin USA. This is the largest upside down white house in the country and is quite fun to tour. Visitors walk through on dirt ceilings and look up at the “artifacts” that have been “preserved” in this archaeological dig. There are a few rooms that are right side up that are worth poking through. This is a great stop for families on long drives who need something to do with their kids. It can also be fun for locals—seeing the President sitting at an upside down desk never quite gets old!
Rock City: Rock City is located in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, USA. Rock City is actually a beautiful and elaborate garden that was built by Frieda Carter (the wife of miniature golf inventor Garnet Carter). Along the trails are weird statues, gnomes and other characters from fairy tales. The trail leads through giant rock outcroppings and is so cleverly disguised that most travelers find that they have started driving right through it without meaning to. The actual trail can only be traveled by foot, but a major thoroughfare leads right past Rock City and it is absolutely worth exploring!
These are just three of the wacky places that are fun to visit in the USA. Some of the best discoveries are made by simply hopping into your car (or rental vehicle) and going for a drive beyond the borders of your town or city.
For more information on the Unites States of America, visit http://www.usamicroblog.com and http://www.unitedstatesmicroblog.com.
