Kid-Friendly Vacations
The family vacation has become an American ritual — one that has been around as long as I can remember. In this article we will discuss vacations that the entire family will enjoy regardless of age.
Adventure travel
Some of us that travel are not satisfied with a stay-put vacation. Many want to rent a room at a hotel perhaps on a beach and sit, sun and relax for a week or two.
New York City — for shopping, sightseeing and theatre
If you have not traveled to New York City at least once in your life, it’s time to do so. No other city offers the excitement, shopping opportunities, sightseeing and live theatre as does New York City.
Exploring our National Parks
Are you getting an itch to get in your automobile to take a trip? About this time of year we find ourselves a little tired of the cold weather and begin thinking about a trip this spring. Why not consider exploring some of our great national parks?
America's Top Driving Vacations
We love our cars and we love taking car trips. That’s part of the American spirit.
Take a feel good vacation at a spa
Spas have been available to folks for many years. You may not have tried one, but wondered what they were really like.
Touring Eastern Europe and Dracula’s castle
Is this the year you are considering travel to Europe? The tour companies are telling us early bookings suggest a busy travel year in Europe.
around the world in 30 days!
Travel the globe in one vacation
Have you ever thought of going around-the — world in one vacation? I have several times and it leaves you with a strong sense of completion.
Spring break getaways
Spring break can be an ideal time for families to get away and do some bonding.
Boutique and smaller ship cruises
If you are one of those persons who remember how the ships and cruising was in the ’70s and ’80s, I may have some good news for you.
Touring Nevada
Nevada offers visitors a wide range of experiences: from exciting gaming at resort hotels and casinos to snow in the mountain areas. There are memorable dining opportunities, recreation and world-class entertainment.
Favorite vacations for Americans, Part 2
How about Colorado? Beyond the state’s celebrated ski slopes you will find world-class hiking, mountain biking and fishing.
Favorite vacations for Americans
We like to travel! Oh boy, do we! Our vacation budget often determines how far we can travel, how we travel and where we can afford.
Vacations to go!
Since we are already in a new year, some readers are already beginning to plan a vacation for spring and summer.
Travel News for 2013
I thought it might be helpful to impart some travel industry news that may help you in planning travel in 2013.
A Perfect Trip – Part I
For a trip that had so many pieces – the one I have just come home from – was about as perfect as it could be.
Islands to enjoy during winter travels
Mass tourism can turn a lovely island paradise into a tourist trap.
The live entertainment capital of the world
If somebody asked you, “What is the entertainment capital of the world?” — you would probably answer Las Vegas or New York City.
Exploring Central America
When considering travel destinations, many of us rarely consider Central America as a vacation area. Probably more Americans have traveled to Costa Rica, but that’s about it for most.
A cruise for all age groups
For several years we have wanted to take the family on a cruise again. Three years ago we chose Alaska with Holland America Line.
Exploring Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
Even with the drug wars going on in Mexico the last few years, Mexico remains the second most favored foreign country to visit by U.S. tourists after Canada.
Some favorite destinations
I have been writing travel articles for more than seven years and almost every day someone asks me about my favorite vacation destinations.
Touring the Old West
We often talk about touring the East Coast, New England, the Old South, but we sometimes forget how much there is to see and do in our Old West. So let’s get into what there is to see and do in the Old West.
Tips on picking a cruise itinerary and ship
Cruise line ads promise all the best things in life if you take one of their ships for a cruise.
Touring the Old South
Probably one of the more interesting regions in the United States is the so-called old south. Here, you will find much history as well as delicious food served in various types of restaurants.
Christmas Travel
Christmas and New Year’s are a long way off, but if this is a time when you choose to travel, you should start making arrangements now.
Repositioning cruises
Twice each year, major cruise lines reposition some of their ships. You have lines that position ships from Caribbean service to Alaska for the summer period and then reposition them back to the Caribbean for winter service.
Driving through the Canadian Rockies
For many years I have wanted to re-visit the Canadian Rockies. I had been there twice in the past, each time traveling by train from Vancouver. The train ride itself is wonderful moving through the beautiful Rockies in the luxury of the Canadian, which has today been completely renovated.
A diary of an Alaska cruise
It has been a few years since our last cruise to Alaska and we decided this was the year to once again cruise the northlands. We flew to Vancouver the day before our cruise departure.
An Oasis in The Desert
The history of Palm Springs is varied. More than 2,000 years ago, Palm Springs’ first residents were the ancestors of today’s Cahuilla bands. The Agua Caliente existed as peaceful hunters and gatherers, living off the land.
Hawaii is for everyone
There are few destinations that are suited for almost every traveler. Hawaii is one of them. It has almost everything you could want — good weather, tropical scenery and fine hotels and resorts. The Hawaiian Islands are an archipelago of eight major islands, and numerous atolls. The island group was once known as the Sandwich Islands.
A Santa Barbara break
A few days ago we returned from a week in Santa Barbara, Calif. It is located 90 miles north of Los Angeles.
Let’s ride the train
There was a time when trains traveled the length and breadth of the United States. These were the likes of Superchief, Broadway Limited, 20th Century Limited, Sunset Limited, North Coast Limited, California Zephyr, City of Los Angeles, Daylight and so many more. The hey-day for American trains was from 1945 through 1960. This was a period when American railroads put into service new and streamlined lightweight equipment. The trains were the finest on rails.
Let’s ride the train
There was a time when trains traveled the length and breadth of the United States. These were the likes of Superchief, Broadway Limited, 20th Century Limited, Sunset Limited, North Coast Limited, California Zephyr, City of Los Angeles, Daylight and so many more. The hey-day for American trains was from 1945 through 1960. This was a period when American railroads put into service new and streamlined lightweight equipment. The trains were the finest on rails.
More great vacation ideas for summer
If you are thinking of a vacation that would require transatlantic air, think again. You may decide to spend time on this side of the pond instead this summer. Airfares have gone up as much as 22 percent over the same time last year. The Olympics will be in London between July 27 to August 12 and some transatlantic fares have already jumped to $3,000 during this time. The reason airfares have jumped for summer is the high fuel prices airlines must pay to keep their planes in the air coupled with a two and three percent reduction in scheduled flights. Most flights to almost anywhere are running quite full.
Fun in New Mexico and Colorado
A very interesting automobile trip from Payson would be driving to Albuquerque and Santa Fe, N.M. and on to Durango, Colo. You’ll see beautiful scenery as well as partake in some fun, especially in Durango. Get on I-40 heading east and first go to Albuquerque. This is a good day’s drive and there are many places to bed down for the night.
Summer family travel suggestions
When you are in the planning stages of your vacation, sit down with everyone and figure out what kind of vacation each person wants. Selecting a vacation that suits everyone isn’t easy, but if you let the whole family make suggestions as to their wishes, perhaps it will be easier in the long run to experience. Teens are probably the most difficult to please. If you want to relax on the beach, your teen wants to hang out in an arcade. Teens just don’t want to sit in a nice spot for several days.
Scenic Road Trips
Were you inspired to hit the road by the big Rim Country Classic Auto Club Beeline Cruise-In April 28 or maybe the Cannonball Phoenix Spree May 5? Maybe the Rim Country Corvette Club show May 12 will urge you to get that motor running. With summer just around the corner, the open road beckons. First, have the car thoroughly checked out by a professional mechanic to make sure all is well. Probably the best time to travel is late spring or early fall when the roads are less crowded and the weather milder. Where to go? That’s up to you, but keep in mind you want fairly good roads so you won’t beat up your car. Today, we’ll suggest a few interesting and scenic road trips for your consideration.
The Emerald Isle of Ireland
Many Americans have relatives that came from Ireland. I think much of the American dialect came to the United States and Canada from Ireland. It is perched on the northwest tip of Europe across from Wales and England. Ireland is the land of myths and legends. Its landscape is loaded with labyrinthine caves and crystal clear waterways, and at some locations, lunar-like landscapes. The coastal beauty is a legend in itself with shorelines trimmed by golden sands and rocky outcrops. Inland, the lakelands and rural areas are equally as varied as they are tranquil.
Another kind of cruising
The oceans occupy two-thirds of our planet, so it is sometimes difficult to decide what part of the globe we might cruise in. If it will be your first cruise, then perhaps one of the more popular areas might be in order. The Caribbean is very popular year-round, so are Hawaii and the Panama Canal. If you are thinking of a cruise in the non-winter months, then much of our planet can be considered.
Paris and France
France is the largest country in the European Union and covers from the North Sea down to the Mediterranean. It features high mountains — including Mont Blanc, which is Western Europe’s highest point — and the lowlands with rivers, farms and villages and towns. It has a representative government with the President as its head. The capital city is Paris. France has an advanced industrial economy and a robust farm sector. Main activities include automobile manufacture, aerospace, information technology, electronics, chemicals and pharmaceuticals and fashion.
Italian wonders
When I talk to people about travel and ask them where they want to go they often respond with “Italy”. Italy has almost everything you might want in a European destination - history, beauty, culture, fine food and ease of travel. The public transportation system in major cities works well and trains operate quickly between cities. Air service between the U.S. and Italy is good and frequent and the country is easy to include in a multi-country European visit. You can enjoy fine hotels almost everywhere.
Fishing and camping vacations
Now that spring has arrived, with winter behind us, we begin to think of escapes to the mountains and valleys for old-fashioned fishing and camping. Pack the tent in the trailer or truck and gather our fishing gear with all the equipment we think we will require and head out of town. I think almost every serious camper and fisherman has their favorite places they select from. Many folks in Arizona choose a location within the state. Arizona does have a rather large set of choices. What kind of fish are you going after? Perhaps rainbow, brook or brown trout.
America’s favorite vacation spots
Americans have various tastes when it comes to vacations. Some like camping; others prefer casino action in places like Las Vegas; while some would rather go to an interesting city and explore what it has to offer — and let’s not forget foreign travel and cruises. Let’s begin with those that like cities. San Francisco has the reputation as one of the world’s most bohemian capitals. Many consider it to be the most East Coast-like city in the West. It is both laid back and cosmopolitan and offers many interesting sights and destinations. It is known for its hills, row houses, cable cars, water front, and fine dining including seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf, shopping at the Ferry Building and interesting destinations near San Francisco.
Caribbean Cruising
Last week I wrote about a two-week trip that included Florida and a one-week Caribbean cruise. In Florida we first visited Orlando and Disneyworld Park. We particularly enjoyed Epcot, which can be compared to a world’s fair. We spent a day there seeing most of the exhibits in the various pavilions and riding many of the conveyances available to view their interiors. Epcot is sprawled over some 300 acres at Disneyworld. From Orlando, we drove south to Ft. Lauderdale and visited, among other places, the Everglades Safari Park to ride one of the Air Boats through the swampy terrain.
Florida fun
Only a few days ago we returned from a two-week trip that included several days in Florida as well as a week’s cruise in the Caribbean. I’ll first describe the Florida portion of the vacation. We flew directly to Orlando, which, as you know, is the home for several Disney Theme Parks along with other attractions. Our first day was spent renting an automobile and getting somewhat acquainted with the rather large city that Orlando has become.
Let's Hit the Road
Some of us might be experiencing spring fever right about now, so why not hit the road for some relief? Take a day trip or perhaps make it a multi-day getaway. Recently Norma and I, along with another couple, got in the car for a trip to Cottonwood and more. It’s a scenic ride through the beautiful pines north through Pine, Strawberry and down to Camp Verde. This takes about an hour, then another half hour or so to Cottonwood. This town has some very interesting antique stores as well as tasty restaurants. We first passed through Cottonwood only to return later in our journey.
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