Archive for May, 2010

Show Me the Money! (And the Washington, D.C. Monuments on the Green Back Backs)

May 31st
2010
by Matt Wilson
posted in:
U.S. Mid-Atlantic destinations

This Memorial Day weekend, there will be many people booking Washington, D.C. hotels to visit federal monuments and pay their respects at national events honoring the many U.S. soldiers who sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom and democracy.

If you’re not on a Washington vacation, no worries—it’s also a time many people celebrate by spending money at the countless Memorial Day sales at retailers across the country (I for one plan on cooking out—the other great tradition—with some friends and family).

In honor of the day, vacations, D.C., and spending money, we’re flipping the dollar bills over to take a look at the different monuments represented on the reverse sides. Many don’t even know firsthand what’s on the back of each bill, so take a guess before reading. If you get them all right, reward yourself with one of each bill.
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Variety in Puerto Vallarta

May 24th
2010
by Becky Youman
posted in:
Mexico beaches destinations

Some beach destinations in Mexico attract a particular type of traveler. Those looking for a laid-back, bohemian Mexico vacation may head to Zipolite, while those in search of up-scale restaurants and late-night parties might hit the Acapulco hot spots.  Scuba divers will most likely book Cozumel hotels, while sport fishers might hone in on a trip to Cabo San Lucas.

What if your family wants all of the above? Is there a place that gets you a little of everything great that a Mexico beach vacation has to offer? Yes there is – Puerto Vallarta. As I was reminded on a trip there last week, Puerto Vallarta is a unique resort town because it offers something for every type of traveler. Here is just a sampling of the variety:

Authenticity
Puerto Vallarta is not one of the resort destinations like Cancun or Huatulco that the Mexican government created from scratch out of palm trees and jungle. While it doesn’t have a history that dates back for centuries, like some towns in Mexico, the heart of the city offers cobblestone streets, a central plaza, and a unique crown-topped cathedral.
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Set Sail for Savannah’s Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum and Gardens

May 22nd
2010
by Matt Wilson
posted in:
U.S. Southeast destinations family

The city of Savannah is a museum all by itself. Its famous squares are each beautifully landscaped with stately oaks, Spanish moss, fountains, and numerous flora. The unique architecture of historic Savannah hotels, homes, churches, and other buildings showcases a unique style dating back hundreds of years. And then there’s its history—being one of the earliest cities formed in the colonies, the city limits are packed full of so many different aspects that shaped our nation’s heritage: colonial life, the Civil War, and maritime culture.

One Savannah attraction that encapsulates each of these attributes is the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum. Located on the north side of the historic district, just past the City Market, sits the former home of William Scarborough. Its unique architecture, both inside and out, lush garden courtyard, and large-scale models of ships that have sailed the seas surrounding Savannah makes it a must-see for people of all ages enjoying a Savannah vacation.
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Puerto Rico: Enjoying Old San Juan

May 21st
2010
by Becky Youman
posted in:
Caribbean destinations

A former job used to take me to San Juan for business. No matter how busy my schedule or how many back-to-back meetings were planned at my Puerto Rico hotels, I always made sure to spend some time in Old San Juan. Covering just seven square blocks, San Juan Viejo (Old San Juan), is the colonial heart of the city. Its cobblestone streets, colorful centuries-old buildings, and leafy plazas transport visitors to another era.

Many people on Puerto Rico vacations focus on the beach, but to truly appreciate the island, you should take the time to wander the narrow streets of Old San Juan. Founded in 1521, San Juan was an important Spanish port during colonial times. Ringed by a thick wall and guarded by forts, Old San Juan’s past as a military stronghold is still quite evident.

Here are some of the “can’t miss” spots in Old San Juan:
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Cozumel’s Celebrated Reef

May 11th
2010
by Becky Youman
posted in:
Mexico beaches destinations outdoor adventure

The coral reef and fish life off the coast of Cozumel have been major attractions ever since Jacques Cousteau touted the area’s underwater diversity in the late 1950s. The Mexican island, located near the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, deservedly draws a steady stream of scuba divers and snorkelers for Cozumel vacations.

Part of the Meso American Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world, Cozumel’s almost 20-miles of coral formations can be explored for days or weeks on end. Most Cozumel hotels cater to divers and snorkelers and many offer dive packages that make delving into the crystal clear waters a breeze.

I have dived in many of the “Best Places” around the world – Australia, Tahiti, Thailand, Galapagos, Hawaii – but still find Cozumel to be my favorite spot.  The steady current that flows by the island creates ideal conditions for coral and sponge growth. It also keeps anything from building up in the water, which makes for incredible 100-foot-plus visibility. Lastly the current acts as a type of underwater draft pushing divers along past the reefs. This “drift diving” actually feels like flying and is what makes Cozumel so special.

For those who really want to test their diving chops, the recently created Ultimate Divers Challenge is the perfect outlet. The event’s organizer says that even though divers spend hours and hours on continuing education and skill improvement, there has never been a way to really test those skills. She created the Ultimate Divers Challenge for competitors see how they stack up against others.
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The Tybee Island Lighthouse Still Shines Brightly

May 10th
2010
by Matt Wilson
posted in:
U.S. Southeast beaches destinations

As you wind through the small streets of quaint, vacation homes dotting the north side of Tybee Island, it’s not difficult to get turned around. But one constant towering high above the shady trees, two-story structures, sea turtle statues, and vacationers strolling back and forth from the beach and their Tybee Island hotels, provides a true north by which you can navigate about the island.

First built in 1736, the Tybee Island Lighthouse wasn’t meant for tourists on land, but rather helping navigate the waters of Georgia’s lowcountry coastlines, guiding sea-bearing vessels as they evolved from sails to steam to diesel over time. Still in operation today, it continues to serve as a beacon of light, brightly shining in the darkness to help lead travelers safely to harbor. Sitting on the barrier island known as Savannah’s beach, it’s a must-see for any one making Savannah vacation plans, and it provided a very memorable afternoon for my family.
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Racing to the Indianapolis 500

May 7th
2010
by Matt Wilson
posted in:
U.S. Midwest destinations events and festivals

Taking a 500-mile trip in a car isn’t exactly what you’d call enjoyable. Especially on the Interstate, where there’s rarely much to see outside of billboards advertising cheap hotels, trees, and the occasional road kill or hitchhiker. Add speed zones, road construction, and arguments from the back seat over whether Wall-E or Finding Nemo should be played next on the mini-DVD player and it can make you downright crazy.

But if you change the road from straight to a semi-circle, triple your speed, add some Italian drivers to the lanes next to you, swap the minivan for a Formula One car, and replace the road kill with 400,000 screaming people, then a 500-mile trip becomes quite the fun occasion. That’s what you’ll get at the 94th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the end of May on Memorial Day weekend. If you want to go, start making plans and book your Indianapolis hotel now, as it’s the largest single-day sporting event in the world.
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Bermuda Festivities

May 3rd
2010
by Becky Youman
posted in:
Caribbean beaches destinations events and festivals

Bermuda has long been an exotic and culturally unique place to vacation. The oldest British overseas territory, Bermuda offers island appeal with distinctive English flair.  More than just pink sand beaches and fancy Bermuda hotels, the island features historic English forts, colorful colonial towns, and ocean activities galore.

While you could easily relax at the beach your entire trip, Bermuda vacations can also be spent enjoying a wide range of activities – you can golf at one of the many world renowned courses, bicycle the 21-miles of the Railway Trail, snorkel among the colorful reefs, or explore limestone caves.

If your trip happens to coincide with Bermuda Day, observed annually on May 24 or the closest weekday, you will definitely want to get out and about to enjoy the many festivities. Originally established to mark the birthday of Queen Victoria and indoctrinate colonists in British Empire lore, Bermuda Day is now a celebration designed to bring Bermudans together. It also unofficially marks the beginning of summer in Bermuda, the day when men start wearing Bermuda shorts and many islanders take their first swim of the year.

Here are some of the activities that will be taking place on May 25 and into this summer this year:

Heritage Day Parade – This colorful spectacle begins at Bernand’s Park in Pembroke Parish and winds its way through the streets of Hamilton. Spectators enjoy watching marching bands, pipe and drum bands, and plenty of dancers file by. You can even see the colorfully outfitted Bermuda Gombeys folk dancers. Don’t worry about going hungry, as there are a variety of stands selling favorite Bermudian dishes along the parade route. This year’s theme — “Green: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” – is designed to highlight the message of the importance of reducing and recycling waste on the island.
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