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Family Travel to Orlando, Florida

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Florida is a popular family travel destination. The most significant draw in the Sunshine State in Orlando. Not only is Orlando home to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Resort, but it has a whole other world waiting to be discovered.

Here is what I suggest for an Orlando family vacation that packs your trip with fun and memorable activities. Orlando is known for its culinary scene; Keke’s Breakfast Cafe, a local chain, is a great introduction to how delicious food in Orlando is. Even though there are several shopping destinations in Orlando, I prefer shopping at the Orlando International Premium Outlets. People from all over the world enjoy discount shopping at Orlando International Premium Outlets’ 180 stores.

Say hello to Disney Springs! This is a place for family and is entirely free to visit. I-Drive 360, a super fast-paced, entertainment complex offers eye-catching attractions such as the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, Arcade City, and Sea Life Aquarium. Pick your favorite and add these special attractions to your vacation.

If you are looking for another activity to fill your day then at Lake Eola, take a walk on the sidewalk that goes around the lovely park or rent swan-shaped paddle boats and get out on the lake. The central fountain is a stunning treat to the eyes.

Movies and television come to life at this action-packed theme park at Universal Studios Orlando feature seven distinct areas, and each one feels like a film set with rich detailing. Diagon Alley, part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, is the most popular area here.

Since Orlando has a lot to offer so here is a small tip for all the mom’s: The Universal Studios Orlando allows the following items: bottled water; small snacks; any food required for medical purposes and medically-indicated nutritional supplements; any food for special dietary needs; baby food/baby formula; and soft-sided insulated bags no larger than 8.5 inches wide, 6 inches high and 6 inches deep. Full picnic lunches and food that requires heating or refrigeration are not permitted.

  • Hotel Recommendations

Hotels and resorts with connected suites are an ideal option if you’re travelling with younger children, allowing parents to enjoy some alone, so this is one of the best budget hotels in Orlando. We had the most comfortable stay with our kids at OYO Townhouse & Suites – Orlando. The place offers total assistance and premier comforts in the heart of Orlando. Orlando International Airport is the nearest airport to this hotel at just 8.6 miles. Being established in the hub of the city, all major attractions can be easily accessed from the hotel.

It remains a popular name for a cozy accommodation as it is situated 4.3 miles away from the Holy Land experience and 5.5 miles away from The Wheel at ICON Park Orlando. The OYO hotel gives perks such as 24×7 Accessible Kitchen, Kitchen, Room Service, Free Wifi, Iron, Wheelchair Accessible, Laundry service, Parking Facility, Reception, Daily Housekeeping, Bath Tub, Card Payment, Attached Bathroom, First Aid, Refrigerator, Mirror, CCTV Cameras around the premises. Most of the famous theme parks in Orlando are at a close distance to the hotels.

Freestyle Cruising

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Free Style Cruising

No question about it – cruise ship vacations are fun. You will struggle to find someone who does not want to do a cruise at least once in their lifetime. What however puts some people off and can be a blot to an otherwise unforgettable time is the formality and strict procedure that characterizes the days on board.

Specific meal times go hand in hand with a specific table throughout the cruise. You have to dress for the occasion – no wandering into the dining area in slippers, shorts and a t-shirt. One of the largest cruise companies in the world, Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) identified this inflexibility and decided to try out a new form of cruising where patrons were under no obligation to adhere to specific dining, accommodation and entertainment rules.

In a traditional cruise, what you pay for covers the major meals each at a specific time of the day. If you do not make it to the restaurant within meal times, you effectively forfeit the food you ticket paid for. In addition, each guest’s meals are limited to the same restaurant (even though there may be several other restaurants on board) and the same table throughout the cruise. Freestyle cruising on the other hand adopts a dine-as-you-please philosophy. You can eat anytime and in any restaurant on the ship.

In a conventional cruise, you must dress up for formal nights. There is no such rule in a freestyle cruise. You can be jeans and a t-shirt even if everyone else chooses to don a tuxedo or an evening dress. The third difference between traditional and freestyle cruising is in the variety of entertainment. Freestyle cruises will have multiple partying and clubbing spots with some open to guests throughout the day.

Whereas NCL have been the pioneers and the cruise line that is best associated with freestyle cruising, other shipping lines such as Princess Cruises are coming up with freestyle packages too.

11 Greatest Locations to Journey Solo in USA

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Miami Florida

Has travelling alone ever been in your bucket checklist? If sure, then discover your good vacation spot within the USA amongst the plethora of touristic locations it presents. Selecting the highest locations to journey solo appears to be tough, however we’ve bought you coated. Head out on your hassle-free enthralling journey to those 11 greatest locations to journey solo in USA:

Listing OF Greatest Locations To Journey Solo in USA

1: MIAMI, FLORIDA 

Overlook your worry of travelling alone and got down to see among the finest cities to journey solo in USA. In your journey, you would possibly discover different solo travellers within the metropolis. The oh-so-lovely seashores of Miami let you have the most effective time of your life, all by your self. Get pleasure from these beautiful seaside hangouts all throughout the town:

  • Sightsee by way of combo tour packages, cruise on the Biscayne Bay, and revel in airboat and sea-plane rides over the town. 
  • Get insights of the Cuban tradition and their delicacies on the Little Havana Meals and Strolling Tour in Miami. 
  • Meet pleasant and playful Dolphins on the well-known Miami Seaquarium. 
  • Behold superb Graffiti art work on a Golf Cart on the Artwork Basel Pageant on December weekends at Wynwood. 

2: San Diego, California 

This coastal metropolis is stuffed with enjoyable and frolic. The colourful and chirpy neighborhood, the attractive seashores, and the majestic pure panorama are a deal with to the eyes and coronary heart. When in San Diego, bask in these actions to raise your spirits: You may also prefer to learn 10 solo travel tips for beginners.

  • Extensively hike alongside Level Loma and sightsee whereas paragliding alongside the pink sandstone ravines on the Torrey Pines State Reserve.
  • Get tipsy & get pleasure from tasting new cuisines at San Diego’s vibrant neighborhood – Gaslamp Quarter. 
  • Surf and sun-bathe at stunning seashores like Coronado and Mission Seaside.
  • See the ocean creatures on a ship/kayak on the La Jolla Cove, standing on the turquoise-coloured sea waters.
  • Go to the San Diego Maritime Museum together with whale-watching from the cruise. 
  • Spot the rarest species like Pink Panda, Amur Leopards, and Californian condors on the San Diego Zoo. 

3: San Francisco, California 

The brilliant sunny metropolis is among the most secure cities for solo-travelling females. Benefit from the foggy mornings from hilltops and bay openings. The nice and cozy and welcoming locals all the time assist vacationers get comfy travelling safely within the metropolis. You possibly can go to these locations at San Francisco:

  • The Golden Gate Bridge at Marin Headlands is an ideal Instagram-worthy place with an internationally iconic background.
  • Tour the town by way of the pocket-friendly transports from Muni to the Bay Space Speedy Transport (BART).
  • Take a ferry experience to the very best safety jail of North America – Alcatraz Penitentiary at San Francisco. 
  • Get pleasure from exploring the Asian Artwork Museum.

4: Washington D.C. 

The capital metropolis of the US, named after its first President, George Washington, is among the most secure but spectacular metropolis to go to. Town’s tradition, heritage, and structure will hold you engaged all through. Even on this ultra-modern period, this metropolis retains its historic values in the most effective vogue. You possibly can go for an thrilling touring to those locations:

  • Go to the historic buildings just like the White Home, Washington Monument, and Congress Home, to call a number of. 
  • See the Cherry blossoms in its full bloom on April from the Potomac Park and Tidal Basin. 
  • On the Previous Put up Workplace Pavilion’s clock tower get an awe-struck night view of Washington’s cityscape. Additionally dine within the post-office pavilion, now refurbished as an opulent resort.
  • Science-geeks can get pleasure from an academic tour of the worldly innovations and creations on the Nationwide Geographic Museum. 

5: BOULDER, COLORADO 

For the out of doors thrill seekers, that is the proper vacation spot for you. Get pleasure from trekking, automotive experience or bike experience alongside the 45,000 acres open panorama. The awe-struck scenic magnificence will positive blow your thoughts. Positioned on the foot of the North American Rockies, it’s rightfully referred to as “the town nestled between the mountains and actuality”. Amongst a great deal of stuff obtainable, listed here are a spread of issues, you possibly can devour in:

  • Stroll down the traffic-free neighbourhood of Pearl Avenue and discover a good spot to eat alone. 
  • Behold wealthy cultural heritage on the Museum of Boulder. You possibly can spend a fun-filled day trip at this place with out tad-bit bored.
  • Stroll round and purchase contemporary native harvest from the farmers on the Boulder’s Farmers Market. Open on Saturday mornings from April-November and Wednesday mornings from Could-October. 
  • Hike to get picturesque views of the Rockies Mountains and Flatirons pink sandstones.

6: NEW YORK 

The uber-chic atmosphere coupled with a wide range of enjoyable actions will revive your mundane life. Travelling solo and assembly totally different folks within the busy metropolitan will enhance your spirit and confidence. When in New York, head out to those locations to have an satisfying time alone:

  • Cruise from Manhattan to see the Statue of Liberty and the cityscape on each side. 
  • Discover a new delicacies and revel in a delicious meal or get drunk on the bars and eating places.
  • Get pleasure from a pleasant metropolis tour wandering across the metropolis on bike or double-decker buses.
  • Behold the fantastic thing about trendy artwork on the Museum of Fashionable Artwork and discover intricate sculptures and work on the Frisk Assortment. 
  • Get pleasure from on the Rockaways seaside viewing the sundown and dipping your toes within the cool sea waters.

7: SANTA FE, New Mexico

The second oldest metropolis of the US, with its Pueblo-style Spanish architectural heritage, is a must-visit for solo travellers. Even in case you aren’t an artwork lover, you’ll nonetheless be mesmerised by the even mixing of historical past with the quirky trendy tradition. You possibly can got down to discover a spread of issues on the capital of Mexico:

  • With over 80 artwork galleries within the Canyon Street, your boring day will come to life with a wide range of artworks.
  • Stroll across the Pecos Nationwide Park – ruins of the traditional Pecos Pueblo settlers, virtually a millennium outdated.
  • Journey on an enigmatic psychedelic expertise on the Meow Wolf Artwork Museum, visualising the summary gentle and artwork reveals.
  • Journey again to the 1800s, gown up in historic Mexican type and have a gala time on the Ranch of Swallows

8: MOAB, UTAH 

For solo travellers looking for a good place full of outside actions, this small and desolate metropolis is a gem. The thrilling actions amidst the guts of the scenic pure panorama are an ideal deal with for self. Amongst an entire lot of issues to do, listed here are a number of enjoyable stuff so that you can get pleasure from in Moab:

  • Raft within the waters of the Colorado River viewing the enthralling pink sandstone rock canyons and benefit from the picturesque scenic view in your method.
  • Have a topsy-turvy enjoyable drive alongside the extraordinarily rugged terrain on the Hell’s Revenge 4*4 path. 
  • Hike or climb on the Canyonlands Nationwide Park to see the pure arches, mesas, and buttes from the highest. 
  • Camp with the breath-taking view of the scenic panorama, 600 metres above Colorado River on the Lifeless Horse Park State Park. 

9: LAS VEGAS 

If you’re on the lookout for a mind-freshening guilt-free journey then Vegas is your greatest place-to-be. Splurge into an all-luxurious solo journey to this high-spirited metropolis within the US. It has made it to the highest 11 locations to journey solo in USA for all the correct causes.  

  • Free your fears and skydive on the coronary heart of the Grand Canyon viewing the astonishing panorama.
  • Sip on champagne on a scorching air balloon experience exploring the town from the highest.
  • Gamble and occasion all evening on the 24-hours open casinos and themed bars of the well-known Fremont Avenue. 
  • E-book an evening city-tour to discover Bellagio’s dancing fountains and the artificially erupting volcanoes on the Mirage. 

10: MAUI, HAWAII 

Go to this tropical island at Hawai named because the sixth greatest journey vacation spot on the planet. The plush greenery throughout amidst the volcanic panorama is a spot for a surreal expertise. Set out for a pleasant journey right here having fun with at:

Haleakala Nationwide Park
  • Watch a fascinating dawn at Haleakala Nationwide Park, positioned above a dormant volcanic crater.
  • Get pleasure from an exhilarating and scenic tour of the Maui’s forest on a zipper line. 
  • Go to the Maui Ocean Centre to have a style of the brilliant marine lifetime of Hawaii indoors. 
  • Solar-bathe, snorkel, and usher in these tan traces at Napili and Wailea seashores and Waianapanapa State Park.

11: MICHIGAN 

On the lookout for a has-it-all vacation spot? From all-natural scenic wonders to enjoyable and thrilling leisure areas, Michigan presents all of it. If you’re planning to journey solo to Michigan, then you definately ought to go to these locations:

Mackinac Islands
  • On the Mackinac Islands go for the Nice Turtle Kayak Tour or a city-wide carriage tour of the cultural panorama.
  • See the wind mills, bloomed tulips, museums of Holland and Kruizenza, and revel in Dutch tradition at Holland. 
  • Tour the Sleeping Bear Lakeshore Heritage Path, kayak on Platte River and Loon Lake. Spend time on the Glen Haven village.
  • Behold the picturesque pure surroundings at Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore. Take pleasure in out of doors enjoyable by the Lake Superior.
  • Worrying in regards to the security of your pet whilst you journey? The professionals at Michigan’s Canine Watch centre will customise their pet-keeping companies suiting your wants and your canine’s wellbeing. Additionally, take a look at our information on Michigan Dog-Friendly Beaches.  

Select your favorite vacation spot from the checklist. E-book your tickets, pack your rucksack, and got down to any of those greatest locations to Journey Solo in USA. I’m positive that it’ll be among the finest selections you’ll ever make and the expertise of a lifetime.

How to Tap in to the Holiday Publicity Bonanza

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If your product or service can be given as a gift, a publicity windfall awaits at the end of the year – but you need to start working in June. Each December, media outlets cover the newest,the hottest and the most unusual Holiday gifts. The reporters assigned to develop these pieces typically depend on two sources of information:

1. Phone interviews with local store owners

– and –

2. Press materials that have been sent by publicity seekers.

Let’s deal with Point 1. Here’s a cool trick: In early November, write a letter to stores and major websites that carry your product. Remind them that they may be hearing from journalists soon about hot gift ideas, and request that they consider mentioning your product when that happens. Point out afew reasons why your product is the newest, coolest, best or whatever. Ask the vendor to drop you an e-mail or give you acall if a story results that mentions your product.

Now, on to old-fashioned publicity. When to contact the media depends on the publication or program’s lead time (how far in advance of publication or airing the material is developed). Magazines like Woman’s Day have a lead time up to six months, so get materials to them now. Newspapers have a lead time as short as a week for feature material, so send materials in November. In between are wire services, medium-lead magazines, “in-flight”magazines and others. To learn the lead time of a particular media outlet, call the editorial department. If that doesn’t work, try the advertising department.

What you send should be kept simple — a press release about your product/service, a pitch letter explaining why it’s such a great gift idea, and, if applicable, a disk with color product photos.See our articles “How to Write a Great Pitch Letter” for more details.

As you craft the materials, think about where your product/service fits. Based on its nature, cost, rarity or usefulness, it may work with a variety of typical Christmas Gift stories such as: Great Stocking Stuffer Ideas, Gifts for Teenagers, Gifts for the Person Who Has It All, Gifts for Executives, Gifts that Relax, etc. By suggesting a category for your product, rather than simply stating “Here’s a product that would make a nice holiday gift”, you’re making yourself stand out– and maybe even giving the journalist an idea for a story angle that he or she wouldn’t have thought about otherwise. Either way, your chances of getting coverage are greatly improved.

A Simple Little Holiday Plan

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Holiday Time

The Thanksgiving leftovers have all been eaten and the gift-buying season has shifted into high gear. Remain calm and prepare yourself for the most jam-packed month in the calendar year. There are a small percentage of you who may actually have completed your to-do list long before everyone else. (If this is you, then kick back and relax.) The rest of you needn’t despair! Just read on for the essential steps in holiday preparation. The key to preparing yourself for all the craziness is a well thought out plan. Believe it or not, the simple act of putting it down on paper can give you some peace. I am not sure why seeing my obligations and tasks in black and white are more calming than letting them race through my mind, but it really works.

During December, the holiday plan that I depend on is divided into four separate sections or categories. They are:

– Cards

– Gifts

– Social/Community Obligations

– Decorating

(Keep an extra copy of your gift list in the car, because you never know where your daily travels will take you.)

Holiday Cards

This year, if you have not already, transfer all of your names and addresses from your address book to a word processing file so you can easily print labels. My recommendation is to use clear labels, because they go with any choice of envelope color. Tip: if you are mailing over-sized envelopes, go to the post office early to have a sample weighed so you can purchase the necessary postage. (Don’t forget about adding those new friends and purging the ones that drive you crazy. I especially like to purge those who can only talk about themselves and their stuff, how boring!!)

Presents, presents, and more presents

Make a list of all the people that are going to be the recipients of your hard work. To minimize some effort, consider different options. If individuals are in the same household, consider a group gift. If you have children to buy for and their parents don’t have any suggestions (because Tommy and Susie have every possible toy out there), offer to pay for a special activity or a couple of lessons of their choice. Last year my parents picked up riding lessons for our daughter and it was a great gift for all. Our daughter loved it, my husband did not have to open his wallet, and I did not have house more “stuff”.

Social and Community Obligations

‘Tis the season to be merry and party ? but my suggestion is not to overdo it. Our daily routines are so overscheduled anyway that the extra commitments can make it difficult to juggle everything. Attend the parties and social gatherings that are truly important to you and politely decline the rest. (Sorry, but this does not apply to family functions!). The season is too short and busy to spend an evening watching the clock.

Community or charitable contributions are important during the holiday season. There are many people in your community that are less fortunate, so as a family or as an individual make some extra time for those in need. There are many local organizations that would be happy to guide you as to what is needed. I believe this is a wonderful opportunity for people to make a difference and experience the true holiday spirit.

Indoor/Outdoor Decorating

Last, but not least, make two separate plans for attacking decorating: one for indoors and the other for outdoors; and remember this does not need to be accomplished in one day. My husband and I allow significant downtime between the two tasks. Decorating should be a fun family event and if you get stressed out and exhausted the enjoyment will disappear.

Pick a theme for your outdoor display: all out, Clark Griswold-style or a more elegant approach, such as a simple wreath with a spotlight on your front door. Anything goes, so make it a reflection of how you and your family celebrate the holidays. Have fun with the indoor decorating and remember to take a quick inventory of what you have so there is no duplication. Light a fire and put on your favorite CD and let the decorating begin.

Good luck, relax, check those lists twice and remember what the season is really about.

Staycation Idea #1: Prepare Food Together and Enjoy a Candlelight Dinner

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Candlelight Dinner

Whether you are looking for an affordable way to celebrate your anniversary or just want to give your partner a romantic experience, a staycation special dinner is a good option. There is no need to spend thousands of dollars because with creativity, you and your partner can have that romantic getaway feel on your own backyard. There are many things you can do to make it extra special.

A romantic staycation is never complete without a candlelight dinner. Candles have a great way of setting a mood. Maybe it is our primitive fire loving natures or perhaps it is the nice scents of some of the more expensive candles. Whatever it may be, make sure you don’t set the house on fire. Be safe, but the more candles the better.

If both of you are at home, consider preparing the food together. Even if only one of you has culinary skills, preparing the ingredients is a fun way to enjoy each other’s company. It also ensures you finish preparing the food faster. Cook foods that you enjoyed on your previous vacation, especially those that you had on your trip abroad. Eating a delicious foreign cuisine will make you feel that you are in some other places in the world. Otherwise, if you have not been abroad, then try cooking local dishes from where your partner or their family is from. Old family recipes are a great treasure trove of bringing up cultural fun and interesting conversations. Make sure you’ve done your research before because you might need special ingredients that you don’t have readily available in the pantry.

The romantic candlelight dinner is just the icing of the cake. It is the time you spend together while preparing the dinner that make your staycation extra special. There is no need to do things perfectly; the important thing is you are able to share laughter and light-hearted conversation. It will strengthen your bond, and serve as a reminder of why you adore each other.

Pro-tip: If you are feeling very adventurous…try to do all of this outdoors. 

If you try to set up an outdoor candlelight ambiance you will really impress your partner. Weather permitting, you could take old blankets and set up a bedouin tent scene. Even if you’ve ordered in take out it will seem so amazing because of the ambiance. WORD OF WARNING: Do NOT set the house on fire! Make sure if you are setting up the blankets that you are not at risk of setting them ablaze. It’s best to have a bucket of water or fire extinguisher ready. Use your brain, that’s why it’s a pro-tip.

Basic Stylish Travel Girl Tips

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Who said traveling has to be very drab and boring? That you cannot put your best foot (boot) forward as you discover new things around the world. As Coco Chanel said “Everyday is a fashion show and the world is your runway!”

Weather Factor
It is very important to checkout the weather in your destination country before you pack your bags and go there, this helps you easily plan your wardrobe for the rest of your journey. You will not have to shop for different outfits when you reach your destination and you packed for the wrong weather.

Packing
After getting done with the weather, of course you head straight to the packing, the moment you know what you need especially if you are going to a sunny place. Everything you carry has to be summer appropriate. Start with packing very light clothing such as cotton, chiffon and some denim just incase you get to areas where you do not have to show so much skin.

Makeup Kit and Skin Exfoliators
Going on vacation does not mean you leave everything to go wild, you have to keep that face still radiant; pack the right makeup for your destination at least just enough to outline all that beauty and still keep you looking fresh. Make sure you have a good exfoliator and shaving kit that is good for your skin type that will make showing off those legs even more fun. Do not forget wipes; they are very essential for hot days and makeup removal, stay fresh.

Shoes and More Shoes
All the pretty shoes you have that make you feel like Cinderella heading for a ball should be packed for vacation, after all a vacation is supposed to bring you back that feel-good element. Make sure you pack for the right weather with the right footwear, feel good and enjoy that holiday with your best foot forward.

Strenuous Activity
You have to go sightseeing when on vacation, no one stays cooped up in the hotel just watching TV and ordering room service; you jump into it, take life by the plums and see what you never expected to see. So why shouldn’t you look your very best as you go mountain climbing or take on that long jungle trail; pick up those beautiful shorts, leggings and pretty sneakers and walk into it with as much positivity as you can. Keep away from wearing dresses or skirts for such activities since they get in the way.

Sunscreen Glasses and Hats
Did you know that regular sunscreen was not made for your face? It clogs up the pores, so be sure to get one that is specifically made for your face such as the En Garde from Votre Vu (choose one for your skin type and color). The biggest essential of all are sunglasses. Sunny places need pretty bright colored aviator glasses and a huge beautiful floppy hat to frame your face in the heat.

Travel Bags
When packing for your journey, avoid bulky luggage because it makes it hard for transition if you are traveling alone; try as much as you can to fit everything you need in two bags and keep the toiletries in your hand luggage for emergencies. Even better, you can tag your bags with cute bright unique luggage tags that can help you easily identify your belongings.

Vacation Shopping
Considering you might have to shop every once in awhile when at your destination, plan for how much you have to set aside for that wee shopping you might end up indulging into. Do not go to the chain stores, pass by the flea markets because they have unique things you might love and put your bargaining skills on display but limit yourself to a certain budget; just incase you see too many pieces that might leave you breathless.

Discover The Mediterranean Cruise

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Several cities in one trip? Dream beaches and culture? All this and more meets the wide range of Mediterranean cruises that will take us to see diverse cities and magical places.

Typically, Mediterranean cruises usually depart from Spanish cities like Barcelona, which has become central port of boats and yachts. In the city we can always start with a route through the harbor, the Ramblas (which are in the same area) or the modern marina.

Then the boat will take us to Italy, specifically Rome. It is one of the most fascinating cities in the Mediterranean, for history and art of giving the hand to rediscover our past. The Trevi Fountain, Piazza Spain and the downtown restaurants are places that we recommend to see when we stop.

The boat can lead to other city, for example, Florence, the place par excellence of museums. Or down in Corsica, an island full of fantastic beaches and glamorous.

The Greek islands can also be part of such tours cruise. Santorini is one of the best known. Festivals and blue-green sea are some of the attractions. We lose the donkey tours and tasty Greek cuisine, the dish moussaka as essential, purely Mediterranean.

To make the trip even more complete, it can even reach Istanbul. It is worth visiting this city which, although it is becoming more westernized, retains the essence of Turkey, with its mosques, and eclectic architecture. We will give a tour of the souks, or markets where you can buy really cheap parts.

Cruise tourism continues to grow thanks to its clear advantages. The boats are usually large floating hotel where nothing is lacking, with themed restaurants, nightclubs, lounges and relaxation, and many activities for the whole family.

5 Themed Ideas to Having Memorable Travel Experiences

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When you’re planning a holiday in another country or a road trip with a campervan, you’ll probably ask yourself, “What will I do when I reach my destinations?” Aside from determining your accommodation, transportation and budget options, you will also have to plan your activities when you’re already there.

But most often, a place can provide a wide assortment of activities or it has a lot of interesting landmarks to the point that you think your holiday time won’t be enough. For some, it can be overwhelming to decide what activities to do or where to go. If you’re one of them, here are some interesting themes that you can adopt into your travel itinerary.

The Local Ways

When visiting a place with a culture that’s different from yours, it’s a great thing to engage in activities that the local people love to do. Whether it’s a community feast or a simple concert at the public park, it’s definitely an eye-opener that will leave a positive mark in your memory, which you will cherish for years to come. So make sure that you check out what local events are happening during your visit and where they’ll be held.

If you get invited to a private wedding by someone with a different culture or to a celebration that’s unique to the place, try not to miss it. It’s definitely your gateway to memorable, enlightening travel experiences.

Food Trip

If you’re a food lover, why not have an adventure with your passion in mind? If you’re planning to travel across Australia, book a campervan hire so that it would be easy for you to get from one place to another. It will also allow you to have the comfort of a home. Grab your map and see what speciality local restaurants are available along your route.

You don’t have to focus on local cuisines, though. Did someone mention that the best seafood, which is your favourite, can be found in a certain restaurant in your holiday destination? Then research about it and see how you can drive there.

The Race to Popular Sites

If you’re travelling generally to scratch items off your bucket list of countries to visit, then perhaps this activity will delight you. Also, if you love to take pictures of yourself with famous landmarks as background, this is also ideal for you. To make things easy, have a list of the sites that your holiday destination is famous for. Then use a map to determine their locations so that you can plan your routes, especially when you’ll be driving a motor home.

Planning to take the mass transit instead? Then research about it, too. Just make sure that you won’t look haggard when you take your photos with the awesome Sydney Opera House or the picturesque Hunter Region landscape.

Your Own Pace

Some travellers just want to take things slow, doing the things they normally do. If you’re planning to visit a country or to drive a campervan for a short trip to know yourself more or just to have peace of mind, then slow travelling can give you insightful, memorable experiences.

Perhaps you love to watch people as you sip coffee at an alfresco restaurant. Then you might want to locate where the best establishments are. Or maybe you love to wander around the streets and go wherever your feet take you. Then at least know where the dangerous places are so that you can avoid them.

The Road Less Travelled

If you’re the kind of traveller who wants to avoid crowds of tourists, you’re not the only one. There will always be areas in a holiday destination where tourists can be rarely seen, such as narrow alleyways as well as the outskirts of the city centre. Go where the residents go, and perhaps you can discover a slice of the locals’ life. If you want to explore a famous tourist site, make sure to do so before the tour buses arrive. That’s usually in the early morning.

The activities listed here are suggested themes to help you decide what to do during your holiday. In the end, the secret to having memorable journeys that you’ll cherish for years to come is to have itineraries that are centred on your passion and interest.

A Tribute to Utah and Arizona’s National Parks

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Utah National Park

Separated by a state border but connected by raw and rugged desert landscapes, Utah and Arizona’s National Parks are ideal destinations for those who enjoy starlit nights, quiet solace and unforgettable experiences. In my opinion, Arizona and Utah are home to some of the most intriguing and brilliantly-colored areas in the world; the landscapes found in these states inspire creativity, freedom and an overwhelming sense of calm.

In November 2013, I took my first trip to the Southwest with one of my best friends, Ana Mestre. We ventured to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, as well as Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley and Arches Park. The trip opened our eyes to the untamed beauty of the desert and it wasn’t long before I had the need to see it again. So with the company of my parents, I took another trip this past May 2015 to immerse myself in the beauty and spirituality of Bryce Canyon and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

I am not sure if it was because my travel companions, as well as myself, were all European, but we all shared the same impressions about the power of the parks in terms of perception of space. In the Grand Canyon especially, not only did we fail to grasp the depth of the panoramas, or the endless openness of space, but we could feel our own perspectives about ourselves change. We felt miniscule and helpless, and at the same time uplifted but the wonder around us.

With the exception of Antelope Canyon, we felt immersed in a more intimate atmosphere as we traveled across Arizona and Utah. In the parks, I felt fragile and unstable as if my self-confidence disappeared all at once and time had stopped. This sense of weakness was accompanied with a feeling of inspiration, freedom and lightness at the same time. To me the parks are spiritual environments. All of us loved the disconnection from home. We Europeans are used to seeing natural wonders in small spaces, where our minds and eyes can drink in their splendor at once. In Utah and Arizona, beauty is spread across such spacious landscapes and enormous distances that one’s eyes seem to get overwhelmed and become lost in the horizon.

This new experience was something that mesmerized us all. It made me think of something Edward Abbey wrote in his book Desert Solitaire: “It seems to me that the strangeness and wonder of existence are emphasized here, in the desert, by the comparative sparsity of the flora and fauna. The extreme clarity of the desert light is equaled by the extreme individualization of desert life forms. Love flowers best in openness and freedom.”

A Walk Through Utah

I will always associate Utah’s parks with geographic diversity. In Utah I was mesmerized by the mix of snaking canyons, soaring spires and fragile rock bridges, from the grandeur of the Grand Canyon to the narrow canyons and powerful walls of Zion National Park, from the the spiky hoodoos in Bryce Canyon to the multitude of sandstone arches in Arches Park.

Arches National Park

It was perplexing to see how nature has created perfect shapes. A millennium of wind, water and rain sculpted the arches, buttes and deep canyons that made the scenery so spectacular. With a car, Ana and I easily reached the main parking lots and hiked in. The most memorable hike was the one to Delicate Arch. The trail to the natural monument stretched out in front of us like something about to dissolve. Unique and unexpected, Delicate Arch made us feel as though we had to tiptoe and whisper to each other, otherwise we might cause it to fall over. Ana and I couldn’t believe such a delicate contour of stone could be so perfectly balanced, fragile and immovable at the same time. When the sunlight hit the red sandstone landscape, we felt we were in a photographer’s paradise. Delicate Arch was unique and unexpected. Paraphrasing Edward Abbey, it stimulated the senses and distracted the mind from everyday worries, reawakening awareness of the wonderful.

Bryce Canyon National Park

I hiked Bryce Canyon with my parents after having visited Zion Canyon. The immediate feeling was of being in a more intimate environment. Spaces were still vast and endless, but the hikes we did each day allowed us to walk among the typical skinny spires of rock – called hoodoos. These hoodoos were reminiscent of the whimsical sand castles I created in Italy when I was a child, only it was a giant, all encompassing version. Looking at them reminded me of how I would gently drop a mix of sand and water on the beach until little towers of swirls and curls formed.

My parents have hiked the Italian Alps and they admitted how this landscape seemed harsh in comparison. On the other hand, Bryce Canyon felt less remote and more welcoming than Zion Canyon or the Grand Canyon. I thought this feeling might have been because of its smaller, less overwhelming size. Shaped by wind, water and gravity, Bryce Canyon seemed to almost be in motion; with the undeniable erosion that had chipped away at its interior, the canyon was mysterious and almost grotesque.

Monument Valley

I still remember the morning Ana and I woke up in Monument Valley. The window of our hotel room was open out to the valley, but when we woke up, we could only see fog. We quickly realized how lucky we were to have a fog shrouded morning as it unveiled little by little the isolated and giant red mesas, like curtains revealing a scene. At the end of the morning, the view was beyond description: buttes, sprawling sandy desert and surreal sandstone towers rose hundreds of feet into the air.

Monument Valley revealed to us not so much a valley or a wide flat plateau interrupted by crumbling formations, but more the domination of nature’s architecture. John Ford, who filmed westerns in this extraterrestrial place, called it the “most complete, beautiful and peaceful place on earth.” Indeed when I think about the magnificence of Monument Valley, I think of how it resembles every aspect of the iconic American Wild West.

Escaping in Arizona

Arizona for me is home to the true crown jewels of the national park system; Grand Canyon National Park, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend each have their own unique elements and impressions.

Caption: South Rim of the Grand Canyon taken in Winter. Photo by Chris Scotti.

Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim and South Rim)

“The Grand Canyon is a sort of landscape Day of Judgment. It is not a show place, a beauty spot, but a revelation.” – J. B. Priestley
I like this quote because it perfectly describes what Ana and I felt when we first reached the South Rim and stared at the gorges of the Colorado Plateau. With piercing November air chilling our lungs, we stood and tried to make sense of the scene before us. How could a plateau and a canyon move together so seamlessly? How could a river make such an impression? The South and North rims were just edges, welds between incommensurate landscapes. The Colorado river seemed more a barrier, the sign of separation, than a conduit.

Although the rims were separated by about 20 miles, a five-hour road trip or 2-3 day hike was required to get between the two sides. The two rims had completely different atmospheres: the South Rim was more accessible, but it was also more touristy. I visited the North Rim in May, and it was pleasantly cool. Since it’s covered in trees, the North Rim has natural shade while the South Rim heats up dramatically during the summer months. The atmosphere at the North Rim is much more relaxing because so few people visit. There the emphasis is on relaxation and getting away from stress, rather than the attraction of the canyon. That`s why this part of the Canyon is my favorite.

The contrast between the Grand Canyon and other landscapes was profound. Unlike a mountain’s flank, the Canyon’s rim was defined with a geologic razor, and within its borders the Canyon is completely contained. I felt like I was not prepared for what I was about to experience and no amount of IMAX movies or coffee table books could have prepared me. The Grand Canyon came as a surprise, as a phenomenon with an aesthetic impact, without precedent.

Both times I visited it, I felt a profound sadness leaving the Grand Canyon. I realized it is a place you could look at forever and never see the same canyon twice. The layers of red, green, cream and black are ever changing. Take a step, and the vista changes. Let the sun move a bit, or the clouds, and you have a whole new canyon.

Antelope Canyon

This masterpiece of color is made up of two slot canyons. The Navajo name for Upper Antelope Canyon is Tsé bighánílíní, which means, “the place where water runs through rock.” It is home to glorious shafts of sunlight. Lower Antelope Canyon, the one I visited with Ana, is Hasdeztwazi, which in Navajo means, “spiral rock arches.” Mysterious and magnificent, Lower Antelope Canyon is a photographic extravaganza due to the erosion of the sandstone by water. A camouflaging masterpiece of color variations, sunbeams and visible textures made this place the most beautiful spot I have seen.

Lower Antelope Canyon is spiritual. Red rock walls rise upward like praying hands, like we had entered a sacred space. As if we were in a cathedral, we felt a sense of respect and protection and we left with an uplifted feeling that we had been given a gift from nature, something greater than ourselves.

Lower Antelope Canyon was to me a romantic experience as well. The orange, pink, red and brown curls and swirls made it seem warm and almost sensual. Each smooth curve had been created over many thousands of years by the relentless forces of water and wind, slowly carving and sculpting the sandstone into forms, textures, and shapes that made it seem so intimate. The views in Lower Antelope Canyon changed constantly as the sun moved across the sky, filtering light softly across the stone walls. It was as if we had stumbled into a sandstone dream.

Horseshoe Bend

There’s nothing man-made about Horseshoe Bend, but it certainly looks like something humans would try to mimic. We got to the powdery edge of the trail after a 20 minute walk from the parking lot, and what we saw at the end of the trail made us gasp. The sun was setting and as we watched, we couldn’t bring ourselves to disturb the silence around us. Aqua blue and green waters swirled below us as they meandered around a giant rock formation. The Colorado River didn’t say anything. It was completely passive, acted upon but never acting. It just lay there, inviting contemplation from those above.

Utah and Arizona’s national parks cannot be possessed. We fool ourselves if we think these inanimate objects care about us. The boundless spaces protected in these regions inspire respect. Their depth and quietness allow for natural magnificence, where so much of it has disappeared. What we learned at these places was that embedded in the strata of such conformations is immutable evidence that life changes and leaves memories; that we humans are transitory beings and we should admire and enjoy beauty now, before our bodies and minds can no longer bear it.