Travel Blog

Photo Credit: www.rehobothbeachde.net

My bet is that, when you were thinking of places to travel, Delaware wasn’t even on your long list.  Delaware has an identity issue.  It’s a small state with an uncommon name that’s tucked in between some powerful states, and thus gets overlooked at a place to visit.  Yet Delaware has its own charm and some things that are worth giving it a look.

Delaware is the second smallest state in the nation; Rhode Island holds the smallest distinction.  It’s tucked in between Maryland, New Jersey, and a sliver of Pennsylvania.  It’s only 96 miles long, and at its widest is only 35 miles, it’s shortest only 6 miles.

Strangely enough, Delaware has one of the largest beach fronts on the East Coast, over six miles worth of beachfront property.  Rehoboth Beach, located in Delaware Seashore State Park, is a very popular beach that’s crowded most of the summer.  The park itself is over 2,800 acres of sun and sand.  Most people love to just sit in the sun or go swimming, but there’s also a lot of boating and some fishing, since it’s on the ocean, as well as surfing and sailboating.  There’s also the Thompson Island Preserve, though visits there are restricted since it’s protected.

Delaware doesn’t have any state taxes, so more than 50% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated in Delaware, and many of them have some sort of physical presence in the state because of that.  It also doesn’t have any sales taxes, though there are some county taxes and, of course, property taxes.  Therefore, something else Delaware is great for are shopping trips to its many malls.

And there are some of the standard things that people love to see in cities, or in the state in this case.  There’s the Delaware Museum of Natural History in Wilmington, which is the largest city in the state.  It’s known for its dinosaur exhibits and its butterfly garden.  There’s Fort Delaware State Park, which at one time housed more than 30,000 Confederate soldiers after the Civil War.  In the capital city, Dover, there are the annual stock car races at Dover International Speedway, as well as the Schwartz Center for the Arts, which hosts both the symphony and ballet.

And, if you’re looking for luxury, Wilmington is also home to one of the top luxury hotels in the country, the Hotel De Pont, which has been open since 1913 and has had some of the top names in history stay there, including President John Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Charles Lindbergh, and includes a 1,200 seat theater which hosts Broadway plays.

See more:
Top Travel Destinations
Delaware Tourist Attractions
Delaware Beaches

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Tokyo is the largest metropolitan area in the world, with just over 28 million people. There’s almost 10 million more people in Tokyo than the next city, Mexico City. With a metropolitan area this large, it’s easy to see why there’s more than one culture within the city.

Large cities are complex, and Tokyo is no exception. It’s one of the most modern cities in the world. Skyscrapers don’t begin to show the futuristic vision of this city. They had multi-colored bullet trains in the 1960′s, and now they’re much faster. They have both lavish hotels and hotels where visitors say in a cubby that’s barely bigger than their circumference.

In Tokyo, you can go from a large, metropolitan mall to a flea market of foods and gifts within minutes. You will feel like fainting from the wonderful smells of foods being cooked by people who have decided they don’t necessarily want to live the modern life, but will accept money for services. You don’t see begging all that often in Japan; whether that’s because of pride or the police is up for discussion. You can get great deals in these flea markets if you’re not looking for flashy; it helps if you can learn a little bit of Japanese also.

Through all of this you can see Mount Fuji standing proudly in its vista, and it’s a wondrous site. You’re not all that far away, and you can take tours that will take you not only to the base of the mountain, but a little ways up, where you’ll see pools of water with large goldfish, and at certain times of the year it’s even warm enough for you to go into the water.

And, when you decide it’s time to do some real sightseeing, there are obviously many places you could decide to start from. The most sacred place is the Tokyo Imperial Palace, the home of the royal family of Japan. If you’ve never had the pleasure of not only being close to a lot of cherry blossoms, but taking in their scent, you don’t know what you’ve missed.

You’ll also want to visit Olympic Stadium, where the 1964 Olympics were held, and where they’re hoping they’ll be able to hold the 2016 Olympics as well. This has been home to many concerts and sporting events over the years and can hold a little over 57,000 people.

And there’s the Tokyo National Museum, the largest museum in the country, which exhibits traditional Japanese art. It’s one of four museums in what’s known as Ueno Park. And the oldest and largest zoo is in Tokyo, with over 400 different animal species.

There’s just so much to see that you’ll have to take a trip and be amazed at what you’ll see.

See more:
Discount Hotels in Tokyo
Tokyo Travel Destinations
New York Times – Tokyo Travel Tips
Japan Travel Guide – About.com

Photo Credit: www.inetours.com

For more than 120 years, the legendary Hotel Del Coronado has been paradise for children of all ages.

The 28 acre resort, Southern California‘s only ocean front hotel, offers an expansive white sand beach, lush gardens, a nearby marina, several pools and a full-time Recreation Department to cater to families.

The Del introduces two all new activities centers and programming for children and teenagers. Kidtopia and Vibz will make this a summer to remember at the world-renowned resort.

Kidtopia is the Del’s new facility for children ages 4-12 that will feature bright and fun colors, underwater murals and separate beach-themed rooms for crafts and playtime.

Vibz, the new year-round hangout dedicated to teens ages 13-17, is the perfect escape for those looking for a break from the family. During summer months, The Del offers an extended schedule of activities for families including bingo tournaments on the pool deck, familys’ mores night at the beach and “Flick and Float” movie night where guests watch films while floating in an inner tube in the pool. Travel + Leisure Family magazine named The Del one of the top 20 family resorts in the United States.

While in San Diego, visit these destinations: Consistency rated one of the top family destinations in North America, San Diego is ideal for children of all ages as it offers a variety of family friendly activities and world class attractions throughout the year.

The San Diego Zoo is a 100 acre tropical garden that houses 4,000 animals of 800 rare and exotic spieces. For information, visit www.sandiegozoo.org or call 619-231-1515.

Thirty miles northeast of downtown Sand Diego, the Sand Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park is a 1,800-acre preserve where wild animals roam free. For information, visit www.sandiegozoo.org or call 760-747-8702

Located on Mission Bay, Sea-World San Diego features shows, attractions and dozens of exhibits.

For information, visit www.seaworld.com or call 800-257-4268.

See more:
Hotel Deals in San Diego
San Diego Vacation and Tourist Info
Fodor’s San Diego Travel Guide

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Buffalo National River in northern Arkansas was the first river designated as a national river in 1972.  It starts in what’s known as the Boston Mountains within the Ozarks and flows through four counties before it merges with the White River.  It’s the largest river in the United States that doesn’t have a dam attached to it.

It’s contained mostly within the Buffalo River State Park, which means it’s managed by the National Park Service.  It runs about 150 miles, 135 of which is within the protected park area.  It received its protected status to stem efforts of using it to help generate energy for the state, which would have destroyed its pristine visage.

This is one of the most scenic areas you could ever visit.  The national park actually has log cabins which can be rented for those who enjoy camping.  If that’s not your style, you can stay in one of the many lodges that are near the river at different points.  There’s the traditional wildlife that you’ll see in many national parks such as bear, beavers, and even bobcats, and it contains the only elk in the state.  There’s also many different varieties of trees and other plant life.

This is the kind of place you visit when you want to get away from it all for some peace and relaxation; it’s certainly large enough to get lost in.  Many visitors love to go canoeing, rafting or kayaking, and there are even boat tours that can connect you to one of 20 access points along the river.  There’s fishing allowed in the river, with over 300 different species.

There are also some things that make this river and park unique.  There are bluffs where you can see the river for miles.  There are caves and sinkholes, something that’s unusual for rivers.  There’s even a waterfall, called the Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls.

You can also hike along the river and within the state parks area.  The best known trail is the Buffalo River Trail, which is around 37 miles long, and offers glimpses of life dating back to the Civil War.

And, when you’re ready to get back to regular life, you’re not all that far from either Little Rock or Branson, Missouri.  It just might be the perfect day or overnight trip to help you relax and get back to nature for awhile.  Just remember, don’t feed the bears.

See more:
Buffalo National River – U.S. National Park Service
Top Hotel Deals in Little Rock
Arkansas Lakes & Rivers

Photo Credit : www.islasdelegeo.com

FOLEGANDROS, Greece -Imagine a place isolated enough that dissidents of the state are sent into exile there.

Now, make the place so in-toxicating that some exiles choose to settle there.

That is Folegandros, a rugged Greek Island in the Aegean Sea.

It is smaller, harder to reach and virtually unknown com-pared with many Greek is-lands-Crete, Mykonos and Santorini that draw tourists from around the world. It doesn’t boast any major ruins. It has no airport or deep water port, and it is reachable only by passenger ferries and other watercraft that link the islands to one another and mainland Greece.

Cruise ships don’t call. Most tourists don’t either. That means Folegandros is left to those who spot it on the map.

I was one of the lucky ones that got to soak up five days of the sun’s steady rays, gobble the local specialties of sweet cheese and fresh caught sea bream and ply miles of goat paths across the hills of sage and chamomile.

The island’s steep flanks shelter windless coves with gentle pebble-and-rock beaches. The hillsides are spider-webbed with seemingly endless stone walls that frame the field of the farming forebears. Folegandros is about 8 miles long, and traversing its length is a short car trip on the narrow, two-lane road that tiptoes across the island’s spine and connect the island’s three main villages.

With the silvery green sage and dusty red hills, the azure Ae-gean gives Folegandros a color wheel like few other places.

Chora, a quickly developing community that is home to most restaurant and lodging establishments on the island, is perched dramatically on a northern cliff.

Folegandros’ Livadaki Beach is a collection of bright, smooth stones that accentuate the crystal clear water.

At night, Chora pulses with the sounds of disco and other mu-sic from the clubs.

Another grand part of the is-land is Angali Beach-a trip that will steel your nerves for the rest of your stay. Angali is flanked by hills and cliffs as well as eateries and guest houses.

I hiked back from Angali, picking our way along a rocky path past a discreetly tucked-away beach with nude frolickers and up a vast hillside high above the coastline.

Much of the walk follows no distinguishable path until it reaches a small hillside church and a stone path leading back to the main road, near Chora.

In Chora, I ate dinner at a restaurant in the plateia. The wind rushed through making it chilly, but far from unpleasant.

The next morning, I took the bus to Folegandros third big village, Ano Meria, a quiet farming community strung across a chain of hilltops. It is home to the stunning church of Profitis Elias, with its sky blue domes.

A stone path at the edge of the village led me a couple of miles down to the secluded Livadaki Beach.

The beach is a collection of bright, smooth stones that accentuate the crystal clear water, which starts out emerald green and dissolves into the impossibly blue Aegean beyond.

Getting there: The island is about 100 miles from Athens, Air France, British Airways, Continental, Delta, Lufthansa, Northwest, United and US Air- ways provide connecting ser-vice from Phoenix. Ferries sail to the mainland port of Piraeus (near Athens), as well From Santori, Milos and many other Greek Islands.

See more:
www.folegandros.gr
Top Travel Destinations

Arizona Sunset

After soaking up the beauty of the idyllic Walnut Spring, then reaching the top of a mountain where I took a lunch break, I began descending a steep and almost imperceptible section of trail. Without cairns marking the way, I would have been lost.

At the bottom, I found myself in a deep, narrow slot: The Tule Canyon. I crossed the canyon and struggled mightily to climb back out. Then, reaching the lip of the canyon, we had in front of us still another grass covered-mountain, with a trail at the top. I was starting to wonder if this route would ever level out.

Finally, at the top of this hill, Two Bar Ridge, I stood and stared for several minutes, saying nothing, just drinking in the scene. I could see Apache Lake to the west and Roosevelt Lake to the north. All around, the Superstitions were various hues of blue, green and black highlighted against the sky, a deep blue and scattered with large white and gray clouds.

Seeing the lakes raised my spirits. The trail wound along the top of the ridge for a couple of miles, then dropped down, bringing me into intimate contact with a bounty of beaver-tail cactus. The trail became rocky and difficult.

I made camp on a clear flat of land that offered the pure Arizona scenery of black sky and bright stars.

The next morning, I started on a particular rough patch of road. Having not taking into account that my feet would be pounded by the rocky trail or that FR 83 is in a designated wilderness area and is not maintained.

But, I pressed on as the views be-came an expanse of panoramic sights that literally stirred the desire to see more.

The road led downhill for a long mile. This was the hardest part of the trek. At last, I arrived at Cottonwood Springs, a beautiful tree-filled glen with a clear running creek.

I moved on following a trail as it climbed out of the creek bed and through a cool, grassy area hemmed by mesquite trees. It would prove the most pleasant portion of the walk, if only for my aching feet.

Several hundred yards later, I found myself in a narrow canyon dense with saguaro. It was beautiful.

A little farther along, I came to FR 341. It would take me the final leg of my journey. It was along this road that I saw the spectacular view from the Two Bar Ridge, I walked the trail, which is laid parallel with Roosevelt Lake, heading towards Arizona 88.

I was simply exhausted, and greatly satisfied.

Superstition Wilderness offers every type of trail for every type of hiker.

The 160,000-acre Superstition Wilderness holds some of the best hiking in Arizona, with everything from jagged cliffs and deeply shad-owed canyons to rolling pine-covered hills and seasonal creeks. Its 200 miles of interconnecting trails make it easy to plan a hike for every ability.

Easy

There isn’t any gold to find along the Treasure Loop Trail, but you will enjoy a wealth of views. This hike, along the western flanks of the Superstition Mountains, starts at Lost Dutchman State Park and provides close-up views of great rock formations.

Where: Lost Dutchman State Park, north of mile marker 201 on Arizona 88. (Apache Trail)

Length: 2-4- mile loop

Details: 480-982-4485.

Moderate

It is easy to see why the Peralta Trail is the busiest in the wilderness. The hike leads up a hoodoo-lined canyon to Freemont Saddle, where you’ll enjoy views of Weaver’s Needle, a soaring spire named for a 19th-century mountain man. The hike gains about 1,400 feet of elevation.

Where: From Central Phoenix, take Interstate 10 east to U>S> 60 (Superstition Freeway) and go about 33miles east. Just past mile marker 204, turn north onto Peralta Road and go 7.4 miles to the trail-head.

Length: 4.4.-mile round trip Details: 480-610-3300

Difficult:

The loop formed by the Black Mesa Trail and segments of the Dutch-man’s and Second Water trails is bursting with rugged beauty.

Start at the First Water Trailhead and head east. About a quarter mile down the trail is a fork, bear right and follow the Dutchman’s Trail southeast about 4 miles to the Black Mesa Trail, which you take north-west a little more than 2.5 miles. At the junction with Second Water Trails, go south, then west, about 1.5 miles to the Dutchman’s Trail. Bear right and go about a quarter miles to the trailhead.

Where: First Water Trailhead is at the end of Forest Road 78 (First Water Road). FR 78 is a well graded dirt road a quarter-mile past the entrance of Lost Dutchman State Park.

Length: 9mile loop. Details: 480-610-3300

3 Refreshing Getaways

Over many years, Valley residents have developed various strategies for coping with the summer heat.

When you are seeking relief from the triple-digit temperatures nothing beats a trip to a lake. No matter where you live, there is probably one not too far away.

Here are three ideas:

Woods Canyon Lake

You can fish, camp, and hike at this high-country lake, or just set up your hammock near the shore and listen to the music of the wind in the trees. The lake sits at an elevation of 7,600 feet and covers about 52 acres.

The Woods Canyon Lake Nature Trail begins at the Rocky Point Picnic Area, on the southwestern side of the lake, and comes along the shore. Signs along the way identify local vegetation and significant landmarks.

The Arizona Game & Fish Department regularly stocks the lake with fresh rainbow trout.

When: Campgrounds are open from May 1 through September, weather permitting.

Flagstaff: Let’s Get Busy

Flagstaff”s weather provides a perfect opportunity to experience the outdoors of northern Arizona. Average daily highs of 83 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer lend opportunities to hike, explore the landscape and participate in outdoor activities. Inviting scenery includes mountain tops, caves, forests and canyons.

Flagstaff’s hiking trails range from simple graded rides to single-track through mountains, forests and canyons. Trailheads are readily available, accessing easy, intermediate and advanced hikes for appropriate enthusiast. Whether hiking moderate Fat Man’s Loop or the harder Elden Look-out Trail, hikers can witness great Flagstaff scenery.

Built in 1914 and regularly maintained, the 2.4- mile Fat Man’s Loop connects with other trails in the system and is well marked with easy footing. Elden Lookout Trail offers a hard hike that leads to Mt Elden and, thanks to a 1978 forest fire, allows for open spaces and great views. Located just beyond the Flagstaff Mall off route 66/Highway 89, these trails provide hiking opportunities for many skill levels.

Take a sky ride

The Scenic Skyride at Snowball provides cool, awe-inspiring views of the Flagstaff landscape. The approximately 25 minute ride on a chairlift climbs to an elevation of 11,500 feet, providing vistas that stretch more than 70 miles, including downtown Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon.

Absolute Bikes

Northern Arizona’s best stocked bike shops offer mountain, road and kids’ bike rentals, as well as full service repair and new and used bike sales. At 202 E. Route 66, Flagstaff; 928-779-5969

The Basin, BMX Freestyle

Facility

The basin is the only BMX-exclusive concrete facility in Arizona. Located in Sunnyside is east Flagstaff, the park offers three bowls with a variety of features, graded dirt mounds and rails for the experienced rider. Open daily, and admission is free; at 1700 E. 6th Ave., 928-779-7690, www.flagstaff.az.gov/index.aspx?NID=824

Mormon Lake Lodge

Experience nature and enjoy fishing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking or rent an ATV to explore over 20 miles of forest, lakes and trails within the Coconino National Forest. Gift shop, camping/fishing supplies, fuel and propane, restaurant, arena and buffalo habitat are onsite. For more information, visit www.mormonlakelodge.com or call 928-354-2227.

Ventures with the Museum of Northern Arizona

Discover and explore the Colorado Plateau with experts-scientists, writers, artists and guides on outdoor adventures. Diverse itineraries include hiking, backpacking, river rafting, camping, van tours, lodge based excursions and custom tours for groups and families. Located 3101 N. Fort Valley Rd., 928-774-5213, www.mnaventures.org.

Vertical Relief Climbing Center

Customized rock climbing adventures make your vacation extraordinary with an indoor gym, outside guiding and equipment sales. Open seven days; at 205 S. San Francisco St.; 928-556-9909; www.verticalrelief.com.

3 Refreshing Getaways

From May through October.

Where: From Payson, drive about 30 miles east on Arizona 260, then turn north onto Forest Road 300 and proceed about 4 miles to the lake.

Admissions: $5 day-use fee at the Rocky Point Picnic Area: $14-$20 per night camping fees. For campground reservations, call 1-877-444-6777 or go to recreation.gov.

Details: 928-535-7300 or www.fs.fed.us.r3/ansf/recreation/campground

Parker Canyon Lake

This 130-acre jewel, tucked into the rolling hills about 20 miles southeast of Sonoita and just 7 miles north of Mexico, is ringed with cottonwoods, juniper, pine, scrub oak and manzanita. At an elevation of 5,400 feet, the area generally is about 15 degrees cooler then Phoenix.

The lake holds largemouth bass, catfish and sunfish and is stocked periodically with rainbow trout.

When: Year-round.

Where: From Tucson, take Interstate 10 east about 20 miles to exit 281. Turn south onto Arizona 83 and proceed about 55 miles to the lake.

Admissions: $10 a night to stay at Lakeview Campground and/ or day-use fees; no fees to fish.

Details: 520-378-0311 or www.fs.fed.us./r3/coronado/forest/recreatiom/lakes/ parker_lake.shtml.

Roper Lake:

On the quiet mornings, this 32-acre lake is a sapphire mirror that reflects images of Mount Graham and the mountains to the southwest.

People go to Roper Lake State Park to fish, swim, camp, picnic, watch birds, view wildlife or just relax and take in the scenery. The Island Day Use Area (also known as “the Island”) is a grassy sward ringed with palm and pine trees, ideal for picnics..

Where: From Safford, go south on Arizona 191 5.3 miles to Roper Lake Road. Turne east and go about a half-mile to the park entrance. Safford is reached via U.S. 60 east to Globe, then U.S. 70 south.

Details: 928-428-6760 or azstateparks.com/Parks/ROLA

See more:
Arizona Highways
Grand Canyon Discount Hotels
Top Hotel Deals in Sedona

Photo Credit: www.travel.state.mt.us

If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all and have lots of space for yourself, you might want to think about taking a trip to the state of Montana.  It’s the fourth largest state in the country as far as land mass goes, with a total population smaller than most metropolitan cities.  Its largest city has less than 100,000 people living there.  It’s a vast land with lots of nature and history, including one of the bloodiest battles ever on American soil.

That battle would be the Battle at Little Bighorn, also known as Custer’s Land Stand, where once again it’s been proven that the victors create the history, but that history isn’t always correct.  In any case, there’s now the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Park, renamed in 1991 from Custer, where statues and plaques of the war document what really happened back in 1876, as well as denotes where some of the famous parties were buried.  It also contains the Indian Memorial Peace Through Unity presentation.

The history of Montana was built mainly because it was known for great gold and other deposits of precious metals.  Butte, one of its better known cities, sprang up because of its copper and silver mines, as well as gold, zinc and lead.  For a city of only around 35,000 people or less, it’s produced a number of interesting celebrities including Evel Knievel, Dashiell Hammett, and Martha Raye.  It contains the largest National Historic Landmark District in the country in what’s called the Uptown District with over 6,000 listed properties.

The capital of Montana is Helena, and it’s a city with a population of around 27,000 people.  At one time in history, it had more billionaires per capita than any city in the world, which of course was during the days of gold mining.  Many of the properties in town remind people of the Victorian Age.

Billings is the largest city in the state, with an official population around 88,000 people.  It’s relatively close to the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Park, and is where most people who want to visit will fly into.  It’s the hub of most theatrical and musical events in the state, and home to the only symphony orchestra in Montana.

But people don’t come to Montana for its cities.  They come because of nature, rock climbing, canoeing and just to take in its massive vista views.  There’s Glacier National Park with its snow-capped mountains.  Great Falls is where one would go if they wanted to trace the history of the Lewis and Clark expeditions.  And there’s the National Bison Range, where you can hope to see one of the largest congregations of bison in the nation, which is only around 700 roaming an expanse of 18,000 acres.

Montana is a nature enthusiasts dream.  Many parts are unchanged from the beginning of American history, so you can experience the same thing early visitors might have gone through.  There aren’t many places one can say that about in the United States.

See more:
Montana Travel Information
Montana Discount Hotels
Top Hotel Deals in Big Sky, Montana