Archive for May, 2008
New England Road Trip
Author: admin
New England is the perfect place to go for an early summer road trip. The flowers have bloomed, humidity is still fairly tolerable and the hoards of tourists are still at bay for a few more weeks. Although this northeastern corner of the United States may seem small in size, it packs a lot in terms of culture, food, history and attractions. You can decide between stops at quaint beach towns to bustling cities all along the Atlantic coast.
Start out by visiting the resort town of Newport, Rhode Island, just 30 miles south of Providence. It offers marvelous sandy beaches, mansions, vineyards and a variety of ocean activities. This maritime city has one of the highest concentrations of colonial homes in the nation and a well-preserved and documented history at the Newport Historical Society. You can also find a strong naval influence due to it being a major U.S. Navy training center and home to the U.S. Naval War College and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center.
The harbors are teeming with crafts of all kind ranging from commercial fishing boats to fancy power boats. Newport is also known as the sailing capitol of the United States and has hosted many series of yacht races for the America’s Cup in the past. Choice walking and hiking trails can also be found throughout the city and its surrounding state parks.
After a few days of quiet R&R you might want to give your vacation a jumpstart by heading on up to beantown to get a dose of big city life. Boston is the largest city in New England and has been the location of many important events in our history such as some battles of the American Revolution, the Boston Tea Party and the Siege of Boston. The city also is home to numerous colleges and universities, including Harvard, which add to its intellectual reputation.
All you sports fans should take the time to head to Fenway Park for a Red Sox game and watch them defend their 2007 World Series title. If baseball isn’t your thing, then you can also watch the Boston Bruins tear it up on the ice or the Boston Celtics battle it out on the basketball court.
Finish up your trip with a stop in Portland, Maine whose Old Port districts have a high concentration of eating and drinking establishments. The 2007 Food Network Awards even nominated it as one of the three finalists for “Delicious Destination of the Year.” Wander down the streets and pop into any local restaurant to try some delicious seafood such as boiled Maine Lobster or a cup of savory clam chowder. Portland is also home to many parks, art museums and auditoriums so you can find a place to relax after a hearty meal.
The landscape of New England is breathtaking during any point of the year, and no matter where you decide to stop, you are sure to end up in a place rich with history, culture and natural beauty.
Source: Trisha Hall
read comments (0)Cradle Mountain Getaways
Author: admin
Who would have thought that the path to relaxation and rejuvenation would lie in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness? The Cradle Mountain – Lake St. Clair National Park, located in the northwest part of the island, is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and boasts a wild and diverse landscape ranging from ancient forest to glacial lakes.
A number of eco-friendly resorts can be found in or around the park and range from a ‘relaxing spa getaway’ to a ‘wilderness escape.’ The park’s lush background acts as a perfect setting for anyone looking to unwind and make a connection with nature. Last fall RealTravel blogger stuartsfraser had the chance to visit the park and actually hike up Cradle Mountain:
“It didn’t take long to reach the summit plateau but even here the going was awkward at times. I disappeared up to my waste in snow just 2m from the summit. It was a fantastic, fun route and possibly as challenging as I would want to attempt without any real winter gear with me. The views from the top were also absolutely superb.” (more…)
Travelers can take their pick of accommodations ranging from forest cabins to comfortable resorts. One such place is the Cradle Mountain Lodge which lies just on the edge of the park and offers 86 individual cabins to choose from depending on your preference. They range from deluxe luxury cabins that include their own spa and hot tub to smaller cabins with just the basic necessities. You can also expect fine food and Tasmanian wine to accompany your stay here as you explore the beautiful landscape. Other bonuses include restaurants, lounges, a wine cellar, close proximity to other attractions and a spa facility.
If something a bit more rustic is your cup of tea, then check out the Cradle Mountain Highlanders Cottages. Each cabin is custom built with uniquely different layouts that cater to the single traveler, couples, families as well as backpackers and small group accommodation. This is the ideal accommodation base for a Tasmanian outdoor adventure as you set out to explore the wilderness of the surrounding park.
For more upscale accommodations check out the Cradle Mountain Chateau—a 4 star eco-resort at the north end of the park. All rooms and suites are ground level and have private decks for wildlife viewing and woodland views. The more luxury rooms include king-sized beds and bathroom spas. This is the perfect place to relax after a day of hiking through the old-growth rain forests or strolling along cascading rivers.
Cradle Mountain is a great wilderness getaway to take your mind off the rapid pace of everyday life and help you unwind in a setting that is unlike any other in the world.
Source: Trisha Hall
Le Tour de France
Author: admin
Road Trips! From campgrounds to college campus tours to good old-fashioned adventurism, the road trip has been the favored vacation model for thrill-seekers and the budget-challenged since the dawn of the automotive age. The road trip is the quintessential journey for anyone with a drivers license, a full tank of gas, and semi-functional radio, but why not try a different type of trek—one with two wheels and a helmet; perhaps a few reflectors, to boot? Why not take a life-changing ride along one of the world’s most famous routes: the Tour de France.
The Tour de France (or le Tour de France, if you want to say it in French) is the world’s largest, and by far most important cycling event, drawing thousands of spectators every year to cheer on the more than 180 world-class competitors. The Tour spans over 3,500 kilometers divided between 23 days and 21 stages, and runs its course throughout almost all of France, nearly circumnavigating the entire country.
Early this May, RealTravelers Julian and Thor set out to retrace this very trail. Traveling from their home town of Auckland, New Zealand, the pair of cycling enthusiasts have charted out the course of 2007’s Tour de France, packed up their bikes, helmets, and water bottles, and flown off to France to begin their 29 day ride, “from the beaches of Dunkirk,” they write, “to the pubs of Belgium, the plains of North Eastern France, The Alps, The Med, the Pyrenees, the Loire valley and up to Paris, we will be cycling our little hearts out with heads down and (sore) bums up.”
The pair has already traveled 733 kilometers in the first six days of their journey, rolling through the undulating hillsides of the French countryside, passing through vineyards and tiny villages populated by impeccably manicured homes and gardens, and at one point stumbling upon what Julian and Thor described as the perfect road:
“About 15km into our ride this morning, we came around a bend to see an extremely long straight road ahead of us with the end not in sight. Furthermore it was downhill, downwind and fabulously smooth. And we had it all to ourselves! This is what we came for.” (more…)
Retracing the tracks of 2007’s Tour de France is certainly a rather physically demanding journey, but one that can be easily replicated by following along (at least virtually) with Julian and Thor as they document their two-wheeled road trip through France. Stay tuned for more updates from the pair as they roll through the open green countryside, the cobbled city streets and airy peaks of France.
Click the link to read about another incredible cycling adventure: O.J.’s blog
Source: William Evon
Road Trips through Europe
Author: admin
When traveling to a new country, renting a car might just be the best way to see everything you want to see. Road tripping through Europe may not be what you think of when you plan a trip, but it is not only a great way to see the natural beauty that Europe has to offer, it’s one of the only ways to truly experience the small-town Europe that cannot be seen by just visiting the major cities.
Following RealTravelers Dementia Adventure through their road trip through Europe shows sides of the continent that are not usually seen by the average traveler. Beginning in Ireland, these travelers rented a car to see small town Ireland, visiting Bray, Cork, Castlebar, Blarney, and Dublin.
“We are at Castlebar tonight. The drive today was interesting as we progressed from the usual countryside with a sprinkling of houses all over the hills and valleys to no houses. We passed lots of areas where they had been digging peat and it left quite a mess.”
“The significant stop today was Kylemore Abbey which was completed in 1871. The property has a church, walled garden and family mausoleum all in an idyllic setting on the shores of a salmon lake. It was originally a family home but was taken over and restored by Benedictine Nuns. A beautiful place and the pictures tell the storey.” (More…)
These travelers not only explored Ireland by road, but they plan on taking their road trip to mainland Europe. As described by the travelers, “We are looking to cover an area of about 300km wide along the route the vans will take and drive in one car for an hour or so to get to the places of interest. Things are so close together and it is surprising what you can get to. We have a general route in mind but it will not be firm until a day or so in advance.”
Read more about Dementia Adventure’s tour through Europe for ideas and advice on how to make a road trip both economical and fun.
Source: Libby Hart
Things to Do in Portland, Oregon
Author: admin
Located in the center of the Pacific Northwest, Portland is becoming increasingly well-known as a great travel destination for those who want to experience its unique culture and the beautiful outdoors. Known as the City of Roses, Portland is recognized for its dedication to the environment; both through its careful urban planning as well as a commitment to protecting the city’s numerous green spaces.
It is guaranteed that every trip to Portland will be unique and exciting. Whether it’s cruising through one of the many downtown festivals or simply taking a walk down the waterfront, you won’t regret a single moment.
Source: Maryann Lucini