Land Cruisers See More of Alaska

During its short summer season, Alaska is Disney au naturel, with eagles above, whales below, and all kinds of other wildlife cavorting in plain view. Mountains of blue ice crash into the cold bay with a deafening roar. Sure-footed Dall sheep scamper over rocky crags in the desolate tundra. Crowds cheer college ballplayers engaged in a night game without lights. The 49th state was unquestionably the Final Frontier before Star Trek took the title. For most visitors, getting there consumes the better part of a day. But the trip is worth the effort, especially now that Gray Line of Alaska has created a tour that covers considerable ground while combining both car and train travel. ... more >
Source: SoGoNow
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Kapalua Is Getting Better Than Ever

When you reach Kapalua, you're near the northwest tip of the Hawaiian island of Maui, on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains. The slight increase in elevation makes it cooler by a couple degrees than in Wailea at the southern end. Also, there are many more trees here, including tall pines and eucalyptus, and it seems more rural than heavily developed area you went through on your way. And, of course, there is the scenic splendor of Kapalua Bay. This popular region, though, is experiencing a construction boom. After the Kapalua Hotel was razed recently, the Ritz Carlton, decided to refurbish. Long a paragon, the Ritz is now closed for remodeling to become, as it says, bigger and better than ever. The $95 million renovation will feature new amenities, enhanced food and beverage outlets. ... more >
Source: SoGoNow
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Finding a Dream in an Iowa Cornfield

Dyersville, Iowa, with a population of just over 4,000 souls, lies in the eastern part of the state some 30 miles from Dubuque and well off the beaten path. Most people would probably consider Dubuque to be pretty far from that beaten path, too. Dyersville, you see, is where a baseball field was carved out of a cornfield and became the setting for the film, Field of Dreams in which the ghosts of Shoeless Joe Jackson and his teammates from the 1919 Chicago White Sox come back to play ball again. The field is still here and, for reasons few are fully able to explain, every year thousands of people from all over the country are drawn to this little Iowa town to see it. Approaching the Field of Dreams down a dusty dirt road from the east, my first glimpse is from the far side of a cornfield. ... more >
Source: SoGoNow
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Alaska Wildlife

Alaska Wildlife is among the most abundant in the nation. Two-thirds of the acreage of the entire US National Park System is in Alaska. Alaska has abundant wildlife, spectacular scenery and native culture. The highest mountain in North America is Mt. McKinley, located in Denali National Park. The largest brown bear population density is in Katmai National Park. Both offer the best opportunities to photograph and view them. Alaska wildlife enthusiasts will be over whelmed about the great land called Alaska. Our Alaska wildlife includes the following plus many more species not listed. The bears range in color from blonde to dark brown depending on habitat. Coastal brown bears re referred to brown bears. The interior Alaska Brown Bear ... more >
Source: Alaska Adventures
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A Retreat from Mother Nature

Record low temperatures are sweeping across the US.  Just the other day, a friend from the great Northeast shared with me his experience of ice-picking his car and shoveling out his parking spot in front of his house.   Here in Florida, where I reside, record breaking temperatures are also occurring…record high temperatures. ... more >
Source: Rich Gonzalez
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Top Five Small Cities to Visit

I have thought of a few different places to talk about that are, lets say, a little off the beaten path. Sure, places like Orlando, Las Vegas, New York get most of the attention when thinking about places to visit in the US, but there are other hidden gems that lie away from the hustle and bustle of what these places bring. This list looks at these ‘diamonds in the rough’. ... more >
Source: Rich Gonzalez
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Five Great Florida Trip Spots

I have lived in Florida for 10 years; and although I have seen a lot, the day of coming into contact with everything that this place has to offer is far from a reality. I have compiled 5 places that are perfect for families, friends or with that special someone. 
... more >
Source: Rich Gonzalez
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Celebrate the Season with a Fall Foliage Cruise

Fall is a magical time of year in New England. As crisp air wafts through the cities, fall paints itself across the landscape in fiery red, orange, and yellow tones, loudly announcing its arrival. This year, MSC Cruises has created unique Fall Foliage cruises, celebrating this special time of year in all its glory. ... more >
Source: Domenica Estepan
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Summer In Vail Offers Big Mountain Fun

Sightseeing, Colorado Wildflowers - Summer Fun

Summertime in Vail, Colorado means excitement, relaxation and an incredible amount of fun. Explore the Rocky Mountains in a warm and sunny village that offers a diverse mix of activities. In addition to all the amazing activities to choose from, Vail is known for its fine dining, colorful boutiques and live entertainment. With the wildflowers in full bloom, Vail is one of the most beautiful mountain vacations you can imagine. Ride the Gondola or chairlifts to the top of the mountain for scenic views, hiking and thrilling downhill mountain biking. Explore Gore Creek or Whitewater Park and get your feet wet while experiencing thrilling Colorado kayaking and rafting. ... more >
Source: BookIt.com
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Grand Canyon Offers Awesome Experience

One of the many benefits of Southwest living are the many beautiful areas close around for us to enjoy. One of them is the awesome Grand Canyon, still regarded as one of the Eight Wonders of the world. On this trip I chose to go to the South Rim and try out the Learning & Lodging Program by the Grand Canyon Field Institute. The Grand Canyon Field Institute is a non-profit organization that works closely with the Grand Canyon National Park Association and Xanterra, the company responsible for the concessions and operator of the accommodations at the South Rim. Together they have created the Learning & Lodging program to bring Educational guided hiking to its visitors. ... more >
Source: SoGoNow
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One Minute Guide: Maui, Hawaii

A Quick & Easy Maui, Hawaii Vacation Travel Guide

Maui, Hawaii welcomes visitors from around the world to discover the majestic beauty of this tropical paradise. The island is naturally diverse with black sand and gold sand beaches, old lava flows and pristine waterfalls. Explore Haleakala National Park and Mount Haleakala, an enormous crater created by one of the dormant volcanoes that originally formed Maui. Or spend your days snorkeling and scuba diving in Maui's clear blue waters. Stay in wonderfully luxurious beachfront hotels overlooking the world-famous Maui beaches. Discover fascinating attractions, incredible Polynesian restaurants, and quaint local shops featuring the creations of local artists and craftspeople. ... more >
Source: BookIt.com
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A 21st Century Look at Niagara Falls

The vacation land for everyone

While travel experts tell us we are not taking fewer holidays, they are quick to explain that for a variety of time-constraining reasons we have reduced our former one and two weeks vacation periods to now 3 and 4 day "getaways". Furthermore, the new destinations are within a few hours driving or flying time from our homes. For that reason, the Canadian Niagara Falls in Ontario is the ideal location for Canadians and Americans alike who reside in the Midwest and Eastern parts of both countries. There have been many changes to the Niagara region in the last few years that make Niagara Falls a fantastic short-stay holiday for virtually everyone - couples ... more >
Source: SoGoNow
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San Francisco's Vibe

Including Restaurant & Nightlife Guide

San Fran is a super fun town with a great vibe. Think NY's East Village meets a bunch of cutting-edge techies who work at places like Google and Apple. What do you get? Organic California with one part hi-tech and other part Bohemian style. These guys have been listening to their iPods, podcasting, blogging, Maccing it up, and who knows what else, for years before the rest of us even knew that they made Louis Vuitton iPod covers. So that trailblazer mentality permeates into everyday life. WiFi coffeehouses are rest-stops to get you thru your day or night. When robots do get more popular ... more >
Source: ExplorerPod.com
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All About Los Angeles

Plus Restaurant Guide!

L.A. has a lot to offer. The City of Angels is always on-the-go and seemingly driven by glitz and glamour. And if you're willing to fight the traffic, you'll find some of the world's best restaurants, shopping and attractions - from studio tours to museums, from beaches to piers. L.A. is the epitome of big, bold and beautiful - and most of the hobbies in this town hover around 'the scene'. So, if you've had your share of the beach, head inland to tour the star-studded Sunset Boulevard or Melrose Avenue ... more >
Source: ExplorerPod.com
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Washington, DC Politics & Sightseeing

Plus Restaurant & Lounge Guide

Welcome to the Nation's capital! Yes, folks talk politics in this town like the rest of us talk about our sports teams. But they aren't really that bad - the D.C. folk really do know how to loosen up those ties. D.C. is a town that loves its Happy Hour a time when you can catch up with friends or meet new ones. We saw you smuggle your after-work change of clothes into your cubicle so that you're ready for the 5 o'clock bell. Go ahead, leave your car in the office garage you can always cab it home or Metro it back to work the next morning. Like most cities, Washington, D.C. is a collection of smaller neighborhoods (there are 14 of them), each having its own flavor and charm. ... more >
Source: ExplorerPod.com
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B&B&B = Bed, Breakfast, and British in Maine

The owners of the Inn Britannia, a bed-and-breakfast they opened six years ago, brought those images to life in a most unlikely spot: halfway up the Maine Coast, in the town of Searsport on Penobscot Bay. Caren Lorelle and Susan Pluff were successful St. Louis real estate executives when they decided to parlay their love of all things English into their version of an idyllic home-away-from-home. Their backgrounds were perfect, since Lorelle knows European history and Pluff has more than a passing acquaintance with English literature. Although their timing wasn't great, coming just before the 2001 terrorist attacks rocked the travel industry, perseverance paid off. ... more >
Source: SoGoNow
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All About Chicago

Including Restaurant Recommendations!

Chicago is a big-time sports town with die hard fans for their Bears, Bulls, Cubs, and the World Champion Chicago White Sox. Even if you dont like baseball, youll have the time of your life just like Ferris Bueller as you take in a Cubs game at Wrigley. The Windy City does a nice job blending in the new while maintaining its old world charm. Incorporated as a town in 1833, Chicago has grown to be the nations third-largest city (with a population of more than 3 million), the birthplace of the first skyscraper and one of the few international US cities. Chicago today offers ... more >
Source: ExplorerPod.com
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George Washington's Philadelphia

George Washington was a Philadelphian. He lived more of his adult life in Philadelphia than anywhere else, except his beloved farm Mount Vernon in Virginia. In 1776, Philadelphia was the second largest city in the British Empire. With a population of 40,000 and some 6,000 impressive brick buildings, it was the largest city Washington ever visited- and his favorite. Miraculously, 2,000 of those 18th Century brick buildings still survive today. On a weekend trip, it's possible to visit many of the most important sites associated with Washington's life and also get a sense of the private man. You can step inside his favorite tavern and sip a beer made from his own recipe, waltz across ... more >
Source: SoGoNow
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Wild Animal Kingdom Adventures

Explore Disney

Disney's Animal Kingdom is the latest park to be opened at Walt Disney World Resort and offers park goers a different experience. A blend of action park and zoo, Disney's Animal Kingdom offers guests up-close interactions with animals and birds, thrilling rides, and a chance to learn about dinosaurs. Must see attractions include The Tree of Life and Kilimanjaro Safaris. Divided into five sections, Disney's Animal Kingdom offers different experiences at location. Camp Minnie-Mickey is an assortment of live action shows heavily relying on guest participation while exploration is the main focus of Discovery Island's various exhibits and attractions. ... more >
Source: BookIt.com
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