01
Jan
The national park system in the United States is full of beauty and surprises. Still, you’ll be wondering if they’re worth it when you run into the crowds of other visitors.
Road Side Viewing
Sure, millions of people visit our national parks each year, miles of cars creep through at a painfully slow pace, parking lots are full and busses are packed. Cars stop in the middle of the road to view wildlife, backing up traffic for miles.
Is it all worth it? Should I just get stuck in a Los Angeles traffic jam with DVD player showing some nice mountain scenery?!
I travel through the Rocky Mountain Nation Park, using Trail Ridge Road, on a regular basis throughout the summer to reach some of my favorite fly fishing spots on the other side of the divide. I also have hiked many of the park trails. Let me tell you, I have seen the frustration of the gridlock national park experience.
Do you think the national park experience is looking out the window of your car or bus? How about stopping at the most popular scenic spots that are located within a stones throwing distance from the parking lots? If you do, well, you likely have missed out on 95 percent of the park and a serine magical experience that only those willing to put on the hiking boots get to see.
The system of roads in a National Park is designed to minimize the impact on the park. It is not designed to get you to the best places. If you do not get off your butt and hike a bit, you are not seeing the beauty of the park. Sure, you may have to deal with the cattle drive to reach your desired trailhead, but a leisurely stroll of about 1 mile leave the hordes of arm chair park goers long behind. You could be standing shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of people looking across Bear Lake at one moment, and in near solitude one hour later if you’re willing to exert just a bit more energy than the majority of the park visitors.
Thanks goodness for the fast food armchair lifestyle!!!! Get on those boots and leave the crowds behind. It’s worth it.
01
Jan
It is not easy to try and pinpoint the appeal of Byron Bay, or to explain in a few words why this quaint and rustic little town has exploded onto the international tourist scene in such a big way, and is now the third most popular place in Australia to visit. Many similar towns exist, peacefully located in exotic surrounds with perfect climate conditions, but none carry off the charm, atmosphere and general funky vibe quite like Byron does.
What is it that places this little town with a population of 9000 head and shoulders above other tourist destinations in Australia? The answer lies in the richness of diversity, not only within the tourist attractions on offer, but also within the town itself and within the Byron shire as a whole. The rich variety of flora and fauna is complemented by an equally rich variety of different types of people that have taken up residence in Byron. Famed as one of the leading alternative lifestyle regions in Australia, the bohemian feel of the area is enhanced by colourful locals that include artists, surfers, musicians and of course the traveler types that just never felt the need to move on. Throw into this mix established farmers, businessmen and young professionals trying to escape the city life and you start to form a true impression of Byron.
Diversity also exists in the landscape and geographical features of the Byron Shire. The lush, green hinterland is separated from the deep turquoise blue of the Pacific Ocean by over thirty kilometres of sparkling beaches. The numerous national parks in the area are home to large hills and mountains which provide the outdoor types with an abundance of opportunities for camping and walking. The rainforests are interspersed with macadamia farms, state forests and undulating fields, and throughout the region are dotted small towns and communities where you can purchase local arts and crafts or produce, or stop and meet some very interesting people.
For many the absolute highlight of Byron Bay is the beaches. Clean and unsullied, they are devoid of any building development, which allows you to fully appreciate their natural tranquility. The horse shoe shaped beach surrounding the bay itself is normally the most popular due to its ease of accessibility from the town. The flat waters of the bay make it perfect for swimming, and when the tide is in the large areas of shallow water mean this is the ideal playground for little kids. On the other side of Cape Byron is Tallows Beach, which is long and straight and popular amongst surfers, kite boarders and kayakers. Unprotected by the headland, the waves on this beach are bigger and more challenging, making for more adventurous swimming or watersports.
Dominating the Byron skyline is the tall headland which marks the most easterly point of Australia. It is topped by the infamous lighthouse that is the subject of many a postcard and Kodak moment and known as one of the most powerful beacons in the country. A short drive up a windy road will get you to the lighthouse, and you are rewarded with amazing panoramic views of the bay on one side and Tallows Beach on the other, with the Pacific Ocean stretching as far as the eye can see in front of you. Behind you lies the dark green forests of the hinterland, with the higher hills and mountains of the region silhouetted against the skyline.
While watching the waves swell, rise and then crash into the rocks a hundred metres below you are likely to see pods of dolphins glide their way through the azure water, or the dark outline of a sea turtle or manta ray coming up to the surface. This spot is recognized as the best land based whale watching in the country, so if the seasons are right you may be lucky enough to see some of these graceful mammals breaking the surface. In July and August they are moving north to the warmer waters, and in September and October they are migrating back down south with their new offspring.
When looking out to sea from the lighthouse, you can’t help but notice Julian Rocks rising out of the water a few kilometres from the coast. Part of the Cape Byron Marine Park, these rocks mark the point where warm and cold waters meet and these conditions have encouraged a multitude of marine species, nearly 900 in total, to reside in the rocks under the surface. Julian rocks cater to all levels of diver, from snorkelers through to experienced scuba dives.
These places just scratch the surface of the myriad of attractions and activities in Byron Bay. If fishing is what rocks your boat then you can head out on a deep sea charter and see if you are any match for the ferocious kingfish, or else stick to the coast and fish the secluded coves and inlets that are found up the shore. Take a surfing lesson, or hire a kayak and head out to deeper waters where you may bump into a friendly pod of dolphins. If you’re tired of the ocean then head inland for a bushwalk or a guided rainforest tour. Horse riding excursions are also available. Tandem skydiving will appeal to the extremely adventurous who want to get the best possible view of Byron and its surrounds, and if this doesn’t satisfy your desire for excitement then you can enroll in Australia’s only flying trapeze college!
Only two hours south of Brisbane and forty minutes south of the Gold Coast and Coolangatta airport, the town is easily accessible via a pleasant drive through rolling countryside. The ultimate place for relaxation, any age group will feel welcome and find something that appeals to them in Byron. This is why it is such a recommended place to visit, and why you should seriously consider booking your next holiday in Byron Bay.
31
Dec
Hawaii, with its magnificent blue sea, stunning beaches, and wild mountain scenery, is not surprisingly one of the world’s most popular honeymoon destinations. A Hawaiian honeymoon, at one of the hundreds of resorts, hotels and condos that cater especially for newlyweds, is the perfect way to create that special post wedding bond and provide special memories for years to come.
Set in romantic surroundings, there are properties in all price categories, from super luxury to budget. And should you decide to have the wedding in Hawaii as well, you can choose a wedding/honeymoon package that includes a chapel or beach service, a delicious wedding banquet complete with music, and honeymoon accommodation at the island destination of your choice.
But Hawaii weddings do not need to be lavish affairs and you may decide a simple civil ceremony in a romantic setting, say on a sandy beach or in a tropical garden. Then your honeymoon can be the focus of this happy time of your life.
The Princeville Resort, on Kauai, is an excellent luxury resort, or you might prefer the more intimate surroundings of a small condominium resort such as The Whalers Cove, in the Poipu area of Kauai, with its spacious units set on a secluded cove that is perfect for water sports such as snorkeling and diving. On the island of Maui, if you crave seclusion and luxury service, consider the smaller Hotel Hana Maui, with its plantation-style cottages complete with hot tubs. You can horseback ride along the Hana Coast, and relax afterward in their wonderful spa. Golfing honeymooners could try the Kapalua Resort on the West Coast of Maui, where three championship golf courses will satisfy the keenest golfers.
Couples looking for privacy should consider the secluded Four Seasons Lanai, at Manele Bay. Located right on the beach, on the pristine private island of Lanai, the resort borders a marine preserve, has exceptional ocean and coastline views, and offers an exclusive spa and fine dining. Less expensive accommodation options include The Outrigger Royal Kahana, with full kitchen facilities, at Kaanapali Beach on Maui, and the moderately priced and well located Miramar, sited just a few blocks from the beach at Waikiki, surrounded by shops and restaurants, with good public transportation.
A Hawaiian island honeymoon can be as diverse as your interests. You can spend a passionate time on a secluded beach, or experience the passion of shopping, dining and nightlife. The best time to visit Hawaii depends more on the location than any particular season. The leeward sides, the western and southern parts of the islands, have the calmest waters and the driest and sunniest conditions.
The rainy season is from November to April, although rainfall is common throughout the year. The winter months, December to February, are often a time of stormy weather, although rain usually falls in short spells during daytime. Peak travel seasons, when the hotel rates are higher, are between January and March, June and August, and during the Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays.
31
Dec
A trip to Hawaii, how does that sound? If you are like just about everyone else in the world, you would likely think that it sounds pretty great. As much as a large number of individuals would love to take a Hawaii trip, only a small portion of those individuals end up doing so. There are a number of different reasons for this, but one of the most common reasons is money. Unfortunately, a large number of individuals, mistakenly, believe that a Hawaii trip is out of their reach. If you are interested in taking a Hawaii trip, there are a number of different ways that you can go about doing so, without having to go broke.
Perhaps, the best way to save money on a Hawaii trip is by watching how you book your reservations. In Hawaii, you will often have your choice of a number of overnight accommodations. These overnight accommodations tend to include vacation resorts, vacation homes, hotels, and oceanfront rentals. In most cases, you will find that it is cheaper to stay at a vacation resort or hotel, than it is to rent a private vacation home. If you plan on traveling around Hawaii a lot, you may also find it easier and cheaper to rent your own vehicle, instead of relying on public transportation. By carefully choosing and making all of your travel arrangements, including your overnight accommodations, you should easily be able to save money on your next Hawaii trip.
In addition to carefully choosing where you stay and how you will travel, while on a Hawaii trip, it might also be a good idea to make your reservations with the purchase of a Hawaii vacation package. Hawaii vacation packages tend to include a number of important things, all in one package. It is not uncommon for Hawaii vacation packages to include overnight accommodations, airline reservations, and car rentals. Perhaps, what is the best about vacation packages is the ability to make one large payment, for your trip to Hawaii, instead of having to make multiple payments. In addition to saving yourself time and a hassle, you should also save yourself money. Almost all Hawaii vacation packages include travel deals and discounts; deals and discounts that just may make a trip to Hawaii affordable.
You can also enjoy a Hawaii trip, without having to go broke, by thoroughly planning for your trip. This can be done once you have already made your reservations and as you are preparing to leave for Hawaii. For instance, you will want to examine what the weather forecast will be like in Hawaii for your trip. The projected weather forecast is vital to the preparation of your Hawaii trip. Should you pack the wrong clothes or head to Hawaii unprepared, you may need to make additional purchases once you arrive there. Whether you need to purchase warmer clothes or health and beauty products, these unnecessary purchases can easily drive up the cost of a trip to Hawaii. That is why it is advised that you take the time, before you leave for the airport, to make sure that you have everything that you need, as well as everything that you will want for your trip.
It might also be a good idea to plan out the attractions and activities that you would like to participate in or visit while on vacation. You can easily familiarize yourself with popular Hawaii activities and attractions by using the internet or by requesting free Hawaii vacation guides. Planning out your activities, ahead of time, may give you the opportunity to determine how much you will have to pay for them. If you are looking to enjoy your Hawaii trip, without having to pay more than you want or need to, creating a travel plan, as well as a travel budget is the way to go.
Although Hawaii trips are almost always worth the money that is spent on them, no matter how much or how little that money is, you may not want to spend more money than you need to. By keeping the above mentioned points in mind, you can easily enjoy a Hawaii trip, without having to go broke.
