California is usually synonymous with beautiful beaches, beautiful people and the glitter and glitz surrounding the movie world, but there’s another side to this beautiful state, a gentler more natural side.  The Napa Valley is within easy driving distance of San Francisco and offers a tranquil alternative to the bustle of the city. 

One of the fun things to do in the Napa Valley is to take a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train.  As one of the top train rides in the world, you’ll enjoy a relaxing journey in lovingly restored carriages all dated pre-1950.  Whether you enjoy a romantic evening meal in the dining car as you travel through the valley’s beautiful countryside, or you take the daily tour that allows a stop at two of the local vineyards, this is a local “attraction” that shouldn’t be missed.

Another idea to make your Napa Valley break memorable is to take a hot air balloon ride.  This breathtaking view of the vineyards in the early morning light will be an experience you won’t forget and will soon make you forget how early you had to get up! 

There are many vineyards that you can visit during your stay in the Napa Valley area.  Some of them will give you a tour, others allow you to taste, and yet others have demonstrations, so check with a local guidebook about what is available at each the vineyards open to the public so you know what to expect when you get there.

If you are taking a trip to California, and are a little concerned that the constant barrage of high energy attractions, and crowded stores will be too much, consider a trip to the Napa Valley, even if you don’t drink wine, you’re sure to enjoy the slower pace and relax in the beauty of the area.

One of the most recognizable statues in the world, the Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York.  It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the US, as well as one of America’s most prized reminders of the ideals it represents.  Many of present day Americans can trace their roots back through the generations and find a relative who first sailed past Lady Liberty’s welcome before disembarking in New York harbor.

As part of stricter security measures, tourists are no longer allowed access to the statue’s crown and torch, but there are two ranger guided tours around the island.  The first of them lasts between 30 and 60 minutes and is a gentler informational tour that doesn’t require much exertion.  The second tour however is a little more strenuous but if you’ve got the energy, the view from the 10 story high pedestal observatory will be a memory you will carry with you for the rest of your life. 

It’s only possible to travel to the Statue of Liberty by ferry.  The return visit allows visitors the opportunity to disembark at Ellis Island before returning to the mainland.  The Ellis Island Immigration Museum is an interesting array of artifacts, and photographs, which have been displayed amidst personal oral history stories, and which together create a great overview of what awaited most of the immigrants who arrived at America’s shore.  For most of them, they would eventually be allowed admittance to the mainland, but not all.  The archives allow those who are interested in researching their family history access to records which may help them discover more about their origins. 

A trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is a must see if you visit New York.  Not only will you get to stand near one of the most treasured American landmarks, but you’ll have a greater understanding of those who came seeking a new life in America.

Although you can just as easily visit both Times Square and Broadway during the day, you won’t experience the magic of those world famous neon signs until darkness falls and they light up the night sky. 

Times Square has been upgraded in recent years.  The seedy reputation it had in the 1990s has gone, and new legislation has meant the adult industry has had to make way for more family familiar franchises.  That doesn’t mean the adult industry has gone altogether, but it isn’t as prominent as it once was in this area.  Today big name stores and restaurants vie for space beneath the giant billboards and tourists flock here to stand in the famous square and have their photos taken to show everyone back home that they’ve been to New York! 

Broadway isn’t a place where you can take a photo of and have people instantly recognize where you are, but it’s an experience not to be missed nevertheless.  Whether you’re a regular theater goer back home, or someone who’s never seen a live show, catching a show on Broadway is part of the New York experience.  One of the main problems is getting tickets for the theaters.  Tickets are often in short supply for popular shows, and none of the shows are cheap.  However, if you aren’t too fussy about what you want to see, there are discount ticket booths in Time Square (your hotel should be able to help you locate one) where unsold tickets for that days’ performances are sold at discount prices.  If you want to see a live taping of a television show, the best place to try and get tickets is usually through the show’s official website.

If this is your first visit to the “Big Apple”, Times Square and nearby Broadway are two parts of New York’s past and present that are definite “Must Sees” on your New York itinerary.

Bryce Canyon, named after Ebenezer Bryce who settled in the area in the 1850s, is situated in the south of Utah.  Receiving National Park status in 1928, the park is around 55 square miles of breathtaking natural rugged beauty.  Although smaller and quieter (most tourists make their way to the Grand Canyon, or nearby Zion National Park), Bryce Canyon is a park that has much to offer in terms of original natural features.  In particular, viewing the hoodoos – which can reach heights of 200 meters – and the vibrant color of the natural landscape are worth the visit and admission price.  If geology interests you, this is a must do on your travel itinerary if you are traveling through this part of Utah.

At the visitor center, you can watch a short film which is a great introduction to the park.  Afterwards check out if there are any ranger programs that you can take part in that day, or just hike/drive around and enjoy the spectacular views from the many observation points throughout the park.  For those who enjoy winter sports, there are opportunities for show shoeing or cross country ski-ing, or during the warmer months, there are horseback riding tours that last between 2-4 hours – check with the park in advance to check if you are able to reserve a place on any specific activities you’d like to do.

For those who enjoy wandering around and learning from exhibits, current displays in the museum include geology, wildlife and star gazing.  For anyone interested in the geology of Bryce Canyon, there are frequent geology talks in the park. 

Bryce Canyon may not be as expansive as Grand Canyon, but it has a rugged charm of its own and is well worth a visit if you’re in the area.