Travel to Oahu For an Amazing Vacation
May 27, 2009
Oahu Lighthouse
You may think that a trip to the Hawaiian Islands is far beyond your grasp, but it may be closer than you think. Oahu is an island with much to experience. It is rich in history and beauty. Home to Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu, Oahu is nicknamed “The Gathering Place”. With a population of 905,266. Oahu can be bustling in Honolulu, or quiet and peaceful in the mountains or on the beach. You can even rent a car and drive around the entire island in a day, stopping at any number of historic or legendary places along the way.
Here are just some places Oahu has to offer for the traveler looking for adventure.
In 1941 Pearl Harbor was attacked, and history was made on this small island. For the history buff, Pearl Harbor is a must see. The USS Arizona Memorial is a floating memorial built over the Battleship USS Arizona, and is powerful place to reflect on the effects of war. Pearl Harbor also offers the Battleship Missouri Memorial which allows visitors to explore retired battleships and experience the more recent history of our 50th State.
Diamond Head is one of the most identifiable landmarks in Hawaii. Located outside of Honolulu, this ancient crater has a history in ancient Hawaiian lore as well as a more volatile war history. Not only was it used by ancient Hawaiian Kings, but during the World War, it served as a fortress. Tourists can now traverse up the side of Diamond Head all the way to the top and see why this mountain is such an integral part of Oahu’s past and present.
The Dole Plantation, known as Hawaii’s “Pineapple Experience”. For children and adults alike this is wonderful stop along the way to Oahu’s north shore. It offers a train tour around the fields, a history of pineapples in Hawaii, a shop to pick up a wonderful pineapple smoothie, made with pineapple fresh picked from the field, and even the world’s largest maze! This is one of Hawaii’s top visitor attractions.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Koko Head Beach Park is a wonderful place to try something new, and see the world in a whole new way. For those new to snorkeling, this will be an experience you will never forget. A sheltered bay with a beautiful reef teeming with life. Once under the water, you don’t have to look far to see things only dreamed of. Fish of all different shapes and colors surround you and if you look hard enough, you may even be lucky enough to see an ancient sea turtle in its native habitat.
This is something for all to enjoy. Even if you are an avid snorkeler, you will still be awestruck at what this amazing area has to offer.
On the North Shore of Oahu, you may like to stop at Waimea Falls Park. Here you have cliff diving shows, kayaking, biking, and living archeology. It is staffed by Hawaiin’s dressed in traditional clothing and illustrating traditional activities and Hawaiian lifestyle. There is enough to see and do at Waimea Falls Park to keep you busy all day.
There are places to surf and body board all around the island and many other places to see while in Hawaii. Honolulu has wonderful restaurants and is filled with a variety of activities for the traveler to do and see in the evening before heading off to you hotel or other accommodations. Oahu is rich in culture and is a wonderful destination as it is considered the cultural center of Hawaii. Plan a trip to this exciting destination today, you will never regret it.
Brought to courtesy of Sealand Travel.
White Water Rafting is an Adventure Worth Taking
May 27, 2009
White Water Rafting
One of the most thrilling adventures is white water rafting. This sport has gained much popularity in the last few years, so much so in fact, that there are tours all around the world just for this purpose. There are feature presentations about trips down river that will make even the most avid thrill seeker gasp.
With this popularity comes more accessibility. People who before would never think of trying white water rafting, are now given the opportunity to try their hand at an adventure on a river that they never dreamed of.
Rivers are rated from I to VI on the International Scale of River Difficulty, I being the easiest class, but still having some waves, to a class VI which is considered un-runnable. Class VI contains waterfalls and areas that are so fast, they are not recommended for travel. If you are in for an adventure, but don’t have any experience at all, you may want to try a Class II or III which don’t require any experience, but will let you see why this white water rafting is so popular in the world today.
Many States right here in the United States have rivers which lend themselves to white water rafting. Jackson Hole, Wyoming boasts the Snake River with trips of varying length as well as degrees of difficulty. New Mexico is the the home of the Rio Grande and Rio Chama rivers, varying from Class IV for the extremists, to a I for those that are quite ready for that much adventure. Of course, there are many other states that offer white water rafting as a travel option.
If you are planning to go a bit further off the beaten path, you also have the option of trying out the white water in Canada or South America. Ecuador is home to the Amazon jungle and boasts the Rio Upano, one of the world’s classic river trips. Waterfalls, canyons, and scenery abound on this amazing river. They rate from a Class II to a class IV, something for everyone.
One thing to remember is that there are seasons that white river rafting may or may not be available in certain areas. New Mexico, for example has a rafting season from mid June till mid September. Depending on the location you choose, plan ahead to make sure rafting is available that time of year.
Another thing you should remember when planning a white water trip, whether for 5 hours or a week, you need to come prepared for anything. Sunscreen is a must as water reflects sun rays and even if it looks overcast, there are still UV rays which could leave you with a painful burn. According to one guide, you should always have sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle as rafting can be strenuous.
If you are traveling longer that a few hours, something dry to put on would benefit you as well. Remember you will be on white water, which means splashing, and chances are you will not be dry when you get off the river. It is recommended you bring shoes that are comfortable even when wet, perhaps a sandal that will allow your feet to dry. Make a checklist and stick to it.
Take a chance on something new, or if you have been rafting before, find someplace you haven’t been before and get ready for an adventure. White water rafting is gaining in popularity, so you have hundreds of options. This is one experience that you can’t miss.
Brought to you by Sealand Travel.
New England Vacations – A Getaway to Remember
May 27, 2009
New England Stonehouse
When looking for your next travel destination, why not choose something right here in the U.S.
Our country has a history filled with pride and triumph. As travelers we sometimes overlook what we have to offer right here. Aside from not requiring a passport, travel in the United States can be rewarding in ways that perhaps we overlook, our history.
New England is a place with an incredible past. It is filled with a variety of options for everyone today. It has natural beauty, that in the fall cannot be outdone, spring is filled with outdoor activities reflecting all aspects of us and many other things to offer.
New England is one of the earliest English Settlements in the New World. Founded in the 18th century, New England is the home to movements that have altered our society as a whole. Its rich history and stunning views make it one of the top travel destinations in the U.S.
Travel in New England can be a coastal journey including Portand, Boston or Providence, or in inland gem with mountains and scenery that will astound you. Your choices are endless. Here are a few recreational ideas that New England has to offer you on your next trip.
The Appalachian Mountains run along the east coast of the United States. It is more that 2,100 miles long with not only thousands of miles to hike through, but also offers whitewater kayaking and a host of educational opportunities for the entire family.
If you are looking for something a bit more relaxing, you could journey to Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard. Dotted with small towns and beautiful beaches, these destinations offer a more urban vacation. Art Galleries, theaters, spas, shopping or tours, these destinations offer a different kind of vacation. Fun and romance abound in this unique area.
For a more traditional family outing you could also stop in Maine and visit Funtown Splashtown USA, Northern New England’s largest family themed water and amusement park, or stay in the many posh resorts dotting the coasts, your vacation awaits.
Whatever you choose, excitement, romance, family fun, or adventure, you can find it right here in the the U.S. Check out one of the many ideas New England has to offer you on your next journey.
Brought to you by Sea Land Travel Club.
