Travel Back in Time – A Continuing Travelogue to the Best Historic Sites
June 5, 2009
History is a way for us to progress into the future without making the same mistakes. Phrases like “lest we forget” written in a poem by Rudyard Kipling and made famous around the world, illustrate mankind’s desire to remember the past to move forward in the future.
All parts of the world are rich in some kind of history that have had an impact on its current citizens.
In the United States alone, a relatively new country in the world, historic sites are found everywhere you look. Wars, social movements, assassinations, amazing tales of survival, and heroism abound throughout.
If this were just a one part article, I would probably just touch on the general areas of interest, simply to peak a curiosity to the reader, but as this is continuing series we are going to travel to individual parts of the world beginning here with the Eastern United States
Our journey of the best historic places to visit begins in the North Eastern United States. This includes Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut; and the Mid-Atlantic States of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania as defined by Wikipedia.
My rational for beginning here is this is the oldest part of the United States, founded by the pilgrims, and so begins our journey.
New England is filled with historic sites and places wonderful for historic travel. Plymouth Rock is located just off Cape Cod Bay. The rock is now sheltered to prevent weathering. The Plymouth Plantation itself is an entire trip. Here you can revisit much of Americas varied past.
The Wampanoag Homesite gives you the opportunity to experience the Native American culture. The Wampanoag people have called New England home for over 12,000 years. Learn about their history and culture in Americas past. A unique opportunity to see Americas founding by the first Americans in history.
Your visit to Massachusetts may also include visiting a re-creation of an English Village founded in 1627, seven years after the landing of the Mayflower. Immerse yourself in living history. Period clothing, and role players give visitors a chance to see what it was like to be a pilgrim in the new world.
You will be surrounded by opportunities to find out about our heritage as Americans as well as many opportunities to shop around in six award winning museum shops and have some fine dining as well. Why not try themed dining and complete your historic visit with a traditional meal of turkey or Mayflower Golden Ale made right there in New England.
For the war historians, why not try a visit to Pennsylvania. There are well over 2,000 places on the National Register of Historic Places. One place of interest may be the Gettysburg National Military Park and Gettysburg National Cemetery.
Begun in 1909, the Gettysburg National Military Park and Cemetery offers many different ways to experience the Civil War. Podcast tours, virtual tours, field exhibits, and a visitors center are just a few of the ways you could experience what the park has to offer. There are also guided tours of the park throughout the summer months to enhance your experience. Visit the High Water Mark Monument which lists the commands of both armies involved in “Pickett’s Charge”, one of the last southern attacks at Gettysburg.
Philadelphia also is home to the signing of both the Declaration of Independence as well as the Constitution and Independence Hall. Philadelphia has rekindled its popularity in the last few years thanks to the film industry. National Treasure, directed by Jon Turteltaub stars Nicolas Cage and revives history to the young in this movie. It takes place in Philadelphia and highlights some of the amazing historical sites to visit including Independence Hall.
You could also visit the Reading Terminal Market which can trace it origins to 1857, and of course the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a memorial to the unknown soldiers. The Liberty Bell and Congress Hall are also not far away and filled with history.
Philadelphia has many fantastic accommodations for the all travelers and would make a wonderful place to visit on your historic journey to the North Eastern United States. Travel back in time in the Northeast and experience Americas historic treasure trove of vacation possibilities.
Travel Green - What Ecotourism is All About
June 1, 2009
Having Fun...
Today’s society is becoming more ecologically minded with a concern for the world’s future. Look in any market today and you can find almost anything made from recycled products or created with an environmentally friendly form of energy. We are encouraged to recycle cans, bottles, and even old paint.
Ecotourism is defined as a form of tourism that involves traveling to tranquil and unpolluted natural areas. It’s focus is on the plants, animals and indigenous peoples in the area. To be truly an ecotourist, you must also minimize the impact you have on the area you visit. It is easily summed up by one statement: take only pictures, leave only footprints.
This type of travel may or may not sound exciting, but delve further into the ecotourism industry and it is obvious why some estimate that over 5 million people have become green in their travels.
The industry of ecotourism is thriving in areas where there is abundant wildlife and natural areas. Countries such as Costa Rica, Kenya and Antarctica have a substantial ecotourism base supporting their economy.
If you choose a place like Costa Rica, more than a quarter of this area is set aside for protection in some way or another. If you like to hike, go exploring in the rainforests or mountains. Snorkeling through a tropical reef is another way to experience Costa Rica at its finest. You could also visit local villages and towns to find out what the native culture is really like.
If you want to be totally ecofriendly, try camping out and getting a closer look at the native flora and fauna that makes Costa Rica one of the most diverse areas in the world.
If you are looking for something a little different, why not see what Kenya has to offer the ecotourist out for an adventure of a lifetime. Head out on the Serengeti with a local guide for the Safari that only children dream of. Explore the local market and see the bustle of a world completely different from your own, or experience the complete stillness surrounding you in a land where the animals are still the rulers of their jungle.
For the true adventurer, why not kayak in the wildest place in the world, Antarctica. What is more environmentally friendly than a boat powered only by you. Float inches above the sea gliding past mammoth iceburgs, perhaps spot a humpback whale on its journey through the sea, or watch a mother Leopard seal curl up with her pup for a nap in the sun.
The possibilities are endless. We don’t have to travel the same way we always have. The world is ours to enjoy, why not enjoy it in a way we have never thought of before.