The second in our series of Hawaii vacations, this article focuses on the island of Maui. Maui stands apart from the rest of the Hawaiian Islands. It offers adventure in paradise at every corner. If you have only a week to spend in Hawaii, this is one of the best places to be.

Accommodations are widely available on Maui, including many resorts, bed & breakfasts, cottages, inns, and condos, many of which offer spectacular view of the shores. Several world-class golf courses are also found on Maui.

For such a small island, Maui is packed with “leisurely adventures”–and at comfortable temperatures, hovering from 75 at the lowest and the low 90s at the highest. Plus, its waters are warm year-round (varying from 70 to 80 degrees).

With its outstanding beaches and multiple resorts, Maui has many activities. Helicopter tours, golfing, water sports, even submarine rides can be found on Maui.

Its landscape is incredibly diverse. It is often known as the Valley Island because of the large valley that extends between two volcanoes. On the wet, eastern side of the mountains there are acres of rainforest. On the dry,leeward side of the island,resorts and golf courses abound. And in the central valley, located between Haleakala volcano and the West mountains, sugar cane grows
abundantly.

Offshore, one can see marine life found nowhere else on earth. The island reef is home to hundreds of species which makes this a paradise for divers and snorkelers. In winter, humpback whales crowd the waters off the southern coast. Maui provides some of the world’s best whale-watching activities. Thousands of Humpback whale migrate to the warm waters off the coast of this Hawaii Island between November and April each year.

Many people drive to the top of Mt Haleakala for a view of the spectacular sunrise. You can rent a car or take one of the many tours to the top. It will be cold at the 10,000 foot summit, so bundle up and bring a thermos of hot coffee or tea.

The road to Hana is considered one of the most breath-taking drives in all of the Islands. It is a slow, winding road through a lush paradise.

The island’s beaches are not only plentiful, they are varied. From the white sands of Oneloa in West Maui and Palaueau Beach in the South, to the Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu) of Hana and the volcanic black sands of Pa’iloa Beach in Wai’anapanapa Park, Maui’s beaches offer diversity.

On the North Shore, Ho’okipa Beach Park is perhaps one of the best places in the world to wind surf, body board or kite surf.

Kapalua Beach, located on the west side of the Keanae Peninsula in South Maui, is a golden–sand beach, with a terrific view of Molokai. It is protected from big
waves by both coral reefs and lava formations on both sides.

An excellent family beach, Wailea Beach is on the island’s sunny south shore.Protected by lava outcroppings it is safe for families with children. Wailea is wide and about 1,000 feet long in a crescent shape.

Palauea Beach is perfect for young children and families because it’s sheltered from the winds and the water is shallow. It’s also located south of Polo Beach in one of the least developed spots on the island.

One of Maui’s best snorkeling locations, Ulua Beach offers an excellent reef about 100 yards offshore. Ulua is between Wailea Beach to the north and Makena Beach to the south.

Oneloa Beach–Referred to by locals as “Big Beach,” Oneloa Beach in Makena State Park is more than 3,000 feet long and 100 feet wide, made up of sugar-white sands that meet a crystalline ocean. This South Maui beach is the island’s longest beach.

The islet of Molokini, just off the west shore of Maui, is one of Hawaii’s most popular spots for divers and snorkelers. Accessible only by boat, this crescent-shaped crater is a natural sanctuary and marine-life preserve. It provides an an exquisite opportunity to view tropical
fish, lobsters, crab and living coral, including black coral.

Finally, if you want to explore other islands, day trips can take you to Lanai or Molokai by ferry. Ferries leave daily from the dock in Lahaina, Maui.

Whatever you do during your time on Maui, this vacation will likely inspire you to return again. In the meantime, you can cherish the memories.

Bob Freer likes to share his love of traveling. His current passion is Hawaii. He writes about the Hawaiian islands on his website hawaii-travel-online.com Hawaii-Travel-Online.com

Florida is almost as well known for its golf courses as it is theme parks and enthusiasts will not be disappointed along the Gulf Coast – Florida boasts over 1,000 courses and there are over 80 in the Naples area alone! Many hotels have their own courses and there are numerous golfing communities where you’ll find private villas to rent. The courses are open year-round but quietest during the summer months from May through to October.

The beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel are known as the “Tarpon capital of the world” and fisherman flock here every spring to fish the Boca Grande Pass. The name of the game however is “Catch and Release” as there is a 50$ state permit fee to kill a Tarpon. For those interested in sea-fishing, there are many charters and fishing trips for all levels of angler – these are available from all along the coast, including Marco Island, Sarasota, Fort Myers Beach, Clearwater and Tarpon Springs. Try your hand at hooking shark, barracuda, black fin tuna and Spanish and king mackerel. There are also miles of shoreline, countless oyster bars and acres of sea grass beds that attract an abundance of salt water fish. For the fresh water angler, Rotonda has miles of canals and numerous golf course lakes offering some excellent bass and catfish. Other popular areas include the freshwater canals in Cape Coral and the Caloosahatchee River. Local freshwater fish include bass, crappie, blue gill and catfish. If you don’t fancy bobbing about on the water, there are ample fishing opportunities from the piers and bridges. Popular spots in the St Petersburg/Clearwater area include Long Pier at Redington Beach, Pier60, St Petersburg Pier, Fort De Soto Park and The Friendship Trail Park at Gandy Bridge for Spanish mackerel, red drum, speckled trout and snook.

Many enthusiasts head for Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, which encompasses 110,000 acres of uplands, islands, and estuaries from Gordon Pass at Naples to Everglades National Park. There is a visitor centre between Marco and Naples, south of US 41 on Tower Road. Fort Myers Beach & Sanibel are also known for good kayaking – paddle through Pine Island’s aquatic preserves for a good look at the local birdlife

Boca Ciega Millennium Park in Seminole, Pinellas County has nature trails as well as pedestrian and cycle paths. Sanibel island offers 17 miles of protected cycle paths, ideal for families. Local companies hire a range of bikes including tandems and accessories for children. Fort de Soto Park on the Pinellas Peninsula has a 7 mile recreation trail where visitors may run, bike, rollerblade or walk The Pinellas Trail is a unique linear park covering 50 miles from St Petersburg to Tarpon Spring with cycle and hiking paths Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Alva offers a 10 mile looped mountain bike trail over rolling terrain with the opportunity of spotting wild boar, deer and gopher tortoises. Bike hire is available in the park. Myakka River is one of Florida’s largest State Parks with ample facilities for walking and cycling. There are seven miles of flat, paved roads for cyclists as well as back-country dirt roads (depending on the weather). Cycles can be hired in the park. Many of the parks which offer cycle tracks have daylight hours of opening and regulations including wearing a helmet so it is always worth checking any local restrictions at the park information centres or cycle hire shops before you set off.

If you are planning on heading someplace as a hiker or backpacker or just looking to go on a local camping trip there are a few extra essentials that you can add to your kit to help with those unexpected things that turn up.

• Sarong

• Duct Tape

• Plastic Baggies

• Wet Naps or Baby Wipes

• Fold Down bag

• Plastic film canister that comes with each new roll of camera film

• Earplugs and eye mask

• Toilet paper

Many women have found the sarong to be an invaluable tool. You can use it as a skirt, head covering, bag, swimsuit, dress, towel, shawl, blanket, curtain for privacy and it can even be used as an impromptu bandage in case of injury. Duct tape explains itself. It can be your quick fix for numerous problems including a rip in your tent. Plastic baggies can hold everything from food to seashells found on the beach. Baby Wipes come in handy when you are short on running water. If you plan on making a lot of purchases a fold down bag can fold out and hold items for you. Those plastic film canisters make great medicine containers. Those who are on a long flight or in a hotel with paper thin walls will greatly appreciate earplugs and an eye mask. Last but certainly not least you can never know which places will run out of toilet paper right when you need to go, so always keep some on hand.

These are recommended extras that you can pick and choose from at length and will probable be more essential for some people, while merely being extra baggage for others. It’s really up to the traveler to decide what items they should add to personalize their travel kits, but my top three picks are duct tape, Baby Wipes and toilet paper.

Gail Leino is known throughout the internet world as Mrs. Party. She has become the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible partysupplieshut.com party supplies with clever themes. Her simple party planning approach demostrates how to use proper manners while teaching etiquette with organizational skills. She shares lots of interesting fun facts. See travel-via.com travel vacations for more tips.

South Padre Island is an ever-ready vacation destination that history has shown to be a true crowd pleaser. For a number of reasons, the foot of Texas is known for attracting spring breakers by the busload as well as families and couples all year long. No matter what your vacation goals are or what time of year you will be visiting, be sure that this hotspot will show you a good time.

If you’ve never been here before and don’t know quite what to expect, just imagine all the elements you would seek in a beachside getaway, add a healthy dose of relaxation, and you’ll start to get the picture. Find a spot of shade beneath your beach umbrella, crack open the book that’s been calling your name, gaze fondly at the cold drink in your hands, and find yourself idly wondering what the office is up to in your absence. Actually, scratch this last part. Don’t allow yourself to think about work; there are plenty of more important things to do.

It’s probably safe to say that you’re not accustomed to hearing the sound of the ocean on a daily basis, much less able to dip your toes in it, splash around with a boogie board, or rent a boat for a high-speed adventure. Wave running and parasailing are good ways to take the energy levels up a notch, and after that’s tired you out the beach bars with their sparkling array of tropical drinks will call for your attention. Nothing is better than the feeling of slight fatigue mixed with golden sunshine, so reward yourself for the hard work you’ve completed in the past few months (or years, or decades) and take a nap.

After waking refreshed and revived you’ll be ready for round two. Hit the tennis courts, the golf courses, or Laguna Madre Nature Trail. Outdoorsy types will love exploring the vibrant wildlife scene, and this excursion will certainly fill a few stress-free hours. Come nightfall, check out a different but equally colorful scene, the one on the waterfront. Even if it’s not spring break, live music, dancing, and socializing will certainly be available if you’re looking to add some pizzazz to your schedule.

If you’re the type who likes to stay active, start your day with a jog along the beach or a dip in the salty sea. The kids will surely want to soak in enough sandcastle building to last until the next beach vacation, and you can even sign up to receive lessons from an expert in this art. As you watch the kiddies absorb themselves in this creative endeavor (and hopefully join in the fun, too) you’ll start to see that this isn’t just a college student’s playground; it’s here for everyone to enjoy.

Map lovers may notice that Mexico isn’t too far away, and many tourists make crossing the border a fun day trip. Experience the atmosphere of another country as you shop for souvenirs or fill up on authentic and delicious food. This excursion should be pretty hassle free, so add it to your list of fun and exciting things to do while you’re in South Padre.

Food options range from Tex-Mex to southern comfort and of course, many restaurants are all about seafood. Ask the host to seat with a view of the ocean for a romantic touch, and finish the night by taking one of those clichéd walks on the beach if the mood to stare into your lover’s eyes must be satisfied. You’ve heard South Padre was a hit, but you probably didn’t know it would be so open to your personal wants and needs.

Speaking of fulfilling your desires, to top off this vacation be sure to settle into above-average accommodations. Hotels are fine and serve their purpose, but to feel truly pampered think about renting a vacation property. Condos, beach houses and spacious apartments are all up for grabs; all it takes is an online shopping trip to discover the lodging situation of your dreams.

Peruse the pictures, read the testimonials, and then check your calendar before settling on the place that will push this trip to the next level. As you bask in the sun on your private patio and soak in your Jacuzzi tub, you’ll definitely feel like a grown-up who has passed the days of partying all night and sleeping on a fold-out sofa.

Visit HomeAway.com to take care of the most important detail of your upcoming vacation.

Your homeaway.com/USA/Texas/South-Padre-Island/r6380.htm South Padre Island Vacation Rental waits for you, so don’t delay another minute.

Celebrating the New Year in a new and exciting environment is highly desirable – and one of the main bi-products of the increasing number of cheap flights and greater global mobility is that this is becoming more and more possible. People living in Chicago can now choose to celebrate the New Year in Edinburgh, Sydney or Paris; however, you don’t have to travel quite so far away from home to enjoy a spectacular party on December 31st. Visit the Winter Festival of Lights being held in Clifton Hills, in Niagara Falls, Ontario this year and you’ll be able to count down to the 1st of January in style.

Clifton Hills is the major tourist promenade in the town of Niagara Falls, and this year’s New Years Eve festivities will involve performances by 1980s legendary rock band, Foreigner, the Juno Award winning Colin James and the Little Big Band, and rising Canadian talent Justin Hines. ‘Party in Niagara’ is organised every year by the Niagara Parks Commission and the Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve event planners provide party-goers with an outdoor alcohol licensed area, food and drink stalls, and fantastic fireworks over the Niagara Falls waterfalls at both 9pm and midnight.

Best of all, the event is free; held in Queen Victoria Park, it attracts around 30,000 people each year. The event is also covered on television and is screened from 11pm until 12.30am. Jim Williams, chair of the Niagara Parks Commission stated:

“New Year’s Eve is one of Niagara Falls’ busiest and best nights of the year. With the enthusiasm of all our partners, the whole city is coming alive with more to do than anywhere else in Canada. Visitors and residents should come down and enjoy our entire tourism district in full swing – from great music in Queen Victoria Park to high-energy gaming at Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino Resort; from the family fun of Clifton Hills to our romantic restaurants and spectacular hotel getaways.”

If you’re looking to turn your New Year’s Eve celebrations into an extended holiday you’ll find plenty of doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/hotels/index.jhtml;?ctyhocn=IAGDTDT” target=”_blank accommodation in Niagara Falls. Whether you choose to spend your time exploring the world’s most impressive waterfall or roaming around the Fallsview tourist area, you’ll definitely find activities to entertain you and your family in Niagara Falls – and you won’t even have stray too far away from home.

flickr.com/people/andrew_regan/ Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist who enjoys travel and experiencing different cultures.

To travel from Arusha to Dar es Salaam is easiest by air, however, this will cost about US$200 per person. The cheapest alternative is to travel by bus, which is never advised by tour operators. However, it need not be a nightmare as there are some good companies operating in Tanzania.

The most well known bus company must be the Scandinavia Express. They operate probably the best, safest and most comfortable transport between the two cities; it is, of course, the most expensive private bus option – at US$25 per person – and to book in advance is essential. In Arusha the offices for Scandinavia have moved to Kilembero Market – which is close to the Shoprite supermarket. Scandinavia have recently been in huge debt and have had some of their buses seized by the police; this has made the headlines in the East African news papers. It has also made booking in Advance more essential as the fleet is depleted.

The ‘Dar Express’ bus service comes a close second to Scandinavia or maybe an equal first place. They have different classes of busses and when at the booking Office – which is situated close to the Kimahama Bookshop [about 500m up hill from the Arusha Stadium] – it is essential to say you want the first class bus which should cost about US$18 per person. Dar Express are, without doubt, my favourite company and I would recommend this company above all others. However, some of the coaches do not have a toilet – although this may in fact be a blessing – as you travel in the African heat [and especially if you are sat toward the rear of the bus] a toilet may not seem such a luxury after most of the passengers have taken advantage of the service. The smell can become quite overpowering and the journey is a long one – about ten hours.

If you opt for the cheaper end of the market, most busses leave from the Bus Station close to the ‘Stadium’. Buffalo seem to be a favourite but they travel too fast. Speed is not a good thing as in places the road is single carriageway, it winds and there are hills; slowly slowly is the best way to ensure you get from Arusha to Dar es Salaam alive.

I would recommend either Fresh Coach or Amazon Coach – the ticket price must be negotiated and do not pay more than US$10 per person. The last of each of these coaches leaves Arusha Bus Station at 8 am sharp. Tickets are usually sold by freelance workers and as the commission is good – the more they charge the more pay they take home – competition is fierce. If you are a westerner then you will be targeted and you will be surrounded by enthusiastic ticker touts. This experience is not for the faint hearted. Hang onto your luggage and watch out [as you would as a tourist anywhere in the world] for pickpockets.

Fresh coach and Amazon travel to Dar es Salaam at a more leisurely pace and they are safer than the full steam ahead express buses.

If you want to leave Arusha and travel by bus to make the ferry crossing to Zanzibar in a single day – I would suggest leaving Arusha around 6 am to ensure you are in Dar es Salaam by 2pm. That gives you a good couple of hours to get from the Bus Station into town and to the ferry, buy your ticket.

The site tanzania-info.co.uk tanzania-info.co.uk has full details and timetables for Zanzibar Ferries, flights and Buses in Tanzania – and betheladventure.co.uk betheladventure.co.uk has safari information. Use responsible tourism to make a difference to the countries and peoples you visit.

“If your dog is fat,” the old saying goes, “you aren’t getting enough exercise.” But walking the dog need not be just about a little exercise. Here are 15 cool things you can see around the Black Hills while you hike with your dog.

ABANDONED MINES.
The old rail lines-turned trails are good places to see vestiges of old mines. Along the Deerfield Trail you can see the remains of the Black Tom Mine and there are traces of several mines on the Mickelson Trail. Chief among them are the White Elephant Trail, where feldspar was pulled from the ground, and the Wasp Mine, that collapsed on the rail line in 1927.

BISON.
When hiking the prairie trails through the Black Hills it won’t be long until you see North America’s largest land animal. Herds that once numbered in the millions were reduced to as few as 15 animals in the 1880s before conservation efforts began. Now Custer State Park is home to more than 1,500 free-roaming bison, one of the world’s largest public bison herds. Another small herd is in Bear Butte State Park.

BRIDGES.
Railroad builders used bridges to level out the rollercoaster terrain of the Black Hills. There are more than 100 wooden trestles on the Mickelson Trail alone. The largest was the Sheep Canyon Trestle, 126 feet high and 700 feet long. Therickety trestle was considered so dangerous that engineers and brakemen would walk over the bridge instead of riding the train.

COLD WAR RELICS.
In Memorial Park in Rapid City stands America’s largest exhibit devoted to the Berlin Wall – double 12-foot segments of the concrete wall. On the ground on either side of the Wall are tank traps. Photos and interpretive panels tell the story of the dominant symbol of the Cold War. Memorial Park is on the Rapid City Recreation Path.

DAMS.
Flood control has been a theme in the Black Hills since the 1930s. Dams across streams and rivers have spawned water recreation areas that are favorite destinations for an outing with the dog. The largest such lake in the Black Hills is the Pactola Reservoir with trails along much of its 14 miles of pine-scented shoreline. Others include the dam at Cold Brook Lake Recreation Area on the Fall River and the Cottonwood Springs Dam.

FAMOUS CABINS.
The Badger Clark Historic Trail in Custer State Park starts at the former home of Charles Badger Clark, South Dakota’s first poet-laureate. Clark rook five years to build the stone-and-frame cabin and lived here for 30 years. He also laid out most of the footpath. In Wyoming, along Sand Creek, publisher Moses Annenberg built historic Ranch A, now used for meetings and classrooms. Canine hikers can view the log home at the Dugout Gulch Botanical Area.

GHOST TOWNS.
Mining towns came and went very quickly in the gold rush days of the 1880s in the Black Hills. The most intact deserted town in the region is Tinton, visited on the Big Hill Trails. There is an old miner’s hall, a post office and the Black Hills Tin Company store to explore. At the Mystic Trailhead on the Mickelson Trail is theMystic Townsite, where seven buildings and 14 foundations remain from a gold mining community.

HISTORIC BUILDINGS.
Hikers can check out the Bulldog Ranch on Rochford Road that was a favorite stopping point for travelers in the late 19th century. Proprietoress Sarah Anne Erbe was known as “Madame Bulldog” for two dogs she kept died up out back to dissuade chicken thieves. Another building from that era that can be inspected up close is the Kroll Meat Market and Slaughterhouse in Spearfish City Park.

LOFTY PEAKS.
There are many mountaintops in the Black Hills that can be reached with your dog. Harney Peak, at 7,242 feet, is the highest and Bear Mountain (7,153 feet) is right behind. Ski enthusiasts have carved 16 miles of year-round trails at Bear Mountain. The craggy peak of Flag Mountain serves up expansive views, including a long look to the east of Reynolds Prairie, the largest of three open grasslands in the vicinity. Crow Peak may only be 5,760 feet high but what it lacks in height, it makes up in difficulty. Your reward for a grueling climb is 360-degree vistas at the summit.

LOGGING FLUMES.
Water flumes served two purposes in the Black Hills: to transport logs to railheads or to move water into isolated areas for hydraulic gold-mining. The latter is best exemplified by the Rockerville Flume, that operated in the 1880s. An 11-mile trail (the flume was 20 miles long) in the Black Hills National Forest now follows the route of the wooden flume. Remnants of the Warren-Lamb flume used to float logs can still be seen along the Deerfield Trail.

MOVIE SETS.
For the 1990 Oscar-winning Dances With Wolves, star/director Kevin Costner filmed the Indian winter camp was set up in Spearfish Canyon in the Black Hills National Forest; the exact spot of the final scene where Costner and Mary MacDonnell leave the tribe was once marked by signs but have long since succumbed to souvenir-hunters. The opening sequence, where Costner receives his orders at Fort Hays to travel to Fort Sedgewick, was filmed on a private ranch east of Rapid City. Two of the set pieces, the major’s house and the blacksmith shop have been moved to this tourist spot known as the Fort Hays Film Set (four miles south of Rapid City). The Sage Creek Wilderness Area in the Badlands National Park was the backdrop for the wagon trip through Sioux Indian country to Fort Sedgewick.

OLD FORTS.
As you hike through Fort Meade Recreation Area you can still see stone jumps used to train horses in the old cavlary outpost. If you look closely, you may also notice some circular depressions in the hillsides created by exploding shells from artillery practice. The Old Fort Meade Cemetery is still on the grounds as well.

PRESIDENTIAL FOOTSTEPS.
Calvin Coolidge became the first United States President to spend the summer west of the Mississippi River, selecting the State Game Lodge in Custer State Park for his “summer White House.” Today, the Grace Coolidge Walk-In Fishing Area is an easy three-mile walk on a dirt path along a creek to Center Lake. Earlier Theodore Roosevelt was a frequent visitor to the Black Hills and a short trail leads to Friendship Tower on Mount Roosevelt, named in his honor. Alas, dogs are not allowed on the trails at Mount Rushmore and can experience this presidential memorial only from the car.

PUBLIC ART.
As you walk your dog around Belle Fourche you can see bronze statues of some of the famous rodeo performers – human and animal – that have visited town. The favorite subject in Deadwood is Wild Bill Hickok and you can see his likeness several times as you hike through the historic gaming town.

RAILROAD SOUVENIRS.
Anyone can appreciate obvious reminders of the railroad age in the Black Hills like the caboose in Edgemont Park but a more discerning eye can see more fascinating relics. For instance, on the Mickelson Trail near the White Elephant Trailhead, a canine hiker can see a sign with a “W” emblazoned on it. This is one of four places in the more than 100 miles of track that engineers were instructed to blow their whistles to warn people and animals. And near a bridge trestle you can see one of the original mile marker signs made of heavy metal and painted white with a numeral that pinpointed a train’s location on the line to .01 of a mile. Only a few of these old markers remain.

copyright 2006

I am the author of over 20 books, including 8 on hiking with your dog, including the
widely praised The Canine Hiker’s Bible. As publisher of Cruden Bay Books, we
produce the innovative A Bark In The Park series of canine hiking books found at
hikewithyourdog.com hikewithyourdog.com During the warm months I lead canine hikes as
tour leader for hikewithyourdog.com tours, leading packs of dogs and humans on
day and overnight trips. My lead dog is Katie, a German Shepherd-Border Collie mix,
who has hiked in all of the Lower 48 states and is on a quest to swim in all the great
waters of North America – web.mac.com/crudbay/iWeb/Katies Blog/Katies Quest.html web.mac.com/crudbay/iWeb/Katies Blog/Katies Quest.html I am currently building a hikewithyourdog.com tours trailer to use on our expeditions and its progress can be viewed at web.mac.com/crudbay/iWeb/Teardrop Trailer/Building A Tour Trailer.html web.mac.com/crudbay/iWeb/Teardrop Trailer/Building A Tour Trailer.html

Okay, so last year’s vacation was to Disney World. The year before that it was Disneyland. And the year before that it was … Disney World. Ready for a change? How about visiting a dinosaur this time?

The state of Utah is home to the biggest concentration of dinosaur exhibits in the United States, so no matter where in Utah you visit, you’re probably a day trip away from walking in the path of a prehistoric dinosaur.

Vernal, in northeastern Utah, is known as “Dinosaurland,” and is home to the largest quarry of prehistoric Jurassic dinosaur bones. Although currently closed for repairs, the Quarry at Dinosaur National Monument has on display over 2,000 dinosaur fossils embedded and exposed in sandstone. The Quarry boasts that they provide more complete skeletons, skulls, and bones of dinosaurs than any other quarry in the world. Visitors to The Dinosaur National Monument have over 200,000 acres of land on which to hike, fish, camp and river raft.

If you want to see life-size replicas of dinosaurs, the Utah Field House of Natural History Museum near Vernal has a dinosaur garden with 17 life-size replicas of dinosaurs, including a 20-foot tall Tyrannosaurus. You can also view displays of ancient fossil skeletal reproductions, archaeological and geological exhibits, fluorescent minerals and other aspects of the nearby Uinta Mountains and Uinta Basin.

While Dinosaurland near Vernal is thought of as ‘the” dinosaur vacation spot, there are other areas in Utah where you can view dinosaur fossils. Also located in Northeastern Utah is the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, one of the world’s best fossil sites. Formed about 147 million years ago, the quarry is open daily during the summer and on a shorter schedule during the spring and fall.

Some of the other more noteworthy dinosaur spots around Utah are:

Ogden, Utah

Ogden is located thirty-five miles north of Salt Lake City on the banks of the Weber River, and is home to a many dinosaur exhibits, including Ogden’s Historic Union Station’s Gem and Mineral Museum at 2501 Wall Ave. Here you’ll find one of the world’s oldest dinosaur eggs, estimated to be around 120 million years old. That’s right, this egg’s not for scrambling. The egg, however, was not discovered in the Utah area, but, rather, in China and later donated to the museum. There are several dinosaur bones, eggs and tracks from North America on display.

Another good dinosaur exhibit near Ogden is the North American Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point. Here you’ll find more than near Ogden is home to the world’s largest dinosaur museum, the North American Museum of Ancient Life. With more than 60 mounted dinosaur skeletons and thousands of ancient fossils. You’ll also find a six-story movie screen and theater, which features 3-D movies and specialty films.

Moab, Utah

If your travels take you to Moab, you have a few wonderful opportunities to view dinosaur fossils up close. Just 13 miles north of Moab you can walk The Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail, a self-guided trail where you can walk among dinosaur fossils and actual dinosaur tracks left in the sedimentary rocks.

Moab has two exhibits with displays on archaeology, paleontology and dinosaur bones. These are the visitor center at Dead Horse Point State Park north of Moab on SR 313, and the Dan O’Laurie Museum, 118 East Center Street.

For a truly unforgettable family vacation, dinosaur trekking through Utah is a must-do. Remember, however, that fossils are protected, which means you cannot remove them from the environment. The only thing you should be removing from your hikes through Utah is your own trash. Be sure to leave all fossils ad plant life undisturbed.

Diane McCalley is an accountant and avid traveler. Visit her

Many people see Greece as a cheap package tour to get some rest and sunshine, but how many people who actually go to Greece SEE Greece. Greece has a rich history that goes back for over 4,000 years. The ancestors of Hellenes, which is the mainland of Greece, were explorers who travelled the Seas, both the Mediterranean and the Black Sea – covering many distances in search of new people to trade with. The Greeks settled from the Mediterranean, Asia Minor, and along the coast of North Africa during their travels.

The people of Greece have always had a strong desire for independence, and enjoy their freedom enough to fight for it over the years. Alexander the Great is perhaps the most well known Greek, conquering most of the known world during the 4th century BC, with a plan to Hellenize it. In 146 BC, Greece was defeated by the Romans, and in 330 AD, Emperor Constantine founded the Eastern Roman Empire. By 1828, the Greeks in a small area of the country had won back their independence, and they continued to fight for the rest of their land. After World War II, many of the islands were returned to Greece, independence, and freedom.

The country of Greece is a peninsular and mountainous land, geographically located in Southern Europe, and characterized by more than 1400 beautiful islands. The Greece islandsattract people from all over the world to spend their vacations and holidays, and since the weather in Greece year round is full of sunshine and mild temperatures, you’ll be sure to experience the beautiful nature of Greece. With over 13,676 km of white sandy beach coastlines, and crystal clear, sparkling waters, every beach lover is sure to enjoy a trip to Greece!
Greece is situated along the Mediterranean, comfortably located between Albania, Bulgaria, Turkey and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Greece is surrounded by the Aegean and Ionian Sea. Some of the most visited islands include Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Corfu, Lefkada and Alonissos.

There are hundreds of Islands, all owned by Greece but many unpopulated. The islands that are used by tourists come in many different characters and flavours catering from young peoples holidays, through family and young children to older and retired people, choose your island well, it will be the choice between one persons nightmare vs. another’s paradise!.
Next time you visit Greece, take time to study the Greek food in the shops and restaurants.

You might find there are many of the local food you have never heard of. Spend longer look at the menu and ask the locals what they eat, a great way to discover new food. As well as tourist food, they also have many delicious recipes worth sampling. Even the famous Greek Salad is different in many areas of Greece and is often eaten every day.
Many believe that wine was invented in Greece, its well worth sampling many of the local brews, if the thinking is true, they have more experience than anyone else in the world!

Finding accommodations in Greece is not difficult, and you have many options to choose from. There are the typical Greek hotels, along with villas, apartments, rooms, hostels and camping available for people travelling in Greece, with ‘island hopping’ a favourite amongst many people, young and old alike!.

So next time you’re planning a trip to the ‘Greek islands’, research your trip and include some of the many other sites and experiences that can be found in this ancient land.

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The Costa del Sol is blessed with several traditional Spanish white villages, or Pueblos Blancos, each with its own unique atmosphere. However there is something about the village of Casares that just makes you stand and stare.

As you approach Casares up a steep winding slope it is difficult to prevent
yourself from taking a sharp intake of breath and saying outload: “wow!”
Stop the car, climb out and admire the vista from a fantastic viewing point just on
the edge of the village, looking down across the entire valley.

Hundreds of white -washed homes perch precariously across the hillside,
below the battlements of an old Arabic castle. Hold onto your sunhat
though because the viewing point can sometimes be a real wind trap!

From here take one of the many paths leading down into the village and
experience a perfect day exploring the multitude of steep, winding streets and footpaths
that make up the delightful village of Casares.For the most part it is
traffic free, having been built in the days long before the motorcar when
the only form of transport was the donkey.

Head first for the Plaza de España- the main square. Here you will discover
the statue of Blas Infante, the Andlucian Nationalist leader who was born in
Casares in 1885. There is also a fountain where you can refresh
yourself with a drink of cold, clear, fresh mountain water. Blas Infante’s
birthplace has now been turned into a museum and tourist information
centre.

From the centre take one of the roads leading onwards and upwards until
you reach the old monastry and ruined church. The views from here towards
the coast are spectacular and you look down a gully where it is
reputed that Franco dispossed of his enemies during the time of the
civil war, there is a poignant iron cross commemorating those who perished.
The base of the walls date back to the Moors as does one of
the arches you may have passed through depending on your route up.
Everything above shoulder height though is more likely to have been built
after 1500. Just below the monastry you will find a museum with many
old artifacts depicting life in and around Casares through the ages.
Be sure to descend via a different route in order to see as much as possible.

Casares, as with any Spanish village, has its fair share of bars and
restaurants so be sure to partake of some local tapas. The people are very
friendly and welcoming and I am sure you will spend a memorable day in the
town.

The 2 annual ferias are held on the first weekend in August and on the
weekend closest to September 15th. They also celebrate a procession
of the Three Kings on the evening of January 5th.

After exploring the village you may like to head up the Sierra Crestillina,
which is a parque natural just on the outskirts of the village. You will
find a signpost to it near to bar/restaurante Laura.A circular
footpath has been put in right round the mountain and it is approximately a
four hour walk. The scenary and views are fantastic but be sure to take
some water with you as it can get quite hot. Good footware is also
essential as the descent towards the end of the trail can be quite tricky.

Article submitted by Ruth Polak the owner of costadelsol-vacationrentals.com costadelsol-vacationrentals.com
- A web site specializing in holiday villas and
apartments on the Costa del Sol and in Rural Andalucia. You will also
find lots of information about Spain and Andalucia, in particular.