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Make Your Kids Learn On Family Summer Vacations

Make Your Kids Learn On Family Summer Vacations by Evvie Meier

As the school year starts winding down across the country, many parents struggle for ways to keep their children learning over summer break. For families planning summer vacations, travel is the perfect time to give your children a fun and memorable learning experience. Many of America’s most popular destinations are home to educational attractions that will entertain the entire family. Keep your kids’ minds sharp this summer by visiting the nation’s top museums and exhibits.

New York, New York

Planning a family vacation to New York City? Stop by the American Museum of Natural History, where kids will love the Hall of Diversity and the Butterfly Conservatory. Older kids and adults will be fascinated by an outer space show at the Hayden Planetarium as well as the Sony Wonder Technology Lab. For a special treat for kids of all ages, head out to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. The world’s oldest children’s museum features family-friendly exhibits including an interactive greenhouse, performances on a rooftop theater, and a special toddler-oriented area.

Boston, Massachusetts

Families headed to this New England favorite have plenty of opportunities to fit some educational experiences into the trip. Kids of all ages will appreciate the New England Aquarium, with its Caribbean Coral Reef Exhibit, Penguin exhibit, and its on-site animal medical center, where visitors can view actual surgeries and procedures. Younger children will adore Boston’s Children’s Museum; highlights include an ‘Arthur’s World’ exhibit, a life-size lobster boat, and an extensive doll exhibit.

Washington, DC

DC is an obvious choice for an educational family vacation, but too much adult-oriented tourism may leave kids antsy. The Smithsonian Museums are free, and kids will enjoy the Discovery Room at the National Museum of Natural History. Older kids will appreciate the interactive International Spy Museum, and nothing beats exploring the National Mall and surrounding monuments on a sunny day in DC.

Miami, Florida

Although Miami is famous for its thriving beaches, shopping, and nightlife, this Florida destination has plenty to offer families looking to add some learning to a beach trip. The Miami MetroZoo is one of America’s best zoos, and the Miami Science Museum feature many kid-friendly exhibits, including a planetarium and a wildlife center. Younger children will love the Miami Children’s Museum, and families with a knack for exotic wildlife can get their fix at both the Monkey Jungle and Parrot Jungle Island.

Evvie Meier is the marketing director of Trax.com, the leading travel meta-search engine, aggregating super cheap flights and hotel rates from across hundreds of travel sources. Find details at www.trax.com.
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Hong Kong Sizzles

Hong Kong Sizzles by john@johnhacking.com-9793

Few travel to Hong Kong for the sights; they come for business and excitement. Hong Kong is so lively it sizzles like the oil in the woks of its numerous street vendors. Little has changed since the 1997 return of the British colony of Hong Kong to China. The city that flourished through co-operation between the Chinese and British societies is, if anything, more fascinating and interesting than ever before.

Opium highs and wars.

In the early eighteenth century, the first British traders to arrive at what would become Hong Kong, found only a few fishing huts. Hong Kong had no importance at all within the Chinese Empire and had been ignored for centuries.

The British built a trade port here in 1711, and it thrived during the early nineteenth century when goods from China were in great demand in Europe.

As the fashion for things Chinese declined the British began to deal in opium instead, harvesting it in India and importing it illegally into China, where the Qing dynasty emperor had banned its sale. When the Chinese tried to halt the imports, the British responded with military force.

The resulting Opium Wars (1838-1856) were disastrous for China. In 1842, the British took control of the city of Hong Kong and it became a British colony. A 1898 pact with China made Hong Kong and 234 nearby islands a British protectorate for ninety-nine years. The treaty ended in 1997.

Negotiations took place in 1982 to modify the original agreement in order to protect Hong Kong’s special status. China had originally demanded control not only of the so-called “New Territories” around the city, but also of Hong Kong itself. Through a series of agreements and negotiations, the UK was able to prevent Hong Kong from being directly absorbed into mainland China. Instead, on 1 July 1997, Hong Kong was declared a Chinese Special Administrative Region.

Office Blocks and feng shui.

Hong Kong’s special status has allowed it to remain a modern economic metropolis. Despite its visible modernity, traditional ways of life are never forgotten. The ancient Chinese art of feng shui is still applied to new constructions, where measurements are configured according to lucky numbers and windows positioned so as to let prosperity in and bad luck out.

Skyscrapers loom where splendid colonial buildings once stood, only a few of which have survived. In the central district, the Cathedral of St. John, the former French Residence and the Legislative Council Building are among the few traditional buildings that remain.

Omnipresent Buddha.

Traditional life is a stronger presence in the New Territories than in the city itself. Superb temple complexes are everywhere, built in traditional style in tranquil settings. 10,000 Buddhas Monastery is one of the most frequented. This number represents “very many” or “countless” in Chinese, rather than a specific number of Buddhas.

In fact, there are more than 10,000, perhaps as many as 13,000. The enormous bronze Buddha towering above Lo Pin Monastery on the island of Lantau is the largest Buddha in the world, measuring 26 metres tall. Visitors can climb a steep path of 260 steps to reach it. The panoramic view from the top definitely rewards the effort, as does the spiritual enlightenment achieved along the way.

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Article Source: Hong Kong Sizzles
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From City to City: Three of America’s Best

From City to City: Three of America’s Best by Roberto Raffa

Don’t even bother looking for the ‘real’ America because such a notion really does miss the point of this vast and varied nation. However expensive the USA’s physical parameters it still manages to pack in more cultural diversity across its 50 states than many continents. Imagine spending one day reveling in the decadent tropical heat of Miami and the next bracing the arctic wilderness of Alaska then boggle at the fact that two such disparate experiences are somehow contained within the borders of one country.

Yep, it’s pretty much impossible to accommodate the awe inspiring breadth of the American experience in one visit but, on the upside, this is a nation that really does have something for everyone. The only thing left for anyone considering a visit is to decide which version of America they fancy. Below is an overview of three of our favourite cities in the US, our attempt at some sort of an introduction to the many and varied possibilities:

Las Vegas

On visiting Vegas for the first time it quickly dawns on you that it really is exactly how you imagined it would be – a huge plastic tribute to American consumerism and shallow cultural simulation. Money is in gaudy evidence everywhere, from the quarters silver haired gambling addicts pump blankly into the millions of slot machines to the brazenly unsubtle displays of wealth favoured by the hordes of Prada clad nouveau rich to the stupefying excess of the casinos themselves.

Take The Venetian, a $1.5 billion casino/resort that attempts to recreate the streets of Venice, complete with a canal that winds through the casino and shopping mall and is (inevitably) traversed by singing gondoliers. There is surprisingly convincing mock Venetian architecture, a Titian-esque sky painted on the vast ceiling for that Truman Show fake environment vibe and a liberal sprinkling of Renaissance style frescos.

Whatever your take on the Vegas experience it’s hard not to be awed by the overwhelming spectacle of it all and, for a few days at least (anymore and you may find your grasp on reality is beginning to slip), there really are few more fun and exciting cities to visit.

Los Angeles

It’s probably foolish to attempt a succinct summary of LA and, likewise, highly unlikely that a short visit will do this sprawling collection very distinct districts any sort of justice. The clichés are easy of course – LA is LaLa Land, a city built on dreams and fantasy, where impossible glamour veneers an all too real underbelly of rough edges and disappointment , where Hollywood sparkle flickers seductively across a surface of smog and traffic that stretches out into a seemingly endless suburban mass.

Perhaps it’s best not to bother trying to deconstruct the ‘City of Angels’ thoroughly self mythologized image, for the tourist LA is most likely a more manageable section of metro area at the heart of the city – Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Downtown. The itinerary seems likely to include such quintessential LA sites as Hollywood Boulevard, mansion gawping in Beverly Hills, window shopping in Rodeo Drive, hitting a beach or two, a rambling drive along Mulholland Drive or up to Malibu and, for those anxious to cram in a little culture a visit The Getty Centre.

All this might not get you any closer to really understanding this chimera of a city but, hey, what do you expect, this is LA after all.

Boston

It would be easy to characterise Boston as a city defined by its history and, hell, it does have an awful lot to offer on that front. From its origins as the puritans ‘shining city on a hill’ Boston (dubbed rather imposingly ‘The Cradle of Liberty’) has consistently commanded a position at the forefront of America’s cultural and political landscape and still exudes an undeniable gravitas.

Given this steadily acquired image one could be forgiven for imagining a city weighed down by a sense of staid historical self importance. Such off-putting preconceptions do Boston a great disservice however; visitors will find a city that is indeed rich in history, pretty green expanses and period architecture but equally overflowing with a more contemporary energy. In fact Boston is experiencing something of a cultural renaissance right now, with a thriving visual arts scene, forward thinking architectural developments and impressive new landmarks like the Institute for Contemporary Arts.

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Article Source: From City to City: Three of America’s Best

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Travel to Slovakia

Travel to Slovakia by Elmo Populous

Slovakia is an incredible holiday destination with beautiful scenery, great food and interesting attractions. The low cost of living also makes it a sensible choice in the current economic climate. From the High Tatras mountain range to Danube valley meadows, the landscape will not leave you disappointed. It is the sheer diversity of a Slovakian holiday which is the real selling point. Enjoy gastronomic delights in Bratislava, visit medieval towns and ski or hike in the mountains. Slovakia has so much to offer it would be impossible to fit it all into one trip so this article helps pick out the best attractions for your first visit.

Bratislava, at first glance, has the unappealing concrete bleakness that characterises many former Communist controlled cities. However, scratching under the surface reveals a cosmopolitan and burgeoning metropolis worth exploring. Bratislava is a particularly great place to be hungry, renowned for its excellent selection of international restaurants. If you want to experience one of the most luxurious dining experiences in the city, Camouflage comes highly recommended. The restaurant is a pricey but dazzling affair with original Andy Warhol pictures as decorations. The menu and service cannot be faulted. Alternatively, the Modrá Hviezda will give you a taste of traditional fare for a very reasonable price. To treat yourself further, stay at the Grand Hotel. Its stylish décor is reminiscent of the early twentieth century and its coffee bar is the perfect setting for relaxation and recuperation.

You could then get out of the city and head to Banská Štiavnica, a UNESCO-protected former mining town set in beautiful countryside. It is particularly worth visiting for the Holy Trinity Column, a daunting red marble structure.The Clapper Tower” is also a popular attraction as it stems from the town’s mining history and gives a sense of its previous purpose. It is Banská Štiavnica’s background of the High Tatras however which is the main point of interest due to the sheer exhilaration and awe inspiring views they provide.

Slovakia can be easily reached by air, with most international visitors flying into Bratislava or Košice airports. If you are travelling from the continent, Slovakia also has reliable rail connections with Austria, Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic, most of which terminate in Bratislava. For a more scenic route, you can take the hydrofoil and travel from Budapest or Vienna to Bratislava along the Danube. A key part of organising any holiday is travel insurance. In particular, if you plan to visit the mountain region for skiing, make sure you get a good deal on ski travel insurance.

For great deals on holiday insurance with a wide range of activities covered as standard, visit Go Travel Insurance.
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Balmy Malaga

Balmy Malaga by Eric1 Wilson1

Spain has become an important destination for the world traveller now and the cheap flights being offered by many airlines make it a viable option for the traveller on a budget. The beautiful weather and the history attached to its charming towns make for a lovely laid back holiday. The city of Malaga is of special importance with its rich historical past. Founded by the Phoenicians and later ruled by the Moors and the Romans, it is especially appealing to the tourist fascinated by the cultural and historical bearings of a place. The cheap flights to Malaga make it possible for a traveller on a strict budget to visit this charming Spanish town.

The Andalucian influence is visible in the neighbourhoods like EL Perchel or La Trinidad. The bustling busy streets and merry locals add to the whole Spanish charm of the place. Now with many airlines operating cheap flights to Malaga this becomes a must see place on the tourist map. Worth mentioning is the holy week which has been declared to be of an international tourist interest and cheap flights make this a very viable festive occasion to visit. In addition to these are the monuments of Teatro Romano de Malaga and Cathedral de Malaga, The La Inglesia del Sagrario is an example of a famous church built on the site of a mosque. Malaga is the birth town of the famous painter Picasso Ruiz Pablo and the international airport which is the busiest in Spain bears his name, it is visited by almost 16 million passengers annually. There is a museum dedicated to his works in Malaga which is a must see for all art lovers and the house he was born in is also open to public. Now cheap flights make it accessible to art lovers around the world.

If you are looking for a rich culinary experience you will not be disappointed as Malaga offers a fantastic cuisine characterized by an assortment of fried fish and shellfish that can be washed down with delicious wines and sweetened by lovely cakes and pastries of Arab origin. Some of the places which offer this Malagan cuisine are Cafe de Paris, Adolfo and Casa Pedro. The 5 star hotel Larios with its huge open terraces make it very appealing even to the famous hollywood stars like the Malagan born actor Antonio Banderras and his wife Melannie Griffith.

Golfing enthusiasts will also find the place to their taste and while their families check out the streets of Malaga they can brush up their golfing skills in clubs like Club de Golf, El Candado and Gualdalhorce Club de Golf which are amongst thirty such golf clubs spread all over Malaga. Cheap flights to Malaga have made it possible to have interesting family holidays and for those who enjoy a peaceful holiday it may be advisable to avoid the peak season between July and August. The off season also brings along better offers by the airlines on cheap flights. The months of May and October are better in terms of suitable weather and fewer crowds. Early summer to autumn sees many airlines offering cheap flights to Malaga especially as school holidays and mid term breaks make this a popular holiday destination for families across the globe.

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Bodrum is a beautiful port town on the Aegean cost of Turkey. The town has a wonderful harbour, which most inhabitants made their living from, by either boat-building, fishing and agriculture. Over the past few years however, more and more tourists are targeting Bodrum as their holiday resort, which is understandable as this town has everything a holiday maker could want.

The harbour is where the town comes to life. The narrow streets that surround the harbour are full of bars and restaurants and quaint little shops, and are only for pedestrians which will make you feel safer. The streets are filled with skilled artisans who can make you a pair of unique leather sandals to your acquired taste. There is also a fabulous range of onyx, copper and brass that act as a great souvenir of your time in Bodrum. At night, the town comes alive. Enjoy the laser shows that light up the sky with neon lights, with dance music to get that emphatic effect. Enjoy dining and drinking in the town’s cosmopolitan variety of restaurants and bars.

The surrounding area of Bodrum is equally as beautiful and fascinating. Close by is Icmeler, the location of Europe’s largest wooden boat-building yard. Boats have been built here for famous rulers since 300BC, so it is worth visiting this site to absorb some of the culture and history that Turkey has to offer. There are also many beautiful towns and villages surrounding Bodrum, all with amazing features and characteristics.

Bodrum hotels can be of excellent quality if you look around for one. Also, flights to Bodrum can be of extremely good value. Cheap flights to Bodrum are readily available if you compare flights online to get the best deal.

Article Source: The Beauty Of Bodrum

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Prague is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for a city break that is filled with beauty, culture and history. With the city’s gothic, Renaissance and baroque stylings, there will be something for everyone’s taste. Here are a few places which you should visit…

The Jewish Quarter

Prague’s Jewish Quarter, or Josefov, is one of the most visited places in Prague. This area is filled with Jewish buildings and culture, dating back to the 12th century. Because of the major developments that took place between 1893-1913, not many of the original buildings still stand, however some key original buildings remain. One is the Old-New Synagogye, which opened in 1270. This is the oldest intact synagogue in Europe and boasts some of the most beautiful gothic interiors. The Old Jewish Cemetery is also a must-see, with ancient gravestones dating back as far as the 1400’s.

Wenceslas Square

Wenceslas Square is known as ‘The Hub of Prague Life’. The Square was originally a horse market, and dates back as far as 1348, and was renamed in 1848 after one of Prague’s two patron saints. The Square is the home to some of the most pivotal points in Czech history, whether it be protesting or celebrating; millions of Czechs from countless generations have gathered here. Here you will find exclusive shops, hotels and restaurants that will certainly not disappoint you.

Prague Castle

This stunning complex was founded in the 9th century by prince Borivoj, and then became the main residence of Prague’s rulers until the 17th century. The complex hosts a royal palace, a selection of churches, a monastery, and even a cathedral. The construction on St Vitus Cathedral started in 1344 and wasn’t completed until 1929. So much of Prague’s history resides here that it would be a shame to miss it on a visit to Prague. Each day at noon, the guards will change and a flag ceremony is performed.

The Czech Museum of Fine Art

For a more modern slant on Prague, visit the Museum of Fine Art. The museum is located in the Old Town district, and is home to many pieces of 20th century art. The museum hosts a number of temporary exhibits throughout the year, and is a fantastic day out for art lovers.

How to See Prague

Prague is a beautiful city which holds so much history and culture. It is important that you make the most of this when visiting this wonderful city. A good way to do so is to participate on a private tour of Prague. This way you will get to see all the things you want to see, but with the aide of resident of Prague who can guide you around the city. Private guided tours are a great way for you to see such an amazing city with so much to see.

Article Source: Visit Prague

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Young author

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Rome has everything- history, romance, culture and elegance. This truly inspirational city has something to offer for every taste, from influences from before Christ through to Renaissance and Baroque times. The architecture is enough to dazzle you, but the atmosphere is electric. Whether you are into fine art or shopping, history or relaxing, Rome is the place for you. Here are a few places which you should visit on a trip to Rome…

The Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most romantic scenes in Rome. Millions of tourists visit this beautiful fountain each year to take part in its famous custom- if you throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain; you are guaranteed a return visit to Rome at some point in the future. The construction of the fountain started in the 17th century, using Rome’s first aqueduct system. Any money that is thrown into the fountain is used for the upkeep of the fountain and the rest goes to local causes.

The Vatican

The Vatican is the world’s smallest independent state, and probably the most significant site on the planet for Christians. The Vatican is home to the Sistine Chapel, which dates back to 1484. Michelangelo is responsible for the most famous work of art that the Vatican has to offer. His work on the barrel-ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, and then later The Last Judgement are pieces of art everyone must experience during their lifetime. Although photography is banned in the Chapel, there are post card and prints available to take away as a memory of the Sistine Chapel experience.

Rome is not just the city of Christianity; few know that it’s also the base for the most ancient Jewish Community outside of Israel. The Jewish ghetto with it’s great synagogue, the Arch of Titus and the Jewish catacombs will show you a different and unexpected Rome…

The Colosseum

The Colosseum is one of the most predominant historical pieces of architecture that Rome has to offer. Construction of this masterpiece started in AD 72, and took a long eight years to complete. Like a modern day football stadium, the Colosseum could originally seat 50,000 guests, who would visit to watch gladiators fight with wild beasts, creating some of the most horrific and bloody battles in history. You can tour inside the Colosseum and experience first-hand where all of these battles took place, and you can also see how time has taken its toll on the building.

Seeing Rome

There is something for everyone in Rome. Whether it be to explore the history and culture that this city oozes, or whether it be to scour the fabulous array of designer shops, then you are in luck. Make the most of your time in Rome and take a private tour of Rome, with an experienced host who will be able to explain the history and culture of this amazing city. A guided tour is probably the best way to see the city and be able to take in more of Rome’s emphatic offerings.

Article Source: The Wonder Of Rome

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Young author

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Most of people when they think about California’s wine country, the first that comes to their mind are the exclusive Napa valley. No doubt that Napa Valley with its multiple and well maintained vineyards is an exclusive representative of wine country. We all know the fact that the Californian wines are not merely restricted to Napa valley, in addition to this they have a number of other regions like Sonoma County, Santa Cruz mountains, East Bay and Monterey County. Most of the tour companies focus on the most prominent winery of Napa valley. There are many reasons wherein you can take up a tour to the wine country on your own, similarly there are number of reasons for which you need to take a guided tour. Major attractions of people who are visiting the beautiful city of San Francisco have only a day and a half to visit the famous wine country. So it is important to remember the fact that a guided tour through a limousine or a bus will help you easily to work on your time easily and it is also convenient. The guided tours are also known to the people to taste the wines with their companions.

There are a number of factors that have to be considered while you are in the process of selecting a wine tour. The tours have the duration of anywhere between four to ten hours so it is important that you choose the tour company as per your time and budget constraints. A major number of tours will almost take you to about three to six wineries during the course of the day. There are few factors that you need to keep in mind while selecting your wine tours:

The first consideration is the mode of transportation when you are considering picking up a wine tour. The tour companies offer the wine country trips in a number of modes like coach/bus, mini-bus, van, sedan, limousine and some of the most upscale stretch limos. There are several companies that will make a number of arrangements to conveniently pick up at the respective hotel and they will also ensure that they provide you with the drop facilities at the respected point.

The next factor that will help you in the choice of the tour is the group, tour buses as we all know are the most economical and they are also known for the accommodation of larger groups. Tour buses are also a very good option for singles, two or three people or even for a pack of people of the same region or have a kind of similarity with them. The large bus tours are known to offer services like welcoming the masses and they are also known for offering parking facilities so as to handle the large coaches that appear to travel in packs. With these kinds of wine tours it is important to note the fact that you do not expect any small, intimate or quaint boutique wineries.

There are other factors like are you going to select a wine tour that has fixed or flexible itineraries, you can also look for some of the wine tours that offer only wine tasting or a mixed venue. Just to give a proper conclusion the wine tours in San Francisco is filled with loads of fun and scenic beauty along with a learning experience.

Article Source: The Experience Of Wine Tours In San Francisco

About Author:
Will Smidth is a Copywriter for San Francisco Tours, San Francisco Sightseeing Tour. He written many articles in various topics such as SF Shuttle Tours, San Francisco Sightseeing. For Further details, please visit San Fran Shuttle Tours, San Francisco Bus Tour, San Francisco Shuttle Tours

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