There are more things to do in New York with kids than just visit the museum or see a movie; this city is packed to the gills with cool stuff for those of all ages, making visiting New York with kids a real blast if you know the ropes.

Most New York City attractions for kids are safe, well organized and often quite creative. Foreign language support is also usually included in things to do in NYC with kids.

From the famed Madame Tussaud’s wax sculptures to fun and sunshine in Central Park, New York City with kids can be even more fun than you’d think.

Here, we’ll look at some of the best things to do in New York with kids, including a few hidden gems your kids will love.

We had been here when Teo was 3 years old, so we did not enter again. But he certainly loved it!

The magnificent view of NYC from the Empire State building.

The World Trade Center Memorial

Click to play

Connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, this famed bridge is a National Historic Landmark, and is often visible from both boroughs.

However, the bridge is best admired by actually crossing it; either by car, bike or on foot.

If you’re walking, the bridge can be accessed from both sides, though the stroll is perhaps a little more scenic if approaching from the Brooklyn side.

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Hop on hop off buses are a popular way of getting your bearings and seeing the key sights of NYC.

There’s no denying that overwhelming whoosh the first time in New York City. It hits you from all angles; it’s huge, it’s loud, the people are loud too, it’s dirtier than you expected and it’s hardly the best organized city in America.

There are plenty of famous sights, but they’re speckled randomly over the vast concrete jungle – itself always chocked with its iconic gray-yellow blur of 24 hour traffic.

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Are New York’s famous dinner cruises really worth the price?

A dinner cruise in New York City is a great way to unwind after a day of sightseeing in the city. However, the jewel of your NYC trip may also end up being one of your biggest splurges in the city.

Prices start at raround US$150 a head and up, making it likely one of your pricier meals during your stay in NYC. There is, however, a reason why generations of dazzled visitors from across the world have turned the dinner cruise into a rite of passage. 

Can You See the Statue of Liberty During a New York Dinner Cruise?

Any dinner cruise in New York will have a mandatory drift past the Statue of Liberty. It’s worth confirming this detail at the time of booking, but you’d be nonetheless hard-pressed to find a cruise that doesn’t offer views of the statue. The real issue is getting a good view.

As a general rule of thumb, most New York dinner boat cruises pass the statue on the starboard side (the right side).

If your cruise has more than one level, go for the highest deck possible – again, on the right.

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Enjoy the beach

One of the best things to do in Destin is to spend a day at the beach. The powdery white sand and emerald green waters are perfect for relaxing and playing. There are several public beaches in Destin, including Henderson Beach State Park and Miramar Beach.

What makes Destin beaches unique is that the sand is actually sugar-white crushed shells, which is why it feels so soft. The water is also very clear, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing.

If you want to avoid the crowds, there are also several private beaches that you can access with a beach club membership or by renting a beach house.

Go fishing

Destin is known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” so it’s no surprise that fishing is one of the most popular things to do here. There are several charter companies that offer deep sea fishing trips, and you can also fish from the Destin Bridge, the Gulf Pier, or the Okaloosa Island Pier.

If you are not an experienced fisherman or if you are traveling with small children, there are also several fish hatcheries in Destin where you can feed the fish and learn about different types of fish.

This is a great activity for families because it’s both educational and fun.

Try the food

The Destin area is known for its fresh seafood, and there are plenty of restaurants where you can try the local fare. There are also several farmers markets where you can buy fresh produce and other local goods.

Some of the best restaurants in Destin are located in the HarborWalk Village, including Pompano Joe’s, Harbor Docks, and Acme Oyster House.

Destin cuisine is a mix of Southern and Cajun influences, so you can expect to find dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and shrimp and grits on the menu. If you are not interested in seafood, there are also plenty of steak and burger places to choose from. If you’re looking for something a little more casual, there are also several fast food and casual dining options.

Explore the attractions

There are several family-friendly attractions in Destin, including the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Big Kahuna’s Water Park, and the Track Family Recreation Center.

For nature lovers, there is also the Henderson State Park, which has miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a butterfly house.

If you’re looking for something truly unique, you can also visit the Destin History and Fishing Museum or take a tour of the Destin lighthouse.

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

While not located in Destin itself , Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is just a short drive away in Fort Walton Beach. This park is perfect for families with small children as it has several kid-friendly exhibits and shows.

Some of the most popular attractions at the park include the dolphin shows, the penguin exhibit, and the touch tanks. There are also several rides and games for kids of all ages.

Big Kahuna’s Water Park

Destin is home to Big Kahuna’s Water Park, one of the largest water parks in the southeastern United States. The park has more than 40 rides and attractions, including a lazy river, a wave pool, and several slides. Families will also enjoy the park’s arcade and miniature golf course.

Since the climate in Destin is warm all year round, the water park is open year-round and it will always be a good idea.

Track Family Recreation Center

The Track Family Recreation Center is a great place to spend a day if you’re looking for things to do in Destin. The center has several go-kart tracks, an arcade, and a laser tag arena.

There is also a bungee trampoline and a rock climbing wall, as well as a mini golf course. The center is perfect for families with kids of all ages.

Henderson State Park

Henderson State Park is a great place to go if you want to explore the outdoors. The park has miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a butterfly house.

The park is also home to several lakes, making it a great place to go fishing or canoeing.

Destin History and Fishing Museum

The Destin History and Fishing Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the area. The museum has several exhibits on the history of the fishing industry in Destin, as well as the city’s founding families.

The museum also has a boat dock where you can see some of the historic boats that were used in the area.

Destin Lighthouse

The Destin Lighthouse is one of the most popular attractions in the city. The lighthouse is located on Okaloosa Island and it offers a great view of the surrounding area.

You can also take a tour of the lighthouse and learn about its history.

Go golfing

Destin is home to several world-class golf courses, making it a great place to play a round or two. Some of the best courses in the area include the Raven Golf Club, the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, and the Regatta Bay Golf and Country Club.

There are also several miniature golf courses in Destin, perfect for a family-friendly activity. Golfing is a great way to spend time together while getting some exercise and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Take a boat tour

Another great way to see the Destin area is from the water. There are several boat tour companies that offer sightseeing tours, dolphin watching tours, and fishing trips.

These tours are a great way to learn about the history of Destin and see the area’s natural beauty. They usually last about 2 hours and are a perfect activity for a family or group of friends.

Take a scenic drive

Destin is located in the Florida Panhandle, so there are plenty of scenic drives to take in the area. Some of the most popular drives include Highway 30A, which takes you along the Gulf Coast; Highway 98, which takes you through the forests of Eglin Air Force Base; and Highway 331, which takes you through the small towns of the Panhandle.

These drives offer beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico and the surrounding area, and they are a great way to see the Florida Panhandle.

Try out water sports

If you’re looking for something more active, there are plenty of water sports to enjoy in Destin. Stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and parasailing are all popular options. For something truly unique, try chartering a private yacht for the day.

There are also several charter companies that offer fishing trips, dolphin watching tours, and snorkeling trips.

Final words

Destin is a great place to visit if you’re looking for things to do. The city has something for everyone, from golfing and fishing to exploring the outdoors and taking scenic drives. There are also plenty of boat tours and water sports to enjoy.

The variety of different activities makes Destin a perfect place to visit for a family vacation or a group of friends. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Destin. https://hdlicense.com/ https://protocrack.com/ https://secrack.com/ https://twitcrack.com/ https://maccracked.com/ https://plug-torrent.com/

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Traveling Wyoming’s beautiful countryside has been one of the best family trips we’ve done in years. Our Wyoming vacation road trip took us through most of the state’s major attractions, from Yellowstone to the  Hot Springs State Park.

In this post you'll read the highlights of the trip, all of which we were able to do with our two year old son, and make some recommendations on where to stay.

I also recommend you bring a great Wyoming road map that will help you decide where to stop- we found that gas stations are far from each other!

There are many to choose from, but I recommend you get one that not only covers the road but nearby point of interest too.

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While easy to walk, you'll be better off if you stay somewhere close to the city center.

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One of the many fantastic walks to do around Grand Teton

What a beautiful sunset we had

When driving around Grand Teton make sure you look out the window all the time. There are plenty of great photo opportunities.

More fun outdoors in Grand Teton

Old Faithful geyser.

There aren't many places when driving through Yellowstone where you can get great views into the distance; if you see one make sure you stop the car. This one is close to the South entrance, and Teo loved being outdoors!

A painter working with his brush. The scenery is definitely worth some art!

TIP

Seeing wild bisons should be a must during your Yellowstone visit, and the best place where to make this happen is in the NE entrance. Just make sure you're entering or leaving the park during the morning and you should see them everywhere, even on the road!

Our room at Canyon Lodge and Cabins

Bird show in the Buffalo Bill Center

The entrance to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West is unmissable. There's plenty of parking too.

Say cheese!

The museum is huge and great for visitors of all ages. Our two year old son had a blast, and so did we!

Where are we?

See those white spots? They're mosquitoes! But don't worry, they don't bite.

We saw hundreds of these when driving around Wyoming and after a quick search learned they are called Proghorns

We loved the entrance.

Entrance to Star Plunge in Thermopolis. I didn't take my camera inside...

Look at the lime formations in the background.

The furniture might be somewhat basic, but who cares? There's tons of space, staff is great and the breakfast very good!

As you can see we had plenty of space.

Driving through Wind River Canyon

How's this for a father and son moment?

Our room at the Hampton Inn

The post The Best Wyoming Road Trip Itinerary and Attractions appeared first on MaiTravelSite.

A San Diego trip with kids can be the experience of a lifetime. Seriously, this city was made for families, with a great mix of family friendly fun things and even better facilities for travelers.

Transport is usually fairly easy to manage, and the city itself has a good mix of accommodation for all price ranges.

When to Visit San Diego

San Diego has a reputation for great weather all-year-round, leading many travelers to assume there’s no bad time to visit the city. While it’s true the city is definitely doable in any season, there are better months than others.

Winter tends to be cloudy and rainy, and even early summer can get surprisingly foggy, particularly in June (ever heard of San Diego's June gloom?).

The best weather is usually from around early August to November, when you can expect clear skies and plenty of Californian sun. However, the summer months from June to September are unsurprisingly the busiest, when domestic tourists flock to the beaches.

Spring is a little quieter, or try aiming for the shoulder of peak season (late September and November). Peak prices often still apply, but at least you’ll get the best of California’s climate without the worst of the crowds.

Alternatively, if you’re aiming for a San Diego family vacation on a budget, off-season from December to February can be a little chilly, but prices are significantly lower.

We visited in June and had to deal with the June gloom fog while still mostly paying high season prices.

Where to Stay in San Diego With Toddlers

As one of California’s biggest tourism cities, San Diego has countless accommodation options, with something for every budget.

Almost all mid and upper range accommodations are well suited to families, and you shouldn’t have much trouble finding somewhere suitable for toddlers, kids and everyone else. Bear in mind prices jump significantly during peak season.

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You'll need a car to get around San Diego, but there are plenty of hotels to choose from.

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Where Did We Stay?

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With a great location and extremely accommodating staff, the DoubleTree by Hilton at Hotel Circle wins big points for service and professionalism. Geared towards both business travelers and families, the DoubleTree is consistently clean, well maintained and comfortable.

The family suites are airy and spacious, which can be a bit of a rarity in a city of this size. The on-site restaurant is quite good, but somewhat expensive for non-Hilton members. Luckily, there’s no shortage of good places to grab a bite within a short drive.

Also, it’s worth point out that although the DoubleTree has onsite parking, but they do charge for it. Check rates or read my full review.

We were in San Diego during a very busy week and actually had to change hotels- we often do it as it can save you a lot of money despite meaning you have to move your luggage.

With a great location, the Sheraton at Hotel Circle is within walking distance of a mall and some shops and restaurants.

They also have good public transport connections, making this a great option for anyone looking for a practical place to crash. The rooms are great if you're visiting San Diego with family, as they are all very spacious and have separate sleeping and living quarters. Check rates

It's been a few years since we visited San Diego, and we just did last weekend. This means we were back 6 years later (February 2025), and Teo is now 8 years old!

This time we stayed at the Marriott Courtyard San Diego Mission Valley/ Hotel Circle as we found is a great location to visit the different areas of San Diego. 

Our room at the Marriott Courtyard was actually a 2 bedrooom suite, with so much space for the family! And best of all, when I asked them if they could please decorate the room as it was Liza's birthday they went far and beyond what I thought they would do. Thanks so much!

Things to Do in San Diego with Toddlers

Hop on/ Hop Off Buses

One of the best ways of familiarizing yourself with San Diego is by using one of the hop on/ hop off buses. After visiting several cities around the world with our little one we've learned that these buses come a long way when you have little time or you simply want to get an overview and then come back later with  more time. One of our favorites is Big Bus tours, which also happens to have tours in San Diego.

Point Loma

Point Loma is definitely one of the best places to visit in San Diego for anyone who doesn’t mind stretching their legs a bit, and its closer than Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

This national park at the far end of a peninsula of the same name is a popular spot for day hikes, not to mention its fantastic coastal views. Lace up your hiking shoes and prepare to explore the park’s 4,400 acres (1,800 ha).

The trails are almost entirely flat, and shouldn’t be much trouble for anyone in reasonable shape.

Don’t miss the lighthouse or Cabrillo National Monument (interesting to visit if you want to learn about San Diego history) both of which serve as a good first target. From there, you can continue along the coast, overlooking the crashing waves.

Signage is extremely good, and you’ll have a lot of trouble getting lost. If you come at the right time, you might also be able to check out the tidal pools. Best of all though are the sunsets, which can be nothing short of awe-inspiring.

 However, pay careful attention to exit times, as travelers have complained in the past of having the gate locked on them in the early evening. If you do end up staying late for the sunset, consider instead moving over to the Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, where you can get an equally good show without the risk of getting locked into the park.

It's just one of those fun things to do with kids in San Diego that you have to make sure you enjoy.

Teo had so much fun!

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The beaches are vast and beautiful, and are inviting even on cooler afternoons.

Spend some time checking out the skate park

Rising a bike will allow you to cover a lot more distance and is great family fun!

You'll find performers all along Venice beach. Most will ask for money.

Entrance to the famous Santa Monica pier.

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Visiting New York in winter with kids might not seem like the best of ideas, but the good news is that it can certainly be done. All you need is some planning, appropriate gear and clothes, and some patience. 

If you live somewhere with a mild winter or just plain warm, a trip during the coldest time of the year could be a potential recipe for disaster. But our trip proved otherwise, and here some some tips for you to make the most out of it.

Where Did We Stay?

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We initially stayed 2 nights at the Lyric at 70 Pine in Manhattan (previously called Q & A Residential), and have to say it was a fantastic choice. Our son was 1 year old and the room (which was a studio apartment) had plenty of space for all of us, including his crib. Check rates or read my full review.

The second 2 nights were spent at the Global Luxury Suites Newport in Jersey City. These are fully furnished high end apartments on the other side of the river, are way more affordable than hotels in NYC and only 20 minutes away with public transportation.  Check rates or read my full review.

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Remember to book accommodation close to your area of interest, and that most hotels in Manhattan have small rooms!

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Getting Around

Getting around New York in winter with a baby can be challenging. Even if it's not snowing it can be very cold outside and long distances are a challenge to cover on foot.

The subway may be a solution sometimes, but many stations don't have an elevator, and carrying the stroller up and down the stairs can be tricky. You may be thinking about using public buses, but the strollers are tricky again, and knowing where to get on and off requires some city knowledge.

What did we do?

Despite the freezing temperatures and cold weather we quickly realized that sightseeing on foot wasn't much of a problem for our 4 month baby son. We had him well dressed up in layers with a snow suit and used the J is for Jeep Weather Shield to cover his stroller. The plastic cover not only kept the snow, rain and wind away, but also provided a warmer micro-climate.

We woke up on our first night to a snow covered city, with temperatures around 25F (-5C). We're using the J is for Jeep cover, which works very well with most stroller brands including our Chicco Bravo

We used Uber to cover long distances that we couldn't cover on foot (Lyft is also very popular in New York) as we didn't want to juggle with the inconveniences of using the public transportation system with the baby.

Had it been summer we may have used it, but if you're traveling with a baby you want to keep things as simple enough. Still, we only needed to use Uber a few times.

And then there's the Hop on/ Hop off buses. When traveling solo I don't really see the point, but once we had our little one I discovered how helpful and brilliant they are. You don't have to worry as much about where you are and can even choose not to get off if you don't feel like it as you'll be driving past the attractions anyhow. 

There are many companies out there, but I used Big Bus Tours on this trip in New York, we also visited Chicago and other destinations with them and have all been fantastic. 

Winter Travel Essentials for Your Baby

The success of a New York city winter escape with your baby will largely depend on how good your planning is. There are a few essential items I highly recommend you make sure you carry right from the beginning- we used all of them during our trip.

• Rain cover for the stroller. We have the J is for Jeep Shield, effective and cheap.
• Hat and gloves for your baby
• Snowsuit
• Footed fleece pajamas. Useful while at the hotel and on flights
• Leggings. Boy or girl, it doesn't matter. They'll keep your baby warm.

Trust me on this one and make sure you bring all of these. You can thank me later

Visiting New York in Winter With a Baby Does Make Sense

Sightseeing in cold weather is not particularly comfortable, but it can be done. We have plenty of travel experience as adults (which certainly helps) but had none when it comes to babies, and this was our first long trip with ours. It was also the first time we were taking him to cold weather.

The destination itself isn't easy either: New York is huge, expensive, and during winter the weather can change from mild to miserable within hours. Yet our trip went so well that we'd do the same thing all over again if we had a second chance. What did we do?

Manhattan may just be one the five boroughs in New York, but with a population of 1.6 million people it's still immense and the most visited of them all. Getting around requires some careful planning to save commute time and money. The key to our trip was having a flexible plan to follow. It might not make much sense to you, but let me explain.

St Paul's chapel of Trinity church. We took a planned break here.

New York has many attractions outdoors, but there are also quite a few that are indoors. Thus, if you're visiting New York in winter like we did spend as much time as possible outside but plan to take specific indoor breaks to 1) warm up and 2) let your baby spend time outside the stroller without the snowsuit. You can also use these breaks to feed your baby, eat, or simply rest while eating great NYC food. If it suddenly starts to rain or snow, it won't feel as if you're wasting your time seeking shelter while the poor weather rolls by... if it ever does. We applied this simple concept during our time in New York, and adapted our sightseeing to the weather with flexible discount passes too.

Make Travel Easy and Save Money 

Many of New York's attraction include purchasing tickets for entrances and tours you might want to join for sightseeing. There's also the hop on/ hop off buses I mentioned before that make travel easy and are very useful when you have a limited amount of time or the weather isn't good.

We all know that New York is an expensive city, and saving money when possible is certainly smart and called for. We used several of these passes and saved over 200 USD!

 

Day 1: The Financial District & Sunset Hudson River Cruise

We spent our first night at the Q & A Residential hotel, which we strategically picked because of its large rooms and location. It's only a 3 minute walk away from Wall Street and very close to the One World Trade Center, St Paul's Chapel of Trinity Church, the World Trade Center Memorial, the Charging Bull, Battery Park and a few other attractions, all of which we visited during our first day- with some shopping as well.

Inside the memorial building

The World Trade Center Memorial

Mid afternoon we grabbed a Uber and made our way to the Pier for the Hudson River sunset cruise. Truth is it was already dark by the time we reached the pier, but even though there was no sunset to be seen it still offers a very different perspective of the city, and made our way to the Statue of Liberty, one of New York's must see attractions.

The Statue of Liberty. Thankfully it wasn't raining as we approached it.

The boat was heated inside

Selfie taken with the phone. It was very cold when we took this picture at the back of the boat. Totally worth it though!

Day 2: Times Square, Central Park and Skyscrapers

On the second day we grabbed a Uber from our apartment to Times Square and spent the whole day walking around the area, visiting Central Park (great place to explore or take a break with toddlers), 5th Avenue, the Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building.  

I do want to point out the security at the Empire State Building was quite rude and annoying. They made us wake up our baby, take him through the metal detector, and separate the stroller into parts that would fit inside the X-Ray machine. Unnecessary.

At the Rockefeller center they simply used a hand held metal detector to do their job with a smile.

We walked around Central Park too. Most of the snow had melted during the day because of the rain.

Times Square

The views from both skyscrapers are similar yet nothing short of spectacular. You may wonder why we went up both instead of doing something else, and the reason was that in each case the visit also served as a break in a warm place where we could feed our baby and take him out of the stroller.

The magnificent view of NYC from the Empire State building.

The view from the Rockefeller Center

The last activity of the second day was a night bus tour with Big Bus Tours, comfortable and warm for our already tired baby. The buses have plenty of space for the folded stroller and the guide was fun and entertaining, and highly recommend it.

Unfortunately it was during this tour that I dropped my camera. The lens broke and I was not able to take any more pictures of this tour or for the rest of the trip (which was almost done), but I was able to fix it in Spain three weeks later.

Day 3: Shopping

There's always good bargains to be found in the US, so we left our last morning the New York for shopping (think baby clothes and gadgets?). Look for outlets such as Ross, Marshall's or TJ Maxx to save money (but you will need time and patience to find the best deals).

Would I Recommend it?

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Global Luxury Suites at Newport are among New Jersey’s newest accommodation options and without a doubt should be considered one of the best cheap hotels in New Jersey- even if they're not a hotel. They have great views overlooking Manhattan, and have a convenient location with easy access to pretty much everything you’ll need. The apartments themselves are new, large and spacious, and have tasteful decoration, including beautiful timber flooring. They also have a great range of amenities in room. On top of this, Global Luxury Suites at Newport have plenty of on site services, including a gym, pool and common areas. The staff is great, and management was very easy to work with. It’s pretty much everything you need for comfortable living or, as it was in our case, fantastic accommodation for a family (or pretty much anyone) looking for spacious accommodation when visiting New York City. For the price, I couldn’t recommend Global Luxury Suites at Newport more, and it’s the first place I'll tell my friends to look at. It’s the perfect place to stay in for a few weeks or days if you’re visiting New York City, and need somewhere decent to crash.

General overview of our living room. As you can see you get a lot of bag for your buck!

Location

Great views of Manhattan, under 10 minute train ride

Service

Great online service and friendly staff

Facilities

Modern apartments with resort like facilities.

Price

Around 135 USD/ night.

What I like

• Comfortable and modern
• Supermarket nearby
• Great for families/ groups

What I would like 

• Affordable cribs for rent- they come in expensive.

Summary 

Overlooking the Manhattan financial district skyline and less than a ten minute train ride away Global Luxury Suites at Newport are very comfortable, with modern amenities and resort like facilities. While they may not be in downtown Manhattan I don't think you'll find any other accommodation that offers as much value for money- except maybe other apartments.

Location and Transport

Global Luxury Suites at Newport are on the M2 building which is located fairly close to the Harsimus Cove light rail station, with other transport services also within easy reach. The walk to the train station is well under 10 minutes. From there, there’s pretty much direct access to popular destinations in Manhattan like Little Italy, Greenwich and more. The best cheap hotels in New Jersey certainly don't offer this convenience.

The view from our apartment. It was cloudy during the three days we were there, but it was still great!

The location gets even better when you consider how close it is to the Newport Center Mall, which offers some great shopping and food. There’s also two supermarkets within walking distance, and a few decent restaurants and bars around for nights when you can’t be bothered traveling too far. Nonetheless, actually heading over to Manhattan isn’t particularly difficult. As I mentioned before, transport connections are great, and you can be downtown in minutes. The staff at Global Luxury Suites at Newport were a big help in the early days in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Liberty Airport is just 20 minutes away. However, it’s the neighborhood that really shines. The area around M2 has repeatedly been rated one of the best areas for walking in New Jersey. It’s a great community, and one of the best things about staying here. It’s a very safe area, and I had no qualms about walking around even late at night. In the building itself, the neighbors were quiet (didn't even see them), and the staff were very professional. They were all very knowledgeable about New Jersey, and provided some great advice when I first arrived.

Facilities

The Global Luxury Suites at Newport are actually in two connected towers. There’s the older Marbella, and the newer M2. Both are under the same administration, and connected by common areas on the lower levels. From the ground floor, elevators whisk guests up to the apartments on the upper floors. It’s worth checking out both towers, though the differences aren’t that major. Both the older Marbella and new M2 are modern, comfortable and just generally great places to stay in.

Living room with the full kitchen.

As a high end accommodation in New Jersey but at a very reasonable budget for New York accommodation standards, Global Luxury Suites at Newport also offers residents a good range of on site amenities, with something for everyone. Each of the two towers has a full service concierge, and I found their help invaluable. They also have two state of the art fitness centers, with a decent range of gear to keep gym rats satisfied. To cool off, head to the 7th floor, where there’s a resort style pool free for guest use. It’s not the best in winter (which is when we were), but I can imagine it being a godsend in summer, especially if traveling with your family and kids. They also have a spa, lounge area and barbecue. If you really want to kick back though, I’d recommend the Malvasia wine room. They have a pretty good selection. It’s also just fun to tell friends you have a wine room at your "hotel".

Moving on, Global Luxury Suites at Newport also boast an exclusive clubroom, plus the Moxie resident party room. Both have wifi coverage, and are good places to relax . I particularly appreciated the children’s play area for the kids. Business guests will appreciate the good range of business class amenities on offer, including the meeting room. Try finding all these amenities at any of the best cheap hotels in New Jersey­- it won't be easy.

Apartments/ Rooms

Now let’s look at the apartments themselves. Each room is very tastefully decorated. In total, there are four different rooms on offer. The smallest are the studio apartments, followed by the single bed rooms. The largest are the three bed apartments, which are basically family sized.

Our room. We had a crib for our baby, and there was still plenty of space to move around.

Each room comes with richly colored hardwood flooring, which juxtapose nicely with the quartz counter tops. It’s all quite modern and well designed, and everything was clean and well kept.

In room, you can also expect full size Bosch washer/dryers (yup, your kids' clothes can be packed clean when you leave), and a range of other convenient features. Everything worked great while I was there, and I didn’t have any problems with the apartment itself. All bedrooms come with sustainable made carpets, and walk in closets. The furnished apartments also feature flatscreen TVs, iPod docks and other amenities you’d expect in a luxury apartment.

The bathroom. Nothing huge, but big enough.

The bathrooms are also worth mentioning. The Travertine tiles give the bathrooms a super sleek, clean look. The baths themselves are generously sized.

Overall, the apartments are pretty spacious, particularly by New Jersey/ NYC standards. Many of the apartments also have some very good views. After all, Global Luxury Suites at Newport are located right on New Jersey’s waterfront. It’s just across the Hudson River from Manhattan's World Financial Center. Hence, there’s some great panoramas from some of the rooms that overlook the Manhattan skyline, especially at sunset.

Another great thing about Global Luxury Suites at Newport is the fact pets are welcome. It’s not particularly easy to find an upmarket apartment in New Jersey that will tolerate dogs (we didn't have one, but I know that those who travel with pets often struggle to find high quality accommodation), so I was pretty pleased to find this place.

Again, if you're looking for the best cheap hotels in New Jersey look no further. These apartments are much larger, convenient and tasteful than any cheap hotel you'll find, and at better rates too

Conclusion

In conclusion, Global Luxury Suites at Newport offer a solid, luxury option when visiting New York , and in my opinion the best value accommodation in New Jersey is not a hotel, but high end apartments . The location is great, with close proximity to Manhattan and fantastic views of the financial district, and some of the best of New Jersey at your fingertips. The local area is a great place to wind down, with good walking paths and a safe environment. The transport access is also fantastic, and makes staying here convenient and relaxed. I also particularly loved the fantastic array of amenities, including the gym, party room and children’s area. The apartments basically have everything you need for an active, fun lifestyle. If you can get one, I’d also highly recommend opting for an apartment with the Manhattan views. Not all apartments actually have these views, but if you can get one you’ll be in heaven. Global Luxury Suites at Newport are available both for people wanting to live long term here and also visitors staying for just a few days like us. Either way, you’ll enjoy your stay very much, just as I did.

APARTMENT DETAILS

Hotel: M2 Apartments 

Address: 401 Washington Blvd, New Jersey

Phone: +1 844-893-3465

Website: www.globalluxurysuites.com

The post The Best Apartments in New Jersey Near New York appeared first on MaiTravelSite.

Unlike my solo visit to New York on a budget, on our most recent trip to New York (Decemebr 2016) we had a new challenge: finding a great family hotel near Wall Street that would provide space, comfort and value. Fortunately, luck would be on our side as we had the pleasure of staying somewhere we'd been meaning to visit for quite some time. The Q&A Residential Hotel is one of the newer hotels in Lower Manhattan, though its located in one of the area’s most iconic buildings. From the outside, you’d expect something classic, though once you pass through the doors it quickly becomes clear this isn’t a place trapped in a time warp.
 
The Q&A only just opened back in late 2015, and boasts a chic, upbeat atmosphere that immediately puts guests in a good mood. For me, part of the initial appeal of the Q&A was the fact that it isn’t a chain – that is, it’s totally independent, with no links to any major hotel brands. Perhaps this is partly why the Q&A has such a unique feel. You can tell it’s a labor of love more than anything else.

The lobby of the Q & A Residential Hotel

Location

Three minute walk to Wall Street

Service

Superb service by friendly staff

Facilities

Huge hotel rooms a with apartment facilities 

Price

Around 155 USD/ night.

• Massive & comfortable rooms
• Excellent location

• Lower level rooms have a bit of street noise in mornings. 

Summary 

Less than 5 minutes away from Wall Street the Q&A Residential Hotel feels more like an apartment building than a hotel because of its huge and very well appointed rooms including a kitchen- ideal for families. The staff is very helpful and friendly, there's restaurants less than a minute away and a supermarket about three minutes away. Despite the slight morning noise by the trash truck and an occasional honk of a car the Q & A Residential Hotel is a fantastic deal for families looking to stay in the area.

Recommendation rate

Location and Transport

After our morning coffee we hit the city. The Q&A has an absolutely fantastic location, right in the middle of the financial district. It’s a little less insane than the more touristy parts of town, but is still close enough to some of New York’s best attractions. The One World Trade Center is just around the corner from the Q&A. Battery Park is also nearby. There, you can grab a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. There's also plenty of restaurants where to eat as well as a supermarket, all less than a three minute walk away. The supermarket comes in very handy if you want to save some money and put the kitchen of this great family hotel near Wall Street to good use.

During your explorations, you’ll probably also pass the stock exchange. It’s a surprisingly enjoyable area, with a lot of dynamism. In a single visit, you’ll probably run into a mix of buskers strumming out tunes, brokers rushing to the trading floor, and the occasional protester. It’s all a bit crazy, but a lot of fun.

Further afield, it’s fairly easy to get to Times Square and other popular attractions from the Q&A. The hotel is lucky enough to be just a minute or so from the Wall Street subway stop. From here, it’s easy enough to head out on trips to other parts of town, such as Central Park. If you’re new to New York, expect to be a little overwhelmed by the subway; but don’t worry, in a day or two you’ll be riding it like a local.

Amenities and Services

Along with spacious, tasteful rooms, this family hotel near Wall street also offers a great range of flexible amenities and features. They get a thumbs up for offering multi-room units, including rollaway beds and in-room laundry services for some. This means the Q&A is suitable for families and large groups-exactly what we were looking for. There’s also a decent range of rooms for individuals and couples, meaning the Q&A has something for pretty much anyone. Obviously, you can also expect private bathrooms and a 24 hour service desk. They also have an on site gym with a good mix of facilities.
 
During my time at the Q&A, I also fell in love with the on site cafe. The Black Fox is located on the lobby level, and has artisanal coffees on offer throughout the day. I got into the habit of stopping in every morning before hitting the streets, and have to say it was a bit of a life saver. The best thing is that it’s free! Every morning, guests are entitled to a complementary pastry and cup of Joe. How did they know that coffee is the way to my heart?

Rooms at the Q & A Residential Hotel

However, getting into the meat of things, let’s start with the rooms. When you first walk in, you might be a little shocked. By New York standards, these rooms are simply massive. The Q&A claims their rooms are three times the size of the average Manhattan room, and I think that’s probably about right. There’s plenty of space to stretch out. My studio also came with a reasonably sized kitchen. It came with a full size stove, a dishwasher, full size refrigerator and a great array of cookware. This alone is more than you’d expect in most Manhattan hotels, where you’re lucky to get even a microwave.
 
Nonetheless, this is a luxury hotel, so you expect a bit of glamour. They also offer plenty of decent amenities, including free wifi, USB ports, Bose sound systems and smart TVs. There’s also heating and air conditioning in room, both of which can be controlled with a phone app. I had a little trouble figuring the app out at first, but didn’t have any problems after one of the patient staff members gave me a hand.
 
Anyway, there’s certainly enough to feel comfortable, but things only gets better when you take the décor into consideration. The Q&A has a running theme of ingenuity and invention. As such, the walls are covered in Byzantine mathematical formulas scrawled in black and white. Some rooms also feature massive, blown up blue prints of famous inventions from the likes of Thomas Edison. Pulled off wrong, and this theme could have come across as pretentious, or just plain weird. But, the Q&A has a real sense of class, and everything just works. Rather than feeling like you’re sleeping in the den of some bad scientist, it instead feels like you’re being urged on to greatness by the very walls of the place! Adding to these theme of invention and brains, each room also features the Q&A’s mascot, an owl.

We loved the modern decor and huge size of the rooms

The room as seen from the window. Look at the hall on the right to get an idea of the size.

The fully equipped kitchen which made feeding so easy.

This is what the entrance to the room looked like. Great space where to leave luggage, specially for extended stays.

Staff

A hotel is nothing without decent staff, so I really think it’s worth commenting on how professional things are over at the Q & A Residential Hotel. I found the concierge staff extremely helpful, friendly and generally an asset to the hotel. Check in/ check out was a breeze, however finding the lobby is not as straight forward as it is in most hotels. Follow the signs along the hallway, turning right once you step into the building.  

Conclusion

All up, the Q&A is a great place to stay in Manhattan, and I can’t recommend it enough. The staff in particular deserves a tip of the hat for being just wonderful. Whether they were helping me figure out how to use that air conditioning app, or offering detailed instructions on how to visit tourist sites, I found them invaluable. If there’s anything I could complain about, it’d be the lack of a welcome pack. I would have appreciated an instruction manual for all the amenities, and maybe a little additional information on the hotel. For example, it was only after I left that I heard they even had a roof top terrace! Either way though, that’s a fairly minor complaint for what is otherwise a delightful family hotel near Wall Street and probably one of the best options in all Manhattan. By the way, if you’re flying into or out of Newark Airport check my review a great family hotel by Newark Airport.

HOTEL DETAILS

Hotel: Q & A Residential Hotel

Address: 70 Pine St, New York, USA

Phone: +1 646-598-0100

Website: ​Click here

COMPARE ONLINE RATES WITH 1 CLICK

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I was a guest of the Q & A Residential Hotel, however all opinions and pictures in this post are, as always, entirely my own.

The post Family Hotel Near Wall Street: Q & A Residential Hotel appeared first on MaiTravelSite.

Airport hotels often get a pretty bad rap, but the Hilton Newark Airport Hotel is a bit of an exception as I consider it to be both a business and family hotel near Newark Airport . Located just a few minutes drive from the Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, the Hilton Newark offers luxury accommodation with the convenience of being close to the airport. The rooms are modern and comfortable, and the staff is fantastic. As you’d expect from Hilton, there’s plenty of bells and whistles, and an air of professionalism you won’t see in many other airport hotels. There is a great Winter Escape Package now available as well through which you get complimentary WiFi, 15 USD food and beverage credit and late 3:00 pm checkout at no additional cost.

In short, the Hilton Newark barely feels like an airport hotel. After all, most airport hotels are just there for people wanting a decent sleep between flights. However, the Hilton Newark Airport actually offers a level of comfort that makes it worth considering even for longer stays.​

Location

Less than ten minutes from EWR airport

Service

Superb service by friendly staff

Facilities

Hotel and rooms are comfortable

Price

Around 120 USD/ night.

What I like

• Quiet & comfortable rooms
• Free 5 minute shuttle to airport

What I would like 

• Help with luggage when needed

Summary 

Less than ten minutes away on the complimentary shuttle from Newark Liberty International Airport the Hilton Newark Airport is very conveniently located. It offers accommodation and services ideal for both family and business travelers looking for a good hotel where to spend a night because of a connecting flight, but is also ideal for extended stays.

Location and Transport

As an airport hotel, the Hilton Newark is pretty hard to beat for convenience. If you don’t have much luggage you can actually walk to it (forget if you have kids or are kind of a comfortable person), though like almost everywhere in the US outside city centers the infrastructure is for cars, not pedestrians.

If you’d rather not walk, they offer a complimentary shuttle service, which runs every 20 minutes making walking a less suitable option. The ride itself is about five minutes or so, with stops at Terminal A, Terminal B and Terminal C. The shuttle runs all day, everyday, so don’t worry about getting stuck at the airport overnight. The Hilton also offers transport into town. From the hotel, you can take another free shuttle over to the airport’s P4. From there, there’s regular trains into the city center. The trip takes around 30 to 40 minutes. From P4, it’s also possible to take a shuttle to the Jersey Gardens Mall, where you can dive into some shopping.

Amenities and Services

As you’d expect from a Hilton, there’s a great range of services and amenities to be had here. There’s a pool, wifi, 24 hour room service and a gym. Business travelers will appreciate the business center and meeting room. They even have video conference facilities, and express mail to your room.

The area around the lobby. As you can see it's rather nice and stylish.

Rooms at the Hilton Newark Airport

Now let’s get to the important part: the rooms. The stars of the show here are the Serenity beds, which are used throughout the hotel. These beds are supposedly professionally designed to be more comfortable than the average bed. After a night in one, I have to agree they’re pretty good.

The rooms themselves come in a variety of configurations – too many to list here. Nonetheless, the basic idea is that you have a choice of either standard rooms or suites. Most of the rooms feature either one king sized bed, or two doubles (we were in a double bed room). Along with tasteful furnishings, you can also expect wifi access and a coffee maker. Moving on, the suites are a cut above the rooms. Both the executive and presidential suites are designed in the art deco style, and come with a living area, dining area, dedicated office area and up to two bedrooms. In short, there’s much more room to stretch out, and every aspect is simply taken up a notch. Very luxurious.

Our room. we got there somewhat late and left early in the morning so I had no opportunity to take a picture with daylight.

Most of the rooms are wheelchair accessible. Also, it’s possible to book single day stays, which are perfect for crashing for just a few hours. They also offer a wide variety of special deals, such as combos including a room and breakfast.

Our room was very comfortable, clean and well maintained. I can’t say I had any problems. I was slightly concerned it might be a little noisy, especially given the proximity to the airport. However, throughout my stay sound wasn’t an issue at all ( I didn't hear a single plane), and I have no complaints in this regard what-so-ever. In fact I wish my flight hadn't been as early in the morning!

Dining

So, the beds are great, but what about the food? There’s actually three different on site dining options. The first is Amelia’s, a causal bar that serves up some pretty good food. It’s best suited for a light snack and a drink. Then there’s Edison’s Brew, which is a bit of a coffee shop. They serve Starbucks coffee and a nice variety of pastries- it is here that we got our take away breakfast slightly before 6:00 am. Finally, the Newarker is the place for sit down meals. They’re open breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food is of Hilton’s typical high quality, though it’s a bit on the expensive side. The breakfast buffet is great though. 

The Newarker was closed while I was there but it is clearly high-end.

It may look like a sports bar, but this is what casual dining looks like at the Hilton Newark Airport. I could tell that patrons were having a good time.

Staff

A hotel is nothing without decent staff, so I really think it’s worth commenting on how professional things are over at the Hilton. I found the concierge staff extremely helpful, friendly and generally an asset to the hotel. Room service was prompt and check in/ check out was a breeze, however I did miss getting some help with the trolley as I had a bunch of suitcases to carry. Still, I find myself unable to find any big faults here.

Conclusion

In case you haven’t guessed by now, I’m very satisfied with my stay at the Hilton Newark. My favorite thing about it was how little the Hilton felt like an average airport hotel and how pleasant it was as a family hotel near Newark Airport. Unlike most cold airport hotels, I really felt this place had a little love and passion in it. This isn’t something you always see in brand name hotels, but it’s what made my stay so enjoyable. The staff are always there to be helpful, and contributed greatly to making my stay a good one.

Even putting this great vibe aside, the hotel is still great. Everything is well maintained, clean and professional. It’s also very easy to get into town, which good transport connections. The complementary shuttle from the airport is particularly useful, and just adds to the overall convenience of the hotel. Finally, as a Hilton, the hotel packs a great mix of amenities and services. While I didn’t make full use of all of these during my stay, everything from the pool to the (small but all right) gym looked impeccable.

Lastly, the dining options are great. Edison’s Brew is a good spot for a coffee, and I would have easily made my way for a few nightcaps over at Amelia’s had I had the time. Finally, the Newarker isn’t the cheapest place around and I didn't have the chance to eat in it, but it certainly beats airport food. In other words, I’d happily recommend the Hilton Newark to anyone passing through.

HOTEL DETAILS

Hotel: Hilton Newark Airport

Address: 1170 Spring St, Elizabeth, NJ 07201, USA

Phone: +1 908-351-3900

Website: ​Click here

COMPARE ONLINE RATES WITH 1 CLICK

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I was a guest of the Hilton Newark Airport Hotel, however all opinions and pictures in this post are, as always, entirely my own.

The post Family Hotel Near Newark Airport: the Hilton Newark Airport appeared first on MaiTravelSite.

So how do you go about finding the cheapest parking in South Beach without giving yourself a headache?

Two great online resources

Turns out that there’s actually a few different options. First, check out bestparking.com. They list the various parking sites around South Beach, including locations, rates and even how safe they are. The site is pretty easy to navigate, making finding decent parking a breeze. They even have an app for Android and iPhone, meaning you can even find the cheapest parking in South Beach on the fly, wherever you are, with your phone.

The second site worth looking at is the Miami Beach Official Website. Like bestparking, they have a fairly reliable list of spots to park around South Beach. They also display addresses and prices. Of course, they also list parking sites across Miami, including both North and Middle Beach. The lists are all extremely comprehensive, and you’ll be hard pressed to find any parking locations not included here. Overall, a handy tool.

 Install ParkMe.com in your phone

If you’re still having trouble finding a park, try ParkMe.com. This is a fantastic resource, largely because it actually allows you to book parking spaces ahead of time! So, along with allowing you to find the cheapest parking in South Beach, they also ensure the spot will be vacant when you show up. Like bestparking, ParkMe also has a handy app, though it’s only available on Android (sorry iPhone users). On top of this, they also provide all the information you’ll find at the other sites listed above, including locations and rates.

Lastly, if you’re considering renting a car during your trip, have a look at www.zipcar.com first. This interesting new service allows people to hire the temporary use of other people’s cars. In short, it’s basically the AirBnB of cars. Prices are around 7-10 USD/month for membership and 8-10 USD/ hour of driving, though you’ll have to cover your own fuel costs but parking is guaranteed at drop off spots. Hopefully though, that last part shouldn’t be too difficult.

This is great, but which one is THE cheapest?

So, where is the cheapest parking? After having a look at a few of these sites, you may notice there really isn’t a solid answer to that question. Every parking site has its own mix of rates depending on times and days, with some offering special deals for longer term customers. On top of this, it’s worth noting most of the cheapest parking tends to be quite a while away from the beach front; indeed, most visitors are happy to pay a little extra to avoid a trek from one side of town to the other. Hopefully, though, the resources listed above should make it a little easier for you to find the most suitable parking for your own needs while visiting South Beach- I know I would’ve liked to have them.

The post The Cheapest Parking in South Beach Miami appeared first on MaiTravelSite.

Red Jeep Desert Tours

Our desert exploration with Red Jeep Desert Tours started with  stress. We got lost and were not able to find the meeting point on time, but eventually found it just as the car was about to leave us behind. They’d been waiting for us for about ten minutes, and we were thankful for that. We were given some instructions, hopped on the back of the jeep and were off a few minutes later, heading towards the 840 acre private ranch where the tour takes place.

After a 20 minute drive we reached the gate entrance and were given an introduction to the area, some interesting facts about the San Andreas fault…and a bottle of water. Remember to drink water often even if you might not feel sweaty or thirsty: like it or not you’re loosing water through sweat all the time, but the arid climate makes it evaporate before you feel it.

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and very funny, which made the trip a lot more exciting. At this point (see photo below) he was looking for a rattlesnake he had seen the day before, but it was nowhere to be found.

Yet the tour continued, and as we drove between the canyons or walked around the arid ranch we enjoyed the many faces of the tour which include:

• Experiencing the twisted and tortured landscape of an active earthquake fault system as your guide describes the geology of the area and you explore the skeleton of the earth.
• Walking between the steep walls of deep canyons created by the powerful forces of plate tectonics, water, wind, and time.
• Exploring a natural palm oasis where crystal clear water bubbles up from the underground aquifer.
• Learning about the culture and lifestyle of the Cahuilla Indians and how they used the desert’s plants for food, medicine, tools, weapons, shelter, and more.
• Learning about the plants and animals of the California desert.
• Discovering the fascinating history of the Coachella Valley.
• Enjoying spectacular views as the guide describes the geologic forces and local history that shaped the Coachella Valley.

As the sun began to set we drove to a section of the canyon where walking through narrow crevasses was possible, a good photo opportunity during the day but not as much during the night.

The walk was still fun though thanks to the detailed explanations and fun facts given by our guide.

Stargazing in the Desert

This is the final part of the tour, and was the one I was looking forward to most, but as luck may have it, it didn’t happen. We did reach the best viewing spot in the area, but there was a full moon and therefor too much light to even see the stars. Our guide pointed out some fun facts with an electronic start gazing device he had, but there really wasn’t much to be seen, so we left early. Bummer.

My Thoughts

The Desert Adventure and Stargazing Tour by Red Jeep tours is a fun, easy, outdoor tour for pretty much anyone. Aimed to entertain and teach, I can imagine  families with kids and groups of adults enjoying the experience of being in the desert at sunset, taking pictures and having some good fun. I do recommend that you choose a tour that includes star gazing, but make sure that you plan the tour when there’s no full moon, otherwise you won’t see anything and you’ll be wasting part of your money. And two final tips: bring layered clothing and drink plenty of water!

I was a guest of Red Jeep Tours , however all opinions and pictures in this post are entirely my own. Do visit their website for more information and current rates!

The post Exploring Palm Springs: a Sunset Desert Tour appeared first on MaiTravelSite.

Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge

Eight4Nine is an eclectic, relatively new restaurant on N Canyon Drive.  I found it difficult to spot from the street because its name is not facing Canyon Drive, but it’s easy to spot if you know it’s white building between W Tamarisk Rd and W Alameda . The building used to be the Palm Springs post office back in 1954, but it has since been remodeled several times and today features several areas for convivial dining, a swanky lounge and a patio terrace for those who love to be outdoors. While open to everyone we found many of the patrons to be part of the local LGBT community, and was the winner of the Best Restaurant Award of the  2016 Ultimate Pride by the Desert Sun.

As for the food, the menu features “a celebration of West Coast Modern American Cuisine which focuses on both presentation and flavors.” It includes beginnings, several salads, sandwiches, eggs, sea and land mains as well as pasta, separated into two menus: one for lunch and another for dinner.

The presentation of the food was impeccable, including dish decoration, silverware and plates. The food was very good too, though I did find the pasta dish to lack some flavor. Service was top notch. The Chocolate Lemon Zest Marshmallow Fondue was to die for though, and this comes from someone who isn’t a big fan of marshmallows (but loves chocolate).

My Thoughts

Swanky, cool and neat looking, Eight4Nine is a great restaurant I would recommend for couples and friends looking for a chic place where to enjoy fantastic cocktails and good food. From my experience I would suggest the salads and seafood dishes…and don’t skip dessert!

Address: 849 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

Zin American Bistro

I was a guest of both of these restaurants, but the pictures and opinions are true and entirely my own… as always.

The post 2 Restaurants Where to Eat and Drink in Palm Springs appeared first on MaiTravelSite.

Why Is it Called Joshua Tree?

The name Joshua tree was given by a group of Mormon settlers who crossed the Mojave Desert in the mid-19th century. The tree’s unique shape reminded them of a Biblical story in which Joshua reaches his hands up to the sky in prayer. And it’s not hard to imagine; just look at the branches and layout of any tree and it can resemble the silhouette of a person with its arms extended (sure, you’ll need some imagination).

A Guided Tour of Joshua Tree National Park

The park includes parts of two deserts, each an ecosystem whose characteristics are determined primarily by elevation: the higher Mojave Desert and lower Colorado Desert. This results in two very different ecosystems, wildlife and different plants that are found only in specific areas of the park.

We started off with an impressive panoramic view of the Salton Sea (71.3 m below sea level) from the Little San Bernadino Mountains.

And went on to visit some of the most distinct areas of the park. I spotted several groups of bikers that had chosen the park as a place where to rest, and a few tents of people who had decided to spend a night or two. I can only imagine how the star covered sky would look like at night, as even though a few days later we’d join a desert and star gazing tour elsewhere in Palm Springs the full moon did not allow us to see anything.

There are some other non-nature related attractions in the park- or nearby. A few eclectic towns are worth visiting and eating at ( I did not have the opportunity to do so), and the Joshua Tree Inn pictured below is where the dead body of singer Gram Parsons was found on September 19, 1973. His drug addiction was well known, and the subsequent story of where and how he was buried is actually quite humorous- though I’ll spare it for the time being.

My Thoughts

I had heard about the park for many years, and its visit is one I highly recommend. The park is about 45 minutes away from Palm Springs and a great opportunity to enjoy some great “non-sandy” desert views. If you only have a few hours to visit I recommend the services of a ranger (ask for George Land!) as you’ll learn much more than if you simply drive through, but if you have a couple of days exploring it on your own can be just as fun if not more. As for accommodation, while Palm Springs is not too far you’ll certainly get to enjoy more the park and its wonderful night sky if you stay in one of these Joshua Tree cabins.

Resources

Joshua Tree National Park website: https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm 

My visit to Joshua Tree National Park was possible thanks to the Palm Springs Visitor Center.

The post A Guided Tour of Joshua Tree National Park appeared first on MaiTravelSite.

From Seward head back North via Seward Highway towards and past Exit Glacier , and turn left when you reach Sterling Highway. Just a few minutes later you’ll find a lake on your left; if the day is clear and light conditions are good it is well worth a picture, though unfortunately there aren’t many places where to pull over to take one. Stop in the first one you see.

Look for Bears and Salmon at Russian River Falls

The road meanders through valleys, along Kenai River and crisscrosses streams and trails. We’d been told by a local that it’s relatively easy to spot Brown Bears eating Red Salmon that are swimming upstream in Cooper Landing, in an area known as Russian River Falls. Keep an eye open for signs once you reach Cooper Landing, and you’ll find the exit on your left. We parked the RV and set off for a walk that would turn out to be quite long, around 45 minutes each way, but very pleasant. We did reach the falls, and we did see the salmon ,but unfortunately no bears. Interestingly a lady we encountered told us that the week before the trail had been closed because of an excess of bears that were being spotted even on the trail!!

We then continued our trip towards Kenai, again enjoying the mountain views for the first hour or so after leaving Cooper Landing. There are many gorgeous lakes on the way too which can be spotted along the way, and I do recommend you pull over often and walk down off the road and down to the waterfront as you may be rewarded with fantastic views like these.

Overnight in Kenai

I expected Kenai to be a little bot more interesting than what it turned out to be, but it really doesn’t have much going on. The tourism office was closed when we got there, and we didn’t see anything particularly interesting while we were looking for gas, and thus decided to find where to park for free for the night. It took us longer than expected, but some locals eventually recommended the public parking at North Beach (head North on Kenai Spur Highway and turn left on S Spruce Street). Note that free overnight parking is not allowed, but as it was September and the low season was on the way cops tend to be more lenient as long as you don’t make noise and stay quiet. The parking is in a quiet area and has good views of the ocean when the sky is clear (it was raining while we were there).

Going South: Stop at Ninilchik

After a nice breakfast we started the final leg of our RV trip across the Kenai Peninsula. Leaving Kenai behind we made our way to Kalifornsky Rd (keeping an eye open for the moose we were told we should have seen but never did) and picked out Ninilchik as town we would pull off to check out of the many there are along the road. With a population of about 800 people the Russian influenced community of Ninilchik overlooks Cook Inlet and several volcanoes. It’s a nice stopover on the way to Homer and there’s a couple of things to check out: its old Russian Orthodox Church and the many eagles that often abound on its beaches. The area is also known for its big razor clams, and there’s a souvenir shop with old Russian and Alaskan art worth visiting as well.

The End of the Road: Homer

As we continued our way South the sky began to open up and we got to see the first rays of sunshine we had seen in the past three weeks. What a difference! Beautiful colors appeared everywhere, the ocean and sky no longer merged into a gray mist, green trees and colorful flowers surrounded us…it was great! The wind also seemed to be picking up, but we didn’t really mind.

Known as the Halibut Fishing Capital of Alaska and the Carmel of the North Homer has an eclectic mix of artists, fishermen and outdoor lovers drawn by its slow pace, good fishing and the clear waters of Kachemak Bay.

Perhaps its most famous landmark is the Homer Spit, a long 7 km finger of sand stretching into Kachemak Bay. It’s dotted with restaurants and other business and has a lot of recreation opportunities. It’s also a favorite spot for overnight RV parking, and this is where we spent the night too. The spit gets a lot of wind though, and our RV was constantly shaken all night making it somewhat difficult to sleep comfortably.

Homer also has many tours on offer during the high season, but we were late for those as well. It didn’t really matter as simply exploring the town and meeting locals is just as entertaining. There are many hiking trails, fishing opportunities and kite surfers will find the strong winds ideal, but you may want to visit the tourism office to get all the insider tips when there, or check  the Homer Visitor Center website. We spent just a day in Homer, but you can plan on spending at least a couple days if you want to hit some of the trails and/or join a tour.

My Thoughts

The drive from Seward to Alaska takes about 4 hours if you drive without stopping, but we made it an overnight trip and it can easily be split into another day or two more (you can of course make it as long as you want if you decide to hike through many of the trails). I’d say that my top three highlights of the trip include the trek to Russian River falls, stopping to take pictures of the many spectacular lakes you’ll find along the way, and sleepy Ninilchik, as well as The Spit in Homer. The city of Kenai didn’t really have much to offer, and some of the other towns mentioned in guides are really very small- they may perhaps be more interesting during the high season.  Expect a lot of wind in Homer and enjoy the drive…you’ll get to see some amazing views like these!

Our great motor home was partly sponsored by Alaska Family Motorhomes in Anchorage, a great family run company that provides RVs in many sizes at the best rates I found online. Visit their website and call Tom for his recommendations on what suits you best!

The post The Kenai Peninsula in an RV: Seward to Homer appeared first on MaiTravelSite.

Our RV would be a 42 ft motor-home, with all the comforts one might expect.

Sure, it was not brand new, but frankly I didn’t care. While looking around for brands and providers I learned that they’re quite expensive to rent, and did not stop until I found a company that seemed to offer a good variety of sizes and models at prices that would beat most competitors.

We’d have the RV for five days and during that time we decided we’d make our way to check out Denali and then head South the Kenai peninsula and hopefully make it all the way down to Homer.

We were very excited about the trip as it reminded us about our camper van trips in New Zealand and Australia a few years ago which we’d enjoyed so much!

Renting an RV in Anchorage

Perhaps one of the best ways of seeing Alaska is by renting and RV. They come in all sizes and shapes, can be brand new or older, and may allow for more or less passengers, but at the end of the day being able to carry your home with you wherever you go certainly has many advantages.

When I started looking at RVs online I was initially surprised to learn that they are not cheap to rent at all- specially during the high season- as they can be over 200 USD a night or more.

After plenty of browsing I eventually found www.alaskafamilymotorhomes.com , a family run company in Anchorage that has many models available at some of the best rates I was able to find.

Sure, they’re not new, but they are in good shape and you’ll be able to get a larger one for what you’d pay if you want a brand new model.

Ours was 34 ft long, had a shower, bedroom, kitchen, dining area and plenty of storage place (there was just two of us).

Anchorage to Seward

The trip to Seward becomes interesting soon after you leave Anchorage, once you reach Chugach State Park and the Highway 1 takes you right along the shore overlooking Turnagain Arm (Cook Inlet) and the mountains behind.

On a clear day you’ll see green mountains (maybe covered with snow ) that reach the ocean and a deep blue sky that contrasts with everything.

On colder, rainy days you’ll still see the dense water and the wilderness surrounding the road, always worth a picture.

There are in fact many viewpoints you can pull over to take a nice shot, and should you be tired you can always spend the night there too (consider that cars driving by could be noisy enough to bother your sleep).

One of the nicest capes along the way in Beluga Point, from where you may be able to spot some belugas too (if lucky).

As you continue driving East you’ll leave Girdwood and Alyeska resort to yoru left (worth visiting if you have the time to head up to the mountains with the Tramway at Alyeska Resort) and soon after you’ll find on your right the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center , definitely worth stopping if you’re traveling with kids or if, as adults, you want to see large animals conveniently.

The road will slowly turn South once is reaches the end of Turnagain Arm  and will take you to the mountain range you’ve been seeing to your right across the Arm all this time.

You may be lucky enough to spot moose and other wildlife, but even if you don’t the views are still great.

Beyond this point there are no real highlights worth mentioning, and the beauty of what you see will largely depend on the time of the day and season you’re driving in.

It was cloudy and rainy most of the time we drove so we didn’t stop much. Keep an eye open for lakes, moose and great vistas you may encounter and pull over to take a picture if you can.

Abot 20 minutes before reaching Seward you’ll see a sign on your rite pointing to Exit Glacier. Turn right here and follow the trail with your vehicle all the way to the end and park at the public parking.

There are a few trails that lead to the glacier from here and picking any will eventually lead you up to the glacier. You won’t be able to touch but you will get close enough to be able to hear sounds of the ice melting and take great pictures too.

From here you’ll have to make your way back to Seward Highway and continue to the end of the road, where you’ll reach one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic communities.

Sandwiched between Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Mountains Seward is known as the “Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park”.

It’s a small village with an aquarium (25 USD/ adult), quaint shops and galleries, a bustling harbor and an abundant offering of Alaskan adventure tours into the surrounding areas.

Note that most of these tour operators close during the first week of September, and because of this we weren’t able to join any.

Where to Park Overnight and RV in Seward

Whenever I use an RV or a camper van when traveling there are two rules I always follow:

1. The spot has to be free.
2. It has to have great views.

With this in mind there are hence two spots I would recommend. If you only have a night to spend in the area then you’ll have to pick, but if you have more than one I would stay at both.

The first overnight parking spot I would recommend would be the area just besides the small bridge when heading to/ from Exit Glacier, which is where we stayed and you’ll have the view seen in the black and white picture above.

The other spot would be at the end of Seward, where the road literally ends. There’s quite a long stretch of parking space and even some are allocated for overnight parking, which may require payment.

Others are non marked and you can spend the night there too (at least not during the high season).

You may also want to know that right between the soccer field and parking area there’s an RV station where you can dump and refill water in your RV (use this useful link to find RV dump stations near your current location).

Final Words

While the drive was not very inspiring because of the constant rain and gray sky, we did enjoy most of it as the landscape is fascinating all the time. When the sun did pop out for a few minutes the colors would pop up and make everything much more beautiful, though it wouldn’t last long.

Fortunately on our way back through this same road a few days later the sun was out most of the time and we got too see the first snowfall of the season. I recommend you take your time when driving (it took as more than 3 hours instead of the 2.5 Google maps says), don’t be in a hurry and enjoy the trip- and remember to take pictures when you have a chance!

Continue reading: Seward to Homer in an RV

While I did get a discount from Alaska Family Motorhomes  the reasons I reached out to them mentioned in the post are real and accurate. Browse around and I don’t think you’ll find anything more affordable. I was offered discounts from other companies as well, but preferred to work with a family owned business and stick to more affordable RVs too.

The post The Kenai Peninsula in an RV: Anchorage to Seward appeared first on MaiTravelSite.

Today Anchorage is Alaska’s largest and most industrial city, the hub to most destinations in the country’s largest state. It has a quaint downtown area with some parks and nice attractions to check for a day  before heading elsewhere in what has become the ultimate frontier. While most travelers get here during the warmest time of the summer months I decided to visit Anchorage in September, when the crowds have thinned out and the weather is cool but the snow still has to come.

Visit Downtown Anchorage

It’s very small and quick to walk, but certainly worth checking out as the city itself in not very appealing. Enjoy a caribou hotdog and make your way to the visitors center on 24 W 4th Ave open from 8 am to 5 pm for some tips and suggestions on what to do while here. To learn about the city and see a bit more without having to rent a car I recommend you join an Anchorage Trolley Tour.  At 20 USD (Adults) they’re great fun and good value in my opinion- if you’re interested in learning about the city.

Ride a Bike or Walk Along its Many Trails

Nature lovers don’t have to head out of town to enjoy great walking or bike riding trails. The most popular in town is the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail which follows the shoreline. Watch out for moose- these huge animals can be aggressive so stay clear but enjoy the opportunity of seeing them! They proved to be very elusive when I was in Alaska, and only managed to see one from a train while heading to Fairbanks!

Visit Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center

This modern building is within walking distance from downtown Anchorage (as pretty much everything is). The museum is shows  large art, history, ethnography, ecology and science exhibitions, and is dedicated to studying and exploring the land, peoples, art and history of Alaska. You can visit its website www.anchoragemuseum.org for more details.

Cost: 15 USD (Adult)

Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center

Unlike your typical museum where you simply walk around galleries looking at protected relics the Alaska Native Heritage Center provides a hands on experience where you get to see what life and native culture looked and looks like. There are two main sections: the outdoor area where you walk around a small lake and get to see what houses of different groups looked like (you can enter all of them) and the indoor area with exhibitions, shows and movies. I recommend it to every kind of traveler, from solo to those traveling with children, as everything is very well laid out and you’ll certainly learn a few things. We warned though: the walked tours, many of the exhibitions and performances close early in September.

Cost: Free

Website: www.alaskanative.net

Take Day Tours to Nearby Attractions

As large as Anchorage is, I found it doesn’t have as many things to enjoy without the need of a car or some kind of transportation. Most of the great attractions Alaska is famous for are also available using Anchorage as a base camp, but will all involve driving 30 minutes – 1 hour, and I thus don’t consider them to be attractions in Anchorage. This said there are many of these, and the following are some of the ones I participated in and recommend.

Spend a Day at Alyeska Resort

Around an hour away from Anchorage Alyeska resort offers excellent skiing during the winter and many trails in which to trek and mountain bike during the warmer seasons. Many also come here to relax and chill out while enjoying good food (there’s a great restaurant at the top of the ski resort open in summer too, you’ll just have to get there with the cable car), and the spa seems to be among the best in the area. I spent a couple of days in it and enjoyed the views, the trekking and fine food at Alyeska.

Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is committed to the conservation of Alaska’s Wildlife, and is involved in several programs. From taking in orphan and injured animals when they can’t fend for themselves to the Wood Bison Restoration Project, it’s an easy way to see animals and provide some funding with your entrance fee- I specially recommend stopping by if you’re traveling with kids.

Cost: 12.5 USD/ person (Adult)

Go Glacier Watching

We all know it: walking up to glaciers or even seeing them from a distance will be one of the highlights of any trip to Alaska. There are several that can be seen from Alyeska Resort (see above) but to really enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience I recommend you join a glacier watching tour. Of all there are in the are the most popular (and perhaps the best?) is the 26 Glacier Tour by Phillps Cruises I joined. The tour starts with a great train ride from Anchorage to Whittier which will allow for some great views and photo opportunities already, and the tour itself will allow you and your family to feel like a National Geographic explorer for a few hours.

Cost: 149 USD/ Adult

My Thoughts

Besides these tours there are horse riding opportunities, ATV tours, dog sledding tours, SUP tours and more…each with their own price tags of course that in most cases are not particularly cheap.  I recommend you consider how much time you have, who you’re traveling with and how physical you want your tour to be and plan accordingly. If there is one tour I recommend you do not miss it would be the 26 Glacier Tour as you’ll be able to take some great pictures difficult to take anywhere else. Ideal for families and great for adults you’ll be glad to joined it, as you probably will not matter what activity you decide to be part of!

The post Anchorage in September: What to See and Do appeared first on MaiTravelSite.

If you prefer the home-like feeling of a B&B over a hotel- like I do- and are visiting Anchorage in Alaska the Copper Whale Inn is an excellent choice. Locate in downtown Alaska it is also within walking distance of the  popular Tony Kowles coastal trail, right besides a few restaurants and withing walking distance of what there’s to see and do in downtown Anchorage.

This two building inn is decorated with Alaskan art, offers views of the Cook Inlet from some of the rooms and has a private garden with a sitting area. It is one of the few structures that survived the great 1964 Anchorage earthquake, and contrasts with neighboring office towers. Its 15 rooms have free WiFi, cable TV, some have private bathrooms while others have shared facilities, and other have full kitchens and separate living facilities.

The common living room in the first floor has a cozy feeling and chimney, with nice views of the back garden. It is here that the generous complimentary continental breakfast is served every morning, which includes coffer, tea, milk, juices, different cereals, toast, bakery, ham, fruit, yogurt and more, all delicious. You’ll probably meet other travelers who hang around in the mornings, and enjoy a great chat about all things Alaska while there. The staff was very friendly and helpful, always willing to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

 

 

 

Conclusion

The Copper Whale Inn is fairly priced B&B, very well located in Anchorage and a great place from where to explore the city or relax for  few days. It has an “Alaskan” vibe to it, the complimentary breakfast is great and the different room options will cater to most travelers unless modern furniture and decor is what they want. A great choice for families, couples and solo travelers the Copper Whale Inn is sure to offer a pleasant stay.
Website: www.copperwhale.com
Address:440 L St, Anchorage, AK 99501, United States
Phone: +1 866-258-7999

I was a guest of the Copper Whale Inn, but all photos and opinions in this article remain, as always, my own.

The post The Copper Whale Inn , Anchorage, Alaska appeared first on MaiTravelSite.

The Resort

Immediately upon arrival at the Resort, we scheduled our planned tours. The tours must in theory be booked 72 hours in advance, but it’s not really necessary. We then joined a tour that explains where the geothermal energy the resort depends on comes from and how it’s used, an interesting- albeit scientific- explanation.  Then, off we went wrapped in thick robes to soak in the bubbling, healing waters of the hot spring surrounded by decent views. I have to admit that visiting Chena Hot Springs in September won’t deliver the nicest views of the year as the sky is gray, there’s still no snow at the resort, and there’s little green. Enjoying the springs itself can be planned and arranged individually, but we would spend a night at the resort to take advantage of tours including the Aurora Viewing Snow Coach Tour, the Ice Museum, the ATV tour and the Dog Cart Ride.

After booking our tours we made our way to our room, with enough space for two people and maybe a family of four as long as the children are kids. The bathroom had plenty of hot water and without them being luxurious they have everything you might need when spending time in Alaska’a nature.

On the Lookout for the Northern Lights

There is so much to do at this location all year round and everyone and everything exudes the same message: welcome to our incredible piece of the earth. When the Northern Lights can be seen – usually in uncloudy conditions – they are visible from the entire Chena hot springs and resort area. The Snow Coach Tour allowed us to see the light show of the Aurora Borealis from a vantage point and is good fun. We got up to a hill with a former WWII tank, a bumpy but fun ride that ended right besides a Mongolian ger . Large enough for more than 20 people, there was soup, water, sodas and hot chocolate to eat and drink at any time during the four hours that are spent there; I cannot think of a more comfortable way of experiencing this. We weren’t luck though as the sky was completely covered by clouds and seeing the Auroras turned out to be impossible, despite September being one of the best months to do this. The picture below was taken that night, with a long exposure that allowed for the high aurora activity to filter through the clouds- we could not see it with our bare eyes.

Befriending With Alaskan Dogs

What could be more unique to Alaska than dog sleds? So much folklore has been built around the service of our “best friends” of the animal world. At the end of the ride, I was totally in awe of my trusty, speedy and beautiful bearers. On this little jaunt (as in short- the ride barely lasts 20 minutes), you fleetingly experience the wild and surrealistic nature of that great, solitary territory. The dogs at the Chena hot springs are older dogs that once raced the Iditarod and other long distance races, but have rated and are brought here to be take care of. Despite their age running is still in them, and love to be chosen to be part of the team. There was one dog who was not tied to the cart, but ran with the rest of them leading the group and barking to encourage them to go faster!

The Aurora Ice Museum

The nearby Aurora Ice Museum is a unique, breathtaking (albeit, cold; kept at a constant temperature of -7° Celsius/25° Fahrenheit) testimony of man’s great capacity to create beauty under any condition.  I happily snuggled into an over sized parka offered at the entrance to help keep warm, and appreciated the work and effort that had been made when carving the statues. The optional “appletini” offered at the end was great fun too!

The Ice Museum boasts wondrous works by two resident ice  sculptures, Steve and Heather Brice, who between them hold 23 world-champion titles in the World Ice Carving Championships held every year. Their sculptures are works of art, done with love and tenacity such as life-sized polar bears: and other animals. There is a far-out Northern Lights room that is bathed in a flow of multi-colored light from crystal chandeliers. The “outhouse” is sculpted in the coveted Alaska Diamond or Marble ice, a distinction which was lost on me: alas, all the ice looked the same.

After our tour, we went to the Museum’s very cool – coolest in the world – Aurora Ice Bar where we warmed ourselves by the unique ice fireplace; sitting on caribou fur-covered stools; sipping their signature drink, “appletini”.

Eating at the Chena Hot Springs Restaurant

As far as eating – the cold makes me hungry – is concerned, I was extremely pleased with the restaurant at the Chena Resort. The breakfast, lunch and dinner menus have a good variety of offerings and all the dishes were full of flavor. The portions are generous, the service is good, the restaurant itself has a very “Alaskan” decoration and the food is delicious. In fact I would go as far as saying that the food was one of the highlights of our stay- it was that good.

My Thoughts

When reading all the online reviews and descriptions of the Chena Hot Springs I was initially doubting whether it could be a destination I could be interested in. It seemed to be somewhat of a winter Disneyland, very commercialized and crowded. Fortunately, I was wrong.

The resort isn’t big at all, is quite isolated ( it is literally at the end of the road) and has a very natural appeal to the visitor as nothing is paved and the buildings are made of wood. All the staff members are very friendly and enjoy what they do, which is then passed on to the guests.

Perhaps surprisingly the hot springs are what I found less appealing, again maybe because of the lack of snow, but I enjoyed the other tours which cost between 15-70 USD per adult. Topping the list is the Aurora viewing tour (hopefully the sky will be cleaner when you visit) and I thoroughly enjoyed the food at the restaurant.

Do I recommend visiting Chena Hot Springs in September (or anytime in the year)? If you want to enjoy several activities in one same destination (aurora viewing, riding ATVs, or simply are a fan of hot springs ) and plan on eating the food they offer then make sure you make your way and spend at least one night at the resort. If on the other hand you only want to watch auroras there are other options close to Fairbanks.

Resources

Chena Hot Springs Website: www.chenahotsprings.com

I was a guest of Chena Hot Springs, however all opinions, descriptions and pictures in this article are entirely my own, as always!

And now…

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It all starts in Whittier, Alaska

One of the most popular glacier tours in Alaska is the 26 glacier cruise that departs from Whittier, a very small town with a population of just above 200 people at the head of the passage canal on the western edge of Prince William Sound.  This small village is unappealing to the visitor and holds little to no interest to visitors, but is quite peculiar on its own. Most of the inhabitants live in the same building, a former Army barrack building that is 14 stories high called Begich Towers. The building also holds a health clinic, police station, laundromat and a church. The only way to reach Whittier is by boat or through the railroad tunnel that shuts at night. During the summer months there’s a lot of activity thanks to the glacier tours, cruise ships and commercial fishing, but in winter the town gets over 6 meters of snow and 100 km/h winds are not uncommon. The weather is so brutal that children go from the Begich building to school through a tunnel, and the only playground in town is indoors.

To get to Whittier from Anchorage, or anywhere for that matter,  you need to travel by train (unless you reach it on a cruise ship). There are no other options. Some visitors will hop on it at one of the few train stations there are along the way (we did so on the train station at Girdwood after spending a night a Alyeska Resort), but most start their trip from Anchorage. The train ride itself is spectacular- when heading to Whittier from Anchorage try to get a seat on the right side of the train for unreal views- so make sure you have your camera ready.  The train takes over an hour to reach its destination, but is comfortable and has a cafeteria where you can grab a bite. It travels slowly, and may even stop if a great and unique photo opportunity happens during your trip.

The 26 Glacier Cruise

This cruise by Phillips Cruises is perhaps the most popular glacier watching cruise in Alaska, but is well worth joining during your trip. It started as a family run businesses several decades ago, and today offers first-class catamarans, a complimentary hot meal (Panko Crusted Wild Alaska Cod served with Alaska Chip Company potato chips and  coleslaw) and customized narrations of what you’ll be seeing. It alsoWe  adapts its itinerary to the weather conditions of the day, making sure you get to enjoy the best views possible on that particular day.  As you can imagine, the name of the cruise derives from the fact that you can see 26 named glaciers during the ride, and even some that are still to be named. You’ll also get to see plenty of wildlife including eagles, sea lions, harbor seals, maybe orcas and even black bears!

It day was not very pleasant when I took part of it, as it was cloudy and raining most of the time. However I was lucky as I got front row seats at the restaurant/ indoor section which guaranteed unobstructed views. Once everyone was on board we took off and shortly after saw the first seals.

A Spectacular Scenery

As the boat picked up speed heading towards Esther Passage and College Fjord the rain picked up and the fog grew somewhat thicker, limiting some of the visibility but not all of it. The captain did explain that the weather conditions were not the best in the area we were supposed to head to, and thus he’d try another itinerary that he thought would be better under the days conditions. His choice would later prove to be spot on, as we got to very close to several glaciers and even got to see massive chunks of ice calve into the sea.

The weather also seemed to want to help us out. We got plenty of rain breaks allowing us to step outside the cabin and take better pictures. Did you know that glaciers look better with cloudy skies than under the sun? The reason for this is that the blueish shades of the ice stand out when the sun is covered, yet on clear days the sand and dust on the ice makes them look brown and dirtier than what they are.

The cruise lasts 4 to 5 hours and allows plenty of time to take great picture, meet other travelers and enjoy the unreal views. Eventually we had to make our way back to Whittier and Anchorage, but the tour still had a surprise waiting for us.

The Train Back to Anchorage

We expected the train back to Anchorage to offer the same experience that we’d had on the way to Whittier, but little did we know that nature would surprise as once again. It was cloudy, raining, and getting dark, but as the train was getting closer to Beluga Point the sun appeared under the clouds in the horizon. Suddenly the air changed color, and switched from gray to a hue of orange, pink and purple. The bay on the left side with the mountains behind it created an unexpected scenery, and- like the rest of the passengers- could not get enough pictured of the train traveling in such an unreal scenery.

Back to Anchorage

We eventually made it back to Anchorage. The day had been memorable, having just enjoyed one of those experiences that only traveling can offer. Despite the clouds and rain we’d see many glaciers, taken plenty of photos, and had wrapped up the day with what would be the best sunset we’d see during the three weeks we spent in Alaska.

My Thoughts

If joining a glacier cruise is something you have in mind then the 26 Glacier Cruise will not leave you indifferent and is well worth your consideration. The train trips from Anchorage to Whittier and back are fun and comfortable, the boat on which the cruise takes place is very large and pleasant too, as is the food given on board. There are more photo opportunities than you can think of, and the captain seemed very knowledgeable about what to do depending on conditions. At one point a “glacier cocktail” was offered by the crew; a couple of members picked up floating glacier ice and prepared Martinis in plastic cups with them. At 15 USD a piece they were quite expensive- I don’t recall anybody buying one. Phillips Cruises would be better off preparing 5 and giving them for free to 5 passengers in some kind of raffle, but that’s my opinion.

In any case the cruise is well worth joining, and I highly recommend you include it in your travel plans as you won’t be disappointed.

Website: https://www.phillipscruises.com/

I was a guest of Phillips Cruises, however all opinions and pictures in this post are my own, as usual!

Have you ever seen a glacier? Where? What did you think about it? Was it as spectacular as you thought it would be? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below and this post too if you think others may enjoy it!

The post Exploring Amazing Glaciers Near Anchorage appeared first on MaiTravelSite.

Activities in September

I visited Alyeska Resort in September, the rainiest month of the year. While it did not rain during the 24 hours we spent at the resort, it was indeed very cloudy and visibility from the top of the mountains was not at its best, despite it being extraordinary anyhow. We were told that on a clear day you can see up to seven hanging glaciers!

We first took the aerial tram to the top of Alyeska Mountain (25 USD) where we enjoyed fantastic panoramic views of the area. Conde Nast Traveler rated Alyeska ~ “Best view of any U.S. ski resort.” The observation deck is a perfect place to enjoy a relaxed lunch or beautiful evening sunset. Telescopes are also available along the deck, and during the summer months you can also enjoy exploring, berry picking, watching the paragliders launch, and even hike on a glacier.

There are several trails at the top of the mountain that allow great trekking, however it was quite windy when we were there and the rain made being outside somewhat uncomfortable so we only spent about an hour at the top enjoying the views and fresh air. If you do have the chance to come up here on a clear day make sure you don’t miss the opportunity as you’ll be rewarded with great trekking!

We instead headed back down to the resort where there was less wind and the rain was only a mild drizzle. We opted for a fun trek along the forest, picked a one hour long trail and enjoyed being in the woods. During the walk we encountered other trekkers, a couple of people riding a bicycle and found a huge bear print on the way back that had not been there while we were heading in!

Dining at Alyeska Resort

The resort has several high quality restaurants, including a deli at the top of Alyeska mountain and a Starbucks in the hotel. The Pond Cafe offers a comfortable breakfast setting with option of breakfast buffets and a la carte menu. Sakura Restaurant offers a fun and modern dining experience featuring fresh seafood and meats, creative specialty rolls and cocktails and the Aurora Bar & Grill suites those seeking  refined comfort food in a fun friendly-family atmosphere. This is a great place to get simple fresh Alaskan seafood, steaks, gourmet sandwiches and specialty pizzas.

Finally, Seven Glaciers is Alyeska Resort’s delectable AAA Four Diamond award-winning mountain-top restaurant, an experience not to be missed if you’re looking for a gourmet experience. You’ll find exquisite Alaskan entrees in an elegant atmosphere and will also appreciate the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence wine list and full bar.

The Rooms

The standard rooms at Alyeska Resort are comfortable and well appointed, without being over the top. I suppose their meant to be more functional than a home away from how, as guests will come to the resort to enjoy the plethora of activities to enjoy outside.

My Thoughts

Alyeska Resort is a fantastic weekend getaway from Anchorage, or even a great destination for travelers who want to spend some high quality time in the outdoors, while being able to enjoy a comfortable place where to stay. The mountains appeared to be for family friendly trekking, the facilities are top notch and the food is very good too. I did find the aerial tram ticket price somewhat steep, but other than that it’s a great destination for coupled and families looking to enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment.

Website: www.alyeskaresort.com

I was a guest of Alyeska Resort, however all pictures, thoughts and opinions in this post are my own.

Have you visited Alyeska Resort? Thinking about spending a few days here? Got questions? Ask below and share this post if you think others may find it useful!

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If you’re reading this article you’re probably going to visit Juneau sometime soon, are looking for things to do in Juneau without having too much time, and I bet you’re going to do so in a cruise.

What are some things to do in Juneau Alaska from cruise ships? If you want to know what to do in Juneau during those 10-12 hours you’re going to be in town jot these tips down and plan ahead, because you're short on time.  

You'll probably start in Vancouver or Seattle and make your way up the west coast of Canada heading towards Sitka or Anchorage. Right?

While enjoying an Alaska adventure on a cruise ship is convenient and comfortable way of covering a large distance, it does have one drawback: you don’t get to spend much time on land, and therefor see as much. 

The weather in Juneau also limits the cruise season, despite visiting during other times of the year is just as fun. As the Northermost state in the United States, it has long and dark winters with days of very little sunlight, but very long warm summer days with tons of light.

Mendenhall Glacier and the waterfall

Heading up Mount Roberts

Those boats got a great show

A whale breaching in the waters of Juneau

Food in Juneau is and should be a highlight. This is just a sample of what you can find!

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Whale Watching

It turns out that during the appropriate season it is very easy to spot and see whales in Juneau. As the waters in this area are  protected by  surrounding islands, the sea seldom gets too rough and  whales can graciously swim around doing their business, which makes it very easy for us humans to speed over to them on a boat and observe them for a while.

Our tour conveniently started mid afternoon, and by 3:30 pm we were at the dock where we would hop on what looked like an very old boat- yet was surprisingly fast. It was a double hull (with large windows and a front and back outer deck for better views) which made it more stable, and at the same time allowed for higher cruising speeds without as much bump and jump as you’d get with a single hull boat. In any case, just 20 minutes after sailing at full speed we spotted the first humpback whale. It was slowly swimming with a calf, yet despite us being so close it didn’t seem to care too much and simply continued to swim. So we left and looked for more, expecting to see some action.

It didn’t take long. The captain and aide (who kept making everyone laugh by the way) quickly spotted another whale and this time we did get to see a full on show of a few whales breaching, much to our excitement. We were not very close, but in any case were able to take great pictures and enjoy the show.

About two hours later it was time to head back. The boat sped back to the dock (saw another whale on the way as well as some sea lions soaking up some sun) and we hopped off, happy with the tour, the mood, and the pictures we had just taken on a weekday morning. Interestingly, these same whales migrate to Hawaii, Los Cabos or Puerto Vallarta in winter. Had I perhaps already seen these exact same whales more than 3000 km away a year before?

Yet we were not done for the day. Next stop was a salmon bake, and as a big salmon fan that I am I was ready to eat like there was no tomorrow.

How about an all-you-can-eat salmon bake to follow?

Once we got off the boat though things did not go as planned, as somehow we got on the wrong van and made our way back to Juneau, instead of heading straight to the bake. We ran in circles hoping to find someone who’d help us find the correct yellow bus that would take us to my beloved salmon that were baking on a grill, and eventually a friendly driver who happened to be driving  yellow van was kind enough to take us  (turned out he did work for the same company, but was off on that day).

By the time we got there almost everyone was gone, but fortunately the salmon were still waiting for us: fresh, carefully baked, beautiful. Hallelujah! There was a salad bar too, beans, rice and a specially made sugary gravy, dessert, coffee, water and lemonade. Absolutely delightful.

My Thoughts

It’s a great tour. As mentioned before nobody ever gets tired of seeing whales, and if it’s your fist time you’re going to have a blast. The captain and the crew are friendly and funny, the boat suits its purpose without it being luxurious, and following the whale watching tour with a salmon bake such as this one is a great way of wrapping up a day of travel; the food is really good and there’s plenty of it. At 169 USD/ person the price is very fair, and seeing a whale is guaranteed- if you don’t Alaska Travel Adventures will reimburse you 100 USD. How’s that?

I was a guest of Alaska Travel Adventures, however all the pictures and opinions in this post remain entirely my own.

Are you a whale fan? Would you like to see whales sometime in your life? Why or why not? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below and this post too if you liked the pics!

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Our first surprise cam less than an hour after landing in Juneau. About ten minutes after leaving the airport I was already taking pictures of the first glacier I would see in my trip, Mendenhall Glacier, a behemoth of a glacier which cannot be easier to reach from a city. Right after this visit I headed for something to eat at the Twisted Fish Alaskan Grill, an inconspicuous restaurant (closed in winter) popular among locals and  ferry tourists in the summer as it’s right in front of the docks. The menu was interesting enough with mostly seafood dishes that you simply don’t find everywhere, but what blew me away was the flavor of my dish of choice: a boneless salmon fillet with crab meat, bay shrimp, seasoned with cream cheese in a light puffy pastry with side of baked potatoes and wild berry chutney. Full of flavor, colorful, mouthwatering, unique… an experience all in itself.

And it’s because of this first dish that I was looking forward to my Juneau Food Tour the following day.

Juneau Food Tours: Eating Around Juneau

Juneau Food Tours is owned and run by Kelly Moore- but just call her Midgi. As she points out she started the tours to  “share my passion for food and my love of this picturesque city. Each tasting location was chosen to highlight the delicious food, intriguing culture, and beautiful scenery of Southeast Alaska.” and hats off, she does achieve this very well. Funny, charming, and definitely knowledgeable, Midgi’s passion for food and the local food scene captures you as soon as you meet her.

The tour starts at the Alaskan Commercial Fisherman’s Memorial which tributes all the fishermen who have perished while in duty at the treacherous waters of the Alaskan seas, and then takes you along the harbor and through the center of Juneau stopping along the different eateries to sample the food. Yet even better is the fact that the tour is not only about food: Midgi is also passionate about the city she now calls home and shares history and fun facts about Alaska’s small yet invigorating capital . For example, you’ll “meet” Patsy Ann, Juneau’s official canine greeter and will have the opportunity to share what’s on your bucket list at the “Before I Die”  public blackboard.

What Food Do you Eat, and Where?

Jueau Food Tours last about three hours on a one mile walk along mostly flat streets. The tour stops at nine eateries where you’s get to sample local specialties which include:

• Tracy’s King Crab Shack King crab bisque and a crab cake
• Alaska Knifeworks Salmon dip, bull kelp marmalade
• V’s Cellar Door Halibut fusion nachos
• Panhandle Provisions House made charcuterie
• SALT Alaskan cod taco with wine pairing
• Alaskan Hotel & Bar Locally brewed beer
• JCP Confections Gourmet marshmallow treat
• Wings Airway’s/Taku Glacier Lodge Famous gingersnap cookies
• Chef Stef’s Delicious toffee

What Do I Think About the Tour?

Anyone who’s passionate about food and doesn’t have may days to spend in Juneau should join this tour, even if you’re in one of the cruise ships and have meals paid for already. In fact I particularly recommend this tour if you’re one of these people, as the quality of the meals is second to none and, let’s face it: when are you going to have another chance to eat good quality local food in Juneau without running the risk of eating at the wrong places?

Midgi is fun, entertaining and refreshing, the historical facts she shares are a great complement to the food tour, and by the end of the tour you ARE full: you do eat quite a bit during the tour. All things considered I highly recommend this tour particularly again if you just have a day or two to spend in Juneau because you’re visiting with a cruise. Otherwise you can explore on your own and hope for the best!

Are you visiting Juneau? What role does food play when you travel? Still not sure if this tours is something you should do? Fell free to ask me more questions in the comments section below and share this post if you think other foodies going to Juneau might find in useful!

I was a guest of Juneau Food Tours, however all opinions and images in this post are entirely my own.

The post Juneau Food Tours: Alaskan Food for the Juneau Visitor appeared first on MaiTravelSite.

It all started in Juneau, the state’s capital. A small city which can only be reached by air and sea, it’s a major hub for ferries that cruise the state and British Columbia. While most visitors only stop here for a day (one in every ten visitors comes aboard a cruise ship and just spends a few hours in Juneau’s downtown) the city offers almost all the natural attractions people come to see throughout Alaska, including bear watching, glacier treks, whale watching, fly fishing and more. And just 24 hours after arriving here we boarded a floatplane with Alaska Seaplanes what would take us to  Pack Creek bear reserve in Admiralty Island  (part of the Tongass National Forest) where wild bears live and feed from wild salmon before the winters sets in.

We met our guide Dan Kirkwood at Juneau’s small airport, who gave us a quick introduction to what we were going to see at the counter while our gear was being weighed- an important step towards flight safety.  Soon after we walked to the briefing room where we were explained where we’d be flying, some information about how bears live, bear safety and the geography around Juneau.  Gear for the trip was provided to us including binoculars and rubber boots, and when our pilot showed up we were then taken to the small DeHavilland floatplane that would take us to the bears.

Bear Watching in Admiralty Island

Not new to flying in floatplanes (flying a seaplane in Finland’s Lapland a number of years ago had been a highlight of that trip too) I was looking forward to this experience once again. Noise cancellation headphones were given to us and soon after we were taken off, picking up speed and gently rising to the air. There was no wind and the views were magnificent, as these planes fly at low altitudes allowing great sightseeing along the way.  The flight lasts about 20 minutes and ever so smoothly we landed in Pack Creek where we stepped out of the plane and were greeted by a ranger who would guide us all to the viewing spot, just under 1 km away- not before having a snack.  Walking in a group we made our way and just as we were arriving to the viewing point we spotted the first bear, though quite far from where we were going.

Still, we didn’t have to wait for long. After about 20 minutes the first black bear came out of the bushes and walked into the creek that was about 60m ahead of us. It was easy to tell that he knew we were there, but didn’t mind us. During the next thirty minutes or so we watched him chase fish, eat, rest and return to the forest.

We were all excited. There’s something magical about being out in the woods, relatively far from where the closest humans live, watching these magnificent mammals feed and get along with their lives. We were there as spectators, without interfering, and despite being there for almost three hours in relative silence time did fly away. At one point one bear did seem to want to get close to us , but eventually he went some other way allowing us to take some great pictures . While waiting we learned some interesting facts too. Did you know that:

• Bears don’t really sleep throughout the whole winter. Most of them will wake up several times to walk out to stretch their legs and see if they can find something to eat.
• Unlike many mammals bears can see in color.
• Grizzly bears have a biting force of over 8,000,000Pa, enough to crush a bowling ball.
• Admiralty Island is home to the largest population density in North America with about one bear per squared mile.
• The largest of all bears is the brown bear, and are also the largest living land carnivore.

Back to Juneau

All good things come to an end, and eventually we had to make our way back to Juneau. We walked back to the same spot where we landed and soon after the float plane landed, picked us up and flew us back home. However this would turn out to be an extraordinary flight. Soon after taking off the new pilot spotted a female bear with two cubs, circling around them, and as we continued the trip back to the city the sky became purple with a few scattered clouds. Lush forests covered the islands and land beneath us while the smooth surface of the ocean reflected everything above it. It was a beautiful and serene experience, one of my best flights ever, hands down. Twenty minutes later we were back in Juneau’s floatplane airport, landing again ever so smoothly…and ready for some food.

My Thoughts

This is one-of-a-kind day tour, and of the hundreds I’ve done around the world it easily ranks among my ten favorite. Why? There’s not just one thing, but the whole experience. Dan and the rest of the team we met from Alaska Seaplanes is professional, very friendly, and definitely very knowledgeable. The whole experience is very well planned and includes all the gear you might need including a sacked lunch. Of course flying in a floatplane is always exciting, not matter how many times you’ve done it. Flying to Admiralty Island allows breathtaking views, and sitting out and waiting to observe bears in the wild is a magical sight.  However not everything is as nice and dandy as it seems at first sight: a few days after the tour I got this email from Dan that in a way has troubled me.

The Tongass is obviously a world-class adventure travel destination. Bears, whales, glaciers, all easily accessible and well connected for folks flying or cruising. We have an opportunity to conserve what makes this place so great to visit: wild salmon that feed bears and a healthy forest. We also have a growing tourism industry that drives the region’s economy. Sadly the U.S. Forest Service isn’t investing is tourism opportunities on the National Forest. The work you’re doing, telling people about all the awesome things to do up here is so helpful. Spread the word about this good place. It is big and wild and full of surprises.

Why doesn’t the National Forest Service want to help promote eco-friendly tourism like this that will undoubtedly help sustain the bears? It goes beyond me.

So is the tour worth it? Most definitely if you can afford it. While it doesn’t come in cheap it will certainly be a highlight of your trip to Alaska, creating memories of a lifetime. Bring a good camera!

Resources

Alaska Seaplanes website: http://www.flyalaskaseaplanes.com/

Pack Creek Bear Tours website: http://www.packcreekbeartours.com/

I was a guest of Alaska Seaplanes, however all opinions and pictures in this post are entirely my own. I mean, how can somebody not get excited about such an experience?

Have you ever had the opportunity to observe wild bears? Where at? Do you think the National Forest Service should promote these kinds of tours? Why or why not? Share your thoughts with me in the comments section below and this post too if you think others may like it!

The post On a Floatplane in Alaska: Bear Watching in Juneau appeared first on MaiTravelSite.

Initially we were supposed to join the ride a couple of days after we arrived, but foul weather was on the way and the flight was rescheduled to the following morning, which meant that whith only 4 hours of sleep we’d head back out and have some fun. And we did as you can see in the video of the trip!

 
I would like to say that the flight was very smooth, lots of fun despite me not being a big fan of heights and Ian the pilot was a very entertaining individual who had us all laughing and in awe most of the time.  To learn more about the flight you may want to read the full post of the hot air balloon ride in Steamboat Springs .
 

We were guests of Wild West Balloon Adventures for this trip, however all pictures, opinions and of course the video are entirely my own.

Have you ever flewn in a hot air balloon? Where? Did you enjoy it? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below and this post too if you think others might like it!

The post Flying Over Steamboat Springs in a Hot Air Balloon (Video) appeared first on MaiTravelSite.

High Budget: Cafe Diva

Overlooking the main ski slopes Cafe Diva offers gourmet food for those  who not only want to eat, but want to enjoy the food and maybe something out of the ordinary.  Many  label this restaurant as the best in town, so I recommend you  make a reservation  during  typical dining  times to ensure you get your space. All the food is excellent, but for something  not often found yet delicious try bison Carpaccio.

Mid Budget: Sweetwater Grill

Sweetwatr Grill makes up for a great family restaurant, both in winter and summer. Tastefully  set along the Yampa river you’ll get to enjoy  fantastic family meals while the flowing stream  decorates your background.  Any  grilled fish will be a good pick, but even the spaghetti with meatballs will be a good choice for those who have a craving for pasta.

Low Budget: Double Z Bar & Grill

Perhaps not as conveniently located this is the restaurant and bar where locals hang out at any time of the day. It’s mountain-like cottage décor will set you in the right mood while you chat away with the friendly  locals who’ll most likely befriend you. What should you eat?  Burgers, chicken wings, salads… it’s all simple food, but with great flavor and even better company, and your budget will be safe.

Resources

Cafe Diva website www.cafediva.com

Sweetwater Grill website www.TheSweetwaterGrill.com

Double Z website www.doublezbbq.com

I was a guest of Steamboat Tourism during my visit to these and other restaurants, and while the  meals were comp’d the restaurants and meals were as good as I say.

The post Where to Eat in Steamboat Springs, Colorado appeared first on MaiTravelSite.

Getting Around Denver

Denver is, without a doubt, a city that doesn’t require a car to be visited. Not because there’s a lot of public transportation (there is enough) but because it is small enough to be walked- or cycled! If the weather is nice I highly recommend you try Denver B-Cycle, which allows you to use the urban bikes parked around the city to move around faster, comfortably and enjoying the outdoors while being environmentally friendly.

Colorado State Capitol

Make your way to the Colorado State Capitol, walking there from your hotel or taking any of the free buses you’ll find along Broadway Street. Standing exactly 5,280 feet above sea level (exactly one mile high!) on the west steps, walk around the building and then climb to the rotunda for a panorama of snowcapped peaks. It is against state law to block the view of the 200 named mountains visible from the dome. While there are free tours on weekdays I was there during a weekend but was happy enough to visit it on my own.

Molly Brown House Museum

Just about three blocks behind the Capitol this museum is one I certainly recommend as it shows you the house and teaches you about the life of a woman who some would say “lived before her time”. An extraordinary leaser and charismatic lady, Molly Brown became rich via her husband but was also an active politician, traveled the world on her own and was even a survivor of the Titanic.  Expect to spend about 45 minutes here, taking your time to watch the movie in the museum section of the house.

Visit the Denver Art Museum

Take a leisure stroll to the Denver Art Museum, enjoying the fresh air along the way. The museum has two buildings – one a fortress-like structure from Italian architect Gio Ponti, the other, a structure that resembles a titanium crystal with peaks and shards designed by Daniel Libeskind. Inside, you’ll find the world’s greatest collection of Native American art and 68,000 other art objects, including works from European masters, and Old West classics. I have to say that some of the scene paintings are truly beautiful, well worth even a  quick visit if you don’t have time for more. There was also a modern sculpture exhibition when I was there, but this one did not make my cut.

History Colorado Center

This somewhat interactive museum is great for kids as they will be able to pretend they are jumping off a ski ramp, will don a headlamp and descend into a mine or push a “Jules Verne-like Time Machine” over the Rockies. The museum is not very big but it does portray history in the area in an unusual and fun way, making it a great stop specially if you are traveling with children.

Broadway Avenue

This is main street in downtown Denver, where all of the action takes place. Great for walks with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars to choose from. If you are here during the winter months and want to stay away from the cold you can hop on any of the free shuttle buses that drive up and down all day. It is in this road that we had lunch after walking all morning, and we then continued to our next destination.

Larimer Square

This is a small trendy area with Victorian buildings home to shops, quaint cafes and nice restaurants. Nice to walk through and grab a bite!

The LoDO Historic District

LoDo is the lower downtown area of Denver, Colorado, the oldest and original settlement of the city of Denver. Nowadays it is a mixed-use historic district, known for its good restaurants and active nightlife. It was here that Octoberfest was being celebrated during my visit  with ample choices for food and beer!

Denver Aquarium

If you have never been in an aquarium the Denver Aquarium will be a fun place to visit for an hour or two if you have kids. The aquarium is all indoor and is home to plenty of marine life including different species of sharks! There is plenty of parking space all around it, but it is also a nice stroll and I recommend you get here on foot if you can.

Confluence Park

You either walked or drove across part of it on your way to the aquarium if you were coming from downtown. Confluence park is located in the outskirts of the city, and is the place were to come when the weather is nice, sun is bright and the sky is blue. Locals come here  for a run, to enjoy a picnic or ride their bikes along the many paths there are, and while at it, why not try some kayaking at the river?

Conclusion

If visiting Colorado for one reason or another don’t skip Denver just because it is not a popular city to visit. While it may not be the most historical city in the world it does have some unique attractions (some of them unique) and well worth  a visit . I do recommend you follow this itinerary if you only have one day, but if you have two or more you can spread this out and also visit the Rocky Mountains nearby , just an hour or so away.

Have you visited Denver? What did you like most about the city? Did you become a beer expert? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below and this post too if you think others might find it useful!

The post What to See and Do in Denver in One Day appeared first on MaiTravelSite.

During my recent visit I was able to enjoy a side of the city I did not see when I lived in South Florida a good number of years ago. Ranging from free historical tours to nature walks and even entertainment on the kinky side I discovered a wide variety of things to do that most vacationers miss all to often. Without further due let’s begin with the list.

Getting Around

Several of the attractions mentioned in this post are within walking distance if your hotel is in South Beach (for more info find out the hotels  where I slept during my recent trip to Miami). While it may take a while to get from one place to the other some planning will make it easy and there’s great people watching to do anyhow! If your hotel is not as close and you have to rent a car, there is an alternative to the typical can rental options you already know about: Car2Go.

Car2Go is a relatively new car rental concept by which you can rent a car by the hour. All you need to do is register in their website (see the resources section at the bottom of this post) providing credit card information and a valid license and you’re set. Once in town you can look online for the closest car and use the provided code to unlock it and drive away. Gas is included with your rental and you can park it pretty much anywhere without having to pay (yes, parkings and metered parkings included), and as the cars are all Smart cars you don’t really need much space. I used one for a day (courtesy of Car2Go) and found it very convenient indeed.

Begin With an Art Deco Free Tour

Seeing the gorgeous pastel buildings of Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District is something no first-time visitor to the US should miss. You can take a self-guided audio tour or even better join one of the regularly scheduled walking tours of one of the world’s greatest concentrations of 1930’s architecture.

I opted for the second,which lasted about an hour and a half and during which I learned quite a bit of Miami’s history and it’s architecture.

 Explore Lincoln Road Pedestrian Mall

This pedestrian street is loaded with restaurants, fashion shops and cafes. It is here that you will find the latest trendy clothes and entertaining people- people watching is one of the main activities here.

Visit the World Erotic Art Museum

The museum started as a private collection by Naomi Wilzig, its exhibits showing fine erotic art pieces from around the world some of which are more than 2000 years old! From the website,

“Founded in 2005 ,  WEAM is the only museum in the United States devoted exclusively to fine erotic art.  In a remarkably short time for a still private collection, WEAM has developed one of the world’s most renowned permanent museums for this genre.

Today the WEAM Collection includes over 4000 works of international art, ranging from 300 BCE to the immediate present. In terms of its quality, diversity and incomparable profile of erotic art, the WEAM stands out clearly from other museum collections.

Alongside its mission to familiarize the general public with erotic art, the WEAM’s other prime objective is the ongoing expansion of its Collection.  We collect, preserve and present works of erotic art of the highest quality from diverse cultures. We embrace our responsibility to engage and educate our community, to contribute to cultural knowledge of erotic art in history.”

Entrance fee is 15 USD.

If Traveling With Kids Visit Jungle Island and the Orangutan School

Jungle Island is a zoo halfway between Miami Beach and downtown. Of all the activities there is one that stands out above the rest, and that is being able to become an Orangutan teacher for a while.  You’ll be able to get past the outer fence and play with the animals, but don’t get your hopes high as you will not be able to go inside the cage with them- a friendly squeeze from them could break your ribs and kill you.

Visit Little Havana and Join a Food Tour

A lively, family-friendly neighborhood, it is one of Miami’s oldest neighborhoods. Learn about traditional, rustic Cuban cuisine by tasting and walking your way through the must-visit street in the area — Calle Ocho. Learn about the area’s history and culture while tasting Cuban foods that have been prepared by the same families from recipes handed down through generations. Meet local artists, watch cigar rollers and take a peek at Domino Park – all while getting the insights of a vibrant Miami neighborhood.

Everglades Alligator Farm

You’ve heard about them, you’ve seen them on TV and now you have to see them in their environment too. At alligator farm you’ll get to watch a couple of shows meant mostly for children in which you will learn a bit about their habits and feeding,  but most exciting of all you can hop on an airboat tour of the Everglades. These are a lot of fun and on a good day offer a unique view of the Everglades, but at just over 15 minutes I felt they are a bit too short. By the way, if you don’t want to get wet stay away from the first row!

Sample Grape-less Wines at Schnebly Redlands Winery

This winery in Miami’s Redland tropical countryside offers tours and wine tastings around natural coral waterfalls surrounded by lush tropical foliage. Visitors can compare the taste of lychee, passion fruit, carambola, guava and mango wines, just to name a few, and in case you’re wondering I was pleasantly surprised. This is the southernmost winery in the Continental U.S., handcrafting tropical wines without using grapes. The Grand Tasting Room has a Southern plantation agricultural style. The building is 5,000 square feet and has a view of the tropical courtyard, waterfalls, winery and Grand Tiki, and they’re also now brewing their own beer!

Visit Monkey Jungle

In this unusual wildlife park humans are caged and monkeys run wild! Home to nearly 400 primates you’ll get to see (and if lucky even play with) quite a few of them. During an exhibition you will also learn about them and even see them swim into a pond (uhh, yeah, throwing food as bait is the reason). Because of its location I would recommend you visit in when returning from the alligator farm or on the way there as it is not close to Miami Beach.

 Visit Coral Castle Museum

From 1923 to 1951, Edward Leedskalnin single-handedly and secretly carved over 1,100 tons of coral rock to build a castle for a girl he fell in love with, and his unknown process has created one of the world’s most mysterious accomplishments.  His work did not win her heart, but remains today as an incredible piece of history that will certainly make you wonder how a 5 ft man weighing barely 50 kg could accomplish such a masterpiece. Open every day, the Coral Castle Museum welcomes visitors from around the world to explore this enchanting South Florida destination.

Conclusion

There is much more to Miami than the nightlife and beaches, the city having entertainment for both independent travelers and those traveling with family. While it is true that you will need private transportation to visit all of the places mentioned here there are several within walking distance of all hotels in South Beach, keeping you busy for at least a couple of days. Most of the attractions have a fee, check the websites of each below to get updated information.

Resources

Car2Go website www.car2go.com

Art Deco free tours www.mdpl.org

World Erotic Art Museum www.weam.com

Jungle Island website www.jungleisland.com

Little Havan Food Tours website www.miamiculinarytours.com

Everglades Alligator Farm website www.everglades.com

Schnebly Redlands Winery www.schneblywinery.com

Monkey Jungle website www.monkeyjungle.com

Coral Castle Museum www.coralcastle.com

Have you been to Miami? How many of these attractions have you seen, or which would you like to experience next time you go? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below and this post too if you think readers will find it useful!

My trip to Miami was possible thanks to the Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. This said all opinions and photos in this post remain, as always, entirely my own.

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