Order Your Free Travel Brochures Now

The A1A Coastal Highway allows travelers to experience the best of what Florida has to offer. On your 72 mile drive along the eastern coast of Florida, you’ll enjoy 2 hours of white, sandy beaches and fresh ocean air. Coastal towns, large and small, will share with you their culture and history. Ponte Vedra Beach, St. Augustine, Marineland, Beverley Beach, and Flagler Beach are the key cities you will visit on this scenic trip.

Ponte Vedra Beach:
This seaside community is known for its plush resorts, including the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club and the Lodge and Club, and its golf. The PGA tour and the Players Championship are held at the Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass.
The first park encountered on this journey is Bird Island Park in Ponte Vedra. It features Florida-native plants and two walking trails. You can bird-watch, while enjoying a picnic by the entrance gazebo. Then take a stroll through the hedged sea turtle maze.

If you love hiking, biking, and wildlife, the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve is the place to go. Exhibits show you what grows and lives in the Guana, a preserved habitat for fish and various species.
Whether you are looking for lunch, dinner, or a relaxing night out, great seafood is available at the Aqua Grille. Also, delectable food and wine are at your fingertips at the Restaurant Medure in Ponte Vedra Beach.

St. Augustine:
St. Augustine was founded in 1565, and is full of history. You can visit Ponce De Leon’s Fountain of Youth, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, or even the oldest house in the U.S., the Gonzalez-Alverez house. While you are
here join a tour of the Fort Matanzas National Monument. The watchtower was built in 1742 to prevent enemy ships from attacking St. Augustine, which was at the time the center of Spain’s coastal defenses. The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument took 23 years to build (from 1672 to 1695).History lovers will appreciate these attractions.

For the kids, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm is a fun addition to your trip. It features displays of reptiles and bright, exotic birds. Go for a walk on the nature trail, watch an exhibition of snakes and alligators, or enjoy the Lemurs and the amazing Komodo dragon.
While you are here, Ripley’s Believe it or Not is a unique stop. Then set sail on the Schooner Freedom, where you can delight in a sunset sail or a private charter in the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. Grab a bite to eat at the Columbia Restaurant in the historic district.

Marineland:
Marineland is the name of the city and the largest attraction located there. You’ll want to make a reservation for the Dolphin Adventure. It allows you to spend time with dolphins by feeding and swimming with them. Why not try the Trainer for a Day program and see what it’s like to work with these amazing animals?
The Seabreeze Sweet Shop is a tasty stop to make on your scenic drive, but if you want more than a quick snack, The Atlantic Grille at the Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast in near-by. It offers ocean views while you dine on delicious seafood.

Beverly Beach and Flagler Beach:
These cozy little beachside towns offer a wide variety of fishing, surfing, snorkeling, swimming, and boating. Rent a kayak or a bicycle and enjoy the old Florida charm along 6 miles of uncrowded beaches.
Prime fishing is available off the Flagler Beach Pier. Dip your toes in the water and catch some flounder or redfish. Also, visit the Flagler Beach museum to view historic pictures of the town and some of its celebrated visitors, such as American aviators- Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh.
Plan to visit the Turtle Shack for crab cakes and onion rings while you are here, but for a night out, soak up the beauty and tranquility of the coast in one of many oceanfront restaurants.

The A1A Coastal highway is one of the most beautiful, calming parts of Florida. Have fun playing golf, surfing, and fishing in its shimmering waters. Enjoy its attractions and cuisine and savor its history and rich culture.

Marcie McDonald is an insurance consultant who writes for cheapestcarinsurance.org.uk. She recommends checking online sites to compare car insurance rates, and also to see if you qualify to cheapest car insurance before making your choice.

I would always wish for a button in my life that would transport me to a world full of joy and happiness. Guess what? My wish just got granted by a Genie called ‘Houston’. Yes, Houston is a place where fun lets you be a part of its world.

So there I was, with my backpack of expectations, all set to explore Houston. As mentioned in my opening line of being transported into a different world, I decided to first visit the Space Center and do myself the favor of getting transported into a fun world. I was amazed with what I was looking at.

Powered by NASA’s technology, this place looked far from real. Humongous space crafts, astronauts, space related games galore, I was told by a staff there are almost 250 different things to do here. Amongst all, I decided to shortlist the Blastoff theatre. I must say it was one of the most thrilling experiences of my life. I always wanted to feel what a real astronaut would feel like when the blast off takes place. This theatre just does that. It put you in the driver’s seat and gives you the feel of launching into space. I was so excited that I did not want to come back. I was further updated on things like the current space flights, astronaut training activities, and exploration details of Mars. It was an out-of-the-world experience for sure. Now, it was time to get back to the real world and have more fun. After the skies and space, it was time to have some underwater fun.

As I arrived to a place called Downtown Aquarium, I just realized that it was not only an aquarium but a sea world built to fascinate. Right from a 17th century Spanish Galleon shipwreck to a rainforest to a sunken temple…really intriguing stuff. Thought all these sounded like I was a part of an adventure-thriller movie, it was for real and happening before my eyes.

The sights that really stole my heart and gave me goose-bumps were the White tigers of the Maharaja Temple. They were looking so dignified and exotic, that I was just about to foolishly ask to take one home and pet it.
A day full of amusement and excitement was coming to an end and I did not want to stop till I got enough. I realized in Houston, ‘enough’ would be an understatement as there are uncountable things you can do in this place. Since it was getting dark, I was in a mood to party. Prior to my visit I had found about a lounge called Avani Lounge – one of the best places for food, music and of course dance.
Boy oh boy, was I surprised or what, as soon as I entered, I was greeted with the Brazilian dancers who had built up a carnival atmosphere. The energy was spell-bounding. The DJ was spinning house, hip-hop, reggae and even to my amusement bollywood music.

As soon the bollywood music started, I saw some Indians on the floor. What a sight it was to see these folks doing their stuff with signature bollywood moves and yes not to forget, the pelvic thrusts. Everything here was captivating, the food, the dance floor and the spirits too. What a day it was. Indeed, a day well spent. But I was sure I had just seen 0.001% of what Houston had to offer. I promised to myself and Houston in one of the famous statements from a movie –‘I’ll be back’.

About the Author -

Charles is an avid traveler and writes travel articles for various travel websites sharing his personal experiences. His recent delight was Houston Things To Do where he would love to go back and hit the road again!

Do you remember those days after you got your first learners permit? Were your parents sitting next to you with a constant monologue of safety tips and reminders? Sometimes those voices still repeat in your head with warnings about using signals, checking mirrors and watching your speed. If you’re driving an RV for the first time, all those little pieces of advice take on an even greater sense of importance. Along with your regular safe driving habits, there are a few more special pieces of advice just for RV drivers.

Braking takes longer.

An RV is a big vehicle and the laws of nature dictate that big vehicles takes a longer time to stop. Keep this in mind while driving and try to keep one vehicle length for each 10 mph between you and the vehicle in front of you. Be patient and calm because being a little late isn’t worth running into someone.

Watch Your Head.

RV’s are not only heavier and longer, but they are taller as well. A familiar route of tree lined streets, drive-thoughs and even bridges can become unexpectedly hazardous with just the added height. Check your vehicle specifications to find out exactly how tall you are, and remember to look up! If you store anything on the luggage rack, remember to add that on top of the regular vehicle height.

Wind is Not Your Friend.

The tall, solid height of an RV is like a ship’s sail on the open seas. Every strong gust of wind, or wake of a passing truck will buffet the sides of your RV, pushing you around the road. Sometimes this is helpful, like when the wind is at your back going down the road and saving you gas money, but most times it is just dangerous and something you need to stay aware of. One uncorrected swerve could put you into another lane or even off the road.

Everything’s Bigger, Including Your Blind Spots.

Cruising down the interstate may actually be the easiest part of driving an RV. When you’re trying to park, back up, or even navigate narrow, busy city traffic, it is a different story. If you get to thinking you are the big rock star of the open road, don’t forget to remember ‘the little people.’ Take extra time and precautions to check your blind spots and avoid damages to not only your vehicle, but others as well.

In conclusion, be alert, be patient and don’t be afraid to ask for help. RV’s are an easy and fun way to vacation, and if you do your best to be a safe driver, you’ll be able better able to enjoy the places the road leads you to.

Charlie Sullivan is an insurance consultant for autoinsurance.info, where you can find everything from a New Jersey Auto Insurance Company to the best Auto Insurance Quotes in Colorado.

Few ski resorts in Europe boast a scenic and exciting ambiance like the French Alps village of La Tania. This spectacular ski resort is tucked away in the Courchevel region of the world famous Trois Vallees. La Tania isn’t an overly historic ski area, like neighbouring Meribel, as it was primarily developed for the Albertville Winter Olympics in 1992.

There is no direct train link or flight into La Tania ski resort. The most effective way to travel here is by rail and road. Most visitors take the high-speed train from Paris, Lyon or another major French or European city to the nearby town of Moutiers. From here, it is a simple 30-minute drive to reach this amazing little skiing settlement.

Accommodation is found throughout the centre of the village. Most of the lodgings are apartment-style accommodation or small hotels. However, there are a number of chalets located in the outer area of city which are surrounded by forests. La Tania is certainly equipped for tourism, especially since its inception in time to stage the 1992 Winter Olympics.

Skiers will absolutely fall in love with the village of La Tania, and not just because of the awesome ski runs that are literally right on its doorstep. The downtown area of the town consists of: several shops; basic services like a supermarket, a post office and a bakery; a tourist office; a ski lift office; and about a dozen notable restaurants and pubs. It is easy to feel right at home in this quaint little village.

However, some visitors barely spend any time at all wandering the car-less centre of La Tania because they are too busy snow surfing the slopes of the surrounding mountain sides. Ski runs ranging from black level to absolute beginner circuits are found conveniently close to La Tania.

With an elevation of 1,400 metres, La Tania couldn’t wish for better slopes or a more ideal climate for skiing. However, there are always snow machines ready to be whipped out just in case the snow begins to thin early.

Even though the Trois Vallees region consists of about 186 ski runs, La Tania only plays host to seven. Nevertheless, there are several chair lifts serving the village and a 12-person gondola can be taken from the village to other surrounding areas, including the ski runs of Courchevel and Meribel. The three main sections of La Tania’s ski field are divided into the red, blue and green pistes.

Skiing may be the main activity that appeals to visitors to La Tania. However, tourists who come here quickly learn that the village has plenty more to offer than just downhill ski runs. Adventure lovers should try their hand at dog sledding, with tours easily organised through the local tourist office. Who wouldn’t love to be ploughed through a blanket of picturesque, white snow behind a pack of huskies? Snowshoeing tours and paragliding are also popular with tourists.

When the day is done, there’s no end to the fun as La Tania boasts a pub that will stun! Ok, so there is only one main pub in the village centre, which is commonly referred to as Pub Le Ski Lodge. Some visitors may not feel overly enthused with the one pub idea, but at least the establishment is buzzing most nights of the week.

John wrote this post for Alpine Action who provide ski chalets accommodation in La Tania and Meribel

There are many interesting cities in North America, but one of them stands out from the crowd – it’s Toronto. If you ever end up in Toronto and can’t visit other cities in Canada, do not be particularly upset – Toronto can offer you almost everything you would expect to see in a big city in North America.

It’s one of those cities that never sleeps, because there is always something going on there. If you consult a Toronto entertainment calendar, you will get a glimpse of Toronto’s rich cultural life.

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the fifth largest city in North America with a population of over 2.5 million people. Toronto owes its success to its strategic geographical position – it has easy access to other large mega-cities such as New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit, Montreal, etc. This position was an important factor in the city’s historic development and emergence as one of the largest business, cultural, scientific and sports centers in North America.

Another peculiarity of Toronto is that it’s one of the most diverse city in the world, formed by waves of immigrants from all over the world.

Canada is actively attracting immigrants, and most of them decide to settle in Toronto, which gives the city its ethnic flavor. Toronto has no equal in the world in the abundance of ethnic restaurants, variety of places of worship and cultural centers, and in the number of ethnic festivals and celebrations held throughout the year.

History of Toronto

Toronto appeared on the map in 1750, as a small fort called Fort Rouillé, used by the French salesmen as a trading point with the Indians. The fort existed only until 1759, then it was abandoned.

In 1793, the governor of Upper Canada (today’s Ontario), John Simcoe assigned Fort York the status of a city. The current name of Toronto the city received on March 6, 1834.

During all the years Toronto has grown rapidly, attracting a large volume of immigrants arriving in Canada. The Irish were the first major ethnic group that settled and dominated in Toronto for a long time.

This was changed by a large wave of immigration in the late 19th – early 20th century, when many Germans, Frenchmen, Italians and Jews arrived in Toronto. Then the city saw an influx of immigrants from China and Eastern Europe, primarily from Poland, Ukraine and Russia.

After the Second World War, the city accepted another wave of immigrants, mainly from Western and Eastern Europe. As a result, the city’s population reached one million.

However, for a long time Toronto remained primarily an industrial city, overshadowed by Montreal, which played the role of the financial and cultural capital of Canada.

This changed in 1980, when thanks to the rapid development of Toronto and an increase in its population, Toronto gradually surpassed Montreal and turned into a major financial center.

From that moment the city began a new chapter in its history. Toronto rapidly developed into an important focal point of cultural and business life, joining the echelons of such mega-cities as New York, London and Tokyo.

Today, Toronto is one of very important tourist destinations in the world. It’s attracting millions of tourists every year thanks to its colorful ethnic neighborhoods, festivals, and a large number of world-class museums, amusement parks and other attractions.

About the author:

Svetlana Rubejov lives and works in Toronto, expressing her love for the city by writing Life in Toronto City Guide – a guide for immigrants and tourists, covering everything from cheap hotels Toronto and the city’s attractions to its real estate and job search tips.

Whilst the thought of spending a week on a snow capped mountain bound to a pair of planks which send you whizzing down a hill sends a chill down some people’s spines, for many winter sports holidays are the ultimate getaway for those longer months of the year. With breath-taking views and pisted runs for skiers of all abilities, ranging from the absolute beginner to the seasoned pro, ski resorts can be a great deal of fun.

In order to have the snow sports holiday of a lifetime you need to ensure you’re thoroughly prepared, both mentally and physically, so you can tackle the testing terrain.

Fitness

Although skiing is an enjoyable sport for people of all shapes and sizes, you’re more likely to enjoy yourself if you’re physically prepped to tackle those moguls. If you’re thinking of taking on the black runs or challenging the off-piste powder it’s advisable to ease your body into some level of physical activity to prevent injury on the slopes. Focus on your thighs and calves, which will feel the burn when making your sweet turns, to make sure you’re physically prepared. Focus on increasing your energy levels too, you don’t want to burn out before après ski!

Resort

One major factor which will effect which resort you choose to holiday in is your level of ski ability. Whilst most resorts have a mixture of blue (beginner), red (intermediate) and black (advanced) runs, some resorts are more tailored to a certain ability level. Before diving in head-first and booking a holiday create a list of resorts to choose from which are voted best for your skill level. Many travel websites provide their opinion on which ski ability the resort is best tailored to so you can use them to assemble a rough list of possible holiday destinations.

Finance

Yet another factor that will affect your choice of destination is your budget range. Whilst the most popular resorts in the alps will have the highest price tags you may find that ski packages make your dream holiday more affordable. Packages which include the essentials of a skiing holiday such as; lift pass, ski hire, transfers and even ski tuition can help you to get a good deal in a top resort.

If you’re really struggling to finance a week’s holiday and want to visit one of the ski giants, you could opt for a ski weekend so you can still get your fix of powder. You’ll need to be a first lift until last lift skier on a weekend break so you can make the most of your limited skiing time.

If you’re looking for a tranquil ski holiday then one of the quieter resorts could be the perfect destination for you. Generally speaking, the less tourist-based a resort is the lower the prices of accommodation, lift passes and food will be. In addition to that, you’ll benefit from quieter slopes, allowing you to have the run of the piste and make those beautiful wide turns.

Your first trip to mountains can be an incredibly magical one, the mountain air and exercise can be incredibly exhilarating. Being well prepared can help you to make the most of your time spent in the snow and of course, during après ski!

This post was written by skiing enthusiast and avid blogger Stephanie Staszko who writes on behalf of Golf 247 who retail the 2012 cobra amp driver and would choose a sports holiday over lying on the beach any day of the week!