Weekend Getaways Not Very Far from Home
Weekend Getaways Not Very Far from Home Sometimes life calls for a weekend getaway to de-stress, do something interesting, and have a bit of fun. You might believe it will be difficult to find a destination close enough to make it worth it for just a few days. But don’t worry, there are actually lots of spots that could be precisely what you are searching for in a weekend away. New York City
Depending on where you live, The Big Apple can be reached quite conveniently by flying, driving, or taking a train. It is ideal even in winter, as there are many indoor attractions such as Broadway shows or museums, while in summer visitors can enjoy outdoor places including the High Line and Central Park. History aficionados can go to Ellis Island by ferry to check out the first stop of many immigrants in days past or climb to the top of the famous Statue of Liberty. San Francisco
There is much to enjoy about San Francisco: the iconic cable cars you can ride through downtown streets, the colorful hilly neighborhoods, the dazzling Golden Gate Bridge, and of course the lovely weather. What's more, sports fanatics can enjoy superb views of the San Francisco Bay from AT&T Park in baseball season. Washington, D.C.
Both history buffs and future politicians will love Washington, D.C., with its many things to see on the National Mall such as the inspiring Lincoln Memorial, the impressive Washington Monument, and many others; and most are free of charge. Foodies will love the weekend brunch tradition, popular with both local people and visitors alike. New Orleans
Everyone can find something to really love about New Orleans, with its wide range of things to do and see. If you like history, be sure to check out The National WWII Museum, or if you wish to spend time outside, stroll around the beautiful City Park. No trip would be complete without feasting on beignets and enjoying a night out in the French Quarter. Nashville, NC
This small town is liked by easy-going hipsters, beer connoisseurs, as well as anyone who loves beautiful mountain scenery. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest have jaw-dropping views, and the North Carolina part of the Appalachian Trail is a must for die-hard hikers. After an active day, you can head back to town to enjoy one of 100-plus local brews. Chicago
Chicago's legendary eats, unique neighborhoods, and abundance of can't-miss sights make it a fantastic weekend vacation spot. If the weather is mild, cruise down the Chicago River to see the city’s renowned architecture, then head over to Millennium Park to check out the sculpture locals affectionately refer to as “The Bean”. Meanwhile, museums including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum are great places to get out of winter's biting temps. Seattle
This gem of the Pacific Northwest offers iconic sights like Pike Place Market, the original Starbucks and the Space Needle, all of which you can enjoy in a matter of days. For anyone who would love a good workout, go for a hike in the picturesque Discovery Park, or for daring adventurers, head over to Mount St. Helens, an active volcano whose last major eruption was in 1980. Be sure to take an umbrella, as it does rain quite often in Seattle, though it’s normally more of a light mist.
So Many Things to See and Experience in Asia
So Many Things to See and Experience in Asia Recognized for its sophisticated cosmopolitan lifestyle, Hong Kong is an international trade, style, and culinary hub for Asia. Beach lovers should be sure to arrange a stop on Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, known for its stunning panoramas and cultural experiences. With a colorful history and cultural influences from around the world including Portuguese and Jewish, Cochin (or Kochi) is part of India’s Kerala state and is commonly identified as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”.
Jordan’s Petra, a designated UNESCO World Heritage City, was given the nickname “Rose City” thanks to the color of the rock used to build it. When you sail the world by cruise ship, you can see bustling metropolises and tiny tribal villages, rain forests and mountains, polar bears and lions, all while delighting in the luxurious comfort of your ship.
Get Off the Beaten Track - 10 Best Remote Treks
Get Off the Beaten Track - 10 Best Remote Treks Do you want to really escape and head to places where you can be completely on your own with no one else around? Remove yourself from the routine grind and get close to the outdoors on some of the world’s most obscure hiking trails. Travel from Africa’s 3rd tallest peak to the Australian deserts, or trek down to the most southerly point in Patagonia – you won’t be sorry. And don’t be intimidated by the remoteness of these areas - there’s a path for every level of trekker.
Gokyo Lakes & Renjo La in Nepal
Duration is approximately 17 days (13 days trekking)
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (6)
Ideal for: Active travelers who want to try out a trail different to the ever-popular Everest Base Camp trek
Departure dates: February to mid-May and end of September to December
Do you want stay away from the crazy touristy hikes in the Everest region? This trail goes through Sherpa villages to the lovely greenish blue Gokya Lakes and runs through the Renjo La (5400m) on a rarely traveled trail. It is regarded as one of the greatest hiking trails in the Everest region, and its course gives you a view of the grand Himalaya’s 8000 meter summits. As you ascend to Gokyo Ri, you will witness one of the top views of Everest and neighboring mountains, such as Cho Oyu in Tibet. Larapinta Trail End in Australia
Duration is approximately 14 days
Level: Moderate to challenging (6)
Ideal for the wilderness lovers and seasoned walkers who desire a challenge
Ideal to go is Mid-April to August
An renowned walk in Australia, the complete traverse of the Larapinta follows the West MacDonnell range, over 223 kilometers in Central Australia. Walk through this desert-like area with tucked away ridges and canyons, sleep under the night sky in the Outback; ascend Mount Sonder, one of the highest mountains in the Northern Territory and wake up to a most memorable sunrise. Dientes Circuit on Navarino Island, Chile
Duration is about 6 days - 4 days trekking
Level: Challenging (7)
Ideal for the experienced trekker who wants to get off the beaten track in Patagonia
Ideal time to go is December to March
Journey through the southern-most part of the globe to Dientes de Navarino Massif where you will feel very far from everything. There will not be many other travelers during this 42-kilometer area at the edge of South America. This walk has been described by Lonely Planet as an area in Patagonia with the greatest walking trails and is one of the few remaining remote places left on earth. K2 Base camp, Concordia & Gondogora La, Pakistan
Duration: About 24 days (16 days trekking)
Level: Entry level mountaineering/ exploratory trekking (8)
Ideal for: Those who are looking to get into mountaineering, or who are looking to take on a challenging trek
Ideal to go: Months of June to August
Deemed to be some of the best picturesque hiking trails, it travels from the popular Baltoro Glacier, to the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods” and to the bottom of the world's second biggest mountain. Pakistan’s celebrated hiking trail has grabbed the attention of hikers and mountaineers for countless years, with a 360-degree view of 7,000 meter and 8,000-meter points, as well as the massive K2. The Southern Alps in New Zealand
Duration is about 6 days
Grading: Moderate (5)
Ideal for those looking to head for heights
Ideal time to go: Months of November to April
Considered one of the top hiking (or 'tramping', to locals) locations on Earth, New Zealand’s Southern Alps is a perfect combination of snowcapped peaks, turquoise lakes and golden hills. Trekking in out of the way mountain lakes with remarkable views, this journey has been used as precursor for a walk in the Himalayas. Mountains of the Moon in Uganda
Duration: Approx. 13 days - 10 days trekking
Grading: Entry level mountaineering/ exploratory trekking (8)
Best for those who have ticked off Mt Kilimanjaro from their bucket list and are looking for their next summit challenge
Best time to go is from December to February and June to September
Hidden away and tranquil, the Rwenzori Mountains (or Mountains of the Moon) are Africa's best hidden hidden. Climbing Margherita Peak (5,109m), Africa’s third tallest crest, is not for the faint of heart. West Coast Trail in Canada
Duration is approx. 8 days (7-day full-pack trek)
Grading is considered moderate to challenging (6)
Ideal for those active walkers who love coastal walks and want to combine it with an breathtaking forest trek and wildlife spotting
Best time to go is August
Travel the Strait of Georgia by ferry , head to the northerly trailhead of Vancouver Island to begin your travels, with the possibility of seeing Orca whales, sea lions, eagles, and bears near the shoreline. This walkabout is in the top 10 of all hikes; and if you forecast your time properly, you can take advantage of shoreline strolls on the shelf. Snowman Trek in Bhutan
Duration: Approximately 27 days (23 days trekking)
Grading: Exploratory trekking (8)
Best for anyone desiring a very challenging trek that goes way off the beaten track
Best months to go: Sept. to Nov.
Journey the ultimate traverse of Bhutan crossing over 11 grand passes over 4,500 meters through the isolated part of Lunana. This coveted walk discovers the splendid Paro Valley where you will unearth an area of tiny Buddhist monasteries and isolated villages that are concealed from the world most days of the year. Tajikstan: Pamir Fann Mountains
Duration: About 14 days - 5 days trekking -
Grading: Moderate (5)
Best for: Those wanting to take their bush walking adventures up a level while incorporating historical and architectural sightseeing
When to go: From June to September
Well-known for its rare mountain scenery and its profoundly stunning alpine lakes, this off -the-beaten walk in the virgin areas of Pamir crosses deep valleys with clear lakes and blooming grasslands. You may even catch a glimpse of the summer camps of the Tijiki shepherds. Tavan Bogd, Mongolia
Duration: Approx. 11 days - 4 days actual trekking
Grading: Moderate (5)
Best for anyone looking to explore untracked wilderness and authentic nomadic culture
Ideal time to go: June to August
Geographically, this is the most remote portion of Mongolia, and is lush with unspoiled nature, wildlife and engaging cultural heritage. You will meet local herders, bactrian camels, Kazakh eagle hunters and throat-singing Tuvan citizens, and understand more about the native people.
A Getaway Made for You
A Getaway Made for You Can you remember the greatest trip of your life? What made it the greatest trip ever? Of course, the location was a huge component. But your close friends who went with you made it perfect. Sometimes, an escape with your friends and family is all you need. Other times, meeting new people is on your agenda. Customized travel is the ideal way to design your perfect vacation.
Standard itineraries are always available but creating a distinct one for you takes into consideration your time, hobbies and interests and budget. But planning a individualized tour that fits all your requirements can be a daunting undertaking. This is when you recognize that turning to a pro is the best solution. They can guide you in the right direction when it comes to preparing family trips or romantic getaways, meeting people with your similar interests, the best way to explore the world, and a whole lot more. For those who have unique hobbies, personalized tour packages are ideal. They offer options that you just cannot get from a group tour. Those adventurers, foodies and historians are going to gain much more from an immersive travel program that will meet their needs. Wildlife photography is a great illustration of this kind of travel program. Getting the best shots can take a very long time, something hard to achieve on your run-of-the-mill excursion. An individualized expedition fashioned for photographers, however, guarantees you get as much time as you need to get that special photo. This type of program is also perfect for birdwatchers of the world. Author Robert Lynd was most accurate when he stated, “In order to see birds, it is necessary to become a part of the silence”. On a private tour, birders, as they are called, can dedicate all the time they need searching for that elusive bird without being hurried by the group. Excuse me, do you have the time?
How much holiday time do you have and how much do you have left on your credit card? Personalized trips can be structured to meet these specifications. Perhaps there is an event that you really want to participate in at a specific time of year? Travel advisors can assist you in arranging all of this. A tailored vacation means you can enjoy what you really love to do the way you want to do it.
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