Finding her way around the San Diego Zoo Photo uploaded by vsqz Earth Day is coming up on Tuesday, April 22, so it's only fitting that we highlight San Diego attractions which let you learn more about animal and plant life. Here are some of our picks: San Diego Zoo is consistently ranked among the top zoos and attraction nationwide. The zoo features more than 4,000 rare and endangered animals with the largest collection of Grant Pandas outside of mainland China! Birch Aquarium at Scripps offers another option for learning about animals. Visitors can explore more than 60 different habitats and enter the world of sharks, seahorses, living coral reefs, and more. San Diego Whale Watching Excursions is a fully narrated 3.5 hour adventure through San Diego Harbor past California gray whales. It's also associated with the world famous Birch Aquarium at Scripps (see above). Discovery … [Read more...]
Pike Place Market in the Rain
Pike Place Market photo uploaded by Matt McGee Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather. ~John Ruskin … [Read more...]
New Things to Do in Oahu
Japanese garden at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Oahu Photo uploaded by miszybabykiss Even if you've already been to Oahu and think you know the island inside and out, then think again. This LA Times article reports that changes are afoot at many of the major hotels, shopping centers, and resorts on the island. Among these changes are additions to the Ala Moana Center and Hilton Hawaiian Village (pictured above) and renovations to the Royal Hawaiian, which reopens in mid-December. What's your favorite spot in Oahu? Leave a comment and let us know! … [Read more...]
Free Wine Class at Goosecross Cellars
Wine tasting photo uploaded by paulaloe No visit to Northern California would be complete without tasting wine from a local vineyard. Napa and Sonoma Valleys produce some of the country's best wine. Here, just north of San Francisco, you can tour a vineyard, taste some local wines, and relax at one of several spas. If you're in Napa Valley on a Saturday morning, then you're in luck. Starting in June and running through October, Goosecross Cellars is offered a one hour Wine Basics Class from 10:30-11:30 am. Set against a gorgeous rose garden surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills, the class teaches the basics of wine tasting in a welcoming and fun environment. You'll learn about wine storage, proper tasting techniques, and other facets of wine. Please call 800-276-9210 or make a reservation online, as classes fill up quickly! Of course, with a Go San Francisco Card you can also … [Read more...]
Miami Duck Tours a Fun Activity for All Ages
Miami Duck Tours photo uploaded by Go Card USA Recently my friends and I checked out Miami Duck Tours on a weekend trip to Miami. I was surprised to discover how many famous movies were shot in the South Beach area. From the club scene in the remake of Miami Vice, to the apartment scenes in Ace Ventura Pet Detective to the infamous chainsaw scene in Scarface, you'll think you are in Hollywood! Our tour guide, "Rodney Dangerduck," kept things lively with his trivia facts, jokes, and the occasional quack. He also pointed out many architectural nuances of South Beach that I will always associate with Miami. For instance, did you know that the Art Deco colors of the buildings are meant to mimic the colors of coral? Or that most of the buildings were designed to look like cruise ships, with smoke stacks and round portal windows? The Duck Tour was a great way to tour the city and get a … [Read more...]
Orlando Tourism Goes Green
Silver Springs Nature Park photo uploaded by hellis813 Earth Day is coming up on April 22, and these days it seems like everyone in the travel industry is buzzing about ways to make vacations more eco-friendly. The City of Orlando is also concerned about environmental conservation, so late last year they launched an initiative called Green Works Orlando. The plan calls for increasing the number of trees and green spaces in Orlando, investing in green buildings, and conserving natural resources. This Earth Day, why not visit some of the Orlando attractions that let you experience nature first-hand. From animal petting zoos to rides along the Florida everglades, here are some of our picks. Silver Springs Nature Park features glass bottom boats, giving passengers unrivaled views of marine life in the Silver River. Other highlights include the Big Gator Lagoon, Panther Prowl, and other … [Read more...]
Visiting Boston Colleges
Harvard Square Photo uploaded by diluvi April marks the beginning of tourism season for Boston. Yes, April! Campus visits for incoming freshman to the many local colleges is in full swing. For many visitors, they don’t realize how much of a role academia plays in Boston. There are 122 colleges and universities in the Massachusetts, so it is nearly impossible to go anywhere that doesn’t house or cater to students. Every year U.S. News and World Report releases its list of top colleges and Boston has dominated these lists for as long as I can remember. Here are some of the must sees when visiting these colleges: … [Read more...]
Download a Map of Chicago
If you're visiting Chicago for the first time, then you should be sure to pack a good map so you can find your way around the city. We've put together a map that includes all of the attractions that are part of the Go Chicago Card so you can get the most out of your vacation. Download our Chicago map and start planning your trip to the Windy City! … [Read more...]
Eat in Maui on a Budget
Eating in Maui Photo uploaded by antigone78 Maui is one of those travel destinations that is notoriously expensive. But does the island really live up to its reputation? According to the Los Angeles Times, there are plenty of dining deals to be had if you know where to look. LA Times staff writer Rosemary McClure scoured the island of Maui with a couple of local culinary experts: Bobby Santos, chef instructor at the Maui Culinary Academy, Charmain Tavares, the mayor of Maui, and others. Together, they compiled a list of 20 Cheap Eats Under $20 on Maui. McClure's picks include CJ's Deli & Diner, Sunrise Cafe, and Fish Market Maui. Do you know of a place on Maui that serves inexpensive eats? Leave us a comment, and tell us about it! … [Read more...]
Sneak Peek at Bumbershoot 2008
Bumbershoot 2007 in Seattle Photo uploaded by i am gina's photos If you're planning a trip to Seattle, WA during Labor Day weekend, then you'll definitely want to check out Bumbershoot, which is an annual music and arts festival that attracts over 125,000 visitors to Seattle Center each year. Running August 30 to September 1, 2008, this year's Bumbershoot will feature performances by Beck, Stone Temple Pilots, Lucinda Williams, Neko Case, Ingrid Michaelson, Del Tha Funky Homosapien, and other bands and solo artists to be announced. The festival will also feature literary programs, visual art, dance performances, and a film festival curated by the Seattle International Film Festival. While at Bumbershoot, you might check out other popular Seattle attractions like the Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, and the Experience Music Project (EMP). All are within the Seattle Center area. … [Read more...]
