Bob Travel » North America

A Grand Canyon Adventure

admin — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Anyone can go on a vacation. They can plan out their transportation, hotel, and the attractions and activities that will fill their itinerary. They may even create a souvenir shopping list or get reservations to eat at special restaurants. They will return home with good memories and lots of snapshots of their trip. However, it won’t be as memorable as approaching a trip as an adventure.

By it’s very nature an adventure is something out of the ordinary — something that wouldn’t happen in the normal progression of day to day life. Instead of driving and shopping, eating and looking at sights, travelers can find ways to turn their passive, routine vacation into an interactive and exciting adventure. This is especially easy to do at the Grand Canyon .

As one of the natural wonders of the world and one of the most visited vacation spots in America, the Grand Canyon is more than a scenic view. It is a place to be explored and experienced. Visitors can hike down into the Canyon or across the rim. They can take a mule trail or raft down the Colorado to see the Canyon from the bottom. Those that want a different perspective can take one of the many Grand Canyon helicopter tours . Instead of staying in a luxury hotel on the South Rim, they can head to a campsite at the base and gaze up at a mile of exposed rock, flora and fauna.

Changing the approach of a vacation from seeing to doing is all that is needed to create a memorable adventure.

A Grand Canyon Adventure is a post from: Bob Travel

Plan a Nature Vacation in Canada

admin — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Traveling to Canada can be an eye-opening experience for anyone who thinks that it is just like America, only colder. The nation to the north is home to amazing urban centers, world-renowned music and arts festivals, and a breathtaking array of wildlife and natural wonders. In fact, many people choose to book a wildlife tour or to design canadian rockies vacations around outdoor activities and sports.

Imagine a visit to Churchill, Manitoba, the proclaimed Polar Bear Capital of the World . In addition to the white giants, the area is home to many beluga whales and other wildlife that make the nearby icebergs their home. Other travelerss may prefer to head to British Columbia where they can view grizzly bears or enjoy world famous salmon fishing. The wilderness offers countless species of birds, fish, and other wildlife like elk, moose, wolves, and wild cats.

A trip to Banff National Park, Glacier National Park , or Lake Louise will offer a range of outdoor activities, depending on the season. Hiking, rock climbing (or glacier climbing), canoeing, whitewater rafting and skiing are all popular ways to experience Canada. Visitors can head out on an ATV or on horseback to get off the beaten track and away from the hordes of tourists during the high season. In addition to the Rocky Mountains, glaciers, and ice bergs, travelers may choose to view spectacular rivers and lakes or head to the beautiful Takakkaw Falls for a one-of-a-kind sight.

Plan a Nature Vacation in Canada is a post from: Bob Travel

Selling a Vacation Home

Chicago on a Budget

admin — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Budget travel is on the minds of just about everyone these days. Now that households are beginning to recover their economic footing, they are finally starting to think about travel again. Individuals, couples, and even families will head out on vacation in 2011 — some for the first time in three or four years — and they will be highly conscious of the money that they spend on that travel.

When visiting the Windy City of Chicago there are a number of ways to save money. Careful planning ahead of time is the key. Travelers should buy plane tickets and make hotel reservations as far ahead as possible, in order to take advantage of discount rates. They should also look into rewards plans offered by credit cards, travel clubs, and even some employers.

As far as activities to enjoy while in Chicago, there are a number of parks, walking tours, and historic architecture that can be enjoyed for free. Getting a Go Chicago Card or similar pass will guarantee discount admission prices to popular attractions as well as discounts on food and shopping. A savvy budget traveler will also be able to find discounted prices for sporting events, theater productions, and other performing arts to keep entertained during the trip.

Chicago on a Budget is a post from: Bob Travel

Spring Break on a Budget

Great Things to Do in Vancouver

admin — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 02:10:00 +0000

Vancouver is the third largest city in Canada and the largest metropolitan are in all of Western Canada. Consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, it has become a popular vacation destination for not just Canadians, but for people from all over the world. The city is a unique blend of urban life and natural wilderness that can truly offer something for everyone, from great museums to breathtaking natural scenery.

Once you are settled in a good Vancouver hotel , take your pick from the city’s best attractions. Many tourists flock to Stanley Park, which offers a multitude of indoor as well as outdoor activities. This is where you’ll find the Vancouver Aquarium, a petting farm, and scores of opportunities to walk, bike, jog, and rollerblade. There’s hiking, swimming, and stunning ocean views.

You may want to take a trip to Granville Island or stroll through English Bay or go shopping on Robson Street. A day trip to the Capilano Suspension Bridge or out to Grouse Mountain both offer memorable outdoor experiences. Or spend a day at one of the city’s many beaches, which are usually equipped with boardwalks for rollerblading and cycling or rent kayaks or windsurfing gear for ocean adventures.

Other attractions worth your time include the Vancouver Art Gallery, a trip to the Yaletown historic warehouse district and one to Gastown to see some of the city’s oldest buildings and the world’s first steam-powered clock.

Great Things to Do in Vancouver is a post from: Bob Travel

Boy King in New York City

admin — Sat, 22 May 2010 02:10:00 +0000

Discovery Times Square Exposition (Discovery TSX) , is a great place to view some of the most extrordinary, unforgettable exhibits. Located at 226 West 44th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenues, right across the street from the Shubert Alley. If you were hoping to see the Da Vinci’s Workshop, it’s too late, but not to fret, because the King Tut NYC exhibition is now open for a limited engagement. See if your New York hotel gives discount tickets to this compelling exhibition.

Discovery TSX, not only offers world class exhibitions, but they have a cafe’ with a marvelous menu and plenty of seating, plus there are 2 exclusive retail shops: the Discovery Store selling the latest in games; and The New York Times Store selling a wide array of exclusive items that will please any newspaper enthusiast and history buffs.

The King Tut NYC Exhibition hours are Monday to Wednesday 10am to 8pm, Thursday to Friday 10am to 9:30pm, Saturdays 9:30am to 9:30pm and Sundays 9:30am to 8pm. If you have a car, you can park at 146th West 44th between 6th and Broadway, just a block east of Discovery TSX. Once at the exhibition, you’ll behold the legendary Tutankhamun and his treasures, you’ll revel in the spectacular world of the ancient Egyptions, and you’ll be enthralled with the wide array of possessions that were unearthed from the Boy Kings’ tomb. There a 10 galleries to walk through with over 130 aritfacts on display, like King Tut’s golden canopic coffinette and the royal crown found on his head. Plus, you’ll be the first to see the new scientific findings about King Tut DNA studies and other forensics concerning his life and his death.

Ticket prices are $27.50 for adults, $17.50 for children (4-12) and $25.50 for Seniors. For $5 more you can experience the ‘Mummies 3D’, the ultimate Egyptian adventure where the secrets of the Pharaoh’s is a 24 minute 3D journey into the royal tombs, explore the Egyptian’s history and societal and ritualistic lifestyle narrated through mummies of the ancient past. Keep in mind, when you purchase your tickets, they are stamped with a specific entry time. If you miss you slot, Discovery TSX will make every effort to accommodate you at the next time available.

Boy King in New York City is a post from: Bob Travel

The Gardens of Greensboro

admin — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:47:17 +0000

If you love nature and North Carolina, you will want to visit the three public gardens of Greensboro. Stay over night at one of the hotels in Greensboro, in order to take your time and see the Bicentennial Garden, the Greensboro Arboretum, the Bog Garden. (Thank goodness for the hotel directory!) If you stay long enough in 2010, you may also see a fourth garden, the Gateway Gardens, which began construction in May of 2009. All four gardens are sponsored by Greensboro Beautiful in connection with the Greensboro Parks & Recreation Department, dedicated to creating a place of for the senses to enjoy, with contributions to the environment and the people of Greensboro.

The Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden was established in 1976, commemorating the bicentennial of the United States. It’s a destination spot now for the entire Piedmont Triad area. There are shrubs and ground covers, as well as annuals and perennials. There’s canopy trees and flowering trees, too. It’s a great spot in which to be married, as well, considering that it also contains a Wedding Gazebo. You’ll find here a man-made stream which recirculates and provides movement and sound, as well as a Sensory Garden. The Arboretum contains a number of outstanding plants to enjoy and study. It’s situated on 17 acres and features twelve plant collections as well as fountains, an arbor, a gazebo, bridges, and benches. The collection includes a conifer collection (cone-bearing plants), a groundcover collection (low growing, spreading plants), and the William R. Findley Sun Shrub Collection (plants which do well in full sunlight.

The Bog Garden may be found in the middle of the city, and unlike the other gardens, resembles a nature preserve. There’s an elevated wooden walkway that allows visitors to see this wetland, containing a variety of local birds and plants. This boardwalk is surrounded by trees and ferns and shrubs, many of which were the result of volunteer rescues from construction sites. At the Starmount Farms Lake Overlook, you’ll be able to find migrating birds, or the local turtles, ducks, and geese.

On your next trip to North Carolina look out for the fourth garden, the Gateway Garden which should open in 2010. The first phase was begun in May of 2009 and is located about one half mile from Business 85 and the I-40 near Barber Park. The city of Greensboro has been planning this garden for over ten years and should represent everything learned from four decades of building gardens. The master plan includes eleven acres on which you will find the Michel Family Children’s Garden, the Greensboro Heritage Garden, a Japanese Garden, a Rain Garden, a Rose Garden, a Visitors Center, and a walking trails that lead into the White Oak Forest.

The Gardens of Greensboro is a post from: Bob Travel

The Beauty, the Music, The Gardens

Peter’s Place, Chelsea NY

admin — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 17:56:43 +0000

By the end of June, 2009 a center will close that has for many years provided care and assistance for the elderly, homeless population in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City. Peter’s Place is a drop-in site for those over the age of 55. Over the years, thousands of those in their 60′s and 70′s have found comfort and relief from the shelter. Those in their later stages of life, and who have found themselves homeless in such a large city, have found protection and care in the the center, as most centers are either not concerned with the care of the elderly, too over worked to concern, or those that can not afford the staff that is required to care for such a population. For although it is a homeless shelter, it has become known as a senior center that provides specialized medical services for members in the older age demographic, as well as activities such as chess games and knitting circles.

This has been a re-construction plan, of the Department of Homeless Services. A plan to reduce costs involves the cutting of the 24-hour staff necessary for ‘dropin’s', has been theorized as one way the organization will save money. It will no longer be necessary to employ round the clock workers, those who specialize in the care of the elderly. Only two centers cater to this population currently, and the cuts have left many uncertain about the future, as the regular shelters not only can not supply the care needed, but are frightening places for those already fragile souls. And no doubt this is in response to the national economic recession of the United States, for just as these centers are finding it difficult to sustain their services, more and more people are finding themselves in need of those services…finding themselves homeless for the first time in their lives. Arnold Cohen is the president of the organization, Partnership for the Homeless, and ironically, has considered the plan to cut services as a way to remain financially viable, meanwhile he has failed to consider the results that his actions will have on the population he is in charge of serving. It seems a bit like a restaurant deciding to cut costs by no longer serving food or a taxi company deciding to no longer offer fares in order to save money on gas. The Peter’s Place shelter needs help, from local businesses, five star New York hotels and restaurants and any other organizations that can and are still able to provide assistance during these times. The center was founded in the early 90′s and must have a longer run than fifteen years. The elderly population of New York requires it and deserves it.

Peter’s Place, Chelsea NY is a post from: Bob Travel

8:30 to 9:30 Global Blackout

admin — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 20:01:49 +0000

Today, on March 28th in the year of 2009 history is being made. For perhaps one of the first times recorded the people of the world are actually coming together to ‘vote’ on an issue that far spans political ideology or religious differences. The people of the world will cast their vote tonight, for one hour, with the intent to bring to the forefront of thought and concern, the protection and conservation of the planet and her resources. This stands out, more so even than the last U.S. Presidential election, for just as the United States needed Barack Obama, the world and her inhabitants need this vote, this election.

Begun as a simple statement in Sydney, Australia in 2007 and very quickly spreading to cities such as Manhattan and San Francisco, this simple idea took on world proportions, with Singapore luxury hotels and those in Paris, Dubai, Tokyo and Los Angeles taking part. And yes, perhaps it is fashionable to be green. Well, if now is the time, better late than never. From the time of 8:30pm to 9:30pm, citizens around the world are encouraged to participate, by simply turning out the lights. Many cities are providing entertainment as a celebration of this global coming together. In Singapore, the Esplanade is hosting a party, with food and concerts to last through the night, far surpassing the one hour without electricity.

Expected participation of the world-wide one hour blackout, is to exceed one billion, far surpassing the the original 50 million taking part in 2007. In the early years of the 2000′s, those living in the Los Angeles area experienced ‘brown-outs’. A last resort to combat over-used and over-taxed energy companies. Left in the middle of a twelve lane intersection, at Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive during rush hour in July is not a comfortable position to be placed in. Tonight, that blackout will be in each individuals’ control. In order to fix and maintain, control must be felt from within. For not only is it a bit more predictable and less dangerous than submitting to governmental control in the middle of an intersection in one of the world’s largest and most congested cities, it promotes a sense of responsibility. To each of us that pass each other on the street, as well as those we affect throughout and around the world.

8:30 to 9:30 Global Blackout is a post from: Bob Travel

The Heart of Greenwich Village

admin — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 21:19:55 +0000

Washington Square park sits in the center of one of the most noted and respected artist communities, that of Greenwich Village in New York. The history of this square bit of land is extensive, and the beauty of it as it is today only reinforces that history creates character. During the late 18th century it was not a park at all, but the plot of land set aside for a burial ground, just far enough out the city limits to bury those that fell to yellow fever. The park, however not a park yet– was built during the 1820′s, and was constructed for the purpose of a popper’s grave site and the location of public executions, hangings to be exact. And rumor continue to this day, concerning one tree. Urban legends state that the tree is located by the arch while other legends state that is on the opposite end of the park. Allegedly, there are still twenty thousands bodies beneath the soil, under the playgrounds and dog parks and benches. Perhaps in a strange way, that is one reason for the peaceful, yet alive feeling one gets while hanging out, watching and listening to the street performers or taking in the work that the local artists set up to sell on the sidewalk.

During the sixties, popular artists such as Bob Dylan and Jack Kerouac furthered the mystery. Writing songs and poetry about the park, and living in the Village enhanced the mystique and lives on in the culture and the arts of today… creating and producing any artwork in that location at that time is a mystery and romantic notion in and of itself, but the culture of the Beatnik generation established the park during the times, and continues to influence communities today. Countries, such as Singapore, look to these communities and times, trying to assess just why the artistic spirit took off the way it did, and how ‘can we do it again?’ The restaurants of New York, the clubs, and well–the sidewalks, they all were affected by and prospered due to the creative moment and movement of the time. During the 80′s, drug dealers moved in and threatened the people living around the park as well as those visiting. Devices and involvement set in motion by Rudy Giuliani have, over time, given back life to the park, the artistic and creative spirit that has over the years, drawn so many to this small block of Manhattan.

Because of its proximity to New York University, a residential neighborhood, and the stores and clubs of the Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park is a major center of community activity, used by so many different groups use that it has become a microcosm of New York City. In some ways the park’s biggest asset – its popularity – is also its detriment, due to the incredible demand that the heavy use puts on its physical infrastructure. The park’s design encourages activity, with paths laid out so that people cut through it, and facilities to attract people of all ages, including playgrounds, chess area, and a dog run. The central fountain and triumphal arch serve as focal points that create a space for people to gather, see and be seen.

The Heart of Greenwich Village is a post from: Bob Travel