First stop should be Lago Bayano in Darien, which is a giant lake that is allegedly dangerous given the fact its border is close to Columbia. However, the region is actually quite safe and it has picture perfect views that will impress just about any explorer. Here you will find some fantastic caves to explore along the edges of the lake that hide waterfalls in a place that could be easily described as paradise.

Another great stop is the island of Isla Canas located to the south of the Azuero Peninsula in Los Santos. Isla Canas is home to some of the best untouched beaches in Panama and since it does not get a lot of tourist activity offers some unique wildlife sightings such as giant leatherback turtles. However, you will not find any hotels on the island so make sure to bring a tent if you want to stay the night.

Finally, another island worth checking out is the Boca Brava found just off the coast of the country over in the Chiriqui province. The Boca Brava region is home to plenty of white sand beaches with jungle right behind them, offering endless opportunities for an eco-tourist. The best way to get out and see the area is to hire a boatman and head out along the coast to see all of the sights from a local perspective and with plenty of local fisherman this should not be a problem.

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Here are some money-saving tips for visitors to Florida for your holidays in 2012, whether you’re a first-timer or repeat holidaymaker to the Sunshine State:

For Disney holidays in 2012 UK and Ireland residents can purchase Disney’s Ultimate 7- and 14-day Tickets before they leave the country, so buy your park tickets before you depart and it will make budgeting whilst on holiday a little easier. In addition there are many other park ticket combinations, which offer access to most of the major attractions, you’ll save a bundle by buying them altogether than purchasing single-day park tickets.

Spend your holiday in a villa, town home or condo – holidays to Florida are excellent value particularly if you are travelling in a larger party. Villa resort communities can offer homes with up to 7 bedrooms, which can sleep 14 people comfortably. Purchase all your essential food items and sundries at the local or on-site store, plus, you’ll save money by not dining out in resort hotels or local restaurants each evening.

Steer clear of peak travel periods like summer, Christmas and Easter school holidays. If your dates are flexible then it’s definitely worthwhile booking a great-value spring or autumn Florida bargain in May, June, September or November, fabulous weather still prevails and is balmy but not oppressive, plus the parks contain fewer people – bonus!

Finally, make sure to book with a trusted ATOL-protected tour operator. Your package holiday i.e. accommodation, flights, car hire and attraction tickets will be 100% secure, plus it will give you total peace of mind. Also, independent travel agents that specialise in Florida and the wider USA constantly search and source the best rates and deals in the market, ensuring you receive the best possible price.

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There is plenty of entertainment in this area for the entire family and many tourists flock here in large numbers every year. It is not just the beaches that make Costa Rica a fantastic destination and if you are looking for more than a beach holiday there is no better country to come to.

The weather in Guanacaste is some of the most consistently perfect in the world and this weather makes it a permanent paradise. There is also very little rainfall in the country, especially during the winter time, and this makes it a perfect destination for people who are looking to escape the winter blues. The range of beaches in this part of Costa Rica is wide and as well as perfect white sand beaches you will also find black sand ones that have been created by volcanoes.

In the area you will find Playa Conchal, and this is one of the best beaches in all of Costa Rica. The direct translation of the name of this beach means ‘shell beach’ and it is so named because of all the tropical shells that are washed up onto the shore and remain there. This is the perfect location for people just looking to sit on the beach, soak up the sun and listen to the waves lap gently on the shore.

If you are looking for a bit more action and adventure then it is worthwhile heading to Playa Naranjo or Playa Tamarindo, which host some of the best surfing in the country. It is particularly easy to learn surfing in this area as there are plenty of surfing instructors looking for business. Numerous surf shops are located near the beaches and these make it easy to find both equipment and tuition.

Playa Naranjo is located in the beautiful Santa Rosa National Park and is wonderfully isolated. When you compare it to some popular beaches in North America and Europe it will feel worlds away and seem like a true paradise.

Generally, people who travel to Central America often have concerns about whether there are good enough amenities and if it is safe destination. Fortunately, if you are coming to Guanacaste this is nothing to worry about and there is an airport just half an hour away from the closest beach town.

This allows for stress free travel within the country, and in the beach towns you will find all the conveniences that you would find at any other popular beach location around the world. Costa Rica is also a relatively low-cost destination and the exchange-rate means that hotels and other things that might be expensive in North America, or Europe, are generally much more affordable. The only problem with Costa Rica is you will find yourself not wanting to leave.

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The majority of Edmonton’s parks are located right on the banks of the North Saskatchewan river, which has provided the city with 22 parks, each creating an oasis  of lush green spaces, subterranean ravines and azure lakes. This is the largest expanse of parkland in the whole of North America and is known as the Ribbon of Green.

If you are lucky enough, you may well spot a coyote, deer, porcupine or even a bear hiding amongst the dense foliage. There is also golf and a wide range of water sports to enjoy along the riverbank.  The river is teeming with fish, and is irresistible to anglers, and fishing is also allowed in some of the lakes in Edmonton’s sprawling riverside parks.

There is more fun to be had in the winter, when a thick blanket of snow and the lakes freezing over brings the onset of winter sports. The biking  trails are transformed into tracks for cross country skiing and tobogganing, whilst the lakes become skating rinks. If winter sports aren’t your thing, just have some fun in the snow and build a fort or a snowman.

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Rio San Juan is located in Nicaragua and is a place with an incredible amount of history. It was first explored in the 16th century by conquistadors and was dominated by English pirates through the 17th century. The river was the site of epic battles and later a place where people hoped to find gold. It runs for nearly 200 km and takes water from the largest lake in Central America, Lake Nicaragua, and deposits it in the waters of the Caribbean.

On its bank there are isolated farming communities that only can reach other inhabited places by use of the river, as the tropical rainforests around them is simply too thick to navigate. People in the area refer to the river as a ‘road’ because of the amount of transport that takes place on it. If you are looking for a holiday that is off the beaten track then there is no better place to head to and you can take a tour down the river which lasts 12 hours.

Generally, ferries that make the journey depart from San Carlos, a fishing town upriver. In order to reach here you have to take an additional 14 hour trip as you have to cross an enormous lake to reach it. Most tours are organised so that you are able to enjoy the spectacular sunrise as you start to reach the beginning of the river.

The waterway was strategically very important in history and it was used by the Spanish to set up their empire, but also was used by pirates. By the 17th century, pirates were dominating the area and it was the site of the ransacking of some of the richest cities in Spanish lands. In order to combat the pirates the Spanish added a great deal of fortifications to the river during the 1600s but today only one fort remains.

This fort can be found in the town of El Castillo and it was constructed in 1675. If you go on this river tour then you will be able to stop in this town and explore the fort. There is an excellent museum which tells of its history as well as that of other fortifications that once existed along the river.

One of the greatest problems for people who came to conquer the region were the tropical diseases they encountered and any tourist in the area would be wise to bring a mosquito repellent. The tropical jungle that surrounds the river is full of the pests and without any repellent you’re going to get eaten alive.

There are several tiny communities that a tour will stop in on the way down and most of these are nothing more than a few thatched farmhouses and a scattering of banana trees. It is fascinating to see the simple lives that these farmers on the river banks lead and they seem genuinely quite surprised to see tourists stopping in their town.

The river once had dreams of becoming a major international shipping channel but these faded with the construction of the Panama Canal at the turn of the 20th century. Since the construction of this major shipping lane, the Rio San Juan fell out of use and in the 1980s many of the buildings surrounding it were destroyed by a hurricane.

Nicaragua cruising the Rio San Juan

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This region is a very popular tourist attraction because of its powerful history but also attracts people because there are many outdoor activities in the region. There are opportunities for skiing, rafting, hiking, golf and many other outdoor activities.

There are a great many cities in New England with well-developed facilities that offer exceptional sightseeing, accommodation, food, and cultural activities. Boston, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire are some of the most popular places in New England and all have excellent museums, parks, and nightlife.

Food in New England is quite unique from the rest of United States and it embraces its historical roots. The various dishes have been updated so that they are acceptable to the modern palate and there are many different foods to try while you are in the region. Shopping is also something that can be enjoyed in the region and many items such as fine art, gift boxes, souvenirs, posters and prints are all available.

The United States is very large country and even a specific region like New England has internal flights. If you come to America and want to visit the different cities in the region you can easily do this by taking a shorthaul flight. Taking an internal flight in the United States is an easy process as you don’t have to arrive at the airport as early as you do for an international departure.

For those coming to New England with children there are plenty of activities and there are numerous amusement parks across the region. The range of attractions in New England makes it a very popular place to visit for people of all ages. Many of the popular cities have Aquarians ensues which is sure to fascinate children and adults alike.

The region is actually home to some of the world’s largest zoos which are inhabited by some of the most diverse animals from all around the planet. They are particularly known for their sea life and the Aquarians provide a fascinating insight into life below the waves.

New England is a place with a rich history and a deep running culture. Throughout the major cities in the region there are numerous monuments and museums which provide proof of the countries rich history. For anyone visiting the region taking a tour around any of these attractions is a good way to get an idea into the history of New England.

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The Colca Canyon for example is an amazing sight located about one hundred miles away from Arequipa and is famous for its depth and its wide array of wildlife.  The Canyon itself is twice as large as the much more famous Grand Canyon and offers some great views such as views of the Andean condor which is the largest bird on the earth.  It also is great for hiking through given the fact that towns line both sides of the canyon so that you can easily work your way slowly up the trail with plenty of places to stop and set up camp.

Those who may want to take it a bit easier while on holiday should consider taking an aerial flight or helicopter tour over the Nazca Lines given the fact that the large pattern is stunning to observe from above.  It is even more amazing that the design was made by primitive civilizations centuries ago by hand and there are plenty of flights and companies that offer such tours.

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Guanajuato is probably regarded as one of the greatest treasures of the country. It is a place known for its stunning colonial architecture and it is regarded as the art capital of the country. A unique experience available here is to take a trip to see mummies that are enclosed in glass and uncover their secrets.

Another great destination is Puerto Escondido and the beach Zicatela is regarded as one of the greatest surfing locations in the world. It has fantastic curving waves that will keep surfers occupied and thrilled for days. This location is a part of Oaxaca and it can be reached by minibus from this city.

Tuburon Island is a place well worth exploring, it is the meeting point of the Gulf of California and the Sonoran Desert. This place is full of natural beauty and there is a strip of water, called the El Infiernillo which travellers can cross to see some of the other wonders of the area.

If you travel to western Mexico you will find the Bahias de Huatulco which has nine bays visitors can explore and a great deal of lush vegetation. This can be a destination that is a little tricky to reach but if you do get there you will find it well worth the trouble.

There are many options for a holiday when you travel to Mexico. All-inclusive packages are a popular option and these will include hotels as well as flights. It is also possible to arrange the journey yourself although this will require slightly more preparation. Flights to Mexico can be found at good rates if you look around different agents.

Mexico is a location that is full of unique places to visit. A traveller to the country will find that they have a holiday experience very different from what they have been used to. The country has so much to explore and see that they wish they had a longer stay.

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There are several important water sources that supply the urban water supply, and recreation and quality of life for residents, while preserving the landscape and promoting tourism. The preservation of the park is directly related to the welfare, health and wealth of the city, and perhaps its greatest green asset.

The Tijuca National Park was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1991.
It is the smallest national park and is in the central portion of the city and the blends in seamlessly with the urban area.

Originally, the entire park was covered by dense Tropical Rainforest. Historically, this forest was heavily degraded due to the removal of timber, firewood and charcoal for their numerous mills, cane sugar production, brick kilns and for domestic purposes, as well as the expansion of coffee in almost all areas.

In 1860, by order of Emperor D. Pedro II, the area began to be reforested with native tree seedlings. Along with natural regeneration, the area was reclaimed, forming the forest we see today, with a rich and diverse flora.

As a result of the changes that have occurred over the past 400 years, the biosphere of the park is unique and does not have all the animals that characterise similar sites of Atlantic slope of the Serra do Mar. The majority of wildlife are shy of visitors or have nocturnal habits.

There are insects, spiders and other arthropods including several snake species, caninana, corals, jararaca and jararacucus, lizards, geckos and iguanas plus birds lizards, tanagers, lace, tanagers, spies, hummingbirds, Juriti, hawks, vultures, urus, and Jacupemba inhambus-comum.

The mammals are marmosets, monkeys, dogs-do-mato, coatis, raccoons, cats, pigs, cavies, hedgehogs coendu, squirrels, tapitis, armadillos, anteaters and opossums-Mirim

Recreation & Sports Practice

Mountaineering is one of the many activities practiced in the park. The Tijuca National Park, besides the beautiful scenery of its many vantage points Chinese Pavilion, Mirante Dona Marta, Vista Admiral, it is possible to enjoy the quiet, calm, clean air, mild temperature and inspiring environment of the rainforest.

Hiking trails, swimming in the waterfalls, biking and picnicking are some of the recreational activities allowed. The walks are moderate and unfold to offer stunning views at Pedra Bonita at 524 m, Parrot’s Peak at 987 m and Pico da Tijuca at 1,021 m, and walks with more difficulty show the spectacular panorama in the Stone Gavea at 842 m.

The park has a visitor’s centre, library, health and various recreational areas, such as Dogwood, Bom Retiro, Mayrink and the Dam of Solitude.

Hours.

The park is open daily from 8 am to 1700, and 1800 during the summer. The many roads allow the visitor to view the park on foot, bicycle, motorcycle, auto and bus and to see the Statue of Christ Redeemer and spectacular Lookout Mountain. Visitors are also offered the option of the train journey with the Corcovado Railroad, which starts at the station located at Rua Cosme Velho.

Several tour companies run circuits in the park in special vehicles, and a helicopter can be used to view the Tijuca National Park sites and it is possible to hire a scenic flight in the area with the Mirante Dona Marta.

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Barbados is situated north east of Venezuela and east of the Windward Isles where the Caribbean Sea meets the north Atlantic. The mild tropical climate, sweeping landscapes and some of the friendliest people you could wish to meet make this a perfect holiday hotspot. Add to this the vibrant buzz of the lively streets and you truly have all the ingredients for the holiday of a lifetime.

Due to its location, Barbados has an average annual temperature of between 75-80F and as the weather conditions stay relatively the same all year round, there is no good or bad time to visit Barbados.  Winters are warm, summers are hotter, and proceeding the months of summer there is always the possibility of rain.

Millions of tourists flock to Barbados every year, and there is a lot more to this island than just a beach holiday, even though the white sands are some of the most beautiful in the world. Watersports in the crystal clear waters are as popular as you would expect, and swimming, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing etc are all available off the coast of Barbados.

The towns on the island are colourful and exciting and well worth the time to have a good look around. The Barbadian capital is Bridgetown, and here you can see such ancient and historical landmarks such as the Neogothic Parliament buildings, Bridgetown Synagogue, the National Heroes Square and an awful lot more. Those interested in history will love wandering the streets and taking in heritage of the island.

Other attractions well worth exploring out of town are the Chalky mount Potters, East Coast Road and Crane Beach. As you will imagine, the food here is exemplary. Whether you pay a visit to one of the top restaurants such as the Cliff, The Lone Star or the Red House inn, or one of the smaller eateries favoured by the locals, you are guaranteed a meal that will make your mouth water just looking at it.

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In recent years, cheap flights to New York have put it on the map as a realistic destination for the budget holidaymaker. Flights can now be found at rates similar to prices from the UK to other European countries and flight times make a weekend in the Big Apple quite manageable. This has meant a piece of the American dream can be available to more of us than ever before.

Although Washington DC is the capital of the United States, many people think of New York as being its cultural, food and finance capital.

New York has plenty of iconic buildings like the Empire State Building and Chrysler building you can visit but possibly the most iconic of all in New York is the Statue of Liberty, which was designed by Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, built in France, and shipped to New York when it was finished in 1884. Access to the crown is limited so if you wish to book a place when you go, you will need to do so well in advance.

There are several islands you can visit in NYC: Staten Island, Ellis Island and Long Island (which lent its name to the Long Island Iced Tea found on many cocktail menus worldwide). The Staten Island ferry is free and has brilliant views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Ellis Island was used for inspecting immigrants arriving in New York from the late 1800s to the 1950s.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Met, as it’s often referred to, is one of New York’s top visitor attractions, and it’s easy to see why. It’s one of the world’s largest art galleries. Not only does the Met have important European and American artworks, it also has extensive collections of African, Asian, Oceanic, Byzantine and Islamic art. Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa, forty paintings by Paul Klee and eighteen Rembrants are here. It has The Costume Institute, that has over 80,000 costumes, and exhibitions here have in the past included the costumes of rock stars as well as tributes to major fashion designers such as Coco Chanel. The museum also has a collection of musical instruments that includes several Stradivari violins.

As with much of New York, Central Park has featured in many films (see the list of the official website) including flicks such as The Royal Tenenbaums. It has also featured in many TV series. The café in Friends was famously named Central Perk, though the café doesn’t actually exist in reality. The park is a large green oasis in the middle of a vast urban sprawl, surrounded on all sides by the towering skyscrapers that make up the New York Skyline. There is an Egyptian obelisk in Central Park called Cleopatra’s Needle, one of two obelisks from the Temple of Ra, the other of which is in London. Paris also has an obelisk, from the gates of the Temple at Luxor.

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The biggest bulk of the tourists are families, the kids however tend to be from toddler age to young adult as Orlando is one of the few places where it is still cool to go with your parents after you pass a certain age! As far a family attractions go, these are a just a few from the vast range available, and sitting down altogether to plan your days would be the best idea.

Mention Florida and Disneyworld immediately springs to mind, no can failed to be entranced by the magical essence of this premier resort, and it will be talked about long after the tan has faded. It’s hard to believe that some still get Disneyworld in Florida and Disneyland in California, so when you are shopping for your tickets make sure that you have Disney ticket, Orlando somewhere on your screen before purchasing.

Discovery Cove is an exquisite, tropical island set in the tropical reef just off the Orlando coast. It is here that many achieve their lifetime ambition of swimming with Dolphins. Unlike other places that allow this but in a small, cordoned off area, you and the Dolphins can swim together in their natural environment making for an altogether for satisfying experience.

As well as Dolphins you will see the fabulously coloured fish that make this area their home, and also be able to glide in the crystal clear waters with Rays. Discovery Cove tickets are widely available in advance online, and like all other tickets, you should do a bit of research as the prices will vary between websites. Planned carefully, your trip to Orlando will be the greatest experience of your life, and truly one that you will never forget.

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1) Machu Picchu, Peru

Explorers came across this ancient Incan city, which sits on a high mountain ridge that rises above the densely forested valleys below, in the early 20th century. It is a breathtaking sight, and one of the world’s true must-see destinations. Trains run from the nearby village to within relatively easy walking distance of the 15th-century site, but true adventurers travel there by foot through the Sacred Valley of the Incas on the famous Inca Trail, a four-day trek that is an incredible experience in itself. Longer organised treks of up to 9 days are available for the really hardcore hikers.

2) Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands lie off the coast of Ecuador. They represent one of the world’s most varied eco-systems, home to thousands of species, including their famous turtles. A must for nature-loving travellers.

3) Patagonia, Argentina and Chile

Patagonia covers part of Chile and Argentina, and is a kind of fantasy land of unreal landscapes and sharp beauty. Snow-capped mountains, barren desert, ice fields and forests can all be found and explored here. It’s also home to the world’s largest penguin colony.

4) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

For many, Brazil’s colourful coastal city sums up South America. The famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema form the heart of the city: they are where the locals go to see and be seen. Once a year, the city explodes at carnival time, but all year round the place shakes with samba beats as people of all ages dance until dawn. Rio certainly has its dark side, with prevalent gang culture and poverty, but as long as you are responsible, it is a place you really should experience and one you will never forget.

Pretty much anything you want to see or do is possible in South America, and these destinations are just a tiny snapshot of what the continent has to offer. Speaking a little Spanish, or Portuguese in the case of Brazil, is useful, and many from the UK choose to take Portuguese or Spanish courses in London before departure (flexible courses are available at the many language colleges in the city, such as St Georges International). Alternatively, you can learn on the road by taking a course once you are actually there. However, even without much knowledge of the local lingo, it’s possible to get by armed with just a phrasebook, some universal gestures and a big smile in this friendly and welcoming continent.

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If your travels include a budget there are a myriad of things that are happening in the city at the time of Rio Carnival which are quite cheap while bearing witness to the worldwide spectacle. Besides going to the famous Sambadrome there is another way to enjoy samba parades free of charge, because there are two types of Samba schools those at Sambadrome and those parading on Avenida Rio Branco.

Those on Avenida Rio Branco may not be considered the most prestigious but happen to be top quality and the parades they play in are free. Blocos or street parties are everywhere during Rio Carnival with over a hundred taking place throughout the different neighborhoods each day and for free.

The biggest and most important blocos are Suvaco de Cristo that is below the Christ the Redeemer statue and O cordao de bola preta that is around the historic centre. Local bands compose the music at the parties and people are dressed in special costumes with t-shirts designed for each particular area. The dancing goes on to all hours of the night and everyone is welcome.

In the Lapa district there is an alternative party in the southern corner of the city centre of Rio. A stage gets erected in front of Arcos de Lapa and all styles of bands play each night. One highlight is the opportunity to attend a ball. They vary in theme and style and cost about £72. These are fun and worth saving money to attend.

Rio Carnival is the world’s biggest street party with hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world arriving to the city each year. The last 4 days prior to Ash Wednesday the whole city closes to enjoy euphoric and wild celebrations. The celebrations start early and last until the wee hours of the morning and are attended by virtually all in the city.

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Thank you Chuck Berry, Nat King Cole and everyone who have made this song part of everyone’s vocabulary but where is Route 66 and what’s so special about it?

Bobby Troup, an American songwriter had the idea to list the places the highway passes through while crossing the country. “The Mother Road” opened in 1926 and originally ran from Chicago to Los Angeles passing through eight US states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. Improvements constantly altered the route until by 1985 there had been so many changes it was removed from the United States Highway System. Even so, this doesn’t stop many road trippers driving the route to see the changing landscapes across this vast country.

Not all of the route is paved so when looking for car hire you might like to consider an off-road vehicle for comfort but all will come with air-con and you will be grateful for that if your travel during the summer months when temperatures can soar to 40C in the daytime. The best months to drive the whole route is from April to October as other times can be snowy with icy driving conditions.

You won’t find Route 66 on standard road maps anymore but there are signs with the “Historic Route 66” emblem along the route to keep you on the right path.

If you want to do the whole route you need to start at Grant Park in Chicago, also known as Chicago’s “front yard” which has three world-class museums: the Art Institute, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Shedd Aquarium. Visit in June and you can enjoy the Chicago Blues Festival with its “Route 66 Roadhouse” stage on the actual pavement of old US 66 on Jackson Boulevard.

Although the whole journey can just about be done in four days there would be no joy in that so allow at least two weeks as there is over 2,000 miles to cover.

Head towards Springfield, IL and walk the same streets as Abraham Lincoln and then onto St Louis, MO and you will cross the Chain of Rocks Bridge over the Mississippi River on the north edge of the city where you can go inside the tallest man-made monument in the United States: the Gateway Arch. There’s a public observation area at the top of the arch and you can get excellent views.

Less than two hours drive away in Fanning, Missouri you can see the World’s Largest Rocking Chair which makes for a fun photo opportunity.

After Oklahoma City look out for Clinton, Oklahoma and stop at the Route 66 Museum, then switch your soundtrack to “Is This the Way to Amarillo?” as yes, it is. Amarillo, Texas is cowboy-land so you can see a mix of Old West and New West. Make sure you drive along Amarillo Boulevard as that’s part of the original Route 66.

Popular stops include Albuquerque, Nebraska, the Grand Canyon in Arizona and Las Vegas in Nevada. You might like to stay at the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona for a change from a classic motel before reaching Los Angeles and enjoying Santa Monica’s Californian beaches.

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But just how do you get started in ticking off your bucket list? If lack of time, money or inspiration is holding you back, then listen to our bucket list podcast with Dan Hipgrave, musician and travel writer and Darleen Federoshyn from Travel Alberta.

They will be discussing a new poll into the nation’s top adventurous pastimes we should try before we die, which has revealed hot air ballooning as our number one. The five try before you die activities were as follows:

1. Hot Air Ballooning

2. Skiing

3. White Water Rafting

4. Snowboarding

5. Climbing

Listen to the podcast using the controls below.

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Immerse yourself in Disney World

Make sure you stay for long enough to see everything on offer at Disney World – it’s absolutely massive and packed with incredible audio-animatronic rides and attractions. There are five main areas:  Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Cirque du Soleil and Downtown Disney.

The Magic Kingdom is the place where Disney’s characters come alive, including Buzz Lightyear and Winnie the Pooh. This is also where you’ll find the thrilling Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ride and the terrifying Splash Mountain. At the Epcot Center you can experience a space mission and many other great rides, and in Hollywood Studios all the movie stunts and special effects come to life.

Kids love the Animal Kingdom too – an exciting trip through jungles and mountains, on thrilling rides and safari adventures. Downtown Disney is where you’ll find amazing shows such as Cirque du Soleil, and a whole range of restaurants and shops.

Disney is just the beginning

When you book your cheap flights to Orlando, bear in mind that Disney World isn’t the only attraction and you might need a bit more time to see everything you want to! There’s the Universal Studios for a start. Here you’ll find whole areas dedicated to bringing alive your favourite films like Shrek, Men in Black, ET, Jaws and Twister. The Islands of Adventure theme park is also run by Universal and has more thrill rides. The Kennedy Space Centre is a fascinating attraction, giving you the history of space exploration, a shuttle launch experience and talks by real astronauts.

A torrent of great water parks

Where to start with Orlando’s water parks? You could spend a month here, flying down slides and playing in wave pools, and never be bored. Disney runs two of the best water parks: Blizzard Beach with its huge Summit Plummit slide, and Typhoon Lagoon with its huge wave pool. Other water parks in the area are Wet n Wild which has a new ‘Brain Wash’ slide, and Sea World Aquatica, the newest park with super long slides and the unique ‘Manta’ ride. Also, Busch gardens, just outside Tampa, has some amazing white water rides and ‘animal encounter experiences’.

What’s new in Orlando

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is possibly the most exciting new Orlando attraction and can be found at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The Disney’s Mission Space ride at the Epcot Center is also new and gives you the most amazing space experience you can imagine – lifting off in a rocket on a mission to Mars.

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Let’s start with some New York Jewish favourites. The Reuben sandwich is famous and is made with rye bread, Swiss cheese, corned beef, and sauerkraut. It’s grilled and served hot. Other mouth-watering Jewish dishes in New York that must be tried are beef brisket, pastrami, falafel, flat breads and chicken liver. And don’t forget the many varieties of irresistible, hunger-slaying bagel.

Schnitzels and sauerbraten anyone? You can find all manner of delicious German and Eastern European food in New York thanks to the multicultural mix of immigrants to the Big Apple. For some of the best Bavarian beer gardens outside Germany, this is the place to go.

If you love Jamaican food, then you are in luck. From jerk chicken to coconut and nutmeg tarts, it’s all around you. There are fantastic street vendors and restaurants where you can hear the relaxed beat of Caribbean reggae while you munch on authentic Caribbean cuisine.

Classic Italian dishes such as pasta puttanesca are as good if not better than you’ll find in the mother country. The experience of dining out at a New York Italian restaurant will spoil you – the local Italian diner back home can never live up to it. Try Italian sausage, meatballs and polenta in one of New York’s famed Italian restaurants.

Many famous dishes were invented in New York, such as Eggs Benedict, the Waldorf Salad and Lobster Newburg. That’s not counting all the cocktails that have been created in this joyful, frenetic city. Even the street food is more varied and exciting than anywhere else –there’s a world of delicious snacks available on the streets of New York. Right on the sidewalk you can buy Chinese dumplings, Italian rice balls and delicious Thai delicacies. Cheap flights to New York make a gourmet trip so easy and affordable.

Not only does the cultural diversity of this city bring some of the world’s best cuisines to your plate, but it also provides the most incredible range of music styles. If you are thinking of booking cheap flights to New York, then don’t forget to line up a few music venues and clubs after dinner. You won’t regret it. Having a reputation as a bedrock of the jazz and blues scene, New York boasts some of the finest musicians around. The famous Carnegie hall is where you’ll see the headline acts, but head to smaller clubs and drinking dens for the best of latin, soul, hip hop, folk, rock and pop.

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Although you can explore the Galapagos on your own when the cruise boat docks, it is best to have a guide if you want to view the best sites that the islands have to offer. So it is better to pay a bit more and browse through the luxury holidays option so that you can get the most out of the varied but spectacular array of natural beauties on offer.  From the cruise ship you the can visit the outer islands and see everything from the white beaches to the deep rainforests including the amazing wildlife that peaks out around every corner.

If you dock for some time it is worth taking a guided trip through the islands so that you can see firsthand the nesting birds, great giant tortoises, the water iguanas, and the sea lions as they gleefully perform their acrobatics.  In addition, some cruise tours will dock for a day or two so that you can venture into town for some unique and exquisite local goods or take advantage of the ferry system so that you can closely tour an island you otherwise would not get a chance to step foot on.

There are many different ways to choose a luxury cruise line as there are dozens of cruise companies that tour the Galapagos Islands.  You can choose to book a tour on everything from luxury ships to small luxury yachts that allow you to get even closer to the shorelines of the exotic islands.  The larger cruise ships offer you a full range or amenities as well as plenty of other entertainment options such as live shows at night and open bars while the smaller luxury yachts offer a more personalized trip through the islands.

Some people even choose to charter little romantic sailboats that offer small decks and intimate cabin space so that the holiday is truly one of a kind.  These are great for exploring the more secluded areas and for a chance at seeing wildlife that would be scared away by a larger cruise vessel.  Regardless of your choice most luxury cruise lines will offer guides when you disembark on an island.  Just be careful to make sure that you choose a trip that offers small tour group sizes so that you get the most personal experience possible.

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Social unrest shapes music in the north-east

As rock music evolved in the early 1980s, a phenomenon emerged in Seattle, Washington. A new style took shape, a less disciplined sound that was influenced by musicians with a discontentment that showed in their lyrics. This style would come to be known as grunge, and 30 years later, it still permeates the music scene. Bands such as Pearl Jam, Nirvana and Soundgarden would become the faces of this music, and clubs such as The Original, The Crocodile Cafe and other venues would be home to this new style of music.

Grunge is still associated with Seattle, and many of the clubs where it became famous are still in existence. Travellers who want to experience a truly unique musical style that became a way of life for many people will make the journey to experience it in its birthplace.

Chicago blues – windy city music with a deep-south influence

One of the most prolific forms of music to originate in the United States is blues. Blues was predominantly an African-American music form, started around the beginning of the 19th century among slaves in the south. When the civil war ended in 1865, slaves carried the music with them, and a unique form of blues was born in Chicago, Illinois, in the early part of the 20th century. Relying heavily on amplified sounds from harmonicas and guitars, the music still influences many genres.

Chicago has been home to many famous performers, including Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy, Willie Dixon and many more. Today, Chicago is still filled with famous blues clubs such as Buddy Guy’s Legends and Kingston Mines. On a road trip USA musical history is around every corner, waiting to be explored. Nowhere is this more true than in the Windy City.

Nashville shapes American music with a country sound

From the Appalachian Mountains to the heart of Texas, country music has represented life and shaped musical trends for both the 20th and 21st centuries. A blend of gospel, folk, rock, Celtic and Anglo music styles, this genre has been an integral part of life for many Americans. The heart of country music is found in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Grand Ole Opry.

After a century, country music is still one of the most important styles in the US. Artists from Elvis Presley to Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks have brought wide appeal, and the road taken by any musical traveller in the US almost certainly has to pass through Nashville.

The legendary jazz of New Orleans

For many people, it is almost impossible to separate jazz music and the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Started around the turn of the 20th century in the African-American community, jazz has a distinctive sound that has influenced other musical styles such as rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and more. Jazz reached its zenith between the 1920s and the 1960s, with such famous performers as Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie and Benny Goodman.

Jazz is still considered a way of life in New Orleans, and there is no better way to enjoy an impromptu concert than on a New Orleans street corner under the warm winter sun. A trip here for jazz has to include a stop at Preservation Hall in the French Quarter for some of the finest jazz anywhere in the country.

Rapping on the street corners in New York City

The final stop on the musical road trip is inner-city New York for rap music. Born in South Bronx, this genre started as street music, blending African rhythms with spoken lyrics and punctuated by a thumping beat. This form of music rose to prominence in the 1970s with a sound that was shaped by African, Puerto Rican and Jamaican influences.

Leaving the streets and going mainstream, rap is now one of the most popular types of music in the world, influencing rhythm and blues and reggaeton. Because rap music is so popular, it can be found in almost any club, with live freestyle performances providing unbelievable energy and excitement.

A musical road trip

American music has left an indelible mark on international music. For travellers wanting to experience the profound musical contribution of the United States, a journey including stops in Seattle, Chicago, Nashville, New Orleans and New York City would create memories to last a lifetime.

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