Travel Tips

When we think of really terrific destinations to find great sights and experiences, we somehow tend to think of the coasts of America. And to be sure, from the California to Washington State to the eastern seaboard, these states boast some of the most exciting vacation destinations we have in this country. But its never a good idea to overlook the wonderful locations located dead center in the middle the country for that experience of the Midwest that will be as unique as your trip to Boston or San Francisco.

Kansas City boasts a robust Midwest culture that is both boisterously western and very metropolitan as well. It is actually a beautiful city that is filled with fabulous art that is on display literally anywhere you can turn. The city fathers made sure that art was a big part of how the city grew up and you will see interesting and skillfully made art sitting in the middle of a garden, off the side of the road or in an out of the way place all over Kansas City.

But no trip to Kansas City is complete without enjoying the amazing tastes of what is possibly the best steak and barbeque in the entire country. Kansas City sits directly on the route of the Cumberland trail. If you remember your history well, you know that in the days of the early west, the Cumberland trail was used by cattlemen to drive herds of cattle up to the markets of Kansas City, Omaha and other great merchant stops to be sold and shipped out via railroad or by barge to be meals for consumers all over the country in the world. Small wonder that it is Kansas City is the home of chefs who know better than anyone does how to prepare beef that will literally melt in your mouth. Some have said the quality of meat you will get in a fine Kansas City restaurant is so good that you wont even have to use your teeth to eat it.

Kansas City is also home to some great historic stops. Just a few miles away from the city center, you can visit the inspiring Harry S. Truman Library and Museum. You can walk through the notes and pictures of the term of this great president and get a feel for what he went through as he made decisions that shaped the history of this great nation. And dont be surprised if you will find your kids not bored at all but completely enthralled with the story of the life of this historic American president. And its likely if they take back some mementos from their visit, they will probably get extra credit in school for taking the time to enjoy this wonderful stop in Independence Missouri.

But Kansas City is also all about fun. For the kids, Kansas City has some of the best water parks in the country. You can drop them off for a day of fun and the adults can take in some of the exciting casinos that have sprung up along the river for some pleasant adult time of recreation as well. Then that night, everybody can gather at a Kansas City Royals baseball game and take in Americas pastime, eat a few hot dogs and enjoy one of the best baseball parks in the nation. Whether the Royals win or lose doesnt matter. Its a thrill to go to a major league game and it will be a memory the kids will be talking about for months, maybe years to come after you finish your trip to Kansas City Missouri.

If you were to go to the four corner points of America, you could not find four more different places from one another. From the coast of Maine to the tip of California to the rocky shores of Washington State with its active volcanoes and nonstop fog to the Caribbean like atmosphere of Florida, the cultures of the many areas of America are as diverse as are its people.

Of all of those places, none other is quite as exotic as sunny Florida. As soon as you step off the airplane in Miami, you know you have landed in a place that is as different from the rest of America as the moon is from the earth. There is a feel of being far away, where the world melts away and you can give in and be a Caribbean creature for a little while.

This is what is glorious about sightseeing in America. There are so many exotic and very different locations that you can stay in one country and virtually see and experience almost every climate and environment in the world. Florida brings you into the exotic feel of living on a desert island far away from civilization. But then you can get up from the beach and within a short drive be in the middle of a modern, sophisticated city full of the most exciting nightlife in the world.

You can go on dozens of vacations to sightsee in America and not repeat an experience. But when making your list of great sightseeing spots in America to visit, make sure Florida is near the top. And while you are at it, plan to spend some time there because there is a lot to take in including

*Snorkeling in the warm clear gulf waters on one side of the Florida peninsula and in the ocean waters on the other.

*The amazing theme parks of Disney, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens and many more.

*Ancient mansions up and down the beaches of Florida from the early days when Spanish ships landed here to discover this big new world.

*Wonderful foods from Cuba, the Caribbean and all across South America.

*The always unforgettable Everglades that seem like a trip to the Jurassic Period during your brief tour there.

The fun goes on and on. One thing is for sure, you will have at least one new experience each and every time you do some sightseeing in Florida. One time you may thrill to the sight of dolphins or a whale on a whale watching tour. The next time you may go deep sea fishing so far out to sea that the land disappears entirely.

The next visit you may become completely fascinated in the history of this very unique peninsula and the role it has had to play in the development of America. And then the next time you may just want to lie on the virtually perfect sands on the gulf side and let the cares of the world drift away.

You talk about sights you have never seen before. What about the sight of your family becoming carefree and full of fun as they literally transform into Caribbean natives wanting nothing more than to frolic in the waters of the gulf or ocean for as long as God lets the good sun shine down on them? And when you see that family you love reach that perfect level of relaxation that a visit to Florida can give them, you know you will have chosen well your vacation destination for that year.

Visiting Seattle Washington is a great way to get in touch with your inner explorer. Not only can you get out and explore mountains, prairies, streams, rivers, and oceans, but you can also explore the city streets that make this city what it has become. With so many things to do and places to go it seems impossible really to entertain the idea of sleep. Who has time for mundane activities such as that when there is a world of knowledge and beauty to explore right outside your hotel doors?

For those among us who have a difficult time unwinding after a day spent shopping, hiking, biking, boating, whale watching, and sight seeing, perhaps you should consider a wine tasting before bed. This is a great way to relax and unwind. You may even find a new favorite among the wines that you are being exposed to. While many people think of California as wine country, Washington State has shown itself to be an impressive home for wine making as well. Of course you aren’t looking to get tipsy, just relaxed enough that sleep can find you after a very exciting day.

Even if you elect to attend a wine tasting earlier in the day, perhaps you could pick up a bottle or two to bring back to your room with you. This will allow you to wine on hand at the end of a long day without the need to drive afterwards. Nor would you be required to get out of a cab, call a cab, or anything other than putting on your pajamas and heading off to bed. In fact, there is no rule that states you can’t drink wine while wearing your pajamas either. I really can think of few better ways to relax after a long day of anything than to grab a good book and a glass of wine. Well maybe a massage, but now who’s dreaming? Unless of course your hotel offers this service and you are willing to pay the price.

For a good nights sleep, however, I think a glass of wine is a much better price to pay. If that doesn’t help, then grab a really boring book to read. The important thing about getting a good night’s sleep is that it prepares you for the events of the next day. This is especially important if you have children. It is very doubtful that they are going to handle being cooped up in a hotel room while there are adventures to be had on the other side of the door.

If you need more than one glass, go for it, you can always visit another winery tomorrow and buy another bottle. Rest is important although you do not want to drink enough that you wake up sick the next morning. That is definitely not the way to properly enjoy your vacation. Just so you know there are several great wineries in the region and it would actually be quite an adventure to visit as many of them as possible. Some of the more prominent wineries in and around Seattle are: Lopez Island Vineyards, Whidbey Island Vineyards and Winery, Bainbridge Island Vineyards and Winery, and Hoodsport Winery and Tasting Room. Some wineries and vineyards are only open to the public by reservation or during certain hours so be sure that you are aware and have planned accordingly before visiting. Another thing to keep in mind is that there are many more wineries in the Seattle area, these are only a small sampling of the vineyards that abound in these parts so don’t limit yourself if these don’t seem appealing to you.

Sweet dreams are often born of good wine; I hope that you will find not only an excellent flavor to help you sleep but some great selections to bring home with you as well. And wine makes an excellent souvenir for loved ones who weren’t able to travel with you or even gifts for friends who are getting married, buying homes, having babies, having birthdays, well being your friends. Wine is a great gift all around; even if it’s a gift you give yourself.