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You will never find a better place than the Times Square, to experience the excitement and thrill of the New York City. It is surrounded by neon lamps, large billboards, Broadway theaters, excellent electronic ticker tapes and television studios and all this is what makes it the heart of midtown.

You can drive down to the recently opened TKTS Discount Booth, which is topped with a large red staircase. Climb up to the top and get a well-rewarded sweeping view of the area, which includes the annual New Year's Eve Ball Drop.

The Times Square is indeed one of the major commercial intersections in Manhattan, New York City. Being a very busy place, it is always advisable that you get hold of good rental cars in New York for your commutation purposes. The brightly illuminated hub of Broadway theater district is easily considered one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world. It is also a major center that depicts the world entertainment industry.

The Time Square is unarguably among the world's most visited tourist destinations. The northern triangle of Times Square is called the Duffy Square and it a war memorial that is very closely related to the history of the city. Alongside they also have the statue of George M. Cohan and the TKTS discount theatre tickets booth here.

The annual New Year's Eve ball drop of New York City Times Square is the site of a grand event that happens every year. Hundreds of thousands of people assemble here to witness the Waterford Crystal ball being lowered on a pole atop the building. This marks the beginning of the New Year and you get to see fulsome firework displays. Countdown Entertainment and One Times Square today handle the New Year's Eve event together with the Times Square Alliance.

Many redemption proposals were accepted and implemented in the recent years to improve tourism aspects in the areas around Times Square. Intense "Disneyfication" occurred recently when Walt Disney Company opened a Disney store here. Just this single move has started attracting several family friendly businesses into the area. Families can now visit the various Disney stores and other family friendly stores to buy whatever they want to. This is a very safe place in NYC and a sure magnet for tourists all through the year.

One of the best things about this site is that there are so many car rental deals available for the tourists to choose from. With so many places to go around, it is best to depend on these deals to hire a car

Another huge advantage of this place is that there are so many great hotels in the area. You can book your accommodation well in advance, if you have already planned your visit to Time Square. Also, make sure that you hire a rental car, before you arrive, so that your travel needs in Time Square and around the city can be met easily.

New York is a large city and using public transportation won't be a feasible commutation option for you. However, car rentals in New York is a fantastic option for you. Depending on your travel requirements and crew size, you can choose the best rental car deals [http://www.car-rentals-newyork.com/] in New York.

The casinos that populate Las Vegas continue to rise in popularity year after year. With all the gaming tables, slot machines and other exciting attractions, Las Vegas offers its visitors everything that they ever want in the city. With all the breathtaking and dazzling spot that this city has to offer, you should also consider what the hotels have to offer their visitors. Most hotels offer special packages for families as well as very special packages for senior citizen visitors.

The city offers tours that will take senior citizen visitors into attractions throughout the city as well as taking them from casino to casino when they wish to gamble. The motor coaches will also take them out to dinner if they choose not to dine in the hotel restaurant or to a show that they had planned to see. The motor coaches the Las Vegas Hotels use will transport seniors from place to place and offer them plenty of comfort and freedom while being transported to different destinations. Some of the more notable destinations that seniors are taken to on motor coach tours are national landmarks such as Grand Canyon National Park.

Now, when you think of Las Vegas, you mostly think of the city that caters to the young and vibrant. While this is absolutely true, there are many great facilities that seniors will enjoy visiting during their vacation. Las Vegas tour companies have specifically designed tours that cater to senior visitors. Several of the great natural wonders of the world are located near Las Vegas as well as several of the civil engineering wonders of America are available for tours here. There also a great number of historic hotels as well as museums and other famous tourist attractions that the older generation will be thrilled to be able to view.

The hotels that offer special senior citizen packages additionally offer special golf packages for senior citizens who enjoyed golfing. The discount golf packages that are offered to senior citizens staying at the hotel will include everything for a great day of golfing, including practice amenities and complementary usage of golf carts. The discount golf vacation packages that Las Vegas Hotels offer are specifically for senior vacationers. The best thing is budget considerations that they're looking for to have a great vacation.

During the holidays, you will also find that there are special packages and advantages to being a senior traveler that is headed to Las Vegas. Senior citizens will not have to worry about all the small little particulars such as taxes as most vacation packages for seniors going to Las Vegas are all-inclusive. The price that the senior citizen would pay for their vacation package would all depend on how many days vacation is going to be and will budget that they have to spend.

Now, while the city has a huge number of visitors each and every year and offers an endless supply of amazing attractions that appear to be aimed to the younger crowd, there are in fact a great many places that senior citizens would enjoy visiting. There are amusements and theme parks as well as resorts that cater to people of all ages. The elderly will also find that there are special senior tours that travel companies will arrange so older people can have just as an incredible experience visiting Las Vegas as the young people like to flock to the city.

So again, when you are thinking of Las Vegas is a vacation destination, you must remember that while most people think of it as a destination for the young, there are plenty of great attractions and accommodations that make it all wonderful spot for seniors to vacation as well.

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Las Vegas strip hotels are the most sought after accommodations when people are planning their trip to Sin City. There are many great places to choose from that may enhance your Vegas trip experience.

The Las Vegas strip makes up about 4.2 miles that stretches along South Boulevard in Clark County, Nevada. The majority of the strip is designated as an All American Road, which is considered a scenic route at night. Many of the largest hotel, casino, and resorts in the world are located along the Vegas strip. It has the 15 largest hotels by room count in the world. The modernization of the hotels, casinos, and restaurants has helped Las Vegas to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

The fifteen largest Las Vegas hotels on the strip are in the following order according to room count.

This is a large amount of rooms to provide for guest that are visiting the Vegas strip. It is important to find great deals on these hotels while you are planning your vacation. I provided the average starting price for these hotels to give an idea of what you will be spending to book a room at one of these hotels.

I have provided you with the pricing of hotel in the Las Vegas strip to give you an idea of the price you would be paying per night giving you a chance to narrow your choices down according to your budget. I hope you find the right hotel that will help to enhance your Vegas vacation experience.

For Cheap Hotels in Las Vegas you can click here and get great Las Vegas Hotel Deals.

Having some tips from a Las Vegas veteran can be super helpful when planning your first trip to the city that never sleeps. There are items you should not leave home without when traveling to Vegas, there are bits of free entertainment to enjoy during your stay, and where you stay can make or break your trip. When it comes to a Las Vegas vacation a little bit of preparation goes a LONG way.

Here are 5 great Vegas veteran tips to help save you money, time, and frustration.

Vegas Veteran Tip #1: Time your booking right!

It is important to remember that airlines often offer better deals to travelers who book 14-21 days in advance.

Look for small airlines that you may not use for other domestic travel but may offer great rates to Las Vegas.

Sign up for airfare alerts so you get a notice when prices drop from your location to Las Vegas.

Did you know Tuesday evenings are the BEST time to book flights? An insider tip states that airlines tend to release and match all new specials by Tuesday making it the best day to book airfare.

Vegas has an off season! I know, you are shocked I was as well. From Thanksgiving through the Christmas holiday is considered the off-season in Vegas and many shows go dark during days they would normally be up and running. If you travel during this time be diligent about ensuring you can do what you want during your visit. This is a GREAT time to enjoy Las Vegas with a few less visitors and with cooler temperatures for those that prefer a less crowded atmosphere.

Vegas Veteran Tip #2: Pack your best Nike's, running shoes are a must when taking on the Vegas strip!

Take it from me, cabs in Vegas can be very expensive if you rely on them for transportation (plus you miss a big part of the sights on the strip). You will be doing a lot of walking even if it is just the interior parts of the hotel/casinos. Having some shoes that fit well and cushion your feet will go a LONG way during your stay in Las Vegas.

If you get to Las Vegas and you have forgotten your favorite running shoes, there is a Ross on the strip, which provides a cheap alternative to the Prada store.

Vegas Veteran Tip #3: For your first trip, keep it on the strip!

There is going to be so much for you to take in during your first trip to Las Vegas and the majority of those sights are going to be located on the strip. The Bellagio fountains, The Mirage volcano, The Treasure Island Sirens Show, Caesars Palace's moving statues and those are just a few of the free sights on the strip. I think you get the point. This isn't to say that there are not FABULOUS off strip hotel and casino's because there are (one of my favorite hotels is off strip) but your first trip will have you investigating every corner of the strip, making an on strip hotel convenien.

Vegas Veteran Tip #4: Leave your diet at home and bring your appetite.

Food is as much a part of the scene in Las Vegas as gambling, show girls, and complimentary drinks. There are places I consider food theme parks, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville & Toby Keith's I Love This Bar. There is an entertaining atmosphere, souvenirs, delicious drinks and oodles of food! This isn't even considering the buffets or the five star hotel venues. You won't regret enjoying the food that Las Vegas has to offer.

Vegas Veteran Tip #5: There are ways to save money even in Las Vegas.

Technology is your friend when visiting Vegas! From text specials that send discounts to your phone, phone apps that give you discounts when you are in town and Groupon, you can save a TON of money.

Start looking at Groupon specials before your travel, if you are looking at airfare its time to check Groupon Las Vegas. There are frequent deals on buffets, food, and even entertainment packages in Las Vegas.

Other places to look for discounts are complimentary coupons at check-in at your hotel, casino loyalty programs, and discounts that are given out on the casino floor and in other Vegas locations.

With these tips you should be able to get a jump start on a memorable Las Vegas vacation.

There are items you should not leave home without when traveling to Vegas, there are bits of free entertainment to enjoy during your stay, and where you stay can make or break your trip. When it comes to a Las Vegas vacation a little bit of preparation goes a LONG way.

When you visit the Niagara Falls area, there are two things that you will not lack - water and tours. Niagara Falls is indeed a popular tourist area, but this is a place that anybody who appreciates beauty and the wonder of nature must visit, more than once in most cases.

While tours in other popular vacation destinations are not always worth the time, the tours in the Niagara Peninsula - on both the American and Canadian sides - really are worth the time associated with them. It is through these tours that you will get as close as possible to the Falls, and also get a true sense of just how special the Falls are in terms of what time and nature can do.

The Maid of the Mist Boat tours are an absolute must - this is the oldest attraction in Niagara Falls, and will take you as close to the American Falls as possible.

You must follow up the Maid of the Mist with Journey Behind the Falls. Here, you will also get very close to the falls. In fact, you will get so close that special rain gear and footwear will be handed out before you are taken on the tour so that you don't get 'quite so wet' on deck.

While the Maid of the Mist Tour is fascinating and fun, if you want thrills, follow it up with Niagara's Fury, where you can experience the creation of Niagara Falls first hand in 4-D!

Visit the Niagara Falls State Park, and take the Trolley. This tour will stop at the most scenic places along the way, and a great deal of information is given about various spots, and the entire area in general.

Interesting Niagara Falls Information 

If you are planning a trip to Niagara Falls, here are some facts that may interest you a great deal. These facts may also interest you even if you aren't planning a visit to Niagara Falls, and may entice you to visit just in order to see this natural wonder in person!

• The water that gives us these gorgeous waterfalls comes from the Great Lakes, which supplies 18% of the world's freshwater supply - enough water to cover the entire continent of North America with more than three feet of water. Water flows from rivers and streams into the Great Lakes.

• From the Great Lakes, the water flows to Lake Superior, over the Falls, and then through the Niagara River to Lake Ontario, to the St. Lawrence River, and then on into the Atlantic Ocean.

• While water flows downhill out to sea and the basin of the Great Lakes slopes downward from west to east, the Niagara River flows north.

• Over 6 million cubic feet of water pours over the Falls each minute during the daytime. It is less at night, as this is when the water is diverted for the preservation of the falls.

• The lower Niagara River is only about 36 miles long, and runs between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. The change in altitude between the two rivers is 326 feet, with more than half of that altitude change occurring at Niagara Falls. The upper portion of the Niagara River runs for 22 miles, from Lake Erie to the Cascade Rapids. The Niagara Gorge runs for 7 miles downstream, and ends at the Escarpment at Queenston.

• The Horseshoe Falls is 170 feet, and the water falls into the Maid of the Mist Pool. The deepest part of the Niagara River below is also 170 feet. The American Falls height varies at different points, ranging from 70 to 110 feet.

• Niagara Falls does not hold the record for the highest water falls. There are approximately 500 other waterfalls that are higher. The highest is Angel Falls in Venezuela, at 3212 feet. Even so, it seems that no other falls can stake claim to having a higher amount of water volume than the falls at Niagara Falls, with more than 6 million cubic feet per minute.

• Niagara Falls has moved itself about 7 miles in the last 12,000 years through the process of natural erosion.

• Niagara Falls is a legacy given to us from the last ice age, and is believed to be about 18,000 years old.

• The water in the Niagara River has a green color. This color comes from the 60 tons of natural minerals that are dumped over the falls each minute.

• Niagara Falls serves as more than just a beautiful legacy from the ice age, it also provides drinking water, fishing, recreation, industrial water, and hydro power to more than a million people in the United States and Canada.

• Each night, after 10pm, water is diverted from Niagara Falls, with a series of diversion tunnels operated by both the United States and Canada. This has been the case since 1910. The amount of water varies, but the 1950 Niagara Treaty requires that 100,000 cubic feet per second runs over the falls during the daylight hours. It also requires that the amount of water may not be less than 50,000 cubic feet per second at other times.

• If the water was not diverted, the water would rise approximately five meters, and the natural erosion would occur at a much faster rate. It is estimated that at the current rate of erosion, the falls will be a raging river in about 50,000 years, as opposed to a series of water falls.

Visit Niagara Falls on an East Coast Tour by private plane. Experience the natural wonder of the Falls and get under the wonder with a splendid variety of tours available at your fingertips. When there, you may opt to not take individual tours and instead sightsee at your leisure.

Are you on the fence about where to go on your next family vacation? Well here are some great reasons why Niagara Falls may be a great place to visit now!

Why Niagara Falls

Although known as the "Honeymoon Capital" Niagara Falls has slowly been shaking that distinction for the last decade now and is growing to become more family oriented as well as being geared toward both the sophisticated and adventure seeking traveler. Don't get me wrong, this city is still a romantic place to visit and is still a very popular Honeymoon destination, it's just that the majority of people choosing Niagara for a vacation are beginning to look at it as a place to take the whole family. Below I have listed my top reasons why I think this city is a Must See for anyone or any family looking for a place to travel.

Top Five Reasons to Visit Niagara Falls

1. The Natural Beauty:

Visitors to the area are treated to almost every kind of landscape they can imagine. From the hilly cliffs of the Escarpment to the grassy flat farmland, to the shores of two Great lakes and to the deep Niagara Gorge cut out by the Falls themselves anyone living here can tell you that you that if you want a change in scenery just go for a walk and you'll get it.

2. Great Attractions:

Along With the unique landscape that makes up the Niagara Falls area, visitors and locals alike are treated to some of the best attractions found anywhere, and some are even one of a kind! In fact there are so many attractions here that even the hardest to please will have a good time. If you want to get a real feel for the Falls themselves, some of the attractions I would suggest you take in would include a ride on the world famous Maid of the Mist to get you right next to the Falls, a flight on Niagara Helicopters to view the area from way up high, a ride on Whirlpool Jet boats will get you nice and soaked in the river and maybe even a Journey Behind The Falls to really get the feeling of how powerful they really are. There are dozens more of fun attractions to experience in the area so trying to narrow them all down here would be impossible so you will just have to come here to see them all.

3. Built for Tourism

Ever since the Falls were first inhabited by the pioneers founding both Canada and the United States people have always known that this place would be a popular destination for traveling to and witnessing the great power of the water going over the crest. It is for that reason that the City of Niagara Falls Canada has always focused a lot of its attention on creating the perfect vacation experience. From keeping the parks well maintained to building new and exciting attractions the city has always kept a focus on making the visitor feel like home.

4. Great for Kids

Although many still have the Honeymoon Capital in mind when they think of Niagara Falls, the City is actually a great place to bring the kids. Children of all ages will be able to bring back fond memories of there trip to the Falls as they can ride on the Maid of the Mist, play in the many video arcades and bowling alleys, try their hand and mini putt golf and even experience one of the 3 water parks within the city's limits. Of course with some of these activities like the water parks and Maid of the Mist, children will have to be accompanied by and adult.

5. Wineries and Casinos

OK I know, this ones just for the adults in the room, but if you're looking for a place to unwind, Niagara Falls has a lot to offer. Niagara Wine Country is world famous for its Ice Wine and has festivals several times a year. Plan your trip for the right time and you could spend a week experiencing all the various wineries and restaurants included in the events. Two Casinos with 24 hour gaming, lots of shopping, eating and spa service, a person could really enjoy themselves there.

There's More

There's always more to do in the Falls. A great night life, world class restaurants, golfing, antiquing, and so on and so on. You get my point. So if your still looking for that great next trip, think Niagara Falls, you'll love it!

As a life long resident of the Niagara Region, Tim Nagy uses his extensive knowledge of the area when writing on related topics such as Niagara tourism, sight seeing, accommodations, attractions and anything else to do with this popular travel destination. Tim is a writer and partner contributor to Everything Niagara Falls http://www.everything-niagara-falls.com, a site dedicated to providing free information on all there is to do and see in Niagara Falls.

There are truly many exciting things to see and do in Niagara Falls. Beyond the Niagara Falls themselves, there are several other aspects to Niagara that attract millions each year. There's obviously the charm of old Niagara on the Lake, the calmness of the vineyards, the exciting family attractions, and the high end shows and accommodations. But several also choose to explore this region for its paranormal and ghostly encounters many have come to experience. With Niagara having the fierce war of 1812, battle grounds, and old heritage buildings are still haunted to this day with spirits from beyond the grave.

Now while many people would generally shy away from these kinds of Niagara Falls accommodations, there are those who would be even willing to pay premium prices to stay in these frightful rooms. The thrill of experiencing something that is beyond life is an intriguing sensation for some, and would make their adventure to Niagara Falls one that they would definitely never forget. Now, having said that, generally speaking guests don't tend to encounter anything, however just the stories and folklore alone are enough to set your senses on hyper drive.

In Thorold Ontario, approximately 10 minute drive west of Niagara Falls is the old Keefer Mansion. This building was created in 1886, and was built on the same land as the American Hospital through the war of 1812. After being used as a home for the brilliant Engineer Keefer family, it was used as a mental hospital, a bar, apartments, and Maplehurst Retirement Home. Now it has been completely remodelled to house one of Niagara's most tasteful restaurants and Bed & Breakfast. However, the spirits still seem responsible for footsteps heard inside an upstairs room, and banging on the stairwell. Squeaky sounds of opening gates, lingering pipe smoke in the basement where figures have been sighted, and faucets turning themselves on and then off are a few of the strange incidents that have occurred here.

After the war of 1812, the city of Niagara on the Lake was burnt to the ground as the Americans retreated from the city. A British officer by the name of "Captain Swayze" was reportedly murdered by 2 American soldiers in the basement of what is now known as the "Angel Inn". Guests say that there is a 'cold spot' upon entering the bathrooms, which is commonly known as paranormal activity. They indicate to this day that the British officer seems to have distaste for Americans to the point where he's known to disrupt the kegs of the "Ameribeer" when the innkeepers attempt to serve it.

There are several other areas known for their ghostly encounters and many even offer seasonal haunted tours for guests to experience. Fort George in Niagara on the Lake, and Fort Niagara across the river in the US are both known for their spooky encounters from the many soldiers who died during 1812. In Niagara Falls you will also find the well known Drummond Hill Cemetery where dying soldiers have been seen roaming the fields. A stay at the Econo-Lodge (west of the falls) will leave you with a short walking distance to the cemetery to experience after the sun goes down.

Brad Hoffman is the owner of the Niagara Falls Source, and thrives on teaching others how to experience the high life of Niagara Falls without breaking the bank! For more information on alternate Niagara Falls accommodations [http://www.niagarafallssource.com/niagara-falls-accommodations] visit our site which contains valuable information on how find the hot spots and hidden gems most tourists wouldn't even know exist!

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Riverwalk

At the heart of the city lies the Riverwalk district. Take the stairs from the street level down to the Riverwalk, where a lush, shady refuge awaits. There the San Antonio River is lined on both sides with pedestrian walkways that are closed to bicycles and motor vehicles. Hotels and shops line the Riverwalk and delicious scents emanating from restaurants beckon to passersby. Many of the buildings have entrances on both the street level and the Riverwalk level. Visitors can take relaxing river cruises and some restaurants offer lunch and dinner cruises.

Alamo

A short walk from the Riverwalk is the famed Alamo, 300 Alamo Plaza, which stands as a testament to American courage. On March 6, 1836 the 189 men defending the Alamo fell to the Mexican troops of General Santa Ana after a 13 day siege. Today the only two buildings left standing of the original fort are the chapel and the long barracks. Take a free guided tour of the grounds, then visit the Long Barracks Museum and Library to learn more about the fort from the displays there.

La Villita

Adjacent to the Riverwalk is La Villita, a collection of restaurants, arts and crafts stores and other shops. Wander among the shops featuring a variety of works such as glass figurines, original paintings and pottery.

Shop at Market Square

Another popular shopping district is the Market Square, 514 W. Commerce, designed to look like an authentic market in Mexico. Here you'll find pewter and enamel bracelets, bright porcelain wall crosses, clothing and more. There are additional shops located across the road at Farmers Market Square.

Churches?

San Antonio is famous for its beautiful mission churches along the San Antonio River. In the 18th century Spain built the missions as part of its effort to convert the area's Native Americans to Catholicism. In addition to the Mission San Antonio de Valero at the Alamo, visitors can tour Mission Concepción, Mission San Francisco de la Espada, Mission San José and Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Culture

If you're itching for a dose of culture, the San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W Jones, is the place to go. The museum houses a fine collection of European, Asian, Latin American and ancient art.

And the Zoo!

Finally, on a pleasant day you can visit the San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary's St., which includes the usual mix of monkeys and zebras as well as a butterfly garden, an area for the preschool crowd and a wonderful collection of unique birds.

Getaway this weekend to San Antonio through last minute vacation deals located Last-Minute-Vacation-Guide.com

Copyright Statement

This article was written by Jonathan Tan and may be reproduced on any travel-related website provided this copyright statement is displayed unedited in its entirety at the foot of the article and you use the exact same HTML code to ensure a clickable link back to the author's site. Further articles are also available. Contact the author for more information. Copyright © Last-Minute-Vacation-Guide.com

As a business traveler, Jonathan has traveled extensively within America, across Asia and Europe. Last minute travel is the norm for him, you can check out his blog for the latest weekend getaway deals called getaway this weekend!

Looking for a new way to spend your Saturday nights? If you are already getting tired or eating and going to bars, why not try new things to do with your friends. Try to schedule memorable activities so that you get to spend quality time with them. Here are 3 fun things to do in San Antonio on a Saturday night.

The River Walk

With a wide stretch of shops, restaurants, sight and sound, taking a walk along this area during the night time will make any night magical. Try to ride the water taxis and even get a narrated tour. Learn all the information that you can get when riding across. The Fiesta de las Luminarias is one night that you can go to. See candles light the river path during the night time.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

An extraordinary way to spend a Saturday night with your friends, get to reminisce your childhood and remember the rides you once enjoyed. During the night time, the light would light this place up and make you enjoy it. When you want to have the best and the most exciting night of our life, this is where you should go on a Saturday night.

Hemisfair Park

This place is truly amazing! With the Tower of the Americas rising 750 feet above the ground, you will definitely wonder what it is like to stay up there. Dine with your friends in the Tower Restaurant where you will be able to see the view of the city through a glass wall elevator.

These ideas are just a sample of what you can do when you cannot think of something to do. Whether you are new in town or have been here for years, you can find something fun to enjoy for the whole family.

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San Antonio is one of the oldest cities in the country. Colonized in the early 1700′s, this beautiful city has preserved many of its historic structures. Check out the King William Historic District for a taste of history and some great food.

After touring the old homes in this historic area, be sure to work up a good appetite and stop by one of the best restaurants in San Antonio: The Guenther House. This restaurant is in an elegant home built in the 1800's and is well known to locals and a few tourists for its delicious food.

Boudro's, a Texas bistro on the River Walk, is one of the best restaurants in San Antonio. With a unique menu featuring a variety of southwestern specialties. You can sit outside and enjoy a fabulous view of the river winding through San Antonio, complete with the tourist boats that meander through the winding waters, and happy tourists waiving at dining patrons. Get ready to eat the best blackened prime rib or smoked shrimp enchiladas you've ever had.

If you're in the mood for Italian, you simply must try the Il Sogno Osteria. The food is made from scratch - no frozen foods here. The service is impeccable and the food is divine. The server starts you off with ice water with your choice of cucumber, grapefruit or oranges (or other fruit that is in season). Next, you will be treated to foccacia bread with a white bean spread prepared with red pepper flakes, adding a nice kick. Try the cod with tomatoes, olives and cippolini onions. It's a dish you'll dream about. End the night with the famous Nutella tart dessert or melt-in-your-mouth cannolis covered in chocolate and filled with wonderful fresh ricotta.

Another one of the best restaurants in San Antonio is Restaurant Gwendolyn. The produce is grown locally and prepared by hand - no food processors or other electronic devices. You have a choice of a three or five course meal. Starting off with homemade bread and butter sets the mood for what you can expect: great food. The amuse bouche is prepared with homemade ricotta, fried, and topped with lavender and honey. The salads are delicious and the homemade dressing is so good you'll want to take it home. The staff pays attention to detail and you'll feel like you're the only one in the restaurant.

Biga On the Banks is another one of San Antonio's finest. Try the apple smoked salmon or ahi tuna nachos for starters. They're unforgettable. The decor is exceptional with tables strategically placed to take advantage of gorgeous river views. The menu changes often as the items are planned according to fresh ingredients. The Foie Gras served on banana bread is out of this world. As one of the best restaurants in San Antonio, dress appropriately and reservations are suggested.

There are many fine dining establishments in San Antonio. You can't go wrong with one these best restaurants in San Antonio.

The River Walk is the most popular of all the San Antonio attractions and was conceived in 1929 by Robert Hugman as a solution to the flooding problems faced by the city. Since this area is picturesquely dotted with innumerable restaurants, shops and nightclubs amidst fountains and Cypress trees, it is the favorite destination of the people and is particularly crowded during the time of the festivals.

The Alamo is the most important historic site in the list of San Antonio attractions because it played an instrumental role in Texas's fight for freedom from Mexico. Although the fort was originally established as the Mission San Antonio del Valero, it acted as a vantage point for the Texan army during the War of Independence due to which it is still deeply revered by the forthcoming generations.

The Tower of the Americas stands at a height of 750 feet and was built in 1968 as a part of the World Fair's preparation. This tower is one of the most popular San Antonio attractions due to its glass walled elevators and an observation deck and is symbolic of the progress made by mankind ever since the inception of civilization.

The Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum also serves as the Plaza Theatre of Wax among the San Antonio attractions because it houses wax mannequins of heroes, celebrities and fictional characters which resemble the originals so closely that they can scare anyone from any age group. Apart from wax representations of Jim Carrey, Dracula and Frankenstein this museum also has an underground cellar which features some of the weirdest items in this world.

The Steves Homestead is the former residence of an eminent citizen of the city named Edward Steve and is a historical masterpiece which must be included in the list of San Antonio attractions. This Victorian mansion was built in 1876 and apart from the antiques and the historical architecture it features the first indoor swimming pool of the city located behind the house within a building.

The Spanish Governor's Palace is considered to be the most beautiful building among all the San Antonio attractions which served as the residence of the Governor in the late eighteenth century when Texas was a province of Spain. The building is a historical landmark and attempts to showcase the architectural style prevalent in those days characterized by small rooms, low ceilings and thick stucco walls. In addition, there is a cobblestone patio, a fountain as well as the original keystone which graces the entrance of the building.

The San Antonio Botanical Garden is spread over 33 acres of land and is considered to be the most exquisite of the San Antonio attractions because it is home to a conservatory, formal gardens, old fashioned gardens and native plants all of which are a delight to botany experts as well as gardening enthusiasts.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower is one of the San Antonio attractions which are well known for their architectural beauty and also as venues for hosting colorful events pertaining to the Christian community in the city. This church also holds the distinction of being declared as a minor basilica, an honor which is granted to very few churches in America.

The Freeman Coliseum is an American version of a coliseum which features in the list of San Antonio attractions because it hosts sporting events like wrestling matches and hockey, musical concerts, car shows, religious ceremonies as well as hunting and fishing expeditions.

The Charline McCombs Empire Theatre was the largest theatre in the city when it was inaugurated in 1913 and is a must among the San Antonio attractions because it is a well known venue for holding seminars, conferences, Broadway Shows and performing arts within an exquisitely designed building.

For more information about fun things to do in San Antonio, visit Things to do in San Antonio.

There are a number of Yosemite Campgrounds available, in and around the park. The National Forest Service offers over a dozen campgrounds near the park, in the Stanislaus, Sierra, and Inyo National forest. In addition, Yosemite offers a number of different campgrounds in the park, and there are many more privately owned campgrounds and RV parks close by.

Inside the park, there are thirteen different Yosemite Campgrounds. Some of these are open year round, others are seasonal. Seven can be reserved, others are available on a first come first serve basis. One of these that is open year round is the Upper Pines Campground, located in the Yosemite Valley. This is at 4,000 feet, with 238 different RV and camping site available. From March through November reservations are a must, during the off season they are available on a first come basis. This campground can accommodate RV's up to 35' and trailers up to 24.' There are no hook ups, but there is a dump station, as well as clean bathrooms near each of the campsites. Each site contains picnic tables, fire rings, and even a food locker. These lockers are designed to keep out the bears, and should always be used to store you related items. There is potable water available, as well as flush toilets. While there are no showers on the grounds, but groceries, showers and even a laundry mat is in the nearby Park Villages.

One of the privately owned Yosemite Campgrounds is the High Sierra RV, Mobile Park and Campground. This is a full service campground, and unlike those inside the park, has full hook ups available for RV's. This park sits right on the banks of the Fresno River, a seasonal river. It has a number of wonderful amenities, clean showers and bathrooms, WiFi, a laundry, gift and snack shop, and this park is completely pet friendly. They even offer a swimming hole and two waterfalls! In addition to close access to Yosemite National Park the Madera Wine Trail, Bass Lake, and many skiing opportunities are nearby.

Another one of the many Yosemite Campgrounds is the Summerdale Campground, in Sierra National Forest, just one and a half miles South of the Park's main entrance. This facility is offered by the Bureau of Land Management, has a single loop around the campgrounds, and is surrounded by Cedar, Cottonwood, and Fir trees. There is a large meadow in the middle of the loop. This is a more primitive campground, with just 28 different sites, and limited shade spots. Inside the grounds you have fire pits, grills and picnic tables. There are vault toilets, but these are regularly maintained. Outside the campground, more that a mile away, is shopping, dining, gas and groceries. Reservations are required, and there are strict rules about pets. No ATV's are allowed, or using firearms within the campgrounds.

Yosemite Pines is another great Yosemite campgrounds attraction. They have a number of full service RV sites, camping cabins, and quiet tent sites available. They are located just a thirty minute drive from the West entrance to the park. There are also many different on site amenities, from panning for gold, swimming, and even a zoo, featuring one of the areas most used creatures, the Alpaca. There is WiFi, laundry, hot showers and clean restrooms. From here you can book a number of different tours, rent bikes for their many nature trails, or even relax by the pool.

There are some things to note when visiting these Yosemite Campgrounds. One of them is that for most, reservations are a must. If you are planning your vacation here, make sure you get the latest updates on fires and flooding, as well as the bears and wildlife in the area. Be aware of your neighbors, and treat them as well as the land with respect.

Kevin McClellan loves to travel and has lots of interesting articles about camping and campgrounds. To read more about the "Coolest Campgrounds" in America, visit the authors website at http://www.coolestcampgrounds.com. While there don't forget to check out the monthly writing contest.

I've always interested in natural scenery. I visited the Grand Canyon last year, so this year I plan to take a Yosemite tour and Yellowstone tour. In this cold winter, I have collected plenty of information about the two fabulous parks. If you take a moonlight tour in Yosemite, you can enjoy the most beautiful scenery of this great national park. As there are mountains in the park, the moonlight will light everything up in late night. And then you may have an illusion that you have been in a wonderland. It may be even better than Alice's wonderland.

If it is a full moon night, you can take a distinctive tram tour to visit this fabulous place. The tour starts at 10pm and ends at 12pm. During the two-hour-tour, you can have an overview of the valley. As the tram is open air, you'd better wear warm clothing. This tour is very exciting, so tourists have to make reservation beforehand. Moreover, you cannot catch it if there is no full moon either. So pray for full moon before you get to Yosemite.

Besides the interesting moonlight tram tour, you can also take a visit to the moonbows. If there is a full moon, you are most likely to see the miraculous scenery at Yosemite Falls. When the moonlight hits the mist of the waterfalls, you can see the amazing scene. It may have different colors or just white. Many tourists will come there to watch the distinctive sight. And almost each tourist takes a camera, and they hope they can catch the most beautiful moment. Due to the changing rising time of the moon, the moonbows appear in different time. When you are visiting the national park, you can ask Yosemite employees for the best time to watch the extraordinary sight.

 They are familiar with the occurrence of moonbows, but you need to give them some tips. It is very worthwhile comparing with the fantastic sights. After the great moonlight tour to Yosemite, I will begin my new tour to Yellowstone. Tours make my life interesting and exciting. Do you like travel?

Are you planning on visiting Yosemite National Park one day? If the answer is yes, then it's a good idea to have a plan ahead of time of what you want to see since it is such a vast park. Some of the park can be accessed by car while other areas can only be gotten to on foot by way of hiking trails. Having a strategy ahead of time will really help you to see as much of the park as possible, depending upon the amount of time you have allowed for your visit.

Accessing Yosemite National Park via Highway 41 will lead you through a tunnel where you will be greeted by a spectacular view of the park and valley. There is a parking lot where you can get out of your car and take pictures and enjoy the beautiful panorama.

Continuing by car down to the valley floor you will travel through tall trees and beside huge granite peaks. The Merced River can be seen from many locations as you meander through this splendor. Take time to stop at viewpoints to take pictures and view the falls.

Depending upon the time of year you visit, Upper and Lower Yosemite Fall will be flowing freely or down to a trickle. The time of year when Yosemite Fall has its heaviest flow is typically at the end of May. In addition to Yosemite Fall there is also Bridalveil Fall, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall and several other smaller falls.

The Yosemite Valley Shuttle is a good way to get around parts of the valley floor as well as walking or cycling. The Valley Floor Tour is a popular way to explore Yosemite and allows you to relax and look around without having to concentrate on driving. Another well-liked tour that is offered will take you to Glacier Point and is usually available from late May to sometime in November, depending upon weather conditions.

Be sure to stop by the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center for maps, souvenirs and food. The Ansel Adams Gallery offers works by renowned photographer Ansel Adams as well as photo supplies, books and gifts.

Bring clothing for sudden changes in the weather. It can be sunny in the morning and then an afternoon thunderstorm can move across the valley catching you by surprise. Make sure to also pack binoculars to view the wildlife including deers, coyotes, bears and raccoons. Use the binoculars to search for rock climbers as they scale the face of El Capitan. It's an amazing experience!

With so much to see and do while visiting Yosemite National Park, it's easy to get too busy trying to see it all. It really requires several visits to explore all it has to offer, so take the time to just sit still, relax and take in the magnificence that is Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite lodging is situated in the national park, a beautiful piece of countryside that covers a huge area reported to be nearly 800,000 acres of land! It is visited by millions of people every year, so business nearby is massive.

There are plenty of Yosemite properties available for you to buy or simply rent over a period of time for your vacation or holiday. Whether a long or short stay, you will be hard pressed to find a more spectacular destination than what Yosemite National Park has to offer.

Yosemite Lodging

When looking for lodging at or near Yosemite Park, there are so many different choices available for you to sift through, your list will seem endless. Hotels, cabins, and complete rental houses in and around the park are plentiful, given the huge popularity of the area.

What about lodging that is close to the Yosemite falls? There are beautiful and astounding natural waterfalls for everyone, whether families, friends or just yourself, to enjoy and take in all the breathtaking surroundings. After exploring as much as will fit into a day, you can go back to the wonderful comfort of the park lodging to relax and vacation in style.

Yosemite Weather

If you are looking for a place to stay in the summer, then Yosemite is a great selection. The grand park enjoys sometimes 9 months of beautiful warm weather, making a nearly year long retreat when you're looking for the warmth of the sun. Spring can be a wonderful time to enjoy your stay, with waterfalls in abundance sparkling in the morning sun, flowers blooming everywhere that the eye can see and plenty of wildlife to spot and enjoy. Definitely bring your camera!

The long months of good weather conditions make Yosemite a great lodging destination, perfect for active vacations, such as, cycling, walking, hiking, fishing and even swimming. In the fall, you can enjoy its magnificent changing tree colors and less visitors, making it ideal for a gorgeous romantic getaway. Winter is a pretty spectacular time of year as well when renting lodging at Yosemite, with snowfall creating a winter wonderland for the enjoyment of the entire family.

Perfect Yosemite Lodging

All in all, a trip to Yosemite National Park is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy some amazing scenery and at their own pace. Wonderful for parents, babies and everyone in between, make sure your next vacation includes at least a day (if not more) in Yosemite.

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Yosemite National Park, a renowned World Heritage Site located in California, is famous for its exceptional waterfalls, biological diversity, gigantic Sequoia trees, peaceful meadows and granite cliffs. Yosemite is visited by 3.8 million people every year, and their visit is mostly limited to the Yosemite Valley area. For those who revel in adventurous exploration trips there is ample opportunity around every corner if they venture into the back country.

Since the area of Yosemite National Park is fairly large (1,200 square miles), it is necessary for the one day trip planners to choose the appropriate kind of trip that would suit them the best. Specializing in just one activity is best to get the most out of a day trip, and you can choose between sightseeing, hiking, bird watching, biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, swimming, kayaking, skiing and many more. People should also note the season of their visit as the weather here varies widely according to the month and the landscape changes dramatically. So those in want of wonderful weather and scenery should visit in the spring, as that is considered the best overall season. Those who prefer winter activities will find that there are various obstacles which they'll have to overcome first, as large sections of the park are closed during this time due to the heavy snowfall.

Recommended Activities

The trip that would suit most people would involve hiking. Places like Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, Cook's Meadow, and Mirror Lake would offer treasured experiences, and are also family-friendly as the trails are not so demanding. Those who are looking for precarious challenges can try the Wapama Falls, Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall.

People shouldn't miss the "El Capitan" one of the world's largest granite monoliths and a magnet for serious rock climbers. Whether you want to enjoy a rapid ascent or go for a 12 day solo expedition that includes this mountain as one aspect, 'The Big Stone' is where you should head. But people should take care climbing it, as it is grueling even during the best of conditions; so much so that it is strictly prohibited for beginners. Half Dome is another iconic rock formation in the park, while Glacier Point also offers a respectable challenge.

This national park has plenty in store for enthusiastic bikers. Around 12 miles of lined bike routes and ordinary road are available for the intrepid cyclist to explore. Even guided horseback riding trips are available right through the spring. Yosemite is equally well known for its range of water activities. People can enjoy kayaking, swimming and rafting. Swimming in the Merced River is a wonderful experience and the calm waters of Tenaya Lake are perfect for kayaking. Yosemite is also famous for its winter sports, be it at the fantastic Badger Pass ski resort or more challenging back country cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or snowmobiling.

Booking Yosemite Accommodations

So whatever time of year it may be, Yosemite delivers! Just remember that, being a national park, permits are required for entrance as well as for permission to undertake certain activities such as camping. This national park is extremely popular, so advance booking is required if you want to make sure of your accommodations, although there are some 'first come, first served' lodgings including campgrounds and cabins. Campsites and couples cabins in Yosemite are particularly sort after, so get in early!

Hi, I'm John and I love hiking, camping and have even been known to indulge in a spot of rock climbing! Basically I love the outdoors. One of my websites, 

[http://www.yosemiteaccommodation.net/] is devoted to providing the best information on how to find and book all the different types of Yosemite accommodations that are available. Heaps of people visit the site for advice on how to reserve Couples Cabins in Yosemite, while many others go to [http://www.yosemiteaccommodation.net/yosemite-camping/yosemite-camping-reservations.html] for details on how to grab a hold of those elusive Yosemite Camping Reservations. If you are considering a trip to Yosemite, then checking out this website is a great starting point!

Yosemite might be the most wonderful place in the world. People travel from all over to see the National Park and it beautiful views. For those staying overnight (and you should) there are five different hotel options:

The Ahwahnee Hotel: The Ahwahnee was opened in 1927. The main building's hotel rooms average three hundred square feet and offer views of Yosemite's granite rock formations.

The rooms feature modern bathrooms with hair dryers, televisions, telephones with data ports, refrigerators, and air conditioning.

The rooms are accented with Native American design and articles.

The Ahwahnee also has cottage rooms (directly behind the main building). The cottages were built in 1928 and are located approximately one hundred yards behind the hotel proper. To get to the cottage you will take a pleasant stroll through tall pine tress over a small creek.

The Ahwahnee cottages have the same accommodations as the main hotel rooms except they do not have air conditioning. The rooms are kept cool with a ceiling fan and the shade of the dogwood and pine trees.

Yosemite Lodge At The Falls: Yosemite Lodge rooms are large hotel style rooms with full bathrooms, dressing areas, table, chairs, and doors that open onto a patio or balcony. There are some wheel chair accessible rooms. There are full length mirrors, hair dryers, and mini refrigerators in all rooms.

Yosemite Lodge At The Falls provides easy walks to the trail head to Lower Yosemite Falls (one of the most popular sites to see while in the valley).

Yosemite Lodge area also has a swimming pool (seasonal), bike rentals, restaurants, and a grocery store with gift shop attached.

Curry Village: Curry is probably the best known of all the hotel areas (and has ties to the Yosemite Park and Curry Company history) and is also the most diverse of the five options.

The rooms vary from the specialty cabins, to motel rooms, to already constructed canvas tent cabins.

Curry Village has many amenities including a swimming pool with shower house, bike rental, rock climbing store, taco stand, ice cream patio, pizza patio, buffet, guest lounge, Kodak outdoor theatre.

Curry Village sits in the shadow of Glacier Point and to the side of Curry Village is Half Dome. Many of the valley's trails start at Curry Village.

Housekeeping Camp: Housekeeping units consist of three concrete walls, a concrete floor, and a double canvas roof. The fourth side is a canvas curtain. The sleeping area has two single size fold down beds, each with a foam mattress, a double bed (resting on a metal frame), and electrical outlets. There are cots for the fifth and sixth person. Additional cots can be rented for an additional cost.

Wawona: Wawona is a not in the valley. It is located in the southern part of the park.

Wawona provides a dining room, golf shop, Saturday BBQ, and Sunday Brunch in the month of July.

The rooms at the Wawona vary from hotel rooms with bath to hotel rooms with no bathroom (shared bath down an inside hallway).

Jim McDowell is a long time mystery shopper with thousands of shops successfully completed. Jim runs the website Paid To Shop [http://paidtoshop.zoxic.com] which features tips, stories, experience, and free lessons on becoming a mystery shopper.

Yosemite Park is an excellent place for camping and you guessed it, white water rafting. If you have a chance to take the camper and travel, you must set out for white water rafting and Yosemite Park will be your best stop. Yosemite has been noted as having some of the most spectacular white water rafting adventures in the United States.

Take The Proper Gear

When you go white water rafting and Yosemite camping you will need to take the proper gear along so you will be prepared for not only camping but also for rafting. If you take a pop up camper, you will have everything you need as far as bedding, food and necessaries. You will also need to take the right equipment for rafting.

Now that you have decided on white water rafting and Yosemite camping, you have the camping gear, you also need the gear for rafting such as the raft, paddles and rope. You need to wear a floatation vest and some wear helmets as well. You can always you at what guides, tours guides tell you about safety gear to find out exactly what type of clothing, and safety gear is best suited for your adventures.

When you go white water rafting and Yosemite camping, always remember to go with someone, you should never go rafting alone. This would be the number one safety issue, and camping is so much fun when you have someone to have fun with while rafting and camping. You can get away, enjoy yourself and take to the open water for great adventure in white water rafting and Yosemite camping.

When you go rafting you will want a waterproof bag to put a light, flares and matches or a lighter in so if you need help, you can summon someone with flares or fire. This is probably more an issue than a need, because if you practice good safe rafting, you should not need theses things anyway.

Not everyone will enjoy white water rafting, but the majority of people will and a guided tour is always so much fun, then doing it alone or with one other person. If you ever have a chance to go rafting and crashing over the rapids, jump on it, you will regret it if you do not. Always practice safety first and then fun second.

You can also find more info on White Water Rafting [http://www.whitewaterraftingtripsguide.com/] and Colorado Springs White Water Rafting [http://www.whitewaterraftingtripsguide.com/Colorado_Springs_White_Water_Rafting/]. whitewaterraftingtripsguide.com is a comprehensive resource to known about white water rafting.

Fall is here! The Fall Equinox is upon us. What a wonderful time to feel the glory of our Mother Earth. With all the many changes and shifts that are upon us and the challenges in the human world, it is so important for us to live in our heart centers as much as possible, for our heart energies are healing our Earth and she needs us to be here for her. Use the energy of the Mother and connect with her, and she will sustain you in all of your more "human" contacts . For we are here to channel nd mix the energy of Spirit through our 7th chakras and up through our 1st chakra from the Earth and mix them our heart chakra and express this blended energy out into our world. This energy helps to heal the fallout from the changes that are upon us. Be as a spinning vortex of this heart energy and send it out to all that are in need of it and ready to receive it.

I would like to tell you a story of a moonlight walk I took in Yosemite this week, it was truly a transformational experience. I drove there in the early evening so I could catch the rising of the full moon. My dog Dianna and I started out by the Merced River, which was flowing strongly, the water being at its highest level of the year from the snowmelt. We spoke our prayers and tuned in with the Water Spirits. We Tao a walk up the road by the river, it was so quiet in the twilight time, and as we walked by we greeted several groups of people on the otherwise deserted road. The water in the river rushed and even roared in places, it filled our senses as we walked to the base of the Grandfather, El Capitan. He was majestic as he became enveloped in shadow as the twilight wrapped around us. His presence was so strong and solid yet at the same time welcoming . His forceful energy came out to meet us as we stood in the apron of trees at his base. The song he sang to us was one of his blessing and continual support for us on this earth. A little while later it was time to go , the river called us on to our next destination. We walked back to the car and drove down the valley to a waterfall which is close to the road, it was dark now as the moonrise approached.

The spray from the waterfall hit us as we walked up to the boulders at its base. The power and force of the water was impressive as it roared, we were surrounded by cascading water at all levels , above us, and below us, as we stood there. Rushing water was everywhere! Oh the songs it sang to us, of life and the sacredness of it , of the joy of being present on this blessed Earth.

And then the boulders themselves spoke to us , come up to us, they said, we are the guardians of this portal, step with us into the next dimension. We paused, and absorbed this message, is this the way to go, Yes, was the answer, go through the portal. We took our time as it was very dark now, and slowly picked our way up to the large boulder that had spoken to us. We climbed over it and leaned against its face on the other side. We had stepped through the portal and now were in the next dimension. As we breathed and relaxed into it , soaking up the new energy it brought us. What does this feel like? The comfortable unknown, since it was an energy we had not ever experienced before., but was pleasant and welcoming. As we stood before the rock walls that surround the waterfall , a light begin to illuminate them....slowly they came into more form up top, the granite silvery and the trees still dark, and it all began to glow. All this time the water itself roared around us, enlivening us with its spray. The light continued to brighten until the entire wall and fall of water was glowing in bright light. The moon was up! This was what they wanted us to seeing this new dimension! The moon, bringing us this new energy , was here! How glorious! It was majestic and calm and oh so powerful in the quiet.

As we walked back to the car and began the drive down the canyon to home, we were aglow in this wonderful new energy , and it will always be in us, its a part of us now.

Eve Sheldon is a professional life coach who works with the Nature Spirits in Yosemite to heal the Earth and all creatures on her. Eve works with her coaching clients over the phone, helping them to make the connection to their souls path and to nature, and to use this connection to better their everyday life. Foe a sample session email her at naturespiritcoaching@sti.net

A school trip to the western coast of the United States will give students the opportunity to explore some of the most amazing natural wonders in the country. While the history of the "wild west" is recorded in an abundance of movies and books, the opportunity to see it in person gives these iconic landscapes a life of their own. From the preserved beauty of the Yosemite National Park to the overwhelming scale of the Grand Canyon, there is something for everyone in these two important natural landscapes.

The Grand Canyon

When you land in the state of Arizona, on the western side of the United States, one of the sights sure to be on the itinerary of your school trip is the massive and stunning Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon was carved by the Colorado River over, what has been estimated to be, some 17 million years. The Canyon is 446 kilometres long and reaches a depth of over a mile, or 1,800 metres. It was first discovered by Spanish explorer García López de Cárdenas in 1540. A school trip to the Canyon will show you exactly why it is known as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

While there you can choose to stand on the edge and simply soak up the sublime feeling of being on the precipice of something so massive. Or, you can book a donkey trek down in to the Canyon itself, along the river basin and even stay for a few nights on a camping excursion. If you are feeling really brave [and flush with cash] you can take a helicopter flight over the Canyon to see some of the areas not often visible to tourists. If you prefer to stay a bit closer to the ground but still want a thrill, venture on to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. The Skywalk is a glass walkway that was built on the edge of the Canyon in 2007. It arcs out over the cliff face in a horseshoe shape at a dazzling height of 1,450 metres. It's not for the faint hearted!

Yosemite National Park

Moving to the west from the Grand Canyon, another excellent natural landscape that will likely be on the itinerary of your school trip is the Yosemite National Park. Located in the central-eastern part of the state of California, Yosemite National Park covers 3,080.74 square miles and encompasses part of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The park supports five major vegetation zones which, in turn, each support the habitation of a variety of flora and fauna. The geology of the Yosemite National Park is made up of granite rocks and remnants of formations over 10 million years old. The park is well known for its groves of Giant Sequoia trees, which can grow to 94.8 metres high and up to 17 metres in diameter. It is a great place to hike or camp and it offers a huge variety of outdoor activities for all abilities. In 1984, Yosemite National Park was inscripted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its variety of granite relief caved by glaciation.

Angela Bowden works for STS (School Travel Service), the UK's largest educational travel company, providing school trips for secondary schools, primary schools and colleges. A school trip with STS can encompass art/design, foreign languages, history, science/nature, geography and more, to worldwide destinations.

Whether or not you're an avid recreational camper, finding the best camping destinations across the United States can be intriguing, entertaining, and inspiring. Camping is about getting away from everyday struggles and stresses. It is about appreciating the beautiful country in which you live. It is about seeing amazing natural sites throughout the United States, or maybe even in your own backyard. To experience the joys and fun of camping, you don't have to go far. The beauty and the awe-inspiring scenery surrounding you can be easily accessed just by a simple camping trip. With that in mind, here are the top four best camping destinations in the United States:

1. Yosemite National Park - Yosemite National Park in California has a total of thirteen campgrounds from which to choose, all within the boundaries of the national park. Of those thirteen campgrounds, usually seven of those campsites can be reserved, and the rest are first-come, first-serve. Yosemite National Park offers many other activities than just camping, including hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, fishing, birdwatching, and biking.

2. Grand Canyon National Park - You can choose between "developed" campgrounds or camping within the canyon outside of established campsites. It all depends on your preferences. The Grand Canyon is one of those places that everyone should see in life, especially those who live in the United States, as it is as close as it's going to get. Just outside of the Grand Canyon, you can experience the Hualapai Reservation and skywalk, the Kaibab National Forest, and even the Havasupai Waterfalls.

3. Fontainebleau State Park - Found in Mandeville, Louisiana, the Fontainebleau State Park is the perfect camping spot for beach lovers who would love to also have the opportunity to experience the bayou. Camping in or around the Fontainebleau State Park will offer campers beautiful scenery and incredible history. Surrounding camping destinations include the Bayou Segnette State Park, the Pearl River Wildlife Park, and the St. Bernard State Park.

4. Guadalupe River State Park - If you like canoeing, whitewater rafting, and other adventurous outdoor activities, it might be time to head over to the great state of Texas. Other outdoor activities can include hiking, tubing, swimming, mountain biking, fishing, and the study and enjoyment of the surrounding nature. One of the many beautiful aspects of the Guadalupe River State Park is that the river is lined with elegant cypress trees. It's as unique as it is beautiful.

Deciding to go camping is the easy part. The hard part is deciding which location to try out first! All you need is the essential camping gear, and you'll be well on your way to enjoying the great outdoors all across the country.

Be prepared for your next outdoor adventure and be sure to have the latest essential camping gear [http://www.campersridge.com/] to ensure an enjoyable trip.