Great Experiences in the Great Outdoors--Visiting the Poconos

Generations of vacationers have visited the Pocono Mountains for a family getaway, honeymoon, or romantic retreat. The tradition continues as many find refuge from the daily routine in this special destination. The Poconos offers year-round activities, entertainment, and first-rate accommodations.

The Pocono Mountain range covers the northeastern corner of Pennsylvania and connects to the vast network of the Appalachian Mountains, a region stretching down along the eastern United States into northern Georgia. Varieties of oak, birch, and evergreens carpet the hills and plateaus of the Poconos. The area is ecologically diverse--terrain encompasses bogs, gorges, and lakes. Wildlife watchers may glimpse blue heron, bobcats, black bear, and otters in wilderness areas such as Worlds End State Park in Forksville, PA. A famous natural attraction, known as “the Niagara of Pennsylvania,� is Bushkill Falls, located in Bushkill, PA. Here, visitors can witness eight cascading falls rushing over ancient rock formations in the heart of the forest.

Summer activities abound with biking, horseback riding, and hiking. Numerous lakes and streams offer fishing, kayaking, and sailing. The Poconos autumn season brings visitors who enjoy the fresh air and brilliant fall colors. Snowy trails provide winter sports such as skiing, dog sledding, and snowmobiling.

Entertainment is part of the Pocono Mountains experience, and for tourists seeking dining and nightlife, the region does not disappoint. Dance clubs, restaurants, and pubs offer something for everyone. Always popular with both tourists and locals are the comedy clubs--two well-known venues are the Cove Haven in Lakeville, and Pocono Palace in East Stroudsburg.

Accommodations are available from the economical to opulent. You can look for the best deals by opting for discount hotel reservations. You can get discount hotel rates for options offering both luxury and breathtaking views from its plateau elevation, the 5500 acre Skytop Lodge has been in operation since 1928. Located in the town of Skytop, the property has a lake and views of West Mountain. Amenities include a golf course on the premises, three meals per day, private bath, hiking trails, and Internet.

For family-oriented accommodations, the Great Wolf Lodge has many activities that will appeal to both children and adults. The non-smoking suites are available for up to eight guests, and each suite combines rustic charm with all the modern conveniences. Amenities include mini refrigerator, microwave, sleeper sofa, coffee maker, and passes to the water park on the premises. The special kidcabin suites have a small log cabin room with bed and TV built into the larger family quarters. The lodge also offers whirlpool fireplace suites for adult pampering. Great Wolf Lodge is located on Route 611 in Scotrun, PA.

Three Small Towns to Visit in the United States

Many small towns in the United States offer a friendly atmosphere, great accommodations, and exciting activities in a beautiful setting. You can search for discount hotel rates at these places by going online. Travelers can find these small town qualities in the following three locations, which provide a great vacation experience and the best of each region’s unique culture.

The charming lakeside town of Saugatuck, in southwestern Michigan, attracts many visitors with its beaches, boutiques, art galleries and fine restaurants. This resort has been a popular vacation spot since the early 1900s for boaters and travelers seeking a relaxing change of pace. Examples of Greek Revival and Italianate architecture are still preserved and much of the town is within walking distance, an added convenience. Also nearby is Oval Beach, chosen as one of the best beaches in the country, with pristine stretches of sand, dunes, and the blue waters of Lake Michigan.

Bed and breakfasts are an important part of Saugatuck, and a wonderful opportunity for tranquility and stress relief. One of the loveliest, the Beechwood Manor Inn and Cottage, at 736 Pleasant St, is close to downtown, yet offers the quiet of a country home with its wide lawns and white picket fence. Each room has a private bath, fireplace, cable, and DVD player. Guests receive a sumptuous gourmet breakfast in the morning.

Within the dramatic rolling vineyards of Napa Valley is St. Helena, California, 65 miles north of San Francisco. The town was established in 1876, and offers many activities including wine tours, wine tasting, hiking, bike riding, and enjoying the idyllic, sunny countryside. Award winning restaurants and famous vineyards are a feast for the senses. Local vineyards include Beringer, Franciscan Oakville Estate, and Sutter Home/Trinchero Winery.

One of St. Helena’s premiere hotels is the Harvest Inn, at One Main Street surrounded by redwood groves. Amenities include fireplaces, terraces, swimming pools, and Internet. Near the Leonardini vineyard and the Mayacamas Mountains, there are many opportunities for outdoor activities.

The vibrant community of Asheville is located in western North Carolina, surrounded by the famous Blue Ridge Mountains. Tourist destinations include the Biltmore Estates and Vanderbilt Mansion—two examples of Asheville’s great architecture. The town is an ideal location for experiencing scenic beauty and finding outdoor activities. Smoky Mountains National Park is within a two-hour drive and offers trails of spectacular terrain; towering forests; waterfalls; and a variety of wildlife such as black bear and elk. For another unforgettable vista, visitors can drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, which connects the Smoky Mountains to Shenandoah National Park.

For luxurious accommodations in Asheville, vacationers can try the Inn on Biltmore Estate, at 1 Antler Hill Road. This four-star lodging offers traditional elegance and superb mountain views. Amenities include plasma TV, turn down service, Internet, fitness center, pool, shuttle service and concierge. With ticket purchase, visitors can also tour Biltmore’s magnificent gardens. You can easily do your discount hotel reservation online and enjoy visiting these special destination.

Great Hotels in Recife, Brazil

Located in Brazil’s eastern Pernambuco State, the coastal city of Recife is known for its beautiful urban beaches, dark coral reefs, and the famous Galo da Madrugada carnival parade. Stretched along the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Boa Viagem beach entices travelers with its glittering sand and lush palm trees. The heart of the city, Old Recife, reflects a rich cultural heritage in its historically significant buildings. Recife is also a starting point for tours of the remaining Amazon rainforest; visitors have a chance to see rare plants and wildlife in natural surroundings. The following information lists three great hotel choices with access to exciting activities—the best of the city just footsteps away.

With a setting at Av. Boa Viagem 1906, Boa Viagem, Recife, Pernambuco, the new Beach Class Suites has 158 rooms with magnificent sea views. The sleek high-rise building provides a convenience store, business center, fitness center, French restaurant, and swimming pool for its guests. Amenities include WiFi, air-conditioning, electronic safe, mini-bar, LCD TV, and 24-hour room service. Modern furnishings in cream and beige tones create a calm, comfortable environment. The hotel is also close to shopping and beach recreation.

The Golden Tulip Recife Palace is a luxurious, modern 20-story hotel with 297 rooms and a lovely pool facing the ocean. Located at Av. Boa Viagem 4070, Recife, facilities include a business center, three restaurants, fitness center, sauna, and beauty salon. Rooms are decorated in rich golds and earth tones, with expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean. Guests will appreciate 24-hour room service, free parking, cable TV, and Internet. In addition to its excellent beachfront location, the Golden Tulip is near the Artesanato Market and Recife shopping mall.

The five-star Hotel Atlante Plaza displays dramatic architecture with tinted windows creating a blue mosaic on exterior walls. Attractions include three glass elevators allowing vistas of the beach and a rooftop swimming pool with its own waterfall. Rooms offer floor to ceiling windows, white linens, and pillows scented with flowers. Guests have access to a fitness center, beauty salon, business center, poolside bar, and two restaurants. The hotel, at Av. Boa Viagem 5426, Recife, presents awesome views of natural tide pools formed along the ocean reefs.

As with all destinations, it is important for visitors to be aware of their surroundings and frequent well-traveled areas for a safe, enjoyable trip. The exotic, cosmopolitan city of Recife and its spectacular beaches create the ultimate tropical experience. You can find information about discount hotel rates online. You can get very cheap hotel rates and save your hard earned money.

See Europe without breaking your bank with the help of discount hotel rates

Traveling in Europe need not be as expensive as many people think. It is possible to experience the architectural, culinary, and historical wonders of the continent without taking out a second mortgage. Any experienced traveler knows that the key to low-cost travel is to do as the locals do (especially in Rome). By avoiding luxurious hotels, overpriced restaurants that cater solely to tourists, and "all inclusive" resorts, the frugal traveler can make off with the wonders of Europe while still retaining a good portion of his or her billfold.

One of the most expensive aspects of European travel is accommodation. With the advent of the internet, it has become easier than ever to reduce the costs of a place to stay by finding discount hotel rates. You can make the discount hotel reservations in advance if you spot a great deal. Many quality, locally owned hotels, hostels, and B&Bs advertise online and/or have their own websites. By comparison shopping, contacting the owners, and remaining flexible, a prospective traveler can set up low cost accommodation prior to departure. For greater savings, the more adventurous can simply arrive at their destination without a preset plan. Wandering about in a city like Paris or Barcelona gives one a feel for the place that obviously can't be had online, and often leads to the discovery of more interesting hotels. Youth hostels are another option: great for meeting other travelers, and usually substantially cheaper than a hotel, especially for solo travelers. Be advised however, that hostels are often better for socializing than sleeping! It all depends on who else has landed there for the night. Another growing and fascinating option for accommodation can be found on hospitality websites such as couchsurfing.com, on which people from all over the world offer each other a free couch, bed, or floor to crash on. This option is generally not for those seeking luxury, but is an unparalleled way to meet local people and enhance the experience of any foreign city. The assistance offered by this kind of travel, free of any commercial motivation and based on mutual trust, is a return to ancient traditions of hospitality expressed in a new electronic age.

Once your place to sleep has been taken care of, keep thinking locally! Buy food at local markets rather than supermarkets or pricey restaurants, walk or ride a bus rather than depending on cabs, and look for free, local festivals and alternative shows for your entertainment. Have fun, and enjoy your trip!

Europe without breaking your bank

Traveling in Europe need not be as expensive as many people think. It is possible to experience the architectural, culinary, and historical wonders of the continent without taking out a second mortgage. Any experienced traveler knows that the key to low-cost travel is to do as the locals do (especially in Rome). By avoiding luxurious hotels, overpriced restaurants that cater solely to tourists, and "all inclusive" resorts, the frugal traveler can make off with the wonders of Europe while still retaining a good portion of his or her billfold.

One of the most expensive aspects of European travel is accommodation. With the advent of the internet, it has become easier than ever to reduce the costs of a place to stay. Many quality, locally owned hotels, hostels, and B&Bs advertise online and/or have their own websites. By comparison shopping, contacting the owners, and remaining flexible, a prospective traveler can set up low cost accommodation prior to departure. For greater savings, the more adventurous can simply arrive at their destination without a preset plan. Wandering about in a city like Paris or Barcelona gives one a feel for the place that obviously can't be had online, and often leads to the discovery of more interesting hotels. Youth hostels are another option: great for meeting other travelers, and usually substantially cheaper than a hotel, especially for solo travelers. Be advised however, that hostels are often better for socializing than sleeping! It all depends on who else has landed there for the night. Another growing and fascinating option for accommodation can be found on hospitality websites such as couchsurfing.com, on which people from all over the world offer each other a free couch, bed, or floor to crash on. This option is generally not for those seeking luxury, but is an unparalleled way to meet local people and enhance the experience of any foreign city. The assistance offered by this kind of travel, free of any commercial motivation and based on mutual trust, is a return to ancient traditions of hospitality expressed in a new electronic age.

Once your place to sleep has been taken care of, keep thinking locally! Buy food at local markets rather than supermarkets or pricey restaurants, walk or ride a bus rather than depending on cabs, and look for free, local festivals and alternative shows for your entertainment. Have fun, and enjoy your trip!

Paris--A Review of 3 New Hotels Opened in 2010

Paris, France is known for its beauty, excitement, and iconic tourist attractions. The city’s stellar hotels also draw travelers from around the world. The year 2010 saw the opening of the following new accommodations—each with luxurious settings to provide an unforgettable experience.

The Secret de Paris, at 2, rue de Parme, 75009 Paris, is located in the Trinite shopping district. Guests have a choice of beautifully appointed rooms decorated in themes as provocative as the Moulin-Rouge and the Eiffel Tower. The drama of historic French culture is combined with the ultimate in modern conveniences such as massaging baths and showers, ambient lighting, fitness center, and 40inch LED TV. Other guest services include concierge, 24-hour reception, room service, and babysitting. Spa facilities include sauna, steam room, and massage. Rates start at 183 Euro (236 USD) per night.

Four-star elegance waits in the new 22 suites of the Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg. Located at 15, rue Boissy d'Anglas , 75008 Paris, France, the hotel is near Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, the Louvre, Champs-Elysées, and fine department stores. The Prestige accommodations have 484 square ft. of space with a separate sitting area. Each suite is exquisitely decorated in French contemporary style, and offers the Bose stereo system, Hermes bath products, espresso machine, Wi-Fi, walk-in closet, and mini-bar. For the traveler’s convenience, the hotel has a currency exchange, and members of the staff speak English, Italian, Spanish, and German, in addition to French. The restaurant Café Faubourg, a library, terrace, Bar30, spa, and indoor parking are on the premises. A self-service business center is also available. Prestige Suites start at a rate of 852 USD per night.

Situated in the Latin Quarter, Hotel Le Seven, at 20, rue Berthollet, 75005 Paris, France, is near the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. The hotel’s extraordinary design reflects fantasy and the illusion of floating, starting with 3D bubbles projected into the lobby. Room décor themes include the Marie Antoinette Boudoir Suite (opulence with a modern twist), and Close to the Stars (walls and ceiling painted in the colors of the midnight sky, lit with fiber optics). Sleek modern amenities include bathtubs and beds that seem suspended in air, 24-hour reception and room service, air-conditioning, access for wheelchairs, concierge, patio, free Wi-Fi, and elevator. Rates start at 153 Euro per night (197 USD) for the Levitation Room.

These new accommodations offer the traveler a chance to relax and enjoy glamorous, romantic surroundings--an opportunity of true indulgence for the senses.

Travel Tips for Families on the Road

The first long road trip with children can be a challenge for parents, but careful planning will help ensure a pleasant experience. The following tips offer useful information on traveling with young family members. You can also make some great savings by opting for discount hotel rates that are available online.

Create a checklist for important supplies to bring on vacation, as well as items to make the trip more comfortable, such as pillows and blankets for each child. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen provide protection for children during car rides on a hot, sunny day. A favorite toy or stuffed animal can also give reassurance and help occupy the time.

One of the most important travel items for the car is a basic first aid kit. Supplies should include: antiseptic ointment and wipes, bandages, tape and gauze, medication for allergies, antihistamine, Calamine lotion, hand sanitizer, first aid manual, non-aspirin pain relievers, and a thermometer. The family doctor can advise on any additional items. The kit should be packed out of the reach of small children.

If a child has health needs, parents will want to discuss travel plans with the child’s physician before the trip, and review instructions for medication or any special equipment. Directions for medication storage and temperature requirements should also be explained. Once these arrangements have been made, the child and family will be free to concentrate on an enjoyable vacation.

Fun-filled activities to relieve boredom can include word puzzles, connect the dots pictures, and sticker books of favorite characters. A drawing pad, washable markers, and crayons can provide a relaxing, quiet time. For more interactive exercises, families can play portable car games, word games, and share in storytelling.

Music CDs and books on CD can supply hours of entertainment for everyone. A favorite book CD can be purchased or borrowed from the library, and is educational, as well as interesting. Playing music during the car trip also gives an opportunity to sing along.

Breaks for stretching and exercise are vital for everyone’s well-being, especially for young children. Parks, rest areas, and restaurants with play spaces are good locations for the family to move around and release pent up energy after sitting in the car for an extended period.

Bring a healthy selection of snacks for the journey, such as granola bars, oatmeal cookies, pretzels, apple slices, and carrot sticks. Have bottled water and fruit drinks handy and encourage family members to stay hydrated.

At the end of a long day’s drive, the travelers will be looking forward to a good night’s sleep at a child-friendly lodging. Two hotel chains known for family amenities are Marriott and Holiday Inn. Each chain has a variety of locations that include restaurants, pools, fitness centers, special promotions, and programs for kids.

Finally, maintaining flexibility and a sense of humor can also keep the road trip on a happy course for all family members. And when you have made your discount hotel reservations you can look forward to a great time with your family.