Posts Tagged ‘america’

No one can deny that the USA is a world class place to visit. Each year more than 35 million people visit the US, with an estimated 35% of these people being return vacationists. So what makes USA holidays such fun and why do people go back again once they’ve visited?

Friendliness. The friendly and helpful attitude that Americans possess seems to come with the territory. You’ll notice it as soon as you get off the plane when you are greeted with a warm smile from everyone.The staff in eateries are some of friendliest you’ll find and you can’t help feeling happier for it. Its so nice to be able to relax and be able to talk to anyone and have a friendly conversation. Americas like interacting and this makes holidays there all the more interesting

Attractions. It would be literally impossible to be bored as a tourist in America. Every state has their own interests, including different sports, events and general ways of life. There is something for everyone in each location and nothing is done half-heatedly. whether your interested in historical sites, local attractions of just a friendly bar, there is always someone around to advise you about the best ones.  There are also whole places that are attractions, like Las Vegas for instance. The place is buzzing and you can spend your Las Vegas holidays taking part in something completely new every day

Variety. Because the US is so vast, there is a huge selection of places and types of holiday to take. America boasts some of the best beaches in the world in places like Florida holidays locations or California resorts, and you can take part in all sorts of beach and water activities there.The northern regions of America are home to some world class ski resorts, such as the wonderful Lake Tahoe or the well known Heavenly.

America is home to some of the best driving roads in the world. The most well known is probably the brilliant Route 66, but you will not have any problem finding lots more like it.There are some incredible highways crossing each and every way across the country so traveling long distances is easy really. But what is the best form of transport on youradventure holidays in America?

Camper van. There is so much fun to be had buying a sturdy campervan and hitting the roads with only a vague idea of where you are going. As you get quite a bit more room with these vehicles, you can take more with stuff with you and also more people. Additionally, you don’t have to keep stopping for accommodation and food as you can carry those with you wherever you go

Convertible. There is nothing more iconic than cruising across down those long roads with the top down and the wind in your hair. Convertible cars are ingrained in American culture and so there is plenty around to choice from.Cadillacs look great but make sure you give them a good check over first as you could get lumbered with a temperamental car. Alternatively, for peace of mind, you could also rent a convertible. This is what a lot of people do on fly drive vacations  All you need now is a model  girlfriend/boyfriend and some country and western on the radio to make your trip complete

Motorbike. Traveling around on two wheels is one way to put some fun into your trip, especially if you’re bike is big and the sun is out. This is the most amazing way to soak up the atmosphere and scenery on your travels that America has in abundance. If you’re not sure which bike to go for, then opt for a Harley. These bikes are sturdy as anything and demand respect on the roads. Rent shops are found across America. If you don’t want to spend you’re whole trip in the hospital, ride carefully and kit yourself out with some high quality safety gear, including a helmet

Las Vegas is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular places on earth and one of the best USA holidays you can go on. There is such a vast amount of activity to get involved in that you wouldn’t get bored if you spent a year there.  It can be a little overwhelming however and you need to plan your Las Vegas holidays properly before you go in order to get the most out of them. If you follow these tips then it will help you get the most from you holiday and avoid any negatives.

Get out of the city. It might sound odd, but getting out of the centre of Vegas at some point during your holiday is a must. Vegas lies in the stunning Nevada desert which can only be truly appreciated when you break free on the hustle and bustle and experience the landscape’s vast features. A point on your check list should certainly be the infamous Grand Canyon. If you can, try and go in the early evening to catch a sun set that you will not forget. If you can afford it, view the Canyon by helicopter for a whole new viewing experience

Go to shows. Las Vegas shows are arguably the best in the world. They have the money and the locations to put on some real spectacles. You may even want to check before you go and plan your trip around which shows are on at the time. Do make sure you check a number of reviews before you book a show though as they tend to be on the expensive side and trying to cancel and get refunds is sometimes difficult

Cap your gambling money. You might not class yourself as gambler but when you arrive in Vegas nothing can prepare you for the sheer number and size of the attractions available.If you do decide to splash a little cash that set a budget and stick to it. Don’t expect to make any money from gambling. Any cash you do put on the table should be cash that you can afford to lose.

Follow these tips and your holiday in Vegas will be one those American holidays that you won’t forget in a hurry

Cuba has announced that it seriously wants to improve the number of visitors to the country over the coming years. It is certainly in a stronger position than it has been in the past but would like to attract more people from the European areas who have tended to stay away. Visitor number increase last year from 2.15 million to 2.25million people, which was a likely result of good money being injected into tourist attractions and facilities. Cuba has also worked hard on its foreign diplomacy in recent years in attempts dispel outdated, potentially harmful impressions of the country that may put people off visiting on Cuba holidays

Continually increasing visitor numbers is a real target according to Maria Elana Reyes Lopez, Deputy Tourism Minister.Around 3000 new rooms are being built in hotels around key areas. It is hoped that by building facilities with higher standards and more a more diverse choice it will attract more visitors to the country. There has been development also in the luxury holidays market, as Cuba attempts to pull in holiday with more expensive tastes. Further to this, Miss Lopez Reyes has announced hopes that the new US government administration will relax the current travel ban that prohibits US citizens visiting Cuba legally. Nearly 50,000 people from the States enter Cuba every year but it is agreed by all that this figure would be a lot larger if entry was made fully legal.

Cuba has also just been named as this years home for the first International Culinary Festival of the Caribbean. This is an event based around food that brings together 25 experts from countries all around the region to talk about experiences, ideas and recipes. The festival also aims to highlight the role that traditional dishes have in creating strong social units and maintaining core values. The festival will be held in the East of the country in a Santiago De Cuba and there are hopes that it will help aid the current tourism efforts.

Firstly, if your in America on a surfing holiday your first stop should really be Cocoa Beach in Florida. This beach can provide some of the best surf around but you have to time your visit right. If your heading here in summer then chances are you’ll catch a great tan but you shouldn’t hold out much hope of catching any great waves. The winter months however will give you something different altogether. You can get swells of around 10ft in winter and the sets are a whole lot more reliable this time of year. The surf is some of the safest around and the area has a great party vibe going on. This makes it very popular with beginner surfers and people after a but of fun. November to March is when you can find the best surf

Secondly, why not head to the birth place of the great sport. Hawaii has long been known as a surfing paradise. Mainly because it’s home to some of the best and largest waves on earth but also because it embraces surfing so openly.  It’s so steeped in surfing history that you could easily spend your whole time on your Hawaii holidays visiting historic sites, talking to locals about the good old days when surfboards were made out of wood, or checking out the thousands of second hand surfboards for sale. Well, maybe not the whole of your time, you must save a little for the 20ft monsters at Oahu and the sheer beauty of the beaches and surf and Waimea and Ehukai. absolute paradise

Last but not certainly not least, no America holidays would be complete without experiencing the “surf city” of the USA, Huntington.  The sun never seems to set on this place and it attracts great surfers like moths to a flame. There are frequently surf events and competitions going on here and you’re very likely to see a few faces from the surfing celebrity group.  It can get quite busy here though, 11 millions visitors per year. So if you’re after more of quiet surfing holiday come and enjoy the water in the winter months.

Tipping and America go hand in hand.  It doesn’t matter where you are from, when you are in the US you should understand that it is common place and part of the culture. The following is a top 5 guide to tipping for anyone visiting the beautiful country on American holidays

1.    Have some dollars ready. $10 worth of $1 dollar notes should be carried in your wallet at any one time so make sure you ask for a little extra at the currency exchange.It makes it a lot easier to find the right value of tip you want without asking for change back. Don’t be embarrassed if you have to ask for change though as it is quite common

2.    Bars. Drinks bought at the bar should really be tipped at about a $1 each. If your round extends to more than 3 drinks then just reduce this ratio slightly. If you are seated and your drinks are served to you by a member of staff at your table then look to add $10 on to the total at the end of the night

3.    Restaurants. the type of restaurant where you are eating kind of determines this one. Those at the lower end of the market only need tipping the region on 15%. For more formal sit-down meals you should expect to pay along the lines of 20-25% of the cheque.  If the service exceeds your expectations or the staff were very helpful then do tip them a little more for their efforts.

4.    Bags.A tip of $1 per bag is the standard for porters who bring your luggage up to your room. You should really stick to this figure unless you want to give more as a result of exceptional service. Bag carriers at airports should be tipped between $2 to $4 per bag

5.    Poor service. If you are not happy with the standard of service then don’t feel you have to tip. But make sure you express your reasons. the majority of services in America look for constructive criticism and will appreciate any that you give. Florida holidays staff are particularly humble.

Fly Drive USA

As much fun as holidays to America are; it is important to remember that each state is in fact like its own little country and has its own traffic laws.

Possibly, the most easiest mode of transport to cross the States with a family in tow is to drive by car. Here are some great tips.

Tip #1 – Always ask your car agent if there are any special laws for drinving in the current state

Tip #2 – If driving through states, make sure you take a tour book for driving regulations.

Whatever you do, ALWAYS observe the speed limits in school zones (15 mph if lights are flashing) and ALWAYS stop if you are in front or behind of a school bus with flashing lights. You will be severely punsihed if you breaks these traffic laws!

Rail Tours USA

If you are a fan of USA tours but don’t fancy driving the whole way across the states then USA rail tours are a must. For a small piece of luxury across a long journey, these hotels on wheels are affordable and very comfortable. Enjoy the stunning landscape of the US, whilst relaxing and resting being with serving staff attending to your culinary whims. The trains are very comfortable with seats that recline especially designed to help you relax after a tasty dinner and a drink. If you need to rest there are cabins available to sleep in.

Cruising America

If you want to try cruising round the Caribbean or Alaska, then a trip from normally Florida, by luxury cruiser is a fantastic experience and oftentimes a great deal. To see amazing wildlife, breath-taking and dramatic scenery, then of course Alaska and Northern Canada will be a perfect holiday venue for you.

Popular Destinations

If you are trying to decide on where to go some of the best USA destinations are;

Las Vegas, Nevada – like Disney World for grown-ups.

Orlando Florida – Disney World, land of dreams for families.

Alaska – a truly massive wilderness to get safely lost in

San Francisco, California – Feel a touch of living new American history.

God Bless America and enjoy your trip.