Costa Rica

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Popular Destinations for Summer Vacation Camping

Each year, a large number of individuals make the decision to take a summer vacation. Summer vacations are decided on for a number of different reasons. Their main purpose is to experience excitement, fun, and something new. If you love the outdoors, you could choose a summer vacation destination that allows you to relax in your element.

When it comes to outdoor summer vacation destinations, most individuals make the decision to go camping. Camping is a fun, outdoor activity that many people enjoy. Unfortunately, when it comes to summer vacation ideas, there are many individuals who feel that camping does not qualify. This is simply not true. If you are interested in spending your summer vacation camping outdoors, you may be wondering what types of vacation destinations are available to you.

In the Untied States, camping is not as popular as it used to be. Despite the decline in popularity, a large number of individuals and families still enjoy camping. To tailor to those individuals, a large number of public campgrounds have been developed. If you are searching for a popular vacation destination, you are encouraged to examine public campgrounds.

When examining public campgrounds, you are likely to find that there are a number of campgrounds in or around the area that you live. This is because there are a large number of campgrounds in the United States. If you wish, you can make reservations with a local campground. For added excitement and a change of scenery, you may want to consider making reservations at a campground in another city or state.

Before deciding on a particular campground, it is important to examine the layout of the grounds. Unfortunately, a large number of public campgrounds have close corridors. This means that you and your family could be a few feet away from other campers. If you wish to experience camping, but privately, you may want to consider selecting a state park as your vacation destination.

Selecting a state park to vacation at is a fairly easy decision. The only problem with doing so is the number of choices that you will have. A number of states have at least twenty or more state parks. If you are interested in choosing a state park, you are encouraged to consider the amount of distance you are willing to travel. Since state parks are located all around the United States, you may be able to find a local state park. If traveling is not a problem, it may be a nice getaway to visit another area of the country.

Whether you choose to select a vacation destination at a state park or a public campground, you are encouraged to keep the onsite activities in mind. Without a large number of activities, you could find that camping can easily become boring. You are encouraged to look for campgrounds or state parks that offer boating, swimming, hiking, biking, outdoor sports, and other outdoor activities. Most state parks and campgrounds will have a number of these activities, but it is still advised that you verify so ahead of time.

To learn more about the activities available at a particular campground or state park, you can individually search a number of these destinations. As previously mentioned, in the United States, there are a large number of states that have public campgrounds and state parks that allow camping. Popular camping destinations include Upstate New York, California, Oregon, Texas, and North Carolina.

In addition to being able to research a particular campground or state park online, you may be able to make online reservations. During the summer months, camping becomes fairly popular. To ensure that you are able to select the perfect campground site, you are encouraged to make your reservations well in advance.

If you’d rather be camping in the outdoors then why spend your summer vacation elsewhere? With a large number of summer vacation destinations available for campers, you are sure to enjoy your summer camping experience.
For more camping information: http://bit.ly/tentcamping

Friday, June 24, 2011

San Diego Wild Animal Park

Aside from the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Wild
Animal Park is the best place in San Diego to see
animals. Over the spread of 1,800 acres, the animal
park gives animals the room they need to roam and
play. The animals here play just like they do in
the wild, which almost makes you feel as if you
are in their native of Africa and Asia.

Throughout the 30 year history of the animal park,
the Noah's Ark symbol of endangered species has grown
to dozens upon dozens of animals. Now, every Arabian
Oryx found in the wild is the descendant stock from the
San Diego Wild Animal Park.

In the park, there are many different paths you can
take to visit the smaller animal exhibits. Although
the smaller animals are a sight to see, the main
thing to see is the hour long trip on the Bush Line
Railway. Along the railway, you'll see animals that
you'd never get the chance of seeing anywhere else,
such as the white rhino and the rhinoceros.

If you plan to visit the park in the summer, it's
always a good idea to visit early. On a normal summer
day, ten - fifteen thousand people will visit the
park. During the winter, the ratio is down as
normally 2,000 people will visit. Although it's much
colder in the winter, the park is less frequent with
people looking to see the animals the park offers.

You can find the animal park 32 miles north of
Escondido in San Diego. The park is in a peaceful
area, which makes things a lot better for the animals
that live there.

When visiting in the summer, it's a great idea to walk
a while, then take the railway. After you have took
the railway a bit, you can walk some more. It's also
good to take plenty of sunscreen with you as well, as
summer at the park can get very hot. Water is great
as well, simply because the summer in California can
be a bit of a scorcher.

The San Diego Wild Animal Park is ran by the San Diego
Zoological Society. The society also runs the San
Diego Zoo, which is one of the most popular animal
parks in the entire world. With the park and the zoo,
the society does more than its part to bring the
best of seeing the animals to you.

The next time you are in San Diego or if you are
visiting for the first time, the Wild Animal Park is
a great place to visit. You can check out some truly
endangered species and learn more about the types of
animals that you'll see in this once in a lifetime
opportunity.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

San Diego: Ocean Beach

Located in the Ocean Beach Community, Ocean Beach is
actually just south of the entrance to the Mission
Bay channel. Located at 1950 Abbott Street, the beach
is a very popular location in the summer. During the
winter months, couples like to walk the beach and
just bask in the presence.

The Ocean Beach is wide in structure, about a mile
long. Along the north end of the beach, you'll find
a volleyball court. During the summer, the court is
always teeming with people playing volleyball while
the sand around it is teeming with people watching.

At the south end of the beach you'll find the Ocean
Beach Municipal Pier. The Pier is open to the public
with plenty of walking and fishing available. Located
on the pier is a bait and tackle shop along with a
restaurant. Although you don't need a fishing license
to fish off the dock, catch regulations are enforced.

If you walk to the south end of the beach you'll find
many restaurants, surfing shops, and many other commercial
shops and establishments. Although you can travel to
the north end of Ocean Beach, it's mostly bordered by
residents of the ocean area.

The unique part of Ocean Beach is the Dog Beach, located
at the north end. This sandy area is where dogs can
run and play without a leash - anytime - day or night.
Although dog owners are responsible for their dogs and
the clean up of them, Dog Beach is actually pretty
nifty for anyone who owns dogs.

For your protection along the beach, lifeguards are
out each and every day, year round. They are generally
on duty from 9 AM until dark although you can check with
them for their specific hours of operation. They are
there for your protection and very willing to answer
any question that you may have.

Keep in mind while on the beach, California beaches do
experience powerful rip currents. It's because of these
currents that beaches in California experience over
1,000 rescues by lifeguards every year. To be on the
safe side while in San Diego at Ocean Beach, it's
always a good idea to swim near a lifeguard.

For those who like surfing, surfing is permitted at
Ocean Beach in designated areas. Scuba isn't recommended
however, because of the lack of undersea life, heavy
rip currents, and the surf.

For swimming or enjoying the California lifestyle, Ocean
Beach is a great place to go. It is a very popular
place in the summer, drawing hundreds of thousands of
people. If you long for a taste of the California
lifestyle, make sure you visit Ocean Beach in San
Diego.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Bannack Days, Montana

Click here to check out a video on Bannack Days in Montana...
Bannack Days, Montana

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

San Diego: Harbor Bay Tour


As vast as the San Diego harbor is, a simple walk
around it doesn't do it justice!  To partake in the
beauty that is San Diego Harbor, you need to take a
tour of the bay.  San Diego Harbor Excursion can
help you do that, as they are the most established
tour company throughout the bay.

As a guest, they will treat you with as one of them,
helping to bring your cruise to life.  There are
a few parts to the tour, ensuring that you get the
most out of your time on the cruise. 

Tour of the North Bay
On your tour of the North Bay, you'll see the North
Island Naval Air Station, Shelter Islands, and even
the Naval Sub Base.  If you look closely, you'll
also be able see the Cabrillo National Monument as
well.

The tour of the North Bay is around 12 miles in length
and lasts about an hour.  This is a fine tour for
anyone interested in the Navy as well.  During your
tour the guides will explain everything to you as
you see it.  This way, you'll always know what's going
on.

Tour of the South Bay
Your tour of the South Bay consists of the Star of
India, the Naval surface fleet, Coronado Bay Bridge,
and the shipyards.  This is a very busy and hectic
area, which makes a tour excellent to see everything
that this area has to offer.

The tour of South Bay is roughly 12 miles in length
and also lasts around an hour.  The guides will explain
things here to you as well, ensuring that you know
exactly what you are seeing.

Tour of the Bay
Those of you who are looking to see it all should go
for the deluxe tour of the entire bay.  You'll see
everything covered in the North and South Bay, along
with everything else the bay has to offer.  The tour
is around 25 miles in length and lasts around 2 hours.

To get started on your tour, all you need to do is
contact the Harbor Excursion.  The price for the tour
is very reasonable, considering everything you'll be
seeing. 

If you happen to live in San Diego, taking the tour is
easier than ever.  Those of you who are visiting or on
vacation should give the tour a shot as well.  This way
you'll get to experience everything that San Diego Bay
has to offer you without having to walk around.  And
best of all - tour guides will explain the sights to
you - so you'll never miss a second.

Friday, June 3, 2011

San Diego, California: Things to Experience

Visiting San Diego for the first time can be quite overwhelming,
especially when you consider that there are so many things you
can do.  Deciding where to go and what to do can be quite time
consuming, which is where we can help.  Below, you'll find the 8
best spots in San Diego - things you simply must experience.

1.  Hitting the beach.
    No matter what season you visit, the beach is one area that
personifies the entire San Diego lifestyle. Whether your watching
the tide come in or soaking in the sun, the beach is where the
action is.  From Mission Beach to the Belmont Park roller coaster -
make sure you hit the beaches here.

2.  Trying a fish taco.
    Although it may sound a bit weird, the fish taco is one
of the best foods in San Diego.  Deep fried, battered fish encased
in a corn tortilla is one of the foods that once you try it the
first time - you'll crave anytime you come back! 

3.  Going to Mexico.
    It's no secret that San Diego borders Mexico, with Tijuana
being a metropolis in its own right.  Visting Tijuana or Baja Mexico
is perfectly safe day or night, no matter what you have heard.  Keep
in mind that they have their own laws, bring your passport, then
enjoy everything that this foreign paradise will provide you with.

4.  Take a ride on the trolley.
    San Diego doesn't have the best public transit system, yet
they do have the well known trolley.  The highways here can be quite
intimidating, making the trolley the ideal way to travel.  If you
want to learn more about the city, simply buy an all day trolley
pass - you'll see more of San Diego this way than you ever thought
possible.

5.  Visiting the Pandas.
    While Sea World and Lego-land has their share of animals, the
San Diego zoo is no stranger to Pandas.  The zoo is a tourist attraction,
with the baby Su Lin, which is quite a feast for the eyes.  When you
visit the San Diego Zoo, visit in the morning - when the pandas are
most active.

6.  Balboa Park.
    After you check out the pandas, take a trip to the jewel of
the city - Balboa Park.  The atmosphere is breathtaking here, no matter
when you visit.  If you visit on Tuesdays however; you'll find that
most museums have free admission.  After you visit a while, dine at the
Prado Restaurant and experience great food in a great setting.

7.  Gas lamp and the nightlife.
    The Gas-lamp Quarter in downtown San Diego is the place to be
for dancing, eating, or just people watching.  You can experience the
best of life in San Diego here, with food to fit every taste.

8.  The Old Town.
    While historical San Diego isn't always apparent, a visit to the
Old Town State Historic Park can bring back the past.  There are snippets
of Old San Diego found everywhere you look here.  Although there are many
fine restaurants here, make sure you visit the Old Town Mexican Cafe, as
it serves the best Mexican food around San Diego.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Costa Rica: Where To Go

When you are planning your vacation it is good to know a little about the area so you can choose what suits your fancy. The locals refer to themselves as Ticos and they are warm and welcoming wherever you visit in Costa Rica.

My friend and I plan to visit all areas of Costa Rica but you may have to consider what to put in your itinerary if you have only 7 days. The following is a list of the various regions and what they might offer in the way of entertainment. Pick and choose whatever combination you like.

 San Jose Most museums and art galleries in Costa Rica are found in San Jose. The central part of San Jose is noisy and crowed as the capital of any city will be. The airport is located outside of San Jose and you may come into Costa Rica via San Jose anyway, why not check it out while you are visiting.  I have been told that you step of the curb carefully in Europe or get run over. Pedestrians do not have the right of way in San Jose either so watch yourself when you cross the street.

The Northwest Arenal and Monteverde are located in the Northwest. Arenal is the Volcano located in this area and it is a game of wait-and-see to get the opportunity to view the cone of the volcano spew hot lava. Arenal is one of the only active volcanoes in the world that can be safely viewed by tourists without the threat of bodily harm. I have lived in the Pacific Northwest, also in the shadow of Mount Rainier so volcanoes don't bother me.

The road to Monteverde runs from the small town of Santa Elena to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve with hotels, nightclubs and restaurants. This area is usually very dense with tourists. Originally settled by Quakers this area now has a thriving eclectic artist community. Quakers are also reported to be great cheese makers in this area. I just love cheese and Quakers are cool too so I gotta plan to visit the cheese farm.

Although this is one of the busiest this region offers many day trips and interesting things to do. Nicoya Peninsula While the Costa Rican government would certainly welcome the revenue from more tourists, for the moment the beaches of Nicoya remain somewhat of a secret. Beaches are still relatively deserted. If golf is your thing the course at Playa Conchal is renowned.

This would be the vacation for you if you have water sports in mind. There is snorkeling, swimming, diving, surfing, fishing, and even kayaking. The drive from Carrillo to Mal PaĆ­s by 4-wheel drive is simply amazing. This area is also surfer heaven. Horseback riding is also offered by most of the hotels. Quepos & the Central Pacific This area is known for beaches and water sports. There is an abundance of quiet beaches to choose from while you do see surfers frequently the beaches are not crowded and it is easy to relax. Along their Pacific Coast Highway there is a vast array of lodging anywhere from the seedy to the luxurious and in between. This area is a wonderland for any beach lover with diving, fishing, golf, and horseback riding, kayaking and even surfing.

I want to try the Titi Canopy tours. A canopy tour is like a ski lift going from tree to tree like the monkeys. If you are afraid of heights this is not for you! Osa Peninsula & Golfo Dulce This area is much more remote, however there are several luxury hotels.

Drake Bay has whale-watching tours and you can often spot dolphins playing around your boat. Corcovado National Park offers tours that are teaming with wildlife to see and take photos of. In Golfo Dulce the are 2 botanical gardens, Casa Orquideas Botanical Garden and Wilson Botanical Garden. South Caribbean Miles of banana plantations can be found here.

Some believe these to be the most beautiful beaches in the country, although it is much more humid. The culture here is more Caribbean in it's inhabitants. The usual water sports can be found here.