Chicago Dinner Cruise

Eating Out in Style in Chicago

Chicago At NightChicago is an exciting city with lots of sights to offer the visitor. As with all major cities, one of the best ways to view the sights is from the river. Companies that organize Chicago Dinner Cruise trips attract customers with elegant boats, fine dining and landmark buildings twinkling in lights.

Many cruises depart from the historic Navy Pier by Lake Michigan and most regular trips are through the summer months. One cruise incorporates a gourmet table served meal, cocktail service, musical revue and floor show with dance music from the 1940s to the present.  There is a choice of dinner or lunch buffet, which includes entrees, salads, side dishes and dessert followed by tea or coffee.

The sights on this Chicago Dinner Cruise and other cruises include the Adler Planetarium, the lakefront Grant Park and Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears. The boat also goes by Sears Tower, the 110-story building, the tallest one in the world until 1996. There is also a version of this cruise that includes a firework display.

The Chicago Lakefront Escape Early Dinner Cruise has a light buffet meal with a DJ spinning dance records and a live blues band on the outer decks. Special occasions and holiday seasons are wonderful to celebrate on a Chicago Dinner Cruise. For the romantic at heart, there is a Valentine’s Day cruise that includes a champagne toast, luxury dinner buffet and live entertainment.

New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to let your hair down and the Gala Cruise lasts for five hours and includes a deluxe buffet and open bar. There is a DJ, champagne at midnight and a fireworks show at the Navy Pier. The 4th of July Chicago Dinner Cruise also offers a vantage point for a fireworks display and a floor show.

Christmas is another opportunity to go out on the river and there is a Christmas Holiday Cruise and a Santa Lunch Cruise where the special guest is, of course, Father Christmas. Other special occasion cruises include Father’s Day, Mother’s Day and St.Patrick’s Day.

The Chicago Land and Lake Tour combines the best of the city’s sights with cruising on an elegant yacht. The tour takes in the business district, designer shopping area and boating along the shoreline on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, under the bridges and through the Chicago Locks. Chicago Dinner Cruises are certainly versatile and a tribute to a vibrant city.

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Amerihost Resort

Excellent Value at Amerihost Inns

Since their instigation in 1989, the hotel chain of Amerihost Inns have given excellent service to a loyal core of customers. The Amerihost resort chain operates in 22 states in America and Canada and offers consistent amenities in all their branches. Travelers and business people can encounter problems on the road and it’s good to have a brand that they know they can rely on.

Loyalty is duly rewarded with the company’s loyalty points scheme. These points can be redeemed against free stays in any branch in the country or for free air miles. They also can be used towards resort vacations, as gift certificates and for products, such as electronic goods, appliances and sports goods. Some customers like to redeem them for theme park or movie tickets. At every stay, as each dollar is spent, 10 points are earned. For air miles, 2 miles are earned each dollar or 2 rail points. There is also a rewards master credit card on offer.

Some hotel chains tend to be impersonal but the Amerihost Resort inns pride themselves on being smaller and therefore, able to achieve a more intimate and welcoming ambiance. There are standard amenities across the group that include complimentary continental breakfast, a large indoor swimming pool, in room clock radio and electronic door locks. All rooms are non-smoking and some branches have a whirlpool in addition to the swimming pool.  Upgrades for the suites are available, such as a refrigerator, hairdryer, microwave oven, iron and ironing board and an in room coffee service.

Discounts on room rates are available where eligible. Senior citizens over sixty years of age and government employees are discounted, as are group bookings that book 10 or more rooms. Members of AARP also receive a discount of up to 10%. Amerihost Resort Inns organize travel packages for the convenience of customers. In addition to the hotel reservation, staff will book flights or car rental. Car hire offers a selection of any class of vehicle, including economy, standard, luxury, convertible or SUV.

The web site for the company is user friendly, making it very easy for anyone to make reservations at an Amerihost Resort Inn or to find out about current special offers. Customers can use the location search facility to find the one they need. Amerihost like to run competitions with big prizes. The current competition has vacations for winners in Ireland and the Caribbean. There is also a golfing vacation in Orlando to win and a Californian road trip.

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African Safari

African Safari – an Adventure Vacation

African SafariSeeing wildlife up close and personal and in their own habitat is hard to beat. Add wonderful scenery and it’s a memorable experience. African safari vacations have become very popular and there are numerous companies that provide packages designed to bring a bit of adventure under expert supervision. Accommodation is usually in lodges and camps, equipped with hot showers. Meals and barbecues are prepared by the company cook.

Kenya is one of the main destinations for this type of vacation and a beach holiday could be combined with an African safari. The country has 40 National Parks and game reserves. One of the most spectacular is the Kimana Game Sanctuary, which is located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Rich rain forest is the terrain at the Mount Kenya National Park and stretching plains dominate the Masai Mara. Guides drive parties in 4×4 vehicles or in open back trucks. Sometimes, they travel in mini buses. For an aerial view of the landscape, there are fly/drive packages, using small, light aircraft. Kenya brings opportunities to see leopards, gazelle, crocodiles, giraffes, zebra, lions and hippos.

South Africa is another beautiful country, teeming with wild animals. An African safari here offers a great variety of landscape, including wetlands, semi-desert, open grassland and old forest. The Phinda region is popular and can be explored on foot, by vehicle or light aircraft. Some parties are taken by boat on the waterways. Wildlife sighted here is likely to be lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalo and leopard. The Madikwe Game Reserve contains leopards, elephants and packs of hyenas and wild dogs.

For a truly unique experience, there are companies that organize an African safari to Uganda and Rwanda. Uganda has a population of lowland gorillas and chimpanzees. There is also game in the savannahs of the Queen Elizabeth National Park and the chance to see elephants, giraffes, antelope and birds.

To see the gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or at the Mgahinga Volcanoes, parties are taken on foot through the tropical rainforest, which is home to many different species of birds. The Murchisson Falls National Park can be reached by boat on the River Nile. The waterfall is impressive and the animals in the area include warthogs, zebras and baboons. Rwanda is famous for its mountain gorillas and there is said to be 350 of them in the tree lined slopes of the Parc National des Volcans. The Uganda and Rwanda region, with its volcanoes, falls, lakes and forests is a treasured area and offers the best chance of seeing gorillas in their natural surroundings.

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Vacations In New England

Great Vacations In New England

New EnglandWhen you are looking to go on vacation but your budget is not allowing for the tropical locale of which you dream, you can still go on vacation if you switch your thinking around a bit. You can always go to the Caribbean later on, but to get in a vacation now when funds are not what they should be, you can find great vacations near you in the continental US that are going to be just as much fun, as long as you can wrap your mind around missing the beach and trying something else. Vacations in New England can be just as refreshing, but in a different way.

You can take vacations in New England at any time of year and find many great things to do. If you already live in the area, you probably already know what you can find there. As with many wooded areas, there are great opportunities for camping, hiking and swimming if you choose to go on your vacations in the summer and fall. The summers in this part of the country are very warm and often humid, and the fall can be as such into October. The summer mountain scenery is breathtaking, so consider this area for a summer jaunt.

If you choose to take your vacations in New England in the fall, you are going to see some beautiful scenery that you may not find anywhere else in the country. The leaves change colors starting in late September to early October (depending on some climate factors) and this is when you should try to go. You will see brilliant shades of orange, red, yellows, and other in-between shades that are going to be magnificent. You can also find locally made fall items like cider and great finds at farmers’ markets this time of year. You can be your perfect Halloween pumpkin can be easily found almost anywhere you go.

You do not have to wait until summer or fall to find great vacations in New England that are going to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. If you love winter sports like skiing, sledding, and snowboarding, this is the place to be. There are great resorts all throughout New England and down into New York and Pennsylvania as well. These full service ski resorts have something for the whole family and are a great reason to travel north for your vacation in the winter rather than south.

You do not have to be a nature lover to enjoy vacations in New England. Surprisingly, there are some great beaches there that are not going to be nearly as crowded as the ones you may go to in more popular areas. They offer the same surf and sun as any other beach. You can also walk through miles of American history in Boston and other great historical cities. You can find just about any urban delight like fine dining and great shopping that you would find anywhere else in the country as well. New England is much more than you have thought and can be the site of a vacation to remember.

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New York City Travel Guide

A Short Guide to Seeing New York City

New Cork CityHaving lived in New York for two years, I can tell you that there is no place like it in the world.  I think it’s really important for anyone to visit New York City once in their lives (though, of course, living in New York is the best way to experience it).  I don’t know about you, but I’ve seen a lot of different examples of a New York City Travel Guide, and they are all derivative and unhelpful.  Here is my modest and short New York City Travel Guide with some insider tips.

For whatever reason, a lot of people want a New York City Travel Guide without the big landmarks, the “real New York City”.  I never understood that.  I think that if you go to New York City, you should go see some of the things that makes it famous, but do it the right way.  For instance, go see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.  But – the ferry runs from Manhattan to Liberty Island (where the statue is) and then to Ellis Island.  Do yourself a favor and, when you get to the statue, take pictures, but stay on the ferry, there’s nothing great you’re seeing by getting off the boat there.

Likewise, no New York City Travel Guide would be complete without advising you to go to the top of the Empire State Building for breathtaking views of Manhattan.  I say, don’t.  Instead, go to the “Top of the Rock”, the observatory at Rockefeller Center.  This gives better city views, with shorter lines.

Check out the outer boroughs, especially Brooklyn. Central Park is amazing, but Brooklyn’s Prospect Park is equally spectacular.  Both parks can actually trick you into forgetting that you are surrounded by eight million people.

Personally, I would avoid 34th Street, Macy’s, Penn Station and Madison Square Garden if possible.  34th Street and Broadway might be the busiest and most congested intersection in the city.

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Finally, I think every New York City Travel Guide should recommend checking out the Chrysler Building.  There’s no observatory, but it has a beautiful lobby and perhaps the most distinctive architectural stamps on an already unique skyline.

A stop by a traditional New York deli is a must, but take it easy on ordering.  The portions are quite likely bigger than you are used to.  The phrase “sandwich as big as your head” is not an exaggeration.  They are gigantic.  As for the best pizza, head to Grimaldi’s under the Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn, it is worth the trip.

Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro A Mountain of Greatness

KilimanjaroJust 150 years ago, two German missionaries, Johannes Rebmann and Johann Krapf claimed that they say a white snow-capped mountain near the equator. As you can imagine, the story of a snow-capped mountain in tropical Africa was met with doubt and derision. Eventually though, these reports were confirmed and the snow-capped mountain was identified as Kilimanjaro. This great mountain is located in East Africa in country Tanzania. Rising to a colossal 5,895 meters, the name appropriately means ‘Mountain of Greatness’.  Its immense size is accentuated by its isolation standing alone over the land below occupied by the Masai tribe that lies a mere 900 meters above sea level.

Few scenes are as memorable and picturesque as the site of Mount Kilimanjaro. Little wonder it is referred to as the roof of Africa, the mountain can be seen for hundreds of miles in all direction and it was used as the guiding point by caravans traveling out of wild Africa carrying cargoes of gold, slaves and ivory. You cannot help but be amazed as you view a herd of elephants crossing the dusty low plains with the imposing backdrop of the majestic snow-capped ‘Kili’ in the distance.

The colossal size of Kilimanjaro is however not the only attraction. The mountain’s ecosystem is a masterpiece in itself. The mountain is made up of different zones defined by altitude, vegetation and rainfall. While the lower parts are covered with pristine tropical lush forests, the upper zone is draped with strands of lichen resembling gray beards of old men. Here tussocks of grass intermingled with brightly colored flowers create a scenic beautiful countryside. Above this zone are the moorlands. Here you can find giant groundsels and flowers growing around boulders and rocky outcrops. As we go up Kilimanjaro, we encounter the alpine zone. The terrain here gets dull in color and temperatures can range from 100 degree Fahrenheit during the day to below freezing at night.

Once at the summit, the air is cold and clear and the mountain’s dark terrain contrasts beautifully with the large white ice fields against the dark-blue sky. The sheer size of Kilimanjaro allows it to create its own climate. Moist wind blown inland from the Indian Ocean hits the mountain and condenses to produce rainfall making its slopes fertile lands for food crops that sustains the community living at the base of the mountain. The experience of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is open to anyone and there re well-organized expeditions for those wishing to do it. Undoubtedly, seeing the impressive ‘Kili’ inspires awe.

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Facts About New Zealand

New Zealand – Land of the All Blacks

Milford SoundMany of us only know a few facts about New Zealand. It’s located in the south Pacific – that one’s easy. It’s comprised of two main islands conveniently called the North Island and the South Island, which is also pretty easy. But there are some other facts about New Zealand that most of us don’t know that are, in and of themselves, worth knowing.

The capital of New Zealand is Wellington, which is located at the southern tip of the North Island. Wikipedia’s entry on Wellington describes the city thus:

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, at the southwestern tip of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. The Wellington urban area is the major population centre of the southern North Island and is New Zealand’s third most populous urban area with 381,900 residents. There are 473,700 residents in the Wellington Region (June 2008 estimates).

Wellington’s suburbs lie across four cities. Wellington City, on the peninsula between Cook Strait and Wellington Harbour, contains the central business district and about half of Wellington’s population. Porirua City on Porirua Harbour to the north is notable for its large Maori and Pacific Island communities. Lower Hutt City and Upper Hutt City are suburban areas to the northeast, together known as the Hutt Valley. Although each of the four cities also contains a rural hinterland, almost all of the population is within the urban area.

Some sporting facts about New Zealand are that the most popular sport is rugby, and New Zealand’s national team is called the “All Blacks” for their entirely black uniforms. The All Blacks have been one of the dominant teams in world rugby for more than a century, along with Tonga, South Africa and England.

New Zealand’s government is described as follows by Wikipedia:

New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. Although it has no codified constitution, the Constitution Act 1986 is the principal formal statement of New Zealand’s constitutional structure. The constitution has been described as “largely unwritten” and a “mixture of statutes and constitutional convention.” Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state and is titled Queen of New Zealand under the Royal Titles Act 1974. She is represented by the Governor-General, whom she appoints on the exclusive advice of the Prime Minister. The current Governor-General is Anand Satyanand.

There are, of course, more facts about New Zealand if you’re willing to do the research. Appreciation should go further than skin deep!

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Costa Rica Honeymoons

Exotic Costa Rica Honeymoons

Costa RicaWhen I got married six years ago, we didn’t have enough money to take a proper honeymoon. Like most young newlyweds, we were more interested in paying off our student loans and saving for a house than in spending tons of money on wedding stuff. We did go away to Vegas for the weekend, which was nice, but that doesn’t really count in the grand scheme of things. Fortunately, we’re in a much better financial position these days, which is why we’re currently looking at Costa Rica honeymoons.

With our anniversary coming up, we thought this would be a great way to finally take that honeymoon that we deprived ourselves of all those years ago. After some debate, we decided that Costa Rica honeymoons would give us the most bang for our buck, as we’d get to see a truly exotic place and participate in exciting activities all for a very reasonable price. Places like San Jose, Playa Santa Teresa, and Guanacaste are top destinations for newlyweds because of their beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery. When you add in the relatively low cost compared to other overseas paradises, Costa Rica honeymoons definitely emerge as the best choice.

We haven’t quite decided which resort we want to go to yet, but we know that we want an all-inclusive package. Many Costa Rica honeymoons are marketed this way anyway, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find something to our liking. We want to stay at a five-star hotel located just steps away from the beach so we can enjoy ourselves out in the sun and sea. It will be amazing to have waiters bringing us umbrella drinks all day long as we lounge around soaking up the rays and taking in our surroundings! Then, if we get bored with the beach, we can always charter a fishing boat, take surfing lessons, go snorkeling, hit the malls or nightclubs, or even just head back to our suite for some alone time. Oh yes, Costa Rica honeymoons sound wonderful!

Once we select a few all-inclusive packages that appeal to us the most, we can begin talking to travel agents to work out a decent price. I’ve seen the prices of some Costa Rica honeymoons at online travel websites, and am sure we can afford a very nice vacation. But I have a feeling that we might be able to get some additional discounts or vouchers by working with a knowledgeable, connected agent, so that’s worth a shot.

I’m glad we decided to look into Costa Rica honeymoons even though all this time has passed since our wedding day. Once we choose our vacation package and take off, I know we’re going to have one of the most memorable experiences of our lives — and that’s something worth waiting for!

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Canada Destinations

Some Canada Destinations worth Checking Out

canadaCanada, the second largest country in the world offers a range of experiences for its visitors and with large patches of land that range from cosmopolitan cities to rugged tundra terrains; you are in for some real treat as you get to experience some of the best that Canada has to offer. Canada destinations can fit virtually any traveler’s tastes. Bound to the west by the Pacific and Alaska, to the east by the Atlantic, to the north by the polar ice cap and to the south by the United States of America, Canada is a land of variety, both in cultures and in the spectacular views.

Canada’s beautiful scenery is stunningly captivating and cities have been built to ensure that this natural scenery is preserved. Canadian cities are also designed to ensure that Canadians are never far from these natural heritage sites. The natural beauty of Canada also has another complement, the cuisine, vulture and customs of Canada add a mix of legacy to the country’s French, British and Aboriginal heritage. Canada destinations for tourists mainly involve the two tourist districts, British Columbia and Alberta that border the United States. One of Canada destinations found in Alberta is the Banff National Park located in the Alberta Rockies. Being the first and the largest national park in Canada, Banff National Park not only has rich flora and fauna, but also a rich history. Having been inhabited by the Stony Indians thousands of years ago before the coming of the white man, the 6,000 square kilometer park is now home to black and grizzly bears, coyotes, wolves and cougars. Squirrels and Marmots and an occasional Beaver and Porcupine can also be found on the warm and fuzzier side of the park. Having a generally mild climate during summer with July being the warmest month, the park offers excellent opportunities for trail walking. Although considered the best, Banff is not the only destination of the nearby cities. Other popular Canada destinations nearby include the Jasper and Yoho National Parks.

The mountains in this region also abound with winter sports resorts. The national parks offer unique destinations for tourists by not only offering spectacular views and outdoor activities, but they also have cities and towns inside that have comfortable bases for exploring the natural and man made attractions. If you are a westerner, you will not need to apply for a visa to visit Canada if you plan to stay for less than 180 days. You can thus get to enjoy Canada destinations to the full.

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