More Great Vacation Destinations

from

Outrigger Vacation Club

Lake Tahoe is often
times referred to as “America’s
All Year Playground”.

Not only do you have one of the

most beautiful lakes in the
Country, but you are surrounded
by mountains touted as some of
the best skiing you could have
and down below a city of bustling
activity.

From live music and cabaret

shows to improv comedy and
even a National Scenic Byway.
The Lake itself is a large freshwa-
ter lake surrounded by the Sierra
Nevada Mountains. It is a crater
lake meaning that it is very deep
and was glacially formed. At a
depth of over 1,600 ft., it is the
second deepest lake in America.
The area has been inhabited by peoples since the Washoe tribe lived on the land.

It wasn’t until 1844 that the first person of European decent found this treasured area. What was once a place
to survive to some and an obstacle to others, has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the
U.S. Swimming, fishing, hiking, all types of watersports, hiking, driving and of course the skiing, are just
some of the reasons this area has become so popular.
Ski resorts such as Heavenly Mountain, the largest ski area in California and Nevada, and Squaw Valley, the
second largest, make this a fantastic area for your next destination.

Travel with Outrigger Vacation Club to this mecca of tourism and become one of the hundreds of thousands
who can say they’ve been there.

Mission Bay,
San Diego
is home to Mission Bay Park, the largest man
made aquatic park in the country.
It consists of over 4,000 acres over half of which is water. Offering a wide variety of activities and recreation
areas including 27 miles of shoreline almost all which are swimming areas, this is a great place to rent a boat,
swim or surf, there is always something to do. If you prefer, there are also 3 golf courses offered by the City of
San Diego with stunning views of the ocean, and designed by some of the most famous of course designers. The
Torrey Pines Golf Course is actually home of the Buick International PGA Tour and rated as one of the top ten
golf courses in San Diego.

There are many other great sites to visit while vacationing in San Diego with Outrigger Vacation Club Plymouth
MA including Sana Clara Point, Crown Point, Quivera Basin, and Fiesta Island.

Quierva Basin offers its visitors daily fishing or scuba diving charters which are sure to leave you in awe over
the beauty of nature at its finest. Fiesta Island is a multi purpose dune covered island used for recreation. It even
includes a dog park, water ski area and great places to bike and hike. Located in the Center of Mission Bay, it is
a definite must see.

Cheyenne,
Wyoming
is more than just a one horse town.

The real wild west spirit lives on in

Cheyenne where since 1867 people have
been coming for a hundred different
reasons. The first to come, aside from the
native Indian tribes, were those coming
to work for the Union Pacific Railroad.
Since then, Cheyenne seemed to spring
out of nothing.

Most of the original settlers were railroad gangs, soldiers from the nearby Fort D.A. Russell, and those working
for the most northern camp in Indian territory. Given the rough types that resided in Cheyenne, it become home
to many saloons, variety theaters, and burlesque shows, all making Cheyenne a real “wild west” experience.

Soon though, the location of Cheyenne on the railroad, made it a popular destination for many upscale things,
transforming it into a stylish, thriving, and cultural hot spot in the wild west. Today a variety of wild west
opportunities still abound for the creative traveler craving a true western experience.

Many wonderful day trips and historic attractions are located in and around Cheyenne including rodeos,
horseback adventures, the Old Railroad Depot and even Oregon Trail tours.

The Oregon Trail tour includes a trip to see visual evidence in explore the history of the Oregon Trail. See actual
ruts worn into the limestone from the thousands of wagons that crossed this once desolate area in a life or death
trek to a new life. Stop at Register Cliffs, where many of the travelers carved their names in the cliffs as they
passed, or even visit Fort Laramie National Historic Site where soldiers were stationed to protect those traveling
along the Oregon Trail.
Outrigger Vacation Club invites its members
to visit the island of
Grenada, a small group of islands
in the southeastern Caribbean Sea.

Located just northwest of Trinidad and

Tobago, Grenada is a sovereign state.

Grenada gained its independence from the

United Kingdom in 1974. Once controlled by
Spain, France took over and began to export
sugar. It ceded to the UK and remained until
it finally became its own nation as it remains
today. It began to be noticed when it hosted
the 2007 Cricket World Cup.
The islands are of a volcanic origin with very rich soil.

Mountains, valleys, waterfalls and a tropical climate make it a wonderful place to vacation. Nicknamed the
spice isle because it home to the production of a variety of spices including cloves, ginger, mace, nutmeg and
coffee as well.

The Gaspé Peninsula is otherwise known as the Gaspésie, it is a peninsula located on the south
shore of the Saint Lawrence river in Quebec. An outdoors paradise, the peninsula still has rustic untouched areas
to travel as well as indigenous peoples who have maintained their culture and way of life for generations. The
interior of the Gaspé is rugged and mountainous as it is comprised of an extension of the Appalachian
Mountains, called the Chic-Choc Mountains.
For the hiker, this is a section of the International
Appalachian Trail which travels along the
outside of the peninsula on Route 132. If you are
not a hiker, this extreme climate is also an
amazing area for bird watching as well.

Jutting out into the Gulf of St. Lawrence,

the Gaspé Peninsula is known for its beautiful
views of both islands and mountains. It is
home to meadows, estuaries, cliffs, waterfalls
and sheer beauty for the adventurer.

The best time to travel depends on what you would like to see. Hiking in Spring through Fall is beautiful,
whale watching in the June and July is amazing while sea kayaking, and winter is great for cross country skiing.

Outrigger Vacation Club encourages you to travel to this wonderful and pristine area. There are tourist
information centers along the main roads between towns which can assist you on your journey and many small
towns offer wonderful small and comfortable accommodations.
Laurentian Highlands, Quebec from Outrigger Vacation Club

An outdoor mecca, the Laurentian Highlands offer a variety of outdoor activities in this stunningly beautiful
area. Golf, hiking and biking, kayaking and skiing are just a few of the opportunities that are offered to you.
The Highlands, otherwise known as the Laurentian Uplands are part of the Canadian shield in Quebec.
Mountains, plateaus, rivers, lakes and natural areas are the backdrop to these wonderful activities. Outrigger
Vacation Club would like to invite you to experience the true outdoors in the Laurentian Highlands on your next
destination vacation.

Filled with forests and lakes that have been drawing both loggers and tourists, the area is rich in history and
tradition that the visitor is sure to enjoy. Experience the beauty of the Laurentian Highlands from Outrigger
Vacation Club.

Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park
Created in 1916, Hawaii Volcanoes National
Parkis a site of complex ecosystems, ancient
culture and one of the most active volcanoes in
the world. In fact, the Islands are still being
formed to this day with constant eruptions,
forcing lava into the ocean and building up
more and more land everyday. Mount Kilauea
to this day is still erupting, offering the visitor
the opportunity to witness creation, one of the
most awe inspiring sites you could ever imagine.

There are a number of sites within the park which are on the National Register of Historic Places that are a
must see while visiting this part of Hawaii. The 1790 Footprints are just one of these areas. This a a set of
footprints left in the ground which are related to battles which took place in the area in 1790.

It is believed that during the battle a group of warriors stopped at the volcano to offer a gift and the volcano
began to erupt. There footprints have been forever preserved in the then fresh lava.

Other sites also exist in the area which require attention including Kilauea Crater, Puna-Ka’u Historic District,
the Volcano House, and the Wilkes Campsite. It is also worth visiting the various museums and visitor center to
help you get better acquainted with the area and its history.

Hawaii, An Island Made of Volcanoes

The island of Hawaii is actually made up of five separate volcanoes they are Kohala, Mauna Kea, Hualalai,
Mauna Loa, and Kilauea. Kilauea and Mauna Loa, both located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are the only
two that area actually still active. It is still forming and changing the landscape everyday. Outrigger Vacation
Club would like to encourage you to check out this unique environment on the beautiful Island of Hawaii on
your next destination vacation.

You may learn to appreciate the uniqueness of Hawaii with a look at how it was created. Understand a bit more
why the black sand beaches are there and why Hawaii is one of the most amazing destinations of travel for
visitors from around the world.
The Amazon River is the largest river in the world by volume of water. It runs through Colombia,
Brazil and Peru winding its way through dense tropical rainforests in many areas of the river. The Amazon Basin
is the largest in the world and covers 30 to 50 percent of South America and eventually runs into the Atlantic
Ocean in huge volumes making up 20 percent of the total volume of freshwater entering the worlds oceans by
itself.

The river is home to more than 3,000 specials of fish and they are still being discovered today. Many amazing
and dwindling species call the Amazon home including the Amazon River dolphin, piranha, sharks, eels and
more. Many tropical species of fish sold today were actually natives to the Amazon River area.

The Amazon Rainforest encompasses much of the Amazon River. Though reduced severely due to logging,
farming and encroaching civilization, the area still boasts an amazing claim. It is home to more than a third of all
species and is the richest tropical forest in the world.

Due to the vast amount of dense vegetation and almost impassable areas along the Amazon River, most people
who choose to take an Amazon River vacation choose to do so by some sort of river transportation. The river ac-
tually originates in Peru at the Apacheta cliff. This is a volcanic peak in the Andes mountain range. What begins
as a glacial stream, flows through the entire east to west path all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.

There are many companies throughout the region willing to take people on a trek of a lifetime through the
Amazon River area. Many of these expeditions can be catered to fit you and your party. From individuals to
families, clubs, hikers, kayakers and more, this destination vacation is more readily available to the layperson
than ever before. They can even focus on a specific area that you are interested in including wildlife viewing,
indigenous peoples, waterfalls or even sport fishing.

Preserving, Protecting and Enjoying the Amazon River

The Peruvian portion of the Amazon is mostly intact unlike many areas of the Amazon River Basin.

Eco tourism based on these unspoiled parts of the Amazon will help to preserve and protect the remaining portion
of the river for future generations. Although this area is difficult to reach, this is actually what has saved much of
the area. Take the vacation of a lifetime to the Peruvian Amazon and create a memory you will never forget on
your next destination vacation with Outrigger Vacation Club.
Located 50 miles east of Nassau,
Eleuthera is a long thin island 110
miles long and at times less than a mile wide,
making this island and island of beaches as very
little inland actually exists.

Beaches of the Island of Eleuthera

As there is a huge amount of beachfront, the

beaches vary on the island from rolling pink
and white sand beaches to large ancient coral
reefs. Amazing natural features abound, won-
derful places to visit and also home to a variety
of sea life and spectacular fishing. Some of the
many beaches include Ben Bay Beach, which
is good for snorkeling, Tay Bay Beach, Upper Cove Beach great for surfing, and many more great surfing,
snorkeling, relaxing on the beach or swimming.

Great Attractions of Eleuthera

Some of the top destinations of this amazing island are the Glass Window Bridge, Hatchet Bay Cave, Ocean
Hole, and Preachers Cave.

Glass Window Bridge was originally the site of a natural arch, it was washed away in 1965 from a hurricane and
was subsequently replaced by the Glass Window Bridge.

Hatchet Bay Cave was allegedly once visited by pirates and buccaneers, it is a large mile long chamber filled
with stalactites and stalagmites.

Ocean Hole is a large inland saltwater lake connected to the sea by underground tunnels. It is approximately 75
feet deep and home to hundreds or thousands of fish who seek shelter in the safety of the caves.

Preachers Cave is located on the north end of the island is is famous for both its natural and historic aspects. A
large cave the Eleutheran Adventurers once sought solace and comfort in this large cave after fleeing from their
homeland from religious persecution.
Accommodations in Eleuthera

Accommodations in Eleuthera range from the traditional hotels and motels to resorts, camping and even private
accommodations on the beach. Outrigger Vacation Club urges travelers to find new, less traveled
destinations for travel. The Island of Eleuthera is a wonderful choice. Enjoy the peace and seclusion of this yet
little discovered area in the Bahamas from Outrigger Vacation Club.
 Since it was announced that
British Columbia
would play host to the 2010 Winter Olympics,
tourism to the area has increased. For obvious
reasons, more people than ever will be traveling
to the area. Much of the worlds tourism is
based on the news. If an area is not a typical
destination for travel such as the areas that are
main ports of call in the Caribbean
region, it may not be counted as a top
travel destination.

Simply being a commonly traveled area does not necessarily make it a top destination. You may get to an area
of travel that you have been told is great, only to find that it is dirty or crowded. British Columbia was listed by
traveler recently as one of the best tourist destinations, not because of its popularity, but because of its quality.
About British Columbia

“Splendor without diminishment” is the motto of British Columbia. What British Columbia has to offer the
traveler is its natural beauty. The Westernmost of Canada’s Provinces, British Columbia is bordered by the
Pacific Ocean on the West. The coastline is massive and includes over 5,000 mostly uninhabited islands.
Rugged mountains, beautiful forests, and even wine growing regions cover British Columbia with much of
the coastal area being predominately temperate and temperate rainforest which is becoming a rare ecosystem
around the world.

Top Destinations in British Columbia

Of course, a great destination for travel in British Columbia next year would be the 2010 Olympics Febru-
ary 12-28 or the Paralympic Winter Games in March. If you don’t get there for that, British Columbia has
so much more to offer visitors. Natural wonders top the chart for the best things to do while traveling in this
Canadian paradise. With hundreds of ecological reserves, parks, historic sites and National Parks, British
Columbia offers breathtaking views and splendid tourism throughout the year.
Yoho National Park

One of the top rated places to visit in British Columbia is Yoho National Park. You will find this outdoor
paradise along the Canadian Rocky Mountains and bordered by Kootenay National Park and Banff National
Park on the other sides. Yoho is Cree for awe and is the smallest of the contiguous National Parks. Here you
will find mountains, glaciers, lakes and waterfalls, canyons and caves. It features 28 mountain peaks over
almost 10,000 feet and is home to Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada’s highest waterfalls.

Tunnels created by nature and stunning fossil deposits litter the landscape. Escape to this awe inspiring area
for some hiking, fishing, camping, mountain biking and rafting. In the winter you could even try your hand
at ice climbing. The area offers 5 campgrounds and includes winter camping as well for the true outdoors
person.

When choosing your next vacation destination, try something new and truly astounding. Nature is often the
best travel guide you will ever have, vacation in British Columbia and see why the area truly is a top
destination for travel.
Rome, Italy is one of the most historic and romantic
vacation destinations in the world. Found in literature throughout
history, As a city, it has been in existence for over 2,000 years and
is one of the most powerful cities in Western civilization. Now,
the capital city of Italy it offers some of the well known art and
historic sites anywhere in the world.

When in Rome

The phrase “When In Rome, Do As The Romans Do” is a

wonderful way to look at vacationing in Rome. Places of
interest to visitors are of such historical importance, that they
are important to people from Rome and all over the world as well.

The Colosseum built in 70-80 AD is the largest amphitheater

ever built in the Roman Empire. Originally seating over 60,000
people, it now plays host to various event for a somewhat
smaller crowd on occasion. St. Peter’s Basilica is located in
the Vatican City and is referred to as the first Christian Church. It is also the largest of any Christian Church in
the world.

Other Places To Visit In Rome

The Vatican City is home to the Pope. It is located within Rome but is actually its own State within Rome. Many
of the greatest museums in the world are located within the Vatican City and include the Sistine Chapel which
was decorated by the great Raphael in the 16th Century. Great art created by not only Raphael but also Michel-
angelo and Leonardo da Vinci make Rome one of the most amazing cities in the world to see art, architecture
and so much more.

Yarmouth, Massachusetts
is a beautiful little town in the Northeastern part of the United States.

With a population listed as just between 20 and 30,000 people, this

small town is considered a coextensive of Cape Cod. Known mainly
for its tourist industry and also its great shopping, this is a prime
vacation destination for just before the holidays.

Yarmouth is located between Cape Cod Bay, and Nantucket and not
far from Boston.

It is also a great historic tourist destination. Founded in the 1600’s,

like most towns in the Northeast, this area has many buildings and
landmarks making reference to the varied past of the area.
Bahias de Huatulco
is otherwise known as simply Huatulco.

Known for its 9 bays, it is found in Mexico.

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre del
Sur Mountains at the point where they meet
the Pacific Ocean, this picturesque little town
is a destination worth checking out.
Huatulco has over 300 days of sunshine a year
with the rainy season being from June to
November.

Of course, the amount of precipitation is dependent on the location and amount of vegetation in the area. This
is a resort area purchased by a government agency and developed with the intent of creating a tourism area
similar to that found in Cancun. For this reason, roads and green areas are well kept and newer and it is said to
be one of the cleanest developments in Mexico.

As it is designated a tourist area, many small communities in the area offer the small town feel with
accommodations more like the average tourist is used to offering shopping and vending areas throughout.

There are also some coffee plantations in the area which offer tours and of course the surrounding natural
beauty is always something to behold, featuring waterfalls and ravines. In nearby Finca La Gloria you could
also visit Mariposorio Dain Biguid, a butterfly sanctuary featuring dozens of species of butterflies.

Outrigger Vacation Club would like invite its members to the

Mexican Riviera, to a small resort town named
Ixtapa.
What was once a coconut plantation, is now a luxury resort
destination in a tropical paradise complete with white sand beaches,
turquoise waters and lush green hills.

Ixtapa is also a major port of destination for cruise ships from

around the world who stop here to enjoy the lovely beaches and
great tourist destinations. With temperatures averaging in the mid
to high 80’s year round you can expect sun most of the time is this
resort paradise. Offering cuisine from international to Italian and
Mexican, you will certainly find something to suite your palette.
As for activities, you can expect surfing, golf and tennis, diving and
snorkeling as well as gyms and spas.

Also known for its sportfishing, there are many charter services
available to you offering you a chance to flyfish for billfish or catch
a marlin off the coast in the clear blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Another great destination in Ixtapa are the Adventure parks and
various jungle tours organized throughout the year.
Also known as the Mother Road, the actual
history of Route 66 is one of the
original U.S. Highways which was constructed
in 1926. It means many things to many people.
From a sense of freedom, whether real or just
imagined to a sense of understanding and
closeness to those in our lives who traveled it
during the rough times.

Route 66 has been the source of legends, songs,

poetry and movies since its creation. The actual
Route travels from Chicago to Los Angeles. It
was originally used by many migrants traveling
west during the 1930’s in a search for work or
simply to start a new life. By the 1950’s Route 66 had become an easy way for vacationers to head to Los
Angeles and this kept its popularity even with the creation of new roads which bypassed the Route.

The Decline and Rebirth of Route 66

After the 50’s the roads popularity began to decline and it was not until the late 1980’s that the route began to
once again gain popularity in the public eye. It was designated Historic Route 66 in 1990 and the first marker
was put up.

Outrigger Vacation Club welcomes you to see the sites and feel the nostalgia of this historic Route. There are
many destinations along the way to make your trip both interesting as well as fun.

First of all because of the many twists and turns, it is recommended that you get a map to help you along the
way.

A variety of historic preservation associations along Route 66 have dedicated their time to preserving and
protecting signs, building and the history that goes with it along the way. Places like the Cactus RV-Park in New
Mexico which was built in 1941 still has much of its original areas plus a newly restored neon sign assisting you
with your time travel on Route 66. Gas stations with original signs, diners, and buildings which are now
museums dot the roadside. There are even ghost towns, areas that grew up during the boom of Route 66, but
didn’t survive the decline such as Alanreed or Foss are a great place to stop along the way.

Outrigger Vacation Club invites vacationers to check out this great old area to see new and
exciting links to the past. Visit Historic Route 66 on your next vacation.
 The Scottish Highlands is an area
that until recently remain unchanged from the
traditional Scotland of the movies. The main
language spoken was Gaelic, an ancient language
used for centuries. Recently, the area has become a bit
more like the Scottish Lowlands with more tourism,
but you can still find areas that will take you back to a
different time in the Scottish Highlands.

The area traditionally includes the mountainous

region of Scotland though no real distinction exists as
to its exact boundaries. Sparsely populated, the area is
one of the least populated in Europe.

The Scottish Highlands are probably the most well

known for Loch Ness. This is a deep freshwater loch
23 miles from Inverness and home to the legendary
Loch Ness Monster. Over 700 feet deep it contains
more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined.

“The Loch Ness Exhibition Center” in Drumnadrochit focuses on the history and controversy of the Loch and
offers tours of the loch for the Nessie watchers. Also Nearby is Urquhart Castle, one of the strongholds in me-
dieval Scotland. Mostly destroyed now, people are still welcome to come and see some amazing history of the
area. If you are a lighthouse visitor, there are two wonderful examples of traditional Scottish lighthouses on the
loch.

You could have a vacation like everyone else and stay in a hotel or perhaps a bed and breakfast, but you could
also try one of the many cottages for rent throughout the area. Located on Loch Ness, you will find lovely little
one or more bedroom cottages for rent. A delightful way to view the loch on a more creative vacation.

This location is a great way to vacation in the Scottish Highlands. You are just 9 miles from wonderful sites
including cathedrals, castles and also the modern amenities such as shops, a theater and fine restaurants. If you
travel a bit further, you can travel to the West Coast to view the spectacular and dramatic scenery that makes the
Scottish Highlands a unique and awe inspiring vacation destination.

Travel to the Scottish Highlands with Outrigger Vacations on your next vacation and see the amazing sites this
unique and historical sites it has to offer.

The Douro Valley of Portugal is one of the least

densely populated areas in Portugal. With its main source of
commerce being the production of wine, it is a mountainous
region with lush green hills and valleys all around. The Douro
river itself is is one of the major rivers in the Iberian Peninsula,
with only some of the river being navigable by small river
craft.
Since the simplest way to see the whole valley is from the river, one spectacular way to travel is by ship.
Cruises are very popular in the region, and the area has done well incorporating their main source of revenue
with the tourism industry. Quaint small towns dot the landscape offering shore excursions to experience the
local wines with quaint local cuisines. The age of the area also lends itself to the charm of the Douro River
Valley. Established as a wine region in the mid 1700’s it features cathedrals and monuments, some of which
date back to the areas inception.

Outrigger Vacation Club knows that people travel for different reasons, but that they all expect to be able to
relax, experience new cultures, surroundings and get away from it all. A cruise is the perfect way to go. One
such tour offered in the Douro Valley includes a private luxury cruise with a winery tour and tasting, lunch on
the Douro and a Chauffeured Tour of the sites on land. This is indeed a luxury river cruise that anyone could en-
joy. Choose day trips or even a week long excursion, there are many choices in the region for the cruise bound
destination traveler.

Towns to Visit in the Douro Valley

Many small towns are located right off the main roads of travel if you prefer to keep both feet on dry land. Each
town offers the traveler something special and unique of the Douro Valley. Travel by car or by rail to see the
Valley from land. Small towns such as Pinhao offers the visitor a look into the beginning of wine growing in
the area. Several small cafes, simple restaurants and even a picnic area are right in town and easily found. Other
towns such as Lamego offer Cathedrals, and even castles for you to wander through and enjoy on this wonderful
destination vacation.

Outrigger Vacation Club wants you to enjoy all of your travels throughout the world. From wine vineyards to
stunning shorelines or even under the sea. Have a great vacation and remember to be prepared before you leave,
this will make your vacation, a vacation of a lifetime.

Kakadu National Park is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Unlike parks
found elsewhere in the world, it is managed not only by both the National Park System as well as the Aboriginal
tribe that inhabit the area today. These peoples are descendants of the original settlers in the area for thousands
of years.
There are many aspects of the park that make
it special. The fact that the original people still
own the land at least in part is just one of the
amazing and commendable parts of Kakadu
National Park. Culture, history and the natural
wonders top the chart in this amazing place.
The Culture of Kakadu National Park

Home to the Wurrbarbar Clan and other

Aboriginal Clans for over 50,000 years, this area
is protected from the influence of modern man.
The signs of its inhabitants are literally written
on the walls throughout the park. It is thought
that over 10,000 sites of ancient sandstone art
exist throughout the park. Literally, a hand
drawn link to the past. Also throughout the park,
ceremonial sites exist, and are still used by some
today. Culture is alive at Kakadu National Park.
The Natural Wonders of Kakadu National Park - Wildlife

Kakadu National Park is home to a wide variety of habitats which create a home to a vast number of insect,
mammalian and other wildlife throughout the park. Over 60 species of mammals have been recorded in the
park. Some of those include the wallaby, bats, dingos, and dugongs. The area is also home to almost 300 bird
species, over 100 reptile species, amphibians, invertebrates and a number of endangered or threatened species as
well. It is this diversity that makes up another reason that the Kakadu National Park is special.
The Natural Wonders of Kakadu National Park - Ecosystems

The variety of fauna in the park denotes both a healthy and varied ecosystems. The area includes floodplains
and wetlands, lowlands, estuaries and tidal flats, stone country and southern hills and basins. It is a monsoonal
climate which has a distinct rainy and dry season. Rain is the forecast in the rainy season which is from January
to March or April. Travel in the area is usually better during the summer months..

What to do in Kakadu National Park

Hiking, biking, photography, guided tours, fishing and boating, camping, as well as flights, and 4WD tours.
They will also assist visitors with itineraries if you desire as well. If you crave an unspoiled wilderness, one to
awe and inspire you, head to the Kakadu National Park with Outrigger Vacations on your next vacation.

Yosemite National Park is

located in California. It covers almost 800,000 acres
and stretches through the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Although this is considered a typical tourist destination
with over 3 million visitors a year, it is definitely still
one worth seeing.

Known for its looming granite cliffs, multiple

waterfalls and giant Sequoia forests, this area is truly
the wilderness of the western part of the United States.
Much of what makes a biological area such as this
useful and important to diversity of species is
contiguous area, unbroken and without human
intervention. Most of Yosemite National Park is such
an area, making it very important to the ecosystem.

The most popular places to visit in Yosemite National

Park are located in a very small percent of the park
itself. El Capitan, for instance is a large granite cliff
which stands high above the Yosemite Valley, creating
a awe inspiring site for the site seer. If you are a fan of
rock climbing, this is a great area to start. Other sites
commonly visited by tourists in the area include
Sentinel Rock and Half Dome both standing thousands
of feet above the visitor, creating a daunting and
beautiful scene that should not be missed.

Another less noted site that is worth your time is Dana

Meadows. Located at the eastern entrance of the park,
and beneath Mount Dana, a vast meadow looms in front of the visitor. Though impassable in some times of
the winter, the summer brings you a stunning vision of wilderness. Slip back into a time when sheepherders
brought their flocks to graze in this beautiful area. In the winter, the area is sometimes covered with almost 200
inches of snow, making it virtually impassable until the snowbreak.

History of Yosemite National Park

The area had been occupied by Native Americans long before European discovery. Tribes of Paiute and Sierra
Miwok called much of Yosemite home. During the gold rush, travel to the area by others increased and in 1855
tourism began in the area. A subject of photography and study by biologists and explorers made the area even
more popular and helped to create the area as it is today.

Keeping Yosemite Wilderness

Park staff have worked carefully to help make the area stay wilderness with as little impact as possible
considering the amount of tourism that exists in the area. Tourists are encouraged to tread lightly, as the old
adage goes, “take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints”. Be a conscientious explorer and leave
the area for the millions of other people that will come to see one of the most amazing natural wonders in the
world.

Rated recently as a top destination for travel,

Ancient Kyoto makes reference the the area of
Japan which includes Kyoto, Uji and Otsu. With evidence of
human occupation as far back as 10,000 BC, the information
on the peoples that live in the area is scarce until the arrival
of Buddhist clergy in the 6th century. Kyoto was the imperial
capital of Japan until the 19th century. The area is still rich
in history and culture. The area was affected by war in the
1400’s but was spared from major damage during World War
II, making it one of the few cities in Japan that still has an
abundance of structures that date prewar.

Kyoto is located in the Yamashiro Basin in an area called the

Tamba highlands. The areas rich history is noted by its
inclusion of 17 sites to the “Historic Monuments of Ancient
Kyoto” in 1994. Kyoto is home to 2000 Buddhist temples and
Shinto shrines. It is also home to palaces and ancient
architecture, perhaps the best preserved in Japan.

Kiyomizu-dera

Visitors flock to this area of Japan to visit such places as Kiyomizu-dera, a wooden temple supported by pillars
on a mountain slope. A Buddhist temple, it dates back to 798. One of the most amazing features of this structure
is not one nail is used in the temple. In the main hall is the Otawa waterfall where 3 channels of water fall into a
pond. It is said that if you drink the waters from this waterfall, you will incur wisdom, health and longevity.
Kyoto Imperial Palace

The Kyoto Imperial Palace was once the home of Japan’s Imperial Family until the capital of Japan moved to
Tokyo in 1868. The current palace was built in 1855 after the original burnt down. Guided tours of the palace
are held by the Imperial Household Agency. You must apply for permission in advance with your passport to the
agency’s office in the Kyoto Imperial Park.

Ginkaku-ji or the The Temple of the Silver Pavilion

Ginkaku-ji is a Zen temple in Kyoto. It was originally built in the 1400’s as a retirement villa and gardens by
Ashikaga Yoshimasa and is an emulation commissioned by his grandfather. After his death in 1490, the area
became a Buddhist temple and houses a famous garden supposedly created by the famous landscape artist
Soami.

Ancient Kyoto is a walk through history and beauty. The traditions and beauty of the area make this area a
special, unique and wonderful destination for travel. A strong emphasis on tradition and the Japanese culture is
just one of the many reasons that a trip to Japan would be a destination worth traveling to.

Breckenridge, Colorado
was first established as a camp in 1859 after
gold was discovered along the Blue River.

It didn’t take long for the camp to become an

thriving town filled with miners and people on
the hunt for gold. It survives today as a place
to experience the past and enjoy all of nature’s
beauty with a variety of outdoor activities.
History is a large part of Breckenridge with
many of the old historic buildings still in
existence.

The Hearthstone restaurant is a great example

of this living history at its best. An award winning restaurant located in a 120 year old historic Victorian home
in the heart of Breckenridge. Enjoy your choice of over 250 bottles of wine with an award winning menu from
prime rib slow roasted, to local lamb or even sea scallops, the menu is considered regional Colorado cuisine. It
has won the Zagat “Award of Distinction” and the wine spectators “award of Excellence”.
There are also a variety of activities to keep you enjoying your holiday both on and off the slopes.

This town of only a little of 2,000 residents is very art and fitness oriented with local gyms and art classes
offered regularly.
Best known for its beaches, Punta Cana
has been apopular tourist destination since the 1970’s.

It has a large coastline with several natural marine pools.

The weather is ideal for travel as it has an average
temperature of 86 degrees during the day and never much
lower than the high 60’s at night.

The surrounding terrain of the Punta Cana area is Savannah

and mountains, but the generally flat terrain and location
makes it quite dry with very little rain except during the
rainy season from May to October. This wonderful weather
and temperate climate have made it very popular in the golf
circuit. Punta Canan as over 12 professional golf courses,
well on its way to becoming a golf mecca in the Caribbean
region.

Other great tourist destinations in Punta Cana include a

waterpark, shopping, over 500 marinas, ATV rentals, zip
lines, horseback riding, and of course the water itself.

You should have no trouble finding a great place along the beach to rent boats, scuba equipment or any other
equipment you happen to need to play in the ocean.

Antigua was fist discovered by

Christopher Columbus and later by another
European in the late 1600’s by a man searching
for an island to produce sugar cane. He
succeeded and for the next 50 years, sugar
cultivation on the island of Antigua exploded.
Much of the sugar history remains for visitors
to explore even today.

Though this was the first European discovery

of this island, the history of Antigua goes back
to well before recorded history, back to around
2400 BC when the native peoples of the island
were peripatetic Meso Indians, whose
craftsmanship is still discovered today in
dozens of site on the island.
It wasn’t until August 1, 1834 that slavery was abolished on the island of Antigua.

It has since developed into a tourism dependent economy and prides itself on being a luxury Caribbean escape.
For this reason, Antigua serves its travelers well by offering many businesses which deal in U.S. Currency to
help simplify your travel.
Lake Michigan Lighthouses, beautiful, eerie, and a part of Michigan’s rich shipping and
fishing history.

Featured in many books by local Michigan authors, Michigan’s hundreds of both active and retired lighthouses
cover the Michigan shorelines. They are a part of Michigan’s active Great Lake fishery and shipping industry, but
have also become one of the top tourist destinations Michigan has to offer.
Michigan is almost completely surrounded by water, including Lake Erie, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake
Ontario and Lake Michigan.

Michigan touches Wisconsin in the Upper Peninsula, and Indiana and Ohio in the Lower Peninsula. Once a
major supplier for lumber during the logging days back in the mid to late 1800’s and early 1900’s, as well as iron
and copper, shipping has been a necessity since Europeans first set foot on Michigan soil.

Its miles of shoreline have since cost many sailors their lives from the eerie fogs that roll in to shallow rocky
shores that lie hidden just beneath the waves and storms that can become deadly in a matter of minutes.
Lighthouses saved the lives of thousands of men and women over the years, but they have also been witness to
much tragedy as well. For this reason, lighthouses have become as source of romantic and haunted Michigan
history and a very interesting as well as enjoyable vacation destination.

Some of the most interesting lighthouses are those along the Lake Superior Coastline in the Upper Peninsula of
Michigan.

Probably one of the most famous lighthouses in Michigan is the Whitefish Point Light Station at Whitefish Point.
Built in 1847, it was one of the earliest lighthouses built in Michigan, but what makes it more famous is that it
was the site of the sinking of the famous ships in Great Lake history, the Edmund Fitzgerald in November 1975.
The lighthouse is now a museum featuring famous Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Another wonderful Great Lakes lighthouse to visit is the Point Iroquois Light located in Brimley in the Upper
Peninsula of Michigan. Built in 1871, this lighthouse operated for 100 years with a lighthouse keeper living in an
attached 2 story brick house. It has since ceased operation and is now another one of Michigan’s living history. It
is a museum and operates from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Lighthouse touring can be beautiful, historic, and enjoyable in a traditional drive around the coastline, but as some
of the lighthouses are not accessible by vehicle, many choose to try something a bit different and simply get a boat
and spend a few days traveling on the Great Lakes like those who the lighthouses were created for.

Whatever way you choose to spend your Michigan Lighthouse vacation you are sure to have a
wonderful time. Michigan is full of history, find out why on your own Michigan Vacation.