Visiting USA

Everything about the United States of America is big. From the size of the country itself to well known things like food, sports and cars, the USA is certainly the best place to go for a super sized holiday. There really is something for everyone, so whether you’re looking to visit the most famous cities, theme parks, shopping malls or become one with nature in the great outdoors, now is the time to book those cheap flights. America really is a phenomenal holiday destination.

The USA is located slap bang in the middle of North America and takes up most of the continent. Made up of 50 different and unique states, the country borders Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. It also shares coasts with the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Pretty much every type of landscape can be found in the States, from the Rocky Mountains to the Mojave Desert, the Great Plains to the volcanic Yellowstone National Park and of course the miles and miles of sandy beaches in sunshine states like California and Florida. Diverse is an understatement when it comes to American geography- you’d need 3 lifetimes to experience it all.

In terms of climate, the USA is incredibly variable and weather characteristics differ from state to state. For instance Nevada is baking hot, while Alaska is freezing cold, for the most part. There is a certain tropical feel to southern areas, particularly Florida and of course in the Hawaiian Islands. While most popular tourist areas are pleasant and warm during peak season, generally summer, don’t be surprised if heavy rain suddenly starts pouring as that’s just the way it is!

It’s no surprise that tourism is a big business in America. With such a huge amount of things to see and do it’s certainly a good excuse to plan a visit. Literally millions of international visitors flock to the States every year, and even more Americans travel internally. The USA is just awesome in every respect, whether it’s culture, history, natural beauty, entertainment or shopping. While airport security may have been increased massively in recent years, once you make it past immigration, the country opens up and welcomes you in.

For holidaymakers from the UK, some of the most popular destinations include Los Angeles, New York, Orlando and Las Vegas. But there are thousands of other places that have amazing things to offer. These main locations are on the map for simple reasons though – they are all about having a good time. From cruising through Beverly Hills or visiting Hollywood attractions in LA to hitting the casinos in Vegas or even catching a show on Broadway or shopping on Fifth Avenue in NYC, there is enough to keep you busy for weeks. Continue reading

Four Days in Hawaii: Making most of the Big Island

If you have a month-long holiday, lucky you! Majority of us do not have such luxury and we need to make most of the short time we have. Exploring a travel destination like the Big Island in Hawaii is not an easy task. As the name suggests, it is really a big place! Maui Luxury Rentals offers a great place to stay on your vacation with many amenities. The island has a lot of offerings from beaches, reefs, cultural sites, and volcanoes. Let’s say you only have four days to enjoy the Big Island, what should you do?

Day 1

Upon arriving in Hawaii, head to the Kealakekua Bay for some snorkeling and kayaking. Schedule your flight so you can get to the Big Island during the early mornings so you can enjoy the sun and explore the waters. You will be amazed with the dolphins that will join you as you enjoy the blue waters.

After some fun in the water, join the group of Hawaii’s Forest and Trail to go up the top of Mauna Kea. You might struggle a bit with the altitude but suck it up and enjoy the view. Experienced climbers will be with you to guide you along the way.

Day 2

The next stop for you will be the Volcanoes National Park. You will be stopping at different viewpoints, coming near steaming surfaces, and hiking across fields of lava.

Day 3

On the third day, you can visit the Hilo Farmers market for some sarong and other souveniers. Then hurry and catch Imiloas astronomy show. Along the way you will see waterfalls in Hilo. From there make your way through the Pepe’ekeo Scenic Drive through the Waipi ‘o Valley. You can end your day at the Waipi’o Beach where you can go whale watching.

Day 4

The best way to see the Big Island is from the air and you can book with helicopter rental companies that can take you across Kohala, Mauna Loa, the Waipi’o Valley, and around the Kilauea caldera. End your day at the Kehena Beach where you will see performers, picnicking families, and men doing their tai chi regimen on the black sands.

New York Travel

Located in the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeastern regions of the United States of America, New York is a huge city with unparalleled and globally acclaimed attractions. Also known as “the Big Apple”, the New York City is like a complete world in itself.

The attractions of the city probably begin with the world famous Statue of Liberty which is the historical landmark of New York. The Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Times Square, Rockfeller Plaza, Top of the Rock, Lincoln Center, Empire State Building and the New York Public Library are the other evergreen pulls of the city.

New York boasts a unique collection of various museums and galleries to showcase the glorious past, rich and successful present and the phenomenal art and architecture in the city. The Brooklyn Museum of Art, the Cloisters, Guggenheim, International Center of Photography, Museum of Sex, Museum of Modern Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Madame Tussauds, PS1 Contemporary Art Center, Whitney’s, American Museum of Natural History, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology are some of the biggest pulls of the city that are found nowhere else in the world.

A visit to these famous magnificent and museums and art galleries is certainly lifetime experience. Not to forget here are the beautiful grand parks of New York. From the views of the New Jersey Palisades from Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan, to the grand Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx and the famous Flushing Meadow Park in Cornona, Queens, site of the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament, there is more than enough to keep any visitor busy.

When done with the museums, entertain yourself with the various other superb activities in the city. New York is also known as the Entertainment Capital of the world because of its unmatched number, range and quality of entertainment options. The city is famous for its theater and performing arts. In New York there happen a variety of theatrical performances all round the year. The city’s Broadway is acclaimed for hosting several shows, especially the musicals. New York takes pride in some of its world renowned music companies such as the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Carnegie Hall, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Radio Music Hall and the Metropolitan Opera. Continue reading

Boston

Historic sights are the major draw in Boston, and The Freedom Trail is a great way to explore the main highlights. The 2.5 mile trail links 16 places with a red line on the sidewalk. Get the most out of the route by joining a free, ranger-led tour.

A good place to start is Boston Common, a 50-acre oasis of lush flowers and cool lagoons in the centre of the city. It contains a memorial for Robert Gould Shaw, who led the first African-American regiment in the Civil War.

North of the common is Beacon Hill, a historic district that includes Old State House, which was the revolutionary government’s headquarters and is now a museum. It is also the spot where the declaration of Independence was first read in 1776.

Boston Children’s Museum provides a vivid interpretation of the city’s history. Visitors can explore bygone years by dressing up in clothes, and learn about the history of Native Americans in a full-size wigwam. The museum also features a Japanese house imported all the way from Kyoto, Boston’s sister city.

If you have time, visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, an ornate Venetian-style mansion filled with priceless art and furniture. Adults only, admission $15.

Close by in the Quincy Market district, is a plethora of shops, eateries and even a comedy nightclub. Just around the corner is Haymarket, a traditional market where half the fun is listening to sea-dogs sell their wares.

If you are a sports fanatic, then Boston is definitely the place to be. Known as the best sporting city in North America, a favourite pastime for locals and visitors is watching the Boston Red Sox baseball team at Fenway Park.

This city isn’t just about the past, with a vibrant arts and entertainment scene. From exploring the botanical gardens to supping a pint in the ‘Cheers’ bar, Boston has something to offer everyone.

GETTING AROUND:

Logan Airport is located 3 miles from downtown Boston and accessible by public transport and taxi.

A free shuttle bus marked “MASSPORT” stops at each airline terminal, the Airport “T” station, and the water shuttle dock, from which you can get downtown.

The “T” rapid transit system covers the whole of Boston and surrounding area, fares are $1.25.

EVENTS:

Patriots Day – April. Commemorates the start of the American Revolution with a re-enactment of Paul Revere’s ride to Lexington in 1775.

Boston Pops on the Esplanade – July. Free outdoor concert on the banks of the Charles River celebrating Independence Day.

First Night – Dec. The largest New Year’s Eve celebration in America. live music, dance and mime performances, parades and a fireworks display. Admission is $20.

ACCOMODATION:

Peak times are May to Sept. Always pre-book a room, and give as much notice as possible.

Los Angeles

LA is one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world, with a world-class entertainment scene and cutting-edge architecture.

An essential part of the LA experience is Hollywood. At Gruman’s Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard find the hand and foot prints of your favourite star. Meander along the Walk of Fame and browse among the 2000 pink stars that decorate the sidewalk for miles.

For die-hard celebrity-spotters, a tour of Beverley Hills will visit the homes of the rich and famous and show how the other half really live. If that’s not enough, just around the corner is Rodeo Drive.

If you actually want to go shopping, head to Santa Monica, which has a more relaxed atmosphere, some great shops and beautiful wide beaches. Neighbouring Venice Beach has a more funky feel to it, with trendy cafes and an abundance of street entertainers and buskers.

El Pueblo is a 44-acre state historic park containing many of the states earliest buildings. Nearby is Union Station, a classic Spanish style railroad station, which was one of the last of its kind to be built in the US.

A wonderful respite from the craziness of LA is Griffith Park. Five times bigger than Central Park, it encompasses a zoo, open-air theatre, two museums, playgrounds, tennis courts, golf courses, bridal paths and the famous Hollywood Sign.

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