 Best Arizona Vacation Spots: The state of Arizona in the US is a nature-lover's dream. Arizona is more than just a desert; plan your next outdoor adventure vacation to this beautiful southwestern state. No trip to this state is complete without visiting these natural natural wonders of Arizona. Natural Wonders of Arizona: Best Arizona Vacation Spots The Grand CanyonBest Arizona Vacation Spot #1: If you visit Arizona you can’t leave without a visit to the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and words cannot begin to describe its beauty. The Grand Canyon is not just beautiful; it also has a strong archaeological history. The oldest human remains found in the Canyon date back nearly 12,000 years. Visitors to the canyon can stay in one of the historic hotels found within the park. The more adventurous can arrange to take a white-water rafting trip down the Colorado River. More information about the park can be found at the National Park Service website.  The Superstition MountainsBest Arizona Vacation Spot #2: Located at the eastern edge of the Phoenix metropolitan area, the Superstition Mountains rise up from the desert floor and top out at over 5,000 feet in elevation. The mountains are rich with tales of hidden gold mines; the Lost Dutchman story still brings treasure-hunters to these mountains. The Superstition wilderness area contains over 160,000 acres and features hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to expert hikers only.  Slide Rock State ParkBest Arizona Vacation Spot #3: As visitors drive up Interstate 17 from Phoenix, they are suddenly greeted with gorgeous red rocks off in the distance. The red rocks were exposed after millions of years of erosion from the elements; running through the middle of the rocks is Oak Creek Canyon. In the summertime, Oak Creek's Slide Rock State Park provides hours of watery fun. The creek creates a natural water park; the icy cold water from snow melting higher up in the mountains is contrasted by the hot summer temperatures. Slide Rock State Park is located seven miles north of Sedona.  Kartchner CavernsBest Arizona Vacation Spot #4: Located in southern Arizona, Kartchner Caverns was discovered in the 1960s. It wasn't until 1988 that the state of Arizona purchased the land containing the massive cave (natural wonder of Arizona) thus starting the process to create Kartchner Caverns State Park. At an elevation of 4,600 feet, Kartchner Caverns State Park provides guided tours for those aged seven and up. In addition to the tours, there are 62 camping sites, hiking and walking trails, a Discovery Center, and interactive displays. Reservations are highly suggested and can be made by calling (520) 586-CAVE (2283). Plan your next outdoor vacation to Arizona and discover the varied natural wonders that the state has to offer. Other articles that might interest you: Vacations in Maine USA: The Down East Outdoors Off the Beaten Path
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 Navagio Shipwreck Beach - Navagio Beach or the Shipwreck, is an isolated sandy cove on Zakynthos island and one of the most popular and most photographed beaches in the whole Greece. Navagio Beach is usually described as the Shipwreck Beach or just "The Shipwreck" due to the fact that it is home to the wreck of a ship called Panagiotis that is believed to be a smugglers ship. The presence of alleged smugglers ship provided Navagio Shipwreck Beach yet another nick name - Smugglers Cove. This little and isolated, yet absolutely gorgeous sandy cove lies on the north-west coast of Zakynthos Island, near the Anafotiria village, opposite of island's capital Zakynthos. The place is defined by its giant limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and crystal clear blue water, which attract countless visitors every year. The beach is accessed by boat only, however you can see it from the top if you stand on the high side of the cliffs that overlook it.  How did it end up being The Navagio Shipwreck Beach? - The HistoryThe shipwreck itself is from 1980 so it's not very old however its spectacular location makes it look stunning and its well worth checking out. The beach was at first called Agios Georgios but ended up being Navagio Beach (actual translation: Shipwreck) after the freight liner MV Panagiotis ran aground on October 2nd 1980. The Kefalonian born captain of the ship says that the boat was going back to the port of Durres in Albania from Argostoli when a disastrous mixture of engine failure and awful weather conditions caused the boat running aground in the cove. Because of its hard to reach location he found it difficult to protect the vessel from thieves and contacted the authorities. Some of the cargo and shipping equipment was stolen though. The authorities were then informed once more and they have started an investigation. When the investigation was completed around 30 people from surrounding villages were founded guilty of stealing cargo and equipment which eventually was recuperated. The captain was cleared of all charges and it is stated that he was so overcome by the sight of the wreck that he made a decision to leave it there. There are lots of other theories and rumours as to how the boat ended up being on Agios Georgios Beach which is now known as Navagio Beach. One other story states that the freight liner was used to smuggle goods such as alcohol and tobacco, another states the exact same but in addition to the contraband the ship was used for people trafficking. Authorities were pursuing the boat and followed it into the cove where it ended up being trapped and ran aground. Others state it was bringing in the contraband however it just lost the engine power and got washed ashore. Another theory proposes that the owner of the ship Haris Kompotheklas was certainly carrying contraband products, smuggled from the former Yugoslavia and Albania en route to Italy, he was also bringing 2 Italian smugglers along. Kompotheklas chose to benefit from the circumstances and got two smugglers arrested and detained in order to keep the cargo for himself, however due to horrible and unexpected bad weather conditions he was forced to run MV Panagiotis into the cove. Some of the smuggled items were washed off the boat and carried onto coastland where the villagers took and hid them whilst the captain and his team attempted to restore it. Evidently the authorities became aware of the incident, deported the two Italians back home to Italy, detained the captain and his team and convicted them for smuggling.  How to reach Navagio Shipwreck Beach?Now that you know the history and splendors of the beach let's continue to the various methods of how to get to it. As you can see on the map, the majority of towns and resorts are located in the south while Navagio remains in the northwestern part. There are a number of ways to reach there, each varying in prices, time and kind of transport. An essential thing to understand is that the beach is accessible ONLY by sea. Land transport will only take you to towns, ports, and the observing platform on the cliffs above the beach. The locations where a boat to Navagio is provided are Zakynthos Town port, Agios Nikolaos port/beach, Skinari, and Porto Vromi. What you must know about the boat cruises. Middle-sized to large boats sail from Zakynthos Town port only, and these vessels offer more shade and room for the passengers. Smaller sized boats sail from the other 3 ports. If you are beginning your cruise from Zakynthos Town, Agios Nikolaos or Skinari (east side of the island), you must know that the trip to Navagio beach will normally include a stop at the incredible Blue Caves. Bigger boats, sadly, can not go inside the caves, so those who wish to see these natural wonders from the inside must go with smaller sized boats. The length of the cruises can differ, depending upon the location and boat. The cruises from Zakynthos Town can last from 4 to 8 hours depending on the kind of boat. What are the alternatives? Well, that depends on where you have stopped, and in this article, you will discover the best methods to reach Navagio Shipwreck Beach considering your location on the Zakynthos island. 1. Take a cruise trip arranged by an agency This is probably the easiest method because the agency will organize a bus which takes you right from your resort to the port in Zakynthos town, where you'll take a cruiser, and bring you back to your holiday accommodation staright after the trip. The bus and boat trip are included in the price, just ensure to bring food and drinks with you, or maybe some additional food money because you can buy it on the cruiser too. You can find tour agencies such as MyTours in every resort, and they are trustworthy. When you organize a trip with them, you'll get full guidance also as when and where to come to a pickup point, so then you just can enjoy the rest of the day. Estimated prices: Depending upon the agency, tour prices can vary from €20-45 plus another €20 per person for food and drinks. 2. Bus to Zakynthos Town and a boat to Navagio Shipwreck Beach If you have stopped in Laganas, Argassi, Alykes, Tsilivi or Kalamaki, there is a KTEL bus which can take you to Zakynthos Town. When you arrive there, you will have to take a 15-minute walk to the port where you can get on a boat trip to Blue Caves and Navagio. It's not difficult to reach the harbor, simply keep going down to the sea, since the KTEL station in Zante town is located uphill. Here's the map of Zante town from KTEL:  Estimated expenses: A one-way bus ticket price is €1.80 and prices of cruises from Zakynthos Town are around €30. 3. Take a car, quad or bike to the ports and catch a boat to Navagio Shipwreck Beach This is the most expensive option, and it causes the most inconvenience, however it is ideal for those who loves going on adventures and discovering brand-new places. By doing this you will allow yourself to see some incredible and not-so-famous areas, which you would not have the ability to experience otherwise, and create your exceptional tour of Zakynthos. In our honest opinion, this is the very best choice. Those who have not come to Zakynthos by car do not need to worry since there are car, quad and bike rental services in every resort. The 4 ports where you can get boats to Navagio are located in various areas from the beach, which means that some particular choices will involve more traveling by land and others more traveling by sea. Optimal choice for those who wishes to sail more is to take a boat from Zakynthos Town, and people who wish to drive more should choose the other 3 ports - Agios Nikolaos, Skinari and Porto Vromi. Estimated expenses: If you wish to hire a car, quad or bike the prices and conditions will vary from provider to provider. Particular rental services need a minimum amount of days, normally three. Car hire start from €20 per day. Quads and bikes can be hired for as cheap as €12 per day. Do your research, compare several various providers and you will find the ideal one. Boat trips from Agios Nikolaos, Skinari, and Porto Vromi cost around €15, and from Zakynthos Town about €30. Other expenses involve petrol which goes from €0,57 to €1,47 per litre. The price depends on the kind of fuel and also the petrol station.  Tips to make your Navagio Zante trip safer and enjoyable:
Other articles that might interest you: Natural Wonders of Arizona: Best Arizona Vacation Spots Outdoors
Planning a coast vacation in Maine? Some of the best activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Down East are not found by map or guidebooks. Downeast Maine has been described as "unspoiled," and one of this area's greatest resources is surely its amazing natural beauty. Unfortunately, this lovely part of Maine is also generally unsung; and the usual travel websites, guidebooks, and maps give scant information to those who wish to explore beyond the popular destinations of Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. Where is Down East Maine? The term has been used in reference to all of the Maine coast, specific parts of the coast, and even the entire state of Maine. Although some disagreements exist about exactly where "Down East" begins and ends, the most common usage (and the usage in this article) refers to the coastline between Ellsworth and Calais, stretching to the easternmost point of land in the United States. Nature lovers come in all shapes and sizes, ages and degrees of fitness. Outdoor activities for a downeast Maine vacation can be adapted to suit many interests. The suggestions here are attractions that are either overlooked or not well known. They also offer outdoor adventures for all energy levels, whether leisurely strolls and quiet birding on a bench by the bay or strenuous hikes and long days of biking. 
Vacations in MaineThings to do in Maine:
The Rails to Trails Down East Sunrise Trail
The transformation of 85 miles of railway corridor through some of Down East's most characteristic scenery resulted in a multi-purpose trail that is accessible and functional for nearly everyone. Stretching from Washington Junction in Ellsworth to Ayers Junction in Pembroke, the Downeast Sunrise Trail is well-kept, clearly marked, and easily accessed. Open for less than two years and at the head of the East Coast Greenway, the trail is becoming very popular with both locals and travelers who have discovered this path through the Down East landscape. Whether you want a 20-mile bike ride or a quarter-mile stroll, the path puts you up close to everything that is Down East--rivers and ponds, bogs and blueberry fields, small towns and friendly people. The multi-purpose trail is a boon to walkers, bikers, snowmobilers, ATVers, birdwatchers, photographers, and even travelers who simply need to get out of the car, stretch legs, and breathe fresh air. If you're driving through and need such a break, one easy access point is across from Dunkin Donuts at the Machias causeway, where the trail winds along the river. Quoddy Head and Roque Bluffs: Two Overlooked State Parks
Most travelers Down East will find the red-and-white striped lighthouse at Quoddy Head State Park; the distinctive tower is one of Down East's most recognizable attractions. What many will ignore, though, is the 541 acres of state park land, crisscrossed by easy to moderate trails. Do not miss walking at least a portion of the trails. One trail leads through an unusual arctic bog, one along dramatic cliffs and crashing waves. The forest is fragrant and mystical; the cliffs overlook the powerful surf of the Lubec channel, the boundary between the U.S. and Canada. This state park is a prime area for bird watching, and whales, dolphins, and seals have been sighted in the channel. Even for those who are not walkers or hikers, a short stroll along the cliff-side path is worth the time. Benches are placed at intervals along the trail. Take a book, sit, watch, listen, smell. Enjoy. Take care with small children on the trails; there are few protective rails on the cliff walks. If wet or muddy, the trails can be treacherous for everyone. A safer place for young children to play is at Roque Bluffs State Park. Often missed because of its out-of-the-way location, this is a family-friendly park with a sand beach, picnic area, playground, gorgeous saltwater views, a freshwater pond, hiking trails, a picnic area, and a playground. For those who want to hike, five trails wind through a variety of terrain. The beach here is unusual in several ways; most downeast beaches are rocky and abrupt, but this beautiful crescent of sand slopes gently to the water, an ideal spot for children to play. This beach is as close to "white sand" as you will find in Down East, and in the summer the beach is lined with fragrant banks of Rose Rugosa, the pink and white beach roses. Swimming is permitted in both the chilly saltwater and the warmer pond. The pond is also a fishing and bird watching spot. Despite its beauty and activities, Roque Bluffs State Park is never crowded. There's plenty of open space to enjoy the beauty of this spot. While you're there, drive to the end of Schoppee Point Road to the town marina and take in one of Down East's most spectacular seascapes. An Observatory and a Walking Group: Locals Share With Visitors
Not only is downeast Maine unspoiled, it is uncluttered, and that includes the night sky. If you're accustomed to seeing only glimpses of the heavens beyond streetlights and the glare of cities and traffic, you will be amazed at the brilliance of the stars, the clarity of the Milky Way, and the occasional appearance of the northern lights. If you find yourself gazing at that sky and wondering what else might be in the heavens that you've never seen before, find the Downeast Observatory in Pembroke and take a closer look at the wonders overhead. The observatory is also used by astronomy students at the University of Maine and by the local astronomy club. Occasionally, special events are held that are open to the public. Your visit to the observatory can be scheduled by calling Charlie Sawyer at 207-214-5706. All ages are welcome. The visit is free, but donations will help to maintain America's most easterly observatory. On the ground, discover Down East with a local resident as a guide. Join the Pathfinders for a hike. This walking group meets every Sunday afternoon for a 2-3 hour hike and welcomes visitors. The walking route varies every week, as does the difficulty of the course. Information on each week's walk can be found in the local papers like The Quoddy Tides, or check the Pathfinders' forum board at the website of the Cobscook Community Learning Center. If you want to join the group for a hike, call the person in charge of that walk and ask about the difficulty of the planned route. If you're looking for a vacation filled with natural beauty, clean air, peaceful settings, and outdoor activities, then downeast Maine may be the perfect destination for your next getaway. 
Other articles that might interest you: Navagio Shipwreck Beach - Everything You Need To Know!
 Had an unsatisfactory hotel room, the kind that they couldn't compensate you to remain in again. For those who have, you will then be very enthusiastic about the following. These tips can assist you find the correct hotel in the right price. So please read on and start getting excited about your next hotel stay.
Online travel websites can provide you with a good deal on hotels with lots of choices, all on the very same website. Should you be inside a hotel loyalty program, put your information in. Also, you might be qualified to receive discounts through other organizations to which you might belong, for example AARP or AAA. Use price comparison sites online to discover a hotel when you're within a strict budget. Websites like Travelocity, Expedia and Priceline and the like may help you see all sorts of hotels in different locations. You are able to restrict your searches to specific price levels and do a comparison to each other. Ensure you put your valuables inside the safe with your hotel. You can place your small, expensive items such as your iPad within the safe, in order to enjoy every day knowing they may be safe and sound. The organizations that you are part of might be of help. There are times when an organization provides you with great deals on the buying price of hotels. People often forget they are eligible for these discounts, which is often for 10 percent or higher from your stay. They can help you save plenty of money, especially for prolonged stays. Throughout weekly it's nearly a free night! Check to ensure that you will have free Wi-Fi service once you know that you will need to produce phone calls from the hotel. Rather than utilizing the in-room phone, and obtaining charged an arm plus a leg, make use of an Internet phone service that is free. By way of example, both Skype and Line are possibilities. Take a look at priceline.com and also other online hotel discount vendors that will help you look for the best deals available. These web sites can really bring hotel costs down to rock bottom prices. Even upper scale hotels can be obtained for additional reasonable prices. There's no reason you need to be paying full rate. If you are considering bringing your family to some hotel, you should try to find family-friendly policies and special deals online. Try using vacation review sites. You can find many family hotels and resort reviews. Searching with these sites should assist you to also locate deals to make your journey more enjoyable and affordable. Before deciding any additional premium isn't really worth the cost, learn what perks are given on hotel club floors. At some hotels, staying with a club floor can mean benefits like free food and also full meals. Factor up the potential expenses of paying for all those independently, and you will see that an upgrade can actually help you save money. Avoid using the device in the hotel to create any calls. It will be a great idea to buy a prepaid phone to create calls in your stay should you not have got a mobile phone. Really the only exception ought to be if free local calls are in the room rate. Do not assume all hotels allow pets. Some hotels allow pets of any size, some have certain restrictions, and several do not let pets in any way. You will not be allowed to stay there with the furry friend if you have a pet and book an area with a hotel that features a no pet policy. Sign to Facebook and look for the page in the hotel you are staying in. When the staff responds, write a little message on their own page, and find out. You will never know, they could provide you with a special perk! Keep up with precisely what is happening on the page in the event any specials are announced if hardly anything else. There are websites available that offer you an instant discount in the event the hotel you have booked decreases in price before your stay. You could possibly get a good amount of money back in the bank. An important feature about this sort of site is the opposite does not apply. You will only have to pay the sum you were originally quoted when the rates increase. If you are searching for deals on a hotel, you might need to go straight to the cause yourself. Many hotels usually do not post ads on multilple web sites offering discounts. You usually must find them yourself. Should they have any promotions or discounts, simply call potential hotels and ask them. GUests must be aware regardless of whether the resort allows pets. If you're allergic to pets or fear them, then you really should avoid hotels that allow pets. The hotels could have the smell of pet odors around the floor and linens. Some hotels add an added charge for pets, other will not. When the hotel allows animals in any room, then you really should book elsewhere for those who have allergies. To actually don't leave anything behind when you find yourself checking out of a hotel, produce a sweep throughout the room after you've packed your bags. Open every drawer, check down on the ground by each bed, and appearance every outlet to be sure that you haven't left any chargers plugged in. Hotel staff will store it from the safe located there should you not trust leaving your valuables inside the safe provided within your room. Ensure that you get some kind of receipt verifying the products you allow them. This will help cover damages in the event that something goes missing. A bad hotel is hard to forget but a high quality one will provide you with great memories for a lifetime. So, selecting the correct hotel to suit your needs is a crucial part of any trip, whether it be for business or pleasure. So remember the advice from above, research your options plus your stay will probably be extremely satisfying.  With all of that is put into arranging a major trip on your own or your family, it is actually no surprise that a lot of people discover the process overwhelming and very stressful sometimes. Fortunately, just a little preparation goes a considerable ways. For your consideration, listed here are the most effective travel suggestions out there.
Pack your luggage in such a way that it will easily be carried, for fairly long distances. You'll be walking with your luggage more often than you may think. In case you are lugging a heavy case, a lighter bag can certainly make your trip much, safer and simpler more enjoyable for yourself than. In case you are a lady traveling overnight on business, ensure that the blouses and underthings you bring and wear may be washed from the hung and sink up or blow-dried. Missed luggage and/or connections could mean you come to a hotel late into the evening, with simply the clothes face up to use the very next day. Lightweight, wrinkle-free polyester or microfiber blouses and tops can be hung and washed up, and will be dry each morning, as will your entire lingerie. Watch prices even though you book. If the buying price of your reservation drops when you book it, so keep watch over the price, some airline and hotel companies offer you a refund. Alternatively, set-up an account using a price watcher site. As soon as you enter in the reservations you made along with the price you paid, it is going to alert you as soon as the price has dropped with the minimum amount essential for a refund. Once you travel ensure you have a travel-size bottle of Febreeze or similar product in your handbag. The individual who sat in the seat of your plane and bus, or train before you might not experienced time and energy to shower before sitting down for a long flight. Avoid expending trip smelling the earlier passenger's body odor by spraying your seat with Febreeze. A wonderful way to acquire some sleep on an airplane is actually by bringing an eye mask. Even when you close your vision, it is possible to still view the different colors and shapes in front of you. By having an eye mask, which will allow that it is completely blacked out, allowing far better chance of sleep. Airplanes may be filled with airborne bacteria. You can dab some Neosporin with your nose during the plane to combat the germs inside the air. You can even use hand sanitizer frequently. Once you rub the sanitizer to your hands, put a tiny amount right below your nose. Have your airline contact you in case there is any changes in your flight schedules. When your flight changes, which will come in handy when you are running late or experiencing difficulties with travel arrangements, most airlines have free programs where one can receive calls or texts. Just ask and call them to set it up! If you wish to be left alone, wear dark sunglasses throughout your complete flight. A lot of people will assume that you will be either attempting to sleep or nursing a migraine, and may behave as a result. If you want politeness and courtesy, leave the glasses on. It's a simple way to experience a relaxing flight. When traveling to some foreign country, attempt to learn at least a couple of words from the language. Discovering how to state simple phrases like "how are you", "may I actually have the check", or "where may be the bathroom" might help tremendously while you navigate throughout your destination. It also helps the locals to discover that you are currently making an attempt, which can cause them to friendlier toward you. Consider being at places aside from hotels and resorts, when you create your travel arrangements. Alternative choices such as a house swap or possibly a farm stay may be a better deal, plus they can offer you a unique experience. There are several websites that can help you locate "unusual" lodging options. Before spending hundreds of dollars with a plane or train ticket, consider traveling by bus. Specifically for regional trips, you may find the bus is an extremely economical alternative that adds minimal in your travel amount of time in comparison. Quite often bus tickets are thirty dollars or less, supplying you with additional money in your wallet to pay. Travel insurance might be worth looking at for the big ticket, non-refundable trip. The small price you will pay for insurance is going to be well worth it if an emergency medical situation pops up, or perhaps your baggage is lost, damaged, or perhaps delayed. You may recoup a minimum of a few of the cost of your holiday and feel some bit of mind also. For sheer time savings, making your travel arrangements online beats the competition clearly. Travel websites allow you to account for all of your major travel expenditures with little work from you. , and rental cars can all be booked completely from the pc.flights and Hotels One of the better parts would be the fact search for reviews from many sources. You can even save an excellent little bit of money to make last-minute plans on the cheap by using travel sites. If you are traveling by cruise liner, go on a picture with you to put on your door. It is easy to get confused and possess difficulty locating any room. All of the doors and hallways about the ship look very similar to each other. That will help you find your living space with no hassle, put an image of something you realize adequately into it. Just take care not to put any personal photos up. Whenever you travel by air, pack several components of your continue that you are able to use in case your luggage is lost or delivered to the incorrect location. These materials ought to include a difference of underwear, a pair of socks along with an simple to pack outfit including yoga pants plus a shirt. This way you will have a back supply of clothing in case of mishaps with your luggage. So if you are organising a getaway for one person or for the clan, odds are good that you may make use of a little assistance in making arrangements that will go off without having a hitch. Recall the advice in this post to help keep things going smoothly over the course of your travels. |
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