Travel the U.S. and Abroad 

  

NOT YOUR AVERAGE VACATIOIN IDEAS ALL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES 
We've tried to find spots that you may not have traveled to, but have some interesting and fun things to do and see.
.
MARYLAND:  The National Aquarium in Baltimore is one of the highlights of the area. But don't forget to spend time at Mt. Vernon.  Washington D.C. is a must for every American and visitor to this country. Museums, govt buildings and parks abound. Did you know that more American high school grads have seen Europe than Washington D.C. ?
.
ALASKA: If you love natural beauty take the Marine Highway and spot humpback whales from the road, or the deck of a cruise ship.
.
ARIZONA: Everyone knows about the Grand Canyon, but have you been there? A must see. Meander down to the red rocks of Sedona. A spiritual town with art gallery lined streets.TAke in the Navajo Festivel of Artus in culture in Flagstaff. Try your luck at finding the gold treasure outside Phoenix that the Dutchman left behind and no one has been able to find yet.  South of Tucson visit historical Tombstone where some locals and visitors still dress in period clothing so you can really get the feel of how it was in the old west. Plenty to do in AZ
.
CALIFORNIA: Drive Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur and take a day to wander the shops and restaurants in Carmel.
.
UTAH: One of the most diverse topographical states, with a lot to do and see. From the most beautiful red rocks in  Canyonlands and Arches Ntl Park outside MOAB (CLICK HERE and read more about one of our favorites) ....and Lake Powell, to the Wasatch mountains where many say the best snow in the entire U.S. for skiing falls in Park City the scenery and activities will leave you breathless. 
.
NO. CAROLINA: Pan and dig for emeralds and other precious and semi-precious stones in Franklin County. Then take in a Cherokee Indian Village.
.
SO. CAROLINA: A must for any history buff is Fort Sumpter, birthplace of the Civil War.
.
COLORADO: Pan for gold at the confluence of the South Platte River and Cherry Creek. Don't forget Estes Ntl Park.
.
IDAHO: Pricy Coeur d'Alene is an upscale resort that overlooks the cobalt blue waters of fresh water lake. Although the area is gorgeous, our favorite is still Island Park Idaho for the water activities, hiking, animal viewing, winter snowmobile trails, fishing on the world famous Henry's Lake and river, Big Springs...not to mention its close proximity to Yellowstone. Also, visit Virginia City an old mining town that has been used as a Hollywood backdrop.
.
WEEKEND VACATION JAUNTS MAY FIND YOU EXPLORING  GHOST TOWNS-  WINDOWS TO THE PAST FOR GHOST HUNTERS AND HISTORY BUFFS WITH A PENCHANT FOR ADVENTURE-CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Wyoming: Full of natural wonders. Most of Yellowstone Ntl Park sits in Wyoming. Next to that visit the Grand Tetons and the upscale town of Jackson Hole. Take in a rodeo and tons of outdoor activities.

PENNSYLVANIA: Lancaster County, home to the Amish and beautiful rolling hills. But beyond the beauty and serenity you should visit Gettysburg Ntl Military Park, the civil war's bloodiest battle and setting for Lincoln's famous address.



STATES THAT PUT THE PINCH ON PENSIONS AND SOCIAL SECURITY

Whether you're looking for Rocky Mountain cool mountain breezes, or Utah and Arizona's hot red rocks it's time to VACATION IN THE WEST.

 Last year we decided on a weekend getaway to a place that was referred to as   THE ISLAND OF ROMANCE  in a popular song. It hadn't been high on my list of places to visit like Venice Italy or Lake Como but it had crossed my mind occasionally nonetheless because of it's reputation...both as a romantic getaway and the place Natalie Wood lost her life. So, we packed a small suitcase and wound our way down to the dock to wait for the boat that we hoped would whisk us off to a romantic weekend.  


 
MEXICO
Traveling anywhere outside the country seemed impossible when we considered the falling price of our dollar, but we wanted a weekend getaway. Then, we remembered our neighbor to the south. 

My friend Elvia (who lives in San Diego) warned us to stay away from border towns. Apparently vicious drug dealers are still committing murder in alarming numbers there. But we were undaunted. We weren't going to Juarez or Tijuana (or Mexico City, the capitol, and a hotspot for kidnapping Americans) . We were going to take a leisurely 4 hr. drive drive from Tucson AZ down to Rocky Point on the Sea of Cortez for the weekend.

Getting into the country is easy for those spending a few days to a couple of weeks but there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure you get Mexican Auto Insurance. If you don't, and you have an accident, you will be held until the issue is resolved and payments (and bribes?...) are made. And that includes serious, life-threatening accidents....even ones that lead to death. Mexico is ruled by Nepolianic law which means you're guilty until you prove you are innocent. So just because you're lying in a hospital at death's door, under no circumstances will you be allowed to be life-flighted back to the US. A friend of my sister had an accident down there, and died as a result because the Mexican Govt. would not allow him to be life-flighted out. Next, make sure you bring a Passport to get back into the U.S. and of course...don't drink the water.
 
Crossing the border for a day (or week) of fun in this sun drenched beachtown does not take a lot of planning if you live in Southern Arizona. It's a pleasant drive through saguaros, and rocky hills to Puerto Penasco and the pristine Sea of Cortez. NOTE: They are finishing a freeway from Southern California to Rocky Point too so all of you Californians will be able to make the trip in less than a day too.
We found that most room amenities are at the resorts and geared towards the American Tourist. Prices start around $100 per night.  Want to be right on the beach? Go with a larger group of people, rent a house just steps from the water, and share expenses. ...plus you can cook at home for more savings.
Many people love the food in the restaurants, but for me I wasn't impressed. I lived in Mexico City years ago, and I've tasted authentic mexican cuisine. Now that's delicious! The prices are comparable to American restaurants. Cafes that line the streets will get you filled for $1.50 per taco, and rice and beans are extra so you can fill your tank for about $5.00 each. ...Barbecue on the beach anyone?
Click for Vacation Savings
Shopping along the waterfront is always a fun way to pass a couple of hours. The curio shops are brightly colored and everyone seems to have a great time bargaining for traditional Mexican gifts. Since it is a beach resort area, you will want to take advantage of some of the activities. Set aside some money for water sports...kyaking, snorkling in the crystal clear waters, fishing, parasailing, scuba diving etc. Or just lounge on the beach, soak up some rays and watch the show.
So if you have a hankerin' for some International flavor, think closer to home and save.

MORE ARTICLES to CLICK AND READ MORE

 Many say that living in cultural societies keeps you young and brings out your creative side. If you have a strong interest in the arts and culture, visit these beautiful   HAVENS FOR THE ARTS You might even want to make one your permanent home when you retire.
. 

As a child, I remember vacationing near Yellowstone. Back then, we always went to Hebgen Lake, but every time we passed Island Park, on the way to Yellowstone and our destination at the lake, I stretched my neck out the window and longed to stay on one of the rivers around Island Park Idaho. There were always kids fishing, river rafting and swimming and it looked like such fun. So as an adult, I threw aside the family tradition of staying to the north of Yellowstone, and decided to live my childhood fantasy south of the West Yellowstone entrance to the park and relax on the Buffalo River in I.P. Read More....STRESS-FREE ISLAND PARK

TRAVEL LESSONS LEARNED THE HARD WAY ...to come

MORE GREAT GETAWAYS THAT WON'T BREAK THE BANK!

Travel-Ghost Towns

Your article here!


HomeR.V. FunSingleMeet WomenRetire CHEAPHome Business Ideas for SeniorsSenior HealthTravelMenArt CommnitiesWomenHobbiesGrandparenting TodaySeparate BedroomsLong-Term HealthcareTaxes and RetirementRetirement LifestylesRetire Early?Steps to RetireRetire HavensVacation SavingsCaring for Aging ParentsRetirement Jokes and HumorWhere to Retire CheapRetire-FactsBig on Art

Enter supporting content here