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TOP VACATION SPOTS in the U.S.

GREAT U.S. VACATIONS ...FROM  EAST TO WEST THESE VACATION SPOTS WILL TIC ALL THE BOXES
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seniorcouple_kayakTetons.jpgDid you know that 7 out of the top ten National Parks are located in the west? We encourage you to travel in the west. Click and be taken to a site that offers everything from vacation spots to activities, lodging, shopping and more.
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MARYLAND:  The National Aquarium in Baltimore is one of the highlights of the area. But we also loved beautiful Mt. Vernon.  Washington D.C. is a must on your list of vacations for every American and visitor to this country. Fascinating Museums, Govt. buildings and gorgeous parks abound. Did you know that more American high school grads have seen Europe than Washington D.C. ? Incredible.
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ALASKA: If you love natural beauty take the Marine Highway and spot humpback whales from the road, or the deck of a cruise ship.
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ARIZONA: Obviously the Grand Canyon is one of the top vacation spots. After you see the "big hole",  head on over 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, and the pine trees of Pinetop.  Hike the Pearlta Trail outside Phoenix and try your luck at finding the gold treasure that the Dutchman left behind. No one has been able to find yet.  South of Tucson visit historical Tombstone and really get the feel of how it was in the old west. Bisbee and Gerome should also be one of your Arizona vacations.
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CALIFORNIA: Drive Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur and take a day to wander the shops and restaurants in Carmel. The Pacific Coast in California offers great vacations for kids and adults.
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UTAH: One of the most diverse topographical states, with a lot to do and see. It's why we chose the following vacation spots.  We found the most beautiful red rocks in  Canyonlands and Arches Ntl Park outside MOAB (CLICK HERE and read more about one of our favorites) ....and marveled at more red rocks surrounding Lake Powell. Don't miss the Wasatch mountains where many say the best snow in the entire U.S. for skiing falls in Park City where the scenery and activities will leave you breathless. 
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NO. CAROLINA: Pan and dig for emeralds and other precious and semi-precious stones in Franklin County. Then take in a Cherokee Indian Village on these Carolina vacations.
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SO. CAROLINA: A must for any history buff is Fort Sumpter, birthplace of the Civil War. Whenever you go to historical vacation spots, don't forget the tours.
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COLORADO: Pan for gold at the confluence of the South Platte River and Cherry Creek. Don't forget Estes Ntl Park and Durango.
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IDAHO: Pricy Coeur d'Alene is an upscale vacation spots with a 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. Once there, visit Virginia City, an old mining town that has been used as a Hollywood backdrop in many films. Because there is so much to do and see, Island Park is truly one of our favorite vacation spots.
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DON'T WANT TO GO TOO FAR? WEEKEND VACATIONS  EXPLORING  GHOST TOWNS NEAR YOUR HOME-  WINDOWS TO THE PAST FOR GHOST HUNTERS AND HISTORY BUFFS WITH A PENCHANT FOR ADVENTURE-CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Wyoming: There are several vacation spots in WY. that are 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 during Cheyenne Frontier days.

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. We loved all of the beauty and history in and around Pennsylvania and Virginia. If there is a ranger giving tours, take one. These guys really know their stuff.

VIRGINIA: We thought some of the best vacation spots in virginia we could recommend were Williamsburg... The Shenandoah National Park Fall Foliage...Jamestown and Yorktown

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 but it had crossed my mind occasionally 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... 


STATES THAT PUT THE PINCH ON PENSIONS AND SOCIAL SECURITY AND THOSE THAT DON'T

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


 
MEXICO- (this article was written before all of the drug cartels took over the country so our opinion has changed about vacations in Mexico)
Traveling anywhere outside the country when we were living for a time in Tucson AZ 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 vacation spots in 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 to see what kind of vacation spots and activities we could find there.

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.
 
WE HAVE REMOVED THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE DUE TO THE VIOLENCE IN MEXICO. We no longer recommend traveling to any vacation spots Mexico, except perhaps flying into a resort town like Puerto Vallarta.
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Get more out of traveling. Click for Vacation Savings

RETIRE MEXICO

Although Mexico prices for beach property is cheaper than California, it is still not cheap and because of all the violence in the area, we no longer recommend retiring in Mexico. Too bad. It's a lovely country with many friendly people. Most expats are trying to sell their properties and are having a tough time because of everything in the news. In fact, I know of one person who moved there and told me it really wasn't violent. And in the next sentance told me about two Americans who were killed, and a neighbor of his who was killed in a restaurant (a drug dealer he found out). So for the money, think of retiring in vacation spots like Arizona if you want warm winters, or any number of small communities across the United States.


RETIREMENTMany 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.
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As a child, I remember my favorit vacation spots were Hawaii, and the Rocky Mountains in the west.  Back then, we spent most summers at 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 VACATIONS AND GETAWAYS THAT WON'T BREAK THE BANK!

Ghost Towns

ADVENTURE, SIGHT SEEING, AND HISTORY ALL ROLLED INTO ONE BREATH-TAKING SPOT...


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