If watching the sunrise from atop a 10,000-foot volcano, swimming under waterfalls, hiking through craters and luxuriating on white-, red- and even black-sand beaches sounds like paradise, then Maui awaits.

Maui is the place to surf and windsurf. Or hop a catamaran to scuba and snorkel on Molokini Island, a crater emerging from the sea that hosts a wealth of marine life. Golf, fine dining, a winery, museums and sipping a mai tai on the beach round out the perfect tropical vacation.

source: www.tripadvisor.com/Inspiration-g191-c1-United_States.html

While New York is defined by its skyline, Boston is distinguished by its vibrant neighborhoods.

From the fashionable Back Bay to oldest Beacon Hill to colorful Chinatown to historic North End – all neighborhoods of Boston has its own personality and distinct appeal. A stroll around this old city is like reading an American history textbook. Follow the red line marking the Freedom Trail and come across Boston Common, the Old North Church, Paul Revere’s house and Bunker Hill.

Each stop represents a chapter in American history. Being cultural and commercial hub of New England, Boston absorbed all best from the region, including best food such as Maine lobster and New England clam chowder. Try them when in Boston, they are best you can find in all country.

* Boston Hotels Guide
Online reservations at low prices for budget to luxury hotels in Boston with detailed information on all hotels
* Boston Seafood Restaurants
10 Best Boston Seafood restaurant reviews

Our recommendations on the best places to visit in France provide a incomparable travel experiences in one of the world’s most fascinating countries.

The French countryside is rich with architectural treasures, ranging from historically important châteaux and cathedrals to incredibly lavish palaces. If you prefer art, you can wander the collections of France’s great museums and best-known art galleries.

Of course, there are innumerable French cities that are delightful, memorable, and whose wonderful food, wine and ambiance reflect the unique culture of the French. And, then, there is Paris, the City of Light, one of the favorite destinations of travelers worldwide.

Many travelers forget that France has been blessed with a photogenic natural landscape that includes a wide range of topography, some of it stunningly beautiful. We hope that you find time for this “hidden” France, which is often masked by the incredible cities and cultural regions, both historical and current, created by the French people.

We have grouped our Best Places to Visit in France into three “geographies”. We start our tour of France with Paris, the Paris region (Ile de France) and the beaches and countryside of Normandy (below). We follow this with a section on The Loire Valley, Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon and Côte d’Azur and another focused on the wonderful areas of Burgundy, Alsace and the Rhône-Alpes .

Be sure to see our new interactive road map to plot the locations of our recommended Best Places to Visit in France. When you see the map symbol next to a destination, you can click the symbol to view the location on a highway map of France.

The National Zoo, Washington DC’s 163-acre zoological park set within the Rock Creek National Park, features more than 400 different species of animals. The National Zoo is a part of the Smithsonian Institution and admission is FREE! (There is a fee however, for parking in Zoo lots.)

To see all of the animals and exhibits at the National Zoo takes several hours. You should pick up a map and plan ahead so that you don’t miss any of your family’s favorite animals. Among some of the favorites are giant pandas, other bears, lions, giraffes, tigers, monkeys, sea lions, and much more.
Visiting the National Zoo involves a lot of walking. You should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. To avoid crowds, arrive early in the day or after 2 p.m. Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends, and fall and winter are less crowded than spring and summer.

Photos of Animals at the National Zoo

Baby Animals
Lions
Asian Elephants
Andean Bears
Animals at the New Asia Trail
Tiger Cubs
Panda Cub, Tai Shan
Adult Pandas, Tian Tian and Mei Xiang
Cheetah Cubs

Address
3001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008. See a map of the National Zoo

The main entrance to the Zoo is along Connecticut Avenue. There are also two entrances at the east side of the Zoo, near Rock Creek Park. One is off Rock Creek Parkway, the other is at the intersection of Harvard Street and Adams Mill Road.
Closest Metro Station to the National Zoo
Woodley Park/ Zoo /Adams Morgan stop and the Cleveland Park stop.
Parking at the National Zoo
Parking rates are $10 for the first hour, $15 for two to three hours, and $20 for more than three hours. If you are a FONZ member, parking is free. If you do not mind a short walk, you can usually find free street parking nearby.
Hours
The National Zoo is open every day of the year except December 25.
October 30 to April 1: Grounds are open 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. Buildings are open 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
April 2 to October 29: Grounds are open 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. Buildings are open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Food and Shopping
Food concessions offer burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken sandwiches, salads, ice cream, hot pretzels and other snack foods. Snack stands are scattered throughout the park. Visitors may bring their own food and drinks.

The National Zoo Store offers a great selection of gift items including apparel, hats, toys and games, books, videos and jewelry.

Official Website

http://nationalzoo.si.edu

Conservation and Research
The National Zoo operates a 3,200-acre facility, located in Front Royal, Virginia, that houses between 30 and 40 endangered species. Research facilities include a GIS lab, endocrine and gamete labs, veterinary clinic, radio tracking lab, 14 field stations, and biodiversity monitoring plots, as well as a conference center, dormitories, and education offices. Read more about the National Zoo Conservation and Research Center
Special Programs at the National Zoo
Daily programs at the zoo include animal training, feeding demonstrations, and keeper talks. The National Zoo offers some great special programs throughout the year.

Special events are hosted throughout the year by the National Zoo and Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), the Zoo’s nonprofit partner. Here’s the calendar of events for 2010:

Wild Side Stage
Sundays, Jan. 10 – March 7, 2010, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
A brand new educational performance series for children ages 2-10. Families are invited to sing with award-winning musicians, boogie with acclaimed dancers, and interact with enchanting storytellers and puppeteers. Each performance includes a trip to one of the Zoo’s animal houses, where guests will get a chance to meet and greet keepers and watch up-close demonstrations of the animals that inspired the performances. Tickets are $5 for FONZ members, $7 for nonmembers. Children under two receive free admission with a parent.

African-American Family Celebration
Easter Monday, April 5, 2010. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more than 100 years, families from Washington’s African-American community have visited the National Zoo on Easter Monday to socialize and celebrate the holiday with a variety of activities and entertainment. The event is free and all are welcome. (202) 633-3040.

Earth Day Celebration
April 24, 2010, 9 to 11 a.m.
The Zoo and FONZ will commemorate Earth Day with a clean up of Rock Creek. Volunteers will assist staff of the Zoo, FONZ, and Friends of Rock Creek’s Environment as they collect trash along the banks of Rock Creek near Amazonia and the spectacled bear exhibit at the lower end of the Zoo. Help beautify this important waterway and provide a cleaner habitat for local wildlife. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

Guppy Gala
May 14, 2010, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
The benefit for public education programs at the zoo features family-oriented activities, educational and informational booths, and a variety of foods. Enjoy strolling musicians, jugglers, dancers, costumed characters, a mock construction site, rock-climbing wall, moonbounces, and an obstacle course. (202) 633-4470.

National ZooFari
May 20, 2010, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
FONZ’s annual fundraising event, a casual, exciting evening of gourmet foods, fine wines, and fabulous entertainment. Live music, animal encounters, a sweepstakes, and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit a variety of programs at the National Zoo, including conservation and science projects, exhibit development and construction, and the Zoo’s revitalization project. (202) 633-4470.

Brew at the Zoo – Young Professionals Beer-Tasting Event
July 15, 2010, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Join more than 2,000 young professionals from the D.C. area and enjoy handcrafted beers brewed by more than 20 local and European breweries, as well as live music and hors d’oeuvres. (202) 633-3026.

Sunset Serenades
Thursdays, July 22-August 5, 2010, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Free summer concert series featuring a wide variety of artists, including jazz, blues, rock/pop, reggae, rock-and-roll revival, and patriotic music and marches. (202) 633-4480.

Fiesta Musical
September 19, 2010, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A celebration of the diversity and richness of Latin American culture and wildlife. Enjoy a variety of family-oriented cultural activities, live music and dance performances, special keeper talks about animals native to Latin American countries, and a Latin American food court. (202)633-3040.

Grapes with the Apes
September 23, 2010, 6 to 9 p.m.
Sample wines from Virginia and Maryland wineries and hors d’oeuvres from area restaurants, and enjoy live music, wine seminars with a local expert, and exclusive access to the Zoo’s Great Ape House. Ticket price includes all wine samples, food, entertainment, and a commemorative glass. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Zoo’s Asian Elephant Conservation Fund. You must be 21 to attend this event. Tickets are $40 for FONZ YP members and $55 for nonmembers.

Autumn Conservation Festival
October 4-5, 2010. Bring the whole family for a day of fun, tours, and activities at the Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center in Front Royal, Virginia. Scientists at CRC study and breed endangered species from around the world, including clouded leopards, Eld’s deer, black-footed ferrets, and Przewalski’s horses, on 3,200 acres nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This two-day event offers members of the public a rare opportunity to visit this normally closed campus. Parking passes gain admittance for one vehicle with an unlimited number of passengers.

Boo at the Zoo
October 22-24, 2010, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
This popular event regularly sells out weeks in advance, and is a fun and safe way for kids and families to celebrate Halloween by trick-or-treating throughout the Zoo. Children also enjoy hands-on activities and interpretive talks about some of the Zoo’s creepiest creatures and watch as the Zoo’s elephants, lions, and tigers smash and stomp some pumpkins at the Elephant House and Great Cats exhibit. (202) 633-4470.

Night of the Living Zoo
October 29, 2010, 8 p.m. to midnight. Attendees must be over 21! This Halloween, enjoy a new adults-only Halloween party with bone-chilling performances, live music and a costume contest. Entertainment will including palm readers, fire eaters, talking bats, and illusionists.

ZooLights
December 3, 2010 – January 1, 2011. 6-8:30 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season at the National Zoo and see larger-than-life displays featuring many of the Zoo’s most popular animals, plus fun activities and live entertainment.

source: www.dc.about.com/cs/familyactivities/a/NationalZoo_2.htm

Berlin Wall

If you’re looking for a place that’s rich with remnants of the recent past, then Germany’s the place for you. As you may well know, Germany was a key player in the previous world wars.

Thus, it filled Germany with monuments to the stories of our grandfathers about times long past but never forgotten.

1.) Berlin Wall

There’s no other place in Germany that’s more suffused with charged up emotions than the Berlin Wall. You can just imagine the tears and the blood shed over this very wall. This remnant of the wars stands as one of the greatest monuments to democracy known to man – a sign that freedom will always come out victorious.

2.) The Romantic Road

Driving through the Romantic road would be one of the most pleasant drives you’ll experience in your whole life. This road is flanked by scenic landscapes on both sides. Occasionally, you’ll pass through a picturesque town, a beautiful gothic church, and sometimes, a quaint countryside inn.

3.) Augsburg

Passing through the Romantic Road will lead you to Augsburg, a town founded by the Roman Legions and named after the esteemed Roman emperor, Augustus. This picturesque town contains such historical places as St. Anne’s Church, the place where Martin Luther took refuge, and Dom, a very unusual Cathedral. You can also find here the Renaissance Golden Room, a sight that will make you squint with its shine.

4.) Neuschwanstein Castle

Did you know that Walt Disney used a castle found in Germany as his inspiration for the castle of Sleeping Beauty? It’s true, those alabaster walls and those high towers and wide parapets were all based on the Neuschwanstein Castle. It is now hailed as one of the most popular tourist spots in Germany.

5.) The Castles of Fussen

Like most of Europe, several castles are littered throughout Germany. It contains the other two of Ludwig’s castles, the first one being the Neuschwanstein Castle. This is a must-see for all those families who are traveling through Germany because the place literally looks like it’s been torn out of a storybook.

6.) Lake Constance

Lake Constance is both a tourist spot and an essential source of life for the Germans. Several areas in the country rely on this very lake for their drinking water, and this large lake is also a great place to swim and to go bird watching. Indeed, if you’re one for beautiful natural sceneries, then Lake Constance is not to be ignored.

7.) The Black Forest

The name looks like it has been taken from one of the fairy tales, doesn’t it? The Black Forest – it sounds like a place where evil witches reside and cursed trees grow, but don’t let that deter you though. If anything, the Black Forest can hardly be related to its name as it’s a sunny forest with tall and sturdy firs. It’s a great place to go hiking and a great place for picnics.

8.) Cologne

When you hear the word, Cologne, what comes into your mind? A beautiful fragrance, right? Well, meet the town that’s called Cologne for a reason, and indeed, the town of Cologne has its own peculiar fragrance that’s very pleasing to the nose. Also, there you will find a beautiful view of the River Rhine and the Cologne Cathedral.

9.) Dachau

Take a break from the fairytale castles and mystical forests and go to the place called Dachau. Dachau is a concentration camp – a remnant of Germany’s dark past where you can just imagine the horrors that took place in this very spot. However, you will also find there a statue bearing the inscription, “Never Again”, a solemn promise of the German people that they will ‘never again’ commit such unspeakable acts – another true victory for peace.

10.) Oktoberfest

The Oktoberfest – technically, it’s not a place, but it’s just too good a festival to leave out of any ‘top ten list’ that concerns tourism and Germany. This fun-filled festival in the town of Bavaria is guaranteed to leave you intoxicated and euphoric. You can spend days on end just drinking authentic German Ale and just letting yourself loose.

source: www.ezinearticles.com/?Top-Ten-Places-to-Visit-in-Germany&id=976649

Travel in Spain is very popular and España offers numerous opportunities for tourism.

However, by the time you finish reading that 500 page guidebook of Spain, you could have traveled through most of the country!  Why not let us do the legwork for you?

We know that your vacation time is brief and we recommend only the Best Places to Visit in Spain for inclusion on your Spain vacation.  Read our suggestions on Spain tourist attractions, book your Spain flight and get ready for an exciting exploration of Spain turismo!

Be sure to see our new road map of Spain, based on Google Maps, that shows the locations of our recommendations for the Best Places to Visit in Spain. You can  route between locations using the map and use the satellite tab to see the area in amazing detail.

source: www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook\pdest/sppts.htm

I love New Orleans and have been there pre and post Katrina. You just gotta experience that town!! Staying in the French Quarter is the best way to do it. We were there during Mardi Gras and not. We had a “party time” either way.

The streets are filled with places to drink cold beers and listen to the most varied types of music one could find in one place. It’s very exciting. I also have to rave about the food.

Whether eating a $50 breakfast in Brennan’s or grabbing something cheap and hot in one hand with a “To Go” cup in the other, nothing tastes so good.

Beads for a flash of boobs was happening every night. A party atmosphere continues all year round.

Do not miss Preservation Hall for some noted Jazz music. Other must stops are having cafe au Lait and beignets at Cafe du Monde and also taking a walk around Jackson Square. There’s still so much more to talk about.

Another interesting thing about New Orleans is that there are many National Historic places right in the city and nearby.

source: www.epinions.com/content_5063745668

North Wales is one of the most beautiful places in the whole of the UK.

From it’s stunning mountain scenery to it’s rugged spectacular coastline, North Wales really does have something for everyone. Despite Wales being a relatively small country it is not the easiest place to get around. So having an idea of some of the best places to visit before you arrive there is ideal. So now follow a few of the best tourist places to visit in North Wales.

Abersoch – This is a beautiful little seaside town located on the Lleyn Peninsula. The town offers some lovely pubs and restaurants that offer fine local cuisine. The local Fish & Chips shops are something that every visitor should sample. Abersoch has some of the best beaches in the county, long stretches of golden sand or little private coves, this town has both. A massive attraction in Abersoch is the Wakestock Festival. This usually takes place in early July, it is a music and surfing festival, a great event to visit if you get the chance.

Snowdon – Snowdon is Wales’ highest mountain. If you are feeling energetic this can be a great day out. The mountain is 3560ft high and there are several ways to climb the mountain, some easier than others. The main attraction of the mountain however is the famous ‘Snowdon Mountain Railway’. This is the only train in Britain that climbs to the top of a mountain. The ride up is one of the most spectacular journeys you will ever take and the views from the summit are amazing on a clear day. There is also a nice cafe on top of the mountain where you can sit and enjoy the views during your trip.

Caernarfon – A wonderful historical town. This to the East of Mount Snowdon and sits on the coast. The town itself is very nice with some fine pubs and eating locations. The main attraction of the town though is the castle. Caernarfon Castle is known to be one of the best castle’s in Britain. For just £5 you can gain entry and explore the grounds. The walls of the castle are full of interesting little passage ways that you can spend hours exploring. There is also a very interesting museum giving you a history of the castle and the area.

Beddgelert – A beautiful little village set in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. The village is surrounded by majestic mountains and is a wonderful spot to spend an afternoon. The legend of Gelert’s Grave is a big tourist attraction and a really nice place to visit. There are some lovely tea rooms and a few excellent craft shops which sell some amazing locally produced arts and crafts. There are also some excellent camp sites in the area.

Llandudno – This is another little seaside town. However this is more of a pull for tourists who want a bit of fun and excitement. Llandudno used to be the entertainment capital of Wales. While it has quietened down in recent years there is still plenty going on in the city. The pier is well worth a visit and is great fun for children. The famous ‘Great Orme’ is also a wonderful place to visit, this massive section of cliffs is very spectacular and getting the cable car up the side is something not to be missed.

Anglesey – The island of Anglesey is a very interesting day out. The Eastern side of the island has some of the best wildlife any where in Wales. The cliffs are home to a huge variety of sea birds and if you take a boat out you can often see a vast array of marine life. You can also catch the ferry across over to Dublin from the port of Hollyhead. This can be a great day out if you fancy a trip over the water for a day.

There are so many wonderful places to visit in North Wales. These are just a few of the highlights, there are plenty of other great spots dotted around that merit a visit. If you do ever visit this part of Wales I am sure you will have a wonderful time and enjoy this stunning area of natural beauty.

source: www.mynews.in/Blog/Best_Places_to_Visit_in_North_Wales_B695.html

One good part of being in the services industry is, you get to travel around the globe, experience different cultures first hand.

Boredom settles in quickly if I stick to a place,so I always welcome the oppurtunity to get away someplace else. Luckily, something came up recently and I might just land up in UK in a few days.Last time I had landed in Heathrow was on my way back from New York – that was in March last year.

Like everyone else, even I do have my list of places to visit – I was so impressed by mysticism of the Pharaos, Sphynx and Pyramids, I always have wanted to visit Egypt. Wilbur Smith with his vivid portrayal of the time of Pharaohs in The River God, made me crave for a visit. The visit hasn’t materialised, but well, time’s on my side for a change.
Second on the list is Switzerland. Snowcapped mountains, green pastures – picturesque places – nature at it’s best ! Insiders tell me that there are quite a few Swiss projects in MS Technologies – gives me hope – in with a chance …. like Austin Powers would say “Groovy Baby” !

Third on the list is Mauritius, the beaches seem awesome on the photos I have seen so far.

Like it ?? Although one of my friends told me that weather is not as good, but still, this figures on my dream honeymoon destination !

Fourth on the list is France – a place that’s the hub of high fashion, beautiful people and yes, Eiffel tower that’s the epitome of architecture. Well I did have the oppurtunity to take a look at Eiffel tower from my Air India flight in December 2003 which had a stop-over in Charles De-Gaule airport , Paris. Unfortunately, my in-the-pipeline UK trip will not leave me enough time to cross the English channel.Also, I gathered that I can’t visit France if I am on a businesss visa to UK.

Sorry, I diverged from my point – what are the best places to visit in UK ? Places that are an absolute no-miss ?

I hardly had any idea of places to visit in UK. Everyone who’s been to UK seems to be saying that UK is totally different from US and it’s quite similar to India – quite understandably so, as they ruled us for 200 years ! You dont feel unfamiliar at all in UK – especially the architecture of the buildings are quite similar to what we have in Kolkata like the Victoria Memorial, the Museums, the Governor’s House, the High Court. The simple reason of that is, before the british moved the capital to Delhi, Kolkata was the British capital, and the capital city is always well looked after

The first place that was an absolute nomiss for me was the Sherlock Holmes Memorial, 221b Baker Street – that FAMOUS address . I have grown up reading Sherlock Holmes – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle gifted the world a master. Years have passed by, but no-one has been able to match his intelligence !

The second place would be a walk down the Thames riverside. Maybe I would hitch aboat ride and go rushing down the Thames in sheer MI6 James Bond style ! Add some fish and chips to it and you can have your own little party.

With my knowledge exhausted, it was time to go googling

The London Guide says it’s a crime not to catch up with London’s Theatrical scene – well let me think what was the last one I had heard ? Vagina Monologues, was it ? Well, not a single one running currently has a good review – we’ll see if there’s a good one when I get there.

oh ! where do we have the Kohinoor diamond ? Got it ! It’s at the Tower of London. That’s a no-miss.

Museums are good – so, a visit to the British museum gets added to the itinery.

How could I forget Buckinghum Palace – a glimpse of British royalty is surely worth it. The guards in red tunics and bearskins – I have heard so many stories about them ! And I sure do hope that Charles and Camilla are back by the time I go visiting the palace (They are in India now on a trip)

Next, Westminster Abbey – I dont have much idea on this yet.

And to round it off, maybe a guided tour of the city, that cant be bad !

Well, that was just London, what are the other must-see places in UK ? Fill me in, guys ! How can I possibly finish without refering to the night life scene ? Guys, help this poor soul out here, what are the best places to hang out in London (keeping budgetary constraints in mind) ?

source: www.it.toolbox.com/blogs/parthas/what-are-the-best-places-to-visit-in-uk-8464

We think that Germany is one of the crown jewels of travel and our opinion seems to be in favor, as Germany is one of the leading tourist destinations worldwide.

Scenic landscapes, beautiful villages, quaint castles and a profound sense of history are just a few of the reasons travelers are attracted to this delightful country. Germany’s industrious culture mixes the old with the new, the common with the technologically innovative and, in the process, manages to create a country that is both unique and impressive.

Be sure to see our new road map of Germany, based on Google Maps. Our map shows the location of our recommendations for the Best Places to Visit in Germany, Your can also route between locations using the map or view a satellite image of the country.

In 2010, Oktoberfest in Munich celebrates its 200th birthday. See our Munich Guide for more details. In addition, the Obergammergau Passion Play, which began in 1633, will be held in 2010 and not again until 2020. If you are interested in attending, the seven-hour play opens on May 15 and is presented over 100 times through October 3, 2010. Here is a link to the Obergammergau Passionpiele 2010 website . Although we do not cover Obergammergau, it is approximately 90KM (one hour) southwest of Munich.

source: www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook\pdest/gmpts.htm