Category: holiday trips

Kissimmee, Florida Travel Guide

Kissimmee is a destination known for its endless sunshine, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and famous theme parks. There is more to this city than theme parks, and you will love exploring its beautiful gardens and parks, visiting local galleries and museums, or shopping at its boutiques and malls. Here are some fun things to do in Kissimmee, Florida.

Walt Disney World Resort

This is the world’s most frequented and largest vacation park. The Walt Disney World Resort boasts a never-ending program of fun for the entire family and 4 different theme parks. The Magic Kingdom radiates classical Disney, while Epcot celebrates a variety of cultures from different parts of the world. The Animal Kingdom is a great place to celebrate nature, and Hollywood Studios brings to life movie-making magic. There are also your favorite characters every stop along the way.

Universal Orlando Resort

The Universal Orlando Resort is a mega-theme park that combines the themed “Islands of Adventure” with the famous Universal Studios. With its impressive movie experience, this resort rivals Walt Disney. Walk through breathtaking recreations of New York and Hollywood, and let your favorite actors guide you as you walk down the rabbit hole.

Kissimmee Lakefront Park

If you want to take a break from the theme parks, visit Kissimmee Lakefront Front. An elegant recreational park awaits visitors complete with social spaces, boat slips, waterside piers, and playgrounds. You can also visit the Tohopekaliga Lake to explore the Floridian fauns and flora or stay on land to see the various entertainment spots.

Old Town

Old Town is both a shopping mall and an amusement park at the same time. This place is not actually old as it is a nostalgic recreation of time past, inviting visitors and locals alike on a retro trip. The influence here is thoroughly American, and when compared to other local themed parks in this area, Old Town is a destination for relaxation. You will also find classic cars and the food sold here is in line with the retro theme. If you are still looking for a kick, the Fun Spot nearby fulfills that need.

Gatorland

Florida is well-known for alligators, creatures that have always inspired fascination and fear. The great reptiles at Gatorland can be both understood and admired. This wildlife preserve maintains and breeds different species, and boasts a safe and top-notch observation deck for introducing gators to visitors. If you are not too bothered about safety, you can enjoy the Gator Zipline.

Hershey and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Travel Guide

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Perhaps your biggest challenge when you arrive in the Hershey Harrisburg region will be where to begin. Families and young adults will discover why Hershey Park was recently voted the number one amusement park in the nation outside of Orlando. Take a tour of Hershey’s Chocolate World to experience an entertaining free ride on how chocolate is made and be sure to purchase tickets for the really big 3D show. Feel free to stock up on gifts of chocolate as well.

Visit the Antique Auto Museum in Hershey where every car enthusiasts will find his new love. It’s a simple drive from Hershey to Harrisburg and within minutes you’ll be ready to sample Pennsylvania’s capital city. The Whitaker Centre for Science and Arts is a good place to start. Take in an IMAX theater film then go for the hands-on activities offered in the Harsco Science Center. From there, branch out into downtown’s restaurant row to fuel up for an afternoon of museums.

The National Civil War Museum incorporates a variety of photographs, manuscripts, documents, artifacts, as well as other printed materials. Nowhere can you find a better understanding of the Civil War, its effect on the nation, and on the people. Take a tour of the state capitol complex and you’ll find yourself standing in awe of the monumental carvings and artwork that make up the Rotunda ceiling. And don’t miss the collection of animals in Mammal Hall on the third floor of the State Museum of Pennsylvania.

With more than 7,000 plus sleeping rooms and hotels from economy ends to four star resorts or a tucked-away bed and breakfast, you’ll find the perfect overnight room in Hershey Harrisburg. The Hershey Harrisburg region is within a convenient three-hour drive of Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington and a mere one and a half hours from Baltimore. Fly into Harrisburg International Airport and enjoy the easy navigation of this remodeled airport.

The mighty Susquehanna River rolls through Harrisburg and we encourage travelers to walk or jog along the winding path and riverfront park and then walk across to City Island to enjoy this playground. For those water enthusiasts, ride a canoe or kayak from blue mountain outfitters and ride the river wide. The Hershey and Harrisburg region will be a welcoming and blissful change from the everyday routine and the really cool part is you can always take a piece of this city with you when you return home.

Haifa, Israel Travel Guide

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Although Haifa has less historical and religious significance than other cities in Israel, it is worth visiting if you desire to see a different aspect of this country’s culture. Also, Haifa is a city where different religions coexist and Arab and Jewish neighborhoods intertwine across the city. Here are the top places to visit and things to do in this city.

Start your journey to Haifa with a visit to the shining star of Baha’i faith. Whether you are a lover of history or a believer, the dome and gardens of the shrine will definitely capture your imagination. From the incredible dome which can be seen throughout the city, to the immaculate peach walkways, manicured and terraced gardens, you are definitely entering another world.

The best way to know a city is to eat your way through it. As with other parts of Israel, Haifa is a blend of Turkish, Persian, Middle Eastern, and German roots. Begin your eating adventures at the German Colony, which has the best open-air restaurants and pubs. This colony dates back to as far back as the Christian Templars, although the stone buildings have been transformed into trendy cafes and art galleries. Once you have had your fill here, head to the Arab District, where the fresh falafels aroma wafts through the alleyways.

A visit to the quiet neighborhood of Bat Galim will convince you that summer isn’t simply a season but a way of life. The beaches here feature a stunning promenade that is dotted with coffee shops and relaxed restaurants. For adventure lovers, there are activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, surfing, and kite-surfing.

At the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery, old is gold. This space dates back to the twelfth century. Particularly, its ceiling features a domed and religious fresco coupled with decorations and golden arches that evokes the Sistine Chapel’s handiwork. Head off to Elijah’s Cave once you have picked your jaw from the floor. The cave is now nestled in a dome chapel and was believed to be a resting place of an important prophet to Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.

Since modern-day Israel is an old land historically, anything new building was either constructed in the 80s or 90s. The Louis Promenade first opened its doors to visitors in 1992. This much-loved balcony has been etched into Mount Carmel crevices. This terrace offers breathtaking views of the city and is the ideal place to spot dolphins leaping from the water bay. Many locals here enjoy using the promenade to jog, run, or walk while also enjoying the warm sun.