Travel Blogger

Arizona's immigration law has little impact on Arizona's tourism

Despite the threat of widespread travel boycotts tied to the state's strict new immigration law, early results for hotels and resorts in metropolitan Phoenix show little evidence of any short-term impact.

Hotel occupancy was up 6.5 percent in May and 10.6 percent in June from a year earlier, outpacing national gains, according to Smith Travel Research. Average room rates were flat on an above-average increase in rooms. Revenue per available room, the most closely watched measure, rose 6.2 percent and 11 percent in May and June, respectively.

via www.azcentral.com

Unknown Greece: Nine Places to Avoid the Crowds | BootsnAll

The ancient cities of Thessaloniki and Athens, with their monuments and museums, along with the “sexy” islands like Mykonos and their white-washed buildings and pristine beaches, are classic stops on tours of Greece for their culture, history and beauty. However, some of Greece’s lesser-known natural wonders, authentic towns and archaeological sites are just as stunning – and have many fewer tourists, allowing for a more intimate experience.  Including any of the following nine places in your itinerary will make your trip even more memorable.

via www.bootsnall.com

Exploring Colorado’s San Juan Skyway | BootsnAll

Looking for an awesome road trip that is rich in history, surrounded by spectacular scenery, and offers exciting outdoor adventures? Then look no further than southwestern Colorado and the San Juan Skyway. This 236-mile adventure is a terrific way for travelers to sample the best of what Colorado has to offer. Travelers along the San Juan Skyway will pass through the historic, mining boomtowns of Ouray and Silverton, have a taste of the “old west” in Durango and Telluride, and then discover ancient Anasazi ruins at Mesa Verde near Cortez at the skyway’s south end. Taking a journey along the San Juan Skyway gives travelers the feeling that they, somehow, have taken a step back in time.

via www.bootsnall.com

8 Lessons to Learn From My Round the World Trip | BootsnAll

Everyone has those “What if?” moments in life.  Some are huge, some are tiny, and some we just think of when we’re bored and our minds are racing.  One of the biggest reasons we decided to chuck it all and head off on an extended trip around the world was because of one of those “What if?” moments.  What if we decided not to take this trip that we have in our heads and have thought so much about? 

via www.bootsnall.com

5 Outdoor Adventures in Las Vegas | BootsnAll

When people hear “Las Vegas,” their minds usually conjure up images of the bright neon lights of the Vegas Strip, multimillion dollar casinos crammed full with slot machines, blackjack tables, video poker machines, and roulette wheels. In the hopes of overcoming the stigma that Las Vegas has gained over the years as an adult’s only destination, developers have built the now famous, massive, family oriented theme park casinos complete with every type of thrill ride ever imagined. Here in this article we are going to look at five outdoor adventures that the Las Vegas area has to offer beyond the casinos and the strip.

via www.bootsnall.com

The new World Of Color at Disney California Adventure

Disney California Adventure is located adjacent to Disneyland in Anaheim California.  This park has not been a massive hit with visitors.  As a result a major renovation is in the works.  One of the first major upgrades just opened, the new World Of Color water spectacular. 

After seeing the World Of Color show last night I have to say that it will be a big hit.  A combination of water fountains, brilliant colors, projected animated cartoon characters, laser lights, bubbles, and fountains of fire are all set to an outstanding music track.  And it is big, very big, I would estimate it expands to 100 yards wide at times.  If you go to Youtube you can see the complete show.  But if you think you may someday visit the park I suggest you not spoil the experience and see it for the first time live and in person.

A dedicated seating area has been constructed to help contain the crowds that want to see the show.  Entrance into this area is via ticket.  Check out the Disney website to learn about the various free and paid ways to get a ticket. Travel Blogger....

  
 

Five far-flung tourist gems you can only get to by boat - CNN.com

It's a long way to travel for a glass of beer. The Old Forge pub in Knoydart is on a small peninsula off the west coast of Scotland and it's only accessible by boat -- or a 20-mile hike through the formidable Scottish Highlands.

It is Britain's most remote watering hole, say its owners, yet, in spite of its far-flung location, it is regarded as one of the country's finest pubs.

via www.cnn.com

Dr. Beach's 2010 America's Best Beaches

Don't think I completely agree with this guys list.  He has been doing it for years.  But I don't see how such a list can change that much from year to year. TB

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of my list of America's Best Beaches. 

via www.drbeach.org

The Cocaine Cowboys Field Guide To Miami : Map | Gridskipper

MAC-10s and man purses are no longer de rigueur in Miami, and a brand new skyline of empty condo towers is a reminder of yet another boom and bust cycle that has long characterized Miami's history. But those with an interest in the macabre can still find the monuments of Miami's "Wild West" days of the 1980s as a wide open, gunslinging, coke trafficking frontier town.

via gridskipper.com

Tours of a Lifetime | National Geographic

We’re traveling again. Tour operators are reporting big spikes in inquiries and bookings. But an uncertain economy, ongoing wars, and the fragile health of the planet have, perhaps permanently, reordered priorities. Travelers now seek more perspective, meaning, and challenge. They want to see the unvarnished reality of a place, not just the fantasy. Outfitters have responded by dialing down the luxury and refocusing on core offerings. Their itineraries are more innovative and experiential—aimed at developing lasting connections between people. Here are 50 of the world's best guided tours for 2010, as chosen by the editors of National Geographic Traveler magazine.

via travel.nationalgeographic.com