Just a short drive off Virginia's Eastern Shore lies an island so stunning that its seven mile length is the vacation destination for more than one million annual visitors, each one of whom arrives to enjoy a taste of Paradise. Chincoteague's Island natural beauty, coastal charm, and Southern down-home hospitality are what draw them from around the globe to this small place big in romance and tradition.If you decide to take a page from their...more
The waters and winds of Chesapeake Bay never rest, and over the eons they have built up and carved away countless land masses. The Island of Chincoteague, about five miles off Virginia's Eastern Shore, rose from the Chesapeake's waters about four thousand years ago and is surrounded by vast areas of marsh. More than twenty miles of the tiny island's coastline, in fact, consists of marshes, and the vast majority of its land mass is less than 10...more
If you go to Chincoteague Island during the last week of July, you're probably there for the Pony Penning and Auction, like approximately 50,000 other visitors. You'll be in for an exciting time, but what you won't see is the sort of round-up which takes place on Federal grazing lands in the Western United States. There'll be no helicopters herding exhausted mustangs into waiting trucks from far above The 150 ponies of the Chincoteague Island herd are such old hands at being rounded up (they are gathered twice a year for veterinary checkups) that on the Wednesday of the annual four hundred yard Chincoteague Pony Swim from Assateague Island to the Firemen's Carnival grounds, most of them take the exercise "in stride." The Chincoteague Island Pony Swim has been taking place since 1925, when the first was held to raise funds for the Chincoteague Island Fire Department. Two disastrous fires in the preceding five years had destroyed much of Chincoteague Island's business district, and the Fire Department desperately needed better equipment. They held a Firemen's Carnival that July, featuring the first Pony Swim and Auction. Fifteen pony foals were sold.Word of the Pony Swim soon reached...more
The mountains loom and the bluest sky reaches beyond the heavens, soaring endlessly, dotted with fluffy clouds that make insignificant shadows over the rolling prairies. You have the sense that those who have laid claim to this grand land have done so only temporarily. In a way, it makes you feel free, more open to new experiences and adventures....more
The tourism industry in Thailand truly took off when US soldiers started to arrive in the 1960s for Rest and Recuperation (R&R) during the Vietnam War period. Coinciding, international mass tourism sharply increased during the same period due to the rising standard of living, more people acquiring more free time and due to improvements in...more
When visiting Southern California, consider using San Diego as your base camp. Many world famous attractions, and most everything you might need can be found within a short drive of downtown San Diego. The locals often say that everything is within 20 minutes of downtown. This can be by car, on foot, or by using their excellent public transportation system.Downtown by NightMany people, both locals and visitors head downtown and particularly to the Gaslamp Quarter of the city for an evening of great food, drinking, dancing and entertainment. Within the Gaslamp Quarter there are several rooftop bars and clubs where you can enjoy outstanding views of the city while savoring a drink or your meal al fresco. There is the trendy and hip J6 Bar on the fourth floor of the Hotel Solamar but for those who really aren't afraid of heights, check out the Altitude Skybar on top of the 22 floors of the Marriott which has a mixed bag of locals and those passing through.Going Wild at San Diego ZooSan Diego Zoo is a world famous home for a large collection of animals from all over the world, while the Wild Animal Park is only 30 minutes drive north of the city in the outlying town of Escondido. Here...more
Getting to set out exploring New Zealand in a Spaceship is something that people are lucky enough to do every day, but setting out in a Hybrid model takes this luck to a level of luxury! I was fortunate enough to take one of these beautiful vehicles...more
Dordogne is one of the most beautiful regions in France. With its stunning castles and lush forests, Dordogne has the appearance of having emerged straight out of a fairytale. There are many monuments, Chateaux, and rustic villages dotting the region...more
Iceland is a large island situated in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is home to many spectacular mountains and is one of the more novel holiday spots in Europe. Despite its name, only about 10% of the island is actually covered in ice. The country also...more
Mexico has always been a prime destination for tourists, and the Yucatán Peninsula is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The Yucatán Peninsula is located in the south-eastern region of Mexico and is comprised of several...more
In past few years, serviced apartments have become popular as short stay option of accommodation. People have started loving this new concept in luxury living. It is obvious for everyone to love the well furnished luxury apartments with all the...more
This is a proved fact that apartment rentals are the most cost effective and comfortable option of accommodation. Nowadays, with introduction of serviced apartment rental concept, it has become more customers friendly and convenient for people. Due...more