Published on: 19 January 2019
Last Updated on: 09 August 2019
Getting Ready for a Chicago Getaway
Chicago, Illinois is among the most thrilling and magnetic cities in the entire United States. That’s the reason the Midwestern metropolis welcomes countless leisure travelers on a yearly basis. If you’re planning on visiting the Windy City, there are all sorts of attractions that you need to put on your “must-see” list as soon as possible. People who are putting together an upcoming trip to Chicago can take advantage of all sorts of resources, too. There are many Internet resources that can simplify the process of preparation greatly.
The Finest Points of Interest in All of Chicago
Chicago is without a doubt a haven for serious shoppers. If you want to shop until you drop, you can head to the Magnificent Mile for a day of pure retail therapy. North Michigan Avenue, in a nutshell, is a hub for high-end shopping destinations of all kinds. If you want to revel in chic boutiques, you won’t be able to turn away from the Magnificent Mile. It’s home to more than just exciting shopping opportunities as well. That’s because it’s also home to a wealth of A+ choices in eateries of all types.
Millennium Park is a favorite among people who visit Chicago. This renowned public park draws people in for a range of reasons. People flock to its artwork, recreational activities, and theater. It also makes a superb spot for people who are simply in the mood to relish in lush greenery.
Navy Pier is yet another legendary destination in Chicago. The lengthy pier gives people the chance to take in unrivaled views of picturesque Lake Michigan. Individuals who want to reap the rewards of dining establishments, stores, people-watching and more often have the times of their lives at Navy Pier. Some remarkable attractions that are available at the Pier are the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the Chicago Children’s Museum and, last but certainly not least, scenic Crystal Gardens. Kids often cannot resist the Funhouse Maze and its plentiful adventures.
Terrific Options in Hotels in Chicago
Finding top-notch accommodations in Chicago isn’t hard for people who are detail-oriented. It isn’t tough for people who depend on the Internet, either. People who search the Internet for hotel choices in the city can often find locations that are convenient. They can in many cases score excellent room discounts and deals. The Hyatt Centric Chicago Mag Mile is a sleek option for travelers who are all about ease. The hotel, true to its name, is right by Magnificent Mile. It’s also right by the aforementioned Navy Pier and all of its joys. The hotel features a total of 419 units and guests can pick between capacious standard rooms and suites.
The Drake, a Hilton Hotel is a Magnificent Mile staple among visitors in Chicago. This is yet another prime example of a hotel that brings maximum convenience to the table for guests. Highlights that are on hand to all guests who stay at The Drake are comprehensive business facilities, an on-site gift shop, luggage storage, a pleasant lounge and even a shop that sells apparel. The professionals who represent the hotel speak numerous different languages for guest peace of mind. The hotel’s suites and rooms include wireless high-speed Internet access, free tea, free coffee and beyond.
Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.
If you are looking for a safe vacation destination that is warm, welcoming, and fun, look no further than Honduras. Honduras is safe, nowhere near as crowded as other Caribbean destinations, and surprisingly affordable. Whether you are traveling solo, with your significant other, or with your family, you will have a blast during your trip to Honduras. While many other locations in and near South and Central America and the Caribbean are tourist traps, Honduras is quite unique in that it is spacious, provides extensive opportunities to enjoy nature, and isn’t overloaded with people. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the top 10 reasons for Honduras.
Honduras Reason #1: Picture Perfect Beaches
Embark on a Honduras Travel adventure and you will have more than 400 miles of glorious shoreline to explore. The water along the shore is crystal clear, serving as the perfect complement to the white sand beach. Take in this beautiful sight with your own eyes and you will agree it is suitable for a postcard. Segue over to Tela Bay and you will find beachside hotels and resorts, botanical gardens, a wildlife refuge, and national parks. Embark on a Honduras adventure in summer during carnival season and you will find the beach atmosphere is even more upbeat.
Reason #2: Check out
The city of Copan is one of Honduras’ most popular destinations. This location features Mayan ruins consisting of ceremonial altars, plazas, temples, and more. Historians insist this site served as the Mayans’ religious and cultural gathering space so be sure to take some snapshots with your smartphone or digital camera during your Honduras adventure. One of the highlights would be the hieroglyphic stairway, which happens to hold the longest Mayan text.
Reason #3: Beautiful Fauna and Flora
Honduras provides you with the opportunity to take in the natural beauty of plants, animals, and plenty more. Spend some time at Tela’s Lancetilla Botanical Garden, the largest in all of Latin America, and you will have plenty to write home about. This wondrous attraction spans 4,000+ acres, displaying nearly a century’s worth of tropical plants. You also can´t miss Lake Yojoa, and its surroundings, which include waterfalls, underground caves, and Panacam National Park.
Reason #4: Snorkeling and Diving
Honduras is chock full of beaches, many of which provide world-class snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. You will be hard-pressed to find the same rich biodiversity at any other location in or near Central America. Even the most experienced scuba divers are adamant Honduras provides some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the world. Examples of the top diving hot spots in and near Honduras include the Bay of Honduras’ Caribbean Bay Islands, Hog Islands, Utila, and Roatan.
Reason #5: Check out the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
The second-largest barrier reef system in existence is positioned by the Honduras coast. Dubbed the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, this reef stretches all the way from the Honduras Bay Island to the Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, and Guatemala. The Great Mayan Reef spans a whopping 700 miles consisting of lovely corals and 500 fish species.
Reason #6: The Exciting Nightlife
The Honduras nightlife has a little bit of everything for everyone. Whether you are interested in fine dining, electronic music, bar hopping, clubs, or enjoying a pleasant experience in a café, you will love spending time in Honduras after the sunsets. Even small colonial towns such as Gracias have plenty of nightspots to choose from during a Honduras travel adventure. If you are interested in craft beer, Honduras has a wide variety of craft beers to choose from.
Travel Reason #7: The Garifuna Culture
Honduras is called home by the one-and-only Garifuna. This ethnic group’s unique culture is a legitimate Honduras tourist draw. The culture is a blend of the native Carib Indians and the native Africans. Visit the coast during your Honduras travel and you just might run into one or several Garifuna people. Furthermore, these individuals have established Garifuna villages along the coast of Honduras, where you can have a taste of the cuisine, music, and dances.
Travel Reason #8: Ecotourism
Honduras would be incomplete without ecotourism. Visit this exotic locale and you will find it has an abundance of natural riches. Locals and visitors alike rave about the Pico Bonito National Park’s beauty and peaceful feel. The park is chock full of waterfalls, rivers, mountains, lovely birds, and other natural delights. Near the park, you can also have an amazing experience and rush at the cangrejal river.
Travel Reason #9: An Easily Accessible Escape
Honduras is within a short flight of the United States. In fact, most of those who live in the northeastern portion of the United States can reach Honduras in a 5-hour flight. Those who live on the Gulf Coast can fly to Honduras in a couple of hours or less. Thankfully, main airlines have resumed non-stop flights for Honduras.
Travel Reason #10: Honduras is Safe
Honduras is safer than most other Central American countries. Locals have developed a reputation for looking out for tourists. After all, those who call Honduras home are thankful for the economic stimulus provided by visitors. Interact with the locals and you will agree they are friendly and their home country is quite safe.
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Yacht charters and sailing vacations
After deciding to stay in a luxury apartment on your next vacation, you might feel excited about it. On your first try, it could be a unique experience, but something you will cherish. Luxury apartments are spacious and have a lot of facilities you can enjoy. Maximize your stay in the apartment, and prepare well.
Research the nearby places:
The good thing about luxury apartments is that they have good locations. If you wish to travel to different places during your vacation, you can easily do it. Since you are in a place with access to critical areas, find the places you can visit, and arrange your schedule. If you are visiting sites that are quite far from the location of the apartment, you might also want to rent a private vehicle to take you to different areas. It is also a good idea if your chosen apartment is in a remote area, which you might also prefer because it is quiet and calm.
Prepare the food you want to cook:
If you are having quite an extended vacation, you might want to avoid eating out all the time since you will have to spend a considerable amount of money. You would probably rather stay in your luxury apartment since it has a huge kitchen. You can decide what you want to cook and find a place where you can buy fresh ingredients. Besides, if you are staying there for a while, you don't want to eat the same local cuisine all the time.
Pack the right clothes:
Determine what amenities and facilities are available in the apartment. If they have a swimming pool, you might want to bring your best swimming attire. If they have a fitness gym, you can continue your fitness routine even while travelling. You need to bring your gym clothes. Don’t worry about bringing a lot of clothes with you. Most luxury apartments have spacious closets. Some of them even have walk-in closets.
Plan some fun games:
If you are travelling to a different place with your family or friends, there might be some days when you don't want to head out to go to specific places. Since you are in a comfortable apartment, you might rather stay home and cherish your time with the people you love. Besides, not everyone chooses to go on a vacation to visit places. Others prefer staying in a luxury place where they can feel relaxed. To avoid boredom, prepare some games that you can play with everyone. Bring some board games and card games to have beautiful moments together. Besides, you have a spacious room, so playing games is possible.
It is a good idea to consider luxury apartments such as Edinburgh apartments if you are travelling there soon. You won't need to spend much compared with 5-star hotels, but you will get the same or even better experience. You can choose luxury apartments again if you plan to travel to other places.
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Israel captures a person’s imagination at first sight. This is the place to come across the myriad colors and wonders of nature. If the various sacred sites strewn across the region strike the spiritual chord in you, then the wonderful shiny beaches enliven your stay. This place also displays its cosmopolitan side at its various bars, cafes and beaches at Tel Aviv, and at the boutique wineries of the Galilee region.
Naturally, experiencing the best of what Israel has to offer is a pretty daunting task. However, with the list of things to do in Israel described in this blog, you can be rest assured that every moment in Israel will seem like a celebration.
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Red Sea Star
Image source: Pinimg.com
Ever heard of underwater dining? Red Sea Star, the underwater restaurant, brings that wild imagination to life. Created 10 years ago, it constitutes a combination of two areas. The one above called the Metro Bar, offers splendid views of the Gulf of Aqaba, while the underwater area, called the Red Sea Star (so-called because it resembles the shape of a star), consists of an underground bar, including a floor covered in sand.
Beit Guvrin Caves
Beit Guvrin Caves were excavated from an area that was once called the Israeli cities of Maresha and Beit Guvrin. Archaeologists have come across many caves that spanned across several eras, from the Sidonian and Israelite to the Roman. Some of the caves may have served as hideouts and defenses. The highlight of these caves are the painted burial rooms created by the Sidonians. A Roman amphitheater, standing above the ground ruins of the city of Maresha, is an attraction in its own right.
Rosh HaNikra Grottoes
Image source: ravelingisrael.com
Rosh HaNikra Grottoes, located on the coast in proximity to Lebanon’s border, was once a diver’s delight. The pure blue waters found in the caves here are as much of an attraction as a mystery.
The caves were formed through millennia of strong waves crashing against the soft chalk cliffs on the Mediterranean Sea. The gondola cars that operate here transport the riders from the top of the white cliffs to the bottom in just around two minutes. Naturally, this site is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Israel.
Shrine of the Book
Israel’s Shrine of the Book, part of Israel Museum, was constructed in 1965. It houses ancient biblical parchments known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. This modern womb-like shrine has been created in the modernist line of architecture.
The exterior assumes a rounded peak with sculpted striations lapping up its walls, while the spacious interiors display the Dead Sea Scrolls the year-round. The glass cases on the outer ring of the shrine contain pages, but, it’s the central display which resembles a giant Torah scroll, that hogs the limelight.
Tel Hazor
A tour to Israel must involve visiting Tel Hazor, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site located over the ruins of an ancient city. Occupying over 200 acres just north of the Sea of Galilee, this region has yielded some incredible archaeological finds.
Some of the major attractions for the tourists here are the Solomonic city gates, a restored Late Bronze Age Temple and the city acropolis. The Canaanite Orthostat and Stele Temples are other sites that are worth visiting.
Makhtesh Ramon
Image source: igoogledisrael.com
Israel is full of bizarre geological formations called makhteshim (craters), and one of them is Makhtesh Ramon. Extending to 40km in length and possessing a width of almost 10km, it is undoubtedly Israel’s largest national park – Ramon Nature Reserve.
Visits and expeditions to this region can be conducted from the valley’s only town, Mitzpe Ramon (Ramon Observation Point), albeit visitors should avoid the mid-day heat. The best way of experiencing the magic of this place is staying overnight in one of the hand-woven tents and enjoying the company of the Bedouin herders.
Dialogue in the Dark
How about going blind for a day? Well, not literally! Dialogue in the Dark, an exhibition funded by former journalist Andreas Heinecke, consists of a series of pitch-black galleries which require visitors to experience their surroundings through visionless stimuli.
The visitors here are guided by blind or partially sighted persons who orient them to the surroundings, thereby providing a heightened sense of security in the darkened environment. The completion of the tour is followed by a conversation between the guide and vision-restored visitors.
Atlit Yam
Your holidays to Israel are incomplete without a visit to Atlit Yam, which contains the submerged ruins of a Neolithic coastal settlement. Dating back to 6900-6300 BC, these underwater excavations have unearthed wells, graves, and houses.
This historic site was discovered by marine archaeologist Ehud Galili and holds several unique fascinations. One of these is the seven megaliths arranged in a semi-circle encircling a freshwater spring, located in the center of the settlement.
Saba's Little Museum
Saba’s Little Museum is a wonderful museum located in the Jerusalem Hills. Its uniqueness arises from the various items that trace the history of the Jewish people and their way of life from Biblical times until today.
Stuffed in a small cluster of warehouses, this museum contains a collection of items ranging from memorabilia and junk to modern appliances. Children’s toy cars, vintage radio sets, along with some barrels and rusted steel cooking barrels are some of the items that a visitor comes across.
Meah Shearim
To get a glimpse of the ultra-conservative lifestyle of Jews, head to Meah Shearim. This neighborhood in Israel is home to the ultra-orthodox Haredim. A visitor can easily recognize this neighborhood by the community that resides in it – black suits with matching hats, full beards, and long and curling sidelocks known as eyes. You may end up buying Jewish texts with a high discount and gorging on some traditional baked goods.
Golden Calf Altar
The Golden Calf Altar was an idol made by Aaron for the Israelites during the absence of Moses. However, most of Israel’s idols were destroyed by the Assyrians when they raided them for their gold in 722 BC. Although visitors can no longer view the Golden Calf as it once existed, they can explore the ruins of the main sanctuary where the calf could have been located. Besides, visitors can also examine the numerous standing stone shrines that line the gate to the city.
Yad Layeled Children’s Memorial Museum
Among the many tourist places in Israel, this one will move your soul and heart completely. Yad Layeled Children’s Memorial Museum is a moving memorial to the 1.5 million Jewish children who were victims of the Holocaust. Visitors are shown various exhibits which include films, period artifacts and the testimonies of children who had to live during those frightening times.
Ein Bokek beach
Image source:.deadsea.com
The Ein Bokek Beach is a wonderful stretch of fine, golden sand that attracts a steady stream of visitors the year-round. The beach is equipped with various facilities like beach showers, changing rooms, lifeguards, etc. It’s a wonderful place to while your time and enjoy the pleasures of the beach.
Shahrazad
Want to taste some authentic Middle Eastern cuisine? Go to Shahrazad. This Middle Eastern restaurant in Haifa serves authentic cuisine of the region with an indigenous twist. An example of this is the dish “mansaf” (rice with ground lamb, tangy goat yogurt, pine nuts, saffron, and nutmeg), which is served with ordinary falafel balls. The tamarind juice here is another great stuff to try out.
Mount of the Beatitudes
This spectacular Roman Catholic Church, built-in 1937, stands on a site where it’s popularly believed that Lord Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. The sermon’s opening lines begin with the phrase “Blessed are.”
The octagonal church inside which is looked after by Franciscan nuns are commemorated in the stained glass just below the dome, with the seven virtues being represented around the altar. Besides, the wonderful balcony and gardens provide spectacular views of the Sea of Galilee.
Hecht Museum
Hecht Museum is one of the many amazing places to visit in Israel. However, the one collection that stands out is the Ma'agan Mikhael Shipwreck – the well-preserved remains of a 13.5m long merchant ship from 400 BC. Apart from these, the archaeology section also contains an entire section on the Phoenicians. Besides, Israelite, Moabite and Phoenician seals from the First Temple period and an incredible collection of ancient coins can also be found here.
Al-Jazzar Mosque
Al-Jazzar Mosque, built-in 1781 in typical Ottoman Turkish style, is the third most important mosque in Israel and the Palestinian territories. The mosque is distinguished by its enormous green dome and is accented with a graceful pencil minaret. Somewhere around the base of the minaret, one can find the small twin-domed building which contains the sarcophagi of Al-Jazzar and his adopted son and successor, Suleyman.
Tabor Winery
To know the ins and outs of wine processing, and sampling some of the best wine to be found anywhere, visit the Tabor Winery. It has gained a legendary reputation both for its red and white wine and produces almost two million bottles a year. Apart from been given a free tasting of the wine, visitors are provided with guided tours for groups of 10 or more. The winery also runs one-and-a-half-hour grape harvests from late July to August.
Beit She’an National Park
To get a glimpse of what life was like during the Roman Empire, visit the Beit She’ a National Park. The opulence and grandeur that surrounded the everyday life of the Romans is reflected through the colonnaded streets, a 7,000-seat theatre which looks the same as it did 1800 years ago, two stone columns and two bathhouses. The incredible part about all of them is that they lie exactly where they fell during the Galilee earthquake of 749 AD.
Centre International Marie de Nazareth
Any tour to Israel inevitably involves a visit to the Centre International Marie de Nazareth. Located across the street from the Basilica of the Annunciation, this place serves as a venue for ecumenical work among Christians, besides the promotion of inter-faith dialogue. Built by Chemin Neuf, a Roman Catholic community-based in France, this fabulous cultural center consists of peaceful rooftop gardens which contain plants mentioned in the Bible. They offer amazing 360-degree panoramas.
Agamon HaHula
Your holidays in Israel are incomplete without a visit to Agamon HaHula – one of Israel’s favorite parks, located in Hula Valley. To see an unbelievable amount of storks, pelicans, and cranes, you need to head to this place right away. This crane-watching opportunity really comes as a privilege. Comfortably seated in your vehicle, you can view these magnificent creatures from the closest range possible. The other birds that can be seen here occasionally include pelicans and storks.
Bahai Gardens
Visited by over half a million visitors a year, the Bahai Gardens are one of the major tourist attractions in Israel. Their unique design, which combines geometrical shapes with the conservation of natural and historic landscape features, enchants the visitors to no end. In July 2008, these gardens were included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List for being holy places possessing outstanding universal value. The gardens comprise a staircase of 129 terraces which extend all the way up the northern slope of Mount Carmel.
Yad Vashem
A visit to the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem will move your inner spirit and overwhelm your emotions like never before. This memorial is dedicated to the six million Jews who died at the hands of Nazis. One can find the names and personal details of millions of victims recorded in the Hall of Names. The centerpiece of the museum is the Holocaust History Museum, which lies on the lower level. Exploring the entire museum takes about three hours in total.
Ancient Galilee Boat
To come across a fascinating piece of history during your holidays in Israel, visit the Yigal Alon Museum, where you will stumble upon the ancient Galilee boat. The discovery of this boat was made by a local fisherman in 1986 when the waters of the Sea of Galilee were at their lowest ebb. The fishing vessel measures 8.2m in length and is made from 12 kinds of recycled wood. Wall panels and three short films tell the amazing story of its discovery and preservation. It’s said that this boat was used by the members of Jesus’s ministry.
Said Abu Elafia & Sons
You cannot be in Israel and not visit Said Abu Elafia & Sons – one of the best bakeries of Tel Aviv. Established in 1880, this bakery spans across four generations. Visitors love to gorge on its bourekas (stuffed bread with sheep’s cheese), sambusas (filled pastries) and a unique Arab oven-baked pizza-like concoction filled with eggs, tomato, cheese and olives.
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