The Mighty Niagara

Niagara Falls has always had a special place in my heart, and I am looking forward to visiting again this week for my cousin Sarah’s wedding. 

I have been to Niagara Falls more times then I can count on my hands and toes, but still every time I visit I get chills.  There is just something so magical and amazing about the 150,000 gallons of water that fall over the 176 foot falls every second. 

When visiting the falls you have an option of either the Canadian or American side.  Personally I love the American side (I know I’m probably in the minority here), and that is what I will focus on for this entry.

My first visit to Niagara Falls was when I was in diapers and I truly have no recollection of the trip, but there are pictures.  There was then a field trip in 3rd grade and a family day trip in 4th grade.  I can remember my mother trying to get me to go on the Maid of the Mist and me refusing as I was afraid the boat would tip and I would drown in the 200 feet deep river just below the massive falls.  I believe I finally went on Maid of the Mist a few years later, and then again several times in college, and again when I went back to visit after I’d moved to Florida.  What can I say it may be one of my favorite boat rides.

As a Western New Yorker I have to say that we truly take it for granted that we have this wonder of the world in our backyard.  Most people like me go for a field trip at some point during their schooling and don’t return unless some out of towner is visiting.  However, when I went to Niagara University (just 5 miles away) I found myself visiting the falls, and the gorge on at least a monthly basis.  As I said there’s just something that keeps me coming back.

There are three main parts to Niagara Falls; The American Falls, The Bridal Veil Falls, and The Canadian/Horseshoe Falls.  While the view of the three is best from the Canadian side, I think it’s great that you can actually stand next to and in between the American and Bridal Veil Falls while on the American Side.  I also think the “above the falls” experience is better on the American side.  There are several areas where you can view how the large volume of water gets more and more tumultuous as it narrows and approaches the falls.

Niagara Falls State Park offers the best view.  The park is located on Goat Island, which is a small piece of land located between the American and Canadian Falls.  The park offers trails starting from the rapids down to the brink of the falls.  It is also the access point for my two favorite attractions; Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds. 

I mentioned the Maid of the Mist above, and my sheer terror and then future delight of the half hour ride.  The Maid of the Mist began as a ferry transporting people from the American shore to the Canadian shore.  Once bridges were built there wasn’t a need for the boats, and the operation was then changed to a tourist attraction.  In the mid-1900s the experience changed yet again, and the boats were built stronger and better allowing them closer access to the falls.  Visitors access Maid of the Mist via the observation tower on Goat Island.  They are given a poncho to prepare themselves for the wet ride ahead.  The tour is approximately a half an hour long.  The captain brings the boat as close as safely possible to the bottom of both the American and Canadian falls while providing facts about the river and the falls.  Beware you will get wet! 

Another attraction that is located in Goat Island is Cave of the Winds.  You will also get soaked on this adventure, as you can literally stand right below the Bridal Veil Falls.  The trip begins with an elevator ride down into the gorge.  Decked out in a poncho and special sandals guests walk along the gorge to the famous Hurricane Deck.  You are probably familiar with this deck from the Thompson's Water Seal commercial.  It is then up to you the visitor how close you'd like to get.  As you get closer you get wetter!  At the top of the deck you are practically under the falls, and it is one of the most amazing experiences.  The power from the rush of water is unbelievable, and to think it's the smallest of the three falls!

Now the attraction that definitely soaks you the most is the Whirlpool Jet Boat.  It is located down river from the falls in Lewiston New York.  The attraction is just as it's name suggests a jet boat that takes guests into the class 5 rapids of the lower Niagara, including Devil's Hole and the Whirlpool.  Visitors have the choice between a traditional jet boat and a covered boat which will keep you dry.  I assure you this will be one of the most amazing boat rides of your life.  The one fact I remember from my trip was at one point the amount of water that is dumped on your head is the equivalent of an olympic sized swimming pool!  With several runs through the rapids you are assured that you are not leaving this boat dry, unless of course you choose the covered boat!

Of course the summer months are the best time to visit and all the attractions are open.  However, this past Christmas when I was home we visited the falls and I have to say the views were breathtaking.  Beware, all walkways and railings are covered in ice from the mist, and it is definitely cold, so dress appropriately! 

All three attractions mentioned above are avaialble on either the American or Canadian side.  However, my preference is the American side due to the views, and the natural beauty that has been maintained within the state park.  The Canadian side has become very commercialized, but is definitely worth the walk across the Rainbow Bridge to experience, and if you are staying more then a day I would recommend lodging on the Canadian side.  I would recommed everyone visits Niagara Falls at least once in their lifetime.  

    

Iceland is Green and Greenland is Ice

I will never forget when I first heard that Iceland really isn't covered in ice.  You may remember today's title from the movie Might Ducks 2.  The infamous Mighty Ducks had to square off against Iceland's national hockey team.  That was all I knew about the country until my Tourism Geography class at Niagara. After learning more about this island nation it quickly was added to my travel wish list.

Iceland is located in the North Atlantic Ocean.  Only 10% of the island is actually ice.  The remaining 90% is composed of geothermal hot spots, rugged terrain, and volcanoes.  These volcanoes are what have brought the country into international headlines this past year.  They are also what gives the country such character and are the main attraction.  People come to Iceland for it's natural, but desolate environment. 

The country has a fairly mild climate and due to it's close proximity to the Arctic Circle the best time to visit is in the summer months when you can experience the majesty of the midnight sun.  During the summer months the sun just barely dips below the horizon before rising again.

Visitors generally arrive and stay in the country's capital, Reykjavik, which is located in the Southwestern portion of the country.  The city is not built with tourists in mind and therefore visitors get a very "local" experience.  The city has great nightlife, and many people visit for this alone.  Those who are looking to experience the desolate landscape have options when getting away from the capital.  Many of the well known tourist sites are within an hour or two from the capital.  There are many tours both via bus and air from Reykjavik to the country's glaciers, hot springs, and volcanoes. 

One of the most well known sites in Iceland is the "Blue Lagoon."  There are several bus trips from the capital to this year which is approximately 45 minutes away.  This famous outdoor health center and spa is the product of a nearby geothermal power plant.  The waters average approximately 104 degrees fahrenheit and are comforting in any temperature.  They are rich in minerals including silica and sulfur.  Spend a day soaking in the waters and spreading the mud along your body and I'm sure the stresses of every day life will melt away.  The center even offers spa products composed of minerals within the waters, so you can take your experience home with you.

While swimming in the geothermal waters is one of the most popular activities of the Icelandic people, hiking is just as popular.  The volcanoes and glaciers lead to a rugged terrain with much to see.  Southern Iceland is one of the best places to experience this landscape.  The most popular national park, and UNESCO World Heritage site, Pingvellir, is located in this region.  The park has a distinct landscape, as both the North American and European tectonic plates are tearing apart, resulting in visible fissures.  Also located in South Iceland is Geysir.  It is exactly what the name implies, a geyser, and is the namesake for these worldwide phenomenons.  Visitor get unrestricted views of this geyser.  Unfortunately Geysir does not errupt frequently, but is located near five other geysers that erupt every few minutes.  There are also serveral striking hot springs.  Not far from Geysir is Gulfoss which is a double waterfall, and happens to be the largest waterfall by volume in Europe. 

Visitors do not need to just stay in the South and Western regions of Iceland.  The east coast of the country is the location of the largest glacier in the country, and also has various beautiful fjords.  Fjords are also prominent in the northwestern portion of the country.  Luckily air travel is very common and travelers can easily take a small plane from Reykiavik to these various sites throughout the country.  The other common form of travel is by car, and most sites can be reached but be careful as roads can be closed due to muddy conditions.

I was stunned to find out how beautiful this country is, and feel it's name doesn't do it justice.  My plan for visiting Iceland will be as a layover on the way to Europe.  Most transatlantic flights fly right over Iceland, and there is an option for a layover in the country.  I would plan on spending 3-5 days in Iceland and continue on to the main European continent (to be written about at a later date)!  

America's Rollercoast, Ride On!

If you're from the Midwest or the Northeast then chances are you've heard of Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio.  Actually, if you are a fan of roller coasters and live anywhere in the world you've probably heard of the self proclaimed "Roller Coast."

I can remember my first trip to our local amusement park as a child and being deathly afraid of roller coasters.  That quickly changed thanks to my cousin Sarah.  She is a lover of roller coasters, and thinks nothing of traveling hours to go on the newest, fastest, and most thrilling rides.  She is the one who introduced me to Cedar Point (which I think is her favorite place on earth).

I can remember waking up very early and driving the 4-5 hours from Buffalo to Sandusky, Ohio along I-90 and the shores of Lake Erie.  My first trip to Cedar Point it was Sarah, her friend Kelly, my friend Michelle and me.  I really didn't know what to expect, but quickly realized this was no Darien Lake.  The amazing thing about the park is it's location on a penninusla that juts out into Lake Erie.  You can see the roller coasters from the shore, and they are by no means small.  In fact they are the only park in the world that has four coasters over 200 feet.   

The park is 364 acres and boasts 75 rides (the most of any park in the world).  Along with the 17 roller coasters, they have a number of thrill rides and a water park.  They have been voted "Best Amusement Park of the Year" for the past 13 years by Amusement Today.  It's hard to disagree with that vote.

The top three coasters are the Millenium Force, Maverick, and Top Thrill Dragster, at least according to me. 

Millenium Force was opened in 2000, imagine that!  It broke 10 world records when it opened; including tallest and fastest.  Standing at 310 feet the coaster reaches speeds of 93 MPH, and includes an 80 degree drop to start your two minute ride.  I would have to say this may be my favorite coaster of all time and I could ride it over, and over.

Maverick is the newest roller coaster in Cedar Point's repretoir.  Opening in 2007 this roller coaster was voted "Best New Attraction" by Amusement Today.  While the coaster is only 105 feet, the concept was a new one with riders being launched from the house, up the first drop at 70 MPH.  The first drop then allows riders to go past vertical at 95 degrees.  It's a fun ride, but beware it's jerky.

Now, Top Thrill Dragster is a ride that I do not mind standing in an hour or two hour line for, which I have done several times.  The ride opened as the tallest and fastest coaster in 2003.  Although it no longer holds that title, it is still up there in the ranks, and is definitely impressive.  The 420 foot coaster starts riders off with a launch that sends them straight up the 420 feet.  The riders go from 0-120 MPH in 4 seconds.  Impressive!  Once they reach the top they experience a twist, and a straight drop down 420 feet.  The ride is only 17 seconds, but well worth it. 

Cedar Point is a must for any roller coaster enthusiast.  There are a number of hotels within minutes of the park's grounds, and I would definitely recommend staying the night as this is not a park you can do in just one day.  I've been back several times, and look forward to the next time as there is always a new ride to enjoy.

For more information on the park including videos for all the coasters, stats, and more visit their site at http://www.cedarpoint.com/.

Paradise Found

It wasn’t just the book “Eat, Pray, Love” that brought on the urge to travel to Bali.  As I’ve mentioned I knew at a young age that I had a love for travel, and one of my monthly magazine subscriptions along with “Seventeen” was “Conde Naste Travel and Leisure”.  I remember receiving my monthly copy and on the cover was this gorgeous beach with a color of water I had never seen.  I quickly opened to the article and decided right then and there that Bali would be on my travel wish list.

Bali is located in the Pacific and is just one island in the 17,000 island nation that is Indonesia.  Full of culture, history, spirituality and beautiful beaches this island is a self proclaimed paradise, and from the pictures I’ve seen I would not argue.

This mainly Hindu nation is home to approximately 4 million people, and is the island that nearly 80% of the travelers to Indonesia visit.  There is an influx of visitors during the summer months as well as around the end of the year.  With weather that is fairly consistent year round, there really isn’t a bad time to visit the island. 

The island offers something for everyone.  It can be a romantic, quiet getaway, a cultural experience, a shopaholic’s dream come true, or a little bit of all of that mixed into one.  Kuta, located in the southern portion of the island, is one of the more well known cities.  It is considered the “surf capital” and is bustling with activity.  Some may consider it a center, while others may wish to avoid this area due to the scam artists, and congestion.  Personally I would choose a short stay in Bali with a boat ride to the Gili Islands for the remainder of my trip in Indonesia.

The Gili Islands, translating to Small Islands, were also featured in “Eat, Pray, Love.”  After reading about their jaunt over to these small islands that I started doing research and decided a place where there is no motorized transportation, and accommodations around $24 USD a night, this was the place for me. 

The islands are common amongst the backpacking crowd, and have gained popularity in the past decade.  There are now more luxuries available to travelers, especially on the largest of the three islands, Gili Trawangan.  Power and air conditioning, once a commodity, are pretty standard now. 

The three islands, Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno, are all accessible via boat from either Bali or Lombok.  You can also take a boat from island to island once over in the Gili’s. Gili Trawangan is known as the party island with plenty of nightlife, while the other two are more relaxing and laidback.  I would find myself on the west side of Gili Meno enjoying the best beaches on the three islands, or off the coast diving!

The Pacific islands are on the top of my international destinations, and I’m sure there will be more entries to come on the likes of Bora Bora, Tahiti, and Fiji.

U.S.V.I's Best Treasure

One of my favorite classes I took at Niagara University in the hospitality program was our Cruise Course.  There was nothing better then spending a fall semester meeting once a week to go over the layout, design, and amenities of a cruise ship.  Oh wait, there is!  It was actually going on a cruise between fall and spring semester.  When I heard about this course my freshmen year I knew I couldn't leave Niagara without those three credits.

While I wasn't a huge fan of cruising (just a little too much time on a boat for me), I did love St. John, and plan on returning to that island (not via a cruise), as soon as possible.  Just like any island in the Caribbean it is surrounded by pristine crystal blue waters.  To me there was something beyond the crystal blue waters that made this island magical to me.

Part of the classes prep work included researching the excursions available on our particular cruise.  My roommate and I decided on an excursion for each of our three ports, but visiting St. John while at port in St. Thomas was what I looked forward to the most, and proved to be well worth the extra money spent.  My research had shared that Trunks Bay in St. John (pictured above) was one of the best beaches in the world, so I had to go!  I was also looking forward to the snorkel option at the beach as all I had ever seen was the bottom of Lake Erie.  The excursion was by far the highlight of my cruise.

For anyone visiting St. Thomas on a cruise I would suggest skipping the market at port and the pushy "sales" people.  You can opt to take a 20-30 minute boat ride to St. John for your day in the USVI's.  The boat ride was a tour in itself with our captain pointing out mansions owned by the rich and famous, as well as islands that were for sale. 

Once we arrived at the island we were transported through the National Park which encompasses a majority of the island.  We stopped to view a former sugar plantation, and then to a lookout point with our final destination below.  We then continued on to Trunks Bay, picked up our snorkel stuff and were in the water as soon as possible.  It was here that I saw my first barracuda, and here where I fell in love with the Caribbean.

So my suggestion to those of you taking a cruise, check the excursions, and get as far away from the port as possible.  Maybe it's just me, but I didn't enjoy the "cattle herding" at the ports.  In order to see what an island really is about it's important to get out and enjoy the excursions!   

It's Our Land - Why Not Visit It!

One of my favorite day trips from my childhood was either Letchworth State Park or Watkins Glen State Park in New York.  There was just something about being outside and enjoying nature.  This love for our lands grew even more with a summer spent interning for the National Forest Service.  Despite all of this, I have yet to visit a National Park in the United States.  If I had to choose one to visit first it would be Yosemite National Park in California.

Yosemite is one of the most photographed and most popular parks in the United States.  It was first set aside as public land by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864 and became a National Park in 1890.  Currently the park sees approximately 4 million visitors a year.

So what is it about Yosemite that not only draws my attention, but 4 million other people?  It has to be the popular Yosemite Valley.  Unfortunately most visitors only see this part of the park during their visit which makes up only 1% of the actual land that is considered Yosemite National Park.

There are seven different sections of the park: Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Glacier Point, Badger Pass, Tuolumne Meadows, Crane Flat, and Hetchy Hetch.  Each boasts it's own view of the granite cliffs, meadows, streams, and flora/fauna that the park is known for.  The most popular activities include hiking and rock climbing with opportunities for the adventurist as well as the novice climber. 

Personally I find the waterfalls breathtaking, and the main reason I want to visit.  Yosemite Falls is the largest waterfall in the United States.  This year's record snowfall on the west coast of the United States lead to a fabulous spring season with a snow melt that made the waterfalls look more majestic then usual.

While the park is open year round, there are roads as well as areas that are closed during the winter months.  Visitors should pack for all weather possibilities whichever season you visit.  Due to the change in altitude as well as unpredictable weather in the fall and spring seasons, and possible thunderstorms in the summer it's important to have layers, as well as rain gear.

Once you've decided on the time of the year for your visit you must decide how you will get to the park, as well as where to stay.  The closest airports are an hour and a half by car.  Amtrak offers a train and shuttle service, and there are bus/shuttle services from the San Francisco area.  It will cost $20 per private car to enter the park, and $10 for bikers and walkers.  They do offer a season pass as well as honoring the National Parks Annual Pass.

Of course the best way to see the park once inside is on foot.  With several trails and areas only accessible by foot.  Cars are permitted to drive around the park, but there is no gas station inside the park, and due to slow speed limits this can be tedious.  If you aren't in the mood or shape to trek miles by foot then there is a shuttle service available with stops at all major sections of the park.  

Where you stay is really based on personal preference.  Your admission is valid for seven days so you have plenty of time to see all 750,000 acres of the park!  You can rest your head at night in a luxury hotel, or rough it in one of the many campgrounds located in the park.  Again, be aware the parks accommodations as well as restaurants are only open March or April-October. 

If you'd like more information on Yosemite I would suggest the Wikitravel website - http://wikitravel.org/en/Yosemite_National_Park#Eat or the PBS guide to our National Parks - http://www.pbs.org/nationalparks/.  The Ken Burns documentary on our public lands is very interesting isn't just about Yosemite.

Any park with a Warner Brothers character named after it is certainly worth a visit!  That's all folks!

"Was that a Black Cat???"

My first travel experience that I'm going share is by no means exotic, but the story behind it is great, so it had to be the first I share. 

It was our Junior year in college at Niagara University, and like every other March it was still snowing in Western New York. One of my best friends was on the basketball team so we could never make Spring Break plans because the team's season may extend into Spring Break.  I left Niagara and headed home thinking my big excitement of that break was going to be a day my father had planned for us to go ice fishing.  While standing at our stove in the living room thawing myself out and watching the snow continue to fall I got a brilliant idea - let's go to Florida!

I called up Jessie and asked her if she had any interest in heading to Florida for the week.  It didn't take her long to say yes.  Within our five minute long conversation she already had her bag packed.  We then dialed Jackie and asked if she wanted to join.  She wasn't as quick as Jessie in her decision, but said if we didn't mind waiting until she got done with her Dr's appointment the next day then she was game.  We left Syracuse the next day at noon, with one small bag each some snacks, and a map; our desitnation - Clearwater, Florida.

I was so excited I slept for about 30 minutes between the Georgia and Florida border.  Twenty hours after leaving NY we arrived in Florida and headed straight to the beach.  Now we didn't have the best weather that week, but for not having any plans just days earlier we certainly had the time of our lives.  We shivered on the beach (but it was much better then shivering in Buffalo), got kicked out of a club, went on a dolphin watching cruise (during a red tide, which for those of you who don't know that means there is no marine life to be seen), and stopped at Universal Studio on the way home. 

There were so many inside stories, funny jokes, and most importanly memories made that week.  I will forever look back and think about how we made the best of a very spontaneous trip.  We spent very little money by staying with a family member.  Although we didn't come home with much of a tan, we came home with great stories.  I even received a call from Jackie just a few months ago recalling one of our inside jokes.  That voicemail put a smile on my face for the rest of the day.

While so many of us get caught up on googling the best places to visit while in this city, or the must dine in restaurants for the destination you are heading to it's important to remember sometimes the best times are had when you have no plan at all!

Welcome!

With so many travel blogs out there I was hesitant to start my own.  However, all "start your own blog" articles say to go with your passion.  My passion is travel.  I can remember being a small child and collecting all 50 states visitor's guides.  While some girls played with dolls I used my visitor's guides to build itineraries for future trips, or for my "pretend' clients.  This translated into a college major and a future career in the hospitality industry.

My college major at Niagara University was a no brainer; Tourism Marketing.  Followed by starting my career at a resort, and taking every opportunity to visit new places, and take part in new adventures.  I haven't visited many places, and my wish list is definitely longer then my the number of passport stamps I have, but I have a lifetime of travel planned.

The format of this blog will be my experiences and advice with places I've visited mixed with entries on the places I want to go to and my plans on what I want to do once I get there.  I will also share tips on how to save while traveling, and the sites that make traveling on a budget easier.  Afterall we've all heard that in this economy traveling is on the bottom of many people's lists, however I think it's important to get out of the day to day grind, and experience something new and different.