North America Archives - Page 3 of 18

August 21, 2017 by Arlene

The Top 3 Motorcycle Roads in America

One of the most satisfying and freeing ways to tour America is getting out unencumbered on the open road. America is a nation of diverse geographical regions that are best experienced on the roadways, not flying over in a plane or speeding in a bus. Taking a vacation on America’s roadways allows you to visit the small-town restaurants and scenic overlooks that are frequently missed when using other forms of travel. If you are considering doing a road-trip, look to some of these routes for a truly unforgettable American experience.

The Pacific Corridor Journey

One of the most quintessential American motorcycle journeys is traveling along California’s mythic Big Sur coastline. Traveling from Carmel Valley to Morro Bay on a motorcycle, you’ll be treated to the sweeping vistas of turquoise Pacific Ocean that inspired famous American authors such as Jack Kerouac. The Pacific Corridor Journey takes you over mountains and ridges making for riding that is best suited to experienced motorcyclists. When considering a Pacific Coast journey, potentially head out in the fall when the tourists have left and the air is free from summer fog to give you stunning views.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Route

If you’re looking for more accessible motorcycle riding, consider the Blue Ridge Parkway Route that snakes through the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia and North Carolina. The roads are nicely paved and well suited to both automobiles and motorcyclists. They have a plethora of public look-out points that are perfect for picnic stops. This journey is excellent if you’re seeking a more natural road-trip experience, with cities few and far between. Consider camping at one of the many public campgrounds and exploring some of the heritage forests. This is also a good journey to take in the fall as the leaves change and create some of the most stunning foliage in America.

The Maine Coastal Route One

If you find yourself on the East Coast of the United States, there is no more classic route than heading up to the Northernmost point in the continental US. Riding up Route One from Brunswick to Machias is best attempted in either the summer or fall, as winters in Maine can be rather rough. Coastal Route One offers motorcyclists plenty of opportunities to explore quaint little coastal towns and villages while at the same time easy access to some of the most dramatic look-outs of the Appalachian Trail. Unlike some other motorcycle roads in America, Route One is usually more open to travelers and you won’t be stuck behind cars and trucks like on some busier and more popular routes.

Conclusion

If you are considering taking a vacation to visit some of America’s most treasured locations, you go on a road trip and truly get the small-town experience. Hitting the open road, you’ll have adventures you could never find in a guidebook or on a website. But before you leave, make sure that you get prepared and buy protective equipment, helmets, and proper clothing. Sites like www.motochanic.com have a wide selection of gloves, jackets, and equipment that will keep you safe and warm during your trip.

Some of the most stunning views and most unforgettable places in America are found by accident as you’re speeding by on the highway. Don’t miss out on this type of journey, grab your keys and pick a route today.

August 5, 2017 by Arlene

This is the best time to visit the Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya is known worldwide for its paradisiacal landscapes of white sand and turquoise waters, natural wells, archaeological zones and tropical vegetation. This town, located in the south of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, has become one of the most visited destinations by tourists from all over the world.

Regardless of the time of year you travel, you will live a wonderful experience and have access to multiple activities, luxury hotels, and internationally renowned restaurants. However, there are times better than others to enjoy this tropical destination to the fullest.

Here are two key factors to consider when traveling to the Riviera Maya, so you can choose the season with the best weather and most of the traditional Mexican festivities to enjoy.

Be aware of the rainy season!

If you want to enjoy the radiant sun of the Mexican Caribbean and its warm temperature of maximum 93 °F, you have to make your trip from December to April, since the rainy season takes place from May to November. The last thing you want is that on your beach vacation you find yourself locked in the room because of the rain or even hurricanes!

You will also want to travel in this time if you want to practice extreme sports such as climbing or hiking, or if your plan is to visit the famous archaeological ruins of the Riviera Maya. You will have the perfect weather to do all these activities and trips!

Celebrating as a native Mexican

Mexico is a country known worldwide for its colourful traditions, gastronomy, and joy of its people. Most of the cultural celebrations take place in the last quarter of the year, and you can enjoy them if you travel from December to April. Some of them are:

Procession of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception (December 7 and 8)

Live the Mexican tradition of honouring the patron saint of Isla Mujeres. Be part of the joyful maritime procession that honours their virgin to the rhythm of the music, which is joined by countless boats of all kinds and represents a colourful celebration of this state.

Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (December 12th)

If you want to immerse yourself in Mexican culture, this is an experience that you must live. This festival is very important in Mexico as it honours the Virgin of Guadalupe to the rhythm of the mariachis, who come to the temples to sing her “Las mañanitas”, leaving lots of colourful and tasty offerings.

Christmas Eve (December 24th)

This celebration is more intimate and activities and traditions vary from family to family. However, spending Christmas Eve in the Riviera Maya is something that you have to live. The hotels offer their guests a very warm Christmas dinner, to make them feel at home.

New Year’s Eve (December 31st)

Celebrate the arrival of the New Year to the rhythm of the music of bars and restaurants of the 5th Avenue, corner of Playa del Carmen that has become famous for offering the public an open party, where anyone can attend. The only requirement is that you go with the spirit of celebration to the fullest. In this multicultural party, you can meet people from all over the world.

If you want a more VIP celebration and want to skip the overcrowded bars and clubs; you can always bring in the New Year in the privacy and comfort of a luxury villa. There are many homes to choose from the exclusive area of Playacar, so you can celebrate in style and enjoy the company of your family and friends in a comfortable and relaxing space.

Three Kings Day or Three wise men – (January 6th)

This holiday is one of the most important in Mexico. There are processions throughout the country where Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar are honored. The children write letters to the Three Wise Men, asking for toys and treats, just as in other countries they write to Santa Claus. This day you have to try the delicious “Rosca de Reyes”!

January 31, 2017 by Arlene

5 Unforgettable Things to Do in New York City

It’s the city that never sleeps, the city that is filled with possibilities and things to do, it’s New York City. If you’ve got a trip planned to the Big Apple you obviously want to make the best of your time. For first-time visitors it can be overwhelming as there are just so many options, which is why we’re breaking it down for you and providing five unforgettable things you can do while in New York City.

A Visit to Central Park

Central Park can be found right in the middle of the city, and even though its location is so convenient tourists often bypass the park for other things to do. This park is actually loaded with sights, greenery, and activities for all ages year-round.

Each year, the park brings in about 25 million people, who take in the musicians, explore the more than 50 fountains, do a little birdwatching, take photos at the arches and bridges, enjoy rowing along the water, skating in the winter, and have fun at the playgrounds. The park has been around for 150 years now and continues to wow its visitors.

Must-See Shows

Of course, New York City is also known for its Broadway and off-Broadway shows, which draw people in from around the whole world. This is the place to catch the most popular and most-talked about shows, as well as those lesser known ones that can prove to be just as exciting and enjoyable. Tickets can be hard to come by, however, unless you know where to look. Websites such as ticketoffices.com are an excellent resource and can help you get your hands on some of the top billings.

Explore Times Square

Times Square is known all around the world, and it’s something that has to be experienced in person in order to get the full awe-inspiring effect. Again, this is an attraction that can be enjoyed any time of the year, and is just as exciting during the day as it is in the evening. If you love being part of the hustle and bustle, then you will love being in Times Square, which is the epicenter of action.

Museums Galore

If you are a fan of museums, then you are in the right city! New York City is a museum-lovers paradise with over 80 to check out. A couple of the most popular ones are the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, the Guggenheim Museum SoHo, and the Museum of Moving Image.

Grand Central Terminal

For some people, exploring various train stations around the world is both exciting and interesting. If that sounds like you then Grand Central Terminal is not to be missed. Each day, the terminal sees about 700,000 commuters move through it and it is both historic and stunning looking. The main concourse spans 200 feet in length and is always bustling.

A Different Experience Each Time

No matter how many times you may have visited New York City in the past, or even if this is your first time, the wonderful thing about this city is that there is always something new and exciting to discover.

January 27, 2017 by Arlene

5 Unforgettable Trips You Must Take

One of the best ways to broaden the mind is by travelling the world. With so many fantastic destinations you can visit, it can often be difficult to discover the best place to book on your next adventure across our beautiful planet; however, you can’t go too wrong with the following cities…

Amsterdam, Netherlands

There is so much to see and do in Amsterdam that you would struggle to fit it all into one trip. The city offers the perfect blend of historic heritage with modern living, as you won’t know where to look in the Red Light District, whilst you won’t be able to take your eyes off the old merchant houses that offer unique tilts.

Be sure to take your camera, because you will want to take a snapshot of the UNESCO canals, and make room for a coffee and cake in one of the many cafes dotted across the city. You can visit Vincent’s largest collection at The Van Gogh Museum, and you can even watch free international and Dutch movies at the EYE Film Institute. There really is something for everyone in this exquisite city – look at the many more things you can do with the Amsterdam city guide.

Las Vegas, USA

No destination quite compares to Sin City. With exquisite casinos, stylish hotels and exceptional stores, you will most likely never want to leave the wonder that is Las Vegas. In addition to the glitz and glamour of the casinos, you can enjoy outdoor movies at Container Park, sunbathe by the hotel pool, or can view 250 genuine artefacts salvaged from the wreck of RMS Titanic.

Barcelona, Spain

You would have to be crazy not to consider Barcelona for your next city break, which is just as beautiful as the likes of London and Paris, but a whole lot cheaper. With so many free attractions, affordable tapas restaurants, inexpensive wines and amazing landmarks, you might even think of upping sticks and moving to the city forever.

You will be lost in thought as you walk along the cobbled streets of the Gothic Quarter, thinking about the many different people that once walked the same route. Tourists will not want to miss the unusually-beautiful La Sagrada Familia, as this mesmerising church has been under construction for 100 years.

San Juan, Argentina

While most travellers will be tempted to visit the Mendoza in Argentina, you would be wise to add San Juan to your list. The little town offers beautiful wineries, which is complemented by a laid-back, low-key lifestyle for a truly relaxing break to Argentina. One of the best times to visit San Juan is during the low season, which is between April to December.

Notable attractions include Las Marianas winery, which was built in 1922 and offers examples of original wine-making equipment. You should also head up to the Lookout Tower for unencumbered views of the town and nearby countryside.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is one of Europe’s most beautiful and affordable cities. Journey through the Old Town Square to come across surprising gardens, ancient chapels, traditional bars and chic cafes. The Czech Republic is also known for producing the world’s finest beers, so you should treat yourself to a glass or more during your trip to the city. There are also unusual sights at every turn, such as a 1950s nuclear bunker beneath a hotel or a cubist lamppost that adds a touch of uniqueness to this exceptional city. Just some of the best landmarks to visit include Prague Castle, the Prague Jewish Museum and St Vitus Cathedral.