Visit: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Posted on 11. Mar, 2010 by Jennifer Lamberts in Local, Travel & Places

The adventure is just beginning when you decide to hitch your wagon in Oklahoma City. Over 500,000 residence, Oklahoma City is home to such great attractions as Western Heritage Museum, part of the legendary Route 66, Festivals and great State Parks.

Spring is here and soon parents are going to be looking for a place to take themselves and their families for Memorial Weekend. Those hot vacation spots – camping, fishing, nature trails. With today’s hectic paces – any place without cell phones, iPod and Wii is a welcome relief and considered a wilderness adventure experience.

Consider Oklahoma

Getting back to nature in Oklahoma has never been easier. Just south of the Wichita Mountains is Lawton Fort Sill home to 59,000 acres of natural grasslands home of the last remaining bison in the wild and elk. There is hunting, water sports, camping and hiking nature trails.

There are 50 state parks to chose throughout the State and each one has unique qualities that make it a scenic wonder.

Oklahoma City

If the rich history of Oklahoma City is more to your liking then this city which is a central commercial hub for the east-meets-west and north-meets-south business traffic. Explore the revitalized downtown district known as Bricktown. Take a canal barge and float through the city or walk the pedestrian streets.

Don’t forget to visit the Oklahoma Museum of Natural History and the world famous Western Heritage Museum while you are here.

The Waters of the Queen Charlotte Islands

Posted on 25. Feb, 2010 by Stephen Daniels in Fishing, Travel & Places

Perfect for Fishermen of All Levels

The Queen Charlotte Islands of British Columbia are breathtaking for any sightseer. As an angler, however, these small islands nestled near the North Pacific Current provide a plethora of game fish, as well as a serene environment to pursue them in. With the mild temperatures and cool waters, species of all kinds call these islands home while fishermen from around the world call them perfection.

Coho salmon, sometimes called silver salmon, are another sport favorite. Additional species common to the area include red snapper and ling cod, and another great attraction is the abundance of halibut. The waterways around the Queen Charlotte Islands also harbor such aquatic delicacies such as Dungeness crab, one of the most important species of crab in the Pacific Northwest.

Between the incredible fishing and the idyllic environment, it can be frustrating to have to worry about finding the perfect location to spend your time as well as obtaining gear and bait. Because of this complexity, many people choose to hire guides through a Queen Charlotte Islands charter boat. This option allows everyone from beginners to regular fishermen to focus on relaxation, while they take care of all else. Many times this includes your bait, gear and outerwear; rather than worrying about weather and water conditions, you can simply rely on experts to take you where you need to go and assist you in catching the fish of your dreams.

Beginners and expert anglers can all rest assured that many of these charter companies advise their visitors on obtaining the proper credentials and license before their vacation. Though experts may already have these taken care of, it is important to be reminded of said requirements. Not only do they prepare you beforehand, they often provide assistance in preparation and shipment of your big catch so you can be certain it meets you when you are home. These professionals are passionate about the sport and are willing to help you make your vacation to the Queen Charlotte Islands truly memorable and carefree.

No matter your familiarity with the sport of fishing or catch of choice, the Queen Charlotte Islands provide a stunning back drop for your fishing experience.

Experience the Moroccan Culture: Tangier Riad

Posted on 14. Jan, 2010 by Gerald Branch in Travel & Places

Tangier - Gateway to Africa

Tangier is believed to be the most dynamic and mysterious city in Morocco. Known as the “gateway of Africa,” it is located 60km from Gibraltar and 14km from Spain. It is a dynamic mix of European, Moroccan and African cultures.

The Tangier’s strong international flavor of cultures and traditions, as well as its beautiful attractions makes the city a perfect destination to visit. With several beaches, museums and gardens, it is a great place for a holiday trip.

While traveling to Tangier, you may want to experience further its unique mix of international cultures in its hotels. Tangier can offer its guests exquisite guesthouses to stay. They are known as riad that may be either a traditional Moroccan house or a palace with beautiful indoor gardens. Staying in a Tangier riad, one can feel and experience its rich and vibrant culture.

Riad Dar Jameel. If you want to have a taste of the past and at the same time the beauty and elegancy of the present, you may want to stay to Riad Dar Jameel. This riad is known as the “sanctuary of peace and tranquility.” This is the most intimate place in Tangier that lets you relax and at the same time, experience and feel the mysteriousness of the city. The place is designed with both Moroccan and European flavor. It has elegant rooms and suites with splendid stucco ceilings as well as a bed with baldachin and a traditional Moroccan couch.

Riad Tanja. Riad Tanja is the first and therefore the oldest guest house in Tangier. This riad offers a high quality and luxurious accommodation. Rian Tanja is purely Moroccan designed with elegant, old pieces of furniture and ornaments, giving its guest the comfort and sleekness of a Tangier riad. It has 6 exquisite, spacious and well furnished double suites. Its terrace has lavishing, expensive flora overhanging the remarkable view of the bay.

Riad Dar Nour. This riad is popular to its authenticity and beauty. Riad Dar Nour, meaning the house of lights is decorated with collections from the 15 year period of the Arabs. The libraries are full with books from different parts of the world. It has 7 comfortable rooms and suites decorated by a collection of carpets and old ceramic from Tanger. Each room is equipped with own bathroom, air condition and heating.

Riad Dar Nilam is an exquisite place with magnificent works of art which are expressed in every little detail. It is greatly influenced by both the African culture and the east of the Orient. One can appreciate the Riad Dar Nilam’s smooth architecture and the awe-inspiring of its garden. There are uniquely polished rooms and suites equipped with own shower room, air conditioning, Internet access, mini bar and satellite TV. If you love to read, you may want to spend time with the riad’s reading place and fireplace while admiring the great view of the city. Riad Dar Nilam is also equipped with several places where you can soothe your nerves and unwind in its massage rooms, swimming pools and hamman.

Wonderful Skiing and Hiking In the Smoky Mountains

Posted on 30. Dec, 2009 by Raymond .N. Winsome in Travel & Places

Travel Destination Winter Time: Smoky Mountains

Skiing Ober Gatlinburg in the Smoky Mountains

Standard Skiing at Ober Gatlinburg

Ober Gatlinburg has eight ski trails with two known quad and one double chairlift. All these lifts can carry over 5,500 people per hour to make sure its tourists spend the majority of their time skiing instead of waiting in line or riding to the peak. It’s the perfect place for learning to ski. Ober Gatlinburg has two beginner runs: Cub Way, which is a 1,800-foot trail with a vertical drop of 13 feet, and Ski School where instructors will have you speeding down the slopes in no time.

For the veteran skier, just head up the mountain and try some of the other trails. Within close range are four intermediate slopes from the Castle Run at 1,100 feet with a 163-foot drop, to Ober Chute at 4,400 feet with a vertical drop of 556 feet. If you feel extra brave, then try the advanced slopes. You have the Grizzly that renders a thrilling 3,800-foot run with a drop of 556 feet. And remember to travel to the Mogul Ridge. It has 300 feet of moguls that will emphatically give you a work out.

Hiking the Smoky Mountains in Style

If you relish walking, there are countless hiking trails made to suit any age and ability. The Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is a paved 3,000-foot loop, made specifically for visitors with handicaps. It is also a popular attraction for families with older members or those with little ones in strollers. You can simply enjoy the beauty of the mountains whether you walk or roll.

For the beginner hiker, there is Laurel Falls Trail. At two and one half miles, it is the most fashionable waterfall trail in the park. Apart from winding your way through primarily virgin forest, you also get the added benefit of taking in the falls up close and personal. The beauty of your surroundings will make the experience most memorable.

Hen Wallow Falls Trails is a great moderate trail. It is four miles long and makes a great short-day hike. You also have the Ramsay Cascades Trail that can put you to the test. This eight-mile trail takes you to the park’s highest waterfall. The scenery is spectacular, and chances are you will come across white tail deer, which are particularly plentiful.

Tips For Hikers

Remember these things when hiking during winter.

1. Dress in layers. This will help guard against hypothermia.
2. Be sure to drink plenty of water before starting any trail. Check the length of the trail before starting out, because the longer your hike, the more water you should pack in order to keep hydrated.
3. Make sure you have respectable footwear. Trails will be slippery from snow, ice or rain. You want a hiking boot that fits comfortably and gives you the grip you need.

Enjoy your winter getaway!

Resources:

Learn more about wilderness skills and best hiking boots.

British Airways Announces Non-Stop to Las Vegas!

Posted on 28. Oct, 2009 by Jennifer Lamberts in Travel & Places

Non-Stop from London to Las Vegas

British Airways will be offering a four-day introductory sale for its Club World, World Traveller Plus and World  Traveller cabins. Between Oct. 26 and Oct. 29 you will be able to purchase roundtrip fares to London starting at $276 for World T raveller, $936 for World Traveller Plus and $3136 for Club World.

Also, five European cities have been common rated from Las Vegas with roundtrip fares to Paris, Milan, Rome, Madrid and  Athens all the same at $358 in the World Traveller (economy) cabin.

“Despite the global recession, Las Vegas represents new business and growth opportunities for British Airways as we continue our commitment to invest in our customers. This means a new US-UK route as well as our continued embodiment of the new Club World in all our longhaul aircraft and the multi-million dollar investment in Heathrow’s Terminal 5.” — British Airways

So if you are wanting to fly direct from London to Las Vegas or vice-versa, British Airways may be the best way to go – unless you like that 8 hour layover in Chicago.

Aussie-Style Grilled Calamari

Posted on 23. Feb, 2009 by kimberlye in Cooking Recipes, Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Travel & Places

*** Kimberly’s Corner: Exclusive cooking recipes and cooking tips on CIDANews.com. Subscribe Now and don’t miss a single article and get the news only when there is news. ***

Welcome to another edition of “Kimberly’s Corner”. Today I want to take you to the “Land Down Under” – Australia.

What’s My Favorite Food I Ate in Australia?

Here it is…Fresh and widely available, this simple food to prepare will win anyone over! Yum! ~ Kimberly Edwards

Aussie-Style Grilled Calamari

Type: Appetizer
Serve With: Lemon wedges
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 2-3 min
Yield: At least 3 per person

Ingredients:
3 Calamari per person – Fresh, whole – Also known as squid
1-2 tbsp Olive Oil – Enough to coat calamari
1/8 tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
1 Lemon Wedge per person
1 dash Sea Salt – To taste – It’s from the ocean, so the calamari is already slightly salty.

Instructions:
1. Fire up your BBQ grill and preheat to medium-high heat.

2. If the squid/calamari you have has skin on it, often reddish or pinkish-purple in color, it easily peels off like a sock would. So, remove the skin.

If it still has it’s insides in, take them out, including the cuttle bone or cartilaginous quill-type structure.

3. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

4. In a bowl or baking dish, (more…)

Australia or Bust!

Posted on 22. Feb, 2009 by Jennifer Lamberts in Travel & Places

Caretaker of the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef

Located just off the coast of Queensland, Australia is the world famous Great Barrier Reef. It is the world’s largest coral reef system and those who see it never forget it.

What is so exciting about “Caretaker of the Islands”?

Caretaker of the Islands - Vote Kimberly

Aside from feeding and studying the over 1500 species of fish – cleaning the pool and collecting the mail, part of her responsibilities would be to explore the islands of the Great Barrier Reef and document her findings in a written blog and video blog.

Tourism Queensland will organize a schedule of travel and events on the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Your schedule could include sampling a new luxury spa treatment at qualia on Hamilton Island, trying out new snorkeling gear on Heron Island, or bushwalking on Hinchinbrook Island. – IslandReefJob.com

We can not think of anyone more qualified than Kimberly Edwards. We also would look forward to some great recipes from the land down under.

Click Image to Vote

How can you help?

You can Vote for Kimberly and help her qualify for the chance of a lifetime.

5 Stars is the best rating, so be sure to hover over the stars and click on the 5th star.

So click on the image to the right and support Kimberly and help her fulfill her dream. Today is the last day to cast your vote.

The Land Down Under – Australia

Australia - The Great Barrier Reef

5 Great Portugal Getaway Spots

Posted on 05. Feb, 2009 by Jennifer Lamberts in Travel & Places

Portugal is indeed one of those historical, romantic vacation destinations that you wouldn’t want to miss.

Capture the Mystery of the Past in Evora, Portugal

The Roman Temple at Evora

The big trinity of tourism in Portugal is Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. And two of the main attractions in Evora are ruins from Roman times.

The Quieter Beaches of Portugal
It is not always true that the best beaches are the most populated, noisy and crowded beaches. This certainly holds true for the beaches of Portugal.

For the real getaway, just a couple hours drive south of Lisbon but north of Algarve, is an area known as Alentejo. Like something out of a movie – their beaches are secluded, relaxing and populated mostly by locals instead of tourists.

Sé Nova, the "new church" - Credit: Ann Buenzli; Copyright: Ann Buenzli

Top Six Things to Do and See in Coimbra, Portugal
Famous for its university, ceramics and fado music, Coimbra is a quaint town offering winding cobblestone alleys, commercial plazas and hilltop views overlooking the Rio Mondego. Coimbra’s relaxed atmosphere draws me back time and again.

A Visitors Guide for Traveling to Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is the main capital of Portugal, a beautiful country in Europe visited by many tourists. Good weather, plenty of sunshine, historical and filled with culture – a truly must see while in Portugal.

Lisbon Shopping: Streets, Markets, and Malls
What would a vacation be without shopping? Boring!

From leather and porcelain to wines and jewelry, Lisbon shopping is proof that Portugal is still an international trading post. Lisbon shopping can be broken down into three types – street shops, markets, and malls.

These are my top picks – enjoy your vacation and I see you next time on – “‘The Travel Answer’ – with Jennifer Lamberts“!

Las Vegas: A Thriving Tourism

Posted on 23. Jan, 2009 by Jennifer Lamberts in Feature, Travel & Places

Las Vegas Strip - Bellagio Hotel/Resort Casino

There is More to Do Than Gamble and Drink

Bright lights, the continuous jingle jangle of the slot machines, music playing in the background and crowds of over 100,000 people coming into Las Vegas every month – these are just some of the things people see and hear when they come to Las Vegas.

But what about the person who doesn’t gamble?

Many people do not realize that since 2000, the tourism industry has out-grossed gambling in Las Vegas. There is more to do now than ever before. Since the rise of the “hotel/resort casino” each hotel is virtually a city of its own with spas, hundreds of shops, dozens of restaurants, and world class shows. The hotel/resort casino is just that – a hotel and resort first with a section in it for gambling. The amenities, shops, restaurants, etc… outweigh the gambling portion of the entire resort in proportion. Whereas, the old casino/hotel was a gambling facility that had a couple of rooms in the back. They didn’t really back in the day if you were too comfortable – after all, you were there to gamble.

That is only part of Las Vegas! There is also an entirely different world outside the casinos and all within an hour or so from Las Vegas.

Hoover Dam - One of the Seven Technological Wonders of the World

The Hoover Dam – one of the seven technological wonders of the world is only thirty minutes from the Las Vegas Strip (depending on what hotel/casino you are staying in). For the adventurous who want to rent your own vehicle, there is public parking when you get there. There is a parking fee (when last I was  there it was $7.00 per/vehicle) and if you would like to tour the inside of the Hoover Dam there is a ticket fee for the tour.  The inside tour tickets cannot be purchases in advance unless you are with one of the tour companies.

The tour is very informative and highly recommended. Prior to 2001 there was an inner working tour called the “Hard-hat Tour” which was even better.  It took you to the very depths of the Hoover Dam and lasted a little more than an hour.  Alas, time and circumstances change things.

Grand Canyon Tour

Grand Canyon Tours – Las Vegas sits in the heart of several of the most magnificent natural wonders of the world and the Grand Canyon is just one of them, and perhaps the most famous. A five-and-a-half hour bus ride to the south rim, a three-and-a-half hour drive to the west rim or a 45-minute helicopter flight await you once you get to Las Vegas.

If you are adventurous and perhaps pressed for time – the helicopter tour is the only way to go. You get picked up from your hotel, taken to the airport where you will take a 45-minute flight east to the west-rim of the Grand Canyon. And, depending on which helicopter company you choose, you will fly through, and land on top, or fly to the bottom and land for snacks and perhaps a champagne brunch. A late afternoon tour gives you the added benefit of arriving back in Las Vegas just as the sun has set and you get to buzz the Las Vegas Strip at sundown. From the Stratosphere to Mandalay Bay – the lights of Las Vegas make great photo opportunities.

Red Rock Canyon – Another favorite, especially among the locals, is Red Rock Canyon. Just 45-minutes west of the strip, Red Rock Canyon offers hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing and just plain – relaxing. If you are looking for a place to go that is inexpensive, not congested with honking horns and beeping slot machines, and reveals some the the natural beauty of the desert – then this is an ideal choice.

The list goes on! With so much to do and not enough time to do it all – you will find yourself at the end of your vacation before you know it. Here are just a few other places to go & things to do, to enjoy some of the natural beauty and perhaps a little of the wild side of Las Vegas.

• Monument Valley (you always see it in the background during those old western flicks)
• Death Valley
• Area 51
• Bryce Canyon
• ATV riding in the Valley of Fire
• Rafting down the Colorado River
• White Water Rafting through the Grand Canyon
• Ethel M Chocolate Factory
• Botanical Gardens & Museums
• Gold Mining Adventure
• Lake Mead Cruise

So if you are looking for a place to go on your next vacation – Las Vegas has more to offer than meets the eye and we haven’t even touched on all the shows, shopping or restaurants. Visit the other side of Las Vegas.