Tucson, Arizona has a way of making other parts of the country seem less than stellar, especially during the winter months. Sunny days, ample outdoor opportunities and a vibrant community make this desert oasis worth a visit, so don’t feel bad as you temporarily replace your homeland with a climate and backdrop that are a little easier on the senses.
Nothing is better than chasing down some fine weather after having been shoveling snow, bundling up, and scraping your car for the past few weeks or months. As you step into the realm of the 60’s and 70’s, your mood will lift as your temperature does, and you’ll gladly shed your layers as you grab your flip flops and sunglasses. All seasons are desirable in their own way (summers are pretty steamy but some people like that) but Tucson definitely tends to attract its fair share of snowbirds.
The best way to immerse yourself in Tucson’s gifts is to put on your sturdiest shoes and hit take advantage of the great outdoors. From golf courses to Botanical Gardens, Zoos to hiking trails, everyone will be inundated with opportunities to get some exercise while reconnecting with Mother Nature. Coronado National Forest is great for hiking, biking, picnicking and fishing, among other things. Mt. Lemmon looms above, reaching an altitude of over 6,000 feet and even accumulates enough snow to ski on during the winter.
Bicycle enthusiasts will feel right at home in Tucson, as many cyclists tend to both travel and live here. Paths and off-road opportunities accommodate every style and skill level, and frequent races, including the Tour de Tucson that is held each November, nurture a competitive yet friendly spirit. Whether you want to fit your regular bicycle workout into your vacation or try something new while you have the chance, this is the place to pedal your little heart out.
Culture mavens will also find ways to satisfy their urge to engage in a few enriching activities thanks to the rich history and pulsating arts community of Tucson. The University of Arizona Art Museum has an impressive collection and several smaller galleries illustrate talented local creative spirits. Military forts and adobe homes reflect the stories of days gone by, as do the artifacts, books and letter preserved by the state Historical Society. Basically, there’s a way to keep your brain alive while you’re here, so balance your outdoor pursuits with those that are mentally nourishing.
There’s plenty of time for pure fun and frivolity, too, including eye-popping retail stores, sporting events, theatre and music, and many yearly festivals and special events. One of the largest gem and mineral shows in the world is held here each February, and takes place at various locations across the city. Street fairs with merchants and yummy food, a huge folk festival, and rodeo week are further examples of Tucson’s sense of revelry, so plan a trip to coincide with at least one of these to get a true picture of the town’s personality.
Tucson residents are proud of their home; from the giant A that represents the University’s influence to the well-kept parks, this is a busy little place that makes a perfect haven for vacationers seeking relief from any number of things; bad weather, a hectic and stressful schedule, or the simple monotony of being in one place for too long. Most people know when it’s time for a break, and are wise to do something about it.
A wonderful way to squeeze every drop of enjoyment from this trip would be to rent a vacation home just off the beaten path so as to enjoy a healthy dose of privacy and comfort in addition to all the stimulating activities that the city will offer you. Imagine unpacking your suitcase into a spacious house as opposed to a boxy hotel room, and experiencing the option of cooking a meal in your kitchen, kicking back on the patio, or soaking for a bit in your hot tub. Hopefully you’ll have time for each of these simple luxuries, so clear a good block of time from your schedule today so as to give Tucson it’s due.
The warm air, wide open spaces, laid-back vibe and impressive number of Tucson Vacation Rentals have convinced scores of travelers to head south for a bit, and you could be next. Start checking out the situation, and let Tucson give you a sweet reprieve.
Visit HomeAway.com for all your vacation rental needs.
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Hilton Head is the best place for a getaway especially for families, young couples, older couples and retirees. There are many different things to do to accommodate all age groups. This delightful island, a stone’s throw from the South Carolina coast, is known for its fine beaches, world-class golfing, and a setting so lovely that you will be instantly charmed. Hilton Head makes an ideal summer escape but before putting on your sunglasses and heading out for the day, you need to plan your route of travel and where you are going to stay.
How to get there?
If you are coming from the Washingston DC area, then a car ride is about 8-10 hours. This is a good idea if you dont want to rent a car or simply want to have your car with you. (This is especially good for golfers and families.)
Recommended Accommodations
As for a place to rest your head after a fun-filled day, its best to rent a condo/villa. Hilton Head is definitely a place where you want to spend a week, at most. I recommend the Sea Crest. The Sea Crest is located on the oceanfront and offers several ocean-side rooms. Its perfect for romance. Off-season (after Labor Day and before Memorial Day), you can expect to pay anywhere from $800-$1200 for one week in a condo/villa.
These come complete with bedrooms, a kitchen, living room and dining area. It’s perfect for multiple families who vacation together and can split the cost. For any low-cost Hilton Head vacations stay, I would suggest the Holiday Inn Oceanfront, located right on splendid Coligny Beach.
The hotel features spacious rooms with colorful decor, modern amenities, and panoramic ocean views. The highlight is the free-form tropical outdoor pool and the popular beachfront Tiki Hut which serves up live entertainment and great cocktails. The Holiday Inn Oceanfront is offering a straightforward, no-frills deal special - $139/night for a midweek summer stay (weekend stays are priced at $149/night) as of this writing.
Discount Coupons
A group of over 90 Hilton Head businesses has organized “Celebration USA,” a membership program that offers discounts at restaurants and other businesses in the Hilton Head area. It’s free for visitors to join. Visit CelebrationUSA.com for details.
Love Golfing?
If you like to golf - Hilton Head is one of the best places to for golfing. There is a nice Robert Trent Jones course at a resort called Palmetto Dunes where you can expect to pay anywhere from $100-115 per player as of this writing. I played at Hilton Head National and could not have had a better time. The scenery was picturesque and the staff was delightful. (You will want to call ahead for prices and tee times.)
Are Hilton Head Vacations worth the trip? Without a doubt, in fact, it is one of most popular vacation spots for people of all ages. There is something for everyone. You can fill your days from morning until night with something new to do every day, or, you can do nothing all day and still have a blast.
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About 180 kilometres south of Brisbane and 800 kilometres north of Sydney, the Byron Bay area is Australia’s eastern-most mainland coastal region. Byron Bay enjoys a mild sub-tropical climate, with summer temperatures averaging 25 to 30 degrees Celsius and average winter temperatures only slightly lower at 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. The area’s economy is based mainly on tourism and agriculture, with an estimated 1.7 million tourists visiting each year. Thriving small businesses focus on alternative, cultural and knowledge industries, and the area is home to a steadily growing population of writers, artists and filmmakers.
The town of Byron Bay is renowned for the rich diversity of its weekend markets, restaurants, shops and fashion outlets. The Byron Bay area including the hilly hinterland is also known as something of a mecca for alternative lifestylers who have enriched the local culture and economy with an enormous variety of small alternative food, art, craft, health and natural therapy industries. An area of spectacular natural beauty and glorious beaches, outdoor activities abound in Byron Bay, ranging from bushwalking and climbing in the nearby hills to surfing, diving, snorkelling, whale watching, gliding, hang-gliding, horse riding and bike riding.
The north coast of New South Wales is the traditional country of the Bunjalung people. Two sub-groups of the Bunjalung frequented the Byron Bay area, the Arakwal in the south and the Minjunbal in the north. Aboriginal people lived in and visited the Byron Bay area for over 20,000 years. They knew the area as Walgun (The Shoulder), a place of plenty with sheltered sandy beaches, abundant seafood, wildlife and rainforest fruits, and permanent clean spring water. Unfortunately, many coastal Aboriginal sites have been lost to sandmining and development, but the remaining sites provide strong evidence of a vibrant and versatile culture that thrived in an abundant natural environment. Middens, ceremonial Bora rings, burial sites and specially marked trees have all been recorded in the area. The surviving midden and camp site at Cape Byron’s Palm Valley is definitely the oldest of its type in the region at over 1,000 years old.
Cape Byron is one of Byron Bay’s main natural attractions, and is located just 3 km from the Byron Bay Post Office. Cape Byron has a well-deserved international reputation as one of the most beautiful locations in the world, boasting lush rainforest, rocky cliff faces, magnificent views of the Byron Bay hinterland and ocean, and excellent vantage points for watching whales and dolphins from the Cape Byron headland. At least two hours should be allowed for a comfortable walk around Cape Byron’s 5km walking trail. The trail passes through coastal heath, littoral rainforest, banksia forest and many beautiful vantage points. Cape Byron’s Aboriginal heritage lives on today, with members of the Arakwal clan, traditional custodians of the Byron Bay area, playing an active role in the preservation of traditional sites.
Miguel Scaccialupo writes regularly on Australian Outback Tour topics including Alice Springs Tour itineraries and shopping for Aboriginal Art.
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