West Virginia has some of the best white water rafting around at the New River and the Gauley River located near the New River Gorge Bridge. It is also home to Bridge day the largest one day extreme sports festival in the world along with fly fishing, hiking historical coal and timber camps. This is definitely a Fayette County must see. A must see on my list is Seneca Caverns home to some of the largest stalactite and stalagmites around and with lighted tours through the caverns every 30 minutes from April 16 to November 2 it is a great way to make your vacation fun and educational. If you do make a trip this fall be sure to check out Black Water Fall the leaves changing colors is like nothing you have ever seen .

West Virginia is also the home of great skiing. From Canaan Valley and Snowshoe Mountain to Oglebay and Timberline they have it all. Oglebay is open year round and has a breath taking light display at Christmas and Concerts in the park. Snowshoe is open year round with loads to do from playing golf to joining in the fun of Oktoberfest or the Fire on the mountain cook off. Canaan Valley is also a year round resort that offers everything from paint ball and hay rides to a skate park in the summer. Timberline is year round with mountain biking to horse back riding. All these resorts offer a wide variety of activities and great vacation packages and deals.

 If all that is not enough for you we also have tons of Bed and Breakfasts, Festivals like the Strawberry festival, Apple butter Festival to the Oak leaf and Forrest Festival. Or if you are just looking to get away to relax and be pampered, give the spa at the Stonewall Jackson Resort in Roanoke or The Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulfur Springs a try. The Greenbrier Hotel is an award winning, five-diamond luxury resort with more than 50 recreational activities, three championship golf courses, nine restaurants and a 40,000 square foot spa now that is sure to please anyone.

So if you are considering a vacation regardless of the season be sure to take a look at Wild and Wonderful West Virginia. For more information on all the wonderful things to do go to visitwv.com

Australia

I have all ways been fascinated with Australia. While a continent its only one country that is a large island, and with some amazing land features. I have wanted to drive through the outback and camp there my whole life. Then I could go to the Sydney Opera House and watch a world class opera. There are so many things I can do in Australia.

New York, USA

New York City has everything you would want to do. You can visit huge sky scrapers, historic sites, amazing Broadway shows, or even watch the Yankees play baseball. I have never been to a large city like New York and I think it would be great to go to one day.

These are just two of my dream vacation destinations. I hope I can make these trips one day, but if not it was still a good dream. You need to make your dream vacations a reality also.

Five Cities That are a Must See: Where to Travel

This website will tell you 5 amazing cities that you need to travel to. These are truly 5 wonderful places. It talks all about what you can do, what it is like, and what is best about the city.

Traveling to Italy and Greece: An Itinerary

This website gives a great itinerary for a 10-12 day trip to Italy and Greece. It gives amazing ideas. If you go by this itinerary your trip will be wonderful. It tells you what you can do while being there and it can help a lot with transportation ideas.

Travel Notes #1

This website is in a little series of websites. This and the rest of websites talk about what you can do in Ethiopia and South Africa. It is an amazing trip. It has great stories saying what happened to them while in the countries also!

Travel Notes #2

This website is in a little series of websites. This and the rest of websites talk about what you can do in Ethiopia and South Africa. It is an amazing trip. It has great stories saying what happened to them while in the countries also!

Travel Notes #3

This website is in a little series of websites. This and the rest of websites talk about what you can do in Ethiopia and South Africa. It is an amazing trip. It has great stories saying what happened to them while in the countries also!

Travel Notes #4

This website is in a little series of websites. This and the rest of websites talk about what you can do in Ethiopia and South Africa. It is an amazing trip. It has great stories saying what happened to them while in the countries also!

These are all great websites. They all have helped me more than once. They all give amazing ideas! When I plan to travel anywhere I will first read these websites for good ideas. So if you're planning or even thinking about traveling somewhere first read these websites!

Dutchmen's Landing Park in Catskill, New York

Located in Greene County in the mid-Hudson Valley, Dutchmen's Landing Park is a short drive from Catskill's Main Street area. This peaceful mid-Hudson Valley park is right on the Hudson River, and the park's four launch ramps make it a mecca for boaters. There's a lot to see at Dutchmen's Landing, and on a summer afternoon you can spot a variety of interesting boats of all sizes making their way up and down the Hudson.

Dutchmen's Landing is an ideal spot for that family reunion or summer get together. The park is fully equipped with barbeques, picnic tables and benches, and a playground for the kids. The snack bar at Dutchmen's Landing serves the usual summer fare like hamburgers, sandwiches, French fries and onion rings, as well as ice cream and cold drinks. Also check out the summer concert series at Dutchmen's Landing for great live music by popular local bands and performers.

While visiting Dutchmen's Landing in Catskill, don't forget to look across the river to Olana. The Persian castle that was the home of Hudson River School painter Frederic Church is visible in the distance.

The Historic Catskill Point in Catskill, New York

Just a few steps away from Dutchmen's Landing, The Historic Catskill Point is a hub of summer activity in Catskill. Located at the bottom of Main Street and just a short walk from Dutchmen's Landing, The Historic Catskill Point is host to a number of fun, warm weather events.

The warehouse building at The Historic Catskill Point is the location for the Riverside Farmer's and Artisan's Market held on Saturdays during the summer and early fall. There you will find a variety of goods for sale, including fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and baked goods, as well as locally produced art and crafts. Visitors to the Market enjoy music performances as part of "Music at the Market" presented by the Greene County Council on the Arts.

The Historic Catskill Point also hosts a number of festivals throughout the season, such as the Catskill Mountain Ginseng/Medicinal Herb Festival and the Shad Festival. Theatrical performances given by Classics at the Point theater ensemble in the Warehouse at the Point are a highlight of the summer. The popular group returns to The Historic Catskill Point each summer, performing classic plays in a riverside setting.

Catskill Point Park, adjacent to the historic Warehouse at the Point, is a perfect place to sit and enjoy the river. This park is one of those intimate mid-Hudson Valley locations where the visitor is just steps from the Hudson, and the Point offers unobstructed views of the river. During your trip to the park, check out the small maritime center at The Historic Catskill Point that documents the history of the area.

Catskill Point offers no picnicking facilities or refreshments at the park; however, Catskill Point Restaurant and Bar is right next door. Enjoy drinks and dinner from the deck of the Catskill Point Restaurant while you take in the magnificent Hudson River views.

Athens Riverside Park in Athens, New York

The village of Athens is one of the sleepiest little towns in upstate New York; however, it boasts one of the most beautiful, peaceful riverside parks in the mid-Hudson Valley. Located adjacent to The Stewart House hotel and restaurant, the park in Athens offers incredible, clear views of the Hudson River.

There are no picnicking facilities available at Athens Park, but the park offers a pavilion and benches that are a few steps from the Hudson River. The park in Athens is a lovely spot to sit awhile and enjoy the Hudson; after spending time in the park, walk across the street and enjoy a meal at The Stewart House.

Some Athens trivia: the village (and the waterfront area) was a film location for Steven Spielberg's movie War of the Worlds.

Hudson Waterfront Park in Hudson, New York

Hudson Waterfront Park in Hudson, New York is one of the newer riverside parks in the mid-Hudson Valley. Newly created by the City of Hudson and located at the bottom of Warren Street near the Amtrak Station, the Hudson Waterfront Park is a tiny, very intimate recreational area that puts the visitor right on the water.

The most prominent feature of Hudson Waterfront Park is the gazebo, which hosts musical performances and other special events. There are no refreshments or picnicking facilities available at the park, just areas of green and benches that are situated right at the river's edge. This small park provides open views of the mid-Hudson Valley's Hudson Athens Lighthouse in the distance, and the Hudson Boat Club is conveniently located right next door. Watch the boats cruise up and down the beautiful Hudson or sign up to take your own Hudson River excursion with Hudson Cruises, also near the Hudson Waterfront Park.

After enjoying time at Hudson Riverfront Park, don't forget to walk along Hudson's Warren Street area, often referred to as the "antiques capital of the Northeast." On the mile long stretch of Warren Street, you'll find antiques and collectibles, as well as art galleries, fine dining, home furnishings and other unique sights and shops.

Clermont State Park in Clermont, New York

Many visitors to the mid-Hudson Valley don't realize that a beautiful riverside park is tucked away just off Route 9G in Germantown, New York (near Tivoli.) If you see the sign for Clermont State Historic Site, turn in to experience sweeping views of the Hudson River in a peaceful setting.

Clermont was home to many generations of the prominent Livingston family, and their mansion and grounds are now open to the public as a New York State historic site. House tours of the Clermont mansion are given during the summer season, a great way to learn about the history of the Livingston family and the mid-Hudson Valley. While you're there, also check out the garden, the Visitor's Center and the museum gift shop at Clermont State Historic Site.

One of the best features of Clermont is the beautiful park-like setting with many green meadows and pastoral views of the Hudson River. The park that surrounds Clermont State Historic Site isn't steps from the river; however, the way the trees and grounds frame the Hudson from atop the rolling hills makes the location feel very intimate.

Clermont State Historic Site is a perfect place to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic on a summer afternoon. Bring some art supplies and sketch or paint scenes of the mansion and river. Consider attending one of the many mid-Hudson Valley festivals and events at Clermont in the warmer months, like Steamboat Days or the annual Fourth of July Celebration. Clermont is ideal for families because it offers an opportunity to learn about mid-Hudson Valley history while enjoying nature and some stunning views of the Hudson River.

We were not allowed around the embassies for the rest of the trip. After that exciting journey we arrived at Finfine Restaurant Fluha at 5:30p.m., and we had a great dinner. After dinner we went to Addis Ababa National Museum. The museum told stories from pre-historic times to modern times. My favorite part in the museum was the Lucy skeleton which was found in 1974 and is also said to be 3.2 million years old. Once we went to our hotel it was 8:30p.m. so we went down to the pool at our hotel. While we were at the pool an Ethiopian couple was there. We started talking with them about Ethiopia and its history. They told us how the population has been growing a lot so there are housing shortages. Also poverty is spreading all over now, and how Islam is trying to take over the government. Once we finished our great conversation it was 10p.m. so we headed up to our room to go to bed.

We woke up this morning at 7a.m. Colton felt a lot better after that long rest. We went down to Gazebo Restaurant which is inside our hotel. About 7:50a.m. we rented a car at the Bole Airport Car Rental.

We drove down to the Awash National park and Game Reserve. It took us about 2 and half hours to get there. Once we got there we reserved a camping ground, and set up camp. At 10:20a.m. when we finished unpacking we started hiking. Our first hike we took was to Filwoha which has hot springs oasis in its groves of palm trees. While on the trail we past so much wildlife. We saw some gazelles, wild pig, and even a cheetah out in the distance. On the second trail we past the Awash River gorge in the south of the park which had some amazing waterfalls near the park headquarters.

Once we finished with the hikes we went to a museum to look around, and then to a small bar to have some lunch which were both by the campsites. Once we finished there we went to some hot springs we heard about from these other tourist group. Once we finished up with that long hard day we learned that Awash National Park is the oldest and most developed wildlife reserve in Ethiopia. We got back to our campsite around 8:30p.m., and went to bed. Tomorrow morning we will have to get up pretty early to catch our flight to South Africa.

Nestled at the foot of the Alps between Eastern and Western Europe, Vienna reflects a turbulent past while boasting of a luminous future. The capital city of the once great Holy Roman Empire as well as the second capital of the notorious Nazi regime, Vienna is a city busting at the seams with history. Find below why Vienna is the place to go to enjoy history at its best.

Schönbrunn Palace 

If Queen Victoria of England was called the grandmother of Europe, then Holy Roman Empress Maria Theresia of Austria is the great-grandmother. Orchestrating marriage after marriage (including the marriage of her daughter, Marie Antoinette, to French King Louis XVI), Maria Theresia not only built the Habsburg dynasty to its greatest size, but also built it's greatest palace, Schloß Schönbrunn. It was initially inspired by Versailles, but ultimately surpassed it in size (and some say even beauty!).

Kunsthistorisches Museum 

Many great European cities have art museums and, in that regard, Vienna is no different. But the KHM, short for Kunsthistorisches Museum (English: Museum of Art History), part of the 21 museum complex “Museums Quartier,” houses some of the greatest works of art in the world. Staples of the collection include Breughel, Rembrandt, and Raphael, to name a few. Recent rotating collections have included the famous Arcimboldo, whose paintings often famously parodied Habsburg lifestyles.

Imperial Vaults 

Near the center of Vienna is the final resting place of nearly every Habsburg. These morbidly beautiful vaults contain the sarcophagi of fallen Holy Roman Emperors, their consorts, and issue. Famous Habsburgs not buried in the vaults include Marie Antoinette (beheaded in France and buried in mass grave) and the infamous Franz Ferdinand, barred from the vaults for marrying below his social class.

Arsenal 

This World War I/II museum is adjacent to Vienna's Südbahnhof, making it a little out of the way for most, but what it holds inside is well worth the trip. Along with authentic Nazi propaganda preserved from the World War II, Franz Ferdinand's car (complete with bullet holes) along with his clothing from the day he was shot are in the heart of this very Viennese museum. The trip to southern Vienna is worth it just to see these two pieces of history.

Stephansdom/St. Stephen's Cathedral 

At the very center of Vienna is this beautiful masterpiece. This church is the most famous in Vienna and contains important historical references concerning Catholicism throughout the Holy Roman Empire as well as secret meeting places for the Austrian resistance during World War II. A guided tour is an absolute must, but the right guide must be chosen or the best material will be missed.

Schatzkammer 

Located in a hidden part of the Hofburg Palace, the Schatzkammer holds the Holy Roman Empire's most sacred jewels. Among the collection are Charlemagne's original crown (he was the first Holy Roman Emperor), the Holy Lance, and the bed Napoleon's son was born in. Though not as visited as one might think due to its location, this is the absolute best historical destination in all of Vienna. It's also centrally located (within the Hofburg complex).

So whether you're in Vienna for business or pleasure, there's no excuse not learn about one of Europe's most important family dynasties as Vienna is Europe's Best Historical Destination.

Consider what your preferences are; is it swimming, fishing, golf relaxation, river trekking, and mountain climbing? Make up your mind on this point first and once you have decided on the type of vacation you want to - then choose the spot that will give you exactly what you want. Check the location and the facilities and the most important is the price.

After you have selected the exact spot for vacation, you decide on the best way to go. Should you drive, fly, or go by train or avail of the public transport or service? Which way offers the best roads that is safe and in case you have an emergency there would be people around to ask for some help. Consider also the fact that the prettiest scenery is not always the best place to go - check the surroundings and history of the place before spending a night or two with friends and loved ones.

If the trip to your destination is more than you can accomplish at one time, break up the trip into sections. Plan ahead in one day how far you would go to particular scenery and how you would enjoy and use the facilities there. Select in advance where you would stop and rest and then plan the activities for the succeeding days.

Before leaving the home make sure that somebody would look after the house and make sure that you turned off the heater, air conditioning system, and unnecessary lights. This is to ensure that you would still have a house to return to.

Do no forget to bring first aid kit and medicines for upset stomach, ulcer, headaches, pain reliever, lotion, sun-block, vaporizing ointment; the toiletries such as toothpaste, mouthwash and toothbrush. Women may bring along your very own vanity kit.

Remember to watch each other's back all the time and headcount is a must for every trip. If someone is missing, stop and look for that person and never leave until everybody is complete. Do not make assumption. Instead - check the real whereabouts of the missing person; check his or her belongings, the last time and place where he or she was seen.

If all efforts have already been made - seek professional help by calling the proper authorities within the area or the police. Have fun but be safe all the time.

After the two-hour-backbreaking drive from Davao City, we were welcomed by a muddy, uphill trail to Camp Sabros (coined term for “Sacdalan Brothers”) because it was raining cats and dogs days prior to our trip. This was our first stop. We were still halfway to our trail but I was already catching my breath. Only the fog and the pine trees up ahead kept me motivated to keep going. More steep climb and there we were. By the time we arrived, we went straight to the cashier to pay and get our priority numbers then had our breakfast at the deli. After a sumptuous meal, we tried to strike some poses atop a hill with a good view of Davao's pride, Mt. Apo. Then it was our time to zip. I chickened out for a moment or two, thus, I had to muster enough courage to convince myself to zip. The hefty amount spent on this trip, all the packing up and waking up on the wee hours of the morning --- were enough motivation to compel myself to zip. Finally, there I was… one zip ride of my life! Whew! After reaching the other end of the zip line, we rode the cable lift back to the jump off point, that's when I realized I just could've zipped my way back. The owner would intentionally stop the lift in the middle of the ride. After the zip, we took pictures as much as we can. More pictures…some more pictures and off to our next stop… the majestic, marvelous, amazing, astounding, remarkable, mind-blowing (etc. hehehe) TUDAYA Falls.

Come 10 A.M., we went down to where the motorcycles will fetch us and drive us down to Tudaya Falls. This time, it's more like a helter-skelter ride for a fall, full of extremely steep twists and turns. After the “long and winding” motorcycle ride, it was time to hike. We scrambled down to the muddy, narrow, winding-up-and-down trail. Apparently, one wrong step would cost you bruises & fractures --- if not YOUR LIFE. Half of me wanted to retreat and the other half thought of the opportunity at hand. I stopped once in a while just gazing at the trail "cause I"m at my wits end to know how to go about it. What was more hilarious though, the kids whom we paid to accompany us, aside from the drivers, would just run through the trails. My best bud and I would just laugh at the thought of it because they would just run past through me while I was having the time of my life figuring out what to grip and where to set my foot on. I had to sort the trail bit by bit. I firmly tried to hinge upon my cross-training shoes so I can get a good grip of the slippery trail. Halfway to the elusive falls, the rain started to trickle but we continued trekking, nonchalant of the drizzles.

Eventually, I was wondering if this trail has an end. I could already hear the gushes of the falls but the trek seemed endless. We were almost there when we were welcomed by an exhilarating view of “one of the tallest falls in the Philippines”. Indeed it was… 150 feet lang naman. Again, we tried to strike a pose. More poses, more and more poses… and we continued to trek until we reached the base of the falls. I can daresay I was physically drained. Perhaps, mentally as well because just thinking what my complete name was, would only mean further exhaustion. I just ogled at the falls for a while before I tried to move a muscle. All of us were trying to catch our breath when I remembered my best bud jesting, “Naay banyo sa balay, nganong diri gyud mangaligo? Nangita gyud ug lisod”…Hahaha… Bitaw noh?!

Anyhow, after my numb muscles have relaxed, I tried to dip into the ice-cold waters of the falls' basin but it seemed I couldn't last a minute or two. Instead, I just captured my unguarded moments with friends and had lunch with them. When we decided to head back to where we left the cycles, the thought of going through the same trail again made me taken aback for a while. Was there any other option? Like zip my way back? Perhaps, be lifted by a cable car again? I wouldn't mind if the lift would stop once in a while as long as I won't have to go through that winding trail again. Unfortunately, there was no other way but to hike back up the hill. This time, it's more like wall climbing though. Working my way up, I decided to goof around and sing (David Cook's songs) at the top of my lungs so as not to mind how many steps were left to reach the top. I had nearly reached my breaking point --- physically. At long last, we were able to surmount the trail. I drank and drank and drank liquids as much as I can consume.

After which, we set off to the Agong House, our final stop, creatively designed by no less than --- Kublai. It also meant more uphill climb and that's when I thought I didn't pack enough energy for this trip. There, we captured pictures to every nook and cranny of the place, making the most out of it. After our last destination, I can't hardly wait to freshen up, hork down whatever I can, get a whole body massage and doze myself off.

One of the things I realized from this trip? Kapatagan was not that “patag” at all. There were few hoops to jump through and bumpier m-cycle riding & hiking up and down than I could ever imagine. Breaking it down in percentage, our trip was like 30% road trip, 30% hiking, 20% adventure and 20% picture taking. After one particular gruesome day, what were the PRIZES of the entire trip? Worn-out shoes with flapping soles, mud-spattered hands, excruciating muscle pains, burned calories, exhilarating sights, immeasurable fun, innumerable captured poses, and priceless memories I will ALWAYS tag along with me.