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Oregon's Wine Country

 

Who knew that Oregon even had "wine country" but it does. So wine connoisseurs out there can take a different tour by traveling to Oregon to check out the some 400-plus wineries that process the fruit of about 20,000 acres of grapes. Napa Valley and France are the places typically associated with wine and champagnes. Turns out Oregon can holds its own. There are wineries in Washington, Yamhill (dozens in Yamhill) and Polk counties among others. You might consider starting in Yamhill county since the majority of the wineries can be found here. Work with your travel agent to map out the best tours, places to stay and sights to see.

 

Rock 'n' Roll

Here is a quick travel tip if you have trouble lifting stuff around. It's one thing if you're traveling by car to take a roll-along suitcase to solve the lifting of the apparel and sundries, but what if you have gear and you can't lift it in and out of your car. You should go to Office Max or Staples and invest in one of two things. Either purchase a roll- along crate that you can load full of your gear and other totes and drag it behind you along with your suitcase or you can invest in a lightweight dolly. Now this works especially well if you are driving and going in and out of hotels along a specific route. Or it just works well in general to make loading and unloading so much easier. Even better, you can pack the equipment and totes right in the box and leave it until you're ready to haul it. 

Three Things to Make Flying Easier

Always keep your confirmation number on hand -- with e-ticketing, it's best to keep your confirmation number for your ticket handy. Sometimes during check-in you may run into glitches with your credit card and/or their system. The confirmation number makes everything easier to research and rectify.

Always make sure your name on your driver's license matches your ticket. They will send you back to the ticketing counter if this doesn't match. This will not only stress you out, but also delay your ability to get through security and get on the plane, as you may have already stood in line once.

Always make sure you carry only two bags -- the airlines have tightened up on how many carry-ons you can bring on the plane. If you have a bag, small suitcase and a purse, be prepared to stuff your purse in the bag. They will not let you have all three. Don't press it either -- it guaranteed they will stop you as far back as security.

Great White Water Rafting -- Middle Fork River, Idaho

If you have older kids, a great excursion is to try some white water rafting in some of the best river to do so. One of the best is located in Idaho. The Middle Fork River, a tributary of the Salmon River, which is also the main tributary of the Snake River, which in turn is the main tributary to the Columbia River, offers one of the most exciting white-water raft experiences in the U.S. You must plan well in advance for the trip, as a permit is required to travel down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Caveat: getting a permit is not very easy, and you should work with your travel agent to figure out how to jump through the hoops. But once approved, this trip promises one of the most exciting white-water adventures you could ever experience. It has 300 rated rapid, and among them are Dagger Falls, Sulphur Slide, Velvet Falls, the Chuts, Power House, Pistol Creek, Tappan Falls, Red side, Weber, Cliffside and dozens of others.

Hard Rock Hotel, Chicago

Whenever you travel to a major city even typical franchise hotels known for having quality accommodations can often be rundown just because of the constant use and traffic. In Chicago, the world-famous Hard Rock Hotel is not the least bit rundown, but it is an edgier place to stay designed more for younger travelers who don't mind loud music playing  all of the time out in the hallways and main area. It's decorated in a modern decor and each room is dedicated to a particular musician or group and memorabilia is sealed up and on display on all of the walls. The hotel is unlike other franchises that have manufactured artwork, and each room has its own theme, which means never the same experience twice. If you want to stay somewhere a little different and unique and you love rock music, you should definitely stay here.

Pebble Beach

Did you know one of the best times to visit the beach is in early spring? Why? Because once it heats up warm air pulls fog inland. Now is the time to visit the beach and enjoy the crystal-clear weather. One beach that you should visit is Pebble Beach perched on the Monterey peninsula. The beach's rugged cliff line provides a fantastic view to see some amazing sea life, including seals that sunbathe out on the rocks, a plethora of seagulls and other birds, and whale watch during the migration season. This time of year it is cool and windy, so wear windbreakers and enjoy the tidal pools. Also, for golfers, you can enjoy the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Links 18-hole, par 72 course and walk through the incredible scenery loaded with cypress trees. Take 17-Mile Drive down to the beach and enjoy the spectacular scenery and views. 

Mt. Rainier, Washington -- Best Wildflowers Spot

"April showers bring May flowers" -- and the best place to see wildflowers blooming in a floral rainbow of breathtaking color is Mt. Rainier in Washington state. As spring approaches, fields full of wildflowers decorate meadows and hillside like bouquets given to loved one. A recommend drive to see the flowers is take Rte. 410 to Chinook Pass. Common flowers in bloom include avalanche lilies, white spires of beargrass flowers, lupine, paintbrush and more. If you visit the Hob and Quinault rainforests, you will feast your eyes on moss-draped trees. Plan to spend some quality time in the Mt. Rainier National Park and tour the rainforest and natural beauty of the area. This vacations offer families time to hike and explore the forest and glaciers. Check out the National Park Service website for when the park officially opens for summer. 

Huatulco, Mexico

Looking to stay close to the U.S. during spring break, but also travel internationally? Take your family (if you have older children) to world-famous Huatulco, Mexico located on the Pacific Coast in the state of Oaxaca. The area is known as a tourist development, and the industry is centered on nine bays where travelers will find numerous hotels, oceanfront villas and condos, inns and bed and breakfasts. The famous Dreams Resort and Spa is one of the most popular luxury resorts in the area. Huatulco is near the foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains and about 500 km south of Acapulco. The area has a very Caribbean-like feel with palm tree-line beaches and turquois-blue bays to enjoy water recreation. The weather isn't too warm in springtime and provides the perfect escape for the entire family to enjoy some relaxing time together.

North Coast Springtime Escape

The unexpected early spring has invited the flowers to bloom and the sun to shine along California's North Coast. You can drive up or down Highway 1 and enjoy the colorful rainbow of wild flowers blooming in all of their glory. Notice the poppies, daffodils and even tulips decorating the landscape in their colorful array of clusters sprinkled throughout the green grass of the coastal range. The sun is shining bright and warm. You can start your trip on Highway 101 and cut through on Highway 29 or 120 and drive through the tall redwoods where it's green, wet and lush with spring runoff. Make your way as far north as Fort Bragg and invest in a weekend package that includes excursions through the redwoods on the famous Skunk Train or a stroll through the Botanical Gardens where you can whale watch off the cliffs and see for miles off into the clear horizon. Choose from one of the numerous lodges right on the ocean such as the Northside Sea Cliff Inn, open your slider and hear the crash of the waves, and fill the jacuzzi tub that sits next to the door and just listen. The Northside serves a continental breakfast with muffins and fruit as part of your stay. Get up the next day, stroll old Fort Bragg, and stop for lunch at one of the numerous cafes that line the main street. If you don't have children along, maybe make an appointment at the Bamboo Spa and enjoy a relaxing massage. 

Cambridge, England

One person's idea of a picturesque city is another person's idea of the most picturesque forest -- each one has its own unique elements that make it pleasing to the eye. Cambridge, England is one such city many travel experts believe has beautiful architecture, lovely parks and amazing courtyards. Situated north of London, Cambridge features the River Cam and historic buildings such as King's College Chapel and Cambridge University Modern Centre for Mathematical Sciences. The city is also famously known as the of city of crocuses and daffodils, so you might want to time a visit with the spring blossoms. It also has numerous gardens located throughout so you can stroll around and enjoy them. A trip to Cambridge is best organized as a package and tour to ensure you see everything you intend to see while on your visit.