Start off in Bend, central Oregon’s gateway to the outdoors. Hugging the Deschutes River, this region is renowned for its hiking, fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, and camping. The town is also home to Deschutes Brewery, widely regarded as one of the best craft brewers in the country. After a day outdoors, sit back with the Mirror Pond Pale Ale or the Obsidian Stout – both won Champion awards in their respective categories at the 2013 International Brewing Awards.

From there, head north towards Mount Hood. People travel from all over the country to ski and snowboard on the state’s tallest mountain; in the summertime, the area is a hub for hikers. It is also home to the aptly-named Mt Hood Brewing Company. Known for their unique brewing process, this microbrew is beloved by skiers after a day on the slopes.

Directly north sits the town of Hood River. Named for the river it adjoins, this area also hugs the Oregon/Washington border, in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. With stunning mountain views and a seemingly endless amount of outdoor activities, Hood River is an idyllic slice of nature’s finest. A trip here isn’t complete without sampling the beers at Full Sail Brewing Company. Known for being one of the most environmentally responsible breweries in the country, Full Sail knows how to make the perfect drink – while giving the earth a hand.

West along the Columbia River sits Portland. Oregon’s largest city, the area has all of the trappings of a metropolis while holding onto a small-town feel. When not exploring the stunning waterfalls that surround Portland, relax at one of the many breweries tucked into the city. Make sure to carve out some quality at Alameda Brewery, Bridgeport Brewing Company, and Sasquatch Brewing Company. Occidental Brewing Company and Hair of the Dog are two other small gems. You’ll leave your visit here with a whole new list of favorite beers.

Wrap up your Oregon adventure along the northwestern coast. Astoria sits at the top corner of the state, with the Columbia River and Washington on one side the Pacific Ocean on the other. Spend your days exploring the rugged beaches and relax in the funky town come evening. Fort George Brewing Company arguably makes the best beer in the state; located in an a historic fort building, this small company specializes in exquisite brews (and some delicious food to boot). Try out their Vortex IPA or the seasonal Murky Pearl, which is infused with Willapa Bay Oysters. Your palette is about to change forever.

Unofficially referred to as the “Beer Capital,” Oregon is home to a staggering one hundred and sixty-nine craft breweries. Map out your road trip with these places in mind to get the perfect blend of adventure and exceptional drink!
 

View Oregon Brewery Map in a larger map

While Broadway is a street that actually runs for many miles through Manhattan, The Bronx, and beyond, it is the section that runs through Manhattan that has become known all over the world thanks to its plethora of exciting theater venues and wonderful entertainment.

Enjoy a host of entertainment in the Theater District

The Broadway area in NYC is commonly referred to as the theater district, and with very good reason. Here you will find close to 40 theaters packed into a pretty small area. With this concentration of world class entertainment at your fingertips, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding which production to see and which theater to choose.

Many of the shows on Broadway are not only world class productions but also star some pretty big names in the world of show business, so don’t be surprised if you bump into a celebrity or two in this vibrant part of NYC. Some of the popular theaters that you will find in this district include the Palace Theater, the Majestic Theater, the Imperial Theater, and the Gershwin Theater. Chicago, Jersey Boys, The Lion King, and Mamma Mia! are just a few of the huge productions that you can choose from when you head to Broadway.

Book your tickets in advance

If you are planning to visit New York City, a trip to the theater is a vital part of the NYC experience and one that you should definitely partake in. However, if you want to make sure you don’t miss out on the show of your choice, and you want to get a good deal when it comes to price, it is a good idea to get online and pre-book your tickets beforehand. This will enable you to do a little digging to find the most affordable deals on ticket prices while also giving you the time to check which productions are showing in the Broadway’s theaters at the time of your visit. Or if you don’t have time to book tickets before you arrive, try stopping by the TKTS Booth in Time Square to find last minute deals on current shows.

Make an evening of it

For a truly memorable NYC Broadway theater experience, you can do what many people do, which is head out for dinner before enjoying your chosen production. There are many bars and restaurants around the theater district, many of which are popular among those heading to the theater. So, you can look forward to some great cuisine and a relaxing drink before taking your seat at one of the impressive theater venues and immersing yourself in the excitement of a truly world class production.

Salsa music was first developed in New York City, from Cuban style dance music in the 1970’s. Since it’s introduction to Latin America soon after that, Colombia has emerged at the center stage of salsa music, dance and culture. With wild piano solos, blaring trumpets and saxophones, and beating congas and bongos, salsa is an intoxicating mix of energetic big-band sounds with soulful Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Salsa is a great representation of life in Colombia, especially in Cali, which has a very eclectic ethnic makeup, including Spanish Europeans, Africans, Indigenous South Americans and more. The salsa in Cali is also faster, more complex and arguably more beautiful looking than many other salsa styles, such as salsa Cubano. Salsa caleña is sexy, romantic, energetic and fun, with very fast footwork, lots of spins, and even a few dramatic lifts. It is both spectacular and jaw dropping to watch kids as young as five or six years old, dancing so fast and fluidly that they appear to be flying!

During the day, Cali is a steamy city heaving with uncontrolled traffic, where the majority of people tend to stay indoors for protection from the intense tropical sun. However, when nighttime falls, the city comes alive and rumbas (parties) go on well into the early morning, as hips and bodies move sinuously to the sound of salsa.

Every night out in Cali involves salsa, even if you go to a club that plays a majority of pop music. It is a delight to watch caleños, young and old, dance with such confidence and pleasure, as they move effortlessly in-sync across the floor with their dance partner. The everyday salsa that you see in clubs across the city has a much more toned down and romantic style, than the acrobatic, cabaret-like salsa with which the city is famed for.

Fortunately, while the majority of locals dance salsa and are born with, what appears to be, a natural rhythm and flow, not everyone is a pro. After just a few lessons, depending on your natural aptitude, you should be able to keep up with the majority of the locals. The real pros however, don’t frequent the normal clubs and bars in Cali. So to see their infamous acrobatic footwork, head to Tin Tin Deo´s, La Fuente or Changó, all extremely popular salsa clubs with a nice mix of local maestros and visiting enthusiasts. Zaperoco and Blue Brothers both have live salsa bands on a Thursday and are great places to begin transitioning from the dance studio to the real world.

Since dancing salsa is grounded with a partner, you shouldn’t expect to go out alone in the hopes of finding someone to dance with. Colombians largely stick to themselves and their own groups while out, so it can difficult to find someone to dance with this way. The best option is to attend a group salsa class and then arrange a night on the town with your classmates. Jovita’s Hostel provides great traveler friendly accommodation with free salsa dance lessons thrown into the mix. There are always friendly foreigners at Jovita’s, eager to experience the infamous Cali nightlife, so you shouldn’t have a problem arranging a fun night out with some new friends.

For more formal training, head to renowned salsa dance academy Son de Luz, which is popular for private dance lessons and has been responsible for training many World Salsa Champions. For a different style of salsa, namely Cuban style casino salsa, check out Rucafe on Calle 8A 34.

With over 200 salsa schools, and almost a continuous stream of World Salsa Champions emerging from the city, it’s no surprise that Cali has secured it’s reputation as the worlds capital of salsa. You simply have to see the beautiful dancers, feel the sensual moves and hear the romantic music, to really capture the essence of life in this city. So, whether you’re looking to improve your existing salsa skills, or you’re a beginner and you want to learn from the best, then there is no place quite like Cali, Colombia to ignite that energetic, fiery and passionate Latin dancer inside you.

Spanning 5,772 miles, the Trans-Siberian Railways is longer than the distance from New York to Moscow. Just as these two cities boast distinctive cultures, the rail line will bring you through villages and cities that each boast an individual personality. Spanning two continents, twelve regions, and eighty-seven cities, this is an adventure that will entrench you in Russia’s vibrant – and varied – heritage. Utilizing this East-to-West stretch, you can experience all of the delectable secrets that Russia holds from the helm of the world’s most famous railway.

When planning your trip, there are a few things that you should consider:

Give yourself time. There are three basic routes that you can take – Moscow to Vladivostok, Moscow to Beijing, or Moscow to Beijing via Mongolia. All of them have their own appeal… and all of them deserve a minimum of two weeks time. You don’t want to rush through your trip, but you also can’t. The train runs on a set schedule and its passengers have to plan accordingly. If you don’t want to remain a passenger the entire time, plan a few overnight stops along the way.

Don’t forget your visa. Russia requires a tourist visa for visitors – and getting one can be a little tricky, as it’s usually by invite only. Chat with your travel agent, as they can usually arrange a visa through Russia’s tourism department.

Come prepared for down time. You’ll be spending a lot of time on the train, so make sure to bring some of your favorite things to pass the time. Whether you’re a movie junkie or a bookworm, this is a great opportunity to relax. Slipping past an ever-changing range of different landscapes and areas, you’ll have a hard time tearing your eyes from the window. The Trans-Siberian Railway is notoriously safe, so you can feel comfortable throughout your journey.

Give yourself a taste of what’s to come. Google developed an incredible “Virtual Journey” that documents the route. This is the perfect way to dip your toes in the water… after watching it, you’ll want to dive right in!

In 2011, NPR photographer David Gilkey embarked on a train ride from Moscow to Vladivostok. He said of his experience, “The things to do were amazing and the places to see were epic; but the people, the people are what made it all worth the effort.” Your journey across Russia will be more than a trip; it will be a transformative adventure.

Prioritize
Determine what sites are the most important to you. Are you hoping to explore a bamboo forest, drench yourself underneath a waterfall, dig your toes into a black sand beach, or put on a hard hat and explore an ancient lava tube? It may help to prioritize what you want by evaluating what would leave you disappointed if you missed it.

Timing
The drive to Hana from Kahalui takes the generous end of two hours if you don’t stop at all. So depending on where you’re staying on the island, allot yourself a full day to explore Hana; this means leaving early, and planning to spend the day away from your base. Most travel guides recommend departing for Hana somewhere between 7:30am-10:00am. This is a great suggestion except everyone knows it, so prepare to spend some of your day sitting in a line of traffic. If you’re still on mainland time, and have the cushion of residual jet lag, use it to your advantage and swing an earlier departure time, say 5:30am. If you’re not a morning person, I recommend leaving around 9:30; you’ll miss the brunt of the traffic, but still have quite a bit of time to explore. There’s also a genius suggestion floating around the inter-web, that on a busy day, you may want to try hitting all of the popular spots but in the reverse order (drive straight to Hana first, and then explore the sites on your way back).

Know your options
Everyone in your trip may have varying degrees of expectations for their trip to Hana. I recommend that you pull your group together, and pick out your top three spots for the day with two alternates in case you have extra time. I’ve outlined a list of top destinations here, sprinkled with some lesser-known treasures.

City Stops

• Paia town: This adorable little city is the first stop on the way to Hana from Kahalui. It’s home to Baldwin Beach Park, which, in my opinion is one of the most beautiful beaches on Maui. This is a great place to fuel up, shop at a natural food store, or grab some gelato. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “where all the hippies have gone?” you’ll find your answer in Paia. If you make it back from Hana in time for sunset, Hookipa Lookout, which sits on the eastern most end of the city, is one of the best places to view it.
• Hana town: A quiet, sleepy, town with a local-Hawaiian feel. Colorfully painted signage will lead you to a delicious Thai food stand (if it’s open), or you can replenish your supplies at the town General Store. That’s about it, and that’s how the locals seem to like it.

Waterfalls, waterfalls, and… more waterfalls

• Twin Falls (Mile Marker #2): This is not the most impressive waterfall of the bunch, but I’ve included it because almost everyone stops here. If you’re an instant-gratification kind of tourist (hey, there’s no shame in that!), and you’re thirsty for an expensive coconut to drink, this is your stop. The hike to the waterfall is well paved, groomed, and enjoyable for the less “rustic” traveler.
• Bamboo Forrest (Mile Marker #7): If you’ve never visited a bamboo forest, this is a must see. Just off the road, you’ll step into a gorgeous bamboo forest which feels a bit like a maze. The hike itself leads to nothing extraordinary unless you plan to hike all the way in; as you get deeper, the waterfalls become increasingly more impressive, and the trail becomes more and more hazardous.
• Lower Puohokamoa Falls (Just before mile marker #11): This fall is a little off the road and on private property, but if you’re brave and skilled enough to tackle the hike, the views are pretty spectacular. This 200 foot waterfall gushes into a beautiful pool that should only be reached by the most experienced hiker. If you prefer to play it safe, you can forgo the hike, and view the waterfall at the Puohokamoa Falls Lookout just before mile marker #10.
• Chings Pond (just before mile marker #17): Not quite a waterfall (more of a gushing stream), but a real gem if you’re looking for a great place to swim.
• Upper Waikani or “Three Bears” Falls (Mile Marker #21.5): You barely need to stop the car for this one. It’s definitely worth a gander, and who can pass up a grouping of water-falls that’s adorably referred to as the “Three Bears”?
• Wailua Falls (just before mile marker #45): If you make the trek all the way past Hana town, you can view this large water fall just off the road– great as a backdrop for your Hana Facebook profile picture.

Colorful beaches

• Wai’anapanapa beach (black sand) is spectacular. If you’ve never experienced a black sand beach, this is a must-see. Sitting inside of a state park, this beach is well maintained, easy to access, and a great area to have a picnic lunch. Near mile marker #32.
• Kaihalulu beach (red sand) is hidden beach, waiting to be discovered by the adventurous traveler. The hike in is tricky to find and a little treacherous, and some visitors “celebrate” their arrival to the beach by taking off all their clothes– making this beach not for the faint of heart. See my article on Red Sand Beach if you want directions.
• Hamoa beach (grey sand) is just beyond where most day-trippers explore. Is a long stretch of powdery grey sand, with waters typically suitable for swimming and boogie boarding. Half-mile past mile marker #51.

Pay to see pretty things

• Garden of Eden Arboretum: A $10-$15 admission fee gets you a self-guided tour through 26 acres of tropical plants, flowers, and fruit trees. Note: there’s a “bargain” botanical gardens earlier on the road that’s only $3, but most who stop there advise that it’s not worth it. If you’re going to do it, go for the real deal.
• Ka’eleku Caverns aka Hana Lava Tube: An admission fee of $11.95/pp will get you a self-guided tour through a dark lava tube. For your money, they’ll provide flash lights and hard hats for those that want to feel like Bob the Builder. It’s only a mile round trip, so it’s a very quick excursion. If spelunking is your thing, the admission fee may be worth it to you. If not, pass. Look for the turn off at mile marker #31.
• Seven Sacred Pools: This is a very popular destination, but its about a 30 minute drive past Hana town (I almost didn’t include it in this “day-trip” guide because it’s pretty tough to enjoy fully, unless you’re very committed to managing your time). The pools are located inside Haleakala National Park, so you’ll have to pay a $10 entry fee to park. If you decide to make the trip out there, you’ll be rewarded with a pretty spectacular collection of waterfalls and pools (insider secret: there are actually more than seven!). Inside Haleakala park at mile marker #42.

Additional Travelers Tips

• Flip-flops are fine for most destinations on Maui, but Hana is an exception. If you have water shoes or hiking sandals, this is the time to pull them out.
• Mosquitoes love waterfalls as much as we do. If you’re a mosquito magnet (you know who you are), be sure to wear some sort of repellent, or your trip to Hana will be significantly less enjoyable.
• Cell phone service is spotty at best along the road to Hana. If you’re a cell-phone junkie, plan to be “off the grid” for a bit.
• There are some food stands with snacks along the way, but there are no restaurants or places to get a real meal until you get to Hana. It’s wise to pack your preferred snacks and water bottles before you leave for your journey.

Picture this:

Northern Ireland is an interesting place. Notably disconnected from Ireland, it boasts a distinctive culture and a rich – if not troubled – history. Belfast serves as the focal point of this disparity, and spending time there breathes life into the Troubles, a period of conflict that irrevocably altered the patchwork of this area. The city is more raw than its southern counterparts – but it maintains an aura of authenticity that few places in the world possess.

But to travel north of Belfast is to experience something extraordinary. The landscape feels like it was torn from the pages of a fairy tale, lending your entire experience an ethereal air. While on your travels, make sure to explore the following spots:

Giant’s Causeway

Hugging the northern tip of Ireland, this natural wonder is, simply, extraordinary. 40,000 basalt columns rise from the sea, creating a structure that almost looks like a massive organ. Irish legend claims that the area was constructed by a giant – and when you see it in person, the explanation almost seems feasible. If possible, try to schedule your visit during the week, when there are less visitors.

Carrick-A-Rede Bridge

County Antrim is a place that deserves your time. Pack a picnic, park your car, and settle down for the afternoon on one of its lonely beaches. The locality of Ballintoy is a good place to make your home base, where you can easily access the awe-inspiring Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge. Connecting the mainland to a tiny island, this structure used to be used by salmon fishermen, who caught their haul on the island. For a fee, you can cross the bridge – but even if you don’t want to spend the money, indulge in the singular coastal landscape that this area presents. Enjoy views of nearby Scotland and stroll along the jagged coast; five minutes spent here and you will never want to leave.

A word to the wise: Dozens of different companies offer tour buses that make day trips from Belfast to the northern coast. If you’re pressed for time, this is a great way to experience the city. But if at all possible, rent a car and make the trek yourself. Driving will allow you to experience the winding roads, scenic vistas, and small villages at your leisure. The coast of North Ireland is a region that deserves time to wander, explore, and experience.

NY Metropolitan Museum of Art

There are some people who enjoy going on vacation to kick back and relax, doing as little as they can get away with while they are away. However, there are also many who enjoy visiting new places so that they can soak up the culture, immerse themselves in the local lifestyle, and spend time learning about the history of the area.

If you consider yourself a culture vulture, it is well worth doing a little research before you book your next vacation. Even if you have already made up your mind where you want to go, a little research will enable you to determine the best time to visit your chosen destination in order to make the most of your time and really get to grips with the local culture.

Ways to enhance your vacation experience

If you want your next vacation to be a real cultural and historical experience, there are a number of things to look for that could really enhance your vacation. This includes:

Festival of Beer and Flowers, Slovenia

Book your vacation during the festivities: Different towns and cities around the world host a variety of cultural festivities over the course of the year. If you have decided where you want to go, do a little research to find out more about the annual festivals and when they take place. You can then book your trip to coincide with one of these events, giving you an excellent opportunity to really immerse yourself in the local culture and way of life.

Make an itinerary: In order to make the most of the cultural and historical attractions in the city or resort you are visiting, take the time to make an itinerary beforehand. You can look at local museums, art exhibitions, and even musical venues/performances in the area so that you can make sure you visit them during your time there. It is a good idea to list them in order of which ones you want to visit the most, just in case you do not get the chance to visit all of them.

Research local places of interest: While many towns and cities are home to some very well known sights and landmarks, there are also places of interest that are not so well known but are still of cultural or historical significance. These hidden gems are often the best way to explore the history and culture of an area. From forgotten ruins to obscure exhibitions that are off the main tourist path, you can enjoy a unique experience by finding out more about lesser known areas of interest before you travel.

Hippo Tour bus

Book a guided tour: Many people tend to explore their vacation destination on their own in order to enjoy greater freedom and flexibility. However, it is a good idea to book at least one guided tour if you get the opportunity. These tours can be fascinating and can take you to areas and places that you might otherwise miss out on if you are going it alone.

These simple yet effective steps can make all the difference to culture vultures who really want to make the most of their vacation.

Finding information for your next vacation

One of the most useful resources to help you find out this type of information for your next vacation is the Internet. This will enable you to research the destination you are visiting if you have never visited before and will enable you to research factors such as up and coming festivities as well as local cultural attractions and places of interest. For example, if you are traveling to a destination within the United States you can check out http://www.festivals.com/ for information on up and coming festivals and events.

One of the best ways to research a particular place, no matter where in the world it is, is to look for the local visitor guide for that particular area. An official visitor guide will provide you with details of events and festivities that are due to take place as well as details of local attractions, places of interest, and sights. This can be very helpful when it comes to drawing up your itinerary. In most cases, all you need to do is type in ‘visitor guide’ and then the name of the destination you are visiting. You should then be able to access the official city or town tourism guide for the area you are heading to.

As the name suggests, Little Italy was once home to thousands of Italians, with around 10,000 as far back as 1910. Modern day Little Italy is more about the Italian restaurants, shops, and culture, and it is now part of a single historic district with NYC’s Chinatown. Whilst it may not be home to the thousands of Italians that once lived there, it is still a fascinating place to visit and a wonderful place to experience authentic Italian cooking.

Eating out in Little Italy

While there are a number of places to enjoy fine Italian food in Little Italy, Mulberry Street is where you will find the biggest concentration of restaurants, with eateries catering for a wide range of budgets. Three great Mulberry Street restaurants to try include:

• Da Nico: Da Nico is a fine place to dine, and don’t be surprised if you bump into a celebrity or two in this restaurant, as the A-listers seem to love it here. The restaurant specializes in fine Italian food at reasonable prices, with the average per person standing at $11-$30.

• II Cortile: II Cortile is a firm favourite amongst visitors, and features a wonderful cocktail lounge as well as a varied menu. This restaurant won the top 100 ‘where the locals eat’ competition and is ideal for sumptuous lunches and romantic evening meals. You can enjoy European and Italian food and the average price per person is $11-$30.

• Pellegrino’s: This is an intimate, tasteful restaurant, which is perfect for a romantic Italian meal. With its low lighting, serene ambiance, and delicious menu options, you won’t go far wrong when you dine here. Average prices here are $15-$38 per person.

Of course, there are many other eateries to try both in Mulberry Street and in other parts of Little Italy, so you can look forward to sampling delectable cuisine from a choice of restaurants.

Attractions in Little Italy

Little Italy is not just a place to soak up culture and sample fine food. It is also an area where there are some great attractions to visit and explore. This includes attractions such as:

• The Italian American Museum: Situated on Mulberry Street, this is a museum that is an integral part of Little Italy, and depicts rich Italian American history through a range of fascinating exhibitions. The opening hours of the museum are actually Saturday from 11.00am-6.00pm and Sunday from 12.00 noon-6.00pm. However, you can arrange to visit in the week by appointment.

• Christopher Henry Gallery: This is a great place to visit if you are into the arts, and you will find the gallery on Elizabeth Street in Little Italy. You can enjoy work from a wide variety of emerging and established artists and spend time taking in the fascinating art exhibitions. The opening hours are Wed-Sun 11.00am-6.00pm and Mon/Tue by appointment only.

Visiting late September?

If you are visiting New York City in the last couple of weeks of September, you can enjoy a special treat when you head to Little Italy. This is the time of year when the fabulous, vibrant, and exciting Feast of San Gennaro takes place. This celebration has been taking place for nearly nine decades, and is the oldest and biggest street festival in NYC. You will enjoy seeing parades and colorful floats, you can immerse yourself in the culture and excitement, and you will be able to enjoy feasting on the food, with the sausage sandwiches an absolute must. This is a great way to really take in the local culture when you visit, and with the festivities lasting for 11 days, you will have plenty of time to fit it into your itinerary.

Other things to do in Little Italy

In addition to all this, you will also be able to enjoy doing some shopping in Little Italy. While the area doesn’t have the wide range of shops and boutiques that you will find in the heart of Manhattan, you can look forward to browsing unique shops. This includes everything from Italian ceramics and gift shops through to retailers of specialist Italian foods.