Myrtle Beach

Or maybe you are a "beach body."  Myrtle Beach, located in South Carolina, is the east coast's ultimate vacation spot. The many beaches on the 60-mile Grand Strand attract tourists from all over the world.  The beaches, which offer opportunities to swim, fish, sail, and surf are in close proximity to museums, nature preserves, and outlet shopping.  There are also over 100 golf courses and dozens of great eateries/restaurants!  This region is rich in activities and has maintained the 'family getaway' image.

Bear Mountain

As the summer is quickly approaching, there are many different types of vacations you can take.  If your not a "beach body" but still prefer the outdoors, maybe camping is for you!  Bear Mountain in Salisbury, CT has the tallest peak in the state.  There are many campsites located on the state park territory.  It is the perfect opportunity for you and your friends or family to take advantage of the local beauty.  Hiking, fishing, and biking are among the many activities you can do to stay busy.

Opening Day

It's that time of the year again where fans grab their tickets and a hot dog and catch a baseball game at their favorite ballparks.  There are 30 teams in the MLB and each ballpark provides a separate unique experience.  I have always loved watching baseball but being in an environment that provides not only the game, but an entertaining venue as well.  There is nothing better then getting to the field an hour or two prior to first pitch and walking around enjoying a ballpark.  Since this is a traveling blog and we want to go somewhere different, the list that I will provide will not include teams from the Northeast.

Coors Field

Wrigley

Marlins Park

Petco Park

Chase Field

Each of these ballparks are unique and a lot of fun.  Coming from my roommates who have almost visited all 30 parks combined, recommended these 5.  If anyone knows Hunter Phillips, he recommends Coors Field strictly because it is named after a brewing company. 

Mexico!

According to Forbes, the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit resort in Mexico is ranked among the '10 coolest all-inclusive resorts.'  In July, my sister and I will be staying here for a few nights.

Just 20 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, this 'beyond all-inclusive resort' has tons to offer.  Last summer, my parents vacationed here.  They had nothing but amazing things to say about this hotel.  The service, the dining, and the accommodations were all exceptional.  Aside from its breathtaking views, the Grand Velas has much more to offer.  There are fun things to do for people of any age.  Such activities include tropical jungle expeditions, parasailing, whale-watching, golfing, and canopy tours.  There are a million ways to experience the gorgeous scenery!  This particular resort can be rather expensive but they are constantly offering special promotions.

The Grand Velas offers a unique experience to each of its guests - one that is both relaxing and exhilarating.  The resort prides itself on the spa concierge and all the other amazing features they have to offer.  I cannot wait to experience this for myself :)



http://vallarta.grandvelas.com/

Montauk

For people who love the beach but don't have enough time to travel to the luxurious beaches down south, Montauk is perfect.  Whether your from the city or anywhere in the tri-state area, Montauk is a get-a-way in your own backyard.  Living on Long Island, I rarely ever go because it's still is a few hours away.  There is so much to do there and you never have enough time to do it.  Below are the top attractions you can do while visiting Montauk.

Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum













Whale Watching












Sunset Cruises















Fishing

These are just some of the more known activities you could do out in Montauk. There are also a tropical island like nightlife, mini-golfing, hiking, and of course, laying on the beach and soaking up the sun.  If you have never been to Montauk, you have to take time and spend a weekend there.  Once you go you will be dying to go back the next weekend.

Lake George

Sometimes you don't have to stray that far.  Warren County, located in upstate NY, is home to more than twenty lakes and endless amounts of outdoor activities/attractions.

Lake George is a great summer spot for couples of any age and families of any size.  Swimming, tubing, kayaking, boating, hiking, and horseback riding are some of many activities offered anywhere in this exciting town.  There are plenty of resorts/hotels/motels (you can spend as much or as little as you want) and tons of great restaurants to choose from.  There is something for everyone... museums, biking, shopping, arcades, mini-golf - you name it!  There are also numerous sites for camping and fishing.  Many tourists flock to this area simply because of its beauty.  A vacation here could be calm and relaxing or thrilling and exciting.

Smart Money Magazine ranks Lake George as one of eight top places in the nation for fun, affordable family vacations.

A B C Islands

Aruba, Bonaire, & Curacao

A few years ago, I vacationed with family in Aruba and Bonaire.  Next summer, we will be traveling to the last of the ABC Islands - Curacao.  If you are interested in any sort of water sports, from scuba-diving to wind-surfing, these three islands located in the Caribbean are extraordinary places to visit.  The islands are lined with miles of white sandy beaches and are completely surrounded by crystal-clear water.  I snorkeled for the first time in Aruba, and the coral reefs were simply beautiful.  The colors are so vibrant, as are the fish that inhabit them.  Most hotels offer a majority of the same excursions -- scuba-diving, snorkeling, wind-surfing, glass bottom boat rides, parasailing, jet-skiing, horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, etc.  I highly recommend doing a banana-boat ride (so much fun!!) The list goes on...

Although unique in their own various ways, the three islands are actually very similar.  Dutch is the official language.  All three islands have beautiful beaches and weather, and a visit to either one would be an unforgettable experience.  Aruba offers more of a party atmosphere, a noticeable American influence, big hotels, shopping, and a vivid night life.  Bonaire is a quiet place - perfect for relaxing and getting away from noise and stress.  Curacao has a good mixture of beach and nature, while rich in culture and history. 


If you are looking for a luxurious, relaxing get-a-way, any of these islands are perfect.  The views are breathtaking.  


Here are the resorts I stayed at in Aruba and Bonaire and the hotel I will be staying at next summer:

Aruba: Costa Linda
(http://www.costalinda-aruba.com/)

Bonaire: Sunset Villa
(http://www.bonairesunsetvilla.com/)

Curacao: Floris Suite (http://www.florissuitehotel.com/)