There is plenty to do in San Francisco; it is a city that never allows you to get bored. You can mark your calendar with at least one special event every month. In February, for instance, you can join in with gusto devouring crab delicacies of every hue and girth in the city’s legendary crab restaurants. In October, you can become part of the celebrated ‘Oktoberfest by the Bay’.

You get to sing and dance with the revelers all day and all night long and consume great food and beer along with them. Then there is the Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival where you get to taste chocolates to your heart’s content. The holiday season commences from the Ghirardelli Square courtesy of the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. This festival is truly imposing with myriad lights garnishing a fifty-foot tall Christmas tree. Huge chocolate bars, colored ribbons, and decorations hang from tree’s boughs making it look even more impressive and colorful.

The city, known to be culturally evolved, also celebrates the San Francisco Blues’ Festival with great spirit and zest. The literary-minded should not miss, at any cost, the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival in the month of September. In the autumn setting you watch Shakespeare’s immortal characters like Julius Caesar, Othello, Romeo and Juliet come alive as never before.

When in San Francisco, you just have to visit the Golden Gate Bridge, hailed as a technical wonder the world over. The best way to enjoy the bridge is to walk rather than drive over it. Another great sight is the Union Square which happens to be the third-biggest shopping center in the country. It was set up as a public plaza by the mayor of San Francisco in 1849. It became a major shopping centre in the early 1900s and features high-end stores mainly having to do with clothing. We don’t advise you to loosen your purse strings here, though, for you could end up burning quite a large hole in your budget. Within the square itself, you will be able to watch plays at great concession rates if you line up early.

The one place you absolutely cannot afford to miss while in San Francisco is the Alcatraz Island in the center of San Francisco Bay. An infamous prison which nobody wanted to visit once, it is now a major tourist attraction thanks to its lovely gardens, bird colonies and exotic scenery.

Known for its swinging culture San Francisco’s night life is as assorted as its famed diversity. If you love hip hop music you could try SOMA which is also famous for its electronic music. If you prefer something quieter you should try the Rockit Room in Clement Street. But if you are looking for a classier joint, don’t think twice before entering Dolce on Broadway Street. Just let it all hang out!

On the other hand, if you happen to be a more outdoor kind of person, you should not miss a visit to Orlando’s Sea World Drive theme park with its smorgasbord of animal shows, laser fire-works, and thrilling rides. You kids will beg to go with you again and again.

You might also wish to visit the renowned water park called Wet n’ Wild with your kids. Don’t forget to take a ride on the Blue Niagara Slide which throws you up in the air – about six stories high. It might be a little dangerous to take the kids on one these rides. You can take them to another section called Kids’ Park for less perilous thrills.

Orlando is known as a luxurious fun-spot. The hospitality industry is pretty active here as well as in the rest of the state. The Universal Studios, for instance, allows you to wallow in the lap of luxury thanks to its three resort hotels catering to international standards. These are: Hard Rock, Portofino Bay, and the Royal Pacific. You have close at hand, world class eateries, a couple of great theme parks, and nightclubs that keep you wildly entertained.

If you are a typical sports’ fan, don’t miss Disney’s Wide World of Sports’ Complex spread out all across a massive 200 acres of land. These grounds can host more than 30 sports’ events at the same time and also contains a speedway for auto-cross events. And if you are in the mood for something that’s a tad more dangerous – in fact, kinkily so – you could visit Gatorland on the South Orange Blossom Trail. You get to see up close about hundreds of alligators and crocodiles in their natural habitat replete with a swamp walk, breeding marsh, aviary etc. Get ready for some ‘snappy’ adventures! A word of caution: don’t let the kids venture too close to the reptiles.

How can a fun-filled city remain bereft of nighttime attractions? Most Orlando denizens enjoy frequenting Pat O’ Brien’s with its wonderful patio, flaming fountain, and piano bar. You can soak in the lovely music – and the ambience – as you sip O’Brien’s special drink, the Hurricane. But if you’re in the mood for something more relaxed check into Jellyrolls with its intimate seating arrangement (that’s why it is important to get in early) and piano lounge where the singers belt out sentimental, soft numbers.
There is, of course, much more to Orlando than specified. How about finding out for yourself?

To be sure, the present tourist will find no dearth of things to do – or sights to see – in Las Vegas. Some of the amusements available are pretty quaint too. For instance, in the Mermaid Restaurant & Lounge of the rather homey Silverton Hotel, you come across this aquarium which is part of the hotel’s casino. The aquarium hosts no less than 5,000 species of exotic fish. Being in (what was once billed as) Sin City you might be in the mood for something more obviously unlawful. In which case you should view the Bonnie and Clyde exhibits at the rotunda that connects the Fashion Outlet of Las Vegas with the Primm Valley Resort & Casino. You will get to see the Ford car in which they were ambushed while trying to make a getaway; also on display is the shirt in which Clyde died and the belt and necklace he made in prison.

Then there are such wonderful sights to see. Who hasn’t heard of the Grand Canyon? There are a great many airport shuttles and motor tours available. You will get to view the awesome image of the Great Thunderbird as well as the bottom of the canyon. You should also visit the historical Hoover Dam, one of the largest dams in the world which is also billed as among the technical wonders of the world. Other places worth visiting include the Valley of Fire to the north of Las Vegas. This is where you get truly astonishing views of sacred Indian art and exquisite sandstone structures of the Aztecs. By all means, go exploring the desert but with the aid of an experienced guide.
If you wish to simply tour the city, there’s still a lot to do with little time to do it in. You could, for instance, view a rotating exhibition of about 300 classic cars, racers, muscle cars etc at the Imperial Palace. Among the specials is a 1929 Duesenberg owned once by Howard Hughes.

For art lovers the Bellagio Hotel provides a viewing of the world’s most exotic masterpieces including some of Picasso’s original art works. And while in Las Vegas, how can you possibly miss out on the city’s night life? Some of the best-known night clubs are pretty skittishly named like Blush, Poetry, Rumjungle, and Moon and Playboy, just to name a few. So let your hair down and let go!

The moment you get off the rather enormous Los Angeles airport, you will be completely overwhelmed by the magnitude of the city’s attractions and activities. The nearest point is the Howard Hughes’ Promenade which is a smallish mall but serves an outlet for the latest brands in clothing. If you are hopping between flights and have little time, Howard Hughes’ serves as a pretty nice stopover. But if the break lasts the entire day and you have time hanging heavy on your hands, we strongly suggest you take the Lot C shuttle to the Farmer’s Market where you can sample California’s fresh fruits, wines, its assortment of cheeses, and ice creams. You might also want to visit a shopping district called The Grove replete with high ranking stores and restaurants. If you have time, you might like to go to the theatre here.

If you are staying on for a while well then, you’ll be surprised at the sheer number of things you can do and the sights you can see. But where would you like to start? If you’d like to sample European hospitality in a US setting, we recommend the rather quaint Alpine Village hailed for its music festivals including the greatly-celebrated Oktoberfest, sumptuous European cuisine, and beer.

One in Los Angeles, or LA, as it is more popularly called, how can you go away without visiting Hollywood? Tour operators will only be too glad to book a studio tour for you. You will never forget the historic visit to Sunset Strip, Melrose, Rodeo Drive, etc. Visit the famed Hollywood Boulevard to get a feel of the ‘celebrity’ aura that pervades Hollywood. Do bear in mind, however, that the tour needs to be booked at least 72 hours in advance.

Certain places in LA present a happy amalgam of shopping with outdoor activity. One such place is Catalina Island where you can go on exciting boat-rides, moonlit walks and also swim in cool, clear sea-waters. You can also go shopping for electronic goods and jewelry. The art-minded might also like to visit the Catalina Art Gallery located in the gorgeous Casino Building.

Very high on the popularity list of tourists’ interest is Disneyland and its sister park known as California Adventure. You might also want to visit the Knott’s Berry Farm which is not too far away. This is an amusement park which is hailed for its ‘Wild West’ theme.

Going around the city is quite easy as the public transport system is pretty nifty. Yet you are best advised to rent a car so that you can visit far-flung areas without worrying how to get back. Good luck with your trip to good old LA!

Going around Seattle, you will get drawn into its active urban scape replete with tall buildings and wide boulevards. A microcosm of the bustling urban activity is evidently perceptible in Seattle Downtown’s Pike Place Market. A celebrated icon of the city, this is one of the oldest wholesale markets of the United States where farmers are known to sell their fresh merchandise. Constructed along the edge of a steep hill, you’ll come across fresh fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, also antiques and comic books.

Interestingly, Starbucks Coffee – the international coffeehouse chain – was founded here way back in 1971. Visible from the market are some ancient buildings like the Alaska Trade Building dating back to the early 1900s. Art lovers should not miss going to the Seattle Art Museum where you get to see African, Asian, and Native American works of art. The museum also has two shops where you can buy souvenirs and memorabilia.

If you like browsing bookshops and art galleries, Pioneer Square is a must-visit. You would definitely want to visit the Klondike National Historic Park in order to get a taste of the city’s great history. This marks the famous Yukon gold strike of 1897 when news of gold in Alaska brought thousands here on their way up north. Quite a few stayed back to build the city. There are interesting exhibits here that tell the story of the gold rush of two centuries ago.

There are quite a few things to do in Seattle. For instance, you can go on this wonderful cruise to the Blake Island National Park. Or, you can go on top of the Seattle Space Needle Observation Deck and get a sweeping vista of the city. And how can you possibly miss a trip to the Boeing Factory? It might interest you to know that Seattle used to be the corporate headquarters of Boeing. When you go on this tour, you start by entering the largest building in the world with regard to volume. Once there, you will get to see various versions of the Boeing airplanes in various stages of manufacture.

While in Seattle do pay a visit to the Seattle Aquarium with its plethora of marine life. Chief among the aquarium’s attractions is its underwater dome where you can watch fishes and mammals swim and play. For those with a love of the outdoors, you could travel down to the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville. A tram will take you through 715 acres of land housing all kinds of wild animals including cougars, bears, lynxes and bobcats. You can dismount at the Fir Bough Café for a bite before you resume your journey. And the list doesn’t end here as there’s a lot to do and lots to see. Just take your pick.

There is something about the world’s commercial centre that pulsates with a rare energy. It is an energy that bounds up and embraces you, the tourist, and draws you into its warm fold. New Yorkers are justifiably proud of their country’s rich cultural tradition and history. Home to Dutch settlers for four decades till 1664, the British took over till mid 1776. The state of New York has witnessed many battles such as the Battle of Saratoga and the Revolution.

While going into the city by boat you cannot possibly miss the Statue of Liberty. Holding aloft the torch in its hand, this icon of supremacy beckons invitingly to the traveler. One you are inside the bustling, swarming city you cannot help but be mesmerized. This is one city which never lets you get bored; it never lets you down by not providing what you are looking for.

Connoisseurs of the fine arts simply swear by the city’s bounty of museums and centers for performing arts. If you happen to be an art aficionado how can you possibly miss visiting the Metropolitan Museum on 1000 Fifth Avenue’s 82nd Street? Here, you will find everything from the arts of medieval Europe to contemporary oeuvres of international artists. You also get treated to various lectures and films on art, usually for free.

And if you wish to soak your senses in the best of the arts you should not miss a trip to the 92nd Street Y Tisch Center for the Arts. Be it film screenings, poetry reading, classical music, jazz or dance, you get it all under one roof. Plenty of it too!
And while in New York, you cannot possibly miss the Broadway shows in its myriad gorgeous theatres, can you?

New York is known as a city that never goes to sleep. The bars and nightclubs are guaranteed to keep your evenings alive and kicking. In bars like Obivia you cannot get bored even if you are by yourself. Its friendly ambience, lively music and five separate plasma screen TVs showing a different movie is enough to keep you engrossed.

During the day you could go shopping at Manhattan Mall, if you like. Here you can get the latest in fashion at pretty low prices. Or, you could go to Dave’s between 16th and 17th Streets, particularly if you want to buy men’s sweatshirts and Tee shirts.

If you have a strong literary streak, however, you could visit the innumerable bookstores the city is studded with. For out-of-print and rare books you should pop into the Strand Bookstore with its books stretched over 18 miles long.

Book lovers also flock with gusto to Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Union Square for not just its vast array of book but also events like weekly story time sessions popular with children or author-backed events like book launches, etc. As for the eating joints in New York, where is one to start? From road-side cafes to sophisticated bistros you find everything to suit every palate. As we said before, there is something in New York for everyone.

Votaries of the fine arts will never tire of soaking up the visual treats on display courtesy of the National Gallery of Art, The Philips Collection, or the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Culturally well endowed, Washington D.C. is home to the word-renowned Shakespeare Theatre Company as well as the Arena Stage, one of US’ first not-for-profit theatres. Aficionados of music might be interested to learn that the city gave rise to the genre of music known as punk rock. The city’s post-funk music called ‘go-go’ is peculiar to its ethos.

Yet the capital of the world’s number one super power is not simply known for its cultural wealth and history, it has some truly great picturesque sights. On a warm Sunday afternoon, you can go with your family on a picnic to the Constitution Gardens with its 5,000 species of crabapple, maple, dogwood, and oak trees. It is here that you will get to see the Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial.

If, on the other hand, you prefer a spot that is slightly more formal, you should try the Dumbarton Oak Gardens with its rose garden, an English-style country garden, and an imposing bamboo stand surrounding a grand mansion. And, of course, how can you forget US Botanic Garden with its tropical forest and its myriad variety of orchids?
Washington D.C. has some great eating-out joints too. In order to sample something truly exotic, you should visit Chinatown. Or, for some sumptuous chili dogs and great-tasting milkshakes you should go down to Ben’s Chili Bowl.

You’ll also find reasonably priced fare at family eateries such as Brasserie Les Halles, Pizzeria Paradiso, Daily Grill, etc. If you are a seafood fan, you just have to try crab cakes at Philips Seafood on the Southwest Waterfront. You must also sample, at the same time, the absolutely luscious blueberry buckwheat pancakes at the Eastern Market in Capitol Hill.

If Washington D.C. appears enticing during the day, it is no less alluring during night time. Bars in the city are truly inviting some of which include Shelly’s Backroom with its great food and Scotch selections. Other places of nightly interest include Ugly Mug with its enormous selection of beers, and the laid-back and somewhat veiled Dietie’s Tavern. So, go out there and have a great time!

Subsequent to the American revolution Boston became a shipping port to reckon with. It also became home to several institutions. The Boston Latin School, for example, was the first public school in America which came up in the 1635. The next year the first college in the US was built- the Harvard College. Boston also has the distinction of owning the first subway system in the country.

Steeped in history and imbued with a rich cultural tradition, maybe you’d like to commence your Boston tour with a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, also known as MFA. For those sold on Impressionism, the museum is sheer paradise. It also hosts some outstanding collections on Asian and Egyptian art. In addition, you get to view films and musical shows of a high caliber at the MFA.

A great Bostonian tradition is the Freedom Trail because of which Boston has been able to maintain its reputation as a great city for walking. If you are on the Freedom Trail you will end up seeing places connected to US’ history. Before you commence your journey you might want to visit the rather picturesque Boston Common, which is among the oldest parks of the country.

One of the most fun things you can do during your stay is to go on a Boston Duck Tour in an amphibious vehicle. You will not get wet, that’s for sure, as you go past historical landmarks like Bunker Hill and State House. The views are lovely and it’s a fun-filled ride lasting up to an hour and twenty minutes. If you want to have a bird’ eye view of the city – and more – you should walk up to the Prudential Skywalk Observatory which is on the 50th floor of the Prudential office tower. If you are lucky, you might catch sight of the New Hampshire Mountains and the Cape Cod.

You can go further up two floors and dine at the Top of the Hub Restaurant and, once again, enjoy a wholesome view of the city. Or, you can take the elevator right down to the basement and make your way towards the Prudential Mall which contains a pretty versatile food court.

But, of course, if you are a foodie, then you should head off in the direction of the Taste of Beacon Hill which offers specialties at the top two levels of the New Liberty Hotel’s atrium. For a little more pampering, you might want to visit the 35+ Table Hop where you are served three-course meals, with the tables to accompany each meal.

There is a lot to do in Boston besides touring, eating, and generally having fun. If you are a serious music aficionado you’ll find yourself flocking to the Boston Symphony Hall which is always choc-a-bloc with classical music events. You might also want to check the events in the Opera House and Wang Theatre. Have fun!

Like Sydney in Australia, Dubai in the Middle East, London in the UK, and other major cities around the world, Vancouver is a very cosmopolitan city . Walking through its gorgeous boulevards you get to hear a variety of dialects and accents. Travelers to Vancouver often marvel at the expedient blend the city presents of a busy urban scape with nature. Here, one can go skiing on the snow-topped mountains of the Pacific Coast Range and later go surfing in the Pacific Ocean.

While in Vancouver you must visit the B.C. Sports’ Hall of Fame which is a tribute to the sports’ persons and athletes of the state of British Columbia. There is also a technologically sophisticated ‘participation gallery’ which enables sports’ enthusiasts to assess their competence in various sports. Not too far away is the Christ Church Cathedral on 690 Burrard Street. Built in the Gothic style, the church is noted for its stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

Avid golfers, on the other hand, will hardly be able to resist the temptation of going down Blanca Street to view the British Columbia Golf Museum. Here they will get to see an exciting range of golfing memorabilia- right from trophies, photographs and antique clubs. You might then want to amble along to the Museum of Anthropology housed in the University of British Columbia. The museum is host to First Nation’s (original inhabitants’) artistic endeavors. You will get to see gold and silver carvings, textiles, masks and tools. You will also get to see the work of the well-known Haida artist Bill Reid, ‘The Raven and The First Men.’

Then, if you are in mood for something scenic and natural, you might want to go down to the Nitobe Memorial Garden dedicated to the memory of the Japanese diplomat and scholar, Dr. Inazo Nitobe. You can savor genuine Japanese tea here as you stroll down the two-and-a-half acre garden replete with a gushing waterfall and pond.

And now, if you are hungry, we recommend you go down to Provence Mediterranean Grill. As the name suggests, you get real Mediterranean flavor in your food thanks to the efforts of a French-cum-Italian couple. You simply have to try their grilled potatoes with goat cheese and parsley. The friendly husband-wife duo will even prepare a picnic basket if you let them know one day in advance.

While in Vancouver, how can you miss out on its piece de resistance, its oldest tourist attraction, the Capilano Suspension Bridge? This is a cedar plank 450 feet long suspended over the Capilano River. You can soak your eyes in the rain-forest scenery even as you balance yourself precariously over the swaying bridge!