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Why India Should Be Next on Your Destination List

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Known as one of the most ancient countries in the world, India plays host to millions of tourists every year. If you are looking for India travel packages, here are just a few reasons why India should be next on your destination list.

Friendly Locals

One of the reasons why tourists find India one of the top places to visit is down to the friendly locals. If you decide to visit the rural areas, you are bound to interact with some of the most accommodating and kindest people in the world. You may also be invited into a local’s home for some Indian food where you can get a real taste for the cuisine on offer. If you get lost or need some guidance, there is always a local nearby to help you on your travels.

The Taj Mahal

Known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is quite simply the most symbolic landmark of India. Also regarded as the most famous monument on the planet, the Taj Mahal was built by Shan Jahan (the emperor of India). Taking a trip to this iconic landmark will enable you to immerse yourself in the glorious surroundings and stunning views. Make sure that you plan when to visit as the site can get incredibly busy with tourists.

The Cuisine

No matter where you decide to travel to in India, you are sure to find a wide range of delicious foods to try out. If you are planning to head to the north of the country, you will be able to try out various thick and creamy curries that are influenced by Mughlai and Persian styles of cooking. If you are heading to the south, you are likely to find many ingredients such as seafood, rice, and coconut in your dishes. India also caters well for vegetarians, especially as a huge proportion of Hindus follow a vegetarian diet.

The Beaches

If you are looking for a vacation where you can sit back, relax and unwind from the daily stresses of life, you will be coming to the right place when it comes to vacationing in India. The country has a wide range of stunning and idyllic beaches dotted across the south, giving you plenty of choices. There are also various remote beaches which will suit those who are looking for a quiet and peaceful trip away, such as the Palolem Beach, which is only 90 minutes south from Goa’s airport.

Getting Around

Traveling somewhere new can be a daunting experience, especially if you have not done your research on the country you are planning to visit. With that in mind, there are various India travel packages that you can take advantage of, which will help you get the most out of your vacation. Make sure that you take time looking at all the travel packages on offer to ensure you pick the right one for you. There are packages to suit all age groups and dynamics so whether you are travelling to India alone, as a couple, with friends or with family, you are sure to find a travel package specifically tailored to your needs.

A Place to Unwind

Another reason why India is so popular with tourists is because of its calming and spiritual nature. Many tourists head to India for some time away to relax, unwind and immerse themselves in the calming and soothing environments that India has to offer. There are various exercises that you should try out when in India such as meditation or yoga. To get the most out of your Indian experience, you could take part in a fire worship ceremony, enabling you to soak up all the rich heritage and culture that India boasts. Whatever you plan to do, you are sure to regard India as one of the most spiritual and relaxing places on earth.

As India is a vast country with a population of over 1.3 billion, it is important that you brainstorm which parts interest you the most. However, be sure that you get quality services, as with Capital Resorts Group in the US. Having a plan in place will help you decide on what area you want to see and do to ensure you get the most out of your vacation.

The post Why India Should Be Next on Your Destination List appeared first on The Muse Box.


Why Buying Your Orlando Park Tickets Online Makes So Much Sense

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If you plan to visit Orlando this year then the best way to make sure that you maximize every moment of this trip is to get your preparation right. Planning for this trip is the only way to squeeze every last drop out of it and you need to ensure that you’re on the front foot when it comes to your travel plans. This means working out your itinerary early, getting your car rental arranged, working out which parks you plan to visit and then getting your tickets booked online before you go. This final piece of planning is something which many overlook but getting your tickets online is very important, and here is why.

Availability

It can be rare for theme parks to be full up but there are often some days throughout the summer months when these theme parks can reach their full capacity. When you are on a vacation like this you need it to run like clockwork in order to hit everywhere that you have planned to, which is why not being able to enter the park is simply not an option. When you buy online before you go you can travel safe in the knowledge that you have a place, and that you have your tickets in hand for the big day.

Saving Money

If you have a quick search online you’ll find that there are many third party companies who can offer you discounted tickets to parks like Disney World and Universal Studios to name just a couple. In fact we bought tickets to Universal Studios in Orlando last year before we left, and the discount was almost 20% cheaper than if we’d bought them directly from the park. A vacation like this is already going to be an expensive one so finding ways of saving money is always going to be a good idea. Buy your tickets online and count on some great savings.

Lines

You can expect to spend much of your time at the theme parks waiting in lines, like it or not this is just a fact of life and unless you plan to spend money on queue jumpers, it is par for the course. One line which you don’t have to wait in however is the line at the entrance for buying tickets, not if you have bought them in advance online. When you arrive at the park there will be a line for those buying, and a far shorter and faster moving line for those who already have their tickets locked down. Be smart and get your tickets online before you leave home, download them to your smartphone or print them off, and then waltz past the line of people looking to buy, and get the jump on being first to the rides.

We know that you’ll have a lot preparations to make ahead of this trip, just make sure that buying your park tickets online is part of those plans.

The post Why Buying Your Orlando Park Tickets Online Makes So Much Sense appeared first on The Muse Box.

A Bus Tour of Silicon Valley Startups Turned Giants

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Silicon Valley offers a collection of few of the greatest spaces that can inspire and intrigue young tech minds. It does not matter if it is a corporate retreat for a group of your colleagues from office or a purely educational trip for the students in your class, a trip to the home of the greatest giants in the tech world, many of which began and grew from their humble startup roots, has much to offer.

When you are planning a tech retreat to the Silicon Valley of all places, you need to know that traffic is going to be a problem and so are the sheer number of formalities you might need to go through before you can visit the campus of your favorite tech giants. So, just in case the planning of the trip is starting to seem too much to handle, here is a list of helpful advice that will make the planning seem as easy as cakewalk:

Planning the journey

Once you know how many people are definitely going to be joining you on the trip, your job is at least half done. Depending on the number of people going, you can go for a san francisco minibus or coach bus rental. Not only will this take most of the stress off you, but the journey will also be a lot more comfortable for the guests since everyone will have ample space to lie back and stretch their legs when they feel tired. And since the buses come with professional drivers who know the routes better than you do and are armed with GPS devices, you don’t have to go through the trouble of taking out maps and having to chart out the best routes. All you need to do is decide on which pit stops you would like to make so everyone can freshen up and restock on snacks and there’s always ample supply of water and caffeine.

Choosing the destination(s)

Another good thing that comes out of knowing exactly how many people will be joining you is getting to do the bookings early, and we don’t just mean the hotel bookings. A lot of tech campuses offer guided tour of the entire area. But these spots sell fast so you need to know exactly which campuses the group wants to visit so the bookings can be done early on. Some of the best tech spaces that you might not want to miss out on are:

Alphabet

This campus is pretty much a treat to behold, the entire space designed to inspire creativity and keep the greatest tech minds in the world entertained.

Apple

Perhaps getting to buy a lot of its merch is a good enough reason to go to the Apple campus, but the sheer access they provide you with so you can watch how the gears turn from up close pretty much takes the cake for us.

Facebook

The Facebook campus is harder to visit than most other campuses. So, if you plan on going here, you need to stock of your contacts. If one of your colleague’s friends of a friend knows someone from this campus, chances are that they might be your only way in so you should get in touch with them early.

Plan the networking time

It doesn’t matter how well you get with your work colleagues, long hours being stuck with each other in one vehicle can tend to get on anyone’s nerves. So, plan for the long hours full of just travel with games that help build the collaborative spirit of the team. A simple game of charades or two truths and a lie can go a long way to cheer everyone up and get the team spirit going. A playlist full of good music will also help. And end the long day by heading to a mixer or a small luncheon with everyone. After all, nothing says team spirit more than sharing good food, some alcohol and swaying to some good tunes.

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An India Itinerary – Where You Need To Check Out

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Source: Peter Anta on Pixabay

India is a land of contrasts and sometimes challenges. The whole subcontinent is full of sights, sounds, tastes and smells that may seem extremely strange to you, a traveller, but it’s all part of the experience of travelling in such a unique and colourful region. With so many amazing things to see, do and experience in India, it can be hard narrowing it down to just a couple of places if you’re only there for a short time. Many travel-hardened folk suggest spending at least a month in India to give it the time it deserves, however that would include you only going to a handful of places. To really do the whole country properly, you’re looking at six months minimum, possibly as much as a year. Here is a great list of places to add to a shorter India itinerary, so you can start thinking about what you definitely have to see in this beautiful and sometimes strange country. So book a cheap flight and get your visas in order – India awaits!

Golden Triangle

This region, known colloquially as the Golden Triangle, includes the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and is one of the most popular tourist trails in India, especially for first timers. This route takes you to the three main cities in the area – Delhi (or New Delhi) the capital city, with its markets and bustling streets is likely the first place anyone will find themselves when travelling to India, and so it makes sense to start from here. The Triangle takes you out to the city of Agra, a challenging place with a lot of poverty and pollution, but it’s where the Taj Mahal is located and so it’s a popular option for tourists. The final stop is Jaipur, also known as ‘the Pink City’, due to its trademark pink buildings that flood the city, giving it a warm and inviting glow at any time of day. Jaipur is also home to a number of interesting forts and palace grounds which makes this an inviting stop once you get out of the big, big city of Delhi.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is the capital of India’s Uttarakhand state and is home to numerous centres for spiritual studies, yoga and meditation. The River Ganges runs through Rishikesh and while it’s considered holy throughout India, it’s particularly sacred in Rishikesh. Ashrams are numerous here, and if you’re looking to learn yoga, meditation or any other type of spiritual point of interest, this is where you will want to come. Based in the foothills of the Himalayas, it’s cooler and less stressful than the bigger cities, so even if you aren’t into spirituality, it’s a welcome escape from some of India’s bigger cities. 

Goa

Down the west coast of India is the state of Goa, a bit of a hippie haven with a real thing for parties, nightlife and psytrance music. While it’s easy to find a party here, there’s also a quieter side that will be welcome to most travellers at some point in their journey. Spice plantations are plentiful and the area has retained a bit of the influence from its time as a Portuguese colony on the Arabian Sea. Many buildings still survive from this period, making Goa an interesting place with a bit of interesting history, culture and influence that differs from other regions in India. Beaches, beach restaurants and beach accommodations are plentiful here, and it’s a good area to base yourself if you’re hoping to explore further into the southern states like Kerala or more eastern areas like Chennai. 

Varanasi

Probably the premier city in India that you have to have on a list of things to do and see is Varanasi. A popular spot for many as their final resting places, the funerary pyre on the banks of the Ganges here are frequented with cremations that are public. While it may seem to be a bit on the macabre side, many have reported it to be an awe-inspiring and interesting thing to witness. The rituals and rich beliefs of the Hindus who come here after death to be cremated and their ashes put into the Ganges really hammers home the deep faith that Hindus have in the sanctity and sacredness of their beloved river. Varanasi dates back to the 11th century BC, so just being here is like being at the cradle of civilization in India, and some of the temples and buildings have a feel like they could almost be that old. 

Darjeeling

Set in the Himalayan foothills on the other side of the country from Rishikesh, Darjeeling is a beautiful mountain town that was formerly home to the British Raj elite. Hints of these times of yesteryear are still evident in some of the architecture and names of restaurants, hotels and the like. The higher altitude means cooler weather, often rainy and/or foggy, a perfect climate for the delicious black Darjeeling teas that grow on tea plantations throughout the region. Darjeeling is still famous for its narrow gauge railway, also known as the ‘toy train’, which is a unique and enjoyable tourist attraction that was completed in 1881. 

So with just these couple of great places to check out in India, hopefully you have an idea of just a few of the really interesting and welcoming places that make this beautiful, bustling and sometimes weird country what it is. This is literally only the tip of the iceberg though, but we’ll let you figure India out for yourself. It’s usually much better that way!

The post An India Itinerary – Where You Need To Check Out appeared first on The Muse Box.

Best Temples to Visit in Hong Kong

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Are you up for a tour of spirituality and serenity in Hong Kong? Then you should visit the below-listed temples; two or three of them at least to get a glimpse of the local religious beliefs and different cultures. You can check the flights online by clicking on this link if you are travelling from London to Hong Kong.

  1. Po Lin Monastery

Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island is famous for the Tian Tan Buddha, a huge bronze statue of Lord Buddha that’s visible from miles away, while you are on the 360 cable ride. The monastery was founded in 1906 by three monks and was initially known as the “The Big Hut” but it was renamed as the Po Lin Monastery in 1924. The main shrine of the monastery houses three bronze statues of the Buddha. Tian Tan Buddha, which was completed in 1993, is an extension of the Po Lin monastery. The statue is a bronze statue standing at a height of 34 meters and it symbolizes the relationship between nature, religion and man. Six other bronze statues surround the Big Buddha statue and they seem to be flowers, incense, fruits and lamps etc. to the Buddha statue. You can also attend the 1-week meditation retreat that takes place in February to learn about Buddhist doctrine and meditation practices.

  1. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is a mid-20th century Buddhist temple located in 220 Pai Tau Village of Hong Kong. The monastery is only accessible by climbing 431 steps to the top of a hill. It was built by a Buddhist monk known as Reverend Yuet Kai in 1957 with the help of his Buddhist disciples. This monastery contains about 13000 Buddha statues of different sizes and poses and spreads over an area of 8 hectares. Most of the statues date back to the time of the Tang Dynasty. The attraction itself is the path leading to the monastery because the path is lined with Golden coloured Buddha statues. The monastery is also divided into two levels as the lower level and the upper level. The lower level contains a nine-storey pagoda and the upper level is dedicated to Buddhist and Taoist Buddha statues. But there are no practising monks here and as of now, it is run by Buddhist laymen.

  1. Wong Tai Sin Temple

Wong Tai Sin Temple is an outstanding temple in Hong Kong because it practices three religions- Taoism (Wong Tai Sin), Confucianism (Confucius) and Buddhism (Guanyin). The main religious practice is Taoism as the entire temple complex is dedicated to Wong Tai Sin or the Great Immortal Wong. The most iconic feature here is the traditional Chinese architecture like red pillars, vibrant paper lanterns, memorial archways, Taoist drawings, and beautiful carvings of mythical creatures. The first memorial archways out of the three have the name of the temple while the second and third memorial archways are located near the fortune-telling stalls. Fortune-telling is done through ‘Kau chim’. Incense sticks are lighted, then you have to kneel before the altar, make a wish and shake a bamboo cylinder containing fortune sticks until a stick falls out. This stick is then looked out and the piece of paper having the same number as the stick is explained to tell your fortune.

  1. Man Mo Temple

Man Mo Temple is one of the most visited temples in Hong Kong. It is a temple dedicated for the literature god Man Tai (文帝) / Man Cheong (文昌) and the martial god Mo Tai (武帝) / Kwan Tai (關帝). Therefore, the Man Mo Temple is approached mostly by the students in Hong Kong and it was popular back then in the times of the  Ming and Qing dynasties for the same reason. There are many Man Mo Temples in Hong Kong- the largest out of them is the Man Mo Temple, built-in 1847 which is located on 124–126 Hollywood Road, in Sheung Wan. This temple is a part of a temple complex consisting of another temple and a building; Lit Shing Kung Temple and Kung So. Lit Shing Kung Temple is dedicated to all the gods of heaven while the Kung So is the building where the community disputes were settled back in the old days. And if you want to see the temple’s vibrant nature you should consider visiting it in the Chinese New Year Celebrations or on the birth date of Lord Buddha.

  1. Chi Lin Nunnery

Chi Lin Nunnery, set in a beautiful backdrop is a large Buddhist temple complex located in Diamond Hill, Kowloon, Hong Kong. It was founded in 1934 by some Buddhist nuns. The Chi Lin Nunnery’s architecture comes from the Tang Dynasty with beautifully carved statues of Sakyamuni Buddha, the goddess of mercy Guanyin and other bodhisattvas. All the statues in the temple hall are made of either wood, stone, clay or even gold! So, by visiting this temple you have a chance to see real golden Buddha statues. The speciality of this architecture is that the entire temple complex is built with cypress wood without using nails or other metals. These building complexes of the temple are the only buildings in Hong Kong to have such an architectural style. Also, the temple houses some relics of Buddha. The Lotus ponds with bonsai and bougainvillaea flowers add to the beauty of the temple and double the feeling of tranquillity. You can also visit the Nan Lian Garden, near the Chi Lin Nunnery as it also has the same architectural styles as that of the temple complex.

  1. Tin Hau Temple at Lam Tsuen

There are many Tin Hau Temples in Hong Kong, but the one at Lam Tsuen is the most popular with its wishing trees and Well Wishing Festival. Before talking about what wishing trees are let me tell you about the history of this fascinating temple. Tin Hau Temple at Lam Tsuen is dedicated to Tin Hau, the goddess of the sea who is believed to be protecting the fishermen of Hong Kong. So, a wishing tree is a camphor tree identified as a god by the people who celebrate this festival. The Well Wishing festival is associated with the wishing trees where people make wishes by tossing joss paper. They burn the joss paper and light the candles under the wishing tree and hope that their wish will be granted.

  1. Pak Tai Temple

Pak Tai Temple is located in the Cheung Chau island of Hong Kong. It is a Taoist temple dedicated to Pak Tai, the Supreme Emperor of the Northern Heaven. But the story of Pak Tai is fascinating; he was a prince of the Shang Dynasty who fought the Demon King and won the battle. After this incident, he was titled Yuen Tin Sheung Tai and was worshipped by the locals. However, Pak Tai was famed in the Cheung Chau because of its first settlers named Huizhou, Guangzhou and Chaozhou. They were fishermen who worshipped the Pak Tai, and when there was a never-ending plague, Huizhounese had installed a statue of Pak Tai and the plague had disappeared. Therefore, to pay respect and gratitude to Pak Tai the locals constructed the Pak Tai Temple in 1783. The most famous Taoist festival of Hong Kong, the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, is held in this temple and attracts thousands of visitors at the time of the festival. It is held on May or April 8th depending on the times of the Lunar calendar. It is also famous for the traditional architectural styles like the green roof and the location of the temple which was based on a place with good ‘Feng Shui’.

  1. Che Kung Temple

Che Kung Temple which is also known as the Che Kung Miu is a Grade II historic building located in Tai Wai of Hong Kong. There are many Che Kung temples in Hong Kong, and they are dedicated to a general named Che Kung who lived in the times of the Southern Song Dynasty. There are two temple complexes in the modern place; the old temple and the new temple. The old temple which is the original one out of the two was built at the end of the Ming Dynasty and it was last renovated in 2004. But people have criticized the renovations saying that the original look of the temple has faded away with the new additions. These new additions included the green glazed ceramic tiled roofs that add to the beauty of the Che Kung Temple. You will see large crowds here in the time of the Che Kung Festival, the general Che Kung’s birthday and that reason alone, contributed to the construction of the new temple beside it in 1994. At present, the original temple is preserved and is open to the public on festive occasions. The new temple is 8 times bigger than that of the old temple and it contains a giant statue of general Che Kung in the main hall. You can also try turning the fan blade of fortune beside it three times to get a good fortune in the future.

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Must-Visit Places in the Deep South

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The Deep South of the US has an identity all of its own, and visitors come away enthralled and exhilarated by its mix of culture, cuisine, and unique way of living. So, if you are looking to experience some of that world-famous southern hospitality yourself, here is a guide to some of the spots you simply have to visit yourself.

Atlanta

First up, we have the city that became the origin of the American Civil Rights Movement, and people have flocked to experience it for themselves as the city has increased in population. Famous residents have included Sir Elton John, Jimi Hendrix, and Bobby Brown. As you would expect this is a city that comes alive at night with its live music scene. If you’re planning a visit, plenty of Atlanta airport parking is available at what is usually the busiest airport in the world.

New Orleans

Taking a stroll around the French Quarter in New Orleans feels like stepping back in time in an old European city. Of course, there is the famous Bourbon street to walk along, but there are also plenty of narrow alleyways that you can stroll through. This is another city with music at its heart. After all, it is the birthplace of jazz. You should also take the time to fill up on some Cajun and Creole cooking at its very best!

Memphis

Next up on the list, we have Memphis, which is perhaps best-known for the former home of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll Elvis Presley, otherwise known as Graceland. The lively heart of the city is around Beale Street, which is where you will find the restaurants and blues clubs. Again, this is a city known for its food and music, so take time to soak up everything that it has to offer culturally.

Nashville

Moving on to an entirely different musical tradition, we have the country music home of Nashville, which is where the Country Music Hall of Fame can be found. Known as one of the friendliest cities in the country, this is where you can experience some first-class southern hospitality.

Savannah

Our final choice on the list is Savannah, which has the title of being one of the spookiest places in all of America! As you would expect, embarking on a ghost tour is one of the most popular activities for visitors. Nightlife is one of the other big draws of the city, and you can enjoy all sorts here from alternative bands to live jazz, as well as everything in between!

These five cities demonstrate why a visit to the Deep South of America is a worthwhile trip for anyone – whether you are from the country or not. Ultimately, they are the places where you will find some of the richest cultures, and they are the birthplace of some of the country’s most incredible movements, music, and food.

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5 Reasons To Consider Renting a Charter Bus For Your Next Break

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Have you ever thought about chartering your very own bus for a group vacation? If not then we are going to show you exactly why this is a great move and one which is going to provide you and the group with so many benefits. Traveling around the world is a little tricky right now given the pandemic situation, and tat has prompted so many people to get out and enjoy some domestic tourism. If you do have some short breaks planned, here is why chartering a bus maybe a great way to travel.

Low Cost

Average bus charter rates are incredible low and when you compare that to heading off in a convoy with a group of half empty cars, it really is significantly cheaper. Remember that it is not just the cost of the gas which you are taking into consideration here, but also the depreciation of the vehicle, adding miles to it and the potential risk of anything happening.

Spending Time As a Group

Hitting the road on a chartered bus in a group means that you all get to spend time together, which of course is exactly why you travel in a group in the first instance. This gives you all a great chance to maximize your time together.

Eco-Friendly Option

This may not be the main reason why you decide to charter a bus but it is a massive bonus and advantage of doing so. One vehicle is always going to be more environmentally friendly than multiple and you can reduce the need for many vehicles and travel in one when you charter a bus.

Comfortable

When most of us think about bus travel we conjure up images of repurposes school buses or uncomfortable travels on an outdated coach. The truth however is that buses are incredibly comfortable and this means that you get to really travel in style. Whether you are relaxing with a movie or looking to catch some sleep on the journey, the space will be perfectly comfortable for both activities.

No Pressure

Certainly one of the biggest benefits which so many enjoy when they charter a bus is that it completely removes the pressure of driving, parking and generally having a car with you. This means that everyone can enjoy a glass of vino with their meal without the worry of going over the limit, it means that if a driver has a poor night’s sleep that they don’t then have to drive tired, and it of course reduces the risk of things going wrong on the journey.

For group travel, this is a fantastic way to get around and it really adds something to the vacation on the whole. Any ideas which you have around price and comfort are probably wrong, so before you book that rental car or fill up your own vehicle, check first to see if there is a charter bus company in your area which you could use, you may be surprised.

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Road-Tripping Through Florida

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Road trips are an American pastime. Few states are as well-suited to it as Florida. Unlike western states, Florida is barely above sea level –– so there are no enormous mountains or areas of wide open space to traverse. Any trip by automobile has its risks, though. If you are injured by another driver while road-tripping in Florida, you may want to speak with a Lakeland car accident attorney

With 65,000 square miles of land mass –– and two time zones –– Florida is a lot bigger than most eastern states. Besides a variety of weather and cultures, it offers a greater diversity of diversions. For one, it boasts 1,200 miles of coastline –– with the Gulf of Mexico on the Western side and the Atlantic Ocean on the Eastern. A complete guide to road-tripping through Florida would be a very thick book, but here are some highlights. 

Northeast

The cliche in Florida that “the further North you go the more Southern it gets” reveals itself along the Northern Gulf Coast. Nicknamed the “Redneck Riviera,” it offers Southern charm, small restaurants, and skyscraper condos. You can travel I-10 the 200 miles from Pensacola to Tallahassee or opt for the slower, coastal FL 20.  

While Panama City Beach is famed for its nightlife and Spring Break revelry, smaller towns like Fort Walton Beach provide pleasant reminders of the state’s past. Nearby St. Andrew’s Bay boasts the world’s largest population of bottle-nose dolphins, where boat tours let you see them up close and personal. 

Continuing along the I-10 to the East, you can visit state capital, Tallahassee. Political junkies will enjoy a very walkable tour of the House and Senate buildings, while football fans will want to check out SEC champs, the Florida State Seminoles.

Gulf Coast

Along the Gulf coast, Naples offers some of the best beaches in Florida, plus everything from high-end shopping to top-rated restaurants. Nearby Marco Island offers both natural attractions and well-appointed resorts. 

From here you can venture into the Everglades via I-75 South, taking exit 101 on County Road 951 and heading to Marco Island, you’ll take a left at the intersection of US-41 South. The sign for Collier-Seminole State Park lets you know that you’ve entered the Everglades. Just keep an eye out. At night, panthers and alligators often cross the road. For a different sort of wildlife, consider a few days enjoying the Southernmost point in the United States. 

Keys

Heading South along the US-1 from Miami, expect to spend four hours traveling this highway into the Keys. At the halfway point, Marathon Key boasts cheaper food and lodging than Key West as well as the Dolphin Research Center and The Turtle Hospital –– where you can spend time with sea turtles in recovery. 

In Key West, the home of famed writer Ernest Hemingway can be toured. You can also opt for the Duval Crawl ––venturing into numerous bars lining the street. Just 90 miles from Cuba, Key West’s relaxed island vibe is different from anywhere else in the state. Many visitors have decided to become a local.

South Florida

Back on dry land, Miami Beach is famous around the world and for good reason. The Art Deco district offers tours that take visitors back to the style’s heyday in the 1930s. 

Visitors hoping to get out of their comfort zone can imbibe at nightclubs that serve drinks until dawn or lose their inhibitions at Haulover Beach, Florida’s best known nude beach

Taking I-95 N will speed travelers to Ft. Lauderdale and to Palm Beach. Or, you can conclude your road trip with a visit to two world famous landmarks. More than just a home to history, including the Apollo launches, today Cape Canaveral offers visitors the chance to watch manned and unmanned SpaceX rockets take off. Further north, St. Augustine is the oldest European settlement in the United States. Any of these attractions will not only round out a road trip but offer diversions that can last for days.

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A Guide to NYC’s Musical Past and Present from Arlo Hotel

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New York City is the center of art, finance, and theatre, and it’s no surprise it’s also a focal point for music. Scores of amazing musicians have come from the five boroughs and visiting New York City is a music lovers dream. At Arlo Hotel we welcome many musically inclined guests who want to experience the city’s musical history and highlights.

A first tip for these guests is to simply experience the city as a symphony. We mean to take in all of the traffic sounds, people walking, construction, and other parts of the city as their own musical beats that have inspired locals and visitors alike for decades.

After COVID-19 restrictions fade, music lovers will again flock to Radio City Music Hall. One of the most famous live music venues in the world, this beloved stage has wowed audiences since its opening in 1932. Featuring nearly 6,000 seats, the Radio City Music Hall is both grand and intimate, giving audiences a great evening with their favorite musical entertainers.

Another iconic Manhattan venue we love at Arlo SoHo NYC Hotel is 1,200 capacity Irving Plaza, located in the Union Square neighborhood. This venue has hosted many famous acts including the B-52s, Talking Heads, the Ramones, many British bands, and various others. It’s the premier spot for punk and new wave bands that shaped modern music.

Across the Brooklyn Bridge there’s Avant Gardner, an outdoor space occupying 80,000 square feet in East Williamsburg. This venue features several stages, including the outdoor The Brooklyn Mirage which combine to create the biggest entertainment venue in Brooklyn.

Tourists to NYC also seek out the residences of famous musicians, including The Dakota, a co-op building on the Upper West Side that was the previous home (and location of the tragic death) of John Lennon and Walter Becker, the co-founder of Steely Dan.

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3 Great Vacation Destinations to Get Away for Awhile

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Life has a funny way of telling you it’s time to take a break. This might be one stressful day at work too many, pulling your hair out over dealing with traffic, or having to review the roof insurance claim process after a storm rolled over your house. Whatever the reason, you need to get away–take a vacation to relieve some of the built-up stress that is dragging you down. But what to do? There are so many places to visit and explore within the country, and even more outside of it, but let’s just stick within the states to make things easy. So what are some great vacation destinations to get away for awhile?

Colorado

If you don’t mind a little snow in your boots, the state offers several ski resorts where you can shred through the white tundra and stay in warm cabins. Wanting to connect with nature? Visit Rocky Mountain National Park, where you can observe wildlife, lakes, forests, mountains, and meadows. You can camp, ride horses, or just explore the countless trails the park has to offer. You can get different experiences depending on the seasons, so plan your trip accordingly.

Washington, D.C.

Full of rich history, D.C. has plenty of different sites to keep you entertained. There are numerous museums, some of which have free admission, which are both interesting as well as enlightening–the Smithsonian of Natual History, Smithsonian of Air and Space, Smithsonian of American History, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Art Gallery, the International Spy Museum, and so many more. During certain times, you can also get a tour of the White House, the Capitol, and the Washington Monument. If you enjoy learning about the country’s past and want a more relaxed vacation, this is the place to visit.

Hawaii

You’re going to need your sunscreen for this one. Hawaii is often referred to as one of the best tourist destinations in the United States. You can hike national parks with volcanoes, swim with the dolphins and manta rays, go snorkeling with sea turtles, visit waterfalls, observe botanical gardens, and close the night off with a hula show and fire dancers, all while staying in an exotic resort or native home. While fairly expensive, you won’t get an experience like this anywhere else in the country.

Ending Thoughts

Whether you decide to go barreling down a snowy mountain or opt to lay out in the sun sipping on a coconut, these are all great vacation options when you’re needing to getaway. If none of these interest you, don’t worry; there are many other destinations to visit, like Florida, California, and Arizona. The only real challenge is deciding where to go!

The post 3 Great Vacation Destinations to Get Away for Awhile appeared first on The Muse Box.





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