Family Getaways for a Little Time Together

TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS – http://routebyroad.com

The bigger your family, the harder it is to find time to spend with each other. Family getaways are one way to carve out some time in that hectic schedule.

Family Getaways For A Little Time Together

If you have a family, you know how hard it is to schedule a trip. Everyone in the family has a different idea on where to go, and a different schedule to work around. The kids might have sports events and music lessons, while Mom and Dad have a job to go to. If a long trip isnt in the cards for your clan, family getaways can be a great solution to taking a trip together.

There are many different family getaways that can be fun and entertaining to the entire group. Depending on your area of the country and the time of year, you can visit such diverse places as the Catskills in upstate New York or the Wisconsin Dells. Many resorts and hotels offer packages to families looking for a short stay, and with the number of different activities available in these areas, there will be plenty to fill up your time.

If you choose to stay in the Catskills, a picturesque area of New York State that is in the Adirondack Mountain range, you will have a lot to see and do. This area was made famous by people from New York City, who flocked here in the 1950s and 1960s to stay in the relative wilderness and calm of the Catskill area. If you enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, swimming and just plain relaxing, this area is for you. The Rocking Horse Ranch, located in New Paltz, New York, offers families horseback riding, outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming and much more. This resort is all-inclusive, so everything comes with one price including activities and food.

Living in the Midwest United States might mean a trip to New York is out of the question, but that doesnt mean you cant enjoy the beautiful Wisconsin Dells. Known as the home of the indoor waterpark, this area has the most indoor waterparks in the world. The Great Wolf Lodge, in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, has over 70000 square feet of indoor waterslides for your enjoyment. It is also home to a 20,000 square foot live video game adventure known as Wileys Woods. Many other nearby water and amusement parks make this destination a kids paradise if you have younger ones.

Family getaways may not be as long as the week trips of past generations, but there is still a lot you can see and do in a short time. Choose a resort area that has much to do in a small area, and spend your together, enjoying all that your getaway has to offer.

Family Getaways for a Little Time Together

Chita Siberia a Little History

TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS – http://routebyroad.com

In 1999, I decided to live a year in the city of Chita, Russia. For those not in the know, Chita is a city in Siberia.

History

The City of Chita is a the administrative center of the Chita Oblast, which is similar to a state. It is located smack dab in the middle of Siberia and is about 500 miles east of Lake Baikal.

From the 1930s through the end of communism, Chita was a closed city. During this period, foreigners were prohibited from traveling to Chita as were many Russians. The basis for the closing of the city was apparently its proximity to China and military installations.

In some circles, Chita is known as the City of Exiles because prominent intellectuals starting with the Decembrist were exiled to the city after failed uprisings in 1825. Despite this informal name, the arrival of the Decembrists was a boon for the city. The well-educated exiles made an effort to educate the citizens of Chita and pursue trade. Through these efforts, the City became a major trading portal in Siberia, particularly since the natural resources of the area included timber, gold and uranium.

Architecturally, Chita is a clash of styles. Foremost, Chita is populated with communist concrete buildings. The apartment buildings are almost universally five stories tall and, frankly, not the most appealing things youve every scene. In contrast to these soviet signatures, Chita is also populated with individual homes made primarily out of wood. The homes are the equivalent of those you would see in any mountainous area and are very comfortable. Clashing with these two styles are a number of buildings in the center of Chita.

During World War II, a significant number of Japanese soldiers were taken by the Russians as prisoners of war. Through whatever machinations present at that time, they were put to work in the construction industry. Yep, you guessed it. In the center of Chita you will find buildings with a definite hint of Japanese style. The buildings are not overtly Japanese, but they definitely differ from the other styles present.

Having lived in the city for a year, I can definitely say it is worth a visit. The Trans-Siberian Railway passes through the city, so access is very easy.

Chita Siberia a Little History

Block Island Rhode IslandS Little Secret

TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS – http://routebyroad.com

Block Island is a refuge for people and nature. Youll discover towering cliffs, stunning views and some of the best beaches on the New England coast… and without the crowds. You see Block Island takes a little bit of effort to get there, and this is good news for you, as most people wont take the trouble to take the one-hour ferry ride from the mainland.

But its their loss… and your gain.

Block Island is a seaside jewel lying 12 miles off the southern coast of Rhode Island. This is a place where nature clings to every pond, stone-walled trail, beach, and everything in between. Its a paradise for cyclists, and a haven for those ready to leave the trappings and demands of the mainland behind.

Most people take the ferry from Port Judith, which takes one hour across The Sound, and plants you in the hub of Block Island at Old Harbor. A Seasonal ferry service also runs from Newport RI and Montauk NY.

Coming to the Island is a shift in time, with its rugged undeveloped reserves… and open field farmlands… and narrow roads lined with stone walls and wild roses. Block Island invites you to relax in dress and time. Its a chance for you to rediscover nature again, and appreciate this geological remains from the last Ice Age.

Heres suggested destinations to help you enjoy Block Island to its fullest…

THE VIEW FROM MOHEGAN BLUFFS…

You dont want to miss the view from Mohegan Bluffs. Take the Mohegan Trail from the village of Old Harbor out to the Bluffs.

Mohegan Bluffs overlook the southern coast of Block Island, and on a clear day you can see Montauk, NY on Long Island, about 18 miles away. The cliffs tower 200 feet above the shoreline and offer stunning views of the landscape and the Southeast Light. A steep set of wooden steeps leads down to the beach below.

At this beach a marauding band of Mohegan Indians were repressed by the local tribe, and gave name to the bluffs.

THE BLOCK ISLAND LIGHTHOUSES

Block Island has two lighthouses: Southeast Light and North Light.

Southeast Light sits atop Mohegan Bluffs and was moved back from a perilous position on the cliffs in 1993. This is an attractive redbrick lighthouse built in 1875, and contains a museum inside for you to explore.

North Light is at Sandy Point on the northern tip pf Block Island. This is the fourth lighthouse in this location and was built in 1867. Two of the previous lights were washed away and the third was dismantled because its position did more harm than good.

North Light is within the boundaries of the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, and thats where we were heading anyway…

BLOCK ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Located on the North End of Block Island the refuge is now a 127-acre habitat for wildlife and for visitors to enjoy the wonder of this natural environment.

If youre a bird-watcher then the fall season offers a spectacular opportunity to view migratory birds, especially songbirds. Bring your camera and binoculars for a very special trip to a very special refuge.

The shoreline area runs from Settlers Rock to Sandy point and the North Light, and then from here to Great Salt Pond. This is an ideal area for walking, bird watching, and breathtaking views.

BLOCK ISLAND BEACHES & PONDS

Block Island beaches are the first stop for many first time visitors. The choices are many and varied. It has 17 pristine miles of gorgeous beaches.

The two-mile Crescent Beach area consists of four beaches: Frederick J. Benson Beach, Scotch Beach, Mansion Beach, and close to the ferry landing is Ballards. These tend to be the most popular, but dont forget just a few minutes bike ride away are deserted beaches, where you can enjoy your own spot of peace and harmony.

For such a tiny area, Block Island boasts an amazing 365 ponds – thats right – one for every day of the year. So as you bike and hike around the island, it doesnt matter where youre at… youre only a few feet away from water.

Permits are required to fish the freshwater ponds.

Other things to do on Block Island include: visits to Manisses Animal Petting Zoo, Settlers Rock, located at the end of Corn Neck Road near a beach on Rhode Island Sound – the rock marks the landing point of European settlers of Block Island in 1661, and kayaking in New Harbor.

Block Island is a well-kept secret. Very few people know about it as a superior vacation destination. And to be honest that suits me just fine. Ill continue to take my trips and enjoy the sanctuary it offers. But Ive shared it with you now, so you have to promise to visit… soon.

While Block Island is a great place to visit for the day, youll get more time to enjoy the island if you stay overnight, or even longer, at any of the varied lodging available. But advanced booking is a must.

Inns and bed and breakfasts abound on the island, with many located near the village of Old Harbor and nearby New Harbor.

Block Island Rhode IslandS Little Secret

Siberia Russia Part 5 Khabarovsk and a Little Russian

TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS – http://routebyroad.com

In this continuing series, we cover my move from San Diego to Chita, Siberia to be a professor at Chita State Technical University. We pick up the story outside the airport in Khabarovsk, Russia.

Khabarovsk

Khabarovsk is an amazing city. Museums with works from Picasso, Rembrandt and other masters. A bustling downtown area with cafes, a lively music scene and architectural triumphs. Then again, maybe not. We were far more interested in finding a hotel with hot water and never ventured into the city.

Outside of the airport, we were a bit flummoxed by the fact there appeared to be no taxis. We quickly learned that practically any Russian with a car is also a taxi for hire. After 5 minutes of egging each other on, Grae made taxi arrangements and we were off. Apparently taking in out disheveled appearance after 3 days of traveling, our driver suggested the Intourist hotel. We readily agreed.

During communism, Intourist hotels were set up for exclusive use by foreigners. Ours was fairly nice and, importantly, had showers with copious amounts of hot water. You can see a picture at website: www.lodging.ru/hotels/intouristkhab.asp. After having returned to humanity with one of the best showers of my life, it was time to brush up on my Russian skills.

I am a huge fan of ice hockey. During the eighties and nineties, many of the best players were Russians. In interviews, they almost always talked about learning English by watching television. If it worked for them, it would work for me. Not exactly.

As Grae showered, I flipped through the eight available channels. Sitcoms were a non-starter, but I eventually found a news channel. I see the images. I know what the images are. I hear the words being spoken by the reporters. I have absolutely no idea of what words go with what images. Okay, lets back up. What words do they use over and over? Damn, do they have to talk so fast? After 30 minutes, I have learned nothing, nada, zippo. My respect for Russians playing in the NHL has never been higher.

Might as well sleep on it. Yes, day three of the trip was finally done. My original prediction of a 2-day trip was out the window. Still, we were in Russia, so how much longer could it take? Pull out a map and take a look at the country. It is twice the size of the U.S.

Next When Stairs Attack

Siberia Russia Part 5 Khabarovsk and a Little Russian