Touring Macerata, Itally

Winter Travel is a good time to learn how to “go with the flow” because even though you have to do additional ROAD TRIP PLANNING to have the extras on hand before you embark on the trip, traffic delays may require you to “stop and smell the roses” even when those roses have you stalled in bumper-to-bumper traffic waiting for the road to clear up ahead.

This is where your ROAD TRIP PLAN B comes into play. If you’re a couple, this is a nice time to pull out a CD, kick back and rest your eyes while enjoying the music. If you’re a family, pull out those car games, watch a DVD together, or simply start a round robin conversation (What I’m most looking forward to on this trip is…?). Keeping everyone comfortable and in good spirits will be the order of the day, and if you’ve planned for such things, it can actually be a fun time, albeit cramped.

When planning your itinerary, pay extra attention to towns or cities near roads you think may pose traffic delays or closures. Add activities to your itinerary that could keep you and your passengers occupied if delayed for more than four hours. That way, you can pull off and go shopping, take in a movie, enjoy a long lunch or early dinner, or stroll through a museum. Add a couple of nearby hotels to the unscheduled section of your trip planner just so you’ll have the information on hand should the traffic delay be more than 8 hours.

ROAD TRIP PLANNING SAFETY TIPS

* If you are traveling with your family by car, get your vehicle inspected and check the weather conditions immediately before the trip.

* Cancel the trip if you are traveling to winter destinations and the weather forecast predicts a snowstorm.

* Some roads are not recommended unless you have a 4×4 vehicle.

* Carry snow chains

* Include a Delay of Game kit filled with snacks, car games, energy drinks, portable DVDs, portable games, blankets.

* Stow an emergency kit in your trunk containing batteries, blankets, collapsible shovel, flashlights, food, gloves, ice scraper, rubber boots, ski caps, and water for those times when you may be stuck in your car for 8 hours or more.

* ALWAYS keep your gas tank at least 1/2 full. Do not drive that last quarter tank assuming you will get to the next service station.

And now, putting the above precautions aside, and the reason you’re doing all this planning is…WINTER ROAD TRIPS ARE FUN! Just getting to your destination is more exciting because snow transforms the landscape from the ordinary to the extraordinary. And once you get to your destination, there’s toasty fireplaces, snow boots creating puddles by the front door, and steaming mugs of hot chocolate. Not to mention activities you can only do during Winter like sledding, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides!

So what are some PRIME WINTER DESTINATIONS? Here are some to get you started on your Road Trip Planning.

FOR THE FULL-ON WINTER WONDERLAND EXPERIENCE:

* Alaska Experience with All Alaska Tours (this Road Trip can give you the Winter touch even in the Spring)

* Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario

* Banff & Jasper National Parks in Canada

* Lake Tahoe in California & on the Nevada side

* Mount Rainier in Washington

* Pigeon Forge Winterfest in Tennessee

* Salt Lake City in Utah

However, Winter does not always mean knee-deep in Snow: Here are some grand Winter Road Trips where you’ll be hard-put to find snow (other than possibly some frosting atop distant mountains).

* Sedona Arizona – Red rocks, jeep tours, hot air balloon tours, shopping, spas, dining, festivals…great for a couple needing some time away from the kids.

* Las Vegas , Nevada – Vegas isn’t just about gambling & night-life, though it certainly carries both in abundance. Vegas offers winter visitors a plethora of daytime activities to enjoy.

* Virginia Beach, Virginia – Go whale watching.

Winter getaways offer activities you won’t get to experience any other time of the year so maximize your fun by planning a winter road trip now!

Australia is a country with a rich history and a vibrant culture. An Australia vacation is the perfect way to experience this unique place for yourself; the only difficult part will be choosing which sites in Australia you want to see. No one Australia vacation can cover everything, and with that in mind, it only makes sense to do your research and focus on the itinerary for one trip at a time. There are many options to explore, including whether to book a private trip or a group tour, so it makes sense to discuss everything with your travel agent before any serious planning begins.

That being said, one place that you will want to be sure to visit on your trip is Kuranda Village, a mountain retreat located 25km northwest of Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia, and surrounded by the World Heritage Rainforest. These rainforests have been home to the Djabugay Aboriginal peoples for over 10,000 years. It was not until the early 1800s; in fact that European exploration in the areas first began. Initially, Kuranda was a gold prospecting and timber settlement, and until the severe frosts of the early 1900s, the region was also known for its coffee production. Kuranda quickly became a popular Australia vacation destination, both for locals and International tourists, who reveled in the beauty of the rainforest and the magnificence of the falls.

In the late 1960s, Kuranda was the home to an eclectic mix of artists , musicians, and other creative people, who built unique houses of bricks and timber, and pioneered the open air markets that still flourish today. With this new outlet of revenue generation, the community of Kuranda prospered, and the population grew quickly, while still maintaining its secluded, natural feel.

Visitors to Kuranda today can view these unique structures, as well as the famous rainforests and stunning waterfalls. Kurandas abundance of shops and markets make it the perfect place to purchase those unique Australia vacation souvenirs. While youre there, why not take a walking tour of the exotic rain forest, or go on a nature tour to explore the many unique inhabitants of the village, including the platypus and the luminescent blue Ulysses butterfly. With so much to see and do in Kuranda Village, you will want to return again and again. Bring your camera, comfortable walking shoes, and plenty of adventurous spirit, and you wont be disappointed with the results of your Australia vacation.

Looking for romantic trips or a romantic weekend getaway in New Jersey?

This article offers tips and ideas on the best romantic places in New Jersey that appeal to couples with a variety of interests and lifestyles.

Charm, beauty, and grandeur are what make New Jersey an ideal place for a romantic getaway.

These three components combine to form that perfect setting to enhance a couple’s romantic relationship. There is nothing like spending a romantic getaway weekend in a charming Victorian bed and breakfast, taking a walk at sunrise or sunset along a beautiful beach, with dinner at one of New Jersey’s plentiful cozy, romantic restaurants.

Whether it is for a romantic getaway, a perfectly-planned wedding at the beach, or a honeymoon spot, or wandering through New Jersey’s small charming towns, New Jersey has many excellent romantic trips and places to meet your special romantic occasion.

The Best New Jersey Romantic Trips and Getaway Destinations

Cape May -

You will be hard pressed to find a more charming, romantic place in New Jersey than Cape May. Couples looking for a romantic weekend getaway find the Victorian bed and breakfasts, its beautiful powdery sand beach, and excellent selection of fine dining restaurants to be the ideal framework for that special experience. No visit to Cape May is complete without a walk on the beach at sunrise or a bicycle ride down to Cape May Point at sunset. Take a stroll down Washington Street and stop in at the many charming shops.

Clinton -

This small historic town is a favorite of couples looking for a romantic getaway with an historic feel along with charming bed and breakfasts, dining, shops and recreation. For a more unusual experience take a sunset hot air balloon ride for two topped off by a romantic dinner and a night at a charming country inn or Bed and Breakfast.

Frenchtown -

This quaint town is located on the Delaware River, is popular with active couples who are looking for a charming, historic area with outdoor activities that include biking, boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and tubing. Frenchtown also has charming bed and breakfasts and fine dining restaurants.

Lambertville -

A charming small town on the Delaware River has become popular with couples looking for a trendy weekend romantic getaway with charming bed and breakfasts, fine dining, antique and funky clothing shops, and art galleries.

Ocean Grove -

This Jersey Shore town is popular with couples looking for a romantic place with charming, Victorian bed and breakfasts, a clean, wide, beach, and a tree lined village with shops and BYOB restaurants. It is also the home of the Great Auditorium, a wooden structure with 7,000-seats and the nation’s largest pipe organ. The Great Auditorium is the venue for many concerts and nationally known performers.

Spring Lake -

This Jersey Shore town is popular with couples looking for an upscale relaxing, romantic seashore experience without the honky-tonk t-shirt shops or other commercial tourist found in other oceanfront destinations. Spring Lake has many sprawling Victorian mansions with wraparound porches, a wonderful beach, with a two mile non-commercial boardwalk that is ideal for jogging or a slow walk. They have several excellent fine dining restaurants and a quaint village with galleries and shops.