A White Mountains Vacation – Most Scenic 100 Miles in New England

This amazing trip through the White Mountains of New Hampshire includes gorgeous views, a visit to the home of the world wind speed record, and one of most scenic train rides in the east.

The White Mountain National Forest is a 4-hour drive north of Boston, Massachusetts. Deep in New Hampshire, the mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountain system that covers the Eastern United States. Within the forest park is the White Mountains Trail, and it’s a drive that’s arguably the most scenic 100 miles in New England. Here’s a selection of my favorite stops along the way – some of them require prior planning and are day trips in themselves.

WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST VISITOR CENTER

Most people begin the drive from the White Mountains Visitor Center in North Woodstock on route 112 and head out on route 3N to the Franconia Notch area.

If you’re traveling with kids then you’ll want to pencil dates back in this area at the Clark’s Trading Post, and The Whale’s Tale attractions — both in Lincoln on route 3N. At Clark’s you can see Bears, ride a steam train, climb towers, and generally keep the young ones happy. The Whale’s Tale is a water park with a wave pool, picnic areas, and live entertainment.
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Crown Princess Debuts June 14th With a Host of Firsts

From a shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the Crown Princess has been taking shape over the last year. Though you would never know it from seeing construction photos, this massive body of steel beams will soon be sculpted into a luxury vessel boasting a list of firsts including innovative features, fresh amenities and new ports of call that will sail you off into the sunset of your choosing.

Several distinctive differences are noted about Crown Princess. Upon her maiden voyage in June 2006, she will be the first in the Princess Cruise fleet to sail roundtrip Caribbean itineraries from New York (Red Hook, which is located in Brookland). Unique destinations await passengers including the Eastern Caribbean port of Bermuda. Equally fascinating are the added ports of Grand Turk and the Turks and Caicos Islands which have been virtually undiscovered until now.

Along with the Grand Turks port comes 20 new shore excursions. As innovative as the port itself, adventures of all activity levels will be available to passengers from exhilarating Harley rides to relaxing super-sized pools.
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Sail the Florida Keys

At the south point of Florida, there is a chain of islands 170 miles long that is embedded in turquoise water. This is the Keys, bordered by the unique living coral reef in the United States. The subtropical climate and the extraordinary beauty of the Atlantic have made this ecological wonder one of the most prized destinations for sailors.

Sailboat Chartering With or Without a Captain

You can choose from four types of sailboat vacation:

Leasing the sailboat without a captain or “Bareboat Chartering” – The sea has no secrets for you or your crew and you are capable of bringing the sailboat back to port even if a hitch happens during your trip.

Chartering a sailboat with a captain – You prefer to have a captain on board to help you with the bowline knot.

Sailboat training – You want to learn to navigate or you wish to enhance your knowledge. Charter companies offer courses at every level, for groups, couples, for a weekend or for the whole week.

Cruising with a captain and cook – You watch them raise the sails and manipulate the sauce pans, while you take it easy.

Choosing a Sailboat

The marinas cannot always accommodate boats that are too big. Also the draft of your boat should not exceed 4.5 to 5 feet and the beam 13.5 feet to 14 feet. We prefer mono hulls from 40 to 43 feet long. They combine space and comfort and generally find a spot in the small marinas of the Keys. These boats are also better equipped than the smaller sailboats. Catamarans rarely find a dock large enough and must anchor outside.
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Flights Offer Costs that Aren’t in the Initial Bill

People take flights each and every to destinations around the world. Airlines are becoming experts at getting the most money out of both frequent and infrequent fliers. While some people fly routinely and often for business, others fly only for vacations or when there is absolutely no way whatsoever to get out of taking flights to reach their destinations. I would fall into this category.

The last time I took a flight, however, I was in for quite a shock. Things that were once a traditional part of the flying experience now come at premium prices. You must now swipe your credit card in order to use the headphones required for the enjoyment of the on flight movie. It’s truly amazing. Meals are now ala Carte and the prices are more than the average consumer would pay for microwave meals.

If you are planning to take one flight or several flights in the near future, hear are a few things I suggest to keep your pocketbook from going on an unnecessary diet. First of all, pack a good book and skip the in flight movie. If you are traveling with children, bring handheld games, crayons, coloring books, and snacks. Even if you aren’t traveling with children it is much wiser to bring your own food and drink onto the plane rather than paying the premium prices that the airlines are charging. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a light jacket onboard with you if you get cold on flights.
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