Things To Do In London: Kew Gardens and More!

Among the most refreshing things to do in London this summer is a visit the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. Located in west London, the Kew Gardens, as it is commonly referred to, offers you the opportunity to neutralize the heat of the season by cooling off in a vast green environment.

The Kew Gardens is primarily a botanical research center and a training ground for professional gardeners. There are tens of thousands of different collection of orchids, ferns, cacti, mountain plants, tropical lilies and other plants. Since its establishment, it has attracted millions of visitors from all over the world, making it one of the most popular things to see and do in London. The 326-acre site consists of greenhouses, walks, pavilions, lakes, museums, tropical lilies, a forest and some of the architectural crafts of Sir William Chambers. The newly-constructed XStrata Treetop Walkway makes a visit to the Kew Gardens even better. With no additional charge to the gardens' entrance fee of $25.50, (children 16 and under enter for free with every accompanying adult), visitors now have the chance to experience the trees and wildlife at 18 meters high. The walkway also allows you to have a bird's eye view of the entire Kew Gardens as well as the London skyline.

The best thing about the Kew Gardens is that it has its very own London Underground Tube station making it easily accessible for everyone who wishes to visit the arboretum and all the other attractions and activities within the area. If you wish to catch live musical performances, you can check out either Carling Apollo Hammersmith or the Sheperds Bush Empire just about three miles from the Kew Gardens. The two serve as concert venues for both local and international artists, and over the years have hosted some of the world's finest musical acts like the Beatles, Bob Marley, the Rolling Stones, Incubus, the Black Eyed Peas and more. The Museum of Rugby is also located near the Kew Gardens. In the museum, you will find a huge collection of books, balls and programs related to the sport and its history. Displays of shirts, photographs of former Rugby legends are spread throughout the museum.

There are a lot of restaurants, bars and pubs near the Kew Gardens. You might even find it difficult to choose where to go for a meal or a drink. The Pizza Express serves authentic Italian dishes at a very reasonable cost. The Travelodge Kew London is just around the corner to take care of your accommodation needs while you enjoy your Kew Gardens visit and all the other things to do in London during your summer vacation.

Summer: Fun Things To Do For The Family In New York City

There are more than just a handful summer things to do in New York City. If you are looking for fun, exciting and energy-filled activities for a family vacation, then the Big Apple is perfect for you.

One thing you can do to start your summer vacation is to get a 360-degree bird's eye view of the five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island), its surrounding waters and the Statue of LibertyEmpire State Building's Observatory. Additionally, within the Empire State Building is an interesting ride that will definitely be a hit to kids of all ages – the New York Skyride, which provides a three dimensional virtual tour of the entire city. from the

It is best to join tours and cruises in the beginning part of your New York City summer trip to have an idea of all the things to see and do that the city has to offer. The Liberty Cruise provides an interesting introduction of New York City with amazing views of the Manhattan skyline and Ellis Island. The cruise, of course, includes an up close look at the great American icon, the Statue of Liberty, that will sure give you a renewed sense of freedom.

If you are looking for something educational and interactive for your kids to do this summer, New York City has the world's best museums that you can take them to. The Children's Museum of Manhattan caters to the inquisitive minds of young children which houses exhibits that will challenge their creativity. The museum features themed displays, such as Nickelodeon's Dora The Explorer and Diego, to catch the little kids' attention and to entice them to participate in the activities. Older kids, on the other hand, will truly enjoy roaming around historic aircrafts, particularly those used in the second World War, in the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum.

Summer means lots of outdoor activities. Hit any of the New York City beaches and join all sorts of fun things to do. You can take this opportunity to teach the little ones how to swim, build sandcastles with them and look for shells that you can add to your collection. The older kids can learn how to surf and join beach games such as frisbee, volleyball and tennis. Some of the beaches hold events and festivals that you can also check out with your family to feel the New York City vibe.

One of the best things to do to enjoy the nice summer weather is spend an afternoon in Central Park. It is a great opportunity to be close to nature in the middle of a busy city. Your family can have quality time together for a little picnic. Kids (and parents) can have fun with a carousel ride and inline skating. You can also visit the Central Park Zoo for some wildlife encounter – lions, zebras, penguins, polar bears and over a hundred more different species of animals.

New York City is a shopping mecca. Whether you are looking for clothes, shoes, accessories or toys, New York City has a store waiting for you. Your kids can express their creativity by making their personal stuffed animal at the Build-A-Bear Workshop. A visit at the FAO Schwartz will definitely make your kids go wild. It is the ultimate toy store any kid could ask for. You can find everything at FAO Schwartz – from the regular Barbie dolls and TransformersMercedes 500SL. collectibles to kid-sized

Hotel accommodations are aplenty in New York City. There are even those that are particularly family-friendly. Among the best places for your family to stay is at the Hilton Times Square. The hotel lobby holds an entertainment complex complete with restaurants, retail stores, a movie theater and even a wax museum. Hilton Times Square has a program especially made for kids and also offers babysitting services. The best thing about the hotel is that it is located right in the middle of Times Square, giving you an easy access to all the fascinating summer things to do in New York City.

Romantic Summer Things To Do In Seattle

The weather hints that summer is just around the corner. It is time to narrow down your summer break options and start planning your vacation by checking out various destinations, attractions and activities that appeal to you the most.

Fly in to Seattle for a romantic weekend getaway this summer and enjoy the dozens of things to see and do in the city for a much-needed break. See all of Seattle and Puget Sound from the world-famous Space Needle. Plus, with the nice and clear summer weather, you can also get to see Mount Rainier from a distance.

One of the best things to do in Seattle is to join one of the many guided tours and cruises the city offers. The Seattle Harbor Cruise lets you enjoy a narrated trip over Elliot Bay and Seattle Harbor as you view spectacular panoramic profiles of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, the stunning city skyline and even a glimpse of one of the world's largest shipping terminal, all under the beautiful summer sun.

Downtown Seattle's urban cultural attractions, arts venues, classy restaurants and retail stores provide a romantic ambiance suited to every couple. Visit the Experience Music Project and feel free to create a compilation of your favorite songs. You can even compose your own love songs together. Afterwards, you can do some shopping at the many establishments you will find in the area. The choices are endless – national and international shops, local boutiques, furniture and art galleries, novelty stores, upscale designer goods and outlets, Downtown Seattle just has it all! Grab an early Italian dinner at Serafina to catch an evening professional baseball game of the Seattle Mariners at the Safeco Field. For this romantic weekend getaway, the Westin Seattle's luxurious amenities is perfect for your accommodation needs.

Take in more of the flavor of Seattle by spending some time at the Seattle Waterfront. Capture the eclectic taste of the city by clicking your cameras away with the Puget Sound and the towering skyscrapers as backdrops. The Seattle Waterfront also holds the Colman Dock where the ferry to the Bainbridge Island awaits both residents and visitors to board to experience the small-town charm of the island. Make the most of the sunshine this summer break by having an afternoon picnic and a swim at Madison Park Beach. After which, you can go for a romantic boat ride over the very cherished in-city water, the Green Lake.

Make the most of the last night of your weekend getaway in the city by having a romantic dinner and a bottle of wine (or discounted margaritas) at the Terrace Garden, an outdoor restaurant where you can enjoy the evening breeze and some privacy. Sipping some summery drinks and dancing the rest of the night away at the Cuban-themed club, Havana, would be a great way to conclude a very memorable romantic summer break in Seattle.

Adventurous Motorcycle Road Trip to Alaska

Every road trip planner dreams of conquering the roads of Alaska. Here is an idea for an adventurous motorcycle road trip over the 49th state.

This road trip will surely entice every motorcyclist all over the United States, wherever they are coming from. The first town you will encounter from the Alaska Highway is Tok where you can camp or lodge in a comfortable hotel for a good night's rest before continuing your excursion the following day.

Carry on with your motorcycle road trip through Alaska by making your way to Valdez. Take Alaska's first highway, the Richardson Highway. The scenic highway is absolutely made for the road trip enthusiast as it is full of twists and turns, a mountain pass, elevation gains, waterfalls and glaciers as you travel along Wrangell-St. Elias and the Chugach Mountains. Valdez houses a number of glaciers that you can check out by cruising, flight seeing, walking or just riding by. You can also take a break from riding by fishing for different species of salmon and halibut or you amaze yourself by watching marine and land wildlife such as sea otters, harbor seals, mountain goats, and black and brown bears.

Every motorcyclist taking an Alaskan road trip would most definitely want to visit the Harley Davidson shop in Anchorage. The ride from Valdez to Anchorage is over 551 miles. The experience is well-worth it as you take on the journey under Alaska's midnight sun. Take the tour around the Harley Davidson shop and get ready to be impressed by the innovative structures and engines of these world-famous bikes. You do not need to worry about accommodations as there is a campsite just beside the Harley Davidson building where you can set up your tent free of charge.

Continue your Alaska road trip on your motorcycle by driving 240 miles north of Anchorage to Denali National Park. Marvel over the majestic Mount McKinley and other spectacular mountains. The park is extremely huge and you are free to all the activities it offers. Give your bike a break and relax by doing some fly-fishing. If you are up to something active, you can ride a mountain bike and join a tour of the park, or go rafting or kayaking. Or, if you want to try something new, go on a helicopter flight seeing and heli-hiking and enjoy jaw-dropping views of Anchorage and other parts of Alaska. From Denali National Park, head north through Fairbanks to the isolated tundra of the Arctic Circle, where you are to experience almost twenty four hours of daylight. There are lots of campgrounds in the area for those who choose to stay for the night.

The thousands of miles you conquer, the challenging twists and turns, the picturesque sceneries you pass by, and the extraordinary experiences you get to tell your friends and family back home will make this journey to Alaska all worth it. It is certainly one of the most memorable excursions in every road trip planner's list.

Things To Do In St. Louis: Summer Vacation For The Family

The many things to do in St. Louis offer a world of fun and excitement for the family. The city's fascinating attractions and amusing activities make it a prime vacation spot for this summer!

The best way to start your St. Louis summer vacation is to visit the city's famous landmark: the Gateway Arch. The 630-foot tall and 630-foot wide arch offers a unique tram ride that lets you have amazing views of the city and the vast expanse of the Mississippi River. The Gateway Arch is located inside the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial where you will find the Museum of Westward Expansion.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is the oldest garden in the United States. It is among the top-rated botanical gardens all over the world with its showcase of twenty gardens set with different themes such as the Japanese Garden and the Chinese Garden. There is also a Children's Garden that features different exhibits, including the Butterfly House. The Children's Garden offers a fishing trip, a wilderness wagon trip and other adventurous family-oriented summer activities. The garden also teaches children how to care for the environment by planting trees and more.

Note: The Missouri Botanical Garden will be having its annual Japanese Festival on August 30th to September 1st. The festival celebrates the Japanese culture with a tour around the Japanese Garden, art exhibits, traditional Japanese parades, musical and theatrical performances, and kimono and cooking demonstrations. Entrance fee is only $10, with discounts for senior citizens and children under 12 get in for free!

There are other things to do in St. Louis that offer free admissions, making your summer vacation with the family even better. St. Louis Zoo allows visitor to enter the premises free of charge, but various special zoo attractions have entrance fees. To make the most out of your day in St. Louis Zoo, purchase the Safari Pass which takes you to all the special attractions for only $10. St. Louis Science Center is another freebie attraction where your kids can see full-size animated dinosaurs and hundreds of other interactive exhibits.

The City Museum is a great place for both kids and parents. It has three floors of interesting and educational rooms. The attraction features an indoor play area with imaginative caves, crawling tubes, slides, circus, art workshops and a gallery of oddities. Feel free to go around and marvel over the displays of the enchanted forest, architectural museum and the gigantic aquarium.

St. Louis' Forest Park is more than just a park – it is a community! There are more than just a dozen things to see and do in the park such as the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, the Science Center, the Missouri History Museum and other cultural institutions. The world's oldest and largest outdoor musical theater, The Muny, is also located in Forest Park. The Muny currently stages two of the most successful musicals in recent history: The Producers and Disney's High School Musical.

Accommodations and dining options are easy to locate in St. Louis. The Westin St. Louis is conveniently within walking distance to the Forest Park and is overlooking the Busch Stadiums, home of the St. Louis Cardinals. Restaurants, on the other hand, are spread all throughout the city. Try the city's best burgers at Blueberry Hill located in The Loop, Charlie Gitto's On The HIll's toasted ravioli, or Ted Drewes Frozen Custard's treats that will definitely complete your list of summer things to do in St. Louis.