The U.S. Virgin Islands include the islands of St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas, Water Island, and many other surrounding minor islands. At any time of year, a visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands is a holiday that offers the very best of beach vacations. Adults enjoy the pristine scenery and kids have lots of space to run around. The powdery sand on the white beaches is perfect for building sand castles.

While part of the United States, West Indian culture remains these islands’ strongest influence. Calypso and reggae music is often heard, and you can find culinary delights such as curried meats, callaloo soup and mango-sweetened microbrews.

Since joining the U.S. in 1912, the islands pull out all the stops to celebrate Independence Day. Imagine celebrating with rum punch and Caribbean-themed all-night beach parties. The celebration includes loud music, parties, parades and fireworks over the waterfront of Cruz Bay on St John. St. John is the focal point for July 4th festivities, but each of the islands has something special to offer at this time.

If you’re in the U.S. Virgin Islands for July 4th, you will also be able to participate in Carnival. Carnival is the biggest party of the year in this area, and each island holds its own celebration. Carnival combines European and African traditions and features Calypso music, steel pan, food festivals and parades. The Carnival in St. John starts in the last week of June and culminates on the Fourth of July.

During Carnival, you will see fun events such as boat races, a greased pig contest, and a toddlers’ derby as part of the festivities. There is a series of elimination contests. A food fair presents the islands’ best traditional fare. A competition is held to crown the King and Queen of the parade troupes. A children’s and adult’s parade with bright costumes and decorated floats close the carnival.

Not only this is an exciting time to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, but airfare to the isles is cheaper in late June and July. Hotel rates are nearly half off their winter high rates. Celebrating July 4th here is a real cultural treat and also an affordable family vacation.

For a Fourth of July celebration with Caribbean flavor, celebrate the nation’s birthday in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Your entire holiday can feel like a party, and your family will think of July Fourth in a whole new way.

Bringing your pet along

This can be an attractive option since your pet is part of your family. Leaving it behind can seem so wrong! Traveling with your pet is becoming more and more feasible as more motels are becoming pet-friendly.

However, having your pet along can limit what you do on your vacation. Your pet may spend too much time alone in your hotel room. As well, traveling can be stressful for the pet.

Boarding your pet at a kennel

When pet owners decide to leave their pet behind during vacation, they often think of boarding their pet at a kennel. There are many types of kennels to choose from. Some are mom and pop operations and others are more like luxury hotels. Your vet may even offer boarding services. Kennels are popular choices because they offer different price ranges, and are a simple solution if you don’t have a friend or neighbor to help, or if you can’t afford a pet sitter.

On the flip side, boarding your pet can be very stressful for the animal. They usually have only a small cage to themselves with limited exercise time. They are surrounded by other animals they don’t know. Though kennels can provide very good care, the staff won’t give your furry friend the quality care and attention they’re used to.

Pet sitting

Another option is to hire a pet sitter to come into your home and care for your pet. This is a desirable option because your pet can stay in its home, and not deal with the stress of having to leave. As well, a professional pet sitter can follow your pet’s normal routine and schedule. The pet sitter can also water your plants, pick up the mail, and give your house that lived-in look while you’re away.

There are professional pet sitters for hire, or you may want to hire a student or friend. On the downside, hiring a professional pet sitter can be expensive. Even if you choose to use a student or a friend, it can be stressful for you to have someone stay in your home while you’re not there.

Neighbors

If you have a neighbor who likes pets, or who at least likes your pet, enlisting them to care for your pet while you’re on vacation may be an option. Your pet can stay in its own home while your neighbor comes by on regular basis to walk, feed, and let the pet outside.

One thing to consider before asking a neighbor to help is that this type of situation can put a strain on your relationship with your neighbor. When they need a favor later on, they may expect you to help them because they helped you out. Also, it can be uncomfortable having your neighbor in your home while you’re not there.

While you’re making your travel plans, remember to carefully plan what to do with your pet while you’re on vacation. No one option is the best for every pet owner, and what works for you this time may not be the best option for your next trip.

But without proper planning, the trip of your dreams can turn into a nightmare. Cranky children, overexertion, and the chronic complaint of, “I’m bored,” can ruin a trip for even the most devoted grandparents. Here are some tips to help you plan a successful trip with your grandchildren, and make memories that you will both enjoy.

• Communicate with the child’s parents. Before you make any plans for traveling with your grandchildren, you need to talk with their parents. Find out if they feel their children are ready to travel without them. Ask about the children’s likes and dislikes, interests and schedules. If you can stick to their routine while traveling, your travel companions will be much happier. You’ll want to design a trip that caters to their interests and needs.
• Do a trial run. Before going off on your “grand” adventure with your grandchildren, do a trial run first. Take them on a short overnighter or two-day trip away from home without their parents. This will be the true test of how well they do away from home. If they get homesick after one night away from home, better to find out now than when you’re embarking on a 10-day vacation. This will also test your own endurance levels.
• Plan the trip together. The best way to get your grandchildren excited about traveling with you is to plan your trip together. Get their input about what kinds of activities they want to do and where they want to go. This way you can be sure you’re planning a trip they’ll enjoy.
• Bring along documentation. When traveling with your grandchildren, bring along any documentation you might need. They should have I.D. and emergency contact information on them at all times. You will also need a recent photo in case they do go missing. In case they need medical attention, bring along notarized authorization forms. If they take any medication, make sure you bring it and the dosage instructions with you.
• Look at packaged vacations. Some travel companies are offering packaged vacations for grandparents traveling with their grandchildren. By taking a packaged vacation designed for you by travel experts, you can be sure that both you and your grandchildren will have fun. There are packages for visiting dude ranches, touring the countryside, going overseas, and many more.
• Explore the National Parks. This can be a fun, affordable vacation for grandparents traveling with grandchildren. They offer discounts for seniors, and lots of space for children to burn off their energy. You can try tent camping or staying in a hotel in the park. National parks offer activities both you and your grandchildren will enjoy, such as hiking and wildflower and animal viewing.
• Go to the beach. For a more relaxing vacation, consider renting a beach house or staying in a hotel along the beach. Kids can spend hours playing in the water and sand without getting bored. You can relax by the waves with a good book.

Traveling with your grandchildren can be the experience of a lifetime. Following the above tips will help make sure it is a positive one.

A travel gift card works like any other gift card. You purchase it by putting the value on it that you want to give the recipient. As the traveler uses the card, money is deducted from the card for each purchase they make.

There are basically two different types of travel gift card. One is a plastic card that looks like a regular gift card you would get from any store. These can be easily stored in your wallet or purse like a credit card. The other type is an e-card that is received in the recipient’s email.

If you’re giving a plastic travel gift card, the traveler must have the gift card in hand in order to use it. This means that if you’re giving it for a special date, you will have to order it early so the card can be delivered on time. You can choose to have the gift card sent to you and then give it to the recipient personally.

Alternatively, when you order from the travel provider, you can arrange for it to be sent directly to the recipient. Plastic gift cards, while easy to store, can also easily be lost and used by someone else. Therefore they should be treated carefully like cash.

E-cards work differently because they are sent to the recipient’s email address as soon as your purchase transaction is cleared. This means they can make a great last-minute gift for someone who loves to travel. However, you must be sure you have the person’s correct email address.

The email will include a code or a gift card number the recipient must use to redeem the card. These can be a little more secure than plastic travel gift cards. They are nearly impossible to lose as long as you keep the original email.

Travel gift cards can be purchased to pay for an entire trip or for a part of the trip. They are available from hotel chains and airlines. They can also be used to pay for bed and breakfast stays. If you would like to give someone a cruise, you can get a gift card from a cruise line.

Before purchasing your travel gift cards, be sure to read over the terms and conditions. Each travel provider has different conditions of usage for their gift cards. You wouldn’t want to spend all that money and find out that the recipient couldn’t use it after all. As well, some gift cards have expiration dates.

Travel gift cards are a wonderful way to help vacationers stretch their travel budgets. By giving a travel gift card, you can pay for the majority of a trip or just pay for a few luxuries to make a trip extra special.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast who frequently ventures into bear country, you should carry a bear spray for your own safety. It should be carried in a quickly accessible location on your person in case you have to use it to scare off a bear that’s on your trail.

The Guard Alaska Bear Spray is a highly effective and recommended bear repellent, which has been scientifically proven to be extremely powerful. It is recommended for use on all bear species and is registered with the EPA (Environment Protection Agency). The spray range is between 15 – 20 feet. I like the fact that the Guard Alaska Bear Spray is environmentally safe to use and does not contain any ozone destroying chemicals.

In my opinion, bear spray is a must have if you are planning on having a “bear-free” time in the great outdoors. It could safe your life and is certainly worth the money spent.

Where to buy: www.amazon.com

The town of Telluride is situated in a rugged canyon in the heart of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Stunning mountain views are accessible almost everywhere you look. If you take a short drive to the Lizard Head Pass summit, you can get an even better view of the San Juan Mountains. For those who love waterfalls, a visit to the two-pronged Bridal Veil Falls and the scenic Bear Creek Falls is a definite must.

During the summer months, Colorado offers an explosion of color with wildflowers springing up everywhere. Against the backdrop of the snow-topped mountains, it is a sight you won’t forget. It is a beautiful setting for your summer vacation.

In the winter, skiing is the most popular activity for visitors to Telluride. But during the summer months there is also a lot to do. One activity you can do in the summer is to ride the gondola from the town of Telluride to Mountain Village. The gondola is free during the non-ski season and is a perfect viewpoint for the gorgeous mountain scenery.

In the summer you can also go fly fishing in mountain streams, hiking up mountain trails, mountain biking, and taking in exciting cultural events and concerts. Telluride also offers restaurants, shops and spas for your relaxation and enjoyment.

Another reason why Telluride is popular during the summer is its temperate climate. For those who want an escape from the extreme heat of summer, this can be an ideal time to visit. The average temperatures in July and August are around the upper 70s. You might even find you need a sweater or a jacket in the evenings.

Over the summer, Telluride is well known for its fun-filled summer festivals. From late May through October, Telluride offers an event almost every weekend. They include the Balloon Festival, the Wild West Fest, the Bluegrass Festival, the Wine Festival and much more. You will always have a new activity to take in during your stay.

One more thing you can do while visiting Telluride is experience its exciting rivers in a whole new way. A white water rafting or kayaking trip will give you a great opportunity to discover picturesque canyons, lush riverbanks, abundant local wildlife and exciting rapids. A rafting or kayaking adventure will ensure this is a trip you remember for years to come.

Whether you visit Telluride in the winter to enjoy its famous skiing or during the summer to take in the flowers and festivals, you’ll be sure to have an experience of a lifetime.

Independence Day celebrations kick off in America’s birthplace with scores of free events lasting throughout the day. There is an Independence Day Ceremony, an Ice Cream Festival, the family-friendly festival Party on the Parkway, and concerts and fireworks. You will find many ways to celebrate the nation’s birthday while you’re here.

While you’re visiting, be sure to explore the city and its many offerings. Philadelphia has a fascinating history. It’s a city of many firsts. It was the site of the first presidential mansion. It’s home to the first public zoological gardens, founded by Benjamin Franklin. The first daily newspaper was also published here in 1784. The first American piano was constructed here in 1775, and the first computer was booted up in this city in 1946.

One attraction you may want to visit is the city hall, which is unlike any other. For one thing, it is topped by a 37-foot bronze structure of William Penn. With 642 rooms, this building is the largest city hall in the country, and no steel structure supports it. The 27-ton cast iron statue of Penn is the largest single piece of sculpture on a building.

Another must-see attraction is Independence National Historical Park. This is the most historic square mile in America. In this area, you will find several key places from America’s history. Here the Liberty Bell first rang out to summon Philadelphians to the State House yard to hear the first reading of the Declaration of Independence.

You can also visit the historic buildings of Old City, and especially along Elfreth’s Alley. This is said to be the country’s oldest residential street. Walking through the area, surrounded by cobblestone lanes and historic homes is sure to take you back through time. You’ll feel like you were living in the time when so many of our nation’s historic events occurred.

However, Philadelphia has much more to offer than just historical sites and landmarks. It offers a diverse array of cultural and culinary experiences. The city also has beautiful museums, an abundance of shopping and performing arts experiences.

This year, you can experience our nation’s birthday in a whole new way by celebrating at its birthplace. You may never think of July Fourth in the same way again.

The Guinness Book of Records named the Montreal Jazz festival the largest jazz festival in the world in 2004. Over two and a half million guests attend each year. Each year, the festival offers its guests 650 concerts over 13 days. This is where to come to see the famous jazz musicians you love. Past festival performers have included jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and many more. In 2010, the festival will run from June 25 to July 6.

The Jazz Festival is held in the beautiful and unique Canadian city of Montreal. While you’re not attending the festival, you can explore the many beautiful sites the city has to offer. Montreal is an island city on the St. Lawrence River. It is bilingual, but is the largest French-speaking city in North America. It is also the cultural center of the province of Québec.

One of the city’s most famous sites is the Notre Dame Basilica. Built in 1656, this is Montreal’s oldest Catholic church and one of the largest churches in North America. It’s known for its intricately designed interior that chronicles the history of the city. In the evening, the entire family can be entertained by a sound and light show that presents the history of Montreal and the Notre Dame Basilica.

Another interesting site is the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. This is one of Canada’s most famous museums and offers a collection of international and Canadian exhibits. The museum building is of interest too. The original museum from 1912 is connected with the 1991 annex with underground galleries.

Montreal is also famous for its Botanical Gardens. The gardens feature over 20,000 different plant species. They have the largest Chinese Garden outside Asia and a Japanese Garden complete with a tearoom and a bonsai collection.

When traveling with children, they will be entertained by many fun activities outdoors. You can explore Old Montreal, which was founded in 1642. At Jacques-Cartier, the area’s central square, you might find jugglers, mimes, face painters, and other street performers. You can also take the kids to visit the Montreal Science Centre which features several interactive exhibits.

If you love music, the Montreal Jazz Festival is an event you can’t miss. Not only will you experience great music, you can also discover the beautiful and exciting city of Montreal.

If you are lucky enough to be planning a trip to the Yukon in Canada, the Yukon guidebook by Bradt Travel Guides (author Polly Evans) will be of tremendous help.

Yukon is one of nature’s paradise in Canada’s North. It has spectacular snow-capped mountains, beautiful clear lakes, waterfalls and amazing wildlife, from bears, moose and caribou. It is the perfect place if you are seeking solace away from civilization and want to explore the natural environment. It is also a sought-after and ideal area to go hiking, fishing, canoeing and other wilderness activities.

This guidebook gives lots of interesting historical stories to give an insight into the Yukon’s traditions and culture. You can also read up on geography and climate, as well as when to visit to experience the amazing Northern Lights. In my opinion, it benefits greatly from the beautiful color photographs that make this guidebook very attractive to look at. The book provides suggested itineraries of popular trips and generally gives lots of practical tips on travel money, health and safety, tour operators, festivals and events, shopping, accommodation and whatever else you may need to make your trip successful.

The book covers in great detail places like Whitehorse, The Alaska Highway, Kluane National Park and Reserve, Skagway and the South Klondike Highway, Dawson City, The North Klondike Highway and the Silver Trail.

So, if you are thinking of an unforgettable trip to this beautiful part of Canada, whether to pan for gold or paddle in the wilderness, the Yukon guidebook would certainly provide you with all the essential information and more to make your planning stage easy and enjoyable.

Where to buy: www.amazon.com

Since the Yukon is so far north, if you go during the summer months, you can expect nearly 24 hours of daylight each day. During the winter, you can expect long, dark days.

When looking for a log cabin to rent, choose one in an area that offers activities you want to experience. Some log cabins are in areas accessible only by water, so you’ll need to be comfortable canoeing to and from your rental. Many cabins are in remote locations or near the wilderness so all the treasures of the Yukon will be nearby.

While in the Yukon, you may want to visit Lake Laberge for snowmobiling and fishing. Takhini Hot Springs is another popular spot for tourists. It offers recreational activities for every season, including hot pools, an outdoor climbing tower, and walking and cross-country skiing trails.

Some other popular sites to see are Dawson City, the capital of the 1898 Gold rush and an abandoned Ghost town that was founded during the Silver Rush of 1911. For fishing and canoeing, you can visit the many rivers of the Yukon, including Big Salmon River, Wind River, Yukon River and Liard River.

To help you explore the surrounding wilderness, there are hiking and biking trails to follow. You can explore games trails to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife. For the more adventurous, dog sledding is a challenging activity that you might enjoy if you’re in relatively good physical shape.

One of the highlights of the Yukon is the diverse wildlife. If you stay on the main roads, you will miss out on seeing the diverse fauna of the Yukon. Get into the wilderness in a canoe or on a hiking trail, and you can see animals ranging from timber wolves to peregrine falcons.

In the spring, look for bald eagles coming inland to the Yukon from the Alaska coast. You might also see loons, golden eagles, black bears, grizzly bears, moose, caribou, fox, wolves, and smaller animals such as marten and squirrels.

While you’re in the Yukon, be sure to look for the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. This is one of nature’s most fascinating night-time displays. Aurora viewing season is from about the middle of August until the end of April. Unfortunately, they can’t be forecasted more than four to five days ahead, which makes it difficult to plan your trip around their viewing times.

A log cabin holiday in the Yukon can be an unforgettable experience. With so much to see and do outdoors, this is a wonderful vacation idea for nature lovers.