Ebook Let's Travel - USA edition #1, 2014 by Publishing Group NZ

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Let’s Travel THE MAGAZINE FOR CORPORATE AND LEISURE TRAVELLERS

SPECIAL USA EDITION 2014 THE MAGAZINE FOR CORPORATE AND LEISURE TRAVELLERS

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he United States of America is so much more than a destination. It’s a land of awesome possibilities! Whether you’re exploring a largerthan-life city or wandering off the beaten path, there is something different to discover around every corner. This land is not just about seeing and doing, it’s also about experiencing and feeling – the richness and variety of our cultures; the beauty of our wilderness areas; the openness and diversity of our people. The United States is a land of collective culture that is only as robust as the stories and personalities that contribute to it. It’s a place where traditions are respected and diversity is embraced. Visitors can experience cutting-edge cultural festivals, traditional American Indian events, professional sporting competitions and cuisines for every taste. Discover the buzz of our cities, where the skyscrapers, celebrities and shopping opportunities are as big as each other and are all within a short drive from national parks, sun-drenched coastlines or snow-covered mountains. From the east coast to the west coast and everywhere in between, the United States is a land where everything is possible, so anything is possible. Come explore our country’s boundless opportunities whether through our urban excitement, indulging experiences, cultural opportunities or the great outdoors, the United States has something for everyone. This is a place where you should expect the unexpected – a country you may think you know, but you’ll come away surprised at what you’ve discovered and be ready to plan your next adventure here. I welcome you to come experience the United States of Awesome Possibilities and if you have not yet finalised your travel plans, visit DiscoverAmerica.com to discover this land like never before.

U.S.A. | GETTING THERE

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Arriving in America Tips to Know Before You Go By Shane Boocock

Part of the essence of travel is to experience people and places and to enjoy the fruits of your hard earned holiday without any hassles or mishaps. Yet, not surprisingly, every year many people run in to trouble and make some basic errors when travelling, especially now that security, as well as customs and immigration at airports is tighter than ever before. So we thought it would be a good idea to lay out some tips about travelling on the road, in the air and how to make your journey a little more seamless and a little less costly.

For today’s travellers use common sense, stay calm, smile and don’t get flustered. There is little you can do to alter the circumstances once fate has grabbed you by the…scruff of the neck. However, the job to rectify the problem is the responsibility of the people you are facing. Airlines and hotels are service industry providers, it is their job to sort out your problems and make things good again. You’re on holiday remember, so try to relax…and enjoy it.

U.S.A. | GETTING THERE

Excess baggage: It can cost you a tidy sum in excess baggage charges in the USA, especially for unsuspecting Down Under travellers with e-tickets. Arriving off an international flight is probably easy enough but then once you come to the automated domestic ticketing machines you’re liable to get hit with a US $25 excess baggage charge. Always check-in the old-fashioned way and explain you came off an international flight as you then have up to 30 days to keep the excess baggage charge fees from being swiped off your credit card! Gels liquids, water and fruit: We have probably all done it, but getting caught and paying a huge fine for bringing in fruit or, as I saw recently, two well-heeled Aussies having their special bottles of 20-year old rare whiskey confiscated is not a pleasant experience. It is all part of travelling in today’s environment. The secret is to pre-pack your hand luggage and main suitcase in plenty of time so that simple mistakes don’t creep into your travel schedule. Websites are great ways to do some research on what you can and cannot carry through customs and immigration. Make the mistake once and you’ll certainly learn for the future. Mobile Phone and Email Costs: Global roaming is a term I would rather refer to as “global robbery”. Just recently I needed to change my airline ticket to a different date. Using the USA 1-800 free telephone service to call an airline stripped $85 off my account in less than 10 minutes. A trick many savvy travellers are now cottoning on to is to buy a cheap phone and new SIM card on a one-month plan for about US$60 with unlimited calls in the USA and to mobiles. Email is another way that hotels capitalise on travellers needs. Some hotels charge between US$12 and $20 for 24 hours on the Internet, so do some homework before you go and check online if the hotel chains you’re staying at charge for the service and it will save you hundreds of dollars over an average three-week holiday.

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Insurance: We all say, “Never go anywhere without insurance”. But if there is one place you really need that little bit of security, it is in the USA. True story - A good friend of mine took his children and wife to Lake Tahoe for Christmas and New Year to escape the heat of a long Australian summer and they had a great 3 weeks in Nevada’s Incline Village and the Diamond Head ski resort. On the last day before they were due to return home their 17-year old son had a face-to-face, body-to-body encounter at high speed with a much bigger skier. With a lacerated spleen, broken ribs and bruised left kidney the lad spent 10 days in ICU and another 10 days in a hospital ward. However, the insurance paid for his father to stay in a local motel and took care of all the rescue costs, medical bills and flight rescheduling…all US$33,000 worth of it. Lost Baggage: Besides having insurance it is worth reading the small print to figure out before you fly how much the airline you are flying with will reimburse you if your bags are lost, stolen or damaged enroute. It takes a bit of time but it is worth finding out what the airline policies are and how quickly you will get cash to buy toiletries, clothing and emergency requirements. I always carry my laptop and cameras in my hand luggage so the expensive items are close at hand. On a longer flight I pack a change of clothing and a small business class size toiletry bag to tide me over in the event my bag goes missing. Another good idea is to always double-check the seat pockets (just like the crew tell you to) as digital cameras, phones and laptops are easily left behind. It happens on virtually every flight. I know first hand, as I left a mini laptop on a plane once. Missed Flights: Through no fault of my own I’ve experienced a missed flight. My itinerary had indicated I needed to leave for the airport in Hawaii at about 6pm for my evening flight from Kauai to Hawaii and on to Los Angeles. My arrangements showed I had the whole day to drive and hike a beautiful canyon. As it happens, at 12.25pm, when I was eight miles into my hike was the time I really should have been sipping cocktails on my flight. I have to say the lovely United Airlines check-in staff in Kauai sorted out the unfolding mess by not only getting me on a different route and flight but they also upgraded me to first class. In that instance I made my connecting flight to Denver and on to Orlando. Remember to stay calm and not get frustrated with airline personnel. It will also do you no good to shout, scream or cry. Smile and use your accent and add a little humility and they will always take care of you.

Let’s Travel THE MAGAZINE FOR CORPORATE AND LEISURE TRAVELLERS

Let’s Travel: is published by L T Publishing Limited PO Box 55199 EastRidge, Auckland 1146 New Zealand Ph: + 64 9 521 4879 Fax: + 64 9 521 4887 www.letstravelmag.com Editor-In-Chief: Gary Dickson gary@letstravelmag.com Mob: + 64 21 523 421

contents

U.S.A. | CONTENTS

Editor at Large: Shane Boocock shane@letstravelmag.com Mob: + 64 21 142 7040

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Sales and Marketing: Gary Dickson gary@letstravelmag.com Mob: + 64 21 523 421 Office Administrator Renee Christianson renee@publishinggroup.co.nz Design and Production: Element Design Limited Monique@element.co.nz Ph: + 64 9 636 0558 Contributors: Shane Boocock, Melissa DeVaughn, Gary Dickson, Gayle Dickson and Megan Singleton

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www.twitter.com/ letstravelmag ISSN Number 1176 – 4619 To enquire about permission to copy cuttings for internal management and information purposes please contact the PMCA, Ipayroll House, 93 Boulcott Street, Wellington, phone (04) 498 4488, email info@pmca.co.nz Copyright – L T Publishing Limited. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in any form by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, information retrieval systems or otherwise) without the express prior written permission of L T Publishing Limited. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Let’s Travel or L T Publishing Limited. The publisher accepts no responsibility whatsoever.

Alaska…The Last Frontier

Texas…The Lone Star State

California…The Golden State

Starline Tours

Colorado…The Centennial State

Best Scenic Drives

Nevada…The Silver State

Airlines

Oregon…The Beaver State

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor…catch the trade winds in your sails… Explore… Dream…Discover.” – Mark Twain (1835 – 1910)

Northern Lights When the sky begins to dance

U.S.A. | ALASKA

By Melissa DeVaughn

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hen my husband was a boy growing up in Alaska’s Denali National Park, he used to be spooked by the aurora borealis, those mysterious-looking lights that fill the northern skies like spattered paint dancing over a canvas. When the soft glow of lights would begin to flicker across the sky, fading in and out of focus in greens, pinks and whites, he swore they were spectres. In fact, no matter how much his parents tried to explain to him, he thought they were shadowy ghosts, hovering above in the darkness. This Far North phenomenon turns an average winter, fall or spring night into a widescreen extravaganza like nothing else. When you see the lights for the first time, there are

no words and no description to match their magnificence. You can only watch in wonder. Such beauty is a rare and oft-admired thing. We Alaskans are lucky to count the northern lights as one of our winter “attractions”. Searching for them is not quite like wildlife-viewing however. If you look long enough you will definitely see an animal — a beaver, a rabbit, a moose or a bear. But the northern lights are on their own timetable, coming when atmospheric conditions align in such a way as to make their activity more unpredictable. The northernlights watcher can only hope to be in Alaska when those conditions are right and to be thankful for it when the aurora does come.

U.S.A. | ALASKA

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Auroras can occur between mid-August and April. But in the winter, when darkness prevails, the lights stand out even brighter and can be seen longer…this is between December and March. Sunspots and solar flares are the root of the aurora, according to Charles Deehr, aurora forecaster at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute. He says the northern lights are caused by solar flares that ionise particles in the upper atmosphere. The charged particles are drawn through space to the magnetic north (and south) poles, where they travel down the poles like beads of water on a wire. When the particles hit the earth’s atmosphere, ribbons of purple, blue, red and green weave together, turning the winter sky into a celestial kaleidoscope. Bright yellow-green (almost lime-coloured) lights are the most common, hovering some 60 - 70 miles up in the sky. Purple and blue hues are particularly beautiful. Fairbanks, in the heart of Alaska’s Interior, is one of the best places on earth for aurora watching because of its close proximity to the North Pole. There are several tour companies that offer aurora expeditions or opportunities to view the northern lights. Remote cabins, away from the city lights, will bring you closer to the aurora, or travel by dog team at night. Guided tours will take you into the high country to see the Northern Lights and learn about ‘mushing’. “Fairbanks’ position under the “Auroral Oval” (a ring-shaped region around the North Pole) makes it one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis,” said Amy Geiger, of the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Our location offers a great balance of clear nights, occurrence frequency and activity that draws people from all over the world.” According to the Geophysical Institute, one of the leading northern lights research institutions in the world, the best time to see the aurora is at about midnight, give or take an hour depending upon daylight savings time. In Alaska, the Northern Lights actually occur anywhere from 40 - 100 percent of the nights in an average year, depending on the

facts: Alaska Vacation Planner Hotline T: + 1 800 862 5275 W: www.winterinalaska.com Fairbanks Convention & Visitors Bureau T: + 1 907 456 5774 W: www.explorefairbanks.com Geophysical Institute University of Alaska Fairbanks T: + 1 907 474 7558 W: www.gi.alaska.edu Chena Hot Springs Resort T: + 1 907 451 8104 W: www.chenahotsprings.com

U.S.A. | ALASKA

www.TravelAlaska.com

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location in the state. The further north you travel, the more frequent the occurrences. However, climatic changes such as clouds, snow or summertime daylight can affect the viewing of the lights. Don’t worry, though. In Fairbanks and other northern points, the lights just come to you. You don’t have to search them out. My husband and I prefer the more mystical side of the northern lights. Once, while driving along a beachfront road in Kenai, a town in South Central Alaska, we had to stop the car. The lights were so dramatic, so sweeping in blues, greens and faint tinges of pink, it was hard to concentrate on driving. We just had to stop and watch. Another time, while camped outside with my sled dogs, I watched the lights dance behind the mountains across the valley and I could have sworn I heard them. The Geophysical Institute has found no proof that the lights actually make sound, but says a swishing noise reported by observers over the years could be attributed to leakage of the electrical impulses from the nerves in the eye into the part of the brain that processes sound. Whatever you choose to believe, science has discovered much about the Northern Lights, but a little mystery is fun, too. A visit to Alaska in the wintertime is not complete until you’ve seen the sky dance.

U.S.A. | ALASKA

Alaska… the last frontier

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TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN ALASKA

Ride the Alaska Railroad: The Alaska Railroad celebrated 90 years of service in 2013 and shows off some of the most spectacular views along the Railbelt, from its southernmost point in Seward to its northernmost point in Fairbanks, carrying more than 400,000 passengers annually. The Alaska Railroad offers a variety of routes and travel packages to suit traveler’s needs.

Explore the waterways: Explore Alaska on the Alaska Marine Highway System. The state-owned ferry system operates 11 vessels calling on 31 ports throughout coastal Alaska including the Inside Passage, Southcentral and Southwest regions. Travellers can also experience spectacular marine environments by hopping on a day cruise. The smaller ships allow guests to get an intimate view of wildlife, glaciers and breathtaking landscapes.

Hit the slopes: Alaska is a premier skiing destination with renowned ski resorts and trails that cater to every skill level. The Southcentral region, in particular, offers terrain for alpine skiing at Alyeska Resort, Nordic skiing and backcountry skiing, just to name a few. Winter enthusiasts in the Interior can enjoy Moose Mountain Ski Resort outside of Fairbanks, while those visiting Juneau can check out Eagle Crest Ski Resort.

Hike in Alaska: Alaska’s national and state parks provide endless opportunities to explore with guided or unguided hikes. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve has more than 13 million acres of backcountry area to explore. Hikers can also explore Glacier Bay National Park’s maintained trails in Bartlett Cove or Denali State Park, the perfect hiking backdrop with picturesque views of Mount McKinley.

Dog sledding: Sled dog racing, the official state sport, is an experience not to be missed when visiting the Last Frontier. There are tours throughout the state whether travellers are looking to visit the kennels of well-known mushers to flying out to a glacier for an unforgettable dog sledding trip. For an extended experience, winter backcountry overnight dog sledding tours are also available.

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U.S.A. | ALASKA

Watchable wildlife: The untouched wilderness of Alaska offers unmatched opportunities for wildlife viewing, from humpback whales in Alaskaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waters to bears, eagles and moose on land. In addition to guided wildlife tours, Alaska is home to centres that focus on the rehabilitation and understanding of Alaskaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wildlife, including the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage and the Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka, to name a few.

U.S.A. | ALASKA

Observe the northern lights: Alaska is a one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis, the natural bands of light that dance across the sky. Bettles, Fairbanks and the Mat-Su Valley are three popular places to witness the aurora due to the dark, uninterrupted winter skies. This spectacle is enjoyed through specialised tours, lodges and just by looking up at the night sky.

Taste Alaska’s brews and spirits: Alaska is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and is ranked the fourth highest for breweries per capita with beverage options in almost every region of the state. From local craft brews to spirits that have been honed to perfection in small batch distilleries, travellers can enjoy these local favourites in tasting rooms and dining locations across the state.

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Soak up the culture: Alaska has a unique Native culture that can be experienced through activities ranging from totem carving, traditional music, crafts, festivals and museums and heritage centres. Popular cultural sites include the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage, Totem Bight Historical Park in Ketchikan, which touts XX reconstructed totem poles, and Alaska’s oldest museum, the Sheldon Jackson Museum in Sitka, to name a few.

Experience Alaska’s local flavour: Agricultural attractions have been around in Alaska for years, but recently, visitors have become interested in getting their hands in the dirt as well. From record breaking gigantic produce, you-pick farms, reindeer and bison farms, wineries, breweries, farmer’s markets and events, there are more and more opportunities to experience Alaska grown local flavor. www.TravelAlaska.com

The Top 10 Things you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know about Anchorage

U.S.A. | ANCHORAGE

Matt Hage

In addition to its human residents, Anchorage is home to over 1,500 moose. The big herbivores are a common sight in city parks and along trails. Anchorage is close to five different national parks: Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, Kenai Fjords, Lake Clark and Katmai National parks are all accessible from Anchorage, either by road, rail or plane. More than 50 glaciers are within a dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s travel from the city. Some, like Matanuska and Exit glaciers can even be seen from the road, and many more are accessible either by day cruise boat or floatplane.

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Wayde Carroll

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Nicole Geils/ACVB

U.S.A. | ANCHORAGE

Eagles soaring over Kenai Peninsula

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Six mountain ranges can be seen from Anchorage on a clear day: The Chugach, Talkeetna, Tordrillos, Alaska, Kenai and Aleutian. One-way cruises docking in Anchorageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nearby ports of Seward or Whittier include the famed Inside Passage and connect passengers to Alaska wildlife, national parks, Alaska Native culture and more of the state not reached with a roundtrip option. Fishing starts steps from the downtown city centre; Ship Creek is just blocks away from major hotels, and is one of the most popular sport fisheries for king and silver salmon. The closest wilderness hiking trailheads are less than 20 minutes from the city centre. Combined, the nearby Chugach State Park and Chugach National Forest have more than 23,000 square kilometres of land perfect for hiking, wildlife viewing, rafting and kayaking and more.

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Port Anchorage

The first European to extensively explore the area was Captain James Cook. In fact, the inlet that flanks Anchorage now bears his name, and a life-sized statue of the British sailor looks out over the water from downtown Anchorage. Anchorage got its start as a headquarters for construction of the Alaska Railroad. The city still serves as a hub for rail travel throughout Alaska, with trains departing daily in the summer. Sometimes called the biggest village in Alaska, Anchorage is home to members of many different Alaska Native cultures. There are 22 different languages and dialects spoken by Alaska Natives.

10 Ship Creek Fishing

Ken Graham Photography

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Ken Graham Photography

U.S.A. | ANCHORAGE

Roy Neese

Alaskan Federation of Natives

Alaska is a big state, but Anchorage is the perfect place to explore all of Alaska’s natural wonder, wildlife and native cultures. Here are the top 10 stops for a few days in Anchorage: Nicole Geils

U.S.A. | ANCHORAGE

The 10 Best Things to do in Anchorage

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Lake Hood Flightseeing

Flightseeing – Aviation is huge for Anchorage; in addition to having Alaska’s largest international airport, it’s also home to the busiest seaplane base in the entire world, Lake Hood. In a state as large as Alaska, floatplanes are often the best way to reach attractions. Charter carriers take off from Lake Hood for day trips to bear viewing locations in Lake Clark or Katmai national parks, or touch down at glacial lakes and remote fishing spots off the road system. Other trips to circle Mount McKinley, North America’s tallest mountain and tour Denali National Park’s other peaks from the air.

ACVB

Portage Glacier

ACVB

Native Culture Cathryn Posey

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Coastal Trail Biking

Alaska’s native people. The centre features life-sized replicas of traditional Alaska Native dwellings and daily dance, song, sport and storytelling demonstrations. A free shuttle departs regularly to both the museum and Alaska Native Heritage Center from the downtown visitor centre at Fourth Avenue and F Street.

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Watch Glaciers Calve and Whales Breach – Glaciers are among Alaska’s most popular attractions and many are accessible as a day trip. Portage Glacier, is among the most accessible. Just 40 minutes south of Anchorage, catch a ride on the Ptarmigan, the only boat cruising Portage Lake to the face of the glacier. Even more of these icy wonders can be best viewed from the deck of a day cruise boat out of the nearby towns of Seward or Whittier. Whales, sea lions, otters, puffins and other marine wildlife are a perk on these trips. Coastal Trail Bike – Anchorage’s paved trails stretch more than 200 kilometres through the city’s parks and greenbelts. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail links downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park some 18 kilometres away. Rent a bicycle for a few hours or an entire day; it’s an inexpensive way to explore the city trails. Guaranteed Wildlife Viewing – Spend time in Alaska and with a sharp eye, you are bound to see animals in the wild. But for a comprehensive, up-close look at Alaska wildlife head to either the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage or the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in nearby Portage. It’s the best vantage point from which to see moose, bear, lynx, eagles, musk ox and many other Alaskan species. Explore Alaska’s History and Cultures - Visit two great cultural centres for one price with the Alaska Culture Pass. The pass provides admission to the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center. The Anchorage Museum (Alaska’s largest) is the perfect place to get an introduction for your trip. With art, science, history and cultural exhibits, the museum chronicles the events and people that have shaped the state. Don’t miss the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, a collection of 600 Alaska Native artifacts from across the state. The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a great way to learn more about

U.S.A. | ANCHORAGE

Nicole Geils

Turnagain Arm

Ken Graham Photography

U.S.A. | ANCHORAGE

Alaska Railroad – Hop aboard the Coastal Classic from Anchorage to Seward. The train passes through untouched forest, crosses wild rivers and steams past glaciers nestled in the mountains above. Or catch the train north from Anchorage instead, and visit the picturesque Alaska town of Talkeetna for a day of flightseeing or jet boating near Denali. Anchorage Market & Festival – Held every Saturday and Sunday from May to mid-September, the Anchorage Market is the perfect place to find Alaskan products and art. Browse the stalls for an Alaskan treasure, or sample salmon quesadillas, reindeer sausage and other Alaskan cuisine. Admission is free.

ACVB

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www.anchoragemarkets.com

Fishing – Cast for king or silver salmon without leaving the city! With all five species of salmon and countless rivers and streams in and around the city, Anchorage is a prime place for fishing. Head to Seward or Homer on the Kenai Peninsula for a charter fishing trip targeting halibut, rockfish and ling cod. The average sport-caught halibut weighs 14 kilograms, but the record is more than 204 kilograms. www.anchorage.net/fishing

Saturday Market Roy Neese

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Hiking – There are hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails in nearby Chugach State Park, from easy hikes of a few kilometres to all day and overnight treks through mountain passes. Flattop Mountain is arguably the most popular hike in the park. Enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the city below, either from the scenic overlook near the trailhead, or from the top of Flattop after an hour-long hike. Dog sledding – Even after the winter and snow have melted away, you can still try Alaska’s state sport: dog mushing. Tour the kennel of an Iditarod veteran, or helicopter up to a glacier for warm weather sledding with a dog team. www.anchorage.net/dog-sledding

Eagle River Trekking

Fur Rondy mushing

Pack more into your Hawaiian Holiday

Hawai‘i starts the moment you step on board. And with our generous luggage allowance of 2 x 32kg per person, you’ll be able to pack more to and from your next holiday. Fly non-stop 3 times a week from Auckland to Hawai‘i and onward to 11 U.S. Cities, including New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles & San Francisco. Or transfer to your favourite Hawaiian Island on one of 170 flights daily. For more information or to make a booking, visit us at www.hawaiianairlines.co.nz, call us on 09 977 2227 or contact your preferred travel agent.

2 x 32kg baggage allowance per passenger HNZ1048

Island beverages

Hawaiian hospitality

Hawaiian inspired meals

Entertainment, blanket & pillow

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U.S.A. | ANAHEIM/ORANGE COUNTY

Californiaâ&#x20AC;Ś. The Golden State

Buena Park out of the shadow of the mouse! By Gary Dickson

Buena Park is often known, on these shores anyway, as ‘the turnoff to get to Knott’s Berry Farm®’…and that’s about it. Well…wrong! There is plenty to see and do in this enclave of Anaheim and Orange County, as I recently discovered.

vacation hot spot, the lively city of Buena Park is located just 10 minutes from Disneyland and 45 minutes from Los Angeles. The city is not only known for its premier location but for its world famous entertainment…including the nation’s first theme park, Knott’s Berry Farm®. Don’t forget to stop by the California Welcome Center (6601 Beach Boulevard) to get your discounted attractions tickets, free maps and travel guides on things to do in California. Buena Park truly is a destination where the whole family can be entertained. From dining experiences, to exhibitions, to theme parks and everything in between. An exciting new development called The Source, is well under construction and when finished will add a new vibe to Buena Park with its multi-faceted shopping, dining and entertainment areas. Make sure you take the kids (big and small) to the world’s most interactive dinner shows - Pirate’s Dinner Adventure and Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Looking for a little culture? Don’t miss the new blockbuster exhibits, Titanic The Experience and Bodies... The Exhibition. Located in Ralph B. Clark Regional Park is the Los Coyotes Paleontology Museum, which features ice age fossils and local geology exhibits. Come and experience for yourself why Buena Park draws millions of visitors each year. www.visitbuenapark.com

TITANIC…THE EXPERIENCE Do you want interactive and to participate in an exhibition? Then this is a must. Take an adventure back in time…an adventure you might never return from. You are greeted “at the gang plank” by a host(ess) dressed in the style of the day, and given your boarding pass. Yes…that is correct. Each “passenger” who enters the exhibit is treated like he/she was a real passenger on the ill-fated ship when it departed on its maiden (and final) voyage. Your boarding pass contains the name and identification of a real person who was on the Titanic back in April 1912, showing you their occupation, cabin class, and a synopsis on what he/she did. At the end of the exhibition there is a Memorial Gallery with the names of every single person who was on the Titanic... telling you whether they survived or not. I don’t care how old you are, everyone knows the story of the Titanic and it is hard not to get even slightly emotional as you are brought in to the exhibition. You will experience the ship’s construction and what life on board was like – in all cabin classes. What the sky looked like that night, before she hit the iceberg and, what it was like to evacuate in to a lifeboat and watch the vessel sink before your very eyes. www.titanictheexperience.com

BODIES – THE EXHIBITION Bodies...The Exhibition offers an intimate and informative view into the human body. Using an innovative preservation process, the Exhibition allows visitors to see the human body’s inner beauty in educational and awe-inspiring ways. The Exhibition features over 200 actual human bodies and specimens meticulously dissected and respectfully displayed, offering an unprecedented and wholly unique view into the amazing body.

Titanic and Bodies tickets Premier Exhibition Center (former Movieland Wax Museum) 7711 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park 90620 Ticket Type

Single Show Price

Combo Price

Adult Kids (Age 3-11) Senior (65+) College Student W/I.D.

$19.75 $15.75 $17.75 $17.75

$34.50 $26.50 $30.50 $30.50

U.S.A. | ANAHEIM/ORANGE COUNTY

www.buenaparkexhibitions.com

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The Exhibition takes visitors through galleries providing an up-close look inside the skeletal, muscular, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory and other systems of the human body. Many of the whole body specimens are displayed in vivid athletic poses, allowing the visitor to relate to everyday activities. In addition, authentic human specimens illustrate the damage caused to organs by over-eating and lack of exercise. A healthy lung is featured next to a black lung ravaged by smoking in a vivid comparison more powerful than any textbook image. The Exhibition will change the way you see yourself. It is designed to enlighten, empower, fascinate and inspire. The human body specimens in the exhibition are preserved through a revolutionary technique called polymer preservation. In this process, human tissue is permanently preserved using liquid silicone rubber that is treated and hardened. The end result is a rubberised specimen, preserved to the cellular level, showcasing the complexity of the body’s many bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels and organs. The full-body specimens can take more than a year to prepare. www.bodiestheexhibition.com/buenapark

THE SOURCE The Source is a brand new, highly anticipated, retail destination that combines a modern and dynamic urban design, featuring world-class selection of shopping, dining and entertainment. Once completed, it quite literally will be the ‘Source’ for fashion, dining, and entertainment in and around Buena Park. Facts: • The Source will include over 480,995 square feet of retail, office, restaurant and entertainment uses • The site is at one of the most trafficked intersections in Orange County – Beach Boulevard and Orangethorpe Avenue • Currently, entertainment and tourism attraction along the Beach Boulevard Entertainment Zone in Buena Park generates 6.4 million visits annually • The Source site is just over a mile away from the legendary Knott’s Berry Farm amusement park, which attracts over 17,000 visitors daily • Once complete, the City is anticipating an increase in traffic to nearly 11 million visits annually • Currently, the only California Welcome Center in Los Angeles and Orange County is located in Buena Park.

MEDIEVAL TIMES DINNER & TOURNAMENT Opened in June 1986, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament brings history to life with a two-hour medieval tournament and a four-course feast, served by “wenches” in the tradition of the day (even your beer comes in a pewter tankard). The 70,000 square foot castle is located on seven acres in the heart of Buena Park’s Entertainment Zone. Offering shows 365 days a year, the European-style castle features a soaring tower, elaborately decorated Hall of Arms, the Knight Club, an outdoor courtyard, an extensive gift shop, Museum of Torture and an indoor stable area where guests can view some of the castle’s horses as they prepare for each evening’s show. The air-conditioned Grand Ceremonial Arena seats 1,110 guests and features state-of-the-art sound, lighting and a special effects system. During the tournament, royal guests (that’s you and me) cheer for one of six Knights as each competes in medieval games, authentic jousting matches and ground battles with sword and shield. The action intensifies as the tournament continues in search of one Knight who will be crowned champion by the King. (Prices range from $35.95 - $57.95) www.visitbuenapark.com/things-to-do/ medieval-times

www.piratesdinneradventure.com

KNOTT’S BERRY FARM Of all the times I have been to LA I had never been to “Knott’s”. If you’re looking for one of California’s best amusement parks, then look no further than Knott’s Berry Farm. Take into account all that Knott’s Berry Farm has to offer. There’s the Ghost Town and the veritable plethora of roller coasters. For the kids, there’s always Camp Snoopy (which is currently going through an exciting new refurbishment – so keep an eye out for when the new rides are completed). Take a ride on the Calico Railroad… for water fun, there’s Bigfoot Rapids and let’s not forget why Knott’s Berry Farm became famous in the first place – Boysenberry Pie and their famous chicken dinner. With roller coaster rides with names like Sierra Sidewinder, Ghostrider, Montezooma’s Revenge and Silver Bullet, you can just imagine the fun that can be had…all in one day. Oh! And then there’s the Boomerang…this scream machine turns you head-over-heels six times in less than a minute. And just when you think it’s safe to breath again…it starts…again!!! BACKWARDS!!! Come Halloween (I was lucky enough to be there last year during Halloween), you’ll see Knott’s Berry Farm turn into Knott’s Scary Farm. Where during the day Camp Spooky

takes the stage and ghouls and zombies rule the night. This is not for the faint hearted, as the people at Knott’s really excel at scaring you through all manner of tricks and treachery. To start with the whole park is filled with dry ice and you can hardly see 15 feet in front of you. So, even though I did a bit of a daytime reconnaissance, there were any number of ghosts, witches, ghouls and bad guys roaming around the park all night…hiding in nooks and crannies, just waiting to scare the $%^& out of you. Best part of the night is what they call The Hanging. A 30-40 minute show at the end of the night, on a stage set up in the middle of the park. Briefly, it is a very comical performance (adult humour mainly) whereby Good versus Evil to rid “the town” of all the bad guys, like…Mickey Mouse, the Three Blind Mice, the witch from Snow White and Justin Beiber. The last bad “guy” left alive is then ‘hung’ in front of the whole crowd. Last year…it was (appropriately) Miley Cyrus. What a fantastic way to end an eventful evening’s entertainment, and a day’s outing to a really great theme park. FAST LANE - Make the most of your day with a Fast Lane wristband that allows you to bypass the regular lines on some of the most popular rides and attractions including Ghost Rider, Silver Bullet, Coast Rider and more. Ride as many times as you want all day long. The only thing they limit is the number of these exclusive passes they sell! Park admission is not included with Fast Lane (can be purchased on line for as little as $40) Park Entry: $62 adult (12-61) $33 Junior (3-11) and Seniors (62+) – but it is cheaper to purchase on line. These are the prices if you rock up to the gate. Knott’s Berry Farm • 8039 Beach Boulevard 90620 T: + 1 714 220 5200 • E: info@knotts.com www.knotts.com

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ARRRRGH you ready? Pirate’s Dinner Adventure is acclaimed as “the world’s most interactive dinner show”. Guests are entertained with an astonishing display of special effects, aerial artistry, swashbuckling swordplay and dynamic duels. It’s a classic story of Good vs Evil that offers the perfect blend of action, adventure, comedy and romance…the opportunity to interact in the adventure and a sumptuous dining experience. An authentically replicated 18th-century Spanish galleon measuring 46 feet long, 18 feet wide with 40-foot masts is anchored in a 250,000-gallon indoor lagoon with night sky lighting. Surrounding the lagoon is a six-sided showroom of six additional “ships” where the audience is seated. Guests can choose which adventure excites them the most and return later to experience the other show. There is no need to have to see one show before the other. The Broadway-quality shows are action-packed and filled with acrobatics, romance and comedy! For one shining moment, the fantasies of would-be pirates of all ages become uncannily real in the interactive arena of Pirate’s Dinner Adventure. Adults (12 years and older) $58.95 plus tax. Children (3 - 11 years old) $39.95 plus tax.

U.S.A. | ANAHEIM/ORANGE COUNTY

PIRATE’S DINNER ADVENTURE

House of Blues U.S.A. | ANAHEIM/ORANGE COUNTY

By Gary Dickson

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was lucky enough to be at this iconic venue in Downtown Disney on Halloween night last year. The whole bar (except for me) was dressed up in their Halloween garb and the placed rocked till well into the wee hours. Despite my obvious dulcet towns when belting out a rendering of Boy Named Sue by Johnny Cash, I declined the invitation to sing Karoake that night. There was a queue of people putting their names down though. Some wanted to go a 2nd time…but because of the sheer numbers…they couldn’t. And, let me tell you this, some of the singing was jaw-dropping. Move over Ben Lummis (who?) and Miley Cyrus these people could belt out a tune and would easily make the finals of any of the “Idol” franchises around the globe. I guess there really are a lot of talented people in LA who just don’t make it. This is a bar I could go back to again and again if I was living in the area. The music, the food, the staff – all combine for one hellishly fantastic night out. Check out their Concert Calendar for upcoming events and bands. The food at The House of Blues is exquisite. In traditional American style though, the portions are huge, so if you’re heading there for dinner and an evening of fun and great music you might like to have a small lunch. It was enough for me to order 2 or 3 appetisers to keep me going most of time. You must try their Voodoo Shrimp, the Pulled Pork Sliders and their Lobster Mac & Cheese…sublime. Also, in true American style, are their Happy “Hours”. Get this…Monday to Friday 2pm till 5pm THEN also 7 nights a week…10pm till closing. Now, if that doesn’t say, “Come on in and have a good time” I’m not sure what does. The Gospel Brunch, if that is your kind of thing, is worth a look at. It is held in a separate room on the ground floor and there is an entry fee. Styled along the lines of a traditional gospel church session, you will definitely want to jump to your feet and start clapping and singing along. Performances include both traditional and contemporary Gospel songs, plus an amazing all-you-can-eat buffet. Complementing all of this are the Gift Shop and the Beer Garden on the Terrace. The Gift Shop has an array of appropriate memorabilia for purchasing and what better way to wind down the day than a quiet beer (or three) on the terrace. You can sit back, relax, and watch the Disney fireworks or the chaos of families heading to and from Disneyland from an elevated position. (Note: Gospel Brunch Adult $40 (10+), Child (3-9 $18.50), Under 3 Free) House of Blues • 1530 South Disneyland Drive • Anaheim 92802 • T: + 1 714 778 2583 (BLUE) • W: www.houseofblues.com

Southern California… CityPASS

U.S.A. | CITYPASS

©SeaWorld San Diego

Manta roller coaster at SeaWorld San Diego ©Universal Studios

©Disney

Disneyland’s Main Street train station

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©Disney

iscover Southern California’s most thrilling theme parks with a deeply discounted pass that saves up to 24 percent off regular admission prices. Southern California CityPASS admission cards are valid for 14 days, starting with the first day of use. The pass costs $328 for adults (value $428) and $284 for kids, 3-9. Purchase Southern California CityPASS admission cards online at CityPASS.com or at any of the participating theme parks. (Current pricing up to and including January 1st 2015) Includes: • 3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket that includes back-and-forth access to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park • Universal Studios Hollywood admission • SeaWorld San Diego admission

Universal Studios Hollywood

Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle

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©CityPASS

Disney California Adventure Park

U.S.A. | CALIFORNIA

California – The Golden State

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Griffith Observatory

THE BEST 10 THINGS TO DO IN LOS ANGELES

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Hike to the Griffith Observatory for the best views of the whole city from the Hollywood sign, Beverly Hills, Downtown and all the way to the Pacific Ocean Check in to the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel for a taste of Golden Hollywood and stay in Marilyn Monroe’s original suite

The Paley Center

Rodeo Drive

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U.S.A. | CALIFORNIA

Walk Hollywood Boulevard and find your favourite ‘stars’ – perfect for your Facebook pix Get up close and personal with the NASA Space Shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center Surfs up – hit iconic beaches such as Malibu, Santa Monica or Venice Go behind the scenes of your favourite TV shows and movies from today and yesteryear by visiting The Paley Center in Beverly Hills Shop till your drop on word famous streets such as Melrose, Robinson or Rodeo Drive

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Sprinklea Cupcakes

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For a night out on the town head to West Hollywood with famous bars & clubs such as Whisky A Go Go, House of Blues & The Abbey Catch a ball game at Dodger Stadium for a true taste of Americana…Dodger Dogs included From the latest celebrity diet crazes, to cupcake vending machines and some of the best Mexican food on the planet…eating out is a must in LA.

U.S.A. | CALIFORNIA

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Gazebo at Olvera Street

10 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT LOS ANGELES

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Los Angeles is home to over 3,000 museums, galleries and theatres, more than any other city in the US LA averages more than 290 + days of sunshine and has a 75 mile coastline…meaning LA has the endless summer Los Angeles full name is “El Pueblo de la Reyna de Los Angeles” (“The Town of the Queen of the Angels”) Los Angeles has a long history with the Spanish first setting foot in LA in 1542 and later on becoming part of the Spanish Empire and part of Mexico before the United States of America. For a taste of old LA head to Olvera Street in Downtown Every 1 in 6 people in LA works in the entertainment industry so you’re only ever a few connections away from a celebrity

Metro Orange Line

Redondo Beach

The largest urban park in America is LAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Griffith Park stretching from the Hollywood Hills to Los Felizâ&#x20AC;Ś home to great walking trails, city views, the odd coyote and power walking celebrity The largest County Fair in North America is held every August and attracts over 1 million visitors Auckland & Los Angeles have been sister cities since 1971.

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U.S.A. | CALIFORNIA

LA has an underground metro system that is safe, clean, reliable and super cheap at only a $1.50 a ride! The LAT metro is also expanding and by 2015 commuters and tourist alike will be able to travel from Santa Monica to Hollywood & Downtown on the new Expo line LA is one of the few cities in the world where you can surf in the morning and hit the ski slopes in the afternoon

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U.S.A. | CALIFORNIA

LAX… so much better than it used to be…

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The new Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at LAX is part of the largest public works project in the history of the City of Los Angeles. The exceptional space includes a 150,000 square foot Great Hall, 18 new aircraft boarding gates (of which half can accommodate the largest airplanes in the world), public art commissions and iconic, state-of-the-art Integrated Environmental Media Systems.

ith a design inspired by the Pacific Ocean’s undulating waves, 360-degree views from within the terminal and sustainable facilities designed to achieve LEED certification, the new Tom Bradley International Terminal also offers a vast array of almost 70 new dining and retail shopping outlets, as well as passenger amenities for travellers of all ages and travel styles. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, with family or friends, or looking for a particular experience during your layover, the new TBIT has something for everyone. Family fun… Layovers at the airport can be tough, especially when you’re looking for activities the whole family can enjoy. Luckily the new Tom Bradley has a ton of great options for everyone. Kids’ will marvel at Sanrio…a wonderland of tiny toys, candy and novelties splashed with Hello Kitty and other favourite characters. Have fun wandering around and looking at all the trinkets then snag some fun candy or a plush pillow for the plane ride. It’s also a great gift spot if you’re looking to bring something home as a surprise.

Take the kids (and pets if you have them) out to run around outside and get some much-needed fresh air between flights…sure to get everyone’s energy out so you can take a snooze on that flight ahead.

Luxury Travellers Travel can often be a great excuse for little indulgences of all kinds. LAX’s new Tom Bradley offers countless ways to purchase the finest clothing, accessories and experiences money can buy. Save up and spend at some of these globally recognised stores on your layover Business Travellers Jetsetting on business? Don’t miss the great stops around the new Tom Bradley International Terminal for picking up a few necessities, making sure you’re polished for your workday and staying up-to-date on the latest world news. Keep in touch with the convenient kiosk of Virgin/ Boost Mobile store, featuring the latest models from these industry-leading prepaid brands. No need to worry about jet lag with gourmet coffee, from Lamill Coffee, that can be enjoyed in a variety of methods, as well as espresso, tea and specialty drink offerings. Have work to get done on the plane and need to stay awake and focused? Take a to-go mug of their strongest java, sure to do the trick. At the gate area, 47% of the seats have electrical outlets underneath them, so you can put the finishing touches on your deck or recharge your smartphone, tablet or laptop before you board. I know I’m looking forward to it when I go thru there in early April.

★★★★★★ AMERICA ★★★★★★

OVER EASY ★★★★★★ THE KNOW-BEFORE-YOU-GO GUIDE TO MAKING THE MOST OF AN AMERICAN VACATION

• • • • • •

Time-saving tips Best of the best list Must see destinations Best places to eat Major tourist attractions Significant savings

OF E N D IO GUI IT ED ING ND ELL S CO SE EST EB TH

Romantic Travellers… Whether you’re on your honeymoon, an exciting getaway with that special someone or just a romantic at heart, amour-inducing stops at the new terminal are sure to help spice things up or just offer an opportunity to enjoy time together. Indulge in a luxury spa service (or two) between flights at Xpres Spa. A soothing couples’ massage, rejuvenating facial or warm soak will refresh you for the rest of your travels and help you savour the relaxing minutes together. Or if you’re en route, you’ll feel your best before rushing off the plane to greet that special someone. A box of famous See’s candies chocolates make a sweet surprise, great apology, or just an excuse to share a treat. Each bite is rich, decadent and slow-melting, plus they travel well! Make sure to ask for their signature gift-wrapping if you’re taking them home as a sweet surprise. Stop into the duty-free shops for a leisurely perusal. Men know every woman needs a luxurious bottle of perfume from one of the top French fragrance-makers like Christian Dior and Chanel.

Do the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave -the Over Easy way!

Includes

MASSIVE FOLD-OUT

MAP

MARK SHEEHAN

A trip to the USA presents a dizzying smorgasbord of attractions, events, accents and landscapes, and America Over Easy is As the KNOW-BEFORE-YOU-GO guide to making the most of an American vacation, it highlights essential sights around the country, from national parks to camping spots, free attractions to shopping malls, and museums to road trips, to help you get

Coming soon: California Over Easy and New York Over Easy

Driving the Pacific Coast Highway from LA to San Francisco U.S.A. | CALIFORNIA

Words and images by Megan Singleton

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Golden Gate Bridge

ith waves and hugs and promises to see them again soon, I gingerly pulled my mid-size rental car out of the Fairmont Hotel valet in Santa Monica and immediately pulled over where no one could see. My cousin, Kate, and I had celebrated her birthday at the hotel and had quite the farewell from the team, so sitting in the car for an extra ten minutes to program the GPS while they waited would have been awkward. The Pacific Coast Highway onramp is just across the road from the Fairmont, sweeping behind the beachfront houses on Santa Monica beach below and winding up in to the parched hills.

I programmed in Santa Barbara and set off. Keep right… driver on the centre line…passenger on the curb, I repeated to myself, and pretty soon driving in America became second nature. But unbeknown to me, the GPS thought we’d prefer the shortest route rather than the most scenic, and I thought it strange that we were heading south. Apparently it was trying to hook us onto the interior 101 LA Freeway. After a sudden pull-off and return to Santa Monica, we started again, this time programming the “smart alec” device to take us to a destination along coastal route 1. And therein lies the first tip: by tricking Mr. GPS most days we were set for one of the most famous roadtrips in the world – driving the Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles to San Francisco.

Old Mission interior

San Luis Obispo Drive an hour and a half north to San Luis Obispo for lunch. You could also stop at Solvang, a Dutch settled town with thatched roofs, a giant windmill and a dozen wine tasting rooms from the 80 vineyards in the area.

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Santa Barbara The Spanish-influenced city of Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful cities in the US, so we had booked to stay two nights here. It’s only an hour and a half north of Los Angeles and as luck would have it, the Camarillo shopping outlets was on the way. Forty minutes later we had parked our trusty Toyota and were hitting the shops. With the exchange rate at the moment, shopping anywhere in America is cheap, but at these outlet malls that are dotted in every city across the land, major brands flog their wares at half price. At Camarillo you will find Gap, Banana Republic, J Crew, Forever 21, Lucky Brand, North Face, Nine West, Calvin Klein and more. Another hour down the road and we arrived at Santa Barbara, tucked between the ocean with its wide sandy beach and the Santa Ynez mountain range, creating a warm, dry climate that happens to be perfect for growing grapes. Your dilemma will be whether to spend the next day sampling those grapes at the seven cellar doors in the area, shopping the main street with its labyrinth of alleys bursting with hanging flower baskets or taking in the sights. Whatever you decide, make sure to visit the Old Mission, founded in 1786 and still home to Franciscan monks. I’d also recommend climbing up to the rooftop of the courthouse in the centre of town for fabulous views over the adobe roof tiles all the way out to the ocean.

U.S.A. | CALIFORNIA

It’s only 615 km between the two cities so if you really wanted to, you could get to the Golden Gate Bridge in under six hours…but you wouldn’t really want to. There is so much to see and do along this stretch of California that allowing five days is about right.

Santa Barbara

facts: Fairmont Miramar Hotel: www.fairmont.com/santa-monica

Ventana Inn and Spa: Dream Inn:

www.ventanainn.com

www.jdvhotels.com/hotels

Driveaway car rental:

www.driveaway.co.nz

Fly Air New Zealand to Los Angeles and home from San Francisco: www.airnewzealand.co.nz

U.S.A. | CALIFORNIA

Hearst Castle

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Bixby Bridge, Big Sur

Put Hearst Castle on your must-see list today. It’s about 45 minutes north of San Luis Obispo and is the former home of William Randolph Hearst, of the Hearst publishing empire. Today they own 15 newspapers around the country including the San Francisco Chronicle and 20 magazine titles, including Oprah’s O, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan and Elle. The castle was built in 1947 and to be invited for a weekend was the pinnacle for who’s who in the entertainment business. With an indoor pool inlaid with gold tiles and an outdoor pool surrounded by marble sculptures, no expense was spared. He kept exotic animals on the huge rolling grounds and inside the 167 rooms are filled with priceless artefacts collected from all over the world. It’s US$25 for a tour and worth every cent. Big Sur The rugged, wind-swept cliffs of Big Sur country are a world away from the wide flat beaches edged in palm trees of Santa Monica and Santa Barbara. These conditions are ideal for windsurfers and hikers who want to get into the wild fresh air and experience Pfieffer Big Sur State Park. Hidden among the soaring redwoods are rustic accommodations and luxury lodges. Ventana Inn and Spa has open fireplaces in each room and a restaurant serving a delicious four-course menu for $70. There is a spa and

two pool areas. But beware, one is “clothing optional”, as I accidentally discovered while taking photographs. We set off to have lunch and a browse of the shops in Carmel, made famous by its one-term mayor in the 1980’s… Mr. Clint Eastwood. Cute, higgledy-piggledy houses, shops and galleries on a sandy beach. Driving around Monterey Bay, take the private 17 Mile Drive from Pebble Beach Golf Course for a nosey at the multi-million dollar homes hidden under pine trees along the coast. Grab lunch or a drink at Pebble Beach – or if you have the time (and the money), play a round. Santa Cruz By now you’re only half an hour south of San Francisco, in one of the best surfing spots in the US. Wander past the volleyballers on the sand to the oldest boardwalk in the US (founded in 1907), which is still running today with some old school rides and attractions as well as new. Out on the pier you’ll find restaurants and souvenir shops to spend the evening. For a beachfront hotel, stay at Dream Inn with its bold colours and funky design. Then next morning, set off for San Francisco – and before you return your car, make sure you drive over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, just to say you have.

U.S.A. | SAN FRANCISCO

The 10 Best things to do in San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge - North Tower Night Skyline

Walk across The Golden Gate Bridge: the most famous bridge in the world manages to impress even the most experienced travellers with its stunning 1.7 mile span. Approximately 120,000 automobiles drive across it every day. A pedestrian walkway also allows for crossing on foot, and bikes are allowed on the western side. The Golden Gate Bridge is said to be one of the most photographed things on Earth.

Ride a Cable car: which have been transporting people around San Francisco since the late 19th century. The cars run on tracks and are moved by an underground cable on three routes. Their familiar bells can be heard ringing from blocks away. Tickets ($5) may be purchased at the cable car turnarounds at the ends of each route. Each one-way ride will provide spectacular views of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrated hills as well as exhilarating transportation. www.sfcablecar.com

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Take a ferry to Alcatraz: the notorious former prison is located on an island of the same name in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Some of the United States’ most notorious criminals were incarcerated there. Though several tried, no inmate ever made a successful escape from “The Rock”. The prison was closed in the 1960’s and stories about Alcatraz are legendary. A visit to Alcatraz today is fascinating. Recorded cell-house tours are available, allowing visitors to learn about the prison as they explore the buildings and grounds. To reach the island, take an Alcatraz Cruises ferry from Pier 43. Advance reservations are recommended. www.alcatrazcruises.com

Enjoy fresh Dungeness crab at Fisherman’s Wharf: and then walk around Pier 39…a festive waterfront marketplace that is one of the city’s most popular attractions. A community of Californian sea lions has taken up residence on the floats to the west of the pier and visitors line the nearby railing to watch their antics.

Shop in Union Square: San Francisco’s utopia for serious shoppers. Major department stores and the most exclusive designer boutiques line streets like Post, Sutter, Geary, Grant, Stockton and Powell. The Westfield San Francisco Shopping Centre houses the largest Bloomingdale’s outside of New York and the second largest Nordstrom in the U.S.

U.S.A. | SAN FRANCISCO

Stroll North Beach: the city’s Italian quarter, which is a neighbourhood of romantic European-style sidewalk cafes, restaurants and shops centred near Washington Square along Columbus and Grant Avenues. The beautiful Church of Saints Peter and Paul is a beloved landmark. Coit Tower, atop Telegraph Hill, offers a splendid vantage point for photos of the bridges and the Bay. Inside the tower, floor-to-ceiling murals painted in the 1930’s depict scenes of early San Francisco. www.coittower.org Sea lions at Fisherman's Wharf

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Union Square

Conservatory of Flowers

North Beach

U.S.A. | SAN FRANCISCO

Savour San Francisco’s Ferry Building: an historic Beaux Arts landmark along the Embarcadero waterfront and a food lover’s haven. San Francisco residents and visitors flock to the iconic marketplace for the Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday outdoor farmers market, as well as for the daily food-centric indoor shopping. The premier and mostly organic farmers market is nationally and internationally recognised as the centre of sustainable and organic agriculture. www.ferryplazafarmersmarket.com

Spend the day in Golden Gate Park: one of the largest urban parks in the world, the park stretches for three miles on the western edge of San Francisco. Its 1,017 acres include two major museums, the California Academy of Sciences, which includes an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum and scientific research facilities under one “living” roof and the de Young Museum, noted for its collections of American art from the 17th through 21st centuries, textile arts and costumes, contemporary art and art from the Americas, the Pacific, and Africa. www.parks.sfgov.org

35 Ferry Building

Dine: in one of San Francisco’s more than 5,000 restaurants. San Francisco is regularly rated by culinary media and foundations as one of the finest restaurant cities in the world and it’s easy to understand why. With 49 square miles of great dining, San Francisco is a mecca for the mouth. The City’s diverse, distinct blending of cultures, creativity and proximity to fresh, sustainable ingredients continues to attract great chefs, with a trail of devoted foodies following in their wake. www.sanfrancisco.travel/dine

Explore San Francisco’s newest museum… the Exploratorium: which opened on April 17, 2013. The internationally acclaimed museum of sciences, art and human perception, opened on Piers 15 and 17, located on San Francisco’s historic northern waterfront at Embarcadero and Green streets. The new museum features 150 new exhibits, a Bay observatory, outdoor gallery and free civic space. www.exploratorium.edu

Golden Gate Park

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U.S.A. | SAN FRANCISCO

The Top 10 things you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know about San Francisco

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When visiting Chinatown remember to look up. Temples are historically built on the upper levels of buildings…to be closer to the gods. The Tin How Temple, 125 Waverly Place, is the oldest Chinese temple in the U.S.

The United Nations was founded in San Francisco on June 26, 1945; the historic treaty was signed on the stage of Herbst Theatre in the Veterans Building, 401 Van Ness Ave.

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San Francisco Bay is the largest natural harbour and estuary on the West Coast.

A designated national historic landmark, the world’s first cable car rumbled down Clay Street on the morning of Aug. 2, 1873.

There’s a famous piece of apparel that got its start in San Francisco. The “birth of the blues” refers to Levi’s jeans. In 1873 Levi Strauss & Co. created and patented the world’s first blue jeans. Some vintage treasures are on view at company headquarters, 1155 Battery St.

San Francisco has 40 plus hills; the most famous are Twin Peaks, Nob Hill, Russian Hill, Mt. Davidson and Telegraph Hill.

San Francisco claims a number of food firsts including the martini (although some contend it started in Martinez a few miles to the east of San Francisco); the fortune cookie; America’s oldest Italian restaurant, Fior d’Italia; Oysters Kirkpatrick; cioppino; Chicken Tetrazzini; Crab Louis and no visit is complete without sampling an It’s It ice cream sandwich.

U.S.A. | SAN FRANCISCO

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Chinatown

U.S.A. | SAN FRANCISCO

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World Series Championship Parade

The first television was invented by Philo T. Farnsworth and transmitted its first successful electronic image on Sept. 7, 1927. A plaque marks the spot at 202 Green St.

Dubbed “the crookedest street in the world”, Lombard Street’s famous curves have been featured in several movies including “What’s Up Doc?” and “Magnum Force.”

View from Twin Peaks

For an insider’s perspective, join the more than 500,000 people who follow San Francisco Travel on Facebook at www.facebook.com/onlyinsf and the more than 100,000 who follow “OnlyinSF” on Twitter at http://twitter.com/onlyinsf. www.sanfrancisco.travel

Exploratorium museum ©CityPASS

©CityPASS

Monterey Bay Aquarium

de Young Museum at night ©CityPASS

iscover the Bay Area’s must-see attractions with this deep-discount pass. With San Francisco CityPASS ticket booklets, visitors save 46 percent off regular admissions and enjoy unlimited cable car rides. Valid nine days, starting with the first day of use, San Francisco CityPASS booklets cost $86 for adults (value $159); $64 children (5 – 11 years old). Purchase online at CityPASS.com or at the participating attractions. (Prices effective from March 1st 2014) Includes: • 7-Day, Unlimited-Use Cable Car & Muni Transportation Passport • California Academy of Sciences • Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure • Aquarium of the Bay OR Monterey Bay Aquarium • Exploratorium OR de Young Museum and Legion of Honor. www.citypass.com

Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise and Golden Gate Bridge

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Amy Snyder ©Exploratorium

©Monterey Bay Aquarium

Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39

U.S.A. | CITYPASS

San Francisco, California… CityPASS

Hidden Gems of California By Shane Boocock

U.S.A. | CALIFORNIA

o travel to where few people travel is maybe not on everybody’s hit list, but in California there are some real hidden gems that many Americans haven’t even heard of…let alone visited. So we’ve compiled a list of some of the most unusual and undiscovered attractions. Not all of them are easy to find but make the effort and you will be richly rewarded. Pinnacles National Monument This monument derives its name from the geological formations in the area formed about 10,000 years ago. This 26,000 acre area is located in the central part of the state just an hour and a half drive south from San Jose, close to the community of Hollister. However, the area is most noted for its great rock climbing and two caves, Bear Gulch and Balconies Cave. People wanting to escape the urban metropolis of San Francisco, San Jose and the Monterey Bay area visit Pinnacles National Monument to hike, rock climb, watch and photograph wildlife, study wildflowers and experience nature. Pinnacles National Monument offers visitors solitude, challenge and an escape from the crowds. Winter, spring and autumn are the best times of the year to visit the Monument as temperatures during the summer rise above 100 degrees (38 Celsius).

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Devils Postpile National Monument

Lost Coast, Northern California The Lost Coast is California’s only coastal wilderness, where no development or major roads come near the ocean. Getting to the Lost Coast is via a rough, single lane road on the edge of sliver sharp, coastal outcrops. It’s a route that abuts some of Northern California’s most dramatic virgin wilderness. Hidden among its tangled redwood forests are primitive campgrounds, deserted beaches and rare animals. Besides that, according to most sources it is an area so remote; most Californians don’t even know it exists. When Jack London passed

Giant Redwoods, Northern California

Channel Islands National Park Most people going to the Channel Islands visit the best known of the group’s islands, Santa Catalina and the city of Avalon which is home to over 4,000 residents but draws thousands of tourists a year, so for something different visit the National Park instead. Channel Islands National Park is a place to experience the California coast as it once was. The park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants and archeological resources found nowhere else on earth.

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under its lofty pines sometime around 1900, he said it was an area so outstanding it shouldn’t be missed, yet, that’s just what everyone seems to do. Located about 20 miles (32 km) south of Humboldt Redwoods State Park or about 25 miles (40 km) north of Fort Bragg you can enter it at milepost 90.88 (there is no signpost) and turn onto County Road 431. Rough logging trails splint off the track with signs warning, TRESPASSERS: KEEP OUT. Driving a vehicle on winding bends you’ll feel like you’re swaying in a hammock in a summer breeze under a swirling leafy canopy. In this region you’ll need to take hiking gear, camping supplies and also a mountain bike as there are some great trails especially as you’re right on the edge of the Silkyone Wilderness, a dark and foreboding area where light seldom penetrates. From a clearing high on a promontory take in views of a deserted bay stroked by ocean winds that syphon off driftwood piles into a sandy inlet. Taut and arched like an English yew bow across 180 degrees the bay is bookended by high treeless cliffs, clawing skyward, out of reach of flotsam surf that crushes its rocky ankles, this is paradise lost and found.

U.S.A. | CALIFORNIA

Lost Coast, Northern California

U.S.A. | CALIFORNIA

The Channel Islands are located off the southern California coast and comprise in total eight islands; however only San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz and Anacapa make up the national park that was created in 1980. Channel Islands National Park is often referred to as the ‘American Galapagos’ because of its biosphere of flora and fauna. The islands are home to over 2,000 plant and animal species, of which 145 are found nowhere else in the world. Visitors need to make reservations for access to the national park. Otherwise travel is either through the multiple national park concessionaires’ boats, or planes to the Islands from the nearby National Park Visitor Centers at Ventura and Santa Barbara. The islands’ environmental sensitivity is the main reason for the small number of visitors annually. There are no facilities for tourists, but you can camp in informal campground areas.

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Devils Postpile National Monument The monument is located in the backbone of the Sierra’s on their east side along State Highway 395, near the Mammoth Lakes Ski Resort region and is surrounded by a variety of other places of interest such as Mono Lake, the mining ghost town of Bode, Inyo Craters and Obsidian Dome. As such, a wide variety of recreational activities are available in the region. This Monument is also a geologist’s playground. Originally known as Devils Woodpile, it wasn’t recognised as Devils Postpile until 1901. The area was originally part of Yosemite National Park in 1905, but mining and forest interests in the late 1800’s created by the Mammoth Mining Company that discovered a silver comstock wanted the acreage around the Postpile. So Congress withdrew 500 acres including the Postpile from Yosemite. However, President Taft eventually signed a proclamation to preserve the area making it a separate national monument in 1911. The Postpile formation is columnar basalt, which towers some 60 feet (18 m) high. From ground level it looks like huge six sided rock columns glued together, with

Pinnacles National Monument

facts: Pinnacles National Monument: www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/index.htm

Channel Islands National Park: www.nps.gov/chis/index.htm

Devils Postpile National Monument: www.nps.gov/depo/index.htm

California Tourism: www.visitcalifornia.com

many toppled and broken on the ground. You can go and stand on the top of the formation and see their individual composition. In addition to the Postpile there is also the 101 feet (30 m) high Rainbow Falls and in the distance the beautiful Minaret Mountain Range. Within the Monument’s nearly 800 acres, visitors can explore the area’s unique geology, take a day-hike along the John Muir or Pacific Crest trails, or simply enjoy a picnic alongside the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River. From camping, backpacking and day hikes to fishing, photography, and horseback riding, there’s something for everyone! The monument, because of snowfall, is closed most of the year. It is normally open from June through to September (possibly middle of October). To protect the monument’s environment, visitors must take a park shuttle bus from the Mammoth Ski Resort. There are minimal campgrounds and facilities at the monument, so visitors typically stay at accommodation in Mammoth Resort. On you next visit to California by all means visit the bigger and better known tourist attractions but also don’t be afraid to go ‘where the crowds don’t go’, by exploring some of the lesser-known regions of the ‘Golden State.’ We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Destination Denver… Colorado U.S.A. | DENVER/COLORADO

Bruce Boyer/Visit Denver

Rocky Mountain National Park

Denver, Colorado is an active, young city at the base of the Rocky Mountains with 300 days of sunshine each year, a walkable downtown lined with sidewalk cafés and easy access to nature and outdoor adventures. Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, The Mile High City combines its western heritage and passion for outdoor adventure with a vibrant urban centre featuring farm-to-table cuisine, shopping and cultural attractions, not to mention live music and locally crafted beer and spirits.

t’s no wonder that Denver’s parks, bicycle trails and proximity to the Rocky Mountains attract outdoor enthusiasts from around the world, and that the city’s residents are among the fittest in the nation. Colorado’s booming capital is the perfect big city excursion before or after exploring the famous Colorado ski resorts or nearby national parks like Wyoming’s Yellowstone or Utah’s Arches. In the heart of downtown, discover the 16th Street Mall, Larimer Square and historic Lower Downtown (LoDo), all

filled with local eateries, art galleries and one-of-a-kind shops like the iconic Rockmount Ranch Wear store. Climb the steps to the State Capitol’s western entrance to spy the brass plaque that marks the exact elevation of 5,280 feet (1,609 metres) and the origin of the city’s “Mile High” moniker. Also nearby, enjoy thrills for all ages at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, featuring heart-stopping roller coasters, fun water slides, live entertainment and more.

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Bruce Boyer/Visit Denver Stan Obert/Visit Denver

U.S.A. | DENVER/COLORADO

Skyline from City Park

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Colorado Capitol exterior

Explore the city on two wheels! Denver’s B-cycle bike-sharing program makes it easy to visit world-class attractions like the Denver Art Museum, featuring western and Native American art, the lush urban oasis of the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Molly Brown House and the History Colorado Center where stories of the state’s past are told daily. In City Park, enjoy two of the city’s most popular attractions, the Denver Zoo (featuring the fascinating new Toyota Elephant Passage) and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (including dinosaur fossils, an IMAX theatre, Egyptian mummies and much more). Cherry Creek is Denver’s premier shopping and dining neighbourhood, just five minutes from downtown. The combination of Cherry Creek North and the Cherry Creek Shopping Center makes this neighbourhood the largest and most varied shopping destination between Chicago and San Francisco. It’s where Denver comes to shop, sip and be seen. Boasting 320 independently owned shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and spas, Cherry Creek North offers 16 blocks of retail bliss. The upscale Cherry Creek Shopping Center has more than 160 shops, 40 of which are exclusive to the area, including Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co., Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Ralph Lauren. Stop by the guest services desk to receive a free “Passport to Shopping” pass offering discounts to more than 60 stores. Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre (just 30 minutes from downtown) is a must-see, with spectacular red sandstone formations rising out of the foothills. Hike the beautiful trails around the amphitheatre by day and enjoy a concert under the stars by night. Denver is also a gateway to day-trip adventures. Just about an hour from downtown, you can river raft in the spectacular Clear Creek Canyon, ride horses to Old West towns, explore working gold mines, hop aboard a narrow-gauge steam train, drive up the highest paved road in North America or hike in beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park. After a morning in the mountains, you can be back in the city for dinner at intimate bars and chef-owned restaurants, ride through historic downtown on a horse-drawn carriage or pedi-cab, catch major league sports or see theatre, music and dance in America’s second-largest performing arts complex. Don’t leave the city without experiencing Denver’s exciting craft beer world - more beer is brewed here than in any other US city. See how The Mile High City has become known as the “Napa Valley of Beer” during a behind-the-scenes brewery tour! Denver is an active, young city with a friendly, western vibe – a place where visitors will find exciting nightlife, shopping, cuisine, arts and culture – all located near the spectacular Rocky Mountains. www.VISITDENVER.com

Confluence Park

10 THINGS YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE MILE HIGH CITY Denver has 300 days of annual sunshine. Located east of a major mountain range, Denver has a mild, dry and sunny climate with more annual hours of sun than San Diego or Miami Beach. In winter, Denver is dryer than Phoenix with an average daily high of 45 degrees in February. Denver receives only 14 inches of precipitation a year – about the same as Los Angeles.

Denver is a city of many colours and cultures. Denver’s population has more than doubled from the 1960s. The Hispanic population in Colorado has increased by 73 percent in the last two decades and today, 32 percent of the City of Denver is of Hispanic and Latino descent and 11 percent are African American. Denver’s diversity is celebrated at numerous festivals and events including the nation’s largest Cinco de Mayo celebration and the largest Martin Luther King Jr. march and rally, referred to the locals as a “marade. Denver has a population of 634,158, while there are 3.1 million people in the metro area. Denver’s history is short, but colourful. In 1858, there was not a single person living in the Denver metro area except for some migrating camps of Arapaho and Cheyenne Native Americans. Just 30 years later, Colorado was a state with a population of almost 200,000. It was a Gold Rush that caused this boom and in a 30 to 40 year period Denver saw some of the wildest events in the “Wild West.” This fascinating period is brought to life at museums, old gold mining towns and in hundreds of elegant Victorian buildings. Denver loves its sports. Denver is one of only two American cities to have seven professional sports teams: NFL Denver Broncos; NBA Denver Nuggets; NHL Colorado Avalanche; MLB Colorado Rockies; MLS Colorado Rapids; MLL Colorado Outlaws; and NLL Colorado Mammoth. The Colorado Rockies have 11 Major League Baseball attendance records, while the Denver Broncos have sold out every game for more than 20 years. Denver also hosts one of the world’s largest rodeos – the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo.

Denver brews more beer than any other city. The first building in Denver was a saloon, so it’s natural that Denver would become a great beer town. Coors Brewery is the world’s largest. Denver’s Great American Beer Festival is the largest beer tasting in the world, with more than 3,000 different beers from 600 breweries. On an average day, Denver brews more than 200 different beers. Why is Denver the “Napa Valley of Beer”? Well, just as the water tumbling down from the Scottish Highlands has made Scotland a renowned centre for whiskey, the great taste of Rocky Mountain spring water provides a key basic ingredient for the city’s booming beer brewing industry. Denver - The Mile High City, is exactly one mile high. By an amazing stroke of good luck, the 13th step on the west side of the State Capitol Building is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level – one mile high. In Denver’s rarified air, golf balls go 10 percent farther. So do cocktails. Alcoholic drinks pack more of a punch than at sea level. The sun feels warmer, because you are closer to it and there is 25 percent less protection from the sun, so sunscreen is a must. With less water vapour in the air at this altitude, the sky really is bluer in Colorado. Denver has the 10th largest downtown in the United States. Unlike some Western cities, Denver has a definitive, exciting and walkable downtown – the 10th largest in the nation. Within just a one mile radius, there are three sports stadiums, the country’s second largest performing arts complex, an assortment of art and history museums, a mint producing 10 billion coins a year, a river offering whitewater rafting, the country’s only downtown amusement park, a world-class aquarium, more than 8,400 hotel rooms and more than 300 restaurants, brewpubs and music venues. Denver has the largest city park system in the country. Denver has more than 200 parks within the city and 14,000 acres of parks in the nearby mountains, including the spectacular Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. The city has its own buffalo herd located in the mountains with a panoramic view. Other mountain parks include Echo Lake, at the base of the Mount Evans highway – the highest road in North America and Buffalo Bill’s Grave on top of Lookout Mountain. There are more than 850 miles of off-street bike paths, 90 golf courses and one of the nation’s largest urban trail systems. Due to all of these recreational opportunities, a federal study found that Denver has the thinnest residents of any major U.S. city.

U.S.A. | DENVER/COLORADO

Denver is near the mountains, not in them. Denver is located on high rolling plains, 12 miles east of the “foothills,” a series of gentle mountains that climb to 11,000 feet. Just beyond is the “Front Range of the Rocky Mountains,” a series of formidable snowcapped peaks that rise to 14,000 feet. The picturesque mountain panorama visible from Denver is 140 miles long with 200 named peaks, including 32 that soar to 13,000 feet and above.

Sports Authority Field

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Denver’s arts and cultural scene is thriving. In its Old West days, Denver had a performance of Macbeth before it had a school or a hospital. The city’s cultural renaissance can be found in places like the Denver Performing Arts Complex, the second largest in the country, with 10 theatres seating more than 10,000 people for opera, symphony, ballet and theatre.

COLORADO’S NATIONAL PARKS, MONUMENTS & HISTORIC SITES

U.S.A. | DENVER/COLORADO

Half of Colorado is public land, preserved in four national parks, seven national monuments, 11 national forests, 38 state parks and two national recreation areas.

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Rocky Mountain National Park Located 65 miles/104 km northwest of Denver, this is Colorado’s most popular attraction with more than three million annual visitors. Trail Ridge Road crosses the park, forming the highest continuous highway in North America, reaching heights of 12,183 feet/ 3,736 metres. Massive peaks, rugged canyons, flower-studded meadows, peaceful lakes and the thundering waterfalls combine to offer a complete look at the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Activities including hiking, camping, horseback riding, climbing, fishing and viewing wildlife. Estes Park on the east and Grand Lake on the west are two resort villages, filled with shopping, dining and accommodations. www.nps.gov/romo/

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park One America’s newest national parks preserves the most spectacular 12-mile section of a 53-mile-long gorge carved by the Gunnison River. Other canyons in America are longer or deeper, but no other canyon in North America combines the depth, narrowness, sheerness and the sombre countenance of the Black Canyon. A paved road circles the rim of the canyon, offering many thrilling viewpoints over the lip of the canyon, which at some points drops a half-mile. A museum and visitor centre is located within the monument.

Bent’s Old Fort National Historical Site This is an accurate reconstruction of an old adobe fort and trading post as it looked in 1845 when it was an important stop on the Santa Fe Trail. Visitors park a short walk away from the fort, which is screened from view by an earth wall. Once past this wall, visitors leave this century and return to the days of the frontier. Costumed interpreters demonstrate what life was like during the days of the mountain men. Visitors are free to walk the fort’s ramparts or visit the blacksmith shop, trading post or the trapper’s quarters. www.nps.gov/beol/

Colorado National Monument An area of fantastic red rock canyons, monoliths, pillars and cliffs, the park is famous for a commercial in which a car was placed atop a red rock column, 600 feet in the air. Rimrock Drive follows a scenic course around the canyon’s rim, 2,000 feet/ 610 metres above the floor of the Grand Valley. The park is open all year. There are self-guided walking trails and a visitor centre, as well as numerous pull-offs offering spectacular views. www.nps.gov/colm/ Dinosaur National Monument About 140 million years ago, this area of northwestern Colorado was a marshy lowland inhabited by hundreds of prehistoric creatures. Today, it is a plateau cut by two rivers, offering a landscape of arid mesas and canyons with some of the state’s best river running. It is also one of the world’s richest deposits of dinosaur and reptile fossils. At the visitor centre, you can watch workmen dig away barren rock and expose fossil bones. Exhibits include one of the rarest fossil finds in the world - an infant Stegosaurus. www.nps.gov/dino/index.htm

www.nps.gov/blca/

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve Recently elevated to a national park, the area contains some of the highest inland sand dunes in the world. The dunes rise to heights of 800 feet/252 metres. It is possible to walk and climb the dunes. Special sand dune trucks take visitors to inaccessible points in the monument. The dunes change colours throughout the day, forming a dramatic and beautiful natural landscape with the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the background. www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm

Mesa Verde National Park This World Heritage Site and contains some of the largest and best examples of the amazing Anasazi cliff dwellings. Built more than 700 years ago, some of these incredible structures have more than 200 rooms. The park has paved roads offering viewpoints of the major ruins. Under the guidance of park rangers, it is possible to enter and explore several of the largest dwellings. A museum has exhibits on the Anasazi and attempts to explain the riddles of why the Indians built their villages in caves and why by the year 1300 they had completely abandoned the Mesa Verde plateau. www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm

Driving into the Rocky Mountains

TOP 10 MUST SEE DENVER ATTRACTIONS Colorado State Capitol Stand exactly 5,280 feet above sea level (one mile high!) on the west steps, then climb to the rotunda for a panoramic view of snowcapped peaks. It is against state law to block the view of the 200 named mountains visible from the dome. Free tours on weekdays.

www.denverartmuseum.org

U.S. Mint Learn how to make money! The Mint produces 50 million coins a day, each one stamped with a little “D” for Denver. Free tours show every step in the process of turning a dull, blank, metal slug into shiny pocket change. www.usmint.gov/mint_tours

16th Street Mall Pedestrian Mall Lined with 200 trees, this festive, mile-long pedestrian promenade has 28 outdoor cafes and offers Denver’s best people-watching. I.M. Pei designed the gray and pink granite pathway to resemble the pattern of a diamondback rattlesnake. After dark, horse-drawn carriages clatter up and down the Mall or a fleet of pedi-cabs can take you where you need to go. Larimer Square & LoDo Historic District Denver’s hip historic district includes Larimer Square, a trendy block of Victorian buildings that are now home to chic shopping, dance clubs, a comedy club, outdoor cafes and a dozen of Denver’s best restaurants, and a 26 square block area of old brick warehouses that contain 90 brewpubs, sports bars, restaurants and rooftop cafes. Stop by Rockmount Ranchwear for a snap button Western shirt at the store where they were invented; browse the Tattered Cover Bookstore; listen to jazz at El Chapultepec, one of Esquire Magazine’s 50 best bars; or sip a handcrafted beer at the Wynkoop Brewing Company, Denver’s first brewpub opened by Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper (the first former brewer to be elected as a state governor since Sam Adams). www.larimersquare.com Denver Museum of Nature & Science The fourth largest museum in the U.S. is a maze filled with treasures of the earth – dinosaurs, dioramas, space exhibits, science experiments, the world’s first digital planetarium, IMAX theatre and touring shows. www.dmns.org

Denver Zoo Lions and tigers and bears – and so much more, on lovely grounds make this the fourth most popular zoo in America. Go underwater with polar bears at Northern Shores, or eyeball-to-eyeball with a gorilla in Primate Panorama. Toyota Elephant Passage is the nation’s largest Asian elephant habitat filled with bridges where pachyderms walk beside, above and over you to a series of islands. Predator Ridge recreates the plains of Africa with a pride of lions, while Tropical Discovery is rainforest teeming with crocodiles and gila monsters. www.denverzoo.org

Cherry Creek Shopping District More than 500 department stores, boutiques, galleries, spas, and one-of-a-kind shops grace this browsing paradise – the largest concentration of stores between St. Louis and San Francisco. Cherry Creek Shopping Center is an ultra upscale mall with Neiman Marcus, Saks, Nordstrom and Tiffany’s, while across 1st Ave., Cherry Creek North offers tree-line streets with cafes, spas and galleries amidst fountains and public art. www.shopcherrycreek.com, www.cherrycreeknorth.com

Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Visitors Center Carved from towering red rock monuments, this 9,000-seat arena is one of the world’s most renowned concert venues and has hosted everyone from the Beatles to Bruce Springsteen. Listening to a concert here is on the “bucket list” of every true music fan. When there’s no concert, the Visitor Center has a museum and Performers’ Hall of Fame, while the surrounding park has hiking trails that weave in, around and over the colorful red rocks. www.redrocksonline.com

Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave Welcome to the Wild West! Buffalo Bill Cody’s exciting story as Pony Express rider, army scout, buffalo hunter and showman comes to life at this fun museum, high atop Lookout Mountain. Enjoy views of the snowcapped Rockies in one direction, the Great Plains in the other. For those with strong nerves, drive to the museum on the hairpin Lariat Loop Drive ... then continue to I-70, exit 250, to see a live herd of buffalo. www.buffalobill.org

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Denver Art Museum There are two buildings – one a fortress-like structure from Italian architect Gio Ponti, the other, a structure that resembles a titanium crystal with peaks and shards designed by Daniel Libeskind. Inside, find the world’s greatest collection of Native American art and 68,000 other art objects, including works from European masters, Old West classics and traveling exhibits.

U.S.A. | DENVER/COLORADO

www.state.co.us

U.S.A. | DENVER/COLORADO

Best skiing in North America

Colorado offers unforgettable winter vacations! If the Rocky Mountains are Colorado's defining geographic feature, skiing and snowboarding must be its signature activities. After all, Colorado is the number one destination for skiing in North America. Colorado offers some of the most epic trails and thrilling rides you’ll be able to find anywhere. Plus, blue skies and tons of fresh, dry powder reign supreme. From family ski trips with leisurely days spent gliding down the slopes to intense, expert-only terrain for adventurous skiers and boarders…there’s a slope in Colorado for everyone! And, skiing is not the only reason to plan a trip to Colorado - experience snow-tubing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and sleigh rides, as well as great après ski activities. Colorado's ski resorts and historic mining towns are home to tempting spas, unique shopping, farm-to-table dining, live music and lots of local craft beers to sample! www.Colorado.com

Last, but not least, don’t forget to make Denver a pre- or post- stop on your Colorado ski vacation. There are plenty of reasons e.g. The Denver Art Museum will be the sole worldwide venue for Brilliant: Cartier in the 20th Century, November 16, 2014-March 15, 2015…and that’s just the beginning. You’ll be surprised at all the city has to offer in arts, culture, family attractions, chef-owned restaurants, sports, live music and, of course, more craft beer! www.VISITDENVER.com

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Aspen/Snowmass Breath comes in gasps. Thighs burn, while the edges of my skis lie heavily on my shoulder. It’s a powder day in Aspen, and having watched the snow float down in ribbons last night, the plan was already hatched of where to be today. Not Snowmass, with the most vertical feet in the USA (and a whopping 3,128 acres of terrain). Not chic Aspen Mountain (Ajax to the locals), rising directly from down town, or even Buttermilk, where the gentle terrain and impressive parks (it’s the annual home to the X Games) mean park lovers and beginners leave off-piste terrain for those who like their snow deep – all day. Nope, it was, as the Americans say, a ‘no brainer’, straight to Aspen Highlands, more specifically, to Highlands Bowl. For any black run lover, this is a rite of Aspen/ Snowmass passage. Hiking to the 12,392 ft. summit of Highlands Bowl gives the ultimate inbounds backcountry rush (a free snow cat ferries riders part way from the top lift). With 250 acres of accessible expert terrain, including a steepest pitch at 48 degrees, there isn’t another resort in the state that claims as many acres of steep terrain served by one lift. When it opened in 2002, as one skier said, it gave the area “the cherry on the cake”…because Aspen certainly already had everything else.

With over 100 bars and restaurants, from Japanese (including celebrity Nobu Matsuhisa) to American BBQ, French and Farm To Table themes, the gourmet offerings are as cosmopolitan as any capital city. And then sip a classy cocktail or pull up a well worn bar stool at the differing nooks in town. If there is one truth of the many faces of Aspen/ Snowmass, is that it’s always changing – a process of evolution including new terrain, new hotels, new drinking holes, more sustainable projects…but, like an old friend, the soul stays refreshingly the same. www.aspensnowmass.com

In a place that’s world famous for western hospitality, Steamboat aim to please. They figure if you’re choosing to spend your precious holiday time with them, then they’re going to roll out the red carpet to welcome you! Guests come from all over the world to experience the Champagne Powder®snow, and Steamboat delivers the goods, but they fall in love with the town too. The skiing and boarding that await you in Steamboat are legendary – groomed cruisers, bumps, steeps, terrain parks, open meadows and the best tree skiing on the planet – with an average snowfall of 807cm per season. They offer 18 lifts and 165 named trails on 2,965 acres, and new…they’ve got night skiing from the Christie Peak Express. After a big day on the mountain, Steamboat offers a great variety of activities for your entertainment and enjoyment, including snowmobiling, sleigh ride dinners, hot springs, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, free concerts, and over 100 restaurants and pubs. Whether you prefer a ski-in/ski-out luxury condominium or a modest hotel or anything in between, Steamboat caters

to all lodging tastes and budgets with over 16,000 guest beds in the resort. Most lodging properties offer guests private shuttle service throughout Steamboat, and their city shuttle provides free transportation as well. Steamboat is one of the most easily accessible North American ski resorts for Kiwi visitors. Nonstop flights to Steamboat from Los Angeles and convenient connections through Denver make getting to Steamboat as simple as getting to your nearest airport. www.steamboat.com

U.S.A. | DENVER/COLORADO

Steamboat

Stashed away, amongst the highest concentration of 14,000 ft. peaks in North America, Telluride’s spectacular scenery is undeniably some of the most beautiful in the Rockies. Historic buildings, quaint bakeries and local watering holes blend with world-class hotels restaurants, shopping and spas. Telluride’s free gondola creates a ski-in/ ski-out town, and the open and friendly locals welcome all to this unique and unmatched mountain destination. All told, the resort has expanded by more than 400 acres over the past three seasons, adding to Telluride’s already legendary terrain and offering some of the most spectacular skiing and riding on the planet. The resort’s vertical drop is now one of the largest in North America at 4,425 feet, with 3,845 vertical feet lift-served. Reminiscent of the long, open lines of Alaska, the spectacular terrain drops 1,600 vertical feet into the Prospect Basin, including faces, couloirs, chutes and rock features all above treeline. A ride up the new Revelation Lift offers easy access, with direct skiing into Gold Hill 1 and a short five minute hike up a new snowcat road to the top of Gold Hill for 2-10. Telluride effortlessly mingles urban sophistication, historic charm and mountain spirit. The destination offers over 50 restaurants, bars and coffee shops. The varied restaurants offer a cuisine culture to rival New York and Los Angeles. From romantic bistros and western steakhouses to pizza joints and sushi bars, a delicious option for every taste awaits. For après ski try Gorrono Ranch mid-mountain,

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Telluride

the new Hop Garden or the turn-of-the-century Sheridan Bar on Main Street. A ride to the top of the gondola for breathtaking views and fare at Allred’s Restaurant promises an evening never to forget. One of the truly unique things about Telluride is the ease of getting around. The trademark free Gondola takes care of transportation between downtown, Mountain Village and the slopes. No driving is necessary! Getting to Telluride is just as easy. Telluride and Montrose regional airports are conveniently served by six commercial carriers…with non-stop flights available from nine major U.S. cities. Set in a pristine box canyon with awe inspiring views, world-class terrain, an easy going town and hassle-free destination, Telluride is truly unmatched in North America. www.tellurideskiresort.com

U.S.A. | DENVER/COLORADO

Vail Mountain Resort

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Coveted as one of the largest ski resorts in the World…with more than 5,200 acres of skiable terrain, seven legendary Back Bowls, spanning seven miles and the most groomed terrain on the planet, Vail has been an extraordinary winter vacation destination for passionate skiers and snowboarders for more than 50 years. Under blue skies more than 300 days each year, friends and families reconnect and celebrate here from year to year and generation to generation. The vacation experience is exceptional, from the Vail Ski & Snowboard School to events, activities and festivals, shops and spas, abundant culinary experiences and luxurious accommodations. Vail is home to the AAA Four Diamond Award-winning Arrabelle at Vail Square; a luxury property located in the heart of the spectacular Vail Square. Architecturally inspired by the grand hotels of Europe’s charming alpine villages, this world-class hotel and spa features 36 distinctive guest rooms, over sixty privately owned condominiums, a lavish 10,000 square foot RockResorts Spa®, Tavern on the Square restaurant, exceptional personalised services, including a personal concierge, ski nanny and more. Combining timeless

elegance and the legendary service for which RockResorts is known, The Arrabelle at Vail Square sets the standard in luxury alpine accommodations. Coupled with the vision inherent in the spirit of Vail’s founders, and a modern day commitment to excellence in all aspects of guest service and operations, Vail is a mountain resort like nothing on earth. www.vail.com

Winter Park Located just 67 miles from Denver, Winter Park Resort is the longest continually operated ski resort in Colorado and has been exhilarating visitors for 74 years. Since opening on January 28, 1940, Winter Park has grown into the fourth largest ski resort in the state while maintaining the charm that has repeatedly earned the resort accolades as “Colorado’s Favourite®”. Winter Park Resort is home to “The Seven Territories”, a celebration of the seven distinct skiable areas that make Winter Park a world-class vacation destination. Featuring 143 trails, 26 lifts, six terrain parks and over 3,000 skiable acres, Winter Park has something for everyone. From the top-rated moguls of Mary Jane Territory to the steeps of The Cirque to the family-friendly groomers and cruisers of Winter Park, skiers and riders of every skill level can enjoy a day of fun and variety. Off the slopes, Winter Park’s quaint mountain village features a number of dining and shopping options as well as great family activities, including Coca-Cola® Tubing and the Hill House, where visitors can cosy up to the fire with a cup of gourmet hot chocolate. Located right at the base, The Village at Winter Park features hundreds of condominium units in Fraser Crossing and Founders Pointe, 14 Village Lofts, a central pond, ice

skating, an event gazebo and a multi-level parking structure all located within steps of base area chairlifts. Combine that with the dining and retail options as well as the schedule of free daily family après events, and guests will be entertained day and night. Winter Park Resort’s top terrain and amenities, combined with an easy-going, family-friendly atmosphere, has made it Colorado’s Favourite® for generations and we’re sure it’ll be yours too. www.winterparkresort.com

Rocky Mountain National Park President Woodrow Wilson signed the Rocky Mountain National Park Act in January 1915 making it the Nation’s 10th National Park. It is an easy drive from Denver, Boulder, Loveland, Fort Collins and other Front Range cities. Over 60 striking peaks tower above 12,000 ft. in the Park and serve as headwaters for the life-giving rivers that sustain Western Colorado and places as far south as the Sea of Cortez. Most visits to the Park prompt a drive along Trail Ridge Road to the Continental Divide, which runs north and south through the Park and the Rocky Mountain Range. This scenic byway takes you well above the tree line, through expansive riparian environs created by 150 lakes and 450 streams fed by winter snow runoffs. Stop along the way at beautiful scenic viewpoints, take pictures, watch for wild life or hike the Park’s many wilderness trails. Estes Park Colorado Estes is one of those quirky tourist towns that folks love to visit, full of unique little shops, eateries and attractions to please everyone in the family. The Weather Channel named Estes in the “Top 10 Best Family Destinations” in the United States three years running (2008-2010) and it

earned 14th best U.S. destination with TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards voters. This “mountain village” has charm and charisma plus offers tourists a fantastic variety of activities and adventures including horseback riding, golfing, fly fishing, rafting and water fun on the town’s centrepiece, Lake Estes. Cultural offerings include the Estes Park Museum, a great place to learn about local history and lore, and the MacGregor Ranch Museum, which epitomises homesteading and ranching in Colorado. In fact, MacGregor Ranch is the last authentic working cattle ranch in Estes. There are tours available out of Estes as well so, if the spirit moves you, plan a wildlife safari, a wild-flower viewing tour, a Jeep tour, a guided mountain/rock climbing outing or a downhill biking excursion. During Play, Where to Stay? Rocky Mountain Park Inn is a comfortable, full-service hotel in downtown Estes Park, right across the road from Lake Estes. Offering 150 air-conditioned rooms, from one-andtwo-bed guest rooms to parlour suites, the hotel is a perfect landing spot for busy families who want modern facilities and comforts. All rooms have free Wi-Fi and 32” LCD TVs; there is also ample parking, which is free. For year round play and relaxation, Rocky Mountain Park Inn features a large, heated, indoor atrium pool and a 10-person whirlpool plus an indoor fitness centre and poolside gaming tables. Additionally, there is a spacious on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and taking orders for boxed lunches in case you’d like to have a family picnic in the Park. There’s also a lounge for happy hour get togethers and socialising. And, as part of Estes Park’s Conference Facilities, Rocky Mountain Park Inn provides meeting rooms and catered events, specialising in family reunions, weddings and parties.

facts: Rocky Mountain Park Inn 101 South Saint Vrain Avenue Estes Park, CO 80517 T: + 1 970 586 2332 www.rockymountainparkinn.com

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est assured that as travellers to northwestern Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Front Range you will enjoy a visit to the world-famous Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park…the welcoming gateway just over an hour’s drive from Denver. This part of Colorado is acclaimed for it’s majestic mountains, fantastic scenery, varied ecosystems, wildlife viewing, outdoor adventures and cordial hospitality. From here you can “look back” 10,000 or more years and envisage the native Ute and migrating Arapahoe peoples frequenting the area for summer hunting and fishing. Imagine Rufus Sage arriving in the area in 1843. He was the first documented non-native visitor to the area. He was so infatuated with the place that he spent the next three years exploring the high peaks and beautiful mountain valleys. Millions of visitors have followed his lead since that time, seeing some of the most remarkable territory America has to offer.

U.S.A. | FOREVER RESORTS

Mighty Mountains, Mighty Fun

A Smart Buy for Cost-Conscious Travellers U.S.A. | CITYPASS

By Shane Boocock

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heap is the new chic, but that’s not news to one travel company. CityPass® built its fame on bundling the most famous attractions in 10 big city destinations in a pocket-size booklet of actual tickets at up to 50 percent off combined prices for admission to must-see attractions - an ideal solution for cost-conscious travellers. If you want to stretch your American dollars here are six reasons CityPass is a smart buy. 1. Get organised CityPass is the ultimate organised trip pass. Each of their money and time-saving booklets contains entrance to five or six must-see attractions. A few online clicks at www.citypass.com and travellers can buy the pocked-sized booklet with a map, tips on the best times to visit, transportation instructions and value-packed coupons. 2. Time saver Buying CityPass online saves time, but the hidden beauty of CityPass is revealed when the first ticket is used. Rather than waiting in entrance lines, CityPass guests zip past most lines and avoid rain, heat, snow, humidity and fidgeting. Each attraction ticket includes the CityPass secret to get right in. 3. Save money CityPass costs about half the price of combined regular attraction prices and is loaded with theme parks at big savings. In addition to more cash left in your pocket, the attractions pack a cultural and entertainment wallop, full of treasures and signature experiences. 4. Kid spree Curiosity-satisfying adventures spill out of CityPass booklet tickets. Invitations to touch, smell, experience, learn and test the limits of childhood imagination are inside museums of science, art, and history. Public transit and city centres – like New York’s Times Square and The Embarcadero in San Francisco – are icing on the cupcake.

5. No passport required A journey of imagination from land to sea creatures, rain forest to desert, space exploration or stargazing are available inside a CityPass booklet. Dip into far-away lands, see amazing animals, sky-high views, and gorgeous gardens or enjoy thrilling rides. Art, artifacts, exploration and fantastic exhibits require little more of the CityPass traveller than picking the day and time to visit. 6. Pinch pennies here – splurge there Squeeze savings with CityPass and then splash out on other goodies. Explore new restaurants at lunch, or be imaginative and buy specific souvenirs from chef’s shops, local marketplaces or ethnic neighbourhoods to tuck in your suitcase as take-home gifts. CityPass saves time and money in 10 North American destinations: New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, Southern California, Atlanta, Houston and Toronto, Canada. CityPass is available at each city’s participating attractions. www.citypass.com

GIVEAWAY We have 4 San Francisco CityPASS booklets (valued at US$84) to give away in this issue. If you had to go and purchase these tickets individually they would cost you almost US$152. Simply email us at citypass@letstravelmag.com and tell us 2 of the places that your CityPASS San Francisco booklet will get you in to. That will put you in the draw. Four entries will each receive one of the booklets and it will be sent to your hotel in San Francisco. (Entries are to reach us no later than March 31st 2014)

Discover this land, like never before.

Skier Heavenly Mt Lake Tahoe Nevada

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All Roads lead to Reno Reno-Tahoe, affectionately known as the ‘biggest little city in the world’, is renowned for its nocturnal excitement. With headliners such as country music star, Dolly Parton and some of the Silver State’s original casinos, it’s easy to see why Reno is a drawcard to good-time seekers. Unbeknownst to many night owls, Reno offers burgeoning adventure attractions and a wealth of history for the more intellectual traveller. From its humble beginnings as a quaint mining town to becoming the divorce capital of the USA, Reno definitely has a chequered, yet fascinating, past. Today, Nevada receives over 50 million visitors annually, and while the mining industry is among the strongest in the world, tourism has grown to be its greatest industry. As such, Reno-Tahoe is now an undercover mecca for outdoor adventure and is an easy domestic flight from the hub of LAX. Whether visitors crave water sports, the freshest powder, or fancy trying a hand at the world’s tallest climbing wall, there’s something for adventurers from all walks of life.

U.S.A. | NEVADA

Nevada… the Silver State

U.S.A. | NEVADA

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Top Outdoor Activities in Reno: The Great Reno Balloon Race is the world’s largest free hot-air ballooning event that takes place annually in September and includes over 100 balloons. Star Wars fans will be in for a treat as the giant head of Darth Vader soars across the valley. Hot air balloon rides are also available at the event for a unique view of the Reno skyline. ( www.renoballoon.com) BaseCamp at CommRow is home to the world’s tallest climbing wall, standing at 50 metres high on the building’s exterior. If you’re going to climb a wall, it may as well be the world’s tallest. ( www.commrow.com) Less than an hour from Reno and lying in between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a great choice for a ski holiday with 18 resorts to choose from including the popular Heavenly Ski Resort. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, skiing at Lake Tahoe offers some of the most dynamic skiing in the USA ( www.tahoesouth.com)

U.S.A. | NEVADA Great Reno Balloon Race

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For a real adrenaline rush competent skiers can head to Elko’s Ruby Mountains with a heli-skiing excursion across 200,000 acres of pristine wilderness. ( www.helicopterskiing.com) There is nothing as exciting as feeling a great deal of horsepower that doesn’t belong to horses. Snowmobiling at Lake Tahoe’s Zephyr Cove Resort puts you on top of the world, with cruises over mountain meadows to peaks nearly 3,000 metres above sea level. With access to a vast number of groomed trails, snowmobilers can glide through towering pine and aspen, breathing in the fresh air and marvelling at the amazing scenery. ( www.zephyrcove.com) The Truckee River Whitewater Park is located in the heart of downtown Reno and features 11 pools for kayak play, as well as a kayak-racing course, and it plays host to the annual Reno River Festival, one of the country’s premier competitive kayaking events. ( www.renoriverfestival.com)

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U.S.A. | NEVADA

â&#x20AC;˘

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The Tahoe Rim Trail is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most sought after trails. It passes through two states, six counties, one state park, three national forests and three wilderness areas. This spectacular trail winds from peak to peak around Lake Tahoe. Hikers, bikers and horseback riders all flock to enjoy the heavenly view! Biking on the Rim Trail

View of Lake Tahoe

You’ll never play a better game of golf than when you’re in Reno-Tahoe. It’s science. At this altitude, golf balls automatically fly 10 per cent further. Your ball will literally slice through the thinner air like a hot knife through butter. And with over 50 courses within 90 minutes of Reno, there’s a course for every level of play. • Called the “Taj Mahal of Tenpins” by the Los Angeles Times, the National Bowling Stadium in Nevada is dedicated to the classic sport of bowling. Though not technically “outdoors”, the 78 championship lanes beckon competitors to try their luck. • GRANDventure Sports Festival, Northern Nevada is composed of four spectacular events, the highlight being Expedition Man ultra-distance triathlon. The festival includes a half ironman, relay and aqua bike triathlons, Reno Tahoe Gran Fondo cycle event, X-FIT competition, beach volleyball and an expo featuring vendors in the health and wellness world. With so much to offer that appeals to Kiwis’ adventurous spirit, it’s easy to see why Reno is quickly becoming the new capital for adventure lovers across the globe. www.TravelNevada.com or www.visitrenotahoe.com

U.S.A. | NEVADA

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Kayaking on the Truckee River

Wild West Vacations Opening in June 2014, Mustang Monument is a sustainable resort and preserve for wild horses. Surrounded by majestic mountain ranges, the resort encompasses over 900 square miles just south of Wells, Nevada and provides guests with an unforgettable safari adventure.

U.S.A. | NEVADA

Michael Partenio

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Horse and tipi village

wned and operated, by Madeleine Pickens, Mustang Monument is where luxury guest ranches and the Wild West combine. Adventurers travel across the property and up the mountain to experience nature at its finest. Guests will be awestruck by the beauty of the wild Mustangs during overnight stays in their own luxury tipis (the correct spelling of what we have always called tepees). Mustang Monument offers one of the finest Wild West vacations in the land thanks to its amazing location. Wells, Nevada…a small town with a population of just over 1,200 citizens was originally called Humboldt Wells. The city was a stop along the trail to California before becoming a railroad town. With such a storied history and serene life, the area offers the perfect setting for Wild West tours, outdoor activities, and horse adventures.

Michael Partenio

Inside Tent

Jo Danehy

U.S.A. | NEVADA

Michael Partenio

Kristina Carlson Welcomes Guests

Mustang Monument Mustangs Feeding

Inside Tipi Kristi Johnson

You will be encouraged to indulge in the all-inclusive amenities and top-quality service that Mustang Monument has to offer. Your experience includes outdoor adventures, daytime activities, tales of American heritage and the Wild West, high-end service, luxury amenities and the opportunity to connect with nature. All guests leave fulfilled, knowing that their stay at Mustang Monument, one of the finest luxury eco-resorts in the country, directly contributed to the preservation of the wild Mustang. Rates are all inclusive of food, beverages, resortchoice of alcohol brands (guests may order premium brands) and activities…with the exception of spa and wellness treatments, and Native American craft classes. US$1,000 double - US$800 single - US$400 per night for one child under 12 residing in the same Tipi as parents (larger, king Tipi)

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Kristi Johnson

facts: Getting there: Mustang Monument will provide complimentary airport transfers from Wells Municipal Airport/Harriett Field, with advance reservations and will provide transportation from Elko, about 45 minutes away, for a fee. If your are exploring by car, they suggest you consider San Francisco as your entry point, then visit Lake Tahoe, the famous Virginia City, Carson City (the state capital), and then continue east to Wells and Mustang Monument. Or, you can fly in to Salt Lake City, Utah and it is approx. a two-hour drive to Wells. Airport Information: Salt Lake City International Airport: www.slcairport.com

U.S.A. | NEVADA

Madeleine and Tommy

www.airnav.com/airport/KLWL

Located 2 miles NE of Wells, Nevada. Transfer time approximately 25 minutes. (For Private Aircraft Only) Driving Directions: From Highway 80/Wells, Nevada: From the intersection of the I-80 and US HWY 93, head 25 miles South on HWY 93. Access Mustang Monument by entering Warm Creek Ranch on the East side of the road. From Highway 50: From HWY 50, head North on US HWY 93 (intersection of 93 and 50 is in Ely, Nevada). HWY 93 forks at Lages Junction. At Lages, head North towards Wells, Nevada. Access Mustang Monument by entering Warm Creek Ranch.

www.mustangmonument.com Michael Partenio

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Activities will include: • Guided Historic Walking Tours • Guided Adventure Hikes • TomCar Off-Road Adventure • Personalised Fitness Instruction • Photography Tour • In-Tipi Spa Treatments** • Horseback Riding Excursions • Wild Mustang Adventure Safaris • Roping Lessons • Archery • Corn Hole • Horseshoes • Authentic Native American Beading and Moccasin Classes** • Kids Club/Little Mustangs • Paintball Target Practice ** These specialised activities require an additional fee.

Located 177 miles East of Wells, Nevada off the I-80 W. Transfer time approximately 2.5 hours. Elko Regional Airport: www.elkocity.com/airport Located (51) miles West of Wells, Nevada off the I-80 E. Transfer time approximately 50 minutes. Wells Municipal Airport/Harriet Field:

Monument Deluxe Tipi Guest Room

U.S.A. | OREGON

Oregonâ&#x20AC;Ś The Beaver State

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Haystack Rock

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN OREGON

Explore the 363 miles of pristine public coastline. Places to see/ activities to do: Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock, Astoria Column, Goonies House, Tillamook Cheese Factory, whale watching in Depoe Bay, clam digging at Netarts Bay, Sand Dunes National Recreation Area (try Sand boarding at Sand Master Park, or take a dune buggy ride) and Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (ranked the best golf course in the US in 2012 by Golf Magazine)

Ski Mt. Hood - Timberline Lodge & Ski Area is the only place in the country where you can ski throughout the entire summer

Mt Hood

U.S.A. | OREGON

Smith Rock State Park

Explore the spectacular beauty of the Wallowa Mountains, dubbed Oregon’s “Little Switzerland.” Enjoy unique backcountry skiing in the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area

Climb or hike around Smith Rock, where you will be treated to extraordinary scenic views of deep river canyons and some of the best rock climbing in the U.S.

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Enjoy a play in the outdoor Elizabethan Theater at the award-winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland

Wallower Lake

Garfield Peak, Crater Lake National Park

lake

Road trip to Crater Lake National Park, where you can swim or take a boat ride in the nation’s deepest

U.S.A. | OREGON

Vista House overlooking the Columbia River Gorge

Hike, climb, swim and sail the Columbia River Gorge, home to Multnomah Falls, the second tallest waterfall in the U.S. While you’re in the area, get active on the Hood River, one of the best places to windsurf and kiteboard in the world

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Sip and savour your way through Portland’s culinary scene

Indulge in some tax-free shopping at Woodburn Premium Outlets, where you’ll find over 110 designer name brands

Take a trip out to wine country in the Willamette Valley and taste its world class Pinot Noir while being surrounded by beautiful views of the Cascade Mountains

U.S.A. | OREGON

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN PORTLAND

Shop until you drop. There is no sales tax in Oregon, unlike other U.S. destinations, meaning you will be amazed at how much you can save. Better bring an extra suitcase with you or better yet buy a new one

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Put on a few pounds. In America, Portland shows up in the same breathe as other major culinary destinations such as L.A., New York and Chicago and is widely considered one of the hottest culinary destinations in the states. From an army of food trucks serving up gourmet food at pedestrian prices to fine dining on locally-grown foods prepared by edgy and innovative chefs you will not leave here hungry

Pause for a Pinot. It is Oregon’s specialty after all and the nearby Willamette Valley is home to more than 400 wineries making it the fourth largest wine-growing region in the U.S. You will find world-class Pinot Noirs among other varietals at prices that make you think of buying by the case, not the bottle

Forget the flat white. Remember that beer thing? It applies to coffee too. Pull up a stool at one of the city’s craft coffee roasters and enjoy a single-origin, estate grown, organic, fair trade coffee that is as good as you will find anywhere in the world. Except Seattle, they’re to blame for Starbucks

Don’t worry about driving. There is no reason to in Portland. An extensive public transportation system can take you nearly anywhere you want to go. The city is also famous for its impressive cycling infrastructure and ease of walking. Many hotels offer free bike rentals for guests

Domaine Seren tasting room

U.S.A. | OREGON

Have a pint (or two). Portland is home to more breweries than any other city in the known universe. You read that correctly. With more than 52 breweries in the city limits and scores more throughout the state, Portland is perfect place to prove you shouldn’t believe everything you hear about how bad American beer is. Better yet, take a Brewvana Bus Tour and meet some of city’s top brewers

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U.S.A. | OREGON

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Mt Hood

Explore the great outdoors. One of Portland’s greatest attributes is its proximity to the bush. Less than an hour away you can arrive at the Mt. Hood National Forest where you can explore more than 400,000 hectare’s of protected wilderness including the 3,429 metre Mt. Hood, an active (but currently dormant) volcano and home to the beautiful Timberline Lodge

Read a book or just buy one. Powell’s Bookstore in the CBD is the largest independent bookstore in the world. It takes up an entire city block with four stories and has more than 1 million books

Portland Farmers Market

Visit a Farmers Market. There is one every day during Oregon’s summer months and huge displays occur at Portland State University each Saturday from March through to November. You will truly see fruit of the many small farmers’ efforts. Best of all, you can be assured that whatever is fresh at the market will be on your menu that evening as most of the city’s chefs shop here Go to a Garden or Park. Portland is famous for boasting one of the largest city parks in the world in Forest Park (2,092 hectares) and the smallest with Mill Ends Park (at slightly more than half a metre in diameter). You will also find the amazing Japanese Garden and Lan Su Chinese Garden among many others

U.S.A. | OREGON

TOP 10 THINGS YOU DID NOT KNOW ABOUT PORTLAND

As the United States began to settle the West, pioneers trekking across the country were headed to a small little town a few miles south of Portland called Oregon City. There are numerous museums and attractions here today about this important historical event

Due to its incredible biking infrastructure and culture, Portland has the highest percentage of bike commuters in the U.S…more than six times the national average

Many of the characters in “The Simpsons” are named after streets and locations in Portland. This is Simpsons’ creator Matt Groening’s hometown

Portland has a growing craft spirits industry with more than 12 local distillers making everything from Brandy to Whiskey

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Willamette River

U.S.A. | OREGON

Craft Beers Oregon Brewers Festival

The city’s name was decided by a coin toss with the winner naming it after their hometown. If luck had gone the other way, you would be reading about Boston, Oregon

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Oregon is one of only five states in the U.S. that does not charge sales tax

The Columbia River, which creates Oregon’s northern border, is the largest drainage on the West Coast and fourth largest river in the U.S.

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Columbia River

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The Willamette River, bisecting the city, flows from south to north just like the Nile in Egypt

Portland is home to a statue named Portlandia…the second largest hammered statue in the world. The largest is the Statue of Liberty in New York City

10 the U.S.

Portlandia

The Oregon Brewers Festival in July is the largest and longest running outdoor craft beer festival in

Did you know that Texas has 90 mountains reaching altitudes of a mile or more, or that approximately 10% of Texas is covered in forest, including four national and five state forests? Kenny Braun

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lthough famous for vast cattle ranches and oil booms, Texas’ natural wonders inspire travellers when they visit the state. Hiking scenic canyons and dense forests, exploring mysterious caverns or relaxing on undisturbed beaches are just some of the natural wonders to be enjoyed. People have been exploring and admiring these family-friendly and awe-inspiring sites for hundreds and even thousands of years. Visitors who want to explore Texas “down under” must see Natural Bridge Caverns, named on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of Interior, which recognises sites that have an important role in preserving cultural history. Located 13 miles north of San Antonio and named one of America’s “10 great places to get nature on film”, this cave is one of the world’s premiere show caves and largest natural attractions. Visitors can view more than 10,000 different formations in underground chambers with either a guided tour or a self-guided tour on tape. Other award-winning state caverns include The Cave Without a Name and Cascade Caverns in Boerne, as well as Longhorn Caverns and Sonora Caverns.

U.S.A. | TEXAS

The Natural Wonders Of Texas… The Lone Star State

Horseback riding, South Padre Island

U.S.A. | TEXAS

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Aerial view of South Padre Island

In terms of Texas parks, Big Bend National Park ranges in elevation from less than 2,000 feet along the Rio Grande River to nearly 8,000 feet in the Chisos Mountains, encouraging visitors to explore its massive canyons, rock formations and vast desert expanses. “El Despoblado”, as the Spaniards called it, offers biking, boating, camping, hiking, fishing, swimming and opportunities for some magnificent photographs. After exploring Big Bend National Park, visitors can go next door to Big Bend Ranch State Park, with 17 miles of trails and 30 miles of gravel road… perfect for hiking, horseback riding, 4X4 driving and cycling. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in the Guadalupe Mountains of West Texas, contains the highest point in Texas, the 8,749-foot Guadalupe Peak. Visitors can see the ruins of an old stagecoach station, and camp at nearby Pine Springs Campground. The 135-square mile park also contains McKittrick Canyon which, in autumn, comes alive with a blaze of colourful Bigtooth maple trees. South of Amarillo, the colourful slopes of Palo Duro Canyon State Park encompass more than 20,000 acres. Famed as the country’s second-largest canyon, it was formed primarily by water erosion from the Red River almost one million years ago. The canyon was dubbed “Palo Duro” (Spanish for “hardwood”) by early Spanish explorers in reference to the abundant mesquite and juniper trees, and offers hiking, horseback riding, cowboy cookouts, magnificent photo opportunities and outdoor theatre events such as the renowned musical drama “TEXAS!”

"Watchdog" at Longhorn Caverns

Rainbows over the Guadalupe Mountains

Kenny Braun

U.S.A. | TEXAS

Visitors are sure to soak up plenty of sun on the South Padre Island National Seashore, the world’s longest remaining undeveloped stretch of barrier island! Encompassing more than 130,000 acres, Padre Island is famous for its fishing, camping and windsurfing. The Bird Island Basin area on the Laguna Madre is one of the nation’s top spots for windsurfing with its steady wind, warm water and shallow depths. Visitors can also relax by the ocean or snorkel and scuba dive right off the coast. Tarzan would have had a ball in the 97,000-acre Big Thicket National Preserve, which boasts 85 different tree species, nearly 1,000 flowering plants and brings together the eastern hardwood forests, the Gulf coastal plains and the Midwest prairies. A wonderful place for hiking, camping or canoeing, travellers who prefer the milder months can enjoy bird watching, as The Big Thicket is on the Central and Mississippi migratory flyways. The state’s national forests include the Angelina National Forest, Davy Crockett National Forest, Sabine National Forest and Sam Houston National Forest. The five state forests include Fairchild State Forest, Jones State Forest, Kirby State Forest, Masterson State Forest and Siecke State Forest. www.TravelTex.com

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Palo Duro Canyon Kenny Braun

Hiking Big Bend National Park

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U.S.A. | TEXAS

Texasâ&#x20AC;Ś the Lone Star State

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Marfa Courthouse

THE BEST 10 THINGS TO DO IN TEXAS

Go towards the lights...in far west Texas. First reported by early settlers in 1883, the mysterious Marfa Lights still defy explanation. They were reportedly a part of Indian folklore, and have been scientifically analysed and investigated repeatedly. No one knows what creates these mostly yellow, red and orange globes. They sometimes float, sometimes dart around rapidly; they can be as small as a cricket ball or as large as a basketball.

In the spring and summer months, rodeo season is in full swing across the Lone Star State. Visitors come from across the country to enjoy this Western tradition, filled with sights, sounds, scents, tastes and experiences. With high stakes professional roping and riding, concert performances, carnivals, barbecue cook-offs, live auctions, trail rides and more, rodeos offer something for everyone.

Rodeo fun

U.S.A. | TEXAS Billy Bob's, Fort Worth

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Attend a concert – whether it is in a small, historic venue, like the Gruene Dance Hall; a honky-tonk like Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth; or a jazz jam in a Dallas club, there’s nothing like it. In Austin, there are over 200 live music venues, massive music festivals and often a live band greeting travellers at the airport. We’re not just country music, we’re music country.

NASA Space Centre Houston Kenny Braun

Tour Cowboys Stadium – even fascinating for a non-sports fan. For example, it is the largest indoor – and the largest outdoor stadium in the world... the retractable roof is so heavy, the rails that guide it are comprised of steel – that steel weighs over 70 pounds per cubic inch. The entire Statue of Liberty can fit inside the stadium, with a few feet to spare.

Travel off-planet at NASA’s Space Center Houston. Feel tiny standing next to one of the shuttles boosters, and claustrophobic in the rockets’ living compartments. If you plan ahead, you can even go on a behind-the-scenes tour of this facility and have lunch with modern-day astronauts-in-training.

Shop! Home to the first indoor mall (read: air-conditioned), Texans love to shop – and live for a bargain; ergo, outlet shopping aplenty. Oh, there are more than enough high-end malls to go around, of course. And once you’ve done your damage, Texas is one of the only US states that offers sales taxes back to International travellers.

Shopping in West Village, Dallas

Kenny Braun

Tex Mex dining in Guero's, Austin

U.S.A. | TEXAS

Kenny Braun

You’ve got to ride a horse! This is best done after a day of outfitting yourself with the perfect boots, hat and belt, and heading out to one of Texas’ great guest ranches. Bandera, in the Hill Country region, is what any Old West town aspires to be – authentic down to the very last spur. Kenny Braun

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Eat – something Texans have made a serious art form. Food has always been a common denominator, and the great equaliser. A state founded on agriculture, our denizens enjoy nothing more than eating – whether it is at one of the innumerable festivals or cook-offs/competitions, one of the funky epicurean food trucks that are one every other corner or an upscale restaurant, we love to share our culture with others. Obviously, we are particularly proud of our barbecue – we love a big steak, but we love to mix our cultures up too. Hence the development of Tex-Mex…no other state has a whole genre of cooking named for them!

River walk in San Antonio

Wander the River Walk, with its twinkling lights, active nightlife and colourful restaurants, hotels and paths – in the heart of downtown San Antonio, and stop along the way to have some tableside-prepared guacamole.

Sample our world-class museums...cowboys and independent oilmen (called ‘wildcatters’) often slept in the great wide open while trying to make their fortunes. Once they struck it rich, they surrounded themselves with luxury; as they aged, they bequeathed these items to museums, or even built them, to ensure that people of all walks of life could enjoy their treasures. Sculpture at El Paso Museum of Art

U.S.A. | TEXAS

The Top 10 things you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know about Texas

Kenny Braun

Six national flags have flown over Texas: Spain (1519-1685 and 1690-1821), France (1685-1690), Mexico (1821-1836), the Republic of Texas (1836-1845), the United States (1845-1861 and 1865-present), and the Confederate States of America (during the American Civil War, 1861-1865). There has also been a great cultural impact from Germany - Germans are credited with introducing the accordion to mariachi bands.

Texas was an independent nation from 1836-1845. It joined the United States on December 29, 1845 and is the only state to enter the United States by a joint resolution treaty rather than territorial annexation.

The dome of the capital building in Austin is made from Texas pink granite, towers seven feet over the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital building in Washington, D.C., and at the time it was built in 1888, it was said to be the seventh largest building in the world.

State Capital Building, Austin

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Dr Pepper was “invented” in Waco, Texas in 1885, and there’s never been a full stop after the Dr

Three of the ten largest cities in the United States are located here: Houston (4th), San Antonio (7th) and Dallas (9th).

Texas covers roughly 268,601 square miles and stretches 800 miles each way, occupying about seven percent of the total water and land area of the United States. There are 742 miles from Beaumont, Texas to El Paso, Texas and 770 miles between Beaumont and Chicago, Illinois. Also, El Paso is actually closer to Needles, California than it is to Dallas, Texas. You could fit 26 European countries inside Texas, and still have room left over.

Spindletop, near Beaumont in East Texas, was Texas’ first oil strike - in 1901, heralding the state’s entry into the energy field. Texas is America’s biggest producer of oil, cattle, sheep, minerals, cotton and wool. In fact, Texas produces more than a million barrels of oil a day, which consequently results in more carbon emissions than most countries. If comparing Gross Domestic Products with countries, Texas would be the 13th largest globally. The ATM was developed here (in Dallas), and South by Southwest Festival, in Austin, served as the launch pads for Twitter, Foursquare and Gowalla, amongst many others. Texas is home to Dell, Texas Instruments and Compaq computers. Central Texas is often referred to as the “Silicon Hills”.

U.S.A. | TEXAS

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Buddy Holly statue in Lubbock

Downtown Austin

Everyone knows Willie Nelson and ZZ Top are musicians from Texas…but how about Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Janis Joplin, The Steve Miller Band, Pantera, Meat Loaf, Beyonce and Usher?

The Alamo, San Antonio

The Battle of the Alamo occurred in San Antonio, Texas. Its’ 190 defenders were finally defeated by the 4,000 - 5,000 soldiers of Santa Anna’s army – after defending the mission for nearly two weeks. The famous battle cry of Texas’ independence, “Remember the Alamo”, originated here.

Houston, Texas… CityPASS U.S.A. | CITYPASS

©CityPASS

Houston Museum of Natural Science

iscover Houston’s must-see attractions with this easy-to-use, deep-discount ticket booklet. With Houston CityPASS ticket booklets, visitors skip most main-entrance ticket lines and save 49 percent off regular combined admission prices. CityPASS is valid for nine consecutive days, starting with the first day of use. Cost: $49 adults (valued $96); $39 children (3-11 years old). Purchase online at CityPASS.com or at any of the participating attractions. (Prices effective from March 1st 2014) Includes: • Space Center Houston (NASA) • Downtown Aquarium • Houston Museum of Natural Science • Houston Zoo OR Kemah Boardwalk All-Day Ride Pass • Children’s Museum of Houston OR Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. www.citypass.com White rhino at the Houston Zoo

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Space Center Houston

U.S.A. | FOREVER RESORTS

An American Icon

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outhfork Ranch is one of the most famous ranches in the world and continues to thrill a cast of thousands every year with its genuine Texan hospitality and sassy reputation. Globally, millions are very familiar with the 300-acre Southfork Ranch. After all, in 1980, 360 million Dallas (the TV show) viewers tuned in to see who shot J.R.!!! Dallas enjoyed being the number one or two rated television series from 1980 to 1985; the show didn’t stop production until 1991. The series was distributed globally and, ultimately, dubbed into 67 languages for fans in over 90 countries, which explains Southfork Ranch’s ongoing popularity and notoriety. Today’s Southfork Ranch is still full of life and vitality. If only these walls could talk they would tell of the thousands of visitors and event-goers who flock to visit the Ranch grounds and Dallas Legends museum every year. They would tell of countless parties, weddings, concerts, proms, dinners and corporate events that have taken place at the Ranch over the past two decades. What’s remarkable is that the big extravaganzas and events do not overshadow the Southfork Ranch tours offered daily for individuals and families. Because the Ranch is so famous, folks come from around the world to tour the Mansion and its many outbuildings. Tours run continuously every 30 - 45 minutes. Guests are invited to bring their pets (if they’re on a leash) as they mosey around the grounds, visit the fun retail shops and explore the Dallas Legends exhibit (full of photos and memorabilia from the TV show). You can even grab a snack at Ms. Ellie’s Deli. For old and young buckaroos alike, horseback riding was added to the fun at the Ranch in autumn 2013. You can now take trail rides on the grounds from Tuesday through Sunday. Tours start at 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm and 4:00pm. Handlers ask that you arrive 30 minutes prior to your desired tour time to allow for saddling, mounting and equipment adjustments. (Some restrictions apply: Children must be at least 8 years old and be at least 48” tall. No rider can weigh more than 110 kgs. and closed-toe shoes are required for all riders). This is a great way to get some exercise, enjoy the outdoors and see the Ranch from a different perspective. You can make advance reservations or, if you’re in town for any length of stay, horseback riding lessons are offered!

Combine your Southfork Ranch tour with an overnight at Southfork Hotel. Forever Resorts, owner of Southfork Ranch, also owns a nearby hotel in Plano, aptly named Southfork Hotel. The Hotel welcomes business travellers, meeting and conference attendees, and families in town to see the many attractions Dallas has to offer. The Ranch and Hotel have partnered to offer overnight accommodation and tours of the Ranch, so ask about the Ranch Tour Package when you make your booking. The hotel features 230 over-sized guest rooms, each with wireless Internet access, voicemail, modems, data ports, premium cable TV and pay-per-view movies. For the kids, there’s an outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool to be enjoyed. Suites with kitchenettes (some overlooking the pool) are available and guests can request rooms with refrigerators and microwaves as well. Full-service dining is offered at the Hotel’s Remington’s Restaurant and guests are invited to relax in the Cattlemen’s Club Bar and Lounge with cocktails and snacks served. Room service and laundry services are also available, and parking is free. The hotel is conveniently located on Central Expressway in north Dallas, just minutes from the heart of downtown Dallas and Love Field Airport. It is close to a wide variety of cultural and entertainment venues, as well as an endless array of shopping and dining options, including nightclubs within walking distance! The Dallas metro area is a virtual playground for adults and kids alike. Attractions like The Dallas Museum of Art, the Dallas Zoo, the Sixth Floor Museum, Six Flags Over Texas Amusement Park, The AT&T Stadium (where the Dallas Cowboys play), the Dallas World Aquarium, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens and many other interesting activities can and do keep families and groups entertained for days, so plan your stay accordingly.

facts: Southfork Ranch 3700 Hogge Road Parker, TX 75002 T: + 1 972 442 7800 www.southforkranch.com

U.S.A. | STARLINE TOURS

Starline Tours CitySightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tours in Los Angeles

os Angeles is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Beaches, shopping, dining attractions, museums – the city has it all. Now Starline Tours, the city’s oldest tour operator has designed custom itineraries to help visitors explore the area using the CitySightseeing Hop-Off Hop-Off transportation system. The 100-mile CitySightseeing Los Angeles Hop-On Hop-Off Service, the world’s largest tour of its kind, offers four different colour-coded tour routes, which combine to stretch across the entire city. A special itinerary section of the website, www.citysightseeingla.com features celebrity dining and another showcases Movie and TV sights. Shoppers may select from the Vintage, Discount or Shopping itineraries. Two family itineraries offer parents, grandparents, toddlers and teens options for more than one day of exploration. An LGBT Tour provides an insider’s guide to the many LGBT faces of LA. • FAMILY FUN: Venice Skate Park is the right spot to practice skateboarding tricks. It’s where skateboarding began. (Green Route, Stop 76 or 84) • DISCOUNT SHOPPING: Fashion District in Downtown is one of the bargain spots for everyone – clothing, shoes and accessories. You can spend an entire day there scooping up amazing finds. (Purple Route, Stop 42) • MOVIES/TV: Hollywood History Museum features the

most extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia in the world. (Red Route, Stop 1) • CELEBRITY DINING: Millions of Milkshakes in West Hollywood is the first location of this now famous outlet. (Red Route, Stop 6) • VINTAGE SHOPPING: Decades is the mother lode of vintage shopping. Designer fashions from yesterday. (Red Route, Stop 12) • LGBT ITINERARY: ONE Archives Gallery and Museum, the largest repository of LGBT materials, features exhibits. (Red Route, Stop 6) Complete Starline itineraries are available at www.citysightseeingLosAngeles.com where discounted tickets may be purchased in advance for 24, 48 or 72-hour use. There is also an online special where 48-hour tickets can be purchased at full price ($59 for adults and $35 for children, 3-11) and each ticket then comes with a complimentary admission ticket to Madame Tussauds Hollywood (a savings of up to $27). An added bonus with every Starline CitySightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off ticket is the Show & $ave program – which turns your bus ticket into a savings pass at many attractions, with several offering 2 for 1 admission (details can be found online or on the brochure map). Tickets may also be purchased directly from the driver, so the fun can begin any place. www.citysightseeingla.com

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Starline Tours

U.S.A. | STARLINE TOURS

Hollywood’s number one celebrity tour company, Starline Tours, is the oldest and largest tour company in Los Angeles, having pioneered the famous Movie Stars’ Homes Tour in 1935. Starline Tours is always in the news playing itself, and has been featured on Ellen, American Idol, the Muppet Movies, Iron Man 3, NBC’s Today Show, as well as many newspapers and travel magazines from around the world.

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long with the Movie Stars’ Homes Tour in the Hollywood and Beverly Hills area, Starline also offers a tour of the stars’ vacation homes in Malilbu, with stunning coastline views and a chance to dip a toe in the Pacific on Malibu Beach. Starline Tours operates the Grand Tour of Los Angeles in nine languages and the world’s largest Hop-On, Hop-Off tour with Starline’s CitySightseeing Double-Decker buses offering comprehensive tour narration via personal headsets. The open-top Movie Stars’ Homes Tour and TMZ Hollywood Tour, recommended by travel agents worldwide, are visitor favourites and operate daily. Tours to theme parks, movie studios, San Diego and Tijuana are available, with pick up from more than 250 hotels in the Los Angeles. Starline has locations throughout Hollywood, a new Visitor Welcome Centre at Hollywood & Highland and a ticket office at (Grauman’s) TCL Chinese Theatre (6925 Hollywood Boulevard). The company also has a sales office

on Santa Monica Pier…the starting point for the Malibu Movie Stars’ Homes Tour, a new Santa Monica Terminal and in Anaheim at the Travelodge across from Disneyland Resort. The company will celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2015. Starline also operate tours in conjunction with TMZ…it’s so much more than just your average tour TMZ shows you the REAL Hollywood. Where you get to see the hottest spots…Beverly Hills and Sunset Strip. THE places where celebrities go to play. As the tour cascades through the playgrounds of the rich and famous, you will hear information and never revealed details about Hollywood stars and how TMZ…got the scoop. And…most likely…you will get to see one or more of your favourite celebrities. TMZ also stream live back to their studio, so by the time your event-filled trip is over…you may already have been on TMZ yourself. www.starlinetours.com

Five of the Best Scenic Drives in America

U.S.A. | SCENIC DRIVES

Words and images by Shane Boocock

f you’re thinking of taking a road trip on the highways and byways of America then these scenic routes are some of my favourites to navigate. Having spent nine years travelling the back roads in North America as a former adventure tour guide, I’ve come to the realisation that the USA has some of the most spectacular road trips anywhere in the world. It’s the allure of the open road and the “unknown” that lurks in the shadows that brings me back time and again. So, here are five routes that I think you’ll enjoy once you get out on the open road. The best way to go about driving these routes is to hire a car or an RV (recreational vehicle - what we call a campervan) from a company like El Monte RV, who have a variety of rental locations across the USA. You can also hire a GPS, or do what I do and pick up a new Rand McNally road map for about US$10 from most gas stations or Target stores. Just remember to stay to the right hand side of the road and enjoy the journey…the memories will last forever.

Highway 1 – Santa Monica to Carmel, California This route can be driven from either direction in two or three days, however most people begin their journey on Highway 1 in Santa Monica. Your first stop should be the rich playground of Santa Barbara, sometimes known as the American Riviera, a place that’s famous for it’s beautiful Mediterranean like climate and expensive homes, it’s beaches and the Santa Barbara Pueblo Mission, built in 1786. Further north you’ll pass through Pismo Beach and Morrow Bay where otters and sea lions laze on the Pacific shoreline. It really starts to get incredibly beautiful north of San Simeon where the well-known California attraction, Hearst Castle, lures tourists inside it’s marbled walls. The road then starts to twist, spiral and bend in and out of windswept bays before you begin climbing high into the cliffs of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. Before you know it you’ll arrive under a canopy of giant redwoods in Big Sur where there are numerous, luxury resorts, campgrounds and motels. The next day is a 45-minute drive into the small but popular town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, home to Clint Eastwood and many famous gallery artists.

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TIP: Don’t miss the ‘pay to enter’ opportunity to drive the scenic road around Pebble Beach. Accommodation suggestions: LAX Airport, Los Angeles, California: Hacienda Hotel www.haciendahotel.com

Santa Monica, California: Carmel Hotel www.hotelcarmel.com

San Simeon, California: Best Western Cavalier Oceanfront Resort www.book.bestwestern.com Carmel, California: Lobos Lodge www.loboslodge.com

U.S.A. | SCENIC DRIVES

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Going to the Sun Highway, Glacier National Park, Wyoming This is Rocky Mountain country and this aptly named route, built in 1933, is all it’s made out to be and more. Your starting point will be either Kalispell or Whitefish before you enter Glacier National Park. Your first stop will likely be the campground just inside the lip of the park at Apgar, on the shores of Lake McDonald…once home to Kutenai Indians. The park boasts 50 glaciers, rugged wilderness mountains, glistening lakes, river canyons and lots of grizzly bears. The 52-mile route with numerous lookout points switches back and forth on the ascent before reaching Logan Pass on the Continental Divide at 6, 680 feet (2,030 m). This is the only place in America where it’s waters flow to the Pacific, Hudson Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Thousands of feet below is the glacial valley, shaped like a well-worn saddle; thousands of feet above high, snow-covered mountains dominate the skyline. It is only open early June to mid October.

TIP: Take along binoculars and stop often to try and spot bears or big horned sheep. Accommodation suggestions: Kalispell, Montana: Hampton Inn Kalispell www.hamptoninn.hilton.com

Whitefish, Montana: www.rockymtnlodge.com St Mary, Montana: Glacier Trail Head Cabins www.glaciertrailheadcabins.com

Historic Route 66, Arizona As you travel part of Route 66 in Arizona you’ll find some authentic and historic Route 66-era, hotels, motels, trading posts and gas stations, many of them lovingly restored and preserved. Most of this route is now designated Interstate 40 so it is worth ‘side-tracking’ off to small towns when possible, to visit portions of the old Route 66. Starting on the edge of California at a town called Needles make your way through Fort Mojave Indian Reservation to visit the small mining town of Oatman, in the high mountains, on some of the original Route 66. Eventually you’ll drop down into Kingman where just out of town you can pick up Route 66 again taking you out to Peach Springs and the Hualapai Indian Reservation,

where you can take a one day Colorado River rafting trip or experience the Grand Canyon SKYWALK in an area know as Grand Canyon West. From Peach Springs there are more stretches of Route 66 before you eventually reach the Arizona town of Flagstaff, which is worth staying overnight.

TIP: Take side trips to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument or visit Petrified Forest National Park. Accommodation suggestions: Needles, California: Best Western Colorado River Inn www.book.bestwestern.com

Flagstaff, Arizona: A Shooting Star Inn Bed & Breakfast www.shootingstarinn.com Holbrook, Arizona: Travelodge Holbrook www.travelodge.com

Miami to Key West, Florida This is a drive I first did in 1980 and I must have driven it a dozen times since and I never tire of it. The hardest part is escaping all the Miami traffic and the strip malls and stores that line the route for the first 25 miles (40 km). Then you have 100 miles (160 km) or so to lazily drive between some of the most beautiful islands in the Continental USA. The trip can be covered in about 3 - 4 hours depending on traffic but I suggest you stop off enroute to lap up the laid-back lifestyle that has been adopted here. I’ve always camped at John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo, as the coral reef here is great for kayaking, diving or snorkelling. Marathon Key is also a worthy rest stop but the highlight is always Bahia Honda State Park, where you can camp right on the water’s edge. The rest of the trip to Key West will entice you to try a little fishing, some of the best in the States. Plan on spending at least three days in Key West at the end of your trip, as it really is the end of the road.

TIP: Don’t miss visiting the former home of Ernest Hemingway in Key West. Accommodation suggestions: Miami, Florida: Ritz Carlton, Key Biscayne www.ritzcarlton.com

Miami South Beach, Florida: Gansevoort Hotel www.hotelgansevoort.com

Key West, Florida: Cypress House Bed & Breakfast

Zion Canyon National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah Just entering Zion National Park will whet your appetite for what follows. Located 300 miles (480 km) south of Salt Lake City, this little treasure is perfect to get a road trip started on. Watchman Campground is just inside the entrance. From here you can get shuttle buses to access the canyon proper. If you have time for just one hike make it to the top of Angels Landing and all will be stunningly revealed below. The next day head west driving through the single lane 1.1 mile (1.76 km) tunnel, built in 1930, that cuts through a range of strikingly bright red, orange and powdery white sandstone deposits. Switchbacks take you through a maze of fabled vermillion coloured rock formations before you drive to higher elevations on Route 89 before eventually turning west onto Route 12 to Bryce Canyon. Here you have the options of staying in motels, National Park campgrounds or private campgrounds.

TIP: Buy groceries in either St. George or Springdale, Utah as during the rest of the journey there are very few supermarkets. Accommodation suggestions: Zion canyon, Utah: Zion Canyon Lodge: www.usparklodging.com/zion

Bryce Canyon, Utah: Ruby’s Inn www.rubysinn.com

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www.cypresshousekw.com

U.S.A. | SCENIC DRIVES

St. Mary Lake, Glacier National Park

On The Road Jack – Exploring the USA in a Recreational Vehicle U.S.A. | ROAD TRIP

Words and images by Shane Boocock

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Flaming Gorge, Utah

o doubt you’ve seen the big burly RV’s (recreational vehicles) that Americans love so much, gliding down the highways and byways of America in movies and on television. What many people don’t realise is that it wasn’t until well after World War II, that America had a paved highway stretching from coast to coast – the two narrow, rutted lanes of old Route 66 hardly constituted a highway back then. However, long before President Eisenhower began implementing the 1953 highway system, opening up the vast prairies, mountain forests and western deserts of the USA, a man by the name of Wally Byam had begun building the forerunner to today’s RVs, Byam’s Airstream Trailer Company began life in 1931.

So what is an Airstream you ask? It’s characterised by the reflective polished aluminium shell that is aerodynamically shaped like an oversized torpedo, a revolutionary design that has stood the test of time and endures today much as it did in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Sometimes known as Silver Bullets, Wally’s self-contained ‘land yachts’ are today equally impressive inside as out; you’ll find luxuriously appointed suites, walnut cabinetry, totally self-contained comfort and the finest fittings with many ingenious ways to maximise space. Today the International Wally Byam Caravan Club has over 20,000 members. Each one able to identify a fellow airstream traveller by the large serial number painted on the back of each Airstream vehicle…a thriving community of wanderers indeed.

Running costs pretty much depend on how much you want to spend per month and where you park up. Why pay US$40 a night for a deluxe campground with full hookups, swimming pool, tennis courts and store, when you can simply park up for free in a K-Mart parking lot or even in a relative’s driveway. In Arizona, New Mexico and other southern states, whole communities nowadays gather to “boondock” (camp without hookups) for little or no cost on Bureau of Land Management property. With USA gas prices running at anywhere between US $3.00 and US $3.50 a gallon, many RVers decide to drive less and park-up longer.

Sun Valley, Idaho

U.S.A. | ROAD TRIP

Winter camping spot, Nevada

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In competitive terms, RVs inevitably changed once manufacturers constructed a single rigid vehicle. An RV or motorhome is a complete living unit entirely constructed on a bare, specially designed vehicle chassis. This all-in-one vehicle also eliminated the trailer hitch, unless there was a need to tow the family car or boat as well…which many people do! RVs allow people the freedom of the open road, to venture into remote parts of the country and live a totally self-sufficient, independent lifestyle. Modern RVs are fitted with surprisingly comfy beds, a propane stove, oven, microwave, full-size fridge/freezer, air conditioner, TV/DVD player, shower/toilet, slide-out dining rooms and bedrooms, generator and hot water pump and heater, so the need to be harnessed to a power and water supply is often unnecessary. The USA is undoubtedly obsessed with RV travel… but why? With 5.7 million miles of paved highways, it’s a combination of things: the ability to travel great distances without unpacking your bags time and again. Like a turtle, families can move from state to state, campsite to campsite with everything neatly stowed away beneath their “shell”. Sometimes it’s simply to save on winter heating bills that people head for the open road. There is also a cultural aspect associated with America’s retiring population who travel in an RV part-time or all of the year. Many couples with retirement savings ditch their homes in the cold north to take to the road year-round (these northerners are referred to as ‘snowbirds’ in America). It offers a way to see the country for less than it may cost to stay home. However the biggest expense of RVing is buying the rig. First time buyers often opt for a second-hand vehicle thereby defraying some of the initial expense if such a lifestyle change doesn’t suit them. A second-hand RV rig can cost anywhere from US $20,000 to more than US $400,000 for a new high-tech model. However, for overseas travellers, renting an RV is the only way to go.

U.S.A. | ROAD TRIP

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Parked up in Montana

Recently the Vehicle Industry Association of America estimated 1 million to 1.5 million Americans live at least part of the year in their RVs. So a friend and I decided it was time to find out what all the fuss was about. The only way to do that was to test an RV for ourselves. For our first venture we decided on a road trip in a portion of Southern Nevada and Utah – known locally as red rock country. We’d booked our vehicle two months earlier over the internet…a hassle-free endeavour. At the El Monte RV depot about 16km from the Las Vegas strip, our 7.6m, cabover-style Ford V8 was parked up and fully stocked…a modern day “Prairie Schooner.” Taking one of the fancy American RV’s out on the road for the first time is bit like moving up from economy class to first class. With a good road atlas and some state and national park road maps (GPS units are an add on option) we hit the open road out of Las Vegas right into the ‘middle of nowhere’! Lincoln County is a little-known area tucked into the south eastern corner of Nevada…a perfect start to a road trip. A thousand years ago this moonscape-like region was originally the home of ancient Anasazi Indians, then centuries later Southern Paiutes and Western Shoshone Indian tribes, until Mormon farmers established the town of Panaca in 1864. This whole area is rich with history and is littered with old gold and silver mines, petroglyphs, ghost towns and stories of cattle rustlers, thieves and gunfights. Our first night stop was in the aptly named Cathedral Gorge State Park campground, an exquisite desert valley surrounded by eroded peaks, spires and sandstone columns all carved and shaped by the forces of nature.

Backroads…Idaho

Patriotic building on Route 395

Monument Valley, Utah

facts: Get acclimatised: adjust the RV mirrors, seats and switch on the headlights at the depot • Buy a Rand McNally Atlas and state maps know where you’re heading • Drive on the right-hand side (obviously) and watch out for blind-spots on right hand turns • Beware of desert winds that can turn your vehicle into a giant sail • Not all RVs have central locking – make sure all your doors are locked when you leave it • Work out your gas mileage as most RVs average 10 miles to a gallon Campground fees vary from US $10.00 in state parks up to US $50 in private campgrounds In most states, when stopped at a red light, you are permitted to make a right hand turn after coming to a complete stop…but only if it is safe to do so Annual National Parks Pass: Remember there is nearly always a fee to pay on entering a National Park that usually lasts seven days, as well as the camping fees, so if you plan on visiting a few parks consider buying an America The Beautiful: National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass for US $80.00. This allows entrance to every park in the USA. El Monte RV is privately owned company offering RV rentals from different city locations across the United States. They feature the largest number of RV models in the motorhome industry. www.elmonterv.com

U.S.A. | ROAD TRIP

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At the flick of a switch our dining area extended out to create a larger living space – we smiled and pulled two cold beers from the fridge – base-camp! This is where the RV came into its own - all the creature comforts of home and no power in sight. It’s at times like this you realise the advantages of an RV over a hotel stay – you’ll soon see the savings light-bulb gets brighter! In our campground a coyote howled as evening descended below a star-sprinkled sky as we barbequed some steaks and ate dinner beside a crackling campfire. Your rental car and hotel bed is covered under the same blanket with an RV. No more room-service bills or mini-bar tabs, no expensive hotel restaurants and city nightlife…that’s the first bit of cash flow comfort you’ll enjoy. The next day we climbed in elevation through spectacular canyons and high-country forests on the road to Bryce Canyon in Utah as the V8 engine cruised effortlessly up and over a 10,350ft (3,150 m) mountain pass. We thought driving one of these small apartments on wheels was going to be a chore. Nothing could be further from the truth. For the next two nights we relocated to Watchman Campground just inside the western edge of Zion National Park, which is one of 380 parks in the USA’s National Park system. No wonder Americans are spoilt for choice. Our journey ended in our faithful RV when we camped on the edge of Lake Mead in Valley of Fire State Park campground. Our 900-mile RV adventure was a textbook way to travel America. Long gone are our earlier misconceptions! Understanding the fascination of travelling in an RV is easy. We’re already planning to “rough it” again next year out on America’s highways…saddled, of course, in an El Monte recreational vehicle.

www.letstravelmag.com U.S.A. | DELTA AIRLINES

Delta Air Lines

www.delta.com

U.S.A. | DELTA AIRLINES 91

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elta Air Lines offers a daily service between Sydney and Los Angeles using the latest B777 aircraft. Onboard, seating is available in Economy, Economy Comfort and Delta’s award-winning business class…BusinessElite. Economy Class service includes complimentary meals, beverages and personal entertainment systems available at every seat. Economy Comfort seating is available for a small surcharge on the Economy class airfare and offers greater legroom and an enhanced meal service. BusinessElite offers the very best in-flight premium service. Celebrity chefs and sommeliers ensure the highest quality in-flight dining experience and access to a comprehensive selection of movies, TV shows and music is available to BusinessElite customers via the personal entertainment system. Business Elite also offers fully lie flat sleeper seats on the B777 aircraft to ensure a good night’s sleep onboard. Convenient connections exist from New Zealand using partner airlines Virgin Australia or Air New Zealand across the Tasman, and beyond Los Angeles, Delta offers access to one of the biggest domestic networks of any U.S. airline. Delta Air Lines, with a fleet of nearly 700 aircraft, is one of the world’s largest airlines, serving more than 160 million customers each year. With its unsurpassed global network, Delta and the Delta connection carriers offer services to 315 destinations in 58 countries.

Air New Zealand

U.S.A. | AIRLINE

Air New Zealand is recognised as one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading airlines, and one of the most innovative businesses in the aviation industry.

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U.S.A. | AIRLINE www.airnewzealand.co.nz

IBC

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ir New Zealand was recently awarded Airline of the Year for 2014 by safety and product rating website Airlineratings.com. The airline has also previously won the prestigious Air Transport World Airline of the Year award in both 2010 and 2012, the first time in the nearly 40-year history of the awards that an airline has achieved this twice in three years. In the past decade Air New Zealand has won more ATW awards than any other airline. Air New Zealand delivers uniquely Kiwi journeys to more than 13 million passengers who fly to, from and within New Zealand each year. The airline operates more than 4,000 flights each week, connecting customers to 26 destinations within New Zealand as well as to destinations throughout Australia, the Pacific Islands, China, Japan, Canada, United Kingdom and North America. North America has long been a mainstay on Air New Zealand’s network with the airline having operated services there for more than 40 years. Today the airline is the main carrier operating between New Zealand and North America offering more than 30 services each week to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver and Honolulu and tailoring capacity during periods of strong demand. While helping Kiwis visit the US is a priority, the airline is also working hard to attract visitors from North America to New Zealand whether it be through increased capacity at peak times or Air New Zealand’s popular Explorer Pass. The pass encourages US and Canadian travellers to maximise their time in the South Pacific by allowing them to visit multiple destinations throughout New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands at special fares. In recent years Air New Zealand has earned a global reputation as one of the world’s most innovative airlines. Recent innovations have included the revolutionary Economy Skycouch as part of its long-haul experience, the ‘all black’ Boeing 777-300ER - the world’s largest commercially operated aircraft to be painted all black, and a number of unique marketing partnerships. Partnering with international celebrities such as Bear Grylls, Sir Peter Jackson and Betty White to share brand, retail and safety messages in a fresh and engaging way enables the airline to engage with a wide audience and further build an already strong brand globally.

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