Washington DC

So. Much. History.

Lincoln Memorial

I can't even begin to explain how amazing Washington D.C. is.  For the history nerd like myself, 3 days was not nearly long enough time to see everything I wanted to.  Do your research before hand and lay out a loose itinerary to follow.  All of the major landmarks are near to each other so it makes more sense to see them in order as you walk down the street as opposed to zig-zagging your way through the city.  The public transportation system was extremely easy to follow so save yourself some money and find a hotel outside of the city.  


Lincoln Memorial

President Lincoln

This Memorial was so much larger than I had ever anticipated.  Books don't do it justice.  The stairway up to President Lincoln's statue were enormous.  Take a moment to stand inside and look back over the Mall.  This is an amazing view of the city.  Park Service staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have about the Lincoln Memorial.  Don't worry; everyone else there is a tourist so no question is a dumb question.


White House

Backyard at the White House

Plan to take some time to walk around the perimeter of the White House.  It is an amazingly built building.  Imagine all of the Presidents who have lived there over the years.  Besides the White House, the lawn is beautiful.  There are amazing trees, flowers and landscaping to look at and admire.  Tours inside the White House are offered.  Get there early as tickets sell out quickly.




Washington Monument

View of Washington
Monument from Lincoln
Memorial

To me, the Washington Monument seemed to be at the center of all the action.  From here, you could walk north to the White House, west to the Lincoln Memorial, east to the Supreme Court and south to the Potomac River.  To stand in the middle of such an amazing city filled with such important history was a bit breathtaking.  Take a moment to stand and look around and take it all in.  There are very few spots in the world like it.


Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University

As a student of American Sign Language Studies I HAD to visit the famous Gallaudet University.  It was just a short train ride outside of the city.  This is a very prestigious University for Deaf individuals and those fluent in ASL.  Walking around the campus we saw several monuments of historical figures in the Deaf history such as Thomas Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc.  This was a very special part of the trip for me.

Belize

Belize City, Belize

New River 

New River

If you are feeling up for an adventure then you must take a boat ride along the New River.  There are tour groups that will pick you up from Belize City and drive you the 45 minutes north to the river.  From there you can board the river boat for a relaxing guided ride.  You will see a wonderful variety of water lilies, birds, and plants.  


                                      

Mayan Ruins

Lamanai (Submerged Crocodile)
Your river boat ride will take you to a tiny little stop called Lamanai (Mayan for Submerged Crocodile).  There is a tiny little community that will greet you as you arrive.  Here you are able to view Mayan ruins dating back hundreds of years.  While many of the actual ruins are deep in the rain forest, you are able to view a few real and replica ruins on your guided walk.

In the Rain Forest

Rain Forest
Belize is one of those places that you travel too and marvel in the beauty of the flowers and ocean around you.  Belize City is a cute city with friendly shops, restaurants and a great view of the Caribbean Sea.  You are amazingly close to the rain forest as well.  It's wonderful to feel surrounded by gigantic, exotic trees with leaves that are as big as you.  Beware that the humidity within the rain forest is unlike anything you may have felt before; so bring along a hair-binder or hat ;)




May I suggest...

Workout on the Go

Yoga Card Deck

The Yoga Deck

Let's face it, sometimes traveling can be stressful.  Maybe you missed your flight, forgot your camera, broke your shoe or it has been raining for the last 5 days straight.  I like to bring along a way to calm myself down, recenter and get back to enjoying my well earned vacation.  This deck of cards runs around $18 brand new, but you can find them on sites such as Amazon.com for much cheaper.  There are 50 cards with positions and relaxation techniques which allow you to create your own workout based on how much time and space you have available.  To take this one step further, I recommend putting together a playlist on your Ipod or MP3 player with calm, soothing music to help you escape and enjoy your yoga moves.  If Pilates is more of your style, they have that option as well!

May I Suggest...

For Your Suitcase

                                                      Packing Tip #1
Here is idea that I came across on Pintrest.com.  Really, it comes at the perfect time now that my husband and I have booked a trip for my 30th birthday and our 5 year anniversary.  There is nothing worse than packing your suitcase all neat and orderly just to open it at your destination and find everything moved around.  I especially don't like when my toothbrush ends up next to my hair brush or under a shoe...can't help but feel a little gross.This idea is simple enough and can be made quite inexpensively.

Florida

Key West, Florida

Shops in Key West

Key West is amazing city.  You will feel much more like you are in the Bahamas than the United States.  The buildings are all painted brightly in shades of blues, pinks and greens.  Keep your eyes open for the wandering roosters...they are everywhere!  Key West is a very pedestrian-friendly city, however, you will cover more territory if you rent a bike or a scooter.



                                                     Marina

Marina near Front Street

At some point during your stay, you must walk down to the marina area.  The view is wonderful.  I personally love to walk along Front Street and watch the sail boats and cruise ships.  This would also be a great place to book an excursion out into sea.  You have a variety of choices; including dolphin encounters, snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking to name a few.  While on Front Street, you should visit a unique restaurant to stop at and give your friends back home an idea what you're up to. There are 3 webcams set up in the restaurant with a live feed to their website at www.hogsbreath.com/key-west/.

Shopping in Key West

Duval Street
To pick up some jewelry or other trinkets, walk down Duval Street.  This is covered with adorable shops, souvenir stores and fun restaurants.  Just off of Duval Street, you will find the home of Ernest Hemingway.  Tour guides are available to walk you around the house and property.  It's a wonderful look back in time.

Southern-most point

Southern-Most Point
I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Key West, Florida is the southern most city in the continental United States.  Of course, with that, there is a monument marking the southern most point in the city.  It is definitely worth checking out...if anything just to say you were there!

May I Suggest...

Mexico

Acapulco, Mexico

Acapulco

Acapulco was a very energetic city.  You could hear tropical music playing from just about everywhere in downtown.  The way the sun reflected off of the ocean was amazing, you couldn't help but smile and take in the moment.  The view from Acapulco is one of the few places I could call paradise.  There are fun taxis to take you anywhere you want.

                                  

Sunset over the ocean

CiCi Acapulco Magico
Looking for a way to cool off while in Acapulco?  I suggest visiting the CiCi Acapulco Magico.  This is a fun water park perfect for any age.  If slides and splashing aren't your thing, you are in luck!  CiCi is right on the beach so you can just take your beach towel and lay out in the sand for go for a dip in the ocean.  The view was incredible!





Nado con Delfines

Nado Con Delfines

While at CiCi Acapulco Magico you need to sign up for a once in a lifetime experience.  You must swim with the dolphins!  This was interactive to the next level.  After a brief lesson about the dolphins, their habitat and routines you will enter a small practice pool.  Every swimmer will get 1 on 1 time to greet a dolphin.  Of course, there is also a souvenir photo taken of you with the dolphin.  From there your small group will enter their show pool and learn to perform tricks with the dolphins.  It was incredible!  After your swim is complete you will receive a video of your time with the dolphins.


**Side Note
As much as I love Mexico, I must advise you to check with the US State Department to ensure there are no travel warnings for this area.  Vacations are meant to be relaxing and therapeutic.  Having to worry about your safety will interfere with your ability to unwind and enjoy the city.
www.travel.state.gov

May I Suggest...

Bahamas

Nassau, Bahamas

Parliament House

The Bahamas are wonderful.  Close enough to the States that it doesn't take very long to get there, yet far enough away you feel as though you are in another world.  There is something about the ocean and the brightly colored buildings that makes me feel at peace.  Nassau is a very welcoming city.  As you walk along the streets in Nassau there are reminders of the English rule.  One of my favorite buildings to stop in front of is the Parliament House.  This is a bright pink building with a statue of Queen Victoria in front of it.  

Atlantis Resort

Atlantis
If you are spending more than one day in Nassau, I suggest you visit the Atlantis Resort.  At first glance, this hotel is massive.  There is a so much to look at and do that you could really use an entire day here.  I especially enjoyed walking through the Marine Habitat.  You follow tunnels under the hotel filled with gigantic aquariums of tropical fish and coral.

Queen's Staircase

Queen's Staircase
To get an amazing view of the island, you should walk up to the water tower and fort at the top of Bennet's Hill via the Queen's Staircase.  This is actually the highest point on the island.  The Queen's Staircase is pretty incredible.  There are 65 steps, the same number of years that Queen Victoria reigned.  These stairs were carved out of rock around 1793.  

Paradise Point

Paradise Point
From the pier in Nassau, you can board a catamaran that will take you out to Paradise Point.  This is a secluded island where you can spend the afternoon snorkeling, playing volleyball, hiking and taking in the sun.  On the north side of the island there is loads of coral to view and swim by.  At the south side you can swim with dolphins for an additional fee.  

May I Suggest...