More Tourist Destinations- USA style!
Yes Walter, I AM still working on the boycott; neither you nor your government or ALE have succeeded in convincing me that they are the least bit honest or competent...
UNITED STATES DESTINATIONS
Florida (you save $131)
Florida Keys, Key West-
“Only in Key West would the sun shine brightest when it sets. Everyone gathers for the never planned, always varied Sunset Celebration on the Mallory Dock. Once the sun is safely tucked away by jugglers, mimes, musicians and street artists, the city moves to a different beat. A night beat. The streets, filled with sidewalk cafes, open-air bars, legendary pubs and world-class restaurants come alive. Gourmets and gourmands alike treat their palates to island specialties. Drama, musicals and comedy flourish on our stages. As you enjoy these sights, you'll discover that modern Key West is a warm-hearted place where all are welcome.
However you choose to see the town, you'll discover that old town Key West is one of America's true architectural and botanical treasures. On even the tiniest lanes, the locals have faithfully restored old wooden homes and adorned them with lush tropical trees and flowers. New restaurants and stores are popping up in the historic Bahama Village neighborhood, which was settled in the 19th Century by Bahamian immigrants. Hemingway loved coming here to mix with the hard-working locals at boxing matches and arm-wrestling contests.”
Lower Keys-
“If you’ve had enough of an overcrowded and weary world, the islands of the Lower Keys are the place for you. Here, you can snorkel or dive over the Looe Key coral reef, ride a bicycle through Key Deer country, or take a fishing adventure in the back country or troll the deep blue waters beyond the reef.
Tiny Little Duck Key, at mile marker 40 in the upper end of the Lower Keys, boasts Veterans Memorial Park. It’s sandy beaches, picnic areas, and pet-friendliness make it a perfect family stop along the famed Overseas Highway.
Just a mile down the road, at mile marker 39, is Ohio Key. It is home to Sunshine Key Camping Resort, which offers a pool, family restaurant and other amenities.
Nearby, you will find Bahia Honda State Park and Recreation Area at mile marker 37. With its white sandy beaches and abundant wildlife, Bahia Honda Key frequently makes the list of most beautiful beaches in America.
Big Pine Key, at mile marker 33, is the main shopping hub of the Lower Keys. Yet, if you prefer solitude, you need only turn onto one of its lovely side roads. Explore the National Key Deer Refuge, a large expanse of mostly undeveloped pine lands where the diminutive Key Deer live, or venture out to No Name Key. If you’re looking for an off-shore adventure, Big Pine is also the jumping off point for numerous snorkeling and dive charters to Looe Key reef.”
Marathon-
“Marathon, a quaint tropical city with a rich sea-faring history, boasts a modern airport, the impeccably well kept Sombrero Beach and some of the best fishing, diving, snorkeling and watersports anywhere in the world. Many marine activities are centered on Boot Key Harbor, a sheltered cove in the center of the island that is home to the City Marina. History buffs and eco-tourists will enjoy the Museums and Nature Center of Crane Point Hammock.
While most of the waters around Marathon are open to fishing, some areas have been set aside purely for eco-tourism and fish-viewing by divers and snorkelers. Sombrero Reef, one of the most beautiful sections of North America's only living coral barrier reef, lies just several miles offshore and is protected by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Marathon is rich in history. At the northeast end of town, you will find Crane Point Hammock, a 64-acre protected area of historic sites, wild flowers, tropical trees, walking trails, and museums. Another historic site is Pigeon Key, a tiny island that was home to those who built Flagler's railroad. It can be reached by walking a little more than a mile across the Old Seven Mile Bridge.
Islamorda-
“Imagine two seas brimming with the world's most sought-after gamefish: Sailfish, tuna and dolphin in our Atlantic, and a grand slam shot at permit, tarpon, and bonefish in the backcountry waters of Florida Bay. Add to that a selection of some of the finest charter boat captains and backcountry guides around, and you're in Islamorada, Sport Fishing Capital of the World. An array of marine life inhabits the patch coral reef alongside our islands, making Islamorada a favorite also for divers. Landlubbers, on the other hand, may prefer viewing acrobatic dolphin and other deep sea stars at Windley Key's Theater of the Sea.
At Long Key State Recreation Area, campers can kick back or meander nature trails. Added trails are offered at Windley Key Quarry Fossil Reef State Geologic Site, where acres of fossilized coral and an environmental center are at-hand, and at Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site-an island with the highest elevation in the Keys: a dizzying 18 feet.”
Key largo-
“Key Largo, the northernmost island of the Florida Keys island chain, lies only an hour’s drive from South Florida’s two major airports. Yet it is a world away
Key Largo is sandwiched between the watery wilderness of the Everglades National Park to the west and the fish-covered coral formations of North America’s only living coral barrier reef to the east.
Six miles offshore in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary you will find the wreck of the Spiegel Grove, a 510-foot Navy ship intentionally scuttled in June 2002 as the backbone for a new coral reef.
Locals consider their home the Diving Capital of the World but the island is nearly as famous as a sport-fishing destination. Some of the best charter captains and fishing guides in the world work out of Key Largo. You can go after sailfish offshore, bonefish along the Atlantic shallows, or redfish and tarpon in Florida Bay.
Key Largo’s proximity to the Everglades makes it a premier destination for kayakers, birders and other eco-tourists. All this beauty, not to mention the island’s rich history, has inspired a vibrant community of artists who show there work at several local galleries.”
The above courtesy of the Florida Keys Tourism Council: http://www.fla-keys.com)
South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach)
(or visit http://www.facvb.org/ for much more information)
Miami-
“Glass-bottom boats, boats on air, mangrove creeks, and a unique River of Grass — these are not your typical attractions. But then again what is typical about Miami attractions?
From pastel-colored buildings to Old World-style villas, and authentic Indian villages to animal and botanical sanctuaries, our Miami attractions capture the imagination and stir the soul.
Greater Miami has miles and miles of beaches beckoning sun seekers, and nearby parks luring nature lovers to discover a fascinating variety of flora and fauna. In fact, Miami is the only place in the U.S. with two national parks. Everglades National Park is an untamed ecosystem unlike any other on earth, while Biscayne National Park is the only living tropical reef within the continental U.S.
As the moon makes its trek across the sky, Miami dance clubs and lounges open their doors to warm ocean breezes and the beautiful people who fill their dance floors and VIP rooms to capacity every night. Taking the cue, nighttime revelers put on their dancing shoes and begin to dance the night away — oftentimes to a Latin beat — at Miami dance clubs and dance parties. Search for Miami dance clubs by specific location.
Miami nightclubs offer a sizzling variety of music. In Downtown Miami, Miami's oldest bar serves up live jazz and blues bands in a smoky, bluesy atmosphere. In Little Havana, the air is filled with Afro-Cuban rhythms and rumba rap as well as a fusion of funk beats and Latin rhythms. Just west of the Bay area, Miami nightclubs spin Brazilian funk tunes and groove to "indie rock," electro-pop and classic new wave. Search for Miami nightclubs by specific location.
Miami art galleries and alternative spaces are fueled by an increasingly notable resident talent pool. Anyone seeking an overview of Miami's contemporary art scene won't want to miss the Miami art galleries surrounding the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCa). Still more Miami art galleries that warrant attention are located within Miami's Design District and Coral Gables. Search for Miami art galleries by specific location.
It's actually possible to spend your entire vacation browsing through Greater Miami's museums. From contemporary to historical treasures, our cultural and art museums offer an overview of international art drawn from private collections and traveling exhibitions. Search for Miami museums by specific location.
The world has taken notice of the Miami theater scene, with preeminent performers seeking out the limelight. Three of the best-known venues are the Jackie Gleason Theater, Actor’s Playhouse and the Coconut Grove Playhouse, which present full seasons of Broadway musicals and theatre productions. Miami theater offerings also include experimental theater and Spanish-language plays. Search for Miami theater and arts by specific location.”
(The above courtesy of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau at http://www.gmcvb.com/Index.asp)
Fort Lauderdale-
“Plunge into a culture as deep as the ocean which frames us. A culture characterized by Seminoles and Broadway shows. Tasty jazz and art festivals. And like the horizon here, the list goes on and on and on.
Just minutes from the beach is the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District in downtown Fort Lauderdale, home to cultural attractions, shops, parks and restaurants. Along Riverwalk, the brick-lined meandering promenade, discover the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Discovery and Science with its Blockbuster 3D IMAX Theater, Florida Grand Opera, Old Fort Lauderdale, Stranahan House and the Museum of Art “
There is no place better to experience the Everglades, explore a magical underwater world, study fossils, butterflies, or tropical flowers, or simply soak up the pleasures of parks and Blue Wave beaches than at the very center of South Florida's Gold Coast: Greater Fort Lauderdale.
Dining is an important part of the South Florida culture. With more than 3,500 restaurants ranging from intimate cafes to al fresco waterfront dining spots to quaint bistros, ethnic eateries and world renowned steakhouses. You'll find New Florida taste treats---seafood straight from the sea and field fresh fruits and vegetables. Take a look at our creative dining selections, pick one and enjoy a great meal. You will have about 87,660 meals in your lifetime! Don't waste any.”
(Just a small portion of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau: http://www.sunny.org/)
Palm Beach-
“Palm Beach County is an extraordinary destination offering business and leisure travelers the very best of everything. With over 47 miles of white sandy beaches and over 200 hotels and resorts from Jupiter to Boca Raton, our destination offers every conceivable amenity. Hotels, resorts, exotic seaside cottages, charming inns and cozy bed and breakfasts are available year-round.”
(The only way to appreciate Palm Beach or the official website of the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau is to visit http://www.palmbeachfl.com/ and browse through its extensive listing of Palm Beach attractions and events. This website makes it verye asy for visitors to plan their own vacation getaway)
Texas (you save $655)
Galveston Island-
“When first explored by Europeans, the island was an Akokisa Indian site. The Karankawa Indians used the island for hunting and fishing. Pirate Jean Laffite established a settlement in 1817. During the Texas Revolution the harbor served as the port for the Texas navy. Following the war, a group of investors obtained ownership of land at the harbor to found a town in 1838, and the following year the Texas legislature granted incorporation to the city of Galveston. Early years gave city many firsts in Texas: first Roman Catholic convent, first electric lights, and first medical college. Disastrous Galveston storm of 1900, the entire island was inundated during a hurricane, which claimed more than 6,000 lives. A seawall was built two years later, presently 10 miles long, it has proved its staying power several times over.”
Galveston's attractions include the Aquarium Pyramind and its sisters the Discovery Pyramid and Rainforest Pyramid (all part of Moody Gardens), the Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston Island State Park, fishing piers and fishing charter services, sea tours, miles of Gulf beaches, the Strand Historical arts district, nightclubs, restaurants, and Galveston's greatest claim to fame: more historical homes, churches, museums, and historical tours than even downtown San Antonio! Galveston is also an hour drive away from Houston, Texas- the fourth largest city in the United States (if Galveston doesn't have it, Houston will)!
Corpus Christi and Port Aransas-
“Corpus Christi is a major deep-water port and one of Texas’ most popular seacoast playground cities. First European to have visited area is believed to have been Spanish explorer Alonzo de Piñeda in 1519. First settlement began as frontier trading post founded 1839 by impresario-colonizer Col. Henry Lawrence Kinney; obscure settlement until about 1845 when accelerated growth began. Institutions of higher learning are Del Mar College and Texas A&M—Corpus Christi.
Seawall, with steps to the water, was built in the late 1930s as part of a major landfill that created Shoreline Boulevard and the popular “T” head docks for pleasure boats. Corpus Christi Beach, north of downtown over the bridge, is the site of the USS Lexington and Texas State Aquarium, and offers park areas, picnic tables, showers, and rest rooms. For maps and current information on Corpus Christi attractions see Visitor Centers.
In keeping with the city’s image of having glistening waterways, Corpus Christi’s Water Garden at Bayfront Arts and Science Park sparkles for visitors who see, hear, and touch the garden’s water. Some 150 fountains form nucleus of park, which is lighted at night.”
Attractions include the Texas State Aquarium, a paddle wheel steamboat tour, Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens and Marine Center, Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, Padre Island National Seashore (see below for South Padre Island, the Miami of Texas), the USS Lexington (now a floating museum of the War in the Pacific), and South Texas Institute of the Arts. A short drive north is Port Aransas, one of the cleanest, finest, white-sand beaches in Texas.
“On Mustang Island, reached by causeway and free, 24-hour ferry service; one of the most popular tourist destinations on Gulf Coast. English settler built ranch house on site 1855; later developed as fishing village. Summer visitors swell population by thousands. Hotels, motels, resorts, bait and tackle shops, superb open beaches, shrimp boat port, U.S. Coast Guard Station.
Port Aransas lies along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail which extends from Brownsville to Orange along the Texas coast. The trail is cosponsored by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Department of Transportation.”
Attractions in Port Aransas include the Gulf Coast Birding Center, Mustang Island State Park, wade fishing, fishing peirs and jetties, and like all Texas coastal cities guided fishing and deep-sea fishing excursions, and of course miles of beaches that rival Miami or Fort Lauderdale! One of the state's best kept secrets for wildlife enthusiasts is Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area just two hours drive north of Port Aransas- parts of the park are open to camping, but be warned that all campsites are primitive!
South Padre Island-
“Incorporated in 1973, small resort town is on southern tip of storied Padre Island just across Laguna Madre, the bay separating island from mainland. Access via free causeway on Texas 100. Visitors find wide range of accommodations from campgrounds and family motels to high-rise luxury hotels and condo rentals, marinas and seaside cottages. Restaurants feature fresh seafood harvested daily from the Gulf.
South Padre is known for its water sports, including jet skiing; bay, surf, and deep-sea fishing; parasailing, sailing, dolphin cruise, and windsurfing. Other island activities include bicycling, tennis, shelling, and horseback riding on the beach. The popular Laguna Madre Nature Trail for nature enthusiasts and bird-watchers is north of the city next to the convention center.
The South Padre Island Visitors Center provides detailed information about accommodations, activities and events related to boating, sailing, fishing, and seashore recreation. Open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat., Sun. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. a half-mile north of the causeway at 600 Padre Blvd. Telephone 956/761-6433, or 1-800-SOPADRE (767-2373) U.S. and Canada.”
South Padre Island is the closest thing to Miami or Fort Lauderdale as you can find in Texas. South Padre Island is less than a two hours drive from Matamoros, Mexico and Corpus Christi, but it is best-known as a premiere Spring Break destination and year-round tropical playground, with an average temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit- the same as Hawaii, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Nevis, or ... Aruba.
(The above courtesy of http://www.traveltex.com/ except for my own additions in italics)
Southern California (you save $347)
San Diego-
“Relax, soak in San Diego. Let your surroundings dictate a new appreciation for all the good things San Diego has to offer. From thrilling ocean adventures to chilled-out siestas under the shadow of a palm tree, your San Diego vacation will teach you a new way of life - full of fun, relaxation and beauty.“
San Diego has a world-class international known performing arts community offering a broad mix of performances by small, progressive and experimental theatres, music and dance companies to internationally known regional theatres, San Diego Opera and the San Diego Symphony. San Diego is the only city to boast two Tony Award(R)-winning theatres, the Globe Theatres in Balboa Park and the La Jolla Playhouse on the UCSD campus. The San Diego Performing Arts League produces "What's Playing On Stage in San Diego," a bimonthly guide to over 130 of the San Diego Performing Arts League's members. For more information, call 619-238-0700 or log on to www.sandiegoperforms.com.
The beach is more than a boundary dividing land from sea, more than a place to swim or sunbathe. In San Diego, the beach is a way of life, a source of pride and joy, a defining influence in people's lives. For some, the mere memory of a mid-summer sunset melting into the Pacific is reward enough. Others have a more intimate relationship with the sea: surfing and sailing, biking and running, swimming and diving along San Diego's many coastal beaches and bays. Whether you're a first-time visitor or life-long resident, The San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau encourages you to enjoy the beach and hopes the information provided here will help you to make the most of your stay.”
(The above quoted from the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau website at http://www.sandiego.org/nav/Visitors . Just like the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau website, the San Diego website invites visitors to explore at their own pace through an impressive listing of attractions, events, dining, and lodging opportunities. Perhaps the best thing about Sa Diego is it is within 100 miles of Palm Springs, Los Angeles, and within 50 miles of Tijuana, Mexico).
Hawaii (you save up to $514)
The Big Island-
“Hawaii’s Big Island is a big ohana, and that means family, whether it’s a traditional mom & dad and kids, blended, extended, multi generational family reunion or a group of old friends. The Big Island ohana embraces groups of people traveling together, of different ages, with different interests and tastes. And there’s an adventure waiting for anyone with a sense of play and imagination.
In one day, a family can experience the desertlike lava plains along the Kona coast and the rainiest city in America, Hilo. Go from sea level to the world’s tallest mountain, Mauna Kea (13,796 when measured from sea level, 33,500 from the ocean floor), cruise through green rainforest or black lava rock. Watch whales, swim with dolphins, whisper to horses or listen to rare birdsong, sleep in the hotel industry’s best, or camp out in seldom-seen places.
The West, or Kona, Side of the island is dry and sunny -- a nexus of activity with deep-sea fishing, quaint shops and restaurants, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, submarine underwater tours, hikes through thick rainforests, horseback riding ... If you're a high activity type, the West Side is the place for you.
The Kohala Coast is Hawaii 's Golf Mecca with world-class golf courses. Just getting there is a visual adventure as you drive through vast, dramatic lava fields. If your eyes are really sharp, you might be able to spot the Kona Nightingales (donkeys) which blend into the landscape. Upcountry, the scenery changes dramatically. Waimea is home to Parker Ranch where fluorescent green pastures give way to lush valleys and a host of vibrant natural greens.
On the East Side, Waipio Valley is filled with brilliant flowers and breathtaking waterfalls. Tiny towns and highways built on old railroad trestle bridges recall the sugar plantation heritage of the Hamakua Coast. And the island's "must-see" is Kilauea, the earth's most active volcano.
It’s easy to immerse yourself in the culture of Hawaii's Big Island. Try dancing the hula and taking part in an authentic luau (feast). Head upcountry and discover the uniquely blended Hawaiian, Portuguese, and Mexican cultures - still alive and well among Hawaiian paniolo (cowboys) on the island’s giant ranches. Visit historical Kealakekua Bay where Captain James Cook dramatically lost his life in 1779. And don’t miss Puukohola Heiau. This sacred spot was built in 1790 by King Kamehameha as an offering to the gods, where he asked for success in his campaign to unite the Hawaiian Islands.”
Maui-
“With white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, Maui is ideal for sunbathing, snorkeling and snoozing! But once you’ve gotten enough sun, Maui’s also a great place for shopping and sightseeing. The old whaling town of Lahaina is home to many quaint shops and eclectic art galleries. On the opposite side of the island, the long road to Hana will lead you to the waterfall fed pools at Oheo Gulch, a perfect place to stretch your legs and take in the view. After touring the island, you may need to unwind in Wailea with a pampering spa treatment. It’s no wonder visitors return here year after year.
While famous around the world as an unforgettable honeymoon destination, Maui also offers an abundance of family-friendly attractions too. Take a trek through a bamboo forest and scout for rare tropical birds. Spend each day on a different beach. Hike down an ancient path, or straight up a volcano. Take a road trip to the other side of the island, or take a glass-bottom boat ride to a whole new world. And be sure to check out the wonderful Maui Ocean Center, featuring a 750,000-gallon, open-ocean tank with a walk-through acrylic tube.
Several of the larger resort hotels provide supervised activity programs for young guests, giving them a unique opportunity to experience Hawaii’s culture. And many hotels and resorts offer special family rates that often include free accommodations and meals for children under twelve.
From the timeless grandeur of Haleakala Crater to the historic charm of 19th Century Lahaina, Maui offers a wealth of historic and cultural attractions that will captivate your imagination and reveal the extraordinary traditions of this magical isle. The town of Lahaina is in fact a National Historic District, with timeless charm and a variety of important historic sites that take one back to the days when the town served as an important whaling port. History buffs will also find that the Lahaina-Kaanapali and Pacific Railroads provide an unforgettable journey into the area’s romantic plantation past. No matter where you travel on Maui you are sure to find points of historic and cultural significance.”
Oahu-
“With Waikiki as a central hub, you can explore the legendary North Shore of Oahu one day, and spend the next day on the east side snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, a protected marine sanctuary with tons of colorful fish. It’s clear that Oahu offers just the right amount of diversity for the adventurous as well as the cautious visitor. Thrill seekers can skydive at Mokuleia while daydreamers can relax peacefully on the beach. Exquisite dining and exciting nightlife also entice people to Oahu again and again.
In Hawaii, it’s evident that caring for keiki (children) is very important. On Oahu, there are a variety of exciting activities designed specifically with kids and families in mind. Take a submarine ride and witness sunken ships, airliners and reef structures. Ride the thrilling waterslides at Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park. Get up close and personal with dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, and moray eels at Sea Life Park. Spend the day at the Honolulu Zoo or Waikiki Aquarium and see animal and marine life like you’ve never seen anywhere else. Or explore 4,000-acres of fun at Kualoa Ranch by horse, ATV, helicopter, jet ski or kayak.
There are also plenty of other educational and cultural excursions for kids and families year-round, including nature walks, hikes, wildlife feedings, fishing, catamaran sails and more. Many hotels and condominiums also offer programs for kids that include activities such as lei and kite making, lauhala weaving, and sandcastle building. This is one family vacation where boredom is never a problem!
The lure of adventure is strong, and nowhere in the world does it find greater expression than here in the Hawaiian Islands. Is hang-gliding your thing? Do you long to leap from the heights at Makapuu, and soaring high above the beach, make lazy circles for an afternoon? Perhaps you'd like the heart-pounding intensity of the big winter surf at Waimea. The beaches here offer far more than sunbathing and people watching. They’re ideal for all kinds of water sports including swimming, surfing, windsurfing, boogie boarding, snorkeling and fishing. Whether you’re looking for high adventure on the waves, a romantic spot to watch the sunset, or a protected swimming area for the kids, it’s sure to be nearby.
Oahu’s rich cultural heritage may be something you seek out, but you’ll most certainly find it without even trying. There are several ways to soak up Oahu’s colorful history. Museums, temples, cultural centers and festivals just to name a few. Historical artifacts can be found at both the Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace, home to the last reining monarch, Queen Liliuokalani. Take in turn-of-the-century architecture with a stroll through Chinatown, or ride the trolley through Waikiki and you’ll see historical hotels such as the Sheraton Moana Surfrider and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel made famous in the early 1900’s. “
(The above information thanks to Hawaai's Official Tourism website at http://www.gohawaii.com/ )
Destination Pricing
Based on an lowest-price average for a seven-day, six-night stay at each of the above destinations including round-trip airfare and lodging. All airline prices are per adult, departure and arrival times unspecified, for prices 30 days in advance in coach. Prices quoted depart from St. Louis, Missouri except for Hawaii destinations which depart from Los Angeles, California. Lodging represents the lowest-cost average per adult in hotels with a three-star rating.Note that in all cases every possibility to find the lowest possible ticket (flexible dates, anytime arrival and departure times, etc) was utilized.
All pricing courtesy of http://www.travelocity.com/, http://www.expedia.com/, and http://www.orbitz.com/
Miami / Fort Lauderdale / the Florida Keys
Average cost: 243+1242=$1485 (8% less than Aruba)
Galveston / Port Aransas / Corpus Christi / Padre Island, Texas
Average cost: 233+728=$961 (40% less than Aruba)
Palm Springs / Los Angeles / San Diego, California
Average cost: 261+1008=$1269 (21% less than Aruba)
Honolulu, Hawaii
Average cost: 402+700=$1102 (32% less than Aruba)
Note that if flying from St. Louis, airfare doubles and total cost becomes $1504- still 7% less than the same vacation in Aruba (at least $112 savings)!
Resources:
Florida Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus:
Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau:
Monroe County Tourist Development Council
Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau:
http://www.gmcvb.com/Index.asp
Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau:
Texas Travel (State of Texas Travel and Tourism):
South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department:
San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau:
http://www.sandiego.org/nav/Visitors
Hawaii Official Toursim Website:
Hawaii Tourism Authority:
http://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/
And here's a last-minute addition:
http://www.gulfshores.com/Alabama has some Gulf coast, too...
posted by Dan in Tx | 6:03 PM
9 Comments:
He, You thought that it was a "who can convince who" match. I thought that we were only going to show our points of view, the US vs the Aruban point of view. I have stated also that anybody who wants to start a boycott againts Aruba can try. I still will stick to my predictions that 2006 we will see between 700,000 and 800,000 and in 2007 at least 900,000 (probably more), boycott or not, Natalee or not.
As per US destinations, may I add Alaska in the summer. I have done it myself, on a Norwegian Cruises Ship, that leaves out of Seattle (WQe paid +/-$800 p.p. for an inner cabin).
Walter in Aruba
It seems that somebody with the initials AVS in Aruba seems to know where Natalee might be. It seems she knows everything on God's wonderful Earth.
I know it isn't a 'who can convince who' match because that would be like the immovable object versus the irresistable force. Just letting you know that I can and will try to push the boycott- just remember this isn't a one-man effort. I have thousands and thousands of brothers in arms here...most of them just don't have a blog.
Did you get my e-mail about Dave Holloway's book? I have a prediction of my own: that book will hit the NY Times bestseller list...millions of people worldwide reading about dirty little Aruba.
I did not include Alaska because I was going for tropical destinations- direct competition for Aruba. Alaska is kind of not the same type of destination.
He, I hope for him he hits the bestseller list. If I can get a copy, I will. I am VERY interested in what his point of view is. With all the media attention going to BT, he has stayed pretty much under the radar, and has been following his own course.
Who knows, maybe he has some helpful information, that might blow open this case.
As per my mentioning of Alaska, I know you went for tropical destinations, but why can't Alaska, or for that matter the Grand Canyon be competition for Aruba. There are more types of vacations then just coming to a beautiful beach. I can promise you that most Arubans do NOT go on vacation to other 'beach destinations'. Just check out the rest of the US, and you'll see that there are LOADS and LOADS of possibilities, not just 'tropical destinations'.
Walter in Aruba
I hear San Diego is very nice- I did a ltitle research on SoCal for the blog of course.
The best thing about San Diego as opposed to Aruba is you're gauranteed to have competent police to protect you, and should they fail competent investigators and an honest legal system to ensure justice is served.
I hear San Diego is very nice- I did a ltitle research on SoCal for the blog of course.
The best thing about San Diego as opposed to Aruba is you're gauranteed to have competent police to protect you, and should they fail competent investigators and an honest legal system to ensure justice is served.
I bet the zookeepers in San Diego keep a close eye on cowboys like you when they wander around the animal enclosures. You might be a pigheaded loser, but I don't believe you're stupid enough to think US police forces don't have corruption.
Let me say one thing, if Hawaii is such a great destination, how come Dog the Bounty Hunter makes such a good living there?? It seems to me that per capita they must have a hell of a lot more murders, liquor, whores and drugs than poor little old Aruba!!!
You're kidding, right? You DO know that is a fictitious TV show with little if any bearing on reality, don't you?
I wouldn't put it past Arubans to fail to discern the reality of their mobster-controlled, drug-infested island from a comfortable illusion, though.
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