Spain And Amsterdam - Aug 2014

SPAIN

1.0 Practicalities
1.1 Money

1 EUR = 1.34 USD = .80GBP: Bring USD in 100’s, 50’s & 20’s. Bring GBP in 50’s and 20’s. Traveler’s checks are not used frequently. 

1.2 Communication

Spain uses a standard GSM mobile system. If you have an unlocked phone for the UK or India you may purchase a SIM Card and insert it in your phone. Inbound calls are free. Many UK GSM’s will have a reasonable Roam Spain plan for data and voice. US Phones will work but roaming voice and data will be expensive. Suggest that you bring and use personal smartphones in wireless mode and turn on phone only for texting or emergency calls. If you have a small laptop, iPad/tablet or smartphone then you can connect from Skype (or similar) at any wireless point. 

1.3 Intra City Transportation

Please budget approximately 6€/ day for a metro pass.  If you are out late at night alone or in a small group, its best to take a cab. All the cities we went had reliable cabs that use meters

2.0 Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 ­ Barcelona, Spain   

 ● If you would like to see Barcelona in detail, it is advised that you take the Hop on Hop Off bus today around the city.

 Day 2 ­ Barcelona, Spain  

-  The Sagrada Familia – A must see church, the most beautiful I saw
-  Casa Mila - Museum with sculptures and model house
-  Parc Guell – A great park with amazing work on walls and interesting structures

 Day 3 ­ Barcelona, Spain   

● Optional Visit to Montserrat (Out of Town) - Absolutely beautiful and lot of hiking
● Option to see Art Museums of Barcelona 
● Option to do Guided City Bike Tour  
● Option to shop in Barcelona 
● Option for visit to Beach Town (Out of Town)  

Day 4 ­ Barcelona to Valencia, Spain

● Sants Station Ticket Hall ● 9:00 – Train Departure ● 11:59 – Valencia Arrival ● Valencia walk / Flamenco dance show – Must see

Day 5 ­ Tomatina- Granada, Spain 

● 06:30 – Private Transfer to Tomatina ● 10:00 – Tomatina  
●14:30 – Granada (Private transfer) ● 19:30 – Arrival in Granada ● 22:00 – Night Visit to Nasrid Palace (Optional) - This palace is beautiful with great work on walls.

 Day 6 - Granada to Sevilla, Spain   

● 09:30 – Visit to Alhambra Gardens (Optional) - It is a huge park with different variety of plants and flowers; absolutely must
● 15:00 – Private Transfer to Sevilla ● 17:00 – Arrival in Sevilla ● 18:30 – Alcazar Night Visit (Optional) 
● 22:00 – Sevilla Night Life  

 Day 7 - Sevilla, Spain 

● 09:30 – Visit Cathedral and Tower (Optional) ● 14:50 – Train to Cordoba ● 15:32 – Cordoba Arrival and see more cathedrals here  ● 19:29 – Depart Cordoba

Day 8 - Toledo

It’s historic city with beautiful views

Day 9 - Madrid, Spain 

● 08:00-   Running of the Bulls Madrid! (Optional) 
● 14:30 – Prado Museum  
● 16:00 - Walk around Madrid Old Town 
● 20:00 – Flamenco & Farewell Dinner

AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam is amazing. Few things that we did-

• Wind mill tour
• Walking around red light district
• Visiting coffee houses

Playa Del Carmen --- Sep 2015

What a beautiful ocean water color here. It's emerald aqua blue. I went with couple of friends and we had such a great time. We stayed in all inclusive resort with all kinds of activities like beach yoga, beach salsa, aqua aerobics, rock concert, scuba try-out, Mr. resort, circus show, magic show, Mexican dance, karaoke, salsa after all nightly entertainment activities and so on.

We did excursions outside our resort too like -
- Chichen Itza - Take the informative tour to this place to know more about Mayan culture and this place.
- Il Kil cenote - This was such an amazing cenote where we floated while it was drizzling.
- Snorkeling/Scuba - This part of Mexico is famous for snorkeling and scuba. For the first time I saw fishes so closely. I have done snorkeling before but this one was absolutely amazing with yellow fishes coming out from under my hand.
- Water Rappelling, Kayaking -  We bought this deal from Xenotes for a package to water rappel, kayak, snorkel and jumping into cenotes. It was the most amazing experience as I jumped from height into the water for the first time in beautiful setting.

This trip was memorable as I got laid off from work because of this trip. No, that's not the reason but that did happened. I had so much fun at resort's beach, kayaking in the ocean and spending time with friends in the resort's pool with unlimited food (so much dessert) and drinks. I saw the show they do at Japanese restaurant and I tasted non-veg deliberately for the first time.
Oh and I almost got drown twice. Once my life jacket ripped and once I couldn't swim in the pool. I got saved on both occasions. I would still say it was best trip this year so far. 

Iceland --- Apr 2014

Iceland has the most interesting terrain that you would never see anywhere else. It has moss all over the land with geo thermal gas coming out from fissures. There are active volcanoes that cause its land to expand after lava cools down. It has the greatest views of northern lights( best time Dec - Feb), geo thermal natural hot springs, glaciers, waterfalls, Icelandic horses and so on. This is absolutely gorgeous, pristine, quiet and romantic country. Must see Pelicans in this country. Must do's that I am aware of-

- Reykjavik

1. Take the city tour that will cover most of the places of interest in the city like church 'Hallgrimskirkja', interesting buildings like Perlan, President's house (there is no security at all) and other historic museums and places. The guide also gives the interesting history of the country with facts and figures.
2. Harpa building - Very interesting and unique architecture
3. Downtown

- Golden Circle

1. Waterfall Gullfoss
2. Tectonic rift at Pingvellir National park - You can see American and European continents from this no man's land and volcanic mountains
3. Scuba diving and snorkeling @ Silfra - This is also where the North American & Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly splitting apart from each other, creating deep fissures in the ground.
4. Geysers At Haukadalur - There are two famous geysers here called Geysir and Strokkur. In fact the general term “geyser” was named after this particular one in Iceland.
   The Earth churns up boiling hot water that smells like rotten eggs, with steam rising from vents in the earth next to mud pools, fumaroles, and mineral deposits.
   The original Geysir no longer erupts after an earthquake shut it down, but a second one called Strokkur constantly explodes with scalding water shooting 100 feet into the air every 10 minutes or so. Its so fascinating to see this one erupt. Water fills into earth and then explodes in one or two upward water streams. Land around it is of different shades.
5. Kerio crater lake

- Vatnajökull and Snæfellsnes
The glaciers in Vatnajökull and Snæfellsnes national parks are popular for ice climbing, hiking and snowmobiling. Its amazing to walk on tip of tongue of iceberg and also to go inside ice caves. Another very famous summer activity is to take the boat ride in The Glacier Lagoon. Lot of movies have been shot here.

- South coast beach

- Blue lagoon
The most romantic place; have to go with your other half. It feels so relaxing in hot geo thermal pool with heaven like views( read as hot water steam over blue water with light rain). This place has man made waterfall, sauna, massages and Jacuzzi. It's very near to airport near Reykjavik.

- Waterfall Seljalandsfoss
Its hard to decide which one is my fav- this or Skogafoss. Its breathtakingly beautiful and its so cool to walk behind the waterfall with moss covering the mountains around.

- Waterfall Skogafoss
Hands down- Its the most beautiful waterfall I have ever seen. It looks like a curtain of water and people get to see it up so close.

- Waterfall Dettifoss

California --- Jul 2012 and Aug 2013

How do I describe 'the California', one of the most popular states of  the USA. Its a big state with Hollywood as its heart. Its absolutely gorgeous with different kind of terrains like beaches, Pacific ocean coast line, mountains, rocks, national forests, deserts and you name it. The weather is amazing and nobody wants to leave California. Let's get on with the amazing places to see here:

San Francisco
- Golden Gate Bridge - Even in July, its foggy here sometimes. There are lot of viewpoints to see this bridge. Some of them are -

1. South Vista Point
2. Battery Spencer Vista Point
3. Baker Beach - Its also a nude beach
4. Torpedo wharf

Also, there are walking tours in around beach.

- Lombard Street - Its also called crooked street. Its in between streets Hyde and Leavenworth. Driving on SFO streets is crazy as roller coaster crazy.

- Ride a cable car in SFO. One can see the ocean from the SFO streets

- Alcatraz jail - Its a must do tour. There is a great view of SFO city from Alcatraz prison.

- Fisherman's wharf

- Twin peaks/Coit tower - Heard sunset is beautiful from here.

- Ghirardelli square - Its all about chocolates here

- China town - I like NY's china town more but SFO's china town is very famous too

Napa Valley/ Sedona
These are wine counties with great wine tasting places. They offer tours.

Monterey
Its absolutely gorgeous.

- Big Sur - gorgeous

- Point Lobos State Reserve - It has hikes and gorgeous look points and beaches

- 7 mile drive - A must do; absolutely gorgeous ocean views

Lake Tahoe
Its small sleepy romantic town amid mountains.

- Inspiration Point Vista - Beautiful views of Lake Tahoe

- Emerald Bay State Park - I had a great time dipping my legs in lake Tahoe.

- Eagle Falls/ Eagles lake/ Alpine lake Trail - Must do and Eagle lake is my most favorite lake. It was so deserted and pristine; very romantic.

- South Lake Tahoe casinos

- Adventurous activities like hang gliding, water skiing, ATV tours. I tried water skiing and ATV. ATV tour was so great and we saw Miller lake which was so pretty with lily pads.

- Downtown is so cute

Yosemite National Park
Its absolutely beautiful and worth capturing every turn. They have lot of hiking trails, kayaking and camping options. There are so many other adventurous activities to choose from. Some of the must do vista points-

1.  Glacier point
2.  El Portal

Dead Valley National Park
It has awesome views to offer- colored mountains, salt flats and sand dunes.

San Diego
- La Jolla Cove/Scripps park/ La Jolla Beach - Cove is gorgeous and must do

- Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Point Loma - Beautiful again; sunset by the ocean where waves crash the rocks

- Point Loma Tide pools/Cabrillo Tide pools - Its south of Sunset Cliffs National Monument park - Beautiful again; sunset by the ocean where waves crash the rocks

- San Diego zoo - San Diego has this area where shuttles take you to various places like museums, zoos and gardens in the same vicinity.

Los Angeles
- Hollywood sign - There are lot of places to see that from the distance. It's not allowed to go to that sign.

- Hollywood Boulevard - Its main attraction with lot of places to check like Highland shopping complex (Hollywood sign is visible from here)

- Universal Studios theme park

- Griffith Observatory - It offers a great view of Hollywood sign as well.

- Sunset/Rodeo Boulevard - Breathtakingly beautiful houses/High end shopping street


Drive by ocean from SFO to LA is breathtakingly beautiful. We got to see sea lions at their mating season (July) and pelicans (August) on the way. We stopped at this interesting place on the way with fun guide where the house was at weird angle so as to harness the energy.

Las Vegas-Nevada --- Aug 2009, Jul 2012 and Dec 2014, Grand Canyon-Arizona, Page-Arizona, Monument Valley-Utah, Sedona-Arizona --- Dec 2014

I was so proud of my self after this trip as I was the sole driver and executed the itinerary successfully as I planned. I have to thank my Jewish friend Jay Levine who helped me set this perfect itinerary. I had so much fun with my 'mamajis' uncles. We three went from state to state exploring dry and rough American landscape and learnt some native American culture. I also learnt so much from their experiences and advice.

Road map

Las Vegas- Nevada:
We started the adventure from Las Vegas. Its my favorite city in USA. I have been there three times and would love to go there again. I would recommend at least three days in Vegas. Remember whatever happens in Vegas remain in Vegas. Bring on the craziness here.
To-dos-
- Cover the casinos and hotels Venetian, Caesar Palace and Bellagio- walk through these casinos for sure for amazing ambiance. Venetian will take you to Venice; take the very famous gondola ride from inside. Don't just take the outside ride. Bellagio has great glass decorative work with gorgeous flower and garden exhibition. Don't miss the stunning Bellagio fountain show. Caesar Palace has Italy/Rome feeling. These three are my most favorite casinos.
- Other casinos worth visiting are Wynn (car show), New York, MGM (white lions), Planet Hollywood (miracle mile mall)
- Las Vegas is famous for its splendid and grand shows. I would recommend David Copperfield's stunning magic show in MGM, 'O' show in Bellagio, KA and more
- Strip clubs - Try it once, cheap here
- Drinking on streets here
- All ecstatic rides in Stratosphere casino
- Gambling and clubbing, heard the pool parties are awesome here
- Mirage casino fire show outside
- Downtown Vegas is captivating as well.
- Indoor sky diving. This was strictly okay for me. Real sky diving is much more adventurous.

Grand Canyon-Arizona:
This always stuns me and I can spend hours looking into the valley. Absolutely gorgeous and words cannot describe the majestic views. I have seen at sunrise, sunset, and on cloudy day with clouds trapped in the canyon. I would recommend west rim sky walk tour. South rim has vista points which are breath taking. I would like to take helicopter tour (included with boat tour) here. On the way to Grand Canyon from Vegas, one can stop at Hoover dam which is again very famous tourist spot. They offer dam tours as well. Include Grand canyon if you are going to Vegas. It's just 4 hrs away from Vegas. North rim is closed in winters. So, best time to go will be in the summer.

Page-Arizona:-Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, Rainbow Bridge:
Antelope canyon is a must. They have two tours lower and upper canyon. Do any. Amazing ride on desert to reach canyons by tour companies and totally wow experience.
I would highly recommend Lake Powell and Rainbow bridge tour as well. This tour doesn't run in winters. Best time to go is in summer.
Horse Shoe bend is an amazing vista point in Page. It's a short hike to vista point from main road; highly recommended. Amazing view. It will not take much time; max 2 hrs.
On the way from Grand Canyon to Page, Cameron trading post comes where you can buy native American stuff. Big stores and restaurants are here.

Monument Valley-Utah:
Absolutely surreal and stunning. Its a must see and there are no restaurant chains in this area. This land belongs to native American tribes. I would recommend tour with them as they have permit to take you to interiors. This place has been covered in umpteen number of western movies including Forrest Grump. Stay at Goulding's lodge as it's room have great views of monument valley. There is another hotel View which is right at the doorsteps of monument valley but I loved Goulding's lodge as much. We loved the lodge. We saw the most beautiful sunrise from our balcony. I had never seen such sunrise before. The rocks next to lodge turn redder when first rays of sun fall on them. Awesome experience.

Sunrise at monument valley from Goulding's lodge

Sedona-Arizona:
After being to above mentioned amazing places, I was wondering if there is anything left to impress us but red rocks in Sedona proved us wrong. The drive is beautiful to this place and the mountains get to you. Absolutely gorgeous and lovely place. Such a cute town where you can get cactus appetizers.  I would highly recommend Pink Jeeps' Broken Arrow tour. Their jeeps go on rocks like roads. Amazing views and information. Also this place is known to be vortex of energy where people come from far off places for treatments. I heard a case where a lady stayed and meditated for 3 months and she got cured from her cancer.

With this our awesome road trip came to an end and we flew back to home from Phoenix. I have the best mamajis in the world. We had so much fun and did crazy things in Vegas. I wore very cheesy heart shaped sunglasses the whole trip that still makes me laugh. After the tour mamajis were so tired of rocks but nevertheless they got to dance in snow fall. They even made videos while running near lake Powell and in Sedona town. Mamajis absolutely loved Vegas and would visit again with their respective wives. I don't blame them. There is a reason I love Vegas.

Maine --- July 2015

Maine is a must see state with beautiful places to cover. Its famous for rafting and fall foliage. It's economical too.

It was more of a family vacation with sister, brother in law and a friend in summer of 2015. We drove directly to northern part of the state to Acadia National park. We watched the very famous sunrise in Acadia at 4:19 am. Its very picturesque. Acadia national park lives to its name, so many vista points and hiking trails here. Some that we followed-
Cadillac mountain- Famous sunrise view point
Ocean trail- Do not miss this. Its absolutely mesmerizing to walk on rocks by Atlantic ocean. I sat for hours while the waves crashed on the rocks with my feet dipped in the water. In this trip I realized how much my brother in law loves taking the pics. This trail is so beautiful that you feel like clicking picture every minute. There are so many vista points on this trail.
Park loop road - Stop for amazing vista points
Jordan pond- Its very pretty and photos here look like paintings, must see
Sand beach- It's one of the most beautiful beach that I have ever been to, must see
Thunder hole- This is accessible by ocean trail. Waves crashing into the hole was a good sight.
Light house- Light house in Acadia is not clearly visible,  but can be seen from far. Nevertheless sunset was pretty.

Sunrise from Cadillac mountain

Next day, we covered the very famous Portland Head Lighthouse. Its a must and there is very short trail by ocean at some elevation here. This Lighthouse along with trail can be covered in max 2.5 hrs. For the first time I tried deep fried pizza in Portland and I loved it. It was July 4th and so we went to see the fireworks by the ocean and then to amazing club 'Pearl'. The music was good and our friend finally catched a free t shirt that was being thrown from the stage. We all bought July 4th T shirts from downtown.

Next day we visited Casco bay. There are lot of ferries that go to multiple islands.Most of the islands are privately owned so that is why ferries are there to take you around those. We took the shortest one to the Peaks island which we wanted to explore on our own. We saw amazing houses on privately owned islands on the way. For the first time we drove the golf cart on an island and its so cheap to rent it here. Also very easy to drive. Again lot of picturesque viewpoints here. You can cover the whole island in an hour by golf cart.

On our way back we checked the largest rotating and revolving globe in the world - Eartha. Don't miss it. It's on the way from Acadia to Portland. Worth checking out and my brother in law bought a big world map. So, if you are into maps, this is the place for you because not everywhere you can get such big maps.

Oregon and Seattle --- May 2015

OREGON

Its an absolutely beautiful state with lots of places to hike and to be with nature. Traffic is not an issue here and roads are lined by rose bushes. Air is so crisp and fresh here that it revitalizes you.

Suggested places location wise-

- Multnomah falls - Beautiful falls and must do hiking near this to see other beautiful falls like Ponytail falls, bridal veil falls and horsetail falls. You can even walk behind the ponytail falls and its beautiful experience. The hiking also lets you see mesmerizing canyon views. Drive to these falls is by the columbia river which again provides amazing views.
- Oneonta gorge - Its absolutely gorgeous and must see. Words cannot describe the beauty of this gorge. Best season to walk in canyon when water is low around August.

Oneonta gorge

- Mount Hood - There is so much to do here like kayaking, hiking, lakes and other outdoor activities amidst beautiful views of mount hood. There are various vista points while driving to mount hood like Timberline lodge where the movie shining was shot. A meal is recommended in the lodge restaurant with great ambiance amidst backdrop of snow capped mountains.

- Portland downtown - Its huge downtown with lot of activities. Don't miss the very famous voodoo doughnuts which will require you to be in queue for an at least 45 min but worth it.
- Portland Rose test garden- oh I still remember the fragrance of those roses. Absolutely gorgeous park with multi colored and sized roses with unforgettable fragrances. Best season for roses is late May and early June.
- Portland Japanese garden

- Cannon beach - It offers the views that no other beach in USA offers. Its worth visiting.
- Oregon has great ocean drive in the west with spectacular beaches. Pick any. One famous beach is Neskowin beach state park.
- Sea lion caves is towards south end of ocean front of Oregon

- Crater lake National Park- No words again to describe the beauty of this place. Beautiful colors of the lake amidst pristine and godly mountains. Lake water seems like glass. Must see.


SEATTLE

I just had one day to spend in Seattle so I and my friend covered downtown Seattle. Its a nice downtown by the water.

Must sees:

- Seattle space needle and observation deck- absolutely amazing night view from the top. They have advanced monitors to keep you engaging. Drinks and food available at deck. Also has a rotating restaurant which needs reservation in advance. 

-Chihuly Garden and glass exhibit - Its next to Space needle. It has great work of the artist and not to be missed. Its not that big and can be covered in max 2 hrs. I would suggest buy the needle and this exhibit's tickets together to get better price. Also explore the option of Seattle day pass.

Seattle from top of Space Needle

- Pike place market

- Seattle lock cruise - This one is worth too. It takes you closer to big cargo ships and good information by the cruise team. I will definitely recommend it.

New Hampshire --- Oct 2014

Mt. Washington Auto Road

The Mount Washington Auto Road is definitely at the top of our list! This 8-mile drive up to the highest point in New England will get your blood pumping as you ascend the 6,288' tall mountain in the comfort of your car. Be sure to have a back-up plan in the event of bad weather at the top of the mountain. Bring your camera! No New Hampshire vacation is complete without a ride up the Mt. Washington Auto Road! For more information, see our Mt. Washington Auto Road Information.

Options to reach at top-

- Drive your car - The drive is little bit challenging; focus on driving

- Take a train ride - Train looks like a toy train

- Hiking

Kancamagus Highway

Take a drive on the scenic Kancamagus Highway! The Kancamagus Highway is a 34 mile road right through the 800,000 acre White Mountain National Forest. There are spectacular views along the Kanc which includes rest areas, hiking trails, waterfalls and the 3,000 foot high Mt. Kancamagus. This stretch of scenic highway is a great place to view the fall foliage. The Kancamagus Highway is a lot busier during Fall Foliage season, so be sure to plan accordingly. Check out Information About The Kancamagus Highway. Falls that can be checked out here are Sabbaday Falls  and Rocky Gorge.

The Flume

The Flume, located in Franconia Notch NH is a great way to cool off on a hot day. Either way you chose to spend your time here, the views of the Flume from the walking path are unlike any other place on Earth. The Flume offers a clear mountain stream, pools and beautiful NH waterfalls all courtesy of an ancient glacier.

Best Time to Go

Check the fall foliage map before deciding on dates. Based on past experience the best time might be between first and second week of Oct.

Other Tips

- There are train rides other than the one that goes to Mt. Washington to see fall foliage in around white mountains; worth exploring

Suggested Itineraries

FLORIDA

Orlando - 4 days

Universal Studios

Universal's Islands of Adventure

Kennedy Space Center

Discovery Cove

Clearwater - 1 day

Clearwater beach

Caladesi Island state park

Miami - 3 days

Villa Vizcaya

Wynwood wall

Cuba ocho

Lincoln road mall/bayside market place

South beach/miami beach

downtown/ocean drive

Evergladed National Forest

Key West - 1 day

Fort Zachery Taylor historic state park

Mallory sq.

NEW YORK CITY
9/11 Memorial
1 World Trade Center Observatory
Statue of liberty ferry tour
Empire State building observatory desk and sky ride
Rockefeller and top of the rock
5th Ave window shopping
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Madame Tussaud Wax Museum
MoMa
Met
Guggenheim Museum
Museum of Natural Science and History
Central Park
Times Square
Brooklyn bridge
New York city skyline from Roosevelt island, Brooklyn or Exchange place
Broadway shows such as The Lion King, The Christmas Spectacular

WASHINGTON D.C.
Washington Monument
Lincoln Memorial
Jefferson Memorial
National Air & Space Museum
Arlington National Cemetery - guards change ceremony
US Capitol
White House

BALTIMORE
Inner Harbor and water taxi
National Aquarium
Baltimore Museum of Art
The Walters Art Museum
Federal Hill Park

CHARLESTON
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Charleston waterfront park
Magnolia plantations & gardens
Charles town landing
Middleton place

CHICAGO
Shedd Aquarium
Art Institute of Chicago
Skydeck Chicago
360 Chicago
Navy pier
Millennium park
Magnificent mile
The great bull run in Chicago

HAWAII

Kauai :- -NA pali coast -Waimea canyon -Kalalau trail -Beaches Big island:- -Hawaii's volcanoes national park (best by helicopter) -Waipio valley Maui:- -Road to hana -Haleakala crater Oahu:- -Waikiki -Hawaii's Polynesian cultural center -Sea life park -Pearl harbor -Kailua beach -Honalulu VIETNAM - cu chi tunnel - sa pa town - phu quoc - hoi an - thien mu pagoda - ha long bay

IRELAND

-cliff of moher -Dublin for museums n nightlife/city center -Barney castle -giants causeway -lakes of killarney and ring of kerry - the best -Bruce NA boyne (passage tombs of newgrange n knowth) -the burren - galway bay -the hill of Tara -glendalough