Families love the fun and excitement of water parks but what could be better than enjoying a family day out on your cheap package holidays to America at a natural water park in the state of Texas. Get away from the concrete pools and waterslides and relax under the beautiful summer sunshine at a natural swimming hole set in beautiful surroundings.

Garner State Park

Garner State Park
The ever popular Garner State Park is located on Frio River in Concan Texas. The park covers an area of 1400 acres which includes 10 acres of river body along with Frio River. Enjoy a choice of water sports here which include swimming, snorkelling, paddling, tubing and fishing. Apart from water sports the park offers plenty of non-water related activities including hiking, bird watching and nature watching. Visitors to the park can stay overnight in a rented cabin or pitch a tent at one of the camping sites.

Colorado Bend State Park
The Colorado Bend State Park was opened to the public in 1987 and covers more than 328 acres of beautiful countryside in the Hill Country region of Texas.
Located in the wilderness is old fishing camp. The journey to the camp in Colorado Bend State Park is an adventure in itself. To reach the camp you will drive for 8 miles along a gravel road which passes through some amazing landscape. From January through to April you can fish here, hopefully catching some white bass. If fishing is not for you then take a guided tour to Gorman Falls where the Gorman Creek falls 60 feet into an area of lush green vegetation before it once again flows back into the river. Or you can take the famous Spicewood Springs hiking trail, passing through the vibrant park and crossing many creeks along the way.
The Gorman Creek trail is divided into two parts; one is only open for guided tours. Fed by Gorman Spring and other smaller springs, the Gorman Creek descends 65 feet to form the Gorman Falls. The guided tour is a 1.5 mile round trip that takes you to the beautiful Gorman Falls waterfall, created by a fern covered limestone travertine.

Guadalupe River State Park
Located in Comal County in the Texas Hill Country, the Guadalupe River State Park covers a 9 mile stretch of the Guadalupe River, offering

Blanco State Park

visitors swimming and tubing opportunities.

Blanco State Park
Sitting right in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, the small Blanco State Park offers a series of weir dams which in turn have created some perfect swimming areas.

Mustang Island State Park
This state park has a 5 mile stretch of beach, offering visitors swimming, surfing, beachcombing, fishing, bird watching, camping and a host of other outdoor activities.

Barton Springs
Located in Kilker Park, Barton Springs was formed when the creek was dammed. The springs are a wonderful natural water swimming pool which is fed by refreshing clear spring water.

Krause Springs
Just a short distance from Austin, Krause Springs is found near the headwaters of Cypress Creek. Here you will find two large swimming holes and plenty of places to camp.

Pedernales Falls
Pedernales Falls are located just outside Johnson City in Central Texas. Shallow rapids, deeper holes and waterfalls offer a range of different swimming options.

Hamiltin Pool Preserve

Hamiltin Pool Preserve
Located in Hamilton Creek Austin, Hamilton Pool covers over a 200 acre area which was created when a cave below the creek collapsed and filled with water.

Lake Whitney
Located within the Lake Whitney State Park in North/Central Texas, Lake Whitney is a deep, clear impoundment on the Brazos River. The lake offers diving and snorkelling and has a cordoned off area for swimming.

Whatever you are looking for in a holiday to America, watch out for the many travel deals available throughout the internet.

Originally opened as The Commodore Hotel in 1919 and reflagged as The Grand Hyatt New York in 1980, the hotel has played host to many dignitaries, celebrities and guests for many years. The hotels $130 million renovation represents a rebirth and resurgence of this historic hotel and is an important part of the overall renaissance of the Grand Central neighbourhood.

Grand Hyatt New York

Located in Midtown Manhattan, the legendary Grand Hyatt New York has just completed its $130 million renovation. Found at the crossroads of Manhattan adjacent to Grand Central Station, the hotel has had a top-to-bottom renovation that includes 1,306 meticulously redesigned guestrooms and suites featuring world-class artwork, the acclaimed New York Central restaurant, a transformed lobby and mezzanine, multiple event and meeting spaces, revitalised ballrooms and the innovative grab-and-go food outlet, Market.

Transformation of the Grand Hyatt New York features talents by internationally-renowned artists Jaume Plensa and Per Fronth, and design by Bentel & Bentel, George Wong Design and Looney & Associates. The Midtown Manhattan luxury hotel commissioned artists and designers to re-animate and re-energise the hotels public places. Works by sculptor Jaume Plensa, known for his monumental public projects in Madison Square Park in New York, Millennium Park in Chicago and Yorkshire Sculpture Park in the UK, will serve as the hotel lobby’s centrepiece; murals representing snapshots of New York by Norwegian artist per Fronth are showcased in the guestrooms and in the New York Central’s Wine Gallery; and vibrant, colourful panels from the German artist Burghard Muller-Dannhausen can be seen in the New Gallery on Lex event space.

The Grand Hyatt New York

The Lobby – Hints of Easter Island Brought to Life
Guests arriving in the grand lobby on their direct holidays to New York will marvel at the two larger-than-life sculptures by Jaume Plensa,

Grand Hyatt renovated lobby

named Awilda and Chloe, which are reminiscent of the Moai sculptures on Easter Island. Created from the same white macael marble used in ancient Roman columns, one stands in a ‘water wall’ adjacent to the entrance, while the second sits on a white onyx stone plinth by the arrivals and departures area. Plensa created the sculptures to appear to be in a dreamlike state, hoping to encourage the rushed world to stop and take time out to join the dream of people just trying to be happy where they are, when they are at the Grand Hyatt.

Guestrooms and Suites – Evoking the Mood of a Manhattan Residence
The 1,306 guestrooms, including 51 suites, combine refined colours, lush textures and luxuriant artwork evoking the design of a sleek, modern Manhattan residence. Designed by Looney & Associates of Dallas and George Wong Design of New York, the rooms offer a calm sanctuary, far from the hustle and bustle of the city centre below. The majority of the guestrooms were designed by Looney & Associates with rich woods, deeply toned pinstripe carpeting, dramatic

Grand Hyatt guestroom

lighting, all inspired by the concept of a ‘sexy Manhattan apartment’. The 20 VIP Suites were also designed by Looney & Associates and offer two distinct concepts; the idea of a ‘loft’ and the idea of a modern ‘residence’. The Loft Suites are perfect for business travellers with a feeling of masculinity and design elements including espresso-tinted walnut furnishings and opulent lounge areas, while the Residence Suites offer a softer tone and a more neutral feel.
The four Premier Suites, designed by George Won Design, are based on the concept of the ‘pied-a-terre’ and feature two main schemes; uptown and downtown. The Uptown Suites capture the tones of a classic Manhattan townhouse while the Downtown Suites are inspired by the light and airy open lofts of TriBeCa.

The Grand Club and Social Event Space
The Grand Club, designed to resemble a rooftop garden, is a residential-style gathering place for guests, with access to technology, work areas and food and beverages. Designed by George Wong, this modern space is filled with warm wood surfaces, sage coloured walls and retro-industrial metalwork which reflect various elements of nature. Surrounded by a private terrace with picnic tables and oversized lounge chairs, the club comprises of an entry foyer resembling a gazebo, a living room with multiple seating areas, a breakfast room with natural wood and stone surfaces and an airy conservatory.
The hotel has a total of 55,000 sq ft of event space ranging from intimate boardrooms to expansive ballrooms. Gallery On Lex is a 4,400 sq ft event area with a club-like feel featuring colourful panels from German artist Burghard Muller-Dannhausen.

Food and Beverage Options
Designed by Bentel & Bentel, the 6,000 sq ft New York Central restaurant includes a lounge, restaurant and wine gallery featuring WineStation technology, an innovative wine dispensing system allowing guests to taste a variety of different wines. Chef Christian Ragano offers a diverse menu inspired by the flavours of Western Europe while head pastry chef Katzie Guy-Hamilton has an inventive style, blending classic French baking techniques with eclectic New York City taste.
Market is a 24-hour ‘grab-and-go’ outlet located in the main hotel lobby, offering tasty New York treats to hotel guests and the Grand Central neighbourhood.

Take advantage of the many late deals available to New York and experience this amazing hotel first hand.

Colorado is North America’s leading ski area and is regarded as one of the key ski destinations in the world. The Colorado ski resorts enjoy an abundance of dry, light, fluffy snow due to the Rocky Mountains forming a barrier to any storms that come from the Pacific Ocean. Skiing was originally introduced to the area in the early 19th century as a way of transport but has developed over the last 30 years as a recreational sporting activity. The area has 24 major ski resorts, including Aspen, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Steamboat, Teluride, Vail and

Winter Park Colorado

Winter Park, offering more ski terrain, runs and lifts than anywhere else in the USA. Millions of people visit Colorado every year for it’s uncrowded powdery snow covered slopes, amazing scenic Rocky Mountains, authentic Wild West towns and more than 300 days of sunshine a year. With nearly 37,000 acres of ski area and over 2,000 ski runs (longest run is 8km) the Colorado resorts cater for beginners, intermediates, advanced and snowboarders. The area has 306 lifts, 7 cable cars, 216 chairlifts and 90 other lifts. All of the major resorts have their own ski schools which offer a high level of tuition for children and beginners right through to advanced skiers. Most of the major resorts offer excellent facilities for children, especially Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone.

Breckenridge Colorado

Why is Colorado so popular for skiing holidays? With skiing for all levels of skiers, an average of 300 inches of snow a year, gigantic mountains, long smooth tree-lined runs on ‘champagne powder’ snow, amazing back-country skiing and fast high speed lifts with no lift queues, these are just a few reasons why visitors return time and time again. There is much more to do than just skiing in Colorado, including snowbiking, sledding, dog sledding, ice skating, snowmobiling, ice-climbing, ice fishing, historic walking tours, wild west evenings and much much more. After an exhilarating day on the slopes why not relax in the hotel spa, hot tub and sauna or just lay-back and be pampered at the beauty salon.  All of the resorts offer great shopping opportunities ranging from quaint village shops and Western stores to up-market boutiques. Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain and Buttermilk are recommended for beginners whilst Arapahoe Basin and Vail offer exciting challenges for expert skiers.

Copper Mountain

The ski resorts in Colorado offer visitors on their ski holiday deals a variety of different skiing holidays. Aspen is a glitzy resort which attracts the rich and famous while Vail and Beaver Creek are purpose built resorts offering luxury accommodation with a cosmopolitan feel. Breckenridge was originally a mining town. With it’s vibrant Main Street, the resort is steeped in history and traditional. Keystone is a low-key resort, very popular with families. In the southwest of Colorado are the resorts of Telluride and Durango where real cowboys and ranchers still live and work.

Ski holidays in Colorado are all about a casual, relaxed mountain way of life. There are a few glamorous resorts but on the whole the attitude is slow and laid-back. In the smaller resorts you will find a mixture of bars and saloons whilst in the larger resorts you will also find nightclubs, piano bars and lounges. Dining options range from gourmet restaurants to steakhouses and bbq establishments, delis and diners to coffee shops and chain restaurants serving plenty of local cuisine. Breckenridge is an excellent choice for family dining while Aspen, Beaver Creek

Aspen Colorado

and Vail are a great choice for gourmet dining.

Nightlife in Colorado is very down-to-earth with saloons, pubs, sports bars, Wild West nights, live music, bowling, cinema and much more for you to enjoy on your last minute holiday deals to Colorado. The whole family will love a storytelling evening around the fire, not forgetting the tasty marshmallows which are toasted on the fire.

There are lots of different places to spend your direct holidays to America but there is only one Universal Orlando Resort. Totally separate from the rest of Orlando, the resort has two theme parks, three themed hotels; the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Loews Royal

Universal Parks & Resorts

Pacific Resort, and the magnificent night-time entertainment complex, Universal Citywalk. The whole family will love being part of the entertainment here as they swing above the streets with Spiderman, soar high above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, help Agent J defeat the aliens and help Shrek in his fight to save Princess Fiona.

Mardi Gras Orlando

In the spring of 2012 the exciting Big Easy comes to Universal Orlando Resort for Mardi Gras 2012. This is a family-friendly version of the famous New Orleans street party which sees the Universal Studios transformed for the celebrations. The Mardi Gras celebrations include an amazing parade with performers dressed in colourful costumes, authentic New Orleans bands, live concerts by popular artists including Kelly Clarkson and the chance to try some delicious Cajun cuisine. To enjoy the Mardi Gras celebrations you will need to book your direct holidays to Orlando between February 11th and April 14th next year.

The Mardi Gras parade meanders down the street of Universal Studios where street performers and visitors join together to celebrate this amazing occasion, not forgetting to collect handfuls of beads on the way. The beautiful hand-made floats are built by Blaine Kern Artists, the same company that designs the floats for the Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

The parade eventually reaches Universal Studios French Quarter Courtyard, the heart of Mardis Gras, where guests are entertained by authentic New Orleans bands who perform blues, jazz and zydeco (folk) music. Here in the French Quarter you can sample some amazing Cajun cuisine like jambalaya (a spicy rice dish), gumbo (a type of stew or soup) and beignets (delicious deep fried dough, similar to doughnuts).

There are lots of travel deals to America available throughout the internet.

Pictures from universalorlando.com

Florida’s Paradise Coast includes Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades. Whether you are looking for beautiful beaches, great shopping opportunities, getting up close to tropical wildlife or just a relaxing family holiday, this is the place to be.

Florida’s Paradise Coast is blessed with beautiful white sandy beaches that stretch from Barefoot Beach Preserve at the northern tip of Collier

Naples Florida

County, through Naples, along Marco Island’s four mile crescent shoreline and into the Ten Thousand Island area of the Everglades. Some beaches offer full facilities whilst some are just perfect for beach walks along deserted sands. The beach resorts in Naples and on Marco Island allow easy access to the Gulf of Mexico.

Explore the backcountry mangrove estuaries by sailboat, canoe, kayak, motorboat, yacht, parasail or wave runner and marvel at the amazing scenery and wildlife. Whilst cruising the waters you will be treated to all kinds of wildlife including fish, birds, dolphins, sea turtles and manatee.

The natural beauty of the area attracts artists and art lovers who visit to see the amazing permanent art collections and travelling exhibitions. Apart from the Naples Museum of Art, the Marco Island Centre for the Arts and the Von Liebig Art Centre there are also some fine galleries to visit in the shopping districts and the Big Cypress Gallery which you will find deep in the Everglades. Every month the area hosts hundreds of art and cultural events and performances at the Philharmonic Centre for the Arts which is home to the Naples Philharmonic. The area has numerous museums displaying artefacts dating from the Calusa Indian Civilization and from the pioneers who settled in the area at the turn of the century. The unspoilt beauty of the area can also beseen at the many public parks including the Everglades National Park and the Big Cypress National Preserve. Enjoy a host of outdoor activities at the parks including nature photography, bird watching, hiking, boating and many more on your holiday packages to Florida.

Everglades Florida

A must on your family holidays to Florida’s Paradise Coast is a visit to Naples Zoo at the Caribbean Gardens. These historic botanical gardens are home to all kinds of wild creatures from zebras to alligators, islands which are home to apes and monkeys and great wildlife shows which the whole family will enjoy. Other great fun attractions for the whole family to enjoy are the Children’s Museum, the nature centre which is home to a wildlife rehabilitation zone and miniature golf.

Collier County has more than 80 golf courses which offer different levels of difficulty for the serious golfer and those just wanting a fun round of golf. Whatever your need there is a course for you. If you enjoy a spot of shopping then leave the men enjoying their golf and head off to the Naples area where you will find unique boutiques selling one-of-a-kind items, boutiques, interior design shops and art galleries. If you are lucky enough to book holiday packages to Florida anytime between Thanksgiving and New Year you will be treated to the festival of lights in downtown Naples. Marco Island offers several shopping venues where you can purchase art, island treasures and clothing.

Marco Island Florida

Dining out on Florida’s Paradise Coast is an experience not to miss. The area offers everything from waterfront cafes to top class five-star restaurants. Around Naples you will find a vast array of dining venues including open-air bistros and even a pub serving traditional Irish food. Dine by the water at Tin City and the Village on Venetian Bay. Marco Island offers all types of dining from laid-back waterside grills to gourmet restaurants serving freshly caught seafood. In Everglades City locally sourced seafood is the order of the day. Offering amazing views of the Ten Thousand Islands these restaurants offer all kinds of seafood dishes including stone crab, shrimp, snapper and if you are feeling adventurous you can try frog’s legs and ‘gator tail!

Whatever you are looking for in a holiday, Florida’s Paradise Coast has it all.

Western America will momentarily fall into darkness on the 20th May 2012, when it experiences an annular eclipse. The eclipse which will sweep across East Asia, over the Northern Pacific Ocean and then into the South Western United States will occur when the moon travels across the front of the sun and gives the impression of a ring of sunlight around the solar disc. For a chance to see this rare annular eclipse take advantage of the many bargain holidays to America as it will not be visible from the UK.

Western America Natural Wonders

Yosemite National Park – America’s first national park
The Yosemite National Park stretches across the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain chain, covering an area of more than 750,000 acres. Most of the park is a designated wilderness with amazing granite cliffs, streams, waterfalls and giant sequoia groves. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1984, most visitors spend their time at the park in the Yosemite Valley which covers seven square miles of the park. The park has five vegetation zones – lower montane, upper montane, chaparral and oak woodland, alpine and sub-alpine.

Grand Canyon – Natural wonder of the world

Grand Canyon

Stretching for 277 miles the Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona. This natural wonder often reaches widths of 18 miles at a depth of over a mile. The area was originally inhabited by Native Americans who lived in caves and settlements built in the canyon. The Grand Canyon became a protected Forest Reserve in 1893 and later became a National Park in 1919, three years after the creation of the National Park Service. Visiting the Grand Canyon West Rim is a great opportunity to walk along the ‘Grand Canyon Skywalk’ 4,000 feet above the ground and look down through 2.5 inches of glass  to the canyon below, take a white rafting tour and watch traditional performances by Hualapai tribe people. For a more vertical perspective an ideal way to see the canyon is by helicopter.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park – Mormon’s ‘promised land’
Surrounded by towering cliffs, the Zion National Park is located in Springdale Utah. A major feature of the park is Zion Canyon which cuts through the Vavajo Sandstone at depths of up to half a mile and stretches for 15 miles. The park has four life zones – desert, riparian, woodland and coniferous forest which are home to many species of plant, birds, mammals and reptiles.  Originally inhabited by an agricultural community, the park now welcomes visitors to share its mountains, canyons, rivers and facilities like climbing, hiking, canyoneering, cycling and horse riding.

Bryce Canyon National Park – Incredible rock formations of Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park

Designated a National Park in 1928, Bryce Canyon covers 56 square miles in south-western Utah. The canyon itself is in fact a giant natural amphitheatre which was formed by the erosion of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Visitors will be amazed by the geological structures (hoodoos) formed by wind, rain and ice erosion of the river and lake bed sedimentary rocks. These red, orange and white rock formations offer amazing viewing and photographic opportunities. Mormon pioneers settled in the area in the 1850′s, naming it after Ebenezer Bryce who made Bryce his home in 1874.

Monument Valley

Monument Valley – Navajo Nation Reservation
Monument Valley is part of the Colorado Plateau and lies within the Navajo Nation Reservation. The clusters of sandstone buttes, some reaching 1,000 ft from the valley floor, have been created by the rivers that run through the valley. From the visitor centre you can see the Mitten buttes and Merrick Butte or you can take a jeep tour through the valley and marvel at such landmarks as the Ear of the Wind and other amazing sights. Whilst visiting Monument Valley why not enjoy a meal at the Haskenneini Restaurant which serves both native Navajo and American cuisine.

The above are just a sample of the many natural attractions on offer in America. Take advantage of one of the many late deals to the USA which are on offer throughout the internet and visit some of these amazing sights.

When visiting America many tourists find the best way to travel around the country is by hiring a car for the duration of their visit. Many holiday packages include car hire but if not there are some great car hire deals available on the internet until the end of August.

Route 66

Take a road trip along Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles and marvel at the Grand Canyon and the Indian reserves in the central states. A road trip along the West Coast will take you from the national parks on the northwest tip of America to the beautiful sandy beaches of California where you can relax in the sun and even try your hand at a spot of surfing. Then there are those family holidays to Disney when being able to explore Florida at your leisure in a hire car makes good sense.

Wherever you visit in America there is always lots to do and see. Exploring America by car lets you discover this amazing country at your own pace.

California Beach

Look out for the car hire offers that are running until the end of September and the many great travel deals to America that are available throughout the year.

Most visitors to Washington DC spend their time on the National Mall but there are plenty of places of interest besides those at the Mall. Take a trip out-of-town and discover there is much more to the city than just the National Mall. The following are just a few of the many attractions Washington DC and the surrounding area have to offer.

Mount Vernon Estate

Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
Located along the shores of the Potomac River, the 500 acre Mount Vernon Estate was the home of America’s first president George Washington and his family. This beautifully restored 14 room mansion contains objects and furnishings dating back to the 1740′s. Visitors to the estate can explore the mansion, the slave quarters, coach house, stables, estate grounds and museum to get an insight into the life of the president and his family.

National Zoo
Covering 163 acres, the National Zoo is located within the Rock Creek National Park. Part of the Smithsonian Institution, this zoological park is home to over 400 different species of animals including giant pandas, bears, giraffes, lions, tigers, monkeys, sea lions and many more. Exhibits not to be missed on your last minute holidays to America are the Elephant Trails and the Giant Panda Habitat and Asia Trail.

Great Falls Park

Great Falls Park
Located along the Potomac River, Great Falls Park is a spectacular 800 acre natural park. The steep waterfalls cascade from heights of over 20 foot and are an amazing sight to see. Visitors can follow the River Trail and take in the spectacular views of Mather Gorge, follow the upper Canal Trail to view the head of the falls and the Aqueduct Dam or take the popular Billy Goat Trail and explore the scenic places along its route.

Dupont Circle
This cosmopolitan neighbourhood is home to some great museums, historic homes, ethnic restaurants, private art galleries and foreign embassies. Popular with the gay community, Dupont Circle is the heart of Washington DC’s nightlife. The Circle itself is a meeting place whose focal point is a unique fountain surrounded by grass and park benches. Woodrow Wilson House and the Textile Museum are attractions near to Dupont Circle.

Old Town Alexandria
Just across the river from Washington DC is the quaint historic town of Alexandria which dates back to 1749. During the colonial, revolutionary and Civil War periods Alexandria’s riverfront was an important colonial port. Nowadays the Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront is home to cobbled streets with colonial houses, museums, churches, restaurants and shops. There are lots of different guided tours on offer including historical walking tours, horse drawn carriage tours, river cruises and even ghost tours!

Georgetown

Georgetown
One of Washington DC’s oldest neighbourhoods, Georgetown was once a major port and commercial centre in colonial times. A vibrant neighbourhood with tree-lined streets and 200 year old houses the cobbled streets are also home to restaurants, bars and shops. If visiting Washington DC in May don’t miss the Dragon Boat Festival here in Georgetown.

Penn Quarter
Located in downtown Washington, the Penn Quarter district is home to some great art galleries, museums, theatres, nightclubs, restaurants and up-market shops.

Other interesting places to visit are the Adams Morgan neighbourhood for Washington’s liveliest nightlife, the farmers market and flea market and Glen Echo Park which offers theatrical and dance activities.

The children will love the Six Flags America theme park, the National Zoo, the National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian’s Discovery Theatre, the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, the Washington Monument and much more on their family holidays.

When people think of Orlando they usually think of theme parks. Although Orlando is regarded as the undisputed theme park capital of the world there are lots of non-amusement park places to visit. Here are just a few.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not

The whole family will be mesmerized by the hundreds of outrageous interactive exhibits here. You will be fascinated by the dinosaur exhibit, Egyptian mummy, the real human shrunken head, part of the Berlin Wall, the amazing Rolls Royce car made from over a million match sticks and many more exhibits.

Orlando Science Centre

The Orlando Science Centre

Here you can explore the planet Mars, the Florida swamps, the human body and much more. There are several exhibition halls including Science City, 123 Math Avenue and Kids Town. The whole family will be excited by the 310 seat theatre called Dr Phillips CineDome. You will be amazed by the planetarium show and the the laser-light shows show at the CineDome. The science centre also has an observatory which is open to to visitors and is home to the states largest refractor telescope.

Gatorland

Gatorland is a park and wildlife preserve covering 110 acres. Families will be amazed by the thousands of crocodiles and alligators who inhabit the park. Apart from the wildlife the park offers a petting zoo, an aviary, nature walk and a breeding marsh with an observation tower. Watch the amazing reptilian shows including the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, the Up-close Encounters Show and the Gator Jumparoo.

Green Meadows Petting Farm

Green Meadows Petting Farm

Both adults and children will love a day out at the Green Meadows Petting Farm. Meet over 300 animals who live here including Elmer the Asian water buffalo, donkeys, pigs, ducks, chickens, geese and turkeys. After spending time petting the animals and milking a cow you enjoy a pony ride, a tractor-drawn hay ride and express train ride.

Boggy Creek Airboat Rides

Nestled in Central Florida is the wilderness of the Everglades. An airboat ride will take you through the natural environment of alligators, birds and many more creatures. Don’t forget to take an airboat ride on your holiday deals to Florida, an experience not to be missed.

Hawaiian Rumble

The Hawaiian Rumble Adventure Golf Course

If you like minature golf you will love a visit to the Hawaiian Rumble Adventure on your cheap package holidays to America. This fairly new attraction is designed to represent an Hawaiian Oasis with holes that put beginners and more advanced players through their paces. Holes have hills, logs, tunnels, waterfalls and even a fifty foot ‘active’ volcano which spouts fire and lava as obstacles. The whole family will enjoy wandering through the Hawaiian scenery, including waterfalls, streams and shady palms, whilst having fun and dancing to the calypso music playing throughout the course.

Memphis, the city that gave the world blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll, is perched above the Mississippi River in the state of Tennessee. Not only is Memphis renowned for its musical history but also for its BBQ pork with more than 70 BBQ places to eat at.

Memphis

Places to Visit

Graceland
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1991, the former home of Elvis Presley is one of the most visited houses in America, coming a close second to the White House. Here at Gracelands visitors can view two of the music legends private planes, his large auto and motorcycle collection and other memorabilia.

Memphis Walk of Fame
Modeled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Memphis Walk of Fame is designated to Memphis musicians, composers, singers and writers. People honoured here include B.B.King, W.C.Handy, Bobby Blue Bland and Alberta Hunter.

Stax Museum

Stax Museum

Located where the former Stax Records building stood, the museum is devoted entirely to soul music. Artists such as Isaac Hayes, Otis Reading, Booker T & the MG’s and Sam & Dave recorded their songs here in the 60′s and 70′s. 

National Civil Rights Museum
Housed in the former Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jnr was assassinated, the National Civil Rights Museum includes a historical overview of the American Civil Rights Movement.

Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum of Memphis is home to interactive and education activities for children. Hands-on exhibits include an airplane cockpit, a skyscrapper maze, a fire engine, an art studio,mechanic’s garage and a grocery store.

Pink Palace Museum

Pink Palace Museum

The Pink Palace Museum is the Mid-South’s major science and historical museum, featuring a range of exhibits from archeology to chemistry. The museum has the third largest planetarium in America and an IMAX theatre. There is even a replica of the original Piggly Wiggly store, the first self-service grocery store, which commemorates the invention of the supermarket by Memphian Clarence Saunders in 1916.

Brooks Museum of Art
Founded in 1916, this is the oldest and largest fine art museum in the State of Tennessee. The permanent collection here includes works from the Italian Renaissance and Baroque eras to British, French Impressionists and 20th century artists.

Mud Island River Park and Mississippi River Museum
Located in downtown Memphis the park is well known for its River Walk. This scale working model displays 1000 miles of the Lower Mississippi River. Thirty inches of the model equals one mile of the river. The walk is about half a mile long and allows visitors to walk in the water and view models of cities and bridges on their journey.

Beale Street

Other interesting places to visit in Memphis whilst on your bargain holidays to America include the Victorian Village, the Cotton Museum, Beale Street, Memphis Zoo, Memphis Botanic Garden, Sun Studio, the Orpheum Theatre, the Pyramid Arena, the Peabody Hotel (famous for the ‘Peabody Ducks’ that live on its roof) and the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Not to be missed is a ride on a paddlewheel river boat along the Mississippi to relive the most romantic era in American history.

There is so much to do and see on your late deals to Memphis that you will be spoilt for choice.