Each year thousands of people flock to Yellowstone National Park, the United State's oldest national park. Once visitors have spent a few days admiring the amazing geysers, waterfalls and thermal pools - what else is there to do? In one word, plenty!

Yellowstone National Park is situated in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. The park itself is criss-crossed with enough boardwalks, paths and visitors centers to keep any tourist busy. But there are those tourists always looking to add some adventure and sports to their itinerary. Here are some activities to consider trying during your Yellowstone National Park vacation.

Scenic Golfing

Montana, Wyoming and Idaho may not be the first states to spring to mind when contemplating a golf retreat, but golf enthusiasts will be pleased they packed their clubs when they arrive! There are many stunning courses located within Yellowstone National Park and its surrounding areas. With rolling foothills, open greens, amazing wildlife and challenging layouts, these courses are absolutely amazing.

Horseback Riding

When surrounded by the beauty of Yellowstone, it is very easy to imagine what life must have been like for early settlers. Booking a half or full-day horseback tour allows visitors to literally hop in the saddle and experience that feeling for themselves! Guides take tours to their very favorite places within the park - often only accessible by horseback. The scenery is breathtaking and the experience is often unforgettable for families of all ages.

White Water Rafting

Thrill seekers will not be disappointed by the offerings of the Yellowstone River, the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states. From scenic trips the kids can enjoy to pulse thumping class IV rapids, this river offers one of the best side excursions a visitor can add to their Yellowstone National Park vacation. There are several tour companies from which to choose that offer half and full day trips as well as "saddle and paddle" horseback/rafting combination trips.

Mountain Biking

Biking in nearby Teton Valley Idaho is an adventurous and spectacular excursion not to be missed during a trip to Yellowstone. With dozens of mountain bike trails ranging from truly mountainous and romantic back roads to paved beginners paths - there is a trail for every level of biker. Plenty of adventure companies offer bike rentals, trail maps and even guided bike tours.

Skiing

A winter trip to Yellowstone National Park brings forth a whole new set of possible side excursions! Some of the best white powder in the country means that there are plenty of snowboarding and ski trails to explore. The area surrounding Yellowstone offers a complete range of skiing options, but advanced and expert skiers simply should not miss the opportunity to take part in a heli-ski experience. Nothing but a heli-ski trip allows skiers to find the best virgin snow, enjoy the tranquility of nature and stretch the boundaries of skiing.

No matter your fancy, you're sure to find plenty of exciting things to do in and around Yellowstone National Park. A visit to Yellowstone is so much more than just a vacation, it can be a life-changing experience that takes us out of our hustle and bustle world and reminds us of the beauty, awe, and inspiration of nature.

By: Christine Harrell
Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on Yellowstone National Park, visit http://www.tetonspringsresort.com.

Vail, Aspen, the names summon images of skiers and snowboarders flashing down steep slopes of pristine, powdery snow, forests of trees covered with Christmas lights, pricey shops, tony restaurants and fancy hotels. Now think summer. Think of hotel rates which may be half those of winter. Think of restaurant discounts and bargains at fashionable shops. Think of carefully groomed golf courses.Think of rafting and canoeing and hiking, concerts and dance and theater. Then think of a drive along mountains more than 14,000 feet high.

The two resorts are 90 miles apart just around the corner in western terms of distance.

The best way of seeing both of them during the summer is an auto trip that takes you through passes as high as 12,095 feet. It goes through Leadville with its history of colorful characters as Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday, Baby Doe and the Unsinkable Molly Brown. It takes you into trendy Aspen with its tree-lined streets and sandstone and brick buildings, then over to Glenwood Springs named for its warm mineral water pools and caves and from there east to your starting point.

Vail is where most visitors are likely to start the trip, since it's a direct, slightly less than two hour' drive from Denver via the I-70 interstate.

Vail is beautiful during the ski season, its beauty augmented by the brilliant whiteness of newly fallen powder snow on the dark mountains. In the summer, Vail's beauty comes from the dark greens of the evergreens, the lighter green leaves and white trunks of aspens, the dazzling blue of the sky and processions of cumulus clouds rubbing against the sharp peaks of the mountains.

Summer visitors come to golf on five top-rated courses. Younger and more vigorous tourists come to mountain bike, torturing muscles and lungs by pumping up steep mountain roads and trails or taking a ski lift to the top of a high peak and plunging down its side on two wheels, dodging rocks and holes and small animals, staging a heart-stopping, animated display of why Vail has one of the nation's largest hospitals specializing in sports injuries and rehabilitation.

Older and less vigorous tourists are likely to restrict their athletic activities to hikes, canoeing or fishing on a peaceful mountain lake, viewing the Vail Valley from a hot air balloon, or riding horses through parts of the surrounding national forest.

In the summer, Vail Village resembles a sidewalk sale of skis, jackets and other winter equipment and clothing marked down as much as 50 percent, sometimes more. In the winter, its impossible to find a hotel offering rates lower than $125 a day or bed and breakfasts under $100. Summer hotel rates are as low as $59. Many restaurants also cut their prices during the summer or offer two for one specials.

My wife and I stayed at the Minturn Inn, a rustic but comfortable bed and breakfast in Minturn, an old mining and railroad town five miles from Vail Valley. Many of the town's weathered buildings have been converted into inns, excellent restaurants and a variety of small, arty shops and galleries, selling items as Indian head dresses, buffalo heads and light fixtures made from elk horn.

Minturn's main street is Route 24, aptly named the Top of the Rockies Highway, which leads off I-70 just west of Vail. Its the most scenic route to take on the first leg of the trip to Aspen.

South of Minturn, Route 24 begins a sharp ascent. Off to the right is the 14,005 foot high Mount of the Holy Cross. The 1,500 foot cross, created by natural crevices in the face of the mountain, can be seen high on the northwest side of the peak.

Continuing toward Leadville, we came into a high, level valley nestled between mountain ranges. Here is the site of Camp Hale, where the 10th Mountain Division trained on skis and snowshoes before engaging in bloody combat in World War II. Robert Dole trained at the camp. So did the founders of the Aspen and Vail Ski Resorts.

From Camp Hale, the highway begins its ascent to the Continental Divide and Tennessee Pass, 10,424 feet above sea level. Fifteen minutes away and six feet higher is Leadville, which describes itself as North America's highest city. It's been more than 100 years since Doc Holiday killed two men in Leadville and Soapy Smith and his thugs ruled the town, over a century since Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson walked the streets and Leadville Johnny Brown and his young wife Molly gave parties.

The gambling tables and brothels are gone, but you can still belly up to a bar where Buffalo Bill Cody and the James brothers downed their drinks and the restored 1866 Delaware Hotel from the rough days of wealth and sin remains open for guests. The Tabor Opera House, once described as the finest between St. Louis and San Francisco, still stands, although in need of refurbishing. It is open for tours from May 30 to Oct. 1.

Once past downtown, there are unobstructed views to the west of Colorado's highest peaks, Mt.Elbert at 14,433 feet and Mt. Massive, only 12 feet lower.

Mt. Elbert continues to dominate the western skyline as Rt. 24 continues south from Leadville. Fifteen miles later Rt. 82 intersects. We turn right toward Aspen. Driving west, Mt. Elbert looms larger on our right. On the left is the Twin Lakes Reservoir, popular for fishing and camping.

Beyond Twin Lakes, the highway climbs in a continuing succession of unguarded curves and hairpin turns to Independence Pass, which crosses the Sawsatch Range at 12,095 feet. The pass is sensibly closed doing the snow season.

On either side of the pass are turnoffs and parking spaces and footpaths where sightseers are offered a feast of mountains, streams and dense forested wilderness.

West of Independence Pass, Route 82 dives down the canyon of the Roaring Fork River. The Roaring Fork flows through Aspen, which got its start as a silver mining center in the 1880s, but found gold nearly a century later as a ski resort. Located in a glacial valley surrounded by magnificent peaks, upscale Aspen, with its many rust-colored buildings dating from the turn of the century and mature trees shading the downtown streets, gives the impression of more permanence and history than modern Vail.

Both are trendy and pricey, the playgrounds of movie and rock stars and a billionaire or two. Vail is a golfers' paradise, but Aspen ups Vail by also offering travel by helicopter, underground trips through old silver mines and treks into the back country with a llama to carry your gear.

Aspen also has the edge on culture, earning an international reputation for its annual summer jazz and classical music festivals.

We linger in Aspen only long enough to window shop at the fashionable shops and galleries and to people watch as we nibble on crepes served from an old popcorn wagon standing outside near one of several downtown fountains.

Then its back on Route 82 to follow the Roaring Fork River through red rock canyons to Glenwood Springs.

The Ute Indians regarded the hot springs and vapor caves as a sacred place of healing. The old gunslinger Doc Holiday may have hoped to find confirmation in that Indian belief when he came to Glenwood Springs afflicted by tuberculosis. If so, he was disappointed. His grave is now a tourist attraction.

But most visitors come to swim and bathe in the hot water pools, or try to sweat away tensions and stiffness in the caves.

After drying off, we start on a fast 60-mile drive back to Vail via I-70. For the first 12 miles, we follow the Colorado River as it courses through the scenic Glenwood Canyon. The stream is swift here and endowed with challenging rapids with names like Maneater and Tombstone. With those names, its not surprising that it's a popular stretch of the river for rafters and kayakers.

We halt for a late supper in the Gas House, a popular restaurant in Edwards, 15 miles west of Vail. Frequent guests include Frank Gifford and Kathie Lee, who have a house nearby. Then its back to our b&b for a night's long sleep.

By: Joseph Ritz
Joseph P. Ritz is a retired journalist, an author of two books and a published and produced playwright. His latest book is a memoir, "I NEVER LOOKED FOR MY MOTHER and other regrets of a Journalist." It is meant to be most humorous. You may read selections at Amazon.com or at his website:
http://jritz.net

If you are a winter sports enthusiast you will no doubt be enjoying some skiing or snowboarding at one of the area's many fantastic resorts. Heavenly Ski Resort is on the South Shore and is a well rounded resort and one of North America's largest mountains. The 3500 foot vertical drop is unmatched anywhere on the west coast. Heavenly is famous for its gondola, located half a block west of Stateline, and putting the serenity of the mountain just steps away from the major casinos and nearly 5,000 hotel rooms. The eight passenger enclosed compartments take you 2.4 miles up the mountain in 12 minutes while you marvel at the staggering views of the lake. Once you arrive at the 14,000 square foot observation platform, you will be treated to views of Carson Valley, Desolation Wilderness, and shore to shore views of Lake Tahoe. Regardless of whether or not you are continuing to Adventure Peak at the top of the mountain to enjoy winter activities such as skiing and snowmobiling, a trip on the Heavenly Gondola is something that everybody should do while in Lake Tahoe, the views will be unmatched.

Another popular ski Resort is the Squaw Valley Resort on the North Shore. The Resort, home to the 1960 Olympic Games, is set over six magnificent mountain peaks and offers over 4000 acres of skiable terrain. This is a large resort with an abundance of activities for all the family to enjoy. As well as many recreational opportunities, Squaw also is home to the Village at Squaw Valley, an interesting collection of stores, boutiques and some great eateries, and is a great way to spend a leisurely day.

After an exhilarating day on the slopes, Lake Tahoe allows you the chance to either relax over a good meal in one of the area's exceptional restaurants, or for those with energy left to spare, there are a huge variety of thrilling nightlife options, mostly centered around the casinos. Lake Tahoe is famous for its casinos, most of which you will find on the South Shore, and each with a multitude of dining, entertainment, gaming and dancing options. Most casino resorts have up to ten different restaurants, and several bars, lounges and nightclubs. Day or night, there is always something going on, but with the gaming laws, all the casinos are on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, with the Stateline area being where most of these resorts are clustered together. Harrah's Lake Tahoe, Harvey's, the new MontBleu Resort and the Horizon Resort and Casino are all great choices for 24 hour action under one roof. No trip to Lake Tahoe would be complete without a visit to at least one!

Of course winter is not the only time that Lake Tahoe is buzzing, the summertime brings with it blue skies and warm weather, and opportunities for enjoying the outdoors like no other place on earth. Hiking, boating, fishing, golfing, swimming, kayaking, rafting, the list is endless and the backdrop for any of these activities will take your breath away. Tahoe is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, full of hidden coves to discover, hiking trails that afford views unlike any other, magical treasures just waiting to be found. One of the most scenic games of golf anywhere can be found at the Edgewood Tahoe, an elegant resort situated on the South Shore, and designed by George Fazio. Edgewood is the home of the annual celebrity golf championship and if you enjoy golf, this beautiful course will test your skills with its challenging but fair game. If you prefer to hike than play golf, then try the Emerald Bay to Vikingsholm trail. Starting in the spectacular Emerald Bay in South Lake Tahoe, the trail is wide and well maintained, but can be a little steep in places. It runs for two and a half miles round trip, and you will get to see the amazing Vikingsholm, a replica of a Scandinavian castle that was once a summer home for a wealthy family, but now serves as a museum, and is a unique blend of architecture and nature.

For those who prefer to take things at a more relaxed pace, there is no better way to enjoy the splendor of the lake than to sail on its waters. Zephyr Cove in South Lake Tahoe offers not only horseback riding, camping, beaches and jet-ski and boat rentals, but also is where you can cruise on one of its historic paddle wheelers and take in the scenery. The award winning vessels serve champagne brunches, breakfast and dinner, and there is even a romantic sunset cruise to music. Scenic cruises run daily from June through mid September and there are many different themed cruises to choose from, such as the 'Mark Twain's Tales of a Tahoe' cruise, or the 'Family Fun Cruise with Tahoe Tessie.' The cruises are a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend some time and provide some incredible photo opportunities to ensure that you will never forget your trip.

With or without photographs, a trip to Lake Tahoe will always be memorable and very special. This destination has it all, and anyone lucky enough to visit will be spoilt for choice with the extent of recreational and sightseeing activities available here. This is a place where the variety of things to do for all the family, coupled with the glorious scenery make an excellent choice for your next vacation.

By: Ellie Cominos
Ellie Cominos is a travel expert and a content associate and travel guide writer for BookIt.com® - the online travel company offering discounted hotels and vacations wherever you are FROM! Visit the BookIt.com ® Travel Guides for additional travel information including articles, reviews and helpful travel tips.

China Town excels as a much sought after tourist destination in San Francisco due to its unmatched reputation as a major historical tourist attraction. It is home to a multitude of attractions each having its own distinct flair. Considered as one of North America' s largest China Towns , the area is bordered by Powell Street and Nob Hill district and the financial district.

Chinatown's fame lies in its rich history which includes many racial struggles and the gradual increase in the Chinese population. The area is still populated with pagoda style buildings and temples which has made the venue a favorite location in popular culture. Located in Chinatown is St. Mary's Park, where many visitors of Chinatown flock to due to its variety of restaurants, stores, malls and the renowned war memorial of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. Portsmouth Square is one of the few open venues in the area, thus is often visited by many tourists and locals alike and it is constantly alive with many robust activities such as Tai chi and open games.

Grant Avenue is one of the first to be built after the 1906 earthquake and today consists of the southern gateway to china town, its streets aligned with dragon-entwined lamp posts and shops filled with exquisite local items. Some of the other streets which occupy Chinatown are Wahsington Street, Jackson Street, Clay Street, Commercial Street and Stockton Street.

Many unique dishes can be found at the endless restaurants in the town which include Blind Tiger, Café Maha, Chef Hung's and Kells. An array of hotels in San Francisco will provide convenient access to this charming location in.

By: James V Cook
James Cook is an executive working for Hotelseye. SanFranciscoHotelseye is a popular online travel portal with a wide collection of San Francisco Hotels to choose from. The portal also offers other San Francisco travel services such as car rentals and fight reservations.

Everybody knows about Walt Disney World, Sea World Orlando, Universal Studios and Busch Gardens, the ever popular major entertainment parks which continue to attract the majority of Florida holiday makers. However, savvy travelers know that Florida Florida offers a lot more than just a collection of family theme parks. The parks, both the major ones and the second tier, less well known establishments, share the state with numerous superb natural attractions such as the Everglades, the Florida Keys and the Gulf Islands. These destinations have been attracting visitors for many generations.

The state offers a wonderful mix of superb locations, each one providing unique opportunities to soak up the local history, enjoy some incredible golf and take advantage of beach and family vacations that cater to all tastes and interests.

** Florida Golf Vacations

An unrivalled golf vacation on the manicured greens of some of Florida's leading courses is a powerful magnet for any serious golfer. A mix of over 1100 public and private membership golf courses throughout the state cater to all skill levels. Given the enormous popularity of golf throughout the state, it's only natural that golf vacation packages are available to suit all tastes and budgets.

The majority of the more popular courses are available to non-members via resort stays or pre-booked vacation packages that include an agreed number of rounds of golf combined with resort accommodation and access to the resort's guest facilities.

** Florida Beach Vacations

A Florida beach vacation is all about relaxing on the squeaky, fine powder sands, basking in the sunny warmth, cooling off in the clear waters and enjoying the relaxed Florida lifestyle. This unique peninsula offers numerous, very popular, vacation destinations along the 1100 miles (1760km) of waterfront shoreline. Both the east coast, west coast and panhandle region have numerous white sand beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Nearly all of the best destinations for Florida beach vacations are available throughout the year. Snorkeling in the clear pristine waters, reliving Florida's history, birdwatching, surfing, sailing, shelling, collecting sharks teeth, hunting for treasure or just enjoying a romantic getaway are all part of the beach experience. You can be sure that Florida has a beach that's perfect for you.

** Florida Family Vacations

Family vacations are available throughout Florida to suit every taste and budget. It's easy to understand why family vacations in Florida are the preferred choice for both visitors from overseas and USA families. There is always something to do or places to visit, the lifestyle is relaxed, the prices are sensible and the locals are friendly and hospitable.

While some visitors come for the unique interaction of swimming with dolphins, others may wish to experience the preserved Florida heritage and history and others may be boarding their Caribbean cruise from one of the Florida ports. Florida is driver friendly with an excellent road network and numerous RV parks. For the visitor wanting to see the best that Florida has to offer, a Florida driving vacation is highly recommended. Driving in Florida is not difficult for overseas visitors as the state has a good network of well sign-posted highways and the local drivers are both well behaved and courteous.

It's not by accident that Florida is the 3rd most popular USA vacation choice after Las Vegas and New York. It truly is a wonderful destination for all ages, all tastes and all budgets.

By: Terry Hely
Copyright (c) 2008 Terry Hely
Terry's highly regarded Go Florida.net is a leading planning resource for the independent traveller. This excerpt introduces the reader to an overview of the Florida holiday experience.

San Diego is one of the great cities in California that you must visit sometime in your life. There are so many things there to do and see there that it is simply amazing. Here is our list of the top ten things to do in San Diego on your vacation.

1. Balboa Park - The largest cultural park facility in San Diego that encompasses 15 museums, garden areas, performing arts facilities and the San Diego Zoo.

2. Downtown San Diego - Sometimes referred to as Centre City is located in the heart of San Diego's business district. It is considered on of the most upcoming areas in the western part of the United States.

3. Sea World - One of the most popular attractions in San Diego offering different rides, attractions and shows for the whole family.

4. Torrey Pines State Reserve - A jewel of nature encompassing 2,000 acres of undeveloped and unspoiled land on the Southern California coast.

5. Become a connoisseur at the famous wineries located in San Diego's North Country. You can find large wineries that allow tours and also smaller mom and pop wineries.

6. The San Diego Zoo - Taking the "Journey Into Africa" tour within the zoo can provide you with a little taste of what Africa, the 2nd largest continent, has to offer.

7. The Gaslamp Quarter - A historical area in San Diego comprised of two and a half miles filled with Victorian style buildings, over 100 restaurants, arts and entertainment scene, theaters and nightclubs.

8. Coronado Municipal Beach - This is one of the Travel Channel's selections of their top 10 beaches. It is a family friendly beach with a postcard picture setting.

9. Mission Beach - This is a great place for all walks of life. It seems though that it is becoming a little more of a residential area, however it is still a must see.

10. Torrey Pines Golf Course - A premier golf course in the San Diego Area with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean.

As you can see, San Diego presents a little something for everyone and makes for a beautiful vacation destination.

By: Greg Schueler
See more detailed information on the top 10 things to do in San Diego by visiting http://www.247travelguides.com