Wednesday, May 12, 2010

My Future Travel Destinations

Harbin Ice Festival, China


Santorini, Greece




many more...to be finished.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Final Blog

1. Based on my Travel Destinations blog, I have concluded that I have a "synthesizing mind". After establishing the idea of writing about vacations, I researched sites in order to find categories of different types of locations. Then, from there, I broke down each category in to the top three destinations. I feel like this overall system of stating a large idea and then categorizing, shows evidence of a synthesizing mind.
2. a) exhibit curiosity-- by presenting a large question for this blog, and breaking it into smaller portions, I feel that I exemplify a desire to research a topic that does not have a definite answer. The answer is ultimately based on people's opinions and what they enjoy.
b) Exhibiting curiosity goes hand in hand with generating hypothesis-- I feel the way in which I performed by research was scientific. I formed my hypothesis, collected my data from polls, analyzed, and made a final conclusion. My brain tends to work in this method of trying not to come to conclusions before gathering sufficient information.
c) Exhibit respect for other viewpoints-- I feel in a way I have to exhibit this quality because I have been blogging about people's personal opinions on vacation. Most people on my poll voted that Beaches & Sun are the best types of vacations. In my personal opinion, I enjoy these types of vacations, but I also do not mind Adventure and History and Culture Vacations. So instead of writing about what I want and being obstinate, I had to allow the blogger community to influence my decision on what to write on.
3. After developing my blog, I simply realized that I enjoy 'blogging'. Blogs can practically be used for anything. It might be an option for future projects, or just a place to put pictures, videos and writing that I want others to see. In a way, it is the new type of journal. I would consider keeping a personal blog to track my thoughts and feelings on a certain day, or to write about topics that I feel strongly about. Blogging allows for one to take a facade and to express opinions without being criticized for what one might believe in. Sure, people can comment on a blog, but with the right pseudonym taken, no one outside of the world wide web will ever know who you are.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Overlapping Destinations

Based on my research of the top three vacation destinations for certain categories, I have concluded that some places fall under more than one category. This seems like a very obvious statement, but when thinking about certain locations, I would have never considered them past what they seem to be on the surface. For example, when I think of New York City for a vacation, I immediately think of the hustle and bustle, cab cars of Times Square, and ultimately, shopping (which it does fall under). But never, would I have considered New York City a place to take the kids, until being reminded that the Big Apple has museums galore, offers the glamour of a big city, and lastly offers an essence beyond most people's back yards.
Paris, France, like New York, surprises me as a family destination. I understand the city being categorized for shopping and history & culture, but the idea of a young child being interested in any other structure except the Eiffel Tower seems unlikely. When I think Paris, I think couples, romance, and gazing up into the night sky under the Eiffel Tower. That statement could be very biast, speaking as a romantic.
Overall, I find it interesting that the cities are able to supplement for more than one vacation type. Yet it seems the 'rural' type vacations like beaches and adventure, can only fall under one category.
So maybe as a hypothesis from my poll, and a generalization about adults. Young adults like the beach because that is what culture tells us. That we need to be sunkissed and find that gorgeous girl or that handsome hunk, but adults seem to multitask and plan vacations to the extent of multiple options. I am not saying that adults dislike the beach (let's not forget about the seniors retiring to Florida). I am just insinuating that just like the weekly schedule of working, fixing dinner, and driving the children to soccer practice, adults are fond of 'killing two birds with one stone'.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Extravagent Shopping Vacations

Perfect for Women. =)
{1. New York City, New York. 2. Paris, Ll-de-Paris, France} (See Family Fun Vacations and History and Culture)

3. Milan, Lombardy, Italy
The north of Milan provides an extravagant get-a-way for shoppers from around the globe. Discover the fashion gods of Armani, Versace, and Dolce & Gabbana in this high fashion capital. Explore the back streets of Milan where the romantic style buildings house the premier items of fashion.



4. Tokyo, Japan
Shopping in Tokyo is like visiting a mall covering a large expansion of square miles. Some of the neighborhoods of Tokyo are divided by the type of product the shopper is interesting in. Botiques, department stores, electronics, high-end fashion, trendy clothing, and bookstores are all accessible in Tokoyo if one knows the neighborhoods.





5. San Francisco, California

San Franciso offers a wide span of shopping areas that are highly distinct to one another. San Francisco offers large upscale malls, convenient window gazing, and stores that scream, "I'm a tourist". A suggestion: Bring an extra suitcase.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

History & Culture

1. Rome, Lazio, Italy
In its prime, Rome was the most powerful empire in history. Today, remains of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon still remain, along with the ancient aqueducts. Rome also includes a more modern side including their Italian food which they are admired for and their shopping. The Pope is not too far a way in Vatican City.




{2. New York City, New York 3. Paris, Lle-de-France, France} (See Family Friendly Vacations)
4. London, England, United Kingdom

Ever wondered about Shakespeare's home land? Well in London you can visit the once popular Globe Theatre. Feel free to be the King or Queen for a day while visiting Buckingham and Kensington Palace. Do not forget to make that stop at the Tower of London either. London is full of grandeur and history, the only thing it is missing is you.



5. Athens, Greece
The ancient Greeks date back before the time of the Romans. Adventure to this beautiful land where not only the landscape can take your breath a way, but the remaining artifacts of the Ancient Greeks. Popular sights include the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Agora, the National Gardens, and much, much more. Athens involves digging beyond the surface to find all its hidden jewels.

Family Friendly Vacations

1. Orlando, Florida
With Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, and other prime attractions Orlando offers a heavenly haven for children. For the parents, Orlando offers a large array of resorts able to suit your needs. Orlando offers weeks and weeks of a family fun vacation.

2. New York City, New York
New York's many zoos, museums, and landmarks make this city a perfect destination for families of all ages. Fell free to explore Time Square, take a boat ride to the Statue of Liberty, take the elevator in the Empire State Building, or picnic in Central Park. The options are endless.



3. Paris, lle-de-France, France
The city of lights shines for all. Paris is as beautiful at night as it is during the day. See the glowing lights of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre. There is even a Disney Paris.








Beaches and Sun Vacation

The top three Beaches and Sun Vacations, also known as my favorite destinations.

1. Dominican Republic
Beaches of the Dominican Republic rank among the world's best. Along with endless stretches of white beaches, the Dominican Republic also caters to visitors' outgoing, sunbathing, jet skiing, and scuba diving needs.




2. Playa del Carmen, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Playa del Carmen requires a bundle of cool clothes and sunglasses in order to experience the white sand benches drenched in daily sun exposure. This beach is not exactly for those looking for scuba diving, rather it is a great place to just lounge in the sun or swim.





3. Maui, Hawaii

This "hot" spot does not require a passport or exchange of money, and it is part of the United States, just eight hours a way from the contiguous states. Maui, Hawaii offers several selections of beaches including black, white, and red sand beaches. Some of these beaches are secluded, while others are bustling with restaurants and shopping. Maui offers beaches to suit everyone.