Monday, February 25, 2008

Have You Ever Considered Changing Your Career Path To Become A Real Estate Investor?

by Jefferson Hennessy

Have you been searching for a more lucrative path toward making money? Is your current job causing you to dread going to work in the morning? If that's the case, you should consider altering your career path toward becoming a real estate investor.
Thousands of ordinary people who were looking for a more fulfilling life style have become real estate investors, and many have become millionaires. It's not difficult to learn how to invest in real estate, but that doesn't mean it's really easy to become a highly successful investor. This article will give you a few tips about how to get going.

The first task you have to accomplish if you want to be a real estate investor is to assess your current financial situation. Answer the following three questions honestly before diving into the real estate industry. Do you have a good credit rating? If not, you need to fix your credit rating. Are you able to borrow the money you need to buy homes, and make needed repairs if necessary? Will you be able to deal with the added stress of juggling your current job with moving toward full-time investing? Do you have the time to be a real estate investor?

Those are all tough questions for some people, no doubt, but many determined people have made the transition successfully to real estate investor.

If the questions above didn't give you the willies and frighten you away from the idea that being a real estate investor is the right road for you to follow, then the next best approach for you is to research the industry to get a better understanding of the home purchasing process. Study your local real estate market. Learn as much as you can about being a real estate investor before taking the plunge. Learn how money makes money. Learn the biggest negatives of investing, and what pitfalls other beginners have experienced. Everything you learn about real estate investing during this initial research process will help you father down the road as your career progresses. Adopt the positive attitude that says there is no such thing as pointless research.

When you think you're ready to begin investing, move forward cautiously. Use all of your new investment research resources to minimize any financial risk you may need to take to purchase your first property. If you get off to a good start, that's the best way to help you stay optimistic when you get too ambitious on your next project and everything doesn't go as planned. Make your first project as much of a "low risk" as possible. Don't allow your first purchase to be a huge project that promises to make you a fortune. Take your time, and simply try to make a modest profit. Quite often, when we try to take our life in a new direction we get in a hurry and make costly mistakes. Just get your feet wet first, then see where things stand.

Also, before you start your first investment project, decide which type of real estate market you want to focus on. For example, will you buy foreclosures, repair them if needed, and then resell them? Foreclosed properties are a hot investment market right now - unfortunately. Or will you buy properties to rent? Or are you interested in long-term speculation properties that may pay off big farther down the road, like buying a few acres of farmland that is expected to be surrounded by commercial development in the near future.

Moving your career path in the direction of becoming a real estate investor could be the best road to financial success that you will ever travel. There's a lot of cash to be made in real estate, and it is up to you to figure out how to get your eager hands on some of it. Your real estate investor career change may seem like a bit of a risk in the beginning, but if don't get too ambitious before you understand this new game your playing, the financial and personal rewards will be well worth it.

About the Author
Jefferson Hennessy is a feature article journalist, Webmaster, article marketer and real estate investor. Now you can learn how to make a fortune in today's crazy market from the perspective of a millionaire with 20 years of real estate investing experience: http://www.realestate-millionaire.com
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Saturday, February 16, 2008

Why Sarasota Real Estate Is Sought After

Investing in Sarasota real estate is viewed by many as a sound investment, especially since Sarasota real estate is one of the most after real estate in the market today. This should already speak volumes of how good of an investment Sarasota real estate is.

There are a lot of other possible ventures out there which you can invest in, others usually end up being very unsuccessful due to a poor investment. However, the prime real estate properties in Sarasota, Florida are deemed to be a sound investment since the gains that you can get from the risk that you are taking are great, especially with all the things that you get along with the property.

The real estate in Sarasota, Florida, are situated in a way that it overlooks the bay area of the Gulf of Florida. This puts the different real estate properties in the middle of different white sandy beaches, one of the main reasons why real estate in Sarasota, Florida are very well sought after. The real estate spectrum of Sarasota is very broad as it includes different real estates such as condos, coastal real estates, even homes that are located further inland. This creates an array of real estate diversity which offers you the best opportunity to choose which type of real estate property you would like to invest in.

One of the main attractions that make Sarasota real estate so appealing to a lot of investors is that it is accessible to a lot of its pristine beaches that surrounds the coast, including those that are situated on the several barrier islands, which is also known as the keys. These beaches are known to draw crowds and vacationers from different parts of the globe to the Gulf coast, which is why Sarasota real estate is so appealing to a lot of its residents. These beaches offer a lot of activities that the people who are living in Sarasota or just vacationing can do.

Investing in Sarasota real estate is very rewarding since you are getting a whole lot than what you are actually paying for. The accessibility to the numerous pristine beaches, including the diversity in culture and property, gives you more than just what your property can offer you.

This is what actually makes Sarasota real estate so in demand in the real estate market nowadays, which is why it is deemed to be one of the property hot spots in Florida. One of the major reasons for this is that the people who invest in Sarasota real estate are able to increase the quality and value of their property through time.

Another thing that makes Sarasota real estate so sought after is the different business and investment opportunities that this type of property offers to its investors. People can create their property into a profit-making entity, which allows people to benefit more from their purchased property instead of just putting up a house for them to live in. And with the increasing amount of investors in the different Sarasota real estate properties, you can be sure that there will be a lot of different business and investment opportunities for other people wherein they can take advantage of their real estate properties into earning them profits.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vanessa Arellano Doctor from http://www.Jump2top.com, a SEO Company
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Sunday, February 10, 2008

The Real Estate Rookie - Tips for Starting Your Career

By Terri Emmett

TIP #1: A career in real estate is quite unlike any other. Having a flexible schedule, being your own boss and setting your own rules are compelling reasons for becoming a real estate agent and these rewards can be tremendously motivating. Like any other job, though, there will be times when positive emotions rule the day and there will be days on end of disappointment and discouragement, particularly in the beginning. Realizing that these seemingly endless days of frustration are merely the bottom steps on the stairway to success will be first lesson you need to learn in the business. Getting past these first eager, lean and discouraging months will be your first major victory. Some very successful people in the business didn’t make a dime their entire first year.

Of course you don’t want to think it’s going to take YOU that long – because you have a business plan mapped out and you have family and friends that “know” people. Those are, of course, important elements of getting started in real estate, but until a transaction has been completed at the closing table, you will not see an income. From the time a contract is presented until closing a deal, a million little things can go wrong. Instead of becoming discouraged, utilize your time to learn all you can from every angle of the business.

TIP #2: There is no such thing as a never-fail, no work secret to becoming rich in real estate or in any other business, so please don’t fall for any financially burdening method promising to make you an overnight millionaire. There are a number of ways to receive leads, and the more lines you have cast into the water, the greater your chances of obtaining them.

Most methods of obtaining leads you hear about include:
· Cold calling
· Knocking on doors in a “farming” area
· Mailing lists
· Hosting open houses for co-workers who have listings
· Joining clubs and organizations

These methods can become time consuming, discouraging and expensive, but refuse to give up. Your goal is to ultimately be able to sit by your phone and have leads come to you, of course, but you will need new customers throughout your career and must never stop searching for them.

Regardless of how you acquire them, follow up on every lead and stay focused on your goals. Give it time and don’t give up. Visit www.reagentsclub.com for the most basic and down-to-earth marketing and advertising tips in the business.

TIP #3: There is no question that you will need to devote full time to your real estate venture. When you get leads, you must deal with them immediately and that often means dropping what you are doing and following through with whatever action the lead may necessitate without delay. This can only be accomplished if you are dedicated to your job on a full-time basis.

Even if you do have a savings account set aside to carry you through the first unprofitable months in the business, consider holding onto a flexible part-time evening job during the crucial first year. It will mean working some long hours, devoting a full time schedule to your real estate business in addition to the part time hours you will be working, but a savings account can evaporate quickly. Having a little income to help stretch your savings is better than having no income at all as you watch your nest egg deplete at an alarmingly rapid rate.

TIP #4: Don’t be intimidated or discouraged by the self-promoting ads of your competitors on the Internet. If some of those agents did everything they claim they’ve done, they would be 149 years old. What they don’t tell you is that they have a crew of hired helpers that do much of the legwork for them.

Another thing you will notice in their self-serving proclamations is that they all claim to be #1, followed by their astounding success stories. What they don’t consider is that nobody gives a rip. To a new agent, these success stories can be overwhelming and discouraging when your own phone doesn’t ring for days on end. Savor each of your own small personal victories and don’t measure yourself against those who have already spent decades in the business.

Terri Emmett has three online courses: BIBLE PROPHECY: 100 STEPS TO ETERNITY, http://www.prophecyguide.net; THE ORGANIZER'S CLUB, http://www.organizersclub.com; and THE ORGANIZED HOUSEKEEPER’S SIX-WEEK CHARM COURSE, http://www.charmcourse.com; in addition to many other informational sites focusing on Home and Family.
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Saturday, February 2, 2008

Take a Romantic Vacation in California

If you are looking to take a romantic vacation with your loved one this year, California should definitely make it to the top of your list. One of the things that makes California a great state is the variety in geography and cities, and it’s this variety that also makes it a prime target for vacation.

If you and your partner pampering on your romantic vacation in the Golden State, a great destination is Palm Springs. Between spa treatments and strolling around the golf course, there’s something for everyone in Palm Springs. If you’re looking for a quiet get-away retreat to spend time reconnecting with your spouse whilst soaking up a little California sunshine, this is a great choice as Palm Springs is located in the Mojave Desert and it rarely falls below freezing - even in winter.

If connecting with nature is more your idea of a romantic retreat, northern California may be just the ticket. Yosemite National Park has it all: Beautiful scenery, lavish hotels, and if you seek them out, special offers that give you the chance to enjoy it all without breaking the bank. Whether you want to be a hiker out in the daytime wilderness with your loved one, or whether you want to snuggle together at night next to a roaring fire, Yosemite may be just what you're looking for. If you’re looking for a romantic winter break, northern California has great skiing to offer to both novice and expert alike.

Of course, you can't forget the tourist destination, Disneyland. It may not sound romantic, but if that’s the reason for your vacation, you’ll find that you’ll have relaxed quality time during the day as you wander around the park, then at night you can relive the memories of the day over a candle-lit meal at one of the restaurants in the area – and what could be more romantic than watching a fireworks display with someone you love?

So whether your idea of a romantic vacation is wanting to relax, hike, or sightsee together, you'll love what you find in California.


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The vineyards in the Napa Valley are a wonderful place to explore, many of them open their doors to the public – some owners even allow wine tasting (so check in advance what’s available if this is something you’d like to take part in) evenings – and give visitors an opportunity to see where and how the wine is nurtured and matured. Some vineyards also offer a restaurant service, accompanied by good wine of course, and because they aren’t commercial restaurants, they usually only cater for small numbers making it a special romantic experience.

You don’t have to like wine to enjoy a romantic vacation in the Napa Valley. This part of California doesn’t attract as many visitors as either the larger cities, or even the nearby Yosemite National Park, and the kind of visitors who do choose the Napa Valley are usually those who are looking for a little peace and quite on their holiday. Because of the tourist demographic, you are unlikely to encounter large groups with families and loud teens looking to party – both of which could ruin a time when you want to spend quality time with your partner!

That doesn’t mean however that the Napa Valley is without its own form of excitement. There’s more to this area than watching grapes grow, and wandering around musky wine cellars! The scenery of the Valley is one of it’s major features, and the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion such as an anniversary would be to take a hot air balloon ride over the area. There are a number of different options available to you, but most of them start at the crack of dawn so be prepared for an early start to the day. Once the balloon rises, and the Napa Valley spreads out below you, the tiredness will soon be forgotten however! Make your reservation for the trip of your choice before you leave home, balloon trips are quite popular and especially in peak vacation times have their places booked out quickly!

If you are in the process of planning a vacation for you and your partner, and want to go somewhere romantic, take a closer look at the Napa Valley. It could be just what you’re looking for.


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There’s a good reason for this. Orange Country is an amazingly beautiful and diverse area, with Mediterranean-like weather year-round. Residents surf the waves on Christmas, something that people from northern states like Idaho or Wisconsin could only dream about. Many consider Orange County to be one of the most perfect places on earth because of the juxtaposition of temperate weather, beautiful scenery, high job growth, and of course its ideal proximity to Los Angeles and San Diego.

Of course when all of these factors combine together into one area, you'll quickly find that another, not-so-perfect aspect comes into play: soaring housing prices and cost of living. As a place to vacation however, this only affects the average tourist in terms of the cost of accommodation and eating out as this may be higher than in an area where property owners/restaurateurs have less overheads to pay. The main problem isn’t so much that holidaymakers are faced with higher prices, but rather that Orange County isn’t a vibrant cosmopolitan city with many different cultures woven into its backdrop. Many tourist attractions, and even stores, are generic with little local color. This doesn’t apply everywhere however, the world famous surfer’s paradise of Huntington Beach can be found in this area, as can the unique Crystal Cathedral! For kids there’s Disneyland, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and even a toy museum to keep them amused.

You may not be able to relive the highlife from the TV show – unless you are part of that scene, but you will have a great holiday because the natural beauty of Orange County can’t fail to charm you.


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The first thing you need to do is decide what you’d like to do on your vacation, this will help you locate the right part of the state to begin your holiday. Do you want to center your vacation in one of the major cities of Los Angeles or San Francisco, and either have a one-center holiday where you explore only that city? Alternatively, do you want to use that city as your gateway and base for a vacation that allows you to explore the coastal areas such as Santa Barbara, or the desert areas of the Joshua Tree National Park? Are you hoping to sample some home-grown Californian wines in the Napa Valley? Is the Yosemite National Park somewhere you’ve always wanted to go? Are you interested in the anticipation of celebrity spotting? Are you hoping for a round or two of golf? Does the idea of taking a short trip into Mexico excite you? Are you taking children who are hoping to visit theme parks? All of these factors will help you identify which part of the Gold State is the right one for you. One things for sure, you’ll be able to do all of those things and a lot more besides in this vibrant state!

Once you know where you’re going, identify what you’ll need. How will you get there? If you intend to hire a car whilst you’re there, is there adequate parking around the place you hope to stay? Would public transport be a better idea for most days with car hire on the days you want to go outside the city? Do you need to make reservations for any accommodation? How about attraction tickets? Do you need to book in advance for any special event at the Rose Bowl? What about any sporting activities you hope to do – is equipment available locally to hire or do you need to take your own?

There are endless opportunities for a vacation of a lifetime in California, and you’ll be able to pack a number of them into your holiday as long as you plan the right destination, so take a good look at the map and carefully plan out a preliminary itinerary – you can always change it when you get there, but at least you’ll be off to a good start by being in the right part of this beautiful part of America.


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One of the most important things to remember is that this is legally leaving the US and so you MUST have your passport, or other forms of ID (including photographic) with you otherwise you’re going to have problems getting back into the US! Although you can’t use your driver’s license in place of a passport, you can use this as photographic evidence along with other proof of nationality. Whilst you are in Mexico make sure that you keep your official papers in a safe place and never unattended.

The US/Mexico border is open 24 hours a day, so there’s no closing time, but if you are relying on the trolley bus to get you back to central San Diego, you need to find out the time the last trolley runs each night and ensure you cross the border at least an hour before that – depending on how many tourists have spent the day in Mexico, and how many of them have paperwork problems on their return, it can take over 45mins to clear customs – better still, aim to catch the one-before-last trolley so you have a fallback plan if something goes wrong at the border patrol!

If you have a hire car for your California vacation, you won’t be allowed to take this across the border so be prepared to park it on the American side of the border and then either walking or taking the shuttle bus across. If you have your own car, you have the option of taking your car into Mexico, or parking it on the US side of the border. If you take your car, note that you will need to allow for more time to clear customs and immigration at the US border on your return into America, than you would if you were on foot.

Make sure you get a map with local information on it before entering Mexico. Find out which areas are “safe” and tourist friendly, the areas to avoid, and where you can go for help if you get into some kind of trouble. Most tourists to Mexico have a great time and return to the US unscathed and wanting to return another day, there are however, those who don’t. As long as you stick to the tourist “rules” and take warnings issued by the US government seriously, you’ll have a great time and be one of those people who long to return to Mexico another time.

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For example, if you like the desert then you’ll love Palm Springs where there are many golfing vacations available. The Classic Club offers up a beautiful view of the desert, and you’ll have a great course to try your luck on. This 18 hole green has 7,305 yards to play in with 14 bridges and little lakes to work around. This is desert area however, and temperatures can soar during the day and drop at night so make sure you pack for both extremes!

If desert isn’t your idea of a fun golfing vacation location, about the beach? Imagine waking up and hitting some balls in front of the ocean as the sun is just starting to rise. Monterey Courses has various packages available, and their golf course is 18 holes over 7,009 yards.

If you want to combine your love of golfing with a family vacation however, you could do worse than to base your location in Orange County which is close to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm – and has a golf course where you can relax whilst the rest of the family enjoy the thrills and spills of the local attractions.

Once you’ve decided on where you want to spend your vacation, check with the local clubs in that area as to whether they hire out equipment, or if you need to take your own. If you don’t want to pack the equipment, this could be a final deciding factor in which of California’s many beautiful golf courses you decide to play on.

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Most children delight in seeing things that are just unbelievable or disgusting and they can find all sorts of “odd” items over at Ripley’s Believe it Or Not Museum. Imagine their faces when they see a two headed cow or a cable car made entirely out of matchsticks. These are just a few of the weird things they have in this two floor museum,

If the museum isn’t to their liking maybe they’d like to walk over to the Golden Gate Park. Try burning off some of that energy they have by taking them to the children’s playground. There are swings to swing on, a carousel to ride as well as many tubes to slither through. The adults may enjoy a picnic at one of the benches, followed by visiting the De Young Museum. Before you leave, make sure you all get a chance to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. This will be something they can tell all their friends once they get home.

Older children, and boys in particular, should be fascinated by a trip Alcatraz – and even if the ex prison itself isn’t of interest, they’re sure to at least enjoy the boat trip to get there!

If you don’t think your kids will be scared, a visit to the Wax Museum down at the Fisherman’s Wharf is a good way to spend some time. Your child will get to walk through the chamber of horrors, meet King Tut and all his glory and walk back through the history of sports and entertainment. Each figure looks so like the real thing it’s freaky.

Back in the outdoors Pier 39 is a great place to take kids, and in particular, a visit into the Aquarium of the Bay where they can not only admire the many varieties of sea life on display, but can walk through an arch where the fish swim overhead! Less gentle entertainment can be found at the Riptide Arcade and nearby Turbo Ride.

San Francisco is a great place for adults to spend a vacation, but it’s also a city that has something for everyone – including the kids!


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La Brea Tar Pits- Imagine being back in the time of the dinosaurs. Well for a brief while you can walk the lives of the ancient animals as once they walked on the Earth. You’ll take a walk along paved paths that overlook the La Brea Tar Pits. Animals such as the Saber Tooth Tiger, woolly mammoths and many others can be found in the pits. These animals have all been preserved because of the Ice Age and they are in the very spots they were found. Now you can see them as once they were. Inside you’ll be able to actually watch as paleontologists dust off bone fragments of those they’ve found, or take a tour inside and look at the dinosaur bones they have on display. If your kids love dinosaurs, they’re going to love this!

Santa Monica Beach/Pier- The Santa Monica Pier never closes, so you can arrive at night or bright and early in the morning. The best part of the pier for adults is that it’s free. Children will love the Playland Arcade which has over 200 different types of games, even teens will be happy here! The pier is also where they have the beautiful antique carousel, designed in 1916, that your child will beg to go on repeatedly! There are more than just rides and games on the pier however. There are restaurants, vendors, shops, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium and the Pacific Park itself.

Griffith Park - Inside this park your children will be entertained by the Merry-Go-Round and the railroad. The Merry-Go-Round was actually built in 1926 but still runs smoothly today. Children aren’t the only ones that’ll enjoy this park however; even adults will have a great time exploring its horse paths, golf course, etc. The train station has many types of trains from throughout history and even two special trains for the kids to enjoy. The secret botanist in you will love all the different types of greenery at the park. Before leaving this park don’t forget to visit the “Griffith Observatory,” this is the place that’ll let you view the entire city from atop its roof. You’ll be amazed at just how beautiful everything looks, especially at night.

Los Angeles is more than just a place for celebrity spotting, and expensive high profile theme parks, take a look around at the smaller parks, you’ll be surprised at how entertaining your children will find them.


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The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum which focuses on marine life is one such place. Alternatively, the Museum of Natural History is home to eleven different exhibit halls, containing many birds, mammals, insects and much more. Paleontology will be busy trying to discover what it is they’ve found, while you examine all of the marine life they’ve discovered. As you tour the building, don’t be shocked when you turn a corner only to discover many varieties of reptiles! The museum’s planetarium is a fascinating place to visit and even has introduction to astronomy shows for children.

Animals are another big attraction at the Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens where you’ll be able to see over 700 animals from across the globe, not to mention walk amongst the beautiful gardens. Built in 1817, the Casa de La Guerra is still standing and a very interesting place for anyone with a passion for history, but if railways are more your thing, take a look at the Stow House & Railroad Museum. Wine aficionados however will be looking to travel a little bit further north of the main Santa Barbara area where they can find the local vineyards.

Although Santa Barbara is well known for it’s ocean views and lifestyle, there’s more to the area than just sand, sun and water – it’s a place where you can spend some of your time enjoying the beach, and the other part of it checking out the other various activities the area has to offer.

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Put on those walking shoes because your first stop in San Diego should be Balboa Park. Why? Simply because this place has so much to do that it’ll make your vacation in San Diego one you’ll never forget. Imagine 15 museums, beautiful gardens everywhere and the added attraction of concerts. If you’ve children with you they’ll enjoy the mini railroad and carousel within the park. On the northern side of the park you’ll find the San Diego zoo. The zoo consists of 800 species of mammals such as the giant pandas to the hundreds of slithering snakes, but one of its greatest attractions is actually the Skyfari cable car! If you want to see more animals, you should also check out the San Diego Wild Animal Park which you tour around on a monorail that takes about 50 minutes to complete the loop which circles a preserve containing many types of wild animals such as zebras, rhinos and giraffes.

One “must do” activity on your vacation should be to the San Diego maritime museum. It may look on the outside, but looks are deceiving as it has a lot of amazing exhibits inside. This museum itself is housed on a ship. If you like pirates, you’ll love Pirates of the Pacific, inside this ship are all the wonders from William Dampier. Many other ships such as Berkeley, Californian, Pilot, B-39 Submarine, etc are on display. If you are in anyway interested in ships or love maritime history this is going to be a fun place for you.

For something completely different, make sure you visit the La Jolla Underwater Park. This is an awesome natural marine environment complete with caves, sandstone cliffs, reefs, canyons and kelp forests.

San Diego may not have the glitz and glitter of LA, but it has a character all of it’s own, and one things for sure, you won’t get bored there!

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The first place you need to stop at is Yosemite Village. If you’re planning on staying overnight in the park, this is also the area you’ll probably be sleep as almost all overnight park guests prefer to stay within this 8 square mile area. The Village is where you’ll find a good map to help you locate all the park highlights (invaluable if you don’t have much time to spend in the park!), as well as tell you what’s happening around the park that day. If you want to take advantage of any of the shuttle buses that operate between the Village and some of the park’s highlights, this is also the place you need to be.

If you want to get more in touch with nature, whilst not getting to far off the beaten track (and there’s plenty of opportunity for that too!), then plan to explore the eastern side of the park where there are stricter restrictions on transportation with cars not being allowed into the area. Here you can ride the shuttle bus into the area and then enjoy some hiking or alternatively cycle in, without the sound of constant car engines interfering with the sounds of nature.

Yosemite isn’t just for summer, and although some of its finest views such as the meadow will be covered over, it’s also a winter playground for those who love snow sports. If you plan on visiting the park during the winter months however, make sure you check what parts of the park are accessible and open, and what facilities you’ll find there. You’ll also find that the type of accommodation will be more limited during the winter months so book in advance around any main holiday periods.

Even if you only have a day to spend at Yosemite National Park, you’ll see things that will provide memories to last a lifetime, whether it’s the Yosemite Falls (North America’s highest falls), the huge redwood trees of Mariposa Grove or the alpine beauty of the Tuolumne Meadows.


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Venice Beach is like no other place on earth, with street vendors hawking their wares, beautiful waves crashing on the golden beaches, and artist's easels as far as the eye can see. Originally built at the very beginning of the 20th century, Venice Beach has gone through a lot of changes and growth in the last century. The founder and builder, Abbot Kinney, had imagined an American version of Venice, Italy, with large canals and boats to take the residents to their destinations. Few of the canals originally dug by Kinney remain, but those that do have been transformed into a beautiful, postcard perfect area.

The beauty of the area has meant that many artists have moved to the Venice Beach area and made it their home. Aside from the paintings on easels there are also murals on almost every building, and even the lifeguard towers for the beach have been decorated! Everywhere you look you’ll see evidence of an artistic community.

Venice Beach is well-known for its free-spirited roots. The most famous person of the hippie era to make his home there was Jim Morrison of The Doors, but during that time period, almost everyone who lived in Venice was a part of the hippie movement. Gypsies are a large part of the scene at Venice, and so whether you're looking for your palm to be read or your fortune to be told, you'll find what you're looking for in Venice.

It has a long, colorful history that is still be changed and added to today—visit Venice and see history in the making for yourself!


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San Francisco is probably the most well-known city in northern California, and offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. From trolley cars to Ghirardelli chocolate and onto Pier 39, there's no limit to the amount of fun to be had in this cosmopolitan city. With shopping galore, sea lions down on the beach, restaurants enough to satisfy even the most varied of taste buds, and history that includes earthquakes and the infamous Alcatraz prison.

If you’re looking for a more peaceful trip to the area, Yosemite National Park offers something for the inner nature lover in all of us. Whether you want to enjoy the scenery from a hotel room window or camp out in a tent to enjoy nature up front and personal, you'll find what you're looking for at Yosemite. Even farther up north is the amazing Redwood National Park, with its gigantic trees and serene atmosphere. Here you’ll gain not only a true appreciation for the beauty and diversity of this world, but will also find a new perspective on life!

It’s not really possible to mention northern Californian highlights without mentioning the Napa Valley area. For the wine aficionados of the world, Napa Valley is heaven on earth. There are wine tasting parties and open houses almost year-round – just make sure to call ahead or check on the Internet to see what the latest information is. The Napa Valley also has some amazing landscapes to appreciate.

For history buffs, the northern California is a gold mine of Spanish missions, gold rush exhibits, and railroad museums. If you're interested in how California evolved into to what it is today, you'll love exploring all of the museums and exhibits dedicated to this time period.

Whatever you’re looking for in a vacation, whether it’s wild nights or wildlife, or high living or high summits, you’re sure to find it in beautiful northern California.



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There isn’t an entrance fee to this national park, nor is there an entrance station from the highway, so make sure that you call into the Redwood Information Center in nearby Orick, or the headquarters in Crescent City before entering the park. The information center also shows a short introduction to the park so you know what you’re looking at when you get there, and you can obtain a permit there to enter the gated Tall Trees Grove area inside the park – only a limited number of car permits are allowed each day so if you want to take the opportunity to admire the tallest trees in the world, a short detour to the Information Center before you enter the park is a must! Be warned however, this trip takes about 4 hours to complete and some of it is on a slow-speed dirt road so make sure your vehicle’s up to the challenge before setting off into the grove!

Hiking the Redwood National Park is possible but again, you’ll need a permit to be in the Tall Tree Grove area, and there are times of the year when hikers aren’t allowed in this area because of the footbridges across the creek being inaccessible. Another way to enjoy this beautiful part of upstate California is on horseback with riding trails being offered locally.

The Redwood National Park is one of America’s natural gems and is extremely protected. It’s also well worth the effort of experiencing these magnificent trees up close if you are lucky enough to be able to do so.


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Despite it’s reputation for being a star-magnet, Malibu tends to be a secluded town—many celebrities make their home, or weekend retreat, in Malibu, and the privacy of those stars is well protected with gated areas that only the lucky few with personal invitations can get through – as long as you walk below the high tide line however, you can walk the beaches in front of many of the homes belonging to the rich and famous! Some of the beaches are private however, including some nudist beaches, but these beaches are in secluded locations. If you want to check out the Hollywood scene and perhaps rub shoulders with the rich and famous in an informal setting, you'll find that Malibu is a great the place to go – you never know who you might bump into on the beach!

Although Malibu isn’t a place to find attractions and theme parks, it is a place where you can enjoy some of the finest coastal views that the world offers, and the area is not without a few highlights – including the Malibu Pier which was damaged by storm, but has now been restored, and the Sierra Retreat with it’s beautiful gardens.

Because of the strict parking laws enforced in Malibu, it may be worth paying a little extra for an accommodation nearer the beach if you’re just there for the sun and surf and leave the car hire for tourists who aren’t so well-informed!

With stunning ocean views, and endless sun-filled golden beaches, Malibu is the ultimate beach vacation – and the possibility of bronzing up next to a celebrity just add to the fun of a relaxing vacation.

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Once a part of the seedier side of LA, Hollywood Boulevard has had something of a face lift in recent years and there are now a number of interesting places worth taking a look at, as well as a modern mall which provides some relief from the California heat, as well as allowing a little retail therapy to help take your attention away from your tired feet having walked around the Boulevard! Movie lovers will have a great time at the Hollywood Museum on Highland Avenue – here they’ll find not only props and posters, but exhibits such as the Hannibal Lector’s cell from the “Silence of the Lambs”. If you prefer your exhibits to be a little more interactive and educational however, walk a little further on past the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and you’ll find the Hollywood Entertainment Museum which has, amongst other things, a backlot tour.

For those visitors who want to see the home of “Oscar”, as well as the “Hollywood” sign, Hollywood & Highland is the place to be. Here you’ll find the familiar building of the Kodak Theatre which is the current Academy Award venue, as well as an archway through which to admire the “Hollywood” sign in the distance.

There are a number of smaller museums which offer a taste of Hollywood’s past as well as the celebrities who made it famous so make sure that the first stop you make is at the Visitor’s Information Center so that you don’t miss anything on your walk down one of the world’s most famous Boulevards.

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One of the most easily recognized buildings in Fisherman’s Wharf is the Maritime Museum, known almost as much for its ship-shape building as it is for the exhibits that document San Francisco’s maritime past. Anyone who is even a little bit interested in ships or their history will enjoy a wander around this museum.

For a taste of a different kind of history, check out Ghirardelli’s original premises that are also located in the Wharf area. Although the world class chocolate is no longer made here, you can see where the Ghirardelli story began and even purchase some chocolate there.

Some of the major attractions in Fisherman’s Wharf are to be found on the piers. In particular vibrant Pier 45 where amongst other things you can buy some freshly cooked seafood right on the pier, visit Ripley’s Believe it or Not museum, and if you’re up early enough, catch the fishermen taking their boats out into the ocean. Pier 49 may be a great place for the tourists, but it’s still a working pier for the local fishermen.

Pier 39 is another place you’ll find fun and attractions such as the Riptide Arcade and the Turbo ride making it an especially good place to visit if you’ve got kids in your party. For a little less “excitement” but no less awesome, visit the Aquarium of the Bay and look at the beautiful sea life that surrounds you as you walk through the glass-roofed cave. Finish off your visit to Pier 39 with a ride on the beautiful two-tiered San Francisco carousel.

No visit to Fisherman’s Wharf would be complete without taking an ocean trip out into the bay, and so Pier 41 must be on your itinerary as this is the departure point for most of the boat trips in and around the bay – including those to Alcatraz.

San Francisco is full of amazing things to see and visit and Fisherman’s Wharf is just one of them! Be sure to make some kind of itinerary before you leave home or you’re sure to miss something out that you really wanted to see.


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If finding celebrities partying down at the nightclub is more your style, then you'll want to check out some of the hottest nightclubs around, such as the Cabana Club where Britney Spears and Nicole Kidman have been spotted, to the Mood, where Christina Aguilera and Paris Hilton have been seen dancing the night away. A new “hot spot” can be decided upon as fast as it takes for someone to simply whisper the name out on the streets, so the current trendiest nightclub destinations can sometimes be tricky to stay on top of. If you're sure you want to check a place out, always try to call ahead to reserve a table when possible (which costs money on top of the cover charge) but with a table reservation, you're more likely to get in the door. And make sure to dress the part, or the bouncer may conveniently “lose” your reservation anyway. The fun of this approach is that you have a chance to show off your moves and dance right along your favorite celebrity, giving you a chance to mingle with them on a more personal level than you may have any another way.

Dining out is also a popular way to spot celebrities, although of course this makes it a bit more difficult to really interact with them other than interrupting their dinner and making it obvious you're trying to get some face time with them. However, if you just want to observe them from a distance, restaurants are the way to go. Make sure to check out The Ivy or Fred 62, as they are two of the hottest restaurants around.

Whatever approach you take, California has got plenty of hot spots to check out and have fun in, even if you don’t end up seeing your favorite celebrity.

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Catalina Island California - Video Introducton

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California surfing - where are the best places to catch wave?

The Beach Boys made California synonymous with surfing on the world stage but it with the ocean and beautiful shores; it was already “the” place to surf! If you feel like some fun hitting the waves, you'll want to head to one of the following beaches in California; with the good weather and great waves, they're some of the most popular surfing areas in the world!

Huntington Beach: Home to the Huntington Beach Surf Series, many pro surfers call this their home. Located in Orange County (the real OC!) this is probably one of the most popular places to surf in the world. They even have a church in the area just for surfers. Now that’s bringing spiritual to the people!

San Diego: Warm weather and great waves is what you'll find at San Diego. A large surfing community has sprung up in the San Diego area, and you'll find many locals are hitting the waves along with the tourists!

Santa Cruz: You'll have nothing but fun at the beaches of Santa Cruz! For an avid surfer, Santa Cruz is a favorite area to find the best waves.

A lot of surfers, especially those who are more experienced, have preferred conditions in which to surf and so a lot of the more popular beaches have webcams (surf cams) set up facing the waves so that a surfer can go to a website and check out the conditions before they head to the beach. There are also dedicated phone numbers you can call to find out the weather conditions, if you prefer to get your information that way.

If you're looking to learn how to surf but don't know where to start, you'll find that there are many surfing schools all along the beaches of California. The varied selection makes it easy to find one that fits your level of experience and learning style, and your pocketbook. Alternatively you could always just head for the beach and hang out with the surfers to pick up tips!

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Despite being such a small island, there are things to do here on the days when you feel like doing something a little more energetic than watching the sun move around, and when you first arrive on Catalina Island you should visit the local Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau which will give you all the information you need about what’s on, where to find it, and of course ideas of where to stay and eat if you haven’t already made reservations. In the peak months however, you should always at least reserve your room before venturing across to the island. Although you may be lucky to arrive and find a room free, it’s not likely during high season because of the limited amount of accommodation available.

Two of the most popular places to visit on Catalina Island are the Catalina Island Museum which charts the history of the island through it’s various stages from the more recent history through the Hollywood era (the island was one of the first main Hollywood film sets) right back to the Native Americans. Just about 2 miles out of Avalon you’ll find the Wrigley Botanical Gardens which will delight anyone who has an interest in flora and fauna. William Wrigley (as in the chewing gum empire) once owned the island and you could even stay in his mansion which is now converted into a bed and breakfast establishment.

Catalina Island may not sound very exciting when compared with the attractions of Los Angeles and San Francisco, but for anyone needing to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, it’s a perfect beach oasis.

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One of the many reasons why wine country gift baskets make great gifts is because they are perfect for a wide range of occasions. As previously stated, wine themed gift baskets make great gifts for birthday, Christmas, and other special occasions. They also make great “just because,” gifts for close friends and family members. One occasion in particular that wine country gift baskets are perfect for is that of weddings. Wine country gift baskets are also the perfect gift for wine drinkers or at least those who are known to consume alcohol.

Your buying options are another one of the many reasons why you should consider giving the gift of a wine country gift basket. In terms of the gift basket itself, you will find that you have so many options to choose from. For starters, there are many wine country gift baskets available for sale with themes. These themes may be congratulations, get well, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or just a simple miss you theme. It is also important to remember that many wine gift baskets have much more than just wine in them. Often times, the wine is paired with other great items, such as California cheese or even wine jelly.

In keeping with buying options, there are a number of ways that you can go about buying wine country gift baskets. One of the easiest ways is to place an order online. With a standard internet search, with a phrase like “wine country gift baskets,” you are sure to find many sellers. Many of these individuals are actually winery owners themselves! When shopping online, be on the lookout for deals and discounts, including free shipping. This is ideal as it can sometimes get expensive to ship full gift baskets, especially those that are large in size.

In addition to ordering wine country gift baskets online, you can also do so in person. If you have the opportunity to visit a wine country, whether you do so in California, New York, or Washington, you will want to. For many wine enthusiasts it is worth the travel time. When there, be sure to examine wine country baskets. In fact, wine country gift baskets not only make great gifts for close friends and family, but for yourself as well. If you ever choose to visit wine country, a wine basket can be a nice souvenir of your trip.

As you can see, from being highlighted above, there are a number of reasons why wine country gift baskets make for great gifts. No matter who the gift is for, as long as your intended recipient is twenty-one years or older, and no matter what the occasion, a wine basket may be the perfect choice. If you need your gift soon, be sure to place your order online as soon as possible or use the internet to plan a trip to wine country.

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As nice as it is to hear that you should visit wine country and take a wine country tour, you may be wondering why. After all, depending on where you live, you may need to travel quite far to visit an area that is referred to as wine country. After a close exanimation, you will see that there are a number of reasons why you should not only visit wine country, but also take a wine country tour.

One of the many reasons why you should arrange to take a wine country tour is because of the options you have. For starters, wine country is a phrase that is used to describe an area that is known for their production of wine. When many of us think of wine country, California, namely Northern California, is often what first comes to mind. With that said, there are other areas in the United States that are commonly referred to as wine country as well, such as part of New York State and Washington State. Many of these other areas and their wineries also offer tours for wine enthusiasts.

As previously stated, depending on where you live, you may have to travel quite a distance to arrive at California’s wine country or another state’s wine country. Even so, you are still urged to examine your options. This is because wine tours make for great vacations. Depending on where you visit, you can spend a few hours touring local vineyards and wineries or you can spend a few days doing so. Also, in terms of being a great purpose for being a vacation, many of the communities surrounding well known vineyards and wineries have an unlimited number of fun activities, such as hiking and dancing, as well as affordable overnight accommodations.

Returning back to the options that you have, it is important to know that wine tours come in a number of different formats. Guided wine tours are perfect for tourists who want to see the “best parts,” of wine country, as well as those who are unfamiliar with the area or may not have their own mode of transportation. Although you will find some variations, many guided wine tours have tourists meet in a public place and then travel is provided, often by van or bus.

Although guided wine tours are popular with tourists, there are many more individuals, including both tourists and locals, who are interested in taking independent wine country tours. Independent wine tours are ideal for wine enthusiasts who want to enjoy wine and its history without feeling rushed or pressured by other tourists and tour guides. Most wineries and vineyards in California, as well as Washington and New York, have open doors. If not, information on ideal times for visiting should be readily available online. This information is typically posted to prevent conflict with planned events, such as weddings.

For the most part, tourists find that taking wine tours are affordable. Many wineries and vineyards provide free access to visitors, but there are no guarantees. For most part, the costs associated with wine tours comes from wine tasting, which is a must do. However, you still shouldn’t have to be worried with the costs. Most wine country wineries and vineyards have affordable wine tasting rates, which are typically between five and fifteen dollars per person. As for taking a guided wine tour, you will likely be charged a fee, but your fee may include wine tasting at a number of wineries along the way.

Perhaps, the greatest reason why you should take a wine country tour is because it is an experience that you will never forget. Not only are wine tours fun for wine drinkers, but they are also enlightening and educational in nature.

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When looking to understand what wine country is, you will find some variations. This is because wine country is a phrase that is used to describe areas in the United States that are well known for their production of wine and their large assortment of wineries and vineyards, many of which are open to the general public. The general gist of wine country is that it is the perfect destination for those who enjoy drinking wine and learning about how it is made.

As previously stated, there are a number of areas in the United States that are commonly referred to as wine country. Generally speaking, when you hear someone talking about wine country or when you use the internet to research wine country, you will find that most are talking about California. California wine country is an area in Northern California, which includes both the Napa Valley and the Sonoma Valley. With that said, two other areas also commonly referred to as wine country are the Finger Lakes Region of New York and Woodinville Washington.

As nice as it is to know what wine country is and where some wine country areas are located, you may be curious as to what makes wine country a great vacation destination. One of the many allures of wine country is all that you can do and see, as there is so much. Popular activities that you can enjoy in wine country include wine country tours, wine tasting, private winery tours, and so much more. It is also important to mention that many wineries host their own private events, such as courses that focus on paring wine with food, the history of wine, and so forth.

Speaking of events, wine country is not only a great place to vacation, but it is also a great place to get married. In fact, wine country weddings are popular and they come highly rated and recommend. Many public wineries and vineyards have spaces on their properties that can be rented for wedding receptions, wedding ceremonies, or both. If you or someone that you know would like to get married in wine country, be sure to make your plans to do so as soon as possible.

Another question commonly asked by those new to wine country is where they can stay. When vacationing in wine country, tourists usually have a number of different options, in terms of lodging. Unfortunately, many individuals believe wine country is solely filled with wineries and vineyards, but this isn’t the case. Scattered throughout many wine country areas, namely California’s wine country, you will find a number of lodging options, including inns, bed and breakfasts, RV parks, and public campgrounds.

Now that you know more about wine country and a few of the things that you can do and see while visiting it, you may be interested in planning a trip. As a reminder, California wine country comes highly rated and recommend, but if you are unable to travel that far, you may have a number of options locally or at least a little bit closer to home.

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When looking to plan a wine country tour, you will find that you have a number of different options. For example, some wine countries have guided tours available. Even with guided tours, you have the option of driving yourself around. For many tourists, this option is nice, as they have more freedom to do and see what they want.

As previously stated, there is a lot that a wine country tour can do for you. One of those things is that you get to taste and sample a large selection of fine wines. Wine tasting is one of the many reasons why wine country tours are so popular. For a small fee, most wineries will give you a number of wines to sample. Chances are, you won’t leave most wineries without purchasing a full size bottle of wine for yourself.

In addition to wine tasting, many wineries in wine country will offer tours of their establishments. These tours should not be confused with a traditional wine country tour. A wine country tour is technically defined as touring the region in general and stopping at a number of wineries and vineyards along the way. As for private tours offered by wineries and vineyards, you may be surprised with what you see. You, essentially, can get a behind the scenes look at how wine is made or how wineries operate.

By taking a wine country tour, you also get opportunity to learn about the history of wine making or the history of wine country. This is done a number of different ways. It is not uncommon for some wineries to have special activities and events planned. One of the activities you may find is a small course on the history of wine being offered. You may also find educational resources available for free and others for a small fee located along many wine country trails. These resources and guides may be able to provide you with insight into the history of wine county, as well as wine in general.

Perhaps, the greatest thing that you can get out of taking a wine country tour is a good time. Wine country tours are both educational and exciting. Whether you use visiting wine country for a romantic getaway or a trip with friends, there is so much fun waiting for you. As an added tip, it may be a good idea to first examine wineries and vineyards before leaving for your wine country trip. If you plan to do your own traveling, as opposed to taking a guided tour, you will want to know which wineries are the best to stop at, as well as what activities, events, and festivals may be going on during your dates of travel.

As you can see, there are a number of reasons why you should take a wine country tour, as there is so much that you can get out of doing so. As a reminder, wine country is a phrase that is commonly used to describe Northern California; however, there are other areas in the United States that are also commonly referred to as wine country as well.


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When it comes to buying wine country gift baskets, many vacationers, especially those who must travel long distances are concerned about doing so. Yes, it may be inconvenient to fly back home with bags full of wine baskets, but it is important to remember that doing so is not your only option. If you flew to wine country, instead of drove, you can often arrange to have your purchases, which should include gift baskets, shipped directly to your home or even to your gift recipient. This is something that most wineries shops will do for a small fee or you can handle the shipping arrangements yourself.

Since you do have a number of options, when looking to buy wine country gift baskets and other souvenirs, you are encouraged to do so. In fact, five reasons why you should are outlined below.

1 – Wine Country Gift Baskets Make Great Gifts

Wine country gifts baskets make great gifts, especially for those who are back home. If you have any close friends or family members who either love wine or who would have loved to visited wine country with you, a wine country gift baskets may be the perfect gift.

It is also important to mention the options that you have. When many of us think of wine country gift baskets, wine is often the first thing that comes to mind. While almost all specialty made wine country gift baskets do contain wine, many also have so much more. Other popular items include California cheese, wine jelly, and so forth.

2 – Wine Country Gift Baskets Make Great Souvenirs

Although gift baskets are often associated with Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, and gifts for other special occasions, a wine country gift basket can also be the perfect souvenir for yourself. What is nice about this option is that you can choose the perfect gift baskets, such as one that comes with wine and chocolate or one that comes with wine and California cheese. Whether you choose to drink the wine in your basket or save it as a memento of your trip, you should purchase a wine country themed gift basket for yourself.

3 – Wine Country Gift Baskets Are Easy to Buy

Ease of buying is another one of the many reasons why all wine country visitors are encouraged to buy wine gift baskets, either for themselves or those that they know. In most wine countries, you will find a number of gift shops and specialty stores. These locations likely sell wine country gift baskets, along with other specialty California items. In fact, most public vineyards and wineries have gift shops right onsite and many make their own gift baskets. In these instances, you can save time by making your purchases when you are on a wine tour.

4 – You Can Buy Wine Country Gift Baskets Straight from the Source

As previously stated, most public vineyards and wineries have onsite gift shops that sell wine country gift baskets, as well as assortments of other wine related or themed gifts. By making your purchases through onsite gift stores and shops, you are going straight to the source. Although you may not think about it at the time, by buying a gift basket from a local wine country winery or vineyard, you are helping to support the local economy. Even if you are not originally from the area, you should be proud with this.

5 – Why Not?

Finally, the greatest reason why you should buy wine country gift baskets on your next trip to a wine country is because why not? Honestly, you are there and if you traveled a long distance to get to wine country, you may not ever have the opportunity to return again. Therefore, if you can, spend a few dollars to buy a small wine country gift basket. Whether you keep that gift basket for yourself or give it to someone that you know, you will likely not regret your purchase.

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As previously mentioned, the Woodinville area of Washington state is commonly known as and referred to as wine country. For some individuals, this may cause some confusion. When many of us hear of wine country, Northern California is the first destination that comes to mind. Yes, Northern California is the destination most commonly referred to as wine country, but that is slowly changing. There are many more areas in the United States, including Woodinville, that are being noticed for their production of fine wine. For many, it is a better option to visit Washington than to travel to California.

Before you make travel arrangements to visit the Woodinville area of Washington, there are a number of important points that you will first want to take into consideration. The weather should be one of those points. The weather in Washington state can sometimes be unpredictable, especially in late fall to winter. For that reason, you will want to carefully plan your travel dates. Yes, you will find that some wineries are open all year round and some may even have fun activities and events planned in winter, but you may have the best luck traveling to the Woodinville wine country area during the summertime.

Once you have decided that you would like to visit the Woodinville wine country area of Washington, you will want to start doing a little bit of research. This research is easy to do online. When examining Woodinville wine country, you will see that you have a number of wineries to choose from; however, not all are open to the public and many more have limited hours. Examining a few of the local wineries will allow you to map out your intended location, which is ideal for prioritizing your time and making the most out of your trip.

Although taking a Woodinville wine country tour is a great activity, it is important to note that there are many more wine related activities and events that the area has to offer. For example, you may be able to go behind the scenes and see how wine is made, wine taste, as well as learn about the history of wine in a small educational class or seminar. If you are planning your wine country trip well in advance, you may want to request free vacation guides, namely those that have a focus on local wineries and wine themed events, festivals, and activities.

Although the Woodinville wine country isn’t as large as California’s wine country, there is still plenty for you to and see in the area. That is just one of the many reasons why Woodinville is a big tourism draw. Since it is emerging as a popular destination for tourists, you will want to try to make your travel plans, including your overnight accommodation reservations, well in advance of your trip. When doing so, you will have hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts to choose from.

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As previously stated, the Finger Lakes Region of New York State is commonly referred to as wine country. When many hear this, some are confused. This is mostly due in part to the fact that many associate wine country with Northern California, namely Napa Valley. Yes, many consider this area to be the “true,” wine country, but other areas that are known for their wine production are slowly emerging as “wine countries,” too.

As for why you should consider visiting the Finger Lakes Region of New York State, you will want to keep location in mind. If you live in the northeast or even along the east coast in general, traveling to California wine country may not be possible, either because of costs or travel time. With that said, just because you cannot make it California wine country doesn’t mean that you still don’t want to take a wine themed trip or vacation. It does, however, mean that you should examine your other options, like the Finger Lakes Region of New York State.

Before planning a trip to the Finger Lakes wine country, there are a number of important factors that you will first want to take into consideration. One of those factors is the weather. Unlike California, where the weather is almost always bright, sunny, and attractive, New York State is known for its sometimes wild weather. Typically, you will find that the best times to visit the Finger Lakes wine country area is in late spring, summer, or early fall. Winter is one of the worst times to visit the area. Although many activities, like wine tasting are still available in the winter, many more activities, like ground tours, are available in the peak wine months.

Should you decide to visit the Finger Lakes wine country area of New York State, you may want to do a little bit of research first. This is particularly true if you are limited on time. In this area, you will have a number wine trails to choose from. These trails include the Seneca, Keuka Lake, Cayuga wine trails. With over one hundred wineries to choose from, you may want to first prioritize. This will enable you to see all of wineries that you wanted to visit, as well as maximize your time to its fullest potential.

In addition to touring local wineries in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State, there is so much more than this wine country area has to offer. As previously stated, you will want to do a little bit of research when planning your trip. This will allow you to examine events, activities, and festivals that you may want to attend. Many wineries offer wine tasting and ground tours, many times on a daily basis, there are other events, such an educational segment on the history of wine, that take place throughout the year. In terms of wine related events, the Finger Lakes Wine Festival, which takes place every year in July, is a big draw.

Should you decide to visit the Finger Lakes wine country, be sure to make your overnight accommodation reservations as soon as possible. Along many wine trails, you will find a number of small inns and bed and breakfasts which are perfect for many tourists. With that being said, their small size often limits the number of reservations accepted. Although a little bit off the beaten path, many nearby cities have hotels and vacation rentals are popular along the lakes.

As previously stated, visiting the Finger Lakes wine country area of New York State is a nice alterative for many who are unable to visit California wine country.


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As previously stated, there is an area in California is that commonly referred to as wine country. This area is located in the northern part of California and it includes the Sonoma Valley and the Napa Valley. When examining your travel options, you will see that there are other areas in the United States that are also commonly referred to as wine country. One of these areas is in the Finger Lakes Region of New York Sate. With that said, most professionals and online travel guides are speaking of California when they speak of wine country.

If and when you decide to visit the California wine country area, you will want to take the time to do a little bit of research first. This is particularly true if you are limited on time. With over four hundred wineries and vineyards in California wine country, your options, are literally, unlimited. First examining which vineyards are open to the public and when and then deciding which vineyards and wineries you want to see the most, you can make the most out of your trip. Prioritizing and coming up with a plan are two important keys to a successful trip to California’s wine country.

In addition to touring wineries in the California wine country region, there are many other wine related activities that you can enjoy. As previously stated, you will want to do a little bit of research before planning your trip. This research will allow you to examine planned events, activities, and festivals that the area may be offering. For example, did you know that some wineries have courses on how to properly match up food and wine, as well as short educational classes on the history of wine making? They do. In addition to simply touring the grounds of a California winery and tasting wine, you may want to participate in some of these activities.

If you decide to visit California’s wine country on the weekend or during the summer, you will want to make your travel arrangements, namely your overnight accommodation reservations, well in advance of your trip. Wine country is a big draw and tourist attraction for California. Along many of the trails, you may find some bed and breakfasts and inns, as well as vacation rentals. These overnight accommodations are easy, in terms of convenience. In keeping with your options, wine country is also home to a number of RV parks, public campgrounds, hotels, and vacation resorts.

As previously stated, there are many others areas in the United States that are starting to popup on the map as “wine countries.” Although these areas, like Woodinville Washington or the Finger Lakes Region of New York may be well known for their production of fine wines, most are talking about California when they speak of wine country.

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Should you decide to take a last minute trip to California’s wine country, the first thing that you will want to do is make your travel arrangements. Even if you simply just have to get in car and drive an hour, it is still nice to have a plan. On the other hand, long distance travelers will need to make important travel arrangements, such as those for airline reservations or a car rental. If your last minute trip to California’s wine country requires a drive of more than two hours, be sure to map out your intended route before you leave.

If you need to stay overnight, when visiting wine country, be sure to make your overnight accommodation reservations right away. This is important for all last minute travelers, as their options may be limited. With that said, it is vital that you make your reservations at a local hotel or inn in advance if you are visiting wine country during peak travel season. Many California wineries report that their peak seasons are May through October and that Saturdays are the busiest days.

Next, it is important to decide which type of wine country tour you would like to take. As a visitor to California’s wine country, you should know that you have a number of options. Guided California wine country tours are popular options. Even when taking a last minute trip, you should still have a number of guided wine country tour companies to choose from. You can easily research your options online before you even leave for your trip. When doing so, be sure to pick those with affordable rates. With that said, also be sure to get the most value for your money. Generally speaking, the more wineries you are able to visit for the lowest price is the best deal.

Even if you would like to take your own independent California wine country tours, it is still important that you do the proper amount of research before you leave. This is important as you have over four hundred options when visiting California’s wine country. Even if you have a week to spend, you still likely will not be able to visit them all. Since many last minute trips are short, you should decide which wineries you want to visit first. You can get a good idea of which ones are rated must sees by other tourists online, with a standard internet search. Once you have an idea, make sure you map out your intended stops. Try and create a path that works in a way that you can maximize your time.

The above mentioned steps are just a few of the many that you will want to take, should you decide to take a last minute trip to California’s wine country. As a reminder, it is important to do even a little bit of preparation for last minute trips, especially if your travel distance is quite long.

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When it comes to deciding how you should tour wine country, you may be unsure which option is best for you and the rest of your traveling party. To help assist you in the decision making process, a few pros and cons to guided wine tours are outlined below. By examining these pros and cons and then applying them to your own personal wants and needs, you can determine if a guided wine tour is the right choice for you and your next wine country trip.

As for the pros or plus sides to making reservations for a guided wine tour, you will find that there are a number of them. Perhaps, the most influential one is that you automatically have a designated driver. This is an important factor that many do not take into consideration right away. For many individuals, a few sips of wine here and there can quickly add up. This is not an issue that you will have to worry about with a guided wine tour, as most companies will provide travel arrangements for you, like in a small bus or van.

Another one of the many pros or plus sides to seeing wine country with a guided tour is the discounts that you may receive. Did you know that some companies include admission and wine tasting fees in their prices? Many do so because it is not uncommon for local wineries to work with wine tour companies to offer discounts and other savings, which can benefit tourists just like you. If a wine country tour company provides you with discounts or other special savings, they will likely outline so on their online websites.

Another pro or plus side to guided wine tours is the options that you have. As wine tours continue to increase in popularity, so do the number of tours that are offered in the area. This means that you should have a number of wine tour companies to choose from, especially if you travel to California wine country. When examining all of your options, which is easy to do online, be sure to examine rates, stops, length, and company reputation.

Although there are a number of benefits to booking reservations for a guided wine tour, there are also a number of cons or downsides to doing so as well. One of those is the added expense. Should you choose a guided wine tour company that doesn’t provide you with any deals or discounts for wine tasting, the cost should be looked at from an added expense. If you are on a budget, this is an important factor that needs to be taken into consideration.

Another drawback to guided wine tours is that you don’t have much freedom. Many wine tour companies and their winery stops are predetermined. This, however, does allow you to do research online, as many companies will outline specific tours that they have available on their websites. You will want to research and compare wine companies to ensure that are able to visit at least a couple of popular and well known wineries. You will also want to take quality into consideration; make sure that you are getting a good value for your money.

The above mentioned pros and cons are just a few of the many that you will want to take into consideration, when trying to determine how you should tour wine country. As a reminder, examine your own personal wants and needs. For example, does everyone in your traveling party want to drink and enjoy wine tasting? If so, a guided tour may be in your best interest.

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If you are already going to be in the Northern California area, you will not need to make any additional travel arrangements. However, if you are interested in spending a day or two in wine country, namely Napa Valley, you may want to checkout a few of the inns and bed and breakfasts in the area. Many come highly rated and recommended and most are also conveniently located for those on wine tours.

Should you wish to take a Napa Valley wine tour, you will find that you have a number of different options. For example, you can drive yourself in your own vehicle or in a car rental or you can make reservations for a guided wine tour. Guided wines are popular in wine county, but you don’t have as much freedom as you would traveling through the area touring local wineries on your own.

If you are interested in stopping by local wineries and vineyards for tours and wine tasting on your own, without a guided tour group, you will want to start examining all of your options as soon as possible. Wine country is filled with hundreds of wineries and vineyards and most of them are open to the public. Since you will not be able to visit all of the wineries in the area, you will want to handpick the ones that you do stop at. When doing so, examine admission fees, wine tasting costs, hours, and events that may be occurring, such as an educational class on the history of wine making.

As it was previously stated, you will want examine cost when deciding which wineries and vineyards you should visit in the area. Not all charge an admission fee, but some do. That is why you will want to try and research local wineries online first. There are a number of online travel guides that can help you do so. As for wine tasting, you should be prepared to pay a small fee. While you will find some variances, average wine tasting fees are typically between ten and twenty dollars. As for any special events, like an hour long educational class, rates will vary significantly.

As mentioned above, you can use the internet to learn more about local wineries and vineyards in the Napa Valley area. What you may also want to do is search for printable wine country maps. Once you have a printed map, you can then circle each winery you would like to stop at along the way. Printable wine California country maps can easily be found with a standard internet search. You may also be able to find similar maps available for pickup at wineries and other establishments throughout Napa Valley.

In conclusion, you have a number of different options when looking to take a Napa Valley wine tour. As reminder, if you will be drinking, be sure to display caution. Many large groups make the decision to choose a designated driver and your traveling party may want to do the same as well.

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The first step in making your long distance California wine country travel arrangements involves examining all of your options. You will need to decide how you want to get to wine country before you make all of your travel arrangements. For that reason, a few of your options are highlighted below.

Air travel is one of the most common ways to get to California’s wine country. As previously stated, California wine country is popular, but it is somewhat considered isolated for many parts of the United States. For many individuals, they prefer hopping on a flight that may last six hours as opposed to spending four or more days in the car.

If you are interested flying to California wine country, you will find that you have a number of different options. There are many airports in California for you to choose from, but be sure to choose one that is located close to wine country or at least your intended vacation destination. Also, be sure to examine vacation packages, as many enable you to receive a discount for airline reservations and hotel accommodations. You will also want to make arrangements to get a car rental, once you arrive in the area.

As previously stated, you also have the option of driving to wine country yourself. This is an ideal option if you live only a few hours away. With that said, since most of wine country cannot be explored in just a day, you are encouraged to make a weekend trip out of it. If so, you will also need to make your overnight accommodation reservations as well. For many who do not need vacation packages, inns and bed and breakfasts come highly rated and recommended.

Even if you live a relatively long distance away form California wine country, you may still be interested in driving yourself, especially if you are a motor home owner. Even if you are not a motor home owner, you may still have rental options. For many individuals visiting wine country, traveling by RV is a great option for those on extended trips or large families. Depending on your own personal situation, you may be able to save yourself a considerable amount of money when traveling to wine country by RV.

Speaking of traveling by RV, you may be pleased to know that the wine country area of California has a number of RV parks and public campgrounds with motor home accommodations to choose from. Anyone traveling by RV is encouraged to examine these overnight accommodation options, as they are affordable. In wine country, you can camp at public campgrounds, as well as many national or state parks.

As you can see, there are a number of different ways that you can get to California wine country, no matter where you are coming from, as well as a number of different places to stay. As a recap, vacation resorts, vacation rentals, hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, public campgrounds and RV parks all come highly rated and recommended.

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The first step in planning a wine country vacation involves choosing a destination. When we often think of wine country, California is often the first thing that comes to mind. With that being said, more areas in the United States are being called and referred to as wine country, such as the Finger Lakes area of New York State. For that reason, your first step in planning a wine country vacation should involve choosing a specific destination. As nice as all of your options are, if you are truly looking to learn about the history of wine and its future, Northern California’s wine country should be examined.

Once you have decided on a destination, for your next wine country trip, you will want to decide how you will get there. Making all of your travel arrangements and well in advance of your intended travel dates is important. You may need to make airline reservations, car rental reservations, or map out a road trip with your own car. As a reminder, be sure to plan ahead. Planning ahead is particularly important for long distance travelers, as the biggest cost of taking a wine country vacation is often associated with travel.

In keeping with making wine country travel arrangements, it is also important to examine your overnight accommodation options. You will want to remember that you do have a number of different options. These options include vacation resorts, hotels, and bed and breakfast inns. Many of your options, in terms of overnight accommodations, are located a reasonable distance away from the heart of wine country. For a nice home like and hassle-free stay, bed and breakfast inns should be examined. In fact, many large wineries and vineyards may have onsite overnight options for travelers.

It is also important to decide what you want to do and see on your next wine country vacation. Wine tours and wine tasting are a must. Typically, you will find that wine tasting and wine tours are combined activities, especially if you are on a guided tour. Speaking of guided tours, be sure to research your options ahead of time, as many are limited in the number of reservations they can accept. On the other hand, if you would like to visit wineries and vineyards independently, you will want to examine your options online. Which locations have open doors for tourists and what are their admission costs or wine tasting prices?

Speaking of cost, you will want to make sure that you set aside money for your next wine country trip. This is important if you are on a budget; try to set aside a few dollars a week before your trip. Be sure that you have enough money to enjoy your next trip to wine country to its fullest extent. As previously stated, wine tours are an important part of taking a wine vacation; therefore, ensure that you can afford them. Also, many wineries and vineyards are known for their amazing gift shops, many of which are right onsite. Having extra money will allow you to buy gifts, like wine country gift baskets, for those back home or souvenirs for yourself.

As highlighted above, there are a number of important steps that you will want to take, should you be interested in visiting wine country. By making all of your travel arrangements well in advance of your trip, by researching guided tours, as well as vineyards and wineries that you can visit independently, your next visit to wine country can be a dream vacation.

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The best way to make the most and get the most out of your next trip to California wine country is to plan ahead. You will want to know what each and every one of your options are. This should include everything from guided wine tours to overnight accommodations. Proper planning and preparation are key to having the vacation or trip of your dreams.

In terms of overnight accommodations, you will find a large number of options. Popular options in wine country for tourists include hotels, vacation resorts, vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, as well as inns. For starters, you will want to ensure that you make your reservations well in advance, to help ensure that your first choices, like a vacation home rental, aren’t all filled up with reservations. Secondly, it is important to stay at a place that is conveniently located. This can help you get most out of your wine country trip by eliminating unnecessary travel.

A big staple of visiting wine country is taking a wine country tour. When looking to do so, you will find that you have a number of options. If you are looking to take your own independent tour, be sure to arrange for a designated driver. You will want to stay safe. If you everyone in your traveling party wants to drink, a guided wine tour may be in your best interest. Yes, a guided wine tour will cost extra money, but you are usually provided with travel, either by small bus or van. This makes is so that you don’t have to worry about ruining your fun or the fun of someone else in your group by requiring that just one person doesn’t get the opportunity to wine taste.

As previously stated, wine tours are a good idea for those who all want to be able to wine taste and without worry. Before choosing a guided wine tour company, be sure to examine all of your options first. Many will outline on their online websites which wineries and vineyards their tours stops at, for how long, and the costs of doing so. The best way to make the most out of your next wine country trip is to get the most value for your money.

If you would like to tour local wineries independently and have arrangements for a designated driver, be sure to examine all of your options, in terms of wineries and vineyards in the area. Since you have hundreds to choose from, you will want to prioritize. Which are must sees for you? Most vineyards have open doors, tours of their grounds, and wine tasting available on a daily basis; however, you may also want to examine other planned events. For example, if a winery is having an educational class on the making of wine during your trip dates, it may be worth making plans to attend.

In keeping with independent wine tours, you will want to create a map for yourself. Once you have an idea of which wineries and vineyards you would like to visit, mark them on a map. Then, what you will want to do is decide on a method of travel. Try to visit all of the wineries you checked off on your map in an order that allows you to maximize your time. The best way to do this is to create a set path to follow, namely one that does not result in you backtracking.

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When looking to plan a wine country trip, you will see that you have a number of different options. For that reason, there are a number of important factors that you will first want to take into consideration, before making your travel plans. These factors, when taken into consideration, can help to ensure that your next wine country trip is perfect.

Perhaps, the biggest factor to take into consideration, when looking to plan a wine country trip, is your intended destination. Did you know that there are a number of areas in the United States that are commonly referred to as wine country? These areas include parts of Northern California, Woodinville Washington, and the Finger Lakes Region of New York. Typically, when you examine wine country online, like when looking for lodging information or maps, you will find that wine country is used to describe the Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley regions of Northern California.

Your intended dates of travel should also be another factor to take into consideration. Did you know that wine country tours are increasing in popularity all across the country? They are. For that reason, you may want to carefully choose your travel dates. To see wine country in full swing, most recommend coming in late spring and summer; however, it is also important to remember that these months are peak seasons for wine country tourism. One of the easiest ways to avoid the crowds is to avoid Saturday tours.

Weather is another factor that you should take into consideration, when looking to plan a trip to wine country. As previously stated, wine country is often used to describe a number of locations that are known for their production of fine wine. While most wineries are open for visitors all year round, California is the best for tours. You may find limited activities during the wintertime when visiting the Finger Lakes Region of New York, Woodinville Washington, as well as other smaller wine country areas.

How you plan to get around is another one of the many factors that you will want to take into consideration. Since most wineries have wines for visitors to sample, you may end up with quite a bit of wine in your system at the end of the day. For that reason, you will want to seriously examine your method of travel. In California, there are a number of guided wine tours that provide you with transportation and some other areas have these tours as well. Another option is to have a member of your traveling party be the designated driver. This may not be fun, but it is safe.

The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many that you will want to take into consideration, when looking to plan a trip to wine country. Another one involves deciding which activities you would like to participate in, as well as which wineries you would like to visit. In wine country, especially in California, there are so many wine activities, events, and festivals for you to choose from.

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Since Northern California’s wine country area is relatively large in size, you will find a large number of options, in terms of your overnight accommodations. With that being said, you are still encouraged to make your reservations well in advance of your trip. This is particularly true on the weekends. For that reason, you will want to take the time, now, to review all of your options.

Hotels are one of the most popular ways to stay in wine country. They are ideal because most are affordably priced. When renting a hotel room, you get the basics, such as beds, a television, and a bathroom. Although you may find an onsite restaurant, you will typically have to buy or prepare your own meals elsewhere. For those interested in spending every minute of the day outdoors, a hotel room is a nice accommodation.

If you like the convenience that is associated with most traditional hotels, but want something more, you will want to examine vacation resorts. Vacation resorts come in a number of different formats. In California, they are commonly referred to as spa resorts, as many have onsite spas. What is nice about staying at a vacation resort is that you often gain access to great features, services, and other amenities. For example, you may gain access to an onsite spa, restaurant, laundry service, and so forth. Generally, vacation resorts are more elegant in nature than traditional hotels.

Inns are another one of your overnight accommodation options when visiting California wine country. Inns are defined as lodging that serves both food and drinks to visitors. Typically, you will find that most inns are known for their food and drinks, but they also happen to offer overnight accommodations above the bar or restaurant. For many, inns are a great option when hotels or vacation resorts are filled up with reservations.

Similar to inns, are bed and breakfasts. Bed and breakfasts are overnight accommodations that are popular in wine country. This is because many bed and breakfast establishments are scattered all throughout wine country, making them conveniently located. In fact, many bed and breakfasts are located right on the property of some wineries. One of the many appeals of bed and breakfasts is the small home like feel. The only downside to staying at a bed and breakfast is their popularity, as they are typically small in size.

Vacation rentals are another option that you have when looking to visit California wine country. Vacation rentals are one of your most expensive options, but many recommend vacation rentals. Vacation rentals come in a number of different formats, including homes, cottages, and villas. What draws many tourists to vacation rentals in the wine county area is their privacy. Due to having the ultimate level of privacy with most vacation rentals, like homes and cottages, they are ideal for those traveling to wine country with the purpose of achieving romance.

RV park and public campgrounds are another one of the many options that you have when looking to visit California wine country. RV parks are ideal for motor home owners or renters who must travel a long distance or for those who plan to stay in the area long. Public campgrounds are nice, as they accommodate to both RV owners and traditional tent campers. For many, camping is another fun activity all on its own. Camping is also one of the cheapest ways to stay overnight in California wine country.

As outlined above, you have a number of different options, when looking to travel and stay in wine country. If you are on a budget, you may want to examine all of the above mentioned options and compare the cost of each.

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