Top 5 Family Vacation Destinations in US

Family vacations offer just the right opportunity to be with people whom we love and care about. The United States of America has a good number of family vacation spots that tourists can head to. These destinations range from scenic locales to hip and happening cities that provide a good mix of activities and some quiet spots. 

Whenever you get an opportunity to travel with family, make the most of your family time. Have fun and create memories that you'll remember for a long time to come.  Here are some of the top US destinations that make for great family vacations!

1. Arizona
Grand Canyon is the biggest and universally admired family vacation spot here. There are a number of activities that you can enjoy. Some of the popular ones are hiking, kayaking, rafting and riding Grand Canyon Railway.

2. Florida
If there is one state that celebrates childhood like none other is Florida. And the centrepiece of Flordia's attraction is Walt Disney World at Orlando. There is so much to see, do and experience in Orlando that you'll be in  a fix as what to see and what to leave.

3. California
Known for its fun and frolic character, California offers plenty of opportunities for families. It has good mix of places with learnings and entertainment for kids. You can visit Natural History Museum of L.A, California Science Center and the Griffith Observatory. Other popular tourist attractions include Hollywood Wax Museum, Walt Disney Concert Hall and Los Angeles Zoo.

4. Hawaii
If you are looking for some beach fun Hawaii is the place to go!. Honolulu has some child friendly beaches, where you can swim, snorkel or simply have fun on the beach. Other activities include whale watching, swimming with dolphins and the Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park.

5. Pennsylvania
If you are looking for a family vacation in the lap of nature, Pennsylvania is the place to visit. Visit Pennsylvania for peace and tranquillity amidst mountains, woods and beautiful lakes.Some of the must visit places include Erie, Harrisburg, Lewisberry and Philadelphia.

Reel vs Real: Iconic spots in Disney Movies inspired by Real Destinations

Sometimes a place in reel life so entices us that we crave to visit it. And if we could, we would take the next flight to this enticing destination. Perhaps now we could, especially, if we are inspired by the following iconic spots shown in Disney movies. These places are either actual spots or inspired by popular places of tourist interest from around the world. So if you love them and long them to visit, book your next flight to your Disney dream destination.

REEL: "Up" - Angel Falls, Canaima, Venezuela

REAL

REEL: "The Emperor's New Groove" - Cusco, Peru

REAL

 REEL: "Peter Pan" - Big Ben, London, England

REAL

REEL: "Jungle Book" - Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India

REAL

REEL: "Lilo & Stitch" - Kauai, Hawaii, USA

REAL

REEL: "Aladdin" - Taj Mahal, Agra, India

REAL

Pics courtesy: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ 

Top 10 Pet Friendly Beaches in US

Now this one is for pet lovers who wants to take their pets wherever they can take them err...are allowed to take them. Not sure about other places, but here are some beaches that you can take your sweetheart or the giant, or the beautiful or the cutie pooch to laze around in the sand and for some frolic in the waters. Though all beaches do not allow a canine to roam freely and you must leash  them while others have designated area where you can leave them unleashed and no one will shout...'who lets the dog out'!

Here are the top 10 Pet Friendly Beaches in the US

1. Brohard Paw Park and Beach, Venice, Florida
Facilities like leash posts, drinking water and shower for your pooch are available at Brohard Paw Park and Beach. There is a fenced play area for dogs, which leads to the beach. Just make sure that your pooch does not create problem to other beach goers.

2. Huntington Dog Beach, Huntington Beach, California
Voted as one of the most dog-friendly beaches in the country, it is no wonder that Huntington beach draws large number of beach goers and their pets. Here your pooch gets to roam free and socialize with other canines.

3. Anne's Beach, Islamorada, Florida Keys
Small and secluded that is Anne's Beach for you. It is a good for picnic and swimming. You can let your dog off the leash if you think you can voice control effectively. Poop bags and freshwater bowls are available for your dog at the beach.

4. Nags Head, North Carolina
Great for taking your dog on a long walk, Nags Head is a long stretch of the seaside. However, you are not allowed to enter any area designated for swimming.

5. Carmel Beach City Park, Carmel, California
Once you walk past 10th Avenue, set your dog free as no leash is required. So let your pooch fun and frolic to its heart's content. The best part of visiting Carmel is that it is quite a pet-friendly town and you can easily find accommodation for you and your pet .

6. Dog Beach, Ocean Beach, San Diego, California
One of the most canine friendly beaches, Dog Beach, Ocean Beach, San Diego is located at the end of Voltaire Street. It was among the first official leash-free dog beaches in the United States. This beach has a 24-hour leash-free zone for dogs at the north end of the beach, which also includes an exercise area.

7. Hunting Island State Park, South Carolina
The park has some designated areas where you can camp with your leashed dog or can go frolicking on the beach with your pooch. Please note pier and the cabins are off-limit areas for your dog.

8. Fort De Soto Park Paw Playground, Tierra Verde, Florida
To enter Fort De Soto Park Paw Playground, there is an entry fee for $5 but can purchase an annual pass, if you intend to visit more frequently. The area is all fenced and your dog has freedom to bathe or run all around the beach.

9. Longport Dog Beach, Somers Point, New Jersey
Longport Dog Beach in New Jersey is another leash-free beach. Though there are no specific rules to follow but it is expected of you to keep your pooch in control, carry waste disposal bags and clean up after your dog litter the area.

10. Dog Beach, Picnic Island Park, Tampa, Florida
You and your pooch can have all the fun on this beach where a partially fenced section is marked for pets.

10 Most Peaceful Countries to Travel in the World

At a time when various countries around the world are marred by violence, making it extremely dangerous to live in there; on the other hand, there are others, which entice travelers for their peaceful, democratic and high standards of living.

The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) analyzes data to determine the Global Peace Index and assign a score to each country on the basis of the data collated. Some of the factors that are taken into consideration include:

a. relation with neighboring countries
b. political instability
c. organized crime
d. terrorism
e. military expenditure
f. internal conflicts
g. percentage of jailed citizens

Also, only countries with a population size of one plus million and and at least an area of 7722.04 square miles are taken into consideration.

Here are 10 Most Peaceful Countries to Travel in the World

1. Iceland (Peace Rating : 8.84 out of 10)
2. Denmark (8.79)
3. New Zealand (8.76)
4. Austria (8.75)
5. Switzerland (8.73)
6. Japan (8.71)
7. Finland (8.70)
8. Canada (8.69)
9. Sweden (8.68)
10. Belgium (8.66)

Visa Restriction Index: How Welcoming are You in Other Countries?

Ever thought where do you or your country stands when it comes visa restriction index. There are countries or citizens of a particular nation who are welcomed with open hands and have free access to the countries all around the world and there are others who are frowned upon.

The Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index is a global ranking of countries according to travel freedom their citizens enjoy. The firm analyzes the visa regulations of all the countries and territories in the world and has created an index which ranks countries according to the visa-free access their citizens enjoy to other countries.

While Finland, Sweden and UK rank at the top with easy access to the countries around the world followed by Denmark, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. At the bottom of the visa restriction index are Afghanistan (with a score of 28), Iraq (with a score of 31) , Pakistan & Somalia (with a score of 32)  and Nepal (with a score of 37).

Check how countries fare on the Visa Restrictions Index:

5 Things to Consider Before You Travel to India

Incredible India as it is called...incredible it surely is! But before you take a plunge on your next India vacation here are five things you must think about before finalizing your India itinerary.

1. Travel Time: For a large country like India, timing is very important. October to March is the season when India and almost all of it is at its best. Days are pleasant and nights are comfortably cool. May, June, July and August are hot and humid. It is better to avoid traveling in India in these months, unless of course, you are in love with rains!

2. Budget: There are travelers, who survive on $2 a day. It could be little tough in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata but not impossible. In smaller cities you can have a good time with this amount. If you are traveling on shoe-string budget, go for ashrams/guest houses and bed-n-breakfast options. Others with deep pockets hardly need any travel advice!


3. Taj Mahal: This is what fascinates most travelers visiting India. It indeed is fascinating not only for outsiders but for the country's local population as well. Taj Mahal is located in Agra city, which is just 3-4 hrs drive from India's capital Delhi.



4. Safety: India in general is a safe country to travel in. The trick is to blend in, avoid wearing revealing clothes, just respect local people and culture, and you'll be alright!

5. Rajasthan: This is where majority of tourists wanting a feel of royalty go. Rajasthan is a desert state, which is full of forts, palaces and mansions. Go here in winter season to make the best of your royal vacations.