Tour de Palm Springs
Every year in the country of France, there is a little bicycle event that rolls thru the roads, streets, and mountains called the Tour de France. In the California desert each year about 100 miles east of Los Angeles in a little city sometimes known as the playground of the stars, there is also a bicycle event that brings together hundreds of two wheel enthusiasts who seek some competition as well as some good ole’ fashion exercise.
Called the Tour de Palm Springs, this event is the brainchild of biking enthusiast Tim Esser who was hit with an idea back in January of 1998 that the desert and it’s variety of terrains would be a perfect place to hold an annual bike event right in the heart of Palm Springs.
On top of being a bike event that throws all competitors into one event, the Tour de Palm Springs provides a 5, 10, 25, 56, and 102 mile ride thru the city, all designed to give the novice and the professional a full and adequate experience.
The mountain scenery and the perfect weather led me to hop on a bike and give it a go on both Friday and Saturday in the shorter rides, the 5 & 10 mile jaunt thru the downtown area on Indian Canyon.
The main reason for the event though is to raise money for a variety of charities like Boys and Girls Club of Cathedral City, Girl Scouts, Palm Springs Baptist Church, Historic Youth Tours, Desert Aids Project, and the Disabled American Veterans.
With sponsors such as Arrowhead, Jiffy Lube, Cold Stone and Fox 11, the first event was able to raise ,000.00 and was hailed as a marvelous success.
A recent event raised over 0,000.00 and donated to 110 different entities that were meeting the needs of the people in the valley.
The Tour de Palm Springs is set up in a not for profit organization called CVSPIN which stands for Coachella Valley Serving People in Need and that’s exactly the purpose of an event that attracts riders from all over.
The events reputation was elevated when in 2001, the Coachella Valley Desert Business Association recognized the Tour de Palm Springs as the best event in the Valley.
And that’s including such events as the Bob Hope Chrysler Golf Classic, The Dinah Shore LPGA Tournament, and the BNP Paribas Tennis Open.
Every year since its inception, the Tour de Palm Springs has continued to grow and attract more and more riders as well as generating money for worth-while causes in the Coachella Valley. And it also allowed me the opportunity to meet new friends along with giving my legs a much needed workout. All in all a perfect part of my recent vacation to Palm Springs and the California desert resort cities.
Mitchell Sussman has been a television producer for the past twenty five years producing adventure travel programming for Travel Channel, PBS, ESPN, Fox Sports Net and many others.
For more information and the best value on the web for your next Palm Springs vacation visit http://www.palmspringsvacationdiscounts.com
The Romantic Side of Maui
If you are looking for a great romantic vacation idea, then look no further than Maui. You probably already know that there are many great places to see and things to do on this fabulous, romantic island. Just think about it; sun, sand and surf all with the one you love right by your side. What could be better?
Whether you are planning on proposing to your sweetie on a magical Maui getaway or having a Maui wedding or honeymoon, or just taking a much needed luxury vacation with the one you love, you can find accommodations and more on this great island. In fact, a Maui wedding or proposal package is probably more affordable than you may have thought.
With the beautiful, exotic scenery, it is no surprise why Maui is considered such a romantic place and the island has played up on that fact to give you even more reasons to love Maui.
There are couple’s resorts designed and tailored to meet the needs of couple just like you. The hotels are outfitted with larger beds, elegant bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs and breathtaking views from the windows. You can order champagne or wine in your room and in some places; even meals specially prepared and brought to you.
If you are looking romance your sweetie in Maui, you might be wondering what different options you have and what you will do while on the island. All of Maui is beautiful and Hawaii itself is quite romantic but there are resources to help you make this trip extra special even if you are not a natural romancer.
Book a Couple’s Package
There are couple’s packages that include a ceremony for proposal, vows or renewal of your vows. Maui is a great location for newlyweds or those that have been together a lifetime. The scenery is beautiful and there are many different activities for you to take part in as a couple.
There are also packages that include dining, shows and more for couples to enjoy the full Maui experience together. If you are planning your couple’s trip to Maui, one of the first things you might start looking for is the accommodations. You can look into a Maui travel package which will help you get everything you need in one lower, more affordable price. It’s also easier when you know everything is included in a travel package, You can spend less time worrying about if you got everything covered and more time just enjoying each other.
If price is a concern for you, you will be happy to know that there are many Maui couple’s packages that are very affordable and you can get all inclusive hotel and travel accommodations that meet your budget. However, to be sure you are getting what you want, you will want to ask your travel agent or planner questions about available packages before you select one to be sure it includes everything you need and want.
Booking everything in a package deal typically gets you a great price and it also ensures you don’t forget anything important or wind up short at the last minute. The sooner in advance you can book your paradise trip, the better it will be for you as well. You have more time to try to get the best rates and more time to ensure you get a slot in the resort or hotel of your choice.
A Maui Wedding
If you decide you want to be married on the beautiful shores of Maui, there are many different options for you. You can book a wedding planner from Maui that specializes in weddings on the island and is also able to get you a great deal on your services and other needs. But even if you are planning the wedding without a wedding planner, there are many facilities and resources to help you. Join the millions of other happy couples that have been united on the magnificent Maui.
Package deals get you a traditional non-denominational Hawaiian wedding, a Luau and reception, a Hawaiian lei ceremony, assistance with your license and even your accommodations if needed. There are affordable package deals that literally cover all your wedding needs.
Some other vacation package ideas that are great for couples include the Indulgence Spa Getaway, Wellness Escape Spa, various romantic resorts and even the small bed and breakfast bungalows. You have so many places to choose from, you are sure to find one that suits your needs.
Choosing to get married or celebrate your honeymoon here in Maui is a guarantee you will make memories that will last a lifetime. It’s also a fantastic destination choice for a second honeymoon or just a great couple’s getaway. You can start planning your lover’s retreat right away!
Find tips about vegetable tray ideas and vegan weight loss plan at the Types Of Vegetarians website.
Grand Canyon Airplane
The Grand Canyon is a massive geological masterpiece that is more than a mile deep and 277 miles long. Most visitors see only a fraction of the “crack” when the tour the South Rim. If you want to see it all, book a flight on an airplane tour.
Flights depart daily from Grand Canyon National Park Airport, which is on the outskirts of Tusayan, the small town just outside the Park’s main gate. The airport is a flurry of activity (including helicopter) and functions as the main base for incoming and outgoing South Rim air traffic.
Two of the most popular operators of air tours are Grand Canyon Airlines and Scenic Airlines. These companies and others use an aircraft called the Vistaliner. This aircraft seats 19 people and was designed specifically for sightseeing and features large viewing windows.
Further, each aircraft comes with pre-recorded trip narration that shares insights and facts about the canyon as you soar above it.
Standard air tours leave the airport and head due east along the South Rim. During this stage of the tour, you’ll see such wondrous sights like Zuni Point and the Zuni Corridor, the Painted Desert, the Desert Watchtower, the expansive and solitary Navajo Indian Reservation, and the upper Colorado River.
The aircraft will bank at this point, crossing majestic Temple Butte, before flying to the North Rim (the distance between South and North Rim is 10 miles), where you will be treated to fantastic views of the Kaibab Plateau and Kaibab National Forest. Imperial Point, the highest point in the Canyon, will come into view as the tour wends its way westward then south over Dragon Corridor, the widest and most open part of the Canyon, before you prepare for an exhilarating landing.
Total tour time averages about 50 minutes.
It’s recommended that you pick a seat on the right side of the plane, as it will offer you the most fulfilling views and photo opportunities. Tickets cost about 5 for adults and for kids. You can get better rates if you book on the Internet.
If you are based in Las Vegas, there are several operators who offer a plane ride to the South Rim. This trip comes with a guided bus tour to the South Rim. The bus-tour segment is three hours with key stops at select Grand Canyon lookout points such as Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Center, and Hermit’s Rest. Flight time to the South Rim is around one hour and ten minutes.
Grand Canyon airplane tours are the #1 way to see the National Park in all its glory. You’ll see more in an hour than most will in days on the ground. Flights leave from Grand Canyon Airport, which is conveniently located just 10 minutes from the rim. From a cost perspective, these trips are under-priced. To get the absolute best deal, shop the Internet. There are deals out there that take up to 35 % off the retail price. That is guaranteed to change as more travelers discover these air tours. For now, the sky’s the limit!
Travel writer Keith Kravitz reviews Grand Canyon tours. Use this link to see his Top 3 Grand Canyon Airplane tours.