Life is very precious and you never know when it is going to end. Make sure you live your life to the fullest and travel as much as possible. I live in Reno,NV and work in Lake Tahoe,CA at the best job ever www.porterstahoe.com. I Am always dreaming about my next trip. Wish I hit the jackpot so I could quit work and travel. My job is flexible so I am able to take months off at a time, just need to figure out how to pay for my addiction traveling. I am married to a teacher so she has the summers off. Again just need to figure out how to pay for it all. I write a blog about my day to day life check it out www.jdog1400.blogspot.com
This is an amazing State Reserve. There is a ton of good hiking. Theirs a cool whale museum in whalers cove. If you like to scuba dive Point Lobos, Whalers cove is a must dive location. They only allow 10 two member dive teams, so you will never feel likes it busy. The cove it's self is shallow but it has amazing marine life. I felt like I was in the aquarium. I highly recommend Point Lobos for diving, hiking or just sightseeing.
A nice local city park. The lake is small but nice for family's to rent paddle boats on. There is also a nice playground and skate park. I had a few B-Day partys there as a kid.
This is a great place to go hike only minutes from the city. The view from the top of Eagle Rock is one of the best in the bay. You can see from SF to Gilroy. The hike to Eagle rock is short but step.
Playa Samara was one of my favorite beaches in Costa Rica. There were only a few people on the beach at any given time. The surf is very calm so not a place if you looking to surf. The beach is about a 3 mile crescent shape that is a great place to run or just lay out and relax.
Arenal is a great place to get above sea level if it's to hot on the coast. When I was at Arenal it was overcast most of the time so I only saw the volcano for a few minutes. I did some hiking from the Arenal Observatory Lodge and was impressed by the constant rumble of Arenal it always keep you on your toes, there were a few nice waterfalls also. I stayed at the Baldi Hot Springs which is a nice treat if your in need of nice hotel for a special ocasion.
Manuel Antonio National Park has a vast amount of beautiful beaches and wildlife. While in the park I saw Toucans, a lot of different species of lizards and frogs. If you have some time to relax the beaches aren't crowded with touts trying to sell you goods. Take advantage of this jewel.
I was running late leaving Agra and didn't get to eat before my overnight train ride. My train was delayed 30 minutes so I decided to eat dinner at the station. I went to the Veg Restaurant in the main entrance. It was a little dirty but I got a Veg Thali for 23 INR and it was amazing. I could tell they don't get a lot of tourist in there, because the cook kept checking to make sure I liked it. I would highly recomend this resturant for a quick, cheap and tasty meal.
I took a Full day Gypsy Safari in March. I really enjoyed the park my only complaint was the false advertising of a full day Safari. I booked my Safari online through http://www.rajasthanwildlife.in We started at 6:30am and went till 10:30 then they said the Safari was over unless we wanted to go sit at a check point in the middle of nowhere until 2:30. We chose to wait it out, what upset me was there was no mention of this anywhere on there web site, there was also no food which all the passengers were expecting to be able to buy lunch somewhere. After a few hours of sitting in the middle of the dessert bored and hot they offered to take us to a small village for lunch if we would pay the driver an extra 400 INR. They were just trying to get some extra money out of us. We ended up splitting the money and paid to get driven to lunch they told us it was far but it ended up being 2km which pissed us all off even more.
Besides the bad all day tour the park was great. If I ever went again I would due a morning Gypsy tour which is a 6 person jeep. If you still wanted more you could always book an afternoon trip on a Canter which is a big 16 passenger truck.
I didn't end up seeing any Tigers but I did see a Leopard, tons of deer, peacocks, antelopes, alligators and hundreds of different bird species. Some other people in my hotel did see Tigers and I saw there pics, I just didn't luck out.
I went to this park from Jaipur and it was a 3.5 hour train ride. I would recommenced it for a change of pace in India
The Zoo in Kufri is all there really is. It's really run down and there wasn't much to see. They have a Snow Leopard but I never saw it? If you are in Shimla in the winter and want to see the snow, this is about the first location up the mountains to get regular snow.
Paharganj is a crazy busy part of New Delhi. If you are looking for a cheap place to stay and eat in New Delhi this is it. I chose to stay here because it as cheap and close to the New Delhi train station. It is a little rough on the outside but once you spend a little time there you'll find it's not that bad of an area. It's also a good place to buy gifts before you fly home. It is also a short walk to Connaught Place if you want to experience the high end shopping and dining of India.
After you are done at the Taj the Agra Fort is a good place to go. It's tough to appreciate it after you were at the Taj. It is a little run down, but definitely worth the stop while you are in Agra. It's impressive and has good vies of the river and Taj but needs some up keep.
Dasashwamedha Ghat is a great place to go in the evening to watch the Puja ceremony, its performed nightly and is worth seeing at least once. It goes on for a few hours and there is a lot of different dancing and music. It's a good way to see the pilgrims worshiping the river.
The Ganges is an amazing people watching river. I took a Sunset and a Sunrise boat tour and the river changes from morning to night. In the evening there was a huge Puja ceremony at the main ghat. In the morning there is a lot of people doing morning prayer, washing cloths, yoga, dishes and tons of other things. If you like to people watch and get some amazing pictures, the Ganges in Varanasi is on of the best areas to be.
I really enjoyed India, but when I got the the Taj I was overwhelmed by the beauty. It was an amazing site and well worth the outrages 750 INR. I went at 6:30 when it opened and stayed for about 3 hours watching it change colors as the sun rised. I must have walked around it 6 times taking hundreds of pictures from all angles. You are not alowed to bring any food and only on clear bottle of water so eat before you go. Get there at 6:30 if you want pics without a thousabd people in them, by 8 it was packed and by 9 all the tourbuses were there. I highly recomened the Taj Mahal
This mountain sucks compared to Aspen Mountain or the Highlands. It's more a hill than a mountain. The one plus for Buttermilk is they hold the X-Games there every year.
This is one of the best hotels in the city. It's a little overpriced but you can get it on travelocity for a steal. The St. Francis is in the heart of the city Union Square. You are steps from the Cable car that will take you to Fisherman's Wharf and a five minute walk from Market which is public transportation central. When I stay in the city I park the car buy a Muni Pass and explore the city it's easier than trying to park your car. At the corner of Market and Powell is were you can buy Muni day and multi day passes. If you love to shop this is place, but bring your credit cards.
This is a great Zoo and it's huge. You can spend a half day walking around. There is a wide range of animals from tigers to grizzly bears. It's a great place to spend a day with the family. Take public transportation and get 2 bucks off admission.
BNM is one of the best snowboard shops in the country. If you are looking for people who live to ride you should check them out on your next trip to Tahoe up 80. The staff knows there product, snd is the only legit shop in Sacramento area.
If you are looking for a top notch hotel this is a great place. The staff is top notch. They always greet you with a smile. The spa and pool is great after a long day on the hill.
Great mountain. The trails are long, a top to bottom run will take you about 30 minutes and your legs will be burning. It is also less crowded than Whistler, and now there connected by the peak to peak gondola that is a amazing ride in it's self.
If you are looking for a top notch ski experience Whistler is it. The village is one of the best with great restaurants and fun Bars and Night clubs. Even if you are not into skiing our snowboarding it's still a great place to relax go shopping and enjoy a meal.
A one of a kind bridge. The view is amazing from all sides. DId you know that they never stop painting the bridge, there is a crew that never stops when they get to the end they start over.
Great place to spend a day for all ages. It is cool to see the behind the scenes of movies. The rides have got better over the years. I love the Backdraft back lot.
If you are into rock climbing this is the place to camp. Hidden Valley is the epicenter of winter rock climbing in the states if not the world. There are thousands of routes within a few miles. It gets busy especially on weekends and spring breaks. It gets a little loud since it's surrounded by granite, bring your ear plugs if you are a light sleeper.
Ed Levin Park is a short trip from the city. It's a steep climb up Calaveras but the park is a nice change from the city. There are nice hiking trails or you can just feed the ducks. There is also fishing at the lake.
Sparks spent 39 million on this amazing complex. A great place to play a softball tournament. It's 100% artificial turf, fun to play on, you always get a true bounce.
Reno's a great place. If you get out of the downtown casino area. If you love the outdoors Reno is the best place to be there is endless possibility's.
This is a great show and it's free. I have seen the fountain show at least a dozen times and still love it. See it at night the lights make the show even better.
If you want to get away from the city Peavine is a great choice. There is a ton of good hiking, biking and Dirt Bike trails all over the mountain. If you have a dirt bike you can end up in Truckee.
Lake Alpine is a great place to relax in the sun and do a little swimming but warning the water is cold. If you like fishing get up at the crack of dawn it's good but not my thing.
Great short day hike that most people can do. Go in the spring when the water flow is at peak. If you have the energy keep going to Nevada Falls and then you can get great pics with Liberty Cap in the background.
A fun place no matter if your 5 or 50. It's expensive so only go if you plan on spending at least a $100 for the day. A place you have to go at least once.
If you are in Monterey, you must go to the aquarium. Take the time to visit the surrounding area as well. I used to go there a lot as a kid. It is one of the best Aquarium's I have ever been to. They have had baby Great White Sharks over the past few years. If they get another make the trip, even when they are small you can tell they know there power.
I have to admit when I walked in the door I was a little skeptic about the place. A Irish Pub with a Indian Restaurant? This place was recommended by our hotel Bartender and I couldn't have been happier. I was there with 9 people and they gave us the back room. We ordered about half the items on the menu and they were all fantastic, my favorite was the
85) Chicken Masala Dosa
crepe stuffed with marinated chicken and potatoes
10.95
Wow was it good. I would highly recommenced this place to any one in the city. Don't let the first look at the place scare you away. Try it out.
Nice beach. There was to many locals selling there goods. The first hour they wont leave you alone one after another. After awhile they stop bugging you, just act like your sleeping and they'll walk by.
A short 2 hour bus ride from Bangkok. If you don't have time to get to one of the islands Jomtien Beach is a great place to go relax on the beach. You can go Scuba diving it's not the best diving but worth doing at least once. Mermaid dive shop was a great shop to deal with, good divemasters. Stayed at the Grand Jomtien Palace for $25 USD with breakfast a fare price.
I went to a Muay Thai fight and had a great time. I chose ringside which was a little pricey but how often do you get to seat 5 feet away from a fight. I think it was around $60 which is a lot of Money in Thailand but try sitting ringside in the USA and it'd a few thousand dollars. The fights were very action packed they started off the night with young kids maybe 7 and the parents were so proud. As the night went on they got older and the local fans got into it. They gamble on all the fights and not like in the states it's all done with hand signals and bookies, it looks intense I couldn't have bet if I wanted to, i had no clue what was going on. If you don't want to spend that much money there is cheaper seats. It's a great time and worth every Bhat.
If you have a special occasion and want to spoil a loved one the Arun Residence is the place for you. I think there are 6 rooms I have stayed in 3 of them and there all unique in there own way. They are all first class. The Arun Suite was my favorite with it's own top floor private deck overlooking the river and the Wat Arun. If you want to spoil some one this is the place.
If you want to see the city from a different view get on a boat and cruise down the river. You can get on a commuter boat if you want to save money or if you want a hour in private rent a long tail boat and they will cruise down all the little waterways of Bangkok.
I'm not into the tourist trap areas, but I still wanted to go to Khao San Road at least once to check it out. If you are looking for knik knak shopping fake DVD's this is the place for you. It also has a lot of bars that are open late in to the night if you want to party. If you are solo there are a lot of Backpackers here and would be a great place to meet like minded people.
Even if you aren't into the girls stay at the end near Jomtien beach. It is a nice quick getaway from Bangkok if you don't have much time. You can catch a bus it's about 2 hours.
At Maju Deval you will find lots of locals selling there local fruits and vegetables. It is a great place to take photos with all the bright and vibrant colors.
We stayed here as park of a package with itreknepal.com and was very happy with it. The room was very clean and in a perfect location. As the sun rises it gets a little noisy with people praying at the local temples, but it just makes for a alarm to get your day going early. The room we stayed in had a huge balcony overlooking the Nyatapola Temple which made for amazing views. The staff was very nice and all spoke basic English. I would highly recommend this place.
The Cafe Nyatapola is smack in the middle of Bhaktapur. It's is defiantly a tourist restaurant, but the rooftop seating gives you a birds eye view of the Taumadhi Tole and Nyatapola Temple. The food was really good but a little pricey compared to other restaurants but part of the profit go to a local hospital.
The Nyatapola Temple is a great place to see locals mingling with tourist going about there daily lives. It is a 5 story temple that is very photo friendly with the Himalaya's in the back ground. Also not it is the tallest temple in Nepal. If you are in Bhaktapur you'll have to see this.
If you have a few hours until your international flight the Grill isn't a bad option to kill some time. The food is basic I had a garden Burger that was good but nothing special. If you need a place to seat for a few hours The Grill is nice plenty of room to relax and out your bags down.
Formerly known as Marine World. Discovery Kingdom is a Six Flags park with a great variety for all ages. This park is great because you can go on rides for half the day and when you get tiered you can go watch the animal shows and relax. I love the Tiger show and the Butterfly Exhibit. If you are in San Francisco this is a great day trip for the whole family.
It's a long drive from the Valley but well worth the trip. The views from the top are amazing. If it's Too hot in the valley it will be a lot cooler at Zabriskie Point.
Kirkwood is one of the most underrated mountains in the Sierra Nevada's. It is a little out of the way but you won't be disappointed of a day of skiing or boarding .
This is the best park on the west coast if you like thrill rides. Hands down the best roller coasters. My favorite ride is X2 and Tatsu, these two coasters are unlike any others I've been on. They are a most for ant thrill fan.
A great day trip if you want to get out of the LA basin. If you like Rock climbing this is the mecca of winter climbing. There are thousands of routes mainly Trad climbing but there is top rope areas if you are just starting out.
I have done about 100 dives all over the Channel Islands and love all of them. I always dive out of Ventura with the Peace boat. The crew is so nice and very knowledgeable of the local dive sites and fish.
If you are an animal lover this is a most due stop. I stay in Kanab when I go to Zion, Grand Canon and Bryce it's a good middle point. I can't explain how well ran this place is, I have been there three times and volunteered to walk dogs play with cats not a bad job if you ask me. They have a ton of animals here and you think it would be dirty and stinky, it's the exact opposite it is as clean as a doctor office. If you plan ahead you can have lunch at there cafeteria and the food is good and cheap. If you are a animal lover go to Best Friends and you won't be disappointed.
Good old fun. The rides are a little outdated but it's nice to chill on the beach and go on a few rides through out the day. The have some good free concerts in the summer.
If you like to mingle with people the Round Bar is the place to be in the late night hours. Even if you just like to people watch there are some interesting characters strolling through.
The hike to the top is a killer, there is a ton of stairs, but the view up top is amazing. Make sure you take some time to get of your but on the beach and get a little exercise.
A great diving and Snorkeling spot. The coral is a little beat up due to the hoards of people that go there every day. If you are a scuba diver make sure you get on a dive only boat so your not with a hundred snorkelers. I have dove with Lahaina Divers a few times and have been very happy with them.
A great park, go there in the fall and you'll have it all to your self. If you like to hike and aren't afraid of heights Angels Landing is won of the coolest hikes I've done. It's a lot of vertical climb in a short distance so make sure you are in shape.
Tahoe is one of the biggest Alpine lakes in the world. It is all snow melt and is really cold in the spring and early summer. The North Shore is a lot mellower, and more family friendly.
This is one of a kind park. The Hoodoos are cool it's amazing how many are spread through the park. I recommend taking a short hike and getting down next to the hoodoos there cool up close. Enjoy
What can't you say about the strip. It is an amazing bright lights 24 hour a day gambling mecca. Even if you are not into the gaming there is plenty to do. They have world class show, amazing pools and some of the top restaurants in the world. It is a most stop for any trip through the USA.
I have been here a dozen times over the years and I always seem to have fun. Warning it is really expensive but if you have kids you have to break down and bring them once.
If it is a big rain year get out there in March and April and the wildflowers are amazing. You will also beat the heat and be able to do some hiking without dieing.
The Grand Canyon is defiantly a place you should go before you die. I have been on both the South and North rims and I would say the North is a lot less crowded. It's higher elevation so it's closed in the winter but if you are there in the summer and want a better experience go to the North Rim
Great America is a really fun Amusement park with rides for all ages. Growing up I spent countless days with my friends at this park. The demon is my favorite roller coaster it is a fast metal coaster with a few flips and a cork screw. Even if you want a relax trip with your young kids they have great rides for the little guys to.
While Trekking the EBC we spent two nights in Tengboche and loved the Monastery. Out of all the monastery's we went to the monks in Tengboche were very nice and talked with us for an hour about Buddhism and there daily lives. I recommend making a stop if you are trekking through it is a place you will remember forever.
This is good outlet mall in the area. It does have many stores for everyone. It does get crowded over the weekend. They have plenty of parking. Just be ready to do some walking. It is one floor but in a circular shape. And the bathrooms are a little far from mall shops.
A nice place to hang out on the beach or do a little fishing. It can get real busy on holiday weekends. It is a good wakeboarding lake but get out there early before the wind picks up.
By far the best Mexican Food place in Truckee!! Good small homey atmosphere and everyone is friendly. Always have a line and during the dinner hour all the tables/seating are full! Which even though having to wait for your seat can be frustrating I think it is a good thing. The portions are big and very flavorful! Never messed up any of my orders. The chips are very crunchy, which is the way they are supposed to be, and Salsa is chunky and if you like spicy add some of the salsa sauce in the bottle at each table to the mix. Its a great spot for anyone! Very speedy, and Great Prices!
If you are looking for a cheap place to stay and like minded backpackers this is the place for you. Thamel has a ton of Guest houses, restaurants, stores and bars to keep you busy for a few days. Warning if you are looking for peace and quite this is not the place for you. Thamel is a tourist trap but you should at least spend an afternoon strolling the alleyways. If you liked to get some cheap fake North Face this is the place. Enjoy the experience watch out for people trying to suck money out of you.
On your trip to Basecamp when you get there you can't acutely see Everest. Most people make the trek from Gorakshep to Kala Phattar 5,545 meters (18,192 ft) The trek to the top can be one hell of a workout but when you get to the top the view is to die for. For most people this is the best view you will ever get unless you plan on trying to climb Everest. We did it at sunset, I left the guest house at 5:15 and was lucky enough to make it to the top to enjoy the amazing sunrise. All I can say is it was one of the best moments of my life, get out there and make it one of yours.
I spent two nights in Bhaktapur in Jun and loved the city. It is a lot slower pace than Kathmandu so I would advise staying there your first few nights in the valley to adjust to the third world culture. We stayed in the Newa Guest House which was small but our room was nice and clean, the staff was very friendly. I would recommend it. The Durbar square was similar to Kathmandu with out all the guides bugging you to take a tour. If you have a chance spend a few nights in Bhaktapur and vist the slow pace of the Kathmandu Valley.
The Monkey Temple is a great afternoon trip to get out of Thamel. We took a taxi there and walked back which takes about 45 minutes to get to Thamel. As you start climbing to the top you see the monkeys swing from the trees there cute, until they try to steal any food you have so be cautious. When you get o the top it is a great view of the whole Kathmandu valley it's amazing how many buildings are spread out. The golden stupa is beautiful and the Monkeys hang out trying to get scraps from you, they even steal the offerings for Buddha, I saw a monkey reach in and take Buddhas plum. If you have a half day to get away from the city I think this is a great choice.
I spent two nights in Bhaktapur in Jun and loved the city. It is a lot slower pace than Kathmandu so I would advise staying there your first few nights in the valley to adjust to the third world culture. We stayed in the Newa Guest House which was small but our room was nice and clean, the staff was very friendly. I would recommend it. The Durbar square was similar to Kathmandu with out all the guides bugging you to take a tour. If you have a chance spend a few nights in Bhaktapur and vist the slow pace of the Kathmandu Valley.
Jake's has amazing food, friendly and fast service, and good views of the lake. What's not to like? I've been coming here for years and years, and haven't had a bad experience yet. If your there for lunch you can have a burger and not spend to much cash. Dinner is when you will spend $100 on dinner for 2 my favorite is the Macadamia in crusted Halibut. If you have a special night to enjoy this is on of the best places to go in Tahoe.
Big Water Grille has awesome food, drinks, and service. But, you will definitely pay for it. Not a good place for you if you are on a budget of any kind. You are likely to drop a hundred bucks on dinner and drinks here, but my oh my won't your girl love you for it? I love their sake martini with fresh ginger. Another suggestion for those of you who are light eaters and don't want to shell out as much cash...Go for apps and cocktails. It will cut your bill in half.
For me, it's all about the location. If you can come here early for dinner in the summer and get seated on the outdoor deck (come after 6 pm and there's always a huge wait, come between 5 and 6 and you'll be seated pretty quickly), it's nice to be able to work off some of that food by taking a walk on the beach just steps away. On a good night, there'll be a band playing or para-gliders floating gently down for a landing on the beach.
The food is also good they have great burgers and rids. If you are a vegetarian they have a 12 ft salad bar that is the best in Tahoe. Come and enjoy a great day on the lake.
There are not a lot of places in Incline where you can grab a quick lunch for about 5 bucks, and of the few that there are (Subway, Mofos) T's is by far the BEST. I always get the Chicken Burrito or the Tri Tip Burrito get plenty of extra green sauce it's the best. When they are busy it can take a while so be smart and call in a to-go order during the lunch hour. You aren't likely to get seating when they are busy...but um...thats why you go to the beach, hello! You are in Tahoe for gods sake. Oh yeah, and BRING CASH!!!
Northstar Resort has became one of Tahoe's best resorts over the last few years. They have built a village and turned the resort from a day hill into a place you can spend all week there and not get bored. The ski hill has been overhauled with new lifts and lodges. The village now has a range of shopping places to eat and a Skating rink. If you have a family Northstar is the best place to go. Get up there and enjoy some of the best skiing.
I always love to try and support the small local sores and restaurants. Fresh Mex is a family owned and operated, every time you walk in there door they always make you feel like your are the most important person there. The food is very tasty and authentic. Chewy the owner was a chef at the Eldorado Casino for 15 years and left to open Fresh Mex 2 years ago and has never looked back. My favorite is the chicken burrito which is very basic but good and only $6.50 I have eat a lot of other meals and always been happy. If you are in Reno please try Fresh Mex I promise you won't be disappointed and you'll save a little cash for the night life.
Its a great place just to relax and wonderful people watching. If you want to learn to surf it has a great beginner break. Tons of hotels can make it really busy though.