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Top 8 Attractions and Things To Do in Denver

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With gorgeous skylines, large skyscrapers, vibrant food and restaurants and a population of nearly 1 million, Denver is arguably one of the best cities for travelers and vacationers visiting Colorado. And while there’s no shortage of activities and ideas in this ever-growing American metropolis, sometimes we all need a little help finding something special for your time. From hot springs and botanic gardens to local excursions and family lodging options, there are endless possibilities for top attractions in Denver. There are also many attractions close to Denver within driving distance. Hiking, rafting near Colorado Springs, and skiing and snowboarding are all available within a two hours drive of Denver.

1. Cruise around on an urban lake

One of the most common activities travelers and vacationers do when they visit Denver is to cruise around on urban lakes found in multiple locations. For instance, the Aurora Reservoir, Washington Park, and City Park all have affordable boat rentals for locals and visitors who want to explore the waterways at their own leisure. If you want to enjoy a private sunset cruise along the city’s beautiful skyline, a team of professionals at these locations knows what you need and they will help you have a truly magical and memorable trip.

2. Soaking in hot springs

Picture yourself soaking in natural hot springs while the sound of frozen snow falls beside you after a day full of adventure. If you are in Denver and you want a place that offers this unique opportunity, there are a few specific places we suggest. Some of these thrilling places include the Indian Springs Resort in Idaho Springs, Dunton Hot Springs in Dolores and the Wiesbaden Hot Springs near Ouray.

3. Book a vacation hotel or resort

Looking to take advantage of all that Denver offers? If so Stay a while. There are several top Denver hotels and lodgings that provide a good place to relax after a long day outside. These hotels and lodgings also have a wide range of guest room amenities and comfort facilities, as well as a variety of food and beverage outlets. If you are looking for something a little less like a hotel and a little more like home then a Stay Alfred short-term rental might be the way to go. They offer vacation rentals in LoDo and the Ballpark and Riverfront neighborhoods. These luxurious vacation rental units are perfect for travelers who are looking for relaxing short-term stays. Other good hotels and family lodging options you can visit in this city include the Capitol Hill Mansion Bed & Breakfast Inn, the Brown Palace Hotel, and Spa, the Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel, the Hotel Teatro and many more. Whether you want to rekindle your love or you simply looking for a warm place for the family to chill out after a day of adventure facilities in the heart of Denver offer exactly what you are looking for.

4. Visit a theater for a date night

Watching a favorite show or play with your family or loved one can be just the thing to wrap up an evening.

The interactive seating plans, live music, production and on-stage performers and actors at such venues provide hours of entertainment. With so many great options occupying theaters, it can be hard to decide which one to visit but we have compiled a list of our top theaters in the city including Denver Center for the Performing Arts located at 1101 13th Street, Miners Alley Playhouse located at 1224 Washington Avenue, and Vintage Theatre located at 1468 Dayton Street.

5. Take your partner on a romantic wine tasting date night

If you and your partner are wine oenophiles, then you can consider going on your own wine tour or explore wine tasting adventures in and around the city. Some of the special romantic wine date ideas we recommend for you include the Balistreri Vineyards located at 1946 E 66th Avenue and the Bonacquisti Wine Company located at 4640 Pecos Street. You can also make your own wine at Water 2 Wine, a family-owned winery located along 8130 S University Blvd # 110, Centennial.

6. Go on a local safari

Whether you are visiting Denver with your family or your trip is a romantic getaway, Denver’s local safari tours are a perfect way to add some outdoor adventure into your trip. For instance, in less than an hour from the cities downtown, you can access the Wild Animal Sanctuary and turn your trip into the start of a life-long love affair with Colorado. This is a 720-acre property where walkways visitors get a chance to see bears, tigers, lions, elephants, wolves and a wide variety of rescued animals. Other top Denver attractions where you can visit to see your favorite wild animals include the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Lowell Ponds State Wildlife Area, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

7. Visit the Downtown Aquarium

The state may be landlocked but that doesn’t mean you will miss a variety of marine life while in the Mile-High City. Besides a number of urban lakes, there are several aquariums in the city with millions of gallons of fresh and marine water and several sea animals. One of such aquariums is the Downtown Aquarium, which features beautiful plants, sharks, different varieties of fish and other sea creatures. If you’re eager to get wet after spending a day in the scorching sun, then the Dive With The Sharks adventure might be the thing for you.

8. Denver botanic gardens

If you visit the city during the summer period, there is no better place to listen to music in the outdoors than at Denver Botanic Gardens. This is one of the top spots to enjoy some of the best classic and modern musical acts around while relaxing in the serene outdoor landscapes. Just go ahead and bring your favorite food and drinks and a blanket to stretch on the warm grass while listening to the likes of Alanis Morissette, Natalie Merchant, Sarah McLachlan, Herbie Hancock, Natalie Imbruglia and Lucero. Tickets for these events sell out quickly, so you need to book your space in advance.

Go Green: Finding Nature in a City

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The benefits of city living are clear, with the number of people living in cities expected to double by 2050. From being within close proximity of everything you could possibly need to have access to diverse entertainment, cities draw people from far and wide.

However, there’s nothing quite like the relaxing feeling you get when you immerse yourself in nature. And studies have even demonstrated that losing your connection with nature can have an adverse effect on your happiness and overall well-being.

So, whether you’re staying somewhere like the Downtown Philadelphia Hotel Marriott or you’ve been living in a city for a while, here are some of the best ways to find nature wherever you go:

Head Off the Beaten Track

A lot of cities will have great trails that connect the heart of the city to its surrounding suburbs, but these are often crowded, congested, and don’t provide you with that feeling of “freedom.” So, try to find hidden paths, routes, and roads that take you away from the hustle and bustle. Even if you don’t actually leave the city, tree-lined paths can make you feel as though you’ve escaped it for a while because they provide a sound barrier from the traffic and noise of the city.

Find a Park

Even though parks aren’t found in abundance in cities, there will still be some hidden away somewhere. Think Central Park in New York and Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. Every city, by law, will have to have reserved some of its space for recreation and parks, which is why these are often luscious green spaces that you can lose yourself in. Although it may seem obvious that these are the most accessible green spaces for city dwellers, they’re often underused so you’ll probably find yourself enjoying this space in peace and quiet.

Embrace Winter

Even if you’re traveling to a city in winter, it’s important to brace the cold weather and venture outside. Granted, heavy snowfall and below-zero temperatures can make this a bit of a challenge, but it can also feel incredibly exhilarating when you’re outside in the cold, crisp air. What’s more, when the snow does fall, cities often become a playground for activities, from building snowmen to snowshoeing, so get involved and embrace nature and winter in one.

Be Spontaneous

If you’re keen to find nature in a city, don’t make this into an arduous chore where you spend more time planning your escape than enjoying it. Add a bit of spontaneity into the mix, doing something in the spur of the moment. Get outside, head off on your own little route and see what adventure you can find – you might just surprise yourself.

Thankfully, finding nature in a city need not be hard as many places will have adopted some green spaces in the surrounding areas. All you need to do is embrace your adventurous side and get exploring these areas. Then, once you’ve headed off the beaten track you’ll feel at one with nature, leaving all the worries of the city behind.

Planning a trip to Florence in the best time of the year

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When planning a trip to Florence it is important to carefully organize your schedule, in order to be able to see all the stunning pieces of art

Italy has certainly some of the most amazing cities and places in the whole world and planning a visit there is the dream of a lifetime for the vast majority of the people. If you are lucky enough to have the possibility to visit Italy it is crucial to choose the best destination where to begin your journey.

Of the many cities of Italy, one could say that it is absolutely mandatory to explore at least 3 of them: Rome, Venice and Florence. Since Italy is not too big of a country it is certainly possible to visit the 3 cities during the same holiday, the important thing is to carefully plan your trip so that you do not end up missing the important things to see.

Let’s think for example of a trip to Florence: the city is small enough to be explored on foot, though it is also very rich in monuments, beautiful places and pieces of art to explore and see. The most important thing is, maybe, choosing one of the best hotel in Florence, located in the very heart of the city this enabling you to wander around the city on foot, without the need of renting a car or taking the public transport.

The things to see in Florence are really a lot, starting from the architectonical buildings like – above all – the Duomo: Santa Maria del Fiore was designed by Brunelleschi himself, maybe the most famous architect of the Renaissance; the dome is one of the most well-known pieces of architecture in the whole world and is a wonder to witness.

Another mandatory place to visit are the Uffizi, the most important museum in Florence, which is full of famous paintings as sculptures, like the Venus of Botticelli, the Tondo Doni by Michelangelo and the Madonna col Cardellino by Raffaello.

Apart from the artistic sites, the city is itself a wonder to explore, because it is full of small streets, amazing corners and piazzas where to meet people and enjoy the typical Italian lifestyle: a big part of your journey to Florence will in fact be eating, because the region of Tuscany is really very rich of delicacies that are absolutely worth a taste.

Beach Vacation Season is Here so Find the Right Plus Size Swimsuit Online

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There’s nothing like enjoying a perfect trip to the beach, especially when you have the perfect swimsuit. Plus size swimsuits are no longer boring and shapeless with bland colors as they once were in your mother’s generation. Today, as the plus size fashion industry grows, there are many cute and affordable swimsuits available on the market. Finding trendy vacation swimwear in both your size and preferred style can be a difficult task when shopping at a large department store, but there are very few limitations online. If you have an upcoming vacation, don’t fret. The options online are nearly endless. Online shopping is the biggest trend for finding the styles and designs for swimwear that you want and whatever your figure — hourglass, apple- or pear-shaped — there’s something for you. 

Trendy vacation swimwear can be especially hard to find during off seasons or in cities that are usually cold. Shopping for swimsuits online can allow you to find exactly what you’re looking for with ease, and without having to search many stores. The convenience and luxury of e-commerce makes shopping for your beach vacation at swimsuitsforall simple — browse your favorite swimdress or tankini options from the comfort of your home. In the winter, many stores have nothing to offer in the way of offseason swimwear, and this can be a problem if you are traveling to a sunny destination. Don’t be unprepared for your trip or have to buy a swimsuit that isn’t flattering by not shopping online. Find a plus-size-exclusive retailer like swimsuitsforall and you’ll have thousands of choices to peruse year-round since their stock is never depleted due to weather or seasonal trends.

There are many styles that look very appealing for plus size bodies. Plus size swimsuits are no longer limited to just one piece suits. There are many two piece swimsuit options available in plus sizes. A two piece with a skirt bottom and halter top can be a great way to show off curves while still looking modest. Monokini style swimsuits with a wrap design can drape over the midsection giving a look of curvy, sexy hips. This type of suit can give you more coverage but still be cute for a day out in the sun. Two piece swimsuits with ruched tops and skirts can also keep you covered up but still looking flirty. Prints and patterns are also very trendy now, and aren’t something you should be afraid of when choosing your swimwear. Find a pattern that flows with the curves of your body and is in a bold color that you like. To see what the hottest plus size swimsuit trends are now, visit Oprah’s site to have a look at what she’s recommending this year.

There are so many great plus size swimsuits out there and you shouldn’t be afraid of trying any of the new styles or designs for yourself. Finding a swimsuit that is comfortable, stylish, and offers support can be a difficult task. But looking for your swimsuits online can make the process a lot easier. Any one of any size can have a bikini body if you know where to find the best trendy vacation swimwear online. So visit a site like swimsuitsforall to see the newest in plus size trends before time runs out and the beaches fill. Summer’s nearly here, after all; do don’t wait.

4 Significant Benefits of Renting Green Cars in Australia

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Traveling to a new destination is an exciting thing you will ever experience in your entire life. Taking a break from work or school and having time to unwind for a little while can never go wrong. However, you need to make the most out of your vacation and ensure that you will totally have fun.

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One of the most favorite places most travelers from across the globe love to visit is Australia. This stunning country is blessed with breathtaking views as well as thrilling activities fit for all ages. Once you get the opportunity to be here, you will absolutely have an unforgettable vacation.

Moreover, if you want to explore one of the beautiful cities in Australia, you can try renting a car. The best way to discover a city is by roaming around and enjoying every part of it. DriveNow offers hybrid car rentals in Cairns and Australia-wide, which makes it more convenient for every traveler who wants to go sightseeing.

While it is unusual for people to rent an environmentally friendly car while on a trip in a different city, it could still be a great idea. Apparently, there are numerous benefits of simply renting a green car, such as the following:

Renting a green car can save you more money.

Sure, some car rental companies charge more for environmentally friendly cars. Nevertheless, you could still save a lot of money when you choose this type of car because of fuel savings. There is nothing to worry about the extra cost for gas that might be charged on you once you rent a green car.

Renting a green car provides great environmental effect.

These eco-friendly cars emit greenhouse gases and add to the atmospheric pollution. Once you plan to do quite a bit of driving during your stay in Australia, it is a good idea to rent a green car to help save the environment. Everyone knows how much it is damaged today, hence, you can do a small act to prevent it from getting worse.

Renting a green car has a significant impact for business travelers.

If you travel for business and are trying to impress your partners, then choose a green car for your trip. It does not seem to be that of an impressive act, but being seen as environmentally responsible by others is really something desirable. People will look up to you as you show concern to the environment and make a difference to the world.

Renting a green car gives you peace of mind.

You won’t have to think about running out of gas when you are in an unfamiliar region, for a green car has enough “fuel” of its own at all times. Thus, this gives you peace of mind and you won’t be stressed out too when things don’t fall into place.

On the whole, your small act of choosing to rent a green car for your trip can make a huge impact. So, it is highly recommended that whenever you travel to a new place, opt for a green rental car and be one of those who want to make this world safer and more beautiful.

Cutting Costs and Emissions When Travelling Through Spain

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Travelling can be very expensive, and most options aren’t green either. It is possible to travel in a green and low-cost way though – here’s how.

 

Travel by Rail

 

Train travel is a great way of getting around Spain if you’re looking to travel the length and breadth of the country. Going between cities by bus is possible and maybe slightly cheaper, but you’ll spend a lot longer traveling. And that means you’ll have a lot less time to do the fun things.

 

If you’re thinking of travelling to lots of town and cities, and maybe even to other neighbouring countries such as France, you should definitely buy a rail pass. This will take a lot of the cost of train travel away. I wouldn’t recommend hiring a car; it’s expensive and not very green!

 

Choose Alternative Accommodation

 

As you’d expect, Spain is packed full of great hotels, but they’re not cheap. If you want to cut the costs of accommodation while in Spain, you should think about looking at other options and avoiding hotels altogether. The other options available to you are just as good but a lot cheaper.

 

So what are your options? If you’re staying in the big cities, there are lots. For example, there are lots of holiday apartments in Barcelona. You can just rent one out for the duration of your stay. You get more space than in a hotel, at a lower price. Or if you want something really low-cost, you could stay in hostels.

 

Take Your Bike

 

It’s a good idea to move between cities by using the train as I mentioned above, but when you’re getting around the towns and cities themselves, it’s best to use a bike. Spain’s streets are pretty safe and accommodating for cyclists so you have nothing to worry about as long as you stay safe and wear a helmet.

 

You’ll also save a lot of money. The last thing you want to do is waste your money on taxi fares. Walking is a possibility in some cities, but not the ones that are more spread out. If you don’t feel like cycling a lot of cities have underground metro systems that are pretty cheap.

 

Eat as the Locals Do

 

In Spain, eating food in the evening is a lot more expensive that it is during the day. That’s why a lot of people in Spain have a small breakfast, a large lunch and a small evening meal. This makes the cost of eating much cheaper than if you made your evening meal your main one.

 

There are a few other local secrets you can use to bring down the cost of eating in Spain. Firstly, don’t be lured into the big restaurants in cities like Madrid and Barcelona, they’re tourist traps. Instead find the small places to eat in. Secondly, in some cities you can get tapas for free with every alcoholic drink you buy. You might have to get drunk too, but it’s a great way of getting a free meal.

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Make sure you follow these tips if you want a green and low-cost holiday in Spain!

BackPacking In Style

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Backpacking around the world is an incredible experience for those who love a sense of adventure. Roughing it up staying in hostels whilst experiencing the amazing intrigue of other cultures, it is something that seems almost like a rite of passage for young people. With that being the case, although backpacking lends itself to only bringing the bare minimal of gear; that does not mean that you cannot travel in style! Here are a few key pieces to bring along with you that will keep you looking trendy yet practical during your ventures:

Mixing And Matching

When it comes to traveling in style, you will want to bring with you some lightweight pieces that still lend themselves to be practical. It is good to remember that you will probably be experiencing a variation of climates throughout your travels, so pack a range of pieces is vital. You can easily match these by bringing a colour palette that all compliments each other, with the idea that you can literally throw anything on and have it still look stylish!

Multi-Use Items

As you will be very limited in what it is you can actually pack, so bringing multi-use items is essential. This can range from a Swiss Army Knife, which comes in for all kinds of situations, or an X-bowl, which is great for eating. Having items such as this will work out to be hugely cost-effective for you, and what is even better is that they can still look good at the same time.

Cruise Even Whilst Travelling

More often than not whilst travelling, you will possibly find yourself in a hurry. Whether it is to a certain landmark or you are meeting up with fellow backpackers, a cost-effective and stylish way of travelling from place to place would be to invest in a Penny Board. These little skateboards are fantastic to travel with as they are easy to ride and fit in to even the smallest of backpacks; you will look effortlessly cool whilst cruising around your favourite cities.

Whilst there may only be a limited amount of ways to look the part, where possible, the clothes you take with you should be versatile, allowing for both practicality and style whilst on your travels. Whilst it is the experience of backpacking that is the most important part of your travels, this does not mean you cannot still look the part. So get ready to be the envy of every other backpacker with your trendy yet efficient new travelling gear.

Mykonos Island by Day

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Mykonos

The Cyclades islands are amongst the most popular and most beautiful in the Aegean Sea. Pebble strewn beaches stretch out before shimmering turquoise waters shadowed by ancient white cliffs. Upon these islands stand whitewashed cubist homes and markets arranged along twisting cobblestone pathways designed to protect the cities in time of danger.

Paradise Beach

Exactly what the name implies Paradise Beach is a golden sand testament to the scenic perfection of these regions. During peak season this coastline fills with tanned and oiled bodies bronzing in the warm Mediterranean sun. Paradise Beach has become known as a center of activity for young enthusiastic party goers taking advantage of the progressive attitude that is possessed by the community. Beachfront bars offer cocktails in the sand where lounge chairs and sunbeds line the water’s edge. Guest DJs, abundant drinks and even a submersion pool ensure the festivities endure long into the morning hours. In the offseason this area a wonderful place to take in the natural beauty of the island.

Windmills

As you enter the port of Aleksandra the first thing you’re likely to notice are the 16 windmills sitting atop the most famous hill in Mykonos. These iconic sentries have stood for nearly five hundred years. A testament to the innovation of early inhabitants the windmills once powered the granaries of the island. Now they are a picturesque reminder of a rich and enduring history.

One of these structures has been converted into a museum for visitors, the remaining one continue to face north where the majority of the strongest winds prevailed. From atop the hill on the west side of the island magnificent panoramic views of the town of Chora (the name for main port of Mykonos), the harbor and not so distant neighboring islands are plentiful for the appreciative viewer. Few better places exist to watch the sunset than here.

Little Venice

Once when Mykonos was just a fishing village, sailors used to purchase land directly on the sea and make their homes there. These buildings still stand today. Colorful stone faced structures with windows that sat only a few feet above the waves themselves. Today many of the buildings have been converted into taverns and markets run by local artisans, fishermen and jewelry makers. Caprice bar is located only a few feet away from the harbor, perfect for walking in directly from the sand and enjoying a cocktail while lounging on the terrace.

Hotel Mykonos Theoxenia

Theoxenia – www.mykonostheoxenia.com, is a one of kind boutique establishment on the island, famous for its innovative architecture and dedication to the preservation of island history. Now proclaimed a preserved property the hotel is a glamorous masterpiece of craftsmanship. Surrounded by the bright colors of blown glass and the familiar texture of classical Grecian stone foundations, visitors enjoy the finest in class and elegance with unrivaled access to seaside vistas and gentle island breezes.

SohoSoho

Towards the end of your afternoon as evening begins to set in you may want to take a stroll the stone streets of old town. These passageways were once designed to confuse marauders who invaded the village during attacks. Today they offer a convenient excuse to lose yourself amongst the charm and old world splendor of modern day Grecian society. It only takes a few turns to find yourself face to face with the true spirit of the town making new discoveries by the minute and engaging all the senses in a feast of perception.

Listen as the shopkeepers chatter amongst themselves and invite visitors in to try their wares. Smell the revitalizing salt water mixing with the spices from local eateries and flat breads of the bakeries. Feel free to stop in and have a taste of the most delicious cuisine the mediterranean has to offer. On your journey stop in at SohoSoho the finest shopping available. A standout from the other shops in the area celebrities from around the world have been spotted shopping here picking up the most recognized names in fashion from the undisputed expert on the island.

Find The Best Cities to Live in Within The US

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USThere is no doubt that the Internet now provides us with a wealth of information in all manner of guises, whether looking for financial advice, the latest scores relating to a particular sport or medical advice. In addition one of the benefits of the Internet is the ability to access a wealth of information quickly and effectively. This is particularly relevant for those who are looking at moving or living in a particular area and who wish to find and review relevant information on that particular area. The kind of information now available can include everything from climatic conditions through to employment information, property prices as well as local amenities.

Most would agree that certain elements or facets of an area, in many ways dictates why they live there. Whether it is because of the weather, relatives who live near by, or that they were born and raised in the area, there is always some main reason for an individual to choose a relevant location to reside in. However for many, additional factors come in to play especially if children are involved and need to be considered. Which locations have the best schools, work opportunities, climate, and property prices all play a vital role in the overall decision.

If searching for information such as the best cities to live in within the US or some similar request, the internet provides the answer. There is a wealth of useful information available online, which can help the individual make their choice by being fully informed regarding any specific region or area. Information available includes an almost limitless supply of data in statistical format which relates to the important factors such as:

  • Property Values and historical data
  • Crime rates – broken down into specific areas
  • Employment rates and opportunities
  • Climatic conditions – Historically and current
  • Education – relevant education establishments
  • Cost of living
  • Local amenities

All of the above and more can be found through relevant resources on the internet and the more useful resources will also provide all of this information within one website, meaning that for any individual who is considering relocating to another area, having all of this useful data to hand ensures that they can make the right decision.