It's the New Year, and for many Americans that means a new bank of vacation days and the promise of an unforgettable vacation in the months to come. So, tired of sifting through the overwhelming number of vacation brochures on your kitchen table? The Orbitz Insider is naming seven new hotspots in 2007-- for every traveler from adventure seekers to history buffs -- to make your decision easier.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Continuing its remarkable comeback after hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is bustling and thriving once again. Events are plentiful in New Orleans in 2007 as the city welcomes travelers back for events like its always-outlandish Mardi Gras celebration in February and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in April. In addition to these staple events, the French Quarter Festival, also in April, gives travelers yet another reason to stroll down Bourbon Street, with music on 14 stages and booths full of famous Cajun cuisine.
Jamestown, Virginia
“Olde†is new again at Jamestown, the first English settlement in the United States. This year marks the 400th anniversary of this historic town. As part of the celebration there will be events throughout 2007, including America’s Anniversary Weekend Celebration, May 11-13. From concerts to children’s events and fireworks, this town and event make for the perfect educational and fun family vacation. History buffs can explore life-size re-creations of the colonists' fort, a Powhatan Native American village and three replicas of the ships which sailed from England to Virginia bringing settlers to the United States.
Alaska – Via Cruise Ship
Our countrymen to the far North have it all -- wildlife, glaciers, mountains, and even luxury if you choose to see it all on a cruise. Cruising is one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry -- and cruising Alaska you can see whales, fjords, and maybe some Grizzly bears all in one day. Cruisers can also leave the ship for some serious adventure excursions like helicopter touring, glacier trekking and sea kayaking, where you can get up-close and personal with Alaska’s extreme -- and extremely beautiful -- landscape. Keep in mind as you plan that the Alaskan cruise season only runs from May to September and booking far in advance is highly recommended.
San Juan Islands, Washington
Since 2005, 12.6 million people have started kayaking according to the Outdoor Industry Association. This growth has spurred great interest in travel to places like the San Juan Islands, a known sea kayaking hotspot. Located about an hour and a half north of Seattle, kayakers from novice to expert can explore the San Juan Islands’ beautiful landscape and wildlife, which includes Orca whales, seals and a variety of birds. For adventurers that just can’t get enough of the water, the San Juan Islands also boast outstanding scuba diving as well as fishing and sailing.
Valencia, Spain
Located on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, Valencia is a history rich city on the rise. With roots dating back to 138 BC, the architecture of this seaside city is not to be missed. In 2007, Valencia will be host to the 32nd Annual America’s Cup final, the most renowned sailing competition in the world. Known for its excellent sailing conditions, the finals in Valencia will be held between June 23 and July 7. And not only can you watch this year, you can actually learn to sail yourself. People from nine years old and up will have the opportunity to learn how to sail in the same environment as the America’s Cup sailors.
Krakow, Poland
Often referred to as the “new Prague,†Krakow is considered the cultural center of Poland. Krakow is known for its museums and its extremely well-preserved architecture, including castles and cathedrals dating back to the Medieval and Renaissance periods. This city also has a vibrant social scene, with one of its most notable events being Carnival -- a two-month non-stop party in January and February with events at restaurants and nightclubs throughout the city. If you can’t make it for Carnival, other festivals are held throughout the year, giving travelers many chances to celebrate with the locals no matter the season.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Travel to Ho Chi Minh City in 2007 and get a glimpse of a country on the verge of opening up to the world. Ho Chi Minh City blends modern day Vietnam’s upscale restaurants and entertainment, with traditional Vietnamese street markets and sidewalk cafes. In the bustling metropolis there is the Ben Thanh Market, selling everything from flowers and seafood to fabrics and glassware. Travelers can also visit the Museum of Vietnamese History, featuring an extensive collection of Vietnamese antiquities. Ho Chi Minh City is also a great launch point to visit many beautiful beach destinations or the Mekong Delta, one of the richest agricultural areas of Vietnam.
Courtesy of ARA Content
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Lanesborough Town Meeting to Vote Budget, Bylaws & Vehicle Purchases
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Tuesday's annual town meeting includes a $14 million operating budget, new short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units and sign bylaws, and free cash article appropriations.
Voters will gather at Lanesborough Elementary School on June 9 at 6 p.m. to decide on 20 warrant articles.
The fiscal 2027 budget is up a little over 10 percent. Some of the main increases are the Mount Greylock Regional School District and McCann Technical School: the McCann assessment is up more than 30 percent based on factors including enrollment and the school renovation project, and Mount Greylock's is up 11 percent.
Article 11 is for the town to vote to approve from free cash the sum of $16,298.48 for the McCann Technical School roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget. Article 3 is appropriate $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School assessment.
Another notable increase was in life and health insurance, showing an increase of about 26 percent.
Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. One of the articles asks the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses.
Many town departments are looking for new vehicles. The Fire Department is looking to replace its outdated 1996 fire engine. There are two articles related to the truck at a total of $813,366. Article 12 would transfer $225,000 from free cash into the Fire Truck Stabilization Fund; Article 13 would transfer $605,000 from the fund and authorize the borrowing of $208,366.08.
The total includes a $100,000 contingency cost to cover any additional costs if a 2026 model-year chassis cannot be secured before new emissions standards go into effect in 2027.
The board at its last meeting moved the $225,000 transfer to come before the borrowing article, changing the stabilization number. If the $225,000 is not voted on, then they will amend the next article's number on the floor, subtracting the $225,000. This shows the borrowing number significantly lower.
Article 17 asks for the transfer of $80,000 from free cash to replace a police cruiser.
Police Chief Rob Derksen's aim is to replace one vehicle every other year, meaning the oldest vehicle gets replaced about every 10 years.
He stressed that if delayed this year, the town may have to double up in a future year to get back on schedule, and that paying later usually costs more. The article will ask for $80,000 from free cash, the vehicles used to be funded by the BHRD.
Lastly, the Highway Department is looking to replace a 2014 International dump truck that will be a total of $330,000 and will take two to three years to receive.
Money will be used from last year's approval of $250,000 from free cash for the replacement of a 2012 highway front-end loader that was underspent $49,261. Town meeting is being asked to approve a transfer of $53,274.85 from free cash and the use of $227,464 from funds from the Sale of Town Real Estate to fund the balance.
Other free cash proposals include $1,200 to purchase software to support tracking and ongoing maintenance schedules of town-owned vehicles; $42,000 for the replacement of the Highway Department's storage shed roof, $200,000 to reduce the tax levy.
As the school year winds down, the sun was shining high as Morris Elementary School and the community celebrated student success with a splash. click for more
The Berkshire Community College community celebrated outgoing President Ellen Kennedy for the innovation, kindness, and curiosity she has fostered on campus over the last 14 years. click for more
Cassidy Flynn scattered five hits in a complete-game effort in the circle as Lenox upset top-seeded Hoosac Valley, 3-2, in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament. click for more
Brayden Durant struck out seven and walked one in a complete-game effort on the mound Saturday to pitch the Drury baseball team to a 6-0 win over Keefe Tech in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament at Joe Wolfe Field. click for more
Anthony Salatino Jr. says his memory is getting a little foggy about his time in the Army.
But he remembers how terrible D-Day was, and feeling lucky he wasn't among those in the initial invasion force 82 years ago. click for more
