10 Places to See in Europe Before You Die

Experience The Best of What Europe Has to Offer

This Lens I made for YOU! The most interesting and beautiful places in Europe: Pictures, Tips, Itineraries and other useful and fun stuff on the BEST places in Europe to visit! Croatia, Amsterdam, Berlin are just some of the places we will explore on this journey to Europe. Enjoy the read.

Why I made this lens for YOU

Yes, I'm European and Yes, I travel a lot in Europe and Yes, I love Europe!

And especially that last one is the reason I made this lens for all you travellers out there! If you're planning a trip to Europe: Check this lens first and remember that I've been to every single place that you'll see here.

Ask me!
If you want to know more about any place in Europe, how to get there, what to visit and what Not to visit, just ask me! Leave a Blurb or e-mail me!

Suggestions
Since I'm not the only passionate Europe-traveller out there and I'm pretty sure I haven't nearly seen it all: Tell me which places to add to my lens!
Your suggestions are more than welcome!

#1 Dubrovnik

Courtesy of dearharry

Dubrovnik - Croatia

My own 'Great Wall of China'

Why I usually refer to the ancient city of Dubrovnik as my own 'Great Wall of China' in Europe?

The answer is simple: nowhere did I experience such a feeling as when first catching the first glimp of the tremendous view over the city of Dubrovnik. As you walk down to the city gates this feeling in you grows and grows, to reach it's climax as you climb the magnificent city walls with their view over the Mediterranean... You imagine how the inhabitants of this city must have felt back then: as kings of the world, gods of the Mediterranean...

You see, it's hard to describe. Me and even far greater photographers than me have tried to capture this feeling. Have tried to capture the city and it's history. And I'm sorry to conclude: None have succeeded.

Go There!

A history of Dubrovnik
This walled City was described by Lord Byron as "The Pearl of the Adriatic".
The town was founded in the 7th century on a site called Ragusium by the Romans. It was under the protection of the Byzantine Empire between 867 and 1205, of Venice until 1358, of Hungary until 1526, and of the Ottoman Empire until 1806, but remained largely self-governing as an independent republic. In the 16th century Dubrovnik had one of the greatest merchant fleets in the Mediterranean, and it remained the chief cultural centre for the South Slavs until the 19th century. Napoleon abolished the city-republic of Dubrovnik in 1808, and the Congress of Vienna ceded the town to Austria in 1815. By the terms of the Treaty of Rapallo (1920) following World War I, the town became part of the newly created Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia). During World War II Dubrovnik was occupied by Italian and German forces. In 1991, when Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia, Serbian forces laid siege to and bombarded the town, destroying many sites of historical importance. It has now been fully restored to its former Glory.

Dubrovnik Video

This is an excellent video on Dubrovnik. It gives you a live glimpse of one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe.

UNIQUE DUBROVNIK

#2 Amsterdam - The Netherlands

Amsterdam - The Netherlands

So much more than Wooden shoes, coffeeshops and the Red Light District!

Amsterdam, world-renowned for its romantic canals and the imposing architecture of the 17th century, a period often called as the "Golden Century". Amsterdam is the sparkling heart of Holland and will definitely get your blood pumping.

Amsterdam is a party town 365 days a year, with a harmonious co-existence of the historical and the modern, in a melting pot of nationalities that have only further contributed to the city's charms.

Amsterdammers are deservedly proud of their city and the gorgeous centre. Whatever it is you are looking for it can be found here, in a laid-back atmosphere that is exclusive to this monumental metropolis.

Getting Around in Amsterdam

Lonely Planet: My favourite travel-resource! (And I'm not alone it seems...)

Trust me, I lived in Amsterdam AND own these Lonely-planets: The only better resource available to you would be me! :-)

 

Travel to Europe on Expedia

Explore these places to die with Expedia. Use an expedia coupon code for tremendous savings to all places related to Europe! Expedia has frequent deals to Europe, so to maximize your savings use an expedia coupon if available.

Berlin - Germany

'All the bullet holes of the world, you can find in Berlin'

The first and second world war, the cold war, the Berlin Wall... Berlin IS Europe's history of the 20th century. You see and feel it everywhere you go.
But what you see and feel too is a reborn cultural capital of Europe. Go there and experience the history, the culture, the people, the parties, the laid back atmosphere... Berlin is more than even the 'Berliners' themselves would expect!

Berlin Cityscape(from Wikipedia.org)
The city's appearance today is predominantly shaped by the key role it played in Germany's history in the 20th century. Each of the national governments based in Berlin-the 1871 German Empire, the Weimar Republic, Nazi Germany, East Germany, and now the reunified Germany-initiated ambitious construction programs, each with its own distinctive character. Berlin was devastated by bombing raids during World War II and many of the old buildings that escaped the bombs were eradicated in the 1950s and 1960s in both West and East. Much of this destruction was initiated by municipal architecture programs to build new residential or business quarters and main roads. Berlin's unique recent history has left the city with an eclectic array of architecture and sights.

In the eastern part, many Plattenbauten can be found, reminders of Eastern Bloc ambitions to create complete residential areas with fixed ratios of shops, kindergartens and schools. Another difference between former east and west is in the design of little red and green men on pedestrian crossing lights (Ampelmännchen in German); the eastern versions received an opt-out during the standardization of road traffic signs after reunification. The eastern Ampelmännchen design is now used in the western part of the city as well.

Picture: Branderburger Tor
The Brandenburg Gate (German: Brandenburger Tor) is a former city gate and the symbol of Berlin, Germany. It is located between the Pariser Platz and the Platz des 18. März and is the only remaining gate of a series through which one formerly entered Berlin. One block to its north lies the Reichstag. It constitutes the monumental termination of Unter den Linden, the renowned boulevard of Lime trees which led directly to the royal residence. It was commissioned by Friedrich Wilhelm II as a sign of peace and built by Carl Gotthard Langhans from 1788 to 1791.

Getting around in Berlin

Lonely Planet: My favourite travel-resource! (And I'm not alone it seems...)

Inside advice: Rent a bike to get around Berlin! You'll see everything in this biker-friendly city at your own pace!

Switzerland - See everything!

(It's a small country)

Where to start on Switzerland... The lakes in summer? The mountains in winter? The Montreux Jazz Festival, the best skiing slopes in the world, beautiful mountain hiking, shopping in Geneva, Partying in Zurich...
So much to see and to do! And everything so fresh and clean! Go there!

Winter: Forget Aspen, go high-society and ski in St. Moritz with the rich and shameless of Europe.

Summer: Pack your backpack in summer and hike, hike, hike and hike through the most beautiful mountain landscapes.
Or: rent a convertible and just drive, drive, drive. From Geneva to Lugano is a great trip: Lakes, cute towns, mountain roads, snowy peaks, hot boulevards.

Getting around in Switzerland

Lonely Planet: My favourite travel-resource! (And I'm not alone it seems...)

Personal tip for getting around in Switzerland in summer: Rent a convertible! Inhale the fresh mountain air while cruising over gorgeous mountain roads and pass by beautiful lakes!

 

The Plitvice Lakes - Croatia

If God would have had Photoshop...

Or did he? Visit the Plitvice lakes and waterfalls and experience every color nature has to offer in every glance!

Plitvice National Park in Croatia is considered to be one of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe. Due to its natural beauty and significance, this system of 16 interlinked lakes and a large forest complex around it were set aside as a national park in 1949. In 1979 the park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The sixteen lakes are separated into an upper and lower cluster formed by runoff from the mountains, descending from an altitude of 636 m to 503 m over a distance of some 8 km, aligned in a south-north direction.

The lakes are separated by natural dams of travertine, which is deposited by the action of moss, algae and bacteria. The encrusted plants and bacteria accumulate on top of each other, forming travertine barriers which grow at the rate of about 1 cm per year.

The lakes are renowned for their distinctive colours, ranging from azure to green, grey or blue. The colours change constantly depending on the quantity of minerals or organisms in the water and the angle of sunlight.

Plitvice Lakes

A truly magnificent God creation. Listen to the sounds of the waterfalls and admire this marvel!

The Voices of Water / Le voci dell'acqua

 

Getting around in Plitvice and Croatia

Lonely Planet: My favourite travel-resource! (And I'm not alone it seems...)

Backpackers: Take the bus (cheap!) all along the cost roads (incredibly beautiful!) and make a detour to the inlands to hike through Plitvice park!
Little more budget? Rent a car but don't drive south on saturdays: Thousands of locals will do the same with you...

 

Rome

Courtesy of WTL photos

Rome - Italy

Capital of the World

Rome, capital of the world, the Eternal City, the city of the seven hills or simply the City: enough reasons to visit and get impressed by the many, many, many historical sights... Smell ancient Rome in the middle of this cosmopolitan-crazy Italian capital.

The old 'capital of the world' is thoroughly modern and cosmopolitan. As one of the few major European cities that escaped World War II relatively unscathed, central Rome remains essentially Renaissance and Baroque in character. The Historic Centre of Rome is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Situated on the River Tiber, between the Apennine Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea, the "Eternal City" was once the administrative center of the mighty Roman Empire, governing a vast region that stretched all the way from Britain to Mesopotamia. Today the metropolitan area is home to around 3.3 million people.

Don't forget to stop by the most iconic image of Rome, the Colosseum. This is where gladiator games and public spectacles were held for free. These games were brutal, with gladiators fighting each other until death. Gladiators were also at times forced to fight animals such as lions.

Rome Must See Sights

Rome Italy Top 5

 

Getting around in Rome

Lonely Planet: My favourite travel-resource! (And I'm not alone it seems...)

Get your kicks on route sixty...ehm... do like the locals, rent a Scooter and experience Rome from your trendy Aprillia with the sun on your face!

 

Greece - Meteora

Imagine buildings on top of huge mountain rocks. This is exactly what Meteora is

.

Photo by: cod gabriel

Meteora means suspended in air. Hermit Byzantine monks in the ninth century first inhbited these mountains, living on fissures and caves along the rocks to spend time with God. In the 14th century, these hermit monks built 20 different monastaries to get away from Turkish occupation. The tall cliffs were the perfect escape for these monks. At first only ladders and ropes were the only way to reach these monestaries. During the 1920s steps were carved out making it more accessible. Today only six monestaries remain.

Best times to go May and June, it has the most comfortable weather. Acquaint yourself with Greek Orthodoxy to get the most enjoyment.

How to go: use buses from Thessaloniki, Ioannina, Trikala, and Athens. Lots of lodging options in Kalampaka at the base of Meteora.

Vacation in Riverside County, CA

Discover Riverside County

The kids are out of school for two weeks. The weather may not be hot but is certainly comfortable enough for most outdoor activities. There are many family activities that will appeal to all ages but the best place to get into the Christmas spirit is at the Mission Inn. Wander the hotel and the grounds and enjoy the lights. It's all free.

Los Angeles has a lot to offer but for something a little different, try Riverside County. There are great places to stay and wonderful things to see and do. Southern California residents looking for a Staycation, should consider some of the suggestion listed here. There may not be time to do them all.

Mission Inn

Historic downtown Riverside

Given a choice of places to stay at Christmas time, the Mission Inn is a prime choice. The well-appointed hotel is one of the hot spots in the area. It offers packages that are slightly pricey but well worth it.

Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn

The Mission Inn in Riverside, CA is more than just a destination. Families come from everywhere at Christmas to see the historic hotel covered in lights. Each year there is a lighting ceremony. Carolers in Victorian dress stroll the grounds, entertaining visitors. The Inn sits in a two block area that is closed to vehicle traffic. There are many fun shops to wander through. There is an ice-skating rink and vendors galore. Horse drawn carriages tour the Mission Inn area with interesting facts about the historical buildings. This is a family Christmas tradition for many and they return year after year.

The Perris Railroad Station Museum and the Orange Empire Railway Museum

These two attractions should be seen together. They are close to each other and their past is tied together.

The Perris Railroad Museum

The history of the station and the people it served is detailed here.

Orange Empire Railway Museum

A short five miles from the Railroad Station, the Orange Empire Railway Museum is a train lovers delight. Plan to be entertained for hours walking the train barn seeing the restorations. Ride different trolleys and trains around the grounds. Let the kids ring all the railroad crossing signals. Great family entertainment. Thomas the Train is a yearly visitor.

Grand reopening of the Perris Raillroad Station

Recently refurbished, it is now part of the Metrolink station that will be opening soon. On weekend, the trains run to the Station from the Orange Empire Railroad Museum. Huell Howser was the master of ceremonies at the reopening.

Riverside County is a very big place

No one can list all the things to entertain and amaze visitors to Riverside County. You can boat on the Colorado River and play in the snow at Idyllwild. There are desert trails to run with ATV's and hiking trails on Mt. San Jacinto. Listed here are just a few.

Western Center for Archaeology and Paleontology, Hemet California

Well worth a visit

Western Center for Archaeology and Paleontology, Hemet California

This is a great place for kids. There are several interactive displays and the kids also get to create a dinosaur bone. These fossils were discovered when the Metropolitan Water District decided to create another water source for the area. Mammoth roamed our area. How exciting!

Pennypickles Workshop - Children's Museum - Temecula, CA

Where everyone can be a kid

Pennypickles Workshop

Great museum for children. Great museum for parents. Touch everything, play with everything. This small museum is crammed full of fun things to do.

Visit Temecula

Temecula, CA

Palm Springs, CA

A travel destination on its own

Palm Springs is a destination that many people head for during Christmas vacation. It is probably the warmest "hot spot" destination in Riverside County. However, there are many other things to see and do in the area.

More things to do in Riverside County

All the side trips from Palm Springs are with an hours drive. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is just north of the town. If you come in on Hwy 111, you have to pass it on your way in. t The Desert Hills Premium Outlet boasts such stores as Prada, Dior, Boss, Gucci and Giorgio Armani. It that was not enough, there is the Cabazon Outlets right next door. The Morongo Casino is not hard to miss. The Wheel Inn is a slice of Americana where the food is wholesome and the restaurant itself a museum. Claude Bell who ran the Wheel Inn built two dinosaurs on the property. Right down the road is Hadley's Date Farm, the place of the date shakes. Just past Hwy 111 on the 10 freeway, is the San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm. It's almost futuristic. More information on these great side trips is provided in the link.

Every time we take our family out of town, we stop at the Wheel Inn. The food is good but not a year has gone by that we don't have pictures of our children and now grandchild taken with the dinosaurs. Some people mark height on the wall, we have dinosaurs.

Have a Riverside County destination you want to share?

Add it here

Road trip from California to Maine

OR...How to travel in a RV and not pay for a single night of lodging

This is the picture we taped to the dashboard in the truck the day we left.

We were invited to visit friends in Maine and take a tour of the Camden Harbor on his lobster boat. We had three weeks and a camper but not a lot of money. We discovered the "RVer's Friend", planned our route and left on one of the hottest days of the year.

I can honestly say that it was the trip of a lifetime. What we found was the most amazing, beautiful country.

What was even more amazing is that we spent every night free. We stayed at Truck Stops and Travel Plazas. We took showers, ate our way across the country and all of it without paying for a nights lodging.

This is a two part story. Look for the link at the bottom for the trip home. We visited many other places.

Our route

visited 14 states (28%)
Create your own visited map of The United States

9/21/2002 - Odometer reading 190948

I never take pictures of California because it is not a vacation until we hit the border of another state

We left at 9:12 am on our big adventure. Gas in 2002 was $1.49 a gallon. We visited Oatman, Arizona on our way and ended up in Flagstaff, Arizona for our first night out. We stayed for free at the Conoco Station.

Welcome to Arizona

9/22/2002

Flagstaff, Arizona to Tucumcari, New Mexico

We stopped for lunch at the Red Rock State Park in New Mexico. We had camped there before and it is an incredibly beautiful place. Stayed at the Chevron Station in Tucumcari. It was noisy but we slept well. When we pulled into the dirt lot, we had it all to ourselves. When we woke up, we were surrounded by what appeared to be hundreds of big rigs.

Welcome to New Mexico

9/23/2002

Tucumcari, New Mexico to Tulsa, Oklahoma.

We drove 527 miles and spent 13 hours on the road. Might have taken less time if we had not stopped at so many places. Tip here...If you are driving through this area, add another day to the trip. By the time we got to Maine, we were a full day behind. For those who have not traveled America, around every corner is another sight to see.

Spent some time at the Oklahoma City Memorial.This is a must-see where time really did stop between the two walls that were erected to contain the minute the bomb went off. Children do not run and play here. Almost without being told, they recognize the tone of this memorial. I have pictures on the companion lens, Attractions on Route 66.

Welcome to Texas?

9/24/2001

Tulsa Oklahoma to Cuba Missouri

We spent time visiting family in Springfield, Missouri. Last day in Missouri, stayed at the Voss Truck Port in Cuba, Missouri. Showers were $10.00.

(Note - 5/23/2011 - Joplin was destroyed by a tornado yesterday. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families in this area.)

Welcome to Oklahoma

9/25/2002

Cuba, Missouri to Swanson, Ohio

We drove all day. Covered 585 miles in 13 hours. Spent the night at the Sunoco Travel Plaza in Swanson. Did you know that from Cuba, MO to Swanson, OH covers four states. At this point we were falling behind in our schedule.

Those four states were revisted on the way home but the only picture we took on that day was the Mississippi River. Our very first every view of the river.

9/26/2002

Swenson, Ohio to Erie, Pennsylvania

One of our goals was to spend some time with friends in Erie. At this point we were a full day behind in our schedule so we were very happy to finally be there.

Gary (my husband - dressed like a California Tourist), me and Patty at Lake Erie. We don't live where lakes are this big. We can always see across our lakes so this was interesting.

9/27/2002

Erie, Pennsylvania to Rochester, NY

Still running a day behind, we took off with Patty and Jim and headed to Niagara Falls. Stopped at the Seneca Nation Reservation to eat lunch, good food.

Took the Maid of the Mist boat trip. What an incredible experience. From there, we crossed the Peace Bridge on foot into Canada to eat lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe and then bid farewell to Jim and Patty to continue our journey.

Spent the night at the Scottsville Travel Plaza on I-90.

9/29/2002

Rochester, New York to Rockland, Maine

Do you know that there are only two off-ramps in New Hampshire and neither of them have restrooms. Use the restrooms in New York or wait until you get to Massachusetts.

Made it to Alan's house in Rockland, Maine.

Photo Gallery

Welcome to New Hampshire - Remember there are no restrooms.

Downtown Camden, Maine

Travel Tips

Enjoy your trip! We live in a beautiful country and each state is beautiful in it's own way. We ate lobster in Maine, saw Plymouth Rock. We saw Lincoln's house in Springfield, IL. We traveled the entire Route 66. We saw Niagara Falls. We traveled through 14 states.

• Start with www.freecampgrounds.com and www.desertdutch.org. Both of these web sites provided us with the inspiration and information to plan a trip like this. We bought the "RVers Friend". Plan out your route and head out. This is the most amazing adventure and we plan all our trips this way now.
• Decide how long you plan to drive and then about 2 hours before your deadline, look up a place and head towards it. In our case, we spent more of our time off the highway and more on back roads. There are so many things to see so your destination for the night might change, depending on how many time you stop for sightseeing. We ended up a whole day behind schedule because we stopped at the Oklahoma Memorial and the largest cross in Texas.
• Check out where you plan to stay. Does it meet your needs? We only changed our minds once in New Mexico when we were uneasy with the truck stop. It was probably fine but everyone has a feeling about something once in a while. Stick with your feelings. Be alert. Even well patrolled stops have not so nice people.
• Find a parking space. Most of them are fairly close to the facilities. Please do not treat it like a campground. It is not a campground but a place to sleep. Please keep the area clean.
• It matters little what kind of RV you travel in. It could be a travel trailer or 5th wheel. The only vehicle that does not lend itself to this type of travel is a pop-up trailer. Be a good citizen. Do not setup a campsite. Keep you slide-outs closed. This is a privileged granted by the various stops and is only for an overnight stay.
• If possible, park away from the big trucks. It's noisy. Many places have spots for RV's only.
• Use the facilities at the truck stops. Many of the showers are nicer than mine at home and some have family showers.
• Chicken Fried Steak gets bigger the further east you go.
• At many Wal-marts, you can spend the night free. Watch for signs posted in the parking lot, many cities now have regulations that forbid it. If in doubt, ask at the store.
• If you are in Salem, MA, follow the parking regulations and the streets are too small for larger RV's.

Lobster Fest

What a great meal that can never be recreated.

Santa Catalina Island, California

We're going to Catalina

The last time we went to Long Beach, on a sunny and clear day, Catalina was visible from the shore. My grandson reminded me that since I was pulling him out of public school, he would be missing his 5th grade trip to the Catalina Science Camp. This is a big deal because it is three days of fun for the kids and he will not be going. Actually he said, "I've waited since Kindergarten!"

Catalina is not new to me. I grew up in Southern California and have been visiting there for more than 50 years. Still, since I haven't been there in several years I am back to being a tourist again. So, before we go, research is needed. What has changed and what remains the same?

As I find them, I will add my own pictures. I have lots and lots.

Before beginning, you must set the mood

My first trip to Catalina Island was in 1953. We traveled on the Big White Steamship until 1975 when it was taken out of service. Catalina was a once a year family outing. What do I remember most? The flying fish, the dolphins and the island children who would swim out to meet the boat and collect the coins that were thrown to them by the passengers.

The S.S. Catalina was built for William Wrigley Jr. who owned most of Catalina at a cost of $1 million dollars. The ship was built in 1924 and between 1924 and 1975 the S.S. Catalina carried about 25 million passengers. 5 million passengers between Los Angeles and Avalon Harbor. According to the Steamship Historical Society of America, the Catalina has carried more passengers than any other vessel anywhere.

The S.S. Catalina was left to rot, sitting in the Ensenada Harbor for about 12 years. The scrapping of the SS Catalina finally began in January 2009 and was finished by 2010. This breaks my heart as I was also one of those who fought to save the ship.

1953 to 1967

During these years we learned one large truth. Do not let 6-yr-old children eat peas after riding the steamship. To this day, my brother will not touch anything that has peas. Made quite an impression on all of us. In those days, we often took our own lunches to eat on the beach although we occasionally ate in the restaurant that faced the beach. I doubt that it is still there.

However, Lloyd's of Avalon Confectionery is still there and still making salt water taffy in the window. We never left the Island without a bag and still never do. Yes, we can get taffy anywhere but it is just not the same.This is the picture from the Lloyd's of Avalon website. The web address is below for more pictures of beautiful candy.

In 1966, I went with a group of friends on one the the father's boat. We docked in Avalon Harbor and played around in town before anchoring more towards Two Harbors so we could swim. I am a good swimmer and made it to shore but had a hard time getting back. Still, it was fun.

Getting to Catalina Island

I like the boat best. The helicopter ride was interesting and as soon as I got there, I traded my ride back for the boat.

Catalina Express

This is not the big white steamship but it will do. I really miss the bigger boat (ship?). Watch out for people who get seasick. We nicknamed one lady "barfy".

Catalina Chamber of Commerce

This site has all the information you will need to get to and from Catalina Island and getting around to all the attractions. Very helpful. I am still getting the golf cart.

Lodging

Let's face it, all of these are favorite places to stay. There are some very high-end hotels but we grew up as less than high-end and have very fond memories of these hotels. These are all close to the beach and the shopping and the dining.

Hermosa Hotel

Spent a lot of time at this hotel. It does have kitchen units so it is a cost saver when it comes to meals.

Glenmore Plaza

Certainly has been upgraded since the last time I stayed there. Still a fun place and as they say, 50 steps to the beach.

Pavillion Hotel

Updated and upgraded, this is one of the nicest places to stay. It is slightly more upscale and has many more amenities.

Atwater Hotel

Built in the 1920's this is another favorite place to stay.

1868 - 1980

Catalina Island was the place of my honeymoon. We stayed at the Hermosa Hotel because it was the cheapest place to stay and we had no money. It still is the cheapest place to stay. It is old and even then seemed rickety. However, my girlfriend and I used to take our kids there for weeks at a time. The six kids who ranged in age from 5-yrs-old to 10-yrs-old, roamed the Island freely. Can't do that now but it was not so crowded then. I am still looking at the Hermosa as a place to stay. I actually love the older buildings. This is a picture of the Hermosa from their website.

I am also checking out the Glenmore Hotel as well as the Atwater. The Atwater is older too but is a fun place to stay and when I had more money, it was the place I would head to. The Pavilion Hotel is another nice place to stay. It is on Crescent Avenue and faces the beach.

Things to do

You would think that on a small island there would not be much to do. Believe me, you could spend a week on the beach or take many of the opportunities to take a trip back into history. If that;s not enough, there are nature trails, places for camping and the windward side of the island to visit. Two Harbor (more commonly known as "The Isthmus") on the other end of the island is not as developed but is a village in its own right.

Two Harbors

Food and lodging is available here and there are a few campground. One is for boats. Different feel from Avalon.

Glass Bottom Boat

Probably the most famous attraction. We no longer take this tour but will have to when we take our grandson. Everyone who comes to visit wants to take this tour. It is actually really great and is a must see.

Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens

This is a great place to visit. Look for the "Grandfather Cactus".

Casino and Theater Tour

The Casino tour pulls you back in time when people flocked to the island from the mainland to see the big bands that played there. The theater is beautiful.

Inland Tour

This tour is 31 miles through the interior of the island. The trip is completed in a 1950's Flxible Bus. The tour runs the 1800's stagecoach route. This is also the best way to see the wild beauty on the backside of the island. Passengers can spot the bison that inhabit the area as well as bald eagles and mule deer.

Golf Car Rental

Probably the best way to see Avalon is in a golf cart. A lot of the area is hills so walking in not necessarily the way to go. This can take you by the Wrigley Mansion that used to be open to the public but is now an upscale bed and breakfast. It will take you to the Wrigley Memorial. It can take you to the Casino and just cruise the streets and envy the people who live there year round. Besides, it is just plain fun. .

1981 to present

If you have a good understanding of Catalina and its history, it is fun to take out-of-towners there. When family comes to visit, it is one of the destinations they want to visit. At one time, I considered buying a house there. In hindsight, not doing so was one of my biggest mistakes. Still, that's the past and we are looking forward to our trip in September. The boy is completely excited. While he will miss the 5th grade trip, Catalina Island has several science camps and we plan to visit each one and decide which one suits him the best. It will be a very fun vacation.

Places to eat

I could probably make a meal out of the candy at Lloyd's of Avalon but there are restaurants on the Island. My favorite place closed down and the bar I used to visit is also gone. There are some very expensive places to eat and the grab-a-meal stands. There are two grocery stores and if we are spending more than a day, we plan to eat in the hotel for many of our meals. However, there are a few favorites left.

Keep in mind that this is a tourist destination so food is everywhere.

Lloyd's of Avalon

Salt Water Taffy- Yum!

Places to eat

This is the Catalina Flyer Site but it has a good list of places to eat. We like the Pancake Cottage, Sally's Waffles and Original Jack's Country Kitchen. The Mi Casita is good and for a more expensive meal, we eat at the El Galleon.

Timeshares At the Massanutten Resort – A Relief Or A Burden?

The Timeshares At the Massanutten Resort

For more than 3 decades, the Massanutten Resort caters vacationers to the wonderful Shenandoah Valley in McGaheysville, Virginia. Now, this popular timeshare vacation destination is planning to expand. As they build more timeshare units, would they bring relief or just burden?

The Rockingham County board of supervisors have finally approved their request to build more timeshare units. There are already 10 villas existing in the resort and the plans show construction of 27 new buildings that will contain 12 timeshare units each.

Mak Koebig, the vice president with Great Eastern Resort Corporation, the owners of Massanutten Resort, is hoping for more success with more than just the expansion.

Backdrop of Massanutten Timeshare Expansion

They claim that the continued modification of the facilities at Massanutten Village is of extreme importance to the entire county both from a tax basis, an employment basis, and the general welfare of the county's basis. Are they being hypocritical?

The expansion made by timeshare developers only emphasizes their profitability but what about for timeshare owners? Are they not aware of the constant complains raised by these unhappy timeshare owners? With hefty maintenance fees, special assessments and a whole lot of other timeshare-related fees, each rising per year, plus the downturn of the economy, many timeshare owners could no longer stand to maintain their timeshare ownership but just think about simply walking away.

However, walking away from this timeshare problem is not the solution because it will only bring damage to your credit score as well as potential legal action against you. Timeshare owners are simply trap by their timeshares. It is such a shame to have this report of expansion from timeshare developers coming during such difficult economic times. This simply implies that what timeshares can only bring is burden to the already difficult situation of distress timeshare owners and never relief.

Basic Types of Timeshare Ownership

Primary Timeshare Ownership Classifications

In its simplest definition, timeshare is a joint ownership or rental of vacation property by several people who take turns occupying the site for fixed periods. It is nothing more than a group of people sharing the cost of a vacation place.

Before, timeshare accommodations generally offer condominium units. Currently, timeshare properties include hotel room, a cabin, a house, a castle, a treehouse, a chalet, a boat, a yacht, and even a jet.

Timeshare ownership is a great way to vacation nowadays. It gives you the luxury and space like that of a condominium apartment and you also have the ability to exchange your timeshare property for other accommodations in desirable destinations in different parts of the world. Moreover, you get a hedge against inflation, because the price of your timeshare is established at the time of your purchase.

Timeshare is not whole ownership of the property, like a vacation or second home. There are three basic types of timeshare ownership scenarios. First, you have the fee-simple type. In fee-simple, you receive a title in perpetuity, which means you should have the rights to use, rent, lend, will, and sell your share of the property.

Other Types of Timeshare Ownership

You also have the leasehold type. A leasehold timeshare is almost similar to a fee-simple timeshare. The major difference is that a leasehold is not in permanence. Rather, it has a specified expiration date that may be at the end of a given year or it depends on the agreements.

The last one, you have the right-to-use timeshare. A right-to-use timeshare gives you the right to use a particular unit or unit size each year. Most right-to-use timeshares are similar to leasehold timeshares in that the majority have a specified expiration date.

Timeshare Relief in Financial Crisis

Financial Crisis Vs Timeshare Buying

With the current financial crisis, Timeshare Relief would be a very good option for Timeshare owners.

The business sector was highly affected by the economic crisis that it had to make necessary changes in its processes. It required several businesses to close down while some businesses decided to cut down on workforce to be able to also cut down on expenses. This resulted to a decrease in the income of all workers and necessitated a considerable decrease in other extra expenses of individuals and families, as a whole.

So, during this difficult time, having the whole family go to a one-week out of town vacation is a luxury. This is evident in the current rate of tourism which showed a big decline. What used to be an opportunity for families to take time out and share moments together for relief over their occupations and their heavy workloads are being set aside to be able to cut down on expenses.

Workers also prefer to continue working and avoid being out of their offices on a leave to be able to secure their occupations. This way, they can show their employers that they are really interested in their tasks and that they intend to keep their jobs. It ensures them of having salaries that they can bring home to their families for daily expenses. They then forego going on vacation with their families.

Timeshare - Necessity or Luxury?

Having a Timeshare property then is unnecessary. Owners should find relief of timeshare property to be able to save on expenses.

Relief Against Timeshare Scams

AG's Office Grant Relief Against Timeshare Scams

With the economy struggling, more timeshare owners are facing timeshare-related fees that they can no longer afford. Moreover, here are timeshare schemes that promises relief as you pay for a certain upfront fee but do little thing or nothing to help you.

As for North Carolina timeshare owners, their Attorney General Roy Cooper is actively cracking down scams to spare owners from further financial burden. Recently, the North Carolina Attorney General's office

discovered about a Florida company trying to scam North Carolina property owners.

Roy Cooper, North Attorney General, has taken legal action against Premier Timeshare Vacations Inc. of Clearwater, Florida. Complaints were raised regarding the company's operation of making unsolicited phone calls to timeshare owners and trying to dupe them out of their hard-earned cash with phony sales pitches.

Cooper's goal is to banned Premier Timeshare Vacations permanently and obliged them to refund customers and pay corresponding penalties to the state. Inorder to achieve this goal, Cooper has recently taken the case to the higher court and fortunately, Wake County Superior Court Judge Shannon R. Joseph granted Cooper's request.

"In this economy, deceptive telemarketing calls that promise to help you make money can be especially tempting," Cooper said. "People who own timeshares may be eager to sell, but charging them hefty up-front fees for sales that may never happen is no way to do business."

How to Avoid Timeshare Scam

For timeshare owners, always remember to do your due diligence. There may be timeshare deals that are too good to be true but are they for real? It would bring you timeshare relief if you could run an Internet search before doing the actual purchase.

Professional Timeshare Services

Want to Get Out of Your Timeshare Contract?

First, a little bit about us. Professional Timeshare Services, LLC is our name, helping consumers get out of a timeshare contract is our game.

To be specific, we are a consumer activist group who provides free consultations to timeshare owners. During the consultation, if we discover that you have been a victim of fraud and misrepresentation at the time you purchased your timeshare we will provide a service that empowers you to stand up against your resort and cancel your timeshare contract once and for all. Since we are not attorneys we can provide a highly effective solution to get out of your timeshare without the high cost. Please note, we will not help you sell it nor will we simply transfer the title out of your name.

Our mission is simple. Get you out of your timeshare contract. We back our services with a 100% money back guarantee so you can sleep knowing that Professional Timeshare Services has your best interest in mind.

The Timeshare Trap

You're Not the Only One Who Can't Get Rid of their Timeshare

Everyday at Professional Timeshare Services, LLC we from timeshare owners who cannot get rid of a timeshare, no matter how hard they try. In fact, the quotes below were taken from a single day and this was just a portion of them.

"We just want out. We have owned for 8 years and have not been able to get good trades from RCI, the maintenance fees have trippled. We would give away, donate - whatever. We just can't afford the maintenance fees."

"We have a couple of issues with our timeshare. 1. The maintenance fees keep going up and we just got another $500 assessment fee on top of that. 2. My husband is now handicapped and they will not change our unit. We would like to get rid of the timeshare, how can we do it legally? I know the market is not there to sell it."

"I have tried everything I could to get rid of my timeshares. From hiring timeshare resellers to donating them to charities to listing them myself. Nothing has worked. I would have been better off throwing my money in the garbage because at least then I would not have had to put up with the hundreds of phone calls I received from people trying to sell my timeshares."

Why Timeshares are a Bad Investment

The sales pitch goes something like this... If you buy a timeshare not only will you have the luxury of vacationing in extravagant places, but you'll be making an investment as well. If everything works as planned you'll end up getting paid to go on vacations. Now that's a deal.

Unfortunately as the old proverb states, "If it's too good to be true it probably is," rings true once again. The reason why timeshares are a bad investment is because the the resale market is non-existent. Why buy a timeshare when you can spend a few minutes online and find a screaming deal at the very same resorts that sell ownership in timeshares? Exactly, forget the financial responsibilities of a mortgage, the never-ending maintenance fees and special assessments to your property, just pay as you go. Makes sense to me.

The vicious cycle is summed up on our blog in a post titled If It's Too Good To Be True - It Probably Is.

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Get Rid of Unwanted Timeshare

Selling a timeshare even under normal circumstances is a challenge. And because of the current financial condition of the world economy, doing so is doubly difficult nowadays. Timeshare owners are choosing to do so because they are really having some hard time maintaining the property and paying for the maintenance fees and other charges that the property is associated to.

Selling is not the only option. Doing so will really be difficult most especially if you are doing so in your own efforts alone. There are already timeshare owners who opt to contract the services of an agent or a company. Unfortunately, these service providers have a bad habit of over promising yet under delivering. So, if you are a timeshare owner who is dying to be free from your package and is hoping to see the property sold, selling it is close to impossible.

Real Solution : Timeshare Transfer

If you are in a hurry to get rid of it, you can also try donating it to a charity. The problem is their response to your donation. There are charities who also deny timeshare donations because they might end up paying for it. It is also possible that they will not be able to sell it themselves. So be fair enough and do not push your timeshare property to them.

The best and fastest option that is available right now would be timeshare transfer. Timeshare transfer companies are always in the look out for timeshare owners who are trying to get rid of their timeshares. What the timeshare transfer companies do is transfer off the property from your name to another. That way, you are not any more liable to the timeshare company. You can immediately stop paying for the fees that they require. And you can now also breathe a sigh of real timeshare relief.

Get Rid of Your Timeshare Ownership and Its Benefits

Timeshare ownership is known to be highly beneficial for regular vacationers. It is being marketed as an easy vacation provider with its already managed system. It also provides timeshare owners with great vacation location options that have good service. Yet there are a number of timeshare owners who are trying to get rid of their timeshares.

One of the reasons raised by those who want to sell their vacation packages is because of the regular maintenance fees as well as the occasional assessment fees they are required to pay by the timeshare company. They find it financially draining.

Financial Responsibilities of Timeshare Ownership

However, if you contrast it to hotel accommodations or rental room services which is payable for each use, you have to wonder which costs more. The rates of hotels usually increase annually so the rate is variable. The maintenance fee for a timeshare also increases from time to time. But the good thing is ownership at a timeshare property enables vacationers to enjoy a resort, year after year, for the lifetime of their ownership.

With that, you have to evaluate which is more important and more pressing for you and your family. If you are really intent in your yearly vacation and you barely miss one, timeshare ownership may be more beneficial. But if it's the opposite, you might better opt to free yourself of a timeshare. You can find cost-friendly accommodations when you need them wherever you want to go. That way, you save yourself the financial responsibilities of a timeshare.

Why Should You Include Finding Timeshare Relief in Your To-Do List?

New year comes and brings another chance to start new plans for the whole year. Making a list of to-dos helps. Individuals can organize to accomplish tasks that are to be prioritized like finding timeshare relief.

Timeshare owners come to a point of realization that they need to dispose their vacation packages that has not been used over the past years. For those who are not familiar to the dilemma timeshare bring to the owners, here are some of the common reasons that urge them to find timeshare relief.

1. Vacation package that has not been used by the holders over the years run the risk of not being used ever. If this will be the case, then better dispose it.

2. Since money really matters nowadays, the excessive amount of maintenance fees and other assessment fees of timeshares are no longer practical.

3. Timeshare owners need to pay their timeshare bills even if the package is unused. Regardless of the status, whether it is used or unused, timeshare is considered active. So, owners are highly obliged to pay the amount billed to them.

4. If timeshare owners failed to pay their timeshares, their credit standing would be tarnished. Any issue regarding unpaid timeshares would cause negative effect on the reputation of any timeshare holder.

With anticipation, it is expected that reasons mentioned above can help clear up the mind of those who already have the vacation package to get rid of their timeshares or for those who are planning to acquire one to think about it.

Give Up That Timeshare

It seems like you are confident that you can pay those maintenance fees year after year. Well it's good to have that positive attitude in life whenever you wanted to keep something, but what you are to give up is not to be regretted about. Why should you? Giving up timeshares will ease your life and not worry about those fees that keep adding to your refrigerator posts.

Let's say you have settled on the idea that you already wanted to turn it over. But then the only thing that comes to your mind is to resell it. Well it's good that at least you have an immediate answer to your problems. But actually it doesn't directly answer it. In fact, it can also be a problem to you in the future.

Resale companies are on the hot seat right now for the Attorney generals of different states as well as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) have been vigilant in searching for the unsound business practices utilized by the former. Though there had been campaigns in disregarding these deceitful sales people as well as reporting about their deeds in newspapers, television, or any other tools for communication, still, timeshare owners continue to negotiate with them since they are not familiar with the overcharged advertising costs or that they do not know where to ask.

Now we don't have to dwell on it anymore since we now have a guaranteed system that will forever rip timeshare owners out of their units. The transfer title system does not require any additional charges. By the way, resale companies that ask for additional charges for advertising costs can be scammers and should be avoided. You can only avail this opportunity if your units are fully paid and the maintenance fees are updated. There's definitely no way you can say that there's no hope trying to get rid of that timeshare.

Be wise enough to know your priorities. Indeed it is pretty much fulfilling to keep that timeshare unit for your family. But I'm sure in the end, you'll be passing on a problem to your children. You don't want your children to suffer financially, do you?