Places to visit other than New York in and around the USA

When people visit New York, they tend to stick to the popular tourist attractions such as Times Square, the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty.” However New York is not all pollution, built up areas and hustle and bustle. Some areas of the state are extremely beautiful and many are shocked to find that a sense of nature and a taste of the real out doors are just around the corner. Below are a few of some of the impressive areas that you experience if you just step out of the city.

Letchworth state park

First on the list is the Letchworth state park. The park is approximately 17 miles long and covers 14,350 acres. The Genesee River flows through the park and is often described at the great grand canyon of the East. The river forms three distinct waterfalls, the upper, middle and lower between cliffs as high as 600 feet.

Upper Falls at Letchworth State Park (1)

Letchworth State Park has been named as one of the top 100 camping sites in the nation on multiple occasions. Open year round there is plenty to do in Letchworth State Park, whether it is exploring the 66 hiking trails, going for a horseback ride, or cross-country skiing.

The Park had been named as one of the top camping sites in the Nation and there is always something to do whether it’s snowboarding or hiking. The historic, restored Glen Iris Inn, Letchworth's former home is located on the top of a cliff overlooking Middle Falls, offers in-season meals and overnight accommodations. It is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Other features of the park include pavilions, picnic tables, a playground, pool, cabins, campsites for tents, trailer sites with dumping stations, and horse-riding trails. The park is the present-day site of the grave of Mary Jemison., who is buried on the grounds of a Seneca Council House relocated there by Letchworth and rededicated in 1872.

Niagara Falls

Although it is quite a distance from New York, Niagara Falls is well worth a trip if you are visiting New York City. These gorgeous waterfalls straddle the United States-Canada border and are the most powerful waterfalls in North America, boasting an average flow rate of 1,500,000 US gallons per second.

Niagara Falls was formed at the end of the last ice age by a receding glacier and is composed of two prominent sections: the American Falls on the American side and the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side. Tourism to Niagara falls became popular in the 18th century, even boasting a visit by Napoleon Bonaparte's brother Jerome, and sister-in-law Elizabeth, in 1804.

While never lacking, tourism to the Falls increased after the Marilyn Monroe film "Niagara" was released in 1953. More recently "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" was filmed in Niagara Falls. The majority of visitors come to Niagara Falls during the summer, and at night the Falls are illuminated by lights for several hours. If you want to get up close and personal with the Falls, the Maid of the Mist excursion boat has been taking tourists right up to the rapids at the base of the Falls since 1846.

Corning Museum of Glass

Situated in the Finger Lakes region in the city of Corning, New York, the Corning Museum of Glass is home to the largest comprehensive collection of glass objects and artwork in the world with more than 45,000 objects in the permanent collection.

"Cube Layers" at the Corning Museum of Glass (2) 

Corning Glass Works founded the Corning Museum of Glass in 1950. Corning Glass Works, which was founded in 1851, is a world leader in glass technology. The Corning Museum of Glass was designed as an educational institution focusing on the science and history of glass.

The Museum features the Glass Innovation Center which lets you examine the science behind glass through a variety of exhibits including fiber optics, disappearing LCD glass, and missile nose cones. A Hot Glass Show demonstrates the ancient art of glass blowing.

Thousand Islands

Why not leave the states, do some research on car hire Montreal for example and visit Canada. Right on the border of the United States and Canada border in the St. Lawrence River, the amazingly scenic Thousand Islands stretch for fifty miles. With the Canadian islands in the province of Ontario, and the U.S islands in the State of New York, the name is a bit of a no brainer as there are 1,793 islands in all. The Thousand Islands began gaining popularity in the late 19th century as many socialites from New York and Boston took to vacationing there and it is rumored that the Thousand Islands are the birth place of Thousand Island dressing.

(1) Full photo credit goes to Chris Waits - www.flickr.com/people/chriswaits/

(2) Full photo credit to Chris Dlugosz - www.flickr.com/people/chrisdlugosz/

Hidden Gems for Brazil holidays

When you think about Brazil holidays, there are some classic images that pop into your head. Perhaps it’s the famous view over Rio and the Guanabara Bay from the statue of Christ the Redeemer; perhaps the grand sweep of the Iguazu Falls; or perhaps you dream of the long lazy curves of the Amazon... What’s almost certain, unless you’ve already started researching a holiday in Brazil, is that you won’t be thinking of the epic terrain of the Chapada Diamantina, the colourful vistas of the Pantanal, or the deserted sand dunes of Lençois Maranhenses.

Outside of Brazil, most people haven’t even heard of these areas, despite the fact that they offer some of the most fascinating and unique experiences you could wish for. There’s no denying the appeal of Rio or the awesome scenery offered by Iguazu Falls, but when you’re planning your Brazil holidays it’s worth taking the time to at least think about some of those areas of Brazil that are just a little off the beaten track...

The enormous Pantanal wetlands

Wildlife in The Pantanal

We’ll start with one of the undisputed hidden gems that Brazil has to offer – the enormous Pantanal wetlands. Covering a huge area roughly the size of France, the Pantanal forms part of Brazil’s border with Paraguay and Bolivia, and constitutes the largest area of wetlands on earth. A maze of small streams and larger rivers cut through areas of savannah-type grasslands, reed marshes and semi-tropical forest, all of which are home to different types of wildlife. In fact, it’s a little-known fact that the Pantanal is actually more diverse than the Amazon rainforest! The range of wildlife available here is, quite simply, breathtaking, and the fact that the scenery is largely open means that it’s also much easier to see the wildlife – on Brazil holidays in the Amazon (great though it is) you do tend to spend a lot of your time peering through dense foliage and trying to get your camera settings right – in the Pantanal, you can just relax and enjoy the experience!

Trekking in The Chapada Diamantina

Moving on the North-East of Brazil, the Chapada Diamantina is an example of the range of landscapes that Brazil has to offer. Where the Pantanal is low, flat and watery, the Chapada Diamantina is high, dry and rolling. Named for the diamond mines which formerly provided most of the work in this remote part of Brazil, today it is a trekking paradise, with many of the former miners now working as guides for the tourists who want to get away from the crowds and see something of the Real Brazil on their holidays in Brazil. There are a range of different treks available, from short day treks out from the pretty colonial town of Lençois, to full-on multi-day expeditions camping out on the mountains. Whichever you choose, the epic nature of the landscape is sure to impress you – a vast range of rolling hills which seems to go on forever, largely covered in scrub forest but cut through with babbling mountain streams, waterfalls and natural swimming-pools: perfect for cooling off at the end of a good day’s trekking!

"...and natural swimming-pools"

Sao Luis and Lençois Maranhenses

Staying in the North-East, but offering something wildly different again, is the northern state of Maranhão. Easily accommodated together with Brazil holidays visiting the Chapada Diamantina, the small colonial town of Sao Luis is a favourite with anyone who has visited it – small, cobbled streets lined with galleries and cafes, and home to some of the oldest Afro-Brazilian traditions, it’s a slice of living history and great fun to boot. Even better, is that a few miles away you have what must be one of the most bizarre landscapes on earth...

"one of the most bizarre landscapes on earth..."

The Lençois Maranhenses National Park covers over a thousand square kilometres and at first sight, looks like an honest-to-goodness Lawrence of Arabia-style desert, with sweeping sand dunes as far as the eye can see. Once you look more closely, however, you realize that this desert landscape is dotted with thousands of small lagoons in ranges of iridescent blues and greens.  In fact the area is not technically a desert at all – there is a regular rainy season at the start of the year which fills the valleys between the dunes with fresh water. These then evaporate slowly over the course of the year, until they are replenished again by the new rainy season. What’s even more bizarre is that many of these lagoons actually contain fish! It’s generally believed that passing seabirds deposit eggs every year, although being born into an ever-shrinking home can’t be a great deal of fun for the poor fish concerned!

Any of these destinations would be a worthy addition to any holiday in Brazil, and you’ll also have the pleasure of having them largely to yourself – so make sure you enjoy them while you can, and before everyone else catches on!

Dan Clarke works for Real Brazil Holidays, and spends most of his time counting down the days until he can get back to Sao Luis and enjoy some kite-surfing in Lençois Maranhenses...

Top Ten Australian Camping Destinations

Camping in Australia can offer beautiful scenery along with your choice of relaxation or adventure; the options are virtually unlimited. From camping along the coast to roughing it in the outback, there are camping destinations for every type of outdoor lover in Australia . Here is our list of the top ten camping destinations in the country.

1. Perth Hills Campsite

If you love hiking, Perth Hills is for you! From bushwalking trails to guided walks through the park, hiking is the most sought after activity in the park. When you get tired of fishing, head to the water and try your hand at fishing or jump in and take a swim.

2. Conto Campground

Pack your bags and head to Conto for a weekend getaway. Explore the lighthouses and caves for truly unique sights. Hiking, fishing and swimming are great activities to participate in during your weekend in the park.

3. Kurrajong Campsite

The Bungle Bungle Range is a favorite site among campers. Over 350 million years old, the towers of the range provide campers with gorges to explore and plenty of photo opportunities. Be sure to pack a pair of hiking shoes!

4. Charlie Moreland Camping

If wildlife is your thing, don’t skip Charlie Moreland! Whether you choose to tour the park by foot, mountain bike, car or horseback, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to see the various birds and animals that call the area home.

5. Burke & Wills Dig Tree Camping Area
Designed around the Dig Tree, the Burke & Willis camping area is located next to Cooper Creek and is pet friendly; a plus for many camp-goers! Hike, fish and explore the area, seeing sights seen by Burke & Willis themselves.

6. Mauka Campground

Covering nearly 70kms of ground, the conservation area is home to an old gold mining town. From beaches to waterfalls, surfing to fishing, the campground is a nature lover’s dream. Be sure to bring along a camera, the photo opportunities are vast!

7. Richardson Beach (Freycinet main) Camping Area
Rock climbers will find Richardson Beach a paradise. With granite boulders, cliffs and walls, rock climbers of every skill level will find a path suitable for themselves and all members of their party. There are hiking and walking opportunities that will keep you busy for days.

8. Wilpena Pound Campground

Aboriginal rock art can be found in abundance at Wilpena Pound. The explorer in you will be delighted with the number of gorges, paths and waterholes available for traversing. Swimming, fishing and hiking make this a perfect campground no matter if you’re bringing along a campervan rental or a tent.

9. Hacks Peninsula Camping Area
There are over 150 species of bird that are native to Hacks Peninsula. Bring along your binochulars and bird guide so you don’t miss a single one! Perch yourself on one of the many boardwalks or take a walk through the wetlands, the choice is yours. Don’t forget your camera; you may see birds you’ll not be able to see in any other part of the country.

10. Snowy River Camping Area
If winter camping is what you desire, look no further than Snowy River . Home to Australia’s tallest mountain, Mt Kosciuszko, outdoor enthusiasts find Snowy River the perfect winter getaway. From skiing to snowboarding, the area boasts all manner of winter sporting opportunities.

3 Rugged Phones For Outdoors Life

For anyone who works or plays in the outdoors and needs a rugged and reliable phone, there are a number of good choices. Many of the current cell phones on the markets have very large and vulnerable touchscreen displays and are not well equipped for environments where dirt, dust and water may harm the phone. One of the following three phones will surely stand up to any extreme conditions that it is exposed to. They are not short on the features you need in a mobile and have internet and GPS for tracking, and enough space for all your phone numbers, and cameras for taking snaps in the landscape you are exposed to.

Motorola Brute i686
The Motorola Brute i686 is a phone that features the Sprint and Nextel direct connect function. This allows users to talk via walkie-talkie. This flip phone includes Bluetooth, a 2.0 megapixel camera, GPS and web browsing. The Brute meets military specifications that are set up for dust, vibration, shock, moisture, temperature and solar radiation. This is the baseline standard by which the military measures how durable a product is against these environmental situations. Additionally, this phone features text messaging and e-mail, as well as vibration alert.

Casio GzOne
The Casio GzOne Ravine is another flip phone that is designed to withstand dust, water and dirt. It is shockproof and comes with outdoor related features such as a thermometer, compass, pedometer and more. Included on this phone is a large display on the outside of the body, a built in music and media player, Bluetooth and a 3.2 mega pixel camera. The Gzone is one solid feature rich phones perfect for your adventuring.

Samsung Rugby
Finally, the Samsung Rugby is another durable flip phone that features the push to talk capability. This phone comes with GPS, a 1.3 mega pixel camera, Internet browsing and Bluetooth. It meets the military specifications and is a relatively inexpensive choice for anyone who purchases a phone plan contract.

Cell phones can take a lot of abuse. To ensure that they will last a long time, the right rugged one should be chosen. The phones above all are solid with the features that you need so get the rugged phone you need and get out there and enjoy the great outdoors.

Written by James a Tech worker and constant phone abuser. Need tough technology so come back to see more Tech that can take abuse.