adventure travel
The 10 Most Anticipated New Theme Park Rides In 2014
With the 2014 Summer season just around the corner, theme parks will be standing tall this season. and not just in the metaphorical sense of proudly displaying their shiny, brand-spanking new rides. We’re talking about literally standing tall with coasters and other crazy contraptions that will reach absurd heights and make even the most steely-nerved daredevils quiver with fear. The most anticipated ride of 2014, however, will take Potterphiles deep underground for a face-to-(noseless) face encounter with “he who must not be named.”
10. New England SkyScreamer at Six Flags New England (Agawam, MA): What makes this ride unique, is that at 400 feet above the ground, it will be the world’s tallest swing ride.
9. Falcon’s Fury at Busch Gardens (Tampa, FL): Rising 335 feet into the air and freefalling back down at 60mph is intense enough, but the seats on the first-of-its-kind ride will tilt 90 degrees at the top of the tower so that passengers will be facing straight down before they plummet. Yikes!!
8. Zumanjaro: Drop Of Doom at Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, NJ): This NJ park already has the world’s tallest roller coaster, Kingda Ka. By piggybacking onto the coaster’s top hat tower, it will also boast the world’s tallest drop ride. Could you handle a 400-foot drop at 90 mph? Double Yikes!!
7. ThunderBolt At Luna Park, Coney Island (Brooklyn, NY): Its name may conjure memories of the classic wooden coaster that once graced Coney Island, but with its novel elevator lift tower and other decidedly modern touches, the new ThunderBolt will make its own waves at the seaside amusement area.
6. FireChaser Express at Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, TN): It only chugs along at 35 mph, which makes it accessible to all but the wimpiest of visitors. But the coaster, which features two launches — one forwards and one backwards — nonetheless packs a fiery punch and includes a cute theme.
5. Banshee at King’s Island (Mason, OH): With a ride time of 2:40 and the track length of 4124 feet, Banshee is the world’s longest inverted coaster and is getting rave reviews from ride fans.
4. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem at Universal Studios Hollywood (Los Angeles, CA): The supremely silly characters from the popular movie bring their supercharged antics to an engaging 4-D ride film. It’s loaded with laughs, and like the movies, includes some surprisingly touching moments as well.
3. Goliath at Six Flags Great America (Gurnee, IL): The anticipation is high for Goliath, which will boast a 180 foot, 85 degree drop and a top speed of 72 mph, which will make it the world’s tallest, fastest and steepest wooden coaster ride.
2. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista, FL): It’s both a mildly thrilling coaster with a unique cradle design that allows the cars to swing back and forth and a compelling “dark ride” that takes guests into the colorful mine to see the Seven Dwarfs at work. The animated characters are particularly stunning in the attraction, which is the capstone of the park’s New Fantasyland expansion.
1. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and the Hogwarts Express at Universal Studios Florida (Orlando, FL): Universal is promising a mind-blowing, next-generation ride experience in its second Potter-themed land. The coaster will use immersive 3-D imagery to take visitors to the subterranean netherworld under the Gringotts bank where they will face off against fire-breathing dragons and the villain to end all villains, Lord Voldemort. Getting to the new Dragon Alley land will be nearly as much fun, as the Hogwarts Express will shuttle muggles from the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade on a tricked-out, effects-packed, vintage steam train.
Don’t let this 2014 Summer season slip away without trying at least one of these new theme park rides! Let us make it happen for you! Please call Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a land package request quote form and allow us to book your next fun-filled theme park vacation!!
The 10 Best World Wine Destinations
“It takes more than great wine to make a great wine destination”, says Susan Kostrzewa, executive editor of Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Travelers also want good food and enjoyable interactions with winemakers and locals. “It’s really about the tone and vibe of the place.” The magazine has identified the following ten most promising vintage wine destinations for 2014.
- Umbria, Italy
- Aegean Islands, Greece
- Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California
- Hill Country, Texas
- Mendoza, Argentina
- Sonoma, California
- Baden, Germany
- Barossa Valley, Australia
- Walla Walla, Washington
- Languedoc, France
Why not make your next vacation to one of these great wine destinations? Please call Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a land vacation request quote and let us make this unique and wonderful trip a reality!!
The 10 Best Chinatowns Across The USA
Chinatowns are cities within cities; adventurous, bustling, full of distinctive signage, street vendors selling unusual items, specialty shops, a noted lack of big chains, a variety of dialects being spoken, and multitudes of unique and exciting food choices. From the country’s oldest Chinatown in hilly San Francisco to the smaller but just-as-bustling Chinatown in Philadelphia, visitors have the opportunity for instant cultural immersion, and below are identified as the ten best Chinatowns in America.
- San Francisco
- New York
- Chicago
- Seattle
- Philadelphia
- Honolulu
- Boston
- Los Angeles
- Houston
- Washington, DC
Let us make this unique & cultural vacation a reality! Please call Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a land vacation request quote, and begin packing your bags to one of these great destinations and enjoy their awesome Chinatown experience!!
Five Best Places to Dive & Snorkel in the Caribbean
Choosing the Caribbean’s five best dive/snorkel destinations is like picking the best five places to live in America. Everyone wants something different. At least divers and snorkelers usually want the same essentials: easy entry, clear water, healthy corals and lots of marine life. Four of these sites possess these in abundance while Bimini’s distinctive wild dolphin swimming focuses on animal encounters. Below, are the five best Caribbean dive/snorkel destinations:
- Bonaire – Bari Reef
- Little Cayman – Bloody Bay
- British Virgin Islands – Wreck of the RMS Rhone
- Bimini – The Bahamas
- Saint Thomas, USVI – Cow & Half Rocks
To plan your next Caribbean dive & snorkel vacation, please contact Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a land request quote so we can make this memorable vacation a reality!!
Ten of the World’s most Adventurous Cruises
Adventure & Expedition cruising is a travel niche that is growing each and every day. These floating adventures take the form of anything from five-star Champagne explorations to ambling along in a tramp steamer. Here are ten of the world’s best Adventure & Expedition cruises:
- Island Safari, Hawaii (USA) – Extreme Rating: 6/10
- Across the Northwest Passage (North America) – Extreme Rating: 6/10
- Through Ancient Kimberley (Australia) – Extreme Rating: 7/10
- Pacaya Samiria National Reserve (The Amazon) – Extreme Rating: 7/10
- Jungle Book Tour (India) – Extreme Rating: 7/10
- Into Wild West Africa – Extreme Rating: 8/10
- Following Scott, Amundsen et al (Antarctica) – Extreme Rating: 8.5/10
- Island Hopping in the Pacific Ocean – Extreme Rating: 8.5/10
- Ice-Breaking to the North Pole – Extreme Rating: 9.5/10
- Down to the Titanic Wreck (Atlantic Ocean) – Extreme Rating: 10/10
If Adventure & Expedition cruising is something that peaks your interest, please contact Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a cruise request quote so we can plan this adventure of a lifetime!!
10 Places To See Before They’re Gone
Places, much like animals can become endangered, and some of the world’s most amazing sights are gradually disappearing. Scientists say climate change has been affecting oceans, reefs, beaches and even cities. Development is another danger for once-pristene, off-the-beaten-path spots and their cultures. Here are 10 places on the brink of forever changing, and some threatening to disappear altogether:
- Easter Island, Chile
- Antarctica
- Machu Picchu & Choquequirao, Peru
- Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
- Great Barrier Reef, Australia
- Culebra & Vieques, Puerto Rico
- Dead Sea, Israel & Jordan
- Taj Mahal, India
- Venice, Italy
- Tibet
For a memorable vacation to any of these historic destinations, please contact Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a land request quote and allow us to plan what will be truly a getaway to remember.
Destination Shore Excursions for Your Next Cruise
Cruises are full of adventure and memorable moments. You not only get the bask in the beauty of the ocean, but you get to stop at a variety of exotic locations. Take advantage of your time on shore and plan the perfect activities for everyone on your trip! No matter where your ship docks, there are a variety of attractions that are sure to keep you entertained.
Adventure Excursions for Your Next Family or Group Cruise
Cruising to different locations all around the globe is an adventure in itself. But when your ship docks for the day, the adventure is just beginning! If adventure is calling your name, make sure you plan to do some scuba diving. Scuba diving is an excellent way to see all the beauty of the ocean in a new and exciting way. Research hotels or businesses that offer quality scuba diving lessons if this is your first time plunging into the deep. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of scuba diving but still want to explore the ocean, snorkeling is your best option. Snorkeling generally occurs in areas with much more shallow water and doesn’t require lessons or certification. Snorkeling can be a great family adventure if your children who are too young for scuba diving, but old enough to be confident swimmers.
Take to the Air
Adventures not only occur on land and sea, but even the air! Zip lining is a great way to have an adventure once your ship reaches shore. If you want to fly through the air while enjoying the scenery, zip lining is right for you! Destinations with forested areas are ideal for zip lining because not only will you fly through the air, you will see the beautiful vegetation and animals at your destination.
Indulge in the Local Culture
If you want to find adventure while still having a relaxing time, make sure to indulge in the local culture during your stop! Cruise ships often dock in areas that are rich with culture and history. Take advantage of your time and take a tour of the city. You can learn a thing or two while having a fun and adventurous time. To further your cultural experience, sample some of the local cuisine while listening to live music from the locals!