1. Spend time by the water.
The Northeast region offers ample opportunity to boat, fish, swim or just relax on a beach. The region encompasses hundreds of bodies of water, including the Atlantic Ocean, St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, the Hudson River, the Finger Lakes and countless others. Depending on your starting point, you may want to plan a road trip to one of these aquatic destinations:

Niagara Falls, which offers plenty of attractions both on and off the water. Check out the Falls during the day and again when they’re illuminated at night. To see the Falls up close, ride the Maid of the Mist. Be sure to explore the surrounding parks and city, too.
Jersey Shore, where you can soak up the sun and float in the Atlantic by the numerous resorts and beach communities that line the eastern coast of New Jersey. Rent a house and walk the boardwalks in the summer months.

2. Play in the mountains.
The mountainous terrain of the Northeast is perfect for avid outdoorsmen. The region’s four-season climate offers exciting adventures year-round. Hiking and foliage observation is enjoyable during most seasons, and skiing is phenomenal in the winter. Check out destinations like the:

Adirondack Mountains, where you can ski the Adirondack High Peaks in the winter for an experience that rivals any western mountain chain. During the summer, the hiking is breathtaking, and the many ponds nestled in the mountains offer a refreshing swim. At the end of a busy day, meander through quaint towns like Lake Placid or Saranac Lake.
Lakes & Mountain Region of Maine, which is home to mountains perfect for hiking and camping. The White Mountains dot the skyline here, offering some challenging peaks to climb, like Mount Katahdin, Crocker Mountain and Old Speck Mountain.

3. Sample wineries.
If you’re a wine lover, tour one of the many wineries located in the Northeast on your next staycation. You’ll find that many offer tastings, tours and dinner. Premier regions to explore include:

Finger Lakes, which consists of several spindly lakes in an environment ripe for winemaking. Try some of New York’s finest wines in and among quaint historic towns.
Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, which are home to several wineries. These Massachusetts locations also offer unmatched views and atmosphere.

4. Tour major cities.
In addition to outdoor activities, the Northeast is also home to some of the most exciting metropolitan areas in the country. Let your one-tank trip take you to one of these fabulous cities:

New York City is less than a day’s drive away no matter where you live in the region. Entertainment options in the Big Apple are virtually limitless during every season, and with so many famous restaurants, you’ll find cuisine to satisfy every palate. In the summer, go to a Yankees game, and cruise around New York Harbor. In the fall and winter, see the Rockettes at Radio City, or take in a show on Broadway.
Boston blends modern achievement with American history at every turn. Follow the Freedom Trail walking tour to see historic landmarks like the Paul Revere House and the USS Constitution. Go whale watching, or stop into a local tavern for fresh clam chowder. Take in a game at historic Fenway Park, or tour Harvard. There’s something to do everywhere you turn.
Philadelphia is another city that merges the historic and the modern. Tour museums featuring subjects as varied as modern art, science and medical wonders. Visit Historic Philadelphia: one square mile of historical treasures including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Franklin Court. You can also catch your choice of professional sports and grab an authentic Philly cheesesteak.

5. Go international.
Another unique feature of the Northeast is its close connection with Canada. Multiple border crossings throughout New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine put you within easy driving distance of pastoral, rustic outposts and cultural urban centers. Put these renowned destinations on the list when you’re planning a road trip:

Toronto and Montreal exemplify urban life in Canada. These dynamic cities are hubs of culture and art. The blend of residents and visitors makes for a varied landscape built on global influences. Tour these cities to see historic landmarks alongside modern shops and exciting sporting events.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a gem on Lake Ontario packed with wineries, historic hotels, small boutiques, beautiful parks and a world-renowned theater festival: the Shaw Festival. Spend a summer day here getting lost in it all.

With so much to do, all you need is a map and some fuel to make your next vacation in the Northeast memorable. Make sure your drive is a safe one, too. Review your car insurance coverage and driving safety tips to be sure you reach your destination as smoothly as possible. If you’re looking for new car insurance, consider getting a quote from a company like Nationwide Insurance. In addition to collision coverage, having features like Roadside Assistance could make for happier travels.

Thanks in advance for the answers!

One destination that has always been popular is the Grand Canyon. Unlike the tours that provide you with a view of the beauty and majesty of the canyon from above, however, an adventure tour of the Grand Canyon takes you through the rapids of the Colorado River along the entire length of the canyon. Though the lengths of these tours may vary, a rafting tour of the entire canyon is generally an 8 to 10 day excursion.

Another popular adventure tour destination is Alaska. From ice fishing in northern Alaska to sea kayaking along the coast, there are a number of different adventure options available. Visitors on an adventure tour can view wild bears, take hikes through the Alaskan wilderness, raft a variety of rivers, and camp in some of the most rugged wilderness locations in North America. The length of Alaskan adventure tours can vary greatly depending on the activities involved, with some tours lasting for as few as 3 days to as many as 12.

Given the adventurous history of the American west, it should come as no surprise that there are a number of western-themed adventure tours to choose. Some of these involve visiting a number of historical Wild West locations while others focus on the western deserts and hiking through some of the amazing national parks in Arizona and Nevada. Other western tours actually manage to incorporate adventure locations in several states, letting you visit some of the most majestic locations in the west to see their beauty firsthand. The length of the western adventure tours depend largely on the area that they cover, with some lasting only 2 or 3 days while others can last for 1 to 2 weeks.

For those who are seeking a more modern adventure, there are adventure tours which can allow you to explore cities Las Vegas, Reno, and other similar hotspots. The focus of these adventure tours is not only on the sights and sounds of the main cities themselves, but also on the history and majesty of the surrounding land. Most adventure tours to Las Vegas and Reno last from 3 to 7 days and generally include trips to the most popular casinos and shows in addition to hiking in the surrounding desert. This allows one to gain a better appreciation for the cities, which appear as jewels upon the desert.

A number of different California adventures are available as well, helping visitors to see exactly how diverse the state really is. Adventures in the major cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco allow the opportunity to explore the forests and vineyards in the northern portion of the state. Most visitors are amazed at exactly what California has to offer in the way of adventure opportunities. A number of hiking tours can be found that allow you to visit some of the most majestic California locations on foot, letting you camp under the open sky while on your way to your final destination. California adventure tours can last for as few as 3 days to as many as 14 depending on the area being covered by the tour.

Of course, not all adventure tours involve hiking, rafting, or spending time traversing the natural lands of North America; a number of adventure tour companies also offer RV rental so that you can take a driving tour of some of the classic roadways in America and Canada. This allows you to travel in comfort while taking in some amazing sights and visiting places that you otherwise may not have known existed. RV adventure tours generally last for as long as you want to rent the RV. The average length of an RV tour is typically between 5 to 14 days.

There are many benefits to planning an adventure vacation. If you enjoy the thrill of adventure, this vacation may be right for you. Available activities range from hiking and kayaking to exploring cities such as Las Vegas and California, but this type of trip may require renting an RV. If you are interested in extreme sports, you may enjoy a vacation, which consists of hiking and kayaking. Those adventures provide the opportunity to experience a once in a lifetime moment, that can be remembered for many years.

Further more my aunt said according to the news this morning there is a glitch in the system with the over flow of passports and so they arn’t going to be relying on them as much until September..if you know anything about this could you fill me in.

Thanks!

United States ski resorts reported seeing more international visitors than previous recent years. They credit this primarily to the lower exchange rate of the dollar vs. other currencies. People like getting the most bang for their buck, no matter what buck their currency represents.

During the recently passed ski season, guests booked extended stays months in advance. Resorts reported that skiers who would generally stay two to four days have extended their visits to seven to 10 days due to getting better prices for their currency.

International guests also shopped and spent more money at local stores and restaurants and on rental equipment.

Some resorts reported that the number of Canadian skiers was up by 20 percent. Stowe and Smuggler’s Notch reported stronger bookings from Europe during the Easter holiday break. Eastern United States ski resorts had a very good 2007-2008 ski season due to an early Easter holiday, steady winter storms and a weak dollar.

Now that skiing has come to an end for this season, holiday goers will be looking for great summertime destinations. The dollar is still lower in value than it has been in years, making the United States a more viable tourist destination. Many hotels are already booked for prime summer travel months. Theme park operators are looking forward to the potential influx of tourists due to current exchange rates.

Many favourite ski resort destinations also double as favourite summertime destinations. Most resorts offer great summer activities as well as ski packages.

North American ski resorts offer summertime camping, fishing, hiking and other outdoor activities.

Children’s camps are one of the more popular summertime activities at resorts. Several favourites offer summertime concerts and other special events. Some special events include mountain biking and the occasional poker run.

Prime holiday destinations, such as the Balearic and Canary Islands could potentially see a decrease in holiday traffic this year. The typical holiday on the island of your choice will be more expensive due to current exchange rates.

Some of the more popular summertime destinations in the United States are Florida, Colorado, California, Washington D.C. and New York.

One of Florida’s main family attractions is Disney World. Disney World is one of the most visited family holiday destinations in the world. Other Florida destinations include Daytona Beach, Miami, Busch Gardens and Kissimmee.

Colorado, Washington D.C. and New York offer great historic and educational holiday opportunities for families looking for more than roller coasters and swimming pools.

Current monetary exchange rates as of April 2008 allow the purchase of a $75 theme park ticket for 47 euros or just under 38 sterling.

The current decreased value of the dollar allows great potential for more international visitors to enjoy an American vacation during 2008.

Cheaper airfares from many destinations in Europe will help offset the current exchange rate for Europeans who enjoy the occasional weekend trip to the Balearic Islands.

When preparing and planning your summer vacation, look for the lowest fees for exchanging currency. Banks often charge fewer fees than exchange bureaus and other companies. Using a credit card or debit card can also help offset the fees usually involved with currency exchange.