Idaho - Landmarks and Points of Interest

Theme Park Fun

Pack up the kids and drive to northern Idaho for an action-packed vacation filled with parks, rides and water adventures. Start out at Silverwood Theme Park 15 miles north of Coeur d’Alene. This family-friendly park is modeled after a turn-of-the-century Victorian town, complete with a steam train, water rides, performance shows, Boulder Beach Water Park, antique aircraft museum, games of skill and Tremors, a 60 mile-per-hour underground roller coaster. Panic Plunge is the park’s newest attraction - due to open May 6 – and will tower over the park at 140 feet and plunge riders straight down at 47 mph.

At the end of the day, stop by Triple Play in Hayden for a one-of-a-kind experience. This complete family entertainment center with the Raptor Reef Indoor Water Park, bumper boats, bowling and two miniature golf courses, plus go karts and laser tag, has it all in the heart of Hayden. The real adventurous can try the climbing wall located inside the complex.

When it’s time to get wet Wild Waters Water Park in Coeur d’ Alene is the place to go. This family water park offers something for everyone with 11 water slides including a tube ride, hot tubs, Kahuna Waterfall and a landing pool. For the little ones there’s Water Toy Play Land and a kid-friendly paddle boat lagoon. After a few slips and slides, enjoy a movie or laser show on the large screen while relaxing in the summer warmth in the grassy picnic area. Or hang out at the arcade or snack bar.

Next summer add the new Water Park at Silver Mountain to your list. Opening in 2007 the 55,000 square-foot water park will feature several waterslides, an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, a FlowRider surfing wave/pool and other major aquatic attractions.

Eastern Idaho

Wildlife, Dance and Science

The Museum of Idaho in Idaho Falls is a national traveling exhibit museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the natural and cultural history of Idaho and the West. Children and adults alike experience regional educational programs in the sciences and humanities. Nationally-acclaimed exhibitions including a T. Rex Named Sue; Discovering Idaho: The World of Lewis & Clark and Space Journey (NASA). The museum offers permanent displays about the Columbian Mammoth, Lewis and Clark and the race for atomic power. There’s also a Children's Discovery Room, a reading and reference library, presentations and educational programs.

Continuing north toward Yellowstone National Park, watch for bear signs. The beauty of eastern Idaho will draw you in as you explore many parts of this region. Start of with a family-friendly experience unlike any other at Yellowstone Bear World. Located in Rexburg, Bear World is the area’s only drive-through wildlife preserve where visitors young and old enjoy seeing grizzly bear, black bear and gray wolves, all in their natural habitat, all from the safety of a car. This is a true family adventure you won't want to miss

Columbia Falls, Montana

Columbia Falls is a city in Flathead County, Montana, United States. The population was 3,645 at the 2000 cenColumbia Falls, Montana, best known as the southwestern gateway toGlacier National Park, sits at an elevation of 3,092 feet. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, on the western edge of the Continental Divide, the city is a recreationist's paradise. Travelers come here to ski, snowboard and snowmobile, although the area is also well known for its golfing, llama-guided hikes and freshwater recreation.

Situated near the three forks of the Flathead rivers, the city affords excellent access to fly fishing and river rafting. The more remote areas of the Middle and South Fork rivers are known for their cutthroat trout, which generally range between 8 and 12 inches in length. Bull trout have been protected since the 1950s and are catch-and-release only. Trails can be steep and some fishermen fly in to reach the best spots.

River rafting includes float-rafting on class I and II stretches and up to class VI in selected areas. The Middle Fork, which d skirts the southwestern border of Glacier National Park is popular for float trips. Outfitters can be found in Columbia Falls and the nearby town of West Glacier.

But enjoyment in the Columbia Falls area isn't limited to outdoor recreation. Locally based attractions and activities include amusement parks, art and pottery galleries, antique stores and other city entertainment. Accommodation choices span from cabins and cottages, resorts and vacation rentals, to hotels, motels and bed and breakfastinns. Camping and RV parks can be found both in town and throughout the nearby national and state parks.

Columbia Falls lies less than a half-hour's drive east of Kalispell and approximately two hours south of the Canada-U.S. border, at the junction of Highway 2 and Highway 40.sus.  

Phi Phi Islands

A visit to the amazing Phi Phi Island is a visit of a lifetime. Golden sand seashores, limestone cliffs, hidden coves, turquoise blue sea, coral reefs, the unbelievable Maya Bay and the Ao Ton Sai, great evening life, mouth-watering Thai delicacies, canoeing adventures, mountaineering, snorkelling, you’ve got acquired all of it at the Phi Phi Island. That’s why those who have come right here as soon as, should do so once more, and again.

Phi Phi Island, often known as PP Island is just a few hours away from Phuket and Krabi in Thailand. So in case you are visiting any of those places, you will need to come to the truly incredible PP. A number of years back Phi Phi Island was completely destroyed by the Tsunami (this was really the second worst affected place by the giant waves), nevertheless all the pieces has now been splendidly restored. Maybe the services are now better than they were before.


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Coming to the Phi Phi Island

The Island is very close to each Phuket and Krabi. Just head to the pier in any of those two cities, catch the ferry and you would be arriving at the Phi Phi Island in just some hours. All ferries to the island will take you to the Ao Ton Sai beach. If you are staying somewhere close, you can just hop out and stroll to your resort. And if you’re staying on the Lengthy Beach or on the other facet of the island, then you need to take another boat that may take you to your resort. When you’ve got a earlier reserving, often the resort will even send a ship for you.

One other approach to attain the PP Island is by taking the sea plane. Get aboard the brief flight and you’re going to get an incredible view of the ocean and the rocks. It gives a very completely different perspective.

Tours to the Phi Phi Island

There are two sorts of journeys to the the Island. You could come right here on a day trip and get back to Phuket or Krabi by the evening, or you can decide to stay here for a couple of days. Both of these tours are highly regarded, but of course in case you are a day-tripper, you will miss out on the many attractions of the island. As an illustration, you won’t be able to camp at Maya Bay, where Lionardo Di Caprio’s “The Beach” was filmed, and you can’t enjoy the Full Moon Events at PP.


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But you may nonetheless see the major points of interest of PP just like the Phi Phi Leh and the Phi Phi Don islands, the Bamboo Island, Mosquito Island, Monkey Seaside, the Viking Cave, Pileh Cove, and naturally the Maya Bay and Ao Ton Sai. Your journey for PP will depart within the morning and return you to your lodge room by the evening.

You may book a day trip to see all of the points of interest in case you are staying on the island as well. The long tail or the pace boat will take you around all of the places, present lunch at Bamboo Island, and produce you again as you witness a tremendous sundown on the Andaman Sea.

Top 10 Most Popular Beaches In The World

Top 10 Most Popular Beaches in the World | that are based on warm weather, sand quality, beautiful waters, facilities and environment etc..

1. Copacabana Beach, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

Copacabana is a borough located in the southern zone of the city Rio de Janeiro, famous for its 4 km beach.

The district was originally called Sacopenapã until the mid-18th century. It was renamed after the construction of a chapel holding a replica of the Virgin of Copacabana, the patron saint of Bolivia. It was incorporated into the city on July 6, 1892.

Copacabana begins at Princesa Isabel Avenue and ends at Posto Seis (lifeguard watchtower Six) near the Forte de Copacabana (Fort Copacabana). Beyond Copacabana, there is the small Arpoador beach, followed by the famous borough of Ipanema.

According to Riotur, the Tourism Secretariat of Rio de Janeiro, there are 63 hotels and 10 hostels in Copacabana.

2. Waikiki, Hawaii.

Waikiki is a neighborhood of Honolulu, in the City & County of Honolulu, on the south shore of the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Waikiki Beach is the shoreline fronting Waikiki and one of the best known beaches in the world.

The neighborhood extends from the Ala Wai Canal (a channel dug to drain former wetlands) on the west and north, to Diamond Head on the east. The name means spouting fresh water in Hawaiian for springs and streams that fed wetlands that once separated Waikiki from the interior. Waikiki has long been a place of relaxation. In particular, the area was a retreat for Hawaiian royalty in the 1800s.

Today the neighborhood and beach are considered the center of the tourist industry in Hawaii, with an abundance of both high-rise resort hotels (including the Hilton Hawaiian Village, the Halekulani hotel, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, and the Sheraton Waikiki) and historic hotels dating back to the early 20th century (such as the Moana Surfrider Hotel and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel).

As seen in the picture, Waikiki Beach is noted for its magnificent view of Diamond Head. The frequently visited tourist beach, easily accessible by an alley next to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, is actually fairly short, with half of it marked off for surfers. For some distance into the ocean the water is quite shallow, although there are numerous rocks on the bottom, so waders should watch where they put their feet. As with most ocean beaches the waves can have some force, particularly on windy days.

The beach has had its problems with erosion, leading to the construction of groins and beach replenishment projects. For example, in the 1920s and 1930s sand was obtained from Manhattan Beach, California, and transported via ship and barges to Waikiki.

Since 2001, there have been free movies on the beach. Many tourists from around the world can view a movie on an outdoor 30 foot screen. This particular free movie event in Waikiki is called "Sunset on the Beach". Sunset on the Beach typically shows movies of no higher than a PG rating. Recently, they showed Enchanted.

3. Cancun, Mexico.

Cancún is a coastal city in Mexico's easternmost state, Quintana Roo, on the Yucatán Peninsula best known as the Mexican Caribbean or at the northern section of the Mayan Riviera; however Cancun does not share a similar climate or topography to the Mediterranean.

It is the municipal seat of Benito Juárez municipality and a world-renowned tourist resort. The city center is located on the mainland which connects over the Nichupté and Bojórquez lagoons to a narrow "7" shaped island where the modern beachfront hotels are located. The island of Isla Mujeres is a nearby island located off the coast and is accessible by boat from Puerto Juarez or Punta Sam.

The older section of the city, known as "El Centro" follows the original master plan, consists of neighborhoods called "supermanzanas" (superblocks) that are formed by the intersections of the boulevards and traffic circles (roundabouts). This area is characterized by winding streets with cul-de-sacs that tend to keep out the main flow of traffic, including market places such Xel Ha. They usually have one or more parks, green spaces, paseos (pedestrian walkways) and various national historical monuments. Ave. Tulum is the main north-south artery (connecting downtown to the airport some 30km to south). Tulum is bisected by Ave. Coba (pronounced Koh bah). East of Ave. Tulum, Coba becomes Ave. Kukulcan which serves as the primary road that runs through the long "7" shaped hotel zone. Ave. Tulum is terminated on the north side by Ave. Paseo José López Portillo which connects to the main highway to Chichen Itza and Merida. Another major north-south road is Ave. Bonampak which runs roughly parallel to Ave. Tulum. The main ferry to Isla Mujeres is located off Bonampak.

The original master plan was repeatedly modified and, on the mainland, often ignored. To save on the cost of installing sewage systems and other public services, the design of much of the rest of the city reverted to the grid plan after Hurricane Gilbert (1988). The newest upper-middle-class residential areas reflect the original plan, but are much less intimate. Less expensive developments are comprised almost entirely of identical one- or two-story small row houses, sometimes built around interior plazas. Almost all buildings on the mainland are under four stories high.

4. Surfer's Paradise, Australia.

Surfers Paradise is a suburb on Australia's Gold Coast in Queensland. Colloquially known as 'Surfers', the suburb is famous for its many high-rise apartment buildings and wide surf beach. The central feature of theSurfers Paradise central business district is Cavill Mall, which runs through the centre of the main shopping precinct. Cavill Avenue, named after Jim Cavill, an early hotel owner, is one of the busiest shopping strips in Queensland, and is the centre of activity for night life and 'schoolies' trips.

5. Negril, Jamaica.

Negril is a large beach resort located across parts of two Jamaican parishes, Westmoreland and Hanover. Westmoreland is the westernmost parish in Jamaica, located on the south side of the island. Downtown Negril, the West End cliff resorts to the south of downtown, and the southern portion of the seven mile beach are in Westmoreland. The northernmost resorts on the beach are actually located in Hanover. Both parishes are part of the county of Cornwall. The nearest large town and capital of Westmoreland is Savanna-la-Mar.

6. South Beach, Florida.

South Beach is the section of Miami Beach, Florida that encompasses the southernmost 23 blocks of an island separating the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. This area was the first section of Miami Beach to be developed, starting in the 1910s, thanks to the development efforts of Carl G. Fisher, the Lummus Brothers, John S. Collins, and others. The area has gone through numerous man-made and natural changes over the years, including a booming regional economy, increased tourism, and the 1926 hurricane that destroyed much of the area.

7. Phi Phi, Thailand.

The Phi Phi Islands are located in Thailand, between the large island of Phuket and the western Andaman Sea coast of the mainland. Phi Phi Don, the larger and principal of the two Phi Phi islands, is located at [show location on an interactive map] 7°44′00″N, 98°46′00″E. Both Phi Phi Don, and Phi Phi Leh, the smaller, are administratively part of Krabi province, most of which is on the mainland, and is located at 8°02′30″N, 98°48′39″E.

Ko Phi Phi Don (meaning "island" in the Thai language) is the largest island of the group, and is the only island with permanent inhabitants, although the beaches of the second largest island, Ko Phi Phi Lee (or "Ko Phi Phi Leh"), are visited by many people as well. There are no accommodation facilities on this island, but it is just a short boat ride from Ko Phi Phi Don. The rest of the islands in the group, including Bida Nok, Bida Noi, and Bamboo Island, are not much more than large limestone rocks jutting out of the sea.

Phi Phi Don was initially populated by Muslim fishermen during the late 1940s, and later became a coconut plantation. The Thai population of Phi Phi Don remains more than 80% Muslim.

Ko Phi Phi Leh was the backdrop for the 2000 movie The Beach. Phi Phi Leh also houses the 'Viking Cave', from which there is a thriving bird's nest soup industry. There was criticism during filming of 'The Beach' that the permission granted to the film company to physically alter the environment inside Phi Phi Islands National Park was illegal.

Following the release of The Beach, tourism on Phi Phi Don increased dramatically, and with it the population of the island. Many buildings were constructed without planning permission.

8. Boracay, Philippines.

Boracay is a tropical island located approximately 315km (200 miles) south of Manila and 2km off the northwest tip of the island of Panay in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. The island comprises the barangays of Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak (3 of the 17 barangays which make up the municipality of Malay), and is under the administrative control of the Philippine Tourism Authority in coordination with the Provincial Government of Aklan.

9. Tenerife, Canary Islands.

The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago. The archipelago consists of seven major islands, one minor island, and several small islets. They are of volcanic origin and can be found in the North Atlantic Ocean. These islands are located just off the coast of the north-western portion of the African continent/mainland, nearest the political divide of Morocco and Western Sahara. They form the autonomous community of theCanary Islands. The Canary Islands were formed by the Canary hotspot. The status of capital city is shared by the two cities of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

10. Natadola Beach, Fiji.

Galapagos Islands: A Honeymoon Vacation spot

The Galapagos Islands draw 1000′s of visitors every year, together with scientists, college students, naturalists, photographers and more. The Galapagos Islands’ status as a should-see, “bucket checklist” type of vacation spot additionally attracts in retirees and off-the crushed path travelers. Whereas the Islands are sometimes neglected by the “in-between” crowd of individuals of their 20′s and 30′s, the Galapagos Islands truly make for an impressive honeymoon destination. Why pick Galapagos in your honeymoon? Listed below are 5 causes:

The Galapagos Islands are Romantic

That’s the primary qualification after all, isn’t it? A honeymoon is a romantic trip, and the Galapagos Islands match the bill. Moonlit cruises? Check. Exotic location? Check. Glorious amenities and service? Examine and check. The dramatic sunsets, fearless wildlife and memorable landscapes combine with first-price companies to create the perfect environment for romance.


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The Archipelago has one thing for everyone.

He desires hiking, she desires a beach. He desires water sports activities, she wants shopping. Galapagos is about not having to sacrifice or compromise. There are great seashores and hikes on the islands, as well as snorkeling and other water sports. The towns on the islands have a surprising quantity of quality souvenirs from all over Ecuador and South America. You can even resolve between land-based and cruise ship tours. Why struggle over a destination when Galapagos has all of it?

The “Enchanted Islands” are a vacation spot for the younger and vibrant.

The Islands are on many individuals’s “bucketlist” of locations to visit. Many retirees go because they lastly have the time and money to do so. Unfortunately, by the time they get there, many seniors discover that a number of the hikes and islands are too difficult for them they usually miss out. The Galapagos Islands are finest loved by those that are old enough to appreciate them and nonetheless younger enough to hop from one lava rock to the following, good for young newlyweds!

The Islands are more reasonably priced than you think.


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Many younger couples aren’t but established and should keep away from seemingly pricey locations just like the Galapagos Islands. Although the costs are undeniable – airfare to and from Ecuador after which to the islands, plus park charges and the cost of cruises or lodging – they’re comparatively low proper now. The worldwide financial downturn has had one constructive effect: fewer individuals are visiting Galapagos and the tour corporations and motels are prepared to make offers they’d not have thought-about before.

Ecuador has way more to offer than just the Islands.

A honeymoon to the Galapagos Islands carries the aspect benefit of a visit to Ecuador. Why not spend just a few days relaxing in the natural spas of Papallacta surrounded by the Andes, or taking a romantic carriage ride in Quito’s charming colonial heart? For such a small nation, Ecuador is residence to a splendidly various ecosystem with every little thing from snow-capped volcanoes to sandy beaches.

Cape Verde Islands

I first got here throughout the Cape Verde Islands after I was trying to find a more elusive holiday. Back then, there was not a lot to offer when it comes to holidays. Now it is a totally different story. As an emerging destination there are many options for these seeking to take a vacation to Cape Verde. With only 5 ½ hours flying time from the UK, a local weather tropical climate; and no jet lag, this might be the brand new Caribbean.

Holidays to the Cape Verde Islands – What are the choices?

Mendacity simply of the coast of Senegal on the west coast of Africa the 10 Island Archipelago takes only 5 ½ hours to fly to from the UK and with solely a hours flying difference between the Canaries the Cape Verde Islands have some clear advantages over their more in style northern cousins. The Cape Verde Islands have a year spherical temperature of between 24 – 29 degrees Celsius compared to between 17 to 28 levels Celsius within the Canaries. The ocean temperatures are also a couple of levels hotter which makes them excellent for swimming and diving.


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Holidays to the Cape Verde Islands – Which island is best?

Of the ten islands only three can really be thought of for taking a holiday. Essentially the most developed island and therefore the one most equipped to cater for those wishing to take a holiday to the Cape Verde Islands is the desert island of Sal. With direct flights from the UK and a longtime tourist industry this island has over 350 days of sunshine a year. The principle tourist areas are round Sal’s capital Santa Maria, with lots to supply those wishing to take enjoyable holidays and those searching for sports resembling windsurfing and diving.

Boa Vista is one other desert island barely to the south of Sal. Direct flights can be found from the UK. The tourism trade is in its infancy but there may be one resort on the coast that takes advantage of the crystal blue waters. If you want to go someplace that’s yet to be discovered then look in direction of Boa Vista on your vacation to the Cape Verde Islands.


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Santiago is situated within the southern group of islands. It is the least developed in terms of tourism however that is set to change with numerous resorts near completion. It is a tropical island with the panorama to match, so if it is the Caribbean you are on the lookout for then Santiago is your best bet. Direct flights will probably be obtainable once the resorts are accomplished which should be towards the final quarter of 2008.

The other islands are all inside easy reach of the three already mentioned. These islands do not yet have the infrastructure for mass tourism but are value a look. If you are considering taking a holiday to Cape Verde head for the extra developed island of Sal. For individuals who are more adventurous Boa Vista will knock your socks off. In either case, telling your folks you are going for a vacation to the Cape Verde Islands will earn you some brownie points.