August 4, 2012 / in Employee Motivation Reward programs have become a typical corporate approach to encouraging a team, department, or individuals to reach a determined objective. While these tools are used quite frequently, numerous organizations do not fully understand how a desirable reward such as travel incentives affects employee performance. A staff is motivated by both the offered trip and the recognition received for meeting a defined goal. Organizations utilizing this type of program have a better chance of remaining strong against their competition. Incentives help employees continue to be engaged, inspired, and feel valued. In return for the staff investment, a company is better able to retain their most skilled employees and maintain a productive work atmosphere. What Components Serve as the Successful Foundation? Trip award selection criteria must be based on desired business objectives in order to create a beneficial program. A package has to be clearly communicated in regards to how it can be earned, desired goals, and each individual’s progress. Events or videos should be considered to increase anticipation of the possible reward and a well-designed package boosts generated excitement. An enticing package will have these elements: Intriguing Destination Interactive Sessions Interesting Itinerary Detailed Record Keeping Clear Objectives Measurable Solid Promotional Plan Managers perform all actions necessary to reinforce the company’s dedication to the incentives success. Record keeping allows the organization to track each person’s progress and contribution to company financial or productivity goals. Planning is the Most Important Step While the work behind planning a travel package can seem extensive, the supplied results are well worth the effort. A company must first sit down to determine what goals participants will work toward and the time frame of achievement. Time frames can range from a single month to an entire year depending on the objectives. Goals should remain on track with a single area of business or issue rather than be spaced across several departments or company problems. For example, an organization will have a higher rate of success if the objectives are based on increasing sales, morale, or individual performance rather than a mixture of these items. Once the foundation has been laid out, it is time to choose an intriguing destination for promoting the travel incentive employee performance program. This destination will need to be centered on the company background, set goals, and individual desires. The itinerary will be more rewarding if it includes a charitable or business session event. This inclusion makes the approach justifiable to an organization while supplying a unique experience to award individuals for success. It is common for planners in this scenario to focus on their own personal desires; however, the best approach is to evaluate certain background factors regarding the targeted individuals. The end prize should be centered on the demographic features of award winners and what drives them to work hard toward the goal. Any company deciding to use travel rewards to accomplish productivity, morale, or business specific objectives is capable of creating an effective program when it is time to properly choose, plan out, and promote the offered incentive. Professional assistance is an option for improving the planning of such an award and ensuring satisfactory results.

August 9, 2012 / in Employee Motivation Members of upper management are directly responsible for ensuring employees remain motivated. A low morale work environment makes it more difficult for an organization to achieve goals or to maintain a productive staff since there is no motivation to excel. An executive or supervisor can easily pinpoint this environment. Individuals spend an extensive amount of time in the office gossiping, are slow to complete tasks, and maintain only the minimum productivity necessary to earn their pay. It is the long term disadvantages that truly hurt the company since continued morale decreases affect sales, hiring, retention, performance, objective completion, and consumer satisfaction. Employees who consistently come in late or do the bare minimum are not making a productive contribution to the company. Low morale is reflected on every sales call or as a staff completes projects for clients. The products or services offered by an organization have reduced quality when this type of environment is present. If even the slightest decrease in enthusiasm has been noticed, it is time to begin making an action plan. Incentive travel programs are one of the easiest and most justifiable methods for alleviating a noticed lack of motivation. They deliver long term performance enhancements and serve as an inspirational tool for continued success. What Benefits Are Received With a Properly Planned Travel Package? The tangible advantages of goal achievement and increased financial standing are common among programs. Companies additionally experience a variety of intangible benefits when a program is carried out appropriately. Participant behaviors change as individuals are motivated to receive the end result. A positive environment and happier employees leads to: Better Retention Heightened Engagement Support of Organizational Culture Improved Networking Opportunities Increased Enthusiasm Individual or Group Recognition A travel package is ideal because it supplies a desirable reward for meeting a defined set of criteria. The goals must be achievable, support organizational objectives, and understandable by every participant. By encouraging employees to perform wanted behaviors, a business is able point staff members in a direction that promotes organizational success. Attendance, motivation, and productivity improvements help the company remain competitive. The promise of a unique destination encourages individuals to be involved in the organization’s future thus resulting in amplified staff engagement. Incentive travel programs allow upper management and top performers to network or come together at a defined location. This type of gathering creates an environment where managers are able to gain insight regarding why earners put out the additional effort to have the possibility of winning the reward. The information received from supplied networking opportunities helps a company implement better practices to further boost productivity. Travel packages also give each individual participating in the program something worthwhile to work toward. Employees become motivated to have the experience provided by the selected trip and gain the same inspiration as another opportunity arises. The supplied recognition encourages others to put forth the required effort to receive the same experience described by earners as they return from a unique destination. Trip incentives are a rewarding choice any time a business desires to boost morale in the workplace.

August 19, 2012 / in Incentive Travel Articles Objectives are the first and foremost item of assessment as an organization begins to develop a travel incentive package. Selected goals must be specific, achievable, measurable, appropriately timed, and support the culture of an organization. Difficult to achieve objectives or those of ambitious nature are exciting, but can often lead to disappointment for everyone involved. While the criteria should be challenging, every determined goal must be reachable by applying a valid amount of effort. Objectives that cannot be measured or are not timed right make it highly difficult for anyone to earn the reward. This creates a level of discouragement capable of harming any future trip oriented efforts. For example, putting a program in place for boosting profits at the slowest time of the year is a good idea; however, goals should be set in accordance with average profits in order to avoid requiring participants to try to reach unreasonable sales totals. Timing has to be in sync with the desired goal to receive the most optimal results. The Basics of Reward Program Design A trip oriented reward program is frequently open-ended or close-ended; however, a company can set up a package falling between the two. Open programs consist of a planned set of objectives where a precise result has been laid out. They target the largest percentage of average performers, but also make it difficult to budget due to an unknown number or earners. Close-ended programs set an exact number of individuals who can qualify for the award and are easier to budget. The biggest drawback of this choice is the possibility of alienating certain people within a company. A good example is someone making the sales quota, but not being given the opportunity to receive the award. These programs also allow the same individuals to consistently win the offered trip. Resentment among coworkers is common when the same person is awarded the prize. A policy limiting the number of repeat wins is a good idea when a close-ended program will be used. Multi-level approaches with a mix of both basic types allow everyone to have a chance at the opportunity and still supply the recognition repeat earners need to continue performing above par. Trip awards pay for themselves when a company carefully plans out and budgets the event. Administration costs typically fluctuate between five and fifteen percent depending on the travel incentives intricacy along with the amount of required analysis. Communication, promotion, and given awards additionally contribute to the total package cost. The time period designated for participants to earn the reward must align with the objectives. Diminishing sales might require a short term plan while quarterly improvements during a healthy profit era are ideal for a long term reward program. It is important to remember that federal government regulations view the reward as a form of income. Market value, program type, and merchandise costs could be required to be reported as part of each earners income. These factors must be taken into consideration and remain a priority as a company starts planning their travel package.

October 13, 2012 / in Featured Destinations Miami, Florida is a city known for its nightlife, beaches, and shopping opportunities; however, the location offers much more than these enticing activities. It is a region with a tropical climate consisting of hot, short summers and warmer winter temperatures. Miami’s positioning at the top of the Tropic of Cancer contributes to its welcoming climate. The city has a temperature average of sixty-seven degrees in January making the winter months a great time to visit. Located right off the Atlantic Coast in the Southeast portion of Florida, Miami resides as one of the most populated metropolis regions in the South. The city is a large contributor in the areas of finance, entertainment, culture, commerce, and international trade. It has also been noted as one of the cleanest cities in North America by Forbes magazine. Miami’s distinct historical neighborhoods and surplus of attractions supplies a unique experience around every corner. Local Neighborhoods Offer a Culturally Diverse Atmosphere Coral Way is an old neighborhood containing twentieth century architecture with a mixture of the Mission Revival style and Bungalow homes. Art Deco designs building in the 1930’s can be found amidst the various sub-neighborhoods of this distinct location. Coral Way, completed in 1922, is a residential area lined with many historical buildings and resides as a connection point for other portions of the city. Coconut Grove, established in 1825, is best known for its array of nightclubs, restaurants, and unique shops. It is a popular area for local college students and travelers seeking a little excitement. Travelers will find narrow, curved streets with an abundance of tree coverage over historical structures. The region contains several parks including Barnacle Historical State Park. Little Havana is a cultural neighborhood where individuals of Cuban descent have resided for years. It is a unique location that received its name from one of the largest Cuban cities. Today, the neighborhood is a cultural center of Miami offering colorful festivals, famous landmarks, and a one of a kind street life. Must See Attractions in Miami South Beach is a top destination point where travelers can shop, party, or spend the day basking in the sun. The local zoo has been ranked highly in the United States since the surrounding climate makes an ideal location for housing a large variety of animal species. Visitors can view local water inhabitants at the Seaquarium or have a more personal, up close experience at Dolphin Harbor. Everglades National Park offers a mixture of swamp, grass-prairie, and jungle atmospheres. It has been said to be one of the most exclusive parks found in the nation. The park houses fourteen species of animals that are either rare or endangered. Travelers are able to walk around the park, camp, or take a canoe trip for the day. Kennedy Space Center puts visitors right in the middle of the action with the Shuttle Launch Experience. Area theme parks provide the opportunity to walk amidst tropical wildlife. A large array of museums allows for an educational day of fun. Miami brings out the explorer in every visitor and is a great place to have a relaxing or adventurous getaway.

October 18, 2012 / in Featured Destinations New Orleans, known for its jazz roots and unique energy, the “Big Easy” resides as Louisiana’s biggest metropolitan area. It is a popular tourist destination with attractions like Bourbon Street and Creole cuisine. The city’s name was derived from a location on the Loire River in France. A multi-cultural heritage makes this destination a memorable place to visit for any individual. The area is most associated with local cuisine, music, and the Mardi Gras festival; however, this North American destination offers much more than the well-known good time. Early History New Orleans / The Big Easy, located next the Mississippi River, was first founded in May of 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville who worked for the French Mississippi Company. It was taken over by the Spanish in 1763 and remained as part of their territories until 1801. New Orleans was obtained by the United States when Napoleon sold it as part of the Louisiana Purchase a couple of years later. People of various heritages began making the region their home after this transition took place. Several wars throughout the years caused the city to be attacked and led to a reconstruction period in the late 1800’s after remittance to the Union. The twentieth century consisted mostly of a civil rights struggle as African Americans were granted freedom. New Orleans has remained strong, recovered from major natural disasters, and still resides as a top vacation destination in North America. New Orleans Today The region has a humid subtropical climate, which makes it a sticky yet fun place to experience during the warmer months. Average summer temperatures range from eighty-five to ninety-five degrees with precipitation each month remaining around five to six inches. Winter offers a mild atmosphere to travelers with average temperatures remaining around the sixties. The Big Easy contains many famous streets where travelers are able to experience local culture. Downtown neighborhoods are located below Canal Street whereas uptown districts lie above it. Visitors can peruse prominent neighborhoods on both sides of this dividing line including the French Quarter, Central Business District, Treme, and the Lower Garden District. The metropolis is now a bustling location that provides a variety of tourist attractions and cultural events where individuals can truly let go. Local Attractions Structures have architectural designs based on the region’s immense cultural and historical background. It contains twenty nationally registered historical districts along with fourteen locally recognized neighborhoods. Architectural styles throughout the region include shotgun, bungalow, Creole, antebellum, Victorian, and Italian style homes. Travelers also have options such as Magazine Street, which contains quite a few shopping boutiques. The region is popular for having a good time, historical architecture, cafes, fine cuisine, vintage shops, and live musical performances. Travelers have countless attractions to choose from when visiting this destination. Marigny supplies authentic music with a Bohemian style while the uptown district houses beautiful architectural creations. An abundance of galleries, tantalizing restaurants, antique shops, and the area zoo reside in the uptown portion of the city. New Orleans offers something different around every corner and this versatility is what has made the city a top ranking place to visit.

October 23, 2012 / in Featured Destinations West Palm Beach sits in the southeast part of Florida along the Atlantic Coast and was first settled in the late 1800’s. Interestingly enough, the original name for the town consisted of no spaces, but fear of a bad omen with a thirteen letter count caused it to be separated shortly after the settlement was founded. It is the oldest incorporated city in the southern portion of Florida. West Palm Beach experienced a large growth spurt in the 1920’s as the Florida land boom took place. A large number of the currently preserved neighborhoods and landmarks were constructed during this time. A hurricane in the late twenties caused the region to enter a depression period; however, a recovery period took place as World War II began. Another population boom occurred in the fifties as veterans returned from their service during the war. The introduction of air conditioning at this time caused additional people to move to the warmer climate location. West Palm Beach Historical Districts The Bel Air Historic District was originally a neighborhood designed for individuals who assisted with the development of the county. A portion of the land began as a pineapple plantation of Richard Hone who built a home at the location in 1895. The plantation passed through several hands after Hones death; however, the house remains standing in its original location. El Cid contains a combination of Mediterranean revival and mission-style structures. As the pineapple crop became dismal in the late 1900’s, this land was subdivided and sold off. Today the neighborhood resides on the National Register of Historic Places and is a marvelous site for anyone traveling in the region. Flamingo Park is a coastal neighborhood consisting of structures developed throughout the twenties. Numerous homes of varying architecture styles have been renovated in the neighborhood and are quite a sight for individuals touring the area. West Palm Beach’s history can be seen throughout each district due to renovations that started in the nineties. Area Attractions West Palm Beach is a vacation destination where every visitor can let their imagination take over. Travelers wanting to take a step back in time can board the Black Sparrow pirate ship and make their own adventurous fun or climb to the top of Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse for a great view of the area. Greyhound racing, croquet, polo, and equestrian events are a few of the great sporting activities in the area. Water taxis supply the chance to learn more about the cities transition into what it is today. The drive through safari offer travelers the opportunity to be close to animals in the wild. Individuals visiting this wildlife attraction can shop, dine, enjoy amusement park rides, and see live demonstrations. The city offers plenty of cultural activities with options such as live performances and museums. Visitors should also take some time to explore Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens or the Mounts Botanical Garden for one of a kind, breathtaking views. West Palm Beach is a versatile vacation destination that has retained its historical attributes while managing to supply a fun-filled experience to every visitor.

October 28, 2012 / in Featured Destinations Naples is located off the Gulf of Mexico along the southern tip of Florida just below Fort Myers. It has a savanna type climate with average summer temperatures ranging in the seventies to the nineties. The months of June, July, August, and September experience the most precipitation. Winter temperatures remain mild with the average consisting of approximately seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit. The city’s economy is directly fed from tourism, but was originally generated through agriculture and real estate. Its close location to the Everglades among other land attributes made these two economical areas extremely prosperous. The city holds numerous small businesses; however, it is also home to larger names in the health, technology, and medical equipment industries. It is a cultural location with performing arts opportunities such as the opera, jazz orchestra, and theatrical venues. Nature Activities and Shopping The area contains several land reserves where visitors can explore the great outdoors. Available reserve parks include: Everglades National Park Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Big Cypress National Preserve Picayune Strand State Forest The Naples Zoo, built in 1919, is located in the Caribbean Gardens and offers visitors a chance to spend the day with unique animal species. This region supplies countless nature adventure opportunities, but also has a modern appeal for travelers who want to kick back on the sand or experience local culture. A trip to the downtown region of the city supplies tourist with a chance to do a little antique shopping or visit one of many art galleries. Visitors desiring to shop can make their way to The Village on Venetian Bay where the Waterside Shops center is located or peruse around the shopping districts of Tin City and Big Cypress Market Place. This stunning metropolitan region also hosts the Oliver Group Champions Cup and the swamp buggy races every year. A Surplus of Recreational Choices Individuals desiring more time on the beach or in the water have a variety of options to choose from. The city’s shoreline spans over ten miles along the Gulf of Mexico and was noted as one of the best to visit by the Travel Channel. Beaches in the area include: Clam Pass Beach Park Vanderbilt Beach North Gulfshore Boulevard Beach Naples Pier Travelers can relax on the shoreline, swim, play in the sand, or reserve a private boat for a day of fun. The area supplies various types of excursion activities in the gulf waters for the more adventurous visitors. Kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and camping are additional choices for spending some time outdoors with the family. King Richards Fun Park is another option for families or individuals seeking a break from coastal atmosphere. The park has batting cages, mini golf, a water park, go-karts, and amusement rides. Of course, a day on the beach is always welcomed by travelers desiring to have a relaxing getaway. Naples is a beautiful Oceanside city with plenty of fun and relaxing activities for families or individuals. It is a tourist hot spot where every person will find something they enjoy. This city provides a one of a kind scenic environment where travelers can rejuvenate from everyday life.

November 1, 2012 / in Featured Destinations San Antonio became one of the most rapidly expanding cities throughout a ten year period that ended in 2010. It was named after Saint Anthony of Padua who discovered the area during a 1691 expedition. San Antonio is best known for historical attractions such as The Alamo, Tower of the Americas, and Marriage Island. It offers a variety of versatile activities in a modern atmosphere with a little southern historical charm. This metropolis is the residing home of several military bases, five companies featured on the Fortune 500 list, and sits approximately seventy-five miles away from the state capital of Austin. The region has a semi-arid climate with temperatures sometimes surging as high as one-hundred ten degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months. Average lows during the winter range from forty to fifty degrees and the summer months experience the most precipitation. While historical sites are a main drawing point for individuals traveling to this destination, San Antonio supplies plenty of sun and fun activities to visitors with varying interests. River Walk The River Walk, located in the downtown region, is a tourist attraction with multiple shops, restaurants, and the famous Arneson River Theater. It is a network of walking areas lying along the San Antonio River bank approximately one story below the Downtown region and away from automobile traffic. Pedestrians can peruse shops located along the walkways, stop for a bite to eat, and make their way to several portions of the city. The River Walk provides a laid back, easy mode of travel for anyone wanting to take in the city while making their way to some of its top tourist destinations. The Alamo San Antonio history is best observed by taking a little time to visit The Alamo, which was once a Roman Catholic mission where the infamous battle took place in 1836. It is located in the Downtown region of the city and today is one of the most famous historical landmarks in the area. Originally built as a Native American educational compound by the Spanish Empire, the location later became a protective site for the Mexican Army. It continued to be used by military groups as a defensive action positioning point for many years. The city has preserved the location as a historical site for individuals who want to see this remnant of the region’s past. Downtown Downtown San Antonio is an area filled with stunning architecture and countless opportunities for fun. The Majestic Theatre, built in 1929, is one of the oldest performing arts facilities in the city and can seat just over twenty-three thousand people. It is a must see for every person traveling to the city. The Hemis Fair Park is a remnant of the first official world fair in 1968. Today, it houses various tourist attractions including the Tower of the Americas. Museums, galleries, classic architecture, shopping, and great food are common to each individual district. It is a modern atmosphere where travelers get to experience southern charm mixed with a rich history in a one of a kind setting.

November 4, 2012 / in Featured Destinations Scottsdale, lying east of Phoenix, Arizona as part of the greater metro area, contains several galleries, resorts, attractions, and golfing opportunities. Exquisite shopping locations such as the Fashion Square Mall are one of the high points of this tourist destination. Galleries displaying local and global creations along with upscale shopping facilities reside to the west of the downtown portion of the metropolitan region. Visitors desiring an active nightlife scene or stunning art creations should visit the once working class South Scottsdale. Old Town offers a variety of activities to visitors including: Old Fashion Boutiques Restaurants Nightclubs Western Era Galleries Main Cultural District Shea Corridor is in close proximity to Shea Boulevard and holds a large array of homes built in the seventies. A number of communities in this portion of the city are highly desired residentially. The district contains a few high end resorts designed for individuals desiring to see this beautiful city. North Scottsdale has experienced the most development projects in recent years, but was the least built up until these changes began taking place. It is home to major employers such as Fidelity Investments, GoDaddy.com , and The Vanguard Group. Each section of the city has its own little perks and easily meets the precise vacationing needs or desires of visitors. Things to See & Do A historical tour through Old Town provides hours of fun with western stories, live demonstrations, and sampling from the area’s most exquisite restaurants. The tour provides vast information about the cities initial development and how it became the metropolitan area it is today. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a great place to take the children for a day of fun. It contains a few playgrounds with a fully functional train that adults or children can ride to access each area. Piestewa Peak is an undeveloped mountainous location near the downtown metropolitan region where individuals can explore and is open to the public for hiking, picnicking, or mountain biking. Fashion Square Mall not only supplies a plethora of shopping choices, but is also a great location for travelers who love to take part in people watching. Local Culture & The Arts The annual art festival has been highly ranked within the United States for many years and the downtown region houses a vast number of galleries that are divided among a total of three districts. A trip to the Main Street Arts District provides an extensive selection of genre and style collections. Marshall Way Arts District offers a more contemporary setting while the Old Town section provides a western themed collection. The city holds numerous events centered on the western time period such as the Arabian Horse Show. The Scottsdale Jaycees Parada del Sol is a rodeo-based cowboy event consisting of a parade among other activities. The city is also home to a well-known automobile showcase where individuals gather to view historic, exotic, and luxury vehicles. Visitors have a variety of activities to choose from including galleries, museums, cultural events, unique restaurants, shopping, and nature oriented attractions. Regardless of the interest, Scottsdale promises a lifetime memory of fun, new experiences.

November 9, 2012 / in Featured Destinations Tucson, Arizona is an exciting destination where travelers can experience a little adventure, spend a day shopping at the best boutiques, or tantalize their taste buds with amazing culinary creations. Located in the eastern portion of the state, Tucson sits in the middle mountain ranges and the Saguaro National Park. Individuals visiting this busy location have the chance to: Play on First-class Golf Courses Try New Foods Visit Art Museums or Galleries Have Unique Cultural Experiences Shop Explore Nature View Historical Landmarks The city is also referred to as “The Old Pueblo” due to its rich past as a developing settlement area and is located on the riverbanks of the Santa Cruz River, which is now a dry piece of land with the exception of floods caused by seasonal rains. Its original development was based on a grid plan from the nineteenth century where the center of the city sat at the junction of Broadway Boulevard and Stone Avenue; however, this location has changed due to continued expansion. The metropolis holds a variety of historical neighborhoods including El Presidio, Menlo Park, and Iron Horse. Some of these are located in the downtown area while others are spread throughout the city. Historical Attractions Several historical landmarks can be found throughout the older neighborhoods in Tucson with the most prominent residing in the downtown region. Hotel Congress was constructed in 1919 at about the same time when the Rialto Theatre was built. They sit on the opposite sides of the street with the rear of the landmark facing the old Amtrak Station. The structure, originally just a hotel, now houses a restaurant, music site, and a bar with its most notorious historical moment was being the capture of John Dillinger. The Art Deco Fox Theatre, built in 1929, is still used as a performance location in the downtown region of the city. Visitors can catch various types of performances at this site ranging from modern music to ballets. St. Augustine Cathedral, El Charro Café, and the O.K. Corral are additional sites in the downtown area. Modern Areas of Interest The travel destination offers more modern attractions to tourists desiring to take some time for enjoying their favorite activities. Museums are not hard to find in this bustling city and visitors can spend a day viewing displays based on western culture, science, or artistic creations. A day at the one of the area casinos offers the opportunity to win big while enjoying great food and company. State parks, vineyards, and wildlife observatories supply their own version of fun. Travelers desiring a more active getaway have the option of spending a day in Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley or testing their skills on the local golf courses. It is a city of many cultures where history has brought together Native American, Anglo, and Hispanic backgrounds. Visitors have a broad range of choices when desiring to experience the local culture. Shopping opportunities are endless and the area climate promotes boutique browsing since most days are sunny. The destination offers so much to do and explore that many individuals come back to continue their experience of “The Old Pueblo.”

November 12, 2012 / in Featured Destinations San Diego resides on the coast of the Pacific Ocean on the southern tip of California near the Mexican border. The cities climate makes it an excellent place to visit during any time of the year. This getaway location, sitting next to a natural harbor with deep waters, provides consistently warm temperatures and an extensive beach line. It was the first place European settlers visited along the western coastline of the United States and spans over approximately two hundred canyons, which contribute to its hilly geographical layout. Structures reside on the mesas while the urban canyon areas remain fairly untouched. The San Diego River runs through the city to create a north/south division line as it enters the bay. San Diego houses over one-hundred individual neighborhoods spanning over fifty-two community planning locations. The downtown region, sitting along the bay, functions as the cultural and business center of the metropolis. Visitors have the opportunity to see famous attractions such as SeaWorld and the Coronado Bridge. Area Climate The San Diego area has a mild climate that creates a great environment for a vacation any time of the year. Coastal temperatures average around seventy-five degrees each day with humidity remaining low for most of the year. Valleys in the area have noticeable differences caused by the terrain among additional factors. The climate can change rapidly while traveling eastward from the coast and in some instance may vary by as much as a degree when traveling only a couple miles to the east. Most months are sunny with the exception of May and June when the sky has immense cloud coverage. Things to Do San Diego holds so many items of interest that it is often difficult to know where to begin when visiting this beautiful city. The downtown region houses numerous historical landmarks including: Gaslamp Quarter Historic District Balboa Theatre El Cortez Apartment Hotel Santa Fe Depot Alfred Haines House It is also an area known for its artistic atmosphere where visitors have the chance to catch an opera or symphony performance. Spreckels Theater, opened in 1912, hosts a variety of both local and traveling productions. Balboa Park is a campus filled with museums, gardens, neo-classical architecture, a theatre, and a one of a kind clock tower. It is also home to the famous San Diego Zoo, which spans over one-hundred acres. The zoo supplies a diverse range of shows and is home to a few less common animal species. Point Loma Lighthouse provides a fantastic view of downtown as well as other portions of the city. Downtown offers something for everyone with museums, restaurants, boutiques, and a booming nightlife as part of the selection. If a day off from sightseeing is needed, travelers have countless options for fun. The San Diego coastline provides miles of beachfront for activities such as swimming, surfing, sunbathing, sailing, boating, or scuba diving. Beer tasting is another great adventure and the city supplies approximately forty-four breweries for exploring. Travelers desiring adventurous activities can go hiking, biking, rock climbing, or even hang gliding. It is an active location where visitors will have no problem finding plenty to do and see.

December 1, 2012 / in Featured Destinations White Sulphur Springs in Greenbrier County, West Virginia is a quiet little town consisting of just under twenty-five hundred people. The Greenbrier is a luxury four-star resort located on the edge of this little town. It was owned for a great period of time by the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway and became a recent purchase of a local entrepreneur named Jim Justice. Twenty-six presidents have stayed at the hotel with the most recent being Dwight Eisenhower while his term was still in session. The location was once home to an underground bunker designed for Congress as a shelter for the Cold War. A sulphur water spring serves as the center point for this piece of land. It runs under a springhouse with white columns and has been an icon of the vacation spot for several generations. The History of Greenbrier A local discovery by the name of Mrs. Anderson began to use the waters as a natural remedy to her chronic rheumatism. Since that time, the resort has been referred to as White Sulphur Springs. The land was first legally owned by the Calwells, a notorious family from Baltimore, who took the initial steps toward shaping it into the resort seen today. Cottages sold during the initial development of the land remain standing at the vacationing site. The hotel, built in 1858, was originally called the Grand Central Hotel and torn down around 1922 after the new building had been completed. At the time of the Civil War, the property changed hands between the Confederate and Union armies. It was almost burned to the ground during the struggle, but reopened shortly after as a vacation spot and the setting for reconciliations after the war. Ownership of the property changed to the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway in 1910. The Greenbrier resort was used as an Army hospital throughout World War II and then purchased by the railroad company once again in the post-war period. An Abundance of Activities in a Luxurious Setting The Greenbrier has a rich history dating back to the early discoveries of this nation and has made its mark as a prominent luxury resort. Today, visitors can relax in the stunning setting of the White Sulphur Springs, participate in a variety of activities, and explore the historic location. The Presidents’ Cottage Museum is a building consisting of two stories housing exhibits dedicated to the twenty-six presidents who have stayed at the location and contains exhibits designed to show the deep history of the hotel. The Greenbrier is also a famous golfing location with an exceptional course. It was the first location of the Ryder Cup, held in 1979, and a previous hosting site of the Champions Tour. Indoor activities at the resort include billiards, concerts, shopping, fitness facilities, gaming, and laser tag. Visitors wanting to spend more time outdoors can participate in a round of golf, take a carriage ride, go hiking, or do some mountain biking. The Greenbrier offers numerous activities with plenty to keep the family busy while staying in a one of a kind location.