There are a lot of different places to go to and things to do in Tagaytay. All you have to do really is decide what to do, when to do it and whom to do it with.

1. Sightseeing

There are many sights and attractions to visit in Tagaytay City. Visit the Residence Inn and Halfway House and Paradizoo, the city’s own zoo and specialty theme zoo park. Stay at the Nurture Spa for some refreshing aromatherapy treatments. Be sure to visit the People’s Park In The Sky to view all the wonder of the city and view the smallest volcano in the world, the Taal Volcano.

2. Eating

There are a lot of restaurants, big and small, at which you can eat in Tagaytay City. A lot of the most popular fast food joints in the big cities are located here. If you’d like to experience eating at restaurants more formal than a fast food joint, try one of the numerous casual dining options in the city. There are lots of restaurants that serve Filipino, Italian, Australian, Japanese, Chinese and American food. Just take your pick. And if you’d like to pamper yourself some more and would like to eat at a fine dining restaurant, these are also available in the city, with Taal Vista Hotel and Discovery Country Suites being the finest as they offer the best views of Taal Volcano from your table.

3. Spiritual Retreats

There are dozens of spiritual centers, churches and retreat centers in Tagaytay City. So if you’re feeling lost, lonely and needing direction and focus, find out the scheduled retreats or seminars during your trip to the city to be able to attend them. Some require reservations while others are fine with walk-ins, so be sure to check before going to the venue.

There may not be a lot of activities to do in Tagaytay City, but since it’s a small city, that fact can be forgiven. And if you’re not sure about something in this city, be sure to ask the locals because they won’t hesitate to tell you more about their city.

Waterfront Park is between East Bay Street and the Charleston Harbor in downtown Charleston, SC. This park is a great place to relax by the numerous picturesque fountains. You can sit on the swings on the pier and enjoy views of the Cooper River Bridge and the Charleston Harbor. While you are relaxing, let the children play in the main fountain.

Life slows down for a moment as you rest on the pier. The views are breathtaking as you watch the sailboats and ships go by. You can catch glimpses of Fort Sumter and Sullivan’s Island from here also. This is a great location to get photos of the Cooper River Bridge, the largest cable-stay bridge in North America.

Once you get tired of sitting on the pier, go for a stroll along the harbor’s coastline. Occasionally, you will witness a dolphin or two swimming in the waters right off shore. Waterfront Park is very narrow, and there is little concern for getting lost, even if you are as directionally challenged as I.

On your journey you will come across a round stone in the center of the park. This is an echo stone, echo, echo. To experience this effect stand in the middle of the stone. Face the harbor and say anything you want and hear the echoes. Only the person on the stone will hear it. No, this is not a way to make tourists look dumb, it really does work.

After your busy day of sightseeing and filling your tank while in downtown Charleston, SC, head to the park. Waterfront Park’s awesome views of landmarks like the Cooper River Bridge will inspire much imagination. Then peering at Fort Sumter, the Civil War’s starting place, will take you back in time. There is much to echo about here.

Whatever time of year you decide to visit, warm temperatures almost can be assured, and you can swim in Coral Bay’s crystal clear waters for as long as you want. There also is abundant marine life; whale sharks, turtles, mantra rays, and humpbacks can be enjoyed in varying seasons.

And if the marine attraction isn’t enough, there are also exciting activities you can choose from. Diving is the most popular water activity because the 260 km long Ningaloo Reef is actually one of the largest coral fringing reef in the world. If you’re done with diving, you can try out sailing, sports fishing, snorkeling, and even quad trek bike tours.

One of the most exciting experiences you should not miss in Coral Bay is the whale shark encounter. A lot of tourists rave about their own experiences. It seems exciting enough just to listen to others describe their experience, but nothing will beat the actual whale shark encounter itself. It is difficult to describe the feeling of awe and fascination because you need to feel it to believe it. There are endless activities from which to choose in Coral Reef, Australia. Visiting this fascinating piece of land will definitely be one of the most unforgettable memories you will ever have.

Leaving Hotel Monteleon late in the morning, we asked the front desk staff where we could go for a good sandwich.  Located within the French Quarter, we walked to Cafe Maspero, where we enjoyed a decent lunch.  Well-filled with food and water, we decided to embark upon a walk, venturing outside of the French Quarter.

Our walk took us many miles through various parts of the city.  While it was nice getting exercise during a vacation, I would recommend that visitors not leave the French Quarter on foot while in the Crescent City.

Upon our return from a more than 2-hour walk, we decided to cool ourselves with a beverage at the Carousel Piano Bar and Lounge.  True to its name, this bar rotates, at a rate of 15 minutes per rotation.  We each enjoyed a well-prepared drink while we relaxed.

Deciding to continue with our relaxation mode, we switched from walking attire into bathing suits and headed to the rooftop pool.  The late afternoon sun streamed onto the pool deck, as we lounged in the refreshing water.  Alternating between floating in the pool and reclining in lounge chairs, we whittled away the afternoon.

To complete our trip to New Orleans, we wanted to spend a night hopping from club to club.  Unfortunately, between bad luck and being a Monday night, it wasn’t as easy as we had planned.  We started at Harrah’s Casino, hoping to have a drink and appetizer at Ice Bar.  However, the bar was deserted, so we went to Ruth’s Chris Steak House, which was more lively.

After enjoying a drink and some appetizers, we returned to the casino and played craps, netting about $50 in winnings.  Deciding to keep it a night of hopping, we left the casino after an hour and headed to the W hotel, hoping to enjoy a drink at their upscale bar, Whiskey Blue.  Upon our arrival, we were disappointed to learn that the bar was closed that night only for renovations!

Walking back toward our hotel, we found two completely different local establishments, at which we enjoyed ourselves.  The first was a martini bar with nice decor and some high brow offerings.  We each enjoyed a simple, adequately prepared martini.  Leaving there, with a craving for some late night food, we ventured to a bar that would not be within our typical genre, as it was more of a college scene.  However, they had loaded french fries, and we were on vacation, so why not live dangerously?

Although it was a quick trip, it seemed the perfect length.  We were able to see most of the French Quarter, eat a wide variety of foods, and have time to relax.  A perfect mini-honeymoon to celebrate our marriage.

Arriving about 11:00 a.m. we began by viewing the Sculpture Garden. After viewing these beautiful outdoor pieces, we headed down the hill to begin our tour of the artists.

The Craftsmen’s Fair is arranged by tents. Some tents have exhibitions. At these booths, you can watch artists demonstrate their talents. Because of the visitor-friendly set-up, it is easy to watch and ask questions of the exhibitors. However, sales are not permitted at these locations.

During our tour of exhibitions, we found the glassblowing display by Harry Besett to be particularly enjoyable. While crafting a goblet for his son’s 18th birthday, Harry entertained the spectators with descriptions of his work and stories. Watching him work was educational and enjoyable for all four of us.

In many other tents, you can view and purchase the artists’ wares. With hundreds of booths, there are crafts to please any style or taste. From wood to metal to glass to wool and much more, the options for wares are almost unlimited.

During our visit to the fair we enjoyed talking to the craftsmen and fellow shoppers about the displayed items. Our two children particularly were enamored with pewter items, and each chose items as souvenirs for the day. My husband and I found stained glass created by Chippaway Art Glass to be our favorite booth. We chose a large blue Sunapee Star crafted by Joseph and Jane Godek as our souvenir.

In addition to enjoying the crafts, we had a decent lunch at the fair. The food tent had the widest variety of food that I have seen at an event such as this. Beyond the regular hamburgers and hot dogs, there were wraps, stuffed baked potatoes, muffins, smoothies, and much more. Plus, all of these foods were reasonably priced, and there were musical groups performing in the same area. What a deal! Good food, good prices, and entertainment!

Although this was the 75th occurrence of the NH Craftsmen’s Fair, it was only our first visit. However, we are sure to attend next year.

Chankanaab is a recreational park that offers many great attractions. For starters, you can swim with dolphins. There are numerous stations with trainers and dolphins. The trainers began by bringing the dolphin to you for you to pet them and to get a close-up view of the ocean’s sweetheart.

Then you learn the sign language that the trainers use to communicate with them. You can use these signs to get a hug from them, have them give you a smooch and even hang on to their fins as they pull you to shore. Some people even had the privilege of being pushed by their feet. Whichever method of propulsion you chose the power is awe-inspiring. (As a side note, the dolphins here in Charleston, SC must be illiterate because the one I saw swimming didn’t hug me.)

After swimming with the dolphins and my poor attempts at humor, you need to relax. There is a fantastic beach in this park to enjoy the Cozumel waters and catch some rays. The water here is clearer than most swimming pools, and with snorkel gear you can get a great look into many different aquatic creatures.

My friend and I went exploring the waters with only some basic lap-swimming goggles while our wives picked up a tan on the provided lounge chairs. The area immediately off the shore was about ten feet deep. The deepest areas that we were able to reach were approximately twenty feet deep. Using disposable underwater cameras, I snapped some great pictures of numerous types of saltwater fish.

The experience is not one that I will forget soon. Therefore, the next time you are asked if you have swum with dolphins, what will your answer be? Make sure that your next trip to Cozumel, Mexico includes a visit to Chankanaab. This park is an all-day event!

I’d like to encourage you to take a different kind of flight: Take a ride in a hot air balloon. I am lucky enough to have an uncle who is into aviation and was able to connect us with a flight. He also served as our pilot. We took off in a small park only two blocks from my grandparent’s house and, an hour later, landed gently in a grassy area 10 miles from there. The sight above the city and rolling landscape was spectacular. What’s special about a hot air balloon trip is that you can never know exactly where you’re going. (Of course, the pilot knows the general direction of the wind, can make a decent prediction for a destination, and would never take a passenger on a flight that might lead to danger.) It was an exciting experience, and I would not turn down an offer for a second chance.

A ride like the one I described might cost about $200 per person. It may seem like a high price but is truly an unforgettable experience. I’ve heard that it is even possible to arrange flight trips that can last a couple days. Wouldn’t that be a cool honeymoon?

If such a cost isn’t within your budget, you should consider visiting a hot air balloon festival. You wouldn’t believe your eyes. Perhaps the most famous festival is the one held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is the largest festival in the world and has about 750 balloons. Don’t forget, Albuquerque isn’t your only option. My sister attended a festival near Metz, France, that included “only” 200 balloons, and the event was still unbelievably majestic and magnificent.

So, consider a hot air balloon trip on your next vacation, and then maybe the word “flight” will trigger a happier emotion you weren’t previously familiar with.

Arriving very late on Saturday night, we started our tour of New Orleans on Sunday morning. We began our day with the biggest breakfast I have ever been served! Dining at Petunia’s, even my husband (who has a generous appetite) couldn’t finish his breakfast. Much to our delight the quality was just as great as the quantity.

Next on our to-do list was a self-navigated walking tour of the French Quarter. We visited many antique shops and art galleries, finding items both beautiful and oddly interesting. We toured St. Louis Cathedral, which is an absolutely beautiful church. Even though we had eaten a huge breakfast, we walked until we were a pinch hungry in the afternoon and dined on beignets and coffee at Cafe du Monde - a delicious treat. Continuing to stroll through the city, we were able to see many street artists and musicians during our tour.

To end our first whole day in this city, we dined at Emeril’s, which can be described in one word: amazing. The drinks, food, service, and decor were impeccable. Dressed for an evening of fine dining, it was a beautiful way to end our first full day as husband and wife.

Located on Royal Street in the French Quarter, this hotel has been a local landmark since 1886. This beautiful hotel has much to offer to its visitors: restaurant, spa, bar, rooftop pool, meeting rooms, concierge service, and more.

Part of the beauty of this hotel is the effort taken to make all aspects of it perfect for visitors, which we experienced during our mini-honeymoon in New Orleans. When an extra set of towels was needed, they were delivered, neatly tied in green ribbon. No matter where we were in the hotel, we were greeted kindly by staff members. Additionally, the staff seemed happy to work there, which makes a stay at a hotel more enjoyable. (To my opinion, having employees complain or be lackadaisical makes a stay less pleasant.)

We enjoyed several of the hotel’s amenities while at the Monteleon. After an afternoon walking through New Orleans, we enjoyed a pre-dinner drink at the Carousel. This aptly-named bar rotatesturns at a rate of 15 minutes per rotation. Both my husband and I enjoyed a cooling cocktail. To enjoy the sunny weather, part of one afternoon was spent at the rooftop pool. A perfectly heated pool surrounded by lounge chairs and cocktail tables provided a relaxing environment.

In addition to the benefits of services, the hotel is located in the heart of the French Quarter. We were amidst many fine shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Plus, we could walk to other attractions, such as the casino.

If you want to stay at a hotel that offers excellent service, beautiful surroundings, and a convenient location, try Hotel Monteleon. It definitely made our getaway for two all the more special.

I have a list of favorite countries that I like to visit every now and then, when I have the time. Hong Kong is one of those countries. Every time I visit the country, I always discover something new. Every time I visit the country, I make sure that I don’t try to do everything in that one trip, so that I’ll have something to look forward to on the next trip.

HK Disneyland

It’s the smallest Disneyland in the world, but it’s still Disneyland. I went with my sister, and we had so much fun. It doesn’t matter if Disneyland is smaller than the other Disneyland parks or the biggest one in existence, it’s still Disneyland, and everyone will have fun no matter what. But because of the small size of the park, it’s easy to visit the entire park in just a few hours.

Avenue of the Stars and Harbour City

The Avenue of the Stars in HK is similar to the ones in Hollywood and features the famous stars of China and Hong Kong. Overlooking the Hong Kong Harbour and Hong Kong Island, walk along the harbour and have your photos taken with the stars and the numerous bronze statues displayed there. Walk further along the harbour to Harbour City and get a glimpse of the Arts and Culture scene of HK with the frequent displays of sculptures. You won’t really notice the long distance, as there is always something that will catch your attention at the harbour.

Night and Street Markets

These markets capture the true identity of HK. You don’t have to buy anything or try everything, but make sure to pay attention to everything that is happening. There are a lot of street markets in HK with different days and times of operation, so be sure to ask first before heading off to their locations.

On my next trip, I’ll be exploring more of the HK Island and try to do more than just electronics shopping on that island.

Have you been to Hong Kong? What are your favorite things to do there? Where do you like to spend your time in HK?