Sightseeing Travel Guide Find information and reviews on tours and activities in over 400 cities around the world.

Kennedy Space Center

The Kennedy Space Center’s Astronaut Training Experience Tour was one of the highlights of my family’s recent Spring Break trip to Orlando.  Intended to be an educational ‘adventure,’ I reserved tickets a few weeks prior to the fun-filled week.

The tour began at 10:00 AM, our group excited and energized for the hands-on experience.  We met a professional astronaut, and in her presentation she explained training procedures, shuttle equipment, and described her highly intensive first launch.

NASA Astronaut

Later, we had an opportunity to visit the L39 Observation Gantry’s authentic shuttle and launch pads.  All of the kids were excited at the opportunity to “touch a piece of Mars” during the Exploration of the New Millennium exhibit.  Lunch was served midway through the tour, and afterwards, a visit to the IMAX theater exhibit and Gravity simulator.

After the tour, my fourteen-year old sister expressed her desire to be just like Dr. Mae Jemison and become an astronaut.  I give the Kennedy Space Center’s Astronaut Training Experience Tour a ten, not only for its recreation and innovation, but more importantly, for its ability to inspire and motivate.

Posted under Florida Tours, Kennedy Space Center, Nasa Tours, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Titusville Florida, Transportation, Travel

When you think of Nashville, what is the first thought that comes into your head? Country music of course! Nashville is a vibrant city with music to the core.  It is the home of the legendary Grand Ole Opry.  The Opry was started as a live country music radio show called WSM Barn Dance, which was housed on the fifth floor of a radio station studio, but the audience soon became so large that it could no longer fit in that space.  After several moves it eventually settled into the Ryman Auditorium where it stayed until 1974 when it moved to the Grand Ole Opry House.

Downtown Nashville Tennessee

Today, you would be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t heard of the Grand Ole Opry and how it has launched the careers of so many successful key players in the country music business such as LeAnn Rimes, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn.  I recently took in a show and was hypnotized by the scope of it all and felt like I was witnessing history in the making.  For aspiring country music stars, it is an honor to be asked to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, and to watch the relatively unknown performers on stage is to watch the beginnings of a new life unfolding for them.  A day at the Opry for a performer can kick a performer’s career into overdrive, and many of today’s country superstars have been transformed by this life-altering experience.

The show lasts about 2 ½ hours and it is well worth every penny you will spend on tickets.  I was able to sit back and enjoy the show while knowing that my transportation was taken care of, since round-trip transportation was included with the package I purchased.  You may decide to purchase tickets with or without this option, depending on if you plan to stay around the area before and after the show.  This trip is a must-see, but it sells out fast so be sure to buy tickets well in advance of your trip.  It will be a day to remember forever- the day that new stars were born. 

While you are in the area, you will want to check out the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, located just a few steps from the Ryman Auditorium.  The museum chronicles the story of country music with a collection of video clips, recordings, exhibits, and dynamic live performances.  If there is time, I also recommend visiting the Grand Ole Opry Museum and The Opry Shop for a closer look at the history of the Opry and to take home a keepsake to remember the occasion.

You can purchase tickets to the Grand Ole Opry online with convenient e-ticketing.

Posted under Grand Ole Opry, Nashville Tours, Ryman Auditorium, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Transportation, Travel

Miami Tours

Make sure to bring an extra memory card for your camera because the city tour hits all of the major areas, including quirky South Beach, quaint Coconut Grove, colorful Little Havana, and the energetic financial district. The best part is that you can experience all of the people watching without having to walk around in Miami’s infamous heat. You’re sure to recognize many places around South Beach from movies and television shows, while Little Havana will give you and experience reminiscent of Cuba.

At night, you will want to experience some Miami high life as you tour the Biscayne Bay islands and the see the expensive homes of Florida’s elite. You’ll really feel as if you are one of the rich and famous sailing around in a luxurious yacht for a few hours. The yacht we enjoyed featured both indoor viewing, from picture windows on the bottom level, and outdoor viewing from the open terrace. Biscayne Bay is certainly not to be missed, as it is a landmark of Miami’s high culture and wealth.

In addition to spending time within the city limits, Miami also offers close proximity to the Everglades, Key West, Orlando, and other popular destinations in Florida. 

Posted under Miami Tours, Sightseeing, South Beach, Things To Do, Transportation, Travel

Savannah is not your average old southern town; it encompasses everything a town in the south should be with its historical aspects and charm while also expressing a big city vibe to its tourists.  There are so many wonderful amenities to take advantage of while visiting Savannah that the only solution is to revisit many, many times.

Savannah Streets

The charming city of Savannah provides entertainment for all ages but if you are looking for something to do with the whole family, the Historic Savannah Tour is one thing you should make sure to see.  This 90 minute tour takes you through downtown historic Savannah where you can experience and enjoy 270 years of fascinating history.

On the 35-passenger open-air trolley, you go through some of Savannah’s most famous historical squares, or small city parks.  The squares are surrounded by beautiful oaks, dripping with Spanish moss, historic homes, churches, museums and businesses.  Many of these squares have a monument in the center with wide sidewalks and benches for visitors to sit.  You will even get to see the famous bench in the movie Forrest Gump.  Each square has its own story, name and personality. 

River Street is a one-of-a-kind experience.  As the trolley takes you along the cobblestone path of River Street, you will notice the beautiful and calm waters of the Savannah River, and will probably see several river boats travelling through it as well.  You will also see the many shops and restaurants along the way.

The simple layout and structure of Savannah, Georgia is what makes it alluring and appealing and is also what has brought it international recognition.  If there is one place where you can experience a small town charm mixed with big city life, Savannah is that extraordinary place.

 

Posted under Savannah Tours, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Transportation, Travel