Popular Washington DC Vacation Activities

October 12, 2010 by  
Filed under VME

Washington DC has such a huge variety of things to see and do, that it can be a little confusing to plan a vacation for the area. If you need help, there’s no better way to get it than from people who have visited Washington DC before you and already know which places to visit. These are some of the most popular activities in Washington DC, and you won’t want to miss a single one!

City Sightseeing Double Decker Hop On/Off Pass

This tour is the most popular among guests who plan to visit Washington DC. The unique set up of the tour gives guests the chance to explore the area’s best sights and attractions at their leisure. You will board the double decker bus and be taken to over 25 different stops around the city where you can choose to get off the bus to view places like Union Station, Capitol Hill, or Arlington Cemetery. You can choose to stay at the stop for as long as you like before boarding a bus to move on to the next stop. If you want to visit the city at your own pace, this is the tour for you!

DC in a Day Tour

If you’re looking for a popular guided tour experience, check out the DC in a Day Tour. This day long tour is narrated so you get interesting stories and facts about the places you see. Your tour will stop at six different locations briefly along the way and take you by many other attractions that you will view from the bus. Some of the places you will see and hear about include the FBI Building, Washington Monument, and Jefferson Memorial. This tour is a fun learning adventure that you will enjoy every step of the way.

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament – Hanover, MD

Another popular activity in the Washington DC area is the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. This dinner and show gives you the chance to let loose and enjoy great food. The tournament is placed in the time of lords and ladies and features jousting, sword fights, and other medieval contests for your enjoyment. While you watch the contests, you will enjoy a feast of roasted chicken, spare rib, and other delicacies fit for a king. This dinner and show combination is a hit with people of all ages who are visiting the area!

2010 Travel Ideas – New Attractions Across the Country

December 8, 2009 by  
Filed under VME

While holiday travel is still alive and well around the country, the time is quickly coming to place focus on where to go and what to do in 2010, and Vacations Made Easy is here to help! From unique additions and minor changes to some of your favorite, long-standing vacation options to completely new attractions and shows, we are highlighting some of the more notable additions throughout the country to give you a head start on planning a refreshing family getaway for 2010!

Branson, MO

Beginning in Branson, Silver Dollar City will be paying homage to home state literary hero and providing its guests with yet another way to experience the culture of the Ozarks through interactive fun with Tom & Huck’s River Blast. The initial concept for this unique ride attraction features guests armed with water guns taking a leisurely raft ride as they battle other guests armed with water guns positioned at numerous points along the ride with various other water-themed activities featured near the ride. The ride is still in construction, but even the concept alone sounds more than promising.

Those looking for something entirely new to do in the Branson area will find another adventurous option in Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours. As the first attraction of its kind in Branson, this unique ecological attraction is shaping up to set the bar in terms of outdoor Branson activity. Set to open in the spring of 2010, Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours will offer a thrilling zipline experience over the Ozarks hills while simultaneously providing interesting ecological information on the area flora and fauna.

Lancaster, PA

In Lancaster, the popular Sight & Sound Theatre will be presenting an all new play to area visitors: Joseph. This exciting re-telling of Joseph and the coat of many colors looks to present this classic tale as only Sight & Sound can with massive casts, intricate set design, vivid costumes and special effects bringing the story to life!

Nashville, TN

Music City visitors can expect an extension on some of the already great events and attractions previously featured in Nashville, offering guests a second chance to experience the heart and soul of country music. In particular, we are talking about the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unbelievably successful CMA Music Festival Fan Fair.

At the Country Music Hall of Fame, they have extended the special exhibit Family Traditions: The Williams Family Legacy to run through the entirety of 2010, keeping the talents and tales of the legendary Williams Family alive in well in the memories of country music fans.

As for the CMA Music Festival Fan Fair, it will provide a showcase for country legends, current super stars and rising talent, and is annually considered the single greatest country music festival in the world.

Whether hoping to experience some of the hottest annual celebrations in the nation or wanting an entirely new experience, these popular ideas should provide great starting points for planning a refreshing getaway in 2010!

Branson Is Business As Usual In Early 2010

November 19, 2009 by  
Filed under Branson MO

Branson Landing CruisesChristmas is right around the corner and most people are consumed by the spirit of the season. However, you may want to start thinking ahead to the new year. If January includes a visit to Branson, you may be surprised to know that most of the shows will be closed for the month of January to prepare for the 2010 shows.

Just because the shows will be closed doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything to do in Branson. There are still hundreds of things to do that will welcome January visitors. Everything from shopping to dining to an entertaining night out will be waiting for you.

Shopping

Shopping in the month preceding Christmas can be a nightmare. The stores are jam-packed from wall to wall and everyone is trying to get their hands on the same thing. In the weeks post holiday chaos, the stores are quieter and the shopping experience is often more enjoyable.

If that is your idea of a nice weekend, Branson is the place. There are many places to shop in the Branson area, including outlet malls and boutique shops. If you’re seeking a stress-free weekend after the hustle and bustle of the holidays, the Branson Landing Weekend Escape vacation package places  you in the heart of one of the best shopping districts in Branson! 

Dining

Spending a quiet afternoon at home once everyone leaves can be very relaxing. Why not include a nice dinner to top off your day? There are lots of wonderful dining options in Branson that are open year-round so you don’t have to worry about them being closed. For a list of dining options all over the Branson area and restaurant information, check out our Points of Interest page. While you’re there you can browse plenty of other activities in Branson. 

Activities & Attractions

While the shows in Branson will be closed, there are still many attractions that will happily welcome January visitors. The museums in Branson are some of those attractions. Museums like Titanic-The Legend Continues and World’s Largest Toy Museum will be business as usual. Also, many of the tours will also be available in the new year. Browse the activities and see what all is available for your Branson trip!

Add Shopping to Your New York City Itinerary

July 31, 2009 by  
Filed under VME

Macy's New YorkNo trip to New York City would feel complete without making a stop at one of its prime shopping locations. With malls, outlets, and centers featuring anything from children’s toys and unique crafts to trendy clothing and valuable accessories, New York City has more than enough options to satisfy extreme shopaholics from all over the globe.

Begin your shopping adventure at one of New York City’s classic shopping locations: Bloomingdale’s. You’re bound to find all of your clothing needs in one stop, as Bloomingdale’s offers up-to-date designer fashions for any age group. However, you’ll find more than just clothing, as the popular tourist site is also home to a variety of home furnishings. From unique home accents to major updated appliances, Bloomingdale’s is the perfect destination for any homeowner. Similarly, Macy’s offers the latest in fashion trends for men, women, and children of any age in addition to having a fully stocked accessories department. Should you work up an appetite, remember not to leave Macy’s without venturing down to The Cellar, a small collection of gourmet shops in the lower level of the store.

Treat your kids to a fun afternoon at the Disney Store. It might be a far cry from experiencing the actual theme park in Florida, but children will have a blast nonetheless as they browse through a selection of Disney-themed memorabilia. Find stuffed animals, clothing, games, and other fun items in one location for an activity the whole family is sure to enjoy. For additional children’s fun, Toys ‘R’ Us Times Square is another option. The store features everything from clothing to exciting games. The large department store even features a 60-foot tall ferris wheel and a 20-foot tall animated T-Rex, two unique visions you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else.

The Manhattan Mall in New York City combines it all: men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, restaurants, and more. With the huge selection of stores within the mall, you’ll easily be able to lose yourself for an entire afternoon of fun under one roof. The combination of unique stores and traditional favorites makes the Manhattan Mall a shopper’s paradise, guaranteed to be your premier one-stop location on your New York City getaway.

Don’t make the journey to the Big Apple without checking out some of these family-friendly shopping locations!