Hilton Head Island is a popular, family-friendly destination. Countless activities like parasailing and concerts make Hilton Head Island a prominent vacation destination. A unique aspect that puts Hilton Head Island ahead of its competitors is the intricate pathway network that allows visitors and locals to bicycle or walk between communities, beaches and other areas.

Having such a well-thought out biking system allows Hilton Head Island to reduce traffic and congestion that are common in resort towns. Each pathway system has a distinct kiosk that maps out the bike path for travelers and gives descriptions on where to find beach access, rest stops, points of interest and educational information on the surrounding area. Sea Pines, one of the area’s largest communities also has these kiosks providing maps of the Sea Pines bike trails. Biking isn’t only an exhilarating and fun vacation activity; it’s also an environmentally friendly alternative to traveling by car.

Hilton Head Island boasts 6 miles of bike lanes, 117 miles of shared-se pathways and 108 miles of paved shared use pathways. These pathways are a great opportunity for novice riders to gain experience or for more skilled riders to explore. The pathways are not the only area in Hilton Head that welcomes bicyclists. The area’s 12 miles of hard packed beach encourages people to take a leisurely bike ride along the ocean and take in a glorious sunrise or sunset.

Bicycling is quickly becoming a popular pastime for all ages to enjoy. It’s not hard to see why thousands flock to Hilton Head Island to enjoy its breathtaking coastal waters, charming ambiance and environmentally friendly culture.

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One of the most popular activities for people traveling to the alluring island of Maui is to take part in a famed Hawaiian feast most commonly known as a luau. Many Maui condo rentals, like those found at Kamaole Sands, are conveniently located near the best luaus on the island.  With an array of Hawaiian delicacies and beverages to choose from, attending a luau at least once is a must for any and all travelers to the Hawaiian Islands. But when the lights go down and you’re headed back home to friends and family who missed out on the action, how will you explain to them what a wonderful delight a luau really is? By throwing one of course! Follow these five easy steps to creating a luau celebration in your own backyard.

1.)    Purchase tiki torches for your yard and/or porch. You can buy tiki torches with oil for a live flame or flameless torches are also available.. Place the torches strategically around your space to create a party ambiance. Don’t forget a few citronella candles to keep the pests away!

2.)    When guests arrive, greet them by placing a traditional flower lei around their neck. Leis can be purchased at many party supply stores in a variety of colors. If you’re looking for something more authentic, online retailers sell and ship leis with real flowers.

3.)    Make a spread of typical Hawaiian food. Delicious fare at a luau can include Lomi Salmon, Chicken Luau and Laulau.

4.)    Fun libations like Pina Coladas and Mai Tais are popular drinks among luau attendees. Also, have a few juices on hand for festive non-alcoholic drink options.

5.)    Last but certainly not least, genuine Hawaiian luau music will set the tone for a party to remember!

As spring comes to a close and we’re nipping on the heels of summer, friends and families everywhere are making plans for much deserved summer vacations that most likely include some kind of beach and water sports. One of the premier destinations in the U.S. for such activities is none other than Lake Tahoe in California. At 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, Lake Tahoe is the largest Alpine Lake in North America. With these stats, there is never a shortage of awesome water sports and beach activities to keep tourists and locals alike entertained all summer long. If you’re looking for supreme, family-friendly water activities that will have you returning year after year, look no further than Lake Tahoe. The North and South Shores of Lake Tahoe, California boast an incredible selection of beaches where guests can enjoy the fresh water and sandy shoreline. Emerald Bay Beach near the South Shore offers a convenient boat dock for unloading and loading. Also around Emerald Bay Beach are scenic hiking trails where you can explore the lush vegetation and charming wildlife of the area.

While you’re at Emerald Bay Beach don’t forget to take a tour of the historic Vikingsholm Castle. Built in 1929 and modeled after exquisite Scandinavian design, Vikingsholm Castle is a premier display of architectural genius and luxurious grounds.  Camp Richardson Beach is another selection for shoreline shenanigans near South Lake Tahoe. Camp Richardson has a great playground for the little ones to take full advantage of during the day and also offers boat rentals for anyone who isn’t able to bring their own vessel for a day of waves and rays.  Also on the water activities menu in Lake Tahoe is Kayak Tours. There are many experienced companies in the area who specialize in kayak tours that everyone in the family will love. Take a day trip with Emerald Bay Kayak Tours where you’re likely to spot eagles, deer, bear and other wildlife in the area as you paddle by. If you’re ready for some real adventure ask about the night tours given at Tahoe Adventure Company where you can kayak under the full moon.

Sailing is yet another family activity to partake in while visiting glorious Lake Tahoe. Whether you take a relaxing day trip with family and soak up all that nature has to offer or a romantic sail for two, both you and your guests will make lasting memories. Woodwind Sailing Cruises is one of the oldest excursion companies in the nation and offers beautiful yachts complete with glass-bottom viewing decks, comfortable seating and restroom facilities as well as exquisite handcrafted woodwork. There are other excellent charter companies in the area that are experienced in providing a one of a kind experience to all sailors be they experienced or beginners. For the adrenaline junkies in the group, look into local parasailing excursions for the ultimate in high flying adventure. Both the North and South Shores of Lake Tahoe offer a wide variety of rental companies who will make you feel exhilarated and secure for your parasailing journey. Parasailing can be a fun trip for a group of girlfriends or a family bonding experience unlike any other. If you’re looking for adventure a little closer to the ground, why not try your hand at waterskiing or wake boarding. Blazing over the Lake Tahoe waters at a speedy pace is another one of the many ways to explore the majesty that is Lake Tahoe.

After a long day at the lake full of exploring, swimming, boating and family time you and your traveling companions will want to relax in the comfort of a plush Lake Tahoe vacation rental. All the comforts you deserve while traveling will greet you as you arrive from a long day of making glorious memories. Enjoy the tranquility of privacy and rest because tomorrow, its time for some windsurfing!

Adventure seekers from all around the world congregate in Hawaii every year for world-class diving and snorkeling expeditions. From the most seasoned professionals to first timers the waters of the islands have long beckoned to be searched by curious minds and souls. Scuba diving has become a popular mainstream activity for travelers who venture to the beautiful beaches of Hawaii and her sister islands like Maui. Kihei, Maui especially has quickly become a well known surfing destination. Surfers from around the globe snag a fun Kihei condo rental and hit the waves. What many don’t know is that man has been employing the art of scuba diving since he was required to obtain food from the sea as a mean of nourishment. From the Trojan War to Da Vinci and beyond, Scuba Diving has an intricate and interesting history.

As early as 4500BC, coastal cultures like in China, Greece and many others utilized scuba diving as a way to gather food, and participate in commerce and warfare.  These cultures are not the only ones who saw scuba as a convenient way to attack their enemies. In the Trojan Wars, divers would incapacitate enemy ships by cutting holes into their boats or cutting anchor ropes. Greek history tells of fishermen who would “dive” into deeper parts of the ocean by using a heavy boulder to sink into the waters. The physical dangers of diving without protection were not known at the time. Greece also notes the first instance of utilizing diving in warfare during the siege at Syracuse. Around 360BC, according to the writings of Aristotle, attempts to provide divers with a breathing mechanism were made in the form of a kettle that was filled with air and lowered down with the diver.

From 1300 through the late 1500s and mid 1600s, many creators like Leonardo Da Vinci, Guglielmo de Loreno and others perfected the idea of a diving bell and scuba suit. The credit of the first true diving bell goes to de Loreno. Of course, many advances and improvements to scuba have been made since the time of these thinkers. Now diving is safe and can be enjoyed as a leisure activity for people of all ages. While many diving spots have popped up on the map around the world, some of the most glorious waves will be caught at Kihei, Maui.

Spring is in full swing and so is Seattle Mariners baseball season!  The 35th year in franchise history and only the twelfth year at Safeco Field the Mariners have started off the 2011 season with losing yet promising record. Whether you are an avid Mariners fan or simply a fan of baseball, Safeco Field in Seattle combines sweeping views of the downtown skyline and breathtaking sunsets over Puget Sound with excellent views of the game from all angles that are sure to impress.

Field tours are available at this 19.59 acre outdoor baseball park that includes real grass and a retractable roof. Tours run year round with two tours daily (except Mondays) during the winter months. Three tours run daily during the baseball season except on day-game days. Bring a group of 20 or more to schedule a private tour at a discounted rate. Or bring a child on a birthday tour for access to the Seattle Children’s Playfield, party favors and gift from the Mariners in addition to the tour.

If you are booking a group or company party for 25 or more people, why not take them out to the ballgame? Enjoy group benefits like a scoreboard welcome, discounted tickets, comp tickets, on the field photo and group first pitch! You can organize all the days’ events and send invitations to your group through the Mariners Group Manager online.

A trip to Seattle’s Safeco Field would not be complete without an evening or weekend spent exploring the rest of downtown. Great shopping, dining, museums and the Seattle Space Needle are all family friendly activities to explore. Of course you’ll want to stay near all the action in Seattle’s Watertown unique urban hotel. The hotel offers over 120 modern hotel rooms with amenities that include premium bedding, flat panel televisions, Aveda bath products, free wireless internet, microwave, refrigerator and a coffee maker. A complimentary breakfast, meeting space with business amenities and convenient location to Seattle’s top attractions make this hotel the perfect stop for your group, family, or business travels.