Traveling on a boat is quite different than a plane. Number one, it is usually less expensive but will take a lot longer to get there. The experiences you will have along the way will be something you will never forget. This type of travel is not on a cruise ship, but on a freighter, which is a lot less expensive but does not have all the luxuries of a cruise ship.

This type of travel is especially popular for students. Cruise ships are now traveling the same fun lanes as the freighters. Traveling on a freighter is actually more expensive than traveling by air, but you will have a life changing experience. The length of time to travel by boat, depending on where you go, may take one to two weeks. This will give you time to make friends and maybe even people that are returning to their home. These people can give you valuable information on places to see while you are in their country.

Most freighter travel returns to the starting point but most will offer you one way fares if you desire. Once there, you can decide if you wish to return on the freighter or maybe you are running out of time and will be flying home. If you're hoping to work off your passage, you probably will not be able to do that. The ships have their own crews and are not looking for someone they will have to train.

If you've just won the lottery, you may want to book your travel on a regular cruise ship with all the bells and whistles. Your fellow travelers may be older and the atmosphere more formal than the freighter boat. If you are traveling by boat, regardless if it a freighter or cruise ship, pack sparingly, be sure you have motion sickness meds and spend your money sparingly. Enjoy your adventure.

The War Between the States or Civil War took place from 1861 to 1865. The war was monumental in determining the state of the nation and freedom of all citizens. The state of Georgia has nine historical sites which highlight various points of the war, including information concerning General William T. Sherman's March to the Sea. Included are the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park sponsored by the War Department and Dug Battle Park. The state also has seven other parks. Each highlights a different aspect of the war.

Alabama was an integral part of this history. Shortly after Abraham Lincoln took office, the states which had left the Union met at the state capitol in Montgomery. The constitution of the Confederate States of America was penned and a Mississippi citizen by the name of Jefferson Davis was chosen to head the government. Another distinction regards the only naval battle of the war which was fought on Mobile Bay in Alabama. Five other Civil War sites are located in this southern state as well.

Other key battle sites include Fredericksburg, under the direction of General Ambrose Burnside, Gettysburg, under the direction of Generals Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Robert E. Lee, and James Longstreet, and Bull Run/Manassas under the direction of Generals Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson and Irvin McDowell. Also famous are Antietam/Sharpsburg, under the direction of Generals Robert E. Lee and George McClellan and Shiloh/Pittsburg Landing, under the direction of General Ulysses S. Grant. The official documents of each battle can be seen at the official Civil War website. This site also includes diaries, books, and videos, as well as an interactive photo gallery and details of each aforementioned battle.

The Grand Canyon is a must see in the United States. There is much to do and see when visiting this amazingly beautiful place.

For two and a half hours you can traverse the old stage coach trail in a jeep. On your journey you will travel through the Kaibab Forest catching glimpses of elk, deer and an array of birds. Jeep tours also offer a three hour sunset tour with the chance to view the canyon’s night life. Don’t forget to take a jeep tour to the historical Indian painting site; this hour and a half tour will let you catch a glimpse of these awesome paintings.

Another great way to view the immensity of The Grand Canyon is in the air; the flights depart hourly, everyday and last a little less than an hour. The Grand River tour gives you a taste of all that The Grand Canyon has to offer. Starting off in the air, followed by a four wheel drive tour, then you jump into a raft and traverse fifteen miles of awesome scenery along the mighty Colorado River. Want a lazy day floating on the river? River raft for twelve hours along the Colorado River, there will be spectacular views the whole way. Other than all that, there is horseback riding, bicycle trails, hiking trails, fishing, and much more. A trip to the Grand Canyon will leave you exhausted, there is so much to do and see!

The United States is a nation filled with immense natural beauty that offers great outdoor adventures wherever you are traveling. The mountains, rivers, and forests provide scenic pleasures and outdoor activities for all ages. However, the western part of the US is rich in fantastic beauty and scenic wonders that towers above all the rest. One way to experience a portion of this rare beauty is by stopping off at one of the national parks. You will find numerous parks in this area that hold some of the most unique and fascinating wonders ever discovered.

There are numerous parks out west that provide the perfect atmosphere and surroundings for any family outing. One of the most popular parks is the Glacier National Park located in the great state of Montana. You will find lakes, meadows, glaciers, and forests with so much beauty that it will almost take your breath. This great park truly displays natural beauty to the fullest. Yellowstone National Park is another favorite vacation spot that covers parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It is the home of the famous Old Faithful, as well as a natural habitat for all kinds of wildlife and bird species.

All of this combined makes for an exciting get away for any family. Yosemite National Park in California is another park of rare beauty that is nestled within the splendor of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This mountain area is an excellent habitat for various species of wildlife and beautiful plant life. After taking in the natural wonders of the park, you visit several of the nearby California cities. If your travel destinations lead you to the western part of the US, you can certainly find family adventure in any of the great national parks.

Here are a few tips to help you get the best value for your tourist dollars when traveling in Asia. The land mass is so huge, we'll divide it into three zones: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma/Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia), the Indian subcontinent (India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, or Pakistan) and Asia Pacific (Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China).

Southeast Asia can be a great value, whether you're backpacking it or have a moderate budget. Accommodations can be quite cheap at 15 dollars per day or less, and you can eat a healthy meal for a dollar or two at stalls and inexpensive restaurants. Historic monuments include Cambodia's Ankor Wat, and Ayutthaya and Sukothai in Thailand. Quality handicrafts are a terrific value, but be sure to haggle over the price. Start very low, tourists are always quoted a higher price. Singapore and Malaysia will be the most expensive places to travel. Transportation is efficient, English is commonly spoken, you can usually drink the water.

The Indian subcontinent is a great bargain, filled with many colorful sights and interesting people. The poverty and poor sanitation are hard for some people to take, and the big cities can be heavily polluted. Asia Pacific is the most expensive area to visit, particularly Japan. Prices in China will drop dramatically outside of the major cities, but fewer people in Asia Pacific will speak English. The extensive train and bus systems are more reliable and less expensive than taxis. Transportation will be one of your biggest costs unless you plan your routes with care. Cheap airlines are springing up in Asia; Bangkok is a hub. Shop for souvenirs in local markets and small shops for better quality merchandise and lower prices than in the airports or larger markets.