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The Places that you Should Visit During Your Yacht Charter Greece Vacation

2012-01-16T08:59:00.000-08:00

You should not forget to pack your camera before you start your yacht charter Greece holiday. This is because there are very many breathtaking sights that you can capture in a photograph for the memory of the vacation. One of these places is the Corinthian Gulf. This historical gulf stretches over a hundred kilometers. While at the sea, you will notice the beautiful landscape covered by vegetation. You should be able to notice this from your boat. The vegetation involves cypress and eucalyptus trees, and olive groves. The most appropriate time to visit the gulf is during the summer because the weather is sunny and the waters are warm.

Another place that you should visit during your yacht charter Greece visit is Peloponnese. This area has many small towns that are inhabited by fishermen. The bays in this area are not crowded and they should be your stopping places if privacy is what you are looking for during your vacation. Peloponnese has waters that are very clear without jellyfish and the beaches are not only natural but they are also free of seaweeds. If your main interest is to learn about the Greek traditions, then this is the right place for you because the inhabitants are ancient Greeks. The island has the highland parts, which are covered by forests and middle age towns. The sight of either of the two is very refreshing. The coast of the island has plenty of resorts and modern hotels where you can relax for a meal or after the long day of activities.

The third destination in Greece that you should visit is the Corfu town. A yacht charter Corfu trip will present you with the history left behind by the various inhabitants of the area during different times. The inhabitants include the Venice people, the English and the French in the order of their settlement at the town.

Getting to Corfu is very easy because there is the Corfu Airport and it is only 2km from the city. The only challenge is that, for you to get to the city you can only either use a taxi or hire a car. The second option for getting to the city for your yacht charter Corfu vacation is by water. This is because there are ferries that stop at the new harbor. At the city, you will enjoy visiting venues like the Spinada Square houses, which look like arcades, the old town where you will find the fortress and the museums.

You can visit many beautiful places during your yacht charter Greece vacation like Corfu, Pelopponese and the Corinthian Gulf. When you decide to yacht charter Corfu, you can use a plane or get there by water.
fear of flying

Jerusalem

2011-10-25T00:48:00.000-07:00

Jerusalem is the modern Capital of Israel. Jerusalem is one of the most extraordinary cities in the world, presenting a unique combination of ancient history, spiritual sanctity and colorful cultures. Only a few cities inspire as much as Jerusalem.

King David Established Jerusalem 3000 years ago, Jerusalem is a fascinating city of many contrasts and diversities. It is a city where old and new, holy and secular, pure nature and beautiful architecture mix into magical harmony of smells.

Jerusalem is the Holy ciy to the world’s three main religions Jewish, Christian and Muslim. Jerusalem is a captivating city, whose visitors are left touched and inspired by the shining glow of its religious shrines, picturesque scenery and magnificent golden limestone. It is also the Capital of Israel, home to the Israeli parliament (Knesset), the President’s Residence and the government offices.

A visit to Jerusalem, known as the “City of Gold”, is indeed an unforgettable experience.

Greek

2011-10-24T00:42:00.000-07:00

Mykonos (Greek: Μύκονος) is a Greek island, part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. The island spans an area of 85.5 km2 (33 sq mi) and rises to an elevation of 341 m (1,119 ft) at its highest point. There are 9,320 inhabitants (2001) most of whom live in the largest town, Mykonos, also known as Chora (i.e. the Town in Greek, a common denomination in Greece when the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town), which lies on the west coast.

Mykonos is world famous for its beautiful golden sandy beaches and transparent waters. There is a beach for every taste and mood. Nudists, round-the-clock party people, families and those seeking a break from the madness of Mykonos will all be able to find a beach that fits their taste.
The beaches on the south shore of the island have the best sand, view and are protected from the Meltemi, the local Cycladic wind. Keep in mind that most people begin to arrive in the early afternoon, and you can avoid the worst of the crowds by going in the morning. The north coast beaches are less developed but just as beautiful. They are less organized and crowded and most suitable for those in search of a bit of calm.

Mykonos Beaches

Megali Ammos Beach: The closest beach to Chora, reachable by a 15 min walk, ideal for those who only have a few hours to spend.

Psarou Beach: Situated within walking distance and just to the right of the Plati Gialos bus terminus. A fully organised beach, offers glamour and prestige. It’s the place to see and to be seen. Nammos the beach restaurant offers the same glamour and prestige as long as you are willing to pay the price. In high season you might have bribe your way to gain access to your spot on the beach.

Platis Gialos Beach: About 4 km from Mykonos town, a very popular beach on the south side. It is also one of the longest on Mykonos. It was once a family beach, but nowadays it’s becoming more cosmopolitan. From here one may hire a small boat to visit other beaches like Paradise, Super Paradise etc. That was the only way to visit those beaches before roads were built. Good connection by bus with Mykonos town, till very late at night.

Paranga Beach: One of the smallest beaches, a combination of two sandy beaches separated by a headland. Although organised, it has a new-age feel about it, with fine sand and huge rocks juxtaposed with blue water. In the spring time it reminds you of the old days, but in the summer it’s crowded with Italians.It can be reached by bus or by a 15 minute walk from Platis Gialos.

Ireland

2011-10-23T00:36:00.000-07:00

I first visited Ireland in 1975, when it was a poor country disconnected from the modern world. You may be surprised to find that today, it’s one of the wealthiest nations on earth! (or, at least, it was until the current recession hit)

I hope the facts about Ireland and articles here will show you lots of subtle ways that Irish culture stays strong, even if it’s hidden a beneath the surface more than it once was. Along the way, you won’t find flying shamrocks and dancing leprechauns here. Irish culture is more surprising – and more fun - when you look past the kitsch imagery.

Covering What's Fun & Interesting About Ireland

I look for short, offbeat news pieces about Ireland and also do full-length articles about Irish culture. Travel stories are also included here -- mainly personal accounts of less-known destinations to visit in Ireland.

What helps make the site special is all the help I get on it from Irish experts. I’ve gotten the inside story on the best Celtic music by meeting and talking to John Doyle, one of the greatest guitarists ever to come out of Ireland, explored golf courses nobody knows about in Ireland like Carne with a friend who’s one of the best golf tour operators in the world, and run an article about the great “gourmet farms” in West Cork, by another friend who does culinary TV shows in Ireland.

I've compiled all my best Ireland material into a book - if you sign up on the right of this page I'll send you some samples of the most enjoyable content over the next few weeks. I promise not to send you spam if you sign up, and I absolutely never sell or give e-mail addresses to anyone – ever.

Good Craic

When I first went to my grandfather's hometown in County Kerry back in the 1970's, I got hooked on the country. Thirty two years later, Irish culture shows no signs of fading out as far as I can see. As they say, “the Craic is mighty.”

Get Sidetracked Into Ireland!

Whenever you're on your way to do one thing in Ireland, you always get sidetracked into something else – and wind up having a bigger adventure than you were planning in the first place. I hope this site helps YOU get sidetracked into the sense of humor of the Irish people, as well as the history and delightful chaos of the place.

Saint Basil’s Cathedral – Moscow – Russia

2011-10-22T00:28:00.000-07:00

The Cathedral of the Protection of Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat (Russian: Собор Покрова пресвятой Богородицы, что на Рву), popularly known as Saint Basil’s Cathedral (Russian: Собор Василия Блаженного), is a Russian Orthodox church erected on the Red Square in Moscow in 1555–61. Built on the order of Ivan IV of Russia to commemorate the capture of Kazan and Astrakhan, it marks the geometric center of the city and the hub of its growth since the 14th century. It was the tallest building in Moscow until the completion of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower in 1600.

The original building, known as “Trinity Church” and later “Trinity Cathedral”, contained eight side churches arranged around the ninth, central church of Intercession; the tenth church was erected in 1588 over the grave of venerated local saint Vasily (Basil). In the 16th and the 17th centuries the church, perceived as the earthly symbol of the Heavenly City, was popularly known as the “Jerusalem” and served as an allegory of the Jerusalem Temple in the annual Palm Sunday parade attended by the Patriarch of Moscow and the tsar.

The building’s design, shaped as a flame of a bonfire rising into the sky, has no analogues in Russian

architecture: “It is like no other Russian building. Nothing similar can be found in the entire millennium of

Byzantine tradition from the fifth to fifteenth century … a strangeness that astonishes by its unexpectedness,

complexity and dazzling interleaving of the manifold details of its design.” The cathedral foreshadowed the climax

of Russian national architecture in the 17th century.

Australia

2011-09-24T00:15:00.000-07:00

Well, let’s go. Let’s start in New South Wales and Sydney, one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and world-famous beaches Bondi and Manly. A day trip out? Blue Mountains National Park that offers great bushwalking is only one hour from the city. North of Sydney is Australia’s oldest wine district Hunter Valley, where hundreds of wine lovers cruise from cellar to cellar sampling the products of different vineyards. If wine is not your poison, go even further north, to Byron Bay and Nimbin – Australia’s answer to Amsterdam. But be aware that the smell of dope on the streets of these towns does not mean it’s legal.

Any further north from here – be warned – is the state of "hillbillies", "backwards" and "banana benders". But it’s only the jelaous southerners that have given Queensland this reputation. Queenslanders are in fact the luckiest people in Australia. No other state in Australia has got so many hot and sunny days, tropical cities, national parksand coral islands. Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns are top cities with everything you ever need. Surfers Paradise and the theme parks pull millions of tourists to the Gold Coast every year. Carnarvon Gorge, Lawn Hill, Wooroonooran National Park and Daintree rainforests beat any southern national parks. Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island. Hinchinbrook Island is the world’s largest island national park. And the 2000 km long Great Barrier Reef, also world’s largest, offers endless snorkelling in turquoise blue waters around more than 600 islands surrounded by corals and 1500 species of fish, including our Hollywood star Nemo. Mate, can you hear that I am a Queenslander?? Phew! Let’s move on..

South of New South Wales (and Sydney), is the state of Victoria. It’s probably Australia’s densest inhabited state, although it’s way too cold here to my liking. The high altitudes and southern latitudes mean Victoria is a snowy place during the winter, and unless you intend to go snowboarding, I recommend you visit between October and April. Like many other states, Victoria has got some historical towns from the days of gold-rushes, and some good bushwalks in national parks like The Grampians and Wilsons Promontory. But what you should not miss are the famous rock formations Twelve Apostles on the beautiful Great Ocean Road.

And then of course, there is Melbourne. Australians from this part of the continent are divided into two groups: Sydney-lovers (and Melbourne-haters) and Melbourne-lovers (and Sydney-haters). The rivarly has been on for decades and went so far that they had to build Canberra in between the two, to become the capital of Australia. Having been living in Sydney myself, I gave my heart to Syndey, but Melbourne has some good things to offer: Australia’s most beautiful central train station, colourful Queen Victoria Markets, a famous cricket ground, and - trams that have caused some of Australia’s weirdest traffic rules.

Melbourne is the place to catch the ferry to Australia’s biggest island and a state for itself, Tasmania – a bushwalkers’ paradise. Most of the island is covered by national parks, the most famous being the Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair. South of the state capital Hobart which has lately got famous for giving Denmark a princess, is the historic Port Arthur, known for its cruel convict history, a haunted prison, and a massacre in 1996 when a freak by the name of Martin Bryant opened fire and killed 35 people before burning down a local guesthouse and ending up in prison for the rest of his life. But despite its history, Tasmania is a beautiful place to visit.

ll the rest of Australian states contain a little bit of life around their capital cities, and then a great portion of what we call "the outback" (New South Wales and Queensland have an outback too but it’s not quite as empty as in west).

Philippine Travel guide

2011-09-23T00:06:00.000-07:00

Philippine travel destinations guide gives you an overview of popular tourist spots in the Philippines. On each of the featured tourist destination on this travel guide, you will find places of interest on each destination, things to do and how to get there. We have included a page of travel tips, a list of fascinating Philippine festivals that runs year round, a collection of underwater scuba diving pictures, and a map of the Philippines for your reference. Communications and getting around the country is easy as most Filipinos understand and speak English. Mobile phones are used throughout the archipelago. Foreigners can buy "pre-paid" SIM cards for their cell phones for temporary use in the country to avoid costly roaming charges. Also, foreign currency can easily be converted into Philippine Peso and all major credit cards are accepted at big department stores, restaurants, bars and major establishments.

Filipinos are a fun-loving and friendly people. Throughout the islands, there are festivals celebrated everyday and foreign guests are always welcome in their homes. Every travel destination on this guide is worth a visit. We have featured the most frequently visited tourist spots in the Philippines: the capital city of Manila; Boracay Beach; Baguio - the summer capital of the Philippines; Bohol Island; Corregidor Island; Cebu City; Davao City; the Islands of Palawan; the Hundred Islands of Pangasinan; Puerto Galera Beach; the old Spanish colonial city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vigan in Ilocos Sur; and the breathtaking Banaue Rice Terraces.

About of the Philippines

The Philippine archipelago consist of 7,107 islands with a total land area of 300,000 square kilometers or 115,830.60 square miles (about the same size as Italy). The 11 largest islands contain 94% of the total land area. The largest of these islands is Luzon at about 105,000 km². It is where the capital city of Manila is located. The next largest island is Mindanao at about 94,600 km². The Philippines is approximately 800 km from the Asian mainland and is located between Taiwan and Borneo.

The Philippine islands are divided into three groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The Luzon islands include Luzon itself, Mindoro, Palawan, Masbate, and other smaller islands. The Visayas is a group of several small islands, the largest of which are: Panay, Bohol, Negros, Cebu, Leyte, and Samar. Mindanao island includes Mindanao island itself and the Sulu Archipelago, composed of Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and Sulu. Each island group has a Philippine destination worth visiting.

Climate in the Philippines is hot, humid, and tropical. The average yearly temperature is around 26.5° Celsius. Filipinos generally recognize three seasons:

Summer: March to May
Rainy Season: June to November
Cold Season: December to February (moderate to folks from temperate countries)
Philippine Population: 86,000,000 / Per Capita Income: $4,700
Literacy: 93%
HIV-AIDS Prevalence: less than 0.1%
Electricity: 220V (110V is available, mostly in major hotels)

The islands of the Philippine archipelago are volcanic in origin and are mountainous. The islands are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Mt. Apo (2,954 meters above sea level) in Mindanao is the highest peak, while the second highest peak is Mt. Pulog in Luzon. It rises 2,842 meters above sea level. The Philippines have numerous rivers, volcanoes, streams, narrow coastal plains and beautiful sandy beaches which foreign and local tourist enjoy. The country has a total of 36,289 kilometers of coastline.

Travel within the Philippines not difficult, if you don't mind riding the sometimes rickety public transportation. There are all kinds of transportation available to tourist and locals: Airplanes and ferries for inter-island transfers, buses & taxis ply in major cities all over the Philippines and the ubiquitous jeepney can be found everywhere. In Metro Manila, modern light rail transit is available on main roads. In tertiary roads & small rural towns the tricycle is the transport of choice.

The official languages in the Philippines are Filipino and English. Filipino which is based on the Tagalog dialect (the dialect of national capital region), is the national language. English is also widely used and is the medium of instruction in higher education in the Philippines. There are also 76 major local languages and more than 500 different minor dialects throughout the archipelago. 83% of Filipinos are Roman Catholic. The rest are made up of smaller Christian denominations, Moslems and Buddhist.

This guide previews the more popular tourist spots in the Philippines beginning with the City of Manila, then Baguio City, Banaue Rice Terraces, Batanes Group of Islands, Batangas, Boracay Island, Cebu City, Corregidor, Davao City, Iloilo, Palawan Island, Pangasinan's Hundred Islands, Puerto Galera Beach, Bohol Islands and the World Heritage City of Vigan in Ilocos Sur. Mabuhay!

Philippine Travel guide

2011-09-22T00:06:00.000-07:00

About of the Philippines

Barcelona a great trip

2011-09-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

In doing so, we've concentrated on answering your most important questions on transport, activities and attractions, and accommodation including Barcelona holiday apartment rentals which are becoming a popular alternative to expensive hotels. n addition to essential Barcelona tourism information, you will also find dozens of time and money saving tips from local people - information hard to find anywhere else. These special tips will make your Barcelona city break that much more special.

To help you find your answers as quickly as possible your Barcelona tourist information has been grouped into 2 main categories:

1) If you've already made your decision to come to Barcelona then I recommend you go directly to the information you need by clicking on the relevant link on the left hand side of this page.

Alternatively try typing in a few keywords into the search box at the top of this page to be presented with pages that answer your question.

2) If you need help in making your decision whether Barcelona is the right destination for you. Using the interactive map will show you first hand the most important landmarks and attractions - it's almost as if you were walking around the locations for yourself. I've also included guide notes to give you information on each of the sites and areas.

This Barcelona tourism and travel information is updated daily and includes money and time saving tips from people living in Barcelona city so check back frequently for valuable updates.

Cape Verde and your new life

2011-08-24T23:46:00.000-07:00

Before visiting Cape Verde, you may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination: (Note: Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities.)

To have the most benefit, see a health-care provider at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect.

Even if you have less than 4 weeks before you leave, you should still see a health-care provider for needed vaccines and other medications and information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling.

CDC recommends that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. Find a travel medicine clinic near you. If you have a medical condition, you should also share your travel plans with any doctors you are currently seeing for other medical reasons.

If your travel plans will take you to more than one country during a single trip, be sure to let your health-care provider know so that you can receive the appropriate vaccinations and information for all of your destinations. Long-term travelers, such as those who plan to work or study abroad, may also need additional vaccinations as required by their employer or school.

Although yellow fever is not a disease risk in Cape Verde, the government requires some travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever virus transmission to present proof of yellow fever vaccination. If you will be traveling to Cape Verde from any country other than the United States, this requirement may affect you. For specific requirement details, see Yellow Fever & Malaria Information, by Country.

Be sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Check the links below to see which vaccinations adults and children should get.

Routine vaccines, as they are often called, such as for influenza, chickenpox (or varicella), polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) are given at all stages of life; see the childhood and adolescent immunization schedule and routine adult immunization schedule.

Routine vaccines are recommended even if you do not travel. Although childhood diseases, such as measles, rarely occur in the United States, they are still common in many parts of the world. A traveler who is not vaccinated would be at risk for infection.

Living the legend

2011-08-23T23:30:00.000-07:00

Arequipa

Widely known as the "Ciudad Blanca" (White City) for its beautiful colonial homes, churches and monasteries constructed of a white volcanic stone - sillar - that is unique to the zone. The city center, which was recognized by the UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site, is surrounded by a beautiful countryside. You may also visit the nearby Colca Valley and Colca Canyon, Valley of the Volcanoes, natural areas as Salinas and Aguada Blanca and the Mejia Lagoons. Arequipa is an ideal destination for those interested in colonial architecture, living culture and in spectacular outdoor natural beauty, biodiversity and outdoor adventure.

Puno and Titicaca Lake

Located in the Andean highland and beside the Titicaca the highest navigable lake in the world inhabited by the Uros, Taquile and Amantani Islands. Earth of the legendary Aymara town, and the Tiahuanaco Culture. It is the folkloric capital of Peru. It offers excellent alternatives for the archaeological, living culture and nature & biodiversity tourism.

Iquitos

An ideal place for those lovers of the nature & biodiversity tourism and the ones who want to feel an intimate contact with the virgin nature of the Amazon forests; from the city you will be able to go into housings located in full jungle, and for the most adventurous and fearless you can arrive to the Reservations and National Parks as Pacaya Samiria or Allpahuayo Mishana, with exuberant flora and fauna, and you can take contact with Amazonian aborigines.

Paracas

An excellent ecological destination for the nature lovers and birdwatchers, the Paracas National Reserve declared Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it also offers cultural historical attractiveness and it is a good alternative to pass relaxed moments excellent for the nautical sports as windsurf, scuba diving, deep sea fishing and more, visit the Ballestas Islands.

Cusco

The Archaeological Capital of America"; it constitutes the biggest tourist attractiveness in Peru, and the most visited one. Cuzco, was the biggest city and capital of the Inca Empire and then taken by the Spanish conquerors; today it has an architecture that fuses the Inca with the Spanish style. Their town conserves with pride its customs and traditions. It is also the forced step to know the mystic and enigmatic sacred citadel of the Inca Machu Picchu that the Spaniards never knew and was discovered by the occidental culture in 1911. Cuzco, as Machu Picchu, for its historical value, and for its beauty is considered Cultural World Heritage Sites. The Sacred Valley of the Incas, beautiful places and the Inca Trail are waiting for you.

Travel destination for 2012

2011-08-22T23:23:00.000-07:00

Why in 2012: This chain of nine volcanic islands lies 930 miles off the coast of Lisbon, but the distance hasn't spared Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, from the mainland's economic troubles—which means big bargains for American travelers. Hotel rates across Portugal have slid since 2010, with five-star hotel rooms averaging a mere $112 per night, and the Azores, which are dotted with baroque churches, black-sand beaches, and crater lakes, are no exception. To lure visitors, Boston-based charter airline Azores Express is offering deeply discounted hotel-and-air packages through fall 2012 (508/677-0555, from $719). And while island-hopping had traditionally required a long ferry ride or a chartered fishing boat, last November, state-owned SATA Airlines shortened the trip when it increased inter-island flights (sata.pt).

Best Time to Visit: Azores weather is mild year-round, but outdoor enthusiasts will dig October, when temperatures typically hit 70 degrees and daylight lasts 11 hours. Since the month also marks the start of Azores's low season, which runs through May, hotels deals are easy to find then.

Where to Stay: The coastal Bahia Palace Hotel on the island of São Miguel is steps from Baia de Água d'Alto beach and has a freshwater swimming pool and 101 rooms, all with ocean-view balconies (hotelbahiapalace.com, from $104). Price Check: In September, Azores-based SATA Airlines has nonstop tickets from Boston starting at $688 round-trip.

Egypt

Why in 2012: Although (as of press time) the travel warning put in place by the United States after the Arab Spring has been downgraded to an alert for sporadic unrest, Egypt—where tourism accounts for 11 percent of the economy—is hurting for visitors, even at the nation's most famous destinations. Traveler numbers have plummeted by more than a third since 2010, and travel operators and hoteliers are cutting serious deals to encourage a turnaround. TUI, Europe's largest tour company, slashed $600 off the price of a recent Egyptian excursion, and average daily hotel rates have fallen 25 percent countrywide, dipping to about $107. There are deals at both the Great Pyramids of Giza, where room rates have slid 45 percent since 2010, and in the Red Sea resorts of Sharm El Sheikh, where prices slumped 26 percent to $104.

Best Time to Visit: Summer delivers 90-plus-degree temperatures and winter brings tourist throngs, but the shoulder seasons (March to May; September to November) promise fewer, and less-sweaty, crowds.

Where to Stay: The five-star Savoy Sharm El Sheikh, at the foothills of the Sinai Mountains and steps away from Sharm El Sheikh's powdery, pristine White Knight Beach, is an accessible oasis. savoy-sharm.com, from $143.

Price Check: Stopovers are a must when traveling to Egypt, as direct flights are pricey year-round (we're talking $1,000 plus). Dutch carrier KLM offers decent one-stop fares in March: Trips from New York to Cairo start at $815; tickets from Chicago go for $786; and prices from Los Angeles hover around $996 with two stops.

San Diego

Why in 2012: With miles of picturesque Pacific coastline (perfect for surfing), only 10 inches of rain per year (ideal golf weather), and family-friendly attractions (Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, a LEGO-Land theme park), it's easy to see why San Diego is one of America's top 10 most-visited cities. And unlike northern neighbors Los Angeles and San Francisco, the SoCal city is offering bargains on everything from hotels—the average nightly room rate is $128—to rental cars, which are 3 percent cheaper than they were in 2010. Another reason to book a trip now: Hotel prices are expected to continue dropping through 2012 before spiking again in 2013, thanks to an ongoing construction boom.

Best Time to Visit: The rainiest months are November through March, but even then you won't get soaked—the highest average precipitation (in January) is only 2.3 inches. If you're a museum lover, visit in February, when San Diego Museum Month kicks off. Forty area attractions, such as the modern LUX Art Institute and the Birch Aquarium, will offer half-priced admission fees (sandiegomuseumcouncil.org, discount card free). Prime beach season runs from April to October, when the temperatures rarely dip below 69 degrees.

Where to Stay: One of the city's newest boutique additions, Little Italy's Porto Vista exudes a laid-back, European vibe (portovistasd.com, from $119). Most rooms have black-and-white, floor-to-ceiling photographs that evoke 1960s Italy—think glammed-up fashion models and young men on scooters—and the surrounding neighborhood is lined with sausage shops and old-school pizza joints. Price Check: February fares to San Diego are $156 from Portland (one stop on Spirit), $151 from Denver (nonstop on Frontier), and $339 from New York (nonstop on JetBlue).