Travel blog

For more than 300 miles, the Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Sites span out across the Rocky Mountains between British Columbia and Alberta, creating one of the largest protected areas on the planet.

Throughout this vast wilderness, elk and caribou roam freely and grizzly bears wander through postcard-worthy Alpine meadows. There are soaring mountain peaks and spectacular waterfalls, otherworldly Icefields and pristine glacial lakes. These natural gems offer some of the world’s most awe-inspiring scenery and provide every reason you need to see this place for yourself.

As the elevator begins its descent into the earth, visitors wait with bated breath for what lies at the end of a 75-story drop. When the doors finally open, one of the world’s most spectacular cave systems reveals itself. Hundreds of millions of years in the making, the Carlsbad Caverns were known to Native Americans as far back as the 10th century when the earliest of their pictographs were drawn upon the walls. Today, visitors still come to explore the 100 known caves that lie in this system 14 football fields in size and shrouded in netherworld-like darkness.

So you’re going to Hawaii. You’ve already read the guide books and decided on the popular attractions you’ll visit but what about those little-known, out-of-the-way spots the locals love? Since we often remember the flavors of our travels almost as much as the sights, just what are the favorite native hangouts and the tastes we’ll want to savor? Here are our recommendations for the best-loved local eats in Hawaii:

So you’re going to Hawaii. You already know you’ll go to Pear Harbor and Volcanoes National Park, but what about those lesser-known experiences that you won’t want to miss?

Here are five unforgettable things that may not have made your travel radar but are sure to make a memory.

Our planet is a canvas upon which is painted the entire history of the earth. Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods, even the constant warming of the sun, combine to change and reshape the landscape. Nowhere is this more evident than in Arizona’s Painted Desert. These rocky badlands in the northern corner of Petrified Forest National Park are a work of art millions of years in the making. Across this vast area, a portion of which rests in the Navajo Nation, you’ll discover every hue colored across the rockface -- from deep purple to crimson red, shocking orange to pale shades of pink. Here are some of the things you can expect to enjoy on your travels to America’s Painted Desert:

I don’t like to fly. However, if it means getting somewhere I really want to go, I will put up with my own misery for the end result. Going to Cuba was just such a destination. We left San Diego airport early morning July 1, the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.

Most of my friends and family had reacted the same way when I told them of our travel plans. Comments ranged from “How exciting!” and “That’s on my bucket list!” to “Why?”  Regardless of the viewpoint, the initial response was always one of surprise. I suppose it’s not a common destination, at least not for Americans. That may change soon.

Kailua-Kona stretches out along a lava-lined coast of Hawaii Island’s western shore. Along this expanse of paradise you’ll find coffee farms and historic sites, postcard worthy beaches and natural wonders that include an active volcano. Visitors to the heart of the Big Island will have their pick of activities and outdoor pursuits, but to get you started in the right direction, we offer these top 10 things to do in Kona:

Every year, YMT Vacations offers travelers a chance to venture into the world with our President, Jerre Fuqua. Not only is Jerre a very knowledgeable man, a great storyteller and a lover of people -- he’s also a lifelong traveler. While work and everyday obligations often keep him in the office, he relishes the chance to pack his bags and head out into the world. It doesn’t really matter where -- Europe, China, even the back roads of our country. Because according to Jerre, every village, every monument, every person has a story worth discovering.

There are many ways you can explore the islands of Hawaii but perhaps one of the most memorable is through a helicopter tour. While most travel itineraries do not include them in the cost of your vacation, these optional tours are a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is well worth the additional expense. But before you take off, here are a few tips for your helicopter tour of Hawaii:

For twelve nights you can get away on a Hawaii Islands cruise and tour. YMT Vacations offers affordable and memorable Hawaii vacation packages that are sure to please the young at heart. Our Hawaii tours offer visits to four of the Hawaiian Islands and the opportunity to experience the best of those islands.