The White Pass Yukon Route in Alaska - A Great Vacation and Travel Destination

Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, this narrow gauge railroad is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark - a designation shared with the Panama Canal, the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty.

This is an amazing place to visit because in a very short period of time you will climb thousands of feet with amazing views. In fact, you will find that in the 20-mile ride you will climb up to 3000 feet and then you will be subjected to turns that are on cliffs, up to 3.9 percent grades, tunnels, bridges, and more. It is a hair-raising ride and an experience of a lifetime. Because of that it is perfect for the entire family. There is even a steel cantilever bridge that was once the tallest in the world, so it has some great history too.

The ride is not the only thing that will entertain you. The view is quite amazing as well. You will see gorges, mountains, tunnels, waterfalls, glaciers, and even historic sites as you ride along. The train coaches are vintage and make the ride even more enjoyable and historical. While you are riding along and enjoying the sites it is interesting to keep in mind that more than 450 tons of explosives were required to create the White Pass Yukon Route in addition to tens of thousands of workers. That is pretty amazing and knowing that will allow you to appreciate the ride even more.

The tour takes about three hours and the train is pulled by diesel locomotives. The passenger coaches have been restored and are quite comfortable not to mention they accommodate wheelchairs and scooters. Proof of citizenship is not required and identification will not be necessary to take the tour since nobody will actually get off at the summit. The round trip is approximately 40 miles and everyone receives a complimentary bottle of water.

There is a website that has great information on USA Vacations and Unique Travel Spots Listed State By State and Season, the website is called: Seasonal Vacation Spots, and can be found at this url: http://www.seasonalvacationspots.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

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Yoga Travel Destination - Ilha Grande, Brazil

How do you define an ideal yoga travel retreat? Perhaps a tropical island paradise off the coast of Brazil. Sunrise and sunset yoga practice. Relaxing in your veranda's hammock after a hike through the rainforest. Sounds like a dream.

Twice a year, Straight to the Heart holds a yoga travel retreat on the island of Ilha Grande, a small secluded haven of beauty and seclusion. This particular retreat spoke to us as it gives importance to the inner journey of finding yourself through yoga. In this week-long immersion, students can expect to deeply learn about themselves, and at the same time, relax on their amazing Brazilian vacation.

Ilha Grande is a small island, just a short day trip away from Rio. You'll find no cars and no pollution on this island. Untouched by industrialization, the island's rainforest grows lush, providing for a naturally energetic setting for a thoughtful yoga practice.

An assortment of activities can be found on Ilha Grande. Rainforest hikes lead you to secluded natural waterfalls. Kayaking and snorkeling is enjoyed in the warm water of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can learn about Brazil's culture through demonstrations of samba and capoeira.

The retreat is led by Kimberly Johnson, an experienced yogi with a background in structural integration. Her yoga training includes Viniyoga, Iyengar, and Ashtanga and her teaching will include a fusion of these styles with a focus on the inward journey through Vinyasa yoga postures. Expect a spiritual awakening in addition to the physical workout.

The twice-a-day practices can range in intensity depending on the goal, whether it be relaxation or invigoration. All levels of practice are welcome as each class will be tailored for the individuals involved. Modifications are offered as needed. To keep a level of personal attention, retreat sizes are limited to 25 people.

Accommodations include a veranda with an ocean view. Need we say more? Ok, we will. Natural, local vegetarian meals feature tropical fruits, organic vegetables, and locally caught fish. The cherry on top... the package also includes two full body massages.

The next yoga travel immersion retreat is in early October, which is springtime in Brazil. Hooray!

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