I’m just recovering from a major hard drive crash on my computer.  If anyone has had this dilemma, you know how frustrating it can be to get things up and running again.  I’ve been teary eyed for days trying to get everything back up and running, recovering pass words along with all the hair pulling and teeth clenching moments associated with fixing this problem.  I have a number of websites and keeping everything running while getting back to normal is finally over; I think!

Anyway, yesterday afternoon was great.  I live in a small town outside of Galveston, TX.  My home is located on the bay side of Galveston in a community of canal homes.  The beach is east of me about 1 mile… about five minute by golfcart, 2 minutes by car and 12 minutes if I walk.   About 3 pm I get a call from a friend who says she is at the beach and that it is prime.  Calm water, 68 degrees with sunshine beaming.  So I call my wife tell her to come join us after work and head down in the golfcart.

Wow!  When I get there, the water is flat, a group of hungry seagulls are fighting and squawking over bread that’s being thrown their way… and I have a rum and coke and a cigar to add the the ambiance.  Man oh Man, I needed this.  It was so relaxing.  Sorry. I just had to share; it was that nice.

For those that haven’t read about me, my wife and I have been in Galveston for almost one year.  We moved from all places… St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.  Are you CRAZY people ask?!  My wife and I were one of the lucky few who did their ‘thing.’  In 2000, we sailed our beloved Osprey  to St. Thomas and stayed 8 years.  We were blessed and we know it.  While I was there, I started several websites and wrote freelance travel articles and posted them on the web.  Now, I have my hands full with this Blog and another travel site… 5DayTrips.com.  I almost forgot to mention this.  We dodged hurricanes in St. Thomas for eight years.  So what happens?  Yep! You’ve got it.  We get all settled in to our new home and we get slapped real hard by a hurricane named IKE.  Not good.  We’re back 98% now and learned a lot about community spirit and a willingness to not let anything stand in our way to build back.

Thanks for visiting this Blog.  I’m trying to come up with ideas that will inspire everyone that visits this site to take time from their hectic lives and travel, even if it’s a short weekend trip.  Travel is relaxing; it’s good for the soul.  So if you have a favorite destination you want others to know about or want to share a travel trip or two, please leave a comment.

Terry

This is one of the best times of the year to plan your trip to Galveston and other Texas Gulf Coast Destinations.  We all know that the upper Texas Coast was hit hard by Hurricane Ike.   Considered the storm of the century after the storms of 1900 and 1915,  I can safely talk to you about Galveston as I’m a native Texan and current Galveston resident.  One thing is certain, Galveston in all her glory, is back.  Each week, existing business have reopened and the beaches are in excellent shape.  One other big plus is that the Galveston causeway construction has been completed and there are no more slow downs or traffic hassles getting into or, out of Galveston.

Here is a list of great things to do while visiting Galveston:

• Visit Moody Gardens- Both the Aquarium and IMax theater are open.  IMax is showing Planet Earth; Shallow Seas 4-D where you hear the wind blowing, & waves crash with the help of seat motion and water and air effects.
  Click for MoodyGardens information.

• Schliterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark- April visitors get to experience the indoor heated area.  It features ten+ attractions including 3 speed slides, four tube slides and a tidal wave river.  Summer season starts April 25th.

• Historic Galveston has some of its best historical homes repaired, spruced up and ready for tours including the Moody Mansion and Bishop’s Palace.  The Grand 1894 Opera House reopened January 3.   Call 800-821-1894 for current info.

• ELIISA- The official Tall Ship of Texas survived.  As of this article, the Seaport Museum is still closed but visitors can still tour the historic old three masted ship.  More info at 409-763-1877.

• Take a free ride on the Bolivar Ferry.  It’s just about guaranteed that you’ll spot a pod or three of Dolphins swimming near the Ferry.  Kids of all ages love this ride.  Feed the seagulls while you’re at it.

There’s always something to do.  Even though Ike caused severe flooding and devastation,  Galvestonians are a resilient bunch of people dedicated to the island’s visitors and making sure you all have a great time.  You’ll notice a new look and feel as just about everything here has been refurbished.

Travel to Galveston is easy by car from just about any destination and getting to Galveston by air is a cinch, too.  Check out Southwest Airlines Vacations Current Deals. Southwest always has scheduled flights from most major cities to Houston Hobby airport.  From there you can hire a limousine, or rent a car.  Enterprise Car Rentals runs some great specials and it’s a straight forward and easy drive to Galveston of about 45 minutes.

Plan your quick getaway vacation at 5DayTrips.com and visit Galveston soon.

It really doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for a quiet, laid-back stay or an action-packed vacation, you’ll find a romantic honeymoon destination that suits the desires of you and your partner right here, in the United States.

1. Hawaii

With its pristine beaches, tropical scenery and wide variety of foods, activities and tourist spots to keep you busy, Hawaii is a popular choice for countless honeymooners from around the world. Hawaii offers a number of tourism options for the various types of guests it hosts each year. Some visitors might opt to rent a car or take a guided tour around the island they are staying on. By exploring the islands of Hawaii, guests will enjoy discovering serene waterfalls and spectacular views of the beautiful beaches that lace the outskirts of the islands. Perhaps one of the most romantic Hawaiian pastimes comes in the form of watching a sunset with your new spouse. For the active couple, Hawaii offers a number of top golf courses that honeymooners can enjoy. One of the more popular activities is to attend a Hawiian luau.

2. Niagara Falls

Couples can register to get a guided boat cruise around the falls.  For a fun night out, honeymooners can visit Casino Niagara, conveniently located right across from Niagara Falls.  For honeymooners who enjoy day trips the scenic Catskill Mountains are not located far from the falls.

3. Florida

Vacations in florida are ideal for honeymooners. Disney World offers special honeymoon vacation packages to cater to those looking for a romantic getaway. There are even a number of Disney resorts that attract couples rather than families.  If theme parks are not your cup of tea, consider a trip further south to Key West or Miami. These areas offer classy resorts, sprawling beaches, and plenty of attractions that will keep both you and your significant other happily busy.

4. Las Vegas

If you have money to blow and youre feeling lucky, Las Vegas is the place for you. In addition to gambling, you will find shopping, nightlife, and even a short drive to the Grand Canyon where you can sit in your car and look out over the moon.