As the shadows lengthen across the spires and buttes, time passing into the depths of the canyon, understand what this great chasm passes to us – a sense of humility born in the interconnections of all that is and a willingness to care for this land. We have the responsibility to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to form their own connections with Grand Canyon National Park.

1. Make sure that you actually need new tires
Perform a quick visual inspection. If you see excessive tread wear, cracked sidewalls, or any discoloration or bulging, it’s probably time for a new set. If your tires are more than 10 years old, consider replacing them even if they look OK — rubber deteriorates with exposure to oxygen.

2. Make sure that your car is in good shape
Inspect your tires for signs of uneven wear, which might indicate alignment or suspension issues. Check for signs like more wear on the inside or outside of the tire vs. an even wear pattern across the entire width of the tread. If you put a new set of tires on a misaligned car, or one with bad shocks, you’re throwing money away. The new tires will wear quickly and unevenly, and you’ll need another set in a hurry.

Most tire centers will inspect your current set of tires, and give you an assessment of your car’s condition before you buy. If you have a trusted mechanic, bring your car in for an inspection before heading out to the tire center — an impartial opinion from an expert who isn’t trying to sell you something is always desirable.

3. Check your owners manual and information placard
The manufacturer of your car has made a recommendation about the size and type of tires which work best with your vehicle, that information is found in the owner’s manual and on the information placard. The information placard on your vehicle is required by law, and is permanently attached to your door edge, door post, glove compartment door or inside your trunk lid. It may have been painted over on some older cars, but it’s there. If you don’t have an owners manual, most manufacturers will sell you a replacement at a reasonable cost — ask your dealer, or search on the manufacturer’s website.

4. Decipher the tire code
Perhaps the most confusing part of tire buying is figuring out what those numbers on the sidewall of the tire mean. They are part of a simple standardized code that is required by federal law in order to describe tires, and to identify them in case of a recall. You can read more in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s online “Tire Safety” brochure, but here’s a quick primer:

Example Tire Sidewall Markings: P215/65R 15 95H M+S

- First up is a letter or letters, indicating the tire’s purpose: “P” for passenger cars or “LT” for light trucks are the most likely letters you’ll see.

- Next is a three-digit number. This is the tire’s width (in millimeters) from sidewall edge to sidewall edge.

- Then, a two-digit number which is the tire’s aspect ratio, or the ratio of height to width. The smaller the number, the shorter the sidewall.

- Next, a letter, probably “R,” which indicates radial construction. Almost every tire you encounter will be a radial nowadays, unless you’re buying tires for a classic car.

- Then, another two-digit number, which is the diameter of the wheel that the tire is intended to fit.

- Next, an optional two- or three-digit number. This is the tire’s load index number, and its inclusion is not required by law. The load index number corresponds with the tire’s load-carrying capacity. Discount Tire has posted a handy chart with the load index numbers and loads. Simply put, don’t install a tire with a lower load index number than your manufacturer recommends.

- Next, a letter. This is the tire’s speed rating. Follow your manufacturer’s recommendation. You should only need to upgrade to a higher speed rating if you have modified your vehicle for track use, or if you are heading to Germany to drive on the Autobahn.

- Next, some more letters, usually “M+S” or “M/S.” This stands for mud and snow, and applies to most radial tires sold in America.

There are more numbers and letters, most of which you don’t really need to worry about unless your tires are subject to a recall. They refer to the tire’s place and date of manufacture, the maximum inflation pressure, maximum load rating, composition, materials, tread wear, traction and temperature grades. Diving deeply into these ratings will yield a trove of information – most of which differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. Unless you are obsessive about your tires, you will probably be OK trusting in your tire guy’s interpretation of the small print.

A good tire center will be able to talk you through these codes, and will know which tires are a good fit for your vehicle. You will have to choose between summer, all-season or winter tires, between extended tread life and better handling. Be sure to ask a lot of questions, get answers, and have your tire guy point out the features on the tires and the code that indicates the feature on the sidewall.

5. Consider the wheels
One of the most popular customization options on vehicles these days is a new set of rims. If your current wheels are worn or damaged, you might want to consider buying a new set when you replace your tires. There’s more than appearance to consider when you buy wheels, however. Try to match size as closely as possible to the manufacturer’s originals. Even though bigger wheels might look great on your car, there’s some complicated math to making sure that the tires and wheels match the car.

The bigger the wheel, the lower the aspect ratio tire you’ll be able to use. In order to make the car handle and turn properly, the outside diameter of the tire has to remain the same as the original tires as the wheel gets bigger — which means shorter sidewalls. The sidewall is very important to handling, and it’s also very important to comfort and noise. The shorter the sidewall, the less it will be able to flex when the car turns — great for sporty handing — and the less it will be able to absorb bumps and pavement irregularities. So a bigger wheel might lead to a harsher ride, and a squirrelly car. Additionally, the fact that custom wheels are often heavier than stock ones means they can negatively impact the suspension or fuel mileage.

That said, you still might want to put bigger wheels on your ride. Perform some serious research before you make that decision, and be careful not to sacrifice too much handling and safety for appearance.

6. Buy a full, matching set
Though you may be tempted to cut corners, and just replace the tire/s that are most worn, modern suspension technology is designed to work best with a matching set of tires. By replacing all four at once, you’ll be able to maintain your tires better (more on that later), evaluate and repair suspension problems before they become major, and achieve the highest degree of safety and predictable handling.

7. Check on your spare
This is a great time to have your spare tire inspected, and replaced if necessary. If your car uses a full-size spare and you’re replacing your tires with the same make, model and size, have your tire guy save the best used tire for a spare.

8. Consider buying over the internet or by catalog
You can really save some money on the initial purchase of your new tires by shopping over the Internet. Some retailers, like Tire Rack, even have relationships with local independent tire centers that will accept shipment of your new tires and perform installation at a pre-negotiated rate. Don’t forget that your new tires will need to be mounted to the rims, balanced and installed on your vehicle. You’ll probably want to get your wheels aligned when you get your new tires installed, as well.

9. Break in your new tires carefully
There’s a release agent used during the manufacturing process, and it can leave a residue on the treads of new tires. There’s a possibility that your tires will have less grip than expected until the residue wears off, especially in wet conditions. Allow about 500 miles of break-in time before you push your tires hard on cornering, and anticipate longer than usual braking distances, just to be safe.

10. Maintain your new tires
Check for proper inflation on a regular basis. Keeping your tires properly inflated will improve your gas mileage, and will greatly improve your tires’ longevity. You should get satisfactory life and wear by maintaining proper air pressure, and by keeping up a consistent rotation schedule. Rotate your tires every time you change your oil — even if they don’t show signs of wear.

Crescent Hotel

Crescent HotelThe Crescent Hotel, located in historic Eureka Springs Arkansas, prides itself in being called America’s “most haunted” hotel. While other hotels may lay claim to that title, I can’t argue with the moniker due to the personal experiences I had while staying there in its most famously haunted room – 218.

The Crescent was built in 1886 and has served as a hotel, experimental cancer hospital, and community college over its 120+ year history. Abandoned for several years in the 1940s the hotel was restored to its Victorian opulence in 1972.

Employees of the hotel are accustomed to odd sightings. Several spirits seem to have taken up permanent residence there – that of a woman roaming the hallways and another of a little boy displacing cookware and cutlery in the Crystal Dining Room kitchen.

While hauntings have been reported throughout the hotel, room 218 is perhaps the most famously haunted area. The room is reputed to be haunted by the ghost of a stonecutter named Michael who fell to his death in the area where the room is today. Reports of toilets flushing on their own, lights flashing on and off and guests waking in the middle of the night feeling an unseen hand pushing on their backs are quite common.

The Crescent Hotel gained national notoriety in recent years after being featured on the SciFi Channel’s show “Ghost Hunters” and given the hosts’ seal of approval as a legitimately haunted place. Infrared footage of a dark silhouette was captured during their investigation.

During my stay at the Crescent, I couldn’t escape an eerie feeling that enshrouded me during my visit. My wife felt it too and claimed she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being watched. In the morning our bath water wouldn’t heat up while the rest of the hotel enjoyed hot water. Certainly strange…but perhaps the strangest occurrence of all was the fact that our daughter was conceived there – and born on Halloween.

Castle Leslie

Castle LeslieCastle Leslie, located on 1000 acres of meticulously kept grounds in Glaslough, County Monaghan, Ireland has been home to the Leslie family for over 300 years. What was once Glaslough Castle was originally deeded to the Leslie family in 1665. A popular attraction with celebrities, the goal of a retreat to Castle Leslie is to be cut off from the annoyances of modern day life. Here you will find no telephones, televisions, or radios, but you will find gourmet meals (a cooking school is on site), an equestrian center, and a private hunting lodge. Castle Leslie is 5-star luxury hotel with an eccentric twist. The Castle is famous for its wacky showers and outrageous toilets.

Numerous visitors from the other side are known to reside here. Among the otherworldly figures known to pop up frequently are deceased members of the Leslie clan. Perhaps the most famous story is that of the Norman’s Room, named for the spirit that reputedly haunts it – Norman Leslie. Apparently his mother Lady Marjorie was sleeping in this room one night and awoke to see his ghost standing near the foot of her bed apparently looking through some letters. After a while this apparition of her dead son turned to her, smiled and then faded away. Norman was destined to inherit the castle but died prematurely while charging a German machine gun nest armed only with a sword.

Langham Hotel

Langham HotelStraying not too far from the Emerald Isle across the Irish Sea is the Langham Hotel in London, England. Originally built in 1865 the hotel was once owned by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The Langham was opened to the public by King Edward VII to great fanfare. It was London’s biggest building at the time, and the city’s first great luxury hotel.

The hotel was bombed during the Battle of Britain in 1940 and remained in ruins until Hilton International purchased it in the 1990s. Hilton has done a wonderful job restoring the hotel to its former grandeur. Public rooms in this hotel display the power and opulence of the British Empire during its heyday. The private rooms are not as luxurious but are well kept and furnished with French provincial furniture and Red Oak trim.

Perhaps owing to the hotel’s former ownership, hauntings here have been well documented. According to one popular tale, a BBC announcer who stayed in room 333 at the Langham awoke to see a brilliant light in his room morph into an Edwardian gentleman. Ghosts have been seen donning Victorian garb, and a German soldier has been seen roaming the hallways. The most fabulous tale is that of Napoleon III who has supposedly selected to spend eternity in the hotel’s basement. It’s a safe bet the casual ghost hunter may find ghosts here if he so desires and the truly brave should stay in room 333. If you like scary hotels, theres a few other things that would scare you to death in London.

Hotel del Coronado

Del CoronadoAnother famously haunted hotel is the Hotel del Coronado of San Diego, California. Built for the then-staggering sum of $1 million, the Coronado opened its doors to business in 1888. It is a landmark to a bygone era of Victorian beach resorts constructed entirely of wood. To this day, it is still the largest beach resort on the North American Pacific coast.

Over the years presidents, movie stars, and royalty have stayed at the hotel. The Coronado appeared in the movies Some Like it Hot, The Stunt Man, and My Blue Heaven. It is thought that England’s Edward VII met his future wife Wallis Simpson while staying at the hotel. She was a resident of Coronado.

The hotel now may be most famous for its haunting. The most famous haunting is the story of Kate Morgan. In 1892, she checked into room 302 to meet, and reconcile, with her estranged husband. Her husband, Tom, never showed up. Kate’s body was found six days after checking in on the steps to the beach in front of the hotel. At the time, her death was immediately ruled a suicide when a bullet wound was found in her temple. Circumstances surround Mrs. Morgan’s death in mystery. The truth about her death may never be known. Perhaps that is why she haunts the Coronado.

This ghostly tale of reconciliation never realized has fascinated paranormal investigators for years. There is extensive documentation on the presence of Kate Morgan’s ghost in the hotel. What was once room 302 is now known as room 3312. Paranormal investigators trip over themselves trying to book this room. It may be the well-documented haunted room on the planet. Numerous times investigators have captured pictures of a smoky haze and recorded sounds that have no obvious source. Ghostly images abound on the Internet of Kate Morgan. If you are not able to check into room 3312 (it is a very popular request), don’t worry…Kate is rumored to wander around the hotel.

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

Finally our tour around the globe of haunted hotels takes us a short distance up the coast of California to another famously haunted hotel. This hotel, however, is reputedly haunted by the ghost of a very famous person. The Hollywood Roosevelt, named after President Teddy Roosevelt, opened in 1927. The Roosevelt is another homage to a bygone era. During its heyday, the hotel was the center of Hollywood and served as the location for the first Academy Awards ceremony. The Roosevelt was the place to be during the Golden Age of Hollywood. The hotel’s prime location across the street from the Chinese Theater made it a very popular choice for Hollywood’s biggest stars. Some of its most famous guest liked the place so much they refused to check out…ever.

Montgomery Clift, star of From Here to Eternity, stayed at the hotel in room 928 during the making of the classic movie. On windy evenings it is said that one may hear him playing his bugle and reciting his lines from the movie in the hallway or in room 928. The other famous resident ghost is reported to be that of Marilyn Monroe. She was a frequent guest of the hotel in suite 1200. Marilyn’s image is said to have been caught in a mirror that was formerly located in the aforementioned suite has been relocated to an area near the elevators in the lobby. Today, Marilyn’s former (and perhaps current) haunt is known as the Marilyn Monroe Suite and, yes, the hotel accepts reservations.

Traveling around , you can find many beautiful rose gardens but we pick up our favs:

No 10. Westin Excelsior Hotel Rome, Italy

Villa La Cupola
$14,950 per night

Rome’s “Villa La Cupola” suite within the Westin Excelsior has all things Roman and excessive – a cupola, a Pompeii-style Jacuzzi pool, frescoes and stained glass windows. Located on the fifth and sixth floor underneath the cupola of the hotel (which was made famous by Fellini’s movies), the suite covers 6,099 square feet and has an additional 1,808 square feet of balconies and terraces. While it only has two bedrooms, five more can be joined to it.
The stained glass windows in the living room detail allegories of a mythological figure paired with a modern one, such as Atlas and Television, Hypnosis and Neurosis, Hermes and Marketing, and Hermaphrodite and Fashion. The downstairs also has a private kitchen, and the dining room features an antique Murano glass chandelier, a private wine cabinet and an antique mosaic-tile-covered dining room.
What really makes this suite over the top is a private cinema with Dolby surround sound. Such luxury makes even the private elevator that leads up to the fitness area and Jacuzzi – complete with mosaic floors, vaulted ceilings and frescoes – seem ordinary. The painted horizons on the frescoes were designed to match perfectly with the real Roman one.

No 9. The Plaza Hotel New York City, USA

Presidential Suite
$15,000 per night

The 7,802-square-foot suite covers nearly the entire 18th floor of the Plaza, with views overlooking Central Park. The walls are covered in silk, the reception area has a 10-foot-wide stained glass window and the hand-painted piano depicts scenes from the French countryside.
The suite has five bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, two living rooms, a dining room, powder room and sauna. There are also three marble fireplaces, a terrace and a 2,000-bottle wine cellar (guests are charged extra for indulging). The Presidential Suite also comes with the use of a secretary/butler and the Plaza’s chefs are at your disposal.

No 8.Park Hyatt-Vendôme Hotel Paris, France

The Imperial Suite
$15,500 a night

Situated on the second floor of the Park Hyatt-Vendôme’s Haussmanian building is the hotel’s 750 square-foot Imperial Suite. Thise pricey suite has high ceilings, a dining room, kitchenette and bar. When visitors tire of toiling, they relax with an “In Suite Spa” that comes outfitted with a steam room, Whirlpool and built-in massage table.

No 7. Four Seasons George V Paris, France

Royal Suite
$16,000 a night

The George V in Paris boasts a pair of “sumptuous” Royal Suites that each come with private terraces and rooms filled with antique furniture. Each suite has a marble entrance, a full kitchen, a sauna and a separate bathroom for guests. The expensive 2,600 square-foot suites are split into separate spaces for sleeping and entertaining, both of which also have a private office.

No 6. Le Richemond Geneva, Switzerland

Royal Armleder Suite
$17,500 a night

Le Richemond’s Royal Armleder Suite reopened in 2007 after an extensive restoration of the hotel’s seventh floor, which the luxury suite occupies the entirety of. The suite is bedecked in gold, mosaics and parquet floors and has a 300 square-foot terrace with stunning views of Geneva and the nearby Alps.

No 5. Burj Al Arab Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Royal Suite
$18,000 per night

A two-story suite that centers around an epic staircase, Burj Al Arab’s Royal Suite has Carrara marble floors, mahogany furniture and a master bedroom with a rotating four-post canopy bed. Guests enjoy Hermes bathroom products, Faubourg fragrances, their own private elevator and cinema and for a bit extra– a chauffeur driven Rolls Royce or helicopter.

No 3. The Ritz-Carlton Moscow, Russia

Ritz-Carlton Suite
$18,200 per night

Floor-to-ceiling windows outline the Ritz-Carlton Suite at the hotel chain’s Moscow location. Imperial furniture fills the 2,500 square-foot suite, which comes with a heated floor, a grand piano and a library. The suite has views of the Kremlin, Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral and visitors get to enjoy five meals a day and their very own KGB-approved autonomous energy supply system and secure telecommunications array.

No 3. The Martinez Hotel Cannes,France

Presidential Suite
$18,500 per night

The Martinez Hotel in Cannes likes superlatives and bills itself as having the biggest, most expensive and only terraced penthouse suite on the Cote d’Azur. Perhaps some of this is Gallic swagger, but the price of the suites certainly makes them one of the most expensive in Europe. Both penthouse suites are 8,000 square feet and are decorated in the hotel’s signature Art Deco style, with streamlined furniture, silk curtains and teak parquet floors.While many of the hotel’s rooms are painted in bright colors (peach, lime green), the penthouse suites are decorated in muted, understated tones (brown, cream and tan).
Each suite has two bedrooms, a Turkish bath, kitchen, personal sauna and views of the Lerins Islands as well as the entire Bay of Cannes. The wraparound terrace is 2,000 square feet and can comfortably hold 100 people. It also has a Jacuzzi. Technophiles will appreciate the Bose plasma screen televisions and telephones and the DVD library. A private butler is on call 24 hours a day, and other amenities include use of a limousine, open bar and the option to join both suites into one grand apartment.

No 2. President Wilson Hotel Geneva, Switzerland

The Imperial Suite
$23,300 per night

At the sleek, modern President Wilson Hotel in Geneva, security takes as much precedence as luxury.
Faster than you can say “Frette linens,” the hotel’s staff reassures guests that the security in the Imperial Suite is among the best in the world, ideal for celebrities or traveling heads of states who visit the United Nations headquarters next door at the Palais Wilson.The Imperial Suite, which takes up the entire top floor of the hotel, is reached via a private elevator and has four bedrooms, all of which overlook Lake Geneva.
The suite is decorated in a contemporary style, with marble and hardwood floors, and the bay windows overlook Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc. Off of the master bedroom is a dressing room as well as a study, and the suite has five bathrooms, all with mosaic marble floor, and a Jacuzzi and steam bath in the main bath.
The living room has a billiards table, a library and a cocktail lounge with a view of the water fountain, and can accommodate 40 people. The dining room seats 26 people around an oval mahogany table. For the security-conscious or
merely the paranoid, the Imperial Suite is also equipped with bulletproof windows and doors.

No 1. The Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas

Atlantis Bridge Suite
$25,000 per night

The Atlantis Bridge Suite has the distinction of being the most expensive hotel suite in the world – a whopping $25,000 a night. Found on Paradise Island, Bahamas. The Bridge Suite is located on top of a bridge that connects the two Royal Towers buildings, so it overlooks the entire resort and marina.The ten-room suite is decorated in red, black and gold (lots of gold) and comes with its own butler, bar lounge and entertainment center as well as 12-foot ceilings. The master bedroom has a sitting area, his-and-hers closets, and hand-painted linens.
The bathrooms have chaise lounges, marble baths, and dolphin fixtures. For those who are picky about their personal space, there are two separate master bathrooms. The kitchen also has its own entrance so the butler or cook never bothers you.So, do you feel like spending $25,000 for one night?

Mattice Lake Out fitters – Armstrong, Ohio
The Mattice Lake gives us visions of spectacular walleye, northern pike and trout fishing this is what the company is famous for. Mattice Lake Outfitters are a very famous name in fly-in adventure holiday providers. The Mattice Lake Outfitters also take care of the fishing and hunting licenses too. They cater to the needs of people who want to have serious fun and share experiences of a lifetime. It is a vacation with a difference as it includes a wildlife viewing trip with hours of relaxation in a remote setting for a silent communion with nature.

Lawrence Bay Lodge – Tolna, Saskatchewan
For many who are looking for some solid fishing fun, the Lawrence bay lodge at Tolna, Saskatchewan is the place which revives the spirit of adventure. Fishing at Lawrence Bay Lodge is immensely popular ever since the 90’s and is getting better with the passing years. The lodge practices a modified catch and release program for around fifteen years. The catch and release program means that they return all of the large trophy size fish to make sure that they are available again in the next vacation.
The Lawrence bay lodge is around the Reindeer Lake in Northern Saskatchewan and offers some of the best fresh water northern pike, walleye, arctic grayling, and lake trout fishing opportunities available to anglers in Canada.

Tomahawk Resort – Sioux Narrows, Ontario
At Tomahawk , you will exeperience Fishing, fun and a trip that you will never be able to forget. If you are an angler who loves the experience with rustic comforts and great hospitality then Tomahawk is the right place for you! Tomahawk is a resort that is located in a vacation paradise on beautiful Lake of Woods at Sioux Narrows, Ontario.
This place provides the opportunities of angling for five species of fish on the same body of water. These are Walleye, Northern, Small and Largemouth Bass, Musky, Crappie and Lake Trout. Apart from angling, you can also opt for hiking, swimming or relaxing in the tranquil setting of North America’s most beautiful landscape.

Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
This mountain-spined arm of the Russian Far East awakens memories of Alaska circa 1900. Kamchatka is much less civilized and, most importantly, much less fished. “You don’t hear a bush plane flying over, you don’t hear a motorboat downstream, and you certainly don’t see another person,” says Ryan Peterson, who often guides on the peninsula. Although Kamchatka is a Pacific salmon stronghold, most fly-fishermen come for the plentiful, fearless rainbow trout. Anglers can wade the famed Zhupanova River in search of trophy rainbows approaching a yard in length, or, if they want to explore remoteness by Kamchatka standards, they can join a float trip down one of the peninsula’s scores of hardly fished rivers. “More people go to other regions,” says Peterson, “but Kamchatka attracts the sort of cutting-edge, hard-core fishing set.”

Amazon River Basin, Brazil
When most people hear Amazon River they don’t think, “Great place to go fly-fishing.” But the happy few who do think that way have either tangled with—or more likely heard tales about—a red-eyed beast called the Peacock bass. Peacock bass aren’t actually bass at all but a 20-plus-pound relative of the tilapia. They chase smaller fish onto the shore, love surface flies, and strike so ferociously that they fly several feet into the air.
The best of the very few lodging options is the comfortable, low-occupancy Royal Amazon Lodge on the Agua Boa River, which has a white-sand bottom and enough clarity to reveal fish 50 yards away. The surrounding area is government-protected, unspoiled rainforest and savannah, inhabited by wild things such as toucans, howler monkeys, jaguars, and caiman crocodiles. Sensibly, most people fish from a boat.

June 1, 2009: Air France Airbus A330 runs into thunderstorms over the Atlantic and disappears. 228 people on board.

Feb. 19, 2003: Iranian Revolutionary Guard military plane crashes into a mountain. 275 dead.

May 25, 2002: China Airlines Boeing 747 breaks apart midair and crashes into the Taiwan Strait. 225 dead.

Nov. 12, 2001: American Airlines Airbus A300 crashes after takeoff from JFK Airport into the New York City borough of Queens. 265 dead, including people on the ground.

Oct. 31, 1999: EgyptAir Boeing 767 crashes off Nantucket; the NTSB blames actions by the co-pilot. 217 dead.

Feb. 16, 1998: China Airlines Airbus A300 crashes on landing at airport in Taipei, Taiwan. 203 dead.

Sept. 26, 1997: Garuda Indonesia Airbus A300 crashes near airport in Medan, Indonesia. 234 dead.

Aug. 6, 1997: Korean Air Boeing 747-300 crashes on landing in Guam. 228 dead.

Nov. 12, 1996: Saudi Boeing 747 collides with Kazakh cargo plane near New Delhi. 349 dead.

July 17, 1996: TWA Boeing 747 explodes and crashes into the Atlantic off Long Island, New York. 230 dead.

April 26, 1994: China Airlines Airbus A300 crashes on landing at Nagoya Airport in Japan. 264 dead.

Dec. 12, 1985: Arrow Air DC-8 crashes after takeoff from Newfoundland, Canada. 256 dead.

Aug. 12, 1985: Japan Air Lines Boeing 747 crashes into a mountainside after losing part of its tail fin. 520 dead in the world’s worst single-plane disaster.

Aug. 19, 1980: Saudi Tristar makes emergency landing in Riyadh and bursts into flames. 301 dead.

May 25, 1979: American Airlines DC-10 crashes after takeoff from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. 275 dead.

Jan. 1, 1978: Air India 747 crashes into the ocean after takeoff from Mumbai. 213 dead.

March 27, 1977: KLM 474, Pan American 747 collide on runway in Tenerife, Canary Islands. 583 dead in world’s worst airline disaster.
source:world almanac, associated press

Geneva on the lake – Geneva, New York
This is located on the shores of Lake Erie, Geneva on the Lake is Ohio’s first Summer resort, with many families planning a trip well well in advance. Geneva on the Lake is an enviable tourist attraction in the form of a famous entertainment Strip burning with activity. The arcades, amusement rides, restaurants, nightclubs, live music-it has it all! Lake Erie offers water lovers a very good time with fun sports like fishing, boating, and swimming near the vicinity of the lodgings.

Turtle island-Fiji
Turtle Island is a famous luxury island resort in Fiji and is known to be one of the most romantic settings for arranging a memorable wedding or an unforgettable honeymoon. Fiji has many scenic locales, provides excellent personalized service to visitors and charming spots all over the well-spread resort land. Relaxation and adventure blend in well together at Turtle island, which is the renowned site globally recognized as the location for both ‘Blue Lagoon’.

Vatulele island resort-Clovelly, Australia
Vatulele is a very beautiful island resort situated in Clovelly, the NSW region of Australia. It is one of the worlds most romantic places to visit when considering spending intimate time with that special someone.Vatulele also provides luxury and privacy along side the same time, that keeps the visitors feeling good. Vatulele island resort is known as the forerunner of all exclusive resorts in the world and its development as a near-perfect tropical escape is what has earned it much reputation.

Safety harbor resort and spa – Florida
This is among the largest spa and fitness centers in America. The Safety Harbor Resort and Spa in Florida is one of the top romantic destinations on any couple’s list when planning a memorable trip.The curative powers of mineral water combined with the Safety Harbor’s relaxation programs are good for the mind and body. It makes this place a must see for the world-weary travelers. This is a perfect place for healing, and famous for a balanced therapy offerings for those seeking comfort and privacy. The Safety harbor resort and spa is spread over an area of 50,000 square foot.

American Patriot getaways-Gatlinburg, Tennessee
American Patriot Getaways specialize in arranging the perfect romantic getaway for couples looking for quality time together in comfortable, cozy and tranquil surroundings. The lodgings comprise of a wide variety of log cabins and chalets in locations near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and are a good place for getting that special person along for a romantic weekend, in the woods, away from city life and its hurried pace of living.

Abaco beach resort and boat harbor – The Bahamas
The Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbor is the most premier Bahamas resort destination in the Out Islands; spread out expansively over 52 beautifully landscaped acres in the Marsh Harbor of Abaco, it offers a scenic setting for planning the ideal romantic holiday. Secluded beaches, pristine waters and world-class sports fishing make the Abaco beach resort and boat harbor among the top choices when organizing a getaway with that special someone.

Outrigger Waikiki on the beach – Oahu, Hawaii
Outrigger Waikiki shore is the only deluxe condominium located right on Waikiki Beach with a spacious studio, one and two bedroom units to be the ideal getaway spot for a romantic holiday. The services and modern amenities available at the neighboring Outrigger Reef on the Beach Hotel are contemporary and afford guests with the convenience of being away from city life but with the ease of familiar things too.

Settler’s crossing – Fredericksburg, Texas
Fredericksburg, Texas is one of the 51 beautiful cities located in the Texas Hill Country and is the perfect place to plan a romantic getaway for all those with a love for small town old-worldly living styles- accompanied by a good dose of grand American history.

Marriott Champs Elysees – Paris
Right in the heart of the most romantic city in the world – Paris – is the ultimate name in luxury lodgings: the Marriott Champs Elysees. The Marriott Champs Elysees Plaza has beautifully decorated, lavish, luxurious suites that are very spacious. It is quickly becoming a must-stay choice for couples renewing or celebrating their love.

Stevens wood Lodge – Mendocino, Ontario
Mendocino, is around a four to six hour drive from San Francisco, a detail dependent on traffic more than driving skill or good roads. Mendocino is quickly become a top romantic destination in the world and its great hospitality is extended to visitors by the way of quality boarding and lodging options. It is great for a romantic weekend, the fine blend of wines available at Mendocino can set the mood for love songs and stories.

10. Moab, Utah – USA

Located in eastern Utah, Moab has become one of the top adventure destinations over the past few years. Outdoor enthusiasts looking to beat the crowds in other locations, such as Boulder, Colorado, have migrated to the area looking for new and unique experiences. Moab is close to Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, and offers world class mountain biking and rock climbing. There are also plenty of places to go canyoneering, backpacking, and hiking.

9. Cusco, Peru

Nestled amongst the Andes in southeastern Peru, Cusco is an interesting mix of outdoor adventure and ancient history. The city lies at the heart of what was once the Inca Empire, with the Urubamba, or Sacred, Valley close by with dozens of archaeological sites in the region, including the famed Machu Picchu, which can be reached by train or by hiking the Inca Trail. Cussco is also the starting point for a number of great treks in the Andes.

8. Zermatt, Switzerland

The Swiss city of Zermatt lies just ten miles from the Italian border and is well known for some of the best skiing on the entire European continent. The city also serves as the base for some of the most amazing trekking in the Swiss Alps, including the Haute Route, which runs from Zermatt to Chamonix in France. Most importantly however is the fact that the city has long been the base of operations for anyone attempting a climb of the famed Matterhorn from the Swiss side of the mountain.

7. Boulder, Colorado – USA

Boulder, Colorado has long been considered the center of the outdoor world, at least in the United States. In Boulder, outdoor culture is a deeply ingrained part of the fabric of the city, which is nestled in the middle of 31,000 acres of nature preserves and outdoor recreational space. Boulder is well known as a Mecca for rock climbers, with literally hundreds of world class routes within a short distance of the city. The area also offers great opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, skiing and more. The city is also the host of a number of great events such as adventure races, triathlons, and other outdoor games.

6. Punta Arenas, Chile

Punta Arenas is located at the southernmost tip of South America. In fact, it’s the southernmost city in the world. It sits on a narrow part of land between the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean, with the Beagle Channel not far away. This interesting location makes for unusually volatile weather, but the city makes up for due to it’s location within the Patagonia region of Chile, one of the most beautiful and desolate regions anywhere on Earth. Renowned for it’s spectacular trekking and backpacking, Patagonia is an adventure travelers dream come true. If that doesn’t earn Punta Arenas a spot on the list, then how about the fact that it also serves as the launching pad for many Antarctic explorers. This city of 130,000 is often the last remnant of civilization that they see before departing for the South Pole.

5. Chamonix, France

Sitting at the foot of Mount Blanc, Chamonix is one of the top destinations for mountain sports anywhere in the world. The town lies in eastern France just below the famed Mer de Glace, a massive glacier that stretches up into to the Alps. The close proximity to Mount Blanc, not to mention numerous other peaks, has been bringing mountaineers to Chamonix for nearly 200 years, but more recently it has become home to Europe’s best mountain biking, with hundreds of miles of singletrack within easy reach. In the winter, Chamonix turns into a wonderland for skiers and snowboarders looking to challenge themselves on one of the six near by ski resorts.

4. Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown has built an industry around being an adventure destination, in a country that practically defines the word. Located on New Zealand’s South Island, in the southwest portion of the country, near Lake Wakatipu and in the shadow of the Southern Alps. Adventurers journey here for outstanding trekking and climbing, excellent mountain biking, and some of the best skiing in the southern hemisphere. Jet boating is an extremely popular pastime, as is bungee jumping. In fact, the bungee jumping was invented here. Mix all that in with the fact that Queenstown is one of the best spots for wine and fine cuisine in the entire country, and you have the makings of an amazing adventure destination unlike any other.

3. Vancouver, British Columbia – Canada

Vancouver sits at the confluence of the Strait of Georgia, the Frasier River, and the Coastal Mountains in British Columbia Canada. It’s close proximity to those natural resources make it a paradise for outdoor nuts. Few other cities in the world can boast such close proximity to an ocean, rivers, lakes, and mountains, affording residents and visitors great hiking, backpacking, kayaking, climbing, and just about any other outdoor activity you can think of. Great skiing is a short drive away to the North Shore, and the same region offers unrivaled mountain biking in the warmer months. Speaking of which, the relatively mild temperatures make for warmer winters and cooler summers meaning that the outdoor paradise accessible year round.

2. Arusha, Tanzania

Arusha sits on the edge of the Great Rift Valley in northeast Tanzania. It’s location puts it close to a number of World Heritage Sites including the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. This makes it a prime spot for anyone looking to go on safari, Africa’s most iconic adventure. The city sits below Mount Meru and not far from Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain on the continent. Thousands flock to the region every year to climb Kili, witness the Great Migration, or take in any number of other adventures.

1. Kathmandu, Nepal

When it comes to top adventures cities, there is only one that could possibly top the list. Kathmandu is the gateway to the Himalaya, and possibly the greatest trekking on the planet. Whether you’re heading to the Khumbu Valley or the Annapurna Circuit, the journey begins and ends in Nepali capital. In addition, 8 of the 14 8000 meter peaks fall within Nepal, which makes it the spot for the top high altitude mountaineering. And if that wasn’t enough, most travelers going to Tibet or Bhutan also must go through the city. Kathmandu has it all. History, culture, mysticism, and more adventure than you can experience in a string of lifetimes. That’s why it’s number one on my list.

There you have it. My top ten adventure cities. How do yours compare? What did I miss? Which ones have you been to, and which ones remain on your list of must see places?

1.The Himalayas and Pyrenees

For the best adventure of skiing or mountain climbing, these are the areas to go to. At their highest point both are snow covered, giving you the opportunity to pit your skills against some of nature’s toughest elements.

2.Sahara

Take on the might of the deserts. Join the 4 x 4 rally across Africa’s most hostile and barren sands as you experience some of the hottest days and coldest nights on earth. An experience to behold!
- Also: Desert Biking in Namibia – A mountain bike safari of Namibia is a great way to truly experience the unforgiving African desert.

3.Igloo Nights In Greenland

Greenland offers a wide range of adventure opportunities including the drive right to the edge of the inland ice cap. But for an unforgettable night’s stay, book into the Igloo Village – created every winter. Drinks are served in glasses made out of ice and you sleep in your own private igloo.

4.The Amazon

Experience the beautiful colors of the rain forest stretching away each side of the river as far as the eye can see, and the unique sounds of the birds and animals calling to each other. Watch in rapture as river life goes on around you, with crocodiles eyeing what they would consider to be a healthy meal.

5.Central Australia

If you love to go a wandering, then this is the place for you. With a backpack on your shoulders, go for one of the most spectacular experiences of your life. Watch the sunrise over Table Mountain and spend nights under starlit skies, enjoying yourself around a nice campfire.

6.Cave Rafting In New Zealand

The Lord Of The Rings blockbusters have been a wake-up call for adventure travel seekers. Central North Island, particularly, offers a host of adventure activities, including kayaking on Lake Taupo, where mysterious giant carvings recall Sam and Frodo’s flight downriver. The island is also renowned for black water rafting – the scary sister of white water sport, in which you raft through Waitomo’s subterranean caves, your way lit only by glow-worms.

7.Botswana Safari

A year round wildlife safari haven that promises you a unique and memorable safari experience. The under appreciated Okavango Delta is among the richest eco-regions in the world. Botswana is Africa at its best – untamed, full of wildlife and alive with expectancy!

8.Bolivia’s Road of Death

Bolivia’s “Road of Death” is the most dangerous road in the world. It runs in the Bolivian Andes, 70 km from La Paz to Coroico, and plunges down almost 3,600 meters in an orgy of extremely narrow hairpin curves and 800-meter abyss near-misses. Approximately 100-200 people perish there every year. Not for the faint of heart!

9.The Galapagos Islands

Home to thunder lizards and wildlife unique to the islands, Galapagos Islands have become increasingly accessible in recent years.

10.Patagonia

Patagonia in Argentina and Chile is for lovers of adventure who are willing to receive a good dose of pure adrenaline.
Imagine yourself among the endless plains of the pampas, the fast-flowing rivers of the mountain range, the high summits of the mountains and volcanoes. The scenery is spectacular.