Potential U.S. Rail Strike Prompts Call for Lawmakers to Intervene

Enormous California, with its booming economy, bounty of nature, agriculture and vibrant cities could be a country unto itself.

Low-cost carrier Allegiant Air announced plans to expand service in Fort Lauderdale, New York City and Boston as part of a new agreement with JetBlue Airways.

It's no secret that the Caribbean is one of the world's premier regions for breathtaking nature.

Scott Pauli. (Photo Credit: Island of Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau)

With the Labor Day holiday now behind us, the year’s peak period for warm-weather travel has passed. Summer is winding down and, although the autumnal equinox doesn’t actually arrive until September 23, many fall fanatics cannot wait for crisper weather to roll in and the harvest season festivities to start. Some autumn enthusiasts will start amassing all things pumpkin spice, putting together the perfect Halloween costume or crafting Thanksgiving-themed decorations.

Road-tripping is the ultimate way to experience California, so fill the gas tank and buckle up for unforgettable drives through scenery that tugs at your heart and soul.

From towering redwood forests in foggy northern California to perfectly sun-kissed surf beaches in the south, the Golden State on the Pacific simply begs to be explored.

Although I don't particularly mind driving and enjoy a good road trip, I prefer to avoid congested highways (such as I-95) and love any opportunity to travel by train. So it's not surprising that I'm a big fan of the Auto Train, an Amtrak route unlike any other. 

California has a reputation for sunshine, beaches and palm trees – but that’s only part of the picture.

If the landscapes of each US state had their own Miss America–style competition, California would be a serious contender for the crown.

Timesharing, as a concept, was conceived in Europe in the 1960s. There, it was originally presented as a contractual lodging arrangement featuring the right to make reservations in multiple properties owned by the offeror or even by third parties. The first timeshare in the United States was started in 1974 by Caribbean International Corporation (CIC), based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It offered what it called a 25-year vacation license rather than ownership. The company owned two other resorts the vacation license holder could alternate their vacation weeks with: one in St. Croix and one in St. Thomas; both in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands properties began their timeshare sales in 1973.

From inspiring future generations to offering once-in-a-lifetime adventures, there’s no limit to what visitors to national parks can gain from their experiences. And California, with nine national parks, boasts a remarkable range of natural wonders in its parks. That includes the hottest place in the United States, the biggest tree in the world by volume, and a national park accessible only by ferry.