Eastern Explorer

Washington, DC, the capital of the most powerful nation in the world, is a relatively small city. But its size doesn't make an impression, because after a while you'll lose all sense of scale, blinded by its majestic grandeur. There are white marble monuments, limousines, manicured lawns, and parades, all served up with pomp and splendour. A symbol of America, Washington DC is the site of inspiration for millions of visitors every year. There is a procession of endless free attractions, famous sights, museums, nightclubs, and restaurants for you to explore and devour in Washington, and you will never feel a moment of boredom.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 8-19 C
Summer: June to August 20-30 C
Autumn: September to November 10-20 C
Winter: December to February -1-7 C

Shopping:
There is something for everyone in the shopping scene of Washington, DC. There are antique shops, designer boutiques, flea markets, and bargain-filled malls. Everything can be found, and the best areas are: Adams-Morgan with its collections of antiques and chic fashion; and Downtown, which has everything under the sun including malls. Also try Dupont Circle and Georgetown for some snazzy gift items and clothes.

Must Do:
To even try listing the must-see monuments of Washington is a futile exercise, a task that might go on endlessly. Let us start with the White House, go on to Capitol Hill, Library of Congress, and the many monuments and memorials that surround the National Mall. There are many museums and galleries within the Smithsonian complex, approximately 15, including the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Design Museum. Don't forget to also visit the National Zoological Park, and the National Portrait Gallery. Washington, DC's also got some of the best food in the world, best experienced in the trendy streets of Georgetown, and Downtown. Here is where you'll find swanky nightclubs and bars, and a visit to U-Street is a must, for some of the best jazz music in the world. Also try to kayak or paddle-boat on the Potomac River, which flows past some beautiful memorials.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +1
Currency: US Dollar (USD) 1 USD is approximately 48 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT -5 hours. IST-10:30 hours
Voltage: 110V

New York City, nicknamed the Big Apple, is one of the biggest cities in the world in terms of both population and land area. Spread over approximately 321 square miles, it consists of five boroughs: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island, each with their own areas and distinctive characters. New York has it all, with everything going for it: world-class museums, incredible buildings, world famous landmarks, food fit for gods, and exploding cultures. A city brimming over with the history of modernity and urban living, New York is also the finance capital of America, and has Wall Street. Other world renowned landmarks include: The Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Broadway.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 8-15 C
Summer: June to August 15-23 C
Autumn: September to November 11-15 C
Winter: December to February 5-8 C

Shopping:
New York City is the progenitor of modern shopping, starting with the mid-19th Century Macy's Department Store. There isn't a product, commodity, or service that cannot be found in the many streets of the largest city in the world, and there are enough stores to keep even the most dedicated and experienced shoppers on the move. Some of the best known stores are located in Fifth Avenue Shopping District. There are other, smaller shops in New York, located all over the five boroughs, that provide for all types of shopping needs, from boutiques, specialty shops, toy stores, furniture stores, electronics stores, and camping/recreational equipment shops. Shopping in New York is a vibrant industry that greatly contributes to the thriving commerce of the city.

Must Do:
Look out at the most impressive skyline ever from the top of the Empire State Building, take a tour of the Statue of Liberty, see a show on Broadway, seem intellectual at The Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, gawk at the lights at Times Square, wander the streets of the multi-cultural Greenwich Village, eat your heart out at Soho's restaurants and check out its art galleries, or sip a drink in one of Manhattan's classy bars. There are thousands of venues, the list is endless - this is what makes multilayered and multifaceted New York the world's top tourist destination.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +1
Currency: US Dollar (USD) 1 USD is approximately 48 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT -5 hours. IST-10:30 hours
Voltage: 110V

Picture an enormous amount of frothing water falling over a horseshoe shaped cliff, causing rising mist and shining rainbows. Is it Niagara Falls you pictured? This world famous natural wonder is also a symbol of the friendly and healthy competition between Canada and the United States of America, as the falls are actually split over the political boundary of the two countries. Niagara Falls actually refers to 3 falls, and the most famous one, the one seen in all the pictures, and by far the largest; is the Canadian/Horseshoe Falls. The other two are found within American territory, and are called American Falls, and the smallest, Bridal Veil Falls. A trip to Niagara Falls is much more than just a sightseeing one, and is a world-class destination with something for everyone, with thriving night life, great food, casinos, and adventure for all ages.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 2-13 C
Summer: June to August 15-27 C
Autumn: September to November 5-16 C
Winter: December to February -7-1 C

Shopping:
Other than the numerous mainstream shopping malls and boutiques in the environs of the Niagara Falls, there are numerous souvenir centres. The Maid of the Mist Plaza, has gift shops, and a two-level outdoor marketplace that has many speciality stores, and toy shops.

Must Do:
First and foremost, explore the Falls and its beautiful surroundings, taking one of the tours. Take the Maid of the Mist tour, where you ride into the mist aboard the Maid, and explore the roar of the falls. Walk across Rainbow Bridge for a bird's eye view, or visit Prospect Point's Observation Tower. Go to the Niagara Gorge Trail and Hike Center for tours on some of the greatest hiking, walking and cycling trails the area has to offer. Take a Whirlpool Jet Boat across the rapids for the ride of a lifetime. Also visit the Niagara Falls Discovery Center, a museum that offers a look into the formation of the 12,000 year old natural wonder. You can take the Cave of the Winds trip, which takes you closer to the waters of Niagara Falls than you thought possible. Niagara Falls has much to offer after the sun goes down: Clifton Hill has a lot to do, from wax museums to haunted houses and restaurants. There are also various old fashioned pubs, and wine-tasting from some of Niagara's own vineyards. The Daredevil Museum is a quirky must visit, a tribute to those who in various ways, attempted to go over the falls. Also visit the Seneca Niagara Casino.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +1
Currency: US Dollar (USD) 1 USD is approximately 48 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT -5 hours. IST-10:30 hours
Voltage: 110V

A city that was 'built on the peel of an orange' draws almost as many people to its shores to it as LA and NYC. Opened in 1971, Walt Disney World has since made Orlando the amusement park central of the world. Walt Disney World has four theme parks, Universal has two, Seaworld has two, and Epcot has one. So, 9 so far, and these were just the most popular and biggest. To name a few more, Orlando also has Gatorland, Skull Kingdom, and Holy Land. All this, plus the myriad of other attractions - balloon rides, lakes, golf courses, bars, restaurants, art galleries - add up to equal - vacationer's paradise. Orlando area boasts several lakes for fishing, boating, and other water sports, golfing, and Orlando Magic basketball games.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 16-23 C
Summer: June to August 23-33 C
Autumn: SSeptember to November 19-29 C
Winter: December to February 11-23 C

Shopping:
There are numerous gift and souvenir shops at all of the theme parks, and museums, and stadiums. Then there are the usual malls and shopping centres and factory outlets. Once you exhaust the scope of these (you'll need days) you needn't worry, Orlando still has a lot to be found. Visit Antique Row and Downtown for their collections of vintage and antique shops, as well as some speciality shops. Also try Market Street for jewellery, old-world antiques, reproductions, and furniture. Another attraction is Renninger's Twin Markets, which has antique furniture, dolls, art, pottery, fishing items, and more.

Must Dor:
Like falling down from a great height only to be whisked away safely? How about going upside-down, and then downside-up, in a matter of seconds? Always wanted to tickle Mickey Mouse's ears? Well, there might be literally dozens of amusement/theme parks, but you won't have a boring minute in between. Spectacular national parks, interesting local art galleries, buzzing clubs, amazing restaurants, perennial pubs, original theatre, and a great music scene all contribute to make Orlando more than just amusing.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +1
Currency: US Dollar (USD) 1 USD is approximately 48 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT -5 hours. IST-10:30 hours
Voltage: 110V

Appropriately called the ‘City of Lakes’ due to the numerous lakes dotting its precincts, PARIS has another sobriquet to its credit, the ‘Venice of the East’. One of the much sought-after destinations in India, PARIS has an ambience of romanticism. PARIS is also associated with the chivalrous spirit of the legendary Maharana Pratap who is revered by the people as an epitome of sacrifice, bravery and self-respect.

Pushkar, one of the oldest cities of India, also boasts of the only Brahma Temple in the country. It is famous for the extravagant and flamboyant Pushkar Fair, which brings alive the glorious traditions of Rajasthan and the roaring enthusiasm of fair participants as well as visitors, making it a lifetime experience.