Airline Credit Cards

If you’re a man (or woman) who enjoys hunting and fishing in the great outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve found 25 of the most awesome vacations an outdoorsman can take, offering sportsmen a chance to go after trophy game and fish, unusual animals, and see some of the most gorgeous locations in the world. Check out this list to get ideas for a trip that’s sure to outshine your buddy’s deer lease.

Hunting

Whether you’re after big game or big skies, these vacations are sure to please any hunter.

1. Trophy Hunting in South Africa: For the ultimate in trophy hunting, check out this vacation in Africa. Wintershoek Safaris has a 50,000 acre ranch that has over 25 different species of game to be hunted. Their professional guides can help you find the best spots to hunt their impala, kudu, wildebeest, and zebra. Daily rates even include laundry, meals, a 4×4 vehicle, and field preparation as well as transportation of trophies to Johannesburg.
2. Eagle Hunting Festival Tour in Mongolia: If you think your bird dog is the ultimate hunting companion, prepare to have your mind blown by the expertly trained hunting eagles in Mongolia. In this visit, you’ll get to see eagle trainers show their skills, equipment, and more, even spending time with the eagle trainer’s family. Additional highlights include trips to Terelj National Park, which is home to nomadic families, beautiful rock formations, valleys, the Terelj River and lots of wooded areas.
3. Niglai Trophy Hunting in King Ranch: If you’re looking for a hunting experience that’s larger than life, look no further than this one. In the 1930s and 40s, niglai were released into King Ranch in Texas, a ranch that’s larger than Rhode Island, and the largest ranch in the United States. This exceptionally big member of the antelope family is native to India and Pakistan, but has flourished on this Texas property. Hunting niglai is challenging, as judging trophy quality is difficult and they don’t stand still long enough. However, a unique trophy and delicious meat is an excellent reward.
4. Archery and Muzzleload Elk and Deer Hunts in Colorado’s Weminuche: Take in all that Weminuche, Colorado’s largest wilderness area, has to offer. While on this trip, you’ll enjoy hunting elk and deer on horseback with primitive weapons, as well as excellent food including steaks, stuffed Cornish hens, and Navajo tacos.
5. Louisiana Trophy Alligator Hunting: If you’re in the market for some new gator-skin boots, head down to Louisiana for a chartered trip on the banks of gator country where the Red River, Atchafalaya River, and Old Mississippi River meet. You’ll hunt trophy alligators, and enjoy afternoon hunts for wild hog, teal ducks, or doves.
6. Old Fashioned Lion Hunting in Montana: This area has high lion quotas, but it’s non-motorized, so you have to do your hunting on foot. You’ll keep an eye out for tracks in the early mornings, then let the dogs loose to get the cat up the tree. This hunt is a challenge, but it’s one of a kind.
7. Cow Elk Father/Son Hunting in Wyoming: Take your budding hunter on a vacation that’s sure to create some great memories. On this vacation, you’ll go on a western style elk hunt in mountain country, while learning about hunting, safety, and the ethics of the sport.
8. Bison and Wolf Hunting in Alberta: Hunt bull bison and timber wolves in their natural environment. These animals are elusive, existing in a wild woods environment, so you’ll be tracking them by foot and snowmobile. You can also combine this hunt with trap line tours and fishing voyages.
9. Waterfowling in Manitoba: In Manitoba’s Interlake region, you’ll get to hunt spring snow geese, Canadian geese, mallards, and pintails. The lodge you’ll stay at is nestled in the wilderness with a BBQ area, a screened-in deck, and a pool for warm nights. The package includes, among other things, home cooked meals and field lunches as well as cleaning and freezing of birds.
10. Caribou Hunting in Labrador: Visit Labrador to take your shot at the largest caribou in the world. This hunt generally takes place in the late fall through winter, and you can take home 2 caribou per guest.
11. Saskatchewan Bear Hunting: Lac La Ronge isn’t just known for its excellent fishing spots: it has an abundance of healthy black bears as well. On this trip, most hunters bag a bear by the second or third day, and then move on to extreme walleye, lake trout and pike fishing before heading home.
12. Colorado Dude Ranch: This dude ranch in Colorado is located in the San Juan Mountains, offering lots of experiences that outdoorsmen are sure to love. Choose from bow hunting, fly fishing, elk hunting, and lots more, all in comfortable cabins with a gorgeous location.
13. Horse-mounted Hunting in the Yukon: In a place where the Rocky Mountains meet the Arctic Circle, you’ll find that moose, lions, eagles, bears, otters and timber wolves outnumber people. On this trip, you’ll join this tour’s annual moose hunt, a ten-day excursion on horseback with gorgeous scenery and plenty of wildlife.
14. Namibian Safari: At Gelbingen Guest Farm, you’ll be inside the Etosha Kaoko Conservancy, which borders the Etosha National Park. This conservancy is home to an abundance of wild game, including giraffe, oryx, leopard, cheetah, hyena, and even lions. Beyond hunting, fishing of catfish, shark, and more is plentiful, and you’ll have a chance to see seals, dolphins, and leatherbacked turtles on this adventure.

Fishing

Catch the big one on these trips that take you out on the ice, to remote locations, and some of the most beautiful natural areas in the world.

15. Australian Fishing Adventure: Enjoy fishing in this remote, untouched location. The variety of catches is great-with over 250 recorded species, there are plenty of different types of fish to go after. Some of them include barramundi, sharks, mangrove jack, and giant trevally.
16. Going After the Big One in the Florida Keys: On this trip to the Florida Keys, you’ll have access to a huge amount of tarpon, bonefish, sharks, stingrays, and barracudas. The true prize is the permit, one of the strongest fish in the world that’s sure to test your skills. You’ll enjoy a privately rented home with quick access to the bay that can have you from door to fishing within 10 minutes.
17. Ice Fishing on Lake Winnibigoshish: Wintertime in Northern Minnesota is a great time to take up ice fishing on Lake Winnibigoshish. This lake is over 67,000 acres and has a great reputation for perch ice fishing. At The Pines, you’ll get access to plowed ice roads and a pre-warmed fish house, as well as well-equipped cabins. Even during the summertime, fishing is plentiful and can be enjoyed from the docks or by boat.
18. Afognak Island State Park Fishing: This lodge in Afognak Island State Park offers great opportunities to fish Alaskan trout, wild salmon, and halibut. This location is also great for viewing and photographing wildlife, as well as kayaking trips.
19. Largemouth Bass Angling in Mexico: Lake Huites Lodge is home to mammoth largemouths, and a few skilled anglers are catching more than 75 bass per day, some of them more than 10 pounds. While staying at the lodge, you’ll not only enjoy a once in a lifetime fishing experience, but also great comfort and cuisine, as well as a very helpful laundry service.
20. Maine Cruise in Lobster Country: Hop aboard an antique schooner and enjoy meals prepared on a woodburning stove, and even a lobster bake. You’ll be treated to a look at lobster fishing, including a lesson on how the traps work.
21. Fly Fishing in Ireland: Fish on the river Nire below the Comeragh Mountains, and you’ll not only enjoy exceptional trout stocks, but gorgeous scenery as well. Accommodations are on a working farm in the valley, with rates that include a full Irish breakfast.
22. Malaysian Rainforest Fishing: Fish in flooded forests surrounded by natural jungle, and stay in a remote chalet high up on the river in Malaysia. You can even go out on the sea to take on potential IGFA world record breakers and live on board the fishing boat.
23. Fishing the Mataura River: Head to New Zealand’s Mataura River to find a challenge in this trout fishing mecca. Fishing here requires long leaders and fine tippets, but the scenery and wild brown trout make up for the troubles. In this package, you’ll stay with your guide’s family and enjoy a "kiwi-style" breakfast each morning.
24. Walleye on Lake Sakakawea: Check out Dakota Waters Resort to fish challenging walleye on Lake Sakakawea. You’ll have a comfortable cabin and campground to come back to, as well as a convenient fish clearning station.
25. Big Game Fishing in the West Indies: Head to St. Lucia to enjoy big game fishing for blue marlin, yellow fin tuna, wahoo, and more. You’ll enjoy diesel powered, tournament rigged boats and fishing equipment as well as gorgeous local resorts.

Traveling alone can be a rewarding and exciting experience, as it forces you to make new friends and allows you to make your own agendas without worrying about what someone else wants to do. Unfortunately, traveling solo can also be dangerous if you don’t take the appropriate precautions. Use these 40 or so tips to help keep your next solo adventure safe and happy.

The Basics

These are some basic tips you can use as a traveler, whether flying solo or with a friend.

1. Learn about the local culture. One sure way to stick out and possibly anger or offend those in your destination country is to not bother to learn anything about the locals before you arrive. You can also ask others who have traveled there about what areas to avoid and how you better keep yourself safe.
2. Don’t advertise that you’re a tourist. Walking around with a camera on your neck while sporting an American flag t-shirt won’t exactly help you to blend in while you’re sightseeing in most countries. Try not to make it glaringly obvious that you’re on vacation and you don’t know your way around. The less you look like a tourist, the less likely you are to be a target for theft.
3. Avoid flashy clothes and electronics. In many places in the world, walking around with expensive cell phones, handbags and iPods is commonplace. But you should be wary when traveling to parts of the world where these kind of fancy electronics and clothing aren’t the norm. They’ll just make you look like a desirable target for petty crime, so leave them at home if possible.
4. Know the area. Before leaving on your trip, do some research, whether it’s on the Internet or in a travel guide. Learn what areas might be dangerous for a solo traveler, where pickpocketing is most common, and some general safety tips for your destination so you’ll have a heads up when you arrive.
5. Always carry a little cash with you. While you certainly shouldn’t be toting around large amounts of cash, carrying a small amount with you at all times can help you get out of a hairy situation if you need to. If you feel threatened, having cash will allow you to take a cab or duck into a restaurant to order coffee and quickly get out of the situation.
6. Copy important documents. Before you leave for your trip, make sure to copy all of your important travel documents like your ID, passport, credit cards and travel itineraries so that if something happens to the original, it will be much easier to get a replacement.
7. Make sure someone knows where you are. Before you leave on your trip, leave family members with a rough copy of your itinerary. Letting others know when you are leaving, where you plan to stay, and when you should return will help them to locate you if something should happen.
8. Make friends. You may have left home alone, but that doesn’t mean that you have to spend your entire trip as a loner. Make friends with the locals or meet other travelers at your hotel or hostel. Who knows, you could have some great experiences and maybe even make a lifelong friend.
9. Listen to your instincts. If you find yourself thinking that a situation just isn’t quite right or that a person seems disingenuous, chances are good that you might be right. Your instinctive feelings are meant to keep you out of harms way, to try to pay attention to what they’re telling you.
10. Always carry a means of communication. Whether it’s a cell phone or a calling card, always keep a way to call home or for help handy. Keep it separate from your other valuables so that if those are stolen you’ll still be able to ring a cab and get replacements for your lost valuables.
11. Buy something from a local store. Want to blend in? Try making a purchase from a local grocery store. The local bag will make you look more like a native and is much less likely to be stolen than an expensive purse or day pack.
12. Read up on local laws and customs. Just because you’re a visitor and not a native doesn’t mean you’re above local laws and customs. Read up on these before you go to avoid any possible trouble. Sometimes even things you think are innocuous other might be grossly offensive and even illegal in other parts of the world.
13. Learn the basics of the local language. While it’s likely that you’ll be able to find at least a few people in your destination country that speak your language you certainly shouldn’t count on it. Before you leave, learn basic words and phrases to help you hail a cab, order food, make purchases, and do other basic day to day activities so you won’t be overcharged or cause yourself to stick out too badly as a tourist.
14. Don’t reveal too much personal information. While you do want to get to know new people that you meet along your travels, you also want to be careful about revealing too much of your personal information before you know the person well. If you feel like you’re being grilled on your personal details, steer the conversation in another direction or get out of it altogether.

For Women

Unfortunately, women often face special challenges when traveling alone that men might not. Here are some tips to make traveling alone less daunting.

15. Acknowledge your boundaries. While you want to fit in with the culture and people of your destination, realize that you might have different boundaries. If you don’t feel comfortable in a situation, no matter how normal it is where you’re visiting, don’t do it. Its better to be embarrassed than end up hurt.
16. Dress conservatively. Wearing tight or revealing clothes might fly in some places, but in many it will get you unwanted and possibly aggressive attention from men. Take your cues on how to dress from the local women. If they don’t show their legs, you probably shouldn’t either, or you could be inviting something you don’t want.
17. Respect the culture of your destination. In many places that you will visit, there are simply different norms about how women should act and dress. While you don’t have to lose yourself completely in these, you should try to respect these to the best of your abilities. It will make life much easier for you, and prevent unwanted attention.
18. Don’t invite trouble. You might get away with grabbing a beer at a bar alone at home or flirting shamelessly with men you meet, but in an unfamiliar place you could be getting yourself into trouble. Remember that sometimes visiting another country alone means giving up some of the freedoms you might have enjoyed at home. It could be a small price to pay to avoid getting hurt.
19. Wear a wedding ring. Don’t want men to see you as a single woman even if you are? Try wearing a wedding ring. It will make you look less available and drive away some unwanted suitors.
20. Always walk with others at night. In general, it’s a good idea to apply this rule no matter where you are, but it can be especially important when you’re traveling in an unfamiliar city. Find other travelers or trusted locals to help you get home or if you need to, suck it up and pay for a taxi toget back to yor hotel.
21. Keep your guard up. While you don’t want to be rude to those who could be potential friends, be wary of others when traveling alone. Keep your guard up when in intimidating or crowded places.
22. Take cues from local women. Not sure how to dress or avoid untoward comments from men? Watch the local women to see what they do. Often you can pick up a few tricks that can make your trip more comfortable and that will make you look less like a tourist.
23. Be alert. When walking through even crowded streets make sure to keep an eye out for anyone that could be following you or appears to be behaving abnormally. If you feel uncomfortable, get out of the situation immediately, don’t wait until it’s too late to do something.
24. Don’t worry about overreacting. If you feel unsafe or that you’re under attack, don’t worry about running, screaming, or getting out of a situation as quickly as possible. It’s better to look foolish than to end up getting hurt by a less than friendly native.

Protecting Your Valuables

While losing your valuables isn’t the end of the world, it sure can ruin a what would have otherwise been a great trip. Use these tips to help keep your stuff safe while you’re away from home.

25. Be wary of people approaching you. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t make friends when you’re traveling alone, only that you should be very careful when being approached by people on the street. Many times thieves devise stories to distract you while you’re being robbed, so be on the lookout for anyone you feel might be trying to pull the wool over your eyes.
26. Research petty crime. Some destinations are known for their proliferation of pickpockets, thieves and scam artists. Find out statistics beforehand through a government or independent research site or ask other travelers about their experiences so you’ll know what to expect and the level of vigilance you should have.
27. Hide your valuables. Don’t walk around with your wallet, purse or money belt in plain view. Hide them inside a jacket, shirt, shawl or under your clothes. You don’t have to make them inconvenient to access for yourself, but you also don’t want to be advertising their location to potential thieves.
28. Split up cash and credit cards. When traveling, alone or otherwise, it’s always a good idea to keep at least some of your money and credit cards separate. This way, if you do lose one set you’ll have another to fall back on and your trip won’t be disrupted as heavily.
29. Keep your bags close to you and closed. If you’re walking around with a bag during the day, make sure to keep it on your arm, looped around your leg, or otherwise in your possession throughout your sightseeing. This makes it much more difficult for thieves to snatch and ensures that you won’t forget it somewhere either.
30. Have spares. When bringing valuables like credit cards, medications, and cash along, you should always have a backup supply stored somewhere separately. You don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with no way to pay your bills or take important medications.
31. Use the hotel safe. If you’re worried about leaving valuables like cameras, laptops and jewelry unattended in your hotel room, then lock them up in the hotel safe. It might take a little extra time, but it can be worth the hassle if you don’t have to deal with stolen goods.
32. Never leave luggage unattended. While it might be a pain to drag your clunky luggage with you everywhere you go, even that quick bathroom break, leaving it alone is just asking for it to get stolen. Always keep your belongings with you or at least within your line of sight when you’re traveling.
33. Be careful about using ATMs. Solo travelers should be wary about removing money from an ATM. Try to only withdraw cash from machines during the day and in areas where there are other people around.

Lodging and Travel

Transportation and hotels are likely to be a big part of any trip, so make sure you take the necessary precautions when traveling alone to ensure your safety.

34. Safeguard your room. When you check into your hotel there are a number of things you can do to make sure your stay will be as safe as possible. First, make sure your room number is given to you discretely so other ill-intentioned persons won’t be able to easily locate you. Also, try to avoid staying in ground floor rooms where windows and doors can easily be broken into. Finally, bring a small rubber doorstop with you to help prevent intruders from entering your room.
35. Keep your hotel’s phone number and address on you. You don’t want to end up stranded in a foreign country with no way to get back to your hotel. Keep your hotel’s business card with you so you can show it to the cab driver if you don’t speak the language and have the number handy so you can call if you need to.
36. Don’t order room service on the doorknob hang tag. Ordering room service for one on the outside of your door might be convenient, but it also advertises that you’re staying in a room alone and what time you expect someone to be knocking on the door so you’ll be willing to open it. If you want room service, make the call from your room instead.
37. Only take licensed taxis. Don’t just take a ride from any old taxi if you can help it. Look for drivers that are licensed to be taxi drivers. You’ll be less likely to get ripped off and more likely to arrive at your destination safely.
38. Lock your suitcase. If you’re going to be leaving your luggage in the hold of a bus or in your hotel room, make it less tempting for thieves by locking it. It won’t stop someone from slashing it if they really want what’s inside, but it will help reduce the temptation of theft if it’s less convenient to get into your bag.
39. Ask the concierge. Not sure where it’s safe for a single person to go to lunch or take a stroll? Ask the hotel concierge to give you recommendations and help you safely navigate around the city. He or she will be able to tell you about safe sightseeing as well as make recommendations to improve your visit.
40. Book at least one night in advance. Many people hate taking trips with set itineraries, but when you’re traveling alone it’s usually a good idea to have at least the first night of your trip booked in advance. This way, you’ll know there will be room for you and you’ll know exactly where you’re heading when you arrive.
41. Use the do not disturb signs. It’s best when you’re traveling alone not to encourage anyone to enter your room, not even the cleaning staff. That isn’t to say that they can’t be trusted, but while they’re cleaning the room they could leave the door open, allowing anyone to come in. After all, they don’t know what the person staying there looks like. Hang the do not disturb sign from your door and get fresh towels from the front desk if you need them instead.

Before you decide to stroll into any old tattoo shop to get inked this year, do a little research on the studio and artists you’re about to trust with a needle and your quivering skin. If you’ve got the budget to splurge on a celebrity artist whose business is to create award-winning, unique designs while keeping a clean, safe shop, take a look at this list of 20 of the world’s most famous tattoo parlors, from Japan to the Sunset Strip.

True Legends

The following tattoo parlors have been operated by some of the most talented and inspirational pioneers in the industry. If you want to get inked by a true legend, check out these famous shops.

1. Bert Grimm’s World Famous Tattoo Shop: TattooArchive.com reports that for over 70 years, "Bert Grimm was a fixture in the tattoo world." Originally from Oregon, Grimm traveled to shops all over the U.S. and eventually settled in Long Beach, CA, when he opened the World Famous Tattoo Shop, "the oldest continuously operated tattoo parlor in the continental United States." The shop was sold in 2004, but the Grimm legacy lives on in Shaw’ Tattoo Parlor in Houston, TX, which is still operated by the descendants of Bert Grimm’s nephew.
2. All or Nothing Tattoo: Award-winning artist Brandon Bond started out working at tattoo parlors all over the U.S., but he can currently be found at the All or Nothing Tattoo Shop in Atlanta, GA. Recognized around the world for his colorful, precise and innovative designs, Bond is also the owner of Strangehold Publications, has tattooed rappers Nas and Kellis, made an appearance on TLC’s LA Ink and has "artwork…featured in over 500 international tattoo arts publications," according to the shop’s website.
3. Tattoo Lou’s: Long Island, NY’s legendary Tattoo Lou’s celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The original Tattoo Lou Rubino opened the studio in Queens, NY, but eventually moved out to Long Island. His son, Lou, Jr., helps run the shop today, along with experienced, award-winning artists like Irish Jay and Erick Alayon.
4. Gill Montie’s World Famous Tattoo Mania: Gill Montie’s Tattoo Mania now sits on a street in the small town of Beaumont, TX, near the Texas-Louisiana border. Back in the 1980s and 90s, however, Gill Montie was a fixture on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip, where he tattooed celebrities and founded the InkSlingers Ball, a popular tattoo and body art convention. Even though Tattoo Mania is no longer a part of Hollywood’s crazy nightlife scene, the shop is still committed to creating quality designs for their loyal customers.
5. Lowrider Tattoo: The website for Jose Lopez’s Lowrider Tattoo is a modest, humble tribute to its founding artist, a Mexican immigrant, who, despite being wheelchair-bound, has become one of the most lauded tattoo artists in the nation. Located in Fountain Valley, CA, Lopez now works with four other artists in his shop and is about to open a second studio in Riverside, CA. In addition to tattoos, Lopez also creates oil paintings and is considering designing a clothing line.

International Stars

From Japan to Paris to Malta, these artists are famous in the industry for creating unique designs and giving visitors an authentic experience of local genius.

6. Horiyoshi III: In 2005, Time Magazine’s Best of Asia issue named Horiyoshi III the best tattoo parlor and artist in the Orient. An apprentice to "the legendary tattoo artist Yoshitsugu Muramatsu," Horiyoshi III sets up shop in Yokohama, Japan, where he inks his customers with traditional designs like "peonies, koi, tenyo (she-angels) and the like." Before you line up at the door for one of these exclusive tattoos, get ready to open up your wallet. Time reports that full body tattoos can cost as much as $20,000.
7. Tattoo Peter: Stop in for a visit at Amsterdam’s famous Tattoo Peter for a souvenir of your rebellious vacation. The historic shop is owned by Eddy Wertwijn, who dedicates his designs to Pier de Haan, the man who founded the tattoo parlor after leaving the Navy in the 1940s. Classic tattoos from Tattoo Peter include tributes to the days when sailors populated the shop, looking for designs of ships, anchors and pinup girls.
8. Triple 7 Tattoo: Though a native of Holland, Tommie 777 has traveled to Brazil, Argentina, Amsterdam, Great Britain and Germany to perfect his famous tattoo artistry. The Triple Seven Tattoo Shop is located in Ahaus, Germany, near the German-Netherlands border, but according to the company’s website, Tommie is currently "splitting his time hammering ink into skin between Great Britain, Holland and Germany, doing all sorts of guest work in various shops."
9. The Tat Shack: If you happen to be in Malta during your next vacation, stop in at the Tat Shack to check out the latest designs from international award-winning artists Deano and Ghiller. Like most of us, however, you’re probably stranded on the mainland and will have to settle for browsing through their website to see the featured tattoo of the month, buy custom merchandise and more.
10. Kustom Tattoo: Paris is arguably no longer the European center for vagrants and starving artists, but the alternative lifestyle is still welcomed in the French capital. Specifically speaking, Kustom Tattoo on the Avenue de la Republique is an intense but professional tattoo parlor that has been recognized in publications like Tattoo magazine and Tatouage.

Celebrity Shops

Celebrity is no stranger to these tattoo parlors, whether it’s because of a cable TV deal, award-winning staff or a high-profile clientele.

11. Hart and Huntington: Hart and Huntington’s tattoo studios were famous even before they were featured on A&E’s reality show Inked. Shops in Hawaii, Cabo, Orlando and Las Vegas attract tattoo enthusiasts from all over the country, who are dying to get tatted up by Carey, Jenn and the rest of the crew. If you’re a fan of the show but want a less permanent souvenir of the series, check out H&H’s online store, where you can find T-shirts, hoodies, shot glasses and other memorabilia.
12. High Voltage Tattoo: TLC’s LA Ink has introduced the rest of the world into the wild and crazy world of the Los Angeles tattoo industry. Unique, upbeat cast members like Kat Von D, who boasts nearly half a million MySpace friends and followers, let the world watch while they ink all kinds of clients, including celebrities. During filming of the show, however, the shop is open during very limited times, so check out their website before you go.
13. Miami Ink: Before there was LA Ink, there was Miami Ink, also known as 305 Ink. Kat Von D’s appearance on TLC’s reality show started out in Miami, before she headed out West and took the camera crews with her. Miami Ink owners Chris Nunez and Ami James also own the Love Hate Lounge in South Beach.
14. Shanghai Kate’s: In upstate New York, Shanghai Kate’s welcomes anyone from Howard Stern to Pearl Jam. Featured on NPR, in Inked Magazine, and at the NYC Tattoo Convention, Kate Hellenbrand is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the late tattoo artist Norman Keith Collins, or Sailor Jerry. Kate sells souvenirs, cards, stencils and other commemorative items, all designed by Sailor Jerry, on her online store.
15. Rising Dragon: New York city’s famed Rising Dragon tattoo parlor features world-famous artists who specialize in intricate designs like classical Asian-centric creations and large scale underwater seascapes. Visitors should also check out the shop’s staff of permanent "guest" artists like Horisei from Yokohoama, Japan and Su Houston.
16. Mark Mahoney’s Shamrock Social Club: Named one of Citysearch’s Best Tattoo Parlors in Los Angeles, the Shamrock Social Club sits on Sunset Blvd. and was featured on A&E’s 2006 series of Inked. Artists like Mark Mahoney, Danny Romo and Andrew Farmsley contribute to the laid back atmosphere and attract celebrities like Britney Spears and Fred Durst.

Under-the-Radar Parlors

Just because a tattoo parlor isn’t featured on a hit TV show doesn’t mean it doesn’t produce quality work. From Houston, TX, to Detroit, MI, these shops fly under the radar of the general public but are still must-visit shops for any tattoo fanatic.

17. Bob Tyrell’s Night Gallery: Detroit native Boy Tyrell has been featured in publications like Tattoo Society, Skin & Ink, and other tattoo-related publications in the U.S. and abroad. After working at Eternal Tattoos in Detroit, Tyrell opened up Night Gallery and travels to conventions and events all over the U.S. and in Mexico.
18. Sunset Strip Tattoo: Hollywood’s Sunset Strip Tattoo is a Los Angeles staple, like washed-out celebrities and beachwear as streetwear. Artists Bill, Dave, Greg, Mike, Paul and Rob are discreetly featured on the company’s website, letting select images describe their designs and experience for them. E-mail any artist for more information.
19. Johnny Jackson’s World Famous Texas Body Art Tattoo Studio: From the grotesque to the historic, Johnny Jackson and his team of artists create all kinds of portraits and impressions for their customers. The tattoo shop is located in Houston, TX, where tattoo and piercing model Mizuz Inkaholik welcomes customers as they wait for sessions with award-winning artists, including guest artists like Doctorlind from Denmark, Lenny Renkin, Darrin White and more. The shop typically has a three week waiting period, so go ahead and book now.
20. Apocalypse Tattoo: Seattle’s Apocalypse Tattoo is a popular destination for those looking to get tatted up, but it has so far remained relatively low key. Walk-ins are still welcome, and despite the award-winning team of artists, the shop puts the customers first, making sure "that you will find the perfect design for your tattoo."

If you’re an active person, you’re probably not satisfied with the regular vacation. Rather, you’re more likely to enjoy a trip that involves biking, hiking, and more. These vacations fit the bill, offering gorgeous views, fun activities, and plenty of open road.

North America

From California wine country to the Grand Canyon, these biking trips are full of fun.

1. Chesapeake Bay Bicycle Tour: This vacation features quiet, flat country roads in the Chesapeake area.
2. Martha’s Vineyard: Enjoy leisurely spinning through Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod, where you’ll see pine forests, beaches, lighthouses, and even cranberry bogs.
3. New Mexico’s Santa Fe and Taos: On this trip, you’ll be able to ride through high deserts, see pueblos, and celebrate the rich artistic culture in this area.
4. Albermarle: Explore Kitty Hawk, Manteo, and Edenton on this 4 day tour through Albemarle.
5. Quebec Route Verte: Explore shoreline, villages, wildlife, and more.
6. Mississippi’s Natchez Trace: Pedal down the South’s historic roadway, Natchez Trace, to see Civil War battlefields as well as Southern estates.
7. North Carolina Wine Country Bicycle Tour: Bike through wine country for scenery, vineyard tours, and wine tasting on this 2 day vacation.
8. Alaska Southern Wilderness: Enjoy the untamed wilderness as you ride through forests, hike a glacier, and go rafting in the rapids. This bike trip is challenging, with lots of hills and long distances.
9. Shenandoah Bicycle Tour: See beautiful overlooks and winding passes on this 5 day tour through the Shenandoah Valley.
10. California Wine Country: Ride through Napa and Sonoma and see vineyards, redwood forests, gorgeous landscapes and the Pacific Coast.
11. Ocracoke Bicycle Tour: This spring and fall tour is in Beaufort, Ocracoke, and Hatteras.
12. Washington’s San Juan Islands: These islands are home to rolling hills, mountain ranges, and gorgeous water views.
13. Montana Glacier Biking: Bike through Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks, and you’ll be treated to big skies, mountain scenery, and rugged glacial biking.
14. Virginia Multi-Sport Tour: This tour is good for all abilities, with biking and hiking in scenic southwest Virginia.
15. Oregon’s Crater Lake: Bike along this challenging route, and you’ll see beautiful scenery, geologic formations, and even a prospering wildlife refuge.
16. Utah & Arizona’s Bryce, Zion & Grand Canyon: These national parks are a haven for bikers, with cliffs, pine forests, desert landscapes, and more.
17. Canadian Rockies: Check out mountain passes along the Continental Divide, and you’ll be treated to glaciers, waterfalls, and lots of wildlife.
18. Blue Ridge Bicycle Tour: This summer road tour features majestic views and a great town in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.
19. Mexico: Baja: Biking in Baja’s East Cape provides a moderate challenge of rolling hills and dirt roads, accented by water sports and quiet roads.
20. Vermont’s Southern Countryside: Southern Vermont is full of fun-riding rolling hills, uninterrupted riding on quiet roads, and historic towns.
21. Canada’s Prince Edward Island: Enjoy biking over rolling hills, exploring seashores, and quaint farms in this charming island.

Central & South America

Take advantage of the natural beauty in Central and South America with these biking vacations.

22. Patagonia: Lakes Beneath Andean Peaks: This lake district is home to rich forests, gorgeous vistas, and wonderful villages. You’ll get to bike as well as raft down a turquoise-hued river.
23. Chile & Argentina: Lake District: Intermediate bikers will enjoy this trip’s wonderful weather and experiences off the beaten track.
24. Argentina: Andean Northwest: On this trip, you’ll be treated to natural beauty, adobe villages, craftsmen, and the wine regions of Salta and Cafayate.
25. Costa Rica: Arenal to Osa Peninsula: This Central American paradise has green pastures, rain forests, and spectacular lakes. You’ll stop for breaks in inviting villages and beautiful beaches.

Europe

Europe is a popular spot for bike tours, and it’s not hard to figure out why. It’s home to challenging tours, quaint villages, and gorgeous views.

27. Croatia: Istria "The New Tuscany": On this trip for intermediate bikers, you’ll spin through wine country, fishing villages, a stud farm, Roman ruins, a safari park and much more.
28. Spain: Barcelona, Girona, & Catalan Pyrenees: Enjoy Barcelona and Girona routes that are favorites of pros like Lance Armstrong, and dine at restaurants that are local favorites.
29. France: Provence & Mt. Ventoux: Climb the "Giant of Provence," Mt. Ventoux, and enjoy quiet, tree-lined roads along with excellent wines and cheese.
30. Dalmatia, Croatia: Enjoy challenging routes and beautiful scenery on this island-hopping bike trip.
31. Italy: Giro d’Italia: On this advanced trip, you’ll climb Mt. Grappa, enjoy Prosecco wine, and take on tough climbs in the Dolomites.
32. Holland: Quiet Country Pathways: Holland is full of bicycle paths and friendly flat terrain, and you’ll find culture rich in art as well as gorgeous countryside.
33. Switzerland: Bernese Alps: On this trip, you’ll ride through valleys carved by glaciers, see rugged peaks, and be treated to a gorgeous landscape.
34. Czech Republic, Germany, and Austria: This trip spans three countries with a river bike path trip for each as well as a train ride and wine tasting.
35. France: Alps, Vercors & Mt. Ventoux: This trip is for experience cyclists in search of a good climb on the Alps.
36. Slovenia: Grand Tour of Slovenia: On this advanced trip, you’ll tour the Julian Alps, Soca Valley and remote South, with a highlight in 24-switchbacked Vrsic Pass.
37. Scotland: Loch Ness to the Summer Isles: This mix of hilly and flat paved roads will take you by Loch Ness, castles, gardens, gorgeous views and even a distillery.
38. Italy: Lakes, Alps & Sud Tirol: Advanced bikers will love the climbs on this trip, as well as a steep cog railway and gorgeous lakes.
39. Ireland: Galway & Connemara Coast: This trip is full of lush green landscapes, ancient structures, and easy pedaling through countrysides.
40. Norway: Above the Arctic Circle: This challenging terrain is full of archipelagos, glacier peaks, and friendly fishing villages.
41. Morocco: Ouarzazate and Essaouira: This moderate biking trip includes gently rollng terrain and a night camping in the Sahara.
42. Spain: Land of La Mancha: Celebrate Cervantes’ epic Don Quixote by following the Ruta de Quixote, a hardpack road that’s closed to car traffic and relatively easy terrain.
43. France: Grand Tour of France-Pyrenees: This challenging tour immerses riders in the excitement of the Tour de France.
44. Italy: Piedmont Wine Tour: This relaxing tour offers lots of wine sampling, cuisine, abbeys, castles, and more.

Asia & The Pacific

Satisfy your taste for the exotic with these biking tours in the orient.

44. Bali: Temples and Volcanoes: Visit and explore this exotic paradise by bike, foot, and boat.
45. Hawaii: Coastal Roads & Volcanic Slopes: The Big Island in Hawaii is a challenging test of volcano climbs and downhill spins. You’ll love the coastline and foliage.
46. Thailand: The Golden Triangle: Explore the Golden Triangle region’s jungle valleys, temples, and rivers.
47. China: Beijing, Xian & The Southern Provinces: On this trip, you’ll see monuments, countryside, and rich scenery. This trip includes the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City.
48. Japan: Noto Peninsuala: Enjoy 8 days of relaxed cycling, accented by hiking and culture. You’ll see mountains, coasts, and lots of history.
49. New Zealand: From Christchurch to Queenstown: Explore this diverse island with sheep farms, rain forests, peak, waterfalls, and beaches. This trip also features a 100-mile-plus day.
50. Vietnam: Old Indochina: On this trip, you’ll see Hanoi neighborhoods, farming villages, and the ancient capital of Hue, all while pedaling past relics and architecture.

Scoring a great deal on plane tickets is only one of the challenges air travelers face these days. Unbearably long security lines, bumped flights, lost luggage and congested air traffic are commonplace. While we may not be able to control homeland security or overbooked flights, we are able to share with you some of our secrets for finding cheap airline tickets. Read below for 30 places where you can land a great deal on your next flight.

Tools and Resources

Check out this list of tools and resources that are designed to help you find the best airline deals available.

1. Farecast: This website has predicting airfare trends down to a science. Their fare prediction tool "shows if the lowest fare is rising or dropping over the next seven days for the specific dates and cities searched." Travelers are given the option of buying now or waiting until the fare drops to purchase tickets.
2. WebFlyer: This website is known on the Web as "the frequent flyer authority." Great for business travelers or passengers who vacation often, visitors to this site can find all kinds of bonus promotions, special deals on airfare and other insider information.
3. SideStep: SideStep is touted as "the traveler’s search engine." Instead of visiting site after site to research cheap airfares, consider using SideStep, which searches discount ticket sites and airfares from the airlines’ websites to bring up the cheapest tickets anywhere on the Web.
4. Yahoo! Travel: The Yahoo! Travel page has lots of resources for planning vacations, including searching for great deals on airline tickets. Check back often to view the featured discounts leaving from your city.
5. Airline websites: The article "SoYouWanna Find a Cheap Plane Ticket?" reveals that purchasing tickets directly from the airline can actually pay off — if you’re willing to be flexible. Last minute reservations are usually the cheapest, and "if you can adjust your times to fly, you increase your chances of getting a cheap fare."
6. Ding!: Southwest Airline’s popular tool is a desktop application that notifies travelers whenever a special deal pops up going to one of their choice cities. There’s only one catch: in order to secure the discount, you must purchase the ticket by the end of the day.
7. PlaneTickets.com: This website posts links to most major airlines, but it also connects travelers to special deals within the U.S., to Europe, the Caribbean and more.
8. Kayak: Kayak is another site that searches for cheap airline tickets across the Web. If you’re unsure of buying from a discount website, Kayak allows users to buy directly from the airline or agency that offers the lowest price.
9. BookingBuddy: This website lets travelers search sites like Kayak, SideStep, Hotwire and other discount companies to find the best deals available.
10. TripStalker: This tool is a "new, easy-to-use application that grabs the best online travel deals" and notifies you when they go on sale. Follow the link to download the software.

Consolidators and Discount Agencies

Many times the best deals can be found through consolidated airfare companies that feature wholesale prices. Read below to connect to listings for consolidated and discount agencies.

11. LowestFare.com: Travelers don’t have to sacrifice non-stop services or first class comfort when they buy their discount tickets from LowestFare.com.
12. CheapTickets.com: CheapTickets.com has all kinds of flight deals, including airfare and hotel or transportation packages. Students can also find special discount deals, and the Volunteer Vacation Savings Program offers "special savings for schools, religious groups and non-profits."
13. Airvalues.com: Utilize this company’s airfare search engine to book cheap tickets going to top international locations like Tokyo, Paris, Barcelona, Dublin, Athens and Moscow. Flights within the U.S. are also available.
14. Cheapseats.com: This company "specialize[s] in cheap flights, discount airfare and cheap tickets worldwide." If you’re looking for a great deal on international flights, start shopping around with Cheapseats.com first.
15. AirlineConsolidator.com: This "online travel agency specializing in discount international airline tickets" has literally millions of flights in its database waiting to be sold at consolidated prices.
16. Fareline International: U.S. passengers traveling abroad should check out Fareline International "to find the best wholesale airline ticket pricing available." The site also features travel guides to cities like Amsterdam, Venice, Prague and Zurich so that you can plan your trip and book your flight all at once.
17. Faremax: This website offers access to "millions" of airline tickets at consolidated prices and hosts a blog, forum, photo galleries, a personal travel planning page that holds all of your confirmation numbers and more.
18. AirSaver: AirSaver boasts that travelers can save up to 65% on regularly-priced airline tickets when they use the company’s database of international and domestic flights.
19. Consolidated Fares: This easy-to-navigate site features flights to Paris for just $202 from the U.S. and other fantastic deals.
20. AA Travel: AA Travel’s website believes that "vacation is not a once a year event. It’s a lifestyle." You don’t have to be a high roller to appreciate their discount prices and fabulous connections.

Helpful Websites

Use these websites to find more deals on traveling by air.

21. Orbitz: Search for cheap airline tickets or snag a great deal on an entire vacation package when you book with Orbitz.
22. Travelocity: This popular site often has the best deals online. Before you make your reservations, check to see if there are any featured deals to places like Las Vegas, the Caribbean or Hawaii.
23. Hotwire.com: Take advantage of Hotwire’s Travel Ticker tool, which finds unbelievable airfare and hotel deals in your choice of cities.
24. Expedia.com: Everyone knows the Expedia.com TV commercial, so why not go ahead and book a flight with them online? Travelers can "track low fares with Fare Alert," subscribe to great deals with the RSS feature and more.
25. ITA Software’s Fare Shopping Engine: Travelers must create an account to search for tickets on this site, but the low prices are worth it; however, one user on Lifehacker.com warns that "you won’t be flying first class" on any of the flights.
26. Tripmama: Word has it that "Tripmama knows best" when it comes to finding cheap airline tickets. This site searches discount airfares from other websites and features special deals of its own.
27. TicketComps.com: This website relies on customer reviews and recommendations to "provide great advice about vacation or business travel arrangements," including cheap airline tickets. Passengers can book last minute tickets or subscribe to the site’s RSS feeds for personalized travel deals.
28. FlightNetwork: This website offers excellent deals for flights leaving from Canada to anywhere in the world, including the U.S. and Europe.
29. Priceline: Priceline lets travelers bid on flights, hotels and car rentals and book last-minute travel deals at amazingly low prices.
30. Mobissimo Travel: Mobissimo Travel pulls airline ticket deals from other sites and lets you compare prices so that you always get the best offer.

Comment below to share with us your secrets for finding cheap airline tickets!

We know, we know, you just couldn’t leave Rover in a kennel when you go on your fabulous trip to the coast. But can your poor pup really stand 7 hours in a car? Or on a plane? Before you decide to take the family dog on your next vacation, take a look at our checklist to make sure your pet will be just as safe and happy on your trip as you.

1. Make copies of all vet records: Most airlines don’t require vaccination records, but it’s still a good idea to make copies of your dog’s vet history just in case it gets sick or injured during the vacation. If you’re traveling during the holidays, your dog’s regular vet might be out of the office and unable to fax the needed documents to you in time.
2. Check your airline’s pet policy: Before showing up to the airport with your doggie in its kennel, make sure you check with your airline to find out what kinds of restrictions they have. Reservations are sometimes necessary for carry-on pets, and certain destinations have temperature and customs restrictions. For instance, American Airlines will not transport a pet if the ground temperature in either your take off or landing city is above or below a certain mark.
3. Bring along a few toys and comfort items: This item is especially important if your dog is going to be traveling away from you in the back of the plane. Make sure to put a favorite blanket or toy in the kennel with your dog so that it will be surrounded by familiar, comforting items.
4. Check your hotel’s pet policy: When you make your hotel reservations, make sure the place you plan to stay is pet-friendly. You might have to fax them rabies vaccination records ahead of time, but be sure to bring along another copy just in case.
5. DogFriendly.com: Take a minute to visit this excellent website for traveling with dogs. Dog owners can find pet travel guides and city guides to find dog parks, dog-friendly hotels, campsites and more in cities all over North America. There are also resources for storm evacuation policies, appropriate doggie etiquette on the beach and lots more.
6. Stop for bathroom breaks regularly: Keeping your dog on a regular schedule may be tough during a vacation, but it is extremely important to stop the car and let your dog have bathroom breaks every few hours. If your dog isn’t used to road trips, it might need to go more often at first because of nerves or car sickness.
7. Make sure your dog’s collar and tags are secure: Before leaving on your trip, make sure your dog’s collar fits properly and its tags are up to date with your current phone number and rabies information. Adding your cell phone number to the dog’s tag is also a good idea if Rover runs away during the trip, since you won’t be at home to receive any calls.
8. Learn how to restrain your dog in the car: Edmunds.com documents the appropriate way to restrain your dog in the car by using special harnesses which connect your dog to seat belts and giving advice on choosing comfortable pet carriers.
9. Practice makes perfect: If your dog hasn’t been in a car since the day you brought him home, ease your pet into your upcoming road trip by taking him on short errands around the city. You’ll get your dog used to the movement and rhythm of the car, as well as its designated spot, whether in a carrier or in a harness.
10. Don’t forget to pack food: Even if you’re going to a place with supermarkets that carry your dog’s brand of food, fill a large Ziploc bag with a day’s worth of food in case travel delays or an exhausting trip mean you can’t get to the store on time.
11. Place a Do Not Disturb sign on hotel doors: The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends putting up the Do Not Disturb sign on your hotel door during those times you have to leave your dog in the room by itself. Even if your dog is usually good-natured, a strange maid with a rolling cart might startle your pet, and you could find yourself in the middle of a lawsuit.
12. Tricks to remember when booking your flight: When making your plane reservations, don’t just think about how your schedule will affect you. The AVMA suggests reserving nonstop flights during the middle of the week, when it’s generally less crowded. Also, a general rule is to "choose early morning or late evening flights" during warmer months, and "in colder months, choose midday flights." These tips will help you escape airline temperature restrictions and make your dog more comfortable during the flight.
13. Traveling in Europe: Pets: If you want to take your dog to Europe with you, check out this site for vaccination and pet passport requirements and recommendations for countries in the EU.
14. TakeYourPet.com: This network of traveling dog owners gives tips on traveling with pets, coupons for hotels, listings of shelters, groomers, pet supply stores and more.
15. Make sure your dog’s crate is secure: Whether you’re flying or driving, chances are your dog is going to spend at least some part of your trip in its crate. Budget Travel reader Ray Scott advises dog owners to make "sure your pet’s crate has extra hooks or latches so the door doesn’t jostle open if it gets bounced around in transit."
16. Air Travel Guide: Before making your plane reservations, visit this site from Bella Online to compare pet policies for major airlines like Continental, Air France, British Airways, JetBlue, Southwest, United and more. Dog owners can find helpful phone numbers, policy regulations and pricing information if it applies.
17. Before traveling, take a long walk: The Dog Whisperer, Cesar Milan, notes that it is important to take your dog on a long walk before leaving for the airport or packing up the car. Dogs need to use up as much energy as possible so that they won’t mind (as much) being confined for longer periods of time than they’re used to.
18. Give your dog access to water: While most experts recommend limiting your dog’s access to food for several hours before a plane or car trip, your dog should be able to drink enough water before traveling. If you’re traveling by car, pack your dog’s water bowl in a convenient spot so that you can fill it up whenever you stop. When you fly, give your dog access to water as soon as you can pick him up after landing. Pack a collapsible bowl to fill up with a water bowl so that your dog doesn’t have to wait until you get to the hotel. It could take a long time to help your dog recover from dehydration.
19. Take a good look at your itinerary: If all of your vacation plans include non dog-friendly activities, maybe you should consider leaving your dog in a kennel. Do you really want to take the dog along because you think it will be a fun experience for both of you, or are you simply afraid of leaving him with strangers? Unless you revise your travel itinerary so that you include trips to the dog park and hikes through the woods, your dog will be much happier staying in a kennel where he gets frequent attention than he will sitting in your hotel room alone all day.
20. Give your dog extra attention: Your dog will undoubtedly feed off of your excitement during the vacation, but make sure to pay extra attention to your pet than you normally would at home. In a strange place, your dog depends on you even more to feed him, take him to the bathroom, make sure he’s comfortable, and give him an extra pat or two on the head.

There are thousands of types of cheese that come from all over the world, making traveling to enjoy it easy with so many potential destinations. Whether you want to create your own trip, take a pre-determined tour, or just travel to the city where your favorite cheese is made, there are tons of interesting and delicious options for the cheese-loving traveler. Here are 25 destinations where you can indulge your appetite for travel and cheese at the same time.

United States

1. California Valley: Surely you’ve seen the commercials advertising California’s milk industry with its "happy cows." Those happy cows don’t only help make milk, but ultimately cheese as well, which is flourishing all over California and can make quite the nice accompaniment for those also interested in tasting fine Napa Valley wines. Since 1995, the number of cheeses produced in California has risen from 70 to over 250 and many are refined specialty artisanal cheeses. Take highway 99 between LA and San Francisco or travel the Northern California wine country to pass by some of California’s best dairies. From Monterey Jack to St. Jorge and prize winning Cheddar, California’s sunny climate, plentiful wineries and geographic beauty make it a great cheese destination.
2. Wisconsin Cheese: When you think of cheese produced in America, chances are pretty good that Wisconsin is the first thing to come to mind. And it’s no wonder, as the state produces 35 percent of the cheese made in the United States. There are hundreds of cheese makers both large and small dotted across the state, many of whom are more than happy to give you a tour. Try stopping off at Simon’s Specialty Cheese to sample over 100 varieties of cheese, learn how they’re made, and even get to see a bit of cheese making history. Or if you’re into more organic foods, sample the cheeses of the Bass Lake Cheese Factory. The cheeses made from goat, cow and sheep’s milk are all natural and made from recipes handed down through generations. And if you get tired of living off a diet of pure cheese, you can always make a side trip of one of Wisconsin’s numerous breweries and vineyards to wash it all down.
3. Beechers Cheese, Seattle: If you’re willing to get your hands dirty for a few days on your next vacation you could just score a spot on a VocationVacation working in, what else, a cheese factory. You’ll work with cheese making experts at Beechers Cheese in downtown Seattle to create some delicious cheeses including Monterey Jack and the company’s own flagship cheese. Your duties will include everything from heating the milk to creating the curds and whey to tasting the cheese you made. When you’re not hard at work making fancy cheeses, you can explore the other culinary delights of Seattle, including the nearby Pike’s Place Market where you can buy seafood, produce, flowers and of course, cheese.
4. Cheese School of San Francisco: What better way to celebrate your love of cheese than to learn to better appreciate it. The school states that its purpose is to "help people maximize their enjoyment and appreciation of cheese" which shouldn’t be hard if you’re already a die-hard cheese aficionado. Classes range from Cheese 101 for beginners to more specialized classes like Ga-Ga for Goat and Extreme Cheese. For about $60 a class, you can learn about everything from the cheeses of Spain to the intricacies of sheep cheese. And when you’re done with class, San Francisco has loads to offer you, from the famous Golden Gate Bridge to Chinatown to an afternoon trolley ride, there’s something to please everyone.
5. The Homestead Heritage School of Homesteading, Texas: If pioneering is more your style, head down to Texas for a schooling in the old fashioned ways of making cheese. You’ll have the option of learning to make hard or soft cheeses, or both if you’re really ambitious. In class you’ll get instruction on how to create such delicious cheeses as feta, ricotta, cheddar, Colby Jack and Gouda. Most materials are included in the cost for the class, but you’ll need to make sure to bring your own apron unless you don’t mind getting your clothes dirty. If you get tired of making cheese, the school also offers classes in quilting, baking bread, growing herbs and even blacksmithing if you’re feeling adventurous.
6. Vermont Cheese Trail: New England is also a major source of the cheese produced in America, beginning with the first settlers who brought cheese making equipment along with them from Europe. While you can find great cheeses throughout New England, Vermont is by far the most prolific producer and your best bet for planning a cheese road trip. Begin your trip with Lake’s End Cheese in Northern Vermont to get a taste of the mild, alpine cheese produced on a small, family owned farm. Continue on to the Vermont Butter and Cheese Company to taste fine, artisanal goat’s milk cheese like Feta and Chevre. Finish up your tour of Vermont with a stop at Peaked Mountain Farm for a selection of sheep and cow’s milk cheeses. And of course, you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery that Vermont has to offer, especially in the fall months when the trees display their vibrant colors.
7. Heini’s Cheese Chalet: If you’re looking for great cheese in the heart of Amish country, then look no further than Heini’s. Take a tour of the cheese making factory to see how the artisanal cheeses are produced, stock up on cheese to take home in the gift shop, and learn all about the history of cheese making through informational videos and artwork at the factory. Visitors will note that the cheese produced at the factory is made with milk coming directly from the Amish community, meaning no pesticides or harmful hormones added and that it’s all from local cows. When you’ve had your fill of cheese making, you can check out the rest of Holmes County, Ohio, the largest Amish community in the world where you’ll be able to shop at an Amish flea market, take a tour of an Amish farm, take in a game of golf or even visit a Victorian House Museum.
8. Marin French Cheese: French cheese from America, how can it be? Well you’ll find just that near California’s Sonoma Valley with the Marin French Cheese Company. Similar to European cheeses, California’s Brie and Camembert taste slightly different, likely due to the regional differences. While that might make them sound like like they aren’t as good, quite the opposite is true. Many of their cheeses have won prestigious medals, and the Triple Creme Brie even beat its French competitors in the World Cheese Awards. Marin Cheese Company isn’t just good, it’s also historic, remaining the oldest cheese manufacturer in the country. Plan a day trip there to sample their cheeses, see how they’re made, and enjoy a glass of wine on their extensive and beautiful grounds. When you’re done tasting cheeses, take a trip to the seashore, visit an oyster farm, or learn about native culture at the Miwok Indian Village, all located nearby.
9. Tillamook Cheese: If you’re looking to get away to scenic Oregon you can still incorporate your love of cheese into your vacation by taking a trip to the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Take a self-guided tour through the factory to see how the cheese is made and get a chance to taste some as well in the factory’s adjoining farmhouse restaurant. A bonus for those with a sweet tooth, the factory also produces over 40 different types of ice cream and 16 types of fudge. When you’re done, you can check out the local scenery, or head to other Oregon based dairies like Rivers Edge Chevre and The Estrella Family Creamery to taste some other types of cheese.

Europe

10. Burgundy on a Plate: One of France’s most prolific cheese-producing regions famous for Epoisses and Bouton de Culotte, Burgundy is a must-see for traveling cheese lovers. This tour from Burgundy on a Plate makes it easy to sample the gourmet offerings of Burgundy’s finest dairies and wineries. Spend 3 days and 4 nights in the region seeing the beautiful countryside, visiting chateaus, and touring small artisanal cheese makers to taste the freshest in goat, cow and sheep’s milk cheeses. You’ll also get the chance to eat at restaurants that serve food in the local style, which depending on the place, can involve an entire cheese course.
11. Normandy: Normandy may be best known for the famous D-Day invasions, but it is also home to some delicious cheeses and can be a great place to get away on a cheese themed holiday. Your best bet for a tasty getaway is the Le Manoir de l’Aufragere in Fourmetot, Normandy. Owned by renowned chef Nicky and her former cheese-maker husband Regis, this stately manor set on a scenic 8 acres is just the place for a gourmand to spend a weekend. Learn how to buy cheese at the market and turn it into delicious culinary delights. With wine and cheese tastings at each meal, you’re likely to sate your cheese appetite during your stay. If you tire of cheese, there are golf courses, scenic drives, and other outdoor sports well within driving distance.
12. C’est Cheese Tours: This tour company specializes in taking travelers to the best cheese tasting locations in the world. This year’s tour will take you on an exciting and tasty route between Paris and Burgundy. In Paris you’ll get a chance to meet and speak with a variety of experts in the cheese making process, and get a basic education in how to pair cheeses with wine, You’ll also get a chance to taste some of the unpasturized kinds of cheese which are not available everywhere, especially if you’re from the States. After departing the big city for the picturesque Burgundy countryside, you’ll be able to treat your taste buds to cheeses from fine artisanal cheese makers as well as visit some wine cellars where you’ll find a bit of something to wash it down. When you’re not tasting cheeses, you’ll get a chance to explore the charming city of Beaune or take a leisurely bike ride through a local vineyard.
13. British Gastrotour: Want to tour London through your belly? Try taking one of Celia Brooks Brown’s gastrotours. While they may not focus exclusively on cheese, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a fair amount to be had on any of the tours you choose. Whether you decide on sampling the Manchego from a Spanish Deli in Notting Hill or take an excursion to the Borough Market where fancy cheeses are in abundance, your cheese tooth won’t be disappointed. Plus, when you’re through, London is full of exciting and interesting things to do. Visit the Tower of London or take in the fine works of art at the British Museum.
14. Wensleydale Creamery: Take a trip to Yorkshire in Northern Britain to get a taste of one Britain’s most famous cheeses, Wensleydale. The creamery offers tours called the "cheese experience" every hour or so, though they don’t make cheese every day so make sure to call ahead to ensure you’ll get to see the good stuff. The factory creates around 5 different varieties of cheese including Mature, Extra Mature, Oak Smoked, Blue, and Sheep’s milk, though other combinations are available as well. When you’re done touring, check out the museum, viewing gallery, cheese shop and restaurant to further your cheese-centric trip. Located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, you’ll also find plenty of natural beauty to keep your eyes entertained while your stomach digests all that cheese.
15. Henri Wellig, Holland: If your true cheese passion lies in a Gouda or an Edam, then a trip to Holland to see just where it comes from is a must. Henri Wellig has been producing cheese for over 30 years and many of the cheese farms owned by the company are more than happy to welcome visitors to see how the cheese goes from liquid milk, to it’s more delicious solid cheese form. Take a day trip to the Alide Hoove factory and learn how the cheese is processed from tour guides dressed in traditional Dutch garb and pick up a few wedges for yourself in the neighboring cheese shop. And if that isn’t enough, you can visit the nearby "de Vriendschap" where you can see how wooden shoes are made, learn a little of their history, and maybe even pick up a pair for yourself.
16. Swiss Chocolates and Cheese: Double up on your vices and sample both the best cheeses and chocolates that Switzerland has to offer on this tour. You’ll take a train from Montreaux to Gruyeres, where you’ll get to disembark to take a tour of the local cheese factory that produces the eponymous cheese. After sampling the wares at the factory, explore the halls of the local castle before departing for Broc. Broc is the home of world-famous chocolate maker Nestle. You’ll tour the factory and get a few sample for yourself while you’re at it. The train then returns to Montreux so you can visit the Castle of Chillon and fill up on all the chocolate and cheese you purchased on the way.
17. A Taste of Spain: Spanish cuisine is quickly becoming the darling of chefs worldwide, so why not keep up with culinary trends and give Spanish food a sampling on your next vacation. This tour will take you to the famous plains of La Mancha for the yearly harvest of one of the most expensive spices in the world, saffron. See how the flowers are processed and celebrate the harvest with the Festival de la Rosa del Azafran. Where is the cheese you ask? Central Spain is home to the delicious sheep’s milk cheese Manchego. Roughly following the route of Don Quixote himself, you’ll get to sample this cheese, locally produced paprika, as well as visit some of Spain’s finest restaurants.
18. Italian Cheese Tour: Even non-cheese fanatics can appreciate a good parmesan on their pasta. Take a trip to Italy to see where this delightful cheese comes from. For nearly 800 years the Emilia Romagna region of Italy has been producing delicious Parmesan cheese the old fashioned way. Take a trip along the Via Emilia, an ancient Roman route, to get a chance to visit several of these artisanal makers. Stay in the Le Lame Villa, a rural bed and breakfast, where balconies overlook fields of specially fed cows whose milk is used to produce the cheese. Meals served at the Villa will reflect the local love of Parmesan, though may be a tad adventurous for those who are especially picky. If you’re really up for learning about Parmesan, contact the Consorzio Del Formaggio Parmigiano-Reggiano to arrange a tour of one of the local dairies.
19. Allgau Cheese, Bavaria: Bavaria is a striking region of Germany, with fairy tale castles, and snow topped peaks that almost look too perfect to be real. It’s also home to the famous Allgau cheese. Travel along the West Allgau Cheese Trail to see this impressive scenery and fill your stomach with excellent cheese. The route is short and varied enough to be traveled by bike, those those particularly out of shape may not want to traverse the 46 km of Alpine territory by their own locomotion. Cyclists will pass by alpine dairies, breweries and restaurants, perfect for taking a rest or a quick break from biking.
20. Vestfold, Norway: Jarlsberg cheese, similar in appearance to Swiss cheese is a delicious, mellow and nutty cheese and the finest qualities of it are produced only in Norway in limited quantities. Why travel to Vestfold for Jarlsberg? The country was originally named Jarlsberg and it was not until 1918 that it’s name reverted to the original Vestfold, confusing cheese lovers worldwide. The largest producer of Jarlsberg in Norway is TINE BA, which is actually a cooperative of several thousand individual farmers, and you can find the cheese they produce just about anywhere. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, sign up for a Norwegian tour that will take you to small villages like Undredal where you’ll get to see how the local goat cheese is made and sample a bit for yourself as well.
21. Great British Cheese Festival: What could be a better getaway for a cheese lover than to an entire cheese festival? Visit Oxfordshire in the fall to have your cheese loving senses overloaded with variety at this festival. The farmer’s market at the festival has over 450 different varieties of cheese that you can sample and purchase. You’ll also get the chance to talk with local cheese makers, sample a variety of other foods, and even take classes like the Whiskey Workshop or a Cheese making Demo. In addition, you’ll be nestled in the charming countryside of England, where you can stroll down the street to check out historic homes and pubs or take a look at the famous Vale of the White Horse, a prehistoric figure carved into the hillside.

Farther Flung

22. South Africa Cheese Festival: South Africa probably isn’t the first place to comes to mind when you think of cheese, but you must remember that many of the first colonial people in South Africa came from big cheese producing regions of Europe and certainly haven’t forgotten about their cheese heritage. As a result, South Africa hosts this large cheese festival in late April of each year. Enjoy a multitude of cheeses produced locally and abroad, as the entry fee will cover all your sampling, and for a small additional fee you can sample local wines as well. With over 30 varieties of cheese produced in South Africa, and many variations on those, you’ll find plenty to eat and maybe even something to take back to your room with you for later.
23. Oaxaca, Mexico : Oaxaca has a little of something for everyone. With interesting architecture, a sunny climate, and tons of activities near to the city, it’s much more than a cheese destination. Of course, those in search of cheese will find what they came for as well, as the region produces a cheese by the same name. This white, semi hard cheese is often called the "Mexican Mozzarella" and just like Mozzarella is good with just about everything. Because of its excellent melting quality, the cheese is delicious in locally made quesadillas and cheese dips. Visit Etla’s Wednesday market which is famous for it’s sale of this cheese, located near the center of the town.
24. Monteverde, Costa Rica: The Monteverde Cheese Factory is famous throughout Costa Rica, and visitors can take a trip to the factory to sample or buy a taste of the local cheese for themselves. The factory offers 17 different varieties of cheese including Gouda, Emmental and Swiss. The factory is Quaker owned and as such does as much as possible to protect and preserve the local environment, even recycling unused by-products into pig food. After the factory tour you can take an excursion to the local Cloud Forest where you might catch a glimpse of the Quetzal or a sloth, or tour an active volcano.
25. Hunter Valley Cheese, Australia: Nestled in Pokolbin, New South Wales, this cheese factory forms part of the larger Hunter Valley Vineyards. If a place that produces both wine and cheese sounds like heaven to you, then a stop off at this place is a must. Free cheese making talks are given daily, and guests are welcome to peek through viewing windows at how the process works and pick up some cheese to take home in the accompanying shop. The company is also home to a yearly cheese festival in early April, so if you time your visit right you’ll get to enjoy an even large assortment of cheese, as well as demonstrations, entertainment and more.

If you share a love of both the environment and travel, then an ecotourism vacation could be a way to combine the best of both into one great adventure. You’ll get to see some of the most remote and beautiful locations on earth, all while making sure you preserve them for those who follow. Whether you’re new to ecotourism or an old pro, these sites can help you get some basic information, book a trip, and even contribute to making sure that the world’s most spectacular sites stay that way.

Organizations and Associations

There are numerous organizations worldwide that are dedicated to preserving and protecting the environment while promoting tourism. Here are a few you can get some great information from or even use to get involved.

1. VISIT: VISIT stands for "Voluntary Initiative for Sustainability in Tourism" and this site was created to help tourists and tourist destination countries work together to protect the environment while still making it accessible for everyone.
2. Tourism Concern: This organization focuses on issues related to tourism and the environment. You can read up on campaigns and get helpful information for your next trip.
3. The Travel Foundation: This charity website can be a great place to find information on how you can better learn to travel without harming the environment. Even if you can’t take a trip, you can also get involved and give back through the site.
4. EcoClub.com: This international tourism club is a great place to meet up with others interested in ecotourism, find environmentally friendly hotels, and even get links to jobs in ecotourism. Join the site or sign up to receive emails with loads of useful ecotourism information.
5. International Ecotourism Society: This worldwide community can help you to learn more about ecotourism, support programs, find ecotourism experts, and locate exciting destinations and environmentally friendly accommodations for your next vacation.
6. The Blue Flag Organization: This Foundation for Environmental Education-run site can help you plan your next beach getaway. Blue Flag rates and certifies thousands of beaches in Europe, South Africa, Morocco, New Zealand, Canada and the Caribbean on water quality, environmental management as well as a number of other factors.
7. The Nature Conservancy: It’s only natural that one of the largest organizations dedicated to preserving nature would have a whole portion of its site dedicated to ecotourism. Learn how to reduce your impact, take trips through the Nature Conservancy, or check out their list of resources to learn more.
8. The Rainforest Alliance: Rainforest lovers will find numerous resources on this site about preserving the rainforest, rainforest friendly tours, and even a place where you can adopt a little piece of the rainforest for yourself.
9. South American Explorers: This non-profit organization can help you to book your next trip to South America. Whether you want to try out your Spanish in Lima or travel down the Amazon in Brazil, you’ll find help on this site to do so all while being ecologically responsible.
10. World Tourism Organization: Find out everything you ever wanted to know about tourism on this site. The sustainable tourism section has articles on the latest developments and important issues in ecotourism.
11. Green Cross International: According to the mission statement on this site, Green Cross "provides unbiased environmental analysis and expertise, information dissemination, education, objective evaluations for public debate, scientific studies, and social and medical support." This site can be a great way to learn the real statistics of any place you choose to visit.

Travel Booking

Whether you want to book an exotic rainforest vacation or a camel ride across the Sahara, these sites can help you find a trip that will be both environmentally friendly and fun.

12. Sustainable Travel International: On this comprehensive site, you’ll find all kinds of ecotourism resources including trip bookings, eco-certification, newsletters and even advice on how to carbon-offset your trip.
13. ResponsibleTravel.com: At this site, you’ll find loads of great ecologically friendly holiday getaways as well as travel tips, an ecotourism blog, and even an ezine to help keep you informed.
14. MesoAmerican Ecotourism Alliance: Recognized for their ecotourism trips by National Geographic, the MEA offers numerous exciting vacations that will help inspire your love for the environment and nurture your adventurous spirit.
15. GreenStop.net: GreenStop.net contains a directory of accredited green hotels and travel companies to help make finding and booking your next ecotour easier than ever. With destinations on every continent, you can find sustainable vacations just about anywhere.
16. EcoTour: If you want to book an earth-friendly vacation, EcoTour is a great place to start your planning. With hundreds of ecotour providers, you’ll find tours to everywhere in the world from the Congo to Sahara. Additionally, you’ll find travel guides and articles to help you learn more about your destination of choice.
17. EcoTourism at Conservation International: Whether you’re looking for an African safari or a trip to the Galapagos, you can find information on how to do so responsibly and even find some very special destinations the organization has helped set up in Brazil, Bolivia, Ghana, Venezuela and more.
18. EarthFoot: This small company can help you create a fun and personalized environmentally conscious vacation. See the bright avian residents of Guatemala on a birding getaway or swim with the dolphins in beautiful Hawaii.
19. GAP Adventures: Ecotourism doesn’t have to be boring. Turn your trip into an unforgettable adventure with this booking site. You can visit the new seven wonders of the world or get up close and personal with the mountain gorillas of Uganda.
20. Global Exchange: Global exchange offers what are referred to as "reality tours". Travel to Cambodia to learn about and how you can help stop child prostitution or get informed on protecting the coastal environment of Costa Rica.
21. Intrepid Travel: This award winning company specializes in environmentally responsible tourism and can help you arrange your next eco-friendly vacation. With trips to just about every corner of the globe, you’ll undoubtedly find something that interests you and won’t leave you feeling guilty.
22. Journeys International: You’ll find a wide variety of small group tours on this family-owned site. Whether your interests lie in trekking through the Andes or exploring the wildlife from the icy decks of an Antarctic cruise, this site has something for you.
23. Blue Ventures: Combine education, research and conservation with the trip of a lifetime. This site’s tour of Madagascar was named one of the top 50 tours of a lifetime by National Geographic Traveler.
24. Tribes Travel: This fair trade travel company offers expeditions to Africa, South America and Asia that can allow you to watch lions sleeping away the day or enjoy an eco-friendly honeymoon in a posh hotel in Marrakech.
25. Wildland Adventures: Make your next trip an adventure by booking a safari or trip down the Nile with this small ecotourism company.
26. Peregrine Adventures: This Australian based company offers small group adventure tours to destinations worldwide including far-flung locales like the Himalayas and Antarctica.
27. World Expeditions: Get adventurous without hurting the environment with this ecotourism company. Book trips to volcanic landscapes, the lemur filled jungles of Madagascar or follow in the steps of Genghis Khan on the Mongolian Steppes.
28. Earth Routes: Find your next earth-friendly vacation through this site. You’ll find tours to the Caribbean, Switzerland and even a few small ship cruises as well as travel tips and green travel information.
29. Orbitz.com: Orbitz isn’t one of the biggest travel sites without a reason: they offer travel tailored to just about any need, even ecotourism. You’ll find a list of destinations, information about ecotourism, travel tips and more on this part of Orbitz’s site.

Blogs

Blogs are becoming and ever more popular source of information for Internet users, and these ecotourism blogs can be a great way to learn about everything eco-friendly.

30. Ecotourism Blog: This blog covers some of the most beautiful destinations in the world in regard to protecting and preserving them as well as reporting on various news stories that apply to ecotourism.
31. EcoTravelLogue: This blog provides all kinds of information for the potential ecotraveler with posts on destinations, planning a trip, accommodation, things to do, and more.
32. Development Crossing: Whether you’re looking for information on global warming or issues concerning ecotourism, this environmentally conscious blog addresses it all.
33. Beautiful Oceans: If your ecotourism dreams lie in the coral reefs or kelp forests of the world’s oceans, then you’ll find plenty to read about here. Learn about reef conservation, eco-diving, and even a little bit about underwater photography.
34. Low Impact Living: Focusing on all aspects of low impact living, this blog contains some great information on vacations that won’t take a toll on the environment. Learn about organic eating, green spas, hybrid car rentals, environmentally friendly hotels, and more.

Information and Guides

Before you ever leave your home, read up on all kinds of ecotourism tips, facts and other information on these great sites.

35. EcoHoliday Guide: Find tons of resources for planning your next eco-trip on this site. You’ll find information on environmentally conscious vacation rentals, travel agents, activities, transport, and even places to eat.
36. World Surface: This online travel magazine was created to promote sustainable tourism and is contributed to by writers and photographers from all over the globe. Visitors to the site will find information on tons of destinations and can create their own travel diaries and photo albums to share with other travelers.
37. Planeta: Find resources on ecotourism, recommendations on books, and guides on everything from bird watching to local crafts on this site.
38. GreenTraveller: Get some great tips on how to have a greener and more environmentally friendly holiday at GreenTraveller. You’ll find directories of green hotels, tours, and low impact ways to travel to them.
39. Eco-Index: Sustainable Tourism: Here you’ll find a list of businesses in Latin America and the Caribbean that have been certified to be environmentally friendly. It can be a great way to protect the beautiful rainforests and beaches of these destinations while making sure they stay that way.
40. EcoTravel.com: This online magazine features stories from all over the world about the most exciting ecotourist destinations. It also features a directory of tour companies and agents to help you book your next trip.
41. Transitions Abroad: This site addresses a wide variety of travel issues, but it does contain a valuable section on ecotourism. You’ll find responsible travel programs and article archives, as well as links to important websites and organizations.
42. NewConsumer: This UK based magazine is dedicated to stories about how you can live a more ethically, vacations included. Check out the travel section for articles on environmentally friendly vacation ideas all over the world.
43. Big Volcano Ecotourism Resource Center: Find information on the history of ecotourism, codes of conduct, and loads of other ecotourism articles and resources on this site.
44. Best Ecotourism Vacations: Not sure where you want to head to? Get some ideas of the best and most popular ecotourism destinations in this article from SmarterTravel.

Volunteering

Take ecotourism to the next level with these sites that allow you to get your hands dirty working on various humanitarian and environmental projects all over the world.

45. GoEco: This organization arranges volunteer trips to South Africa, Kenya, Nepal and much more to help improve the welfare of the local people and the environment.
46. EcoVolunteer: Just like the name suggests, this site helps set travelers up on various volunteering vacations, and users can choose their trips based on preferred destinations or particular animals they are interested in helping.
47. Global Vision: Make a difference in some of the world’s locations that are in most desperate need of conservation help. Work at preserving marine environments, do wildlife research or even help teach others about conservation and wildlife.
48. Voluntourists Without Borders: Use your volunteer power and vacation time to work on issues involving rural poverty, conservation and environmentally friendly tourism. Work to help preserve the Pang Soong Nature Trails or the village of Ban Mae Lai.
49. People and Places: On this site, you’ll find a diverse assortment of volunteer projects that range from wildlife conservation in India to building Habitat for Humanity houses in Madagascar.
50. Green Volunteers: With one of the largest collections of conservation volunteering opportunities, this site is be a valuable resource for those who want to provode a little environmental help on their vacation. Just purchase the guide and choose your exciting vacation from hundreds of options.

By Jessica Merritt

If you think Bud Light is the best beer in America, prepare to have your world rocked by these purveyors of high quality beer. In our collection of microbreweries, you’ll find people that truly love the craft of beer making. They place a high value on beer that offers flavor, complexity, and perhaps most importantly, a strong character and independent spirit. A visit to any of these breweries, from the ultra-micro to the larger craft brewers, is sure to please the accomplished beer drinker and newbie alike.

1. Anchor Brewing Company: San Francisco’s Anchor Brewing Company offers a beer experience that you just don’t see often these days. It’s made in a gorgeous brewery modeled after traditional, historic brewhouses. Because of this, each brew is "virtually handmade," a quality that beer lovers are sure to appreciate. Their most famous beer is Anchor Steam, which has a uniquely rich flavor. Make a reservation to tour their brewery and see how beer is made in this brewery that embraces the brewhouses of old.
2. Full Sail Brewing Company: The "specialists in the liquid refreshment arts" at Full Sail are "stoked to brew," and it shows through their beers. This employee owned brewery in Oregon is home to award-winning beers like the Full Sail Amber, IPA, LTD and Wassail, which all picked up a gold medal at this year’s World Beer Championships. Even better, the brewery is located (and open for tours) in Hood River Oregon, a gorgeous little surf town that’s a favorite of windsurfers and skiiers alike.
3. Real Ale Brewing Company: Located in the Texas Hill Country, Real Ale is a nice place to stop by if you’re on a scenic drive. They use the nearby Blanco river for brewing water, which Owner Brad Farbstein touts as "some of the best brewing water for the styles of beer that we make." Their tours and tasting hours are on Friday afternoons, making a stop by the brewery a great way to kick off your weekend with a good quality beer.
4. Stone Brewing Company: Stone brews "big character" beers, like their intensely strong Arrogant Bastard Ale, which, by the way, you’re not worthy to drink. The brewery has a restaurant and beer garden in which you’re free to enjoy their tasty brews.
5. Saint Arnold: Beer lovers, from connoisseurs to frat boys, love to visit Saint Arnold’s. Why? Their tours are essentially a beer drinking free-for-all party. Held every Saturday at 1, visitors are treated to a history of beer and the brewery, followed by a celebration with free flowing taps and a fun ambiance. Spend one of four tokens to fill a glass, whether it’s a small one provided with the tour, or a large glass purchased from the brewery. Some of their best-loved brews include the Brown Ale, which offers a slight hint of chocolate pudding, and the Fancy Lawnmower, a beer that won the Kolsch gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival this year.
6. Redstone Meadery: The Redstone Meadery is unlike any of the other breweries on this list, as they create something completely different. Redstone’s tiny brewery puts out honey wine, or mead, an ancient beverage enjoyed by drinkers from Vikings to Beowulf. Six of their meads won medals at the International Mead Festival, including their 2002 Reserve and Sunshine Nectar, which earned Gold. Just the meadery’s aroma is enough to turn you on to their brews: a visit to their facility is sure to be sweet.
7. Avery Brewing: Avery brews perhaps some of the hoppiest beers in Colorado. As "big beer" lovers, this family owned brewery’s team of hopheads creates intensely flavored brews that are favorites among beer afficionados. Just think of your favorite brewery’s specialty ale: nearly every one of their beers is just as big and robust. These beers are sure to please, as is a visit to the brewery, where you can sample all of their creations and even try cask ales that you can’t find anywhere else.
8. Flying Dog Brewery: Flying Dog Brewery takes the cool prize. These brewers used to be friends and neighbors with Hunter S. Thompson, and use artist Ralph Steadman for all of their labels. But their excellence doesn’t stop there. They have some truly awesome beers, ranging from the Horn Dog barley wine to the In Heat Wheat. If you tour the brewery, you’ll have a chance to drink a fresh brew straight from the fermenter, and even check out the unique whiskey distillery next door.
9. Left Hand Brewing: Left Hand’s philosophy is all about balance: of fun activities and of great beer. They work towards a perfect balance of malt and hops, a process that’s evident in all of their beers. This year alone, they’ve raked in 9 awards for their brews, including their intriguing Juju Ginger Ale, which was awarded Best of the Rockies in the Spiced Beer category at the US Beer Tasting Championships.
10. Dogfish Head: Dogfish has some strong, special brews that hopheads are sure to love. They have a line of time-hopped IPAs, ranging from 60 to 120 minutes. They also have a complex Raison D’Etre, which was voted American Beer of the Year by Malt Advocate Magazine in 2000, and the Midas Touch Golden Elixir, a beverage that showcases ingredients that were found in drinking vessels in King Midas’ tomb. Check out both their brewery and brewpub if you’re in the Delaware area.
11. New Belgium Brewery: For New Belgium, like many others, brewing is a labor of love. From delivering beer by station wagon to becoming the country’s first brewery to subscribe to wind-generated electricity, this brewery has a rich history and rich beers to match. Their Belgian-inspired brews are a treat, particularly the Sunshine Wheat, a refreshing hefeweizen with a citrus bouquet.
12. Rahr and Sons Brewing Company: Rahr & Sons is a family owned brewery in North Texas. The brews are only available in Texas, but they’ve won national awards. Rahr’s Blonde Lager, Ugly Pug, and Summertime Wheat have all been recognized at the US Beer Tasting Championships.
13. Redhook: Redhook’s beers "defy ordinary." Their flagship beer, the ESB, or extra special biiter, is styled after bitters served in England. They have recently merged with Widmer Brothers Brewing Company, the brewers credited with bringing the hefeweizen to America.
14. The Lost Abbey: The Lost Abbey has beers for saints and sinners alike, offering beers modeled after the brews created by monks in Belgium as well as numerous other styles. At the Great American Beer Festival this year, The Lost Abbey took home three medals, and was crowned the nations’ best small brewery.
15. Rogue Brewery: Rogue’s founders fled the corporate life in favor of the food and beverage industry. Significant brews include the Brew 10,000, which was brewed in a limited batch using ultra premium ingredients, and the Chipotle Ale, dedicated to Spanish author Juan de la Cueva. Most recently, their Imperial Stout took a Bronze medal at this year’s Great American Beer Festival, and Shakespeare Stout took Guld at the Stockholm Beer & Whiskey Festival.
16. Russian River Brewing Company: Russian River is an example of what happens when a skilled champagne company, in this case Korbel, tries their hand at brewing beer. It’s now owned by a husband and wife team and has won numerous awards, from gold medals for individual beers to Champion Brewery and Brewmaster. Their adventuous beers include a double IPA and wine barrel-aged ales.
17. Lagunitas: Lagunitas prides themselves on "steadily losing less money each month," a feat achieved by the growing popularity of their quality beers. From their Imperial Stout to seasonal ales like the Lagunator, you’re sure to find something tasty.
18. Allagash Brewing Company: Allagash started out brewing a Belgian Wit beer, Allagash White, and has expanded to a variety of bottle conditioned beers. This involves a second fermentation in the bottles after the initial fermenting in tanks. It adds an air of complexity to the beers, and the novelty of drinking a "living" beer.
19. New Glarus Brewing Company: New Glarus was founded by Deborah Carey, the first woman to found and operate a brewery. They have recently moved to New Glarus, Wisconsin, and their facility, currently under construction, is designed to look like an old-world Switzerland town square. Their most popular brew is the Spotted Cow, a blonde ale. Also notable is the Wisconsin Belgian Red, which has won a number of awards worldwide. Last year, New Glarus took the Midsize Brewery of the Year award at the Great American Beer Festival.
20. Deschutes Brewery: Deschutes is located on the banks of the Deschutes river, offering a small brewpub and specialty brewing facility. They have a number or unique beers, from the Obsidian stout to the Jubelale.
21. Big Sky Brewing: Big Sky "makes water fun" by pouring their hearts into every beer. Their beer sells in thirteen states, most popularly in Montana. Their brews include Moose Drool, Scape Goat, and Big Sky IPA.
22. Harpoon Brewery: Harpoon is one of the largest craft breweries in New England, due in large part to their great beer. Located in both Massachusetts and Vermont, they’ve been a large part of the rebirth of microbrewing. They’re best known for the Harpoon India Pale Ale, but their Munich Dark, hefeweizens, and brown are not to be missed.
23. Great Divide Brewing Company: Great Divide, based in downtown Denver, offers a number of challenging beers. The most popular is the Denver Pale Ale, followed closely by the Hibernation ale. So far, they’ve collected twelve awards from the Great American Beer Festival. They have since ventured into "big beer" territory, producing beers like the Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout and Hercules Double IPA.
24. Independence: Independence’s Rob Cartwright started out brewing beer with his mom at the tender age of 14. Since then, he’s brewed beers for both personal consumption and hand-crafted style. This Austin beer offers loads of flavor and easy drinking. Independence beers include the seasonal Jasperilla Old Ale, Bootlegger Brown Ale, and Freestyle Wheat Beer.
25. Bear Republic Brewing Company: In the heart of wine country, Bear Republic offers an award winning beer experience. Ingredients at Bear Republic are hand-selected, and recipes are developed over several years. Their Racer 5, Red Rocket, and Heritage ales have been recipients of gold, silver, and bronze medals. This brewery was awarded the Great American Beer Festival’s Small Brewing Company of the Year.

Many people prefer to sample the culture of the cities they visit from the safety of well-lit avenues, museums, and historical monuments. While there is a great deal to be learned from these things, cities often have a whole other side, perhaps a darker one, but colorful nonetheless, that is left unexplored. While venturing into the red-light districts of unfamiliar cities isn’t for everyone, for the more adventurous it can be an interesting and sometimes enlightening experience. Here are a few of the most famous and exotic red light districts you can explore on your next vacation.

De Wallen, Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam is home to what is arguably the most famous red light district in the world. De Wallen lies in the oldest part of the city, surrounded by medieval dam walls and crisscrossed by the city’s many canals. This network of alleys is home to several hundred small rooms in which women and some of more ambiguous sex sell their wares through glass windows and doors as well as to dozens of theatres, peep shows and sex shops. If sins of the flesh aren’t your thing, you’ll find plenty of other kinds of entertainment in De Wallen in the numerous coffee shops that sell marijuana or in the accompanying museums exhibiting the more taboo aspects of history. Unlike many of the red light districts you will encounter, Amsterdam’s is relatively safe and verges on being "touristy," so it could be a good place to start your exploration of red light districts.

Rue d’Aerchot, Brussels, Belgium: Also known as Aarschotstraat in Dutch, this street is known for being lined with brothels from beginning to end. Somewhat centrally located, this street isn’t hard to find as it is along one of the city’s main train stations and conveniently borders the business and financial district. Here you’ll find a much smaller version of Amsterdam’s picture windows where you can browse the local "merchandise" or take in some shows or shop the local sex shops. You’ll want to be careful at night, however, as Brussels’ red light district isn’t quite as tourist friendly as Amsterdam’s, but so long as you stay with a group and out of dark alleys, you should be alright.

Reeperbahn, Hamburg, Germany: Reeperbahn is home to not only Hamburg’s red light district, but also loads of other sinful nightlife indulgences as well. The street is colorfully known as "the sinful mile" and is lined with dozens of strip clubs, sex shops, brothels, and more. The racier part of the street, the Herbertstrasse, reserved for the most exclusive and expensive prostitution is blocked off, with a gate saying minors and women are not to enter. Unlike many other red light districts, browsing is not encouraged in the Herbertstrasse, and if it’s discovered you’re not buying you may be hassled by the working women. If you’re not interested in making a purchase of that nature, the street is also home tons of pubs, discos, casinos and lounges where you can taste some German beer, dance, or just meet up with some friends.

Soho, London, England: Soho is much more than a red light district of London. Long known as an entertainment hub of the city, Soho offers numerous eateries and theaters as well as loads of pubs. Of course, a big part of the history of the area is wrapped up in the sex industry as well. During the 1950′s the sex industry was at its peak, with over 250 sex shops and brothels lining the street. Crackdowns have since limited their numbers but prostitution is still fairly widespread in certain parts of the area. While generally not any more unsafe than other areas of the city, visitors should be wary of strip clubs offering cheap dances or other erotic entertainment. Often, these scams are meant to lure in unsuspecting tourists who are then charged exorbitant rates by force. Today, it’s home to notable sites like Soho Revue Bar, a gay bar and cabaret revue, and the site of the famous Windmill Theatre featured in the film Mrs. Henderson Presents, now a lap-dancing club.

Rue St. Denis, Paris, France: It’s only natural that a city known for lovers would have a notorious red light district as well. Pass through the arched entrance, and the Rue St. Denis is lined with ladies looking for customers and passerbys, though recent regulations have reduced the amount of women openly displaying their goods. For the curious, looking doesn’t cost a thing, and you can walk up and down the avenue as much as you like, though you may be carefully watched by the ladies. Other parts of the street feature sex shops, ethnic eateries, and clothing stores, providing something for everyone. For a more upscale and tourist friendly red light experience, visitors might also want to check out the Pigalle, home of the famous Moulin Rouge.

Boy’s Town, Nuevo Laredo, Mexico: In the border town of Nuevo Laredo, those looking for the naughtier kinds of entertainment won’t be disappointed. Boy’s Town is a walled compound, within which there are several streets home to bars, cantinas, restaurants, and of course brothels. This part of the city is what is known as a Zona de tolerancia, or an area of a city where prostitution is allowed but often carefully controlled by the government. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful, as those operating under the radar are commonplace, and drug dealing and use is rampant. Visitors will find a wide variety of erotic entertainments, ranging from strip teases, to sex shows, to the company of working girls and transvestites. Of course, for those just browsing, there are bars and restaurants as well where patrons can listen to Cumbia and enjoy some tequila.

Kabukicho, Tokyo, Japan: Located in the commercial and administrative ward of Tokyo called Shinjuku, Kabukicho is home to many host/hostess bars, sex shops, love hotels, restaurants and nightclubs. It’s hard to miss this section of town, as it’s illuminated by scores of flashing lights and signs, so at least you won’t have to worry about not seeing anyone due to the dark. While there are numerous more erotic ventures in Kabukicho, it’s also home to some of Tokyo’s most famous restaurants and theaters which are often packed with tourists and locals alike. Known as the "sleepless city", visitors looking for companionship or curiosity will find plenty of options with offerings including nude shows in private rooms, pornographic theatres and emporiums, peep shows, pantyless tea rooms, massage parlors, and soaplands which offer various bathing services. While prostitution is technically illegal in Japan, these businesses operate within a stone’s throw from local government offices, and though police can and do enforce the law, they seem to do so quite half-heartedly.

Soi Cowboy, Bangkok, Thailand: Named after a cowboy-hat wearing foreigner, it’s no shock that this red light district of Bangkok has become fairly popular with tourists, especially those from Europe and America. Located near Sukhumvit Road, which is also home to two other red light areas, Nana Plaza and Patpong, Soi Cowboy is a typical red light district in Thailand. Visitors can patronize the many bars lining the streets where attractive young women will dance provocatively, usually clad in bikinis, as nude dancing is technically illegal. For a bar fine, visitors can choose a woman to accompany them back to their hotel room if they so choose. Those less interested in taking home a companion will find entertainment in the elephants paraded up and down the streets as well as restaurants featuring local and foreign cuisines.

Kamathipura, Mumbai, India: Kamathipura is both the oldest red light district in Mumbai and Asia’s largest. Originally created to cater to British troops away from home, today this region is so packed with sex workers there’s hardly a place to sit down. Perhaps one of the most distressingly dismal of the red light districts listed here, it’s still worth a visit just to see the sheer size and scope of it, as working women line the streets and hang out of upper floor windows looking for willing customers. While many brothels are well-run and reputable, child prostitution and sexually transmitted diseases are still common practice in others. Though it may be intimidating, your red light visiting wouldn’t be complete without seeing both ends of the spectrum.

Hira Mandi, Lahore, Pakistan: Hira Mandi in Pakistan has an interesting history behind the decaying but still noble facades of its buildings. Once home to a thriving diamond market, the area now largely brings in those looking to patronize sex workers who line the street calling to potential customers. Many women work as prostitutes under the guise of being mujra dancers, also a nod to the areas history, where back in it’s prime, royal courtesans danced the same dances, albeit in much more luxury than the women of today. Visitors will also find that during the day the district is full of colorful bazaars, local restaurants, and shops selling shoes and musical instruments. It’s worth a visit for the historical and architectural elements alone.

King’s Cross, Sydney, Australia: King’s Cross in Sydney is named after its equally seedy counterpart in London, and is one of the most densely populated regions of the city and Australia at large. Lined with neon signs and brightly lit storefronts, King’s Cross is a common destination for foreigners and natives alike who are curious to see how the other half lives. While recent years have seen some gentrification of the area, there is still a proliferation of strip clubs, topless waitresses, adult bookshops and sleazy nightclubs to keep the inquisitive visitor occupied. Be careful at night, as though Australia is a relatively safe destination, those wandering alone in the area are at risk of being mugged which could put a serious damper on your evening of fun.

Whether you are just satisfying your curiosity or perhaps more carnal appetites, no matter where you are, remember that red light districts are known as seedy parts of town for a reason. Even those controlled heavily by the government can be home to those who’d love to part you from your money, sometimes in ways that aren’t quite pleasant. So while you should enjoy yourself, make sure you do so carefully and responsibly so your walk on the wild side won’t turn out to be more than you’ve bargained for.