Touring the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a must for anyone visiting Cleveland.  Located on the shore of Lake Erie, the museum is massive, including seven floors of exhibition space, spanning 150,000 sq. ft.  The exhibits will take you on a quick journey through the history of rock and roll music, from one-hit wonders to legendary inductees.  An average of 500,000 people visit each year and more than 8,000,000  have toured the museum since it opened in September 1995.

I often wondered why the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is located in Cleveland and why rock music in general was so intertwined with that city.  As it turns out, a lot of it has to do with a Cleveland DJ by the name of Alan Freed.  He actually coined the phrase “Rock and Roll” on his Moondog Radio Hour in the early 1950s.  Freed is also credited with organizing the first rock concert, the Moondog Coronation Ball on March 21, 1952.  Since then, Cleveland has been a popular touring stop for many rock bands and the radio station WMMS launched the music careers of a number of talented artists including Bruce Springsteen and David Bowie.

The museum is packed with countless memorabilia from everything including guitars and song books to clothing and awards.  Some of the largest displays include memorabilia from the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Jimmy Hendrix.  I was really impressed with just how many personal effects the museum had from each of these artists.  Everything is well preserved and really gives you an in-depth look into their lives.  On May 24th, the museum presents Rolling Stones: 50 Years of Satisfaction.  This exhibition captures the band’s legendary career spanning more than 50 years.  It will run until March 2014.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has several theaters featuring films including the history of Rock and Roll and the story of the Rock Hall inductees.  You’ll also find interactive listening exhibits and a Hall of Fame Jukebox on Level 4 with such an extensive playlist; it will blow your mind.  One of my favorite exhibits was “Video Killed the Radio Star” located on Level 2 which features the history of Music Television.

I really enjoyed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and thought that it did a spectacular job capturing each of its artists.  It is a truly great experience for both visitors who grew up with the bands or children learning about them for the first time.  So if you ever get the opportunity, be sure to check out the Rock Hall to experience the amazing history of music and see why “Cleveland Rocks.”

Travel Info: 

Admission: $22

Website: www.rockhall.com

Hours: 10am – 5:30pm daily (open until 9pm on Wednesday)

Phone: (216) 781- ROCK or (888) 764-ROCK

Many thanks to Rock Hall  for allowing me to tour their museum.  All opinions, as always, are my own.

About forty miles northwest of Ho Chi Minh City lies the very elaborate Cu Chi Tunnels. It’s an underground community made up of a network of passageways used by the Vietcong during the Vietnam War. This place is simply amazing. It’s unbelievable how the Vietcong used these to hide from and fight the Americans.  Touring these tunnels was so much fun, however getting lost in the Cu Chi Tunnels is a different story.

Still in very good condition, they would make a unique playground for little kids. However, during the late 1960’s they were anything but fun. American tunnel rats would make their way through these unexplored, narrow passageways with nothing more than their handgun and a flashlight.

Stretching 75 miles, this maze of tunnels was dug by the local people using only shovels. They built many levels, which included living spaces, hospitals, kitchens and clinics.

The tunnels were often rigged with explosive booby traps or punji stake pits and the Americans would flush the entrance with gas or water to try and force their enemy out into the open. However, the strategic use of trap doors and air filtration systems made this largely ineffective.

Now preserved by the government of Vietnam and turned into a war memorial park, you’re able to take tours through this historic battleground. Along the way you’ll see impact craters, now overgrown with brush that were the result of “carpet bombing” from B-52’s. There are also a number of ingenious booby traps on display and if you‘re really feeling warlike, a selection of machine guns to shoot. During the tour, they let you crawl through some of the tunnels which really gives you a feel of what it must have been like.

Most of my tour group wasn’t too excited about crawling through these small spaces, but me on the other hand, I couldn’t wait. So along with one other tourist, our guide took us inside. At first, we could bend over and walk, but then that turned into crawling. Once the tunnel opened up again, we took a few pictures and then continued on. At this point, the tunnel started branching off. Our guide took us left, then right, then down. We stopped to take a few more pictures and noticed that our guide was gone!! Oh Shit!! Now where do we go?? It was quite scary at first, we were lost in the Cu Chi Tunnels!  But I knew he couldn’t be far. We continued on, making turns here and there until we could see some light. “We made it!!” Upon exciting, we found ourselves inside a small hut in the middle of the woods. Hearing our group yell our names in the distance, we walked back, above ground this time!! Apparently, our guide was very concerned and had been looking all over for us. With our clothes covered in dirt and sweat, it definitely added some adventure to the whole experience. I’m just glad we were lost then and not during the Vietnam War.

For a harrowing account of America’s “tunnel rats,” check out the book, “Cu Chi Tunnels” by Tom Mangold and John Penycate.

Known as the gateway to the Southern Black Forest from the west, Freiburg is a university community nestled in a lovely setting. As most any university town, it is a great place to “eat, drink and be merry.” There are great choices in clubs, bars and restaurants. But don’t overlook the historical attractions and other sights around Freiburg while visiting there. Here are seven top sights not to be missed by visitors. If you ever decide to go there you can find a list of quality vacation rentals in Freiburg on Live Like a German.

#1 Augustiner Museum

The Augustiner holds a fabulous art collection with pieces dating from the Middle Ages, the Baroque period, and the 19th century. The former monastery is now a modern museum where the art work can be viewed from various angles. Enjoy seeing original stone figurines, Freiburg Cathedral’s glass windows, medieval wooden sculptures, and much more impressive old works of art.

#2.Munster

The Munster, a huge red-sandstone minster, is one of the most important sights around Freiberg. This monstrous historical landmark is a fascinating composition of scarlet-hued spires and gargoyles. The main portal is brimming with sculptures of scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The tower turns into an octagon at the top and holds a filigreed spire. Climb the tower and see the Vosges mountains in France on a clear day.

#3. The Martinstor

Located in the city centre, the Martinstor is the oldest of two gates of Freibergim Breisgau dating back to medieval times. Research shows that the ancient wooden beams of the gate are from the year 1202. First documented in 1238 as “Porta Sancti Martini”, it has been rebuilt several times. At one point in time, it served as a prison.

#4. Schlossberg Tower

The Schlossberg is a tree-covered hill to the east of Freiberg’s Old Town. A part of the Black Forest, it is 1,496 feet high. Since the 11th century,fortified structures have been built here. Some of the remains of these structures can still be seen. Historians have been busy in recent years uncovering the overgrown fortifications for interested visitors.

#5. Steinwasen Park

Nature lovers will marvel at the Black Forest creatures on display in roomy enclosures along the woodland trails of Steinwasen Park. Bounce on the hanging bridge and enjoy fun-filled rides like River Splash and Gletscherblitz.

#6.Albert Ludwigs University

Established in 1457, Albert Ludwigs University is the great-grandfather of universities. Old buildings inscribed with mottoes are well-worth a stroll around this ancient campus. The university has over 22,000 students that hail from over 3,000 different countries around the world.

#7. Feldberg

Of all the sights around Freiburg, the Feldburg is the most impressive and majestic. It is located to the southeast of Freiberg im Breisgau. The main peak and the Seabuck peak, both close to 1,500 meters tall, are joined by a plateau. In a deep valley to the northeast lies the Feldsee, a beautiful glacial lake. Visit the Feldberg by car, train or bus via the Feldberg Pass.

This Germany related travel article has been written by Bettina Kraft.

Bettina Kraft likes to write Germany related travel articles on Live Like a German – a site for exploring Germany, to learn more about its culture / language, and to find a great Germany vacation rental or holiday apartment when going on a Germany vacation. Bettina likes to help visitors from all over the world to experience Germany in a different, more personal way, and make it easy for them to do so by providing detailed travel tips and advise.

London is a city with a multitude of attractions, with great deals on London hotels available all year round; the capital is a perfect holiday destination for the whole family. With plenty of sights and activities are suitable for children, you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a good time. Here are just a few places to take the kids where they can have a great time without breaking the bank.

Kensington Gardens is a beautiful, natural space open from dawn until dusk. Take a picnic and enjoy the calm or walk around and look out for herons and other wildlife.

Kensington Gardens features the Diana Memorial Playground, a great place for younger children (12 years or under) to burn off energy. There is plenty to clamber on and explore. It is also safe, with a staff presence and no adults without children allowed. Adults can relax in the cafe while the children play.

If Peter Pan is a favorite family story there is a statue of him in the Gardens to visit. The location of it was chosen by J.M. Barrie himself as the park inspired his first Peter Pan story. The base of the statue is a tree trunk with all sorts of small, furry creatures on it. Younger (and shorter) visitors will have fun spotting them all.

For many botanical delights there is Kew Gardens. Children under 17 go free and there are various concessions for adults; ticket prices vary for winter and summer.

It’s not all about plants as there are fun play areas for children of different ages. There is even a treetop walkway and a ‘giant badger sett’ with tunnels to crawl through.

With botanic and aquatic displays, there is a lot that is fun and educational. And during the holidays there are different special activities children can take part in.

The British Museum is one of the most well-known attractions in London. Best of all, it has remained free since its opening in 1753.

The museum is home to over 7 million objects from various countries and historical periods. Children will be fascinated by the different artifacts inside, especially the Egyptian mummies! By visiting the museum, children can acquire an interest in history to last them a lifetime. Just make sure they know they are not allowed to take home any part of the exhibits as a souvenir!

Of course, some of the main draws for visitors to London are the shops. And for children, it would have to be the sweet shops. London has plenty of these, but why not give them something a bit different? If you think the children deserve a sugary treat, how about sweets that their parents or grandparents used to love? There are a few shops to be found selling old-fashioned sweets.

Head to Mrs. Kibble’s Olde Sweet Shoppe, the first of its kind, with two locations to choose from. There is one on Brewer Street and another on St Christopher’s Place. The staff are friendly and ready to help in a store that is a sweet lover’s delight. Adults will love the nostalgia while children will love the novelty – and the variety of sweets available!

Both adults and kids, however, may have a hard time choosing just what to buy. It is possible to leave the shop with change from ten pounds but it will be incredibly tempting to spend more.

If the weather is nice then for some free entertainment have a wander around the Covent Garden Piazza. As the only place in London licensed for street entertainment it attracts performers from all over the world.

Children will be amazed by the range of acts on display; there are mime artists, musicians, variety acts, jugglers and many other types of street theatre. As long as a close eye is kept on the kids and the acts are age appropriate, they will have a great time experiencing entertainment up close and personal.

This is only a small selection of the many places to visit with the whole family in London that do not cost the Earth to experience. It just shows that spending a lot of money is not necessary for creating treasured memories.

This is a guest post by Travelsupermarket.com

Not everyone has the good fortune to have a career that takes him to various countries in the world. When an individual with vast travel experience maintains a website and travel blogs of his experience, we, the occasional travelers, should consider ourselves fortunate to have access to his knowledge. If the individual happens to be an avid photographer and displays photographs taken during his travels, it helps us all the more in knowing more about a particular destination. He needs to be encouraged to continue with his work and if support is needed, small contributions would surely help keep the website alive.

Words can describe only so much. An accompanying photograph says a lot more. Take Australia for instance. We can write hundreds of words without being able to convey the rich, colorful underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. One photograph opens up the world before your eye. A mention of the Great Outback is enhanced by a photograph and can act as an inducement to take a decisive step to make a tour of this wonderful country. Australia is a land of natural riches with a varied coastal area and a kaleidoscopic hinterland made up of dense forests, snowy peaks and the diversity of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park with the outstanding Ayers Rock leaving an indelible impression on visitors.

Travel to Australia and within the vast continent is by no means a low cost affair. Either you focus on one single destination and come away with a limited experience or plan your budget and get more of Australia for the same outlay. Consider what travel involves: surface and air transport, accommodation, meals, tours and of course the obligatory shopping. Travel will eat up a major portion of your budget unless you look for online deals that get you discounted tickets for air travel to Australia and deals that get you across Australia at a low price.

Online coupon deals make life easier for a traveler to Australia. The process is simple enough. An intending visitor to Australia simply logs on to the online coupon deal website and checks out last minute flight deals in Australia. Registration, purchase of the coupon and applying the discount to the last minute flight deal is a simple enough process. Flying to Australia by this route saves you a packet. Accommodation is another expense you can reduce through accommodation vouchers Australia based. It does not end there. Online discount coupons are available for local tours, shopping and for dining on fine local cuisines at some of the best restaurants. Apparently the online deal has a good thing going in an arrangement that suits them both and benefits travelers. Another deal sweetener is that for each person you recommend, you can claim a reward of $ 10.

One does not know if these online discount offers will last. Rather than speculate on how long offers of this kind will last, it is best to take advantage while the going is good and have no regrets later on.

This is a guest post by Daniel Martin.