It is the courage of the the pilot of the US Airliner which made the whole difference.  150 passengers and flight crew had a miraculous escape when the  the Airbus A320 was hit by bird and its both engines failed.

The decisions which were made with in seconds made all the difference.
Passengers on the US Airways flight that crash-landed into the Hudson River Thursday afternoon praised the actions and courage of the pilot, a safety consultant with 40 years of experience in the aviation industry.

The US Airways Airbus A320 crashed just after taking off from LaGuardia Airport heading for Charlotte, North Carolina.
Officials believe the plane may have collided with a flock of geese.

If you are planning to visit USA in near future, chalk out your travel plan from now on. Buy a tourist map of USA, you will get plenty of them online. Read about the tourist attractions of the place you are visiting and schedule a time in your itinerary to visit each of those you. If you are traveling from one city to the other by car do not forget to carry US road map with you. Detailed road maps of every important city and county of the United States are available online.

At different mapping sites like mapsofworld.com you will get a detailed road map of the United States. The road map combines two extensive network of roads and highways. One of the network is named Federal Interstate Highway and the regional US Highway. These two highway networks play the central role in the surface transportation system of the country. The road map can be a great help to you to reach your destination in a fast and easy way.

You can also take the the help of Global positioning service or GPS. With any GPS-enabled device you can easily track your location with the help of GPS satellite. You can also know about the roads and services in close proximity of your location.

Consulting the map not only helps you find ways when you are lost , it also offers you joy of exploration. So next time you visit the United States do not forget to take a US road map along.

Have you heard of Twiga at Twilight? This is a program planned by the Safari West Wildlife Foundation, which is going to take place on September 27, 2008.

The venue for the event is the Safari West Wildlife Preserve, located in the wine country, California. Drive to Napa Valley, California in the western part of the United States of America. Here you can get a flavor of the famous African safari.

Safari West Wildlife Preserve is home to about 500 animals belonging to 80 species. Starting from endangered species like African Cape Buffalo, Addax, Blue Wildebeest and Damara Zebra to Red Lechwe, Scimitar Horned Oryx, Springbok and Eland—on the safari, a great number of animals can be seen.

Twiga at Twilight 2008 will offer a wildlife presentation to the visitors. It is a golden opportunity for nature lovers (like me) to come face to face with the animals. There will be Chef Bruce Riezenman of Park Avenue Catering, who specializes in African inspired cuisine. It does not end here—there will be the best of wines from the local wineries. The program will start at 1730 hours with a cheese and wine reception, and continue till 2300 hours.

Tickets for the event will cost $150 per head, while for a VIP treatment you will have to pay $250. For overnight accommodation, there are Safari West luxury tent cabins. You can also stay at the rooms blocked by the Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa, a sponsor of the event. At Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa, you will have to pay between $200 and $300 for a room. Special offer for the Twiga at Twilight 2008 include early Check-in and late Check-out.

So, what are you waiting for? Drive west and be a part of Twiga at Twilight 2008. I have already booked my seat there.

A safe haven for a number of marine species, Hawaii Marine Sanctuary is one of the most significant marine reserves of the world. Besides offering a refuge for the Humpback Whales, the marine sanctuary also houses rare species like the Monk Seal and the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle.

Located in the warm waters of the Pacific surrounding Hawaii, the Marine Sanctuary is the world’s largest marine sanctuary, as proclaimed in 2006. It is also one of chief research and education facilities with regard to marine biology in North America.

Established in 1992 for protecting Humpback Whales, the Hawaii Marine Sanctuary offers a splendid opportunity to watch these amazing creatures. Accessible from the Hawaiian mainland via ferries, the Marine Reserve is a wonderland of aquatic creatures.

The scope of observing some of the endangered marine species in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags for Hawaii, one of the most popular travel destinations of USA, to see the creatures who have made this sanctuary their home!

Russell, my old school-friend landed in New York last Wednesday, and by Thursday evening found himself a seat in the BB King’s Blues Club – the first meaningful thing he did in the proverbial ‘city of lights’. What else to expect from true blooded blues fan, grown up on a steady diet of Lightning Hopkins and Guitar Slim.

New York NY has numerous night clubs. There are jazz clubs, dance clubs, strip clubs: you name it. Russell chose the BB King’s Blues Club of all New York nightclubs, over Marquee and Chelsea and even Broadway, and it turned out to be a dream-come-true in more ways than one.

 He was treated to a great Southern style buffet reminiscent of the segregation years - the menu reminiscent of the Saturday night fish fries in the small cotton plantation towns- and none other than Bobby Bland on the bandstand. What followed was an evening to remember. The Mississippi blues-meet-RNB Soul backing band struck the first chords before the legendary Bland embarked on a sugar sweet solo leading to the timeless classic ‘I Pity the Fool’.

 When Russell left the New York nightclub about two hours later, he felt initiated. He has experienced the blues - not through cassettes and tapes and YouTube videos, but by seeing real people doing the real thing; he got a feel of the sweat, the pain, the pleasure, the fever and the fret that go into the making of the music.

New York trains and buses are great and inexpensive ways to get around the Big Apple. You can also hop on a conducted tour on a hired limousine if you can afford one. The New York subways and streets make the transportation facility one of the best in the world. But remember, New York is just not another city. Its great history and heritage combined with its vibrant urbanity set it apart from all other cities in the US and the world: and the New York taxi is inseparably attached to its heritage. No New York tour is complete without a tour in a taxi.

Popular culture, Hollywood movies, and numerous fictions and urban legends have immortalized the association: you cannot possibly imagine New York City streets without the ubiquitous taxis. Apart from the myth and mystique, the taxi is also one of the best ways to get around the city on a limited budget and comparative comfort. Taking a taxi allows you to visit the major New York tourist attractions as well as get a general feel of the tremendous urban and multi-ethnic culture that the city is particularly noted for.

More than 12,000 licensed yellow medallion taxis ply in New York. However, be careful to hide you naiveté if you are new to the city. The taxi drivers may take a longer route and leave you poorer by many more dollars than you expected if they get inkling that you are new to the city and are not sure of your way about. Make sure to gather rudimentary route information from the locals or the hotel staff before you get into a taxi. Also remember, that there are additional night charges and tip the cab drivers about 15% to 20% of the total charge after the trip is complete. That’s the usual practice and they expect it.

Those who have seen Niagara Falls rate it among the most beautiful water falls in this world. Straddling at the international border between United States of America and Canada, the massive falls in as much known for its natural beauty as for being a remarkable source of hydroelectricity. Situated on Niagara river the falls is separated by Goat Island into two different sections – Horseshoe Falls situated on Canadian Border and American Falls on the United States border. Every year millions of tourists come to visit this beautiful falls.

The area of Niagara falls has gained recognition as a popular tourist attraction of North America. Besides being one of the most popular sites and recreational area, this falls is also well known as industrial area. It is one of the most important sites of the tourism of North America. Tourism departments of both Canada and US earn huge revenues from millions of visitors who visit Niagara Falls every year. Both the American and Canadian sides of the falls offer a number of recreational facilities for the tourists.

On the United State side of the falls (American Falls) you can enjoy the breathtaking view of Niagara Falls from the walkways and observation tower of Prospect Point Park. The adventurous souls can opt for hiking from the Cave of Wind. You can reach a point beneath the Bridal Veil falls by hiking. You can also get an aerial view of the falls while enjoying a helicopter of balloon ride.

The Canadian side of the Falls that is known as Horseshoe falls you can also enjoy a lot of recreational facilities. You can enjoy the beauty of the picturesque falls from the manicured gardens of Queen Victoria Park. You can also go to the observation rooms underground, standing where you can get the illusion that you are within the falling water. You can also ride the cable car to get a bird’s eye view of the whirlpool on the Canadian side of the falls.

Whether you are visiting the United States or Canada on your next trip to North America do not forget to catch a glimpse of the beautiful Niagara falls.

Do you have plans to travel north America somewhere in recent future? Well, do not forget to include a trip to Canada in your itinerary. The beautiful country is blessed with panoramic natural beauty. Those who want to have a peaceful vacation at a picturesque holiday destination can opt for a vacation in any of the well known travel destinations in Canada.

You can visit British Columbia, one of the most picturesque regions of Canada. It is the westernmost province of Canada that is situated along the Pacific Ocean. Apart from being a coastal area with comparatively warm winter than the rest of the country, British Columbia is also the most mountainous provinces of Canada. The region offers you some of the most picturesque and spectacular alpine scenery in the world.

Skiing and snow biking in the mountainous alpine region are among the major attractions in British Columbia . You can stay at any of the 33 skiing resorts in the mountainous region of the province. However, if you are looking for the best ski resort then you can blindly bank on Whistler – a ski resort in the coast mountains of British Columbia that has maintained its position as the pioneering ski resort in North America over a period of time. It is also co-host of the Winter Games of 2010.

Vancouver, one of the largest metropolitan regions in Canada is situated amidst beautiful landscape. This harbor city offers you a picture-perfect view of the mountains and the Ocean. You can also visit the famous Chinatown of Vancouver where you can witness a perfect blend of western and oriental culture. Visiting Stanley Park and Granville Island will also be very enjoyable. You are sure to have fun in shopping and dining in some of the popular entertainment areas of the city. So next time when your visit Canada do not forget to visit British Columbia.

The most fabulous trip I have ever made in my life is undoubtedly my visit to the Grand Canyon in Colorado. Located in the state of Arizona, this mammoth rock structure was carved out by the Colorado river more than six million years ago. Approximately it stretches across 446 kms and 4 to 18 miles wide with a depth of 1.6 km at some places. The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited tourist place in the US and every year tourists keep flocking to be amazed at this geological wonder.

We had planned our trip well in advance. As I had thought, we would be visiting the southern rim of the Canyon although I knew the area was always overcrowded and parking space was scanty. Numerous hiking trials are available but we decided to hike to the northern rim was was more remote and higher in elevation. Usually the northern rim is closed due to heavy snowfall in winter. The Havasu Canyon can be accessed by paved roads. Still furthur west, one can travel via the paved road to Peach Springs Canyon. There are various isolated spots offering mesmerizing sights which are undoubtedly unforgettable. A remote part of the canyon named Tuweep, can be reached traveling on a dirt track about 60 miles from Utah. Great aerial views await travelers.

Back last summer, on Fred’s persuasion, I finally made my first trip to New Orleans. Located in the southeastern portion of Louisiana, it is a major port city of United States of America. To its north lies the Lake Pontchartrain and to the east, lies Lake Borgne. Known to be one of the oldest cities in the US, it is named after Philippe II, Duc d’ Orleans. I was particularly eager to join in the annual Mardi Gras annual celebrations. Fred had this on mind long ago I knew it. Yet another photographic adventure to him I thought.

I sipped onto the coffee as Fred lay beside me doozing. The airlines food always made him feel sleepy he says always. As I browsed through my travel brochure, I came across a few interesting facts about Mardi Gras and its origin. I found that early French settlers had brought Mardi Gras into the state of Louisiana. The day is celebrated with processions and jubilation across the streets. Celebrated a day prior to Ash Wednesday,  Mardi Gras is celebrated in many places around the country such as Colombia, France, Guatemala, Germany, Italy, Mexico and Panama. Interesting times lay ahead, I thought, as I looked out of the window to see the picturesque land below. We would arrive in 15 to 20 minutes.