Exploring Our Nations Capital On A Trip Too The Zoo With Tradewinds Travel Club

Literally hundreds of sights of interest can be found in Washington DC. In fact, Washington DC is known as one of the top destinations for travel in the U.S. Destinations that offer a look at our history, and the natural world are open throughout the year and offer you and your family some of the most poplar destinations for vacation in the world. Learn more about one of D.C.'s most popular destinations for travel with Tradewinds Travel Club. Take a closer look at the National Zoo, part of the Smithsonian Institute, a great way to enjoy Washington DC with your family and Tradewinds Travel Club.

Tradewinds Travel Club A Look At The National Zoo And It's History

More than just a zoo, the National Zoo is 163 acre zoological park in the heart of Washington DC. It is home to more that 2000 animals of almost 400 species and is open 364 days a year. One of the most popular destinations for tourists, the National Zoo has over 2 million visitors each year and is free of charge.

Founded in 1889, the mission of the National Zoo is to provide leadership in animal care, science and education. Created “for the advancement of science and the instruction and recreation of the people” by Congress, it was the next year that it became a part of the Smithsonian Institution. Like most zoos, the main focus of the National Zoo today is to protect species and educate the next generation of adults to be stewards of the earth.

In keeping with the education theme, programs, field trips, activities, events and camps are offered to children of all ages. A great place to bring your children, the National Zoo has great summer events and activities as well to amuse as well as educate people of all ages.

When to Visit

Open everyday except December 25th from 10 am to 6 pm.
Spring is the busiest time, plan ahead.

How to get there

If you choose to drive, parking is not free, but proceeds go to the zoo, you may choose to use public transportation instead.

Tradewinds Travel Club invites you to experiences the top destinations for you and your family this summer. Enjoy all your vacations with Tradewinds Travel Club by learning more about this and other great places to explore this summer.

Tradewinds Vacations Cruising Into A New Trend

Is Bigger Better?

For many in the cruise industry, the answer is still a resounding yes. For others why have tried the new large luxury liners as well as the smaller more intimate smaller ships, the answer is no. So why the difference? The difference really comes to the experience itself. This years new ships that have been added to the fleets are the largest yet in keeping with the trend that bigger is better. Vessels that carry well over 2000 passengers, have dozens of restaurants, Broadway shows, bars, casinos and even water parks are truly more like floating cities than anything else. If a floating sea of opportunity is what you want, then the larger liners are more likely to be what you are looking for. So what about those who would rather have a floating village? The industry still offers you the option of fewer activities and yes, fewer people with many of the cruise liners primarily on America's inland waterways.

What Are The Benefits Of Smaller Ships

Aside from not feeling like you are floating in a sea surrounded by a mid town metropolis, the other benefit of a smaller cruise ship is the opportunities that you may be offered. Many who enjoy adventure travel are beginning to see the joy of smaller cruise ships in the inland lakes of America. Alaska cruises that offer Whale watching, kayaking, hiking and different ports of call than the larger ships are drawing a different kind of crowd. These ships however, require an early booking as they only carry between 50 and 100 passengers and fill up relatively quickly.

Choosing Your Cruise line To Suite Your Interests

Options in cruises do exist. From large to small, in and out of the US, tropical destinations to arctic, casinos or castaways, cruising has thousands of options when it comes to planning the perfect vacation for you. It is important that you do your research when choosing the cruise that is right for you. If you are more of a “bed and breakfast” kind of vacationer, check out the smaller lines and smaller ships as a possible option. If you enjoy the high roller, roller coaster/water slide riding kind of excursion, checkout the more mainstream, larger liners found throughout the US. There is usually a cruise that will meet and live up to all of your expectations, you just have to take the time to find it.

Tradewinds Vacations enjoys offering you tips and advice on travel to meet your needs. Follow the latest trends in travel with Tradewinds Vacations as your partner in travel. Tradewinds Vacations can offer you savings on travel not found anywhere else. Savings and discounts from Tradewinds Vacations include many member benefits such as:

discounts on cruises
savings hotels and motels
condos
activities including entertainment and dining
ski or other resorts

Learn more about saving money on travel with Tradewinds Vacations today.