Freebies: LIGO, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory in Livingston, Louisiana offers free group fieldtrips to their facility and science outreach center with projects, activities and exhibits designed to celebrate the science being conducted the observatory. LIGO also hosts an open-to-the-public science event on the third Saturday of each month. Outreach personnel create activities suitable for children of all age levels, using materials that can easily and affordably be purchased at regular discount stores if the kiddos want to recreate their projects after your family visit. Information on registration requirements, access protocols and group size is available on the LIGO web site.

Other science venues are free as well, and offer exceptional programming. The London Science Museum for example offers complimentary access, as does the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. For stargazing fans, the Flandrau Observatory at the University of Arizona in Tucson offers free guided telescope viewing to the public Wednesday through Saturday of every week from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Memberships: Annual memberships work as well for science museums as they do for theme parks, and much more affordably as well. For example, The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania charges only $99 per year for a full-access membership for a family of four, which includes free access to more than 250 additional science museums. Similarly, the Museum of Science in Boston offers an annual membership for a family of five for just $10 more than the regular one-time admission price for the same number of people. Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo also has a great annual pass program that includes several educational experiences for children. Also in Tampa is MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry, which offers hands-on science exhibits, movies and outdoor experiences for science fans of all ages.

Parks: The America the Beautiful pass, available through the National Parks Service, provides access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites for all occupants riding in a personal vehicle, costs only $80 per year. Allowable venues include national parks, wildlife refuges, national forests and areas falling under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management. So pack your little pumpkins in the van to participate in hands-on science experiences such as the tidal pools of Maine’s Acadia National Park or California’s Channel Islands. The geysers of Yellowstone National Park are also of note, as is the junior ranger enrichment program at Shenandoah National Park, where budding young naturalists can pair up with park rangers to learn about the park’s plants, lichens, peregrine falcons and more. Travel tip: National parks are also a great resource for affordable family reunions.

Photo Credit: This image was photographed by the Trek Hound team, and is available for creative commons use through our sister site, PictureofTravelPlaces.com.

Today’s post features Travel Blogger Ben Reed from adventureswithben.com. Ben’s blog takes a light-hearted look at travel as he discovers the most fun destinations around the world.

If you could only travel to one country in the world, my pick would be South Africa. The majesty of the animals, striking landscapes and spirit of the people will capture your heart and imagination and leave you longing to return. Here are 10 must-do activities to ensure you have a lekker (awesome) time.

1. Self-Drive Through Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is the Yellowstone of South Africa. Visitors can drive on the paved (and unpaved roads) in search of elephant, lions, rhino, giraffe and every other African animal there is. Drive slowly and keep a watchful eye on the bush around you.

Rest camps are located throughout the park to sleep (camp or cabin) overnight and are complete with gas stations and restaurants. Allow at least 3 days to properly explore this park, but a week is more appropriate if you have the time.

2. The Apartheid Museum

To truly understand South Africa’s history of segregation (and its present day struggles to move forward), a trip to the Apartheid Museum is a must. Through videos, photos, art, media and period pieces, the story of Apartheid comes to life in vivid detail. Humbling and sobering, but a necessary lesson to humanity.

3. Soweto

Short for South Western Township, Soweto is the pulse of Black South African Culture. Guided tours are strongly recommended as you tour historical landmarks during the struggle for equality and meander through the “informal settlements” that millions of South Africans call home. Despite the tin shack homes, dirt floors and less than luxurious living conditions, the spirit of community, family and culture is vibrant and apparent on every corner. Check with your hotel for recommended tour operators.

4. Robben Island

Just off the coast of Cape Town, is Robben Island, the former prison of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s popular post-Apartheid President and revered public leader. Tours are given by former inmates and make for a compelling look at life during Apartheid. Reserve your tickets early and enjoy the view of Cape Town from the ferry on your way out to the island.

5. Drive Along the Cape of Good Hope

The drive along the Cape of Good Hope is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Beginning at Muizenberg (catch it’s colorfully painted beach shacks before you leave town) and ending in Cape Town, the drive is chock-full of scenic vistas, quaint towns and wildlife surprises. Don’t miss the penguins at Boulders Beach, Whale Spotting in False Bay and Wild Baboons along the Cape of Good Hope – and excellent stopping point and hiking spot.

6. Drink an Amarula Sundowner

Amarula is a simply divine, cream liquor made from the Marula Fruit – a favorite of elephants. Sure you can buy it Stateside, but when paired with Vanilla Ice Cream (a Dom Pedro), as a shot with crème de menthe (Springbok) or on the rocks, it’s a perfect indulgence as the sun sets on your game drive. Have two or three.

7. Table Mountain

Table Mountain serves as the backdrop for the waterfront city of Cape Town and provides a perfect view of the city below. Take the gondola up during a clear day or hike your way up if you’re up for the challenge. And if you’re searching for the perfect view of Table Mountain itself, head over to nearby Signal Hill.

8. Shop at Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

With a favorable exchange rate with the U.S. Dollar, you could easily spend your entire vacation budget on clothing, gifts, African curios and more at the hundreds of shops and vendors sprawled across this multi-purpose dining, retail and entertainment establishment (locally referred to as the V&A Waterfront). Plan at least one night on the weekend, but you’ll probably spend more time here.

9. Indulge at a Luxury Game Lodge

If you’re going to spend all the money and effort to travel to South Africa, treat yourself with a two-night stay at a five-star game lodge. You know, the kind you see in magazines and only dream about. The quality of your game drive as you spot animals in the reserve will be like night and day compared to your Kruger Drive (although it is still a fantastic experience). Check out this encounter I had with lions! Pilanesburg Game Reserve is home to Ivory Tree Game Lodge, one of my personal favorites. Legend Lodges is another hotelier with their own private reserve called Entabeni.

10. Victoria Falls

While Victoria Falls is not located in South Africa, it should be added to your itinerary before you depart the region. Picture a waterfall over a mile wide with a mist plume that rises hundreds of feet into the air. Thousands of gallons of water fall over the edge every second and never stop. Natural wonders like these are where phrases like breath-taking and awe-inspiring come from. An easy (but slightly pricey), 2-3 day trip. Fly into Zambia and cross into Zimbabwe for a view on both sides. Here’s a preview.

Have you ever been to South Africa? What are your recommendations? Share by commenting.

I’ll see you out there…!

Photo Credits: All photos used in this piece are courtesy of Ben Reed.

Many travelers find themselves in Guayaquil, Ecuador due its popularity as a jumping off point for touring the Galapagos Islands. For us, it was the most affordable entry point to South America as we started our six-month backpacking excursion. It’s a bit more industrial than the historic and picturesque capital of Quito, but there a few experiences worth having here. These are our top picks for activities for those who are spending a day in Guayaquil.

Spend the afternoon along Malecon 2000.

A popular waterfront development area, Malecon 2000 is a pleasant way to experience the waterfront area of Guayaquil. Waterfalls, statues, a beautiful Moorish-style clock and an antique train-car-turned-public-internet-café are all things you’ll see as you stroll this picturesque area. There are places to stop and sit, enjoy an ice cream and have a caricature sketch done. There are also museums and the first IMAX movie theater in South America.  You’ll find plenty of photo ops and a breeze to cool off from the city heat.

Stop by the Guayaquil cathedral.

Near Malecon 2000 is the Guayaquil Metropolitan Cathedral. It’s quite picturesque and the architecture is well done. Worth poking your head inside and grabbing a few photographs from the exterior. If Catholicism happens to be your religion of choice, then you may even choose to attend a service. Either way, it’s a nice building worth your time to go and see while you are visiting the city of Guayaquil.

Explore what’s known as Lizard Park.

Immediately in front of the cathedral is a pleasant, grassy park area with trees, benches and a pretty gazebo. It’s also FULL of large iguanas that seem to pose for tourists and photographers at every turn. So be sure to pack your camera, along with its zoom lens. This is one photo op you don’t want to miss.

Have lunch at La Canoa.

Directly across the street from the cathedral and Lizard Park is a restaurant called La Canoa. It’s located on the bottom floor of the Intercontinental Hotel, and is known by locals and business travelers alike for its great Ecuadorian food. I wouldn’t call it an exceptionally fancy place, but if you’re looking to experience the national cuisine of Ecuador, this is the place to do it. When we were there, it was PACKED with locals having lunch. Always a good sign, in my book.

There are a number of hotels in Guayaquil to stay at, but we chose to stay at Dream Kapture.

Technically a hostel, Dream Kapture has affordable private rooms with shared baths, in addition to dorm-style sleeping accommodations. Breakfast is included, and they have a small support office on site to help you with arranging travel to other locations throughout the country. That’s where we booked our getaway to Ayampe. There is internet, taxi access and a pharmacy nearby for handling incidentals. While there was a mishap with a live electrical wire in the shower (don’t ask), we felt this place was more than adequate by hostel standards and certainly affordable for those who want to travel on a budget but still be safe.

After you’ve explored what Guayaquil has to offer, you can head to El Oriente, Mindo or even Saquisili for a true sense of rural Ecuador. We used it as an affordable launch point for the next leg of our trip. Heading to Lima from Guayaquil is quite affordable with a combination of bus and air fares.

Photo Credits: These travel pictures of Guayaquil were photographed by the Trek Hound team. Those interested in more images or using these ones online can access them through a creative commons agreement on our sister site, Pictures of Travel Places.

Of all the science museums I’ve visited, I’m most familiar with the Boston Museum of Science. Relatively speaking, it’s right next door to me.  When I visit, I plan to be there for the day, and I’m never bored. This is not an inexpensive day, but it is riveting.

My favorite things include the Butterfly Garden (additional fee),  the Rube Goldberg machine, the static electricity demo, any of the interactive exhibits, the 3D cinemas (SO different from the red/blue glasses 3D of my childhood), and anything that teaches me something I didn’t previously know.   That covers pretty much the whole museum.

The best way to take in the MOS is with a membership.  The biggest benefit to an MOS membership is that benefits are not limited to the MOS. Membership includes the Association of Science and Technology Center (ASTC) Passport Program, which includes 250 science and tech venues worldwide. Six in Massachusetts; eleven in New England. There are some limitations, but generally speaking, what a slamming deal this is for families and/or science buffs!

Photo credit: John E. Lester

This is an amazing venue. Anyone who’s listened to the radio any time between 1950 and today will know someone in the Hall of Fame whose music s/he holds dear. But the Hall of Fame in the peak of this building designed by I.M. Pei is just the beginning of what’s to see here. The museum holds an incredible amount of items of historical relevance. A lot of performers are represented within this structure. Exhibits are always changing.

Even though there is a fee to get into the main exhibits and the Hall of Fame, there are many events during the year that are free to the public. Check the website to see what’s coming up. If you may be visiting the Hall more than once, annual membership is completely reasonable.

Consider taking in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum if you are anywhere near Cleveland. It’s well worth the trip.

Photo credit: artifishall