Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Waukesha WI Welcomes Her Sisters

Towns and cities across North America are paired up with other towns and cities around the globe. Waukesha WI is no different in this than thousands and thousands of other beautiful cities worldwide. Sister to the cities of Granada, Nicaragua Kokshetau, Kazakhstan, they each offer their own unique perspective, destinations, activities and culture.


What Is A Sister City

The State of Wisconsin, like other states throughout the nation, has found that naming sister cities helps not only the U.S. but the sisters throughout the world as well. Developed in order to offer benefits for education, business, media as well as sports and tourism, a sister city or twin town actually represents an agreement between towns and cities mostly, but even countries as well.

The earliest twin cities can be found in the records of Europe dating back to the early 1900's in France and England. During the wars, the practice became an important part of trying to bring people throughout Europe back together and was even seen in cities between the former East and West Germany's. The first city in the U.S. to begin joining in this activity was the city of Toledo who for obvious reasons, paired with the city of Toledo Spain in 1931. Promoting each other and offering a unique world perspective, sister cities are a unique and special way for residents of these cities learn more about cities and town around the globe.

Waukesha's Sister Cities

Kokshetau, Kazakhstan is listed as having a population of just over 120,000 people. Founded in 1824, the city was built on a hill, and is located nearby to the capital city of Astana. A mountainous region, it is home to a well known resort area and offers ample opportunities for recreational activities outdoors with many lakes, similar to the city of Waukesha.

Granada, Nicaragua
– Located in Western Nicaragua, Granada is historically one of the most important cities in Nicaragua. Fourth most populous city in the Country it has a rich history and well known for tourism in the region. Founded in 1524, its history includes wars and battles with country's including not only the English but the French and Dutch as well. Located on the Coast of Lake Nicaragua, one of the largest lakes in the world, tourism to the area includes not only architectural tourism but also outdoor recreation as it is known for its natural beauty, museums, and beaches.

Grand Vacation Club explores Waukesha WI
and wants to know, does your city have a sister city? Spend some time learning about the worlds beautiful cities when you travel. Experience the beauty and history associated with cities like Waukesha and here sister cities and get to know the world around you.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Three Great Waukesha Festivals

Small town America at its finest, the city of Waukesha is a small city located in the larger county of Waukesha and just a short distance from the city of Milwaukee. Known for its history and outdoor recreational opportunities including some of the best fishing in the Midwest, visitors come each and every year to the city of Waukesha to enjoy the atmosphere, beauty and convenience offered by the area.

For the many visitors who choose Waukesha for their vacation destination, an enjoyable way to spend their time is by taking advantage of the great festivals and events offered to residents and visitor alike. Beginning this Spring, festivals and activities celebrating the fun and the history of the are featured in a number of ways including the featured event known as the “Rituals of Spring”. Offered by Old World Wisconsin, this festival on the weekend of May 5th and 6th takes a look at rituals related to spring in Wisconsin. Including a look at historic breeds of sheep from the region and demonstrations on sheering, this pays homage to all things spring.

Wisconsin Highland Games
– September 1 and 2 – Waukesha County Expo Center – Featuring all things Scottish, this event pays homage to the Scott's who call this area home and their heritage. Festival events and activities include:
Heavy Athletics
Pipe and Drum Competitions
Dancing competitions
Live Celtic music
Food and Spirits
Longbow tournaments
Battle axe and knife throwing
Living history
Culture/arts and crafts
Celtic canines and more

Apple Harvest Festival
– Time TBA – This festival welcomes the harvest. Part of the life of many mid westerners, celebrate all things fall. Perfect for the whole family, events and activities include hayrides, games and activities, facepainting, hiking and other great events and of course, don't forget the cider! Celebrate the harvest in the Midwest.

Exploring The Waukesha Region

Many other opportunities can be had throughout the year in Waukesha and surrounding areas. Featuring the people, the animals, the outdoors and much more, take advantage of all this great city has to offer you on your vacation.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Pewaukee - Small Town Charm In The County Of Waukesha WI

Translated to mean “lake of shells” Pewaukee is a small town, near to the city of Waukesha and part of the larger county of Waukesha WI. Historically inhabited by the native Americans including the Sauk, Menomonie, Winnebago and Potawatomi, Pewaukee was not settled by Europeans until the early 1800's. The opening of the mill on Pewaukee Lake began the birth of the town and encourage expansion until the arrival of the railroad from Milwaukee, roughly 20 miles from Pewaukee Lake and the resort history of the area began.

Two hotels sprang up in order to cater to the “city folk” flooding to the area in summer and the area made a name for itself as a place of beauty and as a paradise for fishermen. These names still apply to this little town in Waukesha as Pewaukee Lake is well known as some of the best Muskie fishing in the state today. Thousands of travelers still choose Pewaukee as their vacation destination each summer and even in fall and winter, to enjoy the many events and activities associated with the lake such as boating and fishing, walking or taking in the fall colors, ice skating or just enjoying the country charm and a look at the past.

Great Activities

Though Pewaukee and Waukesha have much to offer the seasonal visitor in the way of shopping, dining, relaxing, boating, hiking and the like, one of the more popular and unique area activities are the Pewaukee Lake Tours. A historic Pontoon tour on Pewaukee Lake, the city of Pewaukee sponsors the tours through the Park and Recreation Department. Each 2 hour cruise allows visitors to experience not only the beauty of the area features but the history and stories of the past told by area residents. Learn about the history of the lake, the railroad, the historic buildings surrounding the lake and the stories that make the area what it is today. Typically offered on Wednesdays once a month through the summer months, call the Parks and Recreation dept to learn more about the availability of the tour.

Small town America is a great way to explore the United States and its unique beauty. If you are looking for a creative and enjoyable way to explore the U.S., give small towns a try. Each different from the other, many located near to Americas larger cities, it is a great way to get out and enjoy the countryside while still enjoying the benefits of the big city. Take advantage of all that the U.S. has to offer you. From the Midwest to the Southeast, the options are numerous and can keep you touring for years to come. Get to know more about what America has to offer you and visit cities like Pewaukee and Waukesha WI for a unique perspective and a fun vacation.

Nearby Cities

Chicago, IL – 90 miles
Green Bay, WI – 137 miles
Kenosha, WI – 48 miles
Madison, WI – 60 miles
Milwaukee, WI – 20 miles

Grand Vacation Club encourages you to get out and explore the many great small destinations such as Waukesha WI and other cities around the world on your vacation. Take advantage of all the world has to offer you while you travel.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Grand Vacation Club Reviews Hurricane Season And What You Need to Know

Though hurricane season in the Atlantic and Caribbean is coming close to the normal end of the season, just two months away, millions of travelers will still be traveling during this season and there are more than likely still storms to come. In order to avoid becoming a victim, Grand Vacation Club reviews some tips and advice on what you should know when traveling during hurricane season. Help protect yourself and enhance your vacation experience by reviewing the information you should know before you go with Grand Vacation Club reviews on hurricane season travel.

Know The Facts With A Review From Grand Vacation Club

When – The most important thing about preparing for hurricane season is to know when it is. The Atlantic hurricane season begins in June and runs through the end of November and affects most of the Caribbean as well as the Atlantic coast of the United States and parts of the Southern coast of the U.S. as well. Although hurricanes can affect any of these areas, it is more common to encounter hurricanes the further south you go. This year has proven to be quite eventful however along the Atlantic U.S. coast with a number of storms affecting the coastline already this year.

If you plan on traveling to the Atlantic region during the hurricane season, it is important that you pay attention to the weather in the region. Storms often take days to develop and can be tracked at least to an extent.

Understand The Risks And Plan Ahead

You do take a chance when traveling to a region during its stormy seasons in both weather as well as well as monetarily. Though you can prepare by bringing the right gear, you can also plan in other ways.You can, as an informed traveler, know what policies exist when you are booking your accommodations, lodging and travel services. Know if you have any recourse if flights are canceled, know if you can postpone your lodging and accommodations without fees and know how long you have to cancel in case of emergency to make more of your travel dollar. It is your job as an informed traveler to know before you go. Make more of your valuable time and money with reviews from Grand Vacation Club.

Grand Vacation Club Reviews

Grand Vacation Club reviews the tips and advice on travel to enhance your vacation experience more. Make more of your vacation dollar and enjoy a vacation with advice and tips on travel from Grand Vacation Club reviews. Review the information you want to know with Grand Vacation Club.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Preparing For A Road Trip With A Review From Grand Vacation Club

The All American road trip was once the most common type of vacation. Years ago, travel by air was reserved for very special occasions or the rich and famous, however, with the price of airlines dropping and the average salary increasing, the road trip began to wane in popularity until recently. Costs of airfare once again on the rise and a desire to travel no less strong has made the road trip begin to come back to life. Millions of vacationers are choosing to stay a bit closer to home and enjoy a good old American road trip once again. Grand Vacation Club invites you on a road trip with us. Take a closer look at some ways to make planning your road trip a little easier. Start planning with us and enjoy a grand vacation today.

Perfect For a Day, Weekend or Week of Enjoyment

If you plan it right you can help ensure that your road trip will be one never to forget. Review top tips on preparing for your road trip with Grand Vacation Club.

  • Get the car checked – Oil change, brakes, clutch, tires, other fluids and the like are all important to have checked when driving for long periods of time. An ounce of prevention can be worth pound of cure.
  • Know your stops – When planning, know point to point before you leave and judge the best places to stop along the way.
  • Set a budget and stick to it – An easy way to do this is to do things like packing a cooler with healthy snacks and beverages. Water, quick high protein snacks will help you stay more alert as you travel.
  • If you choose to stop at night, to save money think about camping in state and national parks, weather permitting. It is not only fun, but will save you a significant amount of money as well.
  • Carry emergency supplies – A first aid kit, flashlight and even a blanket can all be very beneficial in case of emergency.

While you travel

  • Be sure to stop and stretch every couple of hours
  • If you are tired, stop and switch drivers
  • Take turns so you can relax and enjoy the sights as well
  • Bring something to listen to. You do not want to be distracted, but it is certainly good to break up the monotony.
  • Plan around peak times and rush hour. Plan a stop at those times or simply take a break to avoid getting stuck in traffic jams.

Grand Vacation Club reviews tips on travel to help you when planning your vacation. Do your part and make sure you know tips that can help you on your next vacation. Enjoy all your vacations with Grand Vacation Club reviews.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Travel Light With Grand Vacation Club Reviews On Travel

Packing can be one of the most irritating aspects of going on vacation. You are never sure if you have enough, and if you are, you most likely have packed too much. It was not long ago when you had less to worry about when traveling by plane as far as your luggage and the cost of flying went. Today, however, things are different. Packing lighter has become an art as the costs of baggage has risen. Grand Vacation Club review tips to help you enhance your vacation experience. Come with us as we review tips to help you travel light with Grand Vacation Club reviews.

A Review Of The Top Tips On Traveling Light With Grand Vacation Club Reviews

Trade in the old for the new – Like many aspects of travel, luggage has come a long way in recent years as well. Bags which used to weigh 5 lbs now weigh less than one. This allows you to pack more and still pay the same price. New luggage made of new lighter weight materials are a great way to lighten the load.

Make a list – This is essential in ensuring that you have all you need, and yet limit how much you actually pack. Spend a few days making a list as you think of things. Then spend some time removing those off the list that you know you wont need.

Find out what you actually need in the bathroom – If you are not picky about what shampoo you use, you can save a fair amount of space by simply using the toiletries supplied at the hotel if this is your accommodation plan. If you are concerned, at least pack smaller amounts of shampoos etc. as it will save significant space. It is important to note: If you plan on carrying on this type of thing, the 3-1-1 rule also demands that your liquids not be over 3 oz and you not have more than one, one quart bag of them.

Follow the rules of your airline – As an informed traveler, it is up to you to know what size is accepted by your airline. Weight and size restrictions may vary based on your airline and may cost you dearly if you go over. If you must check a bag, research size and weight restrictions and ensure you follow the rules.

Enjoy A Grand Vacation Club Review

Grand Vacation Club reviews tips and advice to help you travel lighter and save money in the process. If you have a tip on how you pack lighter, we welcome your feedback. Learn tips and advice on travel with reviews on travel from Grand Vacation Club and make the most of your vacation.


Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Grand Vacation Club Reviews Top Travel Abroad Tips

Travel can be one of the most rewarding parts of your life. Learning and experiencing different cultures around the world and taking advantage of quality time with your friends and family are just a few of the reasons why travel is so important to most of us. Grand Vacation Club reviews tips on travel in an effort to help you enjoy your vacations more. Find out how to save, where to go and what to do when planning your next vacation with Grand Vacation Club reviews. Review the top travel tips with us and make the most of your next vacation experience.

Travel Tips A Review From Grand Vacation Club

Though many vacationers choose to spend their time on vacation without leaving the country, millions of travelers this year, will choose to travel a bit further from home. Vacationing in destinations including Europe can be very rewarding if you know what to expect when you leave. Grand Vacation Club reviews the top tips on travel abroad to enhance your next vacation experience. From what to bring to what not to, we invite you to learn with us.

Your Passport – The most important part of planning your trip abroad.

  • Make sure you apply early for your passport as it may take up to 9 weeks to get it.
  • Be sure to make a copy of your passport. Bring one with you and leave the other with someone you trust, this will help if you lose your passport.
  • Have your passport and all paperwork necessary with you at all times including at the airport.

Safety Tips

  • Carry your money in a safe place and separate from your credit cards to help ensure you do not lose everything at once.
  • Leave valuables at home. If it isn't necessary, don't bring it.
  • Avoid looking like a tourist. You may become a target
  • Plan ahead in case of emergency. This will help you maintain your calm in case of an unexpected event.


Grand Vacation Club invites you to review tips on travel with us. Enhance your vacation, save money and learn the tips to help you get more from your vacation with Grand Vacation Club Reviews.