Orlando residents like to call their town "The City Beautiful". This majestic city had modest beginnings as a simple military encampment during the war against the Seminole Indians in the early 1800's. Today, its purpose and chief claim to fame is as host to the millions of American and foreign tourists who have made this central Florida area an enormous year-round vacation spot. Orlando's economy is the second fastest growing among major U.S. cities. This garden city, studded with parks and lagoons, is a winter resort favored by many northern residents, and a favorite honeymoon destination for young newlyweds. In addition, the surrounding countryside, with its dozens of lakes, makes the area a summer paradise for campers and caravaners. Instead of impressive historical monuments, Orlando offers some of the most famous tourist attractions in the world, beginning with Walt Disney World and its sister facility, the sprawling, futuristic EPCOT Center(25 million visitors annually), the Disney-MGM Studios, the Universal Studios Florida, and the fabulous Cypress Gardens.

Myrtle Beach

The South Carolina coast is the land of extremes. The Grand Strand is one of the East Coast's family-vacation megacenters and the state's top tourist area. With its high-rise beachfront hotels, nightlife, and amusement parks, Myrtle Beach is the hub of the Grand Strand. It offers 60 miles of beaches, championship golf courses, campgrounds, seafood restaurants, and giant shopping malls. Downtown has a festive look, with the Myrtle Beach Pavilion and Amusement Park catching most of the tourist's attention. Almost all beaches are open to the public. The widest expanses are in North Myrtle Beach. The beautiful offshore waters and well-landscaped beachfront along the South Carolina coast provide a great vacation spot for all tourists.

Lake Powell

Lake Powell lies behind Glen Canyon Dam. Its 120 miles of emerald waters are held in precipitous canyons of erosion-carved stone. The best way to see eerie, man-made Lake Powell as it twists through rugged canyon country is by boat. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area surrounds Lake Powell, a stark mingling of water and stone that resulted from the construction of Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River.

The World of Birds is the largest bird park in the world. It is a home to over 3000 birds of more than 450 different species. The bird sanctuary serves as a safe-haven for injured or endangered birds. Each day, more birds are brought in by the public to either be treated or cared for. Some of the birds are endangered species and others are visitors from other continents who have found a new home at the bird sanctuary.

The sanctuary also started several projects in order to establish breeding colonies in captivity and thereafter to release the birds back into their natural habitat.

The World of Birds offers regular lectures to schools, organizations, and clubs. They also offer advice to people who phone in or visit and ask for information on how to care and look after bivation projects.

A walk through the World of Birds is an unforgettable experience Some of the rarest and most beautiful birds can be seen here, including some of the rarest primates in the world. Everyone who visits the bird sanctuary leaves with an extraordinary experience.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, situated near the town centre of Cape Town, is a popular entertainment centre and a huge shopping mall. The waterfront is named after the surrounding basins, the Victoria basin and the Alfred basin.

There are endless lists of activities at the waterfront. Besides shopping facilities, restaurants, taverns and food outlets, there's also a maritime museum, a theatre, cinemas, speciality shops, and a craft market. Old buildings have been renovated into top class hotels. 1995 marked the opening of the Two Oceans Aquarium. For the internet addicts, there's even an Internet Cafe.

A variety of facilities for different needs are offered, such as special venues for small and large conferences, wheelchairs for disabled people, and special breast-feeding and diaper changing facilities. For visitors and tourists there are also special tours available. The V&A Waterfront always has an abundance of activity, and anytime is a good time to visit.

Whale Watching

Hermanus is a small fishing village along the southeastern coast of South Africa and is acknowledged by the World Wildlife Foundation as one of the twelve best places in the world to view whales. It is also the only place in the world where you can watch the whales and hear the calls at the same time by means of a sonar link-up.

The peak whale season is during September and October, which is during South Africa's spring season. During this time, visitors can be guaranteed spotting a whale. During June and December, the southern right whale can be seen. The northern right whale is almost extinct.

Hotel or guest house accommodations are available for tourists. Also, don't forget to visit the arts and crafts market near the Old Harbour.

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is one of Cape Town's most spectacular scenic outlines and is a well known Cape Town landmark. The name "Table Mountain" originated from its shape, as this 1082m/3.549ft mountain forms a plateau and the distant view resembles a table.

At the top of Table Mountain is the cable - way station. This new, state-of-the-art cable system has recently replaced the old one, which ran for 65 years without a single accident. The new cable car has been designed with a revolving carriage, which enables passengers to have a 360 degree view of Cape Town. It has also been designed to withstand Cape Town's notorious weather conditions.

After sweeping up the slopes of Table Mountain, travellers may settle down at the restaurant for a delightful meal or visit the gift shop to buy a souvenir. Table mountain is also a well known trail for hikes. There are plenty of different routes to follow, all with breath-taking views. After an enjoyable hike, you may want to stop at the take-away for something cool to sip, or something delicious to snack on.

Table Mountain is one of the 'must' experiences in Cape Town for all tourists. The cable car operates seven days a week and runs every five minutes, throughout the day. Rates are cheaper and operating hours less during the winter season, considering the rainy, windy, cold weather during this time of year. Summer offers a spectacular view, complemented with hot sunny weather. At night, the beauty of Table Mountain is outlined throughout the city by specially positioned spot lights.

Bridging the Gap - A World of Difference. Created for the ThinkQuest contest.