Three States You Should Visit Atleast Once In Your Life

You may not immediately think to visit these states, but each of them offer stunning views and fun activities for all ages to enjoy. These states are definitely ones to visit at least once in your life.

Dog Mountain

More than just a neighbor of New York, Vermont offers a huge variety of fun attractions for the whole family. Being the home of Ben and Jerry’s, the first you should definitely check out is the Ben and Jerry’s Factory Tour. The tour runs for about 30 minutes and costs $4 for everyone 13 to 59, $3 for seniors 60 and up, and free for 12 and under. Vermont also features a special mountain for dogs and dog lovers alike. Dog Mountain has 150 acres of land on top of a mountain, which features dog ponds, hiking trails, and an art gallery of Stephen Huneck’s work. If you’re looking for a place to get a drink, Vermont has you covered. Vermont Pub and Brewery features artisanal beers and live performances every Thursday. It is also family friendly and features a large menu ranging from burgers to a cheese sampler.

Looking to expand your outdoors experience or maybe want to try something new? Oregon has just what you’re looking for. Oregon has numerous places to try whitewater rafting, fishing, and biking. One such place is Noah’s River Adventures where you can raft and fish. Noah’s River Adventures features whitewater rafting for all skill levels and allows you the choice between a half day or full day rafting adventure. As for fishing, depending on the season you go, you can catch Chinook salmon or Steelheads on their Rogue River. If you’re looking for an outdoor experience with wine, then you may want to look into A Great Oregon Wine Tour. The wine tour starts at $160 per person and includes pick up and drop off at the residence you are staying, bottled water, lunch, and the visitation of 3 or 4 wineries.

Do you love amusement parks or interacting with animals? Minnesota offers multiple zoos and gardens, but is also the home of Valleyfair and Chilly Dogs. Valleyfair is an amusement park and water park combined. There are 16 kids rides, 14 family rides, 15 thrill rides, and 11 water attractions. The best part is Valleyfair offers different ticket options to try to save you money so you can still have fun. However, if you go to Minnesota in the winter time, an amusement park may not be your go to, but Chilly Dogs may be! Chilly Dogs is where you can go on a sled dog trip with different time variations to fit your schedule. If you don’t have appropriate outerwear to go dog sledding in, it’s no problem as they have everything you’ll need to be protected against the elements.

By Shaunna Redman

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The 3 Best Destinations For Sun

There are many things you might be looking for from a holiday, but one of the most popular is some sun. most people choose to escape to some sun, even if they live in sunny climes themselves. Of course, plenty of places around the world are going to be able to shower you with sun, but there are some destinations in particular which seem particularly good for it. If you are thinking about planning a holiday to somewhere sunny in the coming few years, then you might want to think about some of the following spots. These are all places which you can always expect to get a lot of sun from, and they are beautiful too boot. Let’s take a look and see if any of these appear attractive to you.

Florida

This is an absolute classic destination for sun-lovers, and one which is more varied than a lot of people seem to give it credit for. You probably have an image in your mind of what Florida is like, and the truth is that you are probably only half right. Florida, in fact, is full of many different kinds of landscapes and settings, and no matter what it is you might be looking for you are bond to find a fair approximation of it there. Obviously enough, it’s the sunny capital of the states as well, so you know that that is going to be no problem. You might choose to visit the popular and beautiful Ft. Lauderdale, find a hotel near Fort Lauderdale Airport with shuttle service to make your life that much easier, and then just rest on the beach the whole time. However you do it, you’re bound to come away pretty tanned.

Greece

Greece has always been one of the world’s absolute top spots for holidaymakers, and the sun has to be a lot to do with that. If you are looking for a particularly hot time, you might want to consider the island of Santorini, a volcanic island with black sands which is one of the warmest places in that part of the world. But no matter where you go in Greece, you are bound to be able to get a lot of sun, so make sure that you don’t forget that when you are starting to wonder where you might be able to go for a sunny time. You could have everything you need and more in this part of the world.

Greece is also a perfect destination if you want to see more than just one place on your travels. With 227 inhabited islands, you can take your pick for where to visit with plenty of sunshine and sightseeing to be had as well. With this in mind, the boutique tour company Greeking.me offers a range of multi-destination vacation packages so that you can explore several islands on your trip. In addition, you can take various tours and experiences to allow you can see the real Greece at its best.

Phuket

in the world, and there are plenty of theories as to why that might be. Something you can’t deny when you are there, however, is that it is incredibly sunny and gorgeous, and the kind of destination which you are unlikely to forget any time soon. If you go during monsoon season, you’ll have some rains, but even most-visited placesThis almost-island on the South of Thailand is one of the so it will remain sunny most of the time. This is a beautiful spot for anyone to visit, and a real tourist=friendly one too, so be sure to give it a go on your next trip abroad.

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South Dakota: All the Reason To Rush To The Mount Rushmore State

If you want to see one of the most iconic attractions in the entire United States you need to heed to South Dakota. A place you can find out all about by reading our post below.

Getting there is easy.

Some folks think traveling to South Dakota from other US cities is difficult, but that isn't the case. In fact, you can access the state directly by flying from many major cities including Chicago, Illinois, Houston, Texas and Orlando, Florida among others.

There are also six major cities in South Dakota that are served by major airlines including Delta, United, and American. The cities themselves are Rapid City, Pierre, Huron, Sioux Falls, Watertown & Aberdeen. With Rapid City being the closest urban area to Mount Rushmore itself.

There are plenty of places to stay.

Next, South Dakota makes a great place for a break or a more extended vacation because there are so many fantastic places to stay during your trip.

You will find high-end hotels in many of the major cities like the Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City, and the ClubHouse Hotel in Sioux Falls. Of course, you may be looking for a more budget option and then something like the camping grounds in Deadwood / Black Hills, or the Sleepy Hollow Campground & RV Park in Wall, that even has an outdoor pool, would be more suitable?

You can even find a hotel near Mount Rushmore in South Dakota if that is the primary focus of your stay, as some of them are just a 4-minute drive from the site is itself. Something that means you can arrive rested and well fed in the morning and get an entire day of exploring in very quickly.

There is lots to do.

Of course, there is plenty to do in the Mount Rushmore state aside from the mountain and park that it's located in. For example, you may wish to visit The Stables at Palmer Gulch where you can experience the majesty of the South Dakota countryside from horseback? Then there is the fun and educational Big Thunder Gold Mine, which is particularly suitable for kids because you get to pan for real gold.  

The mountain, obviously!

Lastly, but not least you will, of course, want to visit Rushmore itself. the mountain where you will find the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln carved.

To ensure a successful trip, be sure to check the official website before visiting for the events and activities that are on offer. There you will find information on the regularly held Independence Day celebrations, as well as useful alerts on any trials or attraction that are close or have recently reopened.

Of course, many people take a picnic with them to eat as they explore the park, but it's also possible to eat at the Carvers' Marketplace a restaurant that is within the park's boundaries. There are of course many excellent restaurants at all price points in the surrounding cities of Keystone, Rapid City and Custer to try as well during your stay in the Mount Rushmore State.

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Five Nature Reserves to Visit Around the World

If you would like to connect with nature and make sure that you are able to relax in style, you might plan a fall vacation near some of the best reserves around the world. Whether you want to stay local or explore a faraway land, there are plenty of memories to be made if you get close and personal with animals and nature. Below you’ll find our top picks.

1. Lake Placid, NY

If you only have a few days to spare, you might want to visit Lake Placid in New York state. There are several ways you can connect with nature, including hiking and cycling. Explore the Adironack Mountains, camp outside, and engage in watersports while you are visiting the region. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, you could also try rock climbing.

2. Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Image via Larry Li

If you would like to get close to the elephants and other animals of Asia, you will have to visit Sri Lanka. You can book Tailor Made Holidays that include all the tours and accommodation and explore the natural beauty and great animal rescue centers of the country. Take a walk on the beach, engage in bird watching, or book a safari ride so you can see the unique species in their own habitat.  

3. Costa Rica, Monteverde Cloud Reserve

This unique place will make you feel like you are in the clouds. The cloud forest of Monteverde has its unique ecosystem, and is protected. You will need a local guide to visit, and make sure that you have plenty of waterproof clothing packed. Interesting to know that 2.5 percent of the world’s species are present in this small area of the Monteverde Cloud Reserve, which makes it a worthwhile visit.

4. Islas Marietas, Mexico

If you love Mexican food, and had enough of the five star hotels and beach resorts, it might be time to see something new. The Islas Marietas National Park in Nayarit is one of the most spectacular attractions of the country. It was originally formed because of ongoing bomb testing activity in the region, but today the unique species have taken over the area. Go bird watching or take stunning photos of the scenery.

5. Big Bend National Park, Texas

To find unique scenery and something of a gigantic size to compete with the Grand Canyon, you don’t have to go further than Texas. The Big Bend National Park is close to the Chihuahuan desert, and has a unique biodiversity. Go on a hike, camp in the mountains, or simply take in the rugged landscape and admire the species that still survive in these harsh circumstances.

If you are looking for an opportunity to get closer to nature and see some natural beauty, meet a few unique species, there are several great nature parks to choose from. Whether you are an adventure traveler and would like to spend weeks exploring or only have a few days, you will certainly be able to make the most out of your time at one of these destinations.

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East Cast New Yorkers: Take A West Coast Vacation

No matter where you come from, you will, no doubt, come down on one side of the east-west debate. Even the good folks in Middle America seem to have an opinion on this age-old feud, and have been long before Biggie vs. Tupac. But when it comes to New Yorkers taking their vacations, we should put aside some of the arguments. Because there are some incredible places way out west that residents of the Big Apple are missing out on.

You can reach the West Coast in a little as five or so hours by plane, or you could even take several weeks if you pluck up the courage to do a road trip. The rain is another option - you can do the entire breadth of the country for a couple of hundred bucks, and take in some spectacular views.

Whether you plan to go for a week or a month, there is so much to see and do in California. Thus, the next time you plan on taking a breakaway, perhaps call off that trip to Europe or Mexico you were expecting, and look west instead. Here are some excellent reasons why the West Coast should be a vacation inspiration for New Yorkers.

The weather

OK, the first ones easy. Simply put, the weather in California is just fantastic. It’s the perfect temperature for most of the year - although it can get too hot in the peak of summer, so check the forecast beforehand. However, it’s fair to say that it is comfortably warm and nothing like that horrendous sticky heat we get in New York. And the closer you get to the sea, the fresher the air - there really is a good mix of diverse temperatures to experience. Many Californians wear shorts all year around, and as long as you take some sunscreen, the weather is a joy.

The scenery

Of course, good weather is irrelevant if you have nothing beautiful to look at while you are outside. The good news is that Cali has plenty. You can expect some of the most beautiful National Parks in the country, including the enormous 1,200 miles of Yosemite Park. Head to San Francisco and you can check out the Marin Headlands, which is simply spectacular - and you might recognize it from Star Wars. California isn't called the Golden State for nothing, you know. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere that isn't deserving of a postcard, from the famed, historic landmarks through to the beautiful, crystal clear ocean waters on the coast.

Diverse locations                                                                        

There are a vast amount of incredible places to visit in California and the West Coast. And whether you love the busy city life of LA or the eerie, vast expanse of Death Valley desert (top tip - go at night and see the stars), there really is something for everyone. Lake Tahoe is perfect for those looking for a hippy-style/chilled out breakaway, and you also have the coastal areas like Carlsbad that are famous for beaches and amazing, exciting activities. Napa Valley is a wine lover’s paradise and well worth a visit.

Diverse activities

OK, so you need more proof that the West Coast has it all - and more? Well, many people take the ultimate California road trip, and tick the three major West Coast activities off their list in one day. There aren’t many places in the world where you can go to the mountains to ski or snowboard after breakfast, head to the beach with a surfboard after lunch, and walk off the post-dinner belly with a long, wonderful evening hike. It’s an amazing experience that everyone should try at least once in their life.

The beaches

While we are on the subject of beaches, forget about the ones you may have been to in the Hamptons. California is a beach lovers paradise, and the difference between the West Coast and the East Coast will become clear as soon as you arrive. Expect vast expanses of golden, soft sands. Take a dip in warm, beautifully blue sea water. And explore 840 miles of coastal sights from towering cliffs to small, cozy coves.

A sense of freedom

Let’s face it, New York is an incredible city and we are all lucky to live here. But do you ever feel the rules are a little too much? Toll bridges, barred items on beaches, parking tickets - you have to be on your toes in the East Coast to avoid paying out a fortune of fines every year. Of course, the West Coast certainly has its own rules, but there is a sense of freedom here. You can even take your dog onto many of the beaches.

The people

That sense of freedom also seems to spread to the people of California. Simply put, they are much friendlier than they are in the Big Apple. Expect a warm welcome, a lot of fun, and a whole bunch of new friends. Sure, there are some places where you should probably avoid, especially if you are clearly an obvious tourist. But on the whole, pole in California - both north and south - tend to be on the chilled side.

Vegas

OK, so Vegas is not everyone’s favorite place in the world. But it is an experience - one that might remind you of New York, albeit it a strange, dreamlike alternative from another dimension. It has the same kind of ‘bubble’ feel that New York has, but the glitz and glamor will get to yo in the end. Las Vegas is truly a world of its own - and some might say universe.                                                                                                    
And there you have it - have we convinced you yet New York? If you can put your coastal rivalry to one side and head out to California there is a world of fun to experience. Yes, the East Coast is an incredible place, and New York is - without a doubt - the best city on the planet. But for something different we think the West Coast is the Best Coast - for a incredible vacation experience, at least. What do you think?

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Travel Essentials to Enhance Your Experience and Boost Your Wanderlust

When you choose to go traveling, you need to understand what it is that makes your trip so exciting and fulfilling. Now, there are so many things you need to take into account when you choose to travel, and the more you can do to enhance the experience the better. There are so many different travel experiences that you have to keep in mind moving forward, and there are a lot of things that can boost your travel experience.

Now, one of the most important things you have to keep in mind is that there are a lot of travel essentials that play a role in your experience. These are things you have to make sure you sort out if you are serious about enhancing your travel plans. These are some of the absolute crucial to keep in mind that are going to combine to make your vacation memorable.

Choose an Awesome Hotel

Never underestimate just how important it is to ensure that you choose the right sort of hotel. There are so many different accommodation options these days, and a lot of people might go for something that isn’t a hotel. However, the right hotel in downtown can be a massively important choice for the trip. A luxury hotel can provide you with so much that other forms of accommodation can’t get close to.

Download Travel Apps

If you want to have a better all-round experience, there are plenty of ace travel apps you can download that are going to help you with this. You have to make sure you are prepared for the trip, and there are travel apps that can help you with different areas of the journey. For instance, you have to make sure you check in for your flight in advance, as well as downloading the public transport app for the city you are visiting.

Get a Guidebook

You also need to make sure you have a guidebook for the city you are going to visit. This is a great way of making the most of your travel experience and making sure you can brush up on what there is to see and do while you are there. There are a lot of things that you might like to do when you visit a new place, and the guidebook is your reference point for knowing and understanding the best things that are available for you on your journey.

Go off the Beaten Track

There are a lot of things that can enhance your journey, but one of the best ways is to go off the beaten track. Try to do what you can to avoid the tourist traps and stop overspending on the things that are aimed at tourists. Instead, you need to make sure you go off the beaten track and rub shoulders with the locals a little more. This will help you get more out of the experience.

These are all things that are perfectly placed to help make your travel experience a better one. There are plenty of things you can do that are going to help you get the most out of the experience. You need to enjoy the culture of a city when you visit, and you have to make sure you spend the vacation relaxing, unwinding, and enjoying yourself.

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Missouri: The Road Trip Gem You Need To Visit

There are so many people that are planning a cross-country road trip in America this summer, and if you are one of those people, take another look at your list. Is Missouri on that list of yours? Because if it isn’t, then you should get it written down right now. When you want to ensure that you hit a truly unique place that is filled with historical landmarks and natural beauty, Missouri should be in your top 5. There is a culture here that you won’t find in many other places and for travellers it’s an absolute hidden gem.

A road trip should consist of natural springs, rolling hills, historical and literary sites and Missouri has all of these in spades. It’s not just these attractions, either, because Missouri also has many wineries, all of which have a wine tasting room for you and your friends to indulge in some of the finest flavours. When you’re done sipping on some authentic wines, you can head to some of the delicious restaurants and try some of the southern food that everyone else raves about. There are plenty of places to visit in Missouri, and some of these will influence how you arrange your road trip this summer:

Kansas City

Summer travellers looking to indulge in a little history will love to visit the National World War I Museum based here in Kansas City. There are also 33 other museums worth visiting in the state. The Missouri summers are known to be roasting, but not to worry – there are over 200 fountains that you can visit and cool your heels in. There’s no way that Kansas City shouldn’t be on your list.

The Ozark Mountains

Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts who love to get their senses heightened by the sheer beauty of the elements will feel at home here. Biking, canoeing, camping and kayaking are just a few of the outdoor activities that you can indulge in here. When you’re done soaking up the summer sun, head to Silver Dollar City and ride the rollercoasters until you throw up. It’s all about balance.

Arcadia Valley

There is so much to see in Missouri’s Arcadia Valley, including state parks and historical sites that are the most beautiful places to visit in the state. Elephant Rock state park has some of the biggest and most exciting rocks to climb on in the summer which are – quite literally – the size of elephants!

Wine Country

There are dozens of wineries that you can choose to visit while you’re on your trip, and there are blackberry wines to try that are deliciously tart and wonderfully refreshing on a hot day. Don’t take my word for it, though, go and try it for yourself.

Missouri isn’t always on the top of the list for those looking to explore, and I just can’t imagine why not. There is so much to see and do that you will be spoilt for choice for your road trip this year.

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Is There More To The State Of Florida Than Meets The Eye? Let’s Discuss

When you think of the Florida in the USA, no matter where you are in the world I guarantee that one thought comes to mind first, and that will be likely to be Disney related thanks to the amazing parks in Orlando. While this is an amazing location and whether you go with friends, as a couple or with your family you are bound to have an amazing time in Orlando, there is more to Florida than just roller coasters and water parks. I wanted to share with you some of the other aspects of Florida that is exciting and could entice you to go back time and time again.

Different locations to explore

So I have already mentioned that Florida is possible more well known for Orlando. The home of Disney world and universal studios, but there are so many great locations in Florida that are definitely worth seeing. Miami, to start with, is a vibrant and culturally diverse city. With Cuban influences this place really doe have it all. Colonial architecture an amazing beach, and fabulous bars and restaurants to enjoy. You can also find plenty of hotel rooms in Miami, Florida that will suit your needs and your budgets. Other locations to consider visiting would be Tampa, Key West, The Florida Keys, Naples and clearwater, to name a few.

More things to do

There is more to do in Florida than enjoying the endless water parks and themed roller coasters I can assure you. The first thing to consider would be the Everglades National Park. Here you can explore some of the most diverse landscape and witness some amazing wildlife. There is also the beautiful Anna Maria Island, The dry Tortugas National park full of wonderful coral reefs to explore and heading to the Southern tip where you are literally only 90 miles away from Cuba. Having said that, others do see Florida as the perfect place to head over to Cuba for a few days with a different vibe.

Amazing Real Estate

As well as it being an international tourist destination with year-round sunshine, Florida has one of the hottest real estate markets in the country, and this is only expected to grow. According to a news release from WFLA Channel 8 in Tampa, between now and April 1, 2024, the population of Florida is expected to grow by an average of 906 new residents per day. 

There are also some hot areas in Florida that these new residents will be flocking to; Naples with its luxury homes which according to Shannon’s site are found on Naples beaches and waterways and luxury golf course communities. Then there is Jacksonville, which is ranked #3 for the best cities in the US for jobs and Tallahassee which boasts comparatively low local taxes and beautiful state parks and wildlife.

Some of the best beaches in the world

Would you believe that Florida has some of the best beaches in the world? It is true, the likes of clearwater bay and South beach regularly are high on the lists of some of the best beaches around. There is also the smaller town of Fort Lauderdale, that offers a beautiful beach perfect for family strolls and watching the world go by. If beaches are your thing, then Florida has bags of potential for many holidays to come in the future.

Great weather

The weather is always going to be good in Florida, however there are more chances of rain during certain times of the year, miami has a rainy season from June through to October but offers warmth with humidity, you may find that the best times to travel would be November through to May, with decent temperatures ideal for exploring.

I hope this has given you some incentive to try out other areas in Florida.  

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