How To Make The Most Of A Layover

When you’re booking travel, you may not always be able to make the plans that you want. In an ideal world, you’d be able to get quick, convenient, and cost-effective direct flights to wherever it is that you want to go. But that doesn’t always happen. Sometimes, there’s isn’t a direct flight. Or it’s not on the day or you. Or the time you want. Or the direct flights are double the price! So sometimes, you’re forced to take the layover option. Now, so people don’t mind that. But sometimes, having a layover can be boring, tiring, and stressful - especially if you then get delays! So, if you have an autumn break with a layover coming up, here’s how to make the most of it.

1. Get The Timing Right

So the very first thing you can do here, is to make sure that you have the best possible layover times. Sometimes, you will need to get a slightly annoying first flight in order to get this to work out. But, it's better to have your layover at a good time compared to a more suitable first flight. So as you’re starting to look at flight times, just try to be a bit more conscious of the times that you’re going to need to wait.

2. Get A Hotel Close-by

Another good tip is to look for a hotel during your layover if you can. Sometimes, this isn’t possible. But if you do have quite a few hours and you’d like to get some sleep in, find something like the hotel near Chicago O’Hare Airport or wherever you’re going. That way, you could get your layover for the night time, sleep it out, then head out and get your next flight. Easy peasy!

3. Research The Airport Resources Beforehand

If you’ve only got a couple of hours, then you may want to just make use of the time you have in the airport. So take a look at the facilities before you get there. You may find that there’s a really nice restaurant or a shopping area that you can explore and kill time with to minimize your boredom.

4. Make Use Of The Lounge

Another really great idea is to use the airport lounges! If you’ve got a few hours, it’s better to spend them in a little more comfort than it is laying around the airport. Utilizing Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be an excellent strategy to gain access to airport lounges, providing a more comfortable and enjoyable experience during layovers or waiting periods between flights.

5. Book A Longer Stop

Or, if you really want to make more use of the layover, then why not just book a flight to the one location first, spend a day there, and then head off? If you know that you have to stop off, then extending it can be a great idea. Not only does it give you more time to have a break, but you get to take in another area in your break too. So this can feel like a bit of a treat when you’d usually dread having to layover.

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The Three Ways to Discover Charlotte, North Carolina

Each and every city and town throughout the world has something unique to offer. This is a big part of what makes travelling fun, as it gives you the chance to experience the things which make a place into what it is. Having the chance to learn about history, science, and even important people, all while having some fun along the way, visiting a place like Charlotte is a great way to learn how to fully soak up an area. To help you out with this, this post will be exploring some of the best ways to discover this part of North Carolina, giving you the tools to take the same approach wherever you decide to go.

History: A place’s past is very important to the foundations upon which it rests. There will be people who made it into what you see before you, along with events which will have changed it forever. Finding a hotel near Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina can give you the chance to engage in this sort of feature, without making it into a trial to find your way to each of the venues you’d like to see. Along with libraries, though, this city is also home to a Nascar Hall of Fame, several historical museums, and even places to see reenactments of wars and battles of the past.

Learning: While discovering a city’s history will involve a lot of learning, you can expand this part of your trip in other directions, too. In the case of Charlotte, examples like the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden can be great for those who would like to learn a little bit about natural history, with information about this area’s impact on the way the world grows its plants. Along with this, you can learn about other aspects of natural history, banking and mining, and the other industries which have kept North Carolina alive over the years. When you visit a place like this, you will often find a lot of learning to be had surrounding the life and times of the people who have lived there.

A Bit of Fun: Finally, as the last area to consider, it’s time to think about fun. Like most of the cities you will find in the US, Charlotte has its fair share of amusement parks, zoos, and other places to let your hair down while on your trip. For those with families, this will be the most important part of a vacation to a place like this. Of course, though, just because things are good for the kids, it doesn’t mean that you can’t find the other elements of this blog at the same time. Discovery Place Kids, for example, if well known for its range of activities which are aimed at children, helping them to learn and play at the same time.

Discovering a place like Charlotte can take a long time. You will have loads to see and do, often eating away at way more time than you will expect it to. Of course, though, this doesn’t mean that you have to be daunted, as you will thoroughly enjoy yourself in the process.

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Best Hotels To Stay At In Nantucket

By Shaunna Redman

Fabulous beaches, beautiful surroundings, and a relaxing sea breeze are what make Nantucket an amazing place to stay for a few days. These places to stay will make your visit to Nantucket even more amazing and relaxing. Here are our top choices for places to stay in Nantucket.

White Elephant Resort/Village

Photo by: @notenoughangers on Instagram

The White Elephant Resort/Village gives you the comforts of home, while providing you the luxury you want while on vacation. The White Elephant offers hotel rooms, suites, cottages, and lofts that all come with complimentary bicycles to use during your stay at either the resort or village, and a shuttle to the beach if staying at the resort. You can also enjoy dining in a casual setting at the resort restaurant, so you can start your morning with The Nantucket omelet: crab, shrimp, lobster, asparagus, tomato and herbs, and end your day with a 16oz. prime aged ribeye. The White Elephant resort also offers port and cheese daily in the library. Prices to stay start at $765 a night.

Century House

Photo by: @centuryhousenantucket on Instagram

If you’re looking for a cozy place with some history to it, then Century House is the place for you. Century House is a bed and breakfast run out the mansion that was built for Captain Robert Calder in 1833. The mansion has 13 different rooms all with their own unique interior design. Century House offers a wrap-around veranda, garden, and patio you can sit at and enjoy the lovely sea breeze and your breakfast. The breakfast is served daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and has a wide variety from slow cooked Irish oatmeal to imported French jellies and jams.

21 Broad

Photo by: @nantucketblackbook on Instagram

For a more modern take to the traditional feel of Nantucket, 21 Broad has a lot to offer. 21 Broad brings interaction to the community by offering guests an Instagram scavenger hunt with prizes (because who doesn’t like prizes). You can also enjoy using a complimentary IPad during your stay as well as an inroom smart TV, outdoor deck with firepit, and guest lounge complete with a  vinyl turntable and game table. A small plate breakfast is also included with your stay and offers a variety of items you can try. 21 Broad has 27 rooms ranging in price starting at $129 to $689.

Brass Lantern Inn

Photo by: @selectregistry on Instagram

If you’re bringing along your furry friend, the Brass Lantern Inn is the best bed and breakfast for both you and your pet. At the Brass Lantern Inn, no two rooms are exactly alike, and if your pet comes along you’ll both find yourselves enjoying the views. Upon arrival at the Brass Lantern Inn, your pet will get a treat, the perfect sized bed with or without a crate, food and water bowls, and a beach towel. You can also enjoy the large breakfast spread that is available complete with muffins, scones, homemade granola, yogurt, and fresh fruit. There is also a garden and a patio you and your pet can sit in and enjoy taking in all the lovely scenery Nantucket has to offer. Prices for the Brass Lantern Inn range starting at $145 to $295 depending on the season.

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Learning About A Place Before A Visit

 Going on vacation is always an exciting time. Most people only get the chance to enjoy this fun once a year or so, making it a very important event for them. So much so, in fact, that it isn’t uncommon to find people booking their next trip right after they’ve gotten home from the last one, with the prospect of spending too much time at home impossible to bear. Of course, though, you can’t get ahead of yourself. Before you choose your next location, it’s critical that you do some learning about it to make sure that it is somewhere you’re going to love.

A Little Bit Of History

This work all starts with a journey into the past, with the history of a place being very important to a lot of the people who decide to visit. Most countries, cities, and towns have a unique story to tell, offering a wealth of new experiences if you decide to seek them out, and this can give your vacation a lot of substance. Monuments and historical locations can be great places to visit, with museums and other knowledge-based venues also holding a lot of weight in this area. Of course, though, it might not be as easy as you think to pick up on this information.

To begin your research, blogs will be one of the very best tools you have at your disposal. When they have been written by locals who care very much about their home, you can get a real insight into the impact which history has had on the place. Along with this, websites like Wikipedia can also provide loads of information regarding a venue’s past. This can include things in recent times, going right the way back to periods before life as you know it was walking the Earth.

Some Useful Places

Along with learning about the past, it will also be worth learning about the present, with useful places being towards the top of your list of things to research before you set off. Having a good idea of the stores, restaurants, and other local businesses you will have access to on your vacation is good information to have, making the whole trip easier, while also ensuring that you get the chance to try everything you want to. Most places will have loads of options to choose from, making it a good idea to do plenty of research to ensure that you go to the right place.

To achieve this goal, websites like Google have most of the tools you will need. By searching for the types of business you’re looking for, along with your destination’s name, you should be able to get a long list of everything which will be available. They will show you how far from your accommodation you will need to travel to get there, the budget you will need for them, and even offer reviews to make sure that you’re not walking into somewhere bad. Taking full advantage of this is always a good idea before you take off.

Finding Things To Do

Of course, for most people, having things to do each day will be one of the most important things about their trip. If you can’t find this sort of information, it will be hard to plan your time effectively, leaving you to simply stew at the hotel until it’s time to fly home. This is a shame, though, as most places have a huge amount to offer, and you should have access to them almost all year round. Taking advantage of this is much easier than a lot of people think, but only if you’re willing to do the work before you set off.

There are loads of websites around the web which are dedicated to helping tourists to find things to do when they go on a break. TripAdvisor, for example, has been heralded as the perfect way to do this by a lot of expert travellers, making it a great place to start your search. Of course, though, a lot of these attractions will be seasonal. For example, summer in Big Sky, Montana, doesn’t last for much of the year. To make sure you go at the right time, it will be worth reading a blog post or two to avoid missing out.

Exploring It For Yourself

Finally, as the last area to consider, it’s time to think about a little bit of exploration. It will be hard to know whether or not you like the look of a place before you’re able to see it properly, leaving a lot of people to simply trust their travel agents when it comes to the fun which can be had. It’s a horrible shock to find that you don’t like a place when you first arrive. If you’ve spent a lot of money, and will be there for a long time, this could be a hellish discovery, with most people having deep regrets when they experience this sort of issue.

With the help of modern technology, though, this simply doesn’t have to happen. Instead, using the help of a tool like Google Maps, you can start to get to know a place before you get there, exploring the streets and local area using its Street View functionality. As long as you have a semi-decent internet connection, this sort of tool will operation perfectly. Of course, though, it’s important to remember that these images are only updated every few years, and a place can quickly go down hill over the course of a single season.

Hopefully, this post will inspire you to start working harder to make the most of your next vacation. With all of the resources available to you, there really is no excuse to ignore this part of your travel plans, with a lot of people deriving a huge amount of benefits from putting effort into it. Of course, though, if you’ve already been somewhere before, you probably won’t need to go through this level of dedication.

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Wanderlust 101: Prepping For Travel

If you’ve got those itchy feet once again, it’s only right that you should consider scratching them to set off on a wanderlust adventure. While you might have been more than happy reaching for your backpack, grabbing your passport and catching the first flight you spotted when you were younger, nowadays you are keen to take a more measured approach to your travel.                                                                                                                                                     
With the world seemingly opening up to travelers, it is now easier than ever to reach the farthest corners of the planet. You need to consider where you want to go, what you want to see and what you want to achieve when out and about. Depending on the length of time you have for your jaunt, you might want to think about immersing yourself in a culture for an extended period of time, you might fancy squeezing in as many sights as possible during a fortnight, or you might have a year to embark on the journey of a lifetime. However long you have for your trip overseas, it’s vital that you prepare and plan to ensure that you get the most out of your time away from home. Take a look at these essential things to prep to ensure that your wanderlust adventures are everything you dreamed of.

Paperwork

Yawn! Yes, paperwork has to be the most boring aspect of trip preparation. However, don’t put the time in prior to boarding your flight, and your trip overseas could fail at the first hurdle. It’s vital that you have all of your documentation in order. For many countries across the globe, you need to apply for a visa prior to travel. Don’t leave it until the last minute and check all of the requirements you need to meet to ensure a visa is viable.

Sometimes you will need to have a skeleton itinerary available for consulate staff to see. At the very least you may need to show copies of your hotel reservations and flight schedule. It’s good practice to have these copies available in any case, so that you can pack them in your backpack should you need them when abroad.

Ensure that your passport is in date and that you have travel insurance. While you may feel invincible, it only takes one undercooked piece of meat or one slip when skiing to cause you a major ailment that will require insurance coverage.

Learn The Lingo

If you are heading to a far flung exotic destination where the population speaks a different language, it’s only courteous and respectful to learn a little bit of the lingo. While English is widely spoken across the globe, it’s arrogant for you to expect a person to speak your language when you are visiting. Heading to Mexico? Why not take a course of private Spanish lessons to help you learn basic greetings, important phrases, and vocabulary that you might need while you’re away.  

People love nothing more than hearing a visitor to their country trying to order a meal in their native tongue rather than simply shouting in English in the hope that saying something louder in a different language makes it easier to understand. Learning a language can be ridiculous amounts of fun and if you opt for the private tutor led sessions, the chances are that you’ll be able to learn an awful lot in a short period of time; ideal for when you’re traveling and need to learn the lingo fast.

Backpack

While many people swear by wheel on luggage, a backpack can be the most flexible luggage choice for a traveler. Even if you are heading abroad for a good few months, don’t opt for anything larger than forty liters - there’s no point. You will have to wash your clothes along the way so just take enough for a week’s worth of outfits. Some people go with even less and can manage more than adequately. For ease, ensure that you select a backpack that is front loading. This saves you opening your backpack, only to rifle through goodness knows how much gear before you reach your headphones at the very bottom of your bag. Front loaders are more like suitcases and save a lot of hassle. Keep it under forty liters, and you can have simple carry on luggage meaning it’ll save you the hassle of checking anything in. Bliss!

Venturing overseas for a small break or a trip of a lifetime deserves the prep it needs to ensure that you enjoy your travels to their fullest. Prep for your wanderlust adventure and you could have a truly life affirming experience.

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What to do in Texas

The landscape of Texas is varied and intriguing. There are forests, desserts, well populated and practically deserted areas. It has everything, which makes it one of the perfects states to visit if you are looking for an adventure. It’s home to cities such as Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio and fabulous tourist attractions such as the Houston Space Center. This means that there is absolutely loads to do, and it can be difficult deciding on a place to stay that allows you to see as much as you can, without missing out. So, here is a look at some of the best things to do during your trip to Texas. Use it to write your own personal to-do list.

Eat

If there is one thing that you have to do while in Texas, it’s eat. You could easily travel around the state eating a different, yet equally amazing burger every night of the week if you wanted to. Food in Texas isn’t fancy. It’s traditional, good, honest food without frills and whistles. Stick to classics like fried chicken, burgers, ribs, chili and pecan pie to enjoy Texan food at its best.

Explore Enchanted Rock

Enchanted Rock is a pink granite mountain, surrounded by national park, 17 miles north of Fredericksburg and if you are looking to explore and get a little adventure, it’s the place to be. You can spend your time climbing, hiking, bird watching, geocaching, taking in nature or you can camp for the night, and spend your time staring up at the stars.

See The Cowboys

If you are after some sport, stay in a hotel near AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Arlington is home to shops, restaurants, and the world-famous Dallas Cowboys. No trip to Texas would be complete without taking in a game, and if you’ve never seen an NFL game before, this is the perfect place to start.

Visit The Alamo

You’ve probably heard of The Alamo. But, do you know anything about it? In 1836, 200 men made a stand for Texas in a battle at the Alamo, which was converted into a fort. While the Texans lost this specific battle, they went on to win the war of Independence from Mexico. It’s a massive part of Texan History and something you should take the time to learn more about during your visit. Nowadays, you can tour the fort, church, barracks, and arcade. There’s a gift shop, and museum and tours are either self-guided, or audio led.

Go to SeaWorld

SeaWorld in San Antonio is a marine research center, aquarium, theme park, and oceanarium. It’s the perfect place to spend a fun-filled day, learning, exploring and letting your hair down, especially if you are traveling to Texas with kids. The site opens at 10 am daily, and there are plenty of seasonal specials and guest exhibits as well as the permanent displays and shows. Check online to see what’s on and check prices before your trip.

Head to the Space Center                                                                                                     
At the Houston Space Center, you can learn about NASA’s current and most famous missions, watch science shows and learn all about space and planets. You’ll be able to check out both modern and historic mission control stations, and you might even be able to meet an astronaut.

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Great Reasons To Visit Maine

Maine is a state which is situated perfectly between the state of New York in the USA, and Montreal in Canada. If you are looking for a way to make the most of both American and Canadian culture on a trip this summer, there truly is no better place to come than Maine. Here are some of the great reasons you simply have to visit Maine this year.

Acadia National Park

If you simply adore the outdoors and nature in general, one place which has to be on your bucket list is a visit to Acadia National Park. This stunning park spans across a huge space in Maine and it contains some incredibly diverse landscapes within its walls. One minute you can be climbing a glacial mountain, the next you can be deep in the forest or enjoying rocky beaches with your family. You can also chance some encounters with whales, bears and moose which will make your trip up here more than worthwhile.

Lots of lobster

Lobster is famous in Maine and it is one of the most amazing foods you can eat when you visit this part of the world. If you want to enjoy some of the freshest and juiciest lobster you’ve ever eaten you can visit many different restaurants and enjoy specialty dishes with the delicacy or you can have it delivered to you by Get Maine Lobster. But don’t worry, if lobster isn’t your bag, there are still tons of other amazing cuisines and options for you to enjoy!

Great weather

Whether you stay in a hotel in Brunswick, Maine, or by sugar island, you can enjoy fairly pleasant weather in the summer and the best of that crisp winter air when it gets cold outside. It is the perfect mix of climates which means that weather you are a summer lover or you prefer a cold winter, you can have something here to suit anyone.

Plenty of winter sports

When you visit the north of Maine, you will be able to visit the tallest point in the USA and you can also enjoy many different winter activities and sports. For your enjoyment you could stay in a cabin on the mountains and spend your trip skiing and snowboarding with your friends or your family if you fancy. It is the ideal place to learn and to hone your skills on the slopes and it can be a really great thing to experience. And at the end of the day you can drink in the car with the locals and recall your stories.

The people

If one of the reasons why you enjoy traveling is to meet new people and experience a different way of life, Maine can be a really great place to come for the experience. From the moment you enter Maine you will notice how friendly and welcoming the people are around you and you will be able to make some amazing friends from the moment that you get there. You might be able to make some great friends which you take home with you afterwards too so this can be an amazing place to be for your holiday.

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Dreaming Of Dallas: Top Travel Tips For A Fantastic Weekend

Where can you go for an exciting, action-packed weekend? Head south to Texas of course! If you only get a weekend to spend in Texas, you’ve got to make it Dallas. Home of the Cowboys, the birthplace of Kelly Clarkson, Selena Gomez and Meat Loaf, and of course - the setting for TV’s Dallas, it would be rude not visit for a weekend.

Get the lowdown on what to do and how to enjoy an unforgettable weekend in Dallas.

Where to stay

You’ll find no shortage of hotels and places to stay in Dallas, with some incredible options to suit all budgets. If you want to stay away from the hustle and bustle, book a hotel in Richardson, Texas, which could save you some money for the rest of your weekend. If you prefer a more central locale, then you’ll be able to choose from top of the range luxury all the way to budget hostels - the choice is yours.

What to see

With just a weekend to enjoy all the delights of Dallas, you’ll need to map out your time carefully. You’ll need to bear in mind that the city is vast, so be prepared to do a lot of walking. There is public transport, of course, but people tend to drive to get from A to B.

Try to spend your mornings sightseeing to take in as much as you can. The Sixth Floor Museum, Klyde Warren Park, and the Bonny and Clyde Tour are particularly stand out as some of the best things to do in Dallas during your stay. If you love horses, visit the Texas Horse Park and play the cowboy or cowgirl for the day.

Where to eat

You could spend your entire weekend eating your way around Dallas, the choice is that good. The amazing Legacy Food Hall has plenty of diverse food stalls satisfying all sorts of cravings, while Pecan Lodge is a particularly popular spot to enjoy some traditional southwestern cuisine. Take your pick of the best places to eat in Dallas and enjoy everything from incredible street food to fine dining.

Where to go out

The Dallas nightlife is also something to savor during your visit, with some amazing bars and clubs to enjoy. The House of Blues is a popular music spot, while the Joule Hotel has a fantastic speakeasy-style bar which is great for stepping back in time. If you want to enjoy a drink while taking in the views of Dallas, there are some breathtaking rooftop bars, including SODA Bar and The Woolworth. Ideal for watching the sunset or sipping cocktails after hours, enjoy a taste of Dallas nightlife in style.

Dallas is a great city to enjoy a weekend at any time of year. If you love exploring new sites and being a part of a lively and rich atmosphere, then Dallas is the perfect location for you. A staycation in the US is a great way to explore some great states and cities, so why not make a wishlist of places to go and start ticking them off one by one!

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Exploring the Outdoors in Colorado

Colorado has many things for visitors to do and places for them to visit. There are so many activities that you probably could not do them all in one vacation. It is especially well known for the huge variety of outdoor adventures tourist can take part in, although they are also very popular with the locals as well.

It is said there are a lifetime of outdoor adventures in Colorado with its four national parks, sand dunes, deserts and canyons. There are hiking trails, fantastic photo opportunities with lots of stunning scenery and if you want to get around a bit quicker, there are bike rentals available in some of the places. The most important thing is that you take the time to explore in whatever way you are most comfortable with.

Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness

When the aspen turns a vibrant yellow, this becomes one of the most photographed scenes in Colorado. You can also enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing when there is snow on the ground. Conundrum Hot Springs have a long and beautiful view across the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The Wilderness has become a very popular place for backpackers to wander around.

Grand Junction

Wondering what to do in Grand Junction, CO? Look no further because if you want to go mountain biking or hiking in Colorado, Grand Junction has some of the best trails for this activity. There are 18 road trails and several off road ones. The season is long, as at Grand Junction they do not wait for the mountains to dry out after the winter.

Garden Of The Gods

Located just outside of Colorado Springs, the Garden of The Gods has rock spires and formations that create the feeling of being in wonderland.  It is smaller than some of the other outdoor adventure places, but you can still take part in hiking, rock climbing and horse riding.

Mesa Verde National Park

If you are a history buff that likes walking, then this is the place for you to travel to. Here you will see some of Colorado’s past with entire villages in the cracks of canyon walls.  Cliff Palace is the most popular as it is a huge complex built into the rock. Chapin Mesa is the starting point for many of the tours and Long House is almost as big as Cliff Palace, but not as popular.

Silverton

Silverton is an Old West mining town that has plenty of mining history to explore, as well as one of the most scenic routes to get there.

Rocky Mountain National Park

This is the third most visited of Colorado’s national parks, with over 4 million visitors making their way there each year. It is not far from Denver, which makes it a perfect break for tourists and locals alike. You can spend a day hiking to Chasm Lake, which is just below the summit of Longs Peak, but the most popular hike is the one that takes you to Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes. Or you can explore some of the history of the Rocky Mountains at Lulu City or the Stanley Hotel.

Whether you are visiting Colorado or reside there, you will always find lots of outdoor adventures to take part in, no matter what the weather or the time of year.

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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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