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Agra Fort a UNESCO World Heritage site

Newly Recognized UNESCO Sites

UNESCO stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. They preserve pieces of culture and land, as well as buildings by marking them as historic sites. They have a mission to promote world peace and provide security in many of these areas that would otherwise be ripped down. They use international sciences, culture, and education to work to do this.

This year, 2021, there have been newly added and newly recognized UNESCO sites to the list. The list is already full of hundreds of sites, and if you’re interested in history and culture then visiting these sites is important. Here are the newly added sites, if you’re interested in visiting any of them and seeing what they’re about.

33 new sites have been added to the list. This is much more than normal, but this is because it covers two years and not just one. This is joining the list of over 1,000 different sites that are protected under UNESCO.

The rules for putting these areas under UNESCO has changed in the recent years. This covers many more sites than what they normally would cover. This allows them to add even more sites to protect in the area that are not just nature-based or history-based but offer much more to the visitor as a modern choice that has been added to the UNESCO list.

The Church of Atlantida, Uruguay

This spot is usually one that not many people think about because it is in Uruguay. However, it is important to note that this remarkable building is worth spending a bit of time in. You can go up in the bell tower and look at the art throughout. This is a great visiting spot if you’re a bit low on cash and need something to do.

The Great Spa Towns of Europe

Who doesn’t want to visit a spa that is going to pamper and relax you? There are several towns throughout Europe that are protected because they were built around natural mineral water springs. They cover 11 different towns that are in 7 different countries. They’re found in Czechia, City of Bath, France, and Belgium which is the most famous one.

Sitio Roberto Burle Marx, Brazil

This is a garden area that was developed over four decades, leaving an amazing and worth seeing place. This was started at his home in 1949 and continued for years having been added too. It is dramatic and colorful, and it stands out. It is 100 acres long, and it is just 90 minutes west of Rio de Janeiro and a garden worth walking through and taking in. Not just that, but there is a museum display inside putting his arts and crafts on display.

Mathildenhohe, Darmstadt, Germany

This is a colony that is full of artists, and it is worth a visit if you want something colorful, beautiful, and worth seeing. This is a spot that has a lot of exhibits that date back to World War I. They have many items and pictures, as well as other pieces on display for those who are visiting the area, or those who live there and want to learn more about the area.

Trans-Iranian Railway

You’ve probably heard of the Trans-Siberian Railway. Though the railway is not protected by UNESCO, it is one of the best ways to see some of the many sites that are around the area. This railway is protected though, and it is smaller, but it is worth the ride. There are hundreds of bridges, twist, and turns that you can go on.

World Heritage Sites Protected by UNESCO

Here is a list of the other sites that were added to UNESCO if you were curious to know more about what to expect with these areas and where you can visit.

AFRICA

Africa is home to the Sudanese Style Mosques in Northern Ivory Coast and the Ivindo National Park, Gabon.

ASIA

Asia is home to the Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China, Quanzhou, the Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan, Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island, Japan, Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats, South Korea, Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex in Thailand, a Harappan City, India and Dholavira, and the Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple in Telangana.

EUROPE

Europe is home to the Colonies of Benevolence, Belgium and Netherlands, the Cordouan Lighthouse in France, the Winter Resort Town of the Riviera, France, Frontiers of the Roman Empire, the Lower German Lines in Germany and over the Netherlands, ShUM Sites of Spreye, Worms and Mainz, Germany, The Porticoes of Bologna in Italy, The Works of Jože Plečnik in Ljubljana – Human Centered Urban Design in Slovenia, the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales in the UK, Petroglyphs of Lake Onega and the White Sea in Russia

Europe is also continued to cover these other sites including the Padua’s Fourteenth-Century Fresco Cycles in Italy, Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, a landscape of different arts and sciences located in Spain. Romania has the Rosia Montana Mining Landscape and the Great Spa Towns of Europe, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Czechia, Italy and the United Kingdom. Last, but not least in Europe is the Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands in Georgia.

MIDDLE EAST

The Middle East is home to even more sites that include the As-Salt or the Place of Tolerance and Urban Hospitality in Jordan, the Cultural Landscape of Hawraman and Uramanat in Iran, the Hima Cultural Area in Saudia Arabia, and in Turkey the Arslantepe Mound.

SOUTH AMERICA

South America has a few added to their list which include the Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parincota Region in Chile, in Peru, you can find the Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex and the World of Engineer Eladio Dieste at the Church of Atlantida in Uruguay.

Please note, these are only some of the newly added sites on UNESCO’s list. There are a number of other sites that you can visit that have already been placed on the site.

Visiting World Heritage Sites

Those who are interested in visiting these UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in for a treat when visiting any of the above-mentioned sites. They welcome visitors from all over, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to see a piece of history when visiting one of these sites. You can plan your trip around many of them in the same area. These are only the newer ones, there are thousands on the list worth spending time.

Regardless of where you are choosing to spend some time, you will easily find that one of these top places are going to be worth the visit. You won’t have to spend a lot of money on a lot of them since they’re not asking for admission or they’re a part of a nature center. You can be sure that you are getting the best out of your trip when you add any sites from the UNESCO list. Visit some of them today!

What to Expect When Cruising Now

What to Expect When Cruising Now

Cruising is a great experience, and if you’ve never done it before, it is not too late to try! Booking is done in a second, and you can enjoy the perk of having everything included. However, since COVID hit, many people are worried that cruising will never be the same again.

Fortunately, cruising is not lost forever, and it is making its comeback with cruises being available today. Things will be a bit different from what you might be used to on a normal cruise, but they promise that the revamped buffets, smaller group sizes, and ‘vaccinated only’ zones are well worth the wait.

More Health & Safety Measures in Place

There are many more health and safety measures put in place since they re-opened the docks. One of the biggest is that those who are riding on the ships need to be fully vaccinated if they’re over the age of 16, this includes the crew. This safety measure is being used on many different transportation systems, as well as in hotels and other places of interest.

These health and safety measures also include distance planned events and activities, as well as reduced capacity inside the ships. If you are feeling any sort of sickness coming on, they have medical facilities that you can visit and be quarantined in before the sickness can get any further.

With so many precautions in place and more information on this disease, these cruise ships are now becoming more prepared in handling these sicknesses. These cruise ships have plans in place and know that it is a possibility that a breakout can happen. Minimizing the risks is what they are doing, so you never have to worry about getting sick with the knowledge of knowing they have you back.

Less Spots, Less Crowds, Less People in General

Since the capacity levels are much lower on these ships, this brings less people in general in the many common areas that you’d find yourself. Not just that, but there are going to be less crowds, which means less lines, and more to see and do without the hustle and bustle you’d normally have from a touristy area.

Whether you’re cruising across the world or just to the Caribbean, being able to get a spot and enjoy the time is good. Booking in advance is important to do because of this. Many people are already booking their spots on the ships, and they are booking out further. Even half capacity on some ships is making it harder for some to reserve spots on these boats.

More Money Saving Deals

To make these ships more appealing to those who are looking to explore more, they are offering additional money saving deals. Even though these ships are at a reduced capacity and are highly in demand, these cruise lines are still offering money saving promos to take advantage. Not only can you grab 40% off many of the rooms on the lines, but you can also even get most of the cost off your second passenger booking with you.

However, it is important to note that you must make sure to take advantage of these deals now. The lines are long for waiting lists, and many of them are booked out to 2023. Shipboard credits are a big seller for many, as well and not just price saving on the cruise itself. Now is the time to book these ships, especially if you want shorter lines and less crowds.

Your Vaccination Status

This is important to keep in mind because now, when you go anywhere, you must show proof of your vaccinations. The same is true for a lot of these cruise ships that are looking to book their rooms with those who are fully vaccinated. Not every cruise line requires them, and it is important to check whether the cruise line you’re going on requires them or not.

It has been shown that for many of them, like the Royal Caribbean cruise line, that you must show the original card when you are boarding the ship to have proof. Then, to go back and forth through the Bahamas, you have to have it uploaded online. This way, it can continuously be checked by authorities, should it be needed.

The same goes for those areas that you want to visit while you’re on land. Many of them only let those who are vaccinated inside the places. Therefore, you need to bring the vaccination paper along with you wherever you choose to go.

The same goes for the masks that you should wear in many of the common areas. This is for on and off the cruise ship. Many places might still require you to wear the mask in them, so having them on hand when you’re on and off the ship is recommended to be prepared.

Buffet Changes Being Made

The buffets that come included with the favorite meal choices are still going to be there and ready for you to enjoy. The only difference is that the passengers are unable to serve themselves. They will have to point at the food choices, and someone will serve them on a plate. You can still have as much as you’d like to have, because it is still a buffet after all! You just must do less work to get your food.

Cleaner Ships Mean Healthier Passengers

Since the CDC recommends regular cleanings for surfaces to reduce the spread of COVID, this means cleaner ships for all. This, in turn, means healthier passengers. The surfaces have to be regularly cleaned, the chairs, and everything that is being used in the common areas have to be sanitized regularly, as well. This extra layer of clean extends to the guest rooms, as well.

This means less germs that are being passed around on these boats. The best is yet to come, because on some of these ships, you can expect to get the best air quality. The ships have spent money to make sure that each passenger is able to breathe their own air in their state room.

This cleaner air, extra layer of sanitation and cleaner ship overall means less sickness for all the passengers, and not just from COVID. It protects them from other types of sicknesses that would otherwise end up getting everyone on the cruise ship sick.

Reservations and Technology Advancements

In the past, you could enter a ship and just walk around and find something to do as you please. This was a great way to learn how a cruise ship works. However, it is important to note that now you might just need a reservation for that thing you want to do for the night. This is not just for shows that are ongoing, but the gym and any of the other amenities that they are offering.

This is not only to reduce the amount of people allowed in a room, along with cleaning and sanitation reasons, but the cruise ship is easily able to do tracing should someone end up sick. This makes it easier for the cruise ship to contact anyone who might have been in contact with each other when they’re sick.

The technologies are also changing, not just the reservations. You can expect contactless and person less meeting in many of the places. You can look up the menus and other information with QR codes, but also virtual reservations and check ins, and virtual lines. Contactless payments are recommended and preferred, giving you more chances to spend time with those you came on the cruise ship with, instead of being around large crowds of people at once.

Slowly Returning to Normal

Even though everything seems to be different in these ships, they will slowly return to normal with time. The way that things are being done now are going to be done different in the coming months or even years. It might take some time to get back to normal.

Even now, many of the activities already seem to be back to normal for many of the passengers. This is something that is making the cruise ships, and even the passengers who regularly ride on them, hopeful for the future of cruising ahead.

Even though mostly everything is done digitally or virtually, including safety instructions and checks, it might be a little bit before you’re able to get more from the cruise. Things might seem weird now, but they might just check out for you in the end.

Just remember that the rules vary from cruise to cruise and place to place. It is important to check and know that being vaccinated is very important in order to get on many of the cruise lines and ships.

Be Flexible and Ready!

If you can be flexible with your times and hours that you can cruise, you have many more options to choose from. Since there are minimal spots on these ships, the more flexible and open you are for when you want to go or are able to go; the more chances you have to pick a spot and be able to head out on one of the ships.

One of the best ways to do this is by booking your cruise on a whim. If you are ready, choosing a cruise that is last minute and has one or two more rooms available is going to give you a great deal, but also open up more possibilities.

If you’re booking further out, then being flexible with what is available is good. A lot of people will not cruise during specific times of the year because of the cruise conditions. If you’re open to cruising during these times, you have more to choose from when booking a cruise and heading out.

Simulation Cruise and New Health Protocols

By: Leah Jorgensen

On July 28, I received an email. I was offered a 4-night Caribbean sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas’ Simulation sailing. The kicker? It was sailing on August 1, and only available to fully vaccinated guests. So I quickly contacted my mother since she is retired and always up for an adventure, made sure we both had our passports and vaccination records, and accepted the offer! Three days later, my father and brother drove us down to Galveston to the ship!

For a Simulation sailing, just about everything is the same, but the guests are at 10% capacity, and the CDC was disguised onboard. Having 400 guests on a ship that has the capacity for 4,370 passengers made it feel like the ship was just ours! It was a little eerie how empty it was, but there was never a line or a wait for anything! The entire crew is vaccinated and had been in quarantine on the ship for 2 months already. They were thrilled to be working again after 15 months, and so happy to just see other people on board. I’ve never seen a happier crew, happier entertainers, and happier guests.

Embarkation was seamless! We could only arrive at the port at our assigned time, and everything was organized. Passports were checked, vaccination records were checked, recorded, and photographed, quickly went through security, and then we were allowed onboard!

One of the biggest headaches of starting any sailing is the safety drills. Due to Covid, they are no longer safe since social distancing needs to be followed. But Royal Caribbean now has a fantastic app for your phone! Once we made it to our rooms and picked up our Sea Passes, we watched a video on our apps of how to find and wear lifejackets, what to do in an emergency, and played the sound clip of the ship’s emergency notification horn. Then it was time to find our assigned lifeboat. Once there, a crew member verified we had watched the safety video and placed a sticker on our Sail Passes to show we had completed the safety drill.

Now I’m not one who wants to keep my phone on me when I’m on vacation (isn’t the point to get unplugged and out of reach?), but the app really was handy! Easy to use and find scheduled activities, we were able to make dinner reservations, reserve show tickets, and make our own personalized schedule. If you’re not sure where something is, the deck plans are there at your fingertips! Don’t worry about waiting in line at Guest Services- your on-board account is already in your hand!

Speaking of hands, we are still living in a pandemic. Every doorway now has hand sanitizer, but instead of just sitting there available, we were asked (required) to use it every time. And outside the Windjammer restaurant, soap and water stations have been installed, and are required to be used before entering. The amount of food has not changed, and the crew will happily put whatever you would like on your plate for you. (Really- I suggest taking the stairs as much as possible so you can fill up with less guilt!) The crew was constantly sanitizing hand rails, chairs, tables, anything that could be touched, and often disinfected the walls. The ships have always been clean, but it was spotless- all of the time.

Relaxing in the pool

Being vaccinated, I was allowed into any venue, activity, public area, and restaurant. But being a simulation, there were some people that were chosen to be “un-vaccinated”. Those who are vaccinated are given a purple plastic bracelet to wear- and they were often checked too. Those who were un-vaccinated had specific shows, time and location for main dining, and activities they were allowed to enter. They still had a full schedule and throughout the sailing were still allowed to see and do everything, but there were just specific times they were allowed to do certain activities. Everyone is still required to wear masks while moving around the ship, but we were allowed to take them off while sitting and actively eating and drinking, and while outside. The crew is still required to leave their masks on even while outside.

When we arrived in Cozumel, we parked next to the Adventure of the Seas, that is currently sailing out of Nassau, Bahamas. Vaccinated guests are allowed to leave the ship, but unvaccinated guests are only allowed off for a Royal Caribbean excursion. On the docks, we got the chance to talk with some very happy folks from Michigan who told us what a fantastic vacation they were having! Their sailing had about 900 guests and they were getting the Royal treatment as well! Mom and I were able to find a taxi (William in taxi 318) to get us to a beach to stick our feet in the water, which is all we were looking for, and back to the dock (I do not normally suggest ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ as there’s always a chance of being late and being left!)! All of the shops in Cozumel were ecstatic to see people shopping there again- the pandemic and halting of travel has really affected us all.

All-in-all, I felt extremely safe. The safety protocols are working and people are able to be back at work. This sailing was a dream, but I hope we don’t have to live through this again in my lifetime. If you do get a chance to sail on the Independence of the Seas, especially before January (and contracts move workers), tell pianist Timothy Boaz, guitarist Darla Fox, and waiters Sanjay and Red that I sent you!

Everything you need to experience on your first trip to Spain

Savour wine and tapas in a sun-dappled cafe by the coast. Soak in the local nightlife to the sound of the flamenco guitar. Stroll through the mosaic-decorated halls of an unfinished masterpiece. This is Spain. The sunny jewel in Europe’s mainland is welcoming back fully vaccinated visitors from the UK, EU and North America. With travel at the edge of our fingertips, it seems only fitting that we pull together some of our favourite things to eat, drink, do, and see for an unforgettable first trip to Spain. 

Weave your way through mosaic landscapes & Gothic architecture
It’s tough not to be awestruck by the beautiful century-old architecture nestled within the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. In this labyrinth of cobbled lanes and squares, you’ll discover the remains of the city’s Roman wall, the Jewish quarter, as well as several standout landmarks from as far back as medieval times. Even if you’re a history buff or an architectural expert, the Gothic Quarter is still undoubtedly best experienced through the seasoned hands of a local guide – helping you dive head-first into Barcelona’s cultural timeline.

The first trip to Spain isn’t complete without stepping into the world of Antoni Gaudi either. A colourful combination of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, the Sagrada Familia is a magnificent – and still unfinished – Roman Catholic basilica which has become iconic to the city’s skyline. Take a few hours to wander around the building and admire the whimsical maze-like landscaping surrounding the church, which has been described simultaneously as “one of the most hideous buildings in the world” by George Orwell, and the “greatest piece of creative architecture” by famed architect Louis Sullivan.


Celebrate the dances of Spain

How does getting swept up in the passion and frenzy of a live flamenco dance sound? On your first trip to Spain, spend at least one night soaking in Seville’s nightlife: listening to the flamboyant strums of the guitar, the rhythmic clapping distinctive only to flamenco, and the lilting voices of the singers. A night to remember in the city famous for the dance itself.

Relax on the sun-kissed shores of the Costa del Sol

Feel the sun’s rays warm your shoulders as you stroll along one of Spain’s most famous coastlines. Here, there’s something for everyone. Looking for that golden holiday tan? Sip on a refreshing drink from one of the nearby cafes and bask in the midday sun. More of an adventurous type? Take a short trip to nearby Malaga – a city famed for its hiking spots and art museums. Need a cool down on your trip to Spain? Plenty of open-air beachside restaurants are just waiting to welcome you with open arms. There, you can feast on a cuisine inspired by Spanish, Jewish or Arabic traditions. That’s everything from pescaito frito – breaded and fried fish – or gazpacho – a cold tomato soup perfect for a sun-beaten day.

And finally… admire world-famous masterpieces in the Spanish capital

Take a guided tour of all Madrid has to offer, starting with the famed Prado Museum on your first trip to Spain. Inside these halls, some of the most striking pieces from a long history of European art are displayed. We’re talking collections from Velazquez himself, Goya’s Black Paintings (as created in the twilight of his life), and Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights. From there, the city is yours to dive into. Our personal favorite way to end the day, however? Digging into a hot calamari sandwich whilst doing a spot of people watching in Buen Retiro Park. If that doesn’t say la buena vida, what does? 

Touring the U.S. This Summer

One of the best ways to tour the U.S. is to plan a trip to the country’s national parks and visit popular states, such as Florida or California, or Hawaii. The tropical appeal of the 3 states makes visiting them both exciting and fun.

For example, a trip to Florida or California is not complete without visiting Walt Disney attractions. Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida and Disneyland in California are great places to include on your U.S. travel bucket list.

Another place that spells excitement and entertainment is Las Vegas. Known for its casinos, top-line entertainment, and fine dining, the city also hosts tours to places, such as the Grand Canyon or to the Hoover Dam. Therefore, you can take part in both memorable indoor and outdoor activities while visiting this popular tourist destination. 

Keeping Travelers Safe

To ensure your safety, hotels and tourist sites and attractions encourage the use of face masks and social distancing. Hotels have taken added precautions, deep-cleaning rooms for clients so they comply with the guidelines set aside by the Centers for Disease Control or CDC.

If you have any COVID-19 type symptoms or you believe you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, refrain from traveling until you feel better or stay at home at least 14 days before beginning a holiday. If you feel sick during your trip, postpone further activities until you feel better.

Visiting Disney World – What to Anticipate?

Because of the Pandemic, some changes have taken place at the Disney World amusement park. The primary restrictions, currently in place include the following:

  • You must wear a mask when visiting the park.
  • Make a reservation to visit Disney World using the Disney Park Pass Reservation System on the Disney World website.
  • The park has suspended Extra Magic Hours and Fast Passes currently (as of April 2021).
  • Firework displays and parades have been suspended (as of April 2021).
  • Some of the restaurants in the amusement park are temporarily closed.
  • You must have your temperature checked before entering the park.

Now that you know the current rules, you will know what to expect if you visit the park this summer. You will follow the same types of rules if you visit Disneyland in California. 

Riding the Rides at Disney World –  Wheelchair  or ECV Visitors

If you have a mobility disability, you can refer to the Disney site to check which rides you can access if you use a wheelchair or ECV (electric convenience vehicle scooter). You can hire a wheelchair or ECV in any Disney park on a first-come, first-served basis.

Make Magic Kingdom Your First Choice

When it comes to touring the U.S., you should plan to spend several days at either Disney World or Disneyland. If you plan to see Disney World in Florida, make Magic Kingdom your park of choice if you have limited time. Not only does the park feature a fairytale castle, it is home to the famous Disney characters, Minnie and Mickey Mouse.

Do You Have Small Children?  Plan a Visit to Fantasyland

If you have small children, visit Fantasyland, as they have the most rides for visitors in this age group. Be prepared to wait  a while in line for popular rides, such as Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan.

The Space Mountain Roller Coaster Ride 

One of the most thrilling rides in the Magic Kingdom is Disney World’s Space Mountain – a high-speed roller coaster that operates in a dark environment with various twists and turns. However, you don’t have to worry about large drops or inversions – you simply will be flying through the “galaxy.” 

If you want to wake up fast in the morning, this is the way to do it – no caffeine needed at all. The ride, which is featured inside, allows people in the queue to engage in interactive games while waiting to take the ride. Space Mountain is one of the best rides to ride if you plan to travel visit Disney World and travel through the Sunshine State.

Traveling Down Route 66

One of the iconic roads in the U.S., Route 66 offers quirky sites, retro neon signs, and world-famous museums. It also leads the traveler to spectacular national parks and unique and iconic landmarks. You simply cannot tour the U.S. in the summer without including Route 66 on your list itinerary.

The historic highway runs east-west across the central part of New Mexico, beside a path occupied by U.S. Interstate 40. Until 1937, the road covered a longer route by way of Los Lunas, Santa Fe, and Albuquerque in New Mexico. These areas now make up New Mexico State Road 6, Interstate 25 and U.S. 84.

Route 66 Attractions

Some of the places to see along Route 66 include the following attractions.

Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo, Texas

Just a quick 15-minute drive from Amarillo, Texas, Cadillac Ranch is one of the more unusual sites along Route 66. Planted in the red Texan dessert, 10 half-buried graffiti-painted Cadillacs sit nose-first into the ground. Visitors can create their own artwork by spray painting one of the cars.

The Painted Desert – Indian Wells, California

Another “painted” site along Route 66, the Painted Desert is known for its kaleidoscopic colors. This part of northern Arizona features rocks in various hues – from varying pinks and oranges to deep lavenders and shades of gray. Take time, at sunset, during your Route 66 adventure, to view the fiery colors over the Painted Desert.

Visiting the Mile Bottle Grocery in Oklahoma City

On top of the Milk Bottle Grocery in Oklahoma City sits a giant milk bottle – a strong clue that you have reached another classic landmark along Route 66. While the building served as a milk store and grocery store in the old day, it is now a Vietnamese cafe. If you don’t have time to eat banh mi or drink iced coffee, you can always take a picture of the unique landmark.

The Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum in Pontiac, Illinois

100 miles from the beginning point of Route 66 sits the Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum – home to thousands of memorabilia and artefacts – all depicting the glory days and history of the Mother Road. Learn more about the route, when it was considered one of the most important roads of the day. Don’t travel down the length of the highway without visiting the museum first.

Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, California

An endpoint for Route 66, Santa Monica Pier serves as the place where the “End of the Trail” sign appears for the roadway.  The pier features a large wheel set against a sandy and sweeping beach and a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. The pier, which is also home to an amusement park and carousel, features free walking tours that allow you to explore the area’s history.

Seeing the U.S. National Parks

Part of your American touring experience should include a visit to one or more of the country’s national parks. By purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass, you can do just that. You can find out more about a pass purchase by following this link. Doing so will make it easier to plan visits to specific national parks.

Visiting the Grand Canyon

One of the great attractions you don’t want to miss when touring America is the Grand Canyon. Located north of Flagstaff, Arizona, the Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the fourth most visited park in the U.S. National Park System (NPS). 

You can enter the park at the South Rim or travel to the South Rim by train. To take a train ride, you need to begin in Williams, Arizona at the depot. The heritage railroad, the Grand Canyon Railway, transports passengers to the Canyon’s South Rim and Grand Canyon Village. The ride covers 64 miles. Completed in September 1901, the track was built by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.

Grand Canyon Park is now 102 years old (as of 2021). It celebrated its birthday in February 2019. The length of the canyon runs 277 miles or 446 kilometers long and spans 18 miles or 29 kilometers wide. The depth of the ravine falls to 7,000 feet or 1,857 meters.

Staying Cool in the Summertime

If you visit the South Rim of the Canyon in the summer, it can get blazing hot. Therefore, you need to make sure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and take the air-conditioned shuttles running through Grand Canyon Village to visit the sites and attractions.

Hiking in the Park during the Summer

If you plan to hike, you need to be in good physical shape, and again, keep plenty of water handy. The Angel Trail, a popular hiking trail in the park, does not offer much shade, so you need to keep this in mind if you do any hiking at all.

Grand Canyon Park Lodging

You can see some historical and unique attractions when you visit Grand Canyon Village as well as stay in some comfortable lodgings. Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, and Yavapai Lodge all get high marks when it comes to staying in the park.

Scenic Overlooks

Grand Canyon Village highlights some of the best scenic overlooks in Grand Canyon National Park, one of the best being Yavapai Point. To begin your adventure in the village, start at the visitor center where you can pick up a self-guided walking tour brochure. 

Village Sites and Attractions

You can refer to the brochure for more information about the canyon, its history, and the village’s historic sites. Some of these attractions include Hopi House, Lookout Studio, and Kolb House. Learn how the village sprang up around the railway in 1901. You can access the village or travel away from the South Rim by train via the Grand Canyon Railway Depot.

California National Parks

Besides the Grand Canyon, you may want to plan a trip to one of the national parks, this summer, in California. In fact, if you want to see national parks, California is the go-to place for the activity. The state is home to 28 national parks, more than any other state in the U.S. 

Yosemite National Park

The most popular national park in California and the U.S. is Yosemite National Park, known for its geothermal springs and activity. Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, the park is famed for its ancient and giant sequoia trees and the granite rock formations of Half Dome and El Capitan. 

Visit the Ansel Adams Gallery to view the photographer’s black-and-white images of the area’s landscape and check out the restaurants, lodging, and shopping in the park’s Yosemite Village.

Acadia National Park

If your summer travels take you to the East Coast of the U.S., you might want to include a visit to Acadia National Park. Do you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy pleasant weather? If so, book travel to the park just past  the summer season, or 2 weeks past Labor Day. You might consider this part of your summer tour as your last “summer” excursion for the year. 

The park, which covers 47,000 acres next to the Atlantic, sits primarily on Mount Desert Island in Maine. The landscape is defined by woodlands, granite peaks, such as Cadillac Mountain, and rocky shores. Cadillac Mountain represents the highest point in the U.S. on the East Coast. Wildlife in the park include bears, moose, seabirds, and marine animals, such as whales. A gateway to the park is the town of Bar Harbor, a bayside town that features popular shops and eateries.

Planning a Trip to Chicago

The Windy City, or Chicago, is always a welcome big U.S. city to visit in the summer, given its lake breezes and high-rise views. Located along Lake Michigan, the city, which is home to 2.7 million people, stands out as the place to go to enjoy art, shopping, and outdoor activities, such as biking, walking, and boating.

The third-largest city in the U.S., Chicago has been described in myriad ways during its history. During the World’s Columbian Exposition, or the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Chicago was known as a City of Industry. Later, during prohibition, mobsters, like Al Capone, turned Chicagoland into a nefarious playground with bootlegging being one of the main activities.

Enjoying the City Sights

While enjoying the city sights, you might consider taking a Chicago Architecture River Cruise or pass the hours looking at the scenery at Chicago’s Millennium Park. To see a bird’s-eye view of the city, head toward Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower). 

You can also see some great city views at the John Hancock Center’s 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck. The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago also offers engaging and fun-family activities. Naturally, you cannot visit Chi-Town without eating a deep-dish pizza as well. 

A Quintessential Family Vacation – North Carolina’s Outer Banks

If you are seeking the quintessential family vacation, you should set your sights on visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina. These barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina separate the Atlantic Ocean from  the U.S. Mainland. The open-sea beaches, shipwreck diving, and state parks, make the Outer  Banks a truly fun place to go when traveling. 

Hatteras Island and Cape Hatteras National Seashore in eastern North Carolina make up the Outer Banks area. The history of the locale is replete with pirate lore and stories of shipwrecks. Roanoke Island lies close to the Outer Banks in Albemarle Sound, between the Outer Banks and the U.S. Mainland. The island is the place where Sir Walter Raleigh established the first English Colony in the New World.

One of greatest mysteries of U.S. history, the colony on Roanoke Island was found abandoned in 1590, 5 years after it was first settled in August 1585.

While COVID-19 precautions should be rigorously followed, you do have plenty of choices for traveling the U.S. this summer. When you decide on a destination or route, check with the sites you plan to visit about any travel restrictions currently in place.

Narrowing Down Your Summer Travel Choices

You can narrow down your choices and the travel days by what you have set aside for a travel budget. When making summer plans to travel the U.S., you will need to answer the following questions:

  • Which accommodations should I choose if I plan to travel with my dog?
  • If traveling by RV, which campsites should I include on my travel itinerary?
  • Should I rent a car or use my own vehicle if I am traveling close to home?
  • When can I get the best deals on airline travel during the week?
  • What hotels are offering discounts or travel incentives?
  • Can I use my airline miles to reduce costs for traveling to specific locales?
  • Who should I contact about getting trip insurance if I plan to zip line or take part in extreme sports activities?
  • What gear should I carry when backpacking or visiting the backcountry of U.S. National Parks?
  • What are the luggage requirements for traveling by bus, train, or airplane?
  • What will I need to pack for the trip? 

Always ask questions to make sure you have covered all your bases when it comes to trip planning and touring in the U.S. That way, you can enjoy a more carefree travel experience and travel almost worry-free.