Grasshopper Greg – Hopping Thru Life's Adventures

The Ultimate List Of Family Hiking Adventures With Son Or Daughter

There’s so many amazing family hiking adventures you can take with your son or daughter. Hiking with your child is the perfect way to get them connected with nature and the great outdoors from a very young age. Of course, it can also be a tough, intimidating process – especially for the overprotective parent. It can even be harder if you’re traveling with special needs children. Before you hit the trail, you’ll want to know about the best adventures and experiences in the United States. To get started now, read on to get the ultimate list of family hiking adventures with son or daughter.

Ocean Path, Acadia National Park

A fairly easy, accessible trail in Maine’s Acadia National Park, the Ocean Path is one of the top family hiking adventures. This family-friendly trail is just under four miles round trip. So, you should be able to complete it with your family in less than an afternoon. Throughout your journey, you and your kids will be scrambling up rocks, confronted with spectacular views of the ocean, sandy beaches, and mountainous terrain.

It’s this majestic scenery that makes the Ocean Path one of the most spectacular hikes on the East Coast. Indeed, the Ocean Path in Acadia National Park is one of the best family hiking adventures to take with your children.

Alum Cave Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Another incredibly popular trail, the Alum Cave trail is the perfect destination for your family hiking adventure. When you’re hiking through this moderately-challenging route, you’ll get to see some spectacular waterfalls, mountain views, and a natural cave. The hike also features meticulously maintained trails, perfect for new family hikers.

Since it is so popular, the trailhead and parking is known to get busy early. This means you should plan to get your children awake early, or stay in a local lodging town. Or, it may be the perfect way to add some backpacking and camping into your family hiking adventure.

Diamond Head Trail, Oahu

Families that have hiked all over the world still say Hawaii is one of the most incredible destinations. The Diamond Head Trail specifically is one of the top family hiking adventures for your son or daughter. Since this trail is known to be touristy, it can get especially busy. However, it is definitely worth it. The Diamond Head Trail is located right on the southern end of Honolulu.

During your hike, you’ll journey from the insider of a caldera, all the way up to a summit – some five-hundred feet later. Surely, the Diamond Head Trail in Hawaii is one of the greatest hiking adventures to take with your son, daughter, and family.

Pa’rus Trail, Zion National Park

Located in the world-famous hikers paradise that is Zion National Park, the Pa’rus Trail is a great family hiking adventure to try with your son or daughter. While the park is notorious for more challenging trails like “Angels Landing” or “The Narrows,” there are several family-friendly options as well. In fact, Zion makes for one of the best family vacations in the Southwest.

The Pa’rus Trail specifically is one of the easiest, most accessible hiking trails in the entire National Park. Despite this, it’s still incredibly scenic and worth-the-visit. The entire trail is paved, fairly flat, and wide. Here, you’ll get some of the most stunning, sweeping views of the beautiful natural destination.

Upper George Trail, Robert H. Treman State Park

Right near Ithica, NY, the Upper George Trail is one of the top family hiking excursions for sons and daughters. Challenge your kids with a hike through the beautiful gorges. Then, reward them with a swim once you reach the waterfalls at the bottom. On the loop, you’ll also pass through the Lucifer Falls overlook, which makes for some amazing family pictures.

Here, you’ll see an amazing visual of all the park’s trails carved into the side of a rock. Certainly, consider Robert H. Treman State Park’s Upper Gorge Trail on your next family hiking adventure with son or daughter.

East Ridge Loop Trail, Amicalola Falls State Park

Down in The Peach State, the East Ridge Loop Trail is another amazing hiking adventure to take with your son or daughter. Located near Marble Hill, Georgia, this accessible trail is a great option to visit all-year-round. It’s right around two miles, and is widely known for its spectacular waterfall views.

You should also expect to see plenty of forest and wildlife during your journey. Since the trail is heavily-trafficked and pet friendly, plan on seeing some fellow hikers and dogs as well. Absolutely, the East Ridge Loop Trail is a great hiking adventure to take with your son or daughter.

There’s plenty of great, memorable family hiking adventures for parents looking to make memories. Hiking is the perfect excursion to completely unplug and disconnect on vacation with family. First off, consider the Pa’rus Trail, located in Zion National Park. Or, the Diamond Head Trail in Oahu is another amazing trail worth traveling to see. If you are located on the East Coast, you still have several notable options. For example, you can try the Upper George Trail in New York, or the Ocean Path in Maine. If you’re located in the South, check out the East Ridge Loop Trail, located in Georgia’s Amicalola Falls State Park. Follow the points highlighted above to get the ultimate list of family hiking adventures with son or daughter.

5 Ways To Save For Vacation Without Breaking Your Budget

There’s so many great ways to save for your dream vacation without breaking the bank. The springtime is when travel lovers start to brainstorm their big vacation plans for the summer. Hopefully, you’ll also take some time to think about saving for your next getaway. After all, travel is almost always more enjoyable when you have the necessary funds set aside. As a travel lover yourself, this means you’ll want to know all the best tips and tricks to save for a great vacation. Whether you are planning a domestic or international travel itinerary, there’s a few helpful savings tips to keep in mind. To get started now, read on to learn about the best ways to save for vacation without breaking the bank.

Track Your Spending

Before you even pick a destination, you need to start tracking your spending. This will go a long way as you start to save for vacation without breaking the bank. Track where all of your monthly bills are going. Keep a close eye on things like rent, mortgage payments, cell phone plans, and entertainment streaming subscriptions. You’ll also want to track miscellaneous spending at restaurants, bars, and retail shops. Then, think of disposable spending that you can divert to vacation savings. You can even install free expense tracking apps to help you keep an eye on changes in your monthly spending. Surely, tracking your spending is key to save for vacation without breaking the budget.

Set A Trip Budget

Knowing how much your trip will cost is highly-effective when saving for vacation. There’s a lot of costs that go into taking a domestic or international vacation. You’ll have transportation expenses, like airfare, car rentals, or public transportation passes. Of course, you can always follow our guide to find cheap flights to anywhere in the world. In addition, you also need to set aside funds for lodging, food, as well as fun activities while you’re away. Absolutely, budgeting is another highly-effective way to save for vacation without breaking the bank.

Open A Dedicated Vacations Savings Account

In addition, it also really helps to open a dedicated bank account to help you save for vacation. You can open up a free savings account right at your local bank or credit union. Or, you can always set up an account with an online banking platform. To start saving passively, set up automatic deposits into your account. You can funnel any unexpected money, like birthday gifts or work bonuses. Indeed, open a dedicated bank account to start saving for vacation without breaking the budget this year.

Sign Up For A Travel Rewards Credit Card

It also often helps to sign up for popular travel rewards credit cards. These are known to seriously help finance-savvy travelers save for vacation with excellent rewards, points, and repayment programs. Every purchase on these cards earns you airfare miles or other points that you can redeem when traveling. You’ll probably also higher point rates when making purchases for flights or hotels. Even if you have the best rewards card, it also helps to know the best credit score travel hacking tips as well. Certainly, get a travel rewards credit card to save for vacation without breaking the bank.

Try House Swapping

If nothing else works out, you can always try house swapping to save for vacation. Hotel lodging and accommodations are usually the most expensive part of taking a vacation. Instead of spending big money for a fancy hotel room (which you’ll hardly ever be in), try arranging a house swap instead. After all, your home will likely be sitting empty the entire time you’re away. Just make sure you find the right people to swap with. There’s tons of popular online platforms that allow you to connect with people also looking to home swap. Definitely, try house swapping to save for vacation and have the trip you deserve.

There’s so many great ways to save for vacation without breaking the bank. Start off by thoroughly tracking your spending. You should also consider opening a dedicated savings account to set aside all your vacation funds. Then, set a detailed, comprehensive trip budget. Within this, be sure to document any added ancillary travel fees. Or, you can always try house swapping, and potentially even earn some money while you’re away. Follow the points highlighted above to learn about the best ways to save for vacation without breaking the bank.

5 Best Things To Do In The Galapagos Islands This Summer

There’s so many amazing things to do in the Galapagos Islands this summer. The spectacular, striking, and eye-catching scenery of the Galapagos Islands is totally different than anywhere else in the world. From stunning blue beaches, remote nature reserves, and active volcanoes, there’s a lot to see when you’re here. Whether you’re a hiker, beach-lover, or simply an all-around adventurer, you have to visit the Galapagos. There’s something for everyone, no matter what unique activities pique your interest. To help you plan your next adventure, read on to learn about the best things to do in the Galapagos Islands this summer.

Visit Tortuga Bay

Located right on Santa Cruz Island, Tortuga Bay is undeniably one of the best things to do and see in the Galapagos. This spectacular, breathtaking beach gets its name from the black sea turtles, who are known to nest here. It is lined with an incredible, long stretch of beautiful white sand. It is a great place to hangout for at least a day. Many tourists come here to swim, snorkel, or sunbathe. Or, you can always go birdwatching, which is another major attraction in the area. If birdwatching isn’t your thing, check out some of these incredible whale watching destinations instead. Certainly, Tortuga Bay is one of the best things to do in the Galapagos.

Admire Some Volcanoes

Next, check out some of the Galapagos Island’s many volcanoes. The Galapagos themselves were formed from volcanic eruptions and tectonic shifts after all. If you’re searching for volcanoes, Proano is a great place to start. Here, you can experience active volcanoes that are constantly changing the geological landscape. You may even have a chance to see some volcanoes erupt. In fact, thirteen of the twenty-one volcanoes throughout the Galapagos are still currently active. Surely, admiring some volcanoes is one of the best things to do in the Galapagos Islands.

Experience The Wildlife

The Galapagos Islands are a great place to experience some endangered wildlife species. Every year, so many tourists come to the islands just to see the giant tortoises. These amazing creatures can only be found in the Galapagos and the Seychelles Islands. Another well-known animal are the marine iguanas. These incredibly animals can only be found here. If you see some, however, be sure to keep your distance. If you get too close, you may get snorted at, and find yourself covered with an unpleasant spray of salt. Indeed, everybody needs to experience the wildlife when visiting the Galapagos Islands.

Check Out The Lava Tunnels

Now, head over to the lava tunnels. These are located right in the Highlands of Santa Cruz Islands, within Bellavista Village. This feat of nature was formed by lava flowing hardened surfaces. Once the lava flow stopped, a cave was left behind. If you plan on doing this, make sure to bring some reliable shoes. Plus, don’t wear your fanciest clothes. After all, some crawling and climbing will likely be required. Absolutely, visiting the lava tunnels is absolutely one of the best things to do in the Galapagos Islands this summer.

Go Hiking

After soaking up the beaches, immerse yourself in some world-class hiking on the Galapagos Islands. Many value travelers start off on the Lava Rock Trail. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to see sea lions, marine iguanas, and even some blue-footer boobies. You’ll also get the chance to journey to the top of the Sierra Negra, which is currently the world’s second largest volcano caldera. Then, hike across some beaches and mangrove estates, which will give you a true understanding of the Galapagos landscape. Definitely, going hiking is one of the best things to do in the Galapagos Islands.

There’s so many great things to do in the Galapagos Islands this upcoming summer. They’re an especially great destination for vacationers looking for an off the beaten bath beach town to visit. First off, make sure to add a stop to Tortuga Bay on your travel itinerary. Next, admire some spectacular volcanoes. Also, dedicate some time to experience the wildlife. Now, check out some of the unbelievable lava tunnels. You should also take the time to go hiking and soak up some natural scenery. Follow the points highlighted above to learn about the best things to do in the Galapagos Islands this summer.

5 Useful College Student Travel Tips For Vacationing Anywhere In The World

There’s plenty of useful college student travel tips for vacationing anywhere in the world. Traveling as a college student is an incredibly fun, rewarding, and exciting experience. However, it often presents a multitude of obstacles and challenges. Whether you are traveling for an international semester, abroad voluntourism program, or just a trip with friends, you’ll want to know about the most useful tips and tricks. This way, you can visit worldwide destinations successfully and safely. To help you book your next adventure, read on to learn about the most useful college student travel tips for vacationing anywhere in the world.

Take Control Of Your Studies

Whenever you prepare for college student travel, it is important to take control of your studies. Many vacationing students instantly forget their education as soon as they jump on a plane. However, this can seriously negatively impact your learning progress and overall academic performance. That’s why its important to make sure to plan everything out before you leave. If you have an upcoming exam, homework assignment, or project, be sure to complete it before you leave. Even if you have an essay due after you’re supposed to return, complete it beforehand. This way, you’re prepared for the absolute worst. Plus, you won’t have to stress to turn in pending assignments as soon as you get home. Certainly, taking control of your education is one of the most useful college student travel tips to remember on vacation.

Make Friends With The Locals

Especially when you’re experiencing a solo travel destination, always try and make friends with the locals. Mixing in with the locals has some major benefits no matter where you are vacationing. It’s a great way to learn more about the history, experience more of the culture, and master some new language skills. To help you befriend the locals, you’ll want to mingle with all the workers you meet with. This includes bartenders, Uber drivers, waiters, and cashiers. You can also stay at hostels or take social classes. Surely, befriending the locals is one of the top college student travel tips to remember on vacation.

Flash Your Student ID

Whenever doing some attractions, excursions, or simply going out, it’s always important to bring your student ID. After all, this is one of the top college student travel tips for domestic and internal getaways. So many places offer discounts for customers with a student discount. This includes museums, amusement parks, accommodations, and food. You can probably even use your student ID to score discounts on airfare and other big tourist attractions. Public transportations often also has lower rates for students up to the age of 26. That being said, carry your tip to find the best student discounts wherever you are vacationing.

Always Prioritize Safety

Of course, staying on top of safety is one of the best college student travel tips to make the most of your next adventure. This is especially true when you’re traveling to a new country or foreign destination. After all, you’ll have a tendency to stand out as a tourist when visiting here. Wherever you travel, be sure to find out what areas may be potentially dangerous or unsafe. In addition, ask some locals about what behaviors and actions you should steer clear of. One of the best things you can do is familiarize yourself with the country’s medical procedures, as well as their local “911” number. Indeed, staying ahead of safety is one of the biggest college student safety tips to always remember.

Remain Flexible

Another key college student travel tip is to remain flexible. Remember that plans will not always go as originally expected. This is especially true in the age of COVID travel restrictions and obstacles. That’s why you always want to be flexible whenever booking a vacation. If you get stuck and need to stay longer, you can always find a job in your destination. If flights get canceled, you can always consider alternate forms of transportation as well. Definitely, staying flexible is one of the best college student travel tips to follow on your next adventure.

There is plenty of useful college student travel tips for vacationing anywhere on the planet. First off, you’ll want to take control of your education before you start to travel the world for free. In addition, always try and make friends with the locals. Also, always bring your student ID to score some additional discounts on your vacation. Of course, you always want to take special precautions to stay ahead of safety whenever traveling. Plus, remember to be flexible throughout your entire journey. Follow the points highlighted above to learn about the most useful college student travel tips for vacationing anywhere in the world.

The World’s Greatest Whale Watching Destinations To Add To Your Bucket List

The world is filled with some incredible destinations for whale watching. Very few things are as spectacular, invigorating, and thrilling as seeing the largest mammal on the planet rise to the ocean’s surface. Seeing majestic whales in the wild, is a million times better than visiting any zoo, aquarium, or theme park. For travelers looking to experience this opportunity firsthand, there are tons of amazing spots to consider. Since whale watching adventures can be a hit or miss, you’ll want to know exactly want to know exactly where to go. This way, you can maximize your chances of seeing these massive creatures in the wild. To help you plan your next adventure, check out the world’s greatest whale watching destinations to add to your bucket list.

Seward, Alaska

Located right on the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, Seward, AK is one of the world’s greatest whale watching destinations. Seward itself is just about two hours away from Anchorage, making it an ideal destination for visiting the city. You can take a few iconic cruises into the Kenai Fjords National Park, as well as Resurrection Bay. In addition to orca, minke, and gray whales, these tours provide the opportunity to see plenty of additional wildlife. This includes sea otters, seals, mountain goats, and bald eagles. Certainly, Seward AK is one of the world’s greatest whale watching destinations to add to your bucket list.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is a widely-known East Coast vacation spot, but it’s also an amazing whale watching destination as well. The Gulf of Maine is a perfect habitat for finbacks, humpbacks, and minkes. This is because it’s filled with everything whales love to eat, like krill, fish, and squid. Head over to Acadia National Park with your binoculars to see beautiful whales in action. It’s a great vacation idea for families with teenagers. The best time of year is between the months of April to October. This way, you’ll maximize your chances of seeing something great. Definitely, Bar Harbor is the perfect whale watching vacation destination to throw on your travel itinerary.

Maui, Hawaii

Maui is one of Hawaii’s most famous and widely known travel destinations. However, it’s a little known fact that it is also the perfect location for whale watching vacations. In the winter months, you’ll see whales as long as fifty feet long throughout the Hawaiian waters. This is right when they’re starting their yearly migration throughout the Pacific. During these months, there is plenty of whale watching excursions available. At the same time, you may be able to catch a glimpse just by looking out at the sea. Indeed, plan a trip to Maui to experience iconic whale watching destinations in the warm sun.

Monterey, California

Monterey CA is widely known for its iconic coastline, along with its spectacular whale watching opportunities. Since feeding and migrating seasons nearly overlap, there’s a great chance to see whales here year-round. However, March through November is often considered to be the actual peak season by experts in the area. If you’re interested, there’s plenty of sightseeing tours you can take in the area. If you are a value traveler looking to save money, you can always head over to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve or Carmel-By-The-Sea. Surely, check out Monterey is a great California beach town for some unmatched whale watching opportunities.

San Juan Islands, Washington

With the largest one of the San Juan Islands being nickname “Orcas Island,” you already know it’s one of the world’s greatest whale watching destinations. This is the perfect place if you’re looking to see those magnificent black-and-white whales. There’s also plenty of other whale species here (as long as you’re willing to search hard enough). Even if you don’t see any whales, you’re bound to see plenty of otters, seals, and sea lions – all which flourish in the San Juan Islands. Absolutely, the San Juan Islands are some of the best destinations for whale watching in the world.

The world is filled with some amazing whale watching destinations, that need to be on your personal bucket list. First off, there’s some amazing whale watching cruising, tours, and opportunities in Seward Alaska. If you’re located on the Northeast instead, head up to Acadia National Park to see some majestic whales in Maine. You’ll also want to think about booking your next vacation to Maui, HI or the San Juan Islands in Washington. Monterey is another amazing coastal town with tons of opportunities for whale watching. If you’d rather stick to traveling on land, check out these best things to do in Denver Colorado. Follow the points highlighted above the world’s greatest whale watching destinations to add to your bucket list.

Great Tips For Parents Traveling With Special Needs Children

There are several great tips for parents traveling with special needs kids. Just about every parent will tell you that successful family vacations require a lot of preparation. Of course, traveling with a special needs child takes even more strategic planning, but is sure to create life-long family memories that you’ll cherish forever. If you are planning a family getaway soon, you should know exactly how to prepare for the journey ahead. This way, you can plan an amazing itinerary without any difficulties. To help you start making memories, read on to learn the greatest tips for parents traveling with special needs kids.

Speak With Your Child’s Doctor

Before you even leave for family vacation, speak with your special needs children’s doctor. You want to make sure that it is safe to travel from a medical professional. Sometimes, its not recommended for special needs children to travel far, since they often require regular health checkups. That’s why its always important to discuss vacation plans with your kid’s general physician before booking tickets. If they work with a counselor or therapist, you may want to speak with them as well. This way, you’ll know exactly what to do if you encounter a medical emergency while on the road. Absolutely, speak with your child’s doctor before going on vacation with special needs kids.

Keep A Daily Routine

Special needs children thrive on a daily routine. That’s why it is essential to keep this structure and routine in place whenever traveling on a family vacation. Try to keep bedtime, dinner, and waking up all as normal as possible. If you have to be back in your hotel room by a specific time every day, do it. This will help you child adjust, stay balanced, and enjoy their time on vacation. When thinking about routine, also think about what your children will wear. Don’t bring fancy clothes along just so you can get nice photos. Instead, pack whatever will make your son or daughter feel the most comfortable and at-home throughout the trip. Indeed, keep a daily routine to make the most of your family vacation with special needs children.

Bring Plenty Of Things To Do

In preparation for long car rides, flights, or train trips, bring plenty of things to do when traveling with special needs children. You’ll want to bring along plenty of snacks, entertainment, and sensory items for your child. Most parents will say food alone is enough to keep children amused for a great portion of travel. Try and bring a wide variety of snacks; crackers, chips, candy, protein bars, a little bit of everything. If your children have food allergies or diabetes, be extremely careful with the snack choices for your upcoming trip. Surely, bringing plenty of things to do is absolutely critical when traveling with special needs children.

Prepare For Airline Travel

Flying by plane can bring about its own unique set of challenges, especially when traveling with special needs children. That’s why you need to be especially careful and prepared for airline travel with special needs kids. It starts as early as when you book the flight. From the very start, ask for special assistance and accommodations from the airline you are booking with. It’s also important to fully know and acknowledge your rights as a passenger. Before you leave, you’ll also want to conduct a mock airport run for practice at home. Certainly, be prepared for airline travel when going on vacation with special needs children.

Plan For Behavior Challenges

Even if you take all the proper steps, you’ll still need to prepare for behavioral challenges when traveling with special needs children. Its not always easy to stay calm, cool, and collected when your children are misbehaving, especially in the heat of the moment. Of course, this is known to be common on long road-trips or extended flights. That’s why its important to think about the various strategies you can use to diffuse, stop, or ignore the behavior. You can also try to set ground rules, or take a break whenever an event occurs. Definitely, plan for behavioral challenges is essential for parents traveling with special needs children.

There are so many great tips for parents traveling with special needs kids. First off, speak with your child’s doctor to help you plan your family vacation in the Southwest. In addition, keep a well-prepared bag with plenty of things to do. You should also try to keep your children on a daily schedule or structure. Also, it is important to be prepared for the unique challenges of airline travel. Even if you take all the necessary steps, you have to plan for behavioral challenges. Follow the points highlighted above to learn the greatest tips for parents traveling with special needs kids.

Top-Rated Midwest Destinations To Explore America’s Heartland

There are several top-rated Midwest travel destinations to help you explore America’s Heartland. When it comes to vacationing, states like California, Florida, and New York get all the attention. Same thing with popular regions like the sunny Southwest and natural, green Pacific Northwest. Unfortunately, this leads America’s Midwest to get routinely overlooked by travelers across the country. While there may not be any sandy beaches or snowy mountains, there is still plenty to see, do, and experience in the Midwest. To help you plan your next adventure, read on to learn about the top-rated Midwest destination to explore America’s Heartland.

Cincinnati, OH

Pete Rose childhood home near Cincinnati

Pete Rose’s little league field outside of Cincinnati

Straddling along the famous Ohio River sits yet another great Midwest travel destination, Cincinnati Ohio. Every year, the Queen City boasts the nation’s largest Oktoberfest. Of course, this pays homage to the river-city’s German roots. Its also one of the Midwestern destinations with an incredible, energetic music scene. If you are a foodie, you also need to save a day for the Butler County Donut Trail. This amazing tour spans thirteen delicious mom-and-pop eateries. At the end, you’ll receive a T-shirt to commemorate the sweet occasion. Indeed, Cincinnati is one of the best Midwest destinations to visit with family, friends, or even on a solo travel experience.

Indianapolis, IN

Gearheads and motor-enthusiasts will certainly find Indianapolis to be one of the top Midwest destinations to add to your itinerary. That’s because Naptown is home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home to the world-famous Indie 500. Also, you can check out the Motor Speedway Museum, which also houses the Hall of Fame. If you’re visiting with family, you should also stop by the nation’s world largest children’s museum. Plus, sports lovers will have a great time visiting the Lucas Oil Stadium, where the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts play. Surely, Indianapolis is one of the best Midwest Destinations to explore America’s Heartland.

GOAT college basketball coach Indiana’s own- John Wooden

Topeka, KS

In addition, Topeka, Kansas is another top-rated destination in America’s Midwest. The capital city of Kansas is an excellent place for family fun. This means its one of the best family vacations in the Midwest to experience this year. If you have younger children, they’ll love the Kansas Children’s Discover Center. Plus, the whole family will have a great time at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center. If you want to learn something new, check out the Kansas Museum of History or Combat Air Museum. Absolutely, Topeka, Kansas is an amazing Midwest travel destination to add to your bucket list.

St. Louis, MO

St. Louis, MO is the perfect destination for your Midwestern road trip down Route 66. As soon as you arrive in the “Gateway to the West,” you’ll be greeted with the world-famous Gateway Arch and plenty of other historic attractions. Then, spend some time experience the city’s nostalgic diners, filling stations, and vintage signage. You should also make a stop by the St. Louis Science Center and Art Museum. If you are more of an outdoor-lover, pay a visit to the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and Forest Park as well. If you are looking to experience something slightly more unique, cruise the Mississippi on a classic riverboat ride. Certainly, St. Louis, MO is one of the top-rated Midwest destinations to help you experience America’s Heartland.

Des Moines, IA

Also, we think that Des Moines is one of the best Midwest destinations to visit this year. There are a lot of great things to do here, whether you are looking for indoor or outdoor attractions. For a start, there is a massive art scene in Hartford of the West. Many tourists visit Pappajohn Sculpture Park, where you can visit over 25 incredible artworks for free. Also, be sure to check out the State Capitol Building, Blank Park Zoo, and Gray’s Lake Park. You may additionally want to make a stop at the Living History Farms or Science Center of Iowa. If you’re searching for more of an experience, you should definitely check out the Iowa State Fair, as well as the Adventure Park Ziplines. Definitely, Des Moines, Iowa is one of the best Midwest destinations to visit on vacation this year.

There are several amazing Midwest vacation destinations to help you experience America’s Heartland. First off, check out the great American Ball Park, Cincinnati Art Museum, and Zoo & Botanical Garden in the Queen City. Next, Indianapolis is a great destination for gearheads and auto-enthusiasts. Plus, families will have a great time in Kansas’s Golden City. This is a great location to add to your family vacation for gamers. Also, St. Louis is another amazing destination in America’s Heartland. Before you had back home, a stop in Des Moines, IA is essential for your Midwest travel itinerary. Follow the points highlighted above to learn about the top-rated Midwest destinations to explore America’s Heartland.

Everything To See On An Ouray And Telluride Colorado Vacation

There’s so much to see when visiting Ouray and Telluride Colorado for vacation. These amazing towns in the Centennial State are filled with incredible attractions, amazing things to see, and heart-pounding outdoor adventures. These mountain-esque cities are nothing like the hustle and bustle of cities like New York or Chicago. In fact, their unique culture is even wildly different than the Colorado cities of Denver, Boulder, or Grand Junction. Whether you’re a fan of natural exploration, hiking, ghost towns, or shopping, there’s something for everyone here. To help you plan your next getaway, find out everything to see on an Ouray and Telluride Colorado Vacation.

Ouray, Colorado

Known by locals as the “Switzerland Of America,” Ouray is an absolutely beautiful mountain town. Located in Southwestern CO, the small town is well-known for its rugged canyons, hot springs, iconic downtown, and unparalleled natural beauty. No matter what time of year you plan on visiting, there is an abundance of amazing things to see, do, and experience. Begin your days with a spectacular hike, then finish them relaxing in a warm hot spring. Here’s what you need to see and do in Ouray, Colorado.

Ouray Hot Springs

Undeniably, one of the most popular attractions to do in Ouray, Colorado is one the town’s many hot springs. These are the perfect place to soak, relax, and unwind after a long day of exploring. These springs are geothermally heated with water that contains a wide-range of minerals like zinc, iron, potassium, and iron. If you are planning a family vacation, this is even a great destination for kids too. After all, some springs even offer waterslides, obstacle courses, and climbing walls. Certainly, visit the hot springs when checking out all the best Ouray and Telluride attractions in Colorado.

Ouray Ice Park

Before you leave, you also need to make a stop at the Ouray Ice Park. This is one of the best Colorado adventures for thrill-seekers. Of course, its probably best to experience this attraction during the winter. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand out at ice climbing, this is the perfect destination. There’s over a few hundred ice climbing routes here, so you can come back a few years in a row! If you’re visiting in January, check out the annual Ouray Ice Festival. This momentous event draws in expert climbers from all over the globe.

Telluride, Colorado

Of course, you also need to know all the amazing attractions to do and see in Telluride Colorado. Telluride is primarily known as a mountain-town and is well-known for its incredible ski resorts. The number of skiers who come here every winter is currently higher than ever. After all, this is one of the greatest destinations in the entire United States for winter sports. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Telluride is also well known for its spectacular waterfalls, hiking experiences, and mountains. To help you start planning, here’s everything you need to experience in Telluride, CO.

Telluride Walking Tour with Historian Ashley Boling

Telluride Ski Resort

Of course, the Telluride Ski Resort is one of the top attraction in the city. This enormous resort features over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain. Everything is located right in the beautiful, scenic San Juan Mountains. The nearly 150 ski trails here cater to skiers of all level. This way, you can have a great time either whether you are just getting started, or go straight for the Black Diamonds. If you visit during the summer, you can enjoy mountain biking, whitewater rafting, hiking, and so much more here.

Bear Creek Falls

Nature and hiking lovers will also enjoy Bear Creek Falls in Telluride Colorado. This is the perfect half-day outdoor experience for anyone who loves scenic views of waterfalls, lush meadows, and scenic cliffs. The falls will be seen cascading through trees and rocky cliffs, located right at the head of a nearby basin. Since this activity involves some hiking, its best to be prepared. Check out our guide on how to diagnose and prevent altitude sickness in Colorado to find out how. This way, you can stay safe and enjoy your vacation to Ouray and Telluride CO.

There’s so much to see on a vacation to Ouray and Telluride Colorado. If you’re looking for spectacular beauty, head over to Ouray to experience the “Switzerland of America.” This is a great place to experience some magnificent hot springs, or ice in the winter months. Plus, Telluride is the perfect destination for winter sports enthusiasts. If you are passing through during the summer months, be sure to add a trip to Bear Creek Falls to your itinerary. Follow the points highlighted above to find out everything to see on an Ouray and Telluride Colorado Vacation.

5 Best Things To Do In Denver Colorado With Kids Today

There are several great things to do in Denver with kids today. Denver perfectly blends delicious foods, elegant arts, incredible sports, and the great outdoors into one spectacular city. From breathtaking hiking adventures, informative museums, and top-notch ski resorts, there is something here for everyone. If you are planning a family vacation to the Mile High City, there’s so much to do in this fun, family friendly, and eccentric cultural hub. To help you plan your next adventure, read on to learn about the best things to do in Denver Colorado with kids today.

Catch A Pro Sports Game

Catching a great sports game with the family is essential when visiting Denver. The Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies, and Avalanches all play in the Mile High City. This means you can catch a great game whether you are a fan of football, basketball, baseball, or hockey. Catching a baseball game at Coors Field is one of the most top-rated attractions in Denver. In fact, its often rated one of the best baseball trips in America. If you’re visiting during the Fall, catch a Broncos football game at Empower Field at Mile High. Certainly, catching a sports game is one of the best things to do in Denver with family.

Eat Great Food

Treat you and your family to some great food when visiting Denver. There are several great places to experience the amazing food scene. To get a little taste of everything, head over to the Denver Central Market, which features over 10 artisan vendors. Just into Aurora, Stanley Marketplace is another excellent destination for food enthusiasts. This community marketplace features over fifty independent CO vendors, including bars, restaurants, and retail shops. For sweet lovers, head over to popular destinations like Little Man Ice Cream and Voodoo Doughnuts. Indeed, Denver, CO is the perfect city to eat great food on your family vacation.

See The Red Rocks

Right outside of Denver, in Morrison, CO, is the world-famous Red Rocks. This historic park, concert venue, and amphitheater is all in a beautiful, iconic location. The park is widely-known for its vibrant, warm, and red sandstone rocks. These incredible geological formations will instantly greet you on all sides, from the very moment you arrive. What’s more, these amazing rocks are believed to be close to 300 million years old. The hike throughout the park is well-marked, and low-difficulty. This makes it the perfect destination for families of all age and skill levels. Surely, seeing the Red Rocks is one of the best active outdoor Colorado adventures you need to try.

Walk Around Downtown

While you’re around the city center, take the time to walk around Downtown Denver. Denver’s Downtown area is perfect to explore. Start your trip off in the family-friendly 16th Street Mall. This 1 ¼ mile pedestrian road is home to many restaurants, stores, and street performers. Plus, you can check out the open-air shopping mall at Denver Pavilions. Afterwards, you can head over to Larimer Square, which is another must-see in Denver. Initially, this was the city’s first ever commercial block. Today, it serves as a fun, busy shopping area.

The Molly Brown House Museum is from the turn of the 20th century. In the 1880s, the lucky few who made millions in the mountains, the railroads, or trade moved to the prestigious Capitol Hill neighborhood. James Joseph “J.J.” and Margaret Brown purchased it in 1894. The house has been carefully restored to its original Victorian splendor. Molly is most known for being a survivor on The Titanic in 1912.

After the crash, Margaret heard confusion in the hall causing her to investigate further. After helping fellow passengers she was taken a hold of and with the words “you are going too” was dropped four feet into the lowering lifeboat #6. It was equipped to hold 65 passengers. It pushed off from Titanic with 21 women, 2 men and a twelve-year-old boy on board. The women in the lifeboat rowed for hours. At 4:30 a.m. Margaret saw a flash of light. It was from the Carpathia, which was the first to answer the distress call. Margaret, though sore, tired and cold, began to take action. Her knowledge of foreign languages enabled her to console survivors who spoke little English. She distributed blankets and supplies to women who were sleeping in the dining room and corridors. Margaret realized that many women had lost everything- husbands, children, clothes, money and valuables- and needed to start a life in a new country. She rallied the first class passengers to donate money to help less fortunate passengers. Before the Carpathia reached New York $10,000 had been raised.

Absolutely, exploring Downtown is one of the best things to do in Denver Colorado.

Touring the Molly Brown House with Kim Popetz, Events Coordinator

Experience The Gardens

Also, take the family over to Denver Botanic Gardens to experience a spectacular living collection. Here, you’ll get to experience shady, internationally-inspired, and ornamental gardens. Plus, there are special water and western themed gardens as well. The gardens aim to reflect the constantly-widening diversity of plants from all across the globe. Even if your children aren’t horticulture enthusiasts, they will certainly love a trip to this amazing destination. Definitely, experience the Denver Botanical Gardens on a vacation with family.

There are several great things to do in Denver Colorado with kids. First off, catch a Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies, or an Avalanche game. In addition, treat your family to some great, gourmet food. When you have a free day, head over to Morrison, CO to see the Red Rocks. While you’re in the city, take the time to experience downtown. Also, take your family over to the famous Denver Botanic Gardens. To help you and your family stay safe during your trip, consider how to prevent altitude sickness in Colorado before you leave. Follow the points highlighted above to learn about the best things to do in Denver Colorado with kids.

The Coolest Unique Travel Destinations For Geeks And Nerds

There are so many unique travel destinations for geeks and nerds to explore. If your idea of a great vacation involves lots of video games, Star Wars, binge-watching, or anime, why not try something different for your next getaway. Going on a trip doesn’t always mean sitting on the beach, hiking through National Parks, or cruising to secret Caribbean islands. In fact, there are many incredible vacation destinations that are perfect for geeks, as well as their families. To help you plan your next fun trip, read on to learn about the coolest unique travel destinations for geeks and nerds.

New Zealand

First and foremost, New Zealand is one of the coolest travel destinations for geeks and nerds. New Zealand is a great vacation spot for Lord of the Rings lovers. There’s amazing attractions to experience here all throughout the country. After all, the entire trilogy was filmed right here. Going to Hobbiton is one of the most popular sights you can see. Of course, the entire set is still there, right in Waikato. Also, be sure to stop by Macenzie County, where the location for Pelennor Fields was originally shot. Certainly, New Zealand is one of the most beautiful, incredible, and spectacular travel destinations for geeks and nerds.

Northumberland, England

Harry Potter lovers likely already have England on their vacation bucket list. There’s a pretty good chance you’ve never heard of this small English city. However, it’s the original filming location of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, as well as the Chamber Of Secrets. Many of these world-famous shots were captured at Alnwick Castle. Of course, this is only one of the things to do in the UK for Harry Potter fans. If you want to stay in the United States, take a trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, in Orlando, Florida. While you’re near Orlando, there’s plenty of other things to do on Florida Space Coast. Surely, England is one of the greatest travel destinations for geeks and nerds.

Northern Ireland

Just a short flight away, Northern Ireland is another great destination for geeks and nerds. Northern Ireland is a highly-recommended destination for Game of Thrones enthusiasts. After all, the terrain here is largely responsible for GOT’s amazing, rugged, and epic scenery. The show conducted shots all over the country. Notably, Giant’s Causeway, in Bushmills, which is renowned for its unbelievable terrain. Most importantly, however, is Winterfell itself, which is located just forty miles away from Belfast. Here, there’s even a replica archery range set up for you to put your bowcraft skills to the test. Absolutely, Northern Ireland is a perfect getaway destination for geeks and nerds.

Tokyo, Japan

Of course, every geek and nerd culture lover must take a trip to Tokyo Japan at some point in their lives. Historically, Tokyo has been one of the biggest nerd cities in the world for decades. This is clearly visible in busy, buzzing shopping districts like Akihabara. Here, there’s tons of anime shops, comic book café, and video game stores. Plus, you’ll find a ton of arcades and packed magna shops on nearly every corner. For many geeks, Akihabara is a small piece of heaven. Definitely, Tokyo is a must-see city for nerds and geek travel lovers.

San-Diego, California

In addition, San Diego, California is another great destination for nerds and geeks to visit. The annual International Comic-Con is held annually in San Diego. This mega-exposition and celebration brings together comic book, anime, superhero, and movie lovers from all over the world. Plus, it’s a major hub for wizards, zombies, and space fans. Today, Comic-Con is known as the Met Gala of multi-genre geek culture. Here, there’s plenty of vendors, activities, seminars, and panels to experience. Of course, costumes and cosplay are a major theme at every annual event. While you are in the Golden State, check out some of the best hidden California beach towns for a relaxing getaway. Therefore, you should be sure to dress the part. Indeed, San Diego is the perfect destination for geeks and nerds to visit.

There are plenty of incredible travel destinations for geeks and nerds. If you are a Lord or The Rings fan, a trip to New Zealand is essential. Harry Potter lovers, on the other hand, will love an England UK adventure. In addition, San Diego is a must-see destination, especially for its yearly Comic-Con. Plus, schedule a vacation to Northern Island if you are a Game of Thrones fan. Of course, you also need to plan a trip to Tokyo in the near future. Follow the points highlighted above to learn about the coolest unique travel destinations for geeks and nerds.