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Source: The Discover Blog/Kellie Cappola, Editor From the arid Southwest to the rocky coastline of the East Coast, the United States has some of the most stunning natural terrain in the world. Narrowing down the most awe-inspiring destinations in this country is one of the more difficult things we've done. Go ahead and argue with our choices, but here's our list of places that we can't stop drooling over. Maroon Bells, ColoradO
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Published by The Discoverer Julia Hammond | Travel Writer Photos courtesy of The Discoverer Next time you’re planning to take a vacation, why not invest a bit more time and make the journey part of the adventure? Ditch the airport in favor of traveling by rail and you’ll be surprised at just how much more you’ll see. Here are five train routes in the U.S. you just can’t ignore. Pacific Surfliner  If you don’t relish overnighting on the Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle, how about boarding the 8½-hour, 350-mile Pacific Surfliner instead? Hop on in San Luis Obispo in the morning, and you could be in San Diego by mid-afternoon. But far better to stop off a little on the way. The tracks hug the shoreline for a significant part of the train’s route, so think about whether you want to enjoy ocean views or cityscapes before reserving your seat. Highlights along the way include Santa Barbara, San Juan Capistrano, and of course, the City of Angels itself. Whether you alight to surf the Pacific rollers or wander through the gardens of the old Spanish missions is up to you. White Pass and Yukon Route  In the 21st century, would we attempt something as costly and time-consuming as to build a railway through an environment as harsh as that found in Alaska and the Yukon? Fortunately for today’s rail enthusiasts, the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s spurred engineers on through impossibly challenging terrain and the harshest of winters. Embark on a short seasonal jaunt through wild Alaska from the port town of Skagway. As the train retraces the original route to White Pass Summit, passengers enjoy the sight of glaciers, gorges and waterfalls with evocative names like Dead Horse Gulch and Inspiration Point from their vintage carriages. You won’t need a passport, but don’t forget your head for heights. Grand Canyon Railway  This round trip departs from Williams, Arizona, around 65 miles south of the Grand Canyon. At first, it’s hard to marry the dense pine forests that surround the train with the desert colors of the landscape that awaits. Eyes peeled for mountain lions, elk, condors and bald eagles, you’ll reach the popular South Rim a little over two hours later. If you choose to return the same day, you’ll have about four hours to marvel at its beauty; it’s understandably tempting to spend at least a night to more fully appreciate this wondrous natural phenomenon. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad  Where do you start when there’s so much to see in the Great Smoky Mountains? A couple of rail trips on offer from Bryson City might just provide the answer. Its most popular departures utilize steam locomotive #1702 and you’ll want a souvenir selfie of this historic engine before climbing aboard. The Tuckasegee River excursion opens up the countryside en route to charming Dillsboro while the Nantahala Gorge excursion follows the Tennessee and Nantahala river valleys across Fontana Lake and through the gorge. These scenic routes take around four hours apiece, making the perfect day trip whichever you choose. Maple Leaf  It’s a nine-hour ride from New York’s Penn station to the tumbling cascades of Niagara but the Maple Leaf's route is one of the most scenic in the country. Winding its way along the pretty Hudson Valley, you’ll appreciate why so many people choose to commute to Manhattan rather than live in the city. Passing through the state capital Albany and the delightfully named Schenectady, the train turns west to pass through the gorges of the Finger Lakes region. It hugs the border from Buffalo to drop its passengers at Niagara Falls, New York, leaving the train to cross into Canada and on to Toronto, as its name suggests. WOULD YOU LIKE MORE INFORMATION? Just email us and we'll be happy to help design your perfect Train Vacation! DID YOU ENJOY THIS ARTICLE?
Please comment below! When you do, you help us increase our presence on social media! Thanks!! Published April 17, 2020 by GoGo Vacations (All photographs courtesy of GoGoVacations) NOTE FROM TERIE: We're continuing with our series on "Post COVID-19: Exploring North America as we explore America's Best Beaches. Have you visited one of these amazing spots? Or did we miss one that you found especially memorable? We'd love to hear about your experiences. Just leave your comment below! You love getting away with the entire family, but you can only hear those universal words, “Are we there yet?” We’ve got a few suggestions on the home-front for a family vacation that will have your kids asking a whole new question – “We love it here. Why do we ever have to leave?”  LAS VEGAS
You thought Las Vegas was just for grown-ups, but this shimmering city actually offers a family scene that is nothing short of legendary. Soar 550 feet above the famous strip in the High Roller Observation Wheel with 360-degree views. Take in one of the Cirque du Soleil shows which are sure to delight and mystify kids and teenagers alike. The Shark Reef at Mandalay Beach Hotel wows with two underwater tunnels and more than 100 sharks, with 30 alone in one of the largest tanks in the US. For your teens, Circus Circus has the Adventuredome, featuring El Loco, a rollercoaster with an angled drop of 90 degrees for an experience at 1.5 vertical-G. If you’re visiting Las Vegas in the winter, make sure to try the ice skating rink at Cosmopolitan. Adventures off the strip include excursions to the Hoover Dam, the Valley of Fire, and the Grand Canyon. Published April 20, 2020 by GoGo Vacations (All photographs courtesy of GoGoVacations) NOTE FROM TERIE: We're continuing with our series on "Post COVID-19: Exploring North America as we explore America's Best Beaches. Have you visited one of these amazing spots? Or did we miss one that you found especially memorable? We'd love to hear about your experiences. Just leave your comment below! From the shores of Hawaii to Florida, the U.S. boasts some of the best beaches in the world. From sea to shining sea (literally), discover what America’s beaches have to offer. California  California is so big, so varied, so enduringly symbolic, you could create literally thousands of vacations up and down the coast and barely scrape the surface of what the Golden State has to offer, from San Francisco to Long Beach, to Los Angeles and Anaheim, to San Diego. California has almost 1,000 miles of coastline and some of the most popular beaches in the world. In San Diego, visit Coronado, Ocean Beach, and La Jolla. LA is home to El Matador, Malibu’s Zuma, and Surfrider. If in Santa Barbara, check out Rincon and El Capitan State Beach. Carmel has Point Lobos State Reserve. You’ll find Pismo Beach in San Luis Obispo. And, the Anaheim area is known for popular Laguna Beach. The state’s relaxed vibe lends itself to beach bumming and the big West Coast waves are ideal for surfing. Florida  From hip South Beach to the lush and relaxing Keys, from 5-star restaurants to beach-side bars, whether you’re traveling with the kids or looking for family fun, or traveling with your significant other looking for a romantic escape, The Sunshine State beckons and stands ready to provide the beach vacation you’re yearning for. On the Atlantic Coast you’ll find glittering Miami – known for its blend of Latin American and Caribbean cultural influences, with cuisine to match. South Beach is one of the area’s most popular beaches, thanks to its turquoise waters and soft, white sands. North of Miami is Ft. Lauderdale, which has a calmer seaside vibe. Those looking for a more laid-back vibe will find it in the Keys. Key West is quirky, charismatic, and unique, with some of the best fishing in the world. Head to the Gulf Coast for romantic beaches and mesmerizing sunsets. Naples has high-end shopping, swanky eateries, and a historic downtown area. Families love Clearwater for its numerous activities and the serene and pristine beaches. Hawaii  Hawaii is cherished for its legendary beaches, active volcanoes, regional delicacies, dramatic waves, cultural experiences, and inspirational activities. The 50th state is imbued with “Aloha Spirit” – the warm welcome and genuine kindness that blends with the lush, luxurious tropical landscape. And, with several islands to visit, there’s a beach for everyone.
The small island of Oahu is known for its perfect surfing conditions and beautiful beaches. You can get a taste for both on Waikiki as well as the North Shore, the surfing capital of the USA. On gorgeous Maui, water sports, luaus on the sands, and brilliant tropical scenery create a serenely appealing way of life that’s perfect for sun worshipers and outdoor enthusiasts. Hit golden Ka’anapali Beach for body-boarding, kayaking, and sailing. Nicknamed the “Garden Island,” Kauai is green and flourishing with lush fora from the mountains to the ocean. There are more than 50 miles of beaches – more beach per mile than any other island in Hawaii. The gorgeous Napali Coast spans 17 miles along Kauai’s North Shore and has some of the best views Hawaii has to offer. The Island of Hawaii, popularly known as “The Big Island,” is arguably the most diverse island in the chain. The beaches here come in a variety of colors and textures, including fine, black sands, crystal green sands, and newly formed lava rocks. On Molokai, you’ll find the longest white-sand beaches in Hawaii and ultimate relaxation. The people here prefer a simpler way of life, so vacationing here really defines getting away from it all. Lanai is the smallest of the inhabited islands. A popular vacation spot for celebrities, the beaches here are secluded and uncrowded, with soft, white sands and rolling blue waves. America is multicultural, vibrant, and home to beautiful and varied beach experiences from coast to coast. Give us a call today to start planning your next USA beach getaway. |
Terie & Dan
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