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Post by Owen on Aug 20, 2022 8:05:30 GMT
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Post by Owen on Aug 20, 2022 8:11:05 GMT
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Post by Owen on Aug 20, 2022 8:14:21 GMT
What’s the most beautiful country in the world? A contentious topic that’s guaranteed to provoke thought and possibly heated debate. Given that a whole lot has changed since we last asked Rough Guides’ readers that question back in 2019, we thought it was about time we found out which destinations currently float your boat. Read on to discover the most beautiful countries in the world, as voted by you in 2022. www.roughguides.com/gallery/most-beautiful-country-in-the-world/
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Post by Owen on Aug 20, 2022 8:18:18 GMT
To celebrate our dazzling European neighbours, we took to Facebook and Twitter to ask our followers to vote for the most beautiful places in Europethe spots that, quite simply, blew them away. After much debate, it was whittled it down to the top ten. These are the most beautiful places in Europe – as chosen by you. www.roughguides.com/articles/the-most-beautiful-places-in-europe-chosen-by-you/
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Post by Owen on Aug 20, 2022 8:21:07 GMT
Have you ever visited a city and simply fallen in love? We're sure you have - but which one? We asked our Twitter and Facebook followers to vote for the most beautiful city in the world. From the old-world gems of Europe to modern metropolises in North America, these are the places that came top in the poll. Have a different opinion? Let us know on social! www.roughguides.com/gallery/most-beautiful-city-in-the-world/
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Post by Owen on Aug 20, 2022 8:24:39 GMT
If you've got wheels, wanderlust and a spot of time, a road trip in Europe offers the chance to see the continent at a more relaxed pace. From the sunny shores of Portugal to the dungeons of Dracula's castle in Transylvania in Romania , the following itineraries can be easily combined, shortened or altered to suit your wayfaring tastes. Here are 9 of the best road trips in Europe, a clutch of which also feature in our run-down of the best countries for summer in Europe . www.roughguides.com/articles/best-road-trips-europe/
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Post by Owen on Aug 20, 2022 8:27:08 GMT
Exploring the UK and Ireland by road is a fantastic way to go: it’s sociable, safe and – if you choose an electric vehicle – environmentally friendly. We’ve put together a list of the 10 best road trips in the UK and Ireland, all bookable with a local expert through Rough Guides. www.roughguides.com/articles/10-best-road-trips-in-the-uk-and-ireland/
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Post by Owen on Aug 20, 2022 8:29:52 GMT
The very best seaside towns in UK offer everything from traditional fun to tongue-in-cheek kitsch. Days out on the beach with bucket and spade in hand continue to be a great British tradition, and best of all, there's always another coastal town in the UK waiting to be discovered! The following information is taken from The Rough Guide to England , Scotland and Wales , your best travel guides for visiting the United Kingdom. www.roughguides.com/special-features/britains-30-best-seaside-towns/
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Post by Owen on Aug 20, 2022 8:38:01 GMT
Thanks to its three long stretches of coastline, France has plenty of great beaches. From upmarket resorts to the secluded calanques (coves) and beaches steeped with historical significance, there are a variety of opportunities for fans of the sand. Our selection of 20 top beaches was taken from the latest Rough Guide to France. www.roughguides.com/articles/best-beaches-france/
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Post by Owen on Aug 20, 2022 8:40:23 GMT
Capital of Wales since 1955, Cardiff is unrecognisable from a few years ago. With an exhilarating mix of heavyweight cultural sights, exciting regeneration projects – not least the revitalized Cardiff Bay – world-class sport, a prolific music scene and some seriously banging nightlife, it’s easy to see why Cardiff now ranks alongside London and Edinburgh as one of the UK’s most compelling destinations. So if you were in any doubt, here are ten great reasons to visit… www.roughguides.com/articles/why-cardiff-is-coolest-city-wales-uk/
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Post by Owen on Aug 20, 2022 8:49:05 GMT
What are the most beautiful places in Italy? You voted for the loveliest Italian cities, unmissable towns and lovely regions and we created the definitive list of Italy's top 10 best places to visit. Now take a look at what to see and do and where to stay, according to the Italy experts at Rough Guides. The following information is taken from The Rough Guide to Italy , your travel guide for visiting Italy . www.roughguides.com/gallery/most-beautiful-places-in-italy/
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Post by Owen on Aug 20, 2022 8:51:15 GMT
If you've seen all of Italy's famous landmarks, hiked Cinque Terre , sailed the Grand Canal and browsed the Uffizi . Then what's next? Natasha Foges reveals six alternative Italian landmarks worth discovering, take a look. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Italy your travel guide for Italy . www.roughguides.com/articles/6-enticing-alternatives-to-italys-big-sights/
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Post by Owen on Aug 20, 2022 8:55:14 GMT
The list of things to do Tuscany Italy offers is almost endless and you won't cover everything in one trip. However, our rundown of Tuscany highlights is a great place to start. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Italy your essential guide for visiting Italy . www.roughguides.com/articles/unforgettable-things-to-do-tuscany-italy/
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Post by Owen on Aug 20, 2022 8:59:07 GMT
When you’ve had your fill of history, culture and man-made wonders, sometimes sun, sea and sand is all you need. Desert islands like Fiji and Maui top the bucket lists of many a traveller, with all the ingredients for the perfect exotic holiday: tropical climes, swaying palms and blissful white-sand beaches. Closer to home, the Canary Island of Fuerteventura and Vis in Croatia make getting away from it all as easy as pie. Whether you're after some serious escapism or want to marvel at mother nature, Lucy McGuire picks some of the most exotic places to travel in the world. And for more inspiration, read our where to go when alternative month-by-month guide . www.roughguides.com/articles/most-exotic-places-to-travel-around-the-world/
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Post by Owen on Aug 21, 2022 9:21:38 GMT
This magical treehouse hideaway might just be the coolest stay in London We take a look inside this Shoreditch penthouse that you can rent on Plum Guide
“No time for average” is the catchy motto for Plum Guide, a holiday home rental site with high standards – just three per cent of homes that apply for listings in each destination featured on the site are granted the Plum Award. And indeed, this far-from-average London listing was so intriguing on the website, we had to see it in person to truly believe it. A treehouse? In Shoreditch? With a swing? And a piano? The Shoreditch Treehouse may be less a home and more a hotspot for hosting secret gigs and lavish parties, but it also makes for an incredible place to stay in London.www.cntraveller.com/gallery/shoreditch-treehouse?6 August 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 3:12:56 GMT
The Most Beautiful Place in Each U.S. StateFrom magical deserts to beautiful beaches, these are the most beautiful places in the U.S. Mother Nature wasn't modest with America, where her handiwork ranges from magical desert mesas to wooded river valleys to whisper-thin barrier islands. You might even say she was particularly heavy-handed when doling out American scenery. The natural beauty found across the 50 states is so vast and staggering, it's practically impossible to make sense of — though you can't say we didn't try. Here, our totally subjective, state-by-state list of the most beautiful places in the U.S. www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/most-beautiful-places-in-the-us18 May 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 3:15:59 GMT
The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2022From far-flung destinations to hometown favorites, 2022 is the year to get back out there and turn your dream trips into reality.
Planning new adventures as a new year approaches is always a thrill, but finding the best places to visit in 2022 is unique. After two years of border closures, cruise cancellations, and travel restrictions galore, 2022 is the year we hope to get back out there, uninhibited (albeit vaccinated and COVID tested), return to our favorite destinations, and cross new ones off our lists.
Though the hospitality industry was hit hard by the pandemic, many properties used the forced downtime to renovate rooms, add new amenities, and expand outdoor spaces to offer even more once guests return. 2022 is when many travelers will venture further from home, and even overseas, for the first time since the start of the pandemic, finally reaping the benefits of these valiant efforts.www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/best-places-to-travel-in-20229 December 2021
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 3:20:26 GMT
America's Most Beautiful GardensDeep in the Bronx, there's a place where the incessant hum of New York City disappears. A river flows along the edge of an old-growth forest, where songbirds serenade in the canopy of massive maples, oaks, and chestnuts that have stood unmoved since the American Revolution. Sound like an urban myth? This place does exist, cloistered within the New York Botanical Garden. The allure of this 250-acre tract is undeniable, but for Brian Sullivan, the institution's vice president of landscape, outdoor collections, and gardens, its beauty is more than skin deep.
"We want to connect people with plants," Sullivan says. "Public gardens are uniquely poised to be an advocate for the plant kingdom." America's most beautiful gardens share this ability to deepen visitors' understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix reveals the diversity of wildlife adapted to its harsh, arid climate, from a Technicolor array of Mexican poppies and desert lupine to otherworldly stands of cactus.
Hawaii's lush Limahuli Garden and Preserve protects endangered native flowers like the delicate, scarlet-hued hibiscus, as well as rare varieties of plants (taro, sweet potato) vital to early Hawaiians.
And at institutions like Chicago Botanic Garden and Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, vast collections of bonsai and orchids delight visitors, while researchers make advances in the fields of plant science and conservation.
Still, it's the innate beauty of these gardens that keeps people coming back season after season—for in any great garden, true discovery requires patience. "There are so many layers, you don't see it all right away," Sullivan says. "A garden reveals itself when you're ready."www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/americas-most-beautiful-gardens9 May 2014
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 23:03:16 GMT
Paris's Notre Dame Cathedral Before the Fire: An Unforgettable History in Photos (Video) A massive fire broke out at the historic Notre Dame cathedral in Paris on Monday, causing part of the iconic building to collapse. Though the cause of the fire remains unclear, early reports indicate it may have begun at a construction site on the property. Tourists and locals could only stand by as the cathedral's spire went up in flames and later collapsed. According to NBC, the spire contained artifacts sacred to the Catholic faith, including a relic believed to be from Jesus Christ's crown of thorns. Other relics from Saint Genevieve and Saint Denis may also be destroyed. "Everything is burning, nothing will remain from the frame," Notre Dame spokesman Andre Finot told reporters. Beyond housing important holy items, the cathedral has a deep and rich history. Here's what you should know about the Notre Dame cathedral. www.travelandleisure.com/culture-design/architecture-design/notre-dame-cathedral-paris-historical-photos15 April 2019
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 23:09:17 GMT
World's Most-Visited Sacred Sites Tokyo's Harajuku neighborhood is famous for its loud street fashion (embraced by singer Gwen Stefani, among others), but it's most popular attraction is hardly a household name. The tranquil Meiji Shrine attracts roughly 30 million annually, as does the Sensoji Temple, making them the world's most-visited sacred sites. These Japanese sites no doubt benefit from their location in Tokyo, a major metropolitan area and significant tourist destination. Most of the local population adheres to Shintoism or Buddhism or both, and religious and cultural traditions encourage families to go to shrines and temples at least once or twice a year, especially around New Year's, a time called hatsumode. America's Most Beautiful Landmarks While each religion has its holy seasons, there's always a reason to visit these sites, whether you're intrigued by the history, art, or simply following a packaged tour. Whatever the day, you'll find Catholics attending mass at Mexico City's Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe (No. 3), among casual tourists and others who've traveled here expressly to pay their respects to an image of the Virgin Mary. Pilgrimage is indeed one of the oldest motives for travel and going strong. The Hajj to the al-Haram mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is one of the most famous, with 2,927,717 Muslims participating in 2011—an unusually precise tally provided by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. For the annual Hindu pilgrimage to Sabarimala in Kerala, India, the visitation estimates varied so widely (anywhere from 3 to 50 million), we felt it was too unreliable to rank officially. We couldn't get a reliable confirmation for India's Sikh Golden Temple of Amritsar, suggested to receive 10,000 visitors daily, or for Temple Square in Salt Lake City, though, tellingly, the Mormon site purports to be the No. 1 tourist attraction in Utah. But we kept digging to determine as best as possible the most travel-inspiring sacred sites—read on for the top results. The Methodology: We made no distinction between devout religious pilgrims and secular tourists, or between domestic and foreign visitors. Because most of these sacred sites are free and open to the public, it's impossible to get a completely accurate count of visitors or their reasons for coming. We used numbers and estimates from the sites themselves, tourist boards, government agencies, local newspaper reports and reputable media outlets. We restricted our list to holy places associated with Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism and other religions that are still commonly practiced, which ruled out ancient sites such as temples to pagan Greek gods, the Mayan pyramids of Central American pyramids, and Stonehenge. And we focused on actual, physical structures, which eliminated items like the Shroud of Turin—shown only every few years—and gatherings like the Kumbh Mela festival, which can draw more than 60 million Hindus when held every 12 years. www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/worlds-most-visited-sacred-sites4 January 2012
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 23:12:13 GMT
The World's Most-visited Tourist AttractionsFor nearly 500 years, the emperors living within Beijing's opulent Forbidden City dictated who could enter and leave. Well, the gates have opened, and tourists are pouring in to see it all for themselves. Attendance is up by 2.5 million since 2010. The Forbidden City is a dream destination for some Americans, but most have never researched a trip to Everland or Lotte World. Yet these South Korean theme parks also rank among the world's 50 most-visited tourist attractions—beating out the Eiffel Tower (nearly 7 million), the Great Pyramids (4 million), and Stonehenge (1 million). And there are more surprises. 55 of the World's Most Beautiful Destinations Where we choose to spend our vacation time says a lot about what we value. Despite—or perhaps because of—what the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) calls "global economic challenges," more travelers are hitting the road than ever. International tourist arrivals increased by five percent in 2013, according to the UNWTO. That translates to a record of more than one billion trips. With its population of 1.36 billion, China has become the second-largest exporter of tourists. Russia, now the fifth-largest outbound market, increased travel spending by 26 percent. Like it or not, theme parks clearly have worldwide appeal. France's Disneyland Park draws about the same number of visitors (10.5 million) as Sacré Coeur, and four of the world's 20 most-visited tourist attractions are Disney parks. Many inspiring and iconic places can't quite keep up. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum narrowly missed the top 50, as did the British Museum in London (6.7 million), the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (6.3 million), and the Roman Colosseum and Forum (5.1 million each). The Berlin Wall Memorial Site logged only 500,000 visitors in 2013, though extra crowds arrived in November 2014 for the 25th anniversary of its fall. Accessibility can be a factor. It takes extra effort to reach Yellowstone National Park (3.2 million) or the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, China (4.8 million). And Peru's Machu Picchu has restricted tourism to help maintain the site's integrity; only 2,500 can enter per day, or 912,500 per year. The Most Beautiful Place in Each U.S. State So what is the most-visited tourist attraction in the world? And can 91 million people be wrong? Read on to see the results—and an explanation of our methods for calculating it all. The Methodology: To tally up the world's most-visited attractions, we gathered the most recent data supplied by the attractions themselves or from government agencies, industry reports, and reputable media outlets. In most cases, it was 2013 data. Attractions that don't sell tickets gave us estimates as best they could. We defined "tourist attractions" as cultural and historical sites, natural landmarks, and officially designated spaces. So Boston's shop-filled Faneuil Hall Marketplace (est. 1742) made the cut, but not Minnesota's Mall of America, which, with 40 million annual visitors, would otherwise have tied for No. 4. Short walkways and plazas also fit our definition of tourist attractions; that disqualified the Blue Ridge Parkway. We also omitted beaches, bridges, and sites that draw almost exclusively religious pilgrims. www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/landmarks-monuments/worlds-most-visited-tourist-attractions10 November 2014 www.travelandleisure.com/attractions
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 23:15:13 GMT
55 of the World's Most Beautiful DestinationsThese are 55 of the most beautiful places in the world to visit. What is the most beautiful place in the world? To compile the world's most beautiful places is an inherently subjective and impossible task, but we'd like to think that this list at least scratches the surface of some of the extraordinary beauty the world has to offer. Focusing largely on national parks, mountains, beaches, deserts, and other natural wonders, our list is sure to inspire your next dream destination. Join us for a journey to some of the most beautiful places in the world, from temple ruins on the slopes of the Andes to mountains with dizzying colorful layers to glorious coral reefs. www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/most-beautiful-places-in-the-world-to-visit8 December 2021
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 23:18:27 GMT
21 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the United StatesThere might be a lot of people out there who are not ready for summer to end, but it's not all bad news. It's time for sweater weather, hot apple cider, and best of all, seeing the leaves change from the lush greens of summer to the bright golds, oranges, and reds of autumn, so we've rounded up the best places to see fall foliage around the country. The Best Places to See Fall Foliage in New England Over the next few months, each state will experience its own unique view of fall. While many people associate watching the leaves change with weekend getaways to the Northeast, there are plenty of places to see the stunning seasonal views throughout the country. Classic leafy views in Maine, New Hampshire, and New York are always a great go-to, but you can also find amazing leaf-changing action in states like Georgia and New Mexico. More fall vacation ideas Oak, ash, maple, and hickory trees transform before your very eyes all over the United States. And every landscape looks like a perfect postcard. www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/fall-vacations/best-fall-foliage-spots17 August 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 26, 2022 4:23:43 GMT
youtu.be/ubQSMXH4klY A selection of photos taken around England during 2022 Beautiful Britain Vol 8 ~ 3 June 2022 ~ Ray Woods ~ 5:45 ~
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Post by Owen on Aug 26, 2022 4:53:24 GMT
12 Best Places to Travel in October These are the best places to travel in October in the United States and around the world. If you missed your summer vacation and still have travel on your mind, you're in luck. In places like Hawaii, North Carolina, and Europe, the tourist count is dropping and so are prices. Temperatures might be a bit lower too, but you can still find beaches and ideal weather for being outdoors. Does October mean leaf peeping, Halloween, or Oktoberfest for you? We have places to enjoy those annual events. Further away, Kenya's great migration culminates in October, and Istanbul celebrates fall with an art festival. Whether you're looking for crisp fall weather or warm sunshine, we have a few ideas for an autumn vacation. Here are the best places to travel in October 2022. More fall vacations www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/fall-vacations/best-places-travel-october22 August 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 26, 2022 4:56:19 GMT
14 Best Places to Travel in September Here are the best places to travel in September in the United States and around the world. The calendar might say that summer ends in September, but it doesn't mean vacations have to be over. In fact, when crowds head back to school and work, it's a perfect time for a trip, even a weekend getaway, if that's all your schedule can manage. We have some suggestions ranging from small U.S. towns to faraway places and events from Oktoberfest to music festivals. Perhaps you'll be inspired to extend those summer vibes by planning a September trip. If so, we hope some of these destinations will offer that inspiration. Here are 14 of the best places to travel in September. www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/best-places-travel-september2 August 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 26, 2022 23:52:56 GMT
The 2023 Cruise Itineraries to Book Before They Sell Out These itineraries sail everywhere from Africa and the Middle East to Asia, Europe, and the Arctic. Cruising is a mode of travel where it pays to plan ahead. In fact, it's not uncommon for enthusiastic cruisers to book voyages a year or two in advance. It also means that the most interesting itineraries on the best ships sell out fast and well before they shove off—and that now is prime time to start planning cruises for 2023. Here are the most exciting cruise itineraries to book for next year. All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. www.cntraveler.com/story/cruise-itineraries-to-book-before-they-sell-out?23 June 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 27, 2022 5:47:30 GMT
The Most Scenic Train Rides in the World
By Patricia Doherty Published on February 8, 2019 Train travel is one of the oldest ways to get around, and the idea of a journey on the rails conjures up the past. Despite those notions, most trains are modern, fast, and efficient ways to get around. Some of the scenic rides we describe here were created mainly to take passengers through beautiful, perhaps inaccessible locales. Others connect cities and towns, replacing air travel for shorter trips with convenient downtown stations and frequent schedules. On some trains, the beauty of the interior décor rivals that of the passing scenery. Many train stations are destinations in themselves, with art, vintage architecture, gourmet dining, and classic cocktail venues. www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/bus-train/worlds-most-scenic-train-rides
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Post by Owen on Aug 27, 2022 5:51:10 GMT
The Most Beautiful Winter Train Routes in North AmericaBy Andrea Romano Published on January 9, 2019 Winter can be a magical time, so why spend those precious moments at home? Or worse, in the airport security line? Instead, a scenic winter train ride is an excellent way to not only get to the destination you desire, but also to see the most beautiful views and stops you wouldn’t have thought of along the way. Sure, train travel takes a little bit longer, but the benefits can be huge. Across the United States, anyone can take a scenic ride through mountains, lakes, rivers and forests for about the same price as an airline ticket — or less — while also traveling in cushier seats and a more relaxed atmosphere than you’d ever get in the air. And these scenic rides aren’t just a summertime getaway. The winter is also magical time to ride the rails. See landscapes blanketed with snow and ice, whether you’re in the Northeast, Pacific Northwest or the Midwest. Or, if you’re into a milder climate, you can take a lovely trip around the American Southwest to see the red rocks of the Grand Canyon peppered with some snow, or ride along the coast of California, stopping in metropolitan cities like San Francisco, Sacramento and Los Angeles to see how the West Coast does wintertime. And, who could forget a journey to Alaska, where you can not only drink in the scenery, but also get the perfect Instagram picture of the local wildlife around Denali National Park. Or, you can take a ski trip through the Colorado Rockies to really celebrate the season. But beyond the fun activities and interesting cities you can visit on your train ride, it all comes down to the fabulous sights. As you take your train vacation, you’ll also be able to truly appreciate the natural diversity and beauty of the U.S. — which is a pretty priceless souvenir. www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/bus-train/scenic-winter-train-rides-us
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Post by Owen on Aug 27, 2022 7:18:03 GMT
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