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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 3:33:42 GMT
1 ~~~ T&L ~ Best Travel & Trip Ideas in the USA & World ~~~ 360 The Most Beautiful Place in Each U.S. State From 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 3:37:02 GMT
2 ~~~ The Best Christmas Light Displays in Every State ~~~ Whether you live in Texas, Oregon, or North Pole, Alaska, it just wouldn't be Christmastime without twinkling lights. Bulbs blinking red and green or classic white have become a part of our identity, a symbol of prosperity, holiday cheer, and end-of-the-year celebration.
Christmas lights actually have a history that dates all the way back to the pagan rituals of northern Europe. The custom of the Yule Log, a bonfire of sorts, was first recorded in the 12th century, and is thought to have served as a representation of hope that the sun would once again shine brightly, ending the darkness of December. The winter light traditions have come a long way since the 12th century, from early Yule Logs to candles on the German Christmas tree — perhaps the most flammable Christmas light iteration — to the LED displays we have today.
While travelers fly halfway around the world to see the European Christmas lights illuminating holiday markets, we have some exquisite displays right here in the U.S. Whether you prefer a sophisticated tea light-lined spectacle or a drive-through LED extravaganza, here are the best Christmas lights in every state. www.travelandleisure.com/holiday-travel/best-christmas-lights-in-every-state2 December 2021 The Best Places to Spend Christmas www.travelandleisure.com/holiday-travel/best-places-to-spend-christmas25 Festive Christmas Towns to Visit for the Holidays www.travelandleisure.com/holiday-travel/americas-best-towns-for-the-holidays
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 3:40:53 GMT
3 ~~~ 10 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Vermont ~~~ The Green Mountain State is anything but when its grand hills and small villages are ablaze with fall foliage.
Of all the places to see fall foliage, New England is tops. And if we had to pick one state, it just might be Vermont. Native maple trees and other broadleaves in the largely forested state put on a dazzling display of fiery reds, oranges, and golds. From bucolic hills to staggering mountain peaks to reflective lakes, there's no shortage of picture-perfect places to see the changing leaves.
So, get ready to take a drive, tackle a hike, or row out on a lake to soak in all the majesty at one of these amazing Vermont fall foliage destinations.
www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nature-travel/best-places-to-see-vermont-fall-foliage1 August 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 3:44:02 GMT
4 ~~~ 10 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in New England ~~~ Here’s where to savor the season. As a kid, I measured my summers in corn. Each year, at the beginning of June, my friends and I would ride our bikes to the neighborhood farm in my small New England town and watch the tractor methodically place the seedlings into the ground. By July, those seedlings would be hip-high, and by late August, they'd tower over us. That's how we knew it was once again time for school. Though the thought of heading back to geometry class wasn't exactly exciting, there was one natural phenomenon worth looking forward to: the leaves changing color. By October, the trees looming in my backyard in Rhode Island were a picturesque mix of burnt orange, red, brown, magenta, and yellow. And while the years have gone by, those trees still turn the same rainbow hues each fall. I never knew how lucky I was to have this view until I came to learn about leaf peepers. 14 Fall Road Trips for Seeing the Best Fall Foliage Every year, millions of people flock to New England to see the fall foliage. With a bit of planning and some good luck with the weather, you can experience it, too. Here are the best New England fall foliage destinations to visit. Just make sure to have an ear of corn for me on the way. www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/best-new-england-fall-foliage-destinations18 July 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 3:46:46 GMT
5 ~~~ The Most Unique Airbnb in Every U.S. State ~~~ See America through its coolest Airbnb stays. Airbnb has changed the game when it comes to vacationing. No longer are travelers beholden to where they can find a suitable hotel. Instead, vacationers can go almost anywhere and stay for as long as they wish, thanks to people sharing their homes with the world. Though we like to think every Airbnb is special, some are a bit cooler than the rest. On your next domestic trip, we suggest checking into one of these cool Airbnb rentals, each offering something special. Here are the most unique Airbnb stays in every U.S. state. www.travelandleisure.com/hotels-resorts/vacation-rentals/most-unique-airbnb-stay-every-us-state31 July 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 3:54:02 GMT
6 ~~~ The Best Times to Visit Sedona for Good Weather and Most Affordable Prices ~~~ Find your perfect time to visit Sedona here.
Sedona, Arizona, is a destination that will capture your heart from the moment you arrive.
The gorgeous red rocks surrounding the city will envelop you in a hug, the food will fill your belly and soul, and the local community will leave you smiling for weeks after you leave.
It's a place that deserves a spot high on your list of must-see destinations and one you'll want to return to over and over again.
But when exactly should you go? Here's what you need to know when planning a trip to Sedona.www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/best-time-to-visit-sedona5 March 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 3:57:42 GMT
7 ~~~ The Best Time to Visit Florida for Fewer Crowds, Better Weather, and Travel Deals ~~~ Whether you want to lounge on the beach, hit the theme parks, or explore the Sunshine State's cities and small towns, these are the best times to visit Florida. Aside from beaches, theme parks, and nonstop sunshine, one of Florida's biggest draws is that there's never a bad time to visit. The weather is warm all year round, so you'll never have your plans dashed by a snowstorm or need to pack a winter coat. Florida does, however, have foul weather concerns of a different type: buggy, muggy, blazingly hot summers; afternoon thunderstorms; and, of course, hurricane season. There are crowds and tourist seasons to account for, as well as surge prices on trip necessities like hotels, rental cars, tickets, and flights when demand is at its peak. The best time to visit Florida depends on your specific needs — the purpose and exact destination of your trip, plus your itinerary, budget, heat tolerance, and more — but the bottom line is that the Florida trip of your dreams is within reach, as long as you plan accordingly. The Best Places to Visit in Florida, According to a Lifelong Resident www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/best-time-to-visit-florida11 July 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 4:00:05 GMT
8 ~~~ The Best Times to Visit New Orleans for Great Weather, Fewer Crowds, and Travel Deals. ~~~ There's no real "bad" time to see the Big Easy. The Big Easy is just that: an easygoing, jovial city where you'll find incredible food, fantastic live music, and friendly locals any time of year. And while there's no bad time to go to New Orleans, there are more (and less) ideal times to visit, depending on your vacation agenda. If you're aiming to catch a major event — Mardi Gras, for example, or the Jazz and Heritage Festival — you'll have to plan far ahead to make sure you arrive during the exact dates (and book a hotel room before they're sold out). Travelers seeking perfect weather, fewer tourists, and travel bargains will also find some months preferable to others. These are the best times to visit New Orleans for great weather, travel deals, and more. 21 Best Things to Do in New Orleans' French Quarter — From Famous Cafes to Ghost Tours www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/best-time-to-visit-new-orleans26 May 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 4:02:43 GMT
9 ~~~ The Best Time to Visit Yosemite National Park ~~~ When to visit Yosemite National Park for camping, great weather, fewer crowds, and more.
It's hard to top the beauty and magic of Yosemite National Park. Granite monoliths jut out of the ground, giant sequoia groves dot the landscape, and waterfalls topple off cliffs. It's the sort of place that could take a lifetime to explore; the park is 747,956 acres or 1,169 square miles of near-complete wilderness. This open, wild space is home to hundreds of black bears and more than 400 species of vertebrates, from fish and reptiles to birds and mammals.
And even though it's impossible to see and do it all over a weekend, or a week-long trip, Yosemite has the power to enchant even brief visitors. When you're sick of staring at your Half Dome screen saver or tuning in to Yosemite webcams, it may be time to start planning an in-person trip to this celebrated national park. At just over an hour north of Fresno and around three hours from both San Francisco and Sacramento, the park is surprisingly accessible. And since it's open year-round, it doesn't matter when you go — just that you go.
Below, we've compiled a guide to help you nail down the perfect timing for your first (or 25th) Yosemite National Park getaway.www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/national-parks/best-time-to-visit-yosemite-national-park24 May 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 4:09:16 GMT
10 ~~~ The Best — and Worst — Times to Visit Glacier National Park ~~~ These are the best times to visit Glacier National Park in Montana for warm weather, fewer crowds, affordable prices, and more.
Glacier National Park may be one of the nation's most popular national parks, but thanks to its spacious 1,583 square miles of wilderness — home to more than 762 lakes and 700 miles of hiking trails — it's maintained a sense of solitude.
The preserved piece of land is a haven for 71 animal species, 276 documented types of birds, and the three million human visitors it draws each year.
It doesn't matter if you visit for a week or a single day, or if you prefer to hike or explore by car — there's plenty to do and see (even virtually). And that's true whether you visit in July or January. While the park is open year-round, there are certain benefits to visiting during particular seasons. To help you plan your trip, we've compiled a little guide on the best (and worst) times to visit Glacier National Park.www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/national-parks/best-time-visit-glacier-national-park24 March 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 4:13:39 GMT
11 ~~~ America's Most Beautiful Gardens ~~~ Deep 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 4:25:00 GMT
12 ~~~ This Texas Flower Festival May Be the Most Beautiful Springtime Destination in the U.S. ~~~ It's all blooms, blooms, blooms until April 10.
The festival, which is dedicated solely to springtime flowers and is the largest annual floral festival in the Southwest, showcases 100 varieties of spring bulbs, thousands of azaleas, and hundreds of Japanese cherry trees.
This year, the event runs Feb. 19 to Apr. 10, 2022, offering visitors a leisurely window of time to see the bloom du jour.
In addition to fields of tulips and rows of cherry blossom trees and azaleas, the festival has ongoing programming based around the year's theme: birds of paradise. You can meet rescued parrots, get expert tips on bird photography, and learn what to plant in your garden to support local bird species.
And no matter what you do, don't miss a visit to one of the four larger-than-life peacock topiaries, which are made entirely out of plants and flowers. www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/dallas-blooms-festival11 March 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 4:28:05 GMT
13 ~~~ 17 Best Glamping Spots in Tennessee — From Vintage Airstreams to Stargazing Domes ~~~ Book these gorgeous Tennessee glamping sites for the state's best views, adventures, and digs.
From a popular national park to the world-renowned synchronous fireflies, Tennessee promises adventure lovers an awe-striking outdoor getaway — and you can take that up a notch with a night or weekend glamping.
Even better, the glamping in Tennessee goes beyond cute forest-fringed tents; it fully immerses guests in the state's scenic surrounds, with posh cabins from brands like Getaway House, unique treasures like a tree house in the Smokies, or low-key campsites for reconnecting with nature sans Wi-Fi.
Before you book your next vacation, here are some of the best places to go glamping in Tennessee.
www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nature-travel/where-to-go-glamping-in-tennessee22 May 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 4:31:42 GMT
14 ~~~ How to Glamp Your Way Across the U.S., According to Someone Who Did It ~~~ From the Grand Canyon to the Smoky Mountains, glamorous camping is now the only way I'll travel.
A summer road trip feels as American as apple pie, and in the time of COVID-19, it seems as though everyone wants to cut off a slice. Including me.
According to AAA data, some 34 million Americans took to the road over Memorial Day weekend for a domestic road trip vacation, up 52% from 2020. I followed the trend a few weeks later with my own cross-country adventure. However, rather than just get from point A to point B, I figured I'd throw in another travel trend twist — glamping.
Forgoing traditional hotels and benign campsites, I set my sights on staying in some of the nation's most unique accommodations, including safari tents, a renovated school bus, an Airstream, and even a tree house. Here's my exact route, where I stayed, and a few tips and tricks for planning a glamping road trip of your own. www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/i-glamped-my-way-across-america-heres-what-its-really-like8 August 2021
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 4:36:11 GMT
15 ~~~ This Glamping Retreat Is the Best Way to Stay at Mount Rushmore ~~~ Campfires, hiking, and plush tents set the stage at Under Canvas Mount Rushmore, a property close to the iconic monument.
Summer calls for a road trip, and I was excited for a long weekend exploring the great outdoors of South Dakota's Black Hills, a small mountain range in the state's scenic western corner — and the home of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Some 2.5 million visitors come to Mount Rushmore every year, and many of them stay in the bustling town of Keystone. It offers plenty of hotels and motels (with giant buses parked right out front) and tourist shops hawking Mount Rushmore T-shirts and other souvenirs. I, however, was looking for a property that would provide an experience more in keeping with the area's wild open spaces.
I've never been one for roughing it, so I was excited to learn that Under Canvas — a company that operates high-end "glamping" tents at popular National Parks including Moab, Grand Canyon, and the Great Smoky Mountains — has a Mount Rushmore location. I could enjoy starry nights, pine-scented air, and s'mores around the campfire, but still have the luxury of a plush bed, high thread-count sheets, and a hot shower.www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/landmarks-monuments/under-canvas-camping-south-dakota-mount-rushmore14 July 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 4:39:44 GMT
16 ~~~ 10 Best Places to Go Glamping in Utah — From Yurts to Covered Wagons ~~~ Cozy up in a private teepee, yurt, covered wagon, or luxury tent.
Utah is an outdoor lover's paradise. The state is home to five national parks, endless single-track and hiking trails, a smattering of hot springs, and ski areas with some of the best snow you'll ever shred. But you don't have to sleep in a tent — on a flimsy camping mattress — to get the full experience. Glamping resorts throughout the state offer the best of both worlds — accommodations under starry night skies with perks like hot showers, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and yes, real beds.
These are 10 of the best glamping spots in Utah, including resorts where you can book a night in a teepee, covered wagon, or yurt.
www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nature-travel/best-places-to-go-glamping-in-utah23 April 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 4:46:58 GMT
17 ~~~ 8 Most Beautiful Lodges Just Outside U.S. National Parks ~~~ Because staying outside the park is totally in.
With more than 2,000 rooms, you'd think nabbing a place to stay inside Yellowstone National Park wouldn't be an issue, and it isn't — if you book a year in advance.
Of course, "no vacancy" signs aren't just a Yellowstone problem: As America's national parks bust at the seams with visitors, in-park accommodations are harder to come by, and overcrowded facilities feel that much further from Mother Nature.
Luckily, more and more incredible hotels are swinging open their doors just beyond park boundaries, offering that in-park feel with the serenity of smaller crowds. If you're planning a trip to any of the U.S. national parks below, put these incredible next-door options on your itinerary.www.travelandleisure.com/hotels-resorts/beautiful-lodges-outside-us-national-parks6 July 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 4:50:40 GMT
18 ~~~ The 25 Best National Parks in the U.S. ~~~ These are the best national parks in the country, as voted by Travel + Leisure readers.
As far as classic American vacations go, it doesn't get much better than a visit to a national park. These parks, found in 30 states and stretching for millions of acres through arid deserts, lush forests, icy mountains, and the crystalline waters of the tropics, provide travelers with precisely what they need: inspiration. And in a time like now, it's no surprise that people are flocking to these outdoor bastions of hope. In 2021, total recreational visitors to the national parks system (including national forests, monuments, and scenic byways) hit nearly 300 million.
Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. U.S. national parks were rated on their natural attractions, activities, lodging, wildlife, accessibility, and cleanliness.
Travel + Leisure readers once again narrowed their focus to national parks in the American West, including Yosemite National Park in California, home to Half Dome and Yosemite Falls, and Katmai National Park in Alaska, which visitors raved over for its awe-inspiring views and ability to thrill. "Flying into this amazing park and walking along paths where grizzlies are also walking was one of the most amazing experiences of my life," one reader noted.
Though President Woodrow Wilson created the National Park Service on Aug. 25, 1916, the first U.S. National Park actually predates that. Yellowstone National Park — this year's No. 1 choice — was created by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872. Learn more about what makes this park so fantastic, and find out which other national parks made the cut, below.www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best/best-national-parks-202212 July 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 4:57:24 GMT
19 ~~~ The Top 25 National Parks in America ~~~
America's 63 national parks are beloved destinations for both citizens and visitors from around the world, even during the Covid-19 pandemic. This past year, the entire National Park System (which, in addition to the parks, includes places such as national forests, battlefields, and scenic byways) saw 237 million recreational visits. Some of the country's most famous landmarks, such as the Grand Canyon in Arizona, are contained within these federally protected places, so it's easy to see why so many people flock to experience what has been called "America's best idea." It's for these reasons that Travel + Leisure editors decided to add a category for the best U.S. national parks to the World's Best Awards for the first time in its 26-year history.
Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. U.S. national parks were rated on their natural attractions, activities, lodging, wildlife, accessibility, and cleanliness.
Many of the expanses that T+L readers chose as their favorites are located in the West, with Wyoming, Alaska, Washington, and California notching multiple favorites. Some parks are quite remote and receive few annual visitors. For instance, Katmai, in Alaska, only sees a scant 37,000 annual visitors each year, but lucky readers who did visit rated it highly for its plentiful moose and bear sightings, resulting in a third-place finish. Other parks — including No. 8 Great Smoky Mountains, which received 12.5 million visitors in 2019 and 12.1 million in 2020 — are incredibly popular year after year. In the Smokies, it was the leaf-peeping that readers couldn't get enough of.
Like Katmai, some parks are prized for incredible animal encounters, including No. 2 Grand Teton, which one reader described as "transcendent at dawn when wildlife is abundant." Other parks, such as Redwood, which ranked No. 19, are beloved for their natural wonders. As one reader said: "Every American should see these trees once in their life. Just awe-inspiring." Other places earned high marks for impressive non-terrestrial features, like stargazing. In fact, Mesa Verde, which nabbed the No. 25 spot, was recently certified as an International Dark Sky Park.
However, the national park that takes first place in readers' hearts is, appropriately, America's original: Yellowstone. Read on to see why it earned the category's top spot — and which other parks made the list.
www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best/national-parks-in-america
8 September 2021
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 5:04:45 GMT
20 ~~~ 15 Best National Parks in the U.S. You Should Visit ~~~ These are the nation's most-visited national parks — for good reason.
Year after year, visitors flock to America's national parks to bask in the country's incredible natural beauty. In 2020, the National Park Service recorded over 237 million visits across sites like the Blue Ridge Parkway — the most popular with over 14 million visits last year — and national parks. From sea to shining sea, the U.S. contains a stunning array of diverse landscapes, from dramatic canyons and vast deserts to snowy mountain peaks and verdant valleys. When it comes to choosing the best national parks in the U.S., we think the visitor numbers speak for themselves.
While all 63 national parks are worth visiting, the top 15 most-visited ones are truly some of the nation's best, with bucket-list destinations like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite making the cut. Of course, if you want to avoid the crowds, you can always check out the least-visited national parks. They offer all of the beauty with a fraction of the visitors, so you have room to roam.
Here are the top 15 most-visited national parks in the U.S.
10 Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting a National Parkwww.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/national-parks/top-10-national-parks-in-the-us6 May 2021
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 5:07:17 GMT
21 ~~~ These Are the Best Hikes in the U.S., From Maine to California ~~~ Editor's Note: Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure.
As famed writer Wallace Stegner once said, America's national parks are "the best idea we ever had." And with warmer weather approaching, now's the time to start planning a hike around the national or state park nearest you. Pull on your hiking boots, grab a water bottle, and visit one of the best hiking trails in the U.S. for your next active adventure.
Explore canyons, visit waterfalls, and take in breathtaking landscapes on these 18 best hikes in the U.S.
More adventure travelwww.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/adventure-travel/best-hikes-in-america9 June 2021
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 5:12:03 GMT
22 ~~~ The Best Place to Camp in Each of the 50 States ~~~ Numerous studies have found benefits to spending time in the outdoors: better concentration, elevated mood, even faster healing and improved sleep patterns.
But camping isn't just a prescription for dealing with urban angst and anxiety. It's also a joy in its own right—an excuse to go to bed early, stare at the stars and get your hands dirty eating gooey s'mores roasted over an open flame.
If you're looking for a reason to dust off your headlamp or fire up the RV, every single state in the U.S. boasts remarkable landscapes where you can bunk for the night.
From remote beaches accessible only by boat to rugged canyons best explored by canoe, these are the best places to camp in every single state.
www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nature-travel/best-campsite-in-states24 April 2020
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 5:18:08 GMT
23 ~~~ 12 Most Beautiful Lakes in the United States ~~~ Red rock-lined waterways in Arizona and crystalline craters in Oregon make up some of the best lakeside views in the U.S.
With thousands of lakes scattered across the country, chances are good that you're no farther than a tankful of gas away from a great lake. But not all are created equal: some lakes won Mother Nature's lottery when it comes to natural good looks, so we've rounded up some of the best lakes in the U.S.
Take, for example, the impossibly blue, deep water of Oregon's Crater Lake, created by a volcano, or clear, cold Lake Superior, as it laps against dramatic sandstone cliffs.
America's Best Lake Vacations Man has also played a part in creating some of the most beautiful lakes in the U.S. When Glen Canyon was dammed to provide electricity downstream, the Colorado River rose to form Lake Powell, which snakes its way through red slick rock canyons on the Utah-Arizona border. In California, the striking limestone formations of Mono Lake are visible now because its water sources were diverted, and the lake shrank.
But don't just take our word for it: hit the road to seek out the best lakes in the U.S.
More nature travel ideaswww.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nature-travel/americas-most-beautiful-lakes4 May 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 5:23:35 GMT
24 ~~~ 25 Best Lake Vacations in the U.S. ~~~ Waking to another cloudless morning, you dive off your houseboat into the wild blue of Lake Powell in southern Utah. The water takes the edge off the heat, and you float along, contemplating a lazy day of navigating spectacular red-rock gorges and flooded canyons.
America offers a lake vacation for every season and activity, and no matter where you live, even in the Southwest desert, chances are there's one near you. Satellite mapping has yet to yield a precise answer, but the best guess is that there are between 3 and 4 million lakes across the U.S., ranging from duck ponds to wonders like Oregon's Crater Lake.
Minnesota, known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, actually counts nearly 12,000 — the most named lakes among the lower 48 states. Michigan comes in a close second and Florida third, while among smaller states, Maine stands out with nearly 800. But Alaska trumps them all with an estimated 3 million lakes. We're partial to Lake Clark by Port Alsworth, where wilderness adventures are guaranteed, whether you're in the mood for kayaking, getting dragged by a dogsled team, or spotting grizzly bears and caribou.
While Lake Tahoe is most popular for winter sports and Wisconsin's Lake Winnebago reaches its windsurfing peak in fall, we associate most lakes with summer vacation, as places to cool off and chill out. After all, lakes can inspire quiet reflection, most famously in the case of Henry David Thoreau, who sought out Walden Pond in the backwoods of Massachusetts.
These are the 25 best lake vacations in the United States. www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/summer-vacations/americas-best-lake-vacations19 August 2021
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 5:30:52 GMT
25 ~~~ This Coastal Destination Is Called the 'Cape Cod of the Midwest' — With Charming Small Towns and Beautiful Views ~~~ Wisconsin's Door County might just be the best-kept secret in the Midwest.
Michigan may be most famous for the mitten-like shape of its Lower Peninsula, but Wisconsin's "thumb" deserves equal attention from travelers. Door County occupies a craggy peninsula that juts into Lake Michigan, boasting 300 miles of coastline, countless charming villages, an abundance of outdoor activities, and a flourishing food and beverage scene. But despite all these attractions, this little idyllic slice has remained largely under the radar for visitors from outside the region.
Just a four-hour drive from Chicago and under a three-hour drive from Milwaukee, Door County is poised to become a hallowed vacation destination, earning its longtime nickname of "Cape Cod of the Midwest."www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/door-county-wisconsin-small-towns-midwest2 August 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 5:33:58 GMT
26 ~~~ 14 Beautiful Winter Drives Around the United States ~~~ Editor's Note: Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure.
The arrival of winter means a reduction of tourists (and traffic) in many popular domestic destinations, so it can be the ideal season to explore America's open roads. Plus, cruising through a sparkly white winter wonderland is the perfect activity to set the mood for the season, like exploring a real-life snow globe.
Keep in mind that winter driving requires its own set of precautions: the more majestic the conditions, often the more dangerous the road, especially when navigating unfamiliar routes. The Department of Transportation recommends stocking your ride with a basic winter survival kit containing a flashlight, batteries, blankets, snacks, water, gloves, boots, and a first-aid kit. (Tire chains, an ice scraper, jumper cables, and road flares couldn't hurt either.) Always confirm that your vehicle's maintenance is up-to-date before embarking on a winter trip.
Related: How to Winterize Your Car for All Weather Conditions
From Alaskan fjords to New Mexico's high-desert pueblos to covered-bridge country in Indiana to rocky Colorado peaks, here are America's top winter road trips to plug into Google Maps before the first peek of spring.
More winter vacation ideaswww.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/winter-vacations/americas-best-winter-drives23 October 2020
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 5:37:51 GMT
27 ~~~ 10 Best National Parks to Drive Through for a Scenic Road Trip ~~~ From Death Valley to Shenandoah National Park, these are the best national parks to drive through.
Taking a scenic drive through the national parks is a perfect way to appreciate their beauty and timelessness, so we have selected a few favorites. Lovers of the outdoors with time to explore might take advantage of hiking and camping in the parks, while others want to experience the beauty of the parks in a more relaxed way. For everyone, a road trip is an ideal start. The parks are usually remote, so gas up, check the spare tire, load up on maps, and plan your outing with these tips. And always be sure to check the road's status before you depart — some are open seasonally (depending on weather), and temporary closures due to damage and road work do happen from time to time. Here are ten of the best national parks to drive through.
More national parks trip ideas www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/national-parks/best-national-park-drives24 August 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 5:40:07 GMT
28 ~~~ 5 State and National Parks Near San Diego for Beautiful Views, Wildlife Sightings, and Epic Stargazing From the mountains to the desert, there's much more to explore within a few hours of San Diego.
You've basked in the sun on San Diego's beaches, surfed in the ocean waves, and paddled on Mission Bay. The museums of Balboa Park and downtown's rooftop lounges and restaurants are now familiar places, too. It could be time for a road trip to explore the mountains, desert, and ocean at one of the state and national parks near San Diego.
At 3.5 hours away or less, these state and national parks near San Diego offer amazing wildlife sightings, beautiful natural scenery, and exciting outdoor adventures such as hiking and kayaking.www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/national-parks/state-national-parks-near-san-diego23 August 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 5:44:06 GMT
29 ~~~ The 8 Most Beautiful Places to Spend Time in Nature on a Trip to Palm Springs, According to a Travel Photographer ~~~ These photos will inspire you to book a trip to the California desert — and venture far beyond the resort pool.
When you hear Palm Springs, you likely envision the glamorous days of old Hollywood, Midcentury Modern homes with glistening pools under palm trees, and endless miles of golf courses and vintage shopping — all of which makes it such a dreamy destination. But there's another side to the desert oasis that may surprise you.
California is a glorious state from the mountains, redwoods, and vineyards to the beaches and deserts (of which there are three). Geographically, Greater Palm Springs is situated in the Coachella Valley within the Colorado Desert and can take you from the palm tree sprawl of the valley to the pine trees of Mount San Jacinto. The landscapes are breathtaking, and experiencing the natural attractions has the potential to be re-centering, if not life-changing. www.travelandleisure.com/photography/greater-palm-springs-natural-attractions8 August 2022
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Post by Owen on Aug 25, 2022 5:49:38 GMT
30 ~~~ 13 Incredible Hiking Trails in California ~~~ One of the best things about living in (or visiting) California is just how many spectacular hikes you can discover, all without venturing too far from a city.
Editor's Note: Travel might be complicated right now, but use our inspirational trip ideas to plan ahead for your next bucket list adventure.
You might not be planning an international vacation this summer due to continued lockdowns and border closures. You may even be nervous about flying domestically or taking a leisurely road trip. But after months of sheltering in place and working from home, chances are, cabin fever has set in and you are dreaming about wide open spaces and long walks through nature. A healthy hike might just be the best way to keep your spirits from flagging before the fall weather sets in. We're not suggesting you pull a Cheryl Strayed and spend weeks trekking along the Pacific Coast Trail. Rather, here are some delightful day trips you can take if you live in or are visiting California. Each hike will allow you to experience some of the Golden State's most stunning scenery. But before planning a visit, be sure to check each park's website for local conditions and possible closures.
www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nature-travel/best-hikes-in-california18 July 2020
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