When you are in the third largest country in the world with a great internal conservation plan in place, your options of a getaway are plenty. Let’s be honest the United States is a huge expanse. And it’s as diverse as they come.
You have the two largest oceans on the flanks, you have your deserts, you have your heap of islands and you have incredible national parks with a diverse conglomeration of flora and fauna. Then there’s always Hollywood.
And let’s be honest, we all know, this lockdown phase is soon going to be over. Soon we will resume to safe travels for all and can begin discovering these amazing places.
So while you sit at home and have that extra time in hand here’s a list of 10 places you could look forward to visiting once the wheels get rolling.
New York City, New York
“Some folks like to get away
Take a holiday from the neighborhood
Hop a flight to Miami Beach or to Hollywood
But I’m takin’ a Greyhound on the Hudson River line
I’m in a New York state of mind” — Billy Joel
Once you have ever fallen in love with New York, you are in love forever. Whether your interests lie in sports, theatre, arts or food, the Big Apple has something for everyone. And of course it’s got Times Square — a place where people from every corner of the world come to celebrate the great nation of the United States of America. And be sure to make a trip to Liberty Island — the place that hosts what’s probably the most recognized face of the country — the Statue Of Liberty.
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is centered on a colossal sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of Keystone, South Dakota. With the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln this structure is a tribute to the foundation of the United States as we know it. Besides the history, it’s home to a diverse ecology, native to South Dakota, it’s also a bird-watcher’s paradise.
Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California
Approximately 28,000 to 30,000 people visit the Venice Beach Boardwalk and the parks and recreation on a daily basis, making it one of the world’s most popular destinations. The Boardwalk is a summer retreat for the entire area, which can get pretty hot during the year.
A popular fishing pier, Venice Beach is also a popular spot for various street performers and skaters. All it’s sports courts, skate plaza, pier and other amenities are open to the general public on a daily basis.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a 3,500-sq.-mile of wilderness recreation area that sits atop a volcanic hotspot that is spread across 3 states — Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. Yellowstone features dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, lush forests, hot springs and gushing geysers, including its most famous, Old Faithful. It’s also home to hundreds of animal species, including bears, wolves, bison, elk and antelope. So if you are a wildlife buff, this is one place you definitely want to visit at least once in your lifetime.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is all about the good ol’ times. In every Jazz bar you enter you will hear the sounds of a magical era, re-lived today. At every street corner clarinets and saxophones and throaty divas dole out magical melodies.
There’s so much live music happening every night, that it can feel a little overwhelming. Begin your trip with the best weekly residencies and reputable clubs, then, from there, head over to the French Quarter’s side streets with lively bars and restaurants. The huge immigrant population here makes sure that you have the most amazing palate laid out across the cityscape. From the famous Cubanos to the Beignets, Crawfish to New Orleans Pralines — you are bound to find something that is right up your alley.
Glacier National Park, Montana
A paradise for hikers, the Glacier National park is based on the US-Canadian border. With 700 miles of pristine trails you can hike, swim and do countless activities while fully immersed in nature. Going-To-The-Sun Road is a mesmerizing scenic trip that one should not miss out on. It is a 52 mile drive through the park that offers spectacular views.
The best time to visit the park is July and August.
St. Augustine, Florida
When we talk about Florida we generally talk about Theme Parks and Miami beach, but it would be negligent to overlook USA’s oldest City. Known for its Spanish colonial architecture, St. Augustine has great historical landmarks like Old Jail, Ponce De Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park and the Lightner Museum. The city sits by three rivers which offer you lots of seafood restaurants. If you are on a budget you can always book trolly rides and have access to all the popular tourist attractions this town has to offer. Peak season for St. Augustine is from June to August.
Williamsburg, Virginia
This old time Virginia town is a pocket friendly and educational trip. It features a contemporary art scene, hipster culture and vibrant nightlife. Jamestown and Yorktown are breathing monuments to some of the best-known figures of US’s colonial history. It can get crowded during the summer time as so if you want to avoid the rush you can always visit the town in early spring.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Spread out across 520,000 acres, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an affordable summer destination perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. This park is one of the few national parks that offers visitors free entry. Spread across the Tennessee-North Carolina border, the Smokies have impressive waterfalls, top-notch fishing, scenic drives and exciting hikes. With evening temperatures in the 60s and 70s, it’s an excellent place to camp. Stop by any of the four visitors’ centers to brief yourself on some park history, pick up trail maps and check out the ranger-led tours.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Summer vacation on Mackinac Island in Michigan is a throwback to the simplicity of the summer vacations of the 1800s. A ferry to the island is required, and once you arrive, there are no cars and no chain hotels. Transportation is by horse and carriage, bicycles, or on foot. The island represents a wholesome kind of vacation that is ideal for families or romantic getaways.
These are just a few places to visit during the spring and summer months once things get back to normal. The list though exhaustive, can include additional places to visit during the winter — Aspen during the skiing season, Vermont during fall and Miami during winter. You can always keep ticking them off, over time.
And when you plan your travel, you won’t have to keep your life on hold as the Rayo App will travel with you and help you manage your financial commitments even while on the go. To learn more about Rayo and the services we offer, visit www.rayo.com.
