United States travel is definitely one experience you should not miss. The United States has 50 different states. This means 50 distinctive travel destinations to choose from.
US is probably the most popular tourist destination in the world - and for good reason. The sheer size of the country provides you with plenty of opportunities to visit exciting and unique destinations. It also means a myriad of fun and adventurous activities awaiting just for you.
So where to begin?
That is probably the most difficult question to address. With the US being the third largest country in the world in terms of land area pegged at 3.79 million square miles and population at 308 million people, it will really be hard to decide which state to visit first.
Basically, the choice will depend to a large extent on which state you are most curious about or interested in. For instance, most people would answer Florida's Disneyworld, Californa's Holloywood or New York City. But then, it will be hard to ignore the rest of the country as each state offers various fabulous and amazing attractions that would surely entice any traveler.
If you are clueless where to go, perhaps a great way to start United States travel is to visit its most popular destinations.
Top Tourist Attractions in the United States
These are the top tourist destinations in the United States in 2010 according to Forbes.com. The list is according to popularity with No. 1 spot being the most popular and most visited place for tourists:
1. Times Square, New York City, NY - an approximate 2,000 tourists flock to this street every 15 minutes, making it at the top of 'must-see' list in United States travel.
2. The Las Vegas Strip, Nevada - the Strip attracted 31 million visitors in 2010.
3. National Mall and Memorial Parks, Washington, D.C. - enticed more than 20 million visitors.
4. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, MA - 20 million visitors trooped to this historic marketplace that used to be the meeting place of politicians in the past.
5. Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista, FL - 17.1 million people visited the place in 2010.
6. Disneyland Park, Anaheim, CA - it garnered 15 million visitors in 2010 upping the total number of visitors since it opened to 515 million people.
7. Fisherman’s Wharf/Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco, CA - the Golden Gate sees 14.3 million visitors per year.
8. Niagara Falls, N. Y. - this tourist spot draws at least 12 million people each year to the area.
9. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tenn./N.C. - the protected trails of this national park attracts 10 million hikers, bird watchers and drivers every year.
10. Navy Pier, Chicago, IL - this used to be a campus and a military training facility in the past. Now this landmark entices 8.6 million visitors each year to the shores of Lake Michigan.
Other notable tourist destinations in Forbes Top 25 destinations in United States travel include the following:
11. Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Ariz./Nev.
12. Universal Studios Orlando/Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando, FL
13. SeaWorld Florida, Orlando, FL
14. San Antonio River Walk, Texas
15. Temple Square, Salt Lake City, UT
16. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Penn./N.J.
17. Universal Studios,Hollywood, CA
18. Metropolitan Museum, New York, N.Y.
19. Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
20. Grand Canyon, AZ
21. Busch Gardens Africa, Tampa Bay, FL
22. Cape Cod National Seashore, MA
23. SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego, CA
24. American Museum of Natural History, NY
25. Atlantic City Boardwalk, New Jersey
The list of attractive sites and destinations in USA is endless. If you are keen on getting to know the different attractions offered in each state please browse the rest of the entries in this site. United States travel is one guaranteed unforgettable experience in a lifetime!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
New York City Travel
New York City, the Big Apple, is perhaps the most popular city in the world. It is also considered a prime tourist destination. New York City travel is truly an exciting adventure for travelers.
A. Weather
New York City experiences four seasons each year. It is usually hot and humid during summer from June to September. In autumn from September to December, the climate is cool and dry. Winter from December to March can be icy cold and comes the rainy season in spring from March to June each year.
B. Tourist Attractions
New York City travel will not be complete if you will not visit its numerous enticing destinations:
1. Central Park – is probably the most famous park in the world. This park is the location for some of Hollywood’s films and tv series. It is located in the center of Manhattan. It opened to the public in 1857. It has an area of 843 acres or 341 hectares. This is the most visited urban park in the entire US accounting for 25 million visitors each year. This is one of the tourists’ must-see places in New York.
2. The Statue of Liberty - This iconic statue was a gift from the country of France to US as a reminder for their alliance during the American Revolution. Its towering height of 305 feet makes the structure stand out as you near Ellis Island. This was opened to the public on October 28, 1886. You can take a guided tour inside the statue. Or, you can climb its 354 steps. You can take a ferry to the statue. The ferry boat leaves every half hour.
3. Ground Zero – The historic significance of Ground Zero cannot be questioned. This is where the downed Twin Towers or World Trade Center used to stand. In the aftermath of 9/11 attack, Ground Zero was created to commemorate that tragic event. It has a memorial and tribute center which serve as a chilling reminder of the numerous lives that perished that day.
4. The Empire State Building - This is probably the most iconic skyscraper in the world. The building towers at 436 feet. This structure was made famous in the blockbuster movie King Kong. The building was designed in the 1930’s. Tourists are provided observation decks in the 86th and 102nd floors.
5. Rockefeller Center is located in Midtown Manhattan. It provides a number of attractions particularly the Radio City Music Hall and NBC Studios. Tourists can use the observatory on the 70th floor aptly called Top of the Rock. The observatory is 850 feet above the ground and allows you an unobstructed panoramic view of New York city.
6. Brooklyn Bridge – This is an engineering feat that connects the New York City boroughs and Brooklyn. This is a National Historic Landmark. It spans 1,595.5 feet or 486.3 miles. It was opened to the public in 1883. This is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the US and the first steel-wire suspension bridge ever created.
7. Times Square – This major intersection serves as the venue for the famous annual ball drop every New Year’s Eve in New York. Broadway theatres dominate the place as well as large animated neon and LED signs along the streets. In Times Square, the building owners are required by zoning ordinances to put up illuminated signs.
8. The Grand Central Terminal – this building located in midtown Manhattan provides more than just train tracks. It also houses a number of shops and restaurants.
Other notable destinations in New York City:
Ellis Island, The Museum of Modern Art, the United Nations Building and the Guggenheim Museum.
New York City travel provides tourists a number of beautiful spots and iconic structures. New York has zoos, museums, zoos, gardens, theaters, shopping districts and gastronomically satisfying cuisines.
A. Weather
New York City experiences four seasons each year. It is usually hot and humid during summer from June to September. In autumn from September to December, the climate is cool and dry. Winter from December to March can be icy cold and comes the rainy season in spring from March to June each year.
B. Tourist Attractions
New York City travel will not be complete if you will not visit its numerous enticing destinations:
1. Central Park – is probably the most famous park in the world. This park is the location for some of Hollywood’s films and tv series. It is located in the center of Manhattan. It opened to the public in 1857. It has an area of 843 acres or 341 hectares. This is the most visited urban park in the entire US accounting for 25 million visitors each year. This is one of the tourists’ must-see places in New York.
2. The Statue of Liberty - This iconic statue was a gift from the country of France to US as a reminder for their alliance during the American Revolution. Its towering height of 305 feet makes the structure stand out as you near Ellis Island. This was opened to the public on October 28, 1886. You can take a guided tour inside the statue. Or, you can climb its 354 steps. You can take a ferry to the statue. The ferry boat leaves every half hour.
3. Ground Zero – The historic significance of Ground Zero cannot be questioned. This is where the downed Twin Towers or World Trade Center used to stand. In the aftermath of 9/11 attack, Ground Zero was created to commemorate that tragic event. It has a memorial and tribute center which serve as a chilling reminder of the numerous lives that perished that day.
4. The Empire State Building - This is probably the most iconic skyscraper in the world. The building towers at 436 feet. This structure was made famous in the blockbuster movie King Kong. The building was designed in the 1930’s. Tourists are provided observation decks in the 86th and 102nd floors.
5. Rockefeller Center is located in Midtown Manhattan. It provides a number of attractions particularly the Radio City Music Hall and NBC Studios. Tourists can use the observatory on the 70th floor aptly called Top of the Rock. The observatory is 850 feet above the ground and allows you an unobstructed panoramic view of New York city.
6. Brooklyn Bridge – This is an engineering feat that connects the New York City boroughs and Brooklyn. This is a National Historic Landmark. It spans 1,595.5 feet or 486.3 miles. It was opened to the public in 1883. This is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the US and the first steel-wire suspension bridge ever created.
7. Times Square – This major intersection serves as the venue for the famous annual ball drop every New Year’s Eve in New York. Broadway theatres dominate the place as well as large animated neon and LED signs along the streets. In Times Square, the building owners are required by zoning ordinances to put up illuminated signs.
8. The Grand Central Terminal – this building located in midtown Manhattan provides more than just train tracks. It also houses a number of shops and restaurants.
Other notable destinations in New York City:
Ellis Island, The Museum of Modern Art, the United Nations Building and the Guggenheim Museum.
New York City travel provides tourists a number of beautiful spots and iconic structures. New York has zoos, museums, zoos, gardens, theaters, shopping districts and gastronomically satisfying cuisines.
Jacksonville Travel
Jacksonville, Florida is the largest city in the state of Florida when it comes to land area and population. It has the highest population in Florida with more than 1,313,228 residents.
A. Weather
Jacksonville Florida has 226 sunny days each year. During winter, the temperature is still quite mild. Winter temperature is similar to the spring or autumn weather in colder places. Jacksonville is colder though compared to other parts of Florida.
Hurricanes that come to Jacksonville might scare some people but it is not something to be alarmed of. There is always a weather advisory issued a day or two before hurricanes strike.
B. Tourist Attraction
Jacksonville has many faces. It is not just a progressive city complete with buildings and other structures. Its natural beauty is also incomparable. It is a city surrounded by lush semi-tropical forest, pine forest, mineral springs and beaches.
1. Jacksonville Landing - The Landing is dining and shopping destination by the riverfront. You can visit the place by riding a River Taxi in the Southbank Riverwalk.
2. Jacksonville Riverwalks – This is comprised of The Northbank Riverwalk and the Southbank Riverwalk. Northbank Riverwalk is 2.0 miles (3.2 km) long starting from Berkman Plaza to St. Johns to I-95 at the Fuller Warren Bridge while the Southbank Riverwalk is 1.2 miles (1.9 km) starting in the Radisson Hotel to Museum Circle.
3. Museum of Science & History or MOSH – This is located in Jacksonville's Southbank Riverwalk. This is the only planetarium in Jacksonville. Its main exhibit changes every quarter. It features a comprehensive exhibit on the Northeast Florida history. It houses three floors of nature and local history exhibits, a science area and the Alexander Brest Planetarium.
4. St. Johns River Park or Friendship Park – Right next to the Museum Circle is St. Johns River Park, also called the Friendship Park. It is where the famed landmark Friendship Fountain is situated. The fountain was made in 1965 and was considered as the “World’s Tallest and Largest” fountain at that time.
5. Jacksonville Maritime Museum - This museum is on the east side of the Friendship Fountain. The museum houses ship models, artifacts dated 1562, paintings and photographs.
6. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) - This facility is now known as Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA Jacksonville). This was opened in 2003 next to the Main Library. It has an area of 60,000 square foot or 6,000 sq. miles. The museum provides various permanent and traveling exhibits of arts created after the modernist period.
7. Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens – This museum showcases a huge collection of European and American paintings, and a collection of early Meissen porcelain. It has 3 acres of picturesque English and Italian style gardens.
8. The Karpeles Manuscript Library has the world’s biggest private collection of original manuscripts & documents.
9. The Catherine Street Fire Station building is part of the National Register of Historic Places. It features the Jacksonville Fire Museum and exhibits more than 500 artifacts such as an 1806 hand pumper.
10. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has the second biggest animal collection in the state. It features a huge variety of animals such as reptiles.
11. Shipwreck Island is a waterpark located in Duval County. It was opened in 1995. It provides different rides every few years so passholders will come back.
12. Adventure Landing is an amusement park situated in Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach in Duval County.
C. Things to Do
The continuous sunny days and great climate allow you to enjoy various sports and recreational activities such as biking, hiking, surfing, kayaking, fishing, or swimming. You can do outdoors activities for most part of the year. This is what is so great with Jacksonville travel.Jacksonville has various beaches that allow you to do water sports such as scuba diving, surfing, jet skiing, sailing and snorkelling.
Golfing is a popular activity in Jacksonville. It boasts of several golf courses. The city has a number of state parks and city parks which make it truly an enticing and distinctive place. Tourists can also frequent the shopping malls which are conveniently situated along the beach. You can indulge in your favorite activities such as shopping and swimming.
A. Weather
Jacksonville Florida has 226 sunny days each year. During winter, the temperature is still quite mild. Winter temperature is similar to the spring or autumn weather in colder places. Jacksonville is colder though compared to other parts of Florida.
Hurricanes that come to Jacksonville might scare some people but it is not something to be alarmed of. There is always a weather advisory issued a day or two before hurricanes strike.
B. Tourist Attraction
Jacksonville has many faces. It is not just a progressive city complete with buildings and other structures. Its natural beauty is also incomparable. It is a city surrounded by lush semi-tropical forest, pine forest, mineral springs and beaches.
1. Jacksonville Landing - The Landing is dining and shopping destination by the riverfront. You can visit the place by riding a River Taxi in the Southbank Riverwalk.
2. Jacksonville Riverwalks – This is comprised of The Northbank Riverwalk and the Southbank Riverwalk. Northbank Riverwalk is 2.0 miles (3.2 km) long starting from Berkman Plaza to St. Johns to I-95 at the Fuller Warren Bridge while the Southbank Riverwalk is 1.2 miles (1.9 km) starting in the Radisson Hotel to Museum Circle.
3. Museum of Science & History or MOSH – This is located in Jacksonville's Southbank Riverwalk. This is the only planetarium in Jacksonville. Its main exhibit changes every quarter. It features a comprehensive exhibit on the Northeast Florida history. It houses three floors of nature and local history exhibits, a science area and the Alexander Brest Planetarium.
4. St. Johns River Park or Friendship Park – Right next to the Museum Circle is St. Johns River Park, also called the Friendship Park. It is where the famed landmark Friendship Fountain is situated. The fountain was made in 1965 and was considered as the “World’s Tallest and Largest” fountain at that time.
5. Jacksonville Maritime Museum - This museum is on the east side of the Friendship Fountain. The museum houses ship models, artifacts dated 1562, paintings and photographs.
6. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) - This facility is now known as Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA Jacksonville). This was opened in 2003 next to the Main Library. It has an area of 60,000 square foot or 6,000 sq. miles. The museum provides various permanent and traveling exhibits of arts created after the modernist period.
7. Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens – This museum showcases a huge collection of European and American paintings, and a collection of early Meissen porcelain. It has 3 acres of picturesque English and Italian style gardens.
8. The Karpeles Manuscript Library has the world’s biggest private collection of original manuscripts & documents.
9. The Catherine Street Fire Station building is part of the National Register of Historic Places. It features the Jacksonville Fire Museum and exhibits more than 500 artifacts such as an 1806 hand pumper.
10. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has the second biggest animal collection in the state. It features a huge variety of animals such as reptiles.
11. Shipwreck Island is a waterpark located in Duval County. It was opened in 1995. It provides different rides every few years so passholders will come back.
12. Adventure Landing is an amusement park situated in Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach in Duval County.
C. Things to Do
The continuous sunny days and great climate allow you to enjoy various sports and recreational activities such as biking, hiking, surfing, kayaking, fishing, or swimming. You can do outdoors activities for most part of the year. This is what is so great with Jacksonville travel.Jacksonville has various beaches that allow you to do water sports such as scuba diving, surfing, jet skiing, sailing and snorkelling.
Golfing is a popular activity in Jacksonville. It boasts of several golf courses. The city has a number of state parks and city parks which make it truly an enticing and distinctive place. Tourists can also frequent the shopping malls which are conveniently situated along the beach. You can indulge in your favorite activities such as shopping and swimming.
Orlando Florida Travel
Orlando is perhaps one of the best known places to travel in the world. Orlando travel is synonymous with fun, excitement and, of course, magic. Its most popular destination is Disney World but there is more to Orlando than the theme parks and rides.
A. Weather
Weather in Orlando is, fortunately, mild and balmy. You can visit Orlando any time of the year and still enjoy its numerous, beautiful spots. Rain may pour at times and goes on for days but it cannot dampen the excitement that will await you at Orlando. Most parkts however provide indoor and outdoor activities for the guests.
The mild winters make the place great for retirement. It can be hot during summer time. Rain can provide a necessary relief. Do watch out for the hurricane season which is from June 1 through November 30.
B. Major Tourist Destinations
1. The Walt Disney World Resort also known as Disney World
As expected, Orlando travel will not be complete if you do not visit this ‘place to be’. Disney World is the world’s largest recreational resort. It has an area of 30,080-acre or 47.00 sq mi; 121.7 sq. km. It has four theme parks, two water parks, 23 hotels, one campground, two health spas and numerous other entertainment venues. Famous destinations within Disney World are Epcot Center, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and MGM Studios.
2. Sea World
This is located in downtown Orlando. It housed diverse and abundant marine life and other animals. It has restaurants and other entertainment activities too.
This marine adventure park has an area of 200 acres. You can walk through a shark tunnel and see the various marine lives inhabiting the place. They also have water rides and roller coasters. You can even arrange special packages where you can swim with dolphins and other marine lives or have dinner with the whales.
3. Universal Studios
Watch real tv and movie sets in this place. It features various Hollywood blockbuster films and tv shows. Ride in roller coasters and other rides are also provided here. You can shop and watch movies inside this movie complex. If you want some adventure you can visit The Islands of Adventures where you can enjoy coaster riders, Spiderman simulator and other similar activities.
4. Other Interesting Places to Visit
Orlando Science Center, Orlando Magic Basketball games (between November and April), Aquatica Water Park, Gatorland, Kennedy Space Center, Wet 'n Wild, Cypress Gardens, Central Florida Zoo, Downtown Disney's Pleasure Island, Fun Spot Action Park, Busch Gardens, Silver Springs, Orange Tree Golf Club, Wonderworks and Lake Eola Park.
If you want to buy souvenir items or just love to shop, you can head on to Orlando’s known shopping areas. The Florida Mall which is located near International Drive is one of the most popular shopping destinations in the place. It houses at least 150 shops. It also offers a number of great restaurants.
C. Where to Stay
There is no shortage of places to stay in Orlando. Due to its millions of visitors each year, a number of hotels are found in the area. You can stay in the hotels inside Disney World or choose those outside the recreational resort.
Hotels in all price ranges are available. If you have the budget, you can stay in luxury hotels. Expensive hotels are usually located in the premier districts such as in the downtown and near the attractions. If money is tight, you can avail of budget hotels too during your Orlando travel.
A. Weather
Weather in Orlando is, fortunately, mild and balmy. You can visit Orlando any time of the year and still enjoy its numerous, beautiful spots. Rain may pour at times and goes on for days but it cannot dampen the excitement that will await you at Orlando. Most parkts however provide indoor and outdoor activities for the guests.
The mild winters make the place great for retirement. It can be hot during summer time. Rain can provide a necessary relief. Do watch out for the hurricane season which is from June 1 through November 30.
B. Major Tourist Destinations
1. The Walt Disney World Resort also known as Disney World
As expected, Orlando travel will not be complete if you do not visit this ‘place to be’. Disney World is the world’s largest recreational resort. It has an area of 30,080-acre or 47.00 sq mi; 121.7 sq. km. It has four theme parks, two water parks, 23 hotels, one campground, two health spas and numerous other entertainment venues. Famous destinations within Disney World are Epcot Center, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and MGM Studios.
2. Sea World
This is located in downtown Orlando. It housed diverse and abundant marine life and other animals. It has restaurants and other entertainment activities too.
This marine adventure park has an area of 200 acres. You can walk through a shark tunnel and see the various marine lives inhabiting the place. They also have water rides and roller coasters. You can even arrange special packages where you can swim with dolphins and other marine lives or have dinner with the whales.
3. Universal Studios
Watch real tv and movie sets in this place. It features various Hollywood blockbuster films and tv shows. Ride in roller coasters and other rides are also provided here. You can shop and watch movies inside this movie complex. If you want some adventure you can visit The Islands of Adventures where you can enjoy coaster riders, Spiderman simulator and other similar activities.
4. Other Interesting Places to Visit
Orlando Science Center, Orlando Magic Basketball games (between November and April), Aquatica Water Park, Gatorland, Kennedy Space Center, Wet 'n Wild, Cypress Gardens, Central Florida Zoo, Downtown Disney's Pleasure Island, Fun Spot Action Park, Busch Gardens, Silver Springs, Orange Tree Golf Club, Wonderworks and Lake Eola Park.
If you want to buy souvenir items or just love to shop, you can head on to Orlando’s known shopping areas. The Florida Mall which is located near International Drive is one of the most popular shopping destinations in the place. It houses at least 150 shops. It also offers a number of great restaurants.
C. Where to Stay
There is no shortage of places to stay in Orlando. Due to its millions of visitors each year, a number of hotels are found in the area. You can stay in the hotels inside Disney World or choose those outside the recreational resort.
Hotels in all price ranges are available. If you have the budget, you can stay in luxury hotels. Expensive hotels are usually located in the premier districts such as in the downtown and near the attractions. If money is tight, you can avail of budget hotels too during your Orlando travel.
Europe Budget Travel
Spring or fall is the best time to visit. The rates are lower and the people are not as crowded compared to summer. Winter is the least expensive travel time. But you may need to brave snow and overcast skies for months.
Budget Airlines
There are a number of budget airlines operating in London Europe .
You can also avail of other budget airlines in Ireland , Portugal , Belgium and France London
Family Operated Budget Lodging
Five star hotels charge a hefty sum per night. Family operated lodging makes Europe budget travel more affordable. It is better alternative especially if you travel for a month or so. These lodging places are often found in Switzerland Europe .
Hostel Accommodations
Hostelling is the most popular form of accommodation in Europe . This accommodation is very affordable too. You can get added discounts if you avail of Hostelling International's Annual Membership Card. They offer several benefits to members too.
The Baltic States comprised of Latvia , Lithuania and Estonia
Cruise is a great inexpensive way to tour Europe . For a fixed price, you get to see a number of places in Europe complete with all the necessary amenities – food, accommodation and leisure activities all rolled into one. Some do have add-on fees on top of the basic fare. Inquire about this first before availing. Cruising will definitely make an excellent Europe budget travel option.
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