Popular Vacation Destinations

October 26, 2017

Popular Vacation Spots in the United States

Maui- This little Hawaiian island offers just about everything one would want on a vacation to the Aloha State. Maui is one of the island’s most popular tourism spots, and can be found sandwiched between the Big Island and the much tinier Molokai.

Some of the best things to do in Maui include The Road to Hana, which provides excellent views of the coastline while winding through the rainforest and past waterfalls, and Haleakala National Park, which is home to the world’s largest dormant volcano.

New York City- Though it is the most populous city in the U.S, don’t let the Big Apple’s frenetic sights and sounds intimidate you from soaking up its grandeur.

There are virtually endless ways to occupy your time in the city that never sleeps. New York City is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, and is known for its ethnic neighborhoods, and of a kind theater and fashion scenes.

One of the best things to do while in the Big Apple are to visit the American Museum of Natural History which is home to approximately 32 million artifacts spread across four city blocks, 25 buildings and through 45 exhibition halls. You can also go sightseeing at the Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck, a place with beautiful sculptures, an enormous skating rink, and tons of restaurants and shops.

San Francisco- San Francisco is a mix of colorful neighborhoods and beautiful views. Among the most diverse cities in the United States, San Francisco is dis- tinct with Hispanic, Chinese and European traditions represented in a host of arts and music festivals, as well as an oftentimes grandiose display of architecture. The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the city’s most enduring symbols and the city’s most popular tourist attraction.The bridge is accessibleall day, every day by bus, car, bike or on foot. If you drive, parking is convenient (but limited) and accessible on both the north and south ends of the bridge. Another hot-spot, Golden Gate Park, boasts more than 1,000 acres of land with trails, picnic areas, lakes, museums and monuments, along with features like a carousel and the Japanese Tea Garden.

Popular Vacation Spots Abroad

Paris- The City of Light draws millions of visitors every year with world- class museums, fashion, and cuisine. Paris is also a city of “many splendors.” France uses the euro, and major credit cards are accepted at most establishments. A popular place to visit is the No- tre-Dame Cathedral, which was badly damaged and falling into disrepair after the Revolution. Renovations were made and today Notre Dame is one of Paris’ top attractions. The cathedral itself is free, but if you want to climb the 387 steps to the top, you’ll have to pay a fee. Designed and constructed for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (the World Fair), the Eiffel Tower has become one of the city’s most well- known symbols. To catch a glimpse of Paris after hours, take your tower trek at night when the Eiffel Tower illuminates the golden city below. every night on the hour, when thousands of light bulbs make the Eiffel Tower sparkle.

Tokyo- Is constantly buzzing with movement, but when you want to stop and breathe, the city will certainly make it worth your while- the museums and historical sites are world- class. English is widely spoken among the younger generations, but older folks may not know it. If you need to ask for directions, direct your questions to younger people or those who work at hotels and museums. Signs in pop- ular tourist areas also use Roman characters rather than Japanese ones, so reading them won’t be as difficult as it may seem. Japan’s oldest and most expansive museum, the Tokyo National Museum hosts the largest collection of Japanese art and artifacts on the planet. Strolling through the halls of its six buildings, you’ll spot samurai armor, ornate swords, delicate pottery, decorated tombs, kimo- nos, calligraphy, paintings, and much more. In addition, you’ll find pieces from all across the continent in the Asian Gallery.

Rio de Janeiro- Known as the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City), and resting at the mouth of a bay harbor, Rio de Janeiro is lined with beaches, rainforests and surrounded by staggered green mountains. From Maracana Stadium (home of the 2014 World Cup finals and the 2016 Olympic Games) to the volleyball courts of Flamengo Park, the city is alive with activity. Cariocas (native Brazilians born in Rio de Janeiro) are known for their easy-going demeanor, being friendly, and hospitable. And covering 8,300 acres, Tijuca National Park is the largest urban rainforest on the planet. Featuring varied terrains, waterfalls, more than 1,600 plant species and more than 350 different species of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles, the park is split into three sectors and offers an extensive array of activities.