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1) Sammamish

Kissing the shores of Pine Lake, Beaver Lake and its namesake lake, Sammamish is an oceanic city in Washington with a population of approximately 53,000 residents. With an average inhabitant age of 37 years old, Sammamish is a humble city with strong family values and an incredibly low unemployment rate. Job opportunities in Sammamish has risen by nearly 3% in the past few years, and low crime rates have allowed for a notable growth in population. The city sits just outside of both Seattle and Tacoma, pricing the average real estate a touch higher than the rest of the United States, however the stunning scenery, quality of living, and proximity to lake activities make it affordable and worthwhile in comparison.

     

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1) Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a regular field trip destination for children of all grade levels, however the magnitude of beauty radiating from California’s most glorious park is something to be witnessed by all of mankind. Much of the park’s natural features have been carved out over centuries by glaciers and bring light to gorgeous waterfalls, ancient sequoias, granite faced cliffs, and the famous Half Dome. Yosemite National Park was founded in 1890 and has since welcomed hikers, nature enthusiasts, scientists, families, and more to partake in educational trail hikes, campsite bon fires, regional cuisine, and observation of the unique ecosystem. The nearest populated city is Mariposa, however visitors are encouraged to explore the 800 miles of hiking trails and the wide selection of cabins to get the full experience of Yosemite Valley.

     

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1. Tempe

Tempe, Arizona is a colorful and cultural close neighbor to Phoenix and is a travel destination for those passing through the southwest portion of the United States. The city even has its own tourist website, however that doesn’t steer people away from becoming permanent residents. Tempe is a college town, claiming Arizona State University, and appeals to a wide demographic of students and young adults in search of an eventful and artistically focused community. The city has a population of over 175,000 residents and is well known for its love of college sports, gourmet food, an active music scene, and the accessibility of outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing off of areas near Tempe Town Lake. Its close proximity to Phoenix makes it appeal to professionals in search of a more quaint metropolitan.

     

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1) Richmond, VA

The capital city of the Commonwealth of Virginia and an independent city since 1871, Richmond is a great place to live. It is home to Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death” speech given at St. John’s Church in 1775. There are over 200,000 people living in Richmond, making it one of the largest cities on this list. The median income is a little above $30,000, making it also one of the more affordable cities on the list. Like most cities, Richmond has an abundant number of local and authentic restaurants, along with gardens, parks and memorials. Maymont is one landmark that shouldn’t be missed. Monument Avenue is filled with history, as is the Hollywood cemetery. The Hollywood cemetery offers a step back in time and amazing memorials of some of the greats throughout history. Richmond is a city offering a diverse array of amenities for all walks of life.

     

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1) Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

The Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are home to some of the most impressive natural wonders, including the world’s largest tree. At 52,508 cubic feet, the General Sherman Tree stands among many other giants. These huge sequoia trees are capable of living for over 3,000 years. There is a vast amount of wildlife in the parks as well, which generally varies by elevation. Some of the animals you might see on your visit include bobcats, bears, mountain lions, birds, frogs, and bighorn sheep. The parks have an interesting history of conservation. Starting in the 1990’s, commercial activity was removed from the forest and large-scale ecological restoration projects have taken place. These efforts have helped to restore the forest’s ecosystem and make visiting an extraordinary experience with nature.

     

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1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the largest museums on earth, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is among New York’s most beloved cultural institutions. Within its walls are almost 2 million pieces of art from the four corners of the earth, including paintings by Rembrandt and Van Gogh, armor from a 17th-century Portuguese king and ancient tapestries with stories to tell. Colloquially referred to as “The Met,” its main building is located on Fifth Avenue. The legendary museum also includes the Met Breuer and the Met Cloisters, both of which house pieces dedicated to European art and architecture from the medieval years. While you can certainly browse the museum at your leisure, they offer free guided tours every 15 minutes for those who want a more thorough, structured walk through history.

     

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1. Historic Gruene

On any given night, you can expect a line of folks standing outside of the famous Gruene Hall. It’s one of the oldest dance halls in Texas. Built in 1878, the hall still hosts top acts such as Willie Nelson, Kevin Fowler and Pat Green. If you are more into shopping, skip the show and head over to one of the boutiques, antique stores or the Gruene Country Store. If you happen to be in town during the third weekend of the month (Feb-Nov) you can’t pass up the Old Gruene Market Days. During these weekends, the town hosts vendors from all over Texas selling their décor, gifts, salsas and any craft you can think of. Or stop at one of the three winery’s located on the main street of town or minutes away. If you’re hungry, visit the local favorite Gristmill, for a delicious steak or burger.

     

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1) Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are a great place to visit for people who want to experience both culture and relaxation while on holiday. There is a plethora of aquatic activities, as the Keys are a series of islands. For instance, you can go boating, snorkeling, diving, fishing, or even swimming with dolphins. If you want to explore from on land rather than the water, you can rent bikes or motorbikes to ride along and see the sights. There are also a number of different museums, including Key West’s Shipwreck Treasure Museum and the Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House. There are also places to shop and dine on the different islands, as well as theatres to see shows as a break from enjoying the natural sites.

     

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1. Alamere Falls

There are plenty of waterfalls across America. What makes this one so great? Known as a rare “tidefall,” Alamere Falls is situated on the face of a 40-foot tall cliff and flows directly into the Pacific Ocean. Located on the south side of Wildcat Beach, it’s accessible by following a coastal trail known as Palomarin Trailhead. The trek itself offers 8 miles of vibrant wildflowers and stunning ocean views. Lucky visitors may even be treated to sightings of gray whales that frequent the area. The surrounding landscape of this striking waterfall stays crowded for good reason – it’s an unforgettable sight not seen anywhere else. After a period of heavy rain is the best time to see the tidefall in all its glory. Spring and Autumn months are the best time for enjoying whale watching because that’s when they migrate.

     

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1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

When it comes to beach towns, South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach is one of the most iconic in the United States. It is full of kitschy tourist attractions, ocean fresh sea food, luxurious resorts, and even budget-friendly spots such as one that is literally named Affordable Family Resort. Like any vacation destination, Myrtle Peak has its peak seasons, but that doesn’t stop it from offering cheap options for food, quality lodging, and entertainment. Places such as Ripley’s Aquarium, the Hollywood Wax Museum, Medieval Times, and a nearby miniature gold course all offer wonderful options for entertainment and often give out promo codes via mailers or email for an added family discount. A family vacation to Myrtle Beach for under $1,000 is not unheard of.

     

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1) Set Up A Savings Account

While evaluating your financial ability to purchase a vacation home, you may find that you will need to pay down existing debt and increase the amount of money that you have available to use as a down payment. Most lenders require a down payment of 20 percent. Others require a higher deposit of 25 to 35 percent on a vacation or second home. The fees associated with closing costs should also be included when setting aside money in your savings account.

     

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1) San Diego

San Diego is the second largest city after Los Angeles and is known for its amazing year-round weather. Visitors enjoy the ocean views at La Jolla Cove, Point Loma or Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. The USS Midway Museum allows tourists to experience what it’s like to stay on an aircraft carrier with 60 exhibits, restored aircraft and simulated flight experiences. For those that want even more of the sailor experience, the Maritime Museum restores and operates old ships, offers sailing trips and takes guests on whale watching excursions. The top-rated San Diego Zoo is home to 3,700 animals from 650 species. In addition, the city’s diverse neighborhoods, including Little Italy and East Village, are great places to sample craft beer, art, and a variety of culinary options.

     

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1) Hotel de Glace – Quebec City, Quebec

Ice, Ice, baby! When staying at the Hotel de Glace (Ice Hotel), there is one thing guests can expect and that is plenty of ice. Be prepared to bundle up when staying in this hotel because it is made almost entirely of ice. This is the place to start channeling your childhood dream and relive the days of pretending to live in an igloo. Don’t worry though about being cold all the time; the hotel offers a multitude of resources to ensure people stay warm. The outdoor saunas help keep the guests warm and relaxed. There is also the option to have a fireplace in the bedroom which will be needed since the beds are made of ice. This hotel is more than a hotel and can become the entire vacation. The hotel offers tours that allow people to explore the hotel and surrounding areas. During the day, this is the place to try out dog sledding or skiing. At night, get a drink in an ice glass or see the stars under an unpolluted sky.

     

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Some vacations are meant for relaxing but others are for getting the adrenaline pumping. Not everyone is content to lounge by the pool or wander leisurely through the sites. Some vacations are meant to be spent jumping out of helicopters, flying through the trees on a wire, or trekking through treacherous terrain, or in other words, be a thrilling adventure.

1) Thailand

Thailand is an exotic and inexpensive destination, with a full range of backpacker to luxury options. It’s also a paradise for adventure seekers. The islands are ideal for watersports such as snorkeling, whale shark spotting and kayaking. Some islands are easily accessible by air and bridge, such as Phuket, while others are more remote and can only be reached by boat, like Koh Phayam. If you head north to Chiang Mai, you can join a hill tribe trek and spend the night in villages only accessible by foot. Different legs of the journey may take place on foot, on the back of an elephant or by a bamboo raft pieced together right before your eyes. Last, but not least, for those who don’t find standard rock climbing to be enough of a thrill, there is waterfall abseiling — climbing down a rock face in rushing water.

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By Ann Sullivan

1) Statue of Liberty

A gift from France to the United States as a recognition of friendship during the American Revolution, it’s known as a symbol of democracy and freedom for the entire world. Lady Liberty was designated a National Monument on October 15, 1924 and a trip to New York wouldn’t be complete without a short ferry ride to her shores. Located on the 12-acre Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the statue was completely restored in time for her grand centennial celebration on July 4th, 1986. Ferries are accessible from Battery Park in lower Manhattan or Liberty Park in New Jersey. Due to its extreme popularity, tours are by advanced reservation only. Once you arrive and check in, there’s an elevator up to the main lobby which is inside the pedestal. There are 377 steps from the main lobby to the crown platform observatory. Those who feel uncomfortable climbing that many stairs have the option of stopping at the top of the statue’s pedestal.

     

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1) Martha’s Vineyard, MA, USA

There’s a reason Martha’s Vineyard has become one of the top destinations for United States President Barack Obama to visit with his family when he needs some down time. With tranquil beaches, quaint campgrounds, and calm attractions, Martha’s Vineyard is an excellent, low-key getaway for the family. One of the most-visited spots at Martha’s Vineyard is the Edgartown Lighthouse. This lighthouse was originally built in the 1800s, but didn’t make its home in Martha’s Vineyard until 1938. Climb the spiral staircase to see the coast’s beautiful views from a new perspective. The Aquinnah Cliffs provide breathtaking views of the nearby Elizabeth Islands, Gay Head Light, and the rest of the Vineyard down below. You can take a peaceful bike or bus tour around the Aquinnah Cliffs to catch all the sights.

     

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There are many exciting things to see and do on the west coast of the United States. Our top 10 best things to do would be found on the best of travel agendas for this unique part of the world. With scenic beauty and historic and cultural sites, from Seattle in the north to Los Angeles in the south, you’re sure to find something for everyone to enjoy.

1) Crater Lake, Oregon

Just north of the California border sits one of the world’s deepest and most unique lakes, which is located in Crater Lake National Park. Formed in the crater of an ancient volcano, no rivers or other waterways feed into it. The water level is maintained by yearly rain and snowfall, and because of this, it is also one of the cleanest lakes in the world. No pollution makes its way in or out, and Crater Lake is known for its vibrant deep blue color and its crystal-clear water. A drive on the rim road that encircles the lake is a must for travelers. The road is open all summer and fall, and closed at times in winter because of weather conditions. Visitors wanting to take a scenic drive to one of the most picturesque spots on the west coast won’t want to miss a trip to Crater Lake.

     

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By Ann Sullivan

1) Phoenix, Sky Harbor (PHX)

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is located 3 miles southeast of downtown Phoenix, in Maricopa County, Arizona. Few delays, quick access to and from downtown, a fast security line and free Wi-Fi are some of the reasons Phoenix, Sky Harbor is ranked high among the best US airports. Per a recent study by ThePointsGuy.com, it boasts a convenient light rail for ease of access to and from downtown, plenty of restaurants and bars, and fewer delays and cancellations than average. Pre-security restaurants are open 24/7 with vegetarian, gluten-free and children’s menus available. Post-security dining options are open one hour before departures and 30 minutes past the last arrivals. It also features many shops for forgotten travel items or a last-minute souvenir, or to simply pass the time browsing.

     

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1) Mexico

Proximity makes Mexico an extremely popular destination for Americans, particularly the beach resorts of Cancun, Cabo and Puerto Vallarta. Resort areas are generally safe for tourists and aren’t subject to the high levels of crime being committed by criminal organizations. However, many cities and highways are highly dangerous to visit. United States government employees are even barred from visiting some areas and using certain roads. Due to high rates of murders, car-jackings, rapes and kidnappings, the U.S. government advises that Americans avoid or exercise extreme caution in several regions. These include Baja, Sinaloa and Coahuila. Driving at night is particularly dangerous. Tourists have been kidnapped and even murdered. Travelers are advised to stick to toll roads and be prepared for military checkpoints that have been set up to combat the violence.

     

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By Ann Sullivan

1) Mix and Match Your Wardrobe

It easy to pick out too many clothing items while packing. After all, for some people it may be difficult to decide at once what you’re going to wear for the next several days to a week or more. A great tip is to coordinate clothing items that you can mix and match to make various looks by utilizing items in more than one way. For example, you could pack one pair of your favorite jeans. Then bring various tops, scarves and small accessories to change the way that outfit looks. If you color coordinate all your items, you can wear them in any combination. Also, use thin layered clothing items that will take up less space. That’s another way to make most of the space in your bag.

     

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