Small Town USA Day Trippin' Itinerary

When planning your next vacation, thoughts of New York City or Los Angeles often jump to the top of the list. While these large cities are popular destinations, visiting a small town often provides a better vacation experience. America’s small towns are its treasures, offering more affordable prices and unique experiences lacking in many bigger cities. Head off of the beaten tourist track to find charming small towns with plenty of sites to see.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin (Wisconsin Dells Hotels)

At first glance, Wisconsin might not seem like the most obvious state for a water park mecca. However, Wisconsin Dells (population 2,678) draws millions of tourists each year to its world-class resorts. Dells.com reports that Wisconsin Dells offers a variety of adventurous activities, including zip lines, fishing, spelunking, or jet skiing. One of the primary attractions in the town is Noah’s Ark, the largest water park in the United States. Although summer is peak season, off-peak visitors often find lower prices and can enjoy the Kalahari Resort, one of the largest indoor water parks in America.

Taos, New Mexico (Taos Hotels)

Anyone interested in early American history or different cultures is sure to enjoy Taos, New Mexico. The town of 5,716 is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in north-central New Mexico, providing stunning natural beauty. One of the main attractions is the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States, reports Taos.org. Taos is an excellent place to learn more about the culture and customs of Native Americans in the Southwest. While you would think the desert would be sweltering in the summer months, the 7,000-foot elevation of Taos keeps it a cooler, pleasant place to visit year-round.

Camden, Maine (Camden Hotels)

If the sea is calling you, Camden, Maine, is the perfect destination. With just 4,850 year-round residents, Camden offers classic maritime charm. Many visitors come to Camden to stroll its beautiful streets, enjoy local art galleries and spend time sailing, according to Lonely Planet. Its close proximity to a state park provides opportunities to hike and camp. Prices rise in the summer months as visitors flock to Midcoast Maine. Visiting in the spring or autumn months brings gorgeous weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable prices.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming (Jackson Hole Hotels)

Many tourists pass through Jackson Hole, Wyoming, without spending time to take in its natural beauty. The town of 8,647 is found in west-central Wyoming near the Idaho border. In addition to being a natural jumping-off point to visit Grand Teton or Yellowstone National Parks, Jackson Hole is a tourist destination in its own right. The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce recommends staying in a mountain lodge to enjoy white-water rafting, hiking, and world-class skiing.

Gulf Shores, Alabama (Gulf Shores Hotels)

If a beach getaway is your idea of a relaxation vacation, Gulf Shores, Alabama, is a fantastic option. Home to about 5,000 people, Gulf Shores offers some of the best quality public beaches in the United States, reports GulfShoresAL.gov. With recent tourism disruptions due to hurricanes and the BP oil spill in 2010, look for discounted prices at local resorts.

No matter what your idea of the perfect vacation, small town America is prepared to deliver. Although smaller towns may lack hot nightclubs or five-star restaurants, the smaller crowds and relaxed pace make them excellent choices for your next getaway.

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Safe travels!
Mike

Summer Holiday Locations

Summer is the ideal time to go away on holiday. The school holidays coincide with the summer, so this is usually the time that families with children pack their leisure wear and head for somewhere exciting. Even young couples or singles take to the road at this time as the weather is generally great and places look their best.

Scotland in the summer is an exciting place with an extraordinary variety of activities. The cities have excellent accommodation ranging from cheap hostels to luxurious hotels. Public transport is on hand and cars are easy to rent. The nightlife is vibrant and there are a large number of very good restaurants, pubs and clubs to entertain you. The Edinburgh Festival is one of the most popular in the world.

But the true charm of the country probably lies in its stunning natural beauty. Lochs and hills, cliffs and forests form part of the only remaining true wilderness in the UK. Whether you live in one of the many charming self catering cottages, a farm house or a comfortable caravan, your day trips will excite and amaze you. Beach cottages are the ultimate homes in which to relax. Visiting the islands will enchant you with interesting archaeological sites and snow white beaches. Golfers will rejoice to know that there are 550 courses to choose from. And whisky lovers will find enough distilleries to visit to last them for a lifetime.

"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life". Samuel Johnson was right - the capital has so much to see and do that it would take you an entire year to explore it all. The Natural History Museum and the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew are just two of the fascinating places to visit; and of course the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and many more. The shops in London are legendary - whether you visit the famous ones like Harrods or the quaint little shops in Camden Town, you can spend days in a daze of retail therapy.

Visiting the theaters for the many excellent plays will keep you busy every night for weeks. Some of the longest-running plays can still be seen, such as The Phantom of the Opera. Transport to and in London is varied and very well-developed. Accommodation outside the city centre is cheaper yet still very good.

Alternative places to visit for a great summer holiday include the coast of Spain with its stunning beaches and lively party life. Portugal will give you much of the same but at a fraction of the cost. France offers a fascinating contrast between the sophisticated cities and the rural towns. Italy and Germany are also geared towards tourists. For a cheaper and very different experience, visit Romania or any other of the previously communist countries.

For those holiday makers who enjoy activity weekends, going backpacking or cycling in the UK or Europe, or camping in nature could be the ideal holiday. You could either join a tour group or grab a map and compass and go off by yourself. Stopping to swim in the heat of the afternoon or fishing for your supper that you can fry over your own fire is adventurous yet relaxing.