Author: Trail Blazing Traveler

Down in Florida, you have the panhandle that contains the Everglades and access to the emerald waters skirting the Gulf coast. Then you have the Atlantic Coast side of the state, which is home to South Beach, sand-white beaches, and world-famous nightlife.  Miami is known for having a healthy nightlife that keeps the good vibes…

There are two Las Vegas in the South Western region of the United States. One will be a city that never sleeps, and the other a hidden getaway tucked into the northern region of New Mexico.  In this article, we will visit the Painted Deserts of New Mexico and take a step back in time…

You don’t have to go to another country to enjoy a family vacation together. Depending on where you live, visiting another state is like a new country! What if your family is very outdoors-oriented? Colorado might just be the state for you to visit on your next vacation! From historic mining towns to the pristine…

Picture a disaster situation. Think National Lampoon’s vacation, and if this describes your family trips, staying at home could be better and avoiding any crippling embarrassment. The classic will be right out of the film Ferris Bueler’s Day Off, in which faking an illness buys the main character the day. Then again, you could take…

We have all heard the classic troupe of needing a vacation from the vacation, which is the opposite effect desired when taking a trip to a fun or unique location. The key is finding those little things you enjoy at home, such as relaxing with a beer, then doing that on the beach or out…

The old saying goes, ‘couples fight, relationships take work.’ So, it goes for families as a whole, and you have to work on them for them to function. Not all families get along or see eye to eye with one another, which can leak out on vacation sometimes. Sometimes the stress levels within the unit…

A special island chain formed from years of lava flows and other natural landmass-building processes is out in the Pacific Ocean. The most prominent will be the Hawaii islands, which harbor some of the most pleasant climates and environments found on the planet. If you are considering taking the family, the main island and Maui…

To start, Puerto Rico is located in the waters between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, with temperatures between seventy- and ninety degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, there are going to be seven distinct regions of Puerto Rican soil, each with a distinct feature to the area. The Metro district will offer amazing…

The host of the 1996 Summer Olympics games, Atlanta, has undergone many changes. The Braves still play but in a new stadium. The Thrashers left for Winnipeg, but the Falcons and Hawks still ball in the ATL. So, in addition to a rich sports history, the capital of this Southern Peach state will have a…

Hawaii and Mexico are very different from one another, but each still offers amazing vacation opportunities and experiences. Both offer natural wonders and the chance to dive into another culture. In addition, both offer high-quality care and resorts to give you maximum comfort during your stay. However, their costs and safety differ greatly from one…

South Carolina is a place caulked full of history, beautiful natural places, amazing fishing, and picturesque ocean fronts. Gullah culinary traditions will excite the taste buds, and the beaches will allow for a place for parents to relax, along with space for letting children play. Speaking of the beaches, we have vacation destinations for which…

When you think about the Southern cities of the United States, most will mention the Cajun culture and Jambalaya capital of the world, and it is the place to be during the Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras celebrations, be sure to bring beads. Amongst the old foundations of older pre-American civilizations, which used the Mississippi as…

Florida is a unique state with beautiful scenery, one-of-a-kind waters, the only North American tropical climate, world-class golf courses, and so much more. Not to mention some of the best fishing in the world, which brings us to our two cities, Destin and Panama City. Destin, Florida, is known for its Emerald coast, where the…

Cancun and Puerto Vallarta both offer beautiful natural experiences. Cancun is a big city made for tourists to feel comfortable in, offering extensive nightlife and city experiences. Puerto Villarta is a smaller area that offers a deep dive into the culture there. Both offer options for luxury and comfort, but the prices are quite different.…

When you think about the Harbor Pacific Coast city of San Diego, thoughts of mild weather that stays between the temperatures of sixty to seventy-seven degrees Fahrenheit. Commonly sunny and home of the Padres MLB team, SeaWorld San Diego, and LEGOLAND California. The city has beaches, such as Pacific and Mission beach, where you can…

Down in the Caribbean, the age of pirates and swashbuckling helped shape the Gulf of Mexico into what it is today. Within these waters is the island of Jamaica, which hosts the famed Blue Mountains and makes a solid cup of coffee. Mexico is a magical destination filled with history from centuries of culture and…

Kauai and Maui may both be islands in Hawaii, but each offers a vastly different experience. Kauai is less tourist focused. Instead, it offers a deep dive into nature and the culture of the people there. As a result, it is much cheaper and less crowded but can also be difficult to navigate. Maui is…

There are going to be some hot spots when it comes to vacationing in the Caribbean. Names like Aruba and the Bahamas top the list. The weather will be similar, but the islands are unique and come with a bunch of surprises. Aruba is a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and this Dutch…

Florida is known for having fair weather, even better fishing, and the best golfing in the world. Fort Lauderdale is one of those port cities that will be for the outdoors personality, nestled just north of the Everglades National Park and boasts some of the best fishing in town. On the other hand, Miami will…

These two California cities will be a nice weather retreat within the United States, on the Pacific shoreline, and both hold distinct reasons for a visit. However, San Diego will be more of an outdoors family destination, allowing for its amazing zoo and iconic whale watching opportunities, not to mention the chance to catch a…

The city of Angels is situated in Southern California, within reach of the ocean and the famed Long Beach. Therefore, it would be naive not to warn a traveler of the dangers of some regions of the concrete jungle, especially concerning the mass shootings that took place in January 2023. However, there are family-friendly places…

I am sure you have seen or heard those stories about families going on road trips and other vacations, but did you know these vacations are incredibly beneficial for family dynamics and overall happiness? These trips break the family from the mundane routine and allow members to experience culture in another geographical location, including food,…

The Lone Star state is one of those Old west places with touches of modern entertainment. The first place that comes to mind is South Padre Island, where a family can enjoy the best water recreation the Gulf of Mexico has to offer. In the western portions of Texas, El Paso is one of those…

When visiting the United States capitol with the family, there will be many historically significant places to visit, museums to explore, not to mention the White House and other Federal buildings. Regarding picking places to stay, the District of Columbia will have an excellent selection of entertainment-based hotels and resorts. Arguably the best place for…

The luckiest fishing village in the world, Destin is going to be a place to take the family to enjoy emerald ocean waters, some of the best fishing and weather in the world, on white shoreline beaches. Regarding finding accommodations for the family, there are a few spots of note to consider for your next…

There is no definitive way to split food costs on a trip; the truth is that it takes a certain amount of creativity and teamwork to split grocery and restaurant bills effectively.   However, there will be digital apps that will allow folks with bank accounts and online mobile banking to transfer funds back and…

This is a debatable point, and there are going to be different reasons for wanting to visit the beaches of St. Simons Island. For one, the best surfing swells will be in the fall, and October to November will have three-foot swells that will be perfect for the learning or rehabbing surfing athlete. Many agree…

This Utah city is tucked down into the southwestern corner, minutes from Arizona and Nevada, and within a day’s drive of Lake Powell, Zion National Park, and other outdoor recreational options. Saint George is best known for its outdoor areas. The Red Cliffs National Conservation Area includes trail hookups to the Dixie National Forest and…

Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo is an expansive institution that offers a wide variety of fun, family-oriented activities on top of its impressive accommodations. You may wonder if you can simply visit for a day trip instead of staying with the resort to experience these activities. While certain activities are only offered to registered…

This is a picturesque, quaint little town with a nice mix of red rocks, desert, and mountain landscapes; many outdoor recreation opportunities are available. To name a few, there is going to be Zion National Park, but there will also be the Kanab recreation area within reach and Tuacahn theater. There will be a select…

Do you love the big city but want to go a little more out into the wilderness, or just can’t afford city life anymore? Don’t worry. There are plenty of small cities, but they feel like big cities or on track to become big cities in their own time. There are benefits to both big…

Did you get stuck in LAX with a long layover and want to know how to spend your time? No one wants to just sit in a loud airport surrounded by people and noise for eight or more hours with nothing to do. Even lounges can be a better option than just the terminal. Thankfully,…

Mount Shasta is both a potentially active volcano in the northern part of California as well as a small town (sometimes known as Mount Shasta City) just south of this geographical landmark. Whether you are an active outdoorsman or not will change your opinion on whether the area is worth visiting, but, in general, people…

Yes, Sedona, Arizona, in the non-traditional use of the word, does have beaches. When you think of beaches, you may think of the ocean with sand and sun. However, there are beaches inland as well, and Sedona proves that. Sedona offers a variety of watering holes that make the area well-known for its beaches and…

For those who have not had the pleasure of visiting the Sedona valley area in Arizona, located in the southwestern portion of the United States, the landscape is something out of a western painting. Saguaros dot the surrounding countryside, and rolling hills give way to desert sunrises loaded with the red rocks of the southwest.…

The distance between Northern Utah city and Slot Canyon, near Moab and the Colorado border, is about two hundred and thirty- four miles. In most cases it will take around three, maybe four hours to drive down through Provo, Price, and Green River, starting from the i-15 interstate to Highway 89 east to Highway 6,…

There is going to be a certain crowd to which the Idaho backcountry will appeal, but there will also be wineries and breweries along with some cabins for the more urban inclined. Idaho boasts over twenty state parks, over twenty-five thousand miles of hiking trails, and over three thousand miles of whitewater rafting areas, and…

There are going to be different reasons for wanting to stay at either location. The main difference between St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island would be the difference in lodging. The Saint Simons area will be more attuned to the more urban entertainment-oriented people, providing motels and golf resorts to which Jekyll Island is more…

Planning a trip to Kenya and curious about how much you might be able to relax along the sandy shores of Lake Victoria? Maybe you’ve come across some towns in the area? No matter why you are interested in visiting Kenya and the area of Homa Bay county, you should know that Mbita is not…

There are cultures that have routines, almost ritual-like in nature, this Georgian culture on the Island of St. Simons has just such a lifestyle; Going to the beach is just what you do in the St. Simon’s Island community. There are stretches of pristine coastline which lead out to beautiful natural scenery and rich sunrises.…

For those who are not privy to the Ice Hotel, this is a truly unique experience that comes around only in the wintertime. Located in Sweden, a section of the hotel is crafted each year from the ice of the Torne River, as unique as a vintage year for wine. For those not into the…

From the Glynn County government in Georgia, in light of the environmental impact of the 2019 cargo ship capsizing incident, it is not recommended to swim within the area between St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island. Though the beaches are still open for recreational purposes, it is encouraged to enjoy their sandy beaches, even without…

There are going to be two totally different reactions to the term Banana Boat. There is, of course, the watercraft that will carry a group of people in a linear ship. Then you have the creative banana peel campfire and grilling creation that can have just about anything for a filler, even a makeshift s’more.…

This is a funny question to the general public, but there are hot springs near Scottsdale, Arizona. The desert city in the southwestern region of the United States is known for its golf courses, not normally for hot springs and natural waterways. About an hour west of the Scottsdale/Phoenix on I-10 is the Castle Hot…

You’ve probably read a lot of articles about why traveling in your twenties is a good idea, but let’s look at some of the other sides and why it may be a good idea to wait until you are a bit older. Most of it has to do with mindset. We are young and immature…

The Statue of David is one of Michelangelo’s most well-known pieces. It took him four years to finish, though it had been started decades before. Many people think it is famous due to the fine details on the sculpture that make it look lifelike, besides being slightly out of proportion. While that is a part…

Notre Dame is very well-known worldwide, even to those who don’t know much about its history or purpose. Part of that is due to books, such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo. However, much of its notoriety is related to the building itself. It has stood for more than 850 years, despite…

There are several reasons that might deter you from renting a car in Madeira. However, the main reason currently stopping most people is the skyrocketing prices of rental vehicles.  Rental prices since the beginning of the pandemic have become overwhelming for most people looking to travel to Madeira. The other reason is that it is…

Dolphins are in abundance in Aruba. The issue is knowing where to look and how. Most people go about seeing dolphins in other countries often through aquariums.  These aquariums often force dolphins into captivity, using them for the pleasure of others. Aruba cares for its dolphin population and does not allow these creatures to be…

Many of the main tourist attractions in Rome require tickets. Almost all of them you can purchase online in advance. It is often cheaper and easier to do so – it allows you to pick your day and time without having to worry about lines. However, depending on the experience you want or where you…

There are two towers inside the Sagrada Familia, which you can actively tour. Unfortunately, while it would be nice to be able to visit both, it isn’t always possible. Sometimes, during the busy season, you don’t get to know which tower you are visiting.  Even if you go at another time, when you can choose…

While there are dozens of catacombs throughout Rome, only five are available to the public. There is also a crypt full of the bones of friars from the church.  Out of the five catacombs open to the public, the Catacomb of San Callixtus is considered the biggest and the most toured. While it may not…

Canal tours are a huge part of Amsterdam. They are a great way to attract tourists, talk about the history of the city, and even just be used as a public transportation service. However, it can be difficult to decide which tour is best with so many.  Thankfully, other people and tourists have decided for…

When it comes to planning a vacation, airfare is often one of the most stressful and expensive parts you have to look into. With so many airlines to choose from, it can be difficult to justify any one company’s services. Cathay Pacific has some of the most expensive tickets for flights in and out of…

Popular tourist destinations often become more expensive during different times of the year because various services up their prices to make the most from wealthy visitors. This can include car rental services in your target destination. One explanation of why car hire is so expensive in Sicily, especially more recently, is an unforeseen side effect…

Sardinia is a large island in the Mediterranean Sea that is part of Italy’s territories. Because it is a relatively small and remote destination, prices for car rentals are already likely to be higher than in other places with a high population and extensive infrastructure. Like most other places in the world, car rentals in…

Helsinki can be an expensive place to visit. While you can plan the cost of your trip, sometimes we don’t always think about the cost of food. Meals can easily account for $30 or more a day, even if you are frugal. So, where are cheap places to eat in Helsinki? The best place to…

While it might be more famous for being the official home of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi (located in the Finnish province of Lapland) is home to a delectable dining scene thanks to a budding interest in the area and local cuisine. Rovaniemi has something to offer, no matter what flavor you are looking for. From the…

If breathtaking, scenic vistas are your ideal vacation, look no further than the quaint village of Reine. Located in the heart of the Lofoten archipelago, this Norwegian residential area is one of the most famous aspects of the country. There are many things to do in Reine for the easygoing explorer, but hiking and boating…

With international leisure travel becoming more commonplace again after the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eager to plan your next vacation but simply don’t know where to look first. Valkenburg is famous for its many historical and cultural sights. In addition, Valkenburg is situated in the southernmost province of the Netherlands, known as Limburg, which…

The waters of the Blue Lagoon natural attraction in Iceland have wowed many through photos and videos of others enjoying the relaxing and healing properties of the geothermal seawater. But, as a highlight for many people visiting Iceland, it begs the question – where do you stay close by? If you want to stay as…

The Statue of David by Michelangelo is a piece of art no art lover wants to miss. If you are taking a trip to Florence, Italy, it is well worth visiting the museum to see it. However, there is often some confusion about its location. For example, the Statue of David is actually not located…

There are plenty of guides for what to look at and do in Chichen Itza, but what about in the surrounding area? While often overlooked by the famous ruins, many other places around Chichen Itza are beautiful and well worth a visit. Some examples include a Hotel that has both delicious meals and a planetarium,…

There aren’t many experiences throughout the world like Sparty Budapest. While thermal baths and the culture of large bathing areas aren’t new in Budapest, the idea of mixing it with a party crowd and electronic dance music is. Sparty is open every Saturday from February to December, from 10:30 PM to 3:00 AM. However, depending…

Morocco is a beautiful country with a rich history situated on the northwest coast of Africa. Unfortunately, many foreign tourists flock to the area to visit cities like Casablanca and Marrakech but miss out on what some consider to be the true jewel of Morocco – Fez (or Fes). Fez is a city full of…

There’s a lot to see when you’re on vacation to Barcelona, Spain, and not necessarily a whole lot of time to see it all. So you want your trip to be filled with highlights instead of hyped-up attractions that turn out to be a disappointment. Luckily, Park Güell is the perfect space for people of…

If you don’t know much about Cyprus and its history, you may have looked at the title of this article with some confusion. Although not recognized by most, if not all, international bodies, the island country of Cyprus is actually divided into the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus because of…

Many people flock to places with silky, white sand beaches and crystal clear waters on the majority of their vacations, but sometimes a more culturally engaging trip is rewarding and more memorable than simply laying out in the sun. Malmö is the third-largest city in Sweden after Stockholm and Gothenburg, with plenty of sights to…

If you’ve ever visited the southern United States, you may have heard the terms “swamp” and “bayou” thrown around interchangeably. However, the two words do not refer to the same geographical features. A bayou is a type of creek or river, while a swamp refers to low-lying land that is often saturated and spongy with…

When you’re traveling around the world, you want to make sure you’re seeing the best sights, so you don’t waste your precious time. So look no further than the Petronas Twin Towers during a visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Petronas Towers typically light up at dusk or roughly 7 PM every day. The shine…

Cyprus isn’t necessarily the first destination people think of when they go on vacation, but the small island nation is a veritable treasure trove of beaches, scenic vistas, and history. Famagusta is the dream destination for people looking to step back in time while enjoying blue skies and warm temperatures. The area is most famous…

Even if you haven’t traveled much, domestically or internationally, everyone has someplace that they love more than anywhere else. This could be as small as a backyard garden or larger than some of the world’s greatest cities. The reason for loving your favorite place is different for each person, but it typically revolves around having…

When you think of hippos, you may think of Sub-Saharan Africa and dangerous rivers filled with crocodiles. However, while that may be where hippos are actually native, that isn’t the only place they exist in the wild.  As of the 1990s, wild hippos also thrive in Colombia, South America. Thanks to being illegally shipped in…

Flights can be one of the most stressful parts of a vacation or business trip, especially when you have tight connections or ridiculously long layovers where you can’t leave the airport. Among the various other services that can be offered to quell the frustration of passengers, a hotel is sometimes provided by an airline when…

Caño Cristales in Colombia is a magical river. It is beautiful and clear and isn’t filled with wildlife or various plants. However, it does have one plant that gives the river its popularity by causing the river to change colors between May and early December.  When visiting Caño Cristales, you will want to book a…

Curacao isn’t a large island by any means. However, driving straight through, it should take just over an hour to get from the northwestern side to the southeastern side.  Despite that, many people struggle to visit everywhere they want. So, where is the best place to stay when going to Curacao to see as much…

The United States of America is a large country across many different types of terrain as you traverse between states. Traveling by car can be exhausting for the driver, and having to deal with traffic on interstates is stressful for everyone involved. Traveling by train is an option that not many people think about. There…

Ice caves have become a popular attraction across the world, but they are especially welcoming in some of the hottest states in the US during the height of summertime. Did you know that there are ice caves in Las Vegas? While there aren’t many of them, a few different ice bar caves are available throughout…

Nova Scotia is often mentioned as a great place for foodies. But for those that haven’t explored the area, you may be wondering what they have that makes it such a popular destination.  Nova Scotia is full of all sorts of delicious food. From rich, flavorful seafood like lobster and haddock to comfort food like…

Some people think that trains belong to bygones of the past and that no one uses them anymore for anything other than to transport goods, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. There are many train lines that crisscross the continent of Europe on both a domestic and international level, carrying passengers to their…