Tag: Alaska

Exciting 2022 Travel Destinations

Each time New Year’s Eve passes, many vow to travel more in search of new opportunities, settings, and experiences. With this suggested list of the most exciting 2022 travel locations from Travel + Leisure, that New Year’s Resolution just got a lot more achievable.

Before planning any 2022 travel or renting any accommodations or booking any flights, it would be a responsible, beneficial idea to check local guidelines, consult CDC recommendations, and take personal health conditions into account due to recent COVID-19 surges that may have caused new government restrictions, rules, and safety measures having been set. Once you’re supplied with the most health-forward, preventative, and up-to-date information and guidance, you can enjoy your vacation or trip without looming anxiety in a fun and safe manner!

Traveling in 2022 is unlike any other year due to the fact that the hospitality industry was hit hard by the pandemic, which caused many, many hotels, resorts, and other vacation properties to make the most of lockdowns and mandated downtime to renovate rooms, install additional amenities, and expand upon existing outdoor areas. They’ve done this to welcome new and returning guests with exciting new offers, so it’s possible that there’s never quite been a better time to take advantage of exciting, adventurous travel opportunities like the ones that follow.

Alaska

This past year one state received a unique increase in tourism due to many countries closing their international borders, and those that traveled northward to the vast expanse of Alaska were delighted by the unforgettable abundance of soaring, ice-capped mountains, exciting, thriving wildlife, and postcard-perfect wide-open spaces that beg exploration. One of the more exciting areas of the state is the Denali National Park and Preserve, located in Interior Alaska and centered on Denali, the highest mountain in North America and the third most prominent and third most isolated peak on Earth, after Mount Everest and Aconcagua. Formerly known as Mount McKinley National Park,this park and continuous preserve contains a landscape that is an elegant mixture of forest, deciduous taiga, tundra, and glaciers, particularly the longest glacier of the Alaska Range, the Kahiltna Glacier which runs at an impressive length of 44 miles.

Greater Palm Springs, California

Escape into a land of scenic vacation iconography and self-care by treating yourself to a glamour-filled Southern California escape. Bounding with a certain “laid-back vibe,” Greater Palm Springs is an area that is known for being a particular geological wonder with valleys filled with date-palms, oasis springs, mountains, and rock formations. Some of the best ways to “get a lay of the land”  are to take a scenic ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway where you’re taken 2.5 miles up to Mountain Station Summit, book a hot air balloon tour over the Coachella Valley, or ride along with a local expert on a naturalist-guided Jeep tour. Additionally, one of the best experiences in the area is to explore 200,000 hectares of wilderness by rock climbing at Joshua Tree National Park.

Sedona, Arizona

Starting with a viral interest in the Devil’s Bridge attraction, Sedona, Arizona has seen continuous surges of tourism, and it’s for good reason: the area is home to the geological wonderland known as Red Rock Country. One of the best avenues to go down in order to see the most of what Sedona has to offer is by experiencing the “Sedona Secret 7,” which is a collection of lesser-known Sedona trails that are secluded and worth the trip. Alternatively, many tourists appreciate the quiet, reflective, and inspiring experiences to be had by immersing themselves in Sedona’s brilliant canyon environments and exploring ancient Sinagua civilizations, reenergizing at a vortex site, and learning about the vast cultural history of the Sedona Verde Valley. Lastly, if you’re in need of accommodations, then you ought to consider booking a stay at the Sky Rock Hotel, which offers truly breathtaking views of Sedona’s landscape in a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel experience.

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Top Staycation Spots to Consider this Spring

Though many places are starting to see restrictions lifted and travel picking back up, many are looking to book a spectacular “staycation” this upcoming spring break, and with TravelPulse’s curated list of the best spots for staying in, it’s never been more tempting.

Though the full list pairs each of America’s states with the ideal “hunker down” destination, it’s always a recommended practice to check with local advisories, rules, and restrictions, as things are constantly changing throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Homer, Alaska

While it may be far from home, the quaint, charming town of Homer has both cultural attractions and cafés to rival the hippest, modern cities of the continental United States. If you’re planning to venture out for Spring Break, then you would be in luck, as the cozy town is actually known for having a very pleasant climate, making it an ideal spring destination.

Red Wing, Minnesota

Located on the “Mighty Mississippi,” the location, legacy, and aesthetic of the historic river town of Red Wing makes it perfect for a spring break staycation. Whether you’re walking river-side, taking a ferry ride, or exploring the nearby dramatic hills and bluffs around Red Wing, there’s plenty to love. Minnesota’s larger cities get the acclaim and the tourists, but only Red Wing has the niche wealth of interest-specific museums awaiting your patronage.

Overland Park, Kansas

The KC Metro area is known for many things, but during spring break, it’s typically a hotspot of tourists, so why not stop into the nearby Kansas City suburbs known as Overland Park? This gives you the perfect home base from which you’re in a prime location to explore the attractions of both the Kansas and Missouri side of the KC Metro area. Explore unforgettable attractions like the architecturally-stunning Museum at Prairiefire Entertainment District, such as the Overland Park Museum of Natural History. Afterwards, be sure to stop downtown and visit the stunning National World War I Museum and Memorial, the American Jazz Museum, and (of course) stop to feast on some of the finest barbecue the country has to offer.

Ocean City, Maryland

To many, there’s nothing more ideal or serene than a beach that’s practically all to yourself, and with the Maryland climate, you might just be that lucky when visiting Ocean City. The beaches typically run chilly, so you and your group might need a sweater for those early evening walks, but that just means that there will likely be more space to enjoy. After spending your time at the coast, stop by the nearby small town of Berlin to partake in its attractions ranging from the unforgettable landscapes of Assateague State Park to the Calvin B Taylor House Museum.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Stop in and stay awhile once inside the city limits of one of the most historic cities in America. When visiting or having a staycation, you’ll be surrounded by the spectacular Southwestern scenery that has given comfort to generations of travelers before you. Stop by the classic Georgia O’Keeffe Museum to acquire a new appreciation for the legendary artist before you trek on a local hike and blaze your own path forward. Before heading out of town, be sure to treat yourself to a tried-and-true New Mexican meal at one of the southwest’s most distinctive and authentic cuisines around.

Letchworth Falls State Park, New York

Start manifesting it now, you don’t need to busy yourself with the city that never sleeps just because you find yourself in New York, so leave the bustling Big Apple behind and truly reunite with nature and the fantastic spectacle of Letchworth State Park’s tranquil woods and rushing waters. Watch closely as the Genesee River traverses jagged rocks and ultimately cascades over three majestic waterfalls. Live in a postcard for a little while during this staycation, once you book at Letchworth.

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