BY CLAY LARROY
There is nothing more exciting than travelling. Whether
you are going for a road trip to see something new in your own state, or
heading off to somewhere for the very first time to visit a city you have
always dreamed of, there are some travel
basics that you should know. Travel in the
off seasons from November to April, to avoid crowds,
save money and enjoy temperate weather. In those months, many families with
children cannot travel due to school commitments, making many tourist
attractions much less crowded. This may also result in lower costs for airfare
and hotels. When
you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!
“Oh beautiful, for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain, for
purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain.” The beloved patriotic song
“America the Beautiful” hints at some of the country's diverse, majestic
landscape, which is certainly one of many reasons to visit the US but there are
so many others.
From
its vast plains, snow-covered mountains, deep forests and strange rock
formations, to soaring skyscrapers and a thunderous cultural scene, the USA is
a collage of extremes. Nothing can prepare you for your first glimpse of
Manhattan's unforgettable skyline, your first ride in a yellow cab, the
ubiquitous hamburger joints, and yawning expanses of prairie, the sweet strains
of New Orleans jazz, or the neon-lit excesses of Las Vegas.
When
it comes to the natural landscape, you’re hard pressed to find an area more
diverse. Marvel at the thunderous spectacle of 12,000 year old Niagara Falls in
northern New York, or seek an antidote to urban chaos amidst the flat farmland
of the Midwest. Then there are the black hills of South Dakota, the dramatic
mountain and ocean landscape of California's Pacific Coast Highway and of
course, there's the world-famous Grand Canyon, just one of the 397 parks in the
National Parks systems.
There's
the man made landscape, too, which is as impressive as the natural. Though New
York City is the most densely populated with soaring skyscrapers, including the
iconic Chrysler Building and Empire State Building, other cities have admirable
architecture as well, including Chicago's Sears Tower, and of course, the White
House in Washington DC.
And
what about those people? The US has always been known as a pioneering country
and it has long been a land of promise for people around the world eager to
pursue “the American dream.” Generations of immigrants have made the culture of
the country a unique mix of varied influences, and immigration continues to
shape the national identity, from food and language to music and pastimes. In
fact, the most diverse neighborhood in the world is in New York City and almost
45% of the total population of the US is comprised of immigrants.
The
USA is a huge country to explore and there truly is something here for every traveler.
For lovers of the outdoors, the great American West still retains much of the
allure that it did for early pioneers pushing past the Mississippi.
Awe-inspiring natural formations such as the geysers of Yellowstone and the
seemingly endless “Big Sky Country” of Montana make one feel as if the US goes
on forever.
For
those who love music, New Orleans is an obligatory visit, with its jazz, Cajun,
and Zydeco tunes. The Crescent City is also known for its food, which is unique
to the region-- po' boys, crawfish boils, gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice,
muffulettas, and beignets-- and, of course, its parties. Mardi Gras is a
raucous, rocking good time.
Although
the history of the US is short compared to that of Europe, there are plenty of
places where you can learn more about seminal moments in the country's
development. Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. all have important
historic sites that commemorate the young nation's history, and battlefields,
statues, and structures around the country provide additional opportunities to
learn about great moments in the American story.
Though Americans may not
enjoy the best reputation abroad, both cities and small towns alike are filled
with friendly people who love to show off their home to visitors. Travelers to
the US frequently remark on the warmth and hospitality of its people and more
likely than not, you’ll return home with a better impression of Americans than
before you left.
REFERENCE SITES:
Only in America can someone start with nothing and achieve the American Dream. That's the greatness of this country.
Rafael Cruz
No comments:
Post a Comment