As we enter May, summer travel season is upon us and while the economy will shape how much we spend on travel, bargains will be actively seeked. So how should you decide where to go?
Well, it all depends on your budget really. Assuming you want to stay local to the US, following are some of the top travel spots for summer (not necessarily in that order):
Miami
For those who want to burn the midnight oil in a night club, Miami is the place to be. There is a hot spot at every corner, and young well-toned bodies adorn the beaches and the streets.
Key West
Sticking to the Florida theme, Key West is a secluded area and is home to the southern most tip of the US. It is more for people looking for a second honeymoon, or those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Los Angeles
Beach, babes and burritos. Los Angeles has an active nightlife, as well as sexy beaches, and summer sports like beach volleyball and roller-blading. Of course, Disneyland, Six Flags and Universal Studios are just a couple of additional incentives for those looking to travel with family. Finally, there is Hollywood, Avenue of the Stars, Chinese Mann Theatre and the Kodak Theatre, home to the Oscars. And who knows, you might run into one of your favorite movie stars.
Hawaii
It is hard to single out one island in Hawaii. Waikiki and the Pipe in Oahu, romance and whale watching in Maui, Black sand on the Big Island, isolation and nature hikes in Kauai and Molokai – it sure would be nice to see it all. While I have only traveled to Maui myself, I have spoken to friends who swear by a cruise to Hawaii to take in all the islands. Either way, you can’t lose.
Grand Canyon
For the outdoor trail-blazer, Grand Canyon is the ultimate destination to test your fitness and to take in one of the 7 wonders of the world. This naturally carved out canyon takes my breath away every time I see it, and I have been there four times. Among the few things you could do at the Grand Canyon – ride a mule down the canyon, take a helicopter ride, hike the Bright Angel trail, kayak the Colorado River or simply take in the beauty of this land.
Alaska
Summer is the busiest season for travel to Alaska and the most popular mode of transportation to Alaska is a cruise. The home to last year’s Republican hopeful Sarah Palin and apparently a stone’s throw from Russia (yeah right), Alaska is the largest US State and refreshingly natural. Clean air, wild life, melting glaciers and icebergs make a visit to Alaska specially memorable.
Do you think I left out your favorite summer destination in the US? Feel free to add your own destination to the comments section.
Meanwhile, here is wishing you sunny travels!
Waikiki, Oahu and Maui are till the best among the list… I’d like to try on the Grand Canyon this year…