'America the Beautiful' is what the theme of recent travel trends might be named. With the US dollar losing its grip in some of the more popular world-wide travel destinations – there seems to be an upswing in travel closer to home. And why not? This country has so much to offer. From budget to luxury – there are so many options to choose from.
There is much of America that is largely undiscovered by many Americans. Why not take a new look at our own back yard? Whether planning a family vacation, a get-a-way, or a historical journey, you can find it all here.
You might choose to cruise the US rivers such at the Great Mississippi, or the Columbia & Snake rivers of the American West that may include the historical journeys of Lewis & Clark. What about a cruise along the intra-coastal waterways of the east coast? You can actually cruise from New England to Florida along the intra-coastal.
Small ship cruising is a great alternative to traditional cruising as the vessels can move into the smaller ports and enjoy the option of just taking off in inclement weather. That is the beauty of the small ship experience. Cruise West, American Cruise Lines, and American Canadian Cruises offer this type of adventure.
Since 1997 there is a growing fleet of cruises in the Great Lakes. Some incredible journeys can be had through one or all of these giant bodies of water. One such itinerary takes you from Toronto, on the shores of Lake Ontario, through Welland Canal ( going through a series of seven locks) to Lake Erie. Cruising to Lake Huron with visits to Manitoulin Island and Mackinac Island where you might view the impressive Fort Mackinac built atop a high cliff by the British in 1780. From here you will cruise under the Mackinac Bridge to Lake Michigan. Visiting Old Fort William at Thunder Bay, Ontario. This eight day cruise ends in Duluth, Minnesota.
Although Amtrak offers trains from north to south and east to west, there are other train tours that offer journeys along the rails. Canadian rail travels from the east coast of Canada to the west coast through a most picturesque countryside. Or you can just ride the train through the Rocky Mountains from Calgary through Lake Louise, Banff, Whistler, and into Vancouver.
You can choose a tour that will take you anywhere you want to go. The National Parks of the American West is always a favorite. You might take a tour that includes The Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier National Parks, all in one tour.
Maybe traveling the wine country of Northern California with visits to wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valleys would be more your style. Some even offer wine and gourmet food tours.
Head south and pick a train ride through the solitude and beauty of Mexico's Copper Canyon. A very popular tour that starts and ends in Tucson, AZ. What about Ballooning in Albuqueque, NM? Witness the Mass Ascension of hot air balloons in the fall at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.
Of course the Old South is always a favorite whether you move by river or by land. The romance of the south's vast plantations and national historical routes are popular treks.
Visit the home of Elvis Presley or the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Travel from Memphis to New Orleans and east to Savannah where you start the history laden route of the Civil War.
Traveling north from Savannah through Charleston, SC., to Colonial Williamsburg or head north west to the Antietam Battlefield where the bloodiest day of the Civil War occurred. Visit the sigts of Washington D.C. and its surroundings. The many museums, US Government buildings, monuments and national parks make for busy days.
New England is always a destination that has so much to offer. You can visit for its history or its incredible views. From the mansions of Newport, RI, to the Freedom Trail of Boston, to the incredible heights of Mount Washington in NH whatever your interest you will not be disappointed. Don't forget if you visit New England you may want to take in the ever popular to fall-foliage therefore you will want to travel from September – early November to see the full range of colors.
This country has so much to offer – why not stay close to home? Take the kids, or the grandkids – they will learn so much more about this country that they would not learn from any school books. And no passports required!
