U.S. Travel

New York

New York City - Overall Thoughts

There's a saying about this city you may know: It's the city that does not sleep. With its constant fast pace, traffic, trains, and sidwalks full of people, and 24-hour life, the city always has something going on. It's crazy, chaotic, and creative characteristics make NYC one of the most vibrant and happening places you can imagine. New York City is one of the most popular tourist destination for a reason in my opnion as it is filled with famous attractions, restaurants, and shops.

New York City - Recommendations

If you are in Manhattan be sure to take a few stops at some of the most well-known spots: Central Park, Times Square, the Empire State Building! The main tourist stops as mentioned before are great, but one thing that makes New York City so amazing are its museums. A few Museums you could visit, but are not limited to, are the National History Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Spy Museum, or the Fashion Institute of Technology Museum. Another fun thing about New York City is the culturally diverse neighborhoods and the amazing food they have. Travel to Little Italy and get some authentic pasta or go to China Town and have some of the best pork bun at Mei Li Wah Bakery!

New York City - Tips

The streets are heavily crowded and burglary is real. I recommend keeping your backpack with you at all times and keeping valuables in zipped up pockets on the inside of your bag if your bag has any. The city is also very large, so I highly recommend wearing sneakers to walk around— your feet are sure to be hurting by the end of the day. Finally I would recommend downloading the Amtrack App to help navigate yourself around if you plan to take the subway. It provides great information regarding booking, boarding, train status, and much more to help better plan your travels!

California

Catalina Island - Overall Thoughts

Catalina Island is a great spot for a quick get-a-way. Located 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, Catalina Island's sandy shores, tall hills, buffalo, colorful houses, and bright blue water make it a perfect spot for a fun day trip or romantic weekend escape with endless outdoor adventure of ziplining, ATV, snorkeling and much more. The main town of Catalina Island, Avalon, is a town that just has a certain charm to it where golf carts are the new primary form of transportation. One time I walked into a small shop and a woman and her scruffy little dog were running it giving it a homey quaint vibe. Catalina island is the perfect quick trip with out straying to far from the city of Los Angeles.

Catalina Island - Recommendations

For recommendations, I would recommend taking a guided Eco or Ridgeline trip around the island to learn more about the island. You get amazing views that you would not otherwise get to see of the island. You might even get to spot some Buffalo on the Island! All of the tour guides are absolutely fabulous and love the island so much making the tour filled with laughs and excitement. Another fun thing to do would be to do a zipline on the Island so you can really get to breathe in that fresh island air!

Catalina Island - Tips

As for tips, I think it would be smart to pack a bathingsuit for this island as well as some adventure clothes to explore the island in. An important thing to pack espeially would be a jacket just incase because although it is an island, it does get a bit windy!

Hawaii

Kona - Overall Thoughts

Kona has its own unique appeal to it than the other islands. It is also known as the Big Island and its one of the best islands in my opinion. Unlike Maui which is much more built up with cities and resorts, Kona is much more for those who enjoy the natual landscape. Majority of Kona is protected land that is wild and under developed offering a more calming presence to the island. The Big Island Hawaii provides many fun sites to see including the black sand beaches with the well known palm trees, vast mountains of volcanic rock, volcanoes, and even jungle as well! One thing that is great about the island is that there is always a sunny spot on the island since it is so big. Don't like the weather? Take an hour drive to the other side of the island to enjoy the summer's rays!

Kona - Recommendations

Kona is a great place to explore from the more wilderness to the more built areas. I highly recommend snorkeling and visiting an arboretum! The island has so much natural beauty to it that is often not seen from the larger towns. Kona is also known for their coffee so stop by and pick up some of their coffee! Its typically grown stright on the island so you wouldn't want to miss out! Finally, I also strongly recommend to bring sunscreen there! There's nothing like a terrible burn that will ruin your trip!

Kona - Tips

One Tip I have when finding a beach there, is to go out and find more secluded beaches that are not as well known. When I traveled there I was guided by a local who shared a beach that was not as well known and barely anyone was there, but it was one of my favorite spots on the island. You didn't hear it from me, but it is Kiholo Bay. When you go there you should take a car that can handle some dirty terrain, as the dirt path leading there is hidden off a highway and it is unkempt.

Utah

Zion National Park - Overall Thoughts

Zion is one of my favorite National Parks that I have been to. Its views are phenomominal with a perfect mix of red rock and flora, providing you with an endless gasping view. The park is in the most scenic canyon country in the United States with a variety of things to look at such as high plateaus, sandstone canyons, and waterfalls with colorful hanging gardens. It's variety of trails to hike is perfect for anyone, with trails ranging from easy beginner to intermediate to difficult— each with an amazing view. This infamous National Park is highly recommended by yours truly.

Zion National Park - Recommendations

For Zion National Park I strongly recommend trying to get there earlier in the morning when there are less people. In the middle of the day it is incredibly crowded with people, especially the visitor's center. By getting up early and going you might be able to catch the beautiful sunrise in the Valley, beat the crowds, and avoid the heat!

Zion National Park - Tips

For Zion National Park, I think it would be smart to stop inside the visitor's center and check for which trails are open and safe if you plan to hike a bit. Often times, when rain occurs, there's some flooding or even some mud slides that alter the trails there. While you're in the visitor's center I also think it would be helpful to pick up a map with all the trails. Zion is a large park with many trails so a map for this park would be greatly beneficial.