United States are one of the most important countries in the world. This huge land has everything from tropical beaches, desserts and prairies to thick pine forests and is home to some of the biggest metropolises in the world. America is inhabited by interesting people that are creating the culture which is being spread around the world 24/7 by the powerful US media and Hollywood. Some of these places and festivals you probably saw already on TV, which makes this list even more interesting.

Demolition Derby Madness

These motorsports events will take you directly to the heart of the American consumerist culture. Everybody knows that in United States having a car is almost necessary and that each year thousands of older models get scraped, some other old models are becoming the main stars of events like these, where drivers are ramming them into each other in an attempt to make other driver’s vehicle totaled.

All this is usually followed by large amounts of beer and snacks that crowds consume during the show. The mad, turbocharged atmosphere might be a little scary in the beginning, but only for a few minutes after which you adjust to the right frequency.

Take Me To The Ball Game

Another typical American pastime. If you are not to familiar with baseball, try to watch some of the famous baseball movies before visiting the States and learn typical slang that comes with this sport, so you can engage a conversation with other fans about the game. You can also bring a foam hand, home or away team jersey or cap and try to catch the fly ball.

If you decide to go on a baseball game you should first pick the stadium with a good atmosphere and the teams you want to watch. Dodgers stadium in LA can be very interesting. One of the biggest rivals of LA Dodgers are LA Angels of Anaheim, and Dodgers vs Angels games are known for the great atmosphere which is nicknamed the Freeway Series, after New York’s Subway Series, and since stadiums of these two rival teams are connected by interstate 5.

Find Out Who You Are, Than Take It One Step Further

Black Rock Desert in Nevada is home to one of the most famous and the most controversial festivals on Earth- the Burning Man. This festival started in the weirdest possible way, when Lee Harvey and Jerry James burned a 8 feet tall wooden man effigy on the Baker Beach in San Francisco. They described their actions as “spontaneous act of self-expression” and since then tens of thousands of people come to Nevada on Labor Day to spontaneously express themselves. Some other words that follow this effigy burning festival are: community, art, and radical self-reliance. During the week of the festival all these individuals live, breathe, and eat as one and all of their creative energy is united in a big bone fire event.

Appalachian Trail

This hiking trail goes through some of the most interesting parts of eastern United States, and it takes people far from the comfort of NYC. Becoming a thru-hiker on your first trip to United States will definitely make you proud of yourself and it will enable you to see parts of this country that you can rarely spot on popular TV. Awe inspiring scenery and interesting flora and fauna are trademarks of this 2,200 miles long mountain road. You should also be aware of brown bears, deer ticks and poison ivy, but stay open for close and personal encounters with less dangerous animals and interesting people who live along the trail.

Get Your Kicks on the Route 66

This route goes through the heart of real America and it is the most famous historical road route in the whole world. The old road starts in Chicago and ends up in California while going through many interesting locations from Amarillo, Texas where roadtrippers can try to eat 72 oz beef steak to Barstow, California where “drugs began to take hold… and huge bats, are swooping, screeching and diving around cars”. On this road you’re also going to see a lot of artifacts of old and long gone America, from old water towers to almost deserted gas stations and road-side bars.

 

Honeymoon – It’s that time of your life when you are pumped full of love and to visit a place truly blessed by the cupid is all you need for a perfect post-wedding-cum-romantic getaway! While some newlyweds like the hustle-bustle of the crowd, others prefer a cosy silent place meant just for them and India with its huge diversity caters well to those diverse needs! From breathtakingly beautiful places that can make you fall in love even on your tenth honeymoon to the isolated peace bathed areas where you rejoice with your soul mate in silence, India offers a wide ranging options and you won’t be disappointed.

So, sit back with your better half as we tell you about some honeymoon destinations that will ignite the spark:

Goa

Be it winters or summers, Goa is a place you can visit anytime of the year! Watching the sun dip into the ocean while holding hands with your loved, the reassuring hug after a thrilling experience at water sports or the lingering touch as you talk a walk beside the ocean under the stars are some moments that will make for a perfect honeymoon! Goa has it all – from its unique blend of Indo-Portuguese architectural magnificence to the absolutely awesome sun-kissed beaches, come here to experience true bliss!

Agra

Agra, situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh is home to the Seventh Wonder of the World and the most exquisite symbol of love- The Taj Mahal. The city is adorned with architectural marvels of the Mughal era, each one impeccably beautiful. A romantic candlelit dinner while overlooking the glistening white Taj Mahal under the moonlight is all you need to make that everlasting promise of love and begin your new life.

Udaipur

Also known as the “The City of Lakes” or “The Venice of East”, Udaipur is standing with arms wide open for you lovebirds! You’ll be blown away by the hypnotising beauty and charm of the royal palaces as you tread those paths with your queen/king. City Palace, Lake Palace, Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Gulab Bagh are some places that are major tourist attractions especially during the honeymoon season!

Lakshadweep Islands

The Lakshadweep islands are situated far off the south western coast of India. The islands provide the much needed isolation from the hustle-bustle of daily routine life. The island consists of exotic, jaw-dropping beautiful beaches that will leave you and your loved one absolutely mesmerised. What’s more? You could witness ethereal beauty of oceanic life while deep sea diving! Hear, hear all you adventure lovers! Here, at Lakshadweep Islands you can experience nature at its best and celebrate this new beginning of your life. Kavratti, Minicoy, Agatti, Kadmat and Bangram are some places you should checkout while you’re here!

Kerala

Kerala or God’s own country is one of the top honeymoon places in India. The state is equipped with sunny beaches like the Kovalam’s beach, hilly regions of Munnar and Wayanad and the most famous backwaters of Kerala! Yes well, here is where you get a full package of natural beauty as you make your way with your mate. To make your stay even more romantic, you can hire a houseboat (instead of a hotel), which are just as luxurious and experience love amidst the charming backwaters. Cochin, Munnar, Kollam are a few places that will leave you stunned.

Kashmir

Surrounded by the mighty Himalayas and set atop as the crown of India, Kashmir is known as “heaven on earth” and indeed it is. The state is decorated by snow during winters and even during the summer months it offers respite from the hot humid weather down south. Kashmir with its awe-inspiring natural beauty and magnificent architectural monuments will provide the right setting for fairytale romance! The lush green valleys, sparkling lakes and the heavenly mountains will make this trip a memorable experience for you. Visit the Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar city, Leh/Ladakh to make your stay a blissful experience!

Karnataka

The Kodagu region or the Coorg town is a particularly famous honeymoon destination in India. Often known as the Scotland of India, this place is known for its picturesque beauty. The place is bustling with the aroma of coffee, orange orchards and vast stretches of greenery-all of these adding up to make for a perfect romantic getaway! India, thus offers a wide range of choices to make your honeymoon a memorable experience. And it’s even budget friendly!

Where is Wadi Rum?

Wadi Rum also known as The Valley of the Moon is a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock in southern Jordan 60 km to the east of the port of Aqaba; it is the largest wadi (Wadi is the Arabic term for valley) in Jordan. Wadi Rum’s highest elevation is Mount Um Dami at 1,840 metres.

The Bedouin people that inhabit the area still maintain their semi-nomadic lifestyle. They are hospitable and offer a friendly welcome to visitors, often inviting them to sit and enjoy a coffee or if you’re lucky, a meal.

Sadly, when I travelled through Jordan during 1989 I didn’t have the knowledge of just how incredible the place is and from Aqaba, travelled straight to Petra and and on to Amman. Wadi Rum was added to the Bucket List some time ago and I can’t stop kicking myself for missing it.

Treks and Climbs in Wadi Rum, Jordan

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Wadi Rum

One Great Reason to Visit Wadi Rum

One great reason to visit this travel destination is for the vast, open and very scenic desert valley.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

For More Information

• Wikipedia
• Official Website of Jordan Tourism Board

 

Travel Photo of the Week: Briancon, France

Briancon is a UNESCO listed, medieval town located in the Alps region of south-eastern France and just happens to be the highest town in the EU at an altitude of 1,326 metres. Briancon is a strongly fortified town sitting high on a plateau. This photo captures from a nearby laneway, one of the two towers of the parish church which was built from 1703 – 1726.

Photo courtesy of Travel Tips Plus reader Lavinia.