North America's Most Unique Experiences
August 15, 2020
by Jonathan Herman, Travel Writer for Travel Leaders Network
Every long weekend or short vacation needs a focal point — that one moment or experience that you can base the rest of the journey around. That’s what we have assembled here for you: a collection of unique travel experiences across North America that would be ideal for your next adventures, whether those occur soon or next year. Many of these experiences can be heightened by our partners, who are all ready to make your next vacation the best ever.
1. WALK AMONG GIANTS AT SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK
Admire both the individual tree and the forest, with a walk amongst the world’s giants at Sequoia National Park. These wooden monoliths are without equal—creating a setting perfect for introspection, exploration and a healthy helping of goosebumps.
2. DIVE INTO THE VOID IN PUERTO MORELOS
Cenote La Noria is a sinkhole-turned-oasis, a sunken patch of enchantingly blue water located in the Riviera Maya that proves perfect for a day of refreshment and relaxation. The depth of the cenote makes it ideal for the adventurous as well—either with scuba diving or with cannonballing off the rope swing.
3. TAP YOUR TOES IN NEW ORLEANS
The food may be all sorts of spicy, soulful and fulfilling, but nothing sets your spirits alight quite like the Big Easy’s music scene. There’s no wrong place to bust out your boogie shoes, but as with the cuisine, variety is the spice of life. Try to sample several live acts; the fact that bouncing between venues is usually done by joining in on a second line adds just an extra pinch of jubilance.
4. HIT THE SLOPES AT WHISTLER
The towering expanse of Whistler Blackcomb across the horizon may as well be Mt. Olympus—few other mountains make the grade as such a fabled and renowned summit. As one of the largest ski resorts in North America, it’s capable of supplying every outdoor delight and downhill thrill you can imagine: ski slopes, mountain bikes, scenic canoe rides, fly fishing and more await, changing in time with the seasons.
5. GO MUSEUM-HOPPING IN MEXICO CITY
Mexico’s art scene is vibrant and historically significant. You’ll see it all on full display while museum hopping across Mexico City. Start the day at the Frida Kahlo Museum, located in her childhood home, then discover her most iconic works at the Museum Delores Olmedo. Next, head to Museo Nacional de Arte, home to an impressive range of Mexican and international art from the 16th to the mid-20th century, before checking out quirky folk art at Museo de Arte Popular.
6. WATCH OLD FAITHFUL ERUPT
Thanks to a dormant volcano at its center, Yellowstone National Park is bubbling cauldron of geological activity. The land is dotted with geysers, boiling hot springs and bubbling mudpots, each vying for your attention. To see these up close — especially Old Faithful, that ever-punctual geyser that erupts roughly every 74 minutes — is to witness Mother Nature’s mischievous side.
7. DRIVE THE ICONIC BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
Stretching for 469 miles across Virginia and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most beautiful drives in America. Although the speed limit is 45, with all the twists and turns, amazing vistas and scenic overlooks, you’ll appreciate that the slow pace allows you to soak up the views.
8. FIND YOUR FAVORITE HAWAIIAN BEACH
Travel websites often post about the Top 10 beaches in Hawaii, as if ranking these sandy slices of heaven can somehow be objective. The truth is, you need to sink your toes into these beaches yourself to discover which one resonates most with your Aloha soul. Will it be Waikiki Beach on Oahu, where Mai-Tai sippers watch surfers carve shapes into the gnarly waves? Or maybe Kauapea Beach, Kauai’s secret beach, found only after a short, rocky hike? Or will it be dramatic Waipio Valley Beach on Hawaii Island, framed by black sand, active volcanoes, lava fields and valleys? It’s best to try them all.
Originally posted: https://www.travelleaders.com/travelbetter/article/default.aspx?article=North_America%e2%80%99s_Most_Unique_Experiences