Travel: Vacationing a New Way; Discovering Neglected Terrain

Travel Guest Post: Eastern Townships Travel Guest Post: 5 Interesting Plac...

Travel: Vacationing a New Way; Discovering Neglected Terrain

When we think about exotic vacations and getaways our minds

no doubt immediately escape to ocean oases and arctic mountain passes. Somehow,

our perception of a true vacation involves a major trip, a different language, and an entirely foreign terrain.

While these vacations are no doubt fun, enlightening, and important life

experiences, too often our home terrain goes sadly neglected. Take a vacation

from visiting the next tourist attraction or major vacationing hotspot this

next time around and pay some special attention to your own homeland. Growing

up in the states, my family vacation plans always revolved around traveling to

Europe, Mexico, Canada, any country but our own. Now that I'm traveling on my own

some, I've dedicated my vacations to discovering the sadly neglected terrain of

my own country. These are my top three favorite neglected destinations I have

found in the United States:

Lawrence,

Kansas

In many ways, visiting Kansas was an exotic escape for me.

Almost everything about Lawrence, Kansas differed wildly from the place in

which I live. As a small college town in the heart of the Midwest, Lawrence has

a lot to offer. With rolling green hills, endless blue skies, and hot sunny

days (I visited in the summer), Lawrence provides a beautiful landscape for a

relaxing and unique vacation. Take a stroll down "Mass" street and

pop into the various "mom and pop" shops along the main drag of town.

This area of town is littered with college students, quaint bars, and killer

restaurants. Ride a bike out near the river at night and sit in the dark to

enjoy the fireflies. For those who did not grow up in a climate where fireflies

are around, this is an experience to be had. There are few things more amazing

that I've seen in all of my travels than thousands of fireflies glittering

along the rolling hills of the Midwest. Spend a night or two just taking in the

natural beauty of this town. Watch the stars and catch a firefly or two. Too

much of traveling is about seeing all there is to see and rushing from one spot

to another. Try sitting back and enjoying your time.

Albuquerque,

New Mexico

This little town doesn't seem to have much to offer at first

glance. However, once you spend a little time here the local charm is sure to

win you over. Go to the local Mexican food restaurants for some authentic New

Mexican food and some of the best dishes you will ever taste. Albuquerque has a

lot of interesting terrain and culture to offer. Take a trip to the mountains,

spend some time on the desert mesas, and enjoy the Bosque (river forest). As a

desert town set between mountains and mesas, Albuquerque offers beautiful

scenery and an amazingly enjoyable climate. In the fall watch hundreds of hot

air balloons rise into the dry desert air. Enjoy snow and skiing in the winter

and hot summer days in the fresh water springs of the Jemez Mountains. Take in

all the local charm on your stay as you enjoy every meal with a side of green

chile and watch the roadrunners race the streets.

Crested

Butte, Colorado

Quickly becoming one of the go to tourist destinations for

avid downhill skiers and snowboarders, Crested Butte, Colorado is a quaint

mountain town set at the foot of one of the best skiing mountains in North

America. With ski town charm, beautiful mountain views, and untouched

potential, this town feels secluded and intimate on every stay. Crested Butte

is the perfect destination for the outdoorsy adventurer. With snow shoeing,

skiing, sledding, hiking, fishing, hunting, and more, just be sure to pack the

appropriate attire. Crested Butte has plenty of hometown charisma with unique

restaurants, delightful inns and cabins, and plenty of attractions throughout

every season. This destination is perfect for big city travelers looking for

some seclusion and connection to nature. As one of the most beautiful places

I've ever visited, Crested Butte is dear to my traveling heart.

This is a guest post from Carol Wilson who writes for business insurance. She

contributes articles about a variety of marketing, business, stock market,

small business topics. She can be contacted at: wilson.carol24@gmail.com.