13 Amusement Parks in the U.S. That Are Completely Free to Enter
A few even charge you nothing for parking and entertainment. Amusement parks are synonymous with so many wonderful things: fun in the sun, rollercoasters and carousels, games galore and delicious food. And all in a colorful, jubilant, family-friendly setting. The only issue? Joy like that does not typically come cheap. Or can it? Well, at these 13 amusement parks across the U.S., from the Golden to the Garden States, you can save on one very important front: entry. While the vast majority of amusement parks — including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Busch Gardens — require tickets just to walk through the gates, these resorts and parks do not. Of course, if you want to ride the rides or snack on the snacks, you'll still have to open your wallet. (A good thing can only go so far!) But if you're someone who's more about the vibes than the rides, this is the list for you. Make sure you scroll to the bottom: There's one very famous park that's about to go "open gate" with its water parks for guests staying on property. (Hint: It's home to a special mouse!)
2024-04-10T19:25:24Z
Natural wonders destroyed by tourists
Our planet is full of amazing places that many of us dream of visiting one day. Places that we would only be exposed to through a National Geographic documentary are now available at the distance of a click. Do you want to know where the most spectacular and secluded places on Earth are located? All you need is access to the Internet and you’re good to go. It doesn’t take much to come up with a shortlist of beautiful distant destinations for your next vacation. Traveling to remote locations has never been easier. Lower air travel fares and a wider network of local transportation has made once remote places easily accessible. Your average folks are now following the trail of explorers and scientists alike and delving deep into the wilderness. Tourism can be extremely beneficial for many countries’ economies and an important source of income for many people around the world, but if not properly controlled, it can have disastrous consequences. Despite the rise of sustainable tourism, many places in the world are simply not prepared for the influx of people they’re getting, nor is the ecosystem in many of those places. From remote natural parks to uninhabited islands, tourists are getting everywhere, and sometimes their footprint causes irreversible damage. It’s inevitable that, as more people travel, more often, and to more locations than ever before, accidents will happen. How many of us have been to beautiful locations, away from it all, only to find traces of human presence, from bottles to cigarette butts. While this is far from being an enjoyable experience, the truth is that it can get worse—a lot worse. From unfortunate accidents, to downright vandalism, in this gallery you’ll find many cases where stupidity outweighed curiosity. While you might not completely lose faith in humanity, these examples will at least make you question the whole human conscience and our relationship with the planet. Click through and get to know some of planet’s most amazing places that have been ruined by tourists.
2024-02-22T16:46:27Z
Highway to hell: Spooky stories set along Route 66
For many people, a road trip down the Mother Road, the United States' iconic Route 66, is a dream vacation. From Illinois to California, the rolling and ever-changing landscapes, the small towns and big cities along the way, and the simple joy of cruising down one of the longest roads in the world make for a perfect adventure. Unfortunately, you can get more than just your kicks on Route 66. The iconic highway is notoriously haunted, and weaves through some pretty supernaturally shady areas. For some, that might make the trip even more enticing, but for others, it might be a dealbreaker. Whichever way you're leaning, read on to discover some of the creepiest and spookiest stories about Route 66.
2023-12-19T18:06:09Z
The Best Solo Travel Destinations in the United States for an Unforgettable Adventure
Whether you're looking for nonstop activity or total relaxation. While traveling with friends and family can be a lot of fun, going somewhere alone has its perks. You get to choose everything — the destination, the hotel, the itinerary, the restaurants, how much money you spend and beyond. Only one opinion matters...yours. It's also a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone, meet new people (if you so choose), unplug, rejuvenate and bask in moments of reflection — or even just escape reality for a few days. Whether you're planning your first adventure on your own or are a solo travel veteran, choosing a destination can be overwhelming, especially if you still have a lot of places to check off your bucket list. The good news is, you don't have to go far for the adventure or relaxation you crave, because there are plenty of options across the U.S. Weighing variables such as walkability, safety, self care opportunities, number of historic sites and museums and access to nature, we've come up with a list of the best places in the U.S. for solo travelers — ranging from mountain and beach destinations to small towns and large cities. Time to book your ticket for one, plan your itinerary (or don't, remember, it's your trip!) and answer to no one except yourself for a few days.
2023-04-21T22:03:00Z