Written in cooperation with Hipmunk and originally published on January 21, 2016 at Tailwind by The Hipmunk
While some airlines have distinguished themselves with awesome in-flight entertainment options or stellar amenities in first, business, and economy class, for the most part airline food has failed to keep up with these new high-end innovations. Until now.
Written in cooperation with the Hipmunk boutique hotel campaign.
The United States is incredibly diverse. Each region of the country varies tremendously from the next, making travel eye-opening, even while not traveling far from home. To experience a slice of Americana, you need look no further than Columbus, Ohio. No, there is no “major” attraction there, but this city of just over 800,000 is a prime example of Midwestern regional charm and hospitality.
For the sports fans in the family, Columbus does happen to be the home of Ohio State University and their winning Buckeyes football team, and the city, voted one of the “best places to live”, is working to keep attracting the educated work force the city is known for.
Written in cooperation with the Hipmunk Boutique hotel campaign.
Hollywood. That word is, justifiably, world-famous. For decades, young hopefuls have streamed into California, all with the hopes of seeing their name up in lights, and their handprints on the side-walk among the Hollywood Walk of Fame. For travelers, the name is synonymous with glamour. Mann’s Chinese Theater, the Hollywood Sign, the Sunset Strip, and Melrose Avenue.
Written in cooperation with the Hipmunk Boutique Hotel campaign.
The windy city has a little something for everyone. Come for an overnight stay or spend some time, but either way,Chicago will thrill with it’s Miracle Mile, Wrigley Stadium, and deep dish pizza. Set scenically on the shores of Lake Michigan, this vibrant city is one of the largest in the United States, offering up nearly endless sightseeing and dining options.
The cities dynamic skyline dominates downtown and is famous for museums, such as the Art Institute with it’s noted impressionist works, along with many sports teams.
Written in cooperation with the Hipmunk Boutique Hotel campaign.
Often considered in the shadow of mega-city Dallas- Fort Worth, Irving offers up a vibrant, and fast growing city. Ideally located to all of the highlights of the big city, while offering up a small town feel, Irving is a perfect slice of Americana. By choosing lodging in Irving, you can get the same quality for lower cost than in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Irving, itself, is listed on Forbes Magazine as one of the fastest growing cities in the country, and with it’s own wonderful offerings such as Shin’s Donuts, has much to draw interest in its own right.
Written in cooperation with the Hipmunk Boutique Hotel Campaign.
Featuring one of the most iconic skylines in the United States, Seattle, also known as the Emerald City, is beloved by many. Located scenically on Puget Sound, Seattle,a city of nearly 4 million in the metro area, offers up endless possibilities for outdoor adventure, urban sightseeing, and exceptional gastronomic options.
Everyone who visits Seattle has their favorite little slice of the city. With so many fascinating areas to explore, it is easy to choose your hotel based on your primary interests.
Written in cooperation with the Hipmunk Boutique hotels campaign.
NEW YORK CITY. The name is ubiquitous with luxury, nightlife, shopping, and being in the center of the action. To do this great city up right, finding a well located hotel that will pamper your body and soul after a full day sightseeing is essential.
In travel, as in real estate, location is king and midtown allows the traveler to take in MOMA, the Empire State Building, Grand Central Station and Radio City Music Hall, to name just a few must see sites.
Written in cooperation with the Hipmunk Boutique Hotel campaign
Brooklyn. The name conjures up images of Ellis Island, Brighton Beach and Coney Island. New York City’s second borough is breaking out of Manhattan’s shadow with increasing velocity. Boutique hotels are all the rage, the art scene is thriving, and more and more travelers are embracing the diverse ethnic neighborhoods.
For those wanting to enjoy the true “melting pot” of New York, Brooklyn is the perfect location featuring many of the cities top museums, attractions, and flea markets all with cultural influences from around the world. Brooklyn is also home to a large number of free attractions such as Coney Island and an abundance of parks.
This post is in cooperation with Hipmunk and was originally published on MappingMegan.com
Arkansas and Alabama are two of the most naturally beautiful States in America, so it comes as no surprise that outdoor adventurers flock here from every corner of the globe.
With plenty of adventure on offer in the sky, on the water, and on land, you’ll never be bored with a trip to one of the following southern destinations. This is a list of epic adventures in Alabama and Arkansas: the Gulf Shores, Mobile, Huntsville, and more.
There are plenty of options for adventure in Alabama’s Gulf Shores, and those who love spending time on the water are in for a treat. Adventure here ranges from dolphin cruises to chartered fishing trips, and there are boat rentals available for those excited about exploring the Gulf of Mexico and the back bays.
Prefer a land-based adventure? Try the Historic Fort Morgan or the zipline course at Gulf State Park. Gulf Shores is a resort community, so hotels here are very close to each of the above attractions.
Photo CC by The Pug Father
Mobile was selected by National Geographic as one of America’s 100 best adventure towns, and the options here won’t disappoint. This is a historic port city that serious fishers and shipwreck explorers will absolutely love. Kayakers and hikers revel in old Native American shell mounts, and many travel here to charter sailboats in the Gulf of Mexico for deep-sea fishing.
The best part about an adventure holiday in Mobile is the cheap lodging. Book at the Hampton Inn Mobile/Bellingrath Gardens for rooms starting at $100 per night.
Hunstville is a fantastic destination for outdoor adventure, offering Alabama’s very best trails for hiking, cycling, trail running, climbing, mountain biking, paddling, and more. Whether you’re aiming for a quick excursion or a multi-day adventure, Huntsville has a lot to offer.
For the best climbing, head to Jamestown. For the best paddling, head to the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Head to Monte Sano State Park for scenic trail running.
Huntsville is a picturesque place, so be sure to book a hotel with a good view.
While known for its naturally hot springs, Hot Springs Village is a great opportunity to try ziplining in Arkansas, and many different packages are available, from the original canopy zip tour to a full moon zip and even a haunted forest tour.
The full moon tour is particularly adventurous. Once a month, travelers gather for the thrill of zipping through a dark forest! Arriving at dusk, you will harness up and get ready to soar through the night-time sky.
Photo CC by edwardotis
For those looking for some extreme adventure, Little Rock has you covered. If you enjoy the sensation of free-falling, try skydiving, parachuting, hang gliding, or a range of other aerial sports. There is no better way to take in the breathtaking panoramic view of Arkansas than with a bird’s-eye view.
A great place for hang gliding is at Mount Magazine. At 2.753 feet high, this is the state’s tallest mountain. You can also hang glide at Mount Nebo or the Ouachita Mountains.
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Megan is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging since 2007, with the main aim of inspiring others to embark on their own worldwide adventure. Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.
Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.
Follow their journey on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube,Pinterest and Instagram.
This post is in cooperation with Hipmunk and was originally published on Hipmunk’s Tailwind Blog by The Hipmunk on March 4, 2016
As a travel expert, TV host, and writer, Brandon Presser is no stranger to life on the go. Presser, who has visited more than 100 countries, has penned over 50 travel books, and is a regular contributor for such publications as Afar, Travel + Leisure, The Daily Beast, and National Geographic Traveler. And while he may be well known in the travel industry, he’s about to experience a whole new level of recognition: Presser is the lead host of Bravo TV’s new travel-based reality show, “Tour Group“, which tags along as 11 travelers search for the ultimate vacation. (10 p.m. EST/PST on Bravo.) We got Presser to stay in one place long enough to give us his best travel advice, his favorite places to go, and the items he can’t leave home without.