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How to Save Money While Traveling in Colorado on a Budget

Planning on a vacation to Colorado? Then, get yourself ready to have a fantastic time. If the amount spent on your travel is a concern, read on to learn how to travel Colorado on a budget.

Today I’m covering how you save money during your travels in Colorado. These don’t include any cost for preparing to go to Colorado or the traveling cost, because those things mostly depend on where you’re traveling from, how you want to travel, and which specific activities you want to do in Colorado.

There are plenty of ways to save up money on your Colorado trip. I will go through some of the easiest and best tips you can follow without any trouble at all. Let’s get started then.

Choose an all-inclusive travel plan

There’s so much to explore when you get to Colorado. Deciding on a place can get tricky. Also, if you want to do everything, you will need to spend precious time planning out your itinerary and figuring out where to go. Spending more days just means spending more money.

You can either develop your own all-inclusive plan where you plan out everything in advance to visit the majority of Colorado within the shortest possible time. You should plan out everything from your hotels, even down the restaurants in the area.

Or, you can choose to go with a package tour who does all the work for you. Sure, there will be some travel agent fees included, but they also get group deals on hotels, travel, and restaurants which overall can bring the costs down. Altogether, you will save money while experiencing the best of Colorado.

Go for less expensive hotels

Here’s the thing, when you are in Colorado, you won’t be spending too much time in the hotel. Instead, you will be out there exploring the state and its beauty. The adventure of Colorado will be your key in your visit to the state. So, spending money on a luxury hotel or resort is just pointless.

You can just go to a local inn or motel and register there. It doesn’t cost too much to get a room in such an inn. This way, you can save money during your visit to Colorado without any extra steps. And that gives you the option to spend more on other stuff that you plan to do.

Budget-friendly eating

When you go for a vacation, the purpose is to explore the place and, at the same time, try out the local food there. And the best part is, local food in restaurants isn’t usually that expensive. You can get budget-friendly food no matter where you go, as long as you eat locally.

So, instead of going to fancy restaurants and eating different cuisines, try going to restaurants with local food. Denver is the best city for budget-friendly food. They have a wide range of amazing restaurants that don’t cost a lot for an enjoyable meal.

Try out camping to save money in Colorado

I think one of the best ways you can save up some money while traveling in Colorado is through camping. You might not want to be camping the whole trip, but make sure to keep camping as a part of your trip to Colorado. Here’s how you can save money through camping.

First of all, you won’t have to worry about renting a hotel or inn as long as you are camping. Colorado also has  large number of camping options throughout the state. While you’re camping, you’ll also save money on food since you will mostly be cooking by yourself.  Avoiding the costs of expensive restaurant meals will help you save money during your travels.

Aside from all that, it surely is a great experience to spend your nights under the sky of Colorado. That’s what adventure is all about, right?

Save money on transportation

A lot of people make the mistake of renting cars while they are visiting Colorado. Sure, you can do that if you’re not worried about spending money. But if you want to save up money, then renting a car isn’t the greatest idea. There are several reasons for that.

First of all, you have to consider the cost of gas plus parking along with the rent of the car. Then there is the factor of taking the car along with you wherever you go. It takes away the freedom of exploring the place in its entirety, and you are limited to visiting certain places.

So, instead of renting a car, try using public transportation to get around wherever you want to go. You can also consider things like Uber rides to reach places. Doing this also allows walking around the place, which is the best way to explore an area.

How Much to Budget for Travel in Colorado

Save money in Colorado, so you can partake in activities like skiing

Save money in Colorado, so you can partake in activities like skiing

Let’s take a quick look at the cost of various things in Colorado. This is a rough cost, so you can see differences when you actually visit.

Food

When you are out in Denver, usually, it can cost around $30 to $40 to eat per day. That’s the average cost you would have in Denver for your meal. Depending on what you eat, it can go higher or lower.

Hotels vs. Hostels and Inns

Typically, a hotel with premium facilities or luxury will cost you around 200 to 300 USD. Whereas you can get a room in a hostel or an inn at around 40 to 50 USD with ease.

Bus fare

In general, the bus fare in Colorado is pretty low, and it can range from somewhere around 1.5 USD to 4 USD depending on where you are going.

Activities

There are so many things you can do in Colorado so it’s important to look into costs ahead of time. If you plan to visit the national park, you have to pay around 10 to 15 USD as the entrance fee, which isn’t a lot. If you want to make use of the best waders for surf fishing, then shore fishing in Colorado is also an option. But that can cost around $100 or even more depending on the service you are choosing.

Conclusion

All in all, your visit to Colorado doesn’t have to be expensive when you know how to save money while traveling in Colorado. Following the tips I shared here will surely help you spend less than you usually would. But if you don’t mind spending money, I would still suggest trying these out for a more adventurous trip.

Hidden Gems in Boston – A Local Insider’s Guide

The city of Boston is one that encompasses many things; extensive history, impressive academics, world-class health care and that infamous thick accent that screenwriters across the country have come to know and love. While Boston is known for many “touristy” things, such as Faneuil Hall and the Freedom trail, there are so many other hidden gems in Boston that only locals typically frequent. 

While COVID-19 has affected us, like the rest of the world, Boston is opening its doors and the city is starting to come alive again.  As we are living in unprecedented times, please remember to follow any local COVID guidelines and double check to make sure everything is open prior to arrival!

Off the Beaten Path around Charles Street

In terms of restaurants and bars, some of Boston’s best kept secrets are in the heart of the city, right on Charles Street. Running down the middle of Beacon Hill, Charles Street is a quaint yet bustling street that connects down to the Boston Common.

One of my favorite breakfast spots of all time is The Paramount. It’s a small place but be careful, it gets packed on the weekends so head there early. It’s cafeteria style, but the food is top notch. After grabbing breakfast there, you can head on down to the common and walk through the Boston Public Garden. 

Explore hidden gems around Boston Public Garden

The Boston Public Garden

If you’re looking for more of a true Boston bar in that area, then you have to stop at The Sevens, also on Charles Street. It’s a small bar that perfectly encompasses the intersection of dive bar and historical haunt, and is always overlooked by tourists. If you’re looking for one of those hidden gems in Boston with a true pub room feel, The Sevens definitely is a bar for you.

Exploring Around Newbury & Boylston Street

After exploring the area around Charles Street, you can head on over to Newbury and Boylston streets to do some shopping (window or otherwise), check out the Boston Marathon Finish Line and see the map room at the Boston Public Library. 

Hidden Gems in Boston: Newbury Street - eight blocks filled with salons, boutiques, and dining.

Boston’s Newbury Street – eight blocks filled with salons, boutiques, and dining.

If you’re exhausted from your shopping and want to grab some food or a drink, there are plenty of great spots along Newbury and Boylston. One of my favorites is Sonsie on Newbury. Sonsie is more of an upscale place but they have a cute bar with great food.

Boston overall is a very casual town though, so even “upscale” here really just means put on your jeans instead of your COVID-friendly sweatpants. Stephanie’s on Newbury also is great and has a cute front patio if you want to relax and people watch as well. 

Hidden Gems and Boston Harbor Views in the Seaport District

If you don’t want to get up early for breakfast, then starting your trip in the Seaport District is another great way to go. There they have the Barking Crab, which is a seafood restaurant with a unique atmospheric blend that’s casual, but with fantastic waterfront views.

Hidden Gems in Boston - The Barking Crab in the Seaport District

The Barking Crab in Boston’s Seaport District

Nearby is the Envoy Hotel which has more of a high class feel. There you can go to the roof and check out the Lookout Rooftop and Bar. While the drinks are on the pricier side, the scenery is gorgeous, and they even have COVID-approved igloos that you can rent as well.

In that area, you also can walk down the street to the rooftop at Legal Seafood, or you can get a true Boston experience by going to Harpoon Brewery for a brew tour and a few beers.

Breweries and Dive Bars off the Beaten Path in Boston

If our city’s watering holes are one of the reasons that brought you here, then look no further. Boston’s food scene is still up and coming, but our alcohol scene has been top level since the Revolution!

If you want a brewery feel in downtown, then I would suggest Trillium Brewery which has a Fort Point location and also has an outdoor spot in their Garden on the Greenway. They have great hazy IPAs and are typically rated some of the best beers in the country. 

If you’re looking to take more of a self-guided brewery tour, then I would suggest heading outside of downtown and going into the neighboring town of Somerville. There you can do your own “brew tour” and hit up places like Aeronaut, Remnant Brewing, and the Winter Hill Brewing Company. These places have more of a hipster vibe than the breweries downtown and also can tout some of the best hazy IPAs in the state. 

The Craft Beer Taps at Night Shift Brewery - Everett

The Craft Beer Taps at Night Shift Brewery – Everett

If you’re staying slightly outside the city, I also would always suggest checking out Nightshift in Everett. They have a great outdoor spot and often times have a lot of fun beers relating to classic 80s and 90s themes.

They too have a satellite location called Nightshift – Lovejoy Wharf, which is right near the TD Garden and is a perfect spot to stop at if you’re in town checking out a game.

To continue the fun after the game, look no further than Sullivan’s (Sully’s) right down the street from the garden. This is true dive bar atmosphere but is a perfect place if you’re not ready to go home after watching a good Bruins or Celtics game.

Hidden Gems in the Boston North End

Close to the Garden lies Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. This you need to check off your list if you’re coming to Boston, but personally I feel like it’s over touristy and doesn’t really give you a glimpse into the city.

After making a quick pit stop there, head over to the city’s famous North End. If you can catch it on a feast day, which occur sporadically throughout the summer, then I would highly suggest checking it out. 

Walk through the city’s old cobblestoned narrow streets and experience our Little Italy, either with friends or on a date night. They have amazing restaurants there, my personal favorite being Bricco, which has incredible food and a dark moody, yet modern, atmosphere. Ristorante Fiore is also fantastic and has a beautiful roof deck for the summer months. 

The Improv Asylum is a great little comedy club right on Hanover Street and makes a perfect pairing with some good Italian food later in the night. After you’ve gone to dinner and checked out a comedy show, then you have to head over to the original Regina Pizzeria at 11 ½ Thatcher Street, just a few minutes’ walk from Hanover. The pizza is truly amazing and is perfect if you need a late-night snack.

Staying Active In Boston

At this point, if you’ve drunk all you can drink and eaten all that you can eat, then I would suggest taking a walk along the Charles River Esplanade to burn off some of those calories.

It’s also a great place to bring a picnic and watch the sunset over the river if the weather is nice enough. Parking in that area can be difficult, but you can park at the Boston Common (along the Beacon Street side) and walk over. 

The Charles River Esplanade - A favorite spot for Boston locals

The Charles River Esplanade – A favorite spot for Boston locals

If you want more activity than just a casual stroll and don’t mind waking up early, then you have to check out the November Project. This is a great work out and is free, which is even better! All you need to do is show up.

They offer workouts Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at varying locations across the city. Typically, these workouts involve things like doing the stairs at Harvard Stadium or running hill sprints in Brookline. More information can be found on november-project.com and I highly recommend joining their community if fitness is top of your priority list!

If you want to do an activity that doesn’t involve acting like Rocky Balboa running up and down stairs, then check out Boda Borg which is a combination of an escape room and an obstacle course.

It’s fun and easy for all levels, perfect for an afternoon with friends. You also could bring your skates and go skating at the public rink in the North End which has a partial glass wall where you can see the harbor. 

Lastly, the city’s location in beautiful New England makes it a great jumping-off point for some amazing day hikes near Boston. This four-season guide includes 60 great trails in Eastern Massachusetts to help you get even further off the beaten path when visiting Boston.

Boston’s Lesser-Known Guided Tour

Now at this point, I don’t know about you, but I’d be pretty tuckered out and would want someone just to show me around. While the Duck Tours are the most popular tour of the city, I always recommend something a little spookier.

The Ghost and Gravestones tour of Boston is fantastic, albeit a little gimmicky. They give you a great tour of the city while also enlightening you to some of the spookier aspects of Boston, such as the Boston Strangler, the Great Molasses Flood and the ghosts of the revolution that haunt our streets. You’ll need to make reservations in advance, but I always suggest this as I feel like it’s a little more off the beaten path and a fun way to explore Boston.

Truly, Boston is an amazing town full of a lot of character, grit, and plenty of hidden gems. Of course, if this is your first time visiting, be sure to also take a look at the top things to do in Boston to make sure you’re not missing out! And if you’re heading to Boston from the Big Apple, check out Wanderu for bus options from from NYC to Boston.

The history here is fantastic and there are enough things to do in and around the city to last a lifetime.  Once you’ve been once, you’ll understand why we Bostonians think our city is “wicked” cool. Have fun! 

 

Hidden Gems in Boston – A Local Insider’s Guide

The Ultimate Historical Boston Bucket List

Boston is an excellent place for history buffs. As the site of such famous events like the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s midnight ride, and the first American Revolutionary War battle, it’s no wonder that many of the things on our historical Boston bucket list revolve around historical events. Walking around the city will bring stories and characters to life. When deciding things to do in Boston, the most critical question is how to incorporate everything into your schedule!

1. Talk a Stroll on the Boston Freedom Trail

One of the first things on your historical Boston bucket list has to be walking the Boston Freedom Trail. It is best to do this at the beginning of your trip since it will take you past some of the most important historical sites in the city. It’s also a great way to get your bearings at the start of your trip.

The Freedom Trail starts in Boston Common and ends at Bunker Hill on the river. The trail is 2.5 miles (4km) long and takes you past 16 markers on the Freedom Trail. Red bricks mark the way, and copper plates indicate the locations of historical sites.

Boston Freedom Trail - one of the best things to do in Boston

A bronze plaque of a historic stop on the Freedom Trail

A walk along Boston’s Freedom Trail is likely to take a full day, as it includes visits to many historical sites. Once you reach the end of the Freedom Trail, you can head back to the city on foot or via the Charlestown Water Shuttle.

You can walk the Independence Trail on your own, or take one of the Independence Trail trips. Your guide might even wear 18th-century costumes and explain everyday life using historical information and stories.

Stops on the Boston Freedom Trail

Along the Freedom Trail, you will encounter 16 stops. We recommend finishing the trail in one day and then spending more time in Boston’s major attractions later.

  1. Boston Common – The Freedom Trail begins in America’s oldest park, which has a rich history and, to this day, is a popular meeting place for locals.
  2. Massachusetts State House – The Governor of Massachusetts still conducts his work in this historic building. The dome of the building was originally built by Paul Revere out of bronze and was later covered with gold.
  3. Park Street Church – This landmark was founded by orthodox Trinitarians in 1809 and is still an active Boston church.
  4. Granary Burying Ground – In this cemetery, you’ll be able to visit the final resting place of famous Boston residents like Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Mary Goose (mother goose).
  5. King’s Chapel and Burying Ground – This was the first Anglican church to be built in the colonies.
  6. Benjamin Franklin statue and the Boston Latin School – Take a photo with Mr. Franklin and visit the first public school in the USA.
  7. Old Corner Bookstore – literary greats such as Charles Dickens, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow used this bookstore as a gathering place during revolutionary times.
  8. Old South Meeting House – Many revolutionary leaders attended the religious services here, but it’s more famously known as the place where they organized the Boston Tea Party.
  9. Old State House – Built in 1713, this is one of the oldest buildings in America. The Declaration of Independence was first read to the crowd from the balcony of this historic building.
  10. Site of the Boston Massacre – Often cited as the triggering event for the American Revolution, this was the site where British troops killed five unarmed colonists during the fighting. 
  11. Faneuil Hall – The Faneuil Hall is in itself on of the things on our historical Boston bucket list. It’s a famous market for food, boutiques, and street performers.
  12. Paul Revere’s House – Visit the colonial home of the great American Revolutionary figure.
  13. Old North Church – A place where the famous lamps that signaled “one by land, two by sea” were hung to warn the colonists.
  14. Copp’s Hill Burying Ground – A resting place for many early settlers in Boston.
  15. USS Constitution – A historic naval ship that can be viewed and toured today. The vessel saw the war on both American and British shores during the War of 1812.
  16. Bunker Hill Monument – The site of the great American Revolutionary battle on June 17, 1775.

2. Spend Time at the historic Faneuil Hall Market

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a group of buildings that include Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market.

It is a great place to try the traditional food available in the Boston market. Throughout Faneuil Hall, you will find first-class restaurants and small shops along the Quincy Market Colonnade. Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists and one of the best places for street shows in the world.

Boston Faneuil Hall Marketplace Things to do in Boston

There is much to discover near Boston Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Faneuil Hall is called “Cradle of Liberty” because of the many important speeches made here. At Faneuil Hall, James Otis declared “no taxation without representation” against British rulers. You can also take a tour to learn more about the history of Faneuil Hall.

A widespread curiosity and thing to see in Boston is to see the Faneuil Hall Weathervane and its famous Gold Grasshopper. This icon has been in the Boston market since 1742. The Grasshopper has watched over the birth of the nation and centuries of American history. There is even a time capsule in the body of the Grasshopper that contains historical newspaper debates, coins, and letters.

3. Relax at the Boston Common park

Boston Common is a beautiful city park and one of the places in Boston where locals love to hang out. This vast green space is America’s oldest public park and was founded in 1634.

Boston Common is one of the top things to do in Boston

Boston Common is a green oasis in the city center

In the early days, it served as a training ground for colonial troops, until British troops took over in 1768. Throughout history, many protests and celebrations have taken place at Boston Common.

Boston’s main attraction is usually the Frog Pool. In hot weather, it becomes a water fountain and is a great place for children to stay cool during the humid summer months. During the winter, the Frog Pong freezes over, and ice skating here is one of the best things to do in Boston during winter.

4. Immerse yourself in art and culture in the Museum of Fine Arts

The world-renowned Museum of Fine Arts in Boston has an extensive collection that ranges from Egyptian artifacts to Contemporary Art. Visiting this museum is one of the best historical bucket list activities for Boston.

They have an impressive collection of French impressionist paintings and frescoes. The most famous fresco on display at the Museum of Fine Arts was acquired from the Villa des Contrado Bottaro in Pompeii, Italy. You can even see samples of Paul Revere’s silver work. Before he was an art historian, he was a worker in silversmith by profession.

A visit here can be one of the best things to do in Winter when the weather is too cold to do much else. The museum is large, but fortunately, if you have a ticket to the museum, you have a full day of entry plus free entry for another visit within ten days. The museum opens its doors free of charge after 4 pm Wednesday and some public holidays.

5. Walk around Boston Public Garden

Boston Public Garden was the first public botanical garden. The garden has a Victorian flair with a lake and meandering paths, and many locals consider Boston Gardens to be their favorite place in the city.

Boston Gardens is home to more than 80 plant species from the region, as well as many imported species. It also includes a 4-hectare lagoon. And while you’re at it, let’s add taking a ride on the swan boats to our Boston historical bucket list. These famous and vintage boats have been in use for over 100 years.

6. Stroll along the waterfront at Boston Harbor

Boston is surrounded by water, with a beautiful harbor and plenty of water-based tourism opportunities.

Boston skyline as seen from Boston Harbor

Boston skyline as seen from Boston Harbor

Take a tour of the floating museum dedicated to the Boston Tea Party. The museum does a beautiful job of bringing these historical events and characters to life. There are examples of former tea boats and interactive displays, making Boston Harbor one of the most obvious activities on your historical Boston bucket list. You can even throw tea overboard and join the ranks of revolutionaries.

Another unique activity would be a harbor cruise in Boston or a ride on one of the Duck Boats. From the water, you get a different view of Boston. To get the best deal, check in advance on sites like can check the prices Get Your Guide and Tiqets, two websites of which work directly with local operators. While you’re at it, you might as well check for other activities and skip the line tickets for other attractions in Boston.

7. Tour the John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum and Library

This museum is located on the coast overlooking Boston and offers a beautiful view of the city center. The location of the museum was a deliberate decision because of how much Kennedy loved his city of Boston.

The memorial is dedicated to John F. Kennedy and includes research, collections, and exhibitions on the life of the late president. The building is an attraction in itself and was designed by the famous architect I. M. Pei.

Anyone interested in fashion will also love to see some of Jackie Kennedy’s iconic outfits on display.

8. Dive into the history of the Old North Church

The old North Church is the oldest church still standing in Boston. The famous lamps, which signaled “one by land, two by sea,” were hung on the bell tower of this historic Boston church.

You can take a tour of the church and learn all about the history from a resident historian. The tour is free, but donations are always welcome to help maintain this historic building.

9. Tour Fenway Park (or attend a game!)

Fenway’s historical park is almost synonymous with Boston. The stadium is the oldest stadium of the Major Leagues.

Boston’s historic baseball stadium in Fenway Park

Boston’s historic baseball stadium in Fenway Park

With a little bit of planning ahead, you can add watching a baseball game at Fenway Park to your historical Boston bucket list. Doing so is undoubtedly one of the most quintessential things to do in Boston. Or visit the historic stadium and visit the Bleacher Bar at the stadium level. On game days, tours begin 3 hours before the game, and you can see the players while they warm up on the field. On non-game days, you can take a one-hour tour anytime from 9 am to 5 pm.

10. Take a beer tour at a local brewery

One fun thing to do in Boston is to visit a local brewery. Historically, beer has been a big part of the city of Boston, and visitors have the chance to visit historical and massive points of interest like the historical Sam Adams brewery, along with smaller modern microbreweries.

How to get around in Boston

Fortunately, the city’s historic center is very small and very accessible. Many of the most popular things to do in Boston are only 20 minutes from downtown. Public transport is easy to find, so a car is not required. The public transport system is called the MBTA and is well-managed with good connectors throughout the city.

Boston also has a public bike service called Blue Bikes, which is a great way to get around the city. To use a bike or car-sharing service, all you have to do is sign up for an account in advance. Once you have an account, it is straightforward to use.

As you can see, there is no shortage of things to add to your historical Boston bucket list. Enjoy your time at the center of American history!

Things to do in Boston - The Ultimate Guide

The Best Outdoor Activities in New Orleans

New Orleans is a renowned city worldwide, with people traveling from across the globe to visit the French Quarter, watch the Mardi Gras festival, and hear the smooth, live jazz. New Orleans, often referred to as The Big Easy, is home to beautiful music, interesting culture, amazing architecture, and great food. There is plenty to explore, but here is a top list of the best outdoor activities in New Orleans.

How To Travel to New Orleans

First of all, when traveling the US, it is well worth the trip to New Orleans. Getting an RV or hire car and making your way around America is one of the cheapest ways to do it. You can still drop your vehicle off and leave it in a secure car park if you fancy a trip elsewhere. 

New Orleans has its very own airport, which has connections to many great cities across the US, such as Atlanta, Orlando, Los Angeles, and New York. Parkway Parking finds the best Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport parking vouchers, to save you money when traveling. As traveling can be expensive, finding a way to cut down on expenses such as this will ensure your trip can last as long as possible. It also offers peace of mind that your vehicle will be kept in a safe and secure place while you go sightseeing. 

Visit The French Quarter

Outdoors Activities in New Orleans in the French Quarter

Explore the French Quarter in New Orleans

Perhaps the most famous place in New Orleans, the French Quarter is home to stunning architecture and incredible jazz bars. This area of New Orleans was first populated by the French, hence the quarter’s name. It was inhabited in the 18th century, with some of the buildings dating back to 1789, such as St. Louis Cathedral. To delve more into the history and culture, visit the Historic New Orleans Collection, which is a museum located within the French Quarter. 

Jackson Square is the closest thing to a town square that New Orleans has and is a populated area full of lively energy, with street performers, brass bands, and fortune-tellers. For all your shopping needs, visit the French Market, which is full of stalls for souvenirs, local cuisines, and cool trinkets to take home. For the best experience of the French Quarter, find a local tour guide. They can give you the best places to visit and the history behind each area. 

Check Out City Park

City Park Bayou Bridge

City Park Bayou Bridge

No matter where you go in New Orleans, there is beauty to behold. City Park is a landscaped space with moss-drenched trees, native birds, and serene walking paths offering one of the best outdoors activities in New Orleans. If you are traveling with kids, you can rent a boat on the lake, visit Storyland, or have a go on the Carousel. The botanical gardens located within the park are also worth a look. There is even an equestrian farm that offers horseback lessons. 

Walk Through The Garden District

The Garden District is like a huge outdoor museum in New Orleans

The Garden District is like a huge outdoor museum in New Orleans

Another beautiful district in New Orleans, the Garden District is home to historic and ornate mansions and some pretty trendy bars and restaurants. Unlike the French Quarter, this part of the city is more known for its relaxed and quiet vibe. This district was designed as a haven for the rich looking to settle in New Orleans, as the French Creoles didn’t want Americans to invade their territory.  

The Garden District is also where the Lafayette Cemetery is based. For anyone who enjoyed The Originals, which was the spin-off to the hit US TV show The Vampire Diaries, this cemetery may look familiar, as many scenes were shot here. To get the best views, hop on one of the green streetcars which will take you around the district. If you are looking for a place to eat, Commander’s Place is by far one of the most popular eateries. 

Take A Voodoo Tour

New Orleans is said to be one of the most haunted cities and is renowned for stories of voodoo, witchcraft, vampires, and ghosts, hence why many TV shows and movies reference the city. The voodoo culture in New Orleans first started as a religious underground practice and was founded in the city by enslaved Africans brought over by rich Americans. 

There is also a small voodoo museum that was first opened back in 1972 and is home to all sorts of talismans, artifacts, and voodoo dolls. If you are really interested in the culture, you can also grab yourself a psychic reading while you’re at it. 

Listen To Fine Music

You cannot go to New Orleans without listening to some of the incredible musicians that reside here. Whether walking down the street or visiting a local bar, you are bound to find some extraordinary music. One of the best places to visit for jazz is Frenchman Street, which is home to bars like The Spotted Cat. 

You can find record shops, book stores, and cafes here too. If you are looking for a party, Bourbon Street is the place to be. Here you can find rock, jazz, and other live music venues, along with great whiskey and even better vibes. If you love carnivals, you should try and visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras, one of the largest outdoor parties in the US. 

Head For The Bayou

The Bayou of New Orleans

The Bayou of New Orleans

The bayou is a swampy section of the river in New Orleans and is a wonderful place to visit to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours. Here, you can spend an entire day outside, taking a kayak tour around the river, exploring the moss-covered trees and catching a glimpse of the alligators. The Bayou was once a place for settlers to call their home, using the natural offerings of nature to create houses from trees. To this day, the Bayou remains an important part of the New Orleans culture. If you prefer, you can also rent out a boat and make the journey yourself.  

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why New Orleans is worth a trip while traveling the US. Whether you want to understand more about the culture of America, visit stunning locations, see amazing architecture, or spend the day outside, New Orleans is the place for you. 

Best backpacking trails in the USA: A definitive guide

There are a ton of things to see among the best backpacking trails in the USA if you want something more than just hiking and camping. Let’s get down to it!

Northern California

Backpacking the Lost Coast Trails in Northern Calfornia

Backpacking the Lost Coast Trails in Northern Calfornia

There are millions of people who flock towards the pretty and breathtaking views of the Golden Coast every year when it gets chilly in other parts of the country. Most of these hotspots are South of the Bay Area.

Once you start heading up North, to the place where the Pacific Coast Highway breaks off from the coastline, you’ll start entering the Lost Coast Trails. This is right along with the state’s King Range National Conservation Area.

It can be considered some of the rockiest beach terrain around this area. This trip will be quite short, but it is quite a challenge for beginner backpackers.

You will need an overnight permit in order to go to this trail from the Bureau of Land Management. This will be available on Recreation.gov.

Las Vegas

Red Rock Canyon, just outside of Las Vegas

Red Rock Canyon, just outside of Las Vegas

Las Vegas is definitely a place that you would not think about when it comes to backpacking. The city is known for its nightlife and amazing casinos.

But did you know how much there is to do out there? If you want to get a bit adventurous, you could get las vegas atv tours and go through the desert on your own.

Apart from this, you can find some of the greatest backpacking trails in the USA near Las Vegas, one of them being the amazing rock formations at Red Rock Canyon.

You could surely drive down this 13-mile stretch but can also choose to soak in the experience fully on foot. You can hop onto the Greenlee trail that is approximately 3 miles long.

It has a ton of open space and is a generally moderate trail. Winter hikes are best here due to the road being open and on top of the Mesa, giving you a lot of sunshine.

They are exactly parallel to the canyons, giving you a breathtaking view while you hike up the trail. You can also look at Gardens of God for the most part of it.

If you love cloud-watching, be sure to take a blanket with you to lie down, and do not forget sunscreen if you do not want to come back burned.

Olympic National Park, Washington

Backpacking in Olympic National Park in Washington

Backpacking in Olympic National Park in Washington

This is positioned beautifully along most of the coastal region of Washington’s Olympic National Park. it is a long 20-mile trail that is perfect for people looking for an adventure.

It is quite ideal for people who have not backpacked before and offers scenic views of the seaside along the entire way. The entire way is mostly flat and is much like a long walk instead of a hike.

You will also find the weather to be quite pleasant most of the time. This actually has one of the lowest elevations as compared to most trails and will help you test your distance-per-day if you are new to this.

You can also camp along the trail on certain pre-established campgrounds that are set up. You do not need a permit to do this.

Central California

Backpacking near Lake Tahoe in Central Calfornia

Backpacking near Lake Tahoe in Central Calfornia

Near the southern end of California’s Lake Tahoe lied the Lake Aloha Trail. It looks like it is custom-built for most entry-level backpackers and will definitely give you a postcard-worthy view all along the way.

This hike will take you alongside a number of alpine lakes. You should be sure to take a slower pace while hitting those inclines so that you do not lose your stamina.

Diving into the clean waters of Lake Tahoe after a sweaty hike would be the perfect way to end this.

This area is home to some of the best backpacking trails in the USA, which is why it might be hard to find campgrounds that are not already taken. You can beat the crowd and plan one during the off-season for reservations.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited parks in the country. The Mount Sterling Loop trail is situated here and gives you an intermediate-level trip in order to reach the peak of the mountain in the park.

You can start in NC and cross through forests to reach Tennessee on your way. Be sure to follow the Big Creek to the top of Mount Sterling.

You’ll even see a fire tower that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s.

This is the perfect place for getting full views of these mountains. This has an elevation gain of around 8,000+ and there are some sharp turns and climbs in this trail.

Death Valley National Park, California

Climbing above Desolation Canyon in Death Valley

Climbing above Desolation Canyon in Death Valley

The scenery looks like it has seriously just been pulled out of Mars. Hiking around this park is as intense as it is interesting.

The trail will take you through quite a stark terrain and you will definitely need a lot of planning on this trip. It is almost 30 miles long and is quite a challenge.

Remember to keep a lot of water with you since you won’t be finding any over here. You can also pack a water filter.

Backpacking can give you the sense of adventure that you have always been looking for. So choose a destination and start packing as soon as you can!