As a child, travel was so important to my family and it remains one of my favorite things to do in my adult life. I am always looking for my next trip or adventure so I wanted to share a few places to add to your travel bucket list. If you can afford the time off, take a trip with your family or friends and explore the beauty this world has to offer. Life is short so don’t put it off. 

New Orleans 

The Big Easy needs to be on your list. From great food, some of the best blues around, to Haunted locations and electricity in the air, you won’t be disappointed with a visit to Louisiana. Some of the best times to visit are during Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest. If you are taking small children you may want to skip these events as it can be a little wild. 

 Savannah, GA

The oldest city in Georgia is the beautiful city of  Savannah. It is is a place everyone should visit in their lifetime. Take a stroll on River Street for great shopping, street performances, and wonderful food. If you are a beach person,  then take a trip outside of Savannah and visit Tybee Island. Such a gorgeous beach destination and an inexpensive way to spend the day. 

Asheville, NC

Asheville is a city that offers something for the whole family. From hiking, fishing, visiting the largest private residence in America (Biltmore Estate) to great shopping and eating, Asheville has you covered. If you only visit one spot in Asheville then you must tour Biltmore Estate which is the largest private residence in America and registered as a National Historic Landmark. Asheville is a cool town with a great bohemian vibe to it. A must stop for any vacation. 

Moab, Utah

Moab, Utah, is a  popular destination for any person who loves outdoor adventures. Located on the banks of the Colorado river, this Utah town is known for one of the best bike trails called Slick Rock Trail.  The majority of the trail is on slick rock, so just follow the dotted lines. Dead Horse Point State Park provides breathtaking views of Canyonlands National Park as well as the Colorado River. The final scene of Thelma and Louise was filmed there. 

 Red River Gorge, Kentucky

My favorite on this travel list is my home turf, Red River Gorge in the mountains of Eastern KY. If you are a mountain climber, this is the stop for you. But you don’t need to be a climber to enjoy the vast beauty of this area. The majority of the gorge is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated a National Archaeological District. There are over 100 natural sandstone archways in the gorge. It is also known as one of the top rock climbing spots east of the Mississippi. You are exposed to caves, cliffs, waterfalls and cool tunnels.  It is one of my serenity spots for sure on the east coast. 

Montana 

Next stop is one of the most beautiful places in America. The great state of Montana. I didn’t choose just one city on my list because any place you visit is a win win. One stop I chose to list is the beautiful Glacier National Park. Glacier National Park is called the “Crown of the Continent Ecosystem”, with over 16,000 square miles of beautiful wilderness, and over 130 lakes. It truly is a breathtaking state. Move it up your bucket list for sure. 

 Mendenhall, Alaska 

If you are planning a trip to Juneau, Alaska, a must stop is Mendenhall Glacier. 13 miles of absolute perfection. No visit is complete without a close-up look at the Mendenhall Glacier. You will witness spectacular views of icebergs floating in Mendenhall Lake, trails along the lake, lots of wildlife, and Nugget Falls going down the mountainside is a gorgeous site, but get there soon because the planet is warming and the glaciers are shrinking. Yes, Global Warming exists folks. 

 Great Smokey Mountains, TN

Most summers as a child, we normally would hit Florida or the Great Smokey Mountains in Tennessee. The beauty of this area reminds me of home in Kentucky. Mountains,  mountains and more mountains surround you. There is such a peace that comes over you when you are surrounded by the mountains. It is something you really appreciate when you move to the city and then come home. I think many of us from the mountains forget the beauty that surrounds us some times.