A Step Into Our Own Backyard

I have decided to take a break from Europe and do a little post on some interesting places to visit in The United States. Many people look to the outisde countries for adventure and intrigue but the thing is that can be found closer than we think. I discovered this when I was reading a newspaper, which happen to publish great travel sections. The Chicago Tribune and New York Times I have found to have some of the best.

I found this featured in the RedEye

Like camping?

-Go to Indiana Dunes, Ind. they have a Dunewood Campground. There is 15 miles of beach and sand dunes that are more than 125 miles high. There is also an old-fashioned drive-in theater. It costs campers around fifteen dollars a night on average.

Island getaways in America.....say what?

-Little Palm Island, Florida

Described to be very much like the Carribbean.... here is the catch, it's a private island resort accessible only by seaplane or boat. Some of the attractions.....swinging on a hammocks strung between the numerous palm trees, snorkeling in a coral reef, relaxing in a bungalow with a neighboring zen garden, and stumbling out the back door and into the water.

- Isle Au Haut, Maine

Do you like the eastern coast, and cute harbor towns.. the epitome of coastal living. The only way to reach this slice of coastal bliss is by a 45 minute mail boat from Stonington, Maine. It features many of the attractions of a coastol retreat including endless supplies of fresh seafood, pretty much directly from the cold waters onto your plate. This island is truly a place to go to enjoy beautiful views, beautiful boats, and fresh seafood. For any fisherman or fish at heart. If you like this location I would also recommend Smith Island, Maryland which also boasts similar experiences.

-Isle Royale, Michigan

This location is perfect for the adventure-seeker. There are many bays for kayaking or canoeing through sometimes choppy waters. There is also plenty of trails for hiking as well as a few places for climbing and making your way through trees and surrounding nature to get to a beautiful landscape view on higher ground. You have the choice between a seaplane or ferry to get to experience this adventure.

-Sapelo Island, Georgia

Are you looking to travel back in time to a simpler time of living off the land and spending time with friends outside? This island has a population of only 50 people. It has a hunting reserve, a single bed and breakfast called The Wallow, a county store that also transforms to a village pub at night (efficient haha), and a restaurant that boasts the best low country gumbo you'll ever find.

-Kodiak Island, Alaska

Nicknamed "emerald isle" which blends Russian history with abundant fishing culture and untouched wilderness including bears. Main activities include sports fishing and wildlife observation.

How To Be The "Proper" Tourist

The etiquette of being a proper tourist is surprisingly a widely studied topic. People from the United States usually come across a certain way when they visit other countries. We are seen as rude, obnoxious, and arrogant, even though in very many cases this is not true.....it is just another stereotype. Americans could also be scrutinized for their behavior more than any other tourist is because we seemingly travel more to other countries. On the contrary according to a recent Yahoo news article...they stated that the french are actually the worst in the world (surprise, surprise), they come across as arrogant and tight-fisted. On the other hand, the Japanese, British, and German are among the top-rated tourists.

Now, what separates the best from the worst?........why my dear Watson, simply proper etiquette, of course

Here are just a few tips on how to be a great traveler...yes, I said traveler and not tourist because when you master how to become a great traveler you learn how to be a great tourist, and there is a key difference between the two.

~*1*~ Be informed, learn everything you can through guidebooks, internet searches, etc.......here are the basics you should know: basic geography, local currency, language (know some basic terms), customs especially the unique ones. And do not say you have no time to learn anything beforehand because you always have the lovely, exciting (sarcasm) plane ride ;).

~*2*~DON'T STARE AT FOREIGNERS, even if they are participating in a unique/unusual custom, yea I know that's easier said then done, but that's sure to get you a bad tourist title right off the bat. Also, put an effort in learning at least some basics of the language, natives really appreciate effort.

~*3*~Really immerse yourself in the different cultures. The best ways to do this is become one of the locals, almost like blending in. Instead of staying at a big chain hotel, why not stay at a quaint local hotel/inn. Talk to some locals (if you can) get their view of the country, city, area, ask them what they think is the best thing to see, they will most likely be more than happy to suggest something. Oh yea, and check out a McDonalds if they have one..surprisingly every countries burgers have slight or major differences and it's really fun to compare and contrast.

The best example of horrible tourists that I can think of is the family in National Lampoon's European vacation..if you have not seen it be sure to at least watch the trailer on youtube. If you behave like this I highly recommend psychiatric help.

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