TripAdvisor’s bi-annual TripBarometer survey recently revealed that Americans plan to spend 22 percent more on travel in 2014. If you’re one of them, you might want to consider one or more of these vacation destinations that are a must see places before you die.
Grand Canyon
You’ll be hard pressed to find a bucket list without the Grand Canyon jotted somewhere on it. But not everyone gets the full experience. Plan to explore the wonder by embarking on a true once-in-a-lifetime adventure by mule. Overnight rides go deep into the canyon, descending 10.5 miles down Bright Angel Trail, culminating at Phantom Ranch where you’ll spend the night and enjoy a hearty meal served family style in the dining room. If you thought the views from the rim were awe-inspiring, just wait until you experience the canyon from within its colorful walls.
Ireland
With so many U.S. residents boasting Irish ancestry, visiting the Emerald Isle could provide a fascinating look at the home of your ancestors. Enjoy a pint of Guinness at a local pub and you might even find yourself chatting with a long lost cousin. The country is known as one of the most beautiful on the planet, dotted with ancient castles and filled with lush green hills, picturesque lakes, dramatic seaside cliffs, as well as the home of some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.
Stay in an elegant castle like the centuries-old fortress, Drumoland, known for blending Old World elegance with the best in modern luxuries, or be a little daring and spend the night in the tower of Ross Castle, reportedly one of the most haunted in all of Ireland. While you’re here, don’t miss visiting some of the country’s must-see sites, like the Cliffs of Mohr, Newgrange, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, as well as climbing the steep, winding steps at Blarney Castle to kiss the famous Blarney Stone.
Machu Picchu
Peru’s Machu Picchu is well-known as one of travel’s greatest adventures, which is why it attracts as many as 2,500 visitors a day. Making the arduous 30-mile trek on the Inca Trail can be especially rewarding and even life-transcending, but if you aren’t up for the hike, take the train that goes directly from Cusco to Machu Picchu and explore the pre-Columbian ruins nestled in the Andean peaks.
There is only one hotel near the ruins, Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. It’s extremely pricey, but if you can afford upwards of $700 a night, you’ll get to explore the area before visitors arrive from nearby Aguas Calientes.
About the author
This article was submitted by Cherie on behalf of the writing team at Social Monsters.