Going somewhere? If you’re one of the 1.6 billion people who have made it a priority to get out and see the world, the answer should be: yes, everywhere! Modern travel has become quite advanced, and exploring new surroundings is really just as easy as packing a bag and hopping on a train or a plane.
Folks who see more sights tend to have a better perspective of the world. Plus, the more differences you identify, the more likely you are to notice how interconnected everything truly is. Of course, as much as booking a trip to Rome on a whim can turn out to be a blessing, it can also be a disaster if you don’t do the proper preparation first.
Tourism in the United States
You might have seen the pyramids and the Colosseum, but have you seen Mount Rushmore and the Grand Canyon? When you live in the United States, you have the luxury of residing in one of the most geographically and culturally diverse nations on the planet. Someone born and raised in western New York State has no idea what it’s like to live in sandy SoCal, and vice versa. But it’s not hard to find out.
Especially when you’re traveling at home, you’ll want to set a travel spending plan you can afford. This is where finding some key budget travel websites can come in handy, along with any travel review websites and reference books you come across. The best travel guide books are the ones that help you find the most interesting corners of the world on the cheap, without missing a beat.
People from all over the world visit the U.S. for tourism purposes. In fact, tourism at home generates nearly $130 billion in tax revenue for local, state and federal governments. Couple that with the fact that one in 8 American jobs depends on tourism and you have a big-picture image of the vast travel opportunities you can undertake right here at home.
Tourism abroad
The best travel guide books can help you find what’s in your backyard, but they can also help you find what’s far beyond the horizon. Any type of travel guide websites can be a great resource as you help plan out your excursions abroad. Keep in mind: What can you see in Greece, Turkey and Estonia that you can’t see in SoCal? That’s what you should set your sights on.
A number of international travel websites will offer lists of the “don’t-miss” attractions around the continents across the world. These are great starting points, but try to get a real slice of life from each individual setting you pass through. Grab a specialty drink at a cafe in France. Load up on genuine Italian pasta. Breathe the fresh mountain air of the Swiss Alps.
Most importantly, don’t let even the best travel guide books lead you. Lead yourself, but never hesitate to check for guidance. After all, you’ll always be a guest, no matter where you go, so tread lightly. But make it worth your while.
