Travel

Road Trip Tips

By Jordana Danielpour

Rich Americans began to partake in travel by car at the beginning of the twentieth century. In 1921, movie maker Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr. documented an essay for Motor Magazine named The Democracy of the Motor Car after he and his wife participated in a trip to the West quickly after his wedding. We should be thankful for those who helped road trips become popular and developed because it is an excellent form of transportation that many Americans and others use in today's time. 

One motive for going on a road trip is that it allows for excellent quality time, connections, and bonds throughout your family. With all the new inventions and technology, kids and even some parents are glued to their screens and miss out on all the great opportunities and wonders in the world. Being together is extremely important to developing a healthy and good relationship with your family. What better way than to have a road trip? Whether your family goes through conflicts or is not close, it is crucial to construct connections with your parents or family members. If you have older siblings, cherish your time with them before they are stuck with lots of tests and homework and will face challenges. Alternatively, you love your time with little or younger siblings to build trust with them from the beginning. 

Road trips are a great way to take in scenarios, the environment, and geography. No matter where you are going, getting a taste of nature and the beautiful scenery in that place is always important. I recall on winter break when I went on a road trip with my two older brothers and my dad to go skiing in Mammoth, so I decided to make it a road trip.  My mom was not a big fan of skiing, so she stayed home. Although she missed 5 hours of delightful geography elements along the road, seeing the changes from Beverly Hills to Mammoth was great.

Road trips also have many advantages that planes do not. You can bring your food and snacks. You don't need to worry about sleeping through baggage claim, security, and lines; hop in your car with your luggage, and you will smoothly sail from there. When taking car transportation, you can take a pit stop whenever you want, whether you need a breather, want to take some pictures of the immaculate environment, or even want to go to the restroom without having bumping and turbulence happen. Additionally, when taking a road trip, you can start the car and go whenever desired without standing by for 20 minutes for the plane to take off or hold back when the aircraft has landed. You will not have to get off with multiple strangers bashing into you. 

In conclusion, you should go on a road trip instead of a plane because it enables great family bonding connections and creates profound and well-trusted relationships with your family members. Road trips are great for looking at the beautiful environment and geography right in front of you close up and noticing the beautiful features change from rural to urban areas. Evan takes a few photos for your Instagram, making your friends and family jealous that they were not on the trip. There are also multiple benefits of going on a road trip compared to a plane ride. There is no need to go miles to get to the airport and rush through security, baggage claim, and other irritating airport requirements needed to go on a trip. Instead of putting yourself and your family through the stress, you can go in your car and leave whenever you want without waiting 20 minutes for the plane to take off or being delayed. Alternatively, you have to delay landing. 

Source 

https://www.pbs.org

Hawaii is Ohana

By Mielle Bitton 

We all know Hawaii as a place with just islands and beaches, but what is Hawaii all about? The island of Hawaii has unique little details that are more than just what you see on the outside. There is a history of breathtaking traditions and stories behind everyone. Hawaii has so much to explore: Hawaii's traditions, the islands that make Hawaii, and the delicious food.

Hawaii is known for all of its beautiful islands. Maui, Hawaii, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe. The most oversized island in Hawaii is Hawaii, also known as The Big Island, and the smallest island is Kahoolawe. Oahu is the most visited island in Hawaii; it is home to Honolulu, the capital of the Hawaiian islands. The Iolani Palace is also in Oahu and is the only royal palace in the United States.

There is so much beautiful nature in Hawaii. There are so many different plants in Hawaii, like passion fruit, mango, pineapple, and papaya, all introduced to the Hawaiians by outsiders. Hawaii's state flower is a yellow hibiscus; the state tree is the Kukui. The koa tree is the largest native tree in Hawaii. The strong tree can grow to over 70 feet tall and ten feet in circumference. It has pale yellow flowers and sickle-shaped leaves.

Hawaii's food explodes with flavor. Most cooked foods eaten by Native Hawaiians were prepared through steaming, boiling, or slow cooking in underground ovens known as imu. Due to their lack of non-flammable cooking vessels, steaming and boiling were achieved by heating rocks in fires and placing the hot stones in water bowls. The methods used to cook traditional Hawaiian food are very healthy. 

Hawaii has many islands, beautiful natural features, and great food. It is known for its stunning beaches and laid-back lifestyle. Hawaii has so much to offer. Although it dates back a long time, many things have changed. The one thing that will not change is ohana (ohana means family). 

The Excitement of Amsterdam

By Mazu Rakhsha

Amsterdam is best known for preserving history and culture, emphasizing the value of art, delicious food, and exquisite architecture that lines the entire city. Locating in the heart of the Netherlands means that Amsterdam's summer and winter seasons experience mild weather. However, light snowfall enriches the picturesque beauty of the city during wintertime. Looking underneath the surface to find Amsterdam's most cleverly hidden gems and affordable yet equally charming places to stay and learning how to plan your trip effectively will ensure you make the most of your European excursion.

Including explorations of the city's art and history can be very rewarding when visiting Amsterdam. First-time visitors might express interest in the city's classic art-related attractions, some of these being the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum, for starters. Those who are experienced art connoisseurs and wish to get a taste of all of Amsterdam's art and rich history may be more compelled to visit the Rijksmuseum, which is lined with over 5,000 paintings that collectively add up to tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history. Its most famous pieces include The Night Watch, by Rembrandt, and Vermeer's The Milkmaid. However, if you find yourself more compelled by the universally known works of Van Gogh, visiting the Van Gogh museum would make for a beautiful few hours, as long as reservations are made ahead of time during high season (typically during summer). Possibly Amsterdam's most significant historical attraction, taking a tour of Holocaust diarist Anne Frank's home sheds light on her experience as a desperate teenager in hiding while her people were brutally murdered. Spending some time independently exploring her space can serve as a means of fostering further empathy not only for Anne Frank but also for all of the other families that experienced the haunting fear of hiding during the Holocaust.

While touring through Amsterdam's vast array of cultural attractions, one other crucial part of any trip is identifying the best places to get food, whether gourmet meals or a quick bite to eat in the middle of the day. Luckily, Amsterdam is renowned for its reliable treats and unique delicacies, leaving plenty of dining options for even the pickiest eaters. Some of Amsterdam's accessible sweet specialties include stroopwafels and oliebollen, which are luscious, thinly layered waffles clinging together through a layer of syrup and deep-fried powdered "donuts" with an occasional fruity hint to them, respectively. Street markets and local bakeries are guaranteed to have these items. However, visiting a less tourist-populated location for these may be the better option as they are less likely to use deceptive marketing techniques and overprice their products. Savory bites, such as haring (raw herring), are also Amsterdam classics located at nearly every corner of the city, specifically in street markets and haringhandels (herring carts). For more luxurious meals, visiting De Silveren Spiegel, a Michelin-star holding establishment, is essential to get your first taste of Dutch food. The restaurant boasts a 5-star rating on Tripadvisor and combines visual beauty with divine flavor to create an unforgettable eating experience. However, if spontaneity is what you prefer, make sure you traverse less touristy dining areas (they are less likely to have reservation requirements) and look through a few reviews to check the quality and affordability of a location before going to a restaurant you had not previously heard of for a surprise meal. 

Finally, traveling would only be possible if there were places to stay and keep your luggage. Finding the ideal hotel for you and your needs is vital to planning your dream trip to the Netherlands. The range of available locations is defined by their affordability, luxury, scenic views, or other unique qualities. Some reasonably priced hotels that still reflect Amsterdam's charm include Hotel Arena, a former 19th-century orphanage rich with history transformed into a hotel only a quarter of an hour away from most city sights, at $123 per night, and The ED Amsterdam, a budget-friendly boutique hotel with not only a highly desirable location in the heart of the city but also a whimsical atmosphere and adorable blue dog-shaped pillows representing the hotel's mascot. Aside from this, one of the hotels renowned for having stunning views is Hotel Jakarta, a 4-star hotel with comfortable rooms set by the River IJ that offers beautiful nighttime views of the city and water. Whether you ultimately want to select a recommended hotel or not, always remember to opt for hotels near the Old Centre area of Amsterdam as a first-time visitor, as this will situate you right by all the major attractions.

In summary, Amsterdam offers a dazzling variety of attractions for any tourist. Whether you enjoy art, history, architecture, fine dining, or any lively city, Amsterdam is an outstanding place to visit. To ensure that your trip proceeds smoothly, apply some previously mentioned recommendations and tips to your plan, and have an unforgettable time in Amsterdam!

Scotland, Home of Kilts and Hairy Cows

By Melissa Gomes

Scotland is a land of rugged landscapes, ancient castles, and vibrant cities, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler. One of the top attractions in Scotland is the Harry Potter train, which takes you on a magical journey across the scenic Highlands. The train station featured in the movies, the Glenfinnan Viaduct, is a must-visit spot for Potterheads, who can see where the movie magic was created and even participate in Potter-themed events.

However, Scotland's charm does not end with Harry Potter. The country is also home to some of the world's most stunning castles, such as Eilean Donan Castle, which sits on a tiny island in the middle of a loch. The castle has been featured in several movies and is a testament to Scotland's rich history and culture. Other notable castles include Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and Urquhart Castle.

Edinburgh, the capital city, is a bustling metropolis full of history, culture, and charm. Here, you can explore the iconic Edinburgh Castle, stroll down the Royal Mile, and enjoy the stunning views from Arthur's Seat. The city also has a vibrant food and drink scene, with plenty of traditional pubs and restaurants serving delicious Scottish cuisine.

Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, is another must-visit destination. Known for its art, music, and architecture, Glasgow has a vibrant cultural scene and is home to several world-class museums and galleries. The city is also famous for its nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and music venues to explore.

Inverness, located in the heart of the Highlands, is another popular destination in Scotland. The city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and is the perfect base for exploring the Highlands. You can visit Loch Ness, Glen Affric, and the Cairngorms National Park here.

Overall, Scotland is a destination that offers something for everyone, from history buffs and nature lovers to foodies and culture seekers. With its stunning landscapes, charming cities, and rich culture, Scotland will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.