I do have to admit, seeing the cherry blossoms in D.C. during March-April is a beautiful sight. But September would be another grand time to take a trip to the capital of the United States. You will never get bored exploring this city, with the free museums, as well as the national zoo! You can easily spend a day there, at attractions such as the botanical gardens and taking a tour of the White House during the day, then attending a concert at one of the many venues at night!
Yellowstone National Park
As it is off-season, September may be a good choice for taking a road trip to Yellowstone. It is an enjoyable time for fishing, backpacking, hiking, camping, and wildlife sightings. The best-known locations are the Old Faithful geyser, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Grand Prismatic Spring. Some moderate trails to hike would be Elephant Back Mountain Trail or Mount Washburn.
Chicago, Illinois
Having visited Chicago during September, I can say it is a good time to go! Though I attended for the North Coast Music Festival, I also got the chance to experience the Chicago Riverwalk, The Bean/Chicago Jazz Festival at Millennium Park, eating deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s, and getting drinks at Howl at the Moon. The Windy City Wine Festival and World Music Festival are note-worthy, and the Navy Pier or Skydeck Chicago are other popular attractions to try out.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
The temperature here in September is in the 70s and 80s, making it nice for swimming at Rodanthe Beach and climbing the Bodie Island Lighthouse. Interesting events include the Outer Banks Kite Festival and the ESA Easterns Surfing Championship. Water sports available are jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing. Dolphin tours, tiki boats, and sunset cruises are offered too!
San Francisco, California
You won’t want to miss out on the Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival that takes place in San Francisco during September. I have learned that it is also the best time to go, due to fewer crowds and great weather. At Presidio Tunnel Tops, you will have fantastic views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Important points of interest may be Pier 39, right down from Fisherman’s Wharf, Aquarium of the Bay, or a tour of Alcatraz Island.
July is a wonderful time of the year to visit the Seychelles Islands, located off the coast of East Africa. It boasts an average temperature of 80 degrees with little rain, and the surfing conditions at Anse Intendance are top tier. Praslin Island is enjoyable, as it is has nightclubs and luscious jungles with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Meanwhile, Cote d’Or is ideal for sunbathing, volleyball, and water sports. If you’re feeling like taking a more upscale approach one night, you could even take a sail in a luxury yacht!
Greenland
Photos by James Petts
If you’re looking to have an adventurous hike, cruise along the bay filled with icebergs, or discover Viking ruins in the town of Qassiarsuk, July is a great month to do so. You also have the opportunity to see the black sand beaches of Disko Island, take a tour of the museums in Ilulissat, step into the hot springs at Uunartoq, or even have the chance to view the midnight sun!
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Photo by Luca Sartoni
July is recommended for exploring the vibrant region of Amsterdam. It offers wine and cheese cruises along the canal, walking tours of the Anne Frank House, open air museums in Volendam, the Red Light District, and the Amsterdam Ice Bar! Activities could be riding a bicycle, taking a walk along the beaches, or attending one of the festivals that occur.
Kenya, Africa
Photo by Esin Ustun
At a maximum temperature of 75 degrees, July is a perfect time to catch a flight to Kenya. A safari is likely the main reason why someone would want to visit Africa, but that’s not the only reason to go! There is colonial architecture, the beaches, markets, and Mount Kilimanjaro. Hell’s Gate and Mount Kenya are well-known national parks to stop by as well.
Montreal, Canada
Photo by Dean McCoy
The summer festival season of Montreal draws in tourists for shopping, music, and eating. The Montreal Completement Cirque,includes an 11-day circus, and the Mural Festival lasts for 10 days, displaying urban art and digital installations. At the Jardins Gamelin, you will find outdoor performances, karaoke, and yoga all for free! The La Grande Roue observation wheel will give you 360 degree views of the city, or trek to Mont-Royal Lookout.
You have to admit, Hawaii is, hands down, the most gorgeous state in the United States. It is located in the south-western part of the U.S., nearly 2,000 from the mainland. It is the home of 137 volcanic islands, as well as, Polynesian culture, whether it be cuisine, traditions, mythology, or etiquette.
The state is comprised of 8 main islands, 7 of which are inhabited and only 6 of which can be visited by the public. So, which of the 6 should you catch a flight to? I’ll help you decide by giving you a summary of each one.
Kauai
Photo by Imogene Huxham
Kauai is filled with valleys, mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, and cliffs, which is why it is referred to as the “Garden Island.” The bad part is that the average annual rainfall is high, and it is generally humid. But if you don’t mind either of those conditions, Kauai could be the island to pick.
It is less of a tourist-filled location, and more of a rural area. However, the extraordinary sunsets and beaches make this island attractive for some travelers.
Kauai was also the set for the films Honeymoon in Vegas, South Pacific, Blue Hawaii, Jurassic World,Soul Surfer,The Descendants, Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides, Avatar, and King Kong.
In addition, there is an array of activities to choose from, such as horseback riding, snorkeling, kayaking along the river, ziplining in the jungle, taking a helicopter tour, visiting historical landmarks, farmers markers, playing a round of golf, or riding ATVs.
Points of interest:
Waimea Canyon
Na Pali State Coast Wildnerness Park
Limahuli Garden & Preserve
Princeville Botanical Gardens
Hawaiian Trading Post – shop with souvenirs and hand-crafted gifts
Spouting Horn Blowhole
Queen’s Bath
Ha’ena State Park
Wailua Falls
Maniniholo Dry Cave
Kapa’a – popular town known for colorful storefronts, and restaurants including local cuisine
Poipu Beach
hawaii – the big island
Haena Beach – Photo by Pedro Szekely
The largest island named Hawaii is often called The Big Island. It is absolutely one-of-a-kind, with the varying landscapes of different-colored sand beaches, mountains with snow-covered peaks, lava deserts, and rainforests. While this big island feels less crowded than others due to its size, there is still much to see and do.
On the Kona coastline, you have the opportunity to view the bluest water with sea turtles and dolphins. If you prefer water excursions, you could swim with manta rays, go sailing, scuba dive, kayak, parasail, go deep sea fishing, canoe, and paddleboard. If you would rather participate in land activities, you can take a scenic drive, visit one of the several breathtaking beaches, ziplining over a river gorge, go on one of the greatest hikes you’ve ever been on, or play golf at one of the world-class courses on the Kohala Coast.
Points of Interest:
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hapuna Beach State Park
Heiau – historic site with ancient Hawaiian temples
Rainbow Falls (Waianuenue)
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Hulihe’e Palace
Hilo Farmers Market
Akaka Falls State Park – Akaka Falls & Kahuna Falls
Punaluu Beach – known for black sand
Historic Hilo Town
Mauna Kea – the tallest volcano in the world/highest point in the state, renowned for stargazing
Papakōlea Beach – known for sand with a green hue
Kona Coffee Living History Farm
Waipi’o Valley Overlook
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
OAHU
Photo by Alan Light
The bustling island of Oahu is urban, luxurious, and consists of resorts sitting on the golden, sandy beaches, some of which are more secluded than others. The nightlife is vibrant, the weather is warm, and the adventures are endless. Plus, it is a great place to get the feel for the Polynesian culture and traditions!
Sitting on the south shore of Oahu is Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu. It was previously the home of Hawaii’s monarchy. Now, this city is centered around its dining and shopping.
Points of interest:
Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail
Byodo-In Temple
Waikiki Beach
Lanai Lookout
Kaneohe Sandbar
Pearl Harbor Museum
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Laie Falls
Tantalus – botanical region popular with birdwatchers
Waimea Bay Beach Park – perfect for surfing
Diamond Head State Monument
Maunawili Falls
Pu’u O Hulu Trail
Lanikai Beach
Crouching Lion
MAUI
Photo by Brett Samuel
Compared to the other 5 islands, Maui could be considered mid-sized. Being more developed than Kauai, but less tourist-filled than Oahu is a main reason that people enjoy traveling here. In this spot, you will uncover wildlife, culture, history, and Hawaii’s most note-worthy beaches. From Haleakala, the world’s largest dormant volcano, is a spectacular view of the sunrise, through a set of clouds.
In Maui, you can enjoy their frequent festivals, underwater reefs, bamboo forests, waterfalls, and jungles abundant with flowers.
Visitors adore swimming with sea turtles, horseback riding, whale watching, windsurfing, snorkeling, and surfing, if you know how!
Points of interest:
Wailea Beach
The Garden of Eden
Kaanapali Beach
Maui Ocean Center
Paia – beach town with coffee shops and boutiques
Ali’i Kula Lavendar Farm
Iao Valley State Monument
Haleakala National Park
Waianapanapa State Park – known for its black sand
Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Napili Beach
Hana Lava Tube
Old Lahaina Luau – great for experiencing hula, traditional dancing, and a Hawaiian buffet
Pua’a Ka’a Waterfalls
lanai
Photo by Curt Smith
Lanai could be considered the most exclusive island of the 6, having remote beaches, high-end resorts, world-class amenities and services, professional golf, and exquisite cuisine. It is ideal for relaxing and healing in a peaceful setting at the spas, which offer lava stone lomilomi and algae body wraps. While this island is private, it does not lack adventure with off-roading in a four-wheel drive vehicle and swimming in tide pools that have been naturally carved out of volcanic rock.
When exploring, you will find unique rock formations and colorful underwater reefs. Popular activities here are lawn bowling, deep sea fishing, shooting clays, scuba diving, private boat charters, and whale watching,
Points of interest:
Lānaʻi Art Center
Keomuku Village
Shark’s Bay
Koloiki Ridge
Lanai City – with restaurants, shops, a park, and theater
Shipwreck Beach (on the north shore)
Kaunolū Fishing Village
Dole Pineapple Plantation
Hulopoe Beach
Sweetheart Rock (at the end of the Puupehe Trail)
Keiki Tide Pool
Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods)
Fisherman’s Trail
Polihua Beach
The Cavendish – 9-hole, free public golf course
Molokai
This would be the quietest and least developed island listed in this blog, therefore, probably not for everyone. It is more for those who don’t mind straying from the beaten path and connecting with nature rather than being pampered at a four-star hotel. That being said, Molokai still has wonderful beaches, rainforests, and the tallest cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Points of interest:
Kapuāiwa Coconut Grove
Murphy’s Beach
Kalaupapa National Historic Park
North Shore Sea Cliffs
Halawa Tropical Flower Farm
Purdy’s Natural Macadamia Nut Farm
One Ali’i Beach Park
Molokai Forest Reserve
Hālawa Valley – can only be explored on a guided hike
Molokaʻi Heritage Site
Halawa Beach Park
Aliʻi Fishpond
Pāpōhaku Beach
Moaula Falls
Kamakou Preserve
Palaau State Park
I know it seems tough to choose which one to visit still, but hopefully helped a little in knowing the difference between the islands and what they have to offer.
A Sweet Paradise 
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