Ziplining – A Sweet Paradise

Around the Globe in August – My Top 5 Picks

Posted on July 3, 2024June 19, 2024 by Nicole Benedetta

Niagara Falls, Canada

Having visited Niagara Falls, Canada in August, I can say it is a nice time to visit. Though it was somewhat crowded, the weather was great. There is a gift shop, restaurants with views of the falls while you dine, and boat rides available to get an up-close experience. The Niagara SkyWheel and Skylon Tower offer pretty overlooks as well. Besides just that, this city offers a Butterfly Conservatory, Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino, Niagara Wine Trail, Clinton Hill, hot air balloon rides, ziplining, shopping, and so much more!

Croatia

Waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes — Photo by Naval S

With how beautiful Croatia is, it’s hard to narrow it down to just one spot! On the top of my bucket list there is Plitvice Lakes, consisting of 16 lakes that are connected by waterfalls and streams. Dubrovnik is a city on the sea that is plentiful in the culture, history, and shopping. Golden Horn Beach, Krka National Park, Velebit Mountains, and Cres Island are all lovely at this time of year as well.

Stockholm, Sweden

The weather in Stockholm, Sweden is pleasant in August, with lower chances of rainfall. Taking a ferry ride of the archipelago to Fjäderholmarna will present you with cute cafes and shops. If you ride to Grinda, you can play volleyball, on the clear-water beach, kayak, or take a hike. Cycling around Stockholm is an ideal way to explore the city waterfront and historical landmarks. The Stockholm Culture Festival takes place in August too, with music and craft workshops.

Banff National Park, Canada

Besides some crowds, August is the best month of the year to visit Banff, Canada due to the weather. It is absolutely gorgeous, including Cascade Gardens, Glacier Fed Lake, Cascade Mountains, Peyto Lake, and Lake Louise Summer Gondola to easily access these majestic mountains. Biking, canoeing, rock climbing, and white water rafting are amongst some other activities that visitors enjoy.

Berlin, Germany

August 12th-13th, 2024 is the proclaimed the Night of Shooting Stars, where up to 100 shooting stars are visible in the sky between 2am-4am. August 26th to 27th is when Long Night at the Museums take place, with 75 museums around the city staying open until 2am, with only one ticket and shuttles for transport. The city has theatrical performances, sporting events, food tours, street art, and observation decks. And you can’t forget to see the Berlin Wall Memorial!

Short Trips in the U.S. for August

Posted on June 19, 2024August 6, 2025 by Nicole Benedetta

Adirondacks, New York

A summer in the Adirondacks is bound to be a good one, whether it be spent boating, hiking, camping, swimming, at the beach, or at a distillery. It is suitable for either families or friends, offering a drive-in movie theater, museums, ziplining, fishing and more!

Delaware Beaches/Ocean City, Maryland

Along east coast, you will find multiple beaches starting at Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, connecting all the way down to Ocean City in Maryland. There are three different boardwalks in that area filled with rides, games, shops, dining, and activities such as mini golf and Ripley’s Believe it or Not! At night, you can walk over to Seacrets for dancing or head to Dewey Beach for bar hopping. I also recommend Fish Tales for good drinks and dining on the bayside!

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Since Minnesota is usually frigid in the winter, I would say that August would be a good time to take a mini vacation there. Of course, the Mall of America is a must-visit. Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and Chain of Lakes are great outdoor options as well.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach sunrise [06] — Photo by Ben Schumin

Having visited Virginia Beach in August before, I would go during that month again. I went solely for the Luke Bryan concert at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater. However, I made the most of the trip by laying out on the beach, exploring First Landing State Park, spending the day at Ocean Breeze water park, and watching the fireworks over the ocean.

Jersey Shore

I’ve been to the Jersey Shore many times. I can say that Wildwood has a nice boardwalk and Seaside Heights is cool if you watched the Jersey Shore reality show. If you visit the Shore Store, you might see Danny, who will give you a tour of their house from the show for $10, if there are no guests staying at that time. Atlantic City would be the best for casinos such as Bally’s or concerts. Last August, I attended Tidalwave Music Festival, staying at the Tropicana (pictured above), and this year will be seeing Illenium at Harrah’s!

Where to go in July – U.S. Edition

Posted on April 30, 2024 by Nicole Benedetta

Seattle, Washington

Seattle is full of festivals during the month of July, including the West Seattle Summer Fest, Timber Outdoor Music Festival, and Kirkwood Wine Festival. Besides that, a visit to the top of the Space Needle is recommended, along with the Olympic Sculpture Park, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and tickets to Dining in the Dark at the Lotte Hotel.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Though summer may be peak season in Bar Harbor, Maine, it is still a great time to visit! Acadia National Park, Bar Island, and Cadillac Mountain are popular stops for hikers. Meanwhile, Agamont Park is home to movie nights on Wednesdays in July right on the water. The Bar Harbor Music Festival takes place during this month as well, hosting more than 2,300 aspiring instrumentalists, singers, and composers.

Glacier National Park, Montana

July is peak time for visiting this location too. However, the days are warm and the nights are cool, which is a bonus. Even with that being the case though, there’s always still a chance of snow any time throughout the year! As for trails, Hidden Lake, Lake McDonald, and Iceberg Lake are all beautiful. Plus fishing, camping, and bus tours are available throughout the park if you want to do more than just hike.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The waterfalls, wildlife, and sunshine are three great reasons to go to the Great Smoky Mountains in the midst of summer. White-water rafting, ziplining, and horseback riding are all fun-filled activities, other than visiting sites such as Clingman’s Dome or The Chimney Tops.

Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage is a good option during the summertime, with various locations to visit and numerous activities to partake in. You could try the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, Anchorage Trolley Tours, Alaska Botanical Garden, Crow Creek Historic Gold Mine, paddleboarding in Mirror Lake, or the beach at Point Woronzof. Or, visiting during the 4th of July will allow you to catch the fireworks, carnival, and parade in downtown.