For many Americans, summer means high travel season. But before you renew your passport and invest in an oversized suitcase, think about travel experiences right here in the U.S. Whether you hop in the car for a family road trip or book an affordable flight to one of America’s hidden gems, we’ve got the ultimate tool kit to inspire, inform, and help you plan travel in the USA.
Join Peter as he shares his favorite American gems. He’ll be hosting a live, interactive chat on Wizeo on July 1 at 10 am PT/1 pm ET. Click here to sign up and donate a minimum of $3, benefiting Operation USA.
Want some inspiration? Check out five stateside summer adventures from Flipkey, and keep reading for some of our favorite travel experiences in the U.S.:
National Parks, America’s Best Idea
There’s a reason our national parks are known as “America’s best idea.” These wild, protected lands offer a world of opportunity for domestic travelers. Whether you’re a hardcore backpacker or a novice camper, there are natural, outdoor adventures for everyone. Learn to snap wildlife with pro photographers, find out how to get the best deals in national park lodges, and learn tips and tricks for first-time campers.
American Wine Culture
Sure, France and Italy may be on your bucket list for tasting great wine, but the U.S. has a pretty good reputation among oenophiles. Whether it’s finding free and affordable wineries in the Napa Valley, or following the locals’ trails in Sonoma County, or discovering the hidden wine regions of Washington State, American wine buffs have plenty to choose from in their native land.
International Travel at Home
You don’t have to travel far for an international travel experience. From the Swiss culture of New Glarus, Wisconsin, to the Greek community of Tarpon Springs, Florida, there are towns all across America that celebrate their history and heritage the authentic way.
America’s Smallest State
Rhode Island, known affectionately to the locals as “Lil’ Rhodey,” is America’s smallest state. But what the state lacks in size it make up for in brainpower and creativity. Instead of driving through this tiny state, make time to stop in its capital city of Providence to see its urban transformation firsthand.
Island Hopping in America
You don’t have to travel far to go island hopping in America. In some cases, you don’t even have to get on a plane. Peter reveals his favorite secret islands just off the U.S. mainland, from Maine to Michigan. Plus, learn about the one island that’s considered a well-kept secret among Southern California locals.
Nighttime in the Everglades
Just an hour outside of Fort Lauderdale is the gateway to the Everglades: Sawgrass Recreation Park. The fun here really starts when you hop on an airboat ride. But don’t plan for an early morning departure: alligators are nocturnal creatures. Watch and see what happens when you ride the Everglades at night.
Alaska’s Freshest Seafood
Catching salmon in Alaska may sound like a cliché, but this really is the good stuff. Plus, you don’t have to travel far to get it. Find out where Anchorage locals go to catch the freshest fish, dine on gourmet seafood platters, and even score some reindeer hot dogs on the side!
Keep Hawaii’s Beaches Clean
In the island spirit? Head to Hawaii but don’t just lounge on the beach sipping mai tais. There’s a way you can give back to the local community by helping to keep the beaches clean with The Surfrider Foundation. Once you’ve spent a day working with the locals, THEN it’s time to sit back and order that well-deserved mai tai.
Affordable Road Trips
Why fly when you can drive? America’s back roads are filled with local flavor, affordable shops, and lots of quirky characters. Find out Peter’s favorite picks and small-town destinations, including Asheville, North Carolina and Redding, California.
Find a Last-minute Deal!
The U.S. Travel Association is still running its Daily Getaways promotion through July 4. Any travel deals left over from the original sale (which ended June 20) are available for purchase through July 4, saving you up to 50 percent from 13 top travel brands. You can find offers on hotel packages, loyalty point packages, theme park admissions, and city attraction passes.
Got your own local hidden gem? Submit your questions and suggestions to Peter’s live video chat and look forward to a live response. This event is presented by FlipKey and Wizeo, a live video chat platform that connects influencers with fans to support worthy causes.
