There’s no doubt life is better in flip-flops. If the first thing that comes to your mind when someone mentions the beach is a solitary bungalow on a remote island, here’s a challenge for you: find and enjoy some of the best city beaches in the world. Even amid the urban hustle and bustle, you can immerse yourself in the laid-back, cocktail-soaked, sea-breeze-infused atmosphere of these sandy dream lands.

Bruxelles Les Bains (Brussel Bad), Belgium

Beach time in Brussels | Stephane Mignon/Flickr

The capital of Belgium has its very own beach at Beco Quay (Quai de Beco) – every year for a month a real beach appears, featuring huge stretches of sand, palm-trees, exotic plants… Visitors play beach volleyball and beach soccer, or cool off by splashing about in fountains and pools.

Brygge Islands, Copenhagen, Denmark 

Brygge Islands | © Christian Alsing/ Visit Copenhagen

You may think you’re too far north to afford the luxury of going for a swim in the open, but that’s because you haven’t been to Brygge Islands – a wonderful free pool by the harbor in central Copenhagen. The water is clear and refreshing, but you probably won’t want to jump off the quay and into the water unless you visit in July or August.

Paris Plages (Paris Beaches), France

Beach along the Seine, Paris | Eric Huybrechts/Flickr

The closest coast is 200 km (124 mi) from Paris, but that doesn’t stop the French. For four weeks from late July, several tons of sand are pumped onto the Seine’s banks in the French capital. More than 2 km (1,5 mi) of sandy beaches invite all those citizens and guests who are exhausted from the heat to enjoy a Seine-side holiday. The beaches bustle with free classes, rollerbladers, cyclists, a mobile library and plenty of people enjoying other fun activities.

Repulse Bay Beach Hong Kong, China 

Repulse Beach, Hong Kong | Mark Lehmkuhler/Flickr

Escape from the madness of Hong Kong and discover the sun and golden sands that grace the southern part of the island. This oasis of calm is set against a background of modern buildings and mountain slopes. 

Venice Beach, Los Angeles, USA

Venice Beach, LA | DenisDenis/Flickr

This iconic beach is perfect not only for sunbathing, but also for renting roller skates or a bike. You can roll down a seven-mile bike alley to Will Rogers State Beach.

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People don’t live in Los Angeles because we are tied to the same old, same old. We live in Los Angeles because of the intoxicating energy of new beginnings that permeate our city. – Marianne Williamson

I love Los Angeles. It reinvents itself every two days. – Billy Connolly

It’s mostly full of nonsense and delusion and egomania. They think they’ll be young and beautiful forever, even though most of them aren’t even young and beautiful now. – Christopher Hitchens

In Los Angeles, you can have the city life and feel like you’re on holiday at the same time. – Isabel Marant

Los Angeles has no seasons, so it’s kind of hard to keep track of time here. The lines between spring, summer, fall, and winter all blur like my vision. I get stuck on repeat for different measures of eternity. – Kris Kidd

You can have a laugh in Los Angeles, or you can weep in Los Angeles, depending on your attitude towards it. – Miranda Richardson

When I came to Los Angeles, it was the first time that I ever felt like I belong somewhere. Not because it was wacky, but because people here understood what I felt like to perform, and there were other kids my age who wanted to do it. I didn’t get looked at as God, you freak. – Jennifer Love Hewitt

Los Angeles is like a beauty parlor at the end of the universe. – Emily Mortimer

So I live in Los Angeles, and it’s kind of a goofy place. They have an airport named after John Wayne. That ought to explain it. It has a charming kind of superstitious innocence. – George Carlin

I’m attracted to creative people and train wrecks, and there’s no shortage of that in Los Angeles. – Pete Wentz

I love Los Angeles, and I love Hollywood. They’re beautiful. Everybody’s plastic, but I love plastic. I want to be plastic. – Andy Warhol

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#1 Bathe in a waterfall

Enjoy a free shower from Mother Nature while exploring unforgettable natural attractions.

Where: Havasu and Mooney Falls (Grand Canyon, USA). Twin Falls and The Seven Sacred Pools (Mawi, Hawaii). McWay Falls (Big Sur, California). Or just visit the nearest waterfall to you.

McWay Falls, California

>>> Read: 5 American waterfalls to bathe in this summer.

#2 Go white water rafting

Let the rapids boost your adrenaline as your inflatable boat bounces up and down along the river. Swimming is not a necessary skill – as long as you’re not afraid of water. 

Where: Along the Colorado River.

#3 Cross ‘via ferrata’

In Italian ‘via ferrata’ means “iron road”. If you are afraid of heights, you will need nerves of iron (pun intended) to cross this rocky route, although it’s completely safe and you will be secured the whole time. The system of ladders, metal ropes, suspension bridges and railings make the rock formation accessible to everyone, not just professional climbers. After this ‘appetizer’, you may want to try out actual rock climbing.

Where: Telluride (in San Juan Mountains, Colorado).

#4 Hug a very special tree

…and get fresh energy from nature.

Where: It won’t be so easy to hug the largest living tree on the planet – the giant sequoia General Sherman (which soars to 275 ft [84 m]) – because its circumference at ground-level is 102 ft (31 m) The tree is located in Sequoia National Park, California.

One more idea: In many cultures, trees are a symbol of family and kinship. Get the whole family together and plant a tree in a place where you all love going to. Then you’ll have a reason to go there even more often.

General Sherman Sequoia tree | Jim Bahn/Wikipedia

#5 Get close to an animal in its natural habitat

Our lives are so dominated by concrete and steel that an encounter with an animal in the wild is a rare and exciting experience. This challenge will push you to discover the natural habitats of your favorite animals and find a way to arrange a meeting with them.

Where: Take a whale-watching boat trip from Boston Harbor to catch a glimpse of a humpback whale or dolphins. Or just visit the nearest national park.

#6 Run a (crazy) marathon

There are marathons you run simply to prove that you can do it. Start with them. Then you can try your hand at a crazy marathon.

Where: Santa Speedo Run, in Boston or Atlanta. To run the annual Santa Speedo Runs across the USA you need a Speedo bathing suit (holiday colors are preferred). You will also need some Christmas flair (Santa hat, beard, Christmas socks, etc.). A warning: December weather in Boston is far from the ideal temperature for bathing suits. So runners are allowed (recommended even) to have a drink or two before the run.

Atlanta Speedo Run | TimotyJ/Wikipedia

#7 Drink whiskey straight from the source

Whiskey is a religion with its cults and rituals. If you also pray to this particular god, visit a distillery.

Where: Jack Daniel’s. Lynchburg, Tennessee is a legendary place to take a good walk while listening to stories about Jack and where, without any judgement whatsoever, you could share your very own personal encounters with him. If you don’t drink whiskey, you can join a ‘dry tour’ and delve into the distillery’s history fully sober.

#8 Ice skate at some of the world’s most beautiful ice rinks

Strap on your skates and show us a double axel (or triple fall on the ice – it depends on your skill level) at some of the most impressive ice rinks this planet has to offer.

Where: One of the world’s most famous ice rinks can be found just in front of the Rockefeller Center in New York.

#9 Discover a beach in the middle of the city

Life is better in flip-flops, they say. If the first thing that comes to your mind when someone mentions the beach is a solitary bungalow on a remote island, we challenge you to find some of the best city beaches in the world.

Where: Venice Beach, Los Angeles, is perfect not only for sunbathing but also for renting roller skates or a bike and going down a seven-mile bike alley to Will Rogers State Beach.

>>> Read 5 beaches in the middle of busy cities

#10 Sweat in a valley of geysers

There are slightly more than 1,000 geysers on Earth, many of which form boiling valleys. As it seems, the influence of hot water over the human mind hasn’t been well studied yet, because people tend to think of weird stuff to do when they see a geyser. Like boiling eggs (there are hundreds of videos of that; check them out if you plan to conduct a experiment).

Where: Yellowstone National Park houses thousands of hot springs, mud pots and at least 300 geysers – one-third of the planet’s total.

Yellowstone National Park | Ashley Knedler/Unsplash

Fun fact… Geysers exist on other planets. If you’re planning a trip to outer space, you can stop by Saturn’s moon Enceladus for a water vapor eruption or go to Neptune’s moon Triton for nitrogen eruptions.

#11 See the Northern Lights

Unsurprisingly, catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights is a dream experience for millions of travelers around the world. If the aurora is also on your list, here’s how you can see it:

When can you see the Northern Lights? Unfortunately, you’re at nature’s mercy. The Northern Lights like to play hide and seek, so you’d better stick around the observation area for at least a week, at best – two weeks at worst. Your best chance is from late August until late November and in February and March. However, the truth is, no one can guarantee when the lights will appear.

Where: The best places in the world to observe the Northern Lights are Alaska, Norway, Canada, Greenland, Lapland, Iceland, and Sweden.

#12 Drive along picturesque winding roads

Some of the most picturesque roads in the world are, unfortunately, some of the most unbearable for your inner ear. But, oh, they’re worth it!

Where: Big Sur, California, or Interstate 1, is one of the best-known roads in the States. You’ll see why when it leads you to the breathtaking viewpoint over the Pacific Ocean. The Interstate spans 90 mi (145 km) from San Simeon to Carmel and offers wild nature and steep rocks, overlooking the waves crashing against the shore.

Drive on! | adrian/Unsplash

#13 Have a drink at an ice bar

Put on your snow boots and fluffy headphones and order a drink at a bar where you won’t need any extra ice…

Where: Some of the world’s best ice bars are in the USA – like Bar Minus 5 (New York) and Aurora Ice Bar (Alaska).

#14 You want a raise? Take a holiday!

It’s proven that employees who use more of their vacation days achieve better results at work and have a higher chance of being promoted. Many people don’t use all of their vacation days as they fear that their long absence might show their bosses that the work can be managed without them. However, statistics in the USA and Canada reveal that for every 10 days off from work, employees’ results improve by an average of 8%.

How to do it (if your boss won’t give you a holiday): Show this article to your boss (or an employee who urgently needs to take a break)…

#15 Spend 45 minutes in a soundproof room

Imagine a room that isolates 99.9% of sound. Imagine you’re in that room, alone. You can hear your heartbeat and, after a few minutes in the room, even your lungs! In the soundproof room you become the sound. According to Guinness World Records this is the quietest place on Earth.

Where: This is a really serious challenge. Such rooms can be found in the USA, and more and more are opening in different places around the world. Usually, they announce several visiting days throughout the year, as the main purpose of these rooms is to test technological products. Google “anechoic chamber” + the country or town closest to you.

Could you spend 45 minutes in a soundproof room? | Malte Wingen/Unsplash

#16 Join some of the craziest festivals in the world

If you feel like doing something really crazy, there are hundreds of festivals around the world created just for people like you.

Where: Burning Man – this festival is a must for every free spirit. It’s hard to put the experience into words; you have to be there to understand it. For two weeks every year, tens of thousands of people gather in the desert near the city of Reno, to create a temporary metropolis dedicated to exchanging knowledge, skills, creativity and art. Nothing is sold; there are only acts of gift giving. The culmination of the event is the symbolic ritual burning of a large wooden effigy – “the Man”, which lends its name to the festival.

Source: the book 203 Travel Challenges. Travel the World. Explore Your Inner Self. 

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Las Vegas looks the way you would imagine heaven must look at night. – Chuck Palahniuk

If you know how to live in Vegas you can have the best time. – Tony Curtis

Everything and anything you want to do – you can do it in Las Vegas. – Drew Carey

While I was busy hating Vegas and hiding from Vegas, a funny thing happened. I grew to love Vegas. – J. R. Moehringer

Las Vegas, Nevada: a city where oddities don’t make you lame, but instead bring you riches and fortune and fame. – Walter Wykes

Vegas is the most extreme and allegorical of American settlements, bizarre and beautiful in its venality and in its devotion to immediate gratification. – Joan Didion

Las Vegas is a city built on hopes, dreams, and a little bit of crazy. – Michael Mcdonald

If you aim to leave Las Vegas with a small fortune, go there with a large one. – Unknown author

Contemporary Las Vegas is astonishing. At night, it is a brilliant cluster of jewels of all shapes, sizes, and colors, glowing in the middle of a vast, black velvet canopy. By day, it is also an amazing sight, almost like a mirage. There is nothing but desert and rugged mountains all around, and then- in the middle of it all – one of the largest and fastest growing cities in the United States… truly an enigma. – Thomas  Taj  Ainlay

Las Vegas is the only place I know where money really talks – it says Goodbye. – Frank Sinatra

Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream. – Hunter S. Thompson

Las Vegas is sort of like how God would do it if he had money. – Steve Wynn

Las Vegas is the boiling pot of entertainment. – Don Rickles

Vegas means comedy, tragedy, happiness, and sadness all at the same time. – Artie Lange

No one thinks Las Vegas is real; it is illusion, but visitors willingly suspend disbelief and pretend. – Hal Rothman

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Food plays an essential role in my life. I’ve always appreciated local produce and high-quality ingredients that can be combined to create authentic soul food. If you add delicious wine, strong coffee and good company, your experience will turn into a feast for your senses.

As one of my biggest food and travel inspirations – Mark Weins – says:

“I believe when you travel, there’s no better way to connect with people, than through food.”

Ready to test your taste buds? This exquisite bucket list will give you food for thought.

Fresh coconut and tropical fruits in Hawaii (or any other exotic island)

Once you’ve set foot in Hawaii, you’ll find yourself surrounded by fruit you never imagined existed and can’t even pronounce – rambutan, egg fruit, pitaya (dragon fruit), poha berry, cherimoya, lilikoi, longan, mangosteen… the list goes on and on. I recommend trying as many as of these exotic fruits as you can, if only for the sake of it. Coconut water is the to-go drink in Hawaii – healthy, rich and refreshing. For a sweet and healthy fruit snack, make sure you try the island’s locally grown lychees, mangoes, guavas, papayas or pineapples.

Sushi and sashimi in Japan

© Lina Kirilova

If you had asked me before my trip “Why Japan?” I would’ve said “For the food!” I love sushi, and where else can you enjoy this iconic dish in its finest form? The best sushi can definitely be found around the famous Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, an area full of affordable restaurants. If you want to step up your food game,  book yourself in for an exclusive fine-dining experience at Yoshihashi, or aim even higher and head to Narisawa – officially rated the second-best restaurant in Asia.

Coffee in Colombia

Colombia is one of the few countries in the world that grows only the fine-flavored variety of Arabica coffee beans. Coffee tourism has grown so popular that the country now offers a wide range of tasting tours around the various plantations. Even though there are big coffee chains emerging (Starbucks opened in 2014), Colombia is more focused on developing its coffee culture by opening new specialty coffee shops. 

Pizza, pasta, gelato, tiramisu, cannoli and espresso in Italy

Italian cuisine is world-famous, appealing to and satisfying almost any taste. Pizza, pasta, seafood, wine, coffee, mouthwatering desserts – you name it, the Italians have perfected it. Napoli is renowned for having the best pizza because they believe in keeping it simple – tomato sauce, mozzarella and fresh basil is all you need. When in Sicily, make sure you try the traditional southern dessert of cannoli, filled with smooth ricotta. Anywhere else in the country, indulge your sweet tooth in tiramisu or gelato. Ask anyone in Rome where to get the best tiramisu and they’ll most likely give you one of the following answers:

#1: “Tiramisu? My nonna makes the best tiramisu in Rome!” or

#2: “Pompi!” (the city’s most famous cake shop)

If tiramisu isn’t your thing, aim for a scoop – there’s hardly a bad gelato in the whole country! Finish off with a shot of espresso taken right at the bar.

Tapas, paella, gazpacho, jamon serrano or churros in Spain

© Lina Kirilova

Spain – and especially Catalonia – has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred chefs in Europe. Once in Spain, it’s your duty to eat like a local and indulge in some tapas! There are a number of decent tapas bars in any big city. Valencia claims to have the best paella, while jamon and churros are the most reliable sweet treats throughout the whole country.

Pastel de nata in Portugal

Pastel de nata | © Lina Kirilova

Pastel de nata – also known as Pastel de Belem – is one of the main reasons to visit Portugal. This typical custard tart can be found anywhere throughout the country, but its historical roots lead back to 1837 in Belem – one of the historical districts of Lisbon. This delicious dessert simply consists of eggs, sugar, pastry dough, cream filling and cinnamon. You can taste the tradition in Pasteis de Belem bakery, which still offers the unique Portuguese sweet made using traditional methods. Coffee and wine complement the dish nicely.

Seafood in the Mediterranean

© Lina Kirilova

I’ve already mentioned three Mediterranean countries that offer an abundance of fresh, delicious seafood: Italy, Spain and Portugal. But there are more! Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Croatia and Turkey also make the list. Take a trip to one of these coastal countries to indulge in calamari, squid, mussels, shrimp, clams, scallops, octopus, eel, oysters and all varieties of freshly caught fish.

Dates in Qatar

Dates are not just a dried fruit in the Middle East; they’re a ritual. I discovered their delicious richness during a long layover in Doha’s international airport. I was wandering around the shops looking for something to satisfy my sweet tooth when my attention was drawn to a stand offering a variety of dates. There were plain dates, dates filled with roasted nuts – walnuts, almonds, cashews – and dates covered in premium Belgian chocolate. Each bite was a taste of gourmand paradise. It was only later that I discovered the true significance of dates; along with a cup of bitter black coffee, these soft fruits are used as a welcome dish and a sign of hospitality.

Dim sum in China (or Chinatown)

© Lina Kirilova

I was first introduced to dim sum in the narrow streets of Chinatown, San Francisco – the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and the oldest in North America. I was starving after a long day spent running up and down the hills of San Francisco when a sudden encounter with a local brought me to Chinatown for a finger-licking snack. As I devoured the savory snack, I asked myself: what are these dim sum made of? Well, they are small steamed dumplings made with a range of different fillings – from shrimp, beef, and pork to leek, cabbage, daikon and even sweet rice. 

Sachertorte in Vienna

Sachertorte has been around since 1832, and it’s probably one of the most famous cakes in the whole world. Despite this, the original recipe remains a well-kept secret in the Sacher Café in Vienna. In order to indulge in a heavenly piece of chocolate-y Sachertorte, you’ll have to wait in line between 15 and 45 minutes depending on the season. However, the cafe’s staff do a pretty good job of getting people in and out as quickly as possible, allowing the masses to enjoy the sweet treat. For maximum deliciousness, pair the cake with a cup of traditional Viennese coffee: a mélange or a franziskaner.

***

Does this list seem too challenging for you? You can also travel for food without even leaving your own city. How? Just go to that Indian restaurant you’ve always wanted to try, or look for a cafe selling a cultural cuisine you’ve never tasted before and give it a shot. We challenge you to experiment – it could be Ethiopian or Mexican, Thai or Turkish, Nepali or Vietnamese. Step out of your comfort zone and you’ll find a world of tempting food just waiting to be devoured.

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This is the story of how I challenged myself to swim under each and every waterfall I saw during my trip to Maui. It was the first time I’d set foot on one of the Hawaiian Islands and, to the best of my knowledge, I had chosen the wildest one to explore!

Maui is the second-largest of the nine Hawaiian islands. You’ll fall in love with the island as soon as you arrive, with its gorgeous beaches and perfect waves creating an irresistible charm. The scenery changes with around every corner, with everything from tropical bamboo forests to rocky black sand beaches, volcano craters and beautiful waterfalls. 

Inspired by Maui, I’ve put together a list of my five favorite waterfalls across the USA. Enjoy!

Twin Falls

Maui, Hawaii

If you’re looking to spend a few hours away from the sandy beaches of Maui, I advise you to take the road less (or more) traveled to Hana. Along the way you’ll find most of the accessible waterfalls on the island. Right at the beginning of the road at the second mile marker you have your first chance to swim under a cascade at the majestic Twin Falls. A large path winds around the waterfall, with hidden side trails leading to some good spots to jump into the clear and purified water.

The Seven Sacred Pools

Maui, Hawaii

There are a number of falls along the Road to Hana – some more accessible than others – but the best falls by far to swim in or stand under are Ohe’o Gulch’s Falls, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools. This incredible natural landmark consists of two major falls: Waimoku and Makahiku. You can reach both of them following the Pipiwai Trail – a 2 mile (3 km) hike through a mystical bamboo forest. Those two – along with many more waterfalls – form dozens of pools in the gulch, with the water flowing right into the ocean nearby. The Seven Sacred Pools lie within the limits of Haleakala National Park, but don’t be misled by its name; this is not a sacred Hawaiian site and there are more than seven natural pools to swim in. 

McWay Falls

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, California

Big Sur is a traveler’s favorite, offering a number of off-the-beaten-path secrets like Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. If you’re prepared to make the trek to the park and then do a bit more exploring, you can swim under a waterfall flowing directly into the ocean. The 82-foot (25-meter) waterfall is not the easiest to find, but that’s what makes it so precious.

Havasu Falls

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Located deep in one of the remotest parts of the Grand Canyon, Havasu Falls offers you a stunning view of its cascading waters for the price of a charter helicopter ride or a 10-mile (16-km) hike. If you don’t feel like hiking that far with all your gear, you can rent a mule to carry you (slowly) to the turquoise waterfall. 

Mooney Falls

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Similar to Havasu Falls, you will find Mooney Falls at the far end of the Grand Canyon, outside the National Park. And just like Havasu, i’s a difficult spot to reach, but that only makes the journey more worthwhile. There’s no doubt that, once you arrive, you’ll agree Mooney Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls you’ve ever seen.

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Have you ever heard one of those tall tales about an extremely lucky purchase? You know, like the guy who bought a second-hand painting that turned out to be a Van Gogh original, or the yokels who were tricked into buying a bad plot of land only to discover oil reserves underneath? In fact, one of the best lucky investment stories in history is far from an urban legend.

This story happened exactly 150 years ago – at 4 in the morning on March 30, 1867. After a night of heated negotiations, US Secretary of State William Seward and the Russian Minister Attaché signed the treaty for the purchase of Alaska. The US got its future largest and wealthiest state for $7.2 million, or $4.74 per square kilometer. At this price, my country (Bulgaria) would cost about $521,000. Even if we apply the inflation rate and calculate the amount in today’s money, it seems far too modest – no more than $123 million for 1.5 million square kilometers of land.

© Lina Kirilova

Nowadays, the scale of the purchase seems beyond belief. The most shocking thing is that Russia not only agreed to this but initiated the arrangement. Why? Well, at the time Russia was caught between two wars. This meant the country was suffering extreme financial problems and had no strength or resources to defend Alaska. From the Russian perspective, the Last Frontier itself was a wilderness, valuable only for seal hunting.

© Lina Kirilova

Many years went by before the United States appreciated the significance of the purchase of Alaska. First, gold was found in the Yukon, then oil, gas and other minerals. The expansive wilderness turned out to be a real treasure!

© Lina Kirilova

Today, Alaska’s GDP (gross domestic product) is about $49 billion a year – as much as my country’s (Bulgaria’s GDP for 2016 was $50 billion). Unfortunately, William Seward didn’t live to receive praise for his future vision – in his lifetime, American society and the press criticized his “pointless spending of public money”. The purchase, along with the new territory, was unfairly named “Seward’s Folly” after the misunderstood visionary.

© Lina Kirilova

Here are some fun facts about Alaska that will make you want to head north straight away:

1. Alaska is the biggest state in the United States. It is twice as large as its next rival, Texas, and is also larger than the combined area of the 22 smallest US states. Three Californias, 12 New York states, or 470 Rhode Islands could fit into Alaska. If Alaska were a country, it would be the 20th largest in the world!

2. Of the 20 highest peaks in the United States, 17 are in Alaska. Alaska is also home to North America’s highest peak, Denali, which rises to 6 190 m (20 310 ft). The name of the peak comes from the native Athabascan language and means “The Great One”.

3. Alaska or “Aleyska” is the Aleut word for “great land”.

4. Alaska is also the widest state of all. It spreads across both the eastern and western hemispheres. What’s more, it boasts the northernmost (Point Barrow), easternmost (Pochnoi Point on Semisopochnoi Island in the Aleutians) and westernmost (Amatignak Island in the Aleutians) points in the United States.

5. It’s the only state in the US to have coastlines on three different seas (the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea).

6. There are more active glaciers and ice fields in Alaska than in the rest of the inhabited world. Five per cent of the state is covered by glaciers.

7. The Aurora Borealis (also known as the Northern Lights) can be seen an average of 243 days a year in Fairbanks, Alaska.

8. John Muir (also known as “John of the Mountains”) fell in love with the wild, unknown and unexplored territory of Alaska. He made several trips to The Vast Land in the late 1800s and recorded his experiences and reflections in Travels in Alaska – a book he was still working on at the time of his death in 1914. To this day, Muir’s words ring true:

“To the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world”.

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Even better, the city is home to some exciting hidden experiences and locations, which is why Chicago is hot right now.

Are you planning a trip to Chicago? Why not add a few of these hidden gems to your itinerary. Explore the less crowded locations and immerse yourself in the city – starting with Oz Park.

Oz Park

Built in the 1890s, Oz Park was one of Chicago’s first green spaces. Trees, flowers, and greenery stretch out for miles surrounding visitors in a blanket of nature, making Oz Park one of the most beautiful places in Chicago.

When the city revitalized the Lincoln Park neighborhood, they opted to build Oz park as a play on words –  author L Frank Baum who wrote The Wizard of Oz, lived here, so it seemed fitting that the town used the title when naming the park.

The city purchased the land in 1974, turning Oz park into a beautiful open space for both residents and visitors to enjoy. Children in particular love Dorothy’s Playlot.

Dorothy’s Playlot is a playground for children and families to enjoy together; Volunteers maintain The Emerald Gardens. The devoted band of gardeners ensures that there is always greenery in this part of town.

Though excellent, the park is not as impressive as the character statues. These two play spaces allow people to do their own thing without competing with others or being restricted by any rules governing what activities happen here. The fun happens in the shadow of Dorothy, Toto, Tinman, Glinda the Good Witch, and of course the Cowardly Lion, just as their creator would have wanted

Garfield Park Conservatory

The Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago is an oasis for urbanites looking to catch their breath. Even if you’re not a fan of plants, the conservatory’s massive greenhouse will leave your mouth agape at its beauty and variety!

This community-run garden serves as a study area and an art collection. The Palm Garden greets guests with a rush of damp, humid air and vibrant shades of green as soon as they enter. The Show House serves as a natural art gallery featuring exotic flowers and tinted glass.

Fresh plant arrangements are featured every year. These are cultivated at the conservatory. Each garden has its light display related to the nature of that plant, or collection of plants, and how light affects plant structure. The greenhouse has multiple indoor sub-gardens, but it is the outside public garden that draws most visitors, plant enthusiasts, and botanists.

The conservatory is open all year and features 30 exhibits on display at any given time. The Garfield Park Conservatory is not merely another location to reconnect with nature beyond environmental teaching and visual spectacle. We are sure after you’ve been here, you’ll want to come back for more.

The Concert Series – Sofar Sounds

Sofar Sounds is an up-and-coming platform that allows you to attend unique concerts in unusual locations. You can buy tickets for private performances at United Center or Soldier Field. 

Still, Sofar sounds organize more intimate shows like a chocolate factory performance and even rooftop bar soirees to encourage you to try something different!

Most shows run on a lottery system, so those interested in attending must apply for passes and cross their fingers to be selected. 

The place will be announced the day before the performance, but you won’t know who will be performing until you arrive. Past performers have included outstanding local talent and rising stars like Kweku Collins, Morgan Saint, and Femdot.

Ping Tom Memorial Park

Board the Chicago Water Taxi and exit at Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chinatown for a genuinely unique experience not seen in the guidebooks. This neighborhood has several places to eat, including Cai – Chinese dim sum –  five minutes away. Follow this with traditional Cantonese pastries like those from Saint Anna Bakery, which you can find nearby. 

Take the cakes to the park’s riverfront pagoda for a snack with a view.

The park’s attractions include:

A children’s playground.

A boathouse with kayak rentals.

An indoor swimming pool and gym at the leisure complex.

A green rooftop patio with beautiful views.

Enjoy a moment of serenity all to yourself before heading off to Maxwell Street Market.

Maxwell Street Market 

The Maxwell Street Market, which runs every Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., is an exciting Chicago tradition that has been around for over 80 years! 

Vendors set up stalls on Desplaines street of Little Italy/University Village and sell anything you can imagine: fresh food items like fruit or eggs, apparel such as clothing or accessories, even handmade jewelry. All these items are sold at this market—it’s genuinely fantastic how much stuff there is!

The market is well-known for its lively atmosphere, which includes authentic Mexican and Latin street food. The smell of grilled steaks, music from live bands playing mariachi to Blues/Rock, and dance performances add a colorful touch. 

Find Maxwell Market at 800 S Desplaines St. Thirsty? Need a drink? Try Room 13 if you can find it!

Room 13

Chicago has a variety of bars and clubs with unique styles, flavors, and entry rules.

Room 13 is one such establishment that stands out from the rest, found on the thirteenth floor of a skyscraper in downtown Chicago. 

Three friends established this bar, and they wanted to create an experience for their clientele without having any set theme or strict dress code like most places have nowadays. 

They offer free drinks if you can find hidden clues around this massive building which can be pretty daunting at times! The crowd tends to change depending on what night it is, so we would recommend checking them out before heading there so that you know whether they’ll suit your style or not!

Here’s how you get there. Find the famous Chicago Inn hotel, and tucked down a well-hidden alleyway, you’ll find the door to this speakeasy. Visitors must obtain a unique password by becoming a Room 13 member or checking in at the hotel.

You will never run out of fun things to do when you visit Chicago! Make sure to check some hidden gems and unusual places off your list. 

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Free Things to Do in NYC for College Students: Entertainment

A place for blooming creativity, New York can offer you plenty of things to do on a student budget or for free at all. 

Visiting free concerts. Every time you think you have nowhere to go, check out Central Park’s concerts, city-wide free music initiatives, and ask your friends on a long night out. A lot of such locations are available in your area if you google or browse your neighborhood’s social media. 

Movie watching. There are several locations where you can watch movies for free from the old classics to the newer pictures, mostly in parks. It’s also a great way to learn more about the best movies you might have missed out. 

Enjoying drama. A lot of theaters offer free plays to watch, usually something from Shakespeare or an experimental piece written by a local playwright. Isn’t that a great way to support drama and actors? 

Going on a walking tour. Among many free things to do in NYC for college students, a lot of individuals want to go on tours. It helps them to learn more about the place where they live, especially if they’re sophomores. Flatiron District, Foot.com, and Central Park Conservancy are only among a few companies that offer free walking tours sharing history about the city or the importance of nature preservation. 

Visiting the zoo. Some places, including the Bronx zoo, offer free admission days, so you can always meet beautiful and terrifying animals. 

Volunteering in new cultural and natural locations. A great thing to do for free that does not always come to people’s minds is volunteering opportunities. You can apply for many communities that will allow you to travel, meet new people, master new skills, and, which is more important, contribute to the community and your career! 

If you dream of living in New York, you may be considering applying to several schools there. It’s home to many colleges and learning institutions, and you’ll find something to your heart’s desire. Nonetheless, it requires many months of preparations and building on your strengths to write a great application letter, have strong language skills, and get a good GPA. If you’re not feeling particularly good with your ability to get a place in the school of your dreams, you may need a professional essay writing service like CustomWritings. Try to maximize your opportunities and make a list of colleges that you admire the most. Also, try to think about the places you’ll find most comfortable to live in and how you can handle transportation. 

Sports Activities for Students in NYC

Not all free things for a college student are about sitting, right? Especially in places such as NYC, you’ve got relatively adequate weather all year long. 

Swimming and leisuring on a beach. Summer is a perfect time to tan and swim to your heart’s desire. Always check whether some beaches are free for students!

Running. You can run on your own through the rich and diverse landscape of the city. But if you want to do something with a team, you can find a lot of running communities in your neighborhood. 

Kayaking. Some locations, such as Brooklyn Ridge Park, offer individuals to go kayaking on certain days, but make sure to research and register beforehand as it can be quite busy. 

Free fitness and dancing classes. Many locations in the city offer you a chance to join the classes that teach everyone from beginners to pros for free. They are also much nicer in a group! 

Trying extreme sports. Every day offers new options for people who want to try themselves in MMA, tai chi, mountain biking, or kickboxing. Your life will never be boring with these free things to do in New York city. 

Enjoying natural resources. If you’re not into the urban landscape, NYC can still offer you a lot of enjoyable parks and water resources where you can walk, contemplate your life, and visit new people to your heart’s desire. Some of the popular locations are Prospect Park, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park. Bryant Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, and many more. 

Learning and Creative Opportunities for Students

Students learn all the time, but some are pretty inspired to learn something new aside from their major. Also, let’s not forget that New York is an artistic center with lots of learning activities. 

Visiting museums. There are probably almost a hundred free museums in NYC for students, so you’re guaranteed to have something you’ll love. Just like with the museums, there are many museums that offer free days to visit. For instance, you may love the Bronx Museum of the Arts, The Museum of Modern Art, and Brooklyn Museum. Recently, many more museums in New York started to build new museums and present more exhibitions that can be of great interest to students. 

Going to art galleries. Often put in the same place as museums, many galleries are, in fact, temporary or offer individuals to meet new creators. Neue Gallerie, Chelsea Art Galleries, and others can offer free or affordable displays of great masterpieces. Even more, you can find multiple street art galleries, such as First Street Green Art Park, The Bowery Wall, and The Bushwick Art Collective. 

Joining creative classes. Many libraries, schools, and even universities offer many classes that are open to the public. They focus on various activities from crocheting to astronomy and drawing. Most of the activities are offline, but if you’re feeling particularly lazy, there are always some things you can do from home. 

Listening to lectures. A lot of universities propose different science or art-focused lectures for those interested in expanding their education. It may be about everything from writing a creative short story to understanding the philosophy of Ancient Greece.  

Be Ready for Your Next Adventure

Are you ready to have a great weekend or enjoy a concert with your friends? With the never-ending list of free things to do, all students from sophomores to seniors will find something that will make their lives better. Your prospects are limited only by your time and imagination! So take advantage of the vast majority of opportunities and become immersed in city life! 

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As a result, you should experience less traffic on the roads and have an easier time making reservations to your favorite shows, hotels, restaurants, tours, and other attractions.

Below are the top six ways to have a good time in Las Vegas in April.

1) Grand Canyon Tour

Take a bus tour to the Grand Canyon and then enjoy walking on the trails and learning about the canyon’s history from the knowledgeable tour guide. The Grand Canyon bus tour will take an entire day to experience, so prepare to clear everything else from your schedule because it will be a long and adventurous day at the canyon.

The Grand Canyon is one of the great natural wonders of the world. April is one of the best months to visit the Grand Canyon because the weather is cooler in the desert terrain. So if you have to spend the whole day outside at the canyon, you won’t feel exhausted as fast because of the cool, calm temperatures.

2) Cirque du Soleil’s “O”

Cirque du Soleil’s “O” is a stunning and exciting show with impressive visual effects and stunts. The show incorporates the three primary elemental themes of water, air, and fire into the act to tell its original storyline. Cirque du Soleil is best known for using high-end visual effects, death-defying stunts, and acrobatics in its shows to tell stories and excite audiences. “O” is no exception.

“O is a great show to attend in April because it features a 1.5-million-gallon pool of water where the performers do their stunts. If you sit in the designated splash zone of the O Theatre at the Bellagio Hotel, water will likely splash on you from the performers going in and out of the pool. Then you can cool off and enjoy the experience up close.

Cirque du Soleil produces a number of different shows in Las Vegas besides “O.” Some of their other shows include Mystere, Ka, Michael Jackson ONE, The Beatles LOVE, and Mad Apple.

3) Marriage Can Be Murder

Marriage Can Be Murder is a show which perfectly reflects the horror comedy elements associated with the most popular shows in Las Vegas. It is an interactive comedy and murder mystery rolled into one 105-minute show at The D Las Vegas Hotel Showroom.

Marriage Can Be Murder allows audiences to solve a murder mystery associated with the live show. Based on the skits presented, you will have to consider various clues and characters to guess who may be the killer.

Meanwhile, you will receive a complimentary dinner to eat and enjoy as you watch the show and try to solve the murder. The dinner menu includes grilled lemon chicken breast, bacon almond green beans, mixed spring salad, vanilla ice cream, and red russet buttery mashed potatoes.

4) Magic Shows

April is a good month to see entertaining magic shows in Las Vegas. Of course, certain magic shows have different styles and illusions to demonstrate than others. But regardless of the magic shows you choose to attend in Las Vegas in April, you will have a memorable and captivating experience.

Some of the most highly recommended Las Vegas magic shows to see in April are House of Magic, Criss Angel Mindfreak, Mike Hammer Comedy Magic, Murray the Magician, Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show, The Magic of Jen Kramer, The Mentalist, David Copperfield, and Xavier Mortimer’s Magical Dream.

Would you like to learn more about the various magic shows performing in Las Vegas in April? Check out https://vegaslens.com/guide/shows/april/ to learn more about April magic shows in Las Vegas and all the other shows of different genres. 

5) Explore Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon is a beautiful canyon about a 30-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip. Tourists love visiting Red Rock Canyon because of its numerous hiking trails, gorgeous red rock formations, and short driving distance from the city.

April temperatures are not too cold or hot in Las Vegas. On the contrary, they offer comfortable, cool weather conditions for people who enjoy outdoor adventures and explorations. For this reason, you should take advantage of the fabulous April temperatures by visiting Red Rock Canyon during springtime in Las Vegas.

There are hiking and cycling tours of Red Rock Canyon you can take as well, making it one of the top things to do for locals. These tours not only offer an opportunity to explore the breathtaking beauty of the canyon but also provide valuable insights about the best areas to visit.

However, if you want to immerse yourself in the experience and discover the hidden gems independently, you can choose to hike or cycle the trails alone. For locals seeking a deeper connection with their surroundings, embarking on these trails is a must-do activity. Nevertheless, for those planning their first visit, it may be a good idea to consider taking a quick tour to gain a better understanding of the landscape and its fascinating features.

6) Walk the Las Vegas Strip at Night

The Las Vegas nights are even cooler outside than the mornings and afternoons in April. But that is only one reason to walk the Las Vegas Strip at night.

Walking the Strip at night lets you witness the attractive neon lights and signage up close. Furthermore, you will encounter numerous street performers and free exterior hotel attractions, such as the Bellagio Fountains at the Bellagio Hotel and the Volcano at the Mirage Hotel.

Conclusion

Now you can see how April is a great time to visit Las Vegas. The variety of shows, adventures, tours, and activities make it a non-stop thrill ride during the entire trip. April is also fabulous because of the cool and comfortable weather conditions. So, begin making plans for your April trip to Las Vegas immediately.

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