Las Vegas is a glitzy, world-renowned casino hub situated in the state of Nevada, at the heart of the Mojave Desert. Officially known as the City of Las Vegas, America’s fastest-growing metropolis is infamous for its mega-resorts and over-the-top atmosphere, with a club scene that rivals Ibiza, extravagant shows that give Broadway a run for its money, and a huge variety of restaurants that could easily make a trip here all about eating. ‘The Strip’, the city’s ‘Sin City epicentre’ is the best place to start an exploration, filled with models of famous landmarks like the Sphinx, Eiffel Tower, and Statue of Liberty. Other adrenaline-inducing highlights include the Viva Vision light show at the Fremont Street Experience, the creepy Mob Museum, and the magnificent High Roller at The LINQ.
Mammoth Lakes is a charming little tourist town set in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. The surrounding right green valley, craggy mountains, and glittering lakes are known for their spectacular scenic beauty and provide endless opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The network of trails up the mountain can also be enjoyed in summer. Other popular activities during the warmer months include fishing, biking, kayaking, and golf or enjoying the many festivals and entertainment events hosted by the Mammoth Lakes Adventure park. The Via Ferrata and gondolas offer a more leisurely way to soak up the views, along with some top-notch restaurants and bars looking out over these truly astonishing scenes. Nearby, the Hot Creek Geological Area is a fascinating attraction.
Deep in the spectacular Sierra Nevada mountains in east-central California, lies the magnificent Yosemite National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to towering granite cliffs and domes, jaw-dropping waterfalls, the beautiful Tuolumne and Merced rivers, forests of massive sequoia trees, and picturesque mountain meadows. While the park as a whole has plenty to offer, most visitors focus their attention on the famed Yosemite Valley due to its unrivaled natural beauty and spectacular wildlife. A visit to Yosemite National Park is a true delight for the outdoorsy traveller, especially wildlife-enthusiasts and anyone with an adventurous spirit.
Hilly San Francisco lies at the northern end of the namesake peninsula, on the West Coast of the United States, and includes several gorgeous islands. Home to some of the most iconic buildings and best restaurants in the world, a variety of incredible art galleries and museums, and several enthralling natural areas close by, the city sits high on many travellers’ bucket lists. Must-sees include the city’s fun cable cars, jaw-dropping Golden Gate Bridge, with its spectacular views of the city on one side and nature on the other; historic (and creepy) Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary; and the unique wonderland of Chinatown. From the popular Fisherman’s Wharf, take a boat tour, explore the weird exhibits at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, or simply soak in the photogenic views over the harbour.
