THE ECHO

by Simone Bender

Fall Break is coming up and when it comes to vacationing, planning can be tough. But no worry, that’s where I come in. I’ve been traveling around the country and internationally since I was in elementary school, and ever since then, it’s always been a goal of my family to make it to all 50 states. With some hard planning from all of us, we were able to accomplish this goal earlier this school year, and I’ve brought back all my knowledge from exploring the country to let you know what the best parts were so that you can now exactly what to do when planning your trips this school year. 

Hawaii 

Hawaii has to be my number one pick for the best state to visit, even if it’s basic. There’s just so much to do in such a beautiful environment. When I was there, I did so many things like cliff diving on the Road to Hana, surfing lessons in Maui, and even attending a luau. I guarantee you that if you visit Hawaii, there will not be a minute to waste as there are so many fun activities to entertain you as you surround yourself with the beach and all things island-life. 

Massachusetts 

I’ve visited Boston three times now, where there’s so much history to explore along the Freedom Trail, where you can experience colonial times firsthand at stops like the site of the Boston Massacre or the harbor where the Boston Tea Party took place. If you’re looking for a more laid-back time, there’s also great locations like Plymouth, where after snapping a picture at the spot where Pilgrims first landed in America, you can hang out at the John Carver Inn, complete with a full water park and spa. And specifically for the fall break season, it’s always interesting to visit Salem, home of the famous witch trials, where you can experience Halloween in full swing by visiting the filming locations of Disney’s Hocus Pocus or taking ghost tours of the supposedly haunted town. 

Louisiana 

I grew up watching Princess and the Frog and the supposed Mardi Gras atmosphere of New Orleans on TV, but I never could have imagined what a fun environment it is to visit. From enjoying a classic beignet and Café au lait breakfast at Café du Monde in the French Quarter to experiencing the night life of Bourbon Street, where the party never ends, New Orleans is a city full of life that keeps on giving. And with tons of overnight options like the historic Hotel Provincial, you’ll be wanting to stay for days.  

Florida 

Technically, Florida was the first state I ever set foot in, as I was born there and actually lived there before my time at Avon. Throughout the whole state, though, I have to say that my favorite place in the Sunshine State is between Sanibel and Captiva Islands. With whimsical Christmas-in-July-themed eateries like the Bubble Room and cattle-themed restaurants like the Island Cow, these islands are full of surprises. And if island time isn’t your style, Florida is full of much more go-getting options, like Orlando, where you can explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios or be your own princess in Walt Disney World. 

Rhode Island 

When I visited the smallest state in our country, I stayed in Newport, famous for the huge Newport Mansions of the Gilded Age, which are so incredible to walk along and see. The area is so beautiful and filled with lots to do along its eastern coastline. While the beach here isn’t an ideal swimming destination, the coastal atmosphere is a perfect tourist destination that can be explored by car along Ocean Drive, which gives you the perfect glimpse into the waterline while passing along by important historical landmarks. Overall, the energy of Rhode Island was so great to invest myself in and I would definitely recommend experiencing it on your trip around the US. 

Tennessee 

If you’re more of a mountain than a beach person, the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee might be for you. One of the most popular ways to explore this area is in the town of Gatlinburg, which is such a cute place to get away while still staying close to Indiana. I stayed in a niche Airbnb cabin at the top of the mountain, where enjoying the views was all you really needed, but if you’re looking for something a little more high speed, the Ober Mountain Park is something you’ll definitely be interested in. In addition to the skiing, snowboarding, and ice-skating opportunities, you’ll be opened to the German history of the area and all kinds of food you won’t be able to wait to try. 

Alaska 

I had the opportunity to explore Alaska on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, where I was able to travel through the national Glacier Bay Park and stop at many places along the Alaska coastline. Nature is such a big part of the Alaskan experience so things like whale watching and glacier observation were key to this trip. However, there are also many more touristy things to do like meeting sled dogs and panning for gold while learning about the Alaskan gold rush. However, my favorite part of my trip to Alaska has to be the excursion we took on a sea plane around the Alaska coast. Sea plane tours, which are similar to helicopter tours, are available in multitude around the major ports of Alaska, but what sets them apart is that they can both land and take off from water, which allows you to get close with the wildlife in the area. It’s such a cool experience that I would definitely recommend taking advantage of in your travels. 

I’ve had so much fun over these years exploring all the different states of the US and have learned so much about the different destinations across our country. Traveling is such a vital way to learn more about the other cultures around you and is so much fun to incorporate into your high school years. I hope you found these travel tips and ideas helpful and that you take advantage of your travel opportunities and make the most of them. Safe travels!