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  • These Are 4 Of The Top Destinations In The World Right Now, According To CNN

    These Are 4 Of The Top Destinations In The World Right Now, According To CNN

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    Your vacation time gives you a chance to see a part of the world that is very different from your own. There’s never been a better time to hit the road and start exploring. But where should you go?

    International tourism has already reached 80% of its pre-pandemic levels this year, and demand for summer travel continues to be high.

    aerial view of castle

    If you have a dream vacation in mind, you should book it before availability is drastically reduced. Not sure where to visit? Here is some inspiration.

    Experts from CNN have chosen these as four of the top travel destinations in the world right now:

    Vilnius, Lithuania

    Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, and the entire center of this spectacular city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

    Cathedral square in Vilnius, Lithuania

    It boasts Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings and still maintains its medieval street plan. There’s nothing better than getting lost in its meandering streets and exploring the hidden, unexpected gems that you find.

    Visitors can explore the beautifully restored Palace of the Grand Dukes and the gothic St Anne’s Church.

    Its old-world charm is one of the main draws of a trip to Vilnius, but there are other attractions too.

    View from the gates on the beautiful Francis of Assisi gothic church in the old town of Vilnius city, Lithuania.

    Travelers can shop for traditional crafts, such as Baltic amber jewelry and hand-embroidered linens. The flavors of Lithuania are exceptional, with plenty of seasonal produce incorporated into the dishes.

    The city’s Soviet past is also fascinating, and the Museum of Genocide Victims is a stark, shocking insight into the recent history of Vilnius.

    Manaus, Brazil

    Manaus is a vibrant and fun destination in the heart of Brazil, brimming with life and color. Located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, this unique destination is every bit as exciting as you would expect.

    Sunset over the Amazon rainforest in Manaus, Brazil.

    The pink opera house, constructed in 1896, is a cultural hub in the city. You’ll also find noisy and chaotic street markets here that are well worth exploring.

    Outside of the city center, visitors here can enjoy long hikes through the jungle, embracing the natural rainforest environment and going off-grid.

    Manaus Theater In Manaus, Capital OF The Amazon State In Northwestern Brazil, South America

    The opportunity to share space with jaguars, pumas and giant armadillos is a true adrenaline rush.

    Perhaps one of the best things about visiting Manaus is the people who live here. The locals are welcoming and friendly to visitors and are always happy to chat or offer help when needed.

    Thessaloniki, Greece

    Thessaloniki is a port city in Greece, located on the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea.

    History buffs will love it here because of the evidence of Roman, Ottoman, and Byzantine history that still remains in the area.

    An exterior view of Saint Paul cathedral, Thessaloniki, Greece

    The ruins of the Roman Emperor Galerius’ palace are particularly worthy of exploration. And the good news is Thessaloniki is an easy city to explore on foot, making getting around incredibly simple.

    Although the city is mostly famous for its historical attractions and active nightlife scene, thanks to the many bars and cafes, those looking for a more relaxing vacation will also find some beautiful beaches surrounding the town.

    Young Woman Posing In Front Of The White Tower In Thessaloniki, Macedonia Region, Northeastern Greece

    While Thessaloniki is an incredible vacation destination in its own right, it also makes a great base for exploring the surrounding region.

    If you want to spend your summer in Greece, then there is no better place to be.

    Bogota, Colombia

    Though it is not one of the most popular Colombian vacation destinations, Bogota is the capital of Colombia, and the city combines modern elements with traditional Colombian heritage.

    The first thing you’ll notice about Bogota is the color. Everywhere is incredibly vibrant. Even walls and buildings are a riot of color because graffiti is legal in the country, meaning that creative street art is actively encouraged at every corner.

    A row of colorful houses in Bogota

    Bogota also has a very pleasant climate: because it is located at such a high altitude, it doesn’t get the same balmy heat that other parts of the country do.

    Whether you’re looking for history and heritage, arts and gastronomy, or simply want to relax and soak up a completely different culture, Bogota has it all.

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  • These Are The Most Visited National Parks In The U.S. According To CNN

    These Are The Most Visited National Parks In The U.S. According To CNN

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    National parks are finally seeing a return to pre-pandemic levels of visitation. Statistics for 2022 show that over 312 million people visited national parks in the U.S., up nearly 75 million from 2020.  After some difficult years of lockdowns and travel restrictions, it’s a welcome sight to see visitors returning to some of the most beloved destinations in the country.

    These were the ten most popular national parks, in order, and what keeps visitors coming back:

    A clear pond inside a red rock formation at Zion National Park

    1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    The most popular national park by a landslide, with nearly three times more visitors than number two, is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Smoky Mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountain range that runs through North Carolina and Tennessee. With over 800 miles of trails, it’s the ideal destination for hikers and campers.

    Aerial view of forests and mountains at sunset in the Smoky Mountains

    2. Grand Canyon National Park

    The Grand Canyon is known around the world for its incredible size and steep cliffs carved through the landscape by the Colorado River. The park offers a variety of activities, such as hiking, camping, and rafting. It is a great destination for all types of travelers, offering something for everyone.

    Grand Canyon View at Sunset

    3. Zion National Park

    Just behind the Grand Canyon is Zion National Park.  Located in southwestern Utah, it is home to some of the most spectacular red rock formations. Not only is the scenery breathtaking, but the park also offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as biking, backpacking, horseback riding, and rock climbing. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just want to take in the scenery, Zion National Park is a must-see destination.

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    A girl standing on a red rock formation surrounded by other rocky peaks at Zion National Park

    4. Rocky Mountain National Park

    A trip to Colorado is not complete without a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park. With over 400 miles of trails and more than 100 peaks, it is a playground for hikers and climbers. In the winter, visitors can also ski and snowshoe. If you’re lucky, you can get a glimpse of some of the unique wildlife, including elk, moose, and bighorn sheep.

    5. Acadia National Park

    Acadia National Park has a variety of things to do for any nature lover. Located on the coast of Maine, you can explore the many islands and coves that make up the park, go horseback riding on the historic carriage roads, or watch the sunset from the renowned Cadillac Mountain. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

    Fall foliage on a rocky cliffside coast at Acadia National Park

    6. Yosemite National Park

    It’s hard to believe that Yosemite is in sixth place, even though it still saw around 3.67 million visitors last year. People visit Yosemite for its incredible granite cliffs, stunning waterfalls, and giant sequoia trees. It’s a great place for hikers, campers, and the adventurous rock climber. 

    Hiker looking at yosemite falls from glacier point in yosemite park

    7. Yellowstone National Park

    Yellowstone is another you are sure to be familiar with. This incredible Wyoming park is home to more than 10,000 hydrothermal features, such as geysers, hot springs, and mudpots, making it a unique and unforgettable destination. Wildlife watching is also popular, with bison, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves all living in the park. Be sure to visit in summer unless you are experienced on a snowmobile or snowcoach, as roads closed to regular traffic.

    Turquoise thermal pool with steam at Yellowstone National Park

    8. Joshua Tree National Park

    Joshua Tree National Park is a desert retreat spanning the Mojave and Colorado deserts in southern California. It’s known for its unique rock formations, breathtaking sunsets, and of course, the peculiar Joshua tree. Visitors come to explore the desert landscape, whether by hike or scenic drive. It’s also home to interesting wildlife, such as coyotes and roadrunners.

    A Joshua tree and rock formation in the desert at sunset in Joshua Tree National Park

    9. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

    Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the lesser-known parks on this list and may come as a surprise. Located just outside of Cleveland, Ohio, it beat the number ten spot by only 5,000 visitors. With less than a half-hour drive from both Cleveland and Akron, it’s a perfect nature getaway from the city. Visitors can kayak or fish along the Cuyahoga River or take part in birdwatching, hiking, or biking.

    10. Glacier National Park

    Glacier National Park is a stunning display of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes. With log cabins and lodges throughout, it’s a cozy mountain getaway nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. The incredible views, 700 miles of hiking trails, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road keep visitors coming back – just be sure to stay up to date on closures and road conditions.

    Going-to-the-Sun Road with mountains in the background at Glacier National Park

    If you’re planning to visit one of these this year, remember that many national parks now require reservations, and you’ll want to plan far enough ahead to beat the crowds.  Alternatively, there are 63 national parks across the United States (424 National Park Service sites total), so if you want to avoid the crowd altogether, head to one of the lesser-known national parks for a more relaxing visit.

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