Tag: Let's Travel

Let’s Travel to Yellowstone

Posted on by gigis ramblings

With hot springs, geysers, mud pots and wildlife like wolves, bison, bears, and elk, there’s almost too much for kids to see at Yellowstone National Park. The park is massive, expanding over more than two million acres across Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.

Interesting Facts:

  • Yellowstone was the world’s first national park.
  • The park covers more ground than Rhode Island and Delaware combined.
  • Yellowstone has between 1,000 and 3,000 earthquakes each year.
  • This area is home to the largest herd of free-range bison in the world.
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Useful Information:

  • Best time to visit: The most desirable times to visit are April – May and September – November. Peak times are from July – August, but temperatures are much warmer and crowds are larger during these months. If you are planning on staying at one of the nine lodges inside the park, be sure to make reservations at least one year in advance.
  • What to wear: Depending on the season, what you bring along may vary greatly. You will want to pack accordingly. During the summer months, light clothing is recommended, along with a hat and sunglasses. Cooler months will require a jacket or sweater. Most importantly, make sure you are wearing well-fitting comfortable shoes.
  • Getting around: Personal vehicles, tour buses, and transportation concessionaire are the most common ways to get around the park. It covers such a large area, with the Grand Loop taking anywhere from 4-7 hours by car if you are looking to see a lot of the park your best bet is in a vehicle. Of course, many people love to hike and bike in certain places as well.
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What to See:

  • Naturally, Old Faithful is at the top of the list for attractions. You cannot truly experience Yellowstone without witnessing Her Majesty erupt. Visitors will find several hotels and restaurants in this area.
  • The Mammoth Hot Springs are another must-see attraction. This is a uniquely beautiful area of the park. They are a bit secluded, but well worth the scenic drive.
  • Artist Point can be found along the South Rim Trail. You will find some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Lower Falls in this area.
  • The Norris Geyser Basin area is home to more than 500 geothermal features and the park’s hottest geyser. The Museum of the National Park Ranger can also be found here.
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Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a travel writer and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren. This is the next installment in the Let’s Travel to…series, a collection of short informational articles covering some of the world’s top travel destinations.

Related: Let’s Travel to Orlando

Let’s Travel to Tulum

Posted on by gigis ramblings

Tulum offers the perfect mix of old and new, vibrant and tranquil. Beautiful white sand beaches with ancient remains as the backdrop set the vibe for this ultimate vacation destination!

Interesting Facts:

  • An intriguing city that was built by the Mayans
  • Famous for being the only Mayan ruin site that overlooks the sea
  • This was a major port where significant trading occurred
  • It was originally called Zama
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Useful information:

  • Best Time to Visit: December through April are the most desirable months to visit. The tropical Caribbean climate is pleasant for the most part, but it can tend to be rainy from June til October.
  • What to Wear: The climate is warm year-round, light, airy clothing is recommended. Casual and beachwear is appropriate in most places. 
  • Getting around: Walking and cycling are the most common ways of getting around the Tulum beach area. Bikes can be rented at several spots in the area. If you are visiting the city center, a car ride will be necessary. Cabs are available but can get pricey.
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What to Do:

  • The Mayan Ruins in Tulum are the most popular attraction in the area. People come from around the world to witness this amazing architectural wonder. This is the perfect day trip for families needing a break from the beach.
  • Tulum Beach runs for quite a long stretch, but just south of the ruins you will find some of the most pristine beaches in the area. White sand and turquoise waters will wash you in peace and tranquility. When the waters are calm, snorkeling is recommended.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a travel writer and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren. This is the next installment in the Let’s Travel to…series, a collection of short informational articles covering some of the world’s top travel destinations.

Related: Let’s Travel to Orlando

Let’s Travel to Toronto

Posted on by gigis ramblings

If you are considering a trip north beyond the Canadian border, Toronto is an incredibly family-friendly city. There are endless entertainment possibilities for families of all sizes and kids of all ages.

Toronto has things to do that will truly make you and your family feel like an insider. Find out how much fun it can be to see and experience Toronto like a native.

Toronto sign

Interesting Facts:

  • Famous people who hail from Toronto include Drake, Jim Carrey, Mike Myers, Tristan Thompson, and Eugene Levy.
  • More than 30% of Toronto residents speak a language other than English and French.
  • Toronto is Canada’s largest city with a population of over 5.5 million. The Greater Toronto area is teeming with some 6,054,191 residents.
  • Toronto is home to an astonishing 8,000-plus restaurants.
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Useful Information:

  • Best time to visit:  June and September are the optimal months to visit, the weather is pleasant and is less crowded than in July and August. The Toronto Islands are a desirable destination year-round, with an amusement park open during the summer months and cross country skiing in the winter.
  • What to pack: Depending on when you choose to visit will determine what type of clothing will be weather appropriate. Toronto has been known to have harsh winters, while other seasons are usually mild. Casual, comfortable clothing will suffice for most outings.
  • Getting around: Many visitors choose to drive from the states or fly in and rent a car, but a private vehicle isn’t required to get around. The Toronto Transit Commission operates one of the world’s finest public transportation systems, with a network of interlinking subway lines, buses, and streetcar lines.
Toronto cityscape

What to Do:

  • The Toronto Zoo is the largest in Canada. It is home to over 16,000 animals representing 491 species. Spend hours of adventure and fun at a world-renowned zoo. Open Year Round!
  • High Park is Toronto’s largest public park. There is something for family members of all ages. Take a stroll along the Grenadier Pond and you won’t feel like you’re in a big city. It also boasts a zoo, playgrounds, a dog park, sports facilities, and many hiking trails.
  • The Ontario Science Centre is a great educational and interactive attraction. Exhibits such as Space, Questions of Truth and Living Earth challenge the mind. Putting the focus on families, the Science Center features the Weston Family Innovation Centre. Here, families can perform interactive science experiments together.
  • The CN Tower is hard to miss, standing at a little over 1,815 ft., it is the world’s second-largest tower. It is a sight to behold, attracting 2 million visitors per year. After an extended elevator ride, tourists will find themselves observing the city below from an astounding 1,136 ft. Another attraction, The Glass Floor, gives visitors the ability to look down Toronto as they walk on clear glass. It is quite the stomach-wrenching experience for those afraid of heights.
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Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a travel writer and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren. This is the next installment in the Let’s Travel to…series, a collection of short informational articles covering some of the world’s top travel destinations.

Related: Let’s Travel to Orlando