The travel bug bit my mother and she passed the genes on to me. I bless her for my wandering feet. Here are 10 relatively budget friendly places I’ve wandered to and would recommend that people visit should they ever get out and about. Get a travel buddy, your map, a camera, a good playlist -- and off you go!
1. Niagara
Home to Niagara Falls, Niagara is a charming little city with several local and international tourists. People are eager to make conversation, and the weather is great (for the most part). We went in the summer and it had an almost tropical vibe that reminded me of the Kenyan coast. I found a little Indian restaurant called Punjabi Hut that I fell in love with. Take your passport with you (especially if you’re not American) and walk across the US/Canadian border – mostly just to say you did!
2. Holocaust Museum, Illinois
The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center preserves the legacy of the holocaust. Their founding principle is “Remember the Past – Transform the Future.” A holocaust survivor took us around, and it was an incredibly sobering experience being reminded yet again of what humanity did and continues to do to its own. I thought the education center aimed at promoting human rights among kids from a young age was a pretty noble idea – I just wonder how well it works and whether we are truly capable of learning from history.
3. Vidler’s, Buffalo
This is your classic old school white American shop -- very cute and quaint, you can get almost anything from pots and pans to ceramic lady bugs to scented candles and tambourines, as well as the best chewy caramel candy in town. And all for a pretty decent price!
4. Sears Tower, Chicago
The 1,353 feet Willis tower, commonly known as Sears, took my breath away. 103 floors up is the sky deck, from which you can see the whole city. The view is amazing. While you’re in the area, grab the traditional Chicago deep-dish pizza!
P.S. I tried it and didn’t get what all the hype was about. But oh well – when you’re in Rome, right?
5. Harriet Tubman Home, Auburn, NY
On a road trip to Texas, my roommate and I took a detour to Auburn, New York and stumbled upon the Harriet Tubman home. It was an honor to be in the property of the woman who was the ‘Moses of her people,’ and participated in the liberation for black bodies in the United States. The house is small but rich with history and stories told from Tubman’s life while she lived in the property.
6. Fort Myers, Florida
I will never forget the feeling of heat and humidity on my face and chest when I stepped out of the airport to Fort Myers -- there could not have been a more welcome feeling in the world after weeks of being immersed in -- 15 degree weather. Beautiful beaches, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, beautiful bike trails. Take a journal with you, sit on a beach and reflect on how blessed you are to be sitting in the warmth and not freezing in Hanover, NH.
7. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, I love you. Really, I do. For your beautiful skyline and your beautiful, black people. I spent New Year’s eve a few years ago in Atlanta with the Impact Movement Family and met a girl with multiple sclerosis who got on stage and danced in worship to the Lord. I don’t think anyone’s inspired me that much before – or since.
8. Texas Horse Park, Dallas
There’s plenty to do in Dallas and the horse park would be one of the top places on my list. With beautiful trails and very friendly staff, the park is ideal for singles, couples, friends and families, and they have a range of horses to suit the needs of every rider – novice to expert. (I should get paid for the passionate pitch I just made for this place.)
9. Latham Springs, Aquilla, Texas
Latham springs, and more specifically the camp, is by Brazos river, and it is absolutely gorgeous. It’s a great place to go camping with groups / for team building activities. For the aspiring photographer – it’s the perfect place to build a portfolio! Sit back and enjoy the view, or play a game of hide and seek among the reeds!
10. Boston Salsa Festival, Boston
For all you lovers of dance, get your group of friends and go for the annual Boston Salsa Festival. There are a variety of workshops and performances in salsa, bachata and cha cha cha, featuring instructors and dance companies from all over the region. If there’s not enough space on the dance floor, park your car in the lot, blast music loud and proud and take the party to the streets like a boss!
