USA’s Hidden Gems

March 3, 2023 No Comments
USA Hidden Gems header image

The best attractions and landmarks that are off the beaten path

The USA is a vast country with so much to see and do. In fact, you could probably make an entire bucket list purely consisting of the nation’s most famous tourist attractions.

From the Golden Gate Bridge and Las Vegas Strip on the West Coast to Times Square and Walt Disney World Resort on the East, the options are endless.

But what about the tourist destinations that you might not have heard of? Being such a huge country, the USA is full of hidden gems, perfect if you want to avoid the crowds or just try somewhere different.

So, which parts of the country are home to most of these hidden gems, and which are the best to visit?

List of states with the most hidden gems

The states with the most hidden gems

1. Alaska – % of hidden gem attractions: 10.95%

Hidden gem attractions: 309

Total attractions: 2,823

Known for its dramatic landscapes featuring icy glaciers and fjords, Alaska is famously the most remote US state.

This remoteness means that many parts of the state are very hard to get to, meaning that it’s packed full of lesser-known places waiting to be discovered.

According to listings on Tripadvisor, just over 1 in 10 of the state’s attractions are deemed to be hidden gems, including the Mendenhall Glacier and Kodiak Island.

2. Wyoming – % of hidden gem attractions: 7.67%

Hidden gem attractions: 114

Total attractions: 1,486

Second is the state of Wyoming, which is the least populated state in the country but clearly has a lot of attractions to entice visitors.

Like Alaska, Wyoming is a state popular with tourists who love the great outdoors and a sense of adventure.

In total, 7.67% of its attractions are listed as being hidden gems, such as Devils Tower and the Midway Geyser Basin.

3. Utah – % of hidden gem attractions: 6.98%

Hidden gem attractions: 217

Total attractions: 3,108

Completing a top three of states located in the West of the USA is Utah, where just under 7% of attractions are listed as being hidden gems.

Utah has three distinct geographical regions and a history stretching back thousands of years, which means there’s an adventure to be found in every corner.

Some of the attractions you might not have heard of include: Capitol Reef National Park, Kanarraville Falls, and Fifth Water Hot Springs.

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USA's top 3 landmarks

The USA’s best hidden gems

1. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming – 9.51 out of 10

Annual search volume: 4,184,000

Google review score: 4.9 out of 5

Taking into account the number of searches on Google as well as reviews by visitors, the most popular of the US’s hidden gems is the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

While it’s undoubtedly a popular place, Grand Teton is often overlooked by visitors in favor of the neighboring national parks of Yellowstone and Glacier.

The park stretches over 300,000 acres and is home to the Teton Range of mountains as well as the Jackson Hole valley.

2. Badlands National Park, South Dakota – 8.57 out of 10

Annual search volume: 1,295,000

Google review score: 4.9 out of 5

Second place goes to another national park, the Badlands in South Dakota. Similarly rated 4.9 by visitors, the Badlands miss out on the top spot due to a lower search volume than Grand Teton.

Like Grand Teton, the Badlands is one of the more underrated national parks in the country but has some jaw-dropping scenery.

It can also be visited as part of a wider trip to South Dakota to see a more recognizable landmark: Mount Rushmore.

3. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan – 8.13 out of 10

Annual search volume: 886,900

Google review score: 4.9 out of 5

In third place is the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan, located on the shores of Lake Superior.

Known for its dramatic multicolored cliffs and unusual sandstone formations, there is lots of natural beauty to explore here.

There are over 100 miles of trails to follow as well as guided tours led by the rangers, such as the one from Twelve mile Beach through the beautiful white birch forests nearby.

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Methodology

The states with the most hidden gems

For each state, the number of total attractions listed on Tripadvisor was sourced. The number that is listed as being ‘hidden gems’ was then also sourced and calculated as a percentage of the total.

The USA’s best hidden gems

Using a number of articles we built a list of over 150 hidden gem attractions and landmarks across the USA.

For each, we then found the number of global Google searches between June 2021 and May 2022 according to Google Ads Keyword Planner as well as the average review score on Google Maps.

Finally, we gave each attraction a normalized score out of ten for both of these factors, before taking an average of these two scores to reach our overall score out of ten.

To book a hotel & parking package for your next trip, click below!

Top Destinations to See Wildlife

March 3, 2023 No Comments
wildlife destinations

If you are a nature lover and relish the idea of seeing flora and fauna in their native habitats, there are some destinations around the world that are better suited for wildlife watching. Here are the best wildlife destinations in the world, so why not head to one of these top spots, and your next vacation will be filled with the sounds of life all around you!

Two green hummingbirds in the Monteverde region of Costa Rica

Monteverde, Costa Rica
High in the Monteverde cloud forest, you can glimpse one of the most stunning birds on the planet: the resplendent quetzal. If you don’t have the great fortune of seeing a quetzal, you’re sure to be pleased with the other 400 species of birds that call Monteverde home, making it one of the best vacation destinations for wildlife. If birds aren’t your cup of tea, keep an eye out for the adorable and elusive sloth. Costa Rica is the natural home of both the two and three toed Sloth, there is also a Sloth sanctuary vicinity to consider visiting for a personal one-to-one experience with these animals. Costa Rice is also home to 5 types of big cat, including Ocelot, Margay, Jaguar, Puma, Jaguarundi and Oncilla. Why not head out and listen out for the howler monkeys you’ll be able to hear before spotting too?

Alaskan Brown Grizzly Bear in Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge

Kodiak, Alaska
Alaska represents one of the best wildlife destinations in Northern America and has some of the most stunning scenery, but it also has the best viewing spots for finding animals in their natural habitats. If you head to Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, you can experience and marvel at over 3000 Kodiak bears or stick to the coast for a chance to see seals, sea lions, otters and possibly even some whales!

Don’t forget to pre-book your hotel and parking package with ParkSleepFly before you set off driving to the airport through 2023. We can offer the best discounts on parking lot deals!

Zebras in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Serengeti, Tanzania
Heading over to the continent of Africa, Tanzania has every animal you’ve ever loved at the zoo. It’s home to what safari tour guides affectionately call “the big five”: lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and cape buffalo. If those amazing animals don’t make you swoon, you can also witness wildebeest migrations, hippos playing in the mud, zebras frolicking, and giraffes stretching to reach the heights of the tallest trees!

Sea Lions on the beaches of Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
If you’re looking for unique wildlife, you won’t find a better place to spy on new animals than in the Galapagos Islands. These islands are one of the top 10 wildlife destinations in the world but also notoriously difficult to get to, so make sure you pre-book well in advance if thinking about taking a trip there! Thanks to the isolation from the rest of the world, the wildlife here has thrived. Truly spectacular creatures have evolved here over time like the giant tortoises, iguanas, and the islands’ bevy of colorful birds.

Stay the night before you fly by booking with ParkSleepFly this year. Don’t let exploring the Galapagos get out of your reach!

Squirrel Monkey sitting in a jungle canopy in the Amazon 

The Amazon (throughout South America)
The lush jungles of the Amazon make an ideal home for a plethora of fascinating (and sometimes downright terrifying) animals. Spot brightly colored birds in trees, get up close and personal with a sloth or a monkey, and beware the brilliant poison dart frogs. You’ll also hope that the only anaconda sighting you experience is one of its shed skins!

A roseate spoonbill in the Florida everglades

The Everglades, Florida
These marshy areas off Florida’s coasts are teeming with nature. You’ll see birds of every shape, color, and size as well as turtles and tortoises. But, if you’re really lucky, you’ll get to see alligators and crocodiles mingling peacefully, or maybe even spot an elusive mountain lion.

Pre-booking your airport travel extras has never been easier than with ParkSleepFly. Explore the Everglades with ease knowing your car is parked safely in an airport lot space.

a mother ring-tailed Lemur carrying twin babies in Berenty Reserve, Madagascar

Madagascar
Like Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands, Madagascar has very diverse and unique native species. From the humpback whales seen along the shores to the wide variety of primates (including 10 species of lemur), you’re sure to get your fill of animals in this wildlife wonderland.

Polar bear mother with two cubs, Wapusk National Park, Manitoba, Canada

Manitoba, Canada
Manitoba is a special place; not only can you watch beluga whales but you can even snorkel among them! If you prefer to stay dry, though, you can spend your time bird-watching over 250 bird species or you can take a tour to see the king of the ice himself: the magnificent polar bear.

To book a hotel & parking package for your next trip, click below!

5 Alternative Locations for Spring Break

February 22, 2023 No Comments
San Francisco Mission Dolores Park

Now that the excitement and sparkle of the holiday season has worn away and the white, fluffy snow has melted, it’s time to start planning your alternative spring break escape. Most spring break destinations cater to college students during their spring semester, but what family vacations are available at this time of year? Fear not! Here are the top five best alternative spring break destinations to escape to and enjoy with the family.

5.   Sedona | Arizona

A great option for families that want to get away from partying college students, Sedona’s striking red rock landscapes offer the perfect place to enjoy family hiking trips and picnics in the desert and provide a great alternative spring break trip. Known for its native Saguaro cacti, the unique town of Sedona has a thriving art community, with plenty of shops, spas, and galleries in the immediate area. If you are looking to explore unique trinket shops, we recommend the short drive into Scottsdale just south of Sedona, where you can buy your own mini-Cactus!

4.   San Francisco | California

San Francisco - Chinatown
Dragon Gate, Photo by Daniel Zimmerman / CC BY-SA

Heading over to California for your alternative spring break trip is also a great option for students, couples, and family vacations. Whether you are getting away with a loved one, taking the family to see the Sea Lions at Pier 39, or are a college student wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the beach, San Francisco is the place for you. Pier 39 offers the most trinket and attraction shops, as well as independent eateries, whilst Pier 33 gets you on to the Alcatraz boat tour and prison exploration. San Francisco is also known for its many hills overlooking the bay, and the famous Lombard Street that weaves downhill, bordered with many floras and fauna.

3.   Napa Valley | California

Napa Valley
Napa Valley, Photo by SD Dirk / CC BY

This one has something for everyone and is especially geared towards couples looking for an alternative spring break. If you’re feeling more sophisticated, hop in the car for a day trip up North to world famous wine region, Napa Valley, for a wine tasting. Interested in a more international experience? Head on down to Chinatown for a delightfully authentic tea ceremony. End your day by stretching your legs (and glutes!) and take a stroll in the surrounding hills.

2. Denver | Colorado

Denver Skyline
Denver, Photo by Sheila Sund / CC BY

Denver is a fantastic option if you are wanting a more adventurous spring break trip this year, with sprawling mountains, it is known for its jumping-off point for ski resorts, so perfect for the adrenaline junkie wanting to avoid busy beaches. This city is well known for its historical ties to the Titanic too, wherein the famed survivor, Molly Brown resided in her mansion. After exploring the ski slopes, why not head into town to view the ultramodern Denver Art Museum for a slower-paced afternoon?

1.   Nashville | Tennessee

Nashville - Broadway
Broadway, Photo by Mark Stephenson / CC BY-ND

If you’re more of a music buff who prefers cowboy boots, head on down to Nashville for your alternative spring break this year! Explore the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, where country legends have performed for decades. After dancing the night away, make sure to get a great big southern-sized helping of local favorites like fried chicken and biscuits at Loveless, or fried green tomatoes and banana pudding at Arnold’s Country Kitchen. Most importantly, end your night at any one of Nashville’s scores of music venues for the best live music experience in the South any night of the week.

Romantic Valentine’s Day Destinations

January 26, 2023 No Comments
Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

Are you looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day trip? We all know that a trip to Paris or Napa Valley can be romantic, but there are lots of other cities in the world that can ignite the spark.  Whether you want to embrace the winter weather or travel to somewhere a little warmer, below are five romantic places to take your Valentine for a special getaway.

JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING
Cupid’s favorite holiday technically falls at the end of winter, so embrace the season.  Jackson Hole is remote, so it’s one of the least crowded places to choose if you’re looking for a winter wonderland.  Hit the slopes at one of the five ski resorts, take a sleigh ride through the Elk Refuge, or take a Dog Sled Ride to Granite Hot Springs. After your day out in the snow, cuddle up together at one of Jackson Hole’s many B&Bs or Resorts.  Can’t wait to plan a trip?  All the information you will ever need about this snowy city can be found on the dedicated Jackson Hole website.

HOTEL KAKSLAUTTANEN,  LAPLAND, FINLAND
Hotel Kakslauttanen offers many different accommodations, one of the more exciting being its glass igloos.  Cuddle up together in bed and gaze up into the Northern Sky.  These igloos provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to view the Northern Lights.  From the resort, you can go ice fishing, or take a Husky or Reindeer winter safari.

Looking to kick-start your Lapland trip? Dont forget to pre-book your hotel + parking package with ParkSleepFly before your trip!

MADIERA, PORTUGAL
Temperatures here rarely get below 55 °F even in the winter months, so it’s a great destination if you just can’t take the cold winter weather anymore.  The island has an abundance of protected reserves.  Hike up to breathtaking mountain views or explore the many manicured gardens.  Adventure seekers can scuba dive under the crystal-clear waters, and culture connoisseurs can explore churches and convents that date back to the 15th century.  Of course, you’re never too far from the beach, so relaxing in the sand is always an option.  Their official tourism site has an English option, so check it out.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
Savannah, GA is the go-to romantic getaway in the South-eastern United States, but why not try something a little different?  New Orleans can be just as romantic.  The charm of the French Quarter can make you feel like you’re on the streets of Europe.  No other American city has such a distinct and unique cuisine, from beignets to crawfish to gumbo, you’ll find you don’t have enough time to taste all that New Orleans has to offer.  Hit up a jazz club for a romantic night of dancing or enjoy the ambience at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar.  Right at the end of busy Bourbon Street, it is reputed to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States.

NAKED STABLES PRIVATE RESERVE MOGANSHAN, CHINA
You’ll have to pack for cooler weather, February temperatures are generally in the 40s and 50s, but this 60-acre resort promotes wellness as a lifestyle.  Stay in one of their cozy earth huts and restore your balance and spiritual and physical well-being.  Connect with nature and each other by taking one of many hikes, bike riding tours, or horseback riding tours that they offer.  You can also learn something new together; the resort offers calligraphy and tea-picking classes as well as yoga workshops, kite flying, and archery.

Prepare for your trip to China by pre-booking your parking lot space and hotel room the night before you fly. ParkSleepFly can help save your dollars and guarantee your lot space at your chosen airport!

Where will 2023 take you?

December 20, 2022 No Comments

Looking ahead to 2023 vacations is on a lot of traveler’s minds at the moment. The main question is where should you be taking a trip to? We have compiled a list of recommendations and trending destinations covering the US for domestic, European, and further afield worldwide travel.

There are many reasons to go on a trip to certain places, mostly including relaxing and tasting the best foods. To get our list started, we will look at some featured destinations for the best cuisine.

Best places to eat

Panoramic view of the historic town of Assisi on a beautiful sunny day with blue sky and clouds in summer, Umbria, Italy.

Umbria, Italy – Italy is already known for its outstanding taste when it comes to food, and the historic region of Umbria is a hidden gem within this country. From truffles to Pecorino cheeses, refresh your palate after indulging in fresh pasta with the finest wines from the region. It’s recommended you pair these decadent flavours with a deep Montefalco Sagrantino or Torgiano Rosso Riserva, both are made from the Umbrian red grape.

Petronas Towers, also known as Menara Petronas are the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The capital of Malaysia is always guaranteed to get your tastebuds tingling, and the large varieties of foods available mean you are always spoilt for choice when it comes to dining in this city. Roti Canai, a traditional east Asian dish has become popular in Kuala Lumpur over the years, and the multi-cultural impact of the city can be seen among many restaurants. Other dishes include Nasi Lemak, rice soaked in coconut milk, which is a staple recipe in Malaysia. This dish is very versatile and enjoyed at all times of the day.

Journeying to Malaysia has never been easier, with a stress-free airport parking booking with ParkSleepFly, you are guaranteed to get your trip off to a smooth start. Book now!

Fukuoka, Japan – The bustling city streets of Japan are filled with numerous places to soak up both the culture and the food of the East. Japanese food is becoming a big hit in the US, but it never beats trying traditional recipes in its homeland. From Mentaiko (spicy cod roe) to Tonkotsu Ramen and vegetable or pork Gyozas, there’s something to suit everyone in Fukuoka. Soy sauce, Miso and Salt are common ingredients to use throughout Japan and give a full-bodied Umami flavour to anything you pair it with. Vegetables, meats, and ramen are prepared and cooked with the utmost skill and enjoying Sake on the side is always recommended.

Lima, Peru – From the far East to the far south, Lima in the heart of Peru offers a plethora of interesting flavours that you won’t want to miss. Ceviche, the national dish of this country is the top of the list when it comes to enjoying food in Peru. This cold ‘cooked’ fish dish takes the region by storm and can be found on a large majority of menus throughout Lima. Lomo Saltado (Stir Fried Beef) is a big hit with meat eaters, and the traditional Peruvian preparation and cooking of this dish makes it a standout to try when you visit. Papas a la Huancaina (Potatoes in Spicy Cheese Sauce) is also the perfect carb-filled alternative if you aren’t one for eating heavier meat dishes. Peruvians take a larder staple and add a variety of spices to potatoes to create a mouth-watering dish that leaves you wanting more.

If you’re itching to see Peru, take the added stress away from your vacation by pre-booking your parking + hotel package with ParkSleepFly today!

Beach and Twelve Apostles mountain in Camps Bay near Cape Town in South Africa.

Cape Town, South Africa – Cape Town is all about community, and their version of a BBQ, known as Braai, brings together the local community. If you can find a Braai cookout when you visit, we highly recommend trying something new from the grill. Choose from meats including an exotic Warthog or Ostrich!

Best places to unwind

Aerial view of the coastline in Halkidiki, Greece

Halkidiki, Greece – The traditional European beaches offer beautiful coastlines and Halkidiki is guaranteed to not disappoint. Rest and recuperation are in high demand, so enjoying the sun in this coastal town gets you away from the hustle and bustle throughout 2023. If you want to take some time out for yourself, the turquoise waters lapping at the sand are the perfect place for you.

Jamaica – Just south of the US you can find the Island of Jamaica, which boasts multiple spa resorts, perfect for unwinding after a busy 2022. Enjoy full body massages, heated pools and saunas whilst enjoying the winter sun at the start of 2023. Montego Bay is guaranteed to offer a vacation of luxury, whilst the Martha Brae is the perfect place to steep yourself in nature by taking a raft out onto the river.

Beautiful view of Gozo island from a boat, the background landscape boasts the old town buildings

Malta – The Phoenicia Malta Gardens is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and to immerse yourself in your favorite book. Featuring views of the harbor, and a breathtaking infinity pool, you have the opportunity to soak up true Maltese culture. Finish your evening with a trip to The Phoenix restaurant and a cocktail or two at the Club Bar with views of the coast.

Raja Ampat, Indonesia – Indonesia is known for its long-term use of Eastern relaxation techniques as well as medicine. Raja Ampat boasts a Biodiversity Nature Resort, offering the perfect options for unwinding and relaxing before a busy 2023. With free breakfasts, Wi-Fi, and something for the kids, it’s a great choice for families looking to get away from a busy city setting.

Indonesia is calling, so pre-book your ParkSleepFly airport parking lot space now! Your travel stress will simply melt away knowing everything is taken care of.

Jordan – After a busy 2022, why not explore Jordan in 2023? There you can find the Hammamat Ma’in hot springs. These mineral water springs and waterfalls offer the ultimate relaxation after a busy Christmas and New Year season. This resort and spa location means you can enjoy a hot soak just south of Amman and at 264km below sea level!

Don’t let those hot springs be a daydream! Pre-book your hotel + parking package with ParkSleepFly and benefit from our exclusive coupons and offers.

Other trending destinations to visit in 2023 include Sydney Australia, Auckland New Zealand, and Salvador Brazil. All guarantee to offer even more interesting cuisines and dishes for you to try, or to enjoy a relaxing spa break before a busy rest of the year. Do you already have your flights booked for one of these destinations?