Hawaii Volcanoes

4.00 Jgriffindor6 United States - 26-Oct-24

Hawaii is a vacation destination of choice for many on the US west coast, and for a while, I felt like one of the only people in California that liked to travel that had not been to Hawaii (not even once!). Hawaii, being that it is beautiful, tropical, and unique, is also very expensive and will make your wallet cry for help. Compared to the prices for other domestic trips, Hawaii takes the cake for most expensive.

But honestly, it was so worth the temporary bankruptcy! I had this idea in my head that because so many people visit Hawaii that it wouldn't be as cool to visit as people say it is because it would be too crowded or something. But now I understand why so many people go there in the first place! It is truly a unique and special place

Yosemite National Park

5.00 Jgriffindor6 United States - 13-Oct-24

This is the only WHS that I have been to multiple times, due to living in California, and it truly is a highlight of not only CA but the USA as a whole. It is a beautiful and unique landscape that rewards multiple visits. I have only been in summer because that is when most trails are open for hiking, but I have heard that it is gorgeous in all seasons. I actually would not recommend a visit in high summer due to crowds and the reservation system that they have put in place. The Valley can become a circus very quickly, especially in the summer season. I would recommend a visit in fall.

Ayutthaya

3.00 Jgriffindor6 United States - 05-Oct-24

I visited this site after I visited Angkor, which in hindsight may not have been the best idea, as no other set of ruins in the area can compare to it. However, it is a nice site and deserves a visit. I particularly enjoyed the buddha statue that got entwined with the tree roots. It is also relatively crowd-free, at least on the day that I was there. These temples are in true ruins (unlike angkor, which is very much reconstructed) and offers a different atmosphere. 

However, like others have stated, what UNESCO chose to include and exclude from the site area is a bit confusing. Some of the most notable temples were not included within the site. Also, the city around the ruins is not that pleasant, and there were people riding elephants in the vicinity, which I find unethical. 

Waterton Glacier International Peace Park

5.00 Jgriffindor6 United States - 05-Oct-24

I visited Glacier national park in August of 2023. While I have been to a significant chunk of national parks in the US, Glacier easily takes one of the top spots due to its amazing scenery and outstanding hiking opportunities. However, you have to really plan ahead in order to fully enjoy the park.

The NPS has implemented a reservation system for vehicles in order to control the amount of visitors [...]

Nikko

5.00 Jgriffindor6 United States - 29-Sep-24

As I had taken a Japanese history class in college and learned all about the Tokugawa shogunate, I had to work visiting Nikko into my travel plans. We took the (super early) express train from Asakusa station and made it to Nikko right when the temples started opening.

The highlight is Toshogu shrine, as it is the grandest and contains the remains of Tokugawa Ieyasu. But it is also chocked with hordes of school tour groups at all times, even if you go early. It is worth braving the crowds however, because the carvings are amazing. The restoration team did a wonderful job. Taiyuin is almost just as grand and much more peaceful than Toshogu. This one contains the remains of Tokugawa Iemitsu. The mountain and forest atmosphere is also in itself peaceful.