Waegook Tom

A Blog About A Globetrotting English Teacher

USA

Travel Tips for Visiting the USA

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When flying to a country which speaks a different language, it’s part of the routine to check the customs and the way which that particular country does things. However, when flying to a country which speaks English, such as America, Australia or New Zealand, it can be easy to think that the customs will be pretty much the same as the UK. In regards to America, there are a few things you should be aware in terms of rules and customs, as well as some essential planning to make your trip a lot smoother.

  • Be Prepared to Tip

Tipping is expected in America, from everyone, whether it be your taxi driver, restaurant server or hotel attendant. Whereas tipping is more a habit of choice in the UK based on good service, it’s customary in the United States, and can be viewed as particularly rude if you leave a restaurant without tipping. The majority of a restaurant server’s salary can be made up from tips in America, so it’s a good idea to set aside extra money in your budget for tipping.

  • Check Your Flight Times

The United States spans the length of the entire continent and has multiple time zones within it. This can make planning your travel experience somewhat complicated, especially if your flight route has multiple layovers along the way. What’s more, American airports have the tendency to be very strict. If you are flying to San Diego, for example, and you don’t want to deal with the stress of both customs and the long flight time, then Stratos Jets Charters is the best way to go. Private jets go through their own custom checks, and are far more luxurious to fly in. San Diego is an incredible city to visit and arriving on your own private jet is the best way to experience all this wonderful place has to offer.

  • Obey the Traffic Laws

American authorities are very strict when it comes to the rules of the road. No parking means no parking, and traffic must remain stopped at a red light until it changes fully to green (there’s no drifting through when the light is amber like you might do in the UK). You should also pay close attention to STOP signs and learn which way you need to look at a junction.

It’s also important to note that traffic laws and speed limits change from state to state, so you will need to check the specific rules for the state you intend to visit. Either invest in a GPS that informs you of changing speed limit signs or keep an eye out for sign changes – back grounds tend to drop suddenly in speed and have a tendency to not be very visible. Locals would calls this a “speed trap”.

  • Don’t Overwhelm Your Trip

There’s more than enough to do in one state, let alone 50 of them. Though it’s tempting for most people to want to nip over to a neighbouring state in order to tick another point of interest off their bucket list, a lot of people underestimate the travel distance between states (or even across one state) and don’t realise the toll travel can take on the body. Stick to what you can comfortably do in the state (or states) you want to visit and don’t try and do too much in one trip. You can always go back!

Top Four Things to Do When Traveling in Virginia in an RV

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If you’re looking for a unique twist to your next vacation, try staying in an RV.

Don’t own one? It’s easier than it has ever been before to rent one with Outdoorsy!

By staying in an RV, you have complete control over your vacation. You aren’t dependent on available hotel rooms and you don’t have to worry about unpacking and repacking every time you want to visit a new spot.

With that kind of freedom, the entire state of Virginia is at your fingertips. Here are four things you just have to do when visiting this great state in an RV.

Stay at Virginia Beach KOA

If you’ve never stayed in an RV before, checking out an RV resort is a must. Instead of roughing it by parking out in the woods with barely a place to shower, a resort provides you with the same level of amenities, and more, as a hotel.

One of the best is Virginia Beach KOA. RVers return to this location again and again because it:

  • Has two swimming pools and a giant inflatable water slide
  • Offers bike rentals and electric bikes
  • Hosts events like outdoor movies and ice cream socials
  • Has basketball, volleyball, horseshoe pits, and more
  • Offers trolley rides to the ocean
  • And more

Visit Shenandoah Caverns

Located in Quicksburg, the Shenandoah Caverns are a must-see. This cave system features over a mile of underground tunnels that connect to over a dozen chambers. Each one features a different formation with a special name, like the Diamond Cascade and the Grotto of the Gods.

Take the hour-long tour to learn how the caves formed and how they were discovered.

Walk Through Colonial Williamsburg

There are a lot of historical things to do in Virginia. It’s well worth your time to visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and George Washington’s Mount Vernon, but make sure you take time to visit Colonial Williamsburg.

There’s so much to explore on the 301-acre property that recreates Britain’s 18th century capital in the new world. Explore restored and reconstructed buildings, inspect recreated products from the day, and learn more about this historic area from costumed interpreters.

Camp at Great Falls Park

Just 15 miles from Washington, D.C. is Great Falls Park. If you’re looking for a rustic, natural RV experience, this is it.

This park houses the nation’s first canals as well as hiking trails that take you along dramatic clifftops. You can take a tour and learn more about the area from a park ranger, ride the trails on horseback, or do some rock climbing. Just make sure you check out the Great Falls of the Potomac River where water splashes dramatically down steps of jagged rocks.

The best part about an RV is the fact that you aren’t confined to a single location! Spend a day or two at one of these locations and then move onto the next so you can see everything this great state has to offer.

5 Fantastic Places to Hunt in the USA

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Are you an avid hunter looking for a new and exciting place to hunt?  Maybe you are new to the sport and you are looking for the best state to take a hunting trip?  There are many areas of the country that offer ample hunting opportunities and today, we are going to learn more about them.  We will explore several different states so that you can find one that is right for you.

Georgia

Georgia is one of those states that has a wide-range of hunting opportunities.  In the southern part of the state, you will find white tail deer and wild hogs.  In the north, the deer are still plentiful, but you can also find a healthy bear population.  You will also find large plantations with thousands of acres of land that will let you hunt for a fee.  But, if you are on a budget, you will also be able to hunt many public tracts of land without spending too much.  Before you hit the trail, you should gear up by visiting websites like bestriflescopereview.com.  This will help you select the right scope for your rifle.

South Carolina

This southern state is home to some of the best hunting in the world!  Here, you will be able to hit the field and the woods in search of deer, bear, wild hogs, and many more species.  If you’re into small game hunting, you will also be glad to know that the rabbit and squirrel hunting is very popular here.  There are many places to hunt here in South Carolina and you can find both public and private hunting access.

Montana

Montana is a beautiful state that welcomes hunters with open arms.  Not only does this state have a lot of deer like most states on this list; you can also find elk and antelope.  Montana is a great state for big game hunting so if you want to bag your limit, you should visit here.  There are many record-winning kills in the state, so finding a trophy buck won’t be difficult here.

Iowa

One of the best states in the country for white tail deer hunting, Iowa has many open acres of land for you to enjoy.  This state may have a low human population, but the deer population here is rampant.  There are so many deer in Iowa that they are often a problem for farmers, as they damage and destroy crops.  Here, you will also find many different types of bird hunting, which is also a fun sport.

Florida

The final state on our list is Florida.  This beautiful area of the country is not only home to some of the world’s best beaches, but they also have some amazing hunting.  White tail deer is one of the most popular game species in the state and some of the biggest bucks can be found here as well.  Also, in Florida, you can try your hand at hog hunting and alligator hunting, which are both local favorites.

Each of these states has something different to offer, so finding one that meets your hunting needs won’t be difficult.  So, if you want to try your hand at the sport, why not head to one of these locations during hunting season?

What You Need to Know About Breckenridge

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Fans of winter sports flock to Breckenridge, Colorado, for a few days of fun on the slopes. Everyone from solo travellers to those with their family are welcome at this alpine resort in the Rocky Mountains. There are lots of incredible and cosy Breckenridge cabin rentals to set the mood for a perfect winter (or summer) getaway. And you don’t have to spend all your time hitting the slopes in this famous North American ski resort. A range of other activities will keep every visitor entertained for the duration of their trip.

Accommodation:

Let’s start off by saying that Breckenridge has a total of five peaks (called Peak 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10). Most tourists will stay at Breckenridge Town, a small winter wonderland with postcard views. You can also find accommodation on some of the peaks for easy access to the trails of your choice. Other lodgings are a little further afield and have some of the best views of the mountains.

It’s easy to find the perfect place to stay with the variety of options available. This isn’t a budget destination, and you can expect to be spending quite a lot on lodgings. But, when you consider the luxury and facilities at your resort or vacation rental, it’s worth the costs.

Free shuttle buses ferry tourists from the village to the ski lifts, and you can rely on this to get around. The accommodation on some of the peaks is also accessible on the shuttles. However, if you want to enjoy the nightlife and entertainment, it’s advisable to stay in the town centre as shuttle services stop in the evening.

Getting In and Getting Out:

Denver is about a two-hour drive from Breckenridge. Tourists arriving at Denver International Airport have the option of either renting a car and self-driving to the resort or relying on the airport bus. The first has many advantages and gives you the flexibility to move around, but drivers also need to be confident on icy roads. The bus service is comfortable and a much better option for those without driving experience in wintery conditions. But, the service is expensive and runs on a limited schedule. Other options include hiring a private transfer or getting a taxi.

If you’re visiting during the summer when snow and ice aren’t an issue, it’s highly recommended to get your own transport. Breckenridge isn’t just a ski resort and has a lot of hiking trails, waterfalls and natural beauty within a short distance of the town. Combine this with the abundance of scenic drives makes getting your own wheels a top priority.

The Must-Do Things in Breckenridge:

Regardless of what time of the year you visit, one thing every tourist should do is get a taste of this former gold mining town’s past. The Main Street has buildings that date back more than 100 years, and you can take part in gold mining tours and actually pan for gold. The history of Breckenridge adds to its charm. Old buildings covered in a carpet of white snow juxtapose against the steep mountains in the background. A photographer’s paradise.

Skiers and snowboarders have the choice between almost 200 trails to get their adrenaline pumping. The novice can learn at ski school while the experts test their skills on the double black routes at Peak 8. Come back in the summer, and you can hike to the peak of Breckenridge or explore the natural beauty.

Families also love this mountain retreat. You can find a variety of child-friendly activities all year round. What child wouldn’t want to play in the snow or ride the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster? Most of the restaurants are also child-friendly with some even offering entertainment for the little ones. The best time of the year to bring the kids is during Christmas. Snow is a guarantee, and they’re sure to have a fantastic experience in December. However, you’re not alone in choosing this time of the year and if you do want to plan a getaway, expect higher prices and large crowds.

Eating and Drinking:

For a small town in the mountains, Breckenridge has a very active bar and café culture. Everything from award-winning restaurants to sushi and burgers are available giving visitors the choice of almost everything they could possibly imagine. Cafes serve hot drinks next to the warm fire where you can sit and watch the snow flutter down to the ground, which makes a perfect way to spend a few hours. And the bars fill up later in the day with those wanting to unwind after an active day on the slopes.

A top tip if you’re skiing and want to make the most efficient use of your time is to plan your meal times. During peak season, around Christmas and New Year, masses of visitors tend to eat at the same time. The limited number of restaurants will fill up quickly, especially around lunch and dinner time. If you’re flexible, get your lunch before 11.30am or after 2.00pm, and you’ll avoid the crowds. This means your food will arrive faster and you get back to the slopes quicker.

Everyone Loves Breckenridge:

A trip to Breckenridge makes a perfect winter getaway or relaxing break when the weather starts to pick up. Various types of accommodation, cafes and are along Main Street in the centre of the town. There’s something for everyone at this mountain retreat and families are welcome too. So, why not start planning your perfect holiday to Breckenridge regardless of the time of year now?

Las Vegas Weekend Getaway – What You Need To Know

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So a big event is coming up – maybe a hen or stag do or a big birthday and you’re wanting to do something truly off the wall, spectacular and exciting. But what? With so many things to choose, it can be difficult to pick just one thing to do, so why not pick the craziest option on your list – a long weekend with your crew to Las Vegas. It’s on everybody’s wish list, and you often get people talking about wandering the Strip, checking out casinos, going to some of the insane shows available and getting a bit rowdy, so what are you waiting for? Check out this mini guide to planning the perfect Vegas long weekend, for any occasion!

Accommodation

With so many hotels available throughout Vegas it can be easy to get distracted over choice. Depending on your budget and the budget of your crew it can be either something you splurge or something you skimp on and there are honestly hotels throughout the city to suit most budgets. The only downside is that if you scrimp on a hotel, you might actually end up with something pretty heinously bad, so be sure you’re prepared to literally get what you pay for in terms of quality. There are budget hotels that are known for being a bit better in terms of quality such as Days Inn or Travelodge. If you’re looking to splurge, consider booking yourself the ultimate in luxury at the likes of the Luxor Vegas or MGM Grand – both home to some seriously luxe pampering options as well as shows and in house casinos.

Getting In, Around and Out

Las Vegas is one of the most well serviced airports in the United States, welcoming millions of passengers each year who come to check out the city, year round. With a number of international flights daily, it’s important to remind prospective travellers of the need of a tourist visa to the United States for some nationalities. You can check the duration of a valid EVUS visa as well as apply for one online with ease. Getting around Las Vegas is simple and their public transport system is well maintained and serviced, with many routes lasting well into the night if not 24 hours to allow visitors to come and go as they please. Leaving the city, particularly to check out the nearby Hoover Dam can be arranged through most travel agencies or through the front desk at your hotel, including getting transfers to cities further afield such as Los Angeles, a 4 hour drive or only an hour flight.

Play It Cool

Remember that gambling can run away with you really quickly, especially if you’re convinced your luck is about to change so be sure to play it cool. Allocate yourself only a specific amount for gambling and once it’s gone, it’s gone. Keep yourself safe and be sure to enjoy your time in the city without going too wild. After all, it’s way more fun to play for fun and enjoy yourself than to let it get away from you!

 

So there you have a quick mini guide on Las Vegas and what to check out in terms of accommodation and transport, as well as some useful tips. Enjoy your time in the city, and have fun!