Travel & Tourism Insight – City Insight Magazine https://thecityinsightmag.com Insight into the industries that make up city living Tue, 21 Jan 2025 17:39:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://thecityinsightmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/mainfinallogo_larger-100x100.png Travel & Tourism Insight – City Insight Magazine https://thecityinsightmag.com 32 32 Beautiful Places to Travel in Winter https://thecityinsightmag.com/beautiful-places-to-travel-in-winter/ Wed, 22 Jan 2025 17:38:48 +0000 https://thecityinsightmag.com/?p=19393 Winter is the coldest time of the year, but some places are very cold, and some aren’t. Some people want to visit cold spots, and some don’t. These are the best places to go in the winter and they are popular too with all ages.

Astralumina Experience
This place isn’t cold but does have cold things and lights. Astralumina Experience has a nice view of lights and fake snow. Visitors can take nice photos while they are there. Asrtralumina Experience is in Los Angeles, California. This experience is shown at night and in the South Botanic Garden. Ticket prices run $32.72 and prices go down depends what days people get to go. Astralumina Experience starts in November and ends in March. Many people love the view. Astralumina Experience has lights that are shaped like the moon. The Astralumina experience creates lasting memories and is fun for the whole family.

Anywhere in Alaska
Alaska is cold in the winter—ice cold. Have all your snow clothes ready for Alaska because it is very cold in the winter season. Does anyone have a warm bath while being in cold winter in Alaska? A great place for this is Chena Hot Spring. Chena Hot Spring has a hot pool while looking at the snow.
Alaska is known for dog sledding in the snow, which is called Mushing. These dogs go fast on the snow and track across many miles in Alaska.

Anyone can go to a Castner Glacier trail in the winter season. It is a cave of ice and full of white snow.
In December, they have Santa Clause House and Antler Academy. They have reindeer outside and the North Pole and they have a Santa Clause. It is nice to go here for Christmas and have the experience.
The last thing they have is a sky view of the Northern Lights, this is also called aurora borealis. These are natural lights in the sky that showcase a breathtaking view. This is only seen on winter nights and is a checkmark on many people’s bucket lists.

Columbus Ohio
In winter, Columbus, Ohio, has ice bumper cars. People can drive these cars on the ice ring, and they look like fun in the snow. The ice bumper cars are outside of the American Museum of Natural History. If anyone wants to warm up in the winter, they can get a beer in the luminous sky bar tents which is great for adults.

Estes Park, Colorado
Colorado is the coldest one in the states. Estes Park, Colorado has a snowy mountain that has a roller coaster. The Estes Park roller coaster has a long track. This activity is founded on a farm/national park full of snow on the mountain. If anyone wants to see snow while going on a roller coaster, they see everywhere when going fast on the cart. There is a walking trail where people walk in the snow. They can even ice skate on the lake. This park gives you the full winter experience that can be fun for all ages.

Adventure Park, Colorado
Adventure Park, Colorado has the biggest mountain where people can go snow tubing. People can see all the snow while going down the mountain with the snow tubing. This snowing tubing goes fast and fits one person. This looks like a fun adventure in winter. People can also get two snowing tubs for two people. It’s a great day activity for kids and helps keep people active while having fun.

Lake Tahoe, California
The mountains of Lake Tahoe snow in the winter season. The fun things people can do in winter in Lake Tahoe are snow tubing, camping, going on car rides, fishing, and hiking in the snow mountains. So anyone who is close to Lake Tahoe and wants to do these fun winter activities make sure to end on down to get the full experience.

Big Bear, California
Big Bear, California is popular in the Los Angeles and Orange County area in California. There is no snow in Los Angeles, but these mountains are full of snow. If anyone wants to visit the snow in Los Angeles and Orange County, they have to Big Bear California. There are so many winter activities in Big Bear, California. People can do the Alpine side, snow tubing, snowboarding, and horse riding. The alpine side is riding on top and down a hill with plastic board or paper board. No wonder this place is popular because of the fun winter activities.

When comes winter, everyone wants to visit a place where snow is. The snow is a fun time in life because anyone can enjoy it at the same time. So anyone who wants to go visit cold places or not can choose from so many choices across the states.

]]> How to Keep a Travel Budget https://thecityinsightmag.com/how-to-keep-a-travel-budget/ Tue, 10 Dec 2024 18:23:44 +0000 https://thecityinsightmag.com/?p=19350 Families like to travel every holiday season or vacation but struggle to keep a budget. They find places closer to where they live or far away. These are ways to help save money and still have a great time on vacation.

Write Down the Amount of Money Spent
Travelers can write down how much they spend on a notepad phone application. For example, they can write down where they went to eat, how much they spent on a hotel room or Airbnb, and what they brought to the shops. They can use a small notepad carry it in their pocket, and write down the same things. This will help them be organized. Some people use Excel as a chart, google Docs, or Word doc application to write the money they spend and keep the total.

A Person Needs to put A Small Amount with Them
The person going to travel can have a small amount in their wallet. The money they have can spent in the place they are at. They only spend money on food and stores. This will help them spend less money on their trip.

Look up the Place on the Web
The person needs to research where they are going on the internet. They need to look at pictures and information about the destination on the internet. For example, they look at maps of location and look up the culture so they can be aware and respectful of the locals.

Long Stay at the Destination
The person who is going to travel blocks the days they plan to stay at the location. This allows them to prepare ahead of time and let important sources know ahead of time. This also helps the person calculate the number of days and food services they will need on the trip.

Nonpayment Entertainment Places
Any person who is going to a place needs to look up on the internet which place is a non-payment entertainment place. For example hiking parks and popular free places. If the person goes to visit a Beach in Hawaii, they don’t have to pay anything. They can visit the place without any payment. It helps stay in a budget and sometimes the free places are more worthwhile then the ones that need to be paid for.

Going to a new place is everyone’s dream, but a budget is something that can be hard to follow if you don’t know how. This list can help keep the budget and still make sure the time on the trip is well spent.

]]> 10 Fabulous Places to Visit this Summer https://thecityinsightmag.com/10-fabulous-places-to-visit-this-summer/ Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:23:36 +0000 https://thecityinsightmag.com/?p=18961
Summer brings perfect weather and new beginnings to get outside and see new sights. Here are some fabulous places to visit this summer that both family and friends can enjoy.

Community/Botanical Gardens/Parks/Nature Reserve- Step out and enjoy nature this summer season as the flowers are in bloom and the animal world is active.

The Zoo – Take advantage of the nice weather to visit your local zoo to learn more about the animals that live alongside us, and find ways to donate to help their causes.

Outlet malls and Shops– Window shopping is a tradition that has gone on for centuries take this time to find new shops around town and support small businesses.

Flea Markets– Markets are full of treasures that are waiting to be discovered at lower prices than the average cost. Many small businesses sell their wears and crafts usually locally sourced from the surrounding area.

Local Farms– Many local farms will hold events and sell in-season produce to the community. It’s a chance to appreciate the farming community and get fresh produce for your household.

Outdoor Events– Many events will start to kick off with the summer season. Music shows, art displays, and so on can give you a new look at the community around you.

Amusement Parks– Pick a time to enjoy a day of thrills and fun. It doesn’t have to be the big amusement parks either many local parks hold great history and are hidden gems for the surrounding community.

State Fairs– Although late in the summer and going into the fall season, state fairs live up to their hype as they showcase independent creators, food makers, and so much more. It’s great for families and has many activities that everyone can enjoy.

Local Festivals– Local festivals help you discover something new about your community. It helps to get involved and discover new things about the people around you.


New area/Another country- Many places in the world are remarkable in the summer. Take this time to enjoy them and do something new to shake up your routine.

There are many other ideas for places to go, but this list is a good start to help brainstorm ideas for solo trips or trips with family and friends. The most important thing to take away from this article is to at least take the time to go outside and try something new this Summer.

]]> Traveling by Train in the U.S. https://thecityinsightmag.com/traveling-by-train-in-the-us/ Wed, 24 May 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://thecityinsightmag.com/?p=18562 Like many folks in the U.S, I’ve always romanticized traveling by train, and regularly choose rail over cars when I can. I love being able to relax while taking in the beautiful views, read, write, or chat with friends.

The U.S. has some incredible cross-country train vacations, as well as scenic day trips, specialty add-on activities, and more. Different from the light rail that gets us around in our home cities, the trips detailed below are luxurious, relaxing, and will show you just a bit more of the expansive country.

The Pacific Surfliner

This 351-mile trip starts in San Diego, California and travels north along California’s coast before ending in San Luis Obispo. This train travels through dozens of cities, including Anaheim, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara. The Pacific Surfliner also stops at Disneyland Resort. A one-way coach ticket costs $86, which includes a personal item and two carry on bags. From San Diego to San Luis Obispo, this trip takes just under 13 hours.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a few different ride packages that range from a four hour scenic tour to overnight trips with accommodations at the Stonebrook Lodge in Bryson City. You can choose specialty add-ons, such as rafting, a caboose party, and zip-lining. They also offer different types of trains to pick from, including steam powered or diesel powered trains. If you book a weekday trip between May 1st – August 31st 2023, every adult ticket (ages 13+) will come with a free kid’s ticket (ages 2-12).

Grand Canyon Railway

If you’d prefer to take in the Grand Canyon without hiking, you can take the Grand Canyon Railway through the heart of the Grand Canyon, and stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. There are various packages available for this trip that offer different types of entertainment, and they even host a Polar Express event in the winter. For a one night stay for two adults on the weekend, the cost for tickets and the hotel start at $437. Discounts are offered for AAA members and those with NPS park passes.  

Foliage Tours

States across New England offer foliage tours throughout the fall, with the height of foliage season usually in mid to late October. These tours range from quick family-oriented trips between apple orchards to longer passes through the White Mountains of New Hampshire or the Green Mountains of Vermont. Tickets range in price depending on time and location, but all will be well worth it. As a native Vermonter, I would be remiss not to mention Vermont’s Green Mountain Railway, which offers brunch, cocktail, and the occasional murder mystery trains in the Champlain Valley.

Cross-Country Trips

Looking for a longer vacation? Amtrak offers cross-country vacation packages for both the U.S. and Canada. These trips include sleeper cars, admission to landmarks, hotel accommodation, guided walking tours, and more. These trips range in price and duration, such as $999 for a 10 day trip from Los Angeles to Washington D.C.

]]> Should You Have a Destination Wedding? https://thecityinsightmag.com/should-you-have-a-destination-wedding/ Wed, 15 Jun 2022 14:16:13 +0000 https://thecityinsightmag.com/?p=17909

Have you always dreamed of getting married on a tropical beach, in an opulent garden, or inside a towering castle? If so, you may be considering a destination wedding. Destination weddings take place anywhere far away from where the couple lives, often in another country. According to research by The Knot, about 1 in 5 couples in the United States now opt for a destination wedding. Is it any wonder? A destination wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime vacation and show-stopping wedding rolled into one. It won’t be the right choice for every couple, however, and a lot of consideration must go into that decision.

Cost

Weddings are expensive. The average cost for a local wedding in 2021 was $34,000. How do destination weddings stack up? It depends. It’s possible to throw a destination wedding for less than $10,000.  Popular tropical locations like the Caribbean islands and Mexico are often cheaper than comparable venues at home, and all-inclusive wedding packages cut down on costs usually. However, it can also be significantly more expensive. Just remember that add-ons and luxuries add up fast, and some locations will be pricy.

Planning

Destination weddings, especially abroad, require more planning. There’s the travel, accommodations, and finding vendors long-distance, to name a few additional tasks. Professionals and experienced couples alike say that hiring a local wedding planner is a must. Some venues and wedding packages include the services of a wedding planner for no extra charge. A wedding planner is particularly helpful if you want to ensure you get legally married at your destination, as marriage laws are different everywhere. Keep in mind that this could mean being more hands-off than if you were planning your wedding at home.

Safety

There are always safety concerns with traveling, and weddings are no exception. Having your wedding far from home greatly increases the number of things that can go wrong, from delayed flights to monsoons. Do your research on your location of choice. Know what risks you are comfortable with and what you can prepare for. If you decide to take the plunge, wedding and travel insurance are a good idea.

Etiquette

The etiquette rules are different for a destination wedding. Many people will be unable or unwilling to come due to the expenses, timing, obligations and work, etc. Expect only about half of your invitees to accept the invitation. Because of the costs to guests to attend, it’s customary not to expect or accept gifts at destination weddings. If having lots of guests or the gift-giving tradition is important to you, this is something to think seriously about.

Keep your guests in mind when deciding if, when, and where to have a destination wedding. Elderly, infirm, and very young family members may not be able to handle adventurous locales. If your entire family hates the cold, that white wedding in the wintry mountains probably isn’t ideal.There’s a lot to think about when deciding whether to have a destination wedding. The most important thing is that your wedding is perfect for you and your fiancée. It will be a magical day no matter where you decide to celebrate.

]]> CarGuard Administration Is Changing The Customer Car Experience https://thecityinsightmag.com/carguard-administration-is-changing-the-customer-car-experience/ Sun, 31 Oct 2021 19:58:36 +0000 https://thecityinsightmag.com/?p=17251 Phoenix, Arizona, USA – WEBWIRE – Friday, October 29, 2021

CarGuard Administration provides vehicle protection plans to clients across the country in 48 different states. When it comes to protection plans, it’s no secret that the industry is full of administrators who don’t care. The customer isn’t their first priority, which leads them to provide lousy service.

Customers have a completely different experience when they contact a CarGuard location. Every member of the CarGuard Administration team is fully dedicated to providing their customers with the best quality service. They know every customer has different needs, and they’re prepared to find out what they are so every customer can walk with the right protection plan.

CarGuard’s CEO Trevor Smith had a different vision for CarGuard. He wanted to bring to life a vehicle protection plan service that was able to provide the customer exactly what they wanted. With that in mind, he made sure every CarGuard employee was on the same page and this customer-centric frame of mind has helped them create long-term customer relationships with people all over the country.

For over 5 years, CarGuard Administration has been the leading provider of vehicle protection plans in the industry. Trevor Smith strongly believes that the approach the company takes to building customer relationships is why they continue to be successful year after year.

Customers feel like they are being heard when they contact CarGuard Administration. Each team member takes the initiative to listen to their customers and doesn’t let anyone leave the establishment unless all of their questions have been addressed. They don’t mind putting in extra time on the job to make sure their customers are fully satisfied.

At CarGuard, customers don’t feel overwhelmed by the information placed in front of them. Many vehicle protection plans come with over-the-top contracts that are difficult for the customers to read. CarGuard takes a different approach when setting customers up with a contract. Customers can expect a straightforward contract with important but easy-to-read information.

When people are looking for a new vehicle service contract, they are amazed by what they can find at CarGuard. Not only are there several protection plans designed for different types of vehicle owners, but there are also much fewer restrictions and limits put in place than other companies.

Many customers dread looking for a service vehicle contract because of how pushy and aggressive some of the salespeople can be. They have a completely different experience when they go to CarGuard. Everyone on the CarGuard team is friendly and helpful.

CarGuard employees never push a customer into getting something that isn’t right for them. This approach works well for them because they know each customer leaves with the plan that is best tailored to their needs. Keeping their customers happy is what they do best because they know that is how they get people to return.

WebWireID280987

CONTACT INFORMATION: Eli Green, Digital Marketing Manager, Good Guy News, Contact via E-mail

]]> Artsplosure 2021 Lineup Announced https://thecityinsightmag.com/artsplosure-2021-lineup-announced/ Fri, 20 Aug 2021 17:30:00 +0000 https://thecityinsightmag.com/?p=17230 News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: 

Amanda Bittner, Marketing Director, Artsplosure

919-832-8699

amanda@artsplosure.org

Lineup Announced for Artsplosure – The Raleigh Arts Festival: October 9-10, 2021

The annual Artsplosure – Raleigh Arts Festival will showcase a diverse mix of music, performance art, children’s activities, interactive art, and fine artists and crafters in downtown Raleigh.  As it has been for 41 years, Artsplosure is free to the public!  

RALEIGH, N.C. – Artsplosure, the presenter of Artsplosure – The Raleigh Arts Festival, today announces its lineup of performing artists for its 41st namesake festival to take place on Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10 in downtown Raleigh. Festival organizers have curated an eclectic mix of emerging performers ranging from acoustic blues, to Cosmic Americana, to soul, to alt-folk, and more. 

Artsplosure – The Raleigh Arts Festival 2021 Performing Artists

Son Little • Brittney Spencer • Aaron Lee Tasjan • Ida Mae • Thunderstorm Artis • Lakota John • Christopher Paul Stelling • Bassel & The Supernaturals • Blue Cactus • Libby Rodenbough • 

T. Gold • Chessa Rich • Trippers & Askers • and more!

Performances on Saturday, October 9 highlight an array of talent and genres, featuring sets from first generation Syrian-American Bassel & the Supernaturals, NC native guitarist and songwriter Lakota John, southern folk singer and guitarist Christopher Paul Stelling, and Americana singer-songwriter, ace guitarist, and fiery live performer Aaron Lee Tasjan. Saturday’s headliner is Son Little, hailed by NPR as “honest and unpretentious,” while The Independent proclaimed him “a formidable talent,” and Vice declared that he was “dissolving the barrier between R&B and rock ‘n’ roll one tearjerker at a time.”

Live music performances will continue on Sunday, October 10, with Americana/Indie-Country duo Blue Cactus, Sleepy Cat Records artists Trippers & Askers, T. Gold, Chessa Rich, and Libby Rodenbough, acoustic alt-folk duo Ida Mae, and Thunderstorm Artis, Season 18 finalist on NBC’s The Voice. Sunday’s headliner is country singer-songwriter and rising star Brittney Spencer, recently heralded by Maren Morris as an artist to watch during her 2020 CMA Female Vocalist of the Year acceptance speech.

A complete list of the full line-up of visual artists, special activities and music will soon be available at RaleighArtsFestival.com.  

Connect with Artsplosure!

www.RaleighArtsFestival.com

Use hashtag #Artsplosure #ArtForAll

Facebook: Facebook.com/Artsplosure

Twitter: @Artsplosure

Instagram: @Artsplosure

Click here for hi-res images.

About Artsplosure

Artsplosure is an independent nonprofit organization that presents arts festivals in Raleigh, including its namesake spring festival since 1980 and First Night Raleigh since 1991.  Its mission is to produce quality events that make the works of the most imaginative and celebrated artists accessible to the public, all in an effort to enrich our community and inspire greater love for the visual and performing arts.  

Artsplosure is funded in part by the City of Raleigh based on the recommendations of the Raleigh Arts Commission and is also supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

For more information visit www.artsplosure.org. 
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— 
Amanda BittnerMarketing Director
Artsplosure/First Night® Raleigh19 W Hargett St, Suite 310, Raleigh, NC 27601
http://www.artsplosure.org

]]> New Ways to Save and Have More Fun at The 2021 Carolina Classic Fair https://thecityinsightmag.com/new-ways-to-save-and-have-more-fun-at-the-2021-carolina-classic-fair/ Fri, 20 Aug 2021 02:33:28 +0000 https://thecityinsightmag.com/?p=17224 ALL MEDIA REQUIRE PASSES. Email Siobhan@FeistyPR.comfor passes. 

For Information, Photos, Interviews: Siobhan Olson, 336-769-6365, Siobhan@FeistyPR.com

NEW WAYS TO SAVE – AND HAVE MORE FUN – AT THE 2021 CAROLINA CLASSIC FAIR 

Winston-Salem, N.C. (August 19, 2021) — The Carolina Classic Fair, Winston-Salem, NC, announced new ways to save money on tickets and rides at the Fair from October 1 to 10.  There are also new locations to purchase tickets. 

New Ways to Save at the Fair

Welcome Back Friday is the first day of the Fair when admission will be $5 all day for everyone. “This our chance to welcome everyone back to the Fair,” said Fair Director, Cheryle Hartley. “We took the time off to plan for new and exciting entertainment, food and beverages, livestock exhibits, fine arts and crafts, a world-class carnival with numerous rides and games. Bring your family and friends for a fun time.” 

On weekdays during the fair, Early Bird Special Admission is only $5 from opening to 4PM.

Children under age 5 and senior adults (age 65+ with an ID) are always free.

When the Wake Forest Demon Deacons take on the Louisville Cardinals in NCAA Football on October 2, you can grab one Louisville East Sideline football ticket and one ticket to the Fair that is good any day from October 1-10 for $28. Tickets can be purchased at carolinaclassicfair.com/tickets/.

Advance Tickets and Advance Sale Strates Ride Coupons are always the most economical way to attend the Fair with savings up to 40 percent off day-of tickets. You can purchase advance tickets and ride coupons through Ticketmaster, the Fair’s website https://carolinaclassicfair.com/, and at the Fair’s ticket office (414 Deacon Blvd, 27105; Monday – Saturday from 10AM to 5PM) through September 30.  Tickets are available through mobile ticketing, so there is no need to wait in ticket lines when you arrive. 

New Ticketing Location

Tickets to the Fair are now available during game nights at the Winston-Salem Dash Team Store at Truist Stadium, 951 Ballpark Way, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Starting August 30, on non-Dash game days, store hours from August 30 to September 25 are 11AM to 5:30PM (Monday to Saturday); from September 27 to 30, hours are 10:30AM to 6PM (Monday to Thursday). On Dash game days, tickets are available from September 7 to 11 from 11AM to 5:30PM (Monday to Saturday); from September 16 to 18, get tickets from 10:30AM to 6PM (Monday to Thursday). During games, tickets are available for purchase for game attendees. 

More About Advanced Tickets and Ride Credits

Advance Ticket prices are $8 for adults (regularly $10 for ages 12 and older) and $3 for children (regularly $5 for ages 6-11). Children under age 5 and senior adults (age 65+ with an ID) are free. Early bird admission (Monday-Friday before 4PM) will be $5.

Advance Sale Strates Ride Cards are $15 for 40 credits (regularly $20, Ticketmaster service fees apply if purchased online). Exchange your Advance Sale Ride credits for the ride card at the Redemption Center Tent as you enter the fair. Generally rides take 6 to 10 credits per ride (approximately four rides per card on the Midway; five rides per card in Kiddie Land). Coupons are good any day.  

Even greater savings can be had with Advance Sale Strates Unlimited Ride Wristbands that are valid for one day during the Fair (Ticketmaster service fees apply when purchased online). Advance Weekday Wristbands cost $25 (regularly $45, Monday – Friday). Advance Weekend Wristbands are $40 (regularly $45, Saturdays and Sundays). Unlimited Ride Wristband Days are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday when wristbands are $35 and sponsored by WTQR-FM, WMAG-FM, WMKS-FM. Pick up wristbands at the Redemption Center Tent.  

The Advance Sale Strates Ride Tickets and Unlimited Ride Wristbands are only available in advance of opening of the Fair.

Ticketmaster has eliminated its order processing fee. Online fees for tickets will be $0.50 for tickets, and $0.75 for ride Coupons. Advance Tickets can be purchased with no convenience charges at the Annex Box Office.

Celebrating its 139th year in 2021, the Carolina Classic Fair is owned and operated by the City of Winston-Salem. The Carolina Classic Fair, at the time of opening day, will follow all state and local health and safety protocols. For more information on the Carolina Classic Fair, visit CarolinaClassicFair.com.

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]]> Think Outside: 5 Ways to Disconnect and Enjoy The Outdoors https://thecityinsightmag.com/think-outside-5-ways-to-disconnect-and-enjoy-the-outdoors/ Tue, 19 Nov 2019 17:26:31 +0000 https://thecityinsightmag.com/?p=14158 (BPT) – Life is hectic, full of demands at work and home. Add digital distractions like computers, cell phones, tablets and more, and it’s no wonder many people are experiencing record-high levels of stress.

One simple solution is to shift your perspective by spending more time outdoors. When you do an enjoyable activity outside, stress begins to melt away as you bask in the fresh air, sunshine and beauty of nature.

This doesn’t mean you have to be a savvy outdoor adventurer. There is a growing movement of people of all ages and walks of life embracing nature by finding new ways to discover the world around them. If you feel the draw of the outdoors, consider these five ideas for disconnecting and enjoying activities outside:

1) Try something new

When you challenge yourself by trying a new outdoor activity, you gain confidence and build lasting memories. You might also find new connections with a shared perspective. Curious about fishing? Look for local opportunities and guides. Want to learn how to rock climb? Research local classes and clubs. Interested in an experience of a lifetime? Explore the many options Polaris Adventures provides. These expertly tailored trips throughout the country let you try new ride-and-drive experiences that you’re sure to never forget.

2) Take a hike

One of the easiest ways to explore the outdoors is something that virtually anyone can do: hiking. Put on comfortable, sturdy athletic shoes and have fun discovering the parks and forests around you. Whether you opt for paved trails or a more challenging path through the forest, it’s a wonderful way to have fun by yourself or with others. Make a day of it by packing lunch or other snacks for mid-hike picnics where you can take in the grandeur of Mother Nature.

3) Explore the open road

There’s something freeing about the open road and exploring the nation’s highways, byways and hidden winding roadways. The fresh air and breeze in your face is second only to the sights and sounds of the new surroundings you experience as you explore cities, towns and country sides. As you look for your next adventure, try an alternative to a car or motorcycle that provides an exhilarating experience, such as a three-wheeled motor vehicle. These vehicles are as fun to drive as they look, plus most can comfortably seat two people for joint outdoor exploration.

4) Head off road

Find endless possibilities beyond the pavement. Few things can compare to traveling off road and discovering hidden spots and new places. With Polaris off-road vehicles, the options are only limited by your desire to explore. Pack up your gear and head out knowing you’re in a machine made to journey through the forests, deserts, mountains and beyond. Go at your own speed and see where it takes you.

5) Wander the water

Whether it’s a pond, lake, river or ocean, the water is equal parts soothing and exhilarating. It provides countless opportunities to spend time outside, depending on your personal preferences. Fish from the shoreline. Rent a canoe or kayak to discover bays and sandbars. Kick back and explore on a Bennington Pontoon. Try your hand at paddle boarding. When in doubt, just plan a beach day with a group of friends or the whole family.

As life continues to pull people in every direction, it’s more important than ever to take a moment and spend time outside. With these ideas, it’s easier than ever to enjoy connecting with others and the outdoors. For more ideas about what to do outside, visit Polaris.

]]> How to Prepare for Your Next Road Trip https://thecityinsightmag.com/how-to-prepare-for-your-next-road-trip/ Fri, 23 Aug 2019 06:30:28 +0000 https://thecityinsightmag.com/?p=14109 (BPT) – Almost 100 million Americans will go on a family vacation sometime this year, and nearly half of them will choose to make it a road trip, according to AAA. If your family is one of them, you’ll want to be sure to make adequate preparations before hitting the road.

No matter how far you’re driving, or in what kind of vehicle, take these steps to help make sure your trip goes smoothly. With a little extra preparation, you’ll feel ready for any unexpected bumps along the road.

Catch up on routine maintenance

Before leaving for your trip, make time to get caught up on any routine maintenance items like oil changes, tire rotations and the like. Make sure there are no outstanding recalls for your vehicle. Have your mechanic check all of your vehicle’s fluid levels, the wiper blades, lights and signals, tire tread and PSI, plus, of course, the condition of your brakes. If you’ve noticed any issues at all with how your car is running, now’s the time to mention them so they don’t become a problem when you’re halfway to your destination.

Prepare for tire troubles

Because 1 in 3 new cars no longer include a spare tire, the demand for portable tire inflators continues to grow. Tire inflator products are convenient, easy to pack in your trunk, and are widely available at stores and online. They can get you back on the road quickly in case of puncture or other minor issue, keeping your vehicle going for 3 days or 100 miles, until you can get the damaged tire replaced. Nearly all commercial tire inflators use Honeywell Solstice Propellant, a nonflammable propellant that helps seal larger punctures than alternative propellants. Honeywell Solstice Propellant also has ultra-low global warming potential. Even if you do have a spare tire and jack in your car, if you are unable or reluctant to change your tire for any reason, having a tire inflator along in addition to the spare offers a quicker, easier alternative that can help you out of a roadside jam.

Check your load limit

If you’re planning on packing or hauling a lot of extra gear, especially large or heavy items such as a boat, bikes or a trailer, check your towing capacity and/or load limit to be sure your vehicle can handle the extra weight or towing. Your vehicle’s load capacity is usually available in your owner’s manual and/or on the tire information in the driver’s door sill. For information, regulations and resources on towing a trailer, see the National Highway Traffic Safety Association’s website, nhtsa.gov. Make sure any extra load on your vehicle, such as a rooftop cargo carrier, is properly secured.

Pack with safety in mind

Bring along everything you and your family might need to stay safe and healthy during the trip, along with items you might need in case of a breakdown or other vehicle emergency. Be sure to include a standard first aid kit, along with bottled water and protein or energy bars, blankets, flashlights and batteries, a phone charger, jumper cables, plus warning flares or triangles. Be sure to have the number of a roadside assistance service programmed into your phone in case of emergency.

If you take these steps to ensure your vehicle is in top condition and ready to roll, as well as packing what you’ll need in case of an emergency, you’ll know that your vacation will be fun and relaxing. Doing a little preparation ahead of time will give you the peace of mind to sit back and enjoy the journey.

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