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.

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.

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.

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.

While some of the restaurants mentioned are not entirely vegan, they do offer a wide variety of options for those who prefer a plant-based meal.

Best Casual/Fast Food → Herbivores  

Who said fast food has to be unhealthy and full of meat and cheese? This laid-back eatery has an awesome menu offering a unique selection of plant-based versions of your favorite comfort foods. The chickpea ‘tuna’ salad served with a side of Hawaiian purple sweet potatoes is a refreshing meal that is packed with protein so you will feel satiated and energized to go on a hike or ride ATVs around the island. If you want something a bit heartier, the BBQ Jackfruit sandwich is the way to go. This pulled pork inspired sandwich will satisfy even the most staunch meat eater.

Best Acai → Basik Acai 

When in Hawaii, you MUST eat some açaí. Whether it’s a post beach-day snack or breakfast before a busy day of adventuring, açaí is super refreshing and full of nutrients to fuel your body. Plus, it is super tasty and very customizable to your taste preferences. I recommend getting the Puna bowl. Spirulina and hemp seeds add a protein boost and the tart açaí is complimented perfectly with the sweet banana, berries, and honey. I also recommend adding passion fruit on top when they have it available for a tangy kick!

Best Fancy/Upscale Dining → Huggo’s 

If you want to get dressed up and watch the sunset as you dine, look no further than Huggo’s. Although their specialty is fresh-caught seafood, they offer tofu as a substitute for many of their fish entrees, making for a delectable and satisfying vegan dinner. If tofu isn’t your fancy, they also offer a yummy pasta dish loaded with veggies in an olive oil sauce.

Best Drinks → Lava Lava Beach Club  

While Hawaii is known for its Mai Tais, if you want to try some other cocktails, I highly recommend checking out Lava Lava Beach Club in Waikoloa. Not only is this restaurant situated right on the beach making for the perfect backdrop as you sip and savor, they also have an extensive cocktail menu and a few vegan food options. If you want the full experience, order any cocktail in a souvenir bamboo or coconut cup.

Best Dessert → Sweet Journey Soft Serve 

Of course, I can’t forget about dessert. If you want something sweet after dinner or just an afternoon treat, you must go to Sweet Journey Soft Serve located in downtown Kona. Whether you eat dairy or not, Sweet Journey’s macadamia-nut based ice cream will satisfy your sweet tooth. Order one of their creations or customize your own unique sundae using any combo of their four core flavors and an abundance of delicious toppings, vegan treats, and drizzles.

If you’ve been considering visiting San Juan, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the activities. To make it easy, I have compiled my favorite activities for you to try, as well as some additional information about getting to San Juan! 

Getting To and Around San Juan

Puerto Rico can be reached by air or sea. Because Puerto Rico officially became a U.S. territory in 1917, you won’t need your passport to get there from the U.S. 

If flying, most airlines offer direct flights. From Raleigh, NC, to San Juan, a direct flight is three hours and 38 minutes, and less than $300 round trip. 

San Juan has a port for cruise ships, and there is a ferry connecting the island to both the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Ubers, Taxis, and walking are all great options for San Juan. You can also rent a car to drive through the city and around the island.

Stays

Puerto Rico has more than 130 hotels. You won’t have any trouble finding a place to stay that will fit your needs, whether you’re looking for a beachfront resort, quaint hotel, or downtown AirBnB. 

Personally, I loved my stay at the Condado Plaza Hilton, which was situated right on Laguna del Condado with private access to the public beach, Playita del Condado. 

Food and Drinks

Did you know that Puerto Rico produces 80% of the world’s rum and is the birthplace of the piña colada? In San Juan and around the island, there are dozens of mixology classes that focus on rum. You can also tour Casa Bacardi, with tickets ranging in price from $30 to $200. 

The Flavors of San Juan walking food tour is perfect for fans of history and delicious food. The tour is offered throughout the day and lasts approximately three hours. The walk overall is relatively mild, but be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes!

For restaurants, be sure to check out Waiters Gastro Bar, which is located in Condado (only a short walk from most resorts in San Juan). The owner of the restaurant is friendly and knowledgeable, and will offer great recommendations. My friend swears she had the best old fashioned of her life at Waiters, and I feel the same about the tres leches. 

Cocina Abierta is a tasting restaurant that offers five courses per person, with an intimate ambience great for small and large groups. There are vegetarian and pescatarian options for each course, and the total cost is $75/person.

Outdoors in Puerto Rico

One of my favorite activities was the Sunset Harbor Boat Ride. Refreshments were included in the tour, along with music and brief histories of various parts of the city.  

Puerto Rico is home to El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Tours of El Yunque are offered as half and full day excursions and can include waterfall tours, kayaking tours, and hiking. 

Before Visiting

Please be aware that June through November is hurricane season in Puerto Rico. In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria (2017), the citizens of Puerto Rico showed incredible resilience, and the tourism industry has slowly been rebuilding since.  

Partnership Between City of Durham, Durham County, and Commute with Enterprise Welcomes

Corning Life Sciences as First Employer to Take Advantage of New Program

DURHAM, N.C. – Durham commuters interested in saving up to 75% on their commuting costs versus driving their own personal vehicle can now take advantage of discounted vanpools thanks to a new subsidy from the City of Durham Transportation Department’s Way to Go Durham program.

With financial support from the Durham County Transit Plan, Way to Go Durham, Durham County, and Commute with Enterprise have partnered to provide discounted vanpools for groups of four or more commuters who pick their route, schedule, and pick-up points in a vehicle maintained by Commute with Enterprise. The program contributes up to $1,500 per month toward the cost of new vanpools starting and/or ending in Durham County. The subsidy will cover all of the program’s costs, excluding fuel, for the majority of the commuter groups and includes maintenance, insurance, and 24-hour roadside assistance.

“Our Way to Go Durham program is committed to exploring innovative options that support our equitable engagement initiatives to help ensure Durham residents have access to job opportunities as well as less stress in commuting,” said City of Durham Mayor Elaine O’Neal. “Way to Go Durham is leading the charge to reduce the number of people who drive alone to work throughout Durham, and provide access to those who do not own vehicles. I’m grateful that Durham County has partnered with our Transportation Department on this work to develop the vanpool subsidy program. Expanding mobility options symbolizes our commitment to innovation, equitable access to opportunity for all residents, and our continued focus on decreasing our carbon footprint.”

Vanpool commuters drive themselves to and from work and design their personalized route and schedule. Passengers in a new vanpool also have access to a free Emergency Ride Home program in case the vanpool driver has to leave unexpectedly, if a passenger or a member of their family gets sick, or if anyone has to work unexpected overtime. Each vanpool program is customized to the specific needs of its four or more vanpoolers. Participants can choose a qualifying vanpool vehicle from Enterprise’s selection of makes and models, including crossovers, SUVs, minivans, and ample passenger vans. Vanpoolers may decide to upgrade their vehicles with optional high-end features such as satellite radio, in-vehicle Wi-Fi service, and power ports for individual seats. As part of Enterprise’s Complete Clean Pledge, Commute with Enterprise provides best practices for cleaning and Complete Clean Starter Kits for new commutes.   

“Durham County continues to make significant investments to maintain and grow our local economy. Transportation should never be a barrier to any resident seeking employment and educational opportunities, and the County has prioritized providing access to these jobs by financially supporting Way to Go Durham’s subsidized vanpools in addition to emerging on-demand services like GoDurham Connect and RTP Connect as well as other innovative transit options,” said Durham County Board of County Commissioners Chair Brenda Howerton. 

Employees at Corning Life Science’s Durham Campus are the first group to take advantage of the new subsidy. “Being a part of this vanpool campaign shows that we are committed to helping our employees save time and money and reduce the stress of commuting while decreasing our carbon footprint,” said Human Resources Manager Amy Poli. “We’re excited that our employees are the first group to use the subsidy, and we hope that other companies in this area will follow.” According to Senior Process Engineer Medie Weledji with Corning Life Sciences, the current high fuel costs were the tipping point for his participation in the vanpooling program. “We learned about the opportunity to use the subsidy to help save us time and money commuting to and from work,” Weledji said. “The current gas price increase is a big driver in my decision to participate, and I am excited to begin commuting to work in the vanpool because now, as a passenger, I can read a book or catch up on my favorite TV shows.”

Durham commuters interested in joining the Way to Go Durham vanpooling subsidy program may visit the program’s websiteor send an email to learn more.

About the City of Durham Transportation Department’s Way to Go Durham Program

The Transportation Department remains steadfast in its commitment to providing and maintaining quality, multimodal infrastructure to improve mobility, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance the quality of life for current and future Durham residents, businesses, and visitors. The department also works with its regional partners to create and identify cost-effective solutions to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips. These solutions are part of a program, Way To Go Durham, that aims to make individuals and employers aware of commuting choices and resources in and around Durham. To learn more, follow the program on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Released: May 6, 2022

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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.

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