Glacier National Park, Montana

A lot of people in the United States believe that in order to see something beautiful they have to get a passport to visit another country. Fortunately, this is not true. The United States is full of beauty, magic, and art, all you need to do is look for it. Scattered all across the country are ancient relics, awe-inspiring landscapes, and natural masterpieces. If you’re looking for a bit of an adventure, but you don’t want to spend your life savings to leave the country, then check out this list of hidden gems of beauty that are right in your own backyard.There is evidence that proves that humans have used the land that is now known as Glacier National Park for the past 10,000 years! The history of Glacier National Park is fascinating, but it’s quite obvious that people go to this national park for its breathtaking views. Covering a little more than 1,500 square miles, Glacier National Park is known for its stunning landscape and diverse ecosystems, drawing the attention of nature lovers everywhere.

Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is a great example of how incredibly strong flowing water can be. Created from a flowing river, Horseshoe Bend gives us a look into the past and how the United States was formed. Horseshoe Bend is considered to be a part of the Grand Canyon, so it tends to attract the attention of families and adrenaline junkies alike.

The Georgia Guidestones

Located in Elbert County, Georgia, the Guidestones are often compared to the infamous Stonehenge of England. The history of the Georgia Guidestones has left people in confusion for decades. In 1979, a man who went by the pseudonym Robert C. Christian approached a local granite company to commission them to build the Guidestones, which are an astounding 750 feet tall. The four monstrous stones have “instructions” for mankind on how we’re supposed to live. Many people believe that the stones are related to the occult or even the Illuminati, but because of the mystery surrounding the man who had them built, no one will truly ever know their purpose.

The Great Serpent Mound

Located in Adams County, Ohio, the Great Serpent Mound dates back to prehistoric times. There has been much debate on how old the mound actually is and who created it, but the most recent studies show that the mound was created by the people of the Adena culture over 1,000 years ago! Scientists aren’t entirely sure what this massive serpent-shaped mound was used for, but they believe that the 1,300-foot long mound was used as a mortuary to aid the dead in their journey.

Thurston Lava Tube at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Thurston Lava Tube is a breathtaking sight for those that love adventure. The Thurston Lava Tube, which is between 350 and 500 years old, was once a flowing river of lava. As the outside of the lava hardens, the middle still flows for many years to come. Eventually, the lava will stop flowing, creating a lava tube as a result.

Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, Connecticut

Most Americans think that they have to travel across the ocean in order to see a castle. Little do they know that there’s one much closer than they think. Built between 1914 and 1919, the Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, Connecticut, looks like it jumped right out of the pages of a mystery novel. Complete with hidden rooms, doors that can only be opened by completing a puzzle, and a hand-carved bar, Gillette Castle is certainly a sight to see! But make sure to watch out for restless spirits because there are plenty of rumors of ghost sightings at Gillette Castle.

Snoqualmie Falls

If you’re looking for a place that will surely take your breath away, the Snoqualmie Falls is the place for you. One of Washington’s most popular attractions, the infamous 270-foot waterfall attracts more than 1.5 million visitors a year.

Gila Cliff Dwellings

For thousands of years, the Gila Cliff Dwellings were used as shelter by different nomadic groups. Eventually, the cliff dwellings became home to the people of the Mogollon culture. The Mogollon people used the cliff dwellings for raising their children, crafting pottery, and living life the best way they knew how. The Mogollon people may not have had much use for the Gila Cliff Dwellings once they decided to move on, but fortunately for us, the cliff dwellings are still perfectly intact, allowing us to get a glimpse into the mysterious past.

The Painted Hills

Located in Wheeler County, Oregon, the Painted Hills cover over 3,000 acres of land. The Painted Hills got their name from the colorful stratifications of blacks, golds, yellows, and reds that run throughout it. Apparently, the colors look different depending on the time of day, but experts claim that the best time to visit the Painted Hills is in the late afternoon.

The Grotto of Redemption

Created from petrified wood, precious stones, and minerals, the Grotto of Redemption is “considered to be the world’s most complete man-made collection of minerals, fossils, shells, and petrifications in one place.” Built by Father Paul Matthias Dobberstein in 1912 to pay homage to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who Father Dobberstein claimed to have saved his life from pneumonia, the Grotto of Redemption is a religious landmark that receives over 100,000 visitors a year.

The Grand Prismatic Spring is not only the largest hot spring in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, but it’s actually the largest hot spring in the ENTIRE United States.

This colorful hot spring is 370 feet across and 160 feet deep, which is quite impressive, but the incredible size of Grand Prismatic Spring isn’t what attracts most people to Yellowstone. As you can see, the Grand Prismatic Spring is absolutely gorgeous with its vibrant colors!

Red Mountain Pass

Listed as one of the most dangerous roads in America, the Red Mountain Pass isn’t something for the faint of heart. With its winding roads, steep hills, risky avalanches, and fatal drops, the Red Mountain Pass claims the lives of people every single year. Despite the warnings of danger, adrenaline junkies and travelers make the trip just to take in the breathtaking scenery of Red Mountain Pass.

Winterthur Museum and Country Estate

Approximately 60 years ago, horticulturist Henry Francis du Pont opened up his childhood home to the public as a museum. Winterthur Museum and Country Estate has over 90,000 objects that were made or used in America, a fairytale cottage, and a 60-acre garden. Du Pont’s goal was to share the love of his land with anyone who would appreciate it, and it’s safe to say that he definitely succeeded in his task!

Apostle Islands

Located off of the coast of the Bayfield Peninsula in northern Wisconsin, the Apostle Islands consist of 22 different islands in Lake Superior. The Apostle Islands not only host 800 different plant species, but they’re also the home to the most black bears in the United States.

Skagit Valley Tulip Fields in Mount Vernon, Washington

In 1892, an immigrant from England named George Gibbs bought five dollars worth of flower bulbs. A few years later, he dug them up only to discover that they significantly multiplied. Soon enough, word got around that flower bulbs grew extremely well in the area. In 1950, William Roozen started his own bulb-growing farm in Skagit County, Washington. Eventually, Roozen would have so many flowers that people from all over the world wanted to visit the farm, leading to the creation of the Skagit County Tulip Festival. Today, Roozen’s tulips bring in over one million visitors a year!

The Florida Everglades

If you want to leave the United States, without having to get a passport, then the Florida Everglades might just be the place for you. The Florida Everglades is a tropical wetland of sawgrass marshes, mangroves , and pine flatwoods that cover 800 square miles of land with extremely diverse ecosystems. The Everglades is home to the West Indian manatee, the endangered leatherback turtle, and the Florida panther, and let’s not forget about those alligators.

Palouse Falls

More than 13,000 years ago, the Ice Age floods from glacial Lake Missoula carved Palouse River Canyon. Palouse Falls, which is an astounding 200 feet tall, is a high point for those that want to camp in Palouse Falls State Park. Not only do they get to enjoy being outside with nature, but they also get to witness the history of the United States right in front of their very eyes.

Devil’s Tower

The Devil’s Tower, located in Wyoming, was originally called the “Bear’s House” by Native Americans in the area. During an expedition, Colonel Richard Irving Dodge’s interpreter misunderstood what the Natives were saying, so it was renamed the Devil’s Tower. Even though some people believe that the Devil’s Tower is an ancient petrified tree, the tower is actually a laccolithic butte made out of igneous rock.

Garden of the Gods

Popular for its hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding, the Garden of the Gods attracts the attention of adventure seekers from all over the world. The Garden of the Gods was surveyed in 1859, when Colorado City was being set up. One of the surveyors thought it would be the perfect place for a beer garden, but the other surveyor said: “Beer Garden! Why it is a fit place for the Gods to assemble. We will call it the Garden of the Gods.”

Eternal Flame Falls, New York

If you’re looking for a bit of mystery and mysticism, then you need to head to the Eternal Flame Falls in New York. Located behind a small waterfall in Shale Creek Preserve is a grotto that emits natural gas 24/7. Because of the emission of gas, a flame can be lit underneath the waterfall. The flame can be seen almost year round, but when it does go out, someone always makes sure to relight it once again.

Slab City, California

Known as the last free place on Earth, Slab City attracts the “less than desirable” members of society. Those that would rather travel than work a 9-5 job. Those that wish to live differently than the way society tells them that they need to live. Complete with a library, art, and HUGE sculptures, Slab City is considered a national monument.

Being on a long flight can be exhausting, but there are things you could do to help…

Traveling to new places seems exciting until you need to spend six hours on the plane. How much more if you get on one of the world’s longest flights? You could be on board for fifteen hours or more.

Sitting in the airplane cabin without any break can be exhausting. It’s no wonder why many people would be happy to skip the tedious long plane ride.

But flying isn’t entirely bad. With planning and creativity, you can have a happier and more comfortable trip.

One key is to keep yourself busy and entertained. How can you do that when you’re flying 36,000 feet in the air? Here’s a list to get you started.

Have a Snack or Drink

Keeping your taste buds happy is a great way to pass the time while up in the air. There’s often a variety of quality snacks on business flights. Some even have a rich selection of beverages. You may also find delightful pieces of fruit or granola bars in their carry-on.

But airline food offerings can also be limited, so it’s a good idea to bring snacks or meals with you. Just make sure to avoid processed and sugary items. They can make you feel uneasy and exhausted.

Nonetheless, savor a delectable snack on your flight. If available, enjoy a couple of drinks too, but keep yourself hydrated with water in between.

Move Around

It’s easy to relax in an airline seat for several hours. But it’s essential to get up and move around a couple of times on a long-haul flight. Frequent bathroom breaks can be an excellent way to rev up your body.

Sitting for an extended period can make you feel groggy. Take the time to rev your body by walking around the cabin. Or you can do some in-flight seated exercises every hour or two. This won’t only ward off fatigue but also keep you in good shape.

Watch a Movie

Movies and TV shows are a popular form of entertainment in airplanes. Longer flights and newer planes often have seat-back personal televisions for every passenger.

You can choose a movie from a diverse selection instead of watching the film played by the airline. It’s an incredible way to binge-watch your favorite series. But even if there’s only a shared overhead screen, watching a movie can make your flight less tedious.

Get Some Work Done

You can also use the long travel time to be productive miles high in the air. For some people, being on the plane gives several uninterrupted hours to get some work done. It can be editing videos, replying to emails, or going through invoices.

You’d be surprised by the amount of work you can finish on a long-haul flight. With little to no internet to distract you on the plane, you can be in a deep work mode.

Read a Book

A long flight is an opportune time to catch up on some reading. You’ll have all the peace you need to read without interruption. Whether it’s a magazine, an article, or a novel you’ve been meaning to read, take advantage of the long flight.

Doing so won’t only let you pass the time. It can also help you stay calm, especially if you’re experiencing some flight jitters. But don’t pick the wrong reading material. Topics about plane crashes or serial-killer thrillers could be stress-inducing.

Take Some Pictures

Photos are always a special way to remember your trip. So why not take your time up in the air capturing the scenery you pass over? Take pictures of the skyline, clouds, or famous landmarks you recognize. Most people tend to forget these fantastic wonders, especially if they’re used to flying all the time.

Get Crafty

Doing crafts is another way to get yourself occupied and relaxed during a long flight. You can de-stress with cool new adult coloring books. If you’re a knitter, you can pack your materials on the plane and create a unique project as a remembrance for your trip. You can also make handmade jewelry. But ensure to check the airline’s policy before taking needles and scissors on the plane.

Talk to Someone

If you’re travelling solo, it’s a brilliant chance to make a new friend. You can start by introducing yourself to the person sitting next to you. Asking where they’re heading and their occupations can be a good conversation starter.

You never know; that stranger could turn out to be one of your best buddies. But if you think they’re not interested, give them the space and quiet they need.

Play a Game

Games are always an entertaining way to pass the time. Whether it’s an action or card game, playing it can help fend off boredom on the plane. Note that there are so many different games you can play, regardless of the distance of the flight.

But it’s best to prepare and download the games you want to play while you have cell service or Wi-Fi. If you’re not a techy person, then you can always bring a book of sudoku and crossword puzzles.

Catch Some Sleep

If there’s nothing you want to do, then a good long nap on the plane is always a great idea. A little neck pillow and sunglasses might help you fall asleep faster. But with business flights, there are various amenities available that can improve your sleep.

It’s also crucial to consider the time of arrival at your destination. If you get there at nighttime, sleeping on your flight can make it harder to reset your internal clock. Meanwhile, if you’re arriving in the morning, you can catch as much sleep as you can.

Final Thoughts

Long-haul flights can drain your mind and energy. That’s why it’s always essential to be more intentional with what you want to do on your trip. Beat the boredom and exhaustion while on the plane by doing the things that fascinate you.

While small in size, Qatar’s capital is larger than life. With skyscrapers, souqs, a replica Venetian town and luxury hotels, Doha is quickly becoming one of the hottest destinations in the Middle East. Whether you’re there on a layover or spending a few days, here are the top things to do in Doha, especially if it’s your first time visiting.

Get cultured at the Museum of Islamic Art

Housing a collection of Islamic art spanning over 1,400 years, the Museum of Islamic Art is an absolute must-see in Doha. Designed by the same architect who was responsible for the Louvre’s glass pyramid, the museum is a work of art both inside and out. Don’t miss the diamond and emerald-studded necklace that once belonged to Shah Jahan, builder of India’s Taj Mahal, and the panoramic views across the bay. The best part? The museum is free!

Step back in time at Souq Waqif

Doha’s spiritual heart, Souq Waqif is a journey back in time before skyscrapers and hyper-modern hotels made Doha what it is today. Translating to “the standing market,” the Souq Waquf was built on the site of an old Bedouin marketplace and is a treasure trove of beautiful fabrics, fragrant spices and ornate trinkets. Popular attractions include the exotic animal market, camel pen and falcon handling. The souq is also a great place to try local cuisine at one of the outdoor cafes.

Walk or bike along the Corniche

A 4-mile promenade extending along Doha Bay, Doha’s horseshoe-shaped Corniche is a favorite among locals for an evening stroll. Whether you choose to bike or walk, the Corniche is the perfect way to introduce yourself to the city. Gaze out towards the water to see the traditional wooden dhow boats lining the Bay.

Feel like a celebrity at The Pearl Qatar

The ritziest address in Qatar, The Pearl is a manmade island with yacht-filled marinas, luxury residential towers, 5-star dining and designer shopping. Stroll past pretty pastel houses and canals of the Venetian-inspired Qanat Quartier and enjoy a meal at one of the lively restaurants and cafes in Medina Central. It’s no surprise they call this the Arabian Riviera!

Go on a desert adventure

With Doha’s proximity to golden sand dunes, it’s totally doable to book a half day or full day tour to the desert. A favorite activity is driving in a 4×4 vehicle through the sand dunes, known as dune bashing. For a more relaxed experience, you can also go camel riding or enjoy a typical Bedouin feast under the stars. Another favorite is a visit to the UNESCO-certified Khor Al Adaid, also known as the “Inland Sea.”

Head for the mall

Going to the mall in Doha is no average experience. At Villaggio Mall, visitors can sail an indoor canal, glide across the ice at the indoor Olympic-sized skating rink and go for a thrilling ride at the indoor theme park. Of course, shopping here is top notch with 220 high-end stores plus plenty of dining options. When it’s too hot out, this is one of the best places to get relief in Doha.

Where to Eat

Dining in Doha is world class, with some of the best restaurants in the world including Alain Ducasse’s Idam Doha, Hakkasan, Nobu and Gordon Ramsay’s Opal. Brunch is another favorite activity, with hotels hosting indulgent feasts fit for a king. You’ll find Qatari cuisine similar to other Middle Eastern cuisine with an emphasis on rice, meat and locally grown dates. Try Qatar’s national dish known as machboos, a rich stew of seafood or meat and spiced rice.

Travel tips to Qatar:

• While drinking alcohol in public is strictly prohibited, visitors may drink at licensed hotel restaurants and bars.
• Since Qatar is a conservative Muslim country, women should avoid wearing revealing clothing and men should wear long shorts or pants.
• Qatar in the summer can feel like being in a pizza oven. For cooler, more comfortable temperatures, travel from late September to May.
• Most visitors rely on taxis and Uber to get around Doha.

Is a Smartphone Camera Good Enough?

Photography, as we know it, is in a very interesting place right now. The technological advances that have been made by smartphone makers have many people wondering if their smartphone is as good as a dedicated camera like a DSLR. Serious photographers know that it’s not. However, for an increasing number of people, the quality that you get from a smartphone camera is good enough. Herein lies the challenge for the future of photography. Is good enough the new normal?

The Rise of Smartphone Photography

Every time that Google, Apple, or Samsung releases a new flagship smartphone, they go to great pains to highlight the improvements that have been made to the camera. They dazzle us with the latest tech specs, show us their new capture modes, and wow us with sample images that look like they couldn’t possibly come from a smartphone. Why? Because the quality of the camera in a smartphone is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, factor that drives consumers to upgrade their phones.

All the top smartphone manufacturers want you to know that they have a camera that is worthy of your money. Apple encourages iPhone users to share their best photos on Instagram with the hashtag #ShotOniPhone and will often share the best of these images in TV ads for the iPhone. Google recently partnered with John Legend to film a music video that was shot entirely on the Google Pixel 2, and Samsung struck a deal with the International Olympics Committee to give every athlete the chance to record and share their best memories on a Galaxy Note 8 at the 2018 Olympics. Smartphone cameras are good for business.

Can a Smartphone Replace a DSLR Camera?

So, is it marketing hype or are the best smartphone cameras actually capable of being a good replacement for a DSLR from Nikon and Canon, or a mirrorless camera from Sony or Olympus? From the perspective of a professional photographer, with high-end gear, the answer is clearly no. You will not see professional photographers using smartphones as their main camera at weddings and sporting events. But what about amateur photographers? What about parents, teens, and everyone else? Could an average person with little or no formal training really take better pictures with a DSLR than with a modern smartphone? That’s a little less clear.

A DSLR Is Better Than a Smartphone

Dedicated cameras have a lot of versatility and will likely always be able to do things that a smartphone can’t. For instance, you can’t attach a 200mm telephoto lens to your smartphone, and even if you could, you would probably look kind of ridiculous doing it.

The resolution of photos taken on DSLR and mirrorless cameras is also much greater than the resolution of smartphone cameras thanks to their larger sensors that number up to 40 megapixels or more. What about the megapixel myth, I hear you cry? It’s true. More megapixels does not mean a better photo, but that brings me to my next point. The sensors in dedicated cameras are much larger than smartphone cameras and that means they can let in a lot more light and produce better photos, with more dynamic range, in low-light scenarios.

A DSLR will also typically give you more creative control when it comes to exposure. You have absolute control over your shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings so that you can create those blurred waterfalls and beautiful bokeh backgrounds. Smartphones can simulate a lot of these scenarios, but they are only as good as the software that they ship with.

Finally, DLSR cameras have great batteries that should easily last you a day, or more, of shooting, and if you do happen to run out, you can quickly swap in a spare battery and continue shooting like nothing ever happened.

A Smartphone Is Better Than a DSLR

Case closed? Not yet. Your smartphone is not going to give you the range of a 200mm telephoto lens, but what it lacks in range, it makes up for in spontaneity. People carry their smartphones everywhere they go. That’s less true with a dedicated digital camera. Just think about how many photos you would miss if you didn’t have your smartphone with you.

A DLSR with a 200mm lens on it is going to be great in many scenarios, but it’s also going to be heavy, a little cumbersome, and it will add extra weight to your neck and shoulders. Done shooting with your smartphone? Stick it in your pocket and move on.

Hi-res smartphone sensors are not going to be commonplace in smartphones for a while, but most people don’t need that much resolution unless they are printing poster-sized pictures. If you’re printing photos at 6×4, 5×7, or even 8×10, your photos will look great when taken in decent light. If you prefer to view your photos on a laptop to TV, you are equally well served.

The batteries in today’s smartphones tend not to last for more than a day, but that works out fine because we all charge our phones on a regular basis, and if you do start to run out, battery packs can be used to top you up when you need it. And, at the end of the day when you are finished shooting, you can edit your pictures in Lightroom, post the best ones on Instagram, and backup your photos to the cloud without ever removing a memory card or connecting your phone to a computer. Try doing that on your DSLR.

The Best Smartphone for Photography?

Smartphone photography definitely has its pros and cons, but for many people, the cons are not as big as they used to be. With that in mind, you may be wondering which smartphone is best for photography. A good place to start is the mobile camera reviews from DxOMark. Since 2008, DxOMark has been scientifically measuring the image quality of smartphones, lenses, and cameras. On their website, you can see the top-performing cameras from all manufacturers and compare one against the other with raw specs and sample images. They use state-of-the-art equipment and give each smartphone a quality score that you can use to compare it to its rivals.

Conclusion

In the end, it all comes back to the notion of good enough. Is a smartphone good enough to meet your photographic needs? Two or three years ago, the answer might have been no, but today, a smartphone is a go-to camera for millions of people. Proof can be found when you look at the number one camera brand on Flickr for the last several years. It’s not a Nikon, Canon, or Sony. It’s the iPhone.

A DLSR is not a bad choice, or in some way worse than a smartphone, it’s just becoming more of a niche product. It’s a camera for specific people in specific situations because convenience is a huge factor here. Professional photographer, Chase Jarvis, is fond of saying, the best camera is the one you have with you, and I believe that this is exactly the world we live in today.

Of course, there’s nothing to say you can’t have your cake and eat it. The smartphone can be your everyday camera for spontaneous moments of sharing creativity while your DSLR can be reserved for those occasions when you know you are going to need a serious camera with the highest quality pictures you can get. The choice is yours.