While naysayers are concerned about the future of travel, Americans are once more thinking about vacations. As the summer rapidly approaches, states begin to reopen economies, national parks are increasing public access, many travel lovers are looking into domestic flights. According to Expedia, eight of the top 10 flight destination searches for the months of July through December were in the USA.

Sources at Expedia report that as the stay-at-home mandates are eased and people begin to feel comfortable with traveling again, Americans are probably going to explore their own nation first. Without further adieu, here are the top 10 most searched for flight destinations:

1. Orlando

The city of Orlando is located in Central Florida. It’s said by some to be one of the most family-friendly destinations in the world. Obvious highlights include The Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando.

But you should also be sure to take in the view from the Wheel at ICON Park Orlando. Learn about our oceans’ inhabitants at Sea Life. Try climbing the rock wall at the Oviedo Recreation Gym or go ziplining over the alligators at Gatorland. Finally, have dinner at the Bull & Bear Steakhouse.

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2. Honolulu

Honolulu is the famous capital of the state of Hawaii. This is the largest city in the state and it has a cool, cosmopolitan vibe and numerous white sand beaches flanked by beautiful parks and hiking trails. Waikiki is the most happening spot in the city, with a number of swanky resorts. Here you’ll find such historical attractions as the Iolani Palace and the memorable USS Arizona Memorial. See Diamond Head, the Honolulu Zoo, and the International Market Place too. Then dine on Poke from Paina Café.

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3. Las Vegas

The city of Las Vegas, in the state of Nevada, is nicknamed “Sin City” for a reason. It’s truly a big playground for adults. Here you’ll discover an exciting atmosphere and endless sunshine without having to go anywhere near a beach.

If the casinos on Fremont Street don’t interest you, no worries. You can visit M&M World, the Pinball Hall Of Fame, the Shark Reef in Mandalay Bay, and then eat at Dick’s Last Resort. Don’t forget to take pictures at the iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign.

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4. Miami

The beach city of Miami in the state of Florida hosted over 8 million tourists in 2018. The nation’s seventh-largest metropolis, it’s the true cultural center of South Florida. Must-see attractions include Coral Castle, the Venetian Pool, Jungle Island, and the Perez Art Museum. Miami is not all that cheap though so purchase a Go Miami Card. It’ll save you some money on tours and museums. Don’t forget the vintage stores either as they make Miami one of the country’s top ten hipster cities.

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5. Cancun

Cancun is a popular city in Mexico. It’s located on the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Quintana Roo on the Caribbean Sea. It’s traditionally a popular tourist destination for basking in the warm winter sun.

Multiple travel options and numerous resorts help keep prices pretty competitive. If you tire of the tourist spots, take a trip to Cancun Underwater Museum, or go to Dolphin Beach or pretty Playa Defines to see the stunning vistas of the sea. The all-inclusive vacation packages at the resorts are generally good bargains.

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6. Maui

The island of Maui in the state of Hawaii is generally thought to be one of the planet’s most romantic places. It is quite famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning sunrises and sunsets. Veteran visitors suggest signing on for a dinner cruise and praise the wonderful evening views. If you like swimming and impressive tropical fish then head to the Turtle Arches reef for a memorable snorkeling trip. Check out the islands from the sky and take a helicopter tour of Maui and Molokai too.

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7. London

This city in England isn’t a state or even a US territory but for many Americans it is historically-speaking the source of their “roots.” London is large on attractions, culture, food, and shopping. It has its own elegant yet funky charm.

See the original Madame Tussauds, the Tate Modern, and the famous Tower of London. Despite the obviousness, you really should see famous Buckingham Palace too. Music lovers should hit a club or two as well. Then dine at one or two of the avant-garde eateries there.

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8. Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a major metropolis in California. It is the second most populous city in the US. At least 7,250,000 tourists visited “the City of Angels” last year.

The city is well-known for its marvelous Mediterranean climate and the surviving entertainment industry. A list of “must-see” attractions would include Disneyland, the iconic Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Paramount Pictures, Das Bunker, and Olvera Street. Foodies should dine at Casa de Campo, Mercados, and Raffaello Ristorante.

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9. Denver

The city of Denver is the capital of the state of Colorado. One thing you simply must do at least once is take your picture with the famous Blue Bear. Shopaholics will want to put on comfy shoes and search for souvenirs along the mile-long pedestrian mall, the 16th Street Mall.

Learn about the production of money at the Denver Mint. Be a culture vulture and take in the international art collections at the Denver Art Museum. Later, dine at Roxy on Broadway and the Maine Shack.

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10. San Juan

The city of San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico. While Puerto Rico isn’t a state it is an unincorporated territory of the USA. It’s also Puerto Rico’s most important seaport and tourism center.

It is traditionally popular with Americans who want an island feel but don’t want to stray too far from home. History buffs will love Fort San Felipe del Morro and La Fortaleza. Other well-known tourist attractions include Condado, Isla Verde, Ocean Park, Old San Juan, the Book Museum, and the popular Bacardi Distillery.

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Do words like “magical” and “fairy tales” bring Disney-like images to mind? Do you imagine towering castles and quaint, humble villages ensconced in a landscape of lush, verdant forests and majestic mountains? Believe it or not, there are places on our planet that look just like something out of a storybook. So step right this way, dear reader, as we prepare to take you on a magical tour of 11 fairytale destinations.

Bavaria, Germany

Bavaria is Germany’s largest federal state. Here you will find everything you need for a fairytale setting including quaint towns, breathtaking castles, and snow-capped mountain tops. In fact, Bavaria’s famous Neuschwanstein Castle was actually the inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella castle.

This castle is not only impressive but it is ensconced at the very foot of the stunning Alps. Looking for more scenic magic? Take a little road trip on Germany’s popular Romantic Road. Stop and see Wurzburg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber too.

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Zhangjiajie, China

Zhangjiajie is a city located in the northwestern section of China’s Hunan province. The many pinnacles of sandstone rock go on for miles here making the landscape look like little else on Earth. Indeed, the scenery is so out of this world that the famous Zhangjiajie National Forest Park inspired the fictional landscape in the film Avatar. The unique Wulingyuan Scenic Area which was deemed an official AAAAA scenic area by the CNTA (China National Tourism Administration) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.

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Hobbiton, New Zealand

See a true fairytale destination. Visit the famous shire. Here you will find one of the now famous sets for the popular The Hobbit movie series and Lord of the Rings film trilogy. This popular Tolkien tourism destination is located on a family farm approximately eight kilometers (five miles) west of the Hinuera settlement and 10 kilometers (over six miles) southwest of the town of Matamata. Tour the hobbit-sized village. Visit Bilbo Baggins’ home and enjoy a pint of ale at the famous Green Dragon.

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Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia is more than just a historical area in Central Anatolia, Turkey. It is also the land of odd, interesting rock formations and whimsical fairytale chimneys too. This particular region is truly unique. Veteran visitors confirm that the local landforms are so uncommon that you just might not believe they are real unless you travel there and see them for yourself. If you enjoy visiting lands that make you think you’ve traveled to another planet take a magical balloon ride over Cappadocia.

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Mostar, Bosnia, And Herzegovina

Located in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the quaint town of Mostar appears to have been lifted from the pages of a children’s storybook. Known locally for its cultural import, one of the highlights of this place is the town’s centerpiece, the old bridge known as Stari Most. It crosses the picture-perfect Neretva River. Explore the numerous cobblestoned streets here, and see all the ancient stone buildings. Browse the many cute cafes and visit the nearby village of Goranci as well.

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The Giant’s Causeway, UK

Enter the land of the giants. Yes, this is a true fairytale destination. The Giant’s Causeway is located in County Antrim in Ireland, almost three miles northeast of the village of Bushmills.
This storybook spot is actually a stretch of northern coastline that features approximately 40,000 perfectly formed hexagonal interlocking basalt columns, all grouped together at the edge of the water. This unusual place is actually the result of volcanic activity that occurred eons ago although the locals claim it was constructed by the famous Irish giant Finn MacCool.

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Land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan

Also known as Druk Yul, Bhutan is sometimes called the Land of the Thunder Dragon. It’s named that due to the major, violent Himalayan thunderstorms that occur there. The light caused by the thunderbolts were once thought to be the scarlet fire of a thunder dragon.

Need more fairytale features? Check out the quiet, little villages and the impressive, towering mountains there. Explore the olden fortresses and the Eagle’s Nest monastery thus named because of its position precariously perched on a cliffside.

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Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Some travel critics call Cesky Krumlov “the ultimate fairytale village.” This small town found in the South Bohemian Region magically escaped bombings during the Second Wolrd War. The ancient architecture here, centered ‘round the well-known Cesky Krumlov Castle, was listed as an official UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992 along with the Prague castle district. See the bears that guard the castle. Stroll along the olden, narrow streets and take in all the ancient architecture.

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Bagan, Myanmar

The ancient city of Bagan is situated in the country’s tropical Mandalay Region. Known today as a “mystical land of temples”, it was the capital of the official Pagan Kingdom from the ninth century to some time in the 13th century. Once the home of more than 10,000 monasteries, pagodas, and Buddhist temples, you will still find over 2,200 of them dotting the misty landscape there today. See them by bike, bus or even hot air balloon.

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The Isle of Skye, Scotland

Some say that the famous Isle of Skye is “the ultimate fairytale destination.” After all, where else in the world can you drop by the Fairy Pools or hike through the Fairy Glen? You can also tour Dunvegan Castle and visit the Old Man of Storr. If you need more magic just hop into your rental car and take a short drive to the remarkable Eilean Donan Castle too.

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Rakotzbrücke, Germany

If you are visiting Dresden or Berlin, and you’re in the mood for a storybook day trip, then Rakotzbrücke is the place to go. Situated in Saxony, this picturesque bridge looks just like something from a fairy tale. It was opened in 1860 and was built entirely by hand. Also known as the Devil’s Bridge, it is ensconced in a lovely little park where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

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The Fire Department

Upon entering the park, be sure to look for the Fire Department. Look at the second floor. There is a light in the window that was once part of Walt Disney’s apartment.
Disney wanted to watch over the construction of the park. He kept the apartment when it opened in order to watch as people poured into the place. The light has remained lit since his death in order to keep his spirit there.

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Disneyland Railroad

Many newbies suggested riding the steam-powered Disneyland Railroad first. The 18-minute ride allows you to get your bearings and make your plans and it stops in different areas along the way too.

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Park Hopper Ticket

If you are traveling in a group and are spending time in the area consider purchasing a 10-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket. It might not be available to everyone but worth researching if this is a rare visit for your group. First-timers from outside the US report that even with that pass they were not able to do everything in both parks (Disneyland and Disneyland California Adventure Park).

Disneyland FASTPASSES

When a visit to Disneyland is perhaps a rare or even once in a lifetime thing FASTPASSES are a big deal. Just use your park ticket with the FASTPASS machines and you will be ready to go. (Terms and conditions do apply.)
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Themed Lands

There are a total of nine areas within Disneyland:

• Adventureland
• Critter Country
• Fantasyland
• Frontierland
• Main Street, U.S.A.
• Mickey’s Toontown
• New Orleans Square
• Tomorrowland
• (Note: As you read this Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge should also be open.)

The bottom line is there is a lot to do and only so much time in which to do it.
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Character Experiences

A special rare visit to Disneyland should also include meeting the characters from your favorite Disney books, TV shows, and movies. While many people settle for photographs with Donald Duck or Mickey Mouse, the fact is you can also get their autographs. Many of the park’s stores (and Downtown Disney) sell autograph books if you have not brought one for your visit to California.
Children from other countries especially recommend this as it provides an additional souvenir of their special visit. It is also suggested that if you are truly interested in meeting as many characters as possible in an effective manner that you download the Disneyland app for your smartphone. It will help you locate your personal favorites.

Often characters can be found in the area related to their adventures. For example, Captain Jack Sparrow can often be found hanging out in Adventureland or New Orleans close to the popular Pirates of Caribbean ride. (Note: the powers that be have been considering closing that ride for reasons not worth noting here.)
Be sure to watch for any posted schedules, too. It’s always a good idea to see the most popular characters as early as possible to avoid long(er) lines. Recent visitors from Australia and New Zealand waited “about an hour” to shake hands with Mickey Mouse in his house in Toontown.

They were not upset though because there were many interactive displays throughout the house that kept them busy while they waited. The meeting was memorable. They were also quite happy to meet Minnie Mouse, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto in Toontown too.
Veteran visitors also suggest a character breakfast. You can see numerous character in one place and there’s no standing in line. The characters come right to your table. To save time you can purchase character breakfast tickets when you buy your admission tickets.
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Buying Disney Souvenirs

One classic (if not downright “must buy”) souvenir is a pair of mouse ears. Mickey or Minnie ears are nigh iconic. Those in the know suggest two popular stores for autograph books, ears, t-shirts and so forth:

1. World of Disney (Found in Downtown Disney)
2. Elias & Co. (Found in Disney’s California Adventure Park)

(Note: First timers and other special visitors can get a free pin from City Hall if you find yourself unexpectedly low on funds.)
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Disneyland Parades, Shows, And Fireworks

Fantasmic! Light Show

The Fantasmic! Light Show can be seen in New Orleans Square. Some international visitors went online to find the least expensive Disney dinner deal. For $35.00 they scored dinner and reserved seating for this show.

They were satisfied with the meal, garnered seats close to the front and spoke highly of the lights and special effects too. They caught the first show and were able to hang around long enough to see the light displays on the river and the fireworks over the castle as well.
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Disneyland Parades

Another classic “must see” activity is a Disneyland parade. Just like the fireworks shows, there are a number of different presentations and which parade is current could change by the time you read this. They generally travel down the Fantasyland corridor or central Main Street.

As this goes to press, the highlight is Mickey’s Soundsational Parade which replaced a Pixar parade. Reportedly a celebration of both color and music, the featured floats are representative of some of Disney’s classic films and include music genres from across the globe. You’ll see stiltwalkers, costumed dancers, musicians and of course a number of popular Disney characters.

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