Everyone travels differently, and these days, budget traveling is becoming more and more popular. I'm certainly a fan of the budget traveling lifestyle, and if you know someone who is always backpacking their way through life, then this article is just for you. This article will highlight some of the best gifts for backpackers and budget travelers so you can send them on their way with new gear, new destinations, and new experiences.
With the holiday season quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to start adding these gifts to your cart. Who knows, you may even be inspired to start planning a backpacking adventure of your own!
This article is part our Best Travel Gifts series. If you are looking for even more awesome gift ideas for every type of traveler in your life, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to the Best Gifts for Travelers and the other gift guides in this series:
It always starts with the carry-on, and the balancing act of keeping the essentials at the ready so the journey to the destination is as comfortable as possible. For those who travel often, having these items can be a game changer as far as comfort is concerned, so if your traveler doesn't already have any of these essential travel items, they'll make great travel gifts.
Between layovers, selfies, and doom scrolling, a portable charger is almost a requirement for travel these days. This portable charger by Anker is one of my personal favorites. Not only does it charge your phone super fast, but it also holds a charge for a long time. Its slim design is easy to pack, and I can even get 2+ charges on my iPhone out of this thing.
Whether it’s a road trip or a plane ride, a good travel pillow will seriously change the game for this leg of the journey. Travel pillows have come a long way in recent years, and this travel pillow by Dot&Dot is made out of twistable memory foam, so you can adjust it exactly how you want it.
Water bottles are all the rage these days, but backpackers need a little something more than just a container. This LifeStraw Water Bottle has a two-stage filtration system that prevents you from drinking bacteria and parasites, which is a necessity when you’re pulling water from nature. It’s easy to keep in your backpack or clip to the side with the handy dandy handle.
Exploring the great outdoors is a priority for backpackers, and keeping the outdoors outside has been a struggle since the dawn of time. This gear and shoe storage bag by Luno clamps right onto the side of your car with magnets and keeps all of your muddy belongings separate.
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OnlyInYourState editor Sarah McCosham swears by this storage bag; “This is awesome for camping trips – it keeps the funk out of the car!”
Here’s the thing about packing cubes. I used to not believe the hype until I was gifted a set, and then I became a fan. Packing cubes are fabulous at keeping your stuff organized, though I’m still on the fence about whether or not they actually save any space in your luggage. This packing cube set from REI Co-op is great for backpackers, and at $45, it’s one of the best travel gifts under $50. They’re water-repellent, expandable, and come in four different colors.
Those who travel on a budget tend to prioritize memories over things, which is why we love experience-based gifts. Some of the best gifts for backpackers are experiences, unique stays, and memberships that they can use again and again. Sure, part of a backpacker's thrill is the craftiness that comes along with the journey, but every now and then, it's nice to splurge on an amazing opportunity like a night at a fancy resort or an incredible tour.
Give your bestie the gift of luxury with a ResortPass so they can enjoy a day living like royalty. With a ResortPass, travelers can gain access to the pools, spas, and other amenities offered at these resorts for a fraction of the price. Currently, ResortPass offers day passes to select hotels and resorts in California, Florida, Arizona, Hawaii, Mexico, and the Bahamas.
There are more than 5,000 experiences offered through Virgin Experience Gifts, and each one is more inspiring than the next. From sunrise balloon rides through Temecula Wine Country to racing a Lamborghini in Vegas, you can bet you’ll find something your budget traveler will love. The vouchers never expire, and once you purchase the experience, it’s instantly delivered to the recipient.
A City Experiences Gift Card is perfect for travelers heading to a big city. City Experiences offers discounted tours for countless locations across the United States, Canada, and Europe, including food tours, sightseeing tours, cruises, and so much more. The best part about the City Experiences Gift Card is you can add whatever dollar amount you want, and they can choose what tours they want to take.
An AllTails + membership is the perfect stocking stuffer for budget travelers. The premium version of everyone’s favorite trail map platform gives you access to features like downloading offline maps, sending routes to a Garmin, wrong turn alerts, access to over 200 trail guides, and so much more. It’s only $35.99 for a full year, and I promise the hikers and travelers in your life will use it on every adventure.
Stocking Stuffers
If your budget backpacker seems to have everything they need, then it's time to get creative with these fun stocking stuffers everyone will love.
This World Map Laundry Bag will keep your traveling loved one inspired even if they have nothing to wear. It also can be rolled up super small to take with them on their next adventure!
Backpackers tend to find themselves in interesting sleeping situations. Maybe they’re roughing it in a tent on the side of a mountain, or maybe they’re in the heart of a city sleeping in a hostel. Regardless, a good eye mask is key to sleeping in when the sun has other plans. This one blocks out all the light while still being breathable, a solid win for less than $10 (at the time of publication).
A solid camera tripod is a great gift for travel photographers, and I honestly never leave home without mine. This tripod from Amazon Basics is lightweight and extends up to 50 inches, which gives you a ton of options while still being able to pack down small enough to fit in a backpack. I personally love my travel tripod, and I take it on all of my adventures. Not only is it crucial for astrophotography and long exposure shots, but it also lets you stay in control of the shot without having to ask a stranger to get the shot for you.
Did any of these gifts for travelers on a budget make it into your cart? Are you inspired to start planning your own adventure? Let us know! If you have any recommendations, let us know in the comments, and we may include them in a future article!
Making travel memories that last a lifetime is truly one of the best gifts a couple of girlfriends can give to each other. And who doesn't love a girls trip? Gather your best girlfriends and let us help you plan the perfect girl's getaway to a handful of the most beautiful destinations across the country. We'll break it down by region to make your planning easier and help you discover some of the best travel destinations in the U.S. for your girls trip.
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Northwest + Alaska & Hawaii
1. Paddle Boarding On Bear Lake In Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Kenai Fjords National Park is a glacial paradise with scenes that will leave you breathless. If you are a fan of SUP (stand up paddle) boarding, grab a wetsuit and hit the crystal clear waters as you explore the park. You'll find awe-inspiring glacial features, icebergs, and likely a variety of marine wildlife as you glide around on the water with one of the local paddle boarding tours. If venturing out onto the water isn't your preferred adventure, there are countless hiking trails with stunning views of the glaciers, not to mention plenty of food and shopping options in the nearby town of Seward.
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2. Backpacking Through North Cascades National Park, Washington
One of the most underrated gems of the Pacific Northwest region is North Cascades National Park, located in the mountainous wilderness in northern Washington State. This beautiful slice of paradise offers endless hiking trails ranging from true beginner to lengthy backpacking trails through rugged terrain. Fortunately for hikers of all skill levels, virtually all of these trails offer breathtaking views that you and your girlfriends will love as you explore the great outdoors. Wander through alpine meadows as you gaze at the mountains around you. Be sure to check out the tallest waterfall in Washington while you're in the area!
This lighthouse road trip along the coast of Oregon is a personal favorite of mine; in fact, I did this exact road trip last summer with one of my girlfriends, and it was even more magical and memorable than I expected it to be. The Heceta Head Light, shown here, had been on my photography bucket list for years and years, and getting to finally see it in person was so dreamy, especially with the coastal fog clinging to the rugged landscape in the distance. There is a reason it is the most photographed lighthouse in the country, but as incredible as it is, there are many other beautiful destinations on this road trip that make it one you and your girlfriends will never forget.
The Nā Pali Coast is a true bucket list destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. This coast stretches 17 miles along Kauaʻi's North Shore, and offers some of the most beautiful landscape you'll ever lay eyes on. My recommendation? Glide along with a guided kayak tour as you learn about the history and ecology of this unique region. You'll feel as though you've stepped into a movie scene (because you have: Jurassic Park, King Kong, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and many more movies have been filmed along this coastline of Kauai). As you explore this rugged and ethereal coastline by kayak or raft, you'll be taking in all the incredible sights and sounds of this remote and seemingly untouched coastal paradise. I also recommend you check out one of the local helicopter tours, a whale watching tour, a scuba diving tour, a cave boat tour, rent a catamaran, the opportunities for adventure are truly endless in Kauai.
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Southwest
5. Stargazing Near Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Having visited Great Sand Dunes National Park dozens of times since childhood, it has become one of my favorite destinations in Colorado. The dunes are a blast to explore and photograph at all hours of the day, but its the darkness of the night sky in the park that truly steals my heart. Recently, Kosmos Stargazing Resort & Spa has began the construction of its stargazing villas located about 15 minutes away from the park, and I for one cannot wait for the first villas to open in early 2025 if construction continues on the projected timeline. The resort will offer its own on-site Planetarium and Observatory, and each individual villa (either one or two bedrooms will be offered) come equipped with their own telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. All this while being 15 minutes away from Great Sand Dunes and about 20 minutes from Alamosa, meaning you'll have all you need for your girls' trip at your disposal. Reservations are likely to fill up quickly for this resort before they even open their doors in 2025, so I recommend getting on the waitlist now.
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6. Photography And Hiking In Zion National Park, Utah
A trip to Zion National Park can be likened to a spiritual or religious awakening. Even to the non-spiritual, it is impossible to set your eyes upon Zion's splendor and not feel moved. That said, due to the park's popularity during the height of tourist season, I highly recommend that you plan your visit many months in advance. I've been fortunate when I've visited to navigate the traffic and crowds pretty well, but I'd still like to offer up a few tips: plan to take the shuttle throughout the park. Not only does this eliminate issues finding parking at the lots (which are usually full), but you can access areas of the park that you won't be able to access otherwise, such as the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The shuttles run regularly from March through November starting off from the Visitor Center nearest the Springdale entrance. It runs every 10 to 15 minutes or so. Also, be sure to bring plenty of water, salty snacks, sunscreen, a sun hat, and a camera for capturing those incredible views. Be sure to check out one of the 9 best hikes in Zion National Park to immerse yourself in the beauty of the park.
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7. Hiking, Wine Tasting, And Jeeping In Sedona, Arizona
Sedona offers far more than a stunning landscape and visual aesthetics. It is said to be a place of divine spiritual energy that draws people from around the world to experience its healing effects. But whatever your beliefs, the beauty of this place is undeniable. There are hiking, biking, and jeeping trails and roads galore, but the town also offers plenty of excitement in its own right. You'll find an array of delicious dining options, wine tastings, boutique shops, art galleries, and exciting seasonal events throughout the year. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is an outdoor shopping center in Sedona that is especially charming with its rustic cobblestone streets, craft shops, galleries, decorative architectural design, and more.
Midwest
8. Camping And Photography In Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Badlands National Park is a truly underrated gem of the Northern High Plains in South Dakota. This otherworldly landscape is vibrant and colorful, making for incredible visuals, especially during the morning and evening hours when the colors are most vibrant. But what surprised me the most about this amazing park is the amount and diversity of wildlife that is found there. You'll almost certainly encounter tons of bison, bighorn sheep, rodents, and a wide variety of birds of prey. For the best experience of this amazing park, I recommend reserving a campsite at Sage Creek Campground (free) or Cedar Pass RV and Campground (paid). Alternatively, I recommend staying in the historic town of Deadwood if you don't mind the hour-and-a-half drive to the park and would prefer a more comfortable night of sleep. This is a great option if you'd like a variety of dining and shopping options at your disposal. If you have time to continue exploring this area, I highly suggest exploring the Black Hills area of western South Dakota. It is one of the most beautiful areas of the country that I have personally seen, and I guarantee you'll fall in love with it.
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9. Rediscover Your Inner Child At Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri is a magnificent gem in the Show Me State that is chock-full of adventure and excitement. It boasts one of the nation's best amusement parks, Silver Dollar City, which features more than 40 different rides and attractions that you and your girlfriends will love. You'll find a wide range of delicious restaurants scattered about the town, such as Billy Gail's Restaurant for breakfast or brunch, Rocco’s New York Style Pizza for lunch, and Dolly Parton's Stampede for dinner. If you and the girls are craving a bit more nature, I'd recommend an afternoon at Moonshine Beach or a hike along Homesteader Trail.
If you and your girlfriends are looking for the perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure in Michigan, Mackinac Island has it all. This charming destination in the far northern reaches of the state is quite remote: it can only be accessed by ferry, boat, or propeller plane. That's right, you can't drive to this adorable village, but therein lies part of the island's charm. No traffic clogging up the streets or polluting the environment? We love that! Mackinac Island is known as the Jewel of the Great Lakes for a reason. It is framed by Lake Huron and is as idyllic as any storybook scene you've ever imagined. Relax on the beach as you gaze across the crystal blue waters, go for a bicycle or horse-drawn carriage ride about the town, or try the town's famous fudge. Trust me, it is to die for! If you visit in the spring, you'll be greeted by beautiful lilac blooms all across the island. Visit in the summer for perfectly warm and mild weather, or visit in the fall for stunning autumn foliage. Whenever you visit, you and your girlfriends will surely adore this unique island community.
South
11. Camp, Hike, And Kayak In Big Bend National Park, Texas
If seclusion in nature is what you crave, then Big Bend National Park in Texas is the destination for you and your girlfriends. This park is a delightful wilderness adventure just waiting for your arrival. This massive park spans 800,000 acres and will force you to truly disconnect from life's stressors as you connect with the serenity of nature found within this rugged arid landscape. Within the park, you'll find countless hiking trails of varying difficulty levels such as Lost Mine Trail and Window Trail. You can also camp, kayak, do photography, and gaze at the night sky, which shines brightly at the park given its remote nature away from urban light pollution. Stay for at least a few days in Big Bend National Park to give yourself plenty of time to explore this area with your friends.
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12. A Historic Tour, Gambling, And Beach Fun In Biloxi, Mississippi
Biloxi is a beautiful coastal town along Mississippi's southern border with the Gulf of Mexico that is infamous for its gambling and nightlife scenes. But that's not all: Biloxi offers shrimping boat tours, catamaran rentals, gambling at the casinos, countless delicious locally-owned restaurants, and tons of boutique shops to peruse. Be sure to check out the Biloxi Lighthouse in front of the Biloxi Visitor Center. It stands as a testament to Mississippi's resilience in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the damage it sustained during that event. Biloxi is a beautiful coastal town that offers all the excitement that a girls trip could ever need and more.
Destin is arguably one of the most beautiful coastal towns in all of Florida. It is known for its brilliant white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, but there is so much more to it beyond its coastal beauty. You can play in the water at Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park regardless of your age. You can dine, shop, and experience Destin's nightlife all in the same day. Plus, there is an adults-only hotel resort that's perfect for a group of girls that is hoping to avoid the noise and chaos of children running around (hey, even moms deserve a chance for some peace and quiet). Play in the shallow waters on Crab Island for a truly relaxing day in the sun!
The Finger Lakes Region of New York offers some of the most breathtaking scenery that can be found in the northeastern United States. The City of Waterfalls is a series of stunning waterfalls found in and near Ithica, New York, with each one being even more beautiful than the last. Watkins Glen State Park (shown here), Robert H. Treman State Park, and Buttermilk Falls State Park are just a handful of the places where you can find picturesque and dreamy waterfalls everywhere you look. Outside of these state parks, you should also check out Triphammer Falls, Ithaca Falls, Businessman's Lunch Falls, and more. If you fancy a waterfall hike, Cascadilla Gorge Trail leads you past 6 breathtaking waterfalls over its 1.3-mile length. Ithica itself is a quirky and beautiful town whose esoteric charm draws in visitors from around the country, making it the perfect destination for a girls trip.
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15. Indulge In Small-Town History In Stowe, Vermont
The little Vermont town of Stowe is one of the state's best-kept secrets, but one that is well worth taking time to explore with your girlfriends. It is rich in history and offers plenty to do year-round, including in wintertime when skiing and other snow sports dominate the outdoor recreational activities in the area. If you visit during the fall, you're in for a treat as Stowe has been dubbed "Fall's Color Capital" and rated among the best destinations for autumn foliage in TripAdvisor, USA Today, and Travel + Leisure, among other travel publications. I highly recommend that you drive the Auto Toll Road to the summit of Mount Mansfield and take in some truly breathtaking 360-degree scenery. Also, check out this waterfall road trip that leads off from Stowe and takes you to some of the prettiest waterfalls in the state.
The coastal beauty you and your girlfriends will discover at Acadia National Park is unrivaled by almost anywhere else in the country. Lovingly nicknamed the “Crown Jewel of the Atlantic Coast”, Acadia National Park spans 47,000 acres and offers 158 miles of hiking trails throughout its reaches across Maine's Mount Desert Island. Stay in the charming coastal town of Bar Harbor so you'll have access to all your dining and shopping needs, and then hit the trails. I recommend you check out the idyllic, 166-year-old Bass Harbor Head Light Station, shown here, during twilight hours for the most ethereal light. Be sure to explore the nearby Cadillac Mountain, which happens to be the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard.
Which of these exciting travel destinations in the U.S. will you be adding to your girls trip itinerary? Have you explored any of these places before? We'd love to hear your feedback in the comments section below.
If you'd like to spend a little more time traveling and seeing all the sights, these 13 best travel destinations in the U.S. beckon you to spend at least a full week exploring - or longer, if you can!
There's always something special about getting together with the guys you've known for years and years. Unfortunately, all my best friends live far away - in different states, countries, and even continents in some cases! So when we manage to get together, I really want to make it count. Sure, it's fun to hang out at the local bar and relive old times, but there's also something to be said for finding some truly epic US destinations for guys' trips and crossing them off the ol' bucket list. Whether you're getting everyone together for a bachelor party, a high-school reunion, or just a rare occasion when you all have some free time, these are some of my favorites - fantastic camping retreats, recreation resorts, conventions, natural adventures, and so much more all waiting within the borders of our great country!
Let's start with a destination I actually visited only a few weeks back - this tiny Pennsylvania town flanked by mountains. It's home to one of the most unique amusement parks in the world - Knoebels Amusement Resort, which is the largest free-admission park in the United States. It's run carnival-style, so you can pay with tickets or buy an all-you-can-ride wristband. With unique dark rides, thrilling wooden roller coasters, and the legendary "Skloooosh" - the wettest water ride in the world - it's a perfect place for guys who are still kids at heart.
But that's just the start of the fun here. Knoebels isn't just an amusement park - it's a full-fledged campground, with rustic but fully furnished cabins that make for comfortable extended stays for the whole crew. The park is also adjacent to a golf course, if the guys are ready for some more grown-up fun. The amusement park has some fantastic food, too - dozens of stands offering everything from deep-fried bacon to apple cider slushies. There are two larger restaurants - the acclaimed Alamo Diner, and the mess-hall-style Oasis Cafeteria, where Fridays are all-you-can-eat fish frys. For those who wish they were in Vegas, they can even do a bit of gambling at the Fascination parlor - a skill-based Depression-era game that feels like a combo of skee-ball and bingo.
Another of my favorite getaways, Asbury Park is by far the most culturally diverse town on the Jersey Shore. This town is one of the world's best music hubs - home to the legendary Stone Pony bar, where Bruce Springsteen got his start. It just celebrated its fiftieth anniversary! During the summer, the Boardwalk is hopping - but many of the town's best attractions, like the Silverball Pinball Museum are open year-round.
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The dining scene in Asbury Park is fantastic, too - ranging from boardwalk classics like the iconic boardwalk fries and lemonade to high-end restaurants serving top grub and brews like the Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten - one of New Jersey's best German restaurants. This is an ideal getaway for guys who would rather spend their time in a city with a hundred things to do, rather than devote their vacation to one big activity.
Many of these spots are perfect any time of year, but for Lincoln, New Hampshire, we're definitely partial to the fall. This is an amazing spot when the fall foliage is in full color. A small town of only 1,600 people, this is a great little escape complete with an acclaimed winery for tastings and the famous Loon Mountain ski resort.
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But the reason we're ranking this place so high is because of one attraction - Alpine Adventures. This thrilling adventure park is perfect for outdoor recreation lovers who want a big thrill in a safe environment. The ropes courses, zip-lines, and slides here are the perfect way to get an incredible birds-eye view of one of the most gorgeous towns in the northeast.
Nestled in the mountains in eastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a tiny town of only 3,500 full-time residents that's best known as one of the most popular resort towns in the south. Part of the Sevier County trio of towns including Sevierville and Pigeon Forge (home of Dollywood and dozens of other attractions), Gatlinburg is the one that's home to the most natural beauty and serves as the region's gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains - home to some of the best hiking trails and vistas in the world.
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So clearly, this is a fantastic destination if you and your crew love nature. The heart of the town is Anakeesta, a thrilling treetop resort filled with rope courses, trails, skylifts, and restaurants. The main street of Gatlinburg is packed with shops, restaurants, and unique attractions like the Gatlinburg Axe House - try your hand at axe-throwing! If this town has a signature restaurant, it's definitely Crockett's Breakfast Camp - a massive, logging-themed pancake house serving up massive skillets and hearty breakfast meats. It's the perfect place to give you the energy you need for a day of adventure.
Part of the "Floribama Shore" region of the panhandle bordering the Gulf of Mexico, Destin, Florida is an out-of-the-way resort town offering fun on the water at a fraction of the prices of places like Miami and Galveston. For your home base, consider staying at The Henderson Park Inn - only feet from the water, this adults-only resort is the perfect place for rest and relaxation after a day of recreation on the water.
And there is so much to do here! The beaches of Destin offer some of the bluest water you've ever seen, and Henderson Beach State Park has some great spots for camping if you're in the mood for a more rustic getaway. But if you can't wait to get back to civilization, a delicious meal awaits you at Boshamps Oyster House - a massive seafood restaurant that offers southern specialties like crispy gator bites and fresh gulf seafood. Destin is a unique combo of the culture of Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana, and that's what makes it a perfect getaway.
Sometimes, a town only needs one thing to put it on the map as a perfect getaway location for guys interested in a themed trip - and that's exactly the case for Owensboro, Kentucky, which happens to be one of the barbecue capitals of the United States. This mid-sized city borders the Ohio River, so there are some great views. But you'll want to bring an appetite, because there are multiple world-famous barbecue restaurants within the city borders. Owensboro, in addition to all your favorites like brisket and pulled pork, specializes in something unique - Kentucky mutton barbecue.
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Old Hickory Barbecue has been here for more than half a century, and this traditional barbecue joint is the most acclaimed and versatile restaurant in town. There are several other newer spots in town as well, like Old South Barbecue and Tri-Tips Hawaiian Barbecue, but if one place sums up this town, it's probably Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn. This old-school place offers the only barbecue buffet in town, allowing you to sample almost the whole menu for lunch or dinner. The barbecue is so farmous, they even run a mail-order business shipping it nationwide!
One of the most spectacular small-town getaways in the country, Branson is the perfect place for a group of guys who want a little of everything on a week of adventure. Branson is located in rural Missouri, and this town of around 13,000 people has developed into a massive tourist hub. Best known for its western theme park Silver Dollar City - complete with some of the wildest coasters in the whole country - it's also surrounded by gorgeous trails and rivers perfect for a day of hiking and exploring.
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You could easily spend a whole week here and still barely scratch the surface. You'll want to dedicate a whole day to SDC and to The Shepherd of the Hills - a sprawling adventure park with zip-lines and mountain coasters offering incredible views. While you're in Branson's main hub, make sure to stop by Dick's 5 and 10 to buy some sodas of unusual flavor. And if you're looking for a fun, affordable place to fill up, Billy Gail's is our favorite restaurant here - it's known for big food, and the pancakes are bigger than the plate!
Looking for a more laid-back getaway? You'll find it in the Amana Colonies - most of the time. This German village hidden in rural Iowa only a short drive from Cedar Rapids is known for having some of the best German food in Iowa. That's the heart of a trip to Amana - a culinary adventure.
The oldest restaurant here and one of the best, the Ox Yoke Inn, is known for an extensive menu of German classics as well as an all-you-can-eat family style option for the whole table - perfect for big appetites. Then there's the Millstream Brau Haus - a newer beer hall that offers a massive selection of local beers. After all, it wouldn't be a trip to a German village without some beer. Amana is usually pretty sleepy - but if you want to see it at its wildest, make sure you're here for the best Oktoberfest in Iowa.
The Wisconsin Dells are one of those towns that need no introduction. Taking its name from the gorgeous rivers and rapids that spin off from the Wisconsin River, this is one of the best paddling spots in the entire country. Nature lovers will find no shortage of places to camp by the water, and adventurous types can even take a sunset river float.
But nature is just part of the appeal of the Wisconsin Dells. This is a "tourist trap" in the best way - in that it's so full of attractions that you won't want to leave! Some of our favorites include Margarita's, an adults-only waterpark with a swim-up bar located in Wilderness Resort; and the Wisconsin Ghost Trolley Tours if you want to know some of the darker legends about this place. And of course, a day of adventure here calls for some big meals - so make sure to fill up at Paul Bunyan's Cook Shanty, a quirky lumberjack-themed restaurant offering all-you-can-eat brunch plates and country-style dinners.
What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas - but we're telling you all about it. Yes, it wouldn't be a list if we didn't include the granddaddy of all guys-trips locations. This city of 665,000 people is the heart of Nevada and the closest thing we'll ever get to a futuristic pleasure dome. There are dozens of hotels in the Las Vegas Area, suited for every budget and interest - everything from opulent casino resorts to budget motels. If you're here looking for gaming opportunities, well, you're certainly covered - but there is so much more to this city of glitz and glamor.
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Where to begin? Clearly the dining scene in Las Vegas is fantastic, complete with some of the largest buffets in the world - our favorite is The Bacchanal. If you're interested in sampling some great craft beers, Las Vegas' Brewery Row is pretty close to heaven. For those with more offbeat interests, the interactive art installation Area 15 is the kind of place you can spend a whole day exploring. And if you're really here on a blowout trip, a concert at The Sphere - one of the most famous structures in the world - is the perfect way to end it with a bang.
Santa Cruz, not far from San Francisco, is pretty much the perfect beach town and is known around the world as one of the best surfing spots in the USA. The climate is pretty temperate here, so it's the perfect place to go camping - and the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA has a lot of great amenities to help you enjoy your trip.
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But Santa Cruz is much more than just a wonderful nature spot - it's a city of 62,000 people and is always hopping. Santa Cruz Wharf is one of the best hubs of shopping and dining in the state, and it's no surprise that the seafood here is fantastic. If you're looking for a truly iconic dining experience, we recommend The Crow's Nest, where you can indulge in Happy Hour alongside some amazing crab cakes. The premiere attraction in Santa Cruz is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, one of the best boardwalk parks in the world. Full of unique dark rides and thrilling carnival rides, plus a wide array of fair-style foods, it's the ideal spot to just relax, kick back, and feel like a kid again.
Moab is actually a pretty sleepy town, with only 5,300 people. It has a great small-town vibe with a lot of unique tourist attractions to keep people coming back - like this dinosaur museum with a cafe. The dining scene in Moab is pretty unique, too - with Spoke on Center being maybe the only cycling-themed restaurant we've ever seen and serving up delicious burgers.
But the real reason to come to Moab on your guys trip is because this is one of the best spots for adventure in nature in the world! Moab is actually at the gateway to two national parks - the famous Arches National Park, known for its red rock arches; and the laid-back Canyonlands National Park, which is more remote and offers great hiking opportunities amid some stunning rock formations. If you want to push your adventure to the next level, consider a rafting adventure with Moab Adventure Center, which has been organizing tours since 1961.
Mount Hood isn't really a city, but it might just be the best getaway in Oregon. This stunning active stratovolcano is one of the most incredible sights in the Pacific Northwest, as well as the best hub of recreation in the state. The perfect base for your adventures here is one of the area's incredible mountain Airbnbs.
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There are several ski resorts in the area, including the massive Timberline Resort. During the winter, these slopes are packed with skiiers, tubers, and snowboarders. But that doesn't mean Mount Hood isn't worth visiting as the weather warms - this is the area with the longest ski season in the United States, and during the summer the Mount Hood Ski Bowl turns into an epic tubing adventure.
Bellingham is a mid-sized city within driving distance of Seattle, and it provides incredible views of the Pacific Ocean along with amazing festivals throughout the year. What sets Bellingham apart is its unique dining and drinking scene - starting with a meal at Horseshoe Cafe. This is actually the oldest diner in Washington, and was serving westward pioneers in the 19th century. Today, it's a popular spot for college students and tourists to dine on heaping brunch plates and massive burgers.
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Bellingham's biggest claim to fame is its incredible brewery scene, being named the best town for beer in Washington. There are dozens of breweries and wineries around town, but one of the highlights is Paws For A Beer - the first dog-friendly brewery in Bellingham, with a private dog park on the grounds. You can even stay on the grounds of a brewery with a stay at the guest house at Stones Throw Brewery.
If you're up to a truly epic adventure with the boys, why not take a plane or boat to Juneau, Alaska - the northernmost state capital, and certainly one of the most stunning. Flanked by mountains and with a unique cultural scene driven by the area's rich fishing culture, Alaska is called "The Last Frontier" for a reason, and is best suited for those with a sense of adventure. While there are plenty of hotels in the area, we encourage you to embrace the spirit of the area and book a mountain cabin.
From there, you'll get more out of Juneau if you leave the city center. This area is home to some incredible adventures, including a hike to Nugget Falls, a gorgeous two-tiered waterfall found near Mendenhall Glacier. But your time at the glacier doesn't end there - you can even hike inside Mendenhall Glacier with the right guide. After an adventure like that, you'll be up for a hearty meal - like the one at Gold Creek Salmon Bake. All-you-can-eat broiled salmon, chicken, sides, and dessert make up the unlimited menu here.
Have you visited any of these bucket list destinations with your best friends? What are your favorite US destinations for guys trips? Let us know in the comments section! If you're planning some adventures of your own across the United States, make sure you're well-stocked with all your essential road trip supplies before you head out - and consider visiting RV Share to find the perfect vehicle big enough for the whole crew!
