Latest news with #hidden gems
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Daily Mail
I spent 200 hours solo traveling across America by train... here is what the experience was REALLY like
A woman who has traveled over 8,000 miles across the US by train has shared the hidden gems most Americans don't know about. Chloé Höglund, 34, who is originally from New Zealand, went on a solo trip around America on Amtrak sleeper trains earlier this year. She visited a whopping 26 states and spent nearly 200 hours on trains, and along the way, she witnessed a series of beautiful sights. 'I basically drew a rectangle across the map of America - New York to Seattle, down the Pacific Coast, across the deserts to New Orleans, and up the East Coast to New York again,' she shared exclusively with the Daily Mail. 'I saw a mix of big-name spots and tiny towns I'd never even heard of until the train stopped there.' Chloé gushed that there were 'so many amazing views' but the place that stood out to her the most was Washington state. 'I loved it - mountains, rivers, bridges, snow-capped peaks, big trees - it had everything I love,' she explained. According to the avid traveler, even the more 'boring' states surprised her by their beauty. 'Even the "boring" or flatter states had beauty in them - whether it was quirky houses, farm animals, or strange little structures in the middle of nowhere,' she continued. 'I found something to enjoy everywhere. Nothing went unappreciated on my end.' While many people choose to travel via plane, Chloé explained that taking a train gives you the opportunity to explore places between your starting point and destination. She added that time seems to 'slow down' when you're on a train, and it's a lot less stressful than getting on a flight since there are no security lines and TSA. 'Days stretch out, scenery unfolds, and you get to be fully present,' she shared. 'It's slow in the best way. You can read, nap, chat with strangers (which I had to practice doing as I was terrified), or just watch the world roll by without worrying about traffic or airport delays. 'It feels nostalgic, cinematic, and a bit magical. It's like pressing pause on real life for a few days.' She said traveling via train helped give her a taste of so many different places, and she can now pick which ones she wants to go back to and visit more thoroughly. 'Sure, you might not fully explore every destination you pass through, but I think of it more like a little preview of places I'd love to come back to,' she explained. 'My travel list has grown massively just from watching the world roll by on Amtrak.' Chloé, who estimated that she spent $5,000 on the train tickets during the trip, slept on a bed on the train, and while she admitted the rooms were a little 'cramped,' she said they felt 'cozy' to her. 'The rooms are tiny but honestly, I love tiny spaces, so it didn't feel like a downside to me. It's a bit like camping… but with walls, bumps, horns, and a moving bed,' she joked. 'The gentle rocking helps you sleep (usually), and waking up to a new view out your window feels like a little gift every morning. I loved the surprise of opening my curtains to a new view each day.' There were some downsides, however, like some crew members who 'seemed like they hated their jobs' and rooms not always being the cleanest. There were some downsides, however, like some crew members who 'seemed like they hated their jobs' and rooms not always being the cleanest 'Unfortunately, Amtrak's rooms weren't exactly sparkling clean - not awful, but definitely not spotless,' she shared. The Wi-Fi was also 'unreliable' and the service was usually spotty, but she added, 'I kind of enjoy the forced disconnect of it all, it's all part of the charm of slow travel.' In the end, she wanted to remind others that travel doesn't 'always need to be fast of fancy to be memorable.' 'It's such a different way of traveling - you're not in control like you are on a road trip. You have to give in to the journey, surrender to the pace,' she concluded. 'It kind of forces you to be 'bored' and relax in the best way possible. Read that book you've been putting off, daydream, watch the clouds… it's good for the soul.'
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Travel + Leisure
15-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This Beach Was Named Most Underrated in the U.S.–and It's in America's 'Hidden Beach Capital'
The summer sun is in full effect and you may be thinking about hitting the beach, but honestly so is everyone else. Luckily there are still plenty of beaches that fly under the radar, and thanks to a new report from boat tour company BoatBooker, we know exactly where they are. South Carolina's Vereen Memorial Park was named the top hidden gem by the boating site, which analyzed Google Maps data for key terms like "secluded beaches," "hidden beaches," and "quiet beaches," zeroing in on locations with fewer than 100 reviews. Each beach was then ranked using a combined score based on its average rating and number of reviews. "America's coast offers unparalleled diversity beyond the tourist beach resorts," Vukan Simic, the founder of BoatBooker, shared. "America's off-the-beaten-path coastline offers the authentic American beach experience, the one that travelers are seeking—unspoiled waters, stunning scenery, and the freedom to truly get close to the natural wonders of our country." When it comes to Vereen Memorial Park, which sits just north of Myrtle Beach, the 115-acre park "offers a serene escape into nature and a journey through history" and is "ideal for families, pet owners, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure, tranquility, or both," according to Visit Myrtle Beach. The park also comes with the bonus of no admission fee. Beyond Vereen Memorial Park, South Carolina emerged as "America's hidden beach capital," according to BoatBooker, with five locations in the top 10 located in the Palmetto State. That includes Driftwood Beach at No. 2, Morris Island at No. 4, Station 22 at No. 9, and Edisto Beach State Park Campground at No. 10. California also earned high praise with nine spots on the list, including its highest-ranking beach, Torrey Pines City Beach in San Diego, at No. 5. Other top spots in California included Dana Strands Beach at No. 7 and Pirates Cove Beach at No. 8 to round out the top 10. The site also noted state and national parks dominated the rankings, with protected areas offering the most "pristine and uncrowded beach experiences across America." Check out the complete top 20 list from BoatBooker below. Vereen Memorial Park: South Carolina Driftwood Beach: South Carolina Gunnison Beach: New Jersey Morris Island: South Carolina Torrey Pines City Beach: California Caswell Beach: North Carolina Dana Strands Beach: California Pirates Cove Beach: California Station 22 - Public Beach Access: South Carolina Edisto Beach State Park Campground: South Carolina Ocean Isle Beach: North Carolina Salt Creek Beach: California Gulf Shores Beach: Alabama Beach Access #4 - Beach Circle: Texas Cape Hatteras National Seashore: North Carolina Kirby Beach: California Funston Beach: California Carolina Beach: North Carolina Santa Ana River County Beach River Jetties: California Coquina Beach: North Carolina Little Corona Beach: California Crissy Field South Beach: California
CBC
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
There's a giant hidden reservoir under this popular Toronto park
Toronto is full of hidden gems — and CBC's Haydn Watters is exploring them this summer, starting with a massive underground reservoir below a popular park.
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Future of Dan Walker's Channel 5 travel series with Helen Skelton REVEALED after his TV disappearance and her blossoming romance with co-star Gethin Jones
The future of Dan Walker and Helen Skelton 's Channel 5 travel series has finally been revealed after his recent disappearance from screens. Dan, 48, previously issued a plea to fans to share their praise of the show with bosses after the first series in a bid to get it recommissioned. It worked, as Dan and Helen, 41, returned to screens last year to explore Yorkshire's stunning landscape and its hidden gems. Stops on their trip included checking out the vast moorlands, Malham Cove and the picturesque villages in Bronte Country. Now, MailOnline can exclusively reveal the duo have signed a new deal with Channel 5 to front another travelogue series. The pair have already started filming the next instalment, which will once again be set in Yorkshire. Dan told MailOnline: 'It's great to be back on the road with Helen and where better than Yorkshire? Everywhere we go we see breathtaking views, meet some brilliant characters and uncover those hidden gems. 'There's something really special about exploring a place which is so rich in history and culture and getting to do it all with Helen guarantees plenty of laughs along the way. Boots on, brew in hand and pockets full of biscuits. 'We are ready for whatever Yorkshire throws at us!' A TV insider added: 'Dan and Helen's chemistry on air is plain to see and viewers adore watching them together. 'They're both big names for Channel 5 and are already part of the family, resonating with their core demographic. 'Dan and Helen are really chuffed at how popular the show has become and absolutely love making it, at the end of the day it's just like two mates hanging out.' In series one, viewers watched as the pair donned their hiking gear to explore the Pennine mountains, known as the 'backbone of Britain'. Last week Dan was forced to address fans' concerns after he disappeared from television and radio, leaving them worried he had 'quit' the roles. It comes after Dan was forced to speak out following an extended absence from the airwaves as fans were left concerned he had 'quit' his roles The dad-of-three anchors Channel 5 News and also hosts a breakfast show on Classic FM. In a video message, Dan said: 'Hello, I've been asked by quite a few people if I've left Channel 5 and why I've disappeared from Classic FM. The answer is twofold.' He continued: 'First is, I'm on holiday with the family for a couple of weeks and the second is that I'm filming a new series for Channel 5 which you should be able to see I think in September, which I can't tell you too much about but it's going to be great fun. 'So that's why I've not been on the telly. The radio I'll be back on Monday and I'll be back on 5 News in a couple of weeks time once I've finished filming the series. 'There you go, that's the answer, it looks like the lovely weather is over, the rain has returned, have a great day.' Meanwhile, it was recently revealed how mum-of-three Helen is reportedly dating her Morning Live co-star Gethin Jones. After appearing on-screen together, the pair's friendship is believed to have blossomed into something more in recent months. A source previously told MailOnline: 'Helen and Gethin have an extremely close working relationship and there's a feeling in recent months their friendship has blossomed into a deeper connection. 'They're both keen to keep a lid on it to avoid public scrutiny but there's no denying their closeness both off and on-screen.' The co-hosts, who appear on BBC's Morning Live together on weekday mornings, first sparked rumours of a possible romance in March during a joint 24-hour roller-skating challenge for Comic Relief.
The Guardian
07-07-2025
- The Guardian
Tell us about a favourite island in Europe – you could win a holiday voucher
There's something endlessly appealing about an island holiday – a chance to escape the rest of the world and kickback in beautiful surrounds. We'd love to hear about your favourite under-the-radar discoveries in the UK and Europe. Whether it was a wild island in an remote Norwegian archipelago or a lesser-known sun-drenched Croatian isle, tell us about where you went and why you loved it for the chance to win a holiday voucher. The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website. Keep your tip to about 100 words If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it's your words we will be judging for the competition. We're sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition. The competition closes on Monday 14 July at 10am BST Have a look at our past winners and other tips Read the terms and conditions here You can send in your best tip by filling in the form below. Please note, the maximum file size is 5.7 MB. First name only if you prefer This competition is only open to UK-based readers If you're having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.
