The Top 10 Zoos in America | USA Travel Guide

The Top 10 Zoos in America USA Travel Guide

Cincy Zoo Lions by: C. O'Banion

I really enjoy zoos. After reading this article I am proud to say my home state, Ohio, has the no. 1 zoo in America located in Columbus. Jack Hanna has built such a strong zoo program the past few years and it really has paid off. If you have young children, they will love this zoo. I adore the new baby elephant that was born last year, as well as, many other baby zoo animals.

However, my favorite zoo would have to be the Cincinnati Zoo. I know that driving to this zoo may seem unsafe (it's located in downtown Cincy). Despite the sketchy location I still enjoy going because they have many exotic animals. My favorite zoo animals are the lions and gorillas. The gorilla exhibit at Cincy is wonderful because for a second you feel like that there is no barrier between you and them. You stand watching the gorillas walk around in their territory, without a screen in between. All you have is a railing and a hole in the ground the gorillas would never dare cross. However, it still makes you wary as you watch them get closer and closer to you. I have actually captured some memorable pictures from this zoo. You never know what animals will do :) That is why I highly recommend taking a trip to the zoo in the spring. I know I will.

Traveling Alone

Stress.


We all have stress. Some of us may have more of it than others. After reading this article on CNN's website http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/03/08/bhutan.author/index.html , traveling alone almost sounds perfect/ inspiring. In this article Lisa Napoli, a journalist, took off work to travel to Bhutan. During her stay at one of the most happiest places in the world, Napoli volunteered at a radio station and devoted time to taking care and learning more about herself.

I think that everyone should take time to travel alone and figure out what they want in life. Whether you travel to a big city or a small town, just going to some place new will create independence. Heck, I travel sometimes to Miami University of Oxford when I am home. I know that it's only 20 miles away, but it's a nice little getaway. If you are ever in Oxford (I know it's out in the country and isn't probably the first place one would vacation), I would suggest trying Bagel and Deli, which has been an Oxford favorite since 1975. This is one of my favorite sandwhich shops, ever. Take a look ---> http://bagelanddeli.com/ . My all time favorite is the Banana Surprise Bagel. It's a steamed banana nut bagel with fresh sliced bananas blended with cinnamon, and cream cheese to top everything off. Simply amazing!

So, take a trip. Whether it's 20 miles away or a whole country away. This will relieve stress and help you figure out what's important: YOU.

"A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes"- Disney

Ok- so today I am going on a tangent about the Disney College Program...

So my goal in life, as we know, is to work in the tourism industry. Well, in two weeks I am catching a plane to Orlando, Fla. I can't believe this is happening. I am taking spring quarter off from ONU and traveling to Disney to participate in their college program for the next four and a half months. During my stay I will be doing attractions and taking a marketing course. As a public relations major I find this program very beneficial. PR professionals have to possess strong communications skills. I also feel that this will create a myriad of networking opportunities.

Downtown Disney

So, I am working attractions. I will be given a specific location when I arrive in Orlando at one of the four Disney parks. I really hope I am at placed in the Magic Kingdom or Disney Hollywood Studios because those (in my opinion) are the two busiest parks. Actually, to be more specific, I hope I get an attraction where I have to act out a part like the Jungle Cruise, The Great Movie Ride or the Hollywood Tower of Terror!

Lastly, I am taking a marketing course while I am participating in the program. I haven't decided whether I want to take Hospitality and Tourism or Corporate Communications.... :/ I think both would be very beneficial to me as a professional so I'll let you know when I decide.

So, if you want to learn more about the college program visit http://www.wdwcollegeprogram.com/

"A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes." :)

Maine.

ok, so I have decided. The East Coast is the most beautiful part of America (my own personal opinion). If you are looking for a travel destination that is a little different from the cliche Key West, I would suggest going to Bar Harbor. This is located in Maine and has everything you want: shopping, the ocean, mountains...it's just beautiful. Here is the link to check out the city. http://www.barharborinfo.com/ I really want to go back. I ate the best lobster and kayaked on the Atlantic. However, I am going to recommend you don't swim in the water as the sun starts to set. It's pretty cold. I went in July and it took me forever to adjust to the ocean.

There also is plenty of shopping to do in Bar Harbor. I personally loved the shopping as well. They had a Del Sol, which was a plus because that is the store I always go to when I travel. Del Sol is awesome! They have t-shirts, fingernail polish, headbands and other items that change color when exposed to sunlight. Simply amazing :)

Acadia National Park

Ok, so I hoped you looked at the website and saw how amazing this little town is. If you did and you agree that it's beautiful, you should also check out http://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm located a few miles from Bar Harbor. Acadia is absolutely beautiful. I laid on the rocks for hours and looked at the the ocean and the mountains in the distance. I also stood on the top of one of the park's highest mountains. It was so scenic I can't wait to go again!

So, Maine is definitely a place that the family will love. My dad is outdoorsy and it has something for him. My mom is a city girl and it has something for her. It's the perfect place if you want to go somewhere different. I am definitely going back!