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!

Just a little bit...

Finally! My first post :) So, you probably should know a little bit about my past travel experiences if you want to trust any further posts I put on here.

I am not one who has traveled overseas, yet, because I am a broke college student. However, I have been to Mexico and own a passport. I recommend you have a passport if you plan on traveling one day. It's a great investment and can last up to 10 years.

The type of traveling I enjoy most is going to different amusement parks. I am a rollercoaster junkie and enjoy riding different rollercoasters. My all time favorites? Rock n Rollercoaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios or Millenium Force at Cedar Point. Rock n Rollercoaster is one of my favorites because while you're waiting in line, you can rock out to Aerosmith tunes while you wait to get on the rollercoaster that will take off at 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds. The thrill is absolutely AMAZING. This is an indoor coaster that has many twist and turns and has everyone singing to Aerosmith the whole ride. My other favorite is Millenium Force at Cedar Point. I love how right as you get on the coaster you are faced with a 310 ft. hill that doesn't seem to end. As you approach the top, you look over Lake Erie, and then "vroom" you drop. I love it!!!

Ok, that's enough about my rollercoaster obsession. So I have been to Florida, Ohio and Mexico. But there is more to add onto my adventures. I have also been to Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., Maryland, New York, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Pennslyvania, Illinois, Indiana, The Carolinas, Massachusetts...ok...I am finished for now...but, as you can tell, I love the East Coast :)

Alright, here is a wrap up of my adventures and I will tell you some interesting stories these next few weeks. However, this blog will be filled with Disney memories in about a month as I take an adventure down to Orlando for the next four months.