By Rishaan Chowdhury
The world is full of amazing places and the Times of Boston travel section strives to bring you a few. Whether you travel to these places or not is up to you but we hope that this article will take you to a few destinations from Dubai to Alaska.
Note: This is not a ranking
Alaska, United States
Alaska is the last frontier and their state motto says so. Alaska is a vast tundra with nature’s finest. From glaciers in Whitter to Denali National there is so much to see and do. Alaska is two and half times the size of Texas and is home to the tallest mountain in North America, Denali. Denali National park is the size of Massachusetts and the pinnacle of the Alaska Mountain Range. Fly into Anchorage and spend two nights at the luxury Captain Cook Hotel. Walk along Anchorage’s beautiful waterfront trail which is home to moose and the occasional bear. Look into the beautiful Anchorage harbor for Beluga whales. The next day take the scenic Alaska Railway south to Whittier, going within feet of the North Pacific ocean. Cruise in Whittier’s bay and watch the magnificent glaciers slowly melt away. Return to Anchorage and the next day take the stunning Wilderness Express train to Denali. Sit in the dome carriages, looking into the mountains, and enjoy fine dining on the lower floor of the carriage. Don’t forget to go to the balcony and feel the brisk Alaskan breeze on your face as you pass stunning landscapes. On arrival in the bustling Denali train station, stay at one of Denali’s many hotels and inns. Visit the national park and hike through the trails with your eyes peeled for Denali’s many animals including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, black bears, lynxes, and more.
Kauai, United States
Kauai is an island located in Hawaii, one of the westernmost states of the United States. Hawaii is home to stunning coral reefs teeming with wildlife, sprawling black sand beaches, incredible hikes, and more. Hawaii’s unique location 2500 miles off the California coast in the middle of the Pacific gives it a bloody history. Formerly a country, the Hawaiian government was overthrown by America. In WWII the archipelago played a crucial role in supplying US forces attacking Japan in the Pacific. Today, Hawaii’s eight islands are filled with incredible natural beauty and luxury resorts. One of these islands is Kauai. Located in northwestern Hawaii, this small island feels like paradise. Snorkeling in Kauai’ reefs is breathtaking, with schools of colorful fish surrounding you. Additionally, sea turtles and other marine mammals call Kauai home. For the non-beach person, the stunning emerald-hued Nāpali Coastline is home to massive cliffs with incredible hiking. The cliffs overlook the pristine Pacific coast and are home to lush vegetation. Kauai is a destination for any traveler, whether it’s sitting by the beach, snorkeling in the reefs, or hiking in the cliffs, Kauai has something for everyone.
Belfast, United Kingdom
Belfast is a city located in the U.K.’s territory of Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is the region on the Irish island to be occupied by the British and has been an area plagued by terrorism by the IRA. Today Belfast is a fantastic destination for city-dwellers. This historic place is the home of the Titanic, with the infamous ocean liner being built in the port of Belfast’s Harland & Wolff shipyard. Harland & Wolff is now a museum with artifacts from the Titanic and its passengers as well as the tools used to make the Titanic. One can visit the exact spot where they built the Titanic and then released it into the Atlantic. An entire hotel has been built on the site, complete with a restaurant tiled with the same tiles used in the Titanic’s sister ship, The Olympic’s pool. Outside of the shipyards, Belfast’s bustling downtown is similar to that of any busy city. Excellent steakhouses and other restaurants call Belfast home. Belfast’s beautiful waterfront has been paved and pedestrian areas have been made, allowing one to enjoy the Irish seaside. Better yet, Belfast is a direct flight away from London.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai, UAE is one of the most modern cities in the world. Located on the eastern coast of the Middle East, Dubai is located uniquely, where desert meets ocean. Dubai is quickly becoming one of the world’s major cities and is home to world class cuisine, incredible architecture, and beautiful beaches. Stay at Dubai’s luxury Taj hotel which offers three restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. Visit the wondrous Palm Jumeirah which is a set of man made islands shaped like a palm tree. Dubai’s futuristic design makes it a breathtaking experience just walking along the streets. Even the metro stations in Dubai are unique, reminiscent of the metro stations in the movie series Incredibles. Dubai is also home to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. From the top of the Burj Khalifa, the entire Dubai landscape is visible, from the desert on the west to the ocean on the east. In the desert, one can ride camels and feel the sand between their toes, while along the ocean one can beat the heat by dipping into the pristine Persian Gulf. Food in Dubai is also amazing, with traditional Mezze as well as a variety of high quality global cuisines can be found. The UAE made its wealth similarly to the rest of the middle east, with oil. Today Dubai is a major trade sight, with its central position good for goods and people from all over the world to travel to it. Thinking of visiting this incredible city? Dubai has direct flights to most major cities in the world via Emirates, including Boston.