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India is home to 1.4 billion people and more notably the 8th most populated country as of 2023. Known for its bustling business center and rich culture, Mumba is one of the top destination spots for the country. We were lucky enough to travel from the US to India in the fall of 2018. Our sister-in-law was born in India and her family hosted us for 5 days. There we were able to explore the area as both a tourist and a local. It was a really great experience of which we're so thankful for. HOW TO GET THERE Flying into Mumbai is rather easy, coming from the U.S. there's usually a layover in Europe, then you'll land in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The large international airport located close to the city center. India has an expansive internal airline structure making air travel easy within the country as well. If you're able to extend your trip, we'd recommend looking into maximizing the layover time. For our trip we flew Detroit > Amsterdam > Mumbai and spent a few days layover in Amsterdam before arriving to Mumbai. WHERE TO STAY Mumbai has a lively business scene. There are many large name hotel brands located throughout Mumbai. For this trip, we'd recommend staying in a hotel as it provides additional amenities and security for fair and reasonable pricing. During our time in Mumbai we stayed at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake. It was a beautiful hotel that overlooked Powai Lake and provided a luxurious feel with heightened security, friendly staff, and expensive design features. Within the hotel there are multiple restaurants, shops, and a fitness/spa center for guests to enjoy while on property. Looking back, it felt very similar to an all inclusive like resort. Mumbai's dense population can become overwhelming at times, but the hotel provided a quiet place to spend your nights. Left to right: Hotel entrance, overlooking Powai Lake, inside the hotel. TIPS FOR VISITING Mumbai's driving is chaotic, if you are able to hire a private driver this was very helpful for the week. If not, we'd recommend taking taxis and rikshaws to avoid any accidents as the roads are challenging to navigate. India is know to have malaria and upset your stomach- bring medications from home. There are a lot of people everywhere, be prepared for congested streets and areas when exploring the city. WHAT TO SEE Bandra Area An area located near the sea in home to many famous actors, actresses, and athletes. This area is full of great shopping, restaurants, and night life. Marine Drive A 3mi long promenade in the Bandra area that visitors can drive along the waterside and stop at various restaurants for a bite to eat. Marine Drive is also known as the Queen's Necklace because when viewed at night the coastline creates a necklace shape while the bright lights create the illusion of pearls. Nariman Point Located outside of the business district, this area looks out to the Arabian Sea and provides tourists great views of the Mumbai skyline. While we were there this was a great spot to sit down, relax, and enjoy a great view amidst a lively city. My sister-in-laws and I enjoying a calm moment at Nariman Point! You can see some of the coastline shape that creates the Queen's Necklace. Gateway of India An over 100 year old structure located along the waterfront this arch is a symbolic entryway to the city of Mumbai. Taj Mahal Hotel Located near the Gateway of India, the Taj Hotel is an elaborate, famous five-star hotel located along Mumbai's waterfront. Mount Mary Church A fully functional Roman Catholic basilica dating back to the 16th century in the Bandra area. Visitors can stop in to tour and pay their respects. Sea Link Bridge A famous 5.6 km long and eight Lane White Bridge, that links the Bandra from the western suburbs of Mumbai. It’s a relatively new bridge being constructed in 2009 that is an integral part of connecting the various areas of Mumbai. Worli Area A more upscale area that had a really beautiful views of the Sea Link Bridge. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Train Station in a UNESCO world heritage site. It is huge and absolutely breathtaking. Even from the outside you’re able to see what an architectural marvel it is. Many considerate, one of the sinus, functional railway station buildings of the world, and more than 3M commuters use it everyday. Haji Ali A mosque located on coast off the Worley in the southern area of Mumbai. It was established in the 15th century and has been an icon for many tourists photographers & locals. People of all phase are welcome to this mask however, please ensure that you’re following respectful, dress and customs as you enter. I love Mumbai sign A popular tourist attraction that offers views of the sea and city skyline. WHERE TO EAT Cafe DiBella A quiet coffee shop located in the heart of Mumbai. It had great drinks and quick snacks and provided a great working environment if you're in the area. Viviana Mall A large multi-story shopping complex located in Mumbai. It had traditional Indian establishments as well as westernized stores. During our time here we stopped many times to enjoy the various restaurants and arcade games. Lord of the Drinks A really cool, trendy restaurant that offers cocktails and snacks in a nice part of town. Fratelli Fresh An Italian-inspired restaurant located within the hotel, this restaurant was very good and offered great views overlooking the water. Leopold Café Grab a quick beer and bite to eat at this popular to many tourists you’ll meet people from all over the world at this establishment. It’s extremely popular and hard to get a spot, however, it’s worth it and definitely feels like a night out mid day. Copper Chimney A small family restaurant that offers for buffet style eating. Our favorite dish here was the cheese naan - so simple, but delicious. WHAT TO EAT During our time in Mumbai we were fortunate enough to be hosted by kind family members. They provided us an array of traditional Indian foods that were delicious. For your next trip to Mumbai, take note and make some time to try these: Traditional Foods Kurma - vegetable curry Masalebhaat - spiced/flavored rice Koshimbir - salad with yogurt Gulab jamun - sweet dessert Chiropa - croissant w/sugar Chakli - dough cookie Roti - thin flour flatbread Shankarpali - square cookie Prawn Kabob - shrimp grilled on skewer Chicken Kabob - curry style chicken grilled on skewer Tikka Masala - chicken dish in spiced sauce often served with rice Butter chicken - chicken dish in savory sauce often served with rice Butter Naan - doughy flour flatbread with butter Sula vineyard red wine - local wines Cheese links - A quick snack similar to a tiny, fluffy square "cheese itz" Papad - thin bean flour wafer with a cracker consistency NEARBY Thane A major suburb of Mumbai, Thane is also located within the state of Maharashtra. Pune A major suburb of Mumbai, Pune is also located within the sate of Maharashtra. Goa A popular nearby beach town located along the Arabian Sea. CLOSING THOUGHTS India was such a great experience! On a personal level, we were so happy to be able to experience some of our sister-in-law's hometown. She and her family welcomed us with open arms and that was special in itself. Mumbai surprised us, the city was much more of a city center than we expected. The city is a major hub for business and many major western businesses presence could be found there. Also, we weren't expecting to feel the dense population as much as we did. We did this city in 5 days and we'd advise anyone visiting to spend about that amount of time to see the full city. This page contains affiliate links that Tracking Travels may earn a small commission if used. This helps to keep the blog running! Thank you for your support!

Outside of Phoenix, Arizona lies a vacation town filled with red-rock buttes to hike and high quality places to eat. Sedona is the ultimate vacation town with state parks, hikes, spas, restaurants, and cultural sites for tourists to visit. The town is a bustling by day time, but come night the town shuts down early to prepare for an early wake up call and morning sunrise hike. View looking out from Cathedral Rock. HOW TO GET THERE There are two main airports visitors can fly into - Phoenix and Flagstaff. Phoenix is 2 hours south of Sedona while Flagstaff is an hour north. We'd recommend renting a car once you get to Arizona as public transportation is limited and you'll want to have full flexibility to travel the area. WHERE TO STAY There are two primary areas of Sedona - Uptown and West Sedona. Uptown Sedona is in the heart of the downtown area with quick access to many restaurants and tourist attractions. West Sedona tends to be closer to the major hiking trails of the area and provides a more local feel. Both areas have ample amounts of hotels to stay at. We opted to stay at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock and had a great experience. We had a 1 bedroom room with a kitchenette, living room with a fireplace, and balcony that overlooked Bell Rock. There were multiple pools and a large fitness area. TIPS FOR VISITING Be safe on your hikes - bring water, wear high traction shoes, wear sun protection. It is a desert climate so the mornings get cold and afternoons very hot. If you are doing a hike, be prepared for the swing in temperature. Make lunch and dinner reservations before visiting - the restaurants can fill up months out. Sedona offers hot air balloon rides which are not only really cool, but make for a beautiful view from a trailhead as both the sun and air balloons rise early in the morning. ITINERARY Day 1: Sedona, AZ Checked into the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock Bell Rock Pathway Trailhead Dinner at Bella Vita Ristorante We started off the day by making the trek from Phoenix to Sedona. This took around 2 hours and was a relatively, easy scenic drive. Upon arriving, we checked into Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock and headed for the pool! The pool was not crowded and had lounge seating all around the pool. As an added bonus, there was a concession stand to grab food and drinks! From there we headed to take the low impact walking trail to Bell Rock! Bell Rock is a top attraction in Sedona. There's a relatively low-impact walking trail you can take to reach Bell Rock. The trail is a 0.8mile in-and-out trail with views of Bell Rock at the end. After the quick walk, we headed back to the Hilton to get ready for dinner at Bella Vita Ristorante. Overall, the restaurant was good! There was plenty of outdoor seating and the service was quick. Day 2: Sedona, AZ Cathedral Rock Hike Boynton Canyon Lunch at The Vault Uptown Sunset at Airport Mesa Dinner at Rotten Johnny’s Pizza We set out to hike Cathedral Rock bright and early! Cathedral Rock is a 1.2 mile, relatively steep hike. Hikers park at the base, then begin the trek to the lookout point near the top. Parking is limited, so we'd recommend getting there early! (And, to avoid peak Arizona sun.) The hike turned out to be pretty slippery! We did not wear high traction shoes, but highly recommend taking it into consideration when packing. When we reached the plateau, it provided a great look out point before heading back down. From there, we headed to Bonyon Canyon! Originally not on our radar, but we heard this area was less trafficked and offered great views. Both turned out to be true and we're glad we went! The hike was fairly easy - the trail was paved and there were no major steep drops. If you're traveling with children, this would be a family friendly hike. At the top there were views overlooking into the canyon from all angles. After hitting 2 early hikes, we headed to lunch at The Vault Uptown. The views were the best at this restaurant!! We highly recommend taking time to stop here. We grabbed a sandwhich and foccacia to load up on some good carbs and vegetables before wandering around town. Tip: If you plan to dine at The Vault Uptown make reservations in advance as this place fills up quick! From there, we wandered around downtown before heading back to our hotel to swim in the pool before sunset. At sunset, we headed to Airport Mesa to watch sunset. The drive up was very narrow, but it's well trafficked and paved. When you get there you'll park in a parking lot, then walk to the overlook. It was very crowded. If you want a good spot, we also recommend getting there a bit early. The sunset was stunning!! On our way home we ordered a pizza from Rotten Johnny’s Pizza. And, because we had some time to waste, we went to The Chapel of the Holy Cross for a beautiful night time view. Day 3: Sedona, AZ Devil’s Bridge Hike Breakfast at Local Juicery Pool at Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock Dinner at Steakhouse 89 We started our day at the Devil's Bridge Hike! In total the hike is 4-6miles round trip depending on the route that you take. Because of how long this could take, we'd recommend starting early in the morning. Plus, if you start bright and early you'll get a nice view of the hot air balloons heading out to catch sunrise. The hike started out relatively easy - the trails were paved and clear. Because of this, we constantly were running into mountain bikers at times, too! It took us a few hours, but when we actually reached Devil's Bridge we were so excited! When you reach the summit, the area around is a bowl-like rock structure making it a bit slippery, and thus scary, to walk around. Use caution when walking to the actual bridge as some parts become quite steep. However, the Devil's Bridge itself was quite wide. The further you went out the more narrow it became, but it was a straight drop down on either side, so again, hike with caution. The hike was the main part of our day, from there we went to Local Juicery to grab some breakfast before heading back to the hotel to swim and relax. The breakfast was so good and fresh. We ordered acai bowls, avocado toast, and coffee to refuel us. At night, we headed to dinner at Steakhouse 89. Day 4: Sedona, AZ Bell Rock Pathway Trailhead Breakfast at Local Juicery Walked around Tlaquepaque Happy Hour at Mesa Grill Dinner at Mariposa We woke up wanting to get outside and take another walk around the Bell Rock Pathway Trailhead. We did a quick loop to stretch our legs before heading to Tlaquepaque. Tlaquepaque is an outdoor market area that has art galleries, restaurants, and live music. The area has detailed Mexican-inspired architecture with mosaics and cobblestone paths all around. Tlaquepaque is considered the art and soul of Sedona. For Happy Hour we headed back to Airport Mesa we grabbed a quick drink before heading off to dinner. Located right by the private airport, we spent our time watching planes take off while drinking our drinks. (Not the best picture, but you get the jist) For dinner we headed Mariposa! This was our favorite spot on the trip and required a reservation months in advance. Be sure to book ahead of time to pick your spot. Also, check out the menu as it is an upscale dining experience with a pricier menu. The views and the Latin-inspired cuisine made dinner at Mariposa stand out from the rest. We'd highly recommend! The dinner ended up being the perfect way to close out our vacation to Sedona. CLOSING THOUGHTS Sedona was a great place to visit. It had both the relaxing and active elements that you are looking for in a vacation. Surrounded by red rocks on all sides, the views were stunning. Furthermore, everything was close by and easily accessible making it inclusive for visitors of all ages and abilities. Within Sedona, there's something for everyone. The downside is it was expensive - from the hotel to the food, it all felt just a bit more than planned. This page contains affiliate links that Tracking Travels may earn a small commission if used. This helps to keep the blog running! Thank you for your support!

Disney World! "The Most Magical Place on Earth" and a dream place for many children and adults. With 5 main theme parks, a sports complex, a waterpark, a downtown, and many resorts with transportation in between, one day is not enough time to experience Disney World in its entirety. WHAT IS HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS? Hollywood Studios is a theme park owned and operated by the Walt Disney Company. The theme park was opened on May 1, 1989 and has since taken visitors through the film development and history of Walt Disney World. It was originally opened under the name MGM Studios, but changed to Hollywood Studios in 2008. Previously known for Mickey's Sorcerer's Hat, this was removed in 2001 and subsequently began the shift to a theme park is heavy in shows and rides. If you're a person who enjoys rides, this is the best park for you to visit given the new technology and quantity of rides. However, be warned these rides are generally higher impact than other parks such as Magic Kingdom. Meaning, if you're traveling with small children your ride opportunities here will be more limited. Most notable places in Hollywood Studios include Sunset Boulevard, the Chinese Theater, and Tower of Terror. New attractions that are gaining huge popularity include Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land. The view of the Tower of Terror from Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood Studios. WHERE TO STAY Hollywood Studios is accessible by car for the external visitors, but for those staying on property the park can be reached bus, Disney's Friendship Launch Boat and the Disney Skyliner. All of the resorts listed below have Disney Skyliner hubs that can take you directly to Hollywood Studios. But, all resorts on Disney property can access Hollywood Studios by bus and are a great option. Another great benefit to Disney resorts is that parking is FREE! Disney's Swan & Dolphin Resorts The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin are the only Disney Resorts managed by Marriott. Meaning, for these hotels you can not only earn Marriott Bonvoy points, but also use them for your reservation. Additionally, this resort offers special teacher discounts. It's in a great location with access to Disney's Boardwalk nearby and is in close proximity to EPCOT. Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts Located on Disney's Crescent Lake, this New England-inspired resort provides a relaxing experience for their guests with subtle Disney inspired decorations. It's located on Disney's Cresent Lake with close proximity to Disney's Boardwalk, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios by a short boat ride. Disney's Boardwalk My favorite Disney Resort! The Boardwalk Resort offers a variety of well-designed accommodations, pools, and activities to enjoy on property. Located right outside there is a quarter-mile promenade filled with dining, shops, and nightlife alongside Disney's Crescent Lake. The resort is also a short walk or boat ride to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Tip: If you don't stay at the Boardwalk, you can still park at the hotel and enjoy the restaurants and view along the promenade. Disney's Ferry Map. Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort An Caribbean-inspired resort, the grounds pull in influences from the islands of Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, Trinidad and Aruba. This resort is known for it's great pools and easy accessibility by Disney Skyliner to reach both Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Disney's Riviera Resort Disney's Riviera Resort is one of the newest properties on the Disney campus. A luxurious, European-inspired resort, this hotel offers detailed, clean indoor and outdoor amenities with great views of the lake and EPCOT fireworks show. This resort has easy accessibility by Disney Skyliner to reach both Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Disney's Art of Animation Resort Paying homage to the magic of both Disney and Pixar, this resort is filled with colorful, animated displays of characters. It is also notably home to the largest resort pool of the Disney resort properties. This resort has easy accessibility by Disney Skyliner to reach both Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Disney's Pop Century Resort This resort will take you through Disney over the years. With displays and showcases of key Disney events from the 1950s to 1990s you have a front seat to learning about the history that's shaped Disney World as we know it today. This resort is playful and filled with color! This resort has easy accessibility by Disney Skyliner to reach both Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Disney's Skyliner Map. Off Property Transportation Not staying on property? No issue. Guests can park at the Disney's Hollywood Studios Parking Lots, then either walk or take a quick ride to the front gates. There are 5 lots: Olaf, Buzz, Jessie, Minnie, and Mickey, which you'll be directed to by the employees upon arrival. Be advised while it's a relatively easy journey from the parking lot to the front gate, it can take about 20 min to get to the front gate. Then, another 10min+ to get into the park gates depending on how busy it is that day. Plan accordingly so you don't miss any reservations. With Disney, it's better to be early than to rush. PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP Buying Your Tickets There are many third party sites to buy your tickets from and stores such as AAA that may offer packages with discounted pricing. Disney also offers discounted passes to Florida residents. Undercover Tourist is what my family uses to find the best priced tickets for less, but there are also other sites such as Orlando Fun Tickets and Get Away Today that provide discounted passes. That said, for my latest Disneyworld trip, buying our tickets directly through Disney ended up being the best pricing. Genie Plus A relatively new feature that Disney has adopted is Genie Plus. This feature allows guests to log on to their My Disney Experience app and plan out their day with the help of "Genie." When logging in you'll be able to see resources to help you organize your day such as your tickets, park maps, mobile food orders, resort information, and more. When planning your day at the park, use the My Disney Experience app's My Disney Genie Day to see what rides are up and running and book your times to visit. This is an extra cost around $18-$20 per ticket that can be added at midnight on the day of your active pass. Tips for using Genie Plus You can start booking rides at 7am the morning of your tickets. Be ready, on your phone to book your first Genie Plus "fast pass" by 6:55am Know what ride you're going to book, at 7am sharp scroll in the alphabetical list of experiences to book yours. You won't see the time you'll receive, but book fast! The quicker you book around 7am, the quicker it will be. Your time can change from the reservation screen to the booking. Keep clicking through to reserve - your time is not held on the initial reservation screen. At parking opening, or after you use your pass, you are able to book your next pass. You can book your next Genie Plus after you scan in to the ride with a reservation. Lightning Lane For select rides, you may need to purchase Lightning Lane in addition to your park pass with Genie Plus to avoid the line. The cost will range between $10-$12 per person per ride depending on the time of the day. When booking a time slot for the ride, you will see a LL which indicates Lightening Lane. You can do this all directly through your MyDisneyExperience app. Key Point: The total cost is Park Pass + Genie Plus + Lightning Lane. You buy LL per ride, not per day. Managing Your Tickets If you're traveling in a big group, you may consider becoming friends with everyone in your party on your MyDisneyExperience account. The benefit is so when you're going to make a booking, someone in your party can select everyone's pass and then make the reservation together. If you purchase your tickets separately, have no fear, you can easily transfer your tickets into one account by navigating to your MyDisneyExperience account then click Tickets and Passes then Link Tickets & Passes. PLANNING FOR THE DAY The biggest piece of advice I have is to familiarize yourself with the park map in advance of your visit so that you're not running from one side of the park to the next. It may be smarter to forgo an earlier Genie Plus reservation for a later time slot if it makes more sense about where you'll be and when. Since there are so many new, high-demand rides in Hollywood Studios you'll want to make sure you're planning well and not running across the park to make a GeniePlus time. Disney World's Hollywood Studios Park Map. PACKING FOR THE DAY My biggest tip is to pack lightly and efficiently. You'll be walking around all day and the more stuff you bring, the more stuff you need to not only carry around, but make sure you don't lose. Disney World allows outside food and drink so if you're looking to save money or have dietary restrictions you can bring in your own food. Also, consider the weather. Florida is generally hot and humid, you never know when a rainstorm may roll in. Be prepared for the sunshine and check the forecast for rain. That said, here's what I'm packing: Magic Band - Purchase your magic band and link your park ticket in advance for easy entry. Minnie Ears - Speaks for itself, have to show some Disney love! Tee Shirt - An oversized cotton tee protects your shoulders from the sun and is ultra comfy. Shorts - Athletic shorts are comfy and will dry quickly if you get wet on a water ride. Sneakers - With so much walking, it simply doesn't make sense to wear anything else. Small Backpack - Keep it small and pack only the essentials. Sunscreen - Protect yourself from the sun - wear your sunscreen! Chapstick - Again, we don't want our lips to burn. Band-Aids - You never know when you'll get a blister or trip and fall. Ibuprofen - Always nice to have on hand in case of the sun-induced headache. Snacks - Keep them light and (kind of) healthy, nice to save some money by packing snacks. Sunglasses - No matter the time of year, the sun will be out. Bring some shades! Water Bottle - Bring in your own water bottle and refill it at inside the park. Rain Poncho - Go to the dollar store and pick up a cheap rain poncho in case of a quick rain. WHERE TO EAT Once you've made your mind to go to Disney's Magic Kingdom, you should start checking out the reservations. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of your visit right on the My Disney Experience App. Although not needed, there are some great restaurants inside the park and it's always nice to secure some air conditioning to escape the Florida heat and humidity. Fairfax Fare A walk up food stand on Sunset Boulevard that offers turkey legs, waffle bowls, and other hearty snacks/meals. Roundup Rodeo BBQ A new BBQ restaurant in Toy Story Land with Andy's Toys. Woody's Lunch Box A pop up cart in Toy Story Land with great snack foods and tasty treats. Ronto Roaster Located in Star Wars: Galaxy Edge this spot has hearty snacks/meals including the famous Ronto Wrap. Oga's Cantina Located in Star Wars: Galaxy Edge this is a popular sit down restaurant with Star Wars inspired treats. Reservations are needed. BaseLine Tap House A laid back outdoor atmosphere where you are able to order beer flights and other American fare. Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano A popular casual Italian restaurant, you will need reservations to get in. 50's Prime Time Café A popular, unique dining experience with stereotypical homemade 50's food. This spot is famous for "minding your manners" and playing along with guests when they don't follow suit. Toy Story Land is the coolest with the best food options. WHAT TO EAT The Disney snack services have been stepping up their game in recent years. Now, each park has their own unique snacks for guests to try at the walk-up stands. Hollywood Studios has especially great themed food. In both Toy Story Land and Star War's Galaxy Edge there are snacks you can't get anywhere else in the park that fit both of the world's storyline. Turkey Legs Commonly found on Sunset Boulevard, turkey legs are a park staple and a hearty meal while walking around. Lunch Box Tart Found at Woody's Lunch Box, these are a take on the childhood favorite Pop Tart but BETTER. BBQ Brisket Melt Found at Woody's Lunch Box, a BBQ sandwich with tater tots on the side. Ronto Wrap A hot dog / pita combination found in Star War's Galaxy Edge's Ronto Roasters. A great lunch snack! Black Caf Cold Brew A deluxe cold brew coffee located at Kat Saka's Kettle in Galaxy's Edge. Cheddar-Jalapeno Pretzel A cheese stuffed pretzel found in Pretzel Palooza - a cart located near the entrance of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. The Black Cafe Cold Brew at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. So deluxe! WHAT TO DO Below is a list of my favorite rides starting going down Sunset Boulevard heading toward Toy Story Land and moving through the park in counterclockwise order to the Star War's Galaxy Edge. This will help limit walking, but also prepare for the day. Scattered throughout Hollywood Studios are both exciting rides and neat shows and animation sessions I'd highly encourage attending. Beauty & The Beast Live on Stage A Broadway-inspired muscial that tells the storyline of the Disney classic story Beauty & The Beast. Tower of Terror A thrilling ride taking riders high into the tower, then quickly dropping, as you travel through the Twilight Zone. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith A high-speed roller coaster with turns and flips simulating racing Aerosmith to their next concert. Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway A low-impact, high animation ride taking guests through Mickey & Minnie's railway experience. Toy Story Mania A low-impact interactive target game to virtually toss rings, shoot darts and targets racking up the most points. Slinky Dog Dash A high-speed rollercoaster suitable for children taking you around Toy Story Land on slinky dog. Alien Swirling Saucers A spinning ride suitable for all ages taking riders through an intergalactic spin with the Toy Story Aliens. Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run A thrilling, interactive ride taking you along a suggling mission. There are 4 roles that you'll be allocated to play in this mission. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance A low-impact, high technology ride taking riders through a battle against the First Order. Muppet Vision A Muppet show where guests can enjoy some air conditioning in a true theater setting. Star Tours - The Adventure Continues A moderate-impact, stationary, yet moving, ride that takes you through Star Wars against the First Order. Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular An exciting action show of Indiana Jones and their story. If you are thinking "okay this is great, but what should I use my Genie Plus on?" I would recommend Star War's: Rise of the Resistance and Toy Story's Slinky Dog Dash & Toy Mania. A sneak peak into a small part of Rise of the Resistance. CLOSING THOUGHTS Hollywood Studios continues to get better year after year! It's clear to see there's a shift happening in the ride offerings at the theme park and that Disney continues to pour in money to invest in park and ride enhancements. The shows continue to improve as do the rides. For me, Hollywood Studios is the most fun them e park if you're interested in rides. Plan your day smartly and take advantage of the Genie Plus, Lightening Lane, Single Rider lines, and early/late magic hours to maximize your day. HAVE FUN! This page contains affiliate links that Tracking Travels may earn a small commission if used. This helps to keep the blog running! Thank you for your support!

Disney World! "The Most Magical Place on Earth" and a dream place for many children and adults. Each year, over 20 million people visit Magic Kingdom to experience a taste of what Disney has to offer. With 5 main theme parks, a sports complex, a waterpark, a downtown, and many resorts with transportation in between, one day is not enough time to experience Disney World in its entirety. However, if you have one day, Magic Kingdom is a great place to start WHAT IS MAGIC KINGDOM? Magic Kingdom is the original park within The Walt Disney Company's Walt Disney World. The park opened on October 1, 1971 with 23 attractions. It is home to iconic landmarks such as Main Street USA and Cinderella's Castle. The attractions and rides tend to be geared toward the history of Disney and are heavily children-friendly. Cinderella's Castle at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. WHERE TO STAY Magic Kingdom is accessible by car for the external visitors, but for those staying on property the park can be reached by boat, bus, and monorail. Disney's Contemporary Resort & Bay Lake Towers At the base of Disney's Magic Kingdom lies Disney's Contemporary Resort & Bay Lake Towers. With the monorail running through the hotel lobby and only steps away from the park entrance, this is a top spot for visitors who want to visit Magic Kingdom. Disney's Polynesian A quick boat ride away from Magic Kingdom, this South Pacific-inspired delux hotel offers great amenities and has easy boat, bus, and monorail transportation. Off Property Transportation Not staying on property? No issue. Guests can park at the Ticket and Transportation Center, then take the monorail to Magic Kingdom. Be advised while it's a relatively easy journey from the parking lot to the front gate, it can take about 20-30 min to get to the front gate. Then, another 10min+ to get into the park gates depending on how busy it is that day. Plan accordingly so you don't miss any reservations. With Disney, it's better to be early than to rush. PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP Buying Your Tickets There are many third party sites to buy your tickets from and stores such as AAA that may offer packages with discounted pricing. Disney also offers discounted passes to Florida residents. Undercover Tourist is what my family uses to find the best priced tickets for less, but there are also other sites such as Orlando Fun Tickets and Get Away Today that provide discounted passes. That said, for my latest Disneyworld trip, buying our tickets directly through Disney ended up being the best pricing. Genie Plus A relatively new feature that Disney has adopted is Genie Plus. This feature allows guests to log on to their My Disney Experience app and plan out their day with the help of "Genie." When logging in you'll be able to see resources to help you organize your day such as your tickets, park maps, mobile food orders, resort information, and more. When planning your day at the park, use the My Disney Experience app's My Disney Genie Day to see what rides are up and running and book your times to visit. This is an extra cost around $18-$20 per ticket that can be added at midnight on the day of your active pass. Tips for using Genie Plus You can start booking rides at 7am the morning of your tickets. Be ready, on your phone to book your first Genie Plus "fast pass" by 6:55am Know what ride you're going to book, at 7am sharp scroll in the alphabetical list of experiences to book yours. You won't see the time you'll receive, but book fast! The quicker you book around 7am, the quicker it will be. Your time can change from the reservation screen to the booking. Keep clicking through to reserve - your time is not held on the initial reservation screen. At parking opening, or after you use your pass, you are able to book your next pass. You can book your next Genie Plus after you scan in to the ride with a reservation. Lightning Lane For select rides, you may need to purchase Lightning Lane in addition to your park pass with Genie Plus to avoid the line. The cost will range between $10-$12 per person per ride depending on the time of the day. When booking a time slot for the ride, you will see a LL which indicates Lightening Lane. You can do this all directly through your MyDisneyExperience app. Key Point: The total cost is Park Pass + Genie Plus + Lightning Lane. You buy LL per ride, not per day. Managing Your Tickets If you're traveling in a big group, you may consider becoming friends with everyone in your party on your MyDisneyExperience account. The benefit is so when you're going to make a booking, someone in your party can select everyone's pass and then make the reservation together. If you purchase your tickets separately, have no fear, you can easily transfer your tickets into one account by navigating to your MyDisneyExperience account then click Tickets and Passes then Link Tickets & Passes. PLANNING FOR THE DAY Magic Kingdom is deceivingly large, the biggest piece of advice I have is to familiarize yourself with the park map in advance of your visit so that you're not running from one side of the park to the next. It may be smarter to forgo an earlier Genie Plus reservation for a later time slot if it makes more sense about where you'll be and when. For me, I prefer to walk in through Main Street, start in Tomorrowland, and then work my way counterclockwise around the park to end up back on Main Street for the mid-day parades and end of the day fireworks show. Disneyworld's Magic Kingdom Park Map. PACKING FOR THE DAY My biggest tip is to pack lightly and efficiently. You'll be walking around all day and the more stuff you bring, the more stuff you need to not only carry around, but make sure you don't lose. Disneyworld allows outside food and drink so if you're looking to save money or have dietary restrictions you can bring in your own food. Also, consider the weather. Florida is generally hot and humid, you never know when a rainstorm may roll in. Be prepared for the sunshine and check the forecast for rain. That said, here's what I'm packing: Magic Band - Purchase your magic band and link your park ticket in advance for easy entry. Minnie Ears - Speaks for itself, have to show some Disney love! Tee Shirt - An oversized cotton tee protects your shoulders from the sun and is ultra comfy. Shorts - Athletic shorts are comfy and will dry quickly if you get wet on a water ride. Sneakers - With so much walking, it simply doesn't make sense to wear anything else. Small Backpack - Keep it small and pack only the essentials. Sunscreen - Protect yourself from the sun - wear your sunscreen! Chapstick - Again, we don't want our lips to burn. Band-Aids - You never know when you'll get a blister or trip and fall. Ibuprofen - Always nice to have on hand in case of the sun-induced headache. Snacks - Keep them light and (kind of) healthy, nice to save some money by packing snacks. Sunglasses - No matter the time of year, the sun will be out. Bring some shades! Water Bottle - Bring in your own water bottle and refill it at inside the park. Rain Poncho - Go to the dollar store and pick up a cheap rain poncho in case of a quick rain. WHERE TO EAT Once you've made your mind to go to Disney's Magic Kingdom, you should start checking out the reservations. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of your visit right on the My Disney Experience App. Although not needed, there are some great restaurants inside the park and it's always nice to secure some air conditioning to escape the Florida heat and humidity. Be Our Guest Located in Fantasyland, guests can experience this Beauty and the Beast inspired elegant dining. Due to its high demand, reservations should be made well in advance and head count must be accurately accounted for. The Crystal Palace Most known for the character dining experience, this restaurant is located in the heart of Magic Kingdom and is a sit-down experience. Due to its high demand, reservations should be made well in advance and head count must be accurately accounted for. Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café A casual quick-dining experience located just beyond Cinderella's Castle between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, this spot offers great food, and even better - lots of seating and air conditioning. You can order from here in advance on your MyDisneyExperience account. Casey's Corner Located at the end of Main Street USA overlooking Cinderella's Castle, this American-style restaurant offers hot dogs, corn dogs, fries, fountain drinks and more for a quick bite to eat. WHAT TO EAT The Disney snack services have been stepping up their game in recent years. Now, each park has their own unique snacks for guests to try at the walk-up stands. Magic Kingdom has especially great dessert food - great for keeping small children going all day. If you're looking for a quick snack, seek out some of these stops: Turkey Legs Commonly found in Frontierland, turkey legs are a park staple and a hearty meal while walking around. Pepper Jack Stuffed Pretzel Within Frontierland there is a small snack cart that has these Pepper Jack Stuffed Pretzels. They're a unique take with gooey pepper jack cheese inside a traditional pretzel. Cheeseburger & Pastrami Spring Rolls When heading into Adventureland, there's a small cart of food that has cheeseburger and pastrami spring rolls. Stop here before making your way into the ride and pick these up! Dole Whip Classic pineapple Dole Whip can only be found at Magic Kingdom's Aloha Isle in Adventure Land. The line tends to be long, so plan accordingly and get in line for some classic Dole Whip. I Lava You Dole Whip A fun take on the traditional pineapple Dole Whip, this tasty treat is a sweet mixture of Orange Dole Whip, orange Fanta, strawberry and passionfruit syrups, and pop rocks. It can be found at Sunshine Tree Terrace as you enter Adventure Land. WHAT TO DO Below is a list of my favorite rides starting at Tomorrowland and moving through the park in counterclockwise order to Adventureland. This will help limit walking, but also prepare for the day. Most of the rides and attractions are geared to children, if you are traveling with adrenaline junkies you'll want to tailor your expectations. Hollywood Studios or EPCOT, other parks within Disney World, may be better suited for those folks. Buzz Lightyear An interactive, slow moving laser tag game and ride combined. So fun! People Mover A slow moving, train-like ride that takes you around the top of Tomorrowland. Space Mountain A high-speed roller coaster taking you through "space" in a dark, starry atmosphere. TRON Lightcycle Run The newest, high-speed roller coaster in Tomorrowland. Guests will ride on motorcycle-like carts for a new kind of experience. Mad Tea Party Sit inside teacups and spin as fast as you can! This ride will make you dizzy and is suitable for all ages. Dumbo the Elephant Sit in a Dumbo inspired cart and control if you want to fly high or low around the circle. The Barnstormer A child-friendly, low-impact roller coaster with subtle turns and drops. Ariel's Grotto A slow-paced boat ride that takes you through the story of The Little Mermaid. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train An exciting roller coaster with high-tech animatronics combining an exhilarating experience with technology. Peter Pan's Flight A slow-paced gondola-type of ride that takes you through the story of Peter Pan. Prince Charming Regal Carrousel The oldest ride in Magic Kingdom, this is Disney's take on the traditional merry-go-round ride. Jungle Cruise A low-impact outdoor water ride that takes you through a comedic journey through the rivers of the Amazon. This is a calm, roughly 10 minute, water ride. Pirates of the Caribbean A low-impact indoor water ride that takes you through the Pirates of the Caribbean storyline with animatronics. If you are thinking "okay this is great, but what should I use my Genie Plus on?" I would recommend Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and TRON. CLOSING THOUGHTS Magic Kingdom is Disney's staple park that all Disney enthusiasts must visit once in their lifetime. Walking into the park takes you into another world that you can experience no where else. Sure, the lines are long and it can get expensive, but heading in with the right mindset can make all of the difference. Preparing in advance, packing accordingly, and having a plan will allow for you to relax and enjoy your time experiencing the magic of Walt Disney World. This page contains affiliate links that Tracking Travels may earn a small commission if used. This helps to keep the blog running! Thank you for your support!

Yellowstone National Park hosts nearly 5 million visitors each year, and for a good reason. Spanning across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho with unique landscapes that cannot see nearly anywhere else in the world, Yellowstone National Park is truly a natural marvel. Yellowstone's Grand Loop provides an easy map of how to explore Yellowstone. Having only 2 days in the park, it's easy to divide day 1 into exploring the lower loop and day 2 into the upper loop. The Grand Loop is paved with various pull-off spots to park and use the restroom along the way. There are not many opportunities for food and drink, so be sure to pack appropriately when coming to the park. HOW TO GET THERE Yellowstone has 5 main park entrances - North Entrance (Gardiner), Northeast Entrance (Silver Gate), South Entrance, West Entrance, and East Entrance. Since the park has a clear road system of 2 main loops, it's critical you understand which entrance is closest to where you're staying and what makes the most sense to enter from. Each entrance comes with it's own unique landscapes, so it's hard to say which is the "best." However, you may note that the North Entrance is by far the most popular and therefore you may wait in some lines to get in. The National Park Service has a lot of great online maps that you can browse and download in advance to help map out your trip. By making a list of your top sites to see, it'll help you narrow it down to where you want to stay and which entrance to use. The one we used most closely and that we'll refer to in the itinerary is this map of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. BEST PLACES TO STAY IN AND NEAR YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK Near/Outside the Park Gardiner(North Entrance) - A small town filled with great views and outdoor activities. Grand Teton (South Entrance) - Close to Grand Teton National Park for those wanting to hit both in a trip. Cody (East Entrance) - An traditional western-inspired town known for "Buffalo Bill." West Yellowstone (West Entrance) - A town built off of the tourism of Yellowstone, this a popular spot! Inside the Park Canyon Lodge and Cabins: 400+ guest rooms spread across 5 hotel-style lodges, with 100+ cabins being more rustic accommodations. Grant Village Lodge: 300 guest rooms spread across 6 two-story, hotel-style lodges. Lake Hotel and Cabins: Large lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations. Lake Lodge Cabins: 186 cabins. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins: Large lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations. Old Faithful Inn: Rustic lodge with hotel room-style accommodations. Old Faithful Lodge: Cabin accommodations. Old Faithful Snow Lodge: Large lodge that has hotel room-style and cabin accommodations. Roosevelt Lodge: Cabin accommodations. (Note: Lodge Descriptions from the National Park Service Website) TIPS FOR VISITING Road Closures... Depending on the time of the year, many roads will shut down for the season. Only the North Entrance is confirmed to remain open year round. Inclement weather and road conditions frequently will cause closures, so it's best to keep a close eye on the National Park Service website prior to your trip. Fees and Passes... You are required to pay entrance into Yellowstone National Park. The fees collected are given back to the park for maintenance and to provide aid to the services allowing Yellowstone to operate and protect the national resources. Full details are available of the National Park Service website. Packing... Be prepared for the heat in the summer, and cold in the winter. Come prepared with a range of clothing to support the chilly morning/nights and peak heat in the afternoon. Hydration will be key as there are water stops throughout the park, but not necessarily many places to purchase water. Leave no trace!... Be respectful and clean up after yourself. ITINERARY Day 1: Yellowstone (Lower Loop) Start your day by entering through the West Entrance (West Yellowstone). From there we'll head south to focus on the Lower Loop of attractions within Yellowstone National Park First stop, Lower Geyser Basin - Fountain Paint Pot The Fountain Paint Pots are a massive area of geothermal activity. There's a parking lot, then a boardwalk that visitors can walk around to view the hundreds of colorful, steaming paint pots. We went early in the morning when it was cold, so the clash of heat and cool weather made for a hazy morning. Drive the Firehole Lake Drive A not-so-crowded 3 mile drive that will take visitors back to Artesia Geyser and Firehole Spring. This route is full of hot pots with the ability to quickly pull off the road for a photo opportunity. Hike to Midway Geyser Basin - Grand Prismatic Spring One of the most popular spots in Yellowstone National Park, Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States. It boasts a beautiful array of red/orange and green/blue colors surrounded the heated spring. Sit back and view Old Faithful Geyser Basin Visitors flock from all over the world to see Old Faithful erupt. There are benches around Old Faithful for visitors to lounge at while they wait - the NPS Twitter account "GeyserNPS" provides real time updates on when the eruption will next occur. The area around Old Faithful offers the Old Faithful Inn, restaurants, and visitor centers to spend time relaxing and grabbing a bite to eat. Additionally, there are multiple hikes that can be taken to other geysers and spots near the area. Take the scenic drive to West Thumb Geyer Basin The drive headed south on the Lower Loop and then west toward Take the short hike to Fishing Cone At the southeast corner of the park lies a plethora of hidden gems. Park in the parking lot and then take the short walk via boardwalk around the natural hot pools to reach Fishing Cone. Fishing Cone a small fishing pot hot spot that protrudes up from the lake. There are signs nearby that explain that this spot used to be used to cook fish in the boiling water after fishermen and women caught something! Enjoy a snack at Yellowstone Lake There are very few restaurants and places to stop for a quick snack while you're inside Yellowstone National Park (in our opinions). But, along Yellowstone Lake there is a Lake General Store that you can stop in and grab a drink and snack. Crack a beer and enjoy a calm view overlooking the water! Drive through Hayden Valley Head north through Hayden Valley -- a vast, picturesque area situated between Yellowstone Lake and Yellowstone Falls. It's known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the Yellowstone River flowing through it. While there, we were able to see so many bison. Pro Tip: Head here in the morning when the wildlife is most active if you're able. Embrace the magic of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone An absolute show stopper! The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is breathtaking and can be seen from a small parking lot and overlook that is highly accessible to tourists. Exit through the North Entrance (Gardiner) to head to where you'll spend the night. Day 2: Yellowstone (Upper Loop) The next morning, enter through the North Entrance (Gardiner), the same way that you exited on Day 1. This time, take a minute to embrace the history of Yellowstone National Park as you start by entering through the Roosevelt Arch before setting off to explore the Upper portion of the park. First stop, the Roosevelt Arch The Roosevelt Arch is a historic and iconic gateway marking the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Constructed in 1903, it stands as a tribute to President Theodore Roosevelt, who played a significant role in the establishment and conservation of the park. The arch's rustic design and inscription "For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People" encapsulate the park's mission and enduring commitment to preserving its natural wonders for generations to come. Stroll the boardwalks of Mammoth Hot Springs We made a quick visit to Mammoth Hot Springs, stopping at the parking area before following the well-maintained boardwalks that guide you to the springs. The springs are travertine which is full of warm color tones and intricate patterns, creating a stunning backdrop! Roaring Mountains As you drive into the park you'll pass what seems to be merely a road, however, take a look out the window and appreciate the sight of Yellowstone's Roaring Mountains. Norris Geyser Basin The Norris Geyser Basin is one of the most dynamic and active thermal areas in the park, known for its large collection of geysers, hot springs, and other geothermal features. The Norris Geyser Basin is divided into two main areas: the Porcelain Basin and the Back Basin, each offering a diverse array of hydrothermal features to explore. Artist Paintpots The Artist Paint Pots is another geothermal area within Yellowstone National Park, known for its unique and colorful geothermal features. Follow the trails and get a close look at the colorful, bubbling hot pots in piles of mud. Think of a pottery wheel mound of clay mixed with a potion of some sort and that's what you've got! Steamboat Geyser Basin A not-so-talked about, but highly impressive geyser, Steamboat Geyser Basin is the world's tallest active geyser. Catch it at the right time and you'll have the chance to see it in action! Grand Canyon of Yellowstone Okay... we just had to go back. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone poses a stunning beauty that could be seen no where else. Pending all roads are open, both the North and South Loops will lead you here. Tower-Roosevelt (Tower Falls) We spontaneously stumbled upon this walkway and were so glad we did! Park on the street or in the small parking lot and head down the Red Rock Point Trail. It'll start on dirt paths, then transition to stairs that will lead you down to a stunning lookout point. Exit through the North Entrance (Gardiner) CLOSING THOUGHTS Yellowstone was awesome. The sheer size and scale of the park is impressive, then you add in the varying landscapes and it truly blows you away. It felt like a playground for the outdoor lover hopping between spot to spot. In 2 days we felt we could see a lot, but we were unable to dive deeper at each spot and do some hikes. We were also bummed we missed out on the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook trail and would be sure not to skip that next time. If Yellowstone is of any interest to you, put it on your bucket list and book that flight - you won't regret it!

Acadia National Park is situated on the coastline of Bar Harbor, Maine and offers various scenic drives, hiking trails, and picturesque views of the mountains and coast. Visitors from all over flock to Acadia to experience top attractions like Jordan Pond, Precipice Trail, Otter Cliffs, Cadillac Mountain, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, and so much more. While you're out exploring the park, one thing is certain: you'll be spending most of your time in the great outdoors, away from the distractions of modern life. Ensure you have the necessary essentials packed to stay well-prepared for your trip! Lightweight Jacket- You'll be moving around and (in most seasons) won't need anything too heavy, however, will want to cut the breeze from the coastline. This L.L. Bean Sherpa fleece jacket is my latest obsession and recommendation Rain Jacket - As a rule of thumb, it's always great to have as you never know when you're going to need it! Comfortable Shorts - An reliable short that will keep you cool and hold up on hikes is a must! Knit Hat - This Carhartt hat has been my go-to for the past few years. It's durable, light weight, and will keep you warm. Hiking Socks - Seems like a silly splurge, but your feet will take you far in a National Park. You'll want to invest in some good socks and shoes that will prevent blisters and foot aches. Hiking Shoes - Even if you drive around the park you will be doing a lot of walking. Be sure to come prepared with a shoe that has good traction and is broken in. Binoculars - Break out those binoculars, you're going to need them for this trip! If you don't have a pair, you can easily find compact binoculars on Amazon. Water/Water Bottle - It's essential to stay hydrated during an active day outdoors. There are plenty of hyration stations around the park, but not a lot of places to buy water. Make sure you come prepared with a reusable water bottle or hydration system. Healthy Snacks - Just like water, food can be hard to find between visitor centers. Make sure you come prepared with some good treats to keep you going. Camera - Speaks for itself. As one of the most photographed national parks, you will see advanced photography around every corner. Make sure your phone is charged, or you have a secondary camera to capture those unforgettable moments like seeing a Buffalo up close or a bear in the distance. Sunglasses & Sunscreen - Whether you realize it or not, being outside in the sun will take a toll on you not only while it's sunny, but when it's overcast. Protect your body and be sure to go prepared with the proper sun protection. Park Maps - People tend to rely on phones, but inside Yellowstone cell phone service can be hard to find. Stop at any visitor center and they can support you finding an appropriate guide map. Or, check out the National Parks Service website where they have numerous resources you can print out in advance. First Aid Kit - Always come prepared to any outdoor adventure with a first aid kit. You can easily buy them at the grocery store, or make one yourself. A Table Cloth or Blanket - Finding a spot to eat was tricky. Not only are there not a lot of restaurants, but the day we went, most were closed. There are however many public picnic tables that you can utilize for lunch. Bring a tablecloth or a blanket for an extra level of comfort when wanting to sit down for a quick bite to eat. Turkish Towels work great for this dual purpose. Daypacks - A daypack is essential for carrying all your belongings on a quick hike. There's no need for a huge pack, a 18-20L bag will be plenty. You can purchase one on REI, Dick's Sporting Goods, Amazon or any outdoor store near you. Fun Find: Cotopaxi has a "surprise me" feature that allows customers to purchase a one-of-a-kind backpack that was made from leftover materials, thus promoting a more sustainable way of creating new goods! Stay safe and enjoy your time exploring Acadia National Park! This page contains affiliate links through Benable and Amazon Associates that Tracking Travels may earn a small commission if used. This helps to keep the blog running! Thank you for your support!

Acadia National Park is a New England treasure that is noted as the "Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast." The park sits alongside the Atlantic Coastline of Maine and contains 27 miles of driving roads, 158 miles of trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads. When it comes to embarking on a memorable adventure to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine is the ultimate destination for travelers. This charming city, located on the picturesque Mt. Desert Island, stands as the most popular choice for those seeking a relaxing stay while exploring the wonders of the national park. Bar Harbor seamlessly combines the allure of nature with the comforts of a vibrant town center. Visitors are greeted with a plethora of accommodation options, ranging from cozy hotels to quaint bed-and-breakfasts, ensuring a restful and rejuvenating stay after a day of exploration. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple seeking a romantic getaway, or a family in search of memorable moments, Bar Harbor's hospitality caters to all. HOW TO GET THERE Most visitors either fly directly into Bar Harbor, Maine or they'll take the short drive from Portland, Maine (3 hours) or Boston, Massachusetts (5 hours). We opted to fly into Boston and drive from there because of flight and rental car pricing and felt it was a very reasonable drive. Heading up from Boston you'll run into towns in New Hampshire as well which are super cute and make for a nice stop! BEST PLACES TO STAY Bar Harbor, ME is the most popular city to stay in when visiting Acadia National Park. Located on Mt. Desert Island, there are hotels, shops, and restaurants in the town center. When we visited, we stayed a bit south in Camden, Maine which was a 1.5-hour drive. It was a relatively quiet seaside town where we were able to sail in the West Penobscot Bay and enjoy a more local area. Honestly, Bar Harbor was expensive and already booked by the time we made our decision, or we may have stayed a bit closer. But, we loved the town. TIPS FOR VISITING Stop at the visitor center and familiarize yourself with the National Park Service Park Map. Plan your visit in advance - there is over 4 million visitors making their way to Acadia National Park each year. The parks can get crowded and parking is limited. Consider the time of day you plan to arrive and the best route to take. Also, there are a fair amount of one-way roads. Take that into consideration when planning your route. The park is inclusive of visitors of varying physical abilities. The paved roads make it so those utilizing wheelchairs or wagons can easily navigate some of the most popular trails, while there are strenuous hikes for those wanting a physically demanding challenge. Vehicle reservations are required for Cadillac Summit Road from May 25 through October 22. Purchase vehicle reservations on Recreation.gov before your visit to ensure you're able to make it WHAT TO DO Cadillac Summit Road Drive along the two-lane road leading to Cadillac Summit to enjoy panoramic ocean views. The accessible walkways accommodate all visitors, and at the summit, there's a small parking area for quick stops. This is a popular spot for visitors to watch sunrise and sunset from. Jordan Pond Loop One of the more popular spots in Acadia National Park is the Jordan Pond Loop Trail. An approximately 3.3-mile hike around Jordan Pond offers beautiful views of the pond and surrounding landscapes. The trail is clear and relatively wide with little to no steep areas making it great for families. Bubble Rock Take the Jordan Pond Trail to the Bubble Rock trailhead and head up approximately 1-mile to reach the large boulder perched on the edge of the mountain. You can also access the trailhead via a small parking lot off the side of the road. This is a relatively steep trail that will get your heart rate moving! South Bubble From Bubble Rock, look to your right for impressive views of Jordan Pond looking out into the ocean! This was one of our favorite stops and overlooks while in Acadia National Park. Bass Harbor Head Light Station The Bass Harbor Head Light Station is a historic lighthouse located within Acadia National Park that sits atop a rugged cliff overlooking the Gulf of Maine. It was a short walk from the parking lot to reach the lighthouse but was highly populated with visitors, photographers, and general nature enthusiasts. Be prepared for some crowds. Also, we were not able to go inside or up the lighthouse. Otter Cliff Alongside the ocean is a picturesque, rocky shoreline that's popular with visitors called Otter Cliff. We were able to park in a small parking lot near Thunder Hole, then take a short, about half-mile, walk to Otter Cliff. We spent some time here just relaxing as there weren't too many visitors! CLOSING THOUGHTS Our Acadia National Park trip was a spur of the moment decision based on a cancelled Florida vacation, and at the end of the day, we couldn't have been happier with the outcome. The Northeast United States is beautiful with all of the colors from the waters, sunshine, and trees. We truly felt like we were in "Vacationland" during our time in Maine. We were highly impressed with the family-friendly and highly-accessible nature of the park. Absolutely, we'd go back, and we'd recommend this park to anyone who has a family, wants a more calm national park experience, or has simply had the New England area on their bucket list.