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Whether you had a good year last year or not, it’s important to kick off any new year’s resolutions for 2015 on a positive note. A great challenge to set yourself for 2015 would be to travel and explore more, with the offerings that the USA have on hand there will be no shortages of adventures to experience!

1. The American Prairie Reserve

• Known as "America’s Serengeti," this reserve in northeastern Montana is a must for all adventure seekers. 

• The reserve is buying back private land as well as undertaking huge conservation goals in order to create the biggest national park in the "lower 48" states.

• Such efforts aim to repopulate the bison, bears, deer’s, elk and even beavers found in the reserve.

• With many hiking as well as biking trials, the reserve allows guest to explore the landscape in an intimate manner.

• An abundance of wild life may be enjoyed, where colonies of prairie dogs throughout the reserve can be spotted. Species such as deer, elk and antelope, as well as over 150 species of birds, makes this a haven for all wildlife enthusiasts.

• There are many points of interest to be enjoyed, such as "Prairie dog town," the Indian Rock Cultural Site, and Fourchette Bay Scenic Overlook.

2. Glacier Bay National Park

• Located in Alaska, this national park is surrounded by elevated mountain peaks, marine wildlife and most impressively, huge tidewater glaciers.

• Including the highest coastal mountains to be found in the world, rising to 15,000 feet, the park offers breathtaking views to say the least.

• Marine wildlife includes humpback whales, orcas and sea otters. The park is also home to land animals such as bears, wolves, moose and deer.

• Activities offered are mostly water-centric, such as boat tours, river rafting, fishing, glacier viewing, whale watching,  and kayaking.

• Kayakers have a chance to be dropped off in designated inlets deep within the bay, where they may paddle past the huge glaciers and camp for the night along the shore. 

3. Hood River

• Situated in Oregon, Hood River is known in many circles as the Windsurfing capital of the world.

• The Columbia River Gorge runs from border to border creating specific winds and in turn the perfect conditions to enjoy windsurfing and kite surfing.

• Known for its beautiful orchards and vineyards, there is a railroad tour available which meanders through meadows and forests, orchards and vineyards.

4. Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site

• Located in Texas, this sanctuary is home to images left by ancient civilisations that have trekked through these rocky hills.

• Activities include hiking and rock climbing.

• It’s also known as one of the best places to enjoy bouldering especially for wintertime adventures, as day temperatures fall into the 50s Fahrenheit.

• Bird watching and star gazing may also be enjoyed within the sanctuary.

5. Lake Tahoe

• Lake Tahoe is one of the most well-known freshwater lakes to be found in America. Located along the border of Nevada and California, it is also one of the largest alpine lakes in the country.

• The lake is one of the biggest tourist attractions in both states, and is home to various resorts and tourist attractions.

• Winter sports for adventure enthusiasts include skiing and even sledding. The area is home to a number of ski resorts and a few sledding parks as well. Many resorts offer snow tubing, snowmobile riding and even snowshoeing.

• Water sports during the summer months include jet skiing, parasailing and kayaking. Lake Tahoe also has popular diving sites which thrill seekers can enjoy.

• Hiking and bicycling form part of the lakes’ all round attractions with various trials to try out. Popular trials include the Tahoe Rim Trial and the Eagle Lake Trailhead. 

• The Granite Chief Wilderness Area is a popular hiking and wilderness camping spot.


Many people begin a new year by seeking adventure, the above locations will no doubt provide endless fun, entertainment and a definitive rush of adrenaline to all those wishing to undertake a journey of a lifetime. 

Before any trips are planned or tickets booked in order to visit the above spots, many foreign visitors must apply for an Esta application before entrance is approved into the USA. All visitors who fall under the visa waiver program may apply for an Esta online.