5 Summer Hiking Destinations in Alabama

Are you thinking about planning a summer hiking trip to Alabama? If not, you may want to give it some contemplation. The state has miles of amazing hiking trails worth exploring. At least I think so anyway. Here's a quick rundown on a handful of my favorites:

10 places every American should see

What makes a place essentially American? Besides being within our borders, of course? When the Budget Travel editors set out to compile a list of can't-miss destinations in the United States, we knew there was no one answer.

America’s dirtiest cities

In July, Atlanta became the latest city to ban smoking in public parks, with frightening fines up to $1,000 for offenders. But keeping butts off green spaces came too late to help Atlanta’s ranking as the No. 5 dirtiest city in America.

10 Most Dangerous Cities in America

The bottom cities on our list need to work on lowering their crime rates and creating safer communities for families. What do you think: did we get it right? Plus, find out which cities are the least affordable and which ranked the worst in education.

America's best free attractions

America is the land of the free and that applies to many of the country's star attractions as well. Make the most of your summer by visiting these famous spots around the United States; you won't have to pay a penny to do it.
1. The Freedom Trail, Boston

Learn history, see the city, and get some exercise at the same time with a walk along Boston's Freedom Trail. This 2 1/2-mile path highlights 16 sites that are historically significant to the American Revolution, and they are all free. Visit the Freedom Trail's website to read up on the Bunker Hill Monument and the Paul Revere House, among others, and prepare yourself for a self-guided tour. Best of all, for the directionally challenged, the trail is clearly marked the whole way by a red painted line or a brick path.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the few major American national parks that don't charge admission (and there's actually a deed restriction on the land saying that no toll or fee will ever be imposed). The park has so much to offer. Into wildlife? Come here to spot hundreds of species, from bears to deer. Looking for a more cultural experience? Learn about the history of the southern Appalachian region. Active visitors will be endlessly entertained as well, with many options for hiking, biking, and riding.

3. Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago

Lions, gorillas, and other wild creatures live just minutes away from downtown Chicago in Lincoln Park Zoo. The zoo is free and open every day of the year, making it an easy stop on any Chicago tour. Check the zoo's daily calendar for inspiration on what to see, you can watch sea lion training, see cows being milked at the zoo's farm, or even pet a goat. Make your visit even more fun by downloading the free SpotDash app, which will take you on a scavenger hunt throughout the zoo and the rest of the city.

4. The National Mall, Washington, D.C.

From the new Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial to the famous Smithsonian Castle, some of America's most iconic sights can be found on the National Mall. Everything along this open-air national park is free, from world-class museums in the Smithsonian complex to historical sites, such as the Capitol. There's even a free app you can download to help you find your way, learn facts, and create your own self-guided tours.

5. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge, so why not celebrate with a visit? Don't spend money on a tour; instead, download a free app (available for iPhone and Android) and learn behind-the-scenes trivia, get expert advice, and even listen to recordings of bridge workers' oral history. Walk or bike across the bridge and take in the fabulous views of San Francisco. Begin or end your visit with a stop in Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which can be accessed on either end of the bridge.

6. Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia

See America's second birthplace, Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park. Although Washington is the nation's capital, Philadelphia was the home of Congress and the Supreme Court for 10 years while the District was being built. Explore the remnants of that history at this large national park, where you can view the Liberty Bell, tour Old City Hall, or just enjoy the public green spaces. Everything is free except for the National Constitution Center. You will need tickets for tours of Independence Hall, but they won't cost a thing.

7. The Getty Center, Los Angeles

The Getty Center, one of Los Angeles' best art museums, is free. Permanent exhibitions feature important pieces like Vincent Van Gogh's Irises and Claude Monet's Sunrise (Marine), and there are always rotating exhibitions like Portraits of Renown: Photography and the Cult of Celebrity, which runs through Aug. 26. Be sure to leave time to visit the recently reopened Central Garden in the heart the museum, where you can see a waterfall, specialty gardens, and more than 500 different varieties of plants. The Getty is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit for any other day.

8. Jackson Square, New Orleans

Experience the real feel of New Orleans in Jackson Square. This public space houses an open-air artist colony where you can browse or buy work by local artists (or even just watch them create). Here, you'll find one of New Orleans' most recognizable landmarks, the St. Louis Cathedral, which is also free to enter, as well as the statue of Andrew Jackson, after whom the park is named.

9. International Rose Test Garden, Portland, Ore.

Make time to stop and smell the roses, all 10,000 of them at Portland's International Rose Test Garden. This 4 1/2-acre garden features new varieties of roses, beautifully maintained landscaping, and the Shakespeare Garden, which includes herbs, trees, and flowers mentioned in The Bard's works. The rose garden has been in use since 1917, and it even harbored hybrids from Europe for safekeeping during World War I. The best time to visit is June through October, when the roses are in bloom, but the grounds are open year-round. It's free to look in the garden, but don't touch, you'll face a $500 fine if you try to take any roses home with you.

10. Central Park, New York City

A green oasis in the middle of bustling Manhattan, Central Park offers open spaces, beautiful views, and peace and quiet. Tour the 55 monuments, memorials, and sculptures, watch a game at one of its 26 ball fields, or hike 130 acres of woodlands. If you have kids, let them run wild on the park's 21 playgrounds, or do some running yourself on the park's many paths. Bring your own bicycle and go for a ride, or simply take a stroll around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. Pack a picnic, a blanket, and a Frisbee, and you can entertain yourself all day for free.

The Hottest Beaches in South America

Touring the beaches of South America will prove itself to be completely different than anything you’ve experienced anywhere else in the world. The beaches you have access to will all be beautiful and you won’t feel limited based on the hotel you choose to stay at or which island you can afford to fly to.

In South America you’ll find yourself surrounded by warm waters, sandy beaches, and incredibly friendly people – some of whom may appear to be more scantily clad than others. The energy and culture on these incredible beaches comes not from the amount of money their visitors have, but from the people and cultures themselves. Looking for a truly laid back experience? Check out some of these incredibly sexy South American beaches.

1. Ipanema – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Ipanema is an incredibly beautiful beach on Rio de Janeiro. Off the shores of the beach you’ll have stunning views of “Dois Irmaos,” aka the Two Brothers. The beach is incredibly beautiful – as are the sunbathers themselves.

2. Punta del Este – Uruguay
The beaches off the shores of Punta del Este are incredibly popular between the months of December and March – the peak summer months in South America. What was once a small sandy beach has grown into a bustling summer town complete with high rise hotels and incredible night clubs. Nearby you’ll find a few small fishing towns where those looking to sunbathe with a bit more privacy tend to flock.

3. Praia do Rosa – Santa Catarina, Brazil
In the south of Brazil you’ll find Praia do Rosa, a bay beach lined with incredible sand dunes. What makes this beach special? Dozens of famous models find their way to NYC from Brazil, so the odds of seeing some beautiful bodies on the beaches here are pretty high.

4. Pichilemu – Chile
Head towards Chile and you’ll find Pichilemu. The beach was first made popular by surfers and water sports enthusiasts. It slowly grew into an energetic destination for young travelers and is now incredibly popular both day and night.

5. Tayrona – Colombia
Most tourists flock towards the beaches of Santa Marta in Columbia, but because of that same tourist traffic those beaches can be incredibly crowded and unpleasant. Those who really appreciate the beauty of a natural beach won’t mind taking a 20 mile ride up the coast to Tayrona National Park. There you’ll find undisturbed beaches with smaller crowds and breathtaking natural landscapes.

6. Copacabana – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Copacabana is much more crowded than it was when Orson Welles made it popular in the movies but, even still, just hearing the name brings visions of sexy beach goers, blue waters, and warm sands. The beach is bigger than the one at Ipanema, but it’s also more crowded. Despite the crowds, though, you’ll find the people are friendly, energetic, and fun!

7. Mancora – Peru
The beaches at Mancora are well known amongst surfers because of their incredible waves. The beach is perhaps one of the most accessible in the entire country and is very popular amongst both locals and tourists from around the globe.

8. Fernando de Noronha – Brazil
The beaches at Fernando de Noronha don’t exactly fit the mold when it comes to accessibility but once you see the beaches for yourself you’ll understand why. Most of the beaches in the area have been unspoiled by pollution and tourism, mainly because Noronha limits the number of visitors. If you’re lucky enough to make it to one of these islands you’ll have a beach experience you’ll always remember.

9. Choroni/Puerto Colombia – Venezuela
Choroni and Puerto Colombia are the best access points to some of the best beaches in all of Venezuela. The beaches are hidden behind Henry Pittier Park where visitors can spend their days sunbathing before heading into town for an evening in the plaza.

Exploring the beaches of South America will give you the opportunity to see parts of the world you might not have ever considered while at the same time soaking in the sun and meeting new people. Work at least one or two of these beaches into your upcoming itineraries. You won’t regret the experience or the scenery!

7 Undiscovered Surf Spots in Latin America

If you want beautiful surf spots that’s yet to be discovered, then look no further than Latin America. With amazing waves and tunnels galore, Central and South American beaches are calling surfers like you.

1. Choco Pacific, Colombia

El Choco is one of the poorest places in Colombia, but it offers amazing surfing opportunities for those looking for deserted beaches and unique surf spots. Locals are learning the craft and offer lessons and other assistance, but seasoned surfers will find the breaks enviable and enjoyable.

2. Bocas del Toro, Panama

This option is great for budget surfers and those looking for a quiet but challenging place to practice their surfing craft. Panama is a vast country with a small population but miles of unused beaches, so you know that almost anywhere you go, you’ll find a deserted surf break. This is one of the best.

3. El Paredon, Guatemala

Guatemala is still developing into a tourist destination, and as such, most of the beaches are unspoiled and relatively undiscovered as of yet. This is especially true given the fact that there are only a handful of Guatemalan surfers native to the country! Enjoy black sand and rustic living in this amazing surf spot.

4. Itacare, Brazil

Brazil boasts of more than 4,500 miles of coastline, and since much of it has yet to be developed, that means there are plenty of locations for surfers looking for an undiscovered treasure. The winter season is especially quiet when the bigger waves (suitable for experienced surfers) come out. Itacare is just a small fishing village, so go prepared to live rustically.

5. Popoyo, Nicaragua

One of the poorest countries in Latin America is Nicaragua, but what they lack in development, they have in culture and beautiful waves. The surf breaks here are best along the Pacific coastline in Rivas (the province). Popoyo is particularly good in that it’s completely undiscovered but provides great lodging and generous waves.

6. Pico Loro, Nuqui, Colombia

Here is another deserted surfing beach spot in Colombia. By and large, this beach is only accessible by boat – hire one for the day to take you to this amazing surf spot where you’ll have the waves all to yourself. El Cantil Ecolodge offers tours and transportation to this and many other quiet surf spots in Colombia.

7. Santa Catalina, Panama

This beach is somewhat busier than some of the others, but is said to have one of the most consistent breaks in Latin America, so it made to the list. Here you’ll find wave faces up to 20 feet with ample space for surfers of all skill levels.

Venezuela Country

Introduction
If you could channel-surf for landscape, Venezuela would tire out any remote. Venezuela is epic in proportion: it boasts South America's largest lake and third-longest river,
the highest waterfall in the world, the longest of all snakes, and some of the most spectacular landscapes you'll ever see.

There are the snowcapped peaks of the Andes in the west; steamy Amazonian jungles in the south; the hauntingly beautiful Gran Sabana plateau, with its strange flat-topped mountains, in the east; and miles of white-sand beaches fringed with coconut palms on the Caribbean coast.

Geography:
Venezuela is situated on the northern coast of South America, north of Brazil between Colombia and Guyana. The southeast is dominated by the Guayana Highlands, and a further 30% of the country is taken up by the vast grassland plain of the central Llanos, which is drained by South America's third-largest river, the Río Orinoco. The continent's largest inland lake, Lake Maracaibo, lies in the northwest, surrounded by marshy, fertile lowlands. South of the lake rises the northern end of the Andes, climbing to 5007m (16,423ft) at Pico Bol í var. Boggy highland meadows in the Andes, known as p á ramos, are home to some of Venezuela's most amazing plant species. Equally diverse flora can be found on the tepuis (table-topped mountains) in the southeast of the country, particularly Roraima.

Destination Facts
Capital: Caracas
President: Hugo Chávez
Government: federal republic
Time zone: GMT -4.5
Area: 916445
Population: 25700000
People: Mestizo (67%), European descent (21%), African descent (10%), indigenous (2%)
Languages: Spanish is the official language, but more than 30 Amerindian languages still survive, predominantly belonging to the Arawak, Carib & Chibcha ethnolinguistic categories
Religion: Roman Catholic (96%), Protestant (2%), other (2%)
Currency: Bolívar Fuerte (Bs)
GDP: Approx. Bs176400000000
Major industries: Petroleum, iron ore, cereals, fruit, sugar and coffee
Major Trading Partners: USA, Germany, Japan, Colombia, Brazil, Italy, China, Spain, Russia
Country Dialing Code: 58

Getting there and away
Flights to Caracas arrive from the US and Western European countries. From Australia and New Zealand, round-the-world tickets may be the cheapest and most flexible option. There are direct flights between Venezuela, Colombia and Brazil, though the latter is very expensive. Weekly passenger boats operate between Venezuela and Trinidad. Overland, you can enter Venezuela from Colombia at four border crossings. The two most common (and safest) are: the coastal route between Maicao and Maracaibo and from C ú cuta and San Antonio del T á chira. No roads link Guyana and Venezuela, and only one road connects Brazil with Venezuela; it leads from Manaus through Boa Vista to Santa Elena de Uair é n and continues to Ciudad Guayana. Long-distance international buses operate from Caracas.

Getting around
Caracas' airport is the country's major aviation hub, with flights to Porlamar, Maracaibo, M é rida, Ciudad Bol í var, Canaima and Puerto Ordaz (Ciudad Guayana) among others. Venezuela has half-a-dozen major commercial airlines - the largest being Aeropostal - and a dozen minor provincial carriers that cover regional and remote routes. Venezuela has a number of islands, but only Isla de Margarita is serviced by regular scheduled boats and ferries. As there is no passenger-train service, almost all traveling is done by bus. Buses are generally fast, affordable and they run regularly day and night between major population centers. Caracas is the most important transport hub, handling buses to just about every corner of the country. Many short-distance regional routes are served by por puestos (literally 'by the seat'), a cross between a bus and a taxi. Renting a car is a comfortable and flexible way of getting around Venezuela. The country is reasonably safe, the network of roads is extensive and usually in acceptable shape, and gas is just about the cheapest in the world - you can fill up your tank for a dollar. However, traffic in Venezuela, especially in Caracas, is chaotic and requires nerves of steel.

Weather
The dry season from December to April is the best time to hang out on the Venezuelan coast and soak up the rays. While temperatures can get a bit fevered, peaking around 32 ° C (89 ° F) during the day, there is decent sunshine and negligible rainfall. During the rest of the year temperatures are just a pinch hotter, especially between June and September, with rainfall peaking around October. Moving inland, temperatures are cooler but still with little seasonal change, averaging highs between 24 ° C (75 ° F) and 27 ° C (80 ° F). Though the wet season is the same inland as on the coast, rainfall is more frequent throughout the year. In the southern plateau region the temperature climbs again, however the hottest months are now February and March and it is wet for most of the year with slightly drier periods in September and October and between January and March.

Places of Interest
From Andean peaks and Angel Falls to Caracas and the Caribbean coastline. Venezuela receives fewer visitors than other major South American countries, but it's not for want of attractions. There's the world's highest waterfall (Angel), the world's longest cable car (at M é rida), Amazon jungle, Andean peaks and wonderful wildlife in the grasslands of Los Llanos.

Venezuela is epic in proportion: it boasts South America's largest lake and third-longest river, the highest waterfall in the world, the longest of all snakes, and some of the most spectacular landscapes you'll ever see.

Warning
Street crime in Venezuelan cities is reasonably common, particularly Caracas. Exercise the same common sense as you would in any large, chaotic city and, if you must stroll the streets after dark, be aware that many neighbourhoods are considered to be zonas rojas, high crime areas where you may be at risk. Venezuelan politics is unpredictable and demonstrations and public protests are common. Travelers are advised to avoid such gatherings as they can become violent; monitor news services for any potential unrest. Any travel near the Colombian border in more remote Zulia, T á chira, Barinas, Bolivar, Apure and Amazonas states should be avoided due to the presence of Colombian guerrillas and various other armed types.

Uruguay Country

Introduction
This South American pocket is bursting at the seams with charming treats. In the past, Uruguay was South America's best-kept secret with only a handful of South Americans popping in to enjoy the pristine beaches,
atmospheric cities and huge steaks. Then the place became more affordable and people got curious. They came, loved it and went back home to tell their friends.

Uruguay may be pint-sized, but it's certainly big-hearted where attractions are concerned. It boasts one of South America's most interesting capitals, charming colonial towns, the hilly interior - true gaucho (cowboy) country - and a cluster of internationally renowned beach resorts.

Geography:
Uruguay - the smallest Hispanic country in South America - is boxed into the eastern coast of South America by Brazil to the north and Argentina to the west. To the south is the wide estuary of the R í o de la Plata, while the Atlantic Ocean washes its eastern shore. For the most part, the country's undulating topography is an extension of that in southern Brazil, and includes two lowly ranges - the Cuchilla de Haedo and the Cuchilla Grande. West of Montevideo the terrain levels out, while east of the capital are impressive beaches, dunes and headlands. Five rivers flow westward across the country and drain into the R í o Uruguay.

Destination Facts
Capital: Montevideo
President: Tabar é V á zquez
Government: constitutional republic
Time zone: GMT -3
Area: 187000
Population: 3431932
People: 88% European descent, 8% mestizo, 4% black
Languages: Latin American SpanishPortunol - Portuguese/Spanish mix
Roman Catholic (66%), Protestant (2%), Jewish (1%), undeclared (31%)
Currency: Peso Uruguayo (Ur$)
Major industries: wool, hides, beef, fishing, textiles, footwear, tires, cement, tourism
Major Trading Partners: Brazil, Argentina, US, Germany, Mexico, Venezuela
Daylight Saving: From second Sunday in March to first Sunday in October
Country Dialing Code: 598

Getting there and away
Montevideo is the main gateway for flights to and from the country. Expect to pay an international departure tax. Roads and bus services across the borders with Brazil and Argentina are good. Unfortunately, there are no rail services linking these countries. A ferry and hydrofoil service runs between Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Colonia. Ferry passengers embarking at Montevideo pay a port terminal and departure tax; those at Colonia pay slightly less.

Getting around
The military airline TAMU has suspended services, so there are no domestic flights within Uruguay except for the domestic leg of international flights from Punta del Este via Montevideo to Brazil. Buses are reasonably priced and there are frequent services to all sizeable destinations. Traveling by car poses few problems once outside hazardous Montevideo, although the country's winding roads and hilly terrain require some care. Local transport is predominantly by bus and metered taxi.

Weather
Although there is pronounced seasonal change during the year, the winter months (June to August) are fairly mild, with average temperatures ranging between 6 ° C (43 ° F) and 15 ° C (59 ° F). Summer is comparatively cool at this latitude, with average highs peaking around a pleasantly warm 28 ° C (83 ° F). Add to that the abundant sunshine and this is a great time to visit. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed over the year and tends to fall quite moderately in just a few days.

Suriname Country

Introduction
Lush jungles teem with wildlife; diverse cultures coexist in the sultry heat. With a buzzing capital full of Dutch colonial architecture and a wild interior riddled with rivers, waterfalls and wildlife, exotic Suriname is an adventure traveler's dream.
Its extraordinary ethnic diversity makes for phenomenal, spicy cuisine and friendly, open-minded people.

It's not always easy to get around this river-heavy, forest-dense country, and the mix of languages can make it hard to communicate. But, with a little perseverance, travelers will be richly rewarded as they stroll the streets of gorgeous Paramaribo or watch giant turtles emerge from the sea.

Geography:
Suriname lies on the northern coast of South America, squeezed in between Guyana to the west, French Guiana to the east and Brazil to the south. The majority of Surinamese inhabit the Atlantic coast, where most of the country's few roads are located. The country is divided into quite diverse topographical regions, primarily dense tropical forest and savannas. To the west, the Corantijn (Corentyne in Guyana) River forms the border; a disputed area with Guyana in its most southerly reaches. The Marowijne (Maroni in French Guiana) and Litani Rivers form the border with French Guiana to the east; the southern portion of this boundary is disputed by French Guiana. The major links to the interior are by air or north-south rivers, though there is a road to the Brownsberg Nature Reserve. The nearby Afobaka Dam created one of the world's largest reservoirs (1550 sq km/580 sq mi), Brokopondo, on the upper Suriname River. Rapids limit the navigability of most rivers. The highest point in the country is the 1230m (4035ft) Juliana Top in the central Sipalawini district.

Destination Facts
Capital: Paramaribo
President: Ronald Venetiaan
Government: constitutional democracy
Time zone: GMT -3
Area: 163270
Population: 470,800
People: 37% East Indian or Hindustani, 31% Afro-Surinamese or Creole, 15% Indonesian or Javanese, 10% Maroons (descendants of ex-slaves who inhabit the upland forests), 2% Amerindians, 2% Chinese, 1% Caucasian
Languages: Sranan (an English-based Creole) is also spoken.Hindustani, a dialect of Hindu.
Hindu (27%), Protestant (mainly Moravian) 25%), Roman Catholic (23%), Muslim (20%), traditional beliefs (5%)
Currency: Suriname Dollar ($)
Major industries: Bauxite mining and alumina production, palm oil, timber, shrimp and fish
Major Trading Partners: Norway, US, Canada, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Trinidad and Tobago, China, Japan, Brazil
Country Dialing Code: 597

Getting there and away
There are twice-weekly flights from Amsterdam to Paramaribo. Miami and Atlanta are the main departure points for flights from the US, and there are also flights from various Caribbean islands and Brazil. Surinam Airways offers flights to/from Miami and Amsterdam, and other carriers flying into Suriname include KLM, Air France and Caribbean Airlines. There's a rickety passenger ferry from Nieuw Nickerie across the Corantijn River to Springlands, Guyana; and another across the Marowijne River between Albina and St Laurent du Maroni (French Guiana).

Getting around
Air services to the interior usually operate on a charter basis. Medium-sized buses on the coastal highway are frequent and exceptionally cheap, but crowded; taxis, which are faster though more expensive, travel along the same routes. To visit the interior and some coastal areas, river transport is the least expensive (and often only) option.

Weather
Perched just above the equator, Suriname offers two kinds of weather, hot and wet - usually simultaneously. Temperatures in the lowlands and coastal areas are invariably warm to hot, with high humidity. Conditions hardly vary and can therefore be quite oppressive. However, the mercury never soars to dangerous levels, usually hovering around 30 ° C (86 ° F) or below, and there is plenty of sunshine. The wettest months, spanning two seasons, are May to July and November to January. Inland, there tends to be slightly lower temperatures, milder humidity and a single wet season from April to September. Suriname's wet seasons are never very wet and the dry seasons are never truly dry; pack an umbrella, light clothing and a good pair of shades.

Related Posts: Guyana, Brazil, French Guiana