Places with photo galleries in North America
The small town of Fernie is nestled into the foot of the Canadian Rockies, 300 km southwest of Alberta. Fernie was put on the map many years ago by its coal mining trade, but since the 1990s, it has gained much attention for another natural resource. During winter, the population increases as herds of passionate snow enthusiasts migrate to this non-commercialised wonderland to search out its world renowned "champagne powder". Fernie's ski resort is often voted as one of the top 10 resorts in North America, but somehow it has managed to keep its small town charm. All visitors here seem to blend into the local lifestyle, things are laid back and relaxed. For those serious about their riding/skiing and with proper avalanche training, the real action in Fernie is its backcountry. There is plenty of companies offering trips to experience untouched bowls and to make all your friends jealous with photos of you chest deep in powder.
If you do not have the temper to go trekking in Greenland in the winter, where temperatures can easily reach down to minus 50 degrees Celsius, it is advisable to go in the summer in July-September, when it is around plus 3 to 10 degrees Celsius in daytime and minus 2 to plus 5 degrees Celsius at night. For example, you can fly with a small Twin Otter propeller aircraft for half an hour outside Kangerlussuaq and trek around among hills, rivers, and wild animals. It is also a fantastic and almost meditative experience to stand and fish all alone in an icy river in the sunset, while musk oxen graze on the other riverbank.
These small unremarkable ruins would have been rather unimpressive if it wasn't for the absolutely amazing settings. Located on shear cliffs above the turquoise Caribbean sea and overlooking a narrow beach surely make them one of the most exotic archaeological site in the world. Sunburned tourists on tours from the resorts further north can swarm the place, so come early in the morning or in the late afternoon. The stretch of white beaches south of the ruins was once a backpacker Mecca, but the simple cabanas now come at high prices. The location though is still fabulous with white sand, swaying palms and cool Coronas.
Narrow cobblestoned streets and colourful colonial houses already make Guanajauto one of the most charming Mexican town, but its hill side location adds a little extra. Ridiculously steep streets (and we do mean steep) and a maze of dark tunnels that traverse the town underground makes driving feels like a roller coaster ride. Finding a specific place can be close to impossible, so local boys are making a buck by guiding lost travellers through the labyrinth of winding alleyways. It's the town's many silver mines, which some are still active, that build this wonderful and weird place including the rich architecture and dark tunnels (a third of the world's silver was apparently once mined here). Do not drive in the town unless you are looking for some real adventure.
The Florida Keys are that string of coral islands that drips south of the tip of Florida. More than 40 bridges, some very long, connect the main islands, which are as tropical as you can imagine with palms, beaches, and aquamarine water. The most famous island is, of course, Key West, which is not just the most western key, but also the most southern point in the continental United States – a fact they have turned into a smooth tourist machine. Once, Key West town was the largest city in Florida and later a hub for drug smuggling. Maybe due to that, Key West has attracted prominent people through time, Hemingway being the most famous – something they also have turned into a tourist attraction today, along with rum distillation, lime pies, you-name-it. So yes, Key West is very touristic and a magnet for seniors, but it's easy to escape the crowds, just pick one of the 1700 other keys. The fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving are as good here and as a sign says "why pay Key West prices?".
Sun, beaches, and a vibrant nightlife is rarely a bad combination, and Miami got them all - but also so much more. The place to start is of course Miami Beach with its iconic Art Deco buildings and a wide beach which seems never ending. But Miami is more than Ocean Drive and its swanky restaurants. Right north of Miami Beach lies Bal Harbour, a hideaway for the rich, with luxury shops and an equal fine beach. Across the bay you find downtown and along with a handful of surprisingly interesting neighbourhoods. The skyline of downtown is actually best taken in from the distance, but the panoramic view from downtown towards Miami Beach is spectacular. For a multicultural experience, which is also one of Miami's trademarks, head to either Little Haiti and Little Havana, where little English is spoken. Or what about super cool Wynwood, an old industrial area which has been covered in street art. So whatever you fancy, Miami got a neighbourhood for your.
Wynwood, right north of downtown Miami, used to be an industrial area with warehouses and auto repair shops, but within the last few years it has been coloured up with murals. Not just random graffiti, but topnotch unique art pieces by local artists. They are so good, that they don't leave not much reason to visit the many real galleries that also have invaded Wynwood. When you first enter the area, you get excited by the sight of the first couple of murals, but as you venture deeper into Wynwood, they are popping up everywhere, until the point where they are pretty much on every wall. This is street at its finest.
One of the most spectacular wildernesses in North America, Yosemite is something that cannot be described sufficiently in words. The Yosemite Valley is amazing, filled with dramatic cliffs, black bears, stunning water, and unfortunately lots of people. Over 3 million people go to Yosemite every year so it is difficult to find it not crowded. If you want a more "wild experience", get a wilderness permit and head to camp in the backcountry. Little Yosemite Valley is just as impressive, without the people. Climbing Half Dome is well worth the climb, even if the last ascent up the cables is not for people afraid of heights. The view from the top makes everything worth it. Going up for sunrise or sunset will be less crowded, because the cables can get very busy midday.