{"id":15544,"date":"2022-01-25T13:33:35","date_gmt":"2022-01-25T13:33:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.odyssea-voyage.com\/?p=15544"},"modified":"2022-01-25T13:35:01","modified_gmt":"2022-01-25T13:35:01","slug":"7-unexpected-north-american-alternatives-to-international-destinations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.odyssea-voyage.com\/en\/7-unexpected-north-american-alternatives-to-international-destinations\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Unexpected North American Alternatives to International Destinations"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re anything like me, you\u2019re constantly yearning to pack your bags, get on a plane, and head just about anywhere. Needless to say, it\u2019s been a bit harder here lately to fulfill our inner wanderlust. But even though the iconic international destinations might be harder to visit, it doesn\u2019t mean we have to sacrifice living out our vacation dreams. Here are seven unexpected places throughout North America that will have you feeling like you\u2019re on an entirely different continent.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Alys<\/a><\/p>\n

1<\/span>\u00a0 | \u00a0Alys Beach, Florida<\/h3>\n

Inspired by the traditional, brilliant white homes of Bermuda, yet with touches of blue like that of the Greek islands, the Alys Beach community in Florida\u2019s Panhandle is the most visually stunning along the scenic 30A Highway. Although Alys Beach itself is private, the neighborhood also features a 21-acre nature preserve, an amphitheater, the Alys Shoppe and other boutiques, and Caliza \u2013 one of the most elegant swimming pool and restaurant combos in the world.<\/p>\n

Best Times to Visit:<\/strong>\u00a0Late spring and early-to-mid summer for best weather and limited hurricane activity<\/p>\n

Image Credit: Kara Day | Instagram: @karaa_day and @kararuthphoto<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Parc<\/a><\/p>\n

2<\/span>\u00a0 | \u00a0Glacier National Park, Montana<\/h3>\n

Driving Going-to-the-Sun Road from West Glacier up to Logan Pass is an experience like no other. Not only is Glacier National Park full of adventure and endless hiking options but Going-to-the-Sun Road is absolutely gorgeous with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks and wide valleys, stunning waterfalls and lakes, and pristine glaciers. It will leave you utterly stunned, feeling as if you\u2019re driving through the Swiss Alps.<\/p>\n

Best Times to Visit:<\/strong>\u00a0July and August if you\u2019re wanting to access the entire park and all trails<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Niagara-on-the-Lake<\/a><\/p>\n

3<\/span>\u00a0 | \u00a0Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario<\/h3>\n

Niagara-on-the-Lake sits just north of Niagara Falls on the shore of Lake Ontario. This quintessential town boasts 19th<\/sup>\u00a0century buildings, a picturesque old town and waterfront, and a wine country that has taken a backseat to its neighbor, Niagara Falls. Home to rolling vineyards with\u00a0chateaus, iconic ice wine, and more than 20 wineries in a five-mile radius (with nearly 100 wineries in the entire Niagara region), Niagara-on-the-Lake rivals European wine destinations and even California \u2013 but without the crowds.<\/p>\n

Best Times to Visit:<\/strong>\u00a0May-October for good temperatures; June-August are the most popular months<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\u00cele<\/a><\/p>\n

4<\/span>\u00a0 | \u00a0Catalina Island, California<\/h3>\n

As if you snapped a photo from Monaco or anywhere along the French Riviera, California\u2019s Catalina Island almost feels misplaced in the Pacific Ocean. With both on land and at-sea adventure, and plenty of sun and sand relaxation, this under-the-radar island is prime for a paradise getaway closer to home. Make sure to visit Descanso Beach Club where \u201cfeet in the sand and a drink in your hand\u201d is the motto they take very seriously.<\/p>\n

Best Times to Visit:<\/strong>\u00a0Spring and fall for better weather and less crowds than in the summer<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Parc<\/a><\/p>\n

5<\/span>\u00a0 | \u00a0White Sands National Park, New Mexico<\/h3>\n

With nothing but blinding white sand dunes and endless horizons, you might think you\u2019re in a desert on the other side of the world, but you\u2019re actually in, perhaps, the most unexpected place of all \u2013 New Mexico. White Sands National Park is an incredibly unique and underrated national treasure of the U.S. You can spend time hiking the \u201ctrails,\u201d sliding down sand dunes on your version of a sled, or taking the coolest Instagram-worthy photos. Plus, word has it, visiting the park at sunset is worth the trip itself.<\/p>\n

Best Times to Visit:<\/strong>\u00a0Fall for the best temperatures without spring winds<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Ville<\/a><\/p>\n

6<\/span>\u00a0 | \u00a0Quebec City, Quebec<\/h3>\n

Quebec City may not be as \u201cunexpected\u201d as the other locations on this list, but it\u2019s so European, it couldn\u2019t be left off. What makes it \u201cso European\u201d? For starters, the winding cobblestone streets and French-style architecture will immediately transport you to the Old World. Not to mention, the city was founded by a French Explorer, Samuel de Champlain, in 1608 making the city over 400 years old and one of North America\u2019s oldest cities. For an extra ounce of old-world charm, visit Quebec City during the holidays when Christmas markets, twinkling lights, snow flurries, and holiday cheer abound.<\/p>\n

Best Times to Visit:<\/strong>\u00a0June through September for the best weather; December for holiday magic<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Oregon<\/a><\/p>\n

7<\/span>\u00a0 | \u00a0Oregon, USA<\/h3>\n

Secretly known as the \u201cIceland of America,\u201d Oregon is an adventure lover\u2019s paradise. Not only is it beautiful and a considerably less expensive option to international destinations, is has so many spots comparable to Iceland, it\u2019s almost unbelievable. Instead of Iceland\u2019s black sand beaches such as Reynisfjara or Fauskasandur, check out Oregon\u2019s Secret Beach. Instead of Aldeyarfoss waterfall in Iceland, visit Oregon\u2019s Toketee Waterfall. Instead of Iceland\u2019s Fjadr\u00e1rglj\u00fafur Canyon, wade through Oregon\u2019s Oneonta Gorge instead (and be rewarded with a waterfall). Instead of Iceland\u2019s colorful Landmannalaugar mountains, hike Oregon\u2019s Painted Hills. Lastly, you may ask, \u201cBut what about waterfalls you can walk behind?\u201d Well, instead of Iceland\u2019s incredibly popular Seljalandsfoss falls, you can walk up and behind the waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park in Oregon.<\/p>\n

Best Times to Visit:<\/strong>\u00a0Summer months for the best weather; September and October for leaf peeping<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By Alexa Wheeler \u00b7<\/strong>\u00a0January 2022<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re anything like me, you\u2019re constantly yearning to pack your bags, get on a plane, and head just about anywhere. Needless to say, it\u2019s been a bit harder here […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":15545,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15544","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n7 Unexpected North American Alternatives to International Destinations - Odyssea Voyage<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.odyssea-voyage.com\/en\/7-unexpected-north-american-alternatives-to-international-destinations\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"7 Unexpected North American Alternatives to International Destinations - Odyssea Voyage\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you\u2019re anything like me, you\u2019re constantly yearning to pack your bags, get on a plane, and head just about anywhere. 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