Florida’s Picturesque Paradise: Exploring the Best of the Sunshine State

beachsearcher.com // (c) Nadav Dimand

Florida, the Sunshine State, is one of the world’s most visited places, attracting over 100 million travelers and tourists annually. The place has it all, from beautiful beaches to bushy forests. So, whether you are looking for a pleasant vacation spot or want to try some thrilling adventures, the Sunshine State holds tons of treasures to explore. Here are a few places that should be on the visit list!

Miami Beach

If you visit Florida and don’t explore Miami Beach, you will surely regret it! Being one of the most iconic beaches of the Sunshine State, the place is for everyone. Whether you are an adventure seeker wanting to try water sports like jet skiing or swimming or simply want to relax and soak in the sun, you can do so in Miami Beach.

You can also visit Miami Beach’s Historic Art Deco District, which holds the biggest collection of classic 1920s and 1930s architectural styles and designs. It is also the spot where designer Gianni Versace used to stay, so it’s truly got the extra flair!

Three Sisters Springs

Three Sisters Springs, located in Kings Bay, is one of the hidden gems of Florida’s captivating Nature Coast. For travelers, the Springs are easily accessible through either a private boat or kayak, as it is right in the middle of the Crystal River.

Shutterstock // Alisia Luther

If you are an enthusiast, there are plenty of items that you can cross from your travel checklist as you can indulge in opportunities like diving, swimming, fishing, and, obviously, kayaking. Another main draw of the place is the chance to witness the beautiful manatees in their natural habitat. If you decide to visit the place in winter, you can see the manatees taking shelter in the Springs, which is a bit ironic when you think about it.

Walt Disney World

If you are traveling with your family, then visiting Walt Disney World in Florida is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Not only will your kids get to experience the live Disney characters roaming around the place, but adults will enjoy it just as much.

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You can find the specially curated Disney theme parks, watch the parade, and, at the end, enjoy the spectacular fireworks show—that’s why they call it the most magical place to be on Earth! Get down there and say hi to Goofy for us!

A Complete Guide to Seeing the Northern Lights in Canada

Canada is one of the top destinations in the world to experience the magical northern lights. As one of the most northern hemispheric countries on the globe, Canada houses several regions with visibility of the lights 240 times a year on average. Here is everything you need to know to go and watch spectacular views of the lights in Canada.

When to See

Technically, the northern lights stay active all year round but aren’t always visible. The best time of the year to see them in Canada is from September to March. Within this period, you’ll get maximum darkness at night for the clearest views. As for the specific time of day, auroral activity generally peaks between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. But certainly, you can see the Canadian lights outside of these precise hours, as long as it’s dark outside.

Where to See

The ‘auroral zone’ is the best region to see the lights. That’s pretty much any place at 66o33′ north of the North Pole, known as the Arctic Circle. This circle cuts through the northernmost areas of Canada. But as the region is very sparse and difficult to reach, most Canadian northern lights tourism takes place a bit farther south. Northwest Territories like Yukon, Whitehorse, and spots like Yellowknife, Manitoba, and Churchill are popular among northern lights watchers. Manitoba is also a popular spot for beluga whale and polar bear tourism.

Viewing Tips

To maximize your chances of experiencing the northern lights, you’ll need to stay as many days as possible in Canada. Because the more days you spend, the better your odds of getting favorable weather and clear skies. Also, it’s not prudent to choose the day of the new moon or early crescent phases, as bright moonlight can diminish the view of the northern lights. Finally, to get accurate northern lights predictions, take a look at the aurora forecasts by the Space Weather Prediction Center of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.

Northern Lights Tours

Tours ease the logistics of a trip to Canada, covering transportation and accommodations. Ranging from just a few hours to multiple days, it’s not hard to find one according to your needs. Northern Lights & Arctic Exploration by Nat Hab is a seven-night trip to Churchill, including a stay in the company’s Aurora Pods to enjoy 360o night views of the sky. The Northern Lights Hunting in Yellowknife tour by Adventures.com is for just four hours. The Basic Aurora Borealis Package of Northern Tales offers two to foour night escapes to the wilderness outside Whitehorse.