6 Trips To Help Save Endangered Species

Today, over 40,000 species are on the endangered species list. Taking a volunteer vacation can help make a difference.

1. Panda Reserve, China

The panda population is dwindling thanks to deforestation and a delicate birthing process that leads to high infant mortality. The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) has been hard at work for the last 20 years. They’d love it if you flew into Ya’an City to give them a hand. The China Conservation boasts the highest panda birth and survival rates in the world. Over two decades, the CCRCGP’s panda population has grown from its initial six pandas to over 70. The project length is one week. You’ll be tasked with preparing food, chopping bamboo, and cleaning enclosures. Several cultural activities are included as well.

2. Cheetah Conservation, Namibia

Years of conservation efforts in Namibia have allowed the cheetah population to make a comeback in the region. There was a time not long ago when cheetahs occupied the majority of Africa’s countries. Thanks to habitat loss, high infant mortality, and poaching, the continent’s population nearly slipped into extinction. The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) welcomes working volunteers. The work isn’t glamorous but is much needed. Volunteers live onsite and do everything from chopping meat to collecting scat (feces) samples. The location is rural and isolated, even for Namibian standards. Bring sunscreen and expect to work a wide variety of tasks.

3. Bali Sea Turtle Rescue, Indonesia

Bali Sea Turtle Rescue’s focus is on spreading conservation knowledge about the delicate state of the global sea turtle population. They rehabilitate turtles who are injured by local fisherman and help baby hatchlings waddle to the ocean during breeding season. When injured turtles have healed, they’re triumphantly returned to the ocean. Bali Sea Turtle Rescue asks that volunteers stay a minimum of two weeks. The first five days are dedicated to an introduction to Balinese culture. After wrapping up the week-long orientation just outside of Ubud, you’ll venture over to Nusa Penida, a large island off the southeastern coast of Bali. Once there, you’ll be charged with feeding, cleaning tanks, caring for sick and injured turtles, nurturing new hatchlings, and scouring the beach for eggs.

4. The Orangutan Project, Borneo

The Orangutan Project is based out of the Matang Wildlife Centre in the lush Kubah National Park. An array of species from sun bears to macaques call the area home. Orangutans are considered critically endangered. Populations have declined dramatically over the year due to rampant deforestation of their habitat. Mining and the pet trade place further pressure on their waning numbers. Without intensive conservation efforts, orangutans would probably already be extinct. As a volunteer at the Orangutan Project, you’ll participate in constructing new platforms, feeding, cleaning, and gardening. Unfortunately, no direct contact is allowed with the orangutans. The goal of the project is to keep them wild. Unnecessary human contact would make them more dependent on caretakers.

5. Giant Tortoise Center, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

At one time, a quarter million of these giant tortoises freely roamed the South American islands. Today, a mere 3,000 remain. Sailors and settlers hunting them for food are mostly to blame. The Galapagos Islands are a chain of islands off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. The archipelago is home to a wide range of rare and exotic species. As a volunteer, you’ll work with the Galapagos National Park to preserve the tortoise population. That’s no small feat considering these mammoths weigh up 800 pounds. Watch your toes! Your tasks may include feeding, cleaning and maintaining enclosures, and explaining the codes of conduct to tourists. The Giant Tortoise Center requires a three-week minimum stay. The extra ambitious can stay and work for up to three months if they schedule far enough in advance.

6. SANCCOB, African Penguins, South Africa

Penguins are endangered as a result of commercial fishing and the reverberating effects of oil spills in the region. Shipping lane traffic continues to affect their numbers. SANCCOB successfully returns 90% of the birds that they rescue to the wild. The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) is located in Cape Town South Africa. Volunteers must stay a minimum of six weeks. You’ll spend your time preparing food for feeding, cleaning the pools and habitats, and delivering medicine. SANCCOB’s hospital is a streamlined facility. The program requires a six-week minimum because volunteers are allowed to take part in life-threatening emergencies when they arise. It isn’t entirely uncommon for the hospital to be swamped with hundreds of orphaned chicks in a short period. During crunch time, everyone puts in 12 hour days. It’ll all be worth it when you get to release the rehabilitated birds back into the ocean.

The world is a rough place for the long list of endangered species that inhabit it. Working volunteers provide a vital service, not only in staff hours but in becoming ambassadors of the cause. The work doesn’t stop when your volunteer vacation ends. Get out there and spread the word! Chances are, you’ll have too much fun to stay away from the grind for long.

The 7 Best Suitcases For 2018

From rugged checked luggage pieces to lightweight multi-purpose carry-on style bags, we’ve collected the best in the market. Take a look at these great luggage pieces and choose a winner for your next trip.

1. Stylish: Samsonite Winfield Spinner

Although not the most critical feature, many travelers enjoy luggage that is stylish as well as functional. The Samsonite Winfield 2 Fashion Hardside Spinner is an excellent overall bag that looks great, too. It has multi-directional wheels for ease of movement, a squared full-capacity design, and a full-zip interior organization pocket design. But its best feature is a brushed aluminum exterior design. These brush strokes camouflage the inevitable scuffs and scrapes that happen to hard-shell checked bags. The Winfield Spinner is lightweight at and medium size (24 inches), which is optimal for a four-day trip. For those looking for a more substantial checked bag, this model also comes in a 28-inch size.

Buy: Samsonite Winfield Spinner for $179.99

2. Durability: Delsey Helium Aero 29 inch Expandable

Another great-looking bag, the Delsey Helium Aero 29 inch model takes a beating during handling and can manage all the road warrior miles you throw its way. It has all the expected features of a high-end checked piece of luggage, such as 360-degree spinner wheels, organizable interior with zippered compartments and straps, and an easy-glide retractable handle. As a bonus, the bag expands an additional 2 inches – an essential feature in hard-shell models that can be unforgiving. Users rate this bag high for its durability, with quality oversized self-repairing zippers and an integrated 3-dial TSA lock.

Buy: Delsey Helium Aero 29 inch Expandable for $140.00

3. Function: Nomatic Travel Bag

If you are looking for an all-purpose bag, one that has unsurpassed organizational features while being lightweight and stylish, Nomatic’s Travel Bag may be just for you. It is technically a carry-on bag but is full of features that may allow it to be a replacement for your checked bag needs. Available in a base model, with three levels of add-ons, the Nomatic includes integrated laundry bags, water bottle storage, laptop case, shoe storage and more. Its innovative strap system allows quick switching from a backpack to a duffle. It is also designed to fit snuggly on a roller-bag handle should you need more storage and use it strictly as a carry-on item. The Nomatic Travel Bag retail price starts at $229, with an expanded model retailing for $449.

Buy: Nomatic Travel Bag for $229.99

4. Oversized: Eagle Creek Gear Warrior 32

For those looking for a large bag that is easy to maneuver, rugged and forgiving at the same time, the Eagle Creek Gear Warrior 32 is a rolling duffle that fits the bill. This bag is rife with features, from numerous organizational pockets, secondary storage spaces so clothing can be kept separate from gear, and multiple carry points. Since it is a soft bag, it weighs much less than many oversized bags, at just seven pounds. It holds a massive 5,500 cubic inches of clothing and gear and rolls on heavy-duty treaded wheels that can quickly overcome any obstacle.

Buy: Eagle Creek Gear Warrior 32 for $299.00

5. Lightweight: Samsonite Luggage Fiero HS Spinner 24

Durable checked luggage doesn’t get much more lightweight than Samsonsite’s Fiero HS line, and its 24-inch model is perfect for a 3-4 day trip. Its fully-functional 360-degree spinning wheels are rugged and lightweight, and its hard shell is designed to resist scratching from handling abuse. It also comes with a fully dividable interior and a durable locking system.

Buy: Samsonite Luggage Fiero HS Spinner 24 for $220.00

6. Organizable / Garments: Delsey Helium 45 inch Deluxe

Heading to a wedding or a business meeting? The Delsey Helium 45 inch Deluxe is the best garment bag on the market today. Garment bags often suffer from floppiness – if you are not carrying them, they rumple your clothing. Delsey’s design keeps everything rigid enough to protect suits and dresses while still being forgiving when packing in a car or taxi. The bag opens book-style to allow access to its several compartments, so travelers do not have to dig for frequently accessed items. It holds a lot and is super lightweight at only five pounds. To make it easier to carry, Delsey has included padded straps and multiple carry points, too.

Buy: Delsey Helium 45 inch Deluxe for $85.00

7. Overall: TravelPro Platinum Magna

For travelers who need many features in their luggage, the TravelPro Platinum Magna may be the best piece of luggage on the market today. The Platinum Magna Spinner Suiter combines an easily maneuverable rolling checked lugged with garment bag functionality. It features eight patented self-aligning Magna-trac wheels for unparalleled mobility. Featuring premium fabrics, leather handles, brushed chrome appointments and “Supra” zipper heads, the Magna line looks as good as it functions.

Buy: TravelPro Platinum Magna Spinner Suiter for $254.99

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The World’s Most Popular Religious Destinations

There are areas of the world where churches and temples attract more visitors than a soccer match. These are some of the most popular religious sites around the globe. How many have you visited?

Mecca in Saudi Arabia. — Sony Herdiana / Shutterstock

1. Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Mecca is the holiest city in the religion of Islam. It’s located on the Arabian Peninsula 210 miles to the south of Medina. An average of 13 million people visit Mecca every year, nearly all of them Muslims. Devout Muslims are encouraged to make the journey to Mecca (the Hajj) at least once in their lives if they are able, but many make the trip every year. The final month of the Islamic calendar is the busiest. Approximately two million Muslims come to celebrate Hajj. Mecca’s holiness derives from the fact that it was the birthplace of the prophet Muhammad and the site of his first revelation about the Quran.

Sadly, non-Muslims are not allowed inside the city of Mecca; failure to observe this rule will lead to fines or deportation. However, non-Muslims are allowed in Medina, another of Islam’s holiest cities.

The Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. — Bill Perry / Shutterstock

2. The Wailing Wall, Jerusalem, Israel

Israeli police estimate that over 11 million people visited Jerusalem’s Old City and the Wailing Wall (Western Wall) in 2016. That’s quite the increase from the mere three million people who visited in 2003. Followers of the Jewish faith are the most frequent visitors, with some making more than one trip a year. The wall is also a holy site for Muslims, so control of the wall has long been a subject of contention between the two groups.

The Wailing Wall is a place of prayer that has long been sacred to Jewish people. The original wall dates back to the second century B.C., when it was part of the Second Temple of Jerusalem. The temple was destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70, and the wall is today all that remains. The extant section of the Wailing Wall connects to a larger wall that encircles the Muslim Dome of the Rock. The Wailing Wall that stands today measures 160 feet long and is 60 feet tall.

The Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo, Japan. — Mihai-Bogdan Lazar / Shutterstock

3. Senso-Ji Temple And Meiji Shrine, Tokyo, Japan

The Senso-ji Temple sees about 30 million annual visitors; it’s a must-see for any traveler passing through Tokyo. Senso-ji was built in A.D. 628 and is the city’s oldest temple. The five-story pagoda glows with accent lighting in the evening. During the day, street vendors sell food to tourists on the temple’s Nakamise Street. The Senso-ji Temple is a hot spot during New Year celebrations, consistently ranking in the top 10 for temple attendance during the new year.

Not far from the Senso-ji Temple is the Meiji Shrine, located in Shibuya, Tokyo. Construction began in 1915 and was finished in 1916. The shrine is dedicated to the spirit of the Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It was erected in an iris garden where the emperor and empress often spent time. The original structure was destroyed during World War II, but it has since been restored. The new building stands in a 170-acre forest. The surrounding evergreen glade contains over 365 different species of trees, all of which were donated by people from different parts of Japan.

St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. — cesc_assawin / Shutterstock

4. Vatican City, Italy

Visited by nearly 4.2 million people annually, Vatican City in Italy is a place of pilgrimage for many devout Catholics. The Vatican is an independent city-state located in the middle of Rome. The city’s beauty and history attract tourists and architecture buffs in droves. Vatican City is home to the pope and is considered the spiritual center of the Catholic Church. Saint Peter’s Basilica is a focal point for both worship and sightseeing. It was designed by several well-known architects, including Michelangelo and Bernini. Saint Peter’s is regarded by many as the holiest of Catholic shrines.

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. — Gurgen Bakhshetyan / Shutterstock

5. Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris, France

Notre-Dame Cathedral is another tourist magnet and site of pilgrimage for Catholics. Located in Paris, Notre-Dame is the most-visited attraction in France and the 13th-most-visited tourist destination in the world. Annual visitors to Notre-Dame are estimated to number 13.7 million. The cathedral is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture, combining naturalistic sculptures and glowing stained glass with earlier Romanesque architecture.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. — WitR / Shutterstock

6. Basilica Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe, Mexico City, Mexico

Approximately 20 million people visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe every year. The basilica was constructed on the site where Catholics believe the Virgin Mary appeared to an Aztec peasant named Juan Diego in December of 1531. Juan Diego’s tilma, which bears the miraculous likeness of Our Lady of Guadalupe, has been displayed inside the basilica for centuries.

In 1921, a bomb was planted in a flower vase in the basilica, and much of the building’s interior was damaged; the tilma, however, remained unscathed. The Old Basilica was closed for many years following the incident. It still stands, but it’s now joined by its neighbor, the New Basilica, which can hold up to 50,000 people for Mass.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, India. — hecke61 / Shutterstock

7. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, India

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in India is located on the western bank of the river Ganges. The river itself is thought to have healing powers, and the temple is one of the most famous in the Hindu religion. It is dedicated to the Shaiva philosophy — a metaphysical concept of a supreme being or Brahman. The Kashi Vishwanath temple attracts 22 million visitors a year — 3,000 people each day on average. On busy days, nearly 10,000 pass through its doors. The current structure was built in 1780.

The best part about places of religious pilgrimage is that they tend to feature stunning architecture and a vibrant social scene. Taking in the architecture is just a bonus to soaking in the history of these sites — or the spiritual significance, if you’re religiously inclined.

The 5 Busiest Airports In The World

Fly frequently enough, and it’ll only be a matter of time before you pass through the highest-traffic airports in the world. Think Los Angeles in rush hour gridlock… then add planes. Avoid the following airports if you possibly can!

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

According to the Airport Council International, Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta, GA was the busiest airport in the world in 2017. Exactly how many souls passed through? 103,902,992. A shockingly-high number to be sure. What’s even more surprising is that this number is down from the previous year. Hartsfield-Jackson beat the runner-up by a cool eight million. Not bad for a year’s work.

Atlanta has actually had the world’s busiest airport since 1998. Hartsfield-Jackson is positioned as a transport hub for domestic flights carrying passengers across the country. Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and Spirit are the airport’s heaviest users. They’re all low-cost carriers, and it may only be a matter of time before fate delivers you to Hartsfield-Jackson for a layover. Due to its convenient location, it may be the only way to keep your ticket cost down.

2. Beijing Capital International Airport

What Hartsfield-Jackson is for domestic flights, Beijing is for the rest of the world. Beijing has rapidly climbed the rankings over the last decade. In the year 2017, they set a new personal record: 95,786,442 passengers coming and going. Beijing Capital has come a long way since their first international flight in 1958 when Pakistan International Airways flew in from Islamabad.

Beijing is by far the busiest airport in Asia in terms of passenger traffic. In 2012, Beijing Capital became the 13th busiest airport in cargo traffic as well. They added two new terminals between 2005 and 2008 in preparation for the 2008 Olympic Games.

By the way, if you ever find yourself at Beijing Capital and you’re hungry, make your way over to terminal three. You’ll find over 70 different restaurants serving everything from steak to smoothie bowls!

Airplane wing and clouds — Unsplash / Tom Barrett

3. Dubai International Airport

Dubai is rich in oil money and now spiked with skyscrapers. It also floods with air traffic. Dubai is another international transport hub at the most extreme. It wasn’t even close to catching Beijing in last year’s numbers, but it sure gave its all. 88,242,099 passengers touched down in Dubai in 2017. That’s a 5.5% increase from the year before, not a minor feat when considering the immense volume we’re talking about. Dubai International’s terminal three is the largest air terminal in the world, and the second-largest building in the world by volume. (Only Boeing’s construction hangar is bigger.)

While hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta spread their traffic across several airlines, Dubai has a slightly different pattern of traffic flow. 51% of the airport’s passenger traffic and 42% of all aircraft movement comes from Emirate Airlines. The Emirate’s hub is the largest in the Middle East. Dubai International’s growth has been precocious. In 2014, only 70 million passengers touched down. 12 years earlier, in 2002, traffic was still below 16 million per annum. With growth this rampant, Dubai may someday clinch the number two spot. For now, third will have to do.

Dubai skyline — Dubai. Unsplash / Roman Logov

4. Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles isn’t just known for its traffic on the ground; it has a reputation for being busy in the air as well. In 2017, 84.5 million passengers flew into Los Angeles International. The airport is the main jump-off point for flights making the journey across the Pacific. Vancouver and Seattle send their fair share of planes in that direction as well, but not nearly as many as Los Angeles.

No other airport ranks in the top five for both most cargo and most passenger traffic. In true hub fashion, Los Angeles International serves as a focus for Alaska Airlines, Air New Zealand, Allegiant Air, Southwest Airlines, Quantas, Volaris, and Spirit Airlines.

5. O’Hare International Airport, Chicago, Illinois

In 2017, O’Hare International Airport in Chicago served 79,828,193 passengers. You could say that Chicago is the Atlanta of the north regarding linking connecting flights. O’Hare has held the number two spot for most takeoffs and landings for over a decade. The front-runner for most takeoffs and landings? Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta, of course. O’Hare offers service to over 60 international destinations and approximately 150 domestic.

The airport provides nonstop service to Africa and New Zealand beginning in 2018. O’Hare is considered the fourth largest international mega-hub, meaning that they link up a high volume of international and domestic flights. You’d think that with such high volume O’Hare would continuously be on the verge of infrastructure overload. The opposite is the case. O’Hare operates with such efficiency that the Eno Center for Transportation awarded them a Fly Score of 94 out of 100. The organization evaluates airports for prices, competition, destinations, and frequency before calculating the final grade.

Out of the top 50 airports for highest passenger traffic, only five of them saw a downtick in traffic volume between 2016 and 2017. Across the globe, more people are flying. As the trend continues, it’ll become even more important to dot all your “I’s” and cross all your “T’s” before taking to the air. Not all airports are as efficient as O’Hare, and headaches are bound to happen.

5 Tips To Save On Accommodations

Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little effort, you can stay for free, keep out of debt, and have an experience unlike any other. These travel tips might just change your life if you pursue them.

1. Write Hotel Reviews

If you do a lot of traveling — and you have some spare time on your hands — writing hotel reviews for various websites can pay off big time. Popular travel sites such as Trivago will sometimes hold promotions where you can get paid for writing a review of a hotel you have recently visited. Although this is a good deal, they usually pay you monthly for each review, and you still have to purchase your own accommodations. This doesn’t usually add up to much, and they don’t always offer this incentive.

Getting paid cash per review may be the way to go if you are looking to earn enough income to pay for a room. The website Nanovor will pay you $10 for each approved review you submit, which can add up fast if travel is a major part of your life. All you have to do is follow their editorial guidelines and submit a review to claim your cash. You don’t have to be a published author to write a valid review. Simply submit 500-700 words containing one outbound link and you’re on your way to paying for future accommodations. Doing a few in your spare time can lead to a free night at your favorite hotel.

2. Home Exchange

Looking to get the true experience of a local while visiting a different state or country? Home swapping is a great way to spend zero on accommodations while allowing someone to stay in your home while you are away. Made popular in the 1950’s when people were trying to find an affordable way to take a vacation, home exchanges involve you staying in someone’s house while they stay in yours. There is no money exchanged between the two parties, making it a free stay for everyone involved.

The website Home Exchange is a great place to start. Although there is a fee to sign up, this website allows you to easily list your home as well as access all of the information you need to learn about potential swaps. With listings in endless major cities around the globe, Home Exchange is definitely a great option to save money on your next trip.

3. Go Aboard

If sailing the open sea is right up your alley, you may want to consider helping on a boat or yacht in exchange for a free stay. Those who own mega yachts always need people with certain skillsets to help around the boat with chores and repairs, and cruise ships are constantly hiring staff to help with guests and other tasks. These ships usually travel to tropical locales, making this option even more appealing to those looking to get their toes in the sand.

Boarding a boat can be a spectacular adventure in itself, and spending little to nothing when it comes to accommodations is a terrific perk. Time to set sail and take a fabulous trip on a budget — just make sure to come prepared in case of sea sickness!

4. Give Back And Volunteer

Travel in the name of volunteering has never been more popular. There are a wide variety of expensive mission trips available across the world, but you don’t have to sacrifice your life savings to make a difference. Corporations such as WWOOFing offer you the chance to volunteer your time and services in exchange for a free place to stay.

You don’t have to opt for participating in organic farming; there are other options such as cooking or even teaching English. The opportunities are endless, and you don’t even have to worry about paying for a hotel. Some programs even cover your meals, making it a serious win-win. Helping others can be insanely affordable, and you are guaranteed to make life-changing memories.

5. Use Those Travel Rewards

Although you have to spend money to earn money when it comes to travel points and rewards, this type of incentive can be extremely beneficial over time — especially if you like to take vacations often. Many large hotels offer reward programs, guaranteeing you room upgrades and freebies when you choose to stay a certain number of times yearly.

Always sign up for hotel rewards to ensure that you never miss out on a discounted or free stay — the squeaky traveler always gets the deal! If you tend to stay at smaller hotels don’t fret: many of these chains also offer frequent guests some sort of incentive. You will never know unless you ask. Make sure to inquire before you book your next trip.

Planning your next trip doesn’t have to involve massive credit card debt or diving into your hard-earned savings. Using one of these five travel tricks can allow you to take a vacation you will never forget without worrying about spending too much cash on a hotel stay. Bon, voyage!

Top 7 Places To Sail In The US

Whether you sail for leisure or sail to race, we can all agree that the overall sailing experience depends on the location. Enjoy sailing at its finest at one of these seven spectacular sailing destinations throughout the US.

1. Newport, Rhode Island

Set your compass for The Sailing Capital of the World! Newport, RI is fondly known as The City By The Sea, and for a good reason. The shore is filled with quaint historic homes, and the harbor is dotted with boats year round. If you love the excitement of a busy port, then you’ll love sailing in Newport. The view is spectacular: you’ll sail around lighthouses, awe at the grand mansions that line the shores, navigate underneath the Jamestown Bridge, and sail past a 19th-century military fort. Tack and jibe your way around Narragansett Bay, and wave to tourists who are sailing on some of the many sight sailing tours that leave the harbor all day. Newport regularly hosts sailing regattas and the Olympic sailing trials. The peak sailing season in Newport is May through October.

2. Maui, Hawaii

They say that if you can sail in Hawaii, you can sail anywhere. The constant changing winds make sailing in this territory challenging even for sailing veterans. Locals are familiar with over 30 different winds that whip around the island. If you’re up for the challenge of tackling the Tradewinds, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking views of sailing in Maui. Not only will you improve your sailing skills, but you’ll get to enjoy sailing year-round in the warm Hawaiian sun and surf.

3. Key West, Florida

Known for its crystal blue waters and coral reefs, Key West is a beautiful place to set sail. Sail into the sunset with the dolphins in this picturesque destination, while learning about legends of pirates and sunken treasure hidden among the islands. You can also enjoy observing local wildlife like birds and sea turtles as you sail from island to island. Sailors of all ages can enjoy the warm waters of Key West. Many even choose to stay year-round, living on their boats nestled in the harbor. If you love the laid-back “its 5 o’clock somewhere” feel of a midday sail in paradise, Key West is the place for you.

4. Grand Haven, Michigan

Sailing isn’t just for the ocean! Lake Michigan is home to many sailors who love the crisp blue freshwater and coastal charm of Grand Haven, Michigan. Grand Haven is famously known for being the first official Coast Guard City in the US, holding two patriotic Coast Guard Festivals every Summer.

If you’ve never been to The Great Lakes before, you’ll be surprised that you can sail until you can’t see land anymore! The vastness of Lake Michigan is a sailor’s dream. Sail along the shoreline or venture into the horizon to be out on your own. Be careful – even though it is a lake, the waters can get as choppy and dangerous as the ocean! Prime sailing times for Grand Haven is May through October.

5. Bellingham Bay, Washington

Located just three or four hours away from the San Juan Islands, Bellingham Bay is an ideal place for racers. Bellingham has good wind, challenging currents, and an amazing backdrop of the snowy Mt. Baker Mountain. The expansive bay is appealing to many serious sailors who enjoy a competitive race without the disturbances of boat traffic. The bay is also full of college sailors and youth sailors, making the experience fun for all ages. It is possible to enjoy sailing here year-round, but it’s recommended to avoid the chilly weather and enjoy sailing during the peak season of May through October.

6. The Channel Islands, California

Kick back in the sunny California oceans as you sail away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Sailing to The Channel Islands of Southern California like Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel will leave you feeling like you embarked on a Pirate’s journey. Sailing to one or all of these islands is a popular year-round daysail for many sailing enthusiasts. Not only will you get to explore natural caves, but there’s a good chance you’ll see marine wildlife like migrating whales or seals.

7. Oriental, North Carolina

Oriental is known for being a quaint sailing town. Located in Pamlico County, the Neuse River connects with the Pamlico Sound, creating intricate canals to sail through. Here, it’s said that sailboats outnumber citizens three to one! It’s not a wonder why many sailors of all ages love this little charming fishing town. The town hosts weekly racing and regattas year round and is fun for sailors of all ages.

If you’re a passionate sailor who loves the sound of waves lapping against your hulls, you will want to test out some or all of these great sailing destinations. If you want to find out how you can contribute to sailors around the country, consider getting a membership with US Sailing to take advantage of classes, sailing certifications, and discounts at major sailing retailers.