Dear Travelers,
As Dorothy once said, "there's no place like home," and this sentiment is especially true today. For those of us living in the U.S.A., domestic travel is going to be hot again. I guarantee it. The airlines are already adjusting their flight plans, and we've seen many changes. So as you consider making travel plans for the spring, summer, and fall of 2022, then My X.O. Adventures will show you places that are close to home in a whole new and wonderful light!
Photo Credit: Pow Wow, My X.O. Adventure
As travel within the U.S. rises, our National Parks could start to resemble Disney World! But, the U.S.A. -- often considered the most beautiful country in the world -- is diverse and plentiful. This allows a travel planner like myself to expand my horizons regarding options for my traveling guests. But at the foundation of my itineraries, there are essential ingredients that will optimally enhance the enjoyment of any trip:
- Safety
- Beauty
- Culture
- Food
- Access
- Adventure
Photo Credit: Kayaker, My X.O. Adventures
I think you'll agree with me when I say that while it's true that the U.S. may not be considered the safest place on the planet, I don't worry about the places I visit. Sure, there are exceptions, like on one occasion when I had to scale the only working in an abandoned schoolhouse to not cross paths with a sketchy-looking person coming down the street. The end of the story turned out OK, and I am grateful for that. The main point is that America is chock full of culture and exciting places to explore, but we tend to forget that once in a while.
Photo Credit: American Indian Headress, My X.O. Adventures
Of course, I live in an area that is overlooked by many yet thoroughly enjoyed by those who visit—the Black Hills of South Dakota. Yes, this is where My X.O. Adventures, an LGBT Travel company, decided to locate. Despite what you may think, it's incredibly welcoming, full of culture, and has a rich history of the mighty Sioux Nation. More benefits you may not be aware of but are a big plus include minimal traffic, wide-open roads, magnificent mountains, and the badass Badlands. Southwestern South Dakota not on your gaydar? Yeah, well, there's a reason -- maybe we've been selfish for keeping it to ourselves for so long, but who could blame us for wanting to keep it a secret? We've had the luxury to explore in peace and tranquility this relatively unknown place.
Photo Credit: Badlands Sunset, My X.O. Adventures
When people think about South Dakota, the first thing that probably comes to mind is Mount Rushmore, and no one could argue that the engineering and artistic accomplishment is a real show-stopper. However, the Black Hills themselves, with their granite monoliths that rise from the earth and sparkle in the sun, are the show's real stars. The hills shine not just because of the sun; they shine because there's gold in them there hills along with other minerals like quartz, mica, feldspar, and agates.
These towering spires are the Heart of All That Is for the Lakota, Cheyenne, Crow, and more. The mighty American Bison roams Custer State Park, the second-largest in the nation.
Photo Credit: Male Bison, My X.O. Adventures
In this special place, elk, deer, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and more call these places home. You'll see babbling brooks and streams flowing out of the mountains and towards the mighty Missouri River.
Photo Credit: Roughlock Falls
Ponderosa Pines mixed with bright wildflower-filled meadows abound.
Photo Credit: Buffalo and Flowers, Custer State Park, My X.O. Adventures
When you drive through Spearfish Canyon, you'll be in awe of the limestone cliffs that tower 1,000 feet above you. As you travel further out, you'll encounter one of the weirdest places on the planet called Badlands National Park. Frank Lloyd Wright, the famous architect, described it as "nature's architecture." The area also houses the largest depository of fossils in the world!
Photo Credit: Spearfish Canyon Trout Pond, My X.O. Adventures
Not to forget, we sport some of the most amazing roads in the country. Iron Mountain Road and the Needles Highway are the most prominent. All of this is within an hour of Rapid City, and I offer private tours of this treasured land from May through October.
Photo Credit: Buffalo and Private Tour, My X.O. Adventures
Here is the reality as I see it. I'm certainly an advocate of traveling internationally, but after driving 50k miles throughout the U.S. during the pandemic, I'm no dummy when it comes to realizing how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful country.
Photo Credit: Crazy Horse Rainbow, My X.O. Adventures
The next several months at least will be problematic with international destinations. Not until Omicron spreads through and well into the spring will we see infection rates return to normal. This means international travel might as well be dead for the moment. If you're hell-bent on it, look at that nation's vaccination rate. You can find it here. Ahem, look at second place.
Photo Credit: Cathedral Spires, My X.O. Adventures
If you don't want to be so concerned with your personal vacation time, then get out and play. It overflows with natural wonders, places of healing like the Black Hills, and indeed you haven't seen it all. I haven't. As the famous folk song is titled, This Land is Your Land.
Photo Credit: Big Horn Sheep, My X.O. Adventures
Fair warning, start making your plans now. Hotels will fill up, Airbnb's will become scarce, and Private Tours will become hard to find. Aside from that, the tourism industry in the U.S. is homegrown and supports our economy.
Photo Credit: My XO Adventures Guest with Donkey
I'm here; I'm queer and ready to take you on an adventure you'll never forget. As a welcome, use the code LGBTSD for 10% off any tours I have to offer. See you soon! XO!
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