Destinations & Things To Do
Explore the top 10 tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia
Jeddah
Jeddah is a vibrant coastal city in Saudi Arabia, which is famous for its beautiful Red Sea coastline, historic old town, and modern attractions. Thus, it is a top destination for culture, shopping, and seaside adventures, which offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Destinations & Things To Do
Day 41: Stratton Mountain – The Trek
A thunderstorm rolled through last night. We are becoming more accustomed to sleeping in shelters, especially when the weather is wet.
Early in the day, we officially passed the 1/4-way mark. We’ve made it over 550 miles, and a quarter of the trail. We’ve got a good groove going, and I would say we are officially settled into life on the trail. While it’s not easy, it’s worth it. Even after all this time, the miles and elevation, I still sometimes struggle going uphill. The muscles on the backside of my thighs have a burning sensation that eventually goes away, but is always pretty consistently there. Hopefully, I’ll continue to get stronger and conquer the hills a little better.
We ascended Stratton Mountain, which is home to a ski hill. We were not close to the resort portion, but we were able to go up a fire tower. The views were mostly clouded-in, but we had a few pockets of views. Vistas are becoming fewer and farther in between.
The remainder of our day was much of the same. I’m starting to get tired of listening to music, although it does help the miles pass by a little easier. I do miss some of the unique bird songs from farther north, but the terrain and vegetation are reminiscent of West Virginia and the mid-Atlantic.
We stopped for the night at Kid Gore shelter. There’s supposedly a gorgeous sunrise here in the mornings. We met a group of five other hikers and exchanged information about the respective upcoming sections. It’s always so nice to camp near other hikers.
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Destinations & Things To Do
Top Ten Safest and Most Spectacular Global Summer Travel Destinations for 2025
Sunday, July 20, 2025
As global travelers seek enriching experiences, the safety and hospitality of destinations become paramount. Summer travel provides an ideal opportunity to explore new cultures, pristine landscapes, and dynamic cities. Here are ten of the safest and most captivating countries to visit in the summer of 2025, promising unforgettable adventures and relaxation.
1. New Zealand – Nature’s Ultimate Paradise
Renowned for its untouched beauty, New Zealand is a haven for nature enthusiasts. With its exceptionally low crime rates and welcoming locals, visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures worry-free. From breathtaking scenery in Queenstown to the tranquil Milford Sound and indigenous Maori heritage, New Zealand offers a diverse and memorable summer getaway.
2. Japan – A Blend of Heritage and Modernity
Japan harmoniously merges its rich history with modern technology, providing travelers with a unique experience. Visitors enjoy impeccably clean cities, reliable transportation, and exceptional safety, making it ideal for all travelers, including solo adventurers. Explore traditional temples, lush gardens, cutting-edge cities, and the famed bullet trains for an unforgettable summer.
3. Switzerland – Alpine Luxury and Tranquility
Switzerland captivates with its alpine vistas, serene lakes, and picturesque towns. Known for safety, efficient infrastructure, and political stability, Switzerland provides a luxurious yet peaceful summer retreat. Activities range from scenic train journeys and lake cruises to hiking in the Alps and indulging in world-famous chocolates and cheeses.
4. Singapore – Urban Excellence and Cultural Fusion
Singapore stands out as a safe, clean, and highly advanced urban destination. Summer travelers can explore iconic landmarks like Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, Marina Bay Sands, and the vibrant shopping district along Orchard Road. The city-state’s culinary diversity and English-friendly atmosphere make it particularly welcoming for global visitors.
5. Austria – Timeless Charm Amid Scenic Beauty
Austria offers visitors a perfect blend of historical elegance and modern amenities. Known for safety and efficient public services, travelers can leisurely explore Vienna’s imperial architecture, Salzburg’s musical history, and picturesque Alpine villages, complemented by leisurely cruises along the beautiful Danube River.
6. Australia – Adventure, Wildlife, and City Life
Australia attracts visitors with its remarkable diversity—stunning beaches, iconic cities, and unique wildlife. Strict safety standards in natural parks and coastal areas ensure secure exploration. Summer activities include surfing, snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, wildlife safaris, and urban adventures in Sydney and Melbourne.
7. Norway – Peaceful Beauty Under the Midnight Sun
Norway, known for its spectacular fjords, northern lights, and rich Viking history, offers a tranquil and secure summer escape. Ideal for solo travelers and families alike, Norway’s strong community values and minimal crime rates ensure peace of mind while exploring its extraordinary natural landscapes and historical sites.
8. Sweden – Sustainability and Scenic Wonders
Sweden provides a harmonious mix of cutting-edge urban innovation and pristine countryside beauty. With its commitment to sustainability and high safety standards, Sweden appeals to eco-conscious travelers. Enjoy Stockholm’s cultural vibrancy, explore scenic hiking trails, visit the unique ice hotels, or relax by peaceful lakeside retreats.
9. UAE – Luxurious Experiences and Cultural Richness
The United Arab Emirates combines luxury, culture, and unmatched safety standards, making it an appealing summer destination. Enjoy desert adventures, lavish shopping experiences, dining at world-renowned restaurants, and exploring cultural landmarks in an impeccably safe environment. Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer unforgettable luxury experiences against a backdrop of modern marvels.
10. South Korea – A Dynamic Blend of Tradition and Pop Culture
South Korea has quickly risen as a popular destination, celebrated for its exceptional safety, advanced infrastructure, and vibrant culture. From exploring Seoul’s historic palaces and bustling street markets to relaxing on Jeju Island’s beaches, visitors can immerse themselves in K-pop culture, exceptional cuisine, and world-class shopping.
Conclusion
These ten safe and spectacular global summer destinations offer travelers diverse experiences that blend adventure, culture, and relaxation seamlessly. As travel continues to thrive in 2025, these countries present ideal choices for creating memorable journeys that enrich and inspire every visitor.
Destinations & Things To Do
Don’t forget to look up Sometimes
Day 89-13 Miles today from Seth Warner shelter to stealth site,2,900 Feet Up, 2,800 Feet down, 1622 AT Mile Marker (MM)
Sage Advice
One of the first text messages I got from Knockerz after we parted ways a few days ago was a reminder to me. After hundreds of miles hiking she knew the importance of the statement.
“Don’t forget to look up sometimes”. She wrote me.
It was such a profound statement in more than one way. When we hike we have to constantly be scanning the ground in front of us for our next footstep or we risk a hike ending injury. But you have to occasionally take the time to look up and enjoy the scenery.
This statement can also be applied to life in general especially today. After days of hiking alone without Knockerz it has been difficult to continue on. The fun is just not in my hike right now. Even during the most difficult days of our hike we shared in the experience.
Never Quit on a Bad Day
This is advice you hear when you attempt a feat such as a thru hike. Today is testing me as a bad day. This section of trail is hard to continue to stay motivated.
Yesterday was my longest hike yet at 19 miles and 4,700 feet elevation gain. I actually felt fine physically this morning with the normal aches and pains.
I started at 7:00 a.m. today because I really did not intend to push it hard today. I’ll be stealth camping somewhere. My goal now is to make it too Manchester which I believe is about 50 miles that would put me at 3 more days in the woods.
I think I’ve already had 3 days in the woods. It means I have to preserve my battery so I don’t get any audiobooks, music, or cell phone usage other than coming out of airplane mode for a few text messages or to check the weather periodically.
Jungle Time
The trail has been so overgrown that I can hardly see the trail sometimes. I think that is proof that this section of trail hasn’t been traveled much. This is just not a fun hike for day hikers to bother with.
The trail is a jungle in some spots. When I got to the last shelter there was no evidence of which way the trail went. It was covered over in so much undergrowth.
I am seeing a lot of the thick black mud but so far I’ve been able to manage to avoid going directly through the mud puddles.
Excess Clothing
I wear clothing to cover 95% on my skin. The only thing I have exposed is my neck in the front my face and my hands. This was a complete nightmare during the hundred plus degree heat but it’s probably kept me from having ticks on my body.
It’s also an advantage now because this hell hole of swampy muddy Vermont is a breeding ground for these flies which will bite on any exposed skin.
I now have to keep moving where I’m currently at. If I stop moving, or even slow down, I get swarmed by mosquitoes. This is really rough.
1,000 Steps
The final drop down to Route 9 was at a slope of over 1500 feet per mile. Another knee breaking drop.
Of course that can only mean one thing. I will soon have a steep climb to get out of this gap.
The descent down to the gap was one of the worst descents I’ve seen on trail. A thousand rock steps.
Oh S***
It was a climb up to Split Rock and then a further climb up but not as bad as the climb down into the gap.
I passed a shelter and continued to climb to Maple Hill. Maple Hill had some power lines where I could see way down to Bennington in the valley below. I could also see a nasty rainstorm heading this way.
My first guess was to go back a half a mile to the shelter but that would add a mile to my trip so I decided to carry on and see what the storm will bring.
Just as I entered the Glastonbury wilderness
It poured down rain. At first it was refreshing after hiking in the sweat and bugs all day. Then it got a little chilly.
This Day was a Bad Day
After the rain ended there were now a lot of mud puddles to slog through. That slowed me down. I hiked on now soaking wet.
When I heard more rumbling I looked at the weather forecast that called for more very heavy rain. Another storm cell was coming.
I knew I’d be sleeping in my tent tonight and I did not want to set up in the rain. So the first stealth site I found I called home for the night. I was a little disappointed when I looked and I had only done 13 miles.
Yeah it was a s*** day. Never been eaten by so many damn bugs. Heavy rain caused everything to get wet. A hellacious drop down into Route 9 Gap on a thousand knee jarring rock steps. Heavy rain turned the trail into Vermud.
As I sat in my tent with all my wet stinky clothing hanging on lines inside I knew I needed a break. And then finally I got the break I needed. Christine with Draghose shuttling help me with some logistics. She was not interested in selling me a shuttle ride but rather she was genuinely interested in helping me. I now have a plan that will get me through the next several days and I feel re-energized.
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