When I’m not traveling for work, I’m doing so for fun.
I’ve been able to visit all 50 states by strategically using my credit-card points, layovers, and job perks — after all, I am a flight attendant.
Here are eight states I’ve loved visiting the most, including the one that’s my favorite travel destination thus far.
I was so pleasantly surprised by Montana.
I didn’t know an airport could be cozy, but the state’s Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport feels like a mountain cabin with all of its wood and stone finishes.
One of my favorite spots to visit in the state was Bozeman, a vibrant, modern city with a nice downtown and great mountain views.
Bozeman is less than two hours from Yellowstone National Park, one of the prettiest natural sites I’ve seen in the US. Another highlight in the state is Gardiner, a small town on the river with an unreal mountain backdrop — it’s also home to Yellowstone’s north entrance.
If you’re trying to visit all 50 states as I did, exploring Yellowstone is a great way to cross off three since it spans across Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.
South Dakota is underrated.
I thought South Dakota was fiercely underrated and gorgeous. If you like hiking and beautiful views, this is the state for you.
I suggest staying in Rapid City for easy access to Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, and Wind Cave National Park.
There is so much to see and do in Washington.
I had a ton of fun visiting Seattle’s iconic tourist spots, such as Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, Kerry Park, and the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. The city’s public transportation was great, and I kept finding wonderful local restaurants.
Plus, the state has a lot to offer outside of Seattle. My drive through Washington to Oregon was full of beautiful scenery.
I also find it impressive that Washington has not just one but three national parks. I didn’t make it to any of the parks on my trip (although I did see Mount Rainier from my car), but I plan to come back to visit them.
There’s just so much to do in Washington that one trip wasn’t enough.
Nevada is a good spot for a few types of travelers.
When you talk about Nevada, most people probably think of Las Vegas.
Vegas is a cool place — I think of it as an adult Disney World where thrill seekers can jump off the Stratosphere building, zipline over Fremont Street, or take in the views from the High Roller Ferris wheel.
The city is also an excellent starting point for a variety of outdoor adventures. I’ve taken day trips from Vegas to Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada and landmarks in neighboring states, including the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, and Zion National Park.
I fell in love with Maine instantly.
I started my Maine trip in Portland, a charming sea town near the Portland Head Light lighthouse with craft breweries and the state’s famous potato doughnuts.
From Portland, I visited Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor is known for being one of the best gateway towns to a national park, and its rich beauty and history make it a great place to visit.
Acadia itself is awe-inspiring. I recommend waking up to see the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain (the first place in the US to see the sun rise each morning for about half the year) and hiking the Beehive Trail (a loop on a cliff with more incredible views).
Vermont is especially perfect in the fall.
When the leaves change colors around September and October, they create a breathtaking scene all over New England, but I think the foliage shines brightest in Vermont.
The state is a paradise in the fall for those who love the season.
Burlington, Stowe, and Woodstock are also great places to participate in autumnal activities like cider tastings at local mills and “leaf-peeping” gondola rides or drives.
And, of course, you can’t miss a tour of the Ben & Jerry’s factory in Waterbury.
Louisiana has a rich, unique culture you won’t find anywhere else.
In my many visits to Louisiana — especially New Orleans — I’ve never had a bad meal or run out of things to do.
There’s so much more to do than party on Bourbon Street — you can visit Jackson Square, the French Market, the National World War II Museum, Sazerac House, Mardi Gras World, and more.
Outside New Orleans, I’ve also enjoyed taking a swamp tour with Cajun Encounters in Slidell, holding a baby alligator at the Gator Chateau in Jennings, attending the famous Christmas festival in Natchitoches, and seeing the State Capitol and Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge.
Massachusetts is my favorite state to visit.
Year-round, Massachusetts has plenty to offer for both locals and tourists.
Boston is one of my absolute favorite cities. It’s the perfect blend of rich history and modern amenities, and its mix of old architecture and sleek skyscrapers is stunning.
There, you can walk the historic Freedom Trail, have tea or a cocktail at the Boston Public Library, sample cannolis in the North End, shop on the famous Newbury Street, and tour the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
The state has way more than just Boston. Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket are the perfect coastal summer escapes — and Salem is a wonderful historic town to visit in the fall.
The post I’ve been to all 50 states. These are the 8 best ones to visit — and, yes, I have a favorite. appeared first on Business Insider.
