Whether a lively get-together or a way to unwind from stress, vacations are always something to look forward to. So, we surveyed a variety of PHS students to see what their favorite vacation spots are! First, we will cover areas within a drivable distance for a weekend getaway, next will be some tropical, sweet, and paradise-like places, and finally, a few spots around the world where you could drop your pin!
Drivable
Need a break from your current area? Visit the following locations to get away from the stress of life quickly. All you need is a bit of gas.
Branson
About a 4-hour drive from PHS is Branson, Missouri, home to caves, parks, and a variety of landscapes. Many say Branson is a highlight of living in Missouri. Before you leave, or once you arrive in Branson you’ll need to book a hotel. The nearest and most popular hotels in Branson are Lodge of the Ozarks, and Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa down the road. Lodge of the Ozark includes amenities such as a pool, free wifi, and free breakfast. The Chateau on the Lake Resort has a spa and free parking. Both hotels range in price from $90-120 dollars per night. There are many attractions in Branson once you are settled. The most popular place is Silver Dollar City, a theme park with rides and a water park. Another place you could spend your vacation time is Runaway Mountain, a coaster park full of fun rides. If you aren’t interested in those thrill rides you could always relax at the Titanic Museum Attraction, where you can submerge yourself in the ultimate Titanic experience, with photos included.
Chicago
Just under 5 hours north of PHS is Chicago, Illinois. It is best known for its delicious deep-dish pizza and windy city skyscrapers! After your tiring drive, settle into a hotel like Congress Plaza or Palmer House by Hilton. Congress Plaza Hotel features 2 restaurants, parking, gym facilities, laundry, and free wifi. Palmer House by Hilton, offers a pool, electric vehicle charging stations, a spa, and the option of connecting rooms. The Shedd Aquarium is close to both hotels. The aquarium features fun events like a Penguin Chat and a Sea Otter Encounter. Reserve your tickets early due to high demand; an adult ticket costs around 20 dollars. Another attraction in
Chicago you don’t want to miss is Navy Pier. This is located on Chicago’s waterfront and features a Ferris wheel, rides and games, and plenty of shopping. The Pier also features lots of unique Chicago art!
Tropical
Do you enjoy the sun and a fruity drink with a little paper umbrella? If so, check out these locations to live out your sunny shore dreams.
Florida
See what wonders await in the sunshine state of Florida best known for its constant rays, many theme parks, and Miami. Whether you go 15 hours by car or 2 hours by plane Florida offers average temperatures all year round and plenty of warm weather during the summer months. Two hotels you could consider booking accommodations are Hilton Daytona Beach Waterfront and Wingate by Wyndham Orlando, depending on where you plan to stay in the peninsula state. Hilton Daytona Beach Hotel is located on Daytona Beach, as the name suggests. They recently added a Starbucks to the hotel and have included additional popular dining options. Amenities include breakfast, pool, and live entertainment. While on one of the most famous beaches, you can rent jet skis, enjoy the Ferris wheel, visit Sun Splash Park, and for something more relaxing try diving or fishing. If you choose to visit Orlando it is home to two of the most exciting places on Earth- Universal Studios and any of the Disney amusement parks! Universal Studios has many themed rides, featuring Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Mario Brothers. As for Walt Disney World Resort, it has all kinds of Disney-themed attractions, like Star Wars, Mickey Mouse, and magic of all sorts!
Hawaii
Having received statehood in 1959, Hawaii’s tourism is booming thanks to it being a literal island, and providing a unique culture. The flight to Hawaii is between 8-12 hours from St. Louis, depending on which island you will be visiting. The Hawaiian Islands include Honolulu, Kahului, Kailua-Kona, Kauai, and Waimea. Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki is a popular hotel located on Honolulu Island. The hotel features several dining options like Goofy Cafe & Dine and Tropics Bar & Grill. The hotel also includes spas, submarine rides, and pools. In Honolulu, you can visit Kahanamoku Beach. The beach has a public restroom and shower. You can surf, swim, and paddleboard. Another island to consider is Kailua-Kona. One of the most popular hotels to stay at in Kailua-Kona is OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa. It features dining spots and clubs for an extraordinary nightlife experience. Some nearby attractions include Eka Canoe Adventures and KING KAYAK HAWAII, both offer rides and tours and even encounters with manta rays or dolphins!
If you are willing and able to spend a pretty penny and are looking to get out of the U.S., get your passport ready! Here are PHS’s top three international destinations.
France
France is famous for its various foods and of course the Eiffel Tower. The plane ride is about 11 hours long and when you land there is a selection of hotels in Paris to choose from. The Hôtel de NELL and Hotel Gustave both include restaurants and are within walking distance of many famous attractions. Hôtel de NELL features breakfast, parking, and air conditioning. It is a close walk to many museums, shopping, and the Palais Garnier opera house. The Hotel Gustave is just 0.8 miles away from the Eiffel Tower! Of course, you can tour the tower, but there is much more to do in the area like visiting bistros and other restaurants such as Brasserie de la Tour Eiffel. The restaurant has outdoor seating and art surrounding the area. As for attractions, check out Musée Rodin- a sculpture garden displaying the works of Auguste Rodin. Another thrilling attraction to visit in Paris is Aquaboulevard, an all-season indoor pool, as well as a seasonal outdoor pool. There are passes to get in, and a special one readers might be interested in is skipping the line, for about 40 dollars USD. There are many jacuzzis, waterfalls, geezers, and more aquatic fun.
Mexico
Mexico is loved by many for its beautiful beaches, ancient culture, and delicious food. Many PHS students have visited Mexico by land and sea. There are several areas of Mexico to explore, for this portion of the article, we will cover Cancun, Guadalajara, and Mexico City. In Cancun, you can go on a tour, to Chichen Itza, an archeological site as well as the Kukulcan Pyramid, and swim in the Cenote, a natural sinkhole of limestone and groundwater. Thrillseekers can also go ATV riding, and ziplining which is available for all ages. An activity tourists may do in Guadalajara is The Fire Tour. The Fire Tour features Mexican art and culture, and you will learn the history of each location included in the tour. Things you can expect to see are volcanoes and pyramids. Finally, Mexico City offers hot air balloon rides, art museums, open-air markets, and much more. One of the most popular hot air balloon ride tours is Teotihuacán from Mexico City. You will be lifted 600 meters high and experience the views of the breathtaking valley. You can also explore the waters of Tolantongo. This is a full-day tour that explores caves, waterfalls, and a variety of plants. It also offers translators in several languages including German and French.
Have fun researching or visiting all of these amazing places!
