Everyone is always looking for great vacation ideas. While the world is full of popular vacation spots, there are also several places that people don’t often think about.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Anyone who wants to spend time surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and meeting friendly locals, should plan a vacation to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. During the summer the temperature is perfect for hiking through the mature woods and swimming in the Great Lakes. During the fall, the deer hunting is fantastic, and during the snow is perfect for skiing and snowmobiling. Every so often a lucky tourist is treated to a glimpse of a moose, bald eagle, or wolf. The fishing is great year round.

Even if you aren’t into outdoor activities, you will still find plenty to do in the Upper Peninsula. There are guided tours of the local copper mines, visit the many county fairs, or marvel over the tales of bravery that can be found at the Great Lakes Maritime Museum. No trip to the upper peninsula is complete until you’ve visited the world famous Soo Locks and eaten a pasty. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is the perfect vacation spot when you want to get away from the pressures of civilization and enjoy a peaceful vacation with your family.

Oregon

Form some reason when people think of vacationing on the west coast, they consider Washington and California, but they always overlook Oregon. Oregon is a fantastic vacation opportunity that your entire family will remember and talk about for the rest of their lives.

It’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean means that there is always some way for the outdoor enthusiast to entertain themselves. There are more opportunities for hiking, climbing, surfing, and swimming than a person can possibly take advantage of during a single vacation.

In addition to the outdoor activities, families can go on whale watching tours and explore the waterways. Oregon’s rivers are perfect for kayaking and fishing. There are plenty of winery to tour and everyone should take advantage of the chance to travel the same path as Lewis and Clark did during their famous expedition. Every year Oregon plays host to one of the best Shakespeare Festival in the world.

Chincoteaque/Assateaque Island

There aren’t many places where you can get so close to a genuine wild pony that you are practically breathing the same air as they are. Assateaque is one of those places. Although tourist are welcome to tour the island and snap pictures of the wild ponies and seabirds, the island in is uninhabited. It is a place for the wild things.

Assateaques sister island, Chincoteaque is a booming island where the natives respect both the sea and the wild creatures. Every summer, during the last week of July, a group of locals go over to Assateaque Island, rounding up the wild ponies and swimming them across the water to Chincoteaque where a portion of the foals are auctioned off. A trip to Chincoteaque during the Pony Penning Days is one that you will want to repeat over and over again.