I preface this post by saying that there are a lot of things out there to see and do. I just tend to run across some things that I think folks might find fun while they're traveling. Hope you get some inspiration today!
1. Swissminiatur, Melide, Lake Lugano, Switzerland. I've seen a few things like this while traveling, and there are two of them represented today. I find them entertaining. I've loved this idea of making a country or the world in miniature ever since I played mini golf around the world in Lake George, New York. It's artistic, it's creative, and it exposes you to different cultures in a way we aren't normally used to.
This park holds 120 1.25 scale models of all the most famous places in Switzerland. They also have models of all the transportation that they're famous for from trains to boats, funiculars to gondolas; and they all work. For just around $23 per person, you can see all of Switzerland in a couple of hours, just small. The park opens in March and runs through the fall, so if you're in the area, which you should be; it's gorgeous, check it out.
https://www.swissminiatur.ch/?lang=en
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1079158-d198357-Reviews-Swissminiatur-Melide_Canton_of_Ticino_Swiss_Alps.html
https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/experiences/swissminiatur/
https://www.swissvoyages.com/swiss-excursion/swiss-miniatur/
https://www.luganoregion.com/en/commons/details/Swissminiatur/2768.html
2. Walk the Bamboo Forest on Maui, Hawaii, USA. This is officially in Haleakala National Park on Maui. There are a lot of conflicting reports as to whether or not you can hike this trail, because some say it's on private property, however, it's in a National Park, so I'm pretty confident its okay. Just make sure you pay your fee and enter through the National Park Entrance. That's always the key. Normally, if there are reports that a trail is closed because the property is private, that's because people are trying to sneak in at another point for free. Just pay and then you don't have to worry about all the problems.
National Parks in America typically Cost from $15 and up for entrance. Haleakala, like any other National Park is free with the America the Beautiful Pass, which is a year's pass to all National Parks in America for $80. If you plan to see a few, it's worth buying that pass.
The Bamboo Forest is along the Pipiwai Trail that also goes to some amazing waterfalls. You can go with a guide or do the trails on your own. There are maps available and you can download them to your phone as well. It's a great way to enjoy an afternoon while visiting Maui.
3. The Rideau Canal, Ontario, Canada. This is history and engineering at its finest. This 202 kilometer canal with 29 working locks runs from Kingston Harbor to Ottawa. It's beautiful, and its open for business from May through October. I love boats and this canal offers a unique experience, that I'd only seen previously in parts of Europe. You can rent a boat and take your own cruise up or down the canal.
LeBoat is the company that rents the boats. They are reasonably priced. They have multiple bedrooms and cooking facilities on board. This is a totally immersive experience, and you can even do it if you've never captained a boat before. They teach you to operate the boat and they made them special so that most people can learn how easily.
One of the great things about this canal is that there are operators during the day to open and close the locks for travelers, so you don't have to do it yourself like you do in some locations. Maps to help you navigate are provided. There are docking areas so you can stop at night when the locks are closed. You can dock right in downtown Ottawa if you like. It's a great adventure and really hands on.
4. Tobu World Square, Nikko, Japan. Back to those miniatures, and instead of seeing all the cool stuff in Switzerland miniaturized, you can see most of the coolest stuff in the world miniaturized in this park.
This place has 102 of the most famous buildings in the world, including 46 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and 140,000 miniature people figures; all in 1.25 scale. The park's entry fee is less than $20 and less for kids. It's accessible by train and has it's own station for ease of travel. Make sure you check the website for the hours, as they aren't set in stone from week to week.
5. The Tokyo Sky Tree, Tokyo, Japan. If we aren't immortalizing the world in miniature, we're probably making things bigger. The newest notable addition to the Tokyo Skyline is this 634 meter high radio tower. It lights up at night, it stands out all day, and its sleek.
By the way, you can go up to the observation deck at the top. So cool. At 634 meters, the tower is the tallest tower in the world. At 445 meters, you'll feel like you're walking in the sky; maybe that's where the name came from. You can see everything from that observation corridor; even Mount Fuji. It only costs around $20; less for kids and the view is magnificent.
There you have it. From little miniature people and the buildings they live in to the tallest tower on Earth. There's always a little something for everyone on Adventures for Anyone! So, whether on a tropical island looking up at the falling water or going through locks on your own rented boat, take some time to check out that world at large. Don't forget to follow for my weekly blogs right here, and then pack your bags and enjoy!
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