Phenomena Worth Traveling For

A phenomenon is something remarkable–whether a person, thing, or event, it is something that is special to experience and encounter. Some of life’s most memorable moments can be attributed to travel that allows you to experience natural wonders. If you want to experience more phenomena in the new year, read on! Here we discuss phenomena worth traveling for.

Solar Eclipse

Solar Eclipse

Is experiencing a solar eclipse on your 2024 bucket list? If it is, then you are in luck! In 2025 there will be two solar eclipses, both of which will be partial. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun’s light and shadowing the Earth. A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon only partially blocks the sun.

Solar eclipses are rare phenomena. In 2025, only one solar eclipse will be visible from the United States. On March 29, 2025 a partial solar eclipse will be visible from a slice of the northeastern United States. Some of our top states for viewing the first partial solar eclipse of 2025 include the following:

The partial solar eclipse can be experienced in the above states at select times between 6:35 am EDT and 7:12 am EDT. The exact times will vary by location. Please keep in mind that you should not look at a solar eclipse directly. A solar eclipse may be viewed through specialized viewing glasses or a pinhole projector.

Now is the time to start planning your trip to catch the solar eclipse! Links to free print and downloadable travel guides are included above.

Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee are remarkable. In addition to the “smoke” that gives the Smoky Mountains their name, the area offers plenty of other phenomena worth traveling for.

During a visit to the Smokies, travelers can observe a smoky haze that blankets the area. This is not actually smoke– it is fog from the area’s vegetation. All of the trees, bushes, and plants that call the Smoky Mountains home give off vapor which generates the fog above the mountains.

The vapor is also responsible for the blue appearance of the smoke. The molecules that make up the gas scatter the blue light from the sky. This creates the blue smoke appearance. While this phenomenon may be viewed in other parts of the country as well, the Great Smoky Mountains are notable because they appear so distinctly blue and smoky.

The Great Smoky Mountains on their own are worth traveling to experience. The area also has countless other phenomena worth experiencing. Depending on the time of year, visitors may be able to view synchronous fireflies, a diverse array of plants and animals, unique geology, and spectacular waterfalls.

The Great Smoky Mountains are a destination worth exploring. Use our free print and downloadable guide to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies to start planning your trip today.

Aurora Borealis

Aurora Borealis

The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, is a natural phenomenon worth traveling to see. The light display is one of the most brilliant things to see in the northern hemisphere’s night sky. The aurora borealis is caused by charged particles interacting with gases in the atmosphere. This causes colorful bands of light to appear as if they are dancing across the night sky.

Did you know that the aurora borealis actually occurs throughout the year? However, a number of factors impact whether or not it is visible. The most notable factor that impacts visibility is darkness.

If you want to experience the northern lights in an unforgettable location then we recommend traveling to Alaska. Alaska has a number of remarkable locations to experience the northern lights. The best time to see the northern lights in Alaska is between mid-August and mid-April. Viewing is ideal during this time because that is when the night skies are the darkest.

The northern lights are best viewed from the outskirts of town and in areas with clear, dark skies. While the lights can be visible throughout Alaska, they are most often visible in Alaska’s Interior and Arctic regions.

One of the best places to view the northern lights is Fairbanks, Alaska. Fairbanks has the perfect combination of location, darkness, and auroral activity to make it an ideal viewing location. Thanks to these factors, Fairbanks is also home to tours, activities, and accommodations focused solely on viewing the northern lights. There is also a free online Aurora Tracker that correlates three individual streams of data. This data is used to predict northern lights viewing opportunities for six locations in the Fairbanks region.

The northern lights can also be viewed in Anchorage when the conditions are right. In addition to the northern lights, Anchorage is surrounded by spectacular natural spaces, wildlife, and glaciers. The city is actually home to approximately 1,500 resident moose. The majestic animals are regularly sighted throughout the area’s parks and greenbelts. Seeing a moose up close (from a safe distance) is a phenomenal experience.

Are you ready to experience the magic of the aurora season? Start planning your northern lights viewing experience today! Now is the time to request your free print and downloadable guides to Fairbanks and Anchorage.

Yellowstone

Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park is a must-see destination. It is home to extraordinary phenomena set against the natural beauty of the west. Yellowstone is home to geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles as well as diverse wildlife and stunning views.

Old Faithful Geyser is one of the top places to visit during a trip to Yellowstone. Old Faithful is one of the park’s 500 geysers. What makes Old Faithful famous? As its name suggests, it is the most predictable. Old Faithful erupts almost every hour and a half. When the eruption occurs water shoots over 100 feet into the air. After marveling at the geyser, stop by the Old Faithful Inn. While the Inn isn’t a “natural phenomenon” it is a legendary landmark and one of the world’s largest log structures.

The Earth is a beautiful place, full of colorful and enchanting phenomena, and Yellowstone is proof to this. At Yellowstone, one of the most popular attractions is Grand Prismatic Spring. Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States. However, it is not the heat that makes the area special– it’s the colors. Grand Prismatic Spring is home to pools of rainbow colors, a natural phenomenon caused by pigmented bacteria in the water. The colors are best viewed when it is bright and sunny outside.

In addition to geysers and hot springs, Yellowstone is also home to extraordinary wildlife. Two of the best locations for wildlife viewing are Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley. Visitors can view spectacular creatures like bison, elk, wolves, and coyotes roaming across the open fields. Looking up, guests can spot bald eagles and osprey. Bears can even be observed playing with their young during the summer months. It is important to practice safe viewing at all times. Visitors must remember to only observe animals when they can do so from a safe distance and never approach wild animals.

Start planning your trip to Yellowstone today! Request your free print and downloadable Cody Yellowstone Adventure Vacation Guide.

Plan Your Phenomenal Trip Today!

Plan Your Phenomenal Trip Today!

The United States is home to so many phenomena worth traveling for! From the solar eclipse and northern lights, to stunning mountains and active geysers, there is so much to see and experience. For inspiration for your next phenomenal trip, take a look at all of our free print and downloadable travel guides.

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