Southwest Airlines Community

At Southwest Airlines, it’s our Culture to take care of each other—both on and off the clock. Denver Flight Attendant Heidi Watson was particularly grateful for our Culture earlier this year as she returned home from a trip to the effects of a massive snowstorm. Riding in the same shuttle from the airport terminal to the parking lot was returning Denver Captain John Garofalo. As a longtime Pilot for Southwest, John has many a time experienced coming home to the elements, especially the storms in March, when he says snowstorms seem to bring the most accumulation. This past March was no different. The day they were returning, the snowstorm was so strong, the airport was near complete closure and a car in their parking lot was buried completely in the snow. Upon arriving at her car in the parking lot, Heidi wearily started clearing her car of snow with the small snow scraper she had on hand. Luckily for her, her Coheart John had something better: a snow shovel and a willing spirit to assist her in her time of need.   As John cleared her car, they struck up a conversation, and John learned Heidi was a new Flight Attendant for Southwest. “I always carry a shovel in my car, so I went to help her because that’s what we do here at Southwest,” John said. “Come to find out, she’s new to the Company, and I was so glad to be able to welcome her to the Southwest Family that way.”   When John was done clearing Heidi’s car and a path for her through the parking lot, he went on to the next car to assist those who weren’t even present. “He went above and beyond not only helping a Coheart but also a complete stranger,” said Heidi. “I could tell he definitely has a big heart, and helping others is a part of who he is.”    At Southwest, we stand by The Golden Rule and each must do our part to keep our Culture alive and well. It’s the little things, like scraping snow off someone’s car, that contribute to a better world. Take this reminder to pay it forward with kindness today and every day! We all have a chance to improve someone’s day with a small gesture of kindness.     “John was assisting someone who had just walked through some of the hardest days of her life and he had no idea,” said Heidi. “I hope I get to fly with John one day and return even a small portion of the gift he gave me that day.”   Post was written by Brooklyn Murdy ... View more

Being an Employee in the airline industry should make me an expert packer, but judging by number of times I’ve had to pack and repack my bags to make everything fit just right, I’m far from that. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect, and sometimes a few tips friends or the internet can help. There are so many possibilities with travel and countless variables involved in preparing for a trip! What you pack for this week’s trip might not suffice for the next. My 17-day trip to Europe years ago stands as the longest trip I’ve taken, and I am proud to have traveled with only one carryon. I certainly learned a lot and below are several tips that will hopefully help you with your next big adventure.    Packing List What to wear on the plane: Shirt with a cardigan or jacket Pair of jeans Comfortable shoes Hat or scarf (optional)   What to pack in your carryon: Five shirts (one for a nicer outing) One pair of shorts Extra pair of pants or shorts Extra pair of comfortable shoes Undergarments (enough for one week) Two items for layering (tank top or extra layer) Seasonal item as necessary (warm coat or rain jacket) Bathing suit That one item you absolutely can’t live without Any necessary electronics and cords Toiletries and laundry detergent pods     Tips From SWA Travel Experts “All your clothes should be interchangeable. Pick a neutral shade and pack things that will complement each other. I usually choose black, gray, and maroon. Make an initial clothing pile, then cut it in half. You can re-wear garmets, but it depends on where you’re traveling. I only bring one swimsuit, but I bring two pairs of jeans for two weeks depending on the weather. Wear your bulkiest shoes—sneakers or boots—and then pack another pair that matches everything.” —CS&S Post Production Support Analyst Kelsey Richerson   “As a military spouse, I have tried to minimize during my coast-to-coast travels. Ziplock bags are my friend, black and gray clothing are staples for me, and I toss in some color with tank tops or t-shirts for layering.” —DEN Flight Attendant Kim Colombero   “Until I had to learn how to pack for week-long trips in a carryon for work, I had never been the best at packing. I turned to YouTube and discovered ranger rolling techniques used by the Army. If you’re looking for ways to fit more than planned into a bag, I highly recommend looking it up!” —Culture Services Specialist Craig Wright   “Laundry pellets are a must.” —BWI Flight Attendant Tony Nichols   “Count your valuables and things you absolutely don’t want to forget and remember that number. For example, 1) cell phone, 2) ID, 3) wallet, 4) camera, 5) cardigan. Anytime you leave somewhere—the TSA checkpoint or the hotel for example, all you have to do is count one, two, three, four, and five, to ensure you have your most important items. This technique helps me make sure I don’t leave my cardigan at a restaurant or my phone at the security screening.” —Marketing Analyst Harold Page   Connections & Cleaning There are a variety of items on the market today to help you launder on the go. Laundry detergent pods are an easy and light addition to your suitcase. Making time to do laundry can be key in streamlining your packing list and ensuring your clothes can last longer than five days. Take it up a notch from the good ‘ole rinse in the sink by bringing along a few laundry pods— packing a plastic bag to prevent detergent from accidentally getting all over your clean clothes. Seek out a local laundromat once you arrive or use your favorite travel recommendation site to research ahead of time.   My father, HOU Freight Agent David Boren, and I circa 2010 waiting outside a local laundromat in Cinque Terre, Italy.Mid-way through my 17-day European adventure, we stopped at a local laundromat in Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, Italy. This was vital, because we were traveling in the summer months, and I was curious as to how myself and the passengers around me would survive a lengthy flight home. Our visit at the laundromat proved to be more than worthwhile! We met several locals who gave us invaluable restaurant tips and quite a few Americans who were backpacking their way through their bucket list. The laundromat was a hub of buzzing information and warm exchanges on past and present adventures—with WiFi being an added bonus. I learned a lot about local culture and things to do, all while cleaning my clothes!  ... View more

Ashley's dog, Harper I may be a cat person, but that doesn't mean I can’t appreciate dogs and their Fun-LUVing Attitudes.  As it’s Work like a Dog Day, I thought I’d switch my cat ears for those of man’s best friend.  (Unfortunately for us cat-lovers, Work like a Cat Day couldn't exist unless work involved a long nap in the sun, and that sounds like a vacation!) Coming home from a long day, you can always find your dog awaiting your turn of the door knob.  I work with some amazing people, a few of which have dogs (take Cindy, for example, pictured above with her dog Miyagi), and their dog stories are seemly endless. Working like a dog is not synonymous with being a “work-a-holic.”  Working like a dog just means you work hard—and in my opinion, it’s much more than just working hard.  Here at Southwest we value Living the Southwest Way, which includes having a Warrior Spirit, a Servant’s Heart, and a Fun-LUVing Attitude.  These are qualities some of our best fur-friends have:  the willingness to get the stick you threw across the yard at whatever cost, the puppy love when you’re feeling down, and the jump of joy when you get home from work.  When the work piles up and time seems to drag, sometimes it’s a kind word or a surprise smile from one of my Fellow Coworkers that makes the day worth something. We should always remember the Southwest Way and pair it with the traits our dogs: a happy, friendly, renewed spirit.  They have such a joy when you return home.  Carry that happiness with you throughout your day.  Be happy to see everyone, from your friends to your office mates.  Remember that everyone you come in contact with is another opportunity to brighten the world.  And no matter how long you've been apart, your dog welcomes you with a renewed spirit on your return.  When you return to work each day, walk in with a renewed spirit, ready to take on your responsibilities with a smile. Simply put, we should all remember to let the work go to the dogs—today and every day! Traveling with your best fur-friend soon?  Southwest Airlines welcomes small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in an appropriate pet carrier in the aircraft cabin.  Find more information on our Traveling with Pets page. ... View more

If you're like me, you take around a million photos on any given vacation—sometimes it's even more, depending on the length of the trip.  Obviously I can't post all of them, so I do my best to pick out my favorites.  Here's a list of my must-have pics for your Instagram feed.  Be sure to use #SWApic and check out our Southwest Instagram! 1. In Your Bag: Are you packing light, heavy, or somewhere in the middle?  And what's your must-have, can't-leave-without item? 2. On the Way: Get excited!  Travel adventures have just begun.  Snap a pic on the parking shuttle or when you're leaving for the airport. 3. At the Gate: If the adventure didn't start on the parking shuttle, it has definitely started here!  Show some excitement for your Southwest aircraft or your awesome Business Select boarding pass. 4. In the Air: The Window Seat pic is the classic travel picture.  Whether the picture's of the wing, the clouds or the landscape below, it's bound to be beautiful! 5. On your Plate: While on vacation, you should always try the local food.  Don't forget those delicious flavors—capture the memory! 6. Around you: There are so many things to see and do at any of our Southwest destinations!  Be sure to properly document those beautiful sites and exciting experiences. 7. With the Group:   At Southwest, our Purpose is connecting People to what's important in their lives—traveling brings people together.  If you're traveling with or meeting others, you definitely have to get a group shot. Have other photo ideas?  Let me know by commenting below.  Happy travels! ... View more

Like any time-contentious traveler, I have at least an hour of downtime before my flight begins boarding.  When I’m traveling with my family, waiting time seems to go by even more slowly.  On my last vacation with my family, we had a two hour layover.  Normally we play a card game, but unfortunately, we (cough, cough—my dad) had forgotten to bring a deck of cards.  Luckily, my sister came up with some gate games to keep us busy.  Try one of these simple games I’ve Southwest-ified the next time you’re waiting to board. I Find, I Fly Airports are extremely busy places, especially during the summer.  You will see varieties of travelers, suitcases, Employees… the list goes on!  See how many of these things you can find before you fly! Brightly colored suitcase Passenger with a pet Pilot Southwest airplane with a wifi dome Passenger with a flip phone Southwest Employee badge Musical instrument or instrument case Southwest airplane with Split Scimitar winglets Re-usable water bottle Passenger using a blanket Restroom sign Southwest Flight Attendant Passenger using two kinds of electronic devices Weather status monitor Passenger sleeping The number four Orange Safety vest AIR / FARE I may not be a math genius, but this counting game is a ton of FUN!  Start by creating some sort of order with Fellow Passengers—who will go first?  Second?  The person starting the game starts by saying, “One.”  The second person says, “Two,” and so on in the set order.  On multiples of five (five, ten, 15, 20, etc.) the player must say “Air” instead of the number, and on multiples of seven (seven, 14, 21, etc.), the player must say “Fare.”  When this happens, the rotation switches directions.  If someone incorrectly says “Air” or “Fare,” doesn’t switch directions, or says the wrong number, you must start counting from the beginning.  Give it a try!  You’ll be surprised on how quickly Air and Fare become a little tricky to keep straight. Example: One, Two, Three, Four, AIR, Six, FARE, Eight, Nine, AIR… Airport Ticket Takeoff As I’ve mentioned, there are a variety of things to be seen at the airport.  So much goes into the aviation industry; you could never know all of it.  This game will make you search high and low for airline related words!  To play, one player starts by naming an airline-related word, like Airport.  Then since the word ends in a T, the second player must say an airline-related word beginning with T, like Ticket.  Similar to Air / Fare, the players take turns in a specific order adding words to the list.  The goal is to keep the list going as long as possible without repeating answers.  Good luck! Example: Airport, Ticket, Time, Employee… Fuselage Speaking of airplane words, fuselage is a funky word that average travelers may not hear so often.  This game is simple.  Players aren’t allowed to show their teeth, and each player takes a turn saying, “Fuselage.”  It’s harder than it seems.  The longer you concentrate on not showing your teeth the funnier the word fuselage seems.  If a player shows their teeth, he or she is then disqualified from the round.  The goal is to be the last Passenger to show his or her teeth.  Want to know a tip?  Become more and more animated as the round goes on, and it’ll be harder for other players to stay focused on not showing their teeth! We’re always looking to share some LUV with our Customers.  Check out our post on Games of LUV!  Have some gate games of you own?  Share them with us by commenting below! ... View more

Today, July 13th, happens to be Embrace Your Geekness Day, and here at Southwest Airlines, we’re celebrating a special type of geekness—avgeekness!  Avgeeks are aviation geeks, who love anything and everything from airline brand memorabilia to airplane parts.  Today (and every day) avgeeks should embrace their geekness and showcase their Fun-LUVing, quirky side!  Southwest Airlines sure does LUV you for it! I’ve gathered three of our sincerest avgeeks to explain their geeky, airline-related favorites!  Enjoy!  And if you’re an avgeek, share your stories with us by commenting below! Sunset and Sunrise Flights Communication Senior Specialist Dan Landson, Windown Seat Sunset View My inner avgeek comes out every time I step on a plane early in the morning or in the evening.  There’s no greater feeling in the world (at least in my mind) than seeing the sun rise or set while sitting in the window seat of one of our 737s.  The views are priceless, and it really makes you slow down and reflect.  Sunrises are unique in the sense that as the sun comes up, it represents a new day, a clean slate, and a chance to relax before the day really takes off.  If you catch me on an early morning flight, you’ll usually find me staring out the window while enjoying a cup of LIFT coffee. On the opposite side of the spectrum, sunsets are just as beautiful as sunrises.  The colors are usually much more pronounced, usually are much more colorful, and they bring closure to the day.  In the evening, I’m often staring out the window reflecting on the day and counting my blessings for how lucky I am to work for the best Company in the world! I LUV taking photos of sunrises and sunsets since it’s one of the most spectacular views we are afforded by flying at 40,000 feet, and of course, those photos are hashtaged on Twitter: #Avgeek. Aviation Collectables Customer Advocacy & Social Care Team Leader Rob Hahn Who knew there would be a day dedicated to the geeks around the world!  I will go out on a limb and say, I personally only fall into the avgeek category (although others may disagree!).  One cool thing about being an avgeek is that there is so much to geek about!  One of my favorite things is all of the collectables you can acquire when working for an airline.  In my 12 years working for Southwest Airlines, I’ve acquired a set of airplane seats, a few hundred t-shirts, multiple posters, a bobble head of our CEO, buttons … the list goes on and on. The problem is finding a place to store it all, because, naturally, you can’t get rid of any of it.  I have to admit, even before working for this great airline, I collected aviation treasures (or junk according to others) such as magazines, aircraft models, those good ole paper-printed flight schedules, and of course, airplane wings!  Airline collectables are such a hit with avgeeks—there are conventions held across the country where all of the aforementioned collectibles are traded and sold.  So, to all of the avgeeks out there—keep on collecting! Aircraft Fleet Communication Senior Specialist Richard West Southwest Boeing 717 Model As our Company’s resident Historian, I have the privilege of acting on my inner avgeek tendencies on a daily basis.  One of my favorite topics is our aircraft fleet, both currently and past.  There is always speculation among the avgeek community as to what our future fleet may look like, and there was a time in our recent history we anticipated adding a second aircraft, the Boeing 717, to the Southwest family early on in the AirTran integration process.  At the same time, we were also acquiring aircraft models to be displayed in our Heart of our History exhibit at the Frontiers of Flight Museum.  Along with a TranStar DC-9 and Southwest 727, a 1:20 717 in full Southwest livery was also commissioned to be incorporated into the growing exhibit. However, shortly before the extremely detailed model arrived, the decision was made for the 717s to continue their service elsewhere in the airline world, so the new model was now unnecessary.  Although our Southwest 717 model only reflects a concept for what could have been, it’s quite the conversation starter among my fellow avgeeks who see it proudly “flying” above my desk! ... View more

I like to picnic every chance I get—which mostly depends on the Texas weather.  If it’s not raining or at 150 percent humidity level, a few Fellow Interns and I take our lunch breaks on the Headquarters’ “deck” for some good ole’ plane watching and sunshine.  And, we’re not the only ones!  Southwest is extremely familiar with picnicking, as it incorporates two of our favorite things: community and connecting people. Specifically, through our Heart of the Community program, Southwest focuses on community in public spaces, encouraging connections, gatherings and, of course, picnicking!  The Heart of the Community program revolves around Placemaking, a movement to improve and revitalize public spaces based around the needs of the community.  Since July is National Picnic Month, and we LUV encouraging People to connect and explore, here’s a list of our top ten destinations for picnics! Whether you’re looking for a traditional red-checkered blanket picnic spot or something more unique, you’ll surely find something perfect for you on this list.  You’ll even find some Southwest Placemaking and Southwest Porch locations too!  Do you have a personal favorite?  Then share it on Twitter or Facebook using #PlacesWeLUV. Klyde Warren Park, Dallas, TX:  Picnic where the LUV airline began by visiting the Southwest Porch in Klyde Warren Park, deep in the heart of Dallas. Crissy Field, San Francisco, CA:  For a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge and passing ferries and sailboats, picnic at Crissy Field by the San Fran bay. Burnside Park, Providence, RI:  Take the kids with you, and picnic at the newly refreshed Burnside Park, a Southwest Placemaking project location. Bryant Park, New York City, NY:  Need a break from shopping and site-seeing?  Stop by the Southwest Porch in Bryant Park. Travis Park, San Antonio, TX:  Checkout some activities from the kiosk or play a game of giant chess while picnicking at Travis Park, another Southwest Placemaking project location. Kerry Park, Seattle, WA:  For a wonderful view of the Seattle skyline, picnic at on a Kerry Park bench overlooking the city. Echo Lake Park, Denver CO:  Craving some lake side leisure and mountain views?  Visit Echo Lake Park—be sure to bring a picnic. Campus Martius Park, Detroit, MI:  Put your toes in the sand at Campus Martius Park, a Southwest Placemaking location that brings the beach to downtown Detroit. Museum Campus and Grant Park, Chicago, IL:  Ready for a spectacular view of Chicago?  Find some green space lakeside at Museum Campus and Grant Park.  Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA:  Check out the Southwest Porch at Park Tavern in Piedmont Park for a view of the Atlanta skyline and a quick picnic. ... View more

It’s summertime, so we should get outside and take advantage of the warm weather and sun rays!  Spend the day at a local park and—if you happen to be in Atlanta, Dallas, or New York City—swing by a Southwest Porch!  Each of our Porches offer comfortable seating and FUN perks, nesting in a local park, ready for you and friends and family to enjoy. Park Tavern, Atlanta, GA: Located in Piedmont Park on 10th Street NE, this Southwest Porch showcases an amazing view of the Atlanta skyline and offers seasonally inspired food and drinks.  The Porch is open Monday through Friday from 4:30 p.m. to midnight on weekdays and 11:30 a.m. to midnight on weekends. Klyde Warren Park, Dallas, TX: Located at Klyde Warren Park off Olive Street in downtown Dallas, this Southwest Porch offers a wonderful view of the Dallas skyline and free WiFi!  Lunch and dinner from Relish food stand is also available.  The Porch is open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. Bryant Park, New York City, NY: Located in the southwest corner of Bryant Park near the New York Public Library, this Porch offers a great getaway from the never-sleeping New York lifestyle!  Plug in your chargeable device in one of the many power outlets and enjoy the free WiFi.  Snacks are available from ‘wichcraft, and the Porch is open daily from 11:30 a.m. until midnight on weekdays and 11:00 p.m. on weekends. Enjoy a break, a conversation with friends or an afternoon snack at one of our Porches this summer and experience some Southwest LUV on the ground level! ... View more

Today at Southwest Airlines, we’re celebrating our 43rd birthday, and we couldn’t be more excited!  This milestone marks another year of bringing our Customers the highest quality of Service, delivered with lots of LUV!  Over the years, we’ve adapted to the ever-changing airline industry and stayed true to our Company Spirit, conquering numerous fare wars and, of course, the Wright Amendment.  From our legendary vintage Flight Attendant hot pants to our famous peanuts, we've gathered 43 things that symbolize Southwest. 1. SkyMall Magazine 2. 1984 T.J. LUV Lunchbox 3. Flight Safety Card 4. Inflight Menu 5. Printed Boarding Pass 6. Life Jacket 7. Uniform Long-sleeved Button Down 8. Captain’s Hat 9. 2014 Freddie Award 10. Deja Blue Can 11. Oxygen Mask 12. Inflight Necktie 13. Herb’s Book: NUTS! Southwest Airlines’ Crazy Recipe for Business and Personal Success 14. Safety Vest 15. LIFT Coffee Cup 16. Open Ended Mechanic’s Wrench 17. Marshalling Wands 18. Desert Gold Duck 19. Canyon Blue Duck 20. One LUV Duck 21. Inflight Apron 22. Paper Baggage ID Tag 23. Smilie Face Cupcake 24. Plastic Baggage ID Tag 25. Logistics Cargo Award 26. Hearing Bands 27. Customer Support and Services and Customer Relations Headset 28. First Officer Epaulets 29. Vintage Flight Attendant Hot Pants 30. Southwest Pretzels 31. Southwest Peanuts 32. Onboard Coffee Creamer 33. One LUV Coin 34. Inflight Scarf 35. Spirit One 737-700 model 36. Vintage Plastic Boarding Passes 37. SPIRIT Inflight Magazine 38. Wild Turkey Whiskey 39. U.S. Passport 40. Southwest Drink Tray 41. Seatbelt Extension 42. San Antonio Cargo Sticker 43. Liberty Blue Uniform Workshirt What do you think represents Southwest Airlines and our Company Spirit?   Share your ideas in the comments below! ... View more

Just like any living organism, airports grow and adapt to fluxes in weather, number of travelers, and, of course, security levels.  Airport security procedures have changed dramatically since Southwest’s first flight, and they’ll continue to adapt as technology advances with innovations for safer, easier, and more thorough screening.  To make traveling as stress-free as possible, remember these key tips when packing and preparing for a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) check point. Know what you can and cannot bring:  What you can pack in your checked bag is different than what you can pack in your carryon.  Any liquids that are larger than 3.4 ounces cannot be carried in your carryon bag and must be packed in your checked luggage.  Any small liquids that you do plan to carryon must be stored in a clear, quart-sized bag.  For more extensive information on specific items, check the TSA traveler and Southwest.com. Remember that TSA screening changes:  Screening procedures vary from airport to airport and can even change daily depending on TSA programs and updated technology.  What you experience on one trip may vary from what you’ll get this time around, so be prepared for differences. Be prepared for basic screening procedures:  Most travelers are required to take laptops and liquids out of their carryon luggage for the x-ray machine; therefore, put them somewhere easy to reach, like the top pocket.  Wear slip on shoes that you can take off and put on quickly, and remove jackets before getting up to the scanners—they have to be screened too.  Also, have your appropriate ID and documents ready to go!  You may hold onto these through screening if you feel uncomfortable leaving them in a bin, and at some airports a TSO will check your documents after you yourself have been screened.  It’s always a good idea to pay attention to those screened before you, as well. It’s an easy way to see what you’ll need to do (or not do). Maintain a good attitude:  Going through security takes time and patience, two things most travelers don’t have in surplus.  Remember, it’s a tedious process that everyone must undergo, so simply make the most of it.  Keep in mind your destination, and let that set the tone—security merely brings you one step closer to whatever is waiting for you when you land.  If you have a fun, laid-back attitude about it, you’ll find the process goes by quickly. Take advantage of available options:  Southwest offers Business Select Customers and Rapid Rewards A-List Members a Fly By Priority Lane, which gives you priority at the ticket counter, as well as access to faster security lines in some cities.  Also, as the TSA shifts their methodology to more risk-based screening, they have made TSA PreCheck available in many airports.  TSA PreCheck allows Customers, who have applied or opted in to the program, to go through security checkpoints in a more efficient, separate PreCheck lane. ... View more

In 2013, Southwest Airlines hosted more than 11 million Customers in the air per month.  While some were traveling for business, others were traveling for leisure—remember a vacation is good for your brain!  If you can manage, use the summer months to explore the many cities Southwest can take you to, and enjoy some time unwinding or searching for adventure.  Pick a couple of things off this to-do list (or try them all!) for an ultimate summer travel experience. Collect seashells from a beautiful beach (Visit West Palm Beach, FL) The classic (and most obvious) way to celebrate summer starts with visiting a beach.  Whether it’s time to get your tan on or time to practice your sandcastle-building skills, spend at least a day getting some Vitamin C and sand between your toes. Climb a mountain (Visit Denver, CO) With strong-soled shoes and a good hiking stick, make the trek up one of Colorado’s mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park. Explore a famous zoo (Visit Kansas City, MO) The Kansas City Zoo plays host to over 1,200 exotic species, making it a good place to be for those already and soon-to-be animal lovers. Shop at one of the largest malls in America (Visit Minneapolis, MN) Prepare to be wowed at the Mall of America.  With more than four million square feet of mall area, you’re sure to find that perfect something (or somethings) you’ve been looking for.  The mall is also home to a number of non-shopping related attractions. Rent a house boat on a scenic lake (Visit Little Rock, AR) A short drive outside Little Rock’s city limits, Lake Ouachita is one of Arkansas’ most beautiful lakes due to its clear waters and rock bottom.  Staying on a house boat is an adventure everyone should try!  Why just visit nature when you could float in it? Get lost in waterfall mist (Visit Buffalo, NY) Of all the wonderful waterfalls that fall (pun intended) in the U.S. borders, the American Falls (part of the Niagara Falls trio of waterfalls) is one of the most exciting.  Catch the view from the Niagara Falls Observation Tower or brave the mist by climbing down the stairs to the Crow’s Nest. Experience an original, iconic location (Visit Seattle, WA) Whether you’re into architecture, seafood, or coffee, Seattle has an icon for you!  Check out the view from the Space Needle and sip a mocha latte from the original Starbucks coffee shop.  Also, don’t forget to see the famous flying fish at the Pike Place Market. Visit a hometown treasure off the beaten path (Visit Spokane, WA) When you think wine, you may think Napa Valley, but think again!  Home to great wine growing conditions, Spokane is full of local wineries with quaint charm ready to host your taste buds. Check out some interesting architecture (Visit New York, NY) New York City not only has the memorable Empire State building, but tons of additional stacked brick and shaped metal buildings waiting to be seen.  For architecture enthusiasts or for the newbies, NYC is a great place to explore. Snap a photo next to a larger-than-life monument (Visit Washington D.C.) Take a photo with some of the most famous sites in the United States, including the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial.  If the statue isn’t larger-than-life, its meaning sure is! Relive history (Visit Houston, TX) As the largest city in Texas, Houston offers a diverse list of activities.  Visit Space Center Houston to learn more about space travel—don’t forget to say, “Houston, we have a problem.”  And visit Galveston, Texas, a short drive south, to learn about the power of hurricanes and the Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900. Search a unique museum (Visit San Diego, CA) Balboa Park in San Diego is home to 15 museums, a zoo, and much more.  Spend the weekend exploring the park grounds and gardens, and don’t forget to take an afternoon to explore an intriguing museum. ... View more