Home to stunning deserts, magnificent mountain ranges and volcanoes, ancient forests, fairytale waterfalls, epic canyons, and beautiful glaciers, the USA’s natural beauty just has to be appreciated.
So if you’re currently looking forward to your first homestay or language exchange in America, step out of the cities and take your language learning itinerary off the beaten track.
Not only is getting out into the natural world an excellent way to understand more about the culture of the US, but hitting the trails with your host family is the perfect time for language practice.
Why? Well firstly, the change in scenery stimulates more topics of conversation. And secondly, nature automatically creates a relaxed environment. Both of which are so conducive to advancing speaking skills in a foreign language.
It’s also a great way for Language Au Pairs to switch up their host families language learning timetable.
You’ll be spoilt for choice too as the United States has 419 national park sites spanning more than 84 million acres in each state.
Here we reveal the top five. Grab your hiking boots and get chatting!
Yosemite, California
Based in western Sierra Nevada in California, Yosemite National Park is best known for its dramatic waterfalls and granite cliffs. The park is home to thousands of waterfalls, with spring being the best time to see these towering spectacles at their best.
The park receives millions of visitors annually as a result, with countless locals and visitors flocking here to take in its many majestic scenes. Hike, backpack or ski your way around Yosemite and immerse yourself in all that nature has to offer with an exciting day trip.
You can also camp in the wilderness courtesy of the park’s RV, group, and horse campsites.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Carved by the Colorado River over a period of almost two billion years, the landscape is an immense and geologic marvel.
Lorna Heatley from Great Rail Journeys talks us through the fascinating scenes that can be found in the Grand Canyon National Park:
“Nothing can come close to this incredible place, once home to a plethora of Native American tribes, traditions, and an enormous landscape-carving river… One of the most famous views of the Grand Canyon is by the South Rim, which is accessible by the Grand Canyon Railway - fantastic for us, as it combines two of our favourite things: incredible natural beauty, and a magnificent heritage rail experience.”
Arches, Utah
As its name suggests, Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 arches which have been carefully crafted over time by the elements. These soaring spectacles are made from natural sandstone, whilst the colour of the red rock is equally as captivating.
Its sunsets are said to be the most beautiful in the world with the colours and textures of this iconic landscape transformed once more at dusk.
Glacier, Montana
From the arid desert terrain of Arches to the snow-covered mountains of Montana, Glacier National Park is a place of alpine forests, vast meadows, sky-high mountains, and tranquil lakes. A paradise for adventurers, the park is home to 734 miles of hiking trails and biking routes.
In Glacier, you can take in its pristine surroundings and sleep under the stars courtesy of its 1,009 campsites. Fishing, boating, horse riding, cross-country skiing and river camping can also be enjoyed here.
Yellowstone, Wyoming
Yellowstone is known around the world for its scenery, geysers and wildlife, and a visit to this national park won’t disappoint on all these fronts.
Yellowstone is home to 300 bird species, 16 fish varieties, five amphibian species, six reptile species, and 67 different types of mammals. The park has one of the largest concentration of mammals in the US, with black bears, Canada lynx, coyotes, grizzly bears, mountain lions, wolves, bison, elk, and moose are all spotted here.
Yellowstone is also a place of unique hydrothermal wonders. Its geyser displays are an inspiring watch and a fascinating way to see nature in action.
Already a member? Search for your next language experience or update your profile here. Haven’t signed up already, what are you waiting for? Start your profile here right away.
