DEEP in Wyoming lies one of the most stunning sites in the United States.

Rising above Jenny Lake, jagged peaks dominate the skyline.  The Tetons.

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Towering over crystal clear lakes and the surrounding prairie lands they give their name to Grand Teton National Park – a gem in US nature.

Lesser known, and smaller, than the sprawling Yellowstone, it is a land of rugged beauty.

But where its neighbour was named for the yellow sandstone found along its river, Grand Teton’s title is the result of a bunch of sex starved fur-trappers who, on sight, claimed the mountain range resembled ‘trois Teton’ or three breasts!

Despite knowing little of the region before my visit, the idea of driving from Montana into the parks in Wyoming in an RV was too good to resist so I roped in my pal Michael and off we went.

When I told him we would be flying to Bozeman to begin our adventure, he responded ‘Where?’ But on arrival we found it to be one of the hippest towns we’ve ever visited.

It’s a collection of effortlessly cool mom and pop stores, bars, breweries and cafes offering you everything you need to start your national park adventure.

And after a night’s much needed rest we were collected from our hotel by Nellie from Blacksford RV Rentals, who took us to collect our home on wheels for the next week.

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Bruce, who founded the firm, met us and showed us around our brilliant Winnebago View. It sleeps up to six but with just the two of us, it felt palatial.

After stocking up on supplies, we were on the road and headed for West Yellowstone,  where we sank a few beers under the stars and enjoyed a fabulous sleep.

Next day we set off towards Big Sky, a ski town with a Hollywood following and incredible scenery.

Big Sky is all dramatic backdrops and fantastic hiking and, after checking out magnificent Ousel Falls, I was ready for a swift half before hitting the road again.

We headed to Gardiner, the historic gateway to Yellowstone National Park, where the skies were dark enough to see the Milky Way.

After an impromptu cook out, a few beers and another fab night’s sleep in the Winnebago, we met our guide Jarrod from Good Trip adventures for a tour.

Over the course of the day we saw elk, longhorn sheep, pronghorn antelope and bison as we made our way through thermal springs, mountain passes and the highlight – carved into the famed yellow stone through thousands of years – the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

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Unlike its famed Arizona namesake, Wyoming’s Canyon is unspoiled by helicopter tours and offers an amazing views.  

The drive through Yellowstone saw our Winnebago put through its paces but it really is effortless behind the wheel, and passengers are treated to magnificent views of canyons, valleys and, of course, the thermal springs.

Perhaps the most famous of the geysers is Old Faithful, a landmark so reliable that you can almost set your watch by it with eruptions as often as every hour.

The thermal sites are a result of the volcano that sits beneath the park which, should it erupt, could have dire consequences for mankind.

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But looking on the bright side – sites like the fabulously rainbow tinged Grand Prismatic Spring wouldn’t exist without it. A reminder that danger and beauty often go hand in hand.

As we headed south through Yellowstone the landscape shifted as the RV climbed mountain passes effortlessly and we crossed the great continental divide.

Travelling on, the rolling hills and dense evergreen forests of Yellowstone slowly vanished, replaced by pockets of alder given bronzed shades with the jagged outline of the Tetons looming in the distance.

A short distance into the park is the magnificent Jackson Lake, a 15-mile stretch of water in the shadow of Mount Moran, with soft sandy shores, perfect for swimming.

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But if you’re not braced for the cold, it’s also the perfect pull up spot for a sandwich or snack and to make full use of the cracking kitchen facilities in the RV. It had everything and more that we could possibly have needed.

Grand Teton is known to be rich with wildlife and next morning, after parking up at the relatively sparse Gros Ventre campsite, we came face to face with moose as we cooked breakfast.

Towering at around 6ft to the withers, they are an intimidating sight and should you come into close contact with one, then I wish you all the best and hope you’ve prepared your will.

Later the bull and his mate returned and were within 20ft of our RV while we enjoyed an afternoon beer.

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Next up on our amazing adventure was Jackson, or Jackson Hole depending on who you ask. It’s one of the wealthiest areas of the US, favoured by Hollywood stars and screams money.

It’s a great spot for a supply run or to enjoy a beer or two from one of the local breweries.

Definitely a highlight of our trip was Jenny Lake. Situated immediately below the Tetons it’s the perfect spot for a day’s adventuring.

For those with a head for heights there is world-class mountain climbing or for the more modest there are trails of varying difficulty.

We hopped on a boat across the crystal clear waters before hiking to the Hidden Falls (which thankfully were easy to find) before scaling the heights of Inspiration Point. Or, at least Michael did.

As a man with a crippling fear of heights the final 25m proved too much and I had a walk of shame while my mate took in the views – which he claimed ‘really weren’t that much better than what you’ve seen’. What a gent.

We made our way back to the van via the lakeside path and thankfully managed to avoid bumping into a black, brown or grizzly bear.

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In fact those bears remained elusive. Even with the expert eye of Colin, our Grand Teton Good Trip Adventures Guide, we failed to spot one of the beasts.

Setting out at 6.30am we heard the bugle of an elk looking to get lucky, we spotted rare mountain bluebirds and plenty of bison. But bears? Nope, not one.

What you need to know

GETTING THERE: For the best routes and fares to Bozeman, Montana, see skyscanner.net.
STAYING THERE: Blacksford RV Rentals offer new, premium RVs sleeping 2-6 guests on all-inclusive pricing (unlimited mileage and generator usage, bedding, kitchen supplies and camp chairs) plus 24/7 on-trip roadside assistance by their knowledgeable local staff, and a free annual National Park entrance pass. Daily rates from approx £154-£472 plus insurance. Book at Blacksford.com or call +1 408-384-6778.
MORE INFO: Blacksford RV Rentals has three locations in the American West, all near convenient, major U.S airports and National Parks: Bozeman-Yellowstone, Montana; Phoenix, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada. They also offer free airport and local hotel pick up and drop-off. Visit goodtripadventures.com for tour rates and packages.

However, the sights were not as shy, from the magnificent Jackson Lake Lodge hotel, built by the Rockefeller family, to the Tetons. And as the mist cleared across Jenny Lake in the morning sun it was hard to imagine anywhere I’d rather be.

The Tetons may be the lesser of the two parks in global stature but their jagged beauty and crystal clear waters make them a must visit and what better way than in the freedom offered by a super-cool RV, with one of your best mates. 

TOURISTS in Rome have been left disappointed after it’s famous coin-tossing attraction introduced new rules.

Holidaymakers heading to the Italian city often head to the Trevi Fountain to throw in a coin for good luck.

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However, the fountain has recently been drained while it undergoes maintenance.

This is ahead of the huge Jubilee event taking place next year, presided over by the Roman Catholic Church.

Instead of being able to throw coins into the fountain, the city added a tiny pool of water on one small section for tourists to use instead.

The small wooden box has a plastic barrier, with many people calling it an “ugly” alternative.

One tourist who has been to Rome six times said: “I’m disappointed to find a pool this time – it’s just not the same.”

Another person said they saw people still throwing coins into the empty fountain.

They wrote: “Tourists were still trying to chuck coins into the empty fountain, regardless of the maintenance people working around the fountain.

“It was gross to see people acting so rude.”

Some joked that it made it “more of a challenge” to get the coins into the water, turning it almost into a game.

As much as €1.5million (£1.2million) is collected from the fountain every year, which is donated to a Catholic charity.

The act of coin tossing – which is over left shoulder with your right hand – is said to mean you will return to Rome.

Throw two coins and you’ll ‘fall in love with a beautiful Italian’ and three coins means you will marry them, according to the superstition.

The tradition of throwing coins into the fountain has been in place since it first opened.

It was then popularised by classic films such as the 1954 Three Coins in the Fountain and 1960 La Dolce Vita.

But the attraction could even charge tourists to visit it soon.

The famous fountain, built in 1732, has always been free for both locals and holidaymakers.

But next year, the city is introducing new rules which will see a charge of €2 per person.

Tourists will have to book ahead to see it, and will only be allowed to see it for 30 minutes.

The rest of the fountain will be blocked off, with access only given to people who have paid.

The new rules will also prevent idiot tourists from jumping into the fountain.

Last year, two Australian tourists were fined  €450 (£380) for trying to get into the fountain.

And in 2022, two Dutch tourists were fined €1000 (£844) .

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THERE’S a Christmas market in the West Midlands that leaves visitors feeling like they’ve stepped into festive Victorian England.

At the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre, stallholders dress in traditional period clothing like bonnets, lace blouses, full-length black skirts, shawls, and top hats, transporting visitors back 150 years.

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The Christmas market has been a staple part of the city’s festivities ever since it first opened in 1992.

It’s home to over 200 stalls where traders sell handmade gifts and festive treats.

While the themed traders form the bulk of the market, there are other period attractions too.

One of those is a performer dressed as Scrooge who moans his way through the crowds, daring brave Brits to approach.

Arthur Conan Doyle‘s characters Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson will be solving crimes on stilts.

The Temperance lady is another one of the characters at the market, trying to get visitors to denounce the demon drink.

Gin Lane is another attraction at the market, with performances from local actors taking place in the alleyway.

Located between New Street and The Shambles, Gin Lane will be open for visitors at set times over the weekend.

Live music and entertainment will also take place at the Cardinal’s Hat on Friar Street.

Dating back to the 14th century, the Cardinal’s Hat is Worcester’s oldest inn.

The boozer serves a range of pub snacks and real ales and also functions as a boutique hotel.

There’s also Dancefest, a pop-up dance festival, where a host of other yuletide characters, including the Temperance Lady and Mr Scrooge, will be putting on a performance or two.

Last year, funfair rides were also at the market – although it is not yet known whether they’ll be returning for 2024.

Visitors will have to plan their break carefully, because the market is only open for four days from November 28, 2024, until December 1, 2024.

The Victorian market spans several streets in Worcester, including New Street, Friar Street, Pump Street, High Street, the Cornmarket, and Cathedral Square.

Worcester Victorian Fayre announced its return earlier this year, with fans taking to Facebook to share their excitement.

One person wrote: “I’m really looking forward to the Christmas market”.

Another added: “Wouldn’t miss it”.

And last year, one couple from Stourbridge told local newspaper Worcester News: “It’s chilled out and family-friendly. There are lots of independent retailers and they are selling products for a good a price too.

“I think it is much better than Birmingham and reminiscent of the European markets.”

Worcester is a 50-minute drive from Birmingham and is a three-hour drive from London.

Visitors who drive to the market are encouraged to use the city’s park-and-ride scheme at Worcester Crowngate Bus Station to help avoid overcrowding.

Worcester’s train stations also have direct links to Birmingham Moor Street and London Paddington.

Meanwhile, this travel writer thinks their hometown has the best Christmas attraction in the UK.

A city in Germany has been dubbed “Christmas city” because it has one of the world’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets.

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FOR the first time in its history, tourists will be invited to enter Buckingham Palace through its front gates.

Previously, only those lucky few who’ve attended garden parties and royal receptions at the Palace have entered via the gates.

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This is set to change when paying holidaymakers are invited to enter through the front gates of the royal residence in a historic first.

The news comes after the East Wing opened to visitors for the first time in its history earlier this year.

Traditionally, the public could only tour The State Rooms.

However, access to the palace has changed in recent months, with fans able to explore more royal rooms than ever before.

Following a successful summer, the East Wing will open for an extra five months next year from January to May.

It is on these tours that visitors will be allowed to enter through the palace gates.

The East Wing was added to the palace in 1849, for Queen Victoria and her family.

Queen Victoria moved into the lavish estate after the death of her uncle, William IV.

It was the first time Buckingham Palace had been used as a monarch’s residence.

The East Wing started out as a courtyard, with rooms and pieces of artwork being added over time.

Nowadays, visitors can explore the Yellow Drawing Room, the Principal Corridor, the Centre Room and a balcony.

Fans can also see the masterpieces from the Royal Collection and the Centre Room.

Guided tours of the East Wing will last 90 minutes.

The tours will run from January to May and will cost £90 per person.

Further details, including dates for ticket sales, will be announced soon.

The news comes as King Charles is allowing visitors inside Balmoral Castle near Ballater, Aberdeenshire, for the first time – costing £150 with afternoon tea.

It is the first time fans have been allowed into rooms used by the Royals, as guests were only allowed in Balmoral‘s ballroom previously.

Balmoral announced guests ‘can see a selection of rooms within the Castle that are used by Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family‘.

And Visit England has named the country’s best hidden gem attractions from a brewery where you can make your own beer to a fighter jet museum.

Meanwhile, this town in the Lake District has been labelled a “party capital” because of its calendar of festivals.

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