Sharon Odegaard News Today

Explore the best beaches in the U.S. selected by our readers for the Best of Travel Awards. See how your favorite ranked or find a new one!

From stories of self discovery to tales of overcoming trials, TravelAwaits' writers seek to inspire your future adventures.

TravelAwaits Jul.27.2021 The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum offers a place for you to remember and honor those persecuted or lost in the Holocaust during World War II. This Washington D.C. museum focuses on the stories of individuals to help you get past the numbers and statistics. It also presents the context of the Holocaust. While a visit here is somber, the tone of the museum is one of reverence and hope. The theme of “never forget” expands into “let’s work together so this...

TravelAwaits Jun.4.2021 You’re planning your first trip to London, and your excitement is off the charts. Writer Samuel Johnson said in the 1700s, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” And many of the stellar attractions of London today weren’t even around back then. Layers of history live in London, and they are just waiting for you to discover them. Whatever your interests are, you will find fascinating ways to spend you...

Gardeners are preparing the grounds of Monet’s Giverny for its long-awaited reopening. Here’s what’s in bloom and when you could go.

TravelAwaits May.7.2021 The iconic, beautiful bridges of Europe come in all styles, shapes, and sizes. They are fashioned from wood, stone, iron, or steel. Historic towers still stand guard. Cascades of flowers may line the sides. Works of art decorate some, calling visitors to stroll over the river while enjoying world-class paintings and sculptures.  While their practical reason for existing is to provide a way across water, these bridges also come with a fascinating history. They’ve been ...

Feb.24.2021 Castles hold endless fascination, and Haut-Koenigsbourg in France is a castle well worth a visit. This massive red sandstone chateau high on a hill in the Alsace region dates back to the 1100s. On display are layers of castle life between then and now. It lies close to the border of Germany and has been fought over through the centuries. And not only have French and Germans contended for the castle. The structure was ransacked then burned to the ground in 1633 by invaders from Swede...

Darwin Brandis/iStock/Getty Images Awards honor individuals, families and stakeholders for their part in helping state’s pork industry succeed. The South Dakota Pork Producers Council (SDPPC) recently awarded several awards, celebrating individuals, families, and stakeholders for their part in helping the state’s pork industry succeed. Shane Odegaard of Lake Preston, S.D., was honored with the 2020 Pork All-American Award at the Master Pork Producers Banquet during...

Our Top Stories From 2020 To Inspire Your 2021 Travels This year is at its end, and here at TravelAwaits, we could not be more grateful to celebrate the coming of a new year. Like most, you may not have been able to get out and travel to your hearts desire this year, but our team of travel experts didnt sit idly by during their travel sabbaticals. In fact, many became "locked down" away from home all over the globe. This year they shared heartwarming tales of completing life-long travel goals,...

The Most Beautiful Gardens To Visit In Paris Dec.11.2020 The beauty of Paris comes not only from the city’s landmarks and stately buildings, but also from its lush green parks and gardens. These gardens beckon to locals and visitors alike to sit and relax, rest those weary feet, forget the cares of the day, and enjoy the trees and brightly colored blooms. This being Paris, a palace may be nearby, and world-class sculptures often adorn the grounds. Ponds, lakes, and fountains add to the amb...