Are you taking a holiday in the Western US this year? Maybe you are looking for cheap travel by staying in your own region? Most Americans do their holiday travel in in their own country, and the West is no exception. All over the region, there are undiscovered gems waiting for you to come visit them. Perhaps one of these tips will be your next destination?

Great travel destination one: Tourists just love the state of Washington. The state offers both urban and natural wonders, vacation spots for every type of person. A visit to Rattlesnake Mountain or Cape Alava could be perfect for those who like to hike and bike across beautiful trails, but cruises and tours are also available. For those who prefer an urban setting, a few days in Seattle will give you the best of what Washington has to offer.

Tip number two: Nevada has more than casinos. Outside Las Vegas, the Silver State offers world class skiing in the Lake Tahoe area. Snowmobiling, golf, hiking and biking are also among the available activities. And if you used to dream of being a cowboy, the northern area of the state is home to ranchers and cowboys as rugged as the place they inhabit. Further south in the desolate Nevada desert is Pony Express country. You can take a drive along Highway 50, known as the loneliest road in America, and imagine yourself on the legendary Wild West mail route.

Tip number three: Water sports in Arizona. The deserts state isn't immediately associated with water and boating, but it does have lakes, and some of them are a paradise for boating and water activities. The best one might just be Lake Pleasant, just thirty miles north of Phoenix. It offers excellent water skiing, sailing, jet skiing and fishing. Fifty miles of shoreline and crystal clear water makes it a great stop on your holiday.

Vacation hint number four: Believe it or not, you should definitely check out the multitude of cultural activities available in Salt Lake City, Utah. The capital city boasts an opera company, a ballet company, a symphony orchestra, and many prestigious theaters. There is also the local flavor to experience. For those who are visiting for the first time, the Mormon influence adds a touch of flair to this all-American city.

Vacation hint number five: Nowas your chance to finally visit the park youave always heard about but never actually been to. Yosemite, located in the most sparsely populated part of California, offers a picturesque experience complete with gorgeous mountains and giant sequoia trees. Even the drive up there by way of the Pacific Coast highway is something to experience. Some sights to see along the way? Cannery Row in Monterey, the 200-year-old Carmel Mission, and the Lone Cyprus.

Tip number six: A long weekend in Portland, Oregon. The Portland Metropolitan area is a big city not quite like other big cities. With its vibrant arts community, multitude of parks and green spaces, excellent public transportation and generally liveable atmosphere, Portland is pleasant and friendly as well as urban and exciting.

No matter what your interests are, you will find something to enjoy in the Western part of the United States. Hopefully, these tips will give you an idea of where you can go on your next vacation, but you can always go out and explore new places on your own. Thatas how some of the best secrets are discovered. Have a wonderful time!