Want to squeeze in one last summer trip before the kiddos go back to school? Look no further than America’s backyard for some of our country’s most stunning sites and attractions.

Travel and Leisure recently published a list of “America’s Most Beautiful Landmarks.” Some are spectacularly blessed by nature; others have been magnificently built by man – all are awesome, in the true sense of the word.

With Plastic Jungle’s discounted gift cards, you can stretch your travel dollars on flights, hotels, car rentals and gas. Check out these travel merchants for some great deals:

AIR

RENTAL CAR

HOTEL

GAS

Once you buy your discounted Plastic Jungle gift cards, it’s planes, trains and automobiles to one of these beautiful destinations!

Niagara Falls, New York

The oldest state park in the United States, Niagara Falls straddles the Canadian/United States border between Ontario and New York. As the most powerful waterfalls in North America, the sheer water flow is mind boggling – on average, almost 4 million cubic feet of water falls over the crest every second. In addition to their astounding beauty, Niagara Falls is also known for their huge source of hydroelectric power.

Mount Rushmore, National Memorial, Keystone, South Dakota

Located 23 miles from Rapid City in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore Memorial is an epic tribute to four presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum, along with 400 workers, spent over 14 years (1927 to 1941) carving granite into busts the size of 6-story buildings. During the summer months, you can take in the evening lighting ceremony held in the amphitheater at 9:00 PM nightly.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

As an internationally recognized symbol of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge is an architectural wonder. Enjoy the 1.7 mile suspension bridge by car, double-decker bus, bicycle or your own two feet – it’s open to pedestrian traffic.

The Wave, Coyote Buttes, Arizona

Located on the Colorado Plateau near the Utah and Arizona border, these 190 million year old sandstone rock formations are an amazing blend of twisted color and texture. It’s slightly off the beaten path, but if you are up for a moderate 3-mile hike, you will be well rewarded.

The Giant Forest, Sequoia and Kings National Park, California

Where can you find the world’s tallest trees? In the Giant Forest, within California’s Sequoia and Kings National Park! While there, you can enjoy camping, biking, fishing, hiking or climbing. Be sure visit General Sherman Tree, the largest, single-trunked living tree on earth.

Kilauea, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Located 45 minutes south of Hilo on the Hawaii’s Big Island, you can see five volcanoes, two of which are the world’s most active. Kilauea has been erupting since January 3, 1983. How long it lasts is up to Pele, the Volcano Goddess, so visit soon while you can still see the lava flow into the sea.

Taos Pueblo, Taos, New Mexico

See a piece of living history where Taos Indians have inhabited multi-storied adobe buildings for nearly 1000 years and counting. You can buy traditional mica-flecked pottery and silver jewelry from local artisans, along with moccasins, boots and drums. July is an especially fun time to visit, as the Taos Indians host a Pow Wow, bringing Indians from many tribes for a celebration of trade and social festivities.

Washington Monument, Washington D.C.

As the centerpiece of the National Mall in Washington D.C., this 555 foot structure was built in honor of our first president George Washington. Take a 70-second elevator up to the top for a spectacular view of our country’s capital city. Admission is free, but you do need a ticket.

Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth, Maine

One of the most photographed lighthouses in the world, Portland Head Light is home to rich history and some of the most beautiful scenery in Maine.

For the Travel and Leisure’s complete list, click here.

Which landmarks have you visited? Which ones are still on your bucket list?

References: niagarafallsstatepark.com, mountrushmoreinfo.com, gohawaii.com, nps.gov.

Written by John Haydon

It’s no secret that fundraising for a nonprofit in today’s economy is hard work. Donations from corporations, major gifts and private grants have all shrunk. Fundraising with social media is uncharted territory where best practices are in their infancy.

However, a recent partnership between givezooks and Plastic Jungle allows non-profits access to a $40 Billion in unused gift cards. And with Christmas around the corner, the timing couldn’t be more perfect!

Recycled fruit cake and giftcards

According to Plastic Jungle, the average household has about $400 worth of unused gift cards in their top dresser drawers. You know, the Home Depot gift card from Uncle Ralph who always forgets that you live across the street from Lowe’s. The Barnes & Noble gift card you wish you could redeem on Amazon. And my favorite, the Exxon Mobil gift card given to the vegan bike messenger who only last week protested at a rally on clean energy.

Turning donors into fundraisers

givezooks! is a social fundraising platform for non-profits that empower individual donors to become fundraisers. The platform embeds sharing on Facebook and Twitter directly into the donation process. This makes fundraising much more effective simply because folks are more likely to donate to a cause if it’s recommended from a friend.

And now, the partnership between Plastic Jungle and givezooks means that friends can convert convert that gift cards into cash for their favorite cause.

To learn more about the givezooks social fundraising, please visit givezooks.com.