Valerie & Valise
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Experience the Best of the West

My name is Valerie; my husband and I have called the American West home for many years, and it keeps calling me back to explore more. Let me be your guide to Alaska, the American West, and beyond.

Want to learn more about me?
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  • Travel Tips,  Destination Guides

    25 Wonderful Weekend Getaways from Seattle, Washington

    May 20, 2022 /

    Seattle is one of my favorite cities – I loved living there when I did (2013-2017), and I love traveling there now that I've moved away (I just celebrated my 35th birthday in Seattle!). But I also love escaping the city to enjoy some of the many Seattle weekend getaways around the Pacific Northwest...

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  • Eastern Cascades Road Trip Hero
    Itineraries,  Road Trip Tips

    How to Plan an Epic Eastern Cascades Road Trip from Seattle

    May 17, 2022 / No Comments

    When you live in or travel to Western Washington, that's pretty much the only area you spend your time. There's definitely opinions about different parts of the Evergreen State, and those who call the Puget Sound or Olympic Peninsula home don't typically cross the imposing barrier of the Cascade Mountains for much – or for long...

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  • Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary Featured Image
    Road Trip Tips,  Destination Guides

    The Ultimate Pacific Coast Road Trip Itinerary (California & the PNW)

    May 13, 2022 / 202 Comments

    The Pacific Coast Highway is arguably one of the most famous drives in the entire world. Stretching from Washington to California, the Pacific Coast is picturesque, with cliffs, sea stacks, gorgeous urban spaces, and the raging ocean. Making a Pacific Coast Highway road trip is a popular bucket list experience – for good reason...

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  • Death Valley National Park Itinerary Hero
    Itineraries,  National Park Travel

    A Perfect Death Valley National Park Itinerary: 2 or 3 Days Below Sea Level

    May 10, 2022 / No Comments

    Can we all agree that our National Parks are really, really great? I mean, if you love National Parks, you already know the story of how they were established, the mission they serve, and have probably visited a few (or many) for yourself. One of my favorite parts about National Parks is how each park is different than the rest – in fact, the National Park Service is very conscientious about having a diverse collection of natural wonders in the locations that earn the coveted title of "National Park"...

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  • Anchorage Market Hero
    Destination Guides

    How to Visit the Anchorage Market:
    A Local’s Guide (2022)

    May 6, 2022 / 8 Comments

    Once called the Anchorage Saturday Market, the "Anchorage Market & Festival" is a weekly open-air market and beloved institution for Anchorage locals and visitors alike. Each weekend, vendors from around the state set up their stalls to sell their wares, which range from wild to wonderful...

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  • One Day in Death Valley Hero
    Itineraries,  National Park Travel

    How to Make the Most of One Day in Death Valley National Park

    May 3, 2022 / No Comments

    When something has "death" in the name, it's not exactly inspiring, right? Actually, no! Two of the most famous places with names like this – the Dead Sea and Death Valley – are actually two of my favorite places to visit. Both have a stark natural beauty that reminds me how fascinating our planet is...

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  • 40 Before 40 Hero
    40 Before 40,  30 Before 30,  Bucket List Travel

    40 Before 40: Goals to Accomplish Before My 40th Birthday

    April 23, 2022 / 21 Comments

    For my 35th birthday, here's an update to my 40 Before 40 project – the 40 goals I set on my 30th birthday and hope to accomplish by my 40th. This update includes goals I accomplished in the past year and my plans for the second half of this project...

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  • 5 Day Alaska Itinerary Hero
    Itineraries

    How to Plan the Perfect 5 Day Alaska Itinerary (2 Ways!)

    April 22, 2022 / 32 Comments

    To me, Alaska is chilly mornings with a bite of snow in the air, even in the summer months. It's the smell of birch and spruce trees growing like mad during the long days of the Midnight Sun. If you're planning a 5 day Alaska itinerary for an upcoming trip, you've come to a great place...

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  • Packing Lists for Travel

    10 Away Travel Alternatives to Save Money & Still Look Good

    April 20, 2022 / 4 Comments

    When it's time to buy new luggage, get ready to be totally overwhelmed. There are so many choices for luggage out there – colors, sizes, styles, features... it's almost like buying a new car! And it's almost as important as buying a new car since if your luggage doesn't hold up well or protect your belongings, you're likely going to be really frustrated. Enter: Away Travel...

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Hi! I’m Valerie! 👋🏻



I travel with my trusty valise and my husband, Mr. V.
I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. I’m also a not-so-secret space nerd and speak fluent emoji! ✌🏻

Want to know more?
Start here.

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Acknowledgement of Land

Through my site I promote travel to lands, including Alaska, Canada, and the Western U.S., which are the traditional lands of Indigenous and First Nations peoples.

With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgement, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands.

To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.

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