How to Make the Most of One Day in Canyonlands National Park
One of the most important human emotions is wonder. You can find it through incredible meals, jaw-dropping art, or admiring epic views. No matter the means, wondrous experiences create an indelible mark in your memory. I had one such experience in Canyonlands National Park, where my breath was taken away by the stunning natural beauty that southwest Utah is so well known for...
The Perfect 2- or 3-Day San Juan Islands Itinerary
From the bow of the Washington State Ferry, the wind is strong and the skies are a clear, bright blue. The boat carves a path between several of the San Juan Islands; while the ferry only services four of them, there are over 400 islands in this archipelago. With so many to choose from, how on earth can you plan a simple yet memorable San Juan Islands itinerary...
10 Days in Alaska: How to Plan Your Epic Alaska Itinerary in 2023
If there is one destination about which I receive more questions than any other, it's Alaska. At the core, everyone wants to know: how do you plan a trip to Alaska? What's the perfect Alaska itinerary? Since I started this blog, I've become a bit of an expert in Alaska trip planning and at times I publish so many stories that it seems like I'm running an Alaska travel blog! After all, I grew up in Alaska and I go back to explore my 'home' state at least once per year and twice in both 2021 and 2022...
7 Days in Alaska: Two Alaska Week Itineraries for 2023
The absolute silence of Denali National Park. The misty spray of a waterfall running over the cliffs of Kenai Fjords. The unusual flavors of reindeer sausage topped with pineapple salsa. Alaska is a place full of experiences that you may have never had before – which is likely why you're planning a visit in 2023. It's time to have that bucket list experience...
3 Days in Moab: 20 Things to Do for an Adventurous Weekend
When I first started this blog, I was a city-hopping culture vulture: I loved exploring new cities, discovering museums, history, and art, and reporting back on the best ways to visit in a short time (or monetary) budget. Over the years though, I've begun to enjoy outdoor and adventure travel too...
5 Days in Alaska: 2 Itineraries for a Short Trip in 2023
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...
The 12 Best Things to Do for a Mendocino Weekend Getaway
Every time I explore a new destination along the Pacific Coast, I think it will be my forever favorite... And then I visit somewhere new, and it gets even tougher to choose! Mendocino County is one of those places that made my choices tougher; after spending 3 days in Mendocino in January 2020, Mr. V and I came home keen to turn right around and go back for another weekend...
3 Days in Kauai: The Perfect Garden Island Itinerary
Is there ever a bad time for a tropical vacation? (No!) Especially under the current conditions, travel is limited, and we're all dreaming of far-off destinations and vacations. (Yes, even me!) That's why I've dusted off one of the oldest blog posts I've been meaning to write: a weekend guide to spend 3 days in Kauai...
An Epic Northern New Mexico Road Trip Across the Land of Enchantment
Is there any better feeling than setting your wheels on an open road? Maybe it's an American thing, but for me, the idea of a great road trip is thrilling to plan – and delightful to do. I find it's an especially good way to see a new region of the West I've never explored before, rather than just visiting one or two cities...
