Valerie & Valise
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  • About
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    • Recent Trip Reports
      • August 2021
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      • July/Aug 2022
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    • Glossary
  • Other West-inations
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  • 3 Days in Yosemite - Hero
    Itineraries,  National Park Travel

    3 Days in Yosemite: The 12 Best Things to Do for a Weekend

    October 3, 2023 / 10 Comments

    Yosemite may not be the first national park, but it's certainly among the most popular and beloved. Home to stunning megaliths of rock, beautiful waterfalls, and a sweeping valley that captures the heart of every traveler who lays eyes on it – just like it did to John Muir. If you're feeling the call to spend a weekend in Yosemite, you're not alone...

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  • Itineraries

    How to Plan the Perfect Alaska Winter Itinerary

    September 20, 2023 / 8 Comments

    Green lights dancing in the sky. Ice crystals on eyelashes. A steaming bowl of soup and a cold pint of craft beer. Now sing it with me: "these are a few of my favorite things." That's how the song goes, right? Well, it will be for you, once you make your first trip to Alaska during the winter...

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  • One Day in Yosemite Hero
    National Park Travel,  Itineraries

    How to Make the Most of One Day in Yosemite National Park (2023)

    May 26, 2023 / 2 Comments

    Among California's National Parks, there are some incredible natural wonders – but nowhere compares to Yosemite National Park. Instrumental in inspiring the preservation movement that led to the founding of the National Park Service, Yosemite was established in 1890. Since then, millions of people have made the journey to the park, especially the Yosemite Valley. But can you visit Yosemite in just one day?...

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  • 1 Day in Zion National Park - Hero
    Itineraries,  National Park Travel

    How to Make the Most of One Day in Zion National Park (2023)

    May 5, 2023 / 37 Comments

    Nestled in the heart of Utah's rugged landscapes, Zion National Park boasts a rich tapestry of majestic cliffs, verdant valleys, and meandering rivers, offering endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Once you've seen it, you'll get it: it's one of the best national parks in the country and a favorite park for many...

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  • Things to Do in Crescent City Hero
    Destination Guides,  Itineraries

    The 15 Best Things to Do in Crescent City for a Weekend Trip

    May 2, 2023 / 20 Comments

    Tucked away in the furthest northwest corner of California, Crescent City is one of my favorite places in the Golden State – perhaps because it embodies some aspects of the region further north, plus has Redwoods!...

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  • Major Marine Tours Hero
    Cruise Tips,  Destination Guides,  Itineraries

    Major Marine Tours Review: Seward’s Best Day Cruise (& My Personal Fave!)

    April 28, 2023 / 21 Comments

    Most people want to go to Alaska to take a cruise: they board a ship in Seattle or Vancouver, spend seven days wending their way north, and enjoy a few excursions along the way. Upon pulling into port in Alaska, usually in Seward or Whittier, they're then eager to explore Alaska by land: they see the sights in Anchorage, maybe explore the outdoors a bit (maybe by hiking), and try to catch a glimpse of Denali. Most visitors don't necessarily think to hop back on a boat and explore the waterways looking for wildlife; they skip the chance to explore these two northern ports entirely...

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  • Arches and Canyonlands Hero
    Itineraries,  National Park Travel

    How to Visit Arches and Canyonlands in One Day

    April 27, 2023 / 4 Comments

    The sun lights the arch in a warm glow. The scenery sprawls out below you, perfect as a painting. The rock formations and canyons stand timeless and seemingly unchanging for millions of years... There's a reason that Southwest Utah has been sacred land to the indigenous peoples who lived in the area – and has been considered sacrosanct in our modern world...

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  • Mount Shasta Hero
    Destination Guides,  Itineraries

    The 11 Best Things to Do in Mount Shasta for a Weekend Trip

    April 11, 2023 / 31 Comments

    Looking for an unconventional weekend getaway from the Bay Area? Northern California is calling! It's easy to get hooked on weekends up in Marin or flee to Tahoe whenever you need a break from the bustle of San Francisco. There's so much more to explore beyond these well-trod paths: one such fantastic destination is Mount Shasta and Siskiyou County...

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  • Texas New Mexico National Parks Road Trip Itinerary Hero
    Itineraries,  Road Trip Tips

    How to Plan a 4- or 7-Day Texas & New Mexico National Parks Road Trip

    April 4, 2023 / No Comments

    There are some epic road trips in this world – especially if you love national parks. Think of the National Park to Park Highway. A drive to all of Utah's Mighty 5 (Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion). Or a loop through all four of Colorado's national parks, from the Rocky Mountains to the deserts of the southwest. There is no shortage of ways to explore our national parks, connecting the distance between them by car, and crossing some of the most scenic landscapes in the world...

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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! ✌🏻
 
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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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