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  • About
    • Contact
    • Press & Writing
    • Work with Us
    • For Bloggers
  • Alaska
    • Glossary
  • Other West-inations
    • Baja California
    • California
    • Great Basin
    • Hawaii
    • Mountain West
    • Pacific Northwest
    • Southwest
    • Escaping Cleveland
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  • Major Marine Tours Hero
    Cruise Tips,  Destination Guides,  Itineraries

    Seward’s Best Day Cruise: Major Marine Tours Review (2022)

    June 10, 2022 / 17 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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  • Eastern Cascades Road Trip Hero
    Itineraries,  Road Trip Tips

    How to Plan an Epic Eastern Cascades Road Trip from Seattle

    May 17, 2022 / 2 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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  • 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 / 2 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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  • 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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  • California Missions Road Trip Hero
    Itineraries,  Road Trip Tips

    California Missions Road Trip:
    21 Historic Sites in 7 Days

    March 25, 2022 / 2 Comments

    Imagine California before the sprawling cities, mixing cultures, and futuristic tech that has defined the past few decades. Imagine it before the interstates cut giant scars into the earth, before the Gold Rush brought tens of thousands of pioneers, and before the fields were laid. Imagine California when those who lived there called it Alta California and spoke Spanish – making sense of the many Spanish-named places you find there today. This is the California of the era when Missions were being built up and down the coast of what we now call The Golden State...

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  • Itineraries

    One Day in Vegas: The 10 Best Things to Do in a Single Day

    March 8, 2022 / 2 Comments

    I'll be totally honest: for most of my life so far, Las Vegas was one of the last destinations I wanted to visit – and certainly the last place I ever thought I'd actually like visiting. But then I took my first trip to Vegas in 2019, and discovered there was more to Vegas than late-night casino benders and drug-laden dance parties. Certainly, you can still find those experiences, but there are also lots of other things to do in Vegas too. Las Vegas has something for everyone!...

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  • 3 Days in Carmel - Coastline
    Destination Guides,  Itineraries

    The 11 Best Things to Do in Carmel-by-the-Sea for a Weekend

    November 18, 2021 / No Comments

    Planning a weekend getaway to Carmel-by-the-Sea? Here are the best things to do in Carmel, where to stay and eat, and how to spend three days in Carmel.

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  • Mount Shasta Hero
    Destination Guides,  Itineraries

    The 9 Best Things to Do in Mount Shasta for a Weekend Trip

    November 16, 2021 / 27 Comments

    Looking for an unconventional Bay Area getaway? Plan a visit to Siskiyou County – here are the best things to do in Mount Shasta!

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  • One Day in Sitka Hero
    Itineraries

    How to Make the Most of One Day in Sitka, Alaska’s First Capital

    November 8, 2021 / 2 Comments

    Planning an Alaska itinerary that includes a stop in Sitka? Here's how to spend just one day in Sitka (or longer if you have it!), no matter your travel style.

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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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