Valerie & Valise
  • About
    • The Values Behind V&V
    • Contact
    • Press & Writing
    • Work with Us
    • For Bloggers
  • Alaska
    • Glossary
  • Other West-inations
    • Baja California
    • California
    • Great Basin
    • Hawaii
    • Mountain West
    • National Parks
    • Pacific Northwest
    • Southwest
    • Escaping Cleveland
  • The V&V Shop
    • Cart
  • About
    • The Values Behind V&V
    • Contact
    • Press & Writing
    • Work with Us
    • For Bloggers
  • Alaska
    • Glossary
  • Other West-inations
    • Baja California
    • California
    • Great Basin
    • Hawaii
    • Mountain West
    • National Parks
    • Pacific Northwest
    • Southwest
    • Escaping Cleveland
  • The V&V Shop
    • Cart
  • 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!...

    Read More
  • 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...

    Read More
  • 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...

    Read More
  • Things to Do in Skagway Hero
    Destination Guides

    The 13 Best Things to Do in Skagway, According to an Alaskan

    April 26, 2023 / No Comments

    Located at the northern end of Taiya Inlet where the mountains meet the water, Skagway, Alaska, is a captivating destination that beckons travelers to embark on a journey of discovery, where the echoes of the Gold Rush era and the majesty of nature intertwine to create an unforgettable experience...

    Read More
  • Traveling to Alaska Hero
    Destination Guides

    15 Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to Alaska in 2023

    April 24, 2023 / 34 Comments

    That moment pictured, right there and then, is one of my favorite memories from traveling to Alaska on a cruise in 2017. It was freezing cold, it was raining, and I was wearing every layer I had brought on the trip – but I had just heard the rumbling of "white thunder" and witnessed a huge chunk of the ice calf off from the face of Dawes Glacier...

    Read More
  • Where to Eat in Valdez Hero
    Destination Guides

    Where to Eat in Valdez, Alaska:
    7 Great Spots, According to an Alaskan

    April 21, 2023 / No Comments

    Nestled amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of the Chugach Mountains and the shimmering waters of Prince William Sound, Valdez, Alaska, is a picturesque haven that entices travelers with its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and... vibrant culinary scene? Actually, yes...

    Read More
  • Alaska Itinerary - Girdwood
    Destination Guides

    Where to Stay in Girdwood: A Guide to the Best Hotels, Inns & More

    April 20, 2023 / No Comments

    Nestled within the Chugach Mountain Range, Girdwood, Alaska, is a picturesque gem that exudes natural splendor and offers boundless opportunities for adventure. As a gateway to the vast Alaskan wilderness, this enchanting town boasts an unparalleled landscape that captures the very essence of the Last Frontier...

    Read More
  • Where to Eat in Skagway Hero
    Destination Guides

    Where to Eat in Skagway: 9 Top Picks in This Small Alaska Town

    April 18, 2023 / No Comments

    Skagway, Alaska, a captivating port town steeped in Gold Rush history and surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Alaskan wilderness, is a veritable treasure trove: of adventurous experiences, of historic encounters, and... of culinary delights? Perhaps surprisingly, yes! There are some great places to eat in Skagway...

    Read More
  • Things to Do in Ketchikan Hero
    Destination Guides

    The 11 Best Things to Do in Ketchikan, According to an Alaskan

    April 17, 2023 / No Comments

    Ketchikan, affectionately known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," is a literally vibrant port city that beckons travelers with its rich history, access to pristine natural beauty, and abundance of thrilling activities – even if you're short on time. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the lush Tongass National Forest, there is a treasure trove of things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska...

    Read More
1234

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.

Explore More

Snag my Alaska eBooks!


Shop Now

As Seen On

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.

Memberships & Awards

Need More?

  • About
  • Work With Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • The V&V Shop
  • Resources for Bloggers
All words and images © 2013-2023 The Kolibro Group LLC