Rancho Cacachilas Review: Experience Astrotourism in Baja California Sur
Are you an environmentally conscious traveler? Do you enjoy seeing a dark night sky? Consider how these two ideas go together. Ecotourism is an increasingly popular trend as travelers become aware of the impact of tourism on destinations and ecosystems. Simultaneously, more of us are interested in astrotourism – traveling to experience the night sky...
5 Reasons to Visit Alaska in the Spring
A lot of readers – and a lot of friends in real life – ask me for my tips about visiting Alaska. Since I grew up there, they assume I'm full of handy tips on how to do it for less money, with less stress, and for an even more unforgettable trip. After years of writing about Alaska, I do have loads of tips...
Where to Stay in Valdez: 4 Nice Hotels in the Land of Waterfalls
Alaska is a big, wild, beautiful place – and each Alaska traveler I've met has a different list of places they want to go, things they want to experience, and memories they want to bring home. For some folks, escaping the crowds and cruise ships is essential, and research quickly shows that Valdez is a great option if you're willing to take the journey and have the time...
3 Days in San Jose, CA: Itinerary of the Best Things to Do in the South Bay
When you think of visiting the Bay Area, where comes to mind? San Francisco, definitely. Probably Oakland and/or Berkeley. Maybe somewhere in the North Bay like Napa or Santa Rosa in Sonoma County. Does San Jose come to mind? There are far more things to do in San Jose than you might think. San Jose is the final piece of the puzzle – the South Bay’s great weekend destination...
Alaska in April: A Complete Guide to Visiting in Spring
Watching the seasons change in Alaska is an incredible experience. The snowclad mountains slowly change from their white vestiges to become clad in green. Wildlife begins to appear more frequently: moose move from the cities up into the mountains, bears emerge from their hibernation, and whales begin to reappear, seeking a season of feeding in Alaskan waters...
Where to Eat in Seward: A Local Guide to 17 Must-Try Spots
Nestled safely on the coast of Resurrection Bay, Seward is the Kenai Peninsula's most popular destination – in part aided by the fact that Alaskan cruise companies arrive and depart here throughout the summer months (and even into the late season!). During the peak season, there are enough visitors – both cruisers and independent travelers – to support a large number of restaurants and bars in this seaside community...
How to Make the Most of One Day in Bandelier National Monument
If you're looking for a place that will never stop surprising you, New Mexico is the destination. While I only took my first trip to New Mexico in July 2021 (to see the Virgin Galactic launch!), I made a return trip in September 2022 to explore a different part of the state, and I am endlessly surprised by how different New Mexico is compared to what I expect. Land of Enchantment, indeed...
The 10 Most Popular Hotels in Alaska for 2023
When it comes to planning an Alaska trip, it's a fair understatement to say there's a lot to consider. From choosing when to visit and how much you can afford to spend to working out the finer details of different towns you want to visit and stringing together an Alaska itinerary... I feel a bit overwhelmed just typing that all out...
The 15 Best Alaska Souvenirs & Gifts from the Last Frontier
Planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Alaska? Lucky you! Even after growing up in Alaska (15 years) and visiting many times since then, I’m always wistful when I hear of people headed to the place I once called home. Leave room in your bags – the best Alaska souvenirs and gifts worth bringing home...
