Valerie & Valise
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  • 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

The Best of the West

My name is Valerie; my husband and I have called the American West home for many years.
Let me be your guide to Alaska, the American West, and beyond.

Want to learn more about me?
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Southwest
  • 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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  • 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...

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  • 5-Day Southwest Road Trip Hero
    Road Trip Tips,  National Park Travel

    An Epic 5-Day Southwest Road Trip & National Park Itinerary

    April 25, 2023 / 6 Comments

    Whenever I find myself in the Southwest, I always end up in awe. For being a relatively small region of the U.S., it's chock-full of natural wonders. In addition to awe, I also feel gratitude that so much of this region has been preserved and protected for future generations through our national park system and other land management programs. It's just not a place you can fly over and appreciate! What better way to explore the southwest than through a road trip...

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  • 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...

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  • 40 Before 40 Hero - 36
    40 Before 40,  30 Before 30,  Bucket List Travel

    40 Before 40: Goals to Accomplish Before My 40th Birthday

    April 23, 2023 / 21 Comments

    For my 35th birthday, here's an update to my 40 Before 40 project – the 40 goals I set on my 30th birthday and hope to accomplish by my 40th. This update includes goals I accomplished in the past year and my plans for the second half of this project...

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  • 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...

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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! ✌🏻
 
Want to know more?
Start here.

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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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