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...
10 Essentials to Pack for the Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
The open road is calling, and you want to answer. Where better to explore the beauty of America than by making your way down the Pacific Coast Highway, which stretches from Washington State to the southern border of California?...
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...
My Yearly Mantra for Writing, Travel & Life in 2023
Here we are, at the start of another year. If you're reading this, first off: thank you. You've joined me once again on this journey we're all making through life and I'm glad to have you along the way – whether that's just this one post or another one about traveling to Alaska (or somewhere else)...
2022 in Review: My 5 Top Travel Experiences
Here we are, at the end of another year – it is astonishingly cliche to say it flew by, because it's actually a well-documented (though admittedly depressing) psychological phenomenon. 2022 was the first year since 2019 where life felt quite normal; Mr. V and I settled into our lives here in Cleveland, and I/we took several incredible trips that both helped me create better travel resources for work and enjoy the beauty of the world...
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...
The 15 Best Hikes near Anchorage for an Alaskan Adventure
For many people, visiting Alaska is an opportunity to step outside their comfort zone. Maybe that's seeing incredible wildlife up and close, or feeling the chill of a glacial wind on their face while standing on a mountainside. A lot of people use their Alaska trip as an opportunity to get out and explore the Great Outdoors more than they do at home – and hiking is a fantastic way to do this, especially as there are so many great hikes across the state...
