From the moment you arrive, New Orleans wraps itself around you — the smell of something frying nearby, the faint sound of a trumpet from a few blocks away, the iron-lace balconies casting shadows on streets that feel like they belong to another century. We spent a long weekend in New Orleans in December 2019, […]
When you think of Hawaii, you probably picture pristine beaches, swaying palm trees, and turquoise waters. While Maui certainly delivers on all those fronts, one of the island’s most extraordinary experiences takes you far from the coastline and into an otherworldly landscape that feels more like Mars than the tropics. Our November visit to Haleakalā
Visiting Haleakala National Park: Above the Clouds in Maui Read More »
The Big Island of Hawaiʻi is a land of dramatic contrasts, from black lava fields to snow-capped peaks. But one of its most captivating features is its abundance of lush rainforests and stunning waterfalls. Because we love waterfalls, we set our sights on ʻAkaka Falls State Park, a relatively short but incredibly rewarding hike that
A quick hike to ‘Akaka Falls Read More »
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a raw, dynamic landscape, a testament to the powerful forces that have shaped and continue to shape the very islands. Our day hike in Hawaii Volcanos National Park visit was a sensory experience unlike any other, a journey through steaming vents, stark lava fields, and lush rainforests, all under the
Day Hike in Hawaii Volcanos National Park Read More »
Towering Red Rocks & Unexpected Detours: Our itinerary for 2 Days in Zion National Park There is a reason Zion National Park is on almost every hiker’s bucket list. The sheer scale of the canyon walls makes you feel incredibly small from the moment you enter. In May 2019, we spent an unforgettable 2 days
How we spent 2 days in Zion National Park Read More »
Pink Sands & Broken Cameras: Our Scenic Loop to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park When you travel, sometimes the most memorable days are the ones where you have to completely pivot your plans. On our very first official day exploring Zion National Park, we started the morning with high hopes of wading through the
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park: An Afternoon Detour from Zion Read More »
This was my first trip to Spain and I was excited, but also wished I spent a little time reviewing some Spanish words/phrases. Justin had a bit of a head start on me in the Spanish language department — I showed up knowing how to ask where the bathroom is, please, thank you, your welcome,
12 day Itinerary: Barcelona, Málaga & Madrid — Fun Days of Tapas, History & Cava Read More »
In June 2017, Justin and I embarked on a three-week Montana adventure that included visits to Bozeman and Missoula since we were thinking of moving up there. While there we knew we had to go to Glacier National Park because I love national parks and heard this one was beautiful. We settled into a cozy
Our Glacier National Park Adventure Read More »
I originally signed up for a hike at Fiery Furnace at Arches National Park. The park service offers this hike for $10 (in addition to park entry fees) but books up months in advance. Since I planned my trip only a month out, taking the tour with the park rangers was not an option, but several
Tower Arch Trail and overviews at Arches NP Read More »
Having spent only a short few months living in Colorado, it felt like every single person I met had the same piece of advice: have you done the Hanging Lake hike? Hearing the constant praise for this legendary spot, I finally decided to see it for myself on September 30, 2014. I woke up early,
Hanging Lake Hike: A Strenuous Climb to a Turquoise Gem Read More »
Sometimes, the best travel experiences are the ones you don’t over-plan. Toward the end of September 2014, I took a road trip up to the Aspen area for a long weekend. The trip had a wonderful social start—I caught up with a friend I used to know back in New York who was now living
Hiking Maroon Bells: A Stunning Autumn Day Trip to Aspen Read More »
Stumps of Stone: Pivoting to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument When your morning plans wrap up early, the open road always has a way of calling. Over Labor Day weekend in August 2014, I was visiting a friend and her family in the area. We spent a spectacular morning watching giant, colorful envelopes lift into
I was in Brazil for a work trip in October 2013, and two coworkers and I decided we’d take a few extra days to explore more of the area, specifically she wanted to see Iguazu Falls. Unfortunately, one couldn’t end up coming, but my other coworker and I carried on to enjoy a country we
Experiencing Iguazú Falls from both Brazil and Argentina Read More »