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7 of the Most Scenic Train Rides in America

As a native of central Pennsylvania, I have been immersed in railroad culture as early as I can remember. Train whistles cried out at all hours and corner bars in the neighborhood near railroad repair shops were frequented by soot and oil-covered workers trudging in after shift was up. When I traveled to Europe, railroads took on a different role in my life, no longer the local industry barely keeping the town afloat but a reliable transit option allowing access to a world of adventure. The contrast is troubling, but the potential for rail travel in the United States is not lost. A resurgence of interest in scenic, leisurely travel in America makes trains more appealing than ever.

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Backpacking for Beginners

Instead of “winging it” for your next backpacking trip, it pays to brush up on some of the most important things to consider when planning your outing. From planning accordingly for water sources, to ensuring your bag isn’t too heavy, I’ve highlighted some of the things I wish I knew before venturing into the world of backpacking, as well as some easily overlooked considerations for your first trip.

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Solo Travel Tips for National Parks

The travel bug – it’s a hard one to shake. It’s a contagion like no other and one that will never be suppressed, no matter how little PTO we have! We all love that excitement of traveling with our family and friends but sometimes we’re entangled in a web of schedules and responsibilities that aren’t conducive for the whole gang. I’ve learned quickly that with how much I want to see, it’s okay to get out there on your own. Whether it’s business or pleasure, I’m constantly on the go and I have few complaints about it. When traveling solo, there are some tricks of the trade that I’ve learned to maximize the good times had.

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Best National Parks to Visit in Winter

There are few better feelings than using some hard-earned vacation time. While it’s no secret our national parks make for the perfect summer adventure, the diversity of our public lands is displayed throughout the seasons. Though some go through closures, the fun is year-round for many of them. Winter can be a wonderful time to explore parks you know and love from other seasons, while seeing them in an entirely new light.

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Embrace the Chill: Essential Tips for Winter Hiking

As winter blankets the landscape, the allure of hiking amidst snowy trails and frosted forests becomes irresistible. While summer draws throngs of adventurers, winter offers a unique and captivating experience for those seeking a quieter, more intimate connection with nature. Here are some essential tips to make your winter hiking escapades not just enjoyable but safe and unforgettable.

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Exploring Indigenous Hawaiian Heritage

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When traveling to national parks and other sunset-soaked paradises on the Hawaiian islands, you are also visiting the ancestral lands of the Native Hawaiian people. We have created a guide to help you feel prepared exploring Native and Indigenous Hawaiian heritage during your next visit to Hawai’i. The Native Hawaiian communities are still very much tied to the land and waters of this area, and you can create a positive experience for both yourself and these communities by visiting with gratitude and respect – prepared to learn about the local cultures and histories.

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Best Audiobooks for Road Trips

Listen up! Road trips are a great time to catch up on some light reading, or in this case, listening! The best audiobooks for road trips are the ones that immerse you in the landscape and local culture of the region you’re traversing.

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Outdoor Date Ideas

Dating can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be! During these outdoor date ideas, you can enjoy nature while getting to know each other better. From basic outings to action-packed adventures, there’s something on this list for every kind of couple.

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Bear Country Safety

I’ve seen wild bears a few times in my life. When I was a kid growing up in central Pennsylvania, bears would sometimes wander into town from the surrounding Appalachian mountains in search of food. Most recently, I stumbled upon one in someone’s front yard in Asheville, North Carolina. While bears are incredible creatures, encounters aren’t generally desirable. Bear safety is as much a human problem as a bear problem.

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