Places & Experiences
Plan better, prepare better, adventure better.
Spontaneous and unplanned trips can sometimes be the most memorable. But usually, a little preparation leads to better travel experiences. We have tips on everything from what to pack and how to travel more responsibly to the best ways to keep entertained during long road trips.
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Making Memories on the Mother Road- Arizona’s Route 66
For those seeking adventure, Arizona’s stretch of Route 66 gives tourers a chance to embrace the open road and explore a region rich in culture and natural beauty. This is not just about visiting destinations—it’s about the journey itself, filled with memorable encounters and awe-inspiring landscapes.
An Alternative Route Down Arizona’s Route 66
Hit the open road and discover the best of Arizona’s Route 66 on a motorcycle. From iconic landmarks to scenic detours, this 5-day itinerary offers a thrilling, alternative way to experience America’s most famous highway. Whether you’re riding through desert landscapes or stopping at quirky roadside attractions, this journey is the ultimate adventure for road trip enthusiasts.
6 Days on The Loneliest Road in America
This next stretch is where you’ll begin to understand why this is known as “The Loneliest Road in America.” Get an early start and be sure to top off your gas tank before leaving Fallon. Your first stop is Sand Mountain, a vast dune complex popular with dune buggy and dirt bike enthusiasts. Sand Springs Station, one of Nevada’s best-preserved Pony Express relay outposts, and an eerie reminder of the hardscrabble life early travelers endured here.
Surviving the Loneliest Road in America: Nevada’s Highway 50
Having traveled the highway across Nevada (and back) myself, I can assure you, no special skills are needed to survive; just a sense of adventure, a little planning, and a better attitude than a certain ‘LIFE’ magazine writer. Whether you’re a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, there are plenty of surprises for the curious-minded traveler.
Aspen, Colorado: Where 5-Star Dining Meets Colorado Mountain Culture
We truly mean it when we say that Aspen is one of the prettiest corners of Colorado. Even if you’re not super into the outdoors, the mountains in this area almost have a way of calling you in. Whether celebrating their beauty in the form of art or on a long hike, you’ll find layers of Aspen waiting to be enjoyed.
Fun for the Whole Family in Davis, Utah
With access to miles of shoreline, mountain trails, and everything in between, you won’t believe you’re in Utah. With landscapes that mirror those from across the globe, Davis really offers an American West experience at a fraction of the cost! Watch bison roam at Antelope Island or see birds migrate at the wetlands in Farmington Bay. Get a thrill from dropping 200 feet on Lagoon’s Cannibal Coaster. Davis is built for the adventurous.
7 Remarkable New Mexico & Texas State Parks
On a journey from Tucson, Arizona, to Austin, Texas, I took the not-so-direct route to explore scenic byways and country roads in New Mexico and Texas. It was a delightful experience of big landscapes and monumental scenes, quirky rural towns with fascinating histories, nature’s bounty, and hospitable people. If you find yourself near any of these sites, stop and visit. You’ll be delighted too.
8 Stellar Dark Sky Parks East of the Mississippi
Astronomy can be a fun and rewarding activity for the whole family. It’s as easy as looking up at the stars. Sadly, though, experts estimate that one-third of humanity and 80% of North Americans can no longer see stars in abundance and the Milky Way from where they live due to light pollution.
Luckily, DarkSky (formerly the International Dark-Sky Association, founded in 1988) has been raising awareness and become the global authority on the subject, advocating for responsible outdoor lighting to protect the natural darkness in communities and parks around the world. Since Flagstaff, AZ, became the first certified Dark Sky City in 2001, DarkSky has certified over 200 places in 22 countries protecting over 60,000 square miles of land.
Ten Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska, to Evoke Awe
Juneau, Alaska, will take your breath away! You will wonder at the vastness of glacier-carved mountains and expanses of frozen rivers of ice (or icefields). Juneau inspires a desire for exploration, breathing deeply, and curiosity at what remnants of the past remain hidden in the 17-million-acre rainforest.
A Sunny Winter Escape in Bishop, California
When it’s winter all around, it’s “June-uary” in Bishop. Plan a sunny mid-winter escape to this California gem, complete with direct flights and pre-arranged rental car.
Route 66 Attractions: Spooky, Strange & Weird
From aliens to Bigfoot, Route 66 has over 2,400 miles of history and mystery to uncover. From sacred spirits to mysterious crash sites and extensive cave systems, you’ll find it all on the Mother Road.
Places to Stay in Yellowstone National Park
With over 3,400 square miles (8,900 square km) to explore, the amount of attractions you can see during your visit to Yellowstone depends widely on your access to the park. Staying within the park boundary gives visitors easy access to trailheads, guided tours, and unique park amenities.