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.
Use the Options Below to Refine Your Search
7 Incredible Landscapes You Didn’t Know Existed in America
America is home to some of the most recognizable landscapes in the world. It also holds countless gems that are less familiar, less crowded, and just as special as the big-name places. Look outside the box to find incredible landscapes you’ve never heard of.
3 Dreamy Days in Big Bend, Texas
Craggy canyons tower over the mighty Rio Grande in west Texas, separating the United States from Mexico. The Big Bend area of Texas offers a blissful coexistence of mountain terrain and desert plains. Entire mesas covered with branchy ocotillo plants and blooming yucca reach sky high. More than a national park and state park, Big Bend is a region and a way of life. With only a few days, I sampled the area heartily, from the outdoor recreation and diverse topography, to the local eateries and unique accommodations. Here’s a three-day itinerary featuring some of the best things to do in Big Bend, Texas.
What would your dream vacation look like?
I’m a dreamer, how about you? I am always crafting my next adventure and planning the next trip. I spend a lot of time outdoors, from hiking and mountain biking to quiet canoe rides on the nearby lake. Soaking in the outdoors always lifts my spirits and makes me feel at ease. While planning a vacation to Montana, I knew I wanted to spend time outside. I hooked up with the folks at Flying Pig Adventure Company to help craft the perfect 3 days in the Yellowstone area. The trip was a wonderful balance of high-action adventure and quiet moments to myself.
Aspen, Colorado in 3 days—Sans Crowds!
Without a doubt, the Maroon Bells are some of the most photographed (and clearly most photogenic!) mountains in the USA. Get the most out of your vacation to Aspen, Colorado during a mid-week trip, and with the following itinerary based on insider experiences.
Drift Through Dinosaurland Near Vernal, Utah
150 years ago, John Wesley Powell and his men first explored the Green and Colorado Rivers. The journey began in Wyoming, wound through the intense Utah landscape, and eventually concluded in Arizona. Rafting the Green River from Vernal, Utah follows the legacy of those early explorers. More than a century beyond the historic Powell expedition, the landscape remains unchanged and frozen in time. Soon you’ll understand why this area is commonly referred to as the “origin of adventure”.
Not Just Another Winter Weekend at Taos Ski Valley
I was seeking a different winter vacation; a mix of adventure and culture. With a ski resort towering over the desert, I drove to Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico. The best part of this trip was that I could ski one day, and explore other winter activities on the next! When I needed to rest my legs, I soaked up the rich New Mexican culture that surrounds Taos.
Beyond Tahoe: Wine & Whitewater in California’s Gold Country
The enchanting emerald waters of Lake Tahoe have been luring visitors in for years. Beyond the beauty of the lake lies the scenic Gold Country of California, with a range of attractions and activities ripe for the picking by a true explorer. You can literally raft the American River in the morning, and sip homegrown libations by dusk. Take your pick in this budding nook of California, the charming place where El Dorado and Placer Counties join.
The 3-Day “Squeeze” in Bryce Canyon Country
Southern Utah presents puzzling rock formations, “hoodoos”, slot canyons, and some of the most colorful landscapes in the United States! Travelers visiting Bryce Canyon country will quickly realize that 3 days isn’t nearly enough time to explore the region, but with this “squeeze” itinerary, you can hit some of the area’s highlights.
Lake Powell-America’s Lake
There is a certain stillness that happens to Lake Powell just around sunrise. No wind, no sound of motors or cars or planes. It’s just you, and the ever so slight sound of waves lapping at the shore, as the sun breaks slowly over the eastern skyline and reflects of the mirror-like surface of the water.
Four Season Fun in Livingston, Montana
From the mountains to the monstrous trout, Montana has endless possibilities. Just north of Yellowstone National Park lies the lovable town of Livingston, an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise in every season. While many parts of Montana deal with harsh winters, Livingston is just one of those “banana belt” towns; a place where the sun shines most days of the year and somehow it doesn’t feel bitter cold on snowy days. Year-round, travelers will appreciate the slew of art that Livingston has to offer. There are 17 galleries and counting around town, plus live theater and music on frequent rotation. For the foodies, casual to fine dining is in abundance in Livingston with over 20 restaurants to choose from!
Include Heart Mountain Interpretive Center While Visiting Yellowstone
Yellowstone has one of the most unique landscapes in the United States, and—rightfully so—attracts millions of visitors every year. Travelers to the area should also be privy to some of the other interesting attractions that northwest Wyoming has to offer, such as the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center. The museum is located just over an hour from the National Park’s east entrance. Heart Mountain marks the setting of one of the many confinement sites in the United States that popped up immediately following the attacks on Pearl Harbor during WWII. Peer into the history and lives of Japanese Americans who were imprisoned during Heart Mountain’s 3-year life.
Four Can’t Miss Events in Logan County
The nice weather in Logan County is not the only thing that brings the plains of Colorado to life. The warm air intertwines with the smell of funnel cake, the lights of a Ferris wheel, the anticipation of eight seconds on a bull, the excitement of concerts, and the roar of vintage engines. These aspects add up to create some of the best days of the year in Logan County. That’s right, the concerts, festivals, fairs, rodeos and other events in Logan County not only awaken the locals, but draw in tourists from all over. Pay attention to when you plan on visiting northeastern Colorado because you won’t want to miss the area’s signature happenings!