Travel Tips
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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The Ultimate Road Trip Upgrade: Rent a Campervan
Campervans are the Swiss Army Knife of any road trip. They’re cleverly designed to maximize storage and utility, and you can take them just about anywhere. Read on to find out why campervans–particularly those from Travellers Autobarn–are our tool of choice to support any adventure.
Exploring Indigenous Heritage on Route 66
Route 66 isn’t just asphalt and neon, it threads across the ancestral and living homelands of many Indigenous nations. From Potawatomi lands at the Chicago start, through Osage and Kickapoo land in the Midwest, across dozens of Tribal Nations in Oklahoma, to Pueblo communities in New Mexico and Navajo and Hualapai lands in Arizona, more than half of Route 66 runs through Indian Country. For travelers looking to go beyond the kitsch, the most authentic experiences are those led and offered by tribal people themselves. These experiences vary from guided canyon walks and pueblo tours to trading-post galleries, and tribally owned lodgings. Spending your money at these establishments directs tourism dollars to local economies and cultural programs. 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.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Wildlife Experiences You Have to See
America’s landscapes host some of the planet’s most spectacular wildlife events, many of which you have the chance to witness with your own eyes. Every year, millions of creatures embark on incredible journeys across our national parks and wild spaces. Here are some of the most unique wildlife events and how, when, and where you can find them.
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.
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.
Best Thru-Hikes in America
Discover the best thru-hikes in America, from the lush forests of Vermont’s Long Trail to the rugged deserts of the Hayduke Trail. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time adventurer, these iconic trails offer breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable challenges, and a chance to connect with nature like never before. Lace up your boots and get ready to explore the wild beauty of the U.S.!
Everything You Need to Know About Route 66
Route 66 is a living time capsule of a bygone era that brings to mind open roads as far as the eye can see, pit stop diners, and buzzing neon signs. This spirit of the great American road trip has endured, inspiring generations of wanderlust. While original attractions of Route 66 live on, they complement fresh additions to continue to usher motorists along “the Mother Road” for an unforgettable adventure.
Ghost Stories, Urban Legends & American Folklore
As a native Appalachian, I grew up hearing plenty of mountain lore. Some of it was just an “old wives’ tale,” as my dad would say, and some of it was more sinister. It was no surprise to me when I eventually ended up on Haunted Tok, specifically the Appalachian horror subgenre. As I saw other TikTokers excitedly engage with creepy videos that didn’t seem to really show much except the darkness of the Appalachian woods, I had one question: Why do people love to be scared?
6 of the Best Waterfront Parks in Upstate South Carolina
Upstate South Carolina’s vivid hills and trickling brooks haven’t always had their star power of recent years. Back in 2002, the busy 4-lane Camperdown Bridge covering Reedy River Falls was demolished, opening massive doors for area tourism and locals’ quality of life.
6 Glamping Domes That Are Out of This World
Minimalist campers may balk at the idea of them, but for those of us who wonder how we can enjoy camping with a few more creature comforts, glamping domes are the answer we’ve been waiting for.
Exploring Indigenous Heritage on the East Coast
When traveling to National Parks and other incredible places on the American East Coast, you are also visiting the ancestral lands of many different Indigenous tribes. We have created a guide to help you feel prepared exploring Indigenous heritage on the East Coast during your next road trip. Indigenous communities are still very much tied to the lands 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.
Which National Park Matches Your Zodiac Sign?
The position of the sun at the time of your birth is what constitutes your star sign, also called a sun or zodiac sign. Each astrological sign has its own chart, complete with symbols, colors, distinct personality traits and characteristics, and more. With a little of us in each and some that speak more distinctly to others, discover the enchanted landscapes that resonate with your celestial identity!