Image via Flickr by Paul Bica It’s a big year for Canada. Montreal is celebrating its 375th birthday, and the national parks are free for a 150th birthday celebration. Ever since I returned from my “Great Escape,” I’ve been itching to get out on the road for short trips. What better way to enjoy the last bits of summer than …
Minneapolis: A City for Outdoor Lovers
Known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota is the perfect state for outdoor lovers. With tons of lakes, rivers, and hiking trails, Minnesota has a lot to offer anyone who isn’t afraid to get outside in the cold. Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota’s major metropolitan area, is the state’s center of arts, culture, and outdoor adventures. Where to Stay Image via Flickr by …
Hike Phoenix by Foot
Image via Flickr by Bureau of Land Management Arizona is home to some seriously gorgeous hiking trails. Just look at the Grand Canyon! However, many visitors to Arizona end up in the metropolitan city of Phoenix for work or pleasure. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is a 3.5-hour drive away, making it a difficult place to enjoy if …
Eat, Drink, Be Merry in St. Louis
Image via Flickr by Creativity+ Timothy K Hamilton St. Louis might be known for its delicious barbecue ribs and gooey butter cake, but the Gateway City is about much more than just sticky fingers and sauce-covered chins. St. Louis is home to a thriving up-and-coming culinary city that rivals many of the big cities on either coast. From locally sourced …
On the Beer Trail From Charlotte to Asheville
From Maine to Washington, craft beer is all the rage. I’m lucky that Portland, Maine, has some of the best breweries in the world, but Maine isn’t the only state with awesome beers. North Carolina is the hub for craft breweries in the South. With over 132 craft breweries across the Tar Heel State, North Carolina is the perfect state …
All-American Fun in Arlington, Texas
It doesn’t get more all-American than the city of Arlington, Texas. Home to General Motors, Six Flags, the Texas Rangers, and the Dallas Cowboys, Arlington is known as the American Dream City. This small city of nearly 400,000 residents is home to diverse neighborhoods with world-class educational institutions, iconic sports venues, and heaps of fun stuff to do only 20 …
Exploring the Best of Sunny Anaheim, California
Image via Flickr by Andy When I think of Anaheim, California, I think back to “D2: The Mighty Ducks.” In this 1994 movie, the Ducks go to Anaheim to play in the Goodwill Games, and after much difficulty, they beat out Team Iceland in a sudden death shoot-out. What a great movie! In all seriousness, Anaheim is a popular travel destination …
Discover San Francisco’s Unique Architecture
San Francisco is a popular travel destination for many reasons. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and old cable cars to the delicious restaurants and cafes, there’s a reason more than 18 million people visit “The City by the Bay.” I’ve traveled to enough places to know what I like and don’t like about cities. One part that will either …
Exploring New York City’s Boroughs with Hipmunk Hotels
There is more to New York City than the island of Manhattan. From Brooklyn to the Bronx to Queens, it could take you a lifetime to explore the best of everything New York City has to offer. In recent trips to NYC, I’ve explored mostly Manhattan but have branched out to Brooklyn and even Harlem. There is just so much to …
Reflections: On Coming Home After 8 Months on the Road
I’m still slightly lost for words on how I feel coming home after eight months traveling and living abroad. Before I left Australia, I had mixed feelings about going home. There was a large part of me that told me to skip my flight. But, then I thought of my dog. Gosh, I miss my little furball! I spent three …
Finding Heaven in the Sierra Nevada – South Lake Tahoe, CA
Lake Tahoe is a popular destination year-round because it offers incredible adventures for outdoors lovers, from the high mountains to the lake. Lake Tahoe is well known for its skiing during the winter months. Don’t be surprised to see a mad rush of traffic heading in that direction on a Friday night. South Lake Tahoe is located along the southern …
Three Awesome Hikes Between Seattle and Spokane
Image via Flickr by pfly The Pacific Northwest is the perfect destination for any outdoor enthusiast. From the snowy Cascade Mountains to salty Puget Sound to the vast evergreen forests, you’ll find peace and adventure in the great outdoors of Washington. I haven’t been to the West Coast yet. I travel a lot abroad, but I have yet to explore most …