• Johnston Canyon, Jasper National Park
    Canada,  National Parks,  Road Trips

    The Ultimate Guide for Banff and Jasper National Parks in 7 Days

    Banff and Jasper National Parks offer the perfect adventure through the Canadian Rockies. Get ready for lakes of the brightest blues and emeralds, filled with wildlife of all shapes and sizes, and set against a backdrop of towering icy mountains and glaciers. It’s a bucket-list trip for anyone who loves the outdoors. Here’s the perfect 7-day itinerary for you to road trip through our favorite Canadian national parks! First, a few logistics. When to go: We went in early summer (mid-June), before the crowds got too hectic, and after most of the snow on the roads had melted. I’m sure Banff and Jasper are stunning in every season, but I was…

  • Zabriskie Point at sunrise, Death Valley National Park
    National Parks,  Road Trips,  USA

    5 Must-See Spots in Death Valley

    Death Valley National Park is a study in extremes: the weather, the solitude, and the unbelievably varied landscapes are such a fun challenge to explore. I’ve pulled together a few of our favorite stops from our last trip here; some of these view points are easily accessible, and others require a little bit of a hike, but nothing strenuous. Driving into Death Valley, you might feel that you’re on an eerily desolate and alien planet sometimes. But that’s part of this park’s charm, the otherworldly emptiness. The rugged mountains, colorful canyons, and rolling sand dunes come out of nowhere while you’re driving in, and it’s hard to decide where to go…

  • Central America

    Mexico City in 72 Hours

    Mexico City, otherwise known as D.F. (Distrito Federal), is a big, sprawling city made up of unique neighborhoods, each with its own personality. It’s very much like Los Angeles in that way, and also in the infamous-for-its-terrible-traffic kind of way. But once you pick a neighborhood to explore, it’s easily walkable and Uber is prevalent and safe. There is greenery and and outdoor living everywhere, built into the design of restaurants, shops, and parks. I particularly appreciated the thoughtfully planned outdoor spaces, with benches and tables available for public use. Cash is king, though most restaurants I listed below do take credit card. This year, we’ve been making an effort to take…

  • Horseshoe Bend - Andy Fortson Photography
    National Parks,  Road Trips,  USA

    The Perfect 7 Day Road Trip through Utah and Arizona’s Parks

    You wanted to squeeze Valley of Fire State Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Zion National Park all into one road trip? You’ve come to the right place. This road trip through Utah and Arizona was the perfect mix of desert reds, forest greens, and ice cold blue streams. Every landscape is stunning in its own way, and totally unforgettable. You’ll never get bored staring out the car window on the drives between parks. Here’s how we did it. If you have a week, this is the perfect itinerary for you to drive out from LA or Vegas and road trip through Utah and Arizona. Day…

  • Canoeing Mountain Lake, Orcas Island
    Road Trips,  USA

    Camping on Orcas Island

    On my solo road trip up the West Coast with my dog Juliet, we got a tip to check out Orcas Island, one of the San Juan Islands in Washington north of Seattle. I was able to snag a last minute campsite at the quiet, low-key Mountain Lake Campground, and off we went. How to get there: You have to take a ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island. The timeline and availability are here. You can drive your car onto the ferry, but they recommend reserving a spot in advance. If you’re walking on, there’s usually more space to jump on at the last minute. Where to stay: I highly recommend…