The Great Outdoors•Gear Guides•Travel Tips
15 Genius Camping Must Haves (Plus Bonus Tips + Hacks!)
July 24, 2021In today’s world where most of us are increasingly “plugged in” and stress levels are higher than ever, it’s extremely difficult to truly relax — to unplug, if you will. So it’s no surprise that camping is enjoying an unprecedented moment in the spotlight (and by association, so are camping must haves). After all, camping provides a long list of health and wellness benefits: it boosts your mood, reduces stress levels, increases self-confidence and self-sufficiency, helps you get more fresh air and vitamins from sunlight, and fosters a deep connection with nature. The best news? Even if you can’t...
Destinations•Gear Guides•The Great Outdoors•Travel Tips
America’s 16 Most Stunning Underrated National Parks
May 23, 2021In the last couple of years, more people than ever before have discovered the wonders of America’s national parks. According to the National Park Service, 15 national parks set visitation records in 2020 alone! I’m thrilled that so many people have a newfound love for The Great Outdoors, but I honestly don’t love the crowds. And the traffic. And having to reserve campsites as early as a year out. So as much as I genuinely love exploring our country’s spectacular public lands — I’m a literal card-carrying member of the national parks geek club, after all — I’ve turned...
Destinations•The Great Outdoors•Travel Tips
9 Adventurous New Orleans Outdoor Activities
May 10, 2021Let’s be honest: New Orleans has a (well-earned) reputation for being a hub of incredible food, fascinating history, legendary live music, and, well, let’s just call it what it is — partying. But outdoor recreation? Not so much. The Big Easy is indeed the destination for foodies, history buffs, music enthusiasts, and any sort of celebration. BUT there’s actually a lot more to this fantastic city, and one of the best ways to experience it all firsthand is simply getting outside. Imagine passing some of the oldest and most impressive houses in NOLA in a kayak, biking through one...
If you’re anything like me, your sense of wanderlust has been stronger than ever in recent months. There finally seems to be a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, things are slowly but surely returning to “normal,” and mannn those cheap flight deals are tempting. Let’s be honest, though: everyone else has the same idea. No matter how tempted I am, what makes me hesitate to hit “confirm” is picturing the overcrowded beaches, the sold-out tours, the traffic waiting to get into national parks, and hiking in a single-file line. Yuk. Does that mean I’m not traveling...
Ahh, the Great American Road Trip. Whether you’re road-tripping to several national parks or have no destination in mind at all, there’s nothing quite like it. There’t the exhilarating freedom of the open road, the small towns that pack a tremendous punch (I’m lookin’ at you, Big Sky), the quirky roadside diners, the off-key singalongs, the endless snacks. Road trips certainly aren’t new, but they are more popular than ever. Many people feel that driving is the safest, most social-distancing-friendly method of travel (they’re not wrong). As a result, road trips have become the vacation of 2021. And probably...
There’s nothing quite like a Big Sky Montana summer — and in particular, Big Sky hiking trails in the summer. It’s stunningly beautiful and (with a few exceptions) largely uncrowded, one of the few remaining places where you might actually have a trail or stream all to yourself. Might. If you’re even remotely outdoorsy, summer in Big Sky is paradise. Waterfalls are flowing, wildflowers are in bloom, the weather is perfect, and every outdoor pursuit imaginable is at your fingertips. Fishing, mountain biking, paddling, horseback riding, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, golf, and of course, hiking in Big Sky Montana....
It’s safe to say that after 2020 – AKA the year that just wouldn’t end – people all over the world are experiencing a collective case of major wanderlust. Fortunately, infection rates continue to decrease and vaccines are being distributed on a wide scale, so international borders are slowly but steadily beginning to reopen to travelers. While that’s wonderful, it also means that throngs of people are flocking to well-known vacation destinations. Overwater bungalows, Caribbean islands, stunningly beautiful U.S. national parks, Iceland’s waterfalls, Santorini, and resort towns in Mexico have all seen historic tourism rates in the past year....
Are you an occasional hiker or interested in getting into hiking? Or at the opposite end of the spectrum, do you regularly explore new trails with your family or put in for every famously hard-to-get hiking permit there is? Whichever applies to you, there’s no question that high-quality hydration packs for women make a world of difference. A properly-fitted hydration backpack holds all your hiking essentials, offers plenty of lumbar support, and keeps you comfortable all day so you can very literally go the distance. But how do you go about finding the best hydration packs for hiking, much...
Growing up, our dogs always came to the beach and on road trips, and they got their own stockings at Christmas. So it makes perfect sense that as an adult, my dogs became my adventure partners. From camping and family hiking to watching sunsets at the beach, everything is a little better with a dog. However, not every place necessarily welcomes dogs with open arms. People travel with their pups more and more today, so I set out to learn about the most dog friendly cities in the US. Of course, dogs can’t go everywhere we go. For example,...
Destinations•The Great Outdoors
Angels Landing Zion: Top Most Dangerous Hikes in the World?
February 19, 2021I’m unquestionably adventurous, but I’m not necessarily a thrillseeker or what you’d call an adrenaline junkie. I love hiking and snorkeling, and floating the Snake River in the Tetons was one of my all-time favorite experiences — but you’re not likely to catch me skydiving. That’s precisely why hiking Angels Landing in Zion National Park (or any other most dangerous hikes in the world, for that matter) was never on my bucket list. Until recently, that is. After winning a highly-coveted permit to The Wave in Arizona (for a second time!), we decided to make a longer trip out...
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