Trying to find a road less traveled during spring break can often be difficult. The Texas State Parks System, with over 90 parks, can offer a welcome break from crowds and a chance to explore the outdoors. Since I have only visited 34 of the 90 state parks to date, I have many more parks left…

Part 3 of the Great Adventure-Continuing our exploration of National Parks, we left the Kolob Mountains to head north to stay in a cabin outside the town of West Yellowstone. Because of the large size of Yellowstone park (almost 3500 square miles spanning into three states), several days were needed to adequately explore its incredible diversity….

Part 2 of the Great Adventure-Continuing our exploration of National Parks while lodging in the Kolob Mountains, we spent the next day in Zion. During the busier seasons from spring to fall, a shuttle system was required to minimize the impact on the park. We started at the Visitor Center to plan our day. Unfortunately,…

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson created the National Park Service to protect the national parks and monuments. Today there are over 58 national parks throughout the United States. I’ve only visited 29 so far, but they are all on my bucket list! For a detailed list of which parks I’ve seen, view my pinterest board for…

For the traveler who would embrace a road less traveled if it was coupled with a 4 star resort, Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa might be calling your name. This Hyatt resort is situated on the sacred lands of Santa Ana Pueblo at the base of the Sandia Mountains in New Mexico. From the…

Looking for some desert adventure in the cooler weather, Moab had been on my family’s bucket list for some time. The resort town atmosphere, stunning red rock landscape, beautiful Colorado River and the proximity to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks made Moab the perfect choice for a week of adventure. May 2015- We chose to…

When our family traveled to Costa Rica in August 2010, this small country in Central America was a lesser-known destination. The varied terrain of rainforests, active volcanoes, waterfalls, and beaches all teeming with rich wildlife made for adventure down every pothole filled road we traversed. Their motto “pura vida”, which means pure life, described their…

Vancouver Island is one of Canada’s largest islands located on the west coast and is best described as “where the rainforest meets the sea”.   It was named by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of the world’s top ten islands in 2014. With most of its incredibly diverse ecosystem being protected by parklands, the opportunities…

  Spring break in Big Bend is one of my favorite destinations. While that time of year is one of their busiest, it pales in comparison to the number of visitors for other national and state parks. You don’t have to hike very long to escape the few crowds and feel lost in the miles…

    We had always wanted to tour Carlsbad Caverns National Park, one of the oldest and largest cave systems in the world.  Knowing we were coming during spring break and anticipating larger crowds, I researched months ahead to maximize our experience.  My trip report follows: March 2013: Unfortunately there are no nearby adequate hotels….

Our journey to St John USVI was the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. We chose this Caribbean destination since two thirds of the island is designated as a national park, leaving much of its real estate in pristine condition. It wasn’t hard to find an uncrowded beach bordering clear blue waters waiting to be snorkeled. My trip report…

  For my anniversary this year, I decided to try an eco lodge experience in Guatemala on Lake Atitlan.  The Mayan word, Atitlan, means “the place the rainbow gets its color.” The lake is considered by some to be the 8th wonder of the world.  La Fortuna is glamping in paradise.  My trip report follows:…