the Gifford Homestead with the colorful sandstone cliffs of the Waterpocket Fold in the background at Capitol Reef
National Parks North America United States Utah

How to Spend One Day in Capitol Reef National Park

Located west of Torrey in Utah’s south-central desert, Capitol Reef National Park was the third stop on our unforgettable Southwest road trip, after Zion and Bryce Canyon and before Arches and Canyonlands. Capitol Reef is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors and is one of the least visited of the Utah Mighty 5. But, that only adds to its …

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North America United States Utah

Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail Guide: How to Hike Escalante’s Stunning Desert Waterfall (Utah)

Lower Calf Creek Falls is one of the most stunning (and surprising!) hikes in southern Utah.  Tucked away in the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail leads you through desert canyons and sandy stretches to a breathtaking 126-foot waterfall cascading into a turquoise pool—a rare sight in the desert. We completed the Lower Calf Creek Falls …

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the hoodoos turning bright orange and red at sunrise at Sunset Point in Bryce Canyon National Park
National Parks North America United States Utah

How to Spend One Day in Bryce Canyon National Park

Only have one day in Bryce Canyon? Don’t worry—you can still soak in some of the park’s best views, hike among its famous hoodoos, and experience that magical Bryce sunrise (yes, it’s worth the early morning wake-up call!). After three incredible days in Zion National Park, my boyfriend, Tim, and I made our way to Bryce Canyon, the next stop …

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Sara posing on top of a rock at Watchman Overlook with Zion Canyon in the background on the Watchman Trail in Zion
National Parks North America United States Utah

3-Day Zion Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide to Utah’s Most Iconic National Park

Planning a trip to Zion and feeling overwhelmed by all the options? You’re not alone! With so many bucket-list hikes, scenic overlooks, and unique experiences to choose from—not to mention a shuttle system that takes a little getting used to—figuring out how to make the most of your time here can feel like a lot, especially if it’s your first …

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Florida North America United States

How to Celebrate Turning 30 in Deerfield Beach, Florida

With COVID-19 still looming and almost a year of stalled travel plans, my boyfriend, Tim, and I made the somewhat risky decision to join my brother, Don, and his fiancé, Kristina, on their trip to Deerfield Beach, Florida for Don’s 30th birthday. *P.S. this post contains some affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we may earn a small …

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Illinois North America United States

How to Spend Two Spontaneous Days in Chicago, Illinois

Candace and I met in late 2016 at a personal development course – back when we were both still living in Houston, Texas. We became closer friends as we did several other programs together, and one of these brought us to Chicago, Illinois in mid-2017. We decided to take advantage of the situation, since neither of us had been before, …

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