Adventure Trips – Trips To Discover

Top 12 Northern Lights Hotels in Norway

K.C. Dermody — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 13:00:31 +0000

Seeing the aurora borealis, the spectacular display that occurs when solar particles enter our planet’s atmosphere and emit burning gases upon impact that produce various colored lights, was on my bucket list for years. Having visited many countries in the far north during my travels, I’ve been lucky to see the northern lights many times now, and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. The further north you go and the more solar activity there is, the better, which is why visiting Norway, especially the most northern destinations, will significantly increase your chances of witnessing this breathtaking natural phenomenon. These hotels can all provide the perfect base for your getaway and the opportunity to watch without leaving the property itself.

13 Best Pumpkin Patches in California

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 13:15:22 +0000

Growing up in Northern California, one of my favorite months of the year was October, as that meant making a fun day out of going to a pumpkin patch to pick out the best pumpkins for carving Jack o’ Lanterns. That tradition continued with my own kids, where we’d have fun searching for places with all sorts of activities like farm animals to pet, hay rides, and corn mazes, in addition to great pumpkins and the chance to take advantage of great photo ops. If you’re looking for one of the best pumpkin patches in California to score your own, you’ll want to head to one of these.

15 Best Off-The-Beaten-Path Vacation Destinations in the U.S.

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 13:00:48 +0000

While they’re certainly worthy of a visit, places like Yellowstone National Park, Los Angeles, and New York City are often jam-packed with tourists. For those who want to avoid the masses, fortunately, there are still plenty of hidden gems that manage to fly beneath the radar. As the type of traveler who almost always prefers going off-the-beaten path, I’ve scoped out many of them over the years. For your next trip, consider an escape to one of my favorite destinations, from lesser-known national parks to small towns with an interesting history and a wealth of outdoor adventure nearby.

6 Iconic Fall Activities & Where to Enjoy Them

K.C. Dermody — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 13:00:46 +0000

Fall has always been my favorite season. The cooler temperatures and the beautiful changing of the leaves, along with the many fun activities it’s known for make it especially enjoyable. Having lived in quite a few different areas of the country and visiting many more, I’ve been able to enjoy the delights of fall in multiple cities and small towns from California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Rockies to the Midwest, New England, and beyond. The result is this list featuring some of the best pumpkin patches, apple orchards, leaf-peeping spots, haunted houses, corn mazes, and apple cideries across the nation.

Iconic Activities

Pumpkin Patches
Corn Mazes
Apple Picking
Fall Foliage
Cider Tasting
Haunted Houses

14 Best Fall Festivals in the United States

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 13:30:17 +0000

It’s almost that time of year, my favorite season, offering everything from fall activities like apple picking to visiting pumpkin patches and corn mazes, while the air is fresh and crisp and the scent of cinnamon and cloves is practically everywhere. There are also many fall festivals held across the country that are worth planning on visiting around or perhaps just enjoying as a day trip close to home. These are some of the best you’ll find across the country, from the foggy California coast to New England with its breathtaking autumn foliage.

14 Best Places to Visit in September

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 06:51:13 +0000

September has long been one of my favorite months to travel. With the heat of summer starting to cool and tourist crowds thinning, it’s an optimal month for visiting many destinations around the world. While I’d avoid most Caribbean islands, which have one of the highest risks for tropical storms and hurricanes this time of year, there are countless others to consider. These destinations offer something for everyone as some of the best places to visit in September.

Top 12 National Parks Near Las Vegas

Alyssa Ochs — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 13:00:00 +0000

I recently got back from a girls’ weekend getaway trip to Las Vegas that was filled with the quintessential pool parties, nightclubs, and wandering around The Strip with a drink in hand at all times. It was lots of fun, but deep down, I’m an outdoorsy traveler who couldn’t wait to get back to my passions of hiking and spending time out in nature. Next time I head to Vegas (for my own sanity and budget!), I plan to incorporate a bit more balance into my trip by doing a side trip to a nearby park!

Here are the best national parks near Las Vegas that you might be interested in checking out too on an extended trip. All of these parks are within eight hours’ driving distance of Las Vegas and listed in order of closest to farthest away.

Top 14 Things to Do in Vancouver Island, BC

K.C. Dermody — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 13:00:32 +0000

Living just across the water from Vancouver Island in northern Washington State for many years, I was lucky to be able to visit frequently. It’s a place I never tire of returning to. The largest island in the Pacific east of New Zealand, it lies off the west coast of British Columbia, accessed via ferry or a scenic seaplane flight from the city of Vancouver. Once there, you can experience some of the province’s and the nation’s most stunning natural wonders.

It’s home to the beautiful British Columbia capital city of Victoria and Pacific Rim National Park, which features unspoiled beaches and old-growth coastal rainforests as well as a wide range of wildlife, including bears, bald eagles, bears, seals, and multiple whale species. Look forward to hiking, kayaking, soaking in hot springs, boat tours, and much more.

12 Best Galapagos Islands to Visit

K.C. Dermody — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 13:15:08 +0000

As a wildlife lover, one of my favorite destinations is the Galapagos Islands. There is probably no other place on Earth where you can get up close to over 900-pound tortoises, swim alongside marine iguanas, and saunter through a sea lion herd. The islands strewn across the Pacific some 600 miles from the Ecuadoran mainland are a wildlife paradise. The animals are often delightfully curious and virtually fearless, as humans have rarely posed a threat to any of them, creating experiences of a lifetime.

A wealth of outdoor activities like snorkeling, diving, swimming, and hiking can all be enjoyed, along with pristine white sand beaches. The only question is, with 127 islands, islets, and rocks, 19 of which are large, and four that are inhabited, which do you choose to visit? This guide will help you make the best decision for a trip of a lifetime.

14 Best Hikes in Europe

K.C. Dermody — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 13:00:59 +0000

Europe is a diverse continent with beautiful coastlines and many breathtaking mountainous regions that make it a hiker’s paradise. As an avid hiker who’s visited more than 20 spectacular European countries, I’ve had the opportunity to sample quite a few, from trails that lead to majestic waterfalls in Iceland to coastal walks with awe-inspiring views of unique rock formations in Scotland’s Orkney Islands and a trek with views of Kotor Bay and the magnificent fjords of Montenegro. There are so many great hikes in Europe it can be hard to choose which to tackle, but these are some of the best to put on your list.

14 Best Places for Beach Camping in California

K.C. Dermody — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 13:30:08 +0000

Growing up in California, our family spent many weekends camping. If we weren’t in the mountains, we were at the beach. The state’s coastline stretches for 840 miles, much of it characterized by beaches with golden sands backed by rocky cliffs. Many are known for their tide pools, where one can glimpse all sorts of colorful marine creatures, from starfish to sea anemones, while some are more famous for attracting the rich and famous, with beautiful bodies lined across the sand soaking up the sun. When it comes to camping in California, there are some campgrounds nestled in beachfront forests with sites a bit further back from the ocean, while others may be nestled among the dunes. Whatever type of beach camping you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it among these places, from north to south.

Northern California
Central California
Southern California

Top 14 U.S. National Parks for Wildlife Viewing

K.C. Dermody — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 13:15:47 +0000

There are more than 60 national parks in the U.S. and as a lover of nature and animals, I’ve managed to check many of them off my list, from multiple parks in Alaska to the wetlands of the Everglades. National Parks can provide one of the best opportunities for observing wildlife as they protect both areas of natural beauty and the animals that live there. Far more exciting than seeing creatures at a zoo, there is nothing that can compare to marveling at them as they enjoy the freedom of the wild. From grizzlies in Alaska to dolphins and whales off the California coast, these national parks offer some of the country’s best wildlife experiences.

Top 10 Tours & Excursions in Denali National Park, Alaska

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 13:15:42 +0000

As a lover of nature and wildlife, Alaska is one of my favorite places to be. While this state is massive, by far the largest in the United States at 665,400 square miles, with eight national parks here alone, Denali National Park is one of the most popular. I recently had the opportunity to visit, with its over six million acres featuring North America’s tallest peak, Mount Denali at over 20,000 feet high, and a wide array of wildlife. That includes the “big five” – grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves.

There is a wide range of tours available, many of which depart from the park’s top lodges, like Denali Park Village on the Nenana River, that will bring you to see the wildlife and scenery while enjoying various activities. They’re hosted by Aramark, the national park service, and businesses just outside of the park, with these tours and excursions some of the best you can take in Denali.

Top 14 National Parks to Visit This Summer

K.C. Dermody — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:00:03 +0000

As a lover of our national parks, I’ve spent time in many of them, from Alaska to Florida. Summer can be a great time to enjoy these spectacular protected areas and their wild beauty, but you might want to avoid those subject to extreme heat. This is the perfect season to explore places that may be too cold or too remote to reach in the winter or head to parks that are less visited to avoid crowds. When planning your summer trip, consider one of the fabulous destinations that will immerse you in nature while providing a wide range of possibilities for outdoor adventure.

12 Best Lakes in Oregon

K.C. Dermody — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 13:00:43 +0000

Having been an Oregon resident for quite a few years, I spent lots of time exploring its diverse and spectacular beauty. It includes everything from 360 miles of coastline with wild, driftwood-strewn beaches thrashed by powerful waves to over 100,000 miles of streams and rivers and more than 1,400 named lakes. The state’s sparkling lakes are spread throughout the state and include the deepest in the country. Whether you want to enjoy a getaway that includes freshwater for fishing, swimming, paddling, and more, these Oregon lakes are especially ideal.

*Looking for a lake house rental? Book a lake-view getaway in Oregon.

14 Best Places to Travel in August

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 13:00:40 +0000

In August, most places throughout the northern hemisphere will be enjoying long days with plenty of light for exploring along with warm weather. In the southern hemisphere, it’s winter, which can be ideal for certain destinations. Either way, this is a popular time to make an escape, and you’ll have plenty of great options to consider. From the Land Down Under to the Arctic Circle, consider one of these top spots for your August getaway.

13 Best Places to Surf in Bali

Georgie Darling — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 13:15:29 +0000

Advance warning: once you’ve tried surfing in Bali, there’s a fair to reasonable chance you’ll become a little addicted. This incredible Indonesian island doesn’t hold back when it comes to the good waves, and Bali’s surf spots rightfully deserve their reputation. It’s virtually impossible to spend too long on this island without giving surfing a go once or twice, and you’ll find surf spots to suit beginners through to pros here. Sure, Uluwatu might be home to Bali’s most well-known surfing spots. But the island has a whole host of incredible places just waiting for you and your board to rock up. Read on for all of the best places to surf in Bali!

13 Best Swimming Holes in the U.S. for Summer

K.C. Dermody — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 13:30:39 +0000

While trips to the beach are popular for splashing around in the waves, swimming holes are a fun way to enjoy a refreshing dip, often with spectacular views. Mother Nature has carved out some fabulous spots, with everything from cascading waterfalls that plunge into tranquil pools to creeks with natural waterslides. You’ll find options from Hawaii, California, and Arizona to the Midwest, the South, and the East that are all ideal for planning your trip this summer.

Top 13 Things to Do in the Galapagos Islands

K.C. Dermody — Fri, 26 May 2023 13:00:42 +0000

My first trip to the Galapagos was an unforgettable one with my only regret not being there long enough. To truly experience this remote archipelago 600 miles from mainland Ecuador really requires multiple trips. While sea lions can be seen all year round, there are some animals that can only be spotted in certain months. to witness certain behaviors like the famous dance of the blue-footed booby, you need to be there during the summer.

No matter when you plan to visit the Galapagos, it’s sure to be an epic getaway that’s likely to leave you wanting more as one of the must-see destinations in South America. For the best start, consider putting these top things to do in the Galapagos on your priority list.

12 Best Ice Swimming Destinations Around the World

K.C. Dermody — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 13:15:01 +0000

Ice swimming, sometimes referred to as cold swimming among other monikers, is growing in popularity. You might have watched Chris Hemsworth challenge himself to an icy swim in “Limitless with Chris Hemsworth,” while Elina Mäkinen, a well-known Finnish winter swimmer and international TikTok sensation, has often spoken about the benefits of the activity. She encourages others to “tap into sisu,” a unique Finnish form of courage and resilience, and feel the power of the cold. In an upcoming documentary, “Kylmä” (Into the Cold) she was spotlighted as the first Finn to swim an ice mile in the water below 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

Finland is one of the most popular places for ice swimming, with many taking a dip for the physical and mental health benefits which include a burst of feel-good hormones, enhanced blood circulation, a boosted immune system, and a bigger calorie burn. In fact, some say it might be why the country is frequently ranked among the world’s happiest. If you’d like to try it, Elina has shared some of her favorite spots for ice swimming in her home country, and there are quite a few others to consider as well.