SwimTrek, known for open water swimming trips all over the world, returns to America’s southwest with a tour set in the stunning Salt River Lakes of Arizona. The unique week-long tour package offers lake swims alongside the iconic cliffs and canyons of Arizona’s Tonto National Forrest that offers a different perspective of the beauty–from the …
By Jan Maguire Photos courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs 1. Surf’s Up! Family-friendly thrills abound at Wet ‘n’ Wild Palm Springs, a 16-acre water park where you can surf the FlowRider, careen down waterslides, and cool off with a super soak in Kahuna’s Beach House. If you’re feeling flush, rent a private …
Although San Marcos’ history goes back to when the Spaniards settled in the fertile valley in 1797, the young city has only been incorporated for scarcely 50 years. Known more as a residential community, it is situated surprisingly close to all the action—just 35 miles from downtown San Diego in the northern part of the …
It is probably redundant to say the word “hidden” in describing the idyllic berg of Ojai. The town that is found on a winding road leading inland off the 101, on the outskirts of Ventura, CA is fairly well secreted in general. But, within the citrus-dripping artist community there are bountiful hidden finds awaiting the …
You may not know the Alabama Hills by name, but when you see the distinctive rock formations of the heavily mined hills, you may very well recognize them from hundreds of movies, television shows and commercials—old west and more contemporary. Not far from Death Valley on Highway 395 is small town of Lone Pine, tempting …
By Jan Maguire From ancient Mayan ruins to subterranean limestone caverns ripe for exploration, these are our top picks for sights and experiences in and around Tulum. 1. Discover Ancient Mayan Culture No trip to Tulum is complete without a visit to the Tulum Ruins, one of Mexico’s top archaeological sites. Perched on a …
You won’t have all of this beauty to yourself in spring with Yosemite attracting millions of visitors between April and August. This year, may even break some attendance records with the long-awaited re-opening of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, which officially opens on June 15. The Grove has been closed since July 2015 for …
While camping has been considered one of the more economical ways to travel, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) recently asked campers why they camp, and, surprisingly, the top answers weren’t about money at all. The top responses were reconnecting with nature, getting away from the stress of our lives and spending more time with loved …
Glamping might be a step up from traditional camping, but a new hotel that just opened in Stockholm is my idea of ultra-glamorous “camping.” The multi-storied Downtown Camper could be the ultimate “basecamp” for urban explorers. After all, it’s not every city hotel that hosts complimentary kayaks in the lobby, a resident “Mr. Know-It-All” or a …
Stepping into the voluminous resort lobby brimming over in Hawaiian legend and art is all it takes to realize that Aulani is unlike any other Disney property you have visited. The resort, a perfect marriage of Disney pixie dust and Hawaiian lore, is a haven of beauty and magic for families and couples alike. And, …
Long before there was a Food Network, there was a “food network” in almost any area of the country you can imagine—even in largely urban areas that aren’t lined with lush groves and farmer’s fields. South Carolina has a “Sweet Tea Trail,” Oregon has its “Cheese Trail” and New Mexico has its “Green Chile Cheeseburger …
1. Tour Mitchell Caverns California’s equivalent to the Carlsbad Caverns has been closed to the public for nearly seven years. In November, the Mitchell Caverns re-opened for public tours. As the only limestone caves in the California State Park system (and only one of two you can enter), the natural attraction offers fascinating stalactite and …