National parks of Canada: Jasper National Park, Alberta

Parks Canada calls Jasper National Park the 'gentle giant of the Canadian Rockies', but it seems pretty mighty to us. A gateway for outdoor adventure in all seasons, Jasper is known for backcountry backpacking and skiing, but also plays host to a number of family friendly destinations of the less extreme variety. Here's what to do in Jasper National Park with kids: Start at visitor's … [Read more...]

Tips for Rocky Mountain National Park with kids

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the United States’ premier family destinations, a jewel in the national park crown. In the summertime, the weather is beautiful, the scenery spectacular, and the opportunity to interact with nature unparalleled. Here are some things to know to help you make the most out of visiting with your kids. Tips for Rocky Mountain National Park with kids: West side … [Read more...]

Jamestown Settlement and Colonial National Historical Park

While visiting Colonial Williamsburg with kids, definitely budget half a day to visit Jamestown. Learning about this first viable settlement of Virginia rounds out the historical understanding of the area (the residents of Jamestown later migrated 10 miles to settle Williamsburg). Jamestown is divided into two sections: the Historic Jamestowne Colonial National Historical Park is the National … [Read more...]

Two days in Joshua Tree National Park and Indian Cove Campground with Kids

Joshua Tree National Park is a gem! With a higher elevation than our other favorite desert camping location, Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree offers a desert experience with more vegetation, wildflowers, and of course, Joshua Tree’s fabled rock climbing boulders. You don’t have to be rock climbers to enjoy it, though you’ll see plenty of that ilk. Our kids absolutely loved the freedom of … [Read more...]

The way to see Grand Teton National Park with kids: OARS Jackson Lake 2-Day Trip

When I knew my family and I would be spending time in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Grand Teton National Park, I immediately looked for an OARS trip to take in the area. After our five-day Rogue River rafting trip with OARS, it was the easy choice. OARS is just that good at what they do. I’ve already talked about what sets OARS apart. In a nutshell, the guides are professionals but also become … [Read more...]

Four days in the Canadian Rockies: Jasper and Banff National Park road trip

It's very hard to plan a trip to the Canadian Rockies. Why? No matter how ambitious your itinerary, there's always one more place to visit just a few kilometers down the road. But if you do have to scale your trip to under one week, here's how to spend four days in and around Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway, during a Jasper and Banff National Park road trip. Start in Jasper: The small … [Read more...]

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Zion National Park in winter

Before I visited Zion National Park in winter, I pictured the famed slot canyons and rock formations of the park buried in snow, with park amenities shuttered for the season and the adjacent town of Springdale hard to access on wintery roads. I could not have been more wrong. Thanks to it's low elevation and Southern Utah location near St. George, Zion National Park in winter is completely … [Read more...]

Bryce Canyon National Park in winter

If you’ve been to Bryce Canyon in summer, you know this national park is incredibly scenic, and also incredibly crowded. Even the ‘shoulder’ seasons of late spring and early fall are becoming congested with tourists. But come in the heart of winter, and you’ll have this playground of natural wonders to yourself. Things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park in winter: Much of Bryce Canyon stays … [Read more...]

Yosemite National Park travel tips: best tours, hikes, and advice

During a time when many vacations are not possible, outdoor activities in road trip-accessible locations offer the ability to safely social distance. Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite activities and tips for exploring the Yosemite area, so start here as you plan a safe and responsible vacation. Yosemite National Park is one of the crown jewels of the national park system, and for good … [Read more...]

Day hikes in Joshua Tree National Park: Hiking off-trail

During a time when many vacations are not possible, outdoor activities in road trip-accessible locations offer the ability to safely social distance. Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite activities and tips for exploring the outdoors near Joshua Tree, so start here as you plan a safe and responsible vacation. I love a guiding company that doesn’t ‘dumb down’ experiences for guests. Joshua Tree … [Read more...]