The rain from the previous night continued into the early next morning. It was cold & wet when we awoke, the pitter patter of the water on our tent’s canvas walls singing like a lullaby & begging us to return to our warm sleeping bag. However, this was our last day in Yellowstone National Park, & we wanted to make the most of it.
Our first stop of the day was Mount Washburn. It was a long drive from our campsite, & by the time we reached the trailhead, the rain had stopped. We laced up our hiking boots, shrugged on our jackets, & began the trek up the mountain.
It was a chilly hike up, but the continual upward grade of the trail had us shedding layers after only a few minutes. All the while, we gazed around us at the breathtaking views of forested mountains illuminated by the warm glow of the early morning sun. As we walked, we heard an elk call through the trees, & we stopped for a few minutes, our breath hanging in front of us, hoping to hear the majestic sound again.
The clouds began to part just as we neared the summit. As we stepped onto the mountain peak, we were gifted with beautiful, clear blue skies & a gorgeous view of the valley below. Surrounding us on all sides were tall mountain peaks & fluffy white clouds. We had just enough time to take a few photos before the dark clouds rolled in again, obscuring our view.
Me at the summit of Mount Washburn
The hike back down the mountain went by faster than the trek up. As we walked, we were met by a group of middle school-aged kids, who we recognized as the group we had crossed paths with just a few days earlier. The same kid from the Fairy Falls hike looked at us, caught sight of Joseph’s Colorado hat, & asked once again,
“Wait, I feel like we asked them that before!” the kid next to him exclaimed.
“She has a Maryland hat!” another kid exclaimed. Joseph & I laughed down the mountain. It was such a simple encounter, but the chances of running into the same kids for a second time, now on the last day of our trip in Yellowstone, felt almost fortuitous.
After we finished our hike, we headed to Tower Fall for lunch. The overlook did not provide much of a view – we could just barely make out the distant falls through the foliage of the trees. Joseph & I gazed at the plummeting water for a moment before we could evade our hunger no longer. We grabbed our food from the car & set up at a nearby picnic table for some much needed sustenance.
Since we had some extra time to spare, we decided to visit the Mammoth Hot Springs. Much of the area is still closed due to flooding, but the area around the springs is thankfully reopened for visitors.
As soon as we arrived, I was grateful we had come. The Mammoth Hot Springs are unlike anything I have ever seen. White & orange rock cascaded down like water, glistening in the sun’s light. We learned the incredible colors of the springs have been created over thousands of years as the hot water from the geothermal springs cooled & deposited calcium carbonate.
Walking around the springs, it felt as if we had traveled somewhere else in the galaxy rather than just another spot in Yellowstone. If I had seen photos of the white & orange landscape with barren trees poking out of the surface, it would not have taken any convincing to make me believe I was looking at Mars or another distant planet in our solar system.
The hike itself is not one I would recommend. We took the Mammoth Terraces & Upper Terrace Loop Trail, & it led us over the service road around the park, which had quite a bit of elevation & no shoulder for us to walk. We were constantly on edge as cars came flying down the hill we were climbing. By the end of the hike, we were hot & tired & had unfortunately seen very little of the actual attraction.
After our hike, we drove back to our campsite to shower & buy some wine. This was our final night in Wyoming, & we wanted to celebrate. We drove back to our spot on Yellowstone Lake from previous day, laid out our towels & relaxed. We ate dinner & drank our wine, watching the sun set & the ducks swim in the serene, still lake. When the sky grew dark, we returned to our campsite to make s’mores.
Just as we were scraping the marshmallows from out sticks with graham crackers & chocolate, the sky opened. Thunder rolled over our heads as rain poured down. We hurriedly doused our fire in water, grabbed our pajamas & dove into our tent. Soaked, laughing & happily eating our gooey, sweet s’mores, we leaned back with satisfied sighs.
Our Yellowstone adventure has come to an end. I have never seen anything like the colorful springs & explosive geysers we saw on this trip. Everywhere we went in the park, there was something new to see, & I was amazed by just how variable the landscape was. From geysers to waterfalls to tall mountains, there was always something new to see & explore.
The trip is not over, but this chapter is finished. Thank you Yellowstone for the adventure. Walking on this ancient land, it felt much like traversing into a different time. Often on our trips, we get to connect with locals & other travelers, & we always deliberately try to learn about where we are visiting & the people that live there. But Yellowstone connected us to something deeper – a rich history & a place where many have stepped on the land before us. Yellowstone was the first National Park to exist, & I can only hope that it will continue to be a special place for people to visit for generations.
The world is growing hotter, & Yellowstone is no exception. Because of the pollution of the world, & the unfortunate deliberate pollution of some visitors, the park’s springs & geysers already look much different than they did before. Species of animals, such as the ptarmigan, have been forced to move because of the hotter temperature. It is not often we are able to directly look at the effects of global warming, but visiting Yellowstone gave us a clear look at what our existence on this planet & the way we have treated it has affected other species & our home.
Making a change now won’t bring back the Yellowstone of 100 years ago. But it can ensure that Yellowstone National Park is still a place our children & grandchildren can one day visit. It can ensure that species of animals will not go extinct & the ecosystems unique to this park continue to thrive.
I am a strong believer that small changes make a big difference. No one person can stop global warming or save our planet, but when many of us incorporate just a few sustainable living practices into our daily lives, it can truly have an impact on a grander scale.
It’s been 150 years since Yellowstone was declared the world’s first national park. Let’s work together to make sure it remains the unique landmark it is for 150 more.
It is rather typical of Joseph & I to plan way too much into our trip itineraries. We often find ourselves waking before the sunrise, hiking & exploring all day, & crashing into our beds (or in this case, sleeping bags) long after the sun has gone down.
Today, we woke up at 5am in the hopes of seeing the sunrise in Hayden Valley. It’s a spot in Yellowstone known for great views of wildlife, & we were eager to visit before the crowds gathered.
We took a little longer than expected to get ready, & we found ourselves racing against the clock to get to Hayden Valley on time. If nothing else, we consented we would still be able to capture some beautiful photos in the early morning light.
On our way, we passed by Yellowstone Lake, & we could not help but stop to take in the view. Separating us from the still, silent water was a picturesque wooden fence. On the other side of the water, silhouettes of dark purple mountains stretched up to the blushing pink sky. We sat for a moment, drinking in the view, & then our jaws dropped in amazement. We had stopped at the perfect time. The sun crested over the mountain peaks, burning so bright we could barely look. It rose into the sky, sending a stream of golden light across the water. Joseph & I watched in awe, no longer concerned about our sunrise views in Hayden Valley. This was the perfect place to be.
When we finally did resume our drive, we found Hayden Valley empty of wildlife, so we continued on to our next stop: the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Me at Artist Point in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
I am probably going to regret writing this, but when I visited the real Grand Canyon, I found it somewhat underwhelming. Perhaps it was because I had been literally running through red, orange & brown canyons for days in the unforgiving summer desert heat, or maybe it was because of where I was in the park (I have learned since visiting that there are better views of the Grand Canyon in certain areas of the park, & I was definitely in one of the less stunning ones), but when I had visited, I was somewhat disappointed by the big hole in the ground. I am not sure what I was expecting – something more grand? But all this aside, I was lowering my expectations as we arrived at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, sure that this view would disappoint when compared to the national treasure it was named for.
So, when I did step up to Artist Point, I audibly gasped in awe. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is stunning. Bathed in the yellow early morning light, the canyon has an ethereal quality that made it feel like something not of this world. In the distance, a large, rushing waterfall gushed into the valley below, forming a winding river that surged through the valley below. Lush green trees grew along the rocks, filling the yellow & white valley with spots of green.
We hiked to Point Sublime, all the while gazing out at the arresting views of the valley beside us. Sublime Point, in my opinion, was not the best view (Artist Point, which is just an easy, quick walk from the parking lot, was more stunning), but the views all along the hike made the trek worth it.
All during the trip, we have seen geysers & hot springs. However, West Thumb had these natural marvels right on the edge of a lake! It felt strange to see this two very different elements collide. Standing on the boardwalk, we had steam rising from hot geysers to our left & a chill breeze coming off the choppy blue water to our right.
After exploring, we sat at a picnic table nearby to eat our lunch. As we ate, we talked about what to do with the rest of our day as we came face to face with an unprecedented event in our many travels together – a free afternoon.
We thought of finding another hike to do, but we had already explored much of the park, & everything else we still wanted to do we had planned for following day. And so, with no plans & nowhere to go, we stopped by the general store to pick up some s’mores fixings for later & then headed for the lake.
The black pebble beach was nearly empty. We tied up our ENO hammocks & gazed out at the rippling water surrounded by tall pine trees & dark blue mountains. We dozed as we swayed, a gentle breeze caressing us. When we grew cold, we laid out on the hot black beach warmed by the sun & watched the ducks swim.
After a few hours of relaxation, we headed back to our campsite to eat dinner. Not long after, storm clouds rolled in, so we escaped to the safety of our tent. Joseph pulled out a deck of UNO! cards, & we stayed up, laughing & having way too much fun playing such a simple game. When we grew tired, we laid back in our sleeping bags & listened to the patter of rain our tent.
Days like today normally don’t happen when Joseph & I are traveling. There is normally so much packed into our itinerary, we don’t even have a moment to think about relaxing. And we enjoy it that way – there is always something new to do or a new place to explore. But today was a rare treat that we both enjoyed, & it reminded us of something even more beautiful – it is not the adventure that makes our travels special, but the time spent in one another’s company.
It’s day four of our Wyoming & Montana road trip, & I can already tell it is going to go by way too fast. After one full day spent in Grand Teton National Park, it is already time to move on & begin exploring Yellowstone.
It was a rough night’s sleep in the campground. I have been spoiled with a bed for far too long & had forgotten just how uncomfortable sleeping on the ground is. The cool mountain air that had seemed refreshing at first was much less so at 2:00 in the morning. I tossed & turned all night, waking multiple times every hour, to the point that I was eager to get up & get moving in the early morning rather than continue to try to sleep.
Joseph & I packed up our campsite together & began the hour-and-a-half-long drive to Old Faithful. As we entered Yellowstone National Park, the steam from the hot springs billowed onto the roads & clouded our vision. We followed the cars in front of us into a dense fog that obscured almost everything from view. Slowly & carefully, we made our way through the quiet park to our destination.
Old Faithful is a rather built up area of the park, complete with restaurants, grocery & souvenir shops, & a large, cabin-style lodge. We checked the geyser predictions first, & since we had about an hour until Old Faithful was planned to erupt, we decided to explore the shops. Upon entering the first building, we were immediately grateful for our decision – a cafe with a number of breakfast options &, more importantly, fresh espresso greeted us inside. Joseph ordered mini cinnamon buns & an americano, & I ordered a hot latte that spread through my cold limbs & filled me with a delightful warmth.
As the geyser prediction time approached, Joseph & I returned outside to find the now fully risen sun had warmed the landscape considerably. We sat with the other visitors, eagerly awaiting the famous geyser’s show.
After nearly 20 minutes of waiting, the steam coming from the risen mound of earth began to intensify. Water spurted up from the geyser hole, at first only jumping a few feet in the air, & then leaping high above our heads. The steam followed & floated high into the sky, sharing with distant onlookers the spectacle taking place.
It ended quicker than expected, & soon the geyser was quiet once again, steam rising innocently from its opening. From all around us, members of the audience clapped. We all stood & began to gather our belongings, eager to explore more.
Me at the Morning Glory Pool
From Old Faithful, Joseph & I walked around the Upper Geyser Basin. Every few steps brought another surprising creation of nature. Steam rose from all around us, the barren landscape resembling something of prehistoric times. We walked past pools of boiling water, ranging in color from bright yellow to grassy green to a beautiful, clear cyan. Our favorite was the Morning Glory Pool, which was the farthest away but definitely worth the wait. The brilliant colors of brown, yellow, green & blue faded into one another like a rainbow. Looking closely, we could see where the pool narrowed & disappeared into the earth below.
Yellowstone is the world’s first national park, & it is known for its unique hydrothermal and geologic features. According to the National Park Service website, “Yellowstone has the most active, diverse, and intact collections of combined geothermal features with over 10,000 hydrothermal sites and half the world’s active geysers.”
After our walk around the Upper Geyser Basin, we stopped at the Visitors’ Center to talk with a park ranger. Due to recent flooding, parts of Yellowstone National Park have been closed, & we wanted to make sure our itinerary was still possible. The ranger was increidbly knowledgeable & helped us adjust our plans & decide where to visit in the park during our short stay. We had intended on visiting the Mammoth Hot Springs & Lamar Valley, but with so much of those areas still closed, we rearranged our days & gave ourselves more time at the other places we wanted to visit.
Our next stop was Biscuit Basin, which was filled with even more geysers & colorful springs. After that, we headed to Fairy Falls. The hike was short & flat, so we decided to add a quick turnoff to overlook the Grand Prismatic Spring. It was a sharp change in elevation, & we were breathing heavy by the time we reached the top. But the view was more than worth it. The Morning Glory Pool we had seen earlier paled in comparison to this.
The Grand Prismatic Spring
The Grand Prismatic Spring was huge – measuring at approximately 370 feet, it is bigger than a football field & is the largest hot spring in Yellowstone. Its vibrant colors shown through the hot steam that billowed off of the water & into the air above. Surrounded by eager onlookers, we all gazed in awe at this wonder of nature.
On our way down from the overlook, we were met with a large group of what looked to be middle school-aged kids. They took a great interest to us & especially Joseph’s Colorado baseball cap.
“Are you from Colorado?” one of the kids called out.
“Nope,” Joseph called back.
“Oh.” The kids began to talk amongst themselves about this strange turn of events, & Joseph & I laughed all the way back down the hill.
There was not much to see for the rest of the hike on our way to the falls. The trail changed from a wide, dusty path to a thin gravel surrounded by tall pine trees. We chatted while we walked, taking note of the small chipmunks that scuttled around our feet & constantly on the lookout for larger wildlife.
When we arrived at Fairy Falls, Joseph & I were both taken aback by their beauty. Wispy water cascaded down the rock to a cool pool below, sending a mist over the nearest onlookers gathered on the rocks at its base. We sat together, drinking in the view & enjoying the rewarding rest before beginning the hike back our car.
Me taking photos at Fairy Falls
It was already getting late, but we had one last stop planned for our day. We hopped in our car & headed to Norris Geyser to hike the Porcelain Basin Trail. The geysers & springs were similar to those we saw on the Upper Geyser Trail & at Biscuit Basin, & yet we still marveled at the view. Neither of us had ever seen anything like them before. Yellowstone truly is a unique place that is worth visiting, whether you enjoy hiking, lying near a lake with a good book, or riding horses through the wilderness. Every section of the park is unique – in our first day alone we saw so many different things, & I can’t wait to see what other views it has to offer.
The drive to our campground was nearly two hours. We passed the time listening to music & talking. On the way, we were brought to a halt by stopped cars in front of us, only to realize there was a bison walking right beside the road! Lumbering along, he paid no mind to the cars passing by.
He, however, was not the greatest surprise the day held. Upon entering our campground, we saw a sign for showers! We had not expected to be able to shower until we reached Glacier National Park, as this had not been a promised amenity in our Yellowstone campground, & we were thrilled at the idea of getting clean after a long two days of hiking. We peeled into the parking lot, grabbed our toiletries, rented fluffy white towels, & rushed into the gloriously hot showers.
Feeling refreshed & sudsy clean, we checked into our campground. We set up our tent & made freeze dried meals for dinner – spicy sausage pasta for Joseph & grilled chicken & mushroom wild rice pilaf for me. I was unexpectedly pleased once again by how tasty the meal was, & soon we were seated by our campfire, feeling relaxed & satisfied.
As the sky grew darker, Joseph encouraged me to stay awake to see the night sky with him. We walked aorund the quiet campground, gazing up at the sky in wonder. Every inch of the black landscape was cluttered with stars twinkling down at us. I had not seen stars like this since our trip to Colorado two years ago, & I had forgotten just how incredible they are.
The night was getting late, though, & we had another long day ahead of us. Knowing that we would have the chance to stargaze again soon, we headed back to our campsite & retired to bed.
It was another long day of traveling, & yet, I can’t believe there are only two more days left in Yellowstone before we drive up to Glacier National Park. I am trying to commit every moment of this trip to memory, knowing it will be over before I know it & we will be back on the plane to Maryland. But the finite nature of moments in life is what make them sweet, & I feel truly grateful to be out west again, exploring new places & savoring each & every moment.
When planning our trip to Wyoming & Montana, I honestly thought the Grand Tetons would be the most underwhelming part. Of course, they are “grand,” but I thought Yellowstone & Glacier would easily steal the show. However, our day spent in Grand Teton National Park had some of the most stunning views & amazing hikes I have ever been on.
We wanted to get an early start to our day, so we woke up before dawn in our Airbnb, took what would probably be our last real shower for days, & started the drive to Mormon Row.
The drive took longer than expected, & we unfortunately arrived far too late to take the sunrise photos we wanted. Still, the view was spectacular, & we managed to get a few romantic shots of the iconic barn in front of the row of snow-specked Teton mountains. The view was truly breathtaking. The mountains stretched high, the rocky fortress at the top looming down at us. The land below was quiet – it felt like a sacred space where the view of the mountains should be without any form of distraction.
Our next stop was Kelly, WY, an incorporated town not far from Mormon Row. The population is less than 200, & the town only consists of two businesses – a post office & a cafe. Unfortunately for us, the cafe did not open until noon, so our rumbling tummies had to wait to eat breakfast. We wound our car through the windy roods that led into Grand Teton National Park, eager for our first hike of the day. As we drove, we gazed at the magnificent Teton Mountains while listening to music, the windows rolled down & cool morning air blowing back our hair.
“I can’t think of a more chill moment than right now,” Joseph said as we listened to “Come & Get Your Love” by Redbone at full volume, singing along to the words & letting the moment sink in. We were finally back in the mountains.
Our first stop in Grand Teton National Park was Jenny Lake. We stopped by the camp store for coffee & a breakfast sandwich for Joseph. I ate some fruit & a protein bar we had bought from the grocery store. We packed our lunch at the car & then suited up with our Nathan Hydration Packs & headed to the trails.
The hike around Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls is one of the most beautiful I have ever done. Normally, on a hike, you are hiking through rather mundane scenery to get to the spectacular promised view. But on this hike, there was something to marvel at every step of the way. With the mountains on one side & the serene blue lake on the other, we were constantly turning our heads to gaze out at the view. Along the way, an orange fox ran across the trail only a few yards in front of us, & countless chipmunks & squirrels scurried around our feet.
Hidden Falls was a crowded spot. The majority of visitors had taken the boat across Jenny Lake & then did the short 1/2-mile hike up to the falls. Still, the waterfall was stunning. Cool, clear water cascaded down the rocks to a rushing river that cut through the landscape. Joseph & I stayed a few minutes to watch before finally trekking down towards the ferry.
We had decided to take the boat back to the mainland rather than hike all the way back the way we came. I think I would always like to take a boat back after my hike after today’s experience. The worst part of a hike is always the walk back after seeing the spectacular view, but today, the hike was over within minutes after over an hour of walking to get to our destination, & the trip back to the start was nothing but relaxing. We sat back, feeling the wind & spray from the water on our faces, & we drank in the view of the Tetons from our incredible vantage point.
We ate our lunch in the park, gazing up at the mountains, & then we went to talk to a park ranger at the Visitors’ Center. We had already completed our itinerary for the day & there were still hours left to explore the park. The kind ranger recommended a hike & scenic spot to visit, so we hopped in our car & drove to Jackson Lake.
It was a short, figure-eight shaped hike, but the views were spectacular. The multi-colored pebble beach led to serene, still waters that reflected the mountains like a mirror. On the hike, we were met by a family of birds that ran right up to our feet looking for food.
The afternoon went by faster than expected, & soon we had arrived at our campsite. We put up our tent together & then made our first freeze-dried meals of the trip. I am happy to report that it actually tasted really good! For our first meal, we had Creole-Style Chicken, & it was spicy & full of flavor.
We had a bit of a sweet tooth after our meal, so despite the dark clouds rolling in, we drove to the park’s general store to pick up some dessert. We went back to our campsite to get ready for bed, & we ducked inside our tent for the night just as the rain was beginning to fall. It wasn’t the quintessential night of camping we had wanted, with a crackling fire & star gazing. But lying in our tent, listening to the rain patter on our tent’s canvas walls, I couldn’t think of a more perfect night. It had been a full day of adventuring, & we were both exhausted. Like a lullaby, the rain lulled us into a much-needed night’s rest.
After a long day of traveling, there is nothing better than a good night’s rest. Joseph & I slept in, appreciating the feeling of sleeping in a comfortable bed. Starting tomorrow & for much of the trip, we will be camping, & there will be very little separating us from the ground beneath.
We left our Airbnb around noon, stomachs grumbling. Our only plan for the day was to visit Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a quaint town right on the edge of Grand Teton National Park. The 45-minute drive to the town led us winding around the sides of mountains with incredible views of the valleys below.
Jackson Hole is an adorable town filled with old western charm. The buildings all have a log cabin feel, & many of the shops carry hiking gear, comfy socks & authentic leather cowboy boots. The park in the center of town square has large archways at each of the corners made from what look to be moose antlers (whether they are real or not, neither Joseph nor I could determine). And despite the busy streets, there is a horse-drawn carriage riding through all day, offering rides for a small fee.
The first objective when arriving at Jackson Hole was coffee & food. We settled on Cowboy Coffee Co. for the amazing reviews, & because it would satisfy both of our cravings in one trip. Joseph ordered a hot americano & a chicken sandwich. I ordered a basil pesto & mozzarella panini & a cold almond milk latte.
Jackson Hole, WY
The coffee was amazing. Smooth with just a enough bitterness to give you the kick we needed, it was the perfect pick-me-up for our lazy day. And the sandwiches were quite literally the best I have ever had. The perfect crunch of the bread sunk into the gooey mozzarella cheese & a burst of flavor from fresh tomato & roasted red bell pepper, followed by a mellow earthiness from the basil pesto to round out the bite.
After our brunch, Joseph & I decided to explore. We perused the shops to buy souvenirs for loved ones & items we still needed for our trip. I had intentionally planned this lazy day into our itinerary for two reasons – one, we would need the rest after a long day of travel (something I had learned after many trips where I had neglected to plan such a lazy day), & two, we needed time to buy groceries & gear for our many days of camping. We bought freeze-dried meals (something I have never tried & am still nervous about at this moment) & a JetBoil stove to cook them. I also bought some new hiking socks, remembering my one pair from our previous trip was looking rather worn.
After dipping into too many shops that our wallets had no business being inside of, we finally decided it was time for dinner. We always try to taste some local flavors on our trips, so we settled on eating at Liberty Burger to try what was voted one of the best bison burgers in the area. Neither Joseph nor I had every tried bison meat before, & I was actually shocked by how much I liked it. Most of the time, I eat pescatarian or plant-based, but I try to step outside of my comfort zone when we travel. For my conscious palate, Liberty Burger did please me with their promise of cooking only sustainable burgers. Joseph ordered the South of the Burger bison burger & skinny fries. I ordered a Crunch Salad served with a bison burger patty, & I was pleasantly surprised by how satisfied I was from the meal. The greens were fresh, topped with juicy green apples, tart cranberries, sweet nuts, & crunchy homemade croutons. The bison meat was subtly sweet, a difference I noticed immediately from beef, & it actually paired beautifully with the fresh greens & tangy balsamic vinaigrette.
A storm was rolling in after dinner, but we couldn’t resist staying in town a bit longer to treat ourselves to some nationally famous ice cream. Moo’s Gourmet Ice Cream is a renowned ice cream shop, known for its local Wild Huckleberry flavor. Joseph ordered a large waffle cone with a scoop each of Belgian Chocolate & Vanilla. I ordered a bowl with a scoop each of Wild Huckleberry & Chocolate Cabernet.
I cannot remember the last time I ate so much ice cream. Halfway through the first extra-large, ice cream-parlor sized scoop, I realized my stomach was in trouble after just eating such a large meal. But it was simply too good to sacrifice a single bite. We licked the edges of our treats like kids & savored the thick & creamy delicacy that melted on our tongue. The Wild Huckleberry ice cream was divine – sweet & tart, the flavor was reminiscent of a tangy mixed berry cobbler with vanilla ice cream scooped on top. The Chocolate Cabernet flavor was the perfect compliment – the rich, luscious chocolate paired beautifully with a subtle cabernet flavor that was reminiscent of cherries but somehow still captured the dry taste of red wine.
After our ice cream, we made a quick stop by the grocery store to pick up some food for breakfast, lunch & snacks, & then we headed back to our Airbnb. We tried to go to bed early, knowing we had a full day ahead of us, but still, we found ourselves lying awake, both from having such a relaxed day & from excitement for the activities we planned for tomorrow. Today had been a true vacation, but tomorrow, the real adventure would begin.
When people ask why Joseph & I decided to drop everything & fly out to Bozeman, MT for an 12-day road trip, there are many different responses I have used to explain. The first & most practical – we had flight credits that were going to expire this September, so we had to go somewhere. The most exciting – Joseph offically graduated from Messiah University as a Clinical Mental Health Therapist last week, & we wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate. One of my personal favorites – we are going to commemorate our one-year wedding anniversary. But the truth is, we just couldn’t resist – it had been too long since we had breathed in the fresh mountain air, & we simply couldn’t survive any longer without going out west.
It was an early start to our day of flying. My alarm went off at 1:30am, far earlier than I am accustomed to waking. I dragged myself out of bed, slipped on my running clothes, and went for a very humid jog in the early morning Maryland air. How was it already 75 degrees? The whole run, I kept thinking about how wonderful it would feel to run without humidity in a few days.
Joseph’s good friend, Matthew, picked us up to go to the airport. We drove through the empty streets to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Joseph & Matthew talking in the front seat, me relaxing in the back of the car. When we arrived, we grabbed our luggage, thanked Matthew for driving us, & officially began our adventure.
Our first challenge came from our luggage. When we were packing, we thought only about keeping our luggage under the weight requirement for Southwest to fly free. What we didn’t think about was how heavy 50 pounds actually is, especially when your bags don’t have wheels to roll them. Panting and sweating from the exertion, we trekked the 30 feet into the airport. Luckily, the bags were dropped off quickly, security went smoothly, & soon we were excitedly seated on our plane, waiting to take off into the sky.
During the first flight, we tried & failed to get some rest after what had already seemed like a long morning of traveling. We arrived at Dallas Love Field Airport bleary-eyed & hungry. We ordered some coffee from Starbucks & then went on the hunt for food, finally settling on sandwiches from Jason’s Deli. We then walked through the airport, trying to find something to occupy our time for the four-and-a-half hours we had to wait for our next flight.
Our second went by faster than the first. We talked with fellow passenger, Joe, who was traveling to Yellowstone National Park with his family. Joe is an accountant who homeschools his three children, & we enjoyed talking to him about he & his family balance homeschooling with their careers, travel & relationships outside the family.
When we arrived at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, it was clear from the moment we stepped off the plane that we were in Montana. The airport was full of rustic wood & tall windows that gave a beautiful view of the mountain range that surrounded us.
We picked up our rental vehicle & then drove to Chipotle for some much-needed sustenance. On our way out of Bozeman, we stopped by a Safeway to buy champagne to celebrate. We also picked up our Montana Starbucks mug.
On all of our travels, Joseph & I have a list of things we must accomplish in order to earn our souvenir, a Been There Series Starbucks mug. We must walk a main street, hike in a national park, visit a tourist attraction, & eat or drink something local. Normally, we wait until we have completed all of these tasks before picking up our mug, but there has been such a shortage of Starbucks mugs lately that we wanted to make sure to snag our souvenir the moment we saw it, trusting my thoughtfully planned itinerary that we would still check off all that we had to do before the trip was over.
Our final destination for the day was our Airbnb in Driggs, ID, which is only a short distance from the Wyoming state line. On this trip, we will start at the Grand Teton National Park, & then work our way north, hiking in Yellowstone National Park & finishing in Glacier National Park. It’s going to be full of hiking, but today, we were just happy to drink in the sights of Big Sky Country on our drive. The setting sun cast a warm glow on the tall mountains covered in dark green pine & fir trees. We wound up the sides of mountains & drove past fields of cattle & horses. All the while, we listened to music & made silly jokes to keep ourselves awake. By now, we had been awake nearly 24 hours after only three hours of sleep, & the exhaustion was kicking in.
For our Airbnb, we chose a quaint, German-style inn. Our host, Nancy, greeted us at the door & showed us our room. With thick quilts & old paintings & photos of the surrounding areas, the Airbnb has a homey feel, much like visiting grandmother’s house. Joseph poured two glasses of champagne in the disposable water cups at the sink, & we toasted the beginning of our latest adventure & the many, many reasons we have to celebrate this month.
I don’t know yet what this adventure will bring, but after a year since being out west, getting married to the love of my life, & road tripping across the country, I am as grateful & excited as always to be traveling with Joseph by my side.
I can’t believe how fast 2022 is flying by. And in all that busyness, I can’t thank all of you enough for your support of my blog. Time is precious & there are many writers out there, so I am honored that you have chosen to spend some of your cherished reading time with me.
To reflect back on these past six months, I wanted to share my top 10 blog posts so far this year, ranked by popularity. Take a stroll with me down memory lane, maybe read one you missed, and leave me a comment below on which blog post has been your favorite!
1. 5 Positive Affirmations for a Joyful Winter
As is common for most Januarys, we were all inspired to take charge of our health. 5 Positive Affirmations for a Joyful Winter was my most popular blog post this year! These affirmations were designed to help with mental health during those dark winter months, but they are perfect for anyone looking for peace of mind anytime of the year. You can read the full blog post & download the free printable affirmations here.
2. 22 Healthy Habits to Make 2022 Your Best Year
Did you read this blog post back in January? Did you adopt any of the healthy habits? Let me know! And in the meantime, go check out this blog post to see how well you are doing in your health journey this year, & to help you get back on track in any areas you may be struggling.
This was such a fun trip! My mom & I went on a girl’s trip to Assateague Island, which, despite living in Maryland my entire life, I had never been to! You can read about our adventures & get ideas for your next trip here.
4. Pittsburgh Weekend Trip: Mental Health, Music & the Monongahela Incline
Joseph surprised me for my birthday with tickets to go see Imagine Dragons in Pittsburgh! It was a bucket list goal of mine & a dream come true. And, of course, we made a weekend trip of it. You can read about our adventures & get ideas to plan your next trip to this historic city here.
5. 10 Helpful Tips for Dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Winter may be long gone, but feelings of sadness can still creep in anytime of the year. If you find that you are struggling, give this blog post a read for 10 tips that may help you improve your mental health.
6. 7 Simple Productivity Tips for Busy People
Do you struggle with staying motivated, procrastination or finishing tasks? Maybe you’re feeling burnt out from a busy work schedule or overwhelmed with out-of-work responsibilities. Here are 7 simple tips to help increase your productivity, so you can spend your free time doing the things you actually want to do.
7. North Carolina Weekend Trip: Hiking, Zip Lining & Delicious BBQ
9. 9 Travel Tips for Budget-Friendly Trips in the US
At number nine, we have nine budget-friendly travel tips. If you have a vacation coming up this summer, or if you think you can’t afford a vacation this year, these tips will help you save money & make the most out of your future trips.
10. Sustainability & Health: What’s the Connection?
Every year since we began dating, I have gifted Joseph an experience for his birthday. I try to always give him a tangible gift as well, but I feel gifting him something that he loves or has always wanted to do, & especially something we can do together, is good for our relationship & more unique than the average birthday gift that fits inside a cardboard box.
The first birthday was only two days after we started dating. I fretted over what to get him. What do you get someone you have only been dating for two days? We weren’t even “official” yet. I didn’t want him to think I ignored his birthday, but I also didn’t want to get something over-the-top & scare him away. I settled for a $10 Dunkin‘ gift card because our first date was at a Dunkin’. He loved it, & we spent our next date getting coffee once again & driving around in his car. It happened to be that date that I fell in love with him, so I’m still pretty proud of that birthday gift, despite its small size.
For Joseph’s next birthday, we were in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I gifted him a five senses gift, which included something fun for each of his senses: A candle for scent, a sweet treat for taste, a soft blanket for touch, a book for sight, & a playlist for hear. The playlist included a song for every month we had been dating, & we spent the evening driving around in his car once again, listening to the music.
The following year, the COVID-19 pandemic had lessened its hold on our lives, & we were finally able to go out again. This time, I gifted him concert tickets to his favorite band, The Avett Brothers. We spent a night in Philadelphia & made a little trip out of the event. After that, I didn’t know how I would top my last gift. Seeing The Avett Brothers had been a bucket list item for Joseph, which meant the next gift would have to be quite good to even measure up to the last.
When we had planned our trip to Delaware last year, I had noticed that there was a zip lining place close to where we were visiting. Neither of us had ever been zip lining & both wanted to go, so I excitedly researched the spot. Disappointed, I realized that the place had already been booked up for the dates we were visiting. I made a mental note to remember this place, & should we have a chance to return to Delaware, I would make reservations for us.
As Joseph’s birthday neared, I remembered this & found the website of the zip lining place once again. The dates were available, but the thought occurred to me that if this was going to be the best birthday gift yet, it would have to be more than your average zip lining course. I researched some of the best places to zip line in the United States, & I found one in North Carolina that looked promising. As we are also trying to visit all 50 states together, I decided to make it a weekend getaway, including hiking, visiting a main street, & eating a local restaurant (the other requirements we must cross off in order to officially say we “visited” a state).
On Friday, April 29, Joseph’s birthday, we got in the car together & drove the eight hours to North Carolina. At the time of planning, I hadn’t really considered just how long eight hours in the car really is. In the past, Joseph & I divided up the states together in lists that said how long of trips to each one would have to be to make it worth it: a day trip, weekend trip, week-long road trips, & states we have to fly to. North Carolina was on our Day Trip list, so I had thought it would be a quick trip. I realized now that we may have been a little ambitious when making that list. I was beginning to worry that spending just one full day in North Carolina would not be enough time, & that my birthday gift would be a flop.
Despite the length of the car ride, Joseph & I had a good time driving down. We listened to music & the podcast Stuff You Should Know. We talked about our plans for the weekend, the shows we have been bingeing together, & events in the coming months. Around five hours into the drive, we stopped at Mt. Airy, North Carolina for a bite to eat & to walk the main street.
Mt. Airy is one of my favorite main streets that we have been to. The buildings were all different colors, & different artwork, including murals, statues made of brick, & painted instruments, lined the streets. Mt. Airy is where The Andy Griffith Show was filmed, & although we arrived too late to visit the museum, we still got our fill of memorabilia & souvenirs on display. My favorite was the old squad car parked on the street that had a photo of The Andy Griffith Show characters in the windshield.
We stopped for dinner at Mi Casa on Main, a Mexican & Californian cuisine restaurant on the main street. The ambience was an interesting mix of Mexican & American, with candy skull painted skeleton figurines & early 2000s music playing on the radio. We started with chips & homemade salsa to share. Then, for dinner, I ordered the taco salad with shrimp & Joseph ordered the BBQ Pulled Pork Primo Tacos. To say the food was delicious would be an understatement. The portions were huge & we had more than enough food. Everything had the perfect level of spice, building a slow burn in the back of our throats as we ate. The taco salad was piled so high with ingredients, I could barely mix in the dressing. Topped with black beans, grilled corn, fresh tomatoes, shredded cheese, crispy tortilla chips, & a creamy salsa dressing, every bite was bursting with a fresh blend of flavors. Joseph’s tacos did not disappoint either. The BBQ was the perfect, North Carolina BBQ you would hope to get in a Mt. Airy restaurant, nestled into a tortilla with a creamy coleslaw, friend onion strings, & sweet & hot candied jalapeños. I don’t think I could dream up a more iconic yet inventive blend of American & Mexican flavors.
When Joseph went to the restroom, I secretly told the waitress that it was his birthday, & near the end of our meal, she brought out freshly fried churros covered in cinnamon sugar & drizzled with a raspberry sauce that soaked into the hot dough. It was the perfect blend of sweet & sour, & we ate it with gusto.
After dinner, we returned to the car to drive the remaining three hours to our Airbnb. I had reserved us a spot in the Bearwallow Highlands mountain range. It was a windy drive up in the dark, but we made it safely to our cabin-style Airbnb. Exhausted from the long day, we dropped our things, toasted to Joseph’s birthday with a glass of wine, & climbed into bed.
The next day, we got an early start, wanting to beat the heat & get in as much hiking as we could before our zip lining reservations at 2:00. We got in the car & headed to Chimney Rock State Park. As we drove up the windy, mountain road, I could just make out the American flag perched at the top of Chimney Rock. It was so much higher than I thought it would be! Chimney rock, I learned, has an elevation of over 2,000 feet! The hike from the Four Seasons Trail, however, was only 1,000 feet of elevation, which was still a rather strenuous hike. For the first half mile, we had a slow incline, but the last half mile consisted solely of stairs that seemed like they would never stop going up. Legs burning & panting, we climbed slowly up the face of the rock.
It was a glorious moment when we finally stepped out onto level ground & found we were over 2,000 feet up in the air, looking down at the lush, tree-filled valley & the windy, blue water of Lake Lure. The wind whipped the American flag above our heads, & it was at this moment that I took a step back & realized just how beautiful our country is. I never knew that North Carolina had mountain ranges like this. Whenever I thought about the state, the image of sandy beaches came to mind. But this state, like so many others we have visited, is nuanced in all of the best ways, & it has some truly stunning views, if you’re willing to do a little hiking to get there.
We still had some time to spare, so we decided to pull our tired legs up another 200 feet to Exclamation Point. Once we got there, we still had another 25 minutes left to hike out, so we hiked & ran just over a mile to the top of Hickory Nut Falls, a waterfall that drops an impressive 404 feet! The rushing water & cool breeze greeted us, & we spent a few minutes enjoying the serenity before jogging back to Exclamation Point & beginning our descent back to the parking lot.
We had just enough time when we finished our hike to grab a quick bite to eat before our zip lining trip. We left Chimney Rock & found that the park is situated directly next to a main street that we had somehow overlooked on our way in. Chimney Rock Village is a quaint street filled with local shops & restaurants. We decided to visit Broad River Inn, which features a restaurant that serves rustic pizzas, artisan sandwiches, & more!
To start, we ordered the Chef’s Bruschetta to share. As someone who comes from an Italian family, I have had my share of bruschetta, so when I say that this was the best version of the dish that I have ever had, I don’t take that phrase lightly. The tomatoes were chopped finely & mixed with fresh red onion & feta, piled high on thick, artisan bread that had been slathered in olive oil & toasted, topped with a large basil leaf & drizzled with a tangy but sweet balsamic glaze. I nearly ordered another plate to have it all to myself.
Our lunch was just as impressive. I ordered the Salad of the Day, which was a bed of greens topped with sliced pear, candied walnuts, blue cheese, & a balsamic vinaigrette. Every bite was a new medley of delicious flavors. Joseph ordered the BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, which was laden with North Carolina BBQ sauce, topped with a tangy, homemade coleslaw, & served alongside homemade potato chips. Satisfied from our meal, we walked down to the street to get coffees from Coffee on the Rocks & then headed to Canopy Ridge Farm for zip lining.
At this point, I was starting to get nervous. My lunch, which had settled so nicely in my stomach before, was now bubbling angrily with anticipation. I have a fear of heights, & the idea of hanging precariously so high in the sky was beginning to terrify me. When we arrived at the adventure park, we were walked through the safety measures & put in our harnesses. Together, we rode in a jeep up a tall hill to the first platform.
I shifted uneasily as we received our instructions, & I watched the others go before me. As each member of our group took off, I felt the anxiety build. When it was finally my turn, I stepped up shakily.
One of the guides connected my harness to the zip line. He could tell I was nervous, & joked about how it had been revealed that I had been the one to book us this trip.
“It was for his birthday,” I laughed. “I didn’t really think about the fact that I would have to do it, too.” I looked out at the zip line, & was surprised to not see much of a drop. With a deep breath, I took a step off of the platform, leaned back into my harness, & flew off into the treetops.
The ground quickly disappeared beneath me, dropping 100 feet down. I screamed with excitement. I loved the feeling of the wind blowing through my hair as I raced down the line. I felt like I was flying, & it was exhilarating.
All too soon, the ride ended, & I waited eagerly for my next turn. The tour consisted of six zip lines in total, some of which we had to hike to. Our guides were funny & entertaining, & throughout the course, they give us different challenges to complete. Twisting & turning down the lines, falling back into trust falls off of the platforms, & learning to flip upside down as we soared were just a few of the tricks we learned. The tour ended far too quickly. By the end, I was already talking about when & where I would want to go zip lining next.
We finished earlier than expected, so once we were out of our harnesses, Joseph & I shared some Dippin’ Dots from the store & then made an impromptu drive to Asheville. The streets were busy & packed with people. It was a beautiful night, perfect for walking the city streets & getting a bite to eat at a rooftop bar. Joseph & I got onto a waitlist for a restaurant & then perused the shops while we waited. We popped into one traveling trunk show where a henna artist was doing tattoos, & we each got a bear paw on our left arms (a tattoo we have been wanting to get for a while).
When our table was ready, we headed back up the street to Strada Italiano. We sat at the bar in the sister restaurant, Social Lounge, which was decorated to look like a speakeasy. Despite the busyness of the restaurant, our bartender was attentive & entertaining. To start, we ordered the Arancini & a drink each: The Botanical Bliss for me (a blend of Ketel One grapefruit & rose vodka, peach syrup made in house, fresh lemon, & prosecco) & the Plums & Roses Old Fashioned for Joseph (plum-infused Four Roses bourbon blended with homemade basil stem syrup & Peychaud’s & Angostura bitters). The drinks were perfectly mixed & went down far too easy. The Arancini was served in a sherry tomato cream sauce with pecorino romano & a balsamic reduction. The balls themselves were fried to perfection – when we cut inside, steam rose from the delicious blend of creamy mozzarella cheese & soft risotto.
For dinner, Joseph ordered a Meat Toppings Pizza with spicy & sweet sausage, & I have to say, as much as I don’t enjoy meat pizzas (I like vegetables better), it was one of the best pizzas I have ever tasted. The crust was crunchy on the outside & soft in the center, the sauce was balanced to not be too acidic (as so many tomato sauces can be), & the meat & cheese blended beautifully in every bite. I ordered the Salmon del Giardino, a grilled salmon served on top of a bed of arugula, topped with bruschetta & preserved lemon & scallions, & served with a delicious, creamy risotto del giorno. For the first time ever, Joseph took a bite of my food & said he liked what I had ordered more than he liked his own dish. The salmon was cooked so perfectly it tasted buttery. The risotto was soft & dense, & the tomatoes & arugula gave a refreshing pop in every bite. I was full halfway through, but the dish was too good not to finish.
We went for a relaxed walk through the streets lit up by streetlights before finally returning to our car & driving back to our Airbnb. At this point, we had been active for almost 12 full hours, & we were exhausted.
The following morning, we woke up early, eager to get in a little activity before our long drive home. We packed up our belongings & headed to the Bearwallow Mountain Trail, which was only a few minutes away from our Airbnb. The trail led us through the forest & up the mountainside to a field where cows grazed. It was there that we saw the most amazing view from our trip. Impossible to capture on camera, it was one of those breathtaking views you have to drink in, knowing you’ll never get to see it again. A haze hung low & had settled just above the miles & miles of forested mountains that rolled into the distance. The wind whipped at our clothes, chilling us to the bone as we stared out at the picturesque view. It was the perfect way to end our brief but packed trip to North Carolina.
Standing there with Joseph, I smiled to myself. At this moment, I knew I had succeeded in giving him the best birthday gift yet. The fact that I had succeeded in not just topping the prior year’s gift, but that I had shown him just how loved he is, made me the happiest I had been all weekend.
I just don’t know how I am going to top this gift next year.
When my mom & I were invited weeks ago to a weekend getaway at Assateague Island National Seashore, it sounded like the perfect excuse for a girls weekend. Last Friday, we packed our bags, met up in Annapolis for lunch, & then drove the remaining few hours together to our quaint Airbnb just 30 minutes away from the beach.
My mom & I have always been close. I know that is something I am blessed with. There are so many mothers & daughters I know who do not get along, but my mom is someone I have always been able to come to in good times & in bad, who I enjoy sharing a bottle of wine with & watching our favorite Netflix shows. Since starting my career, getting married, & officially moving two hours north, we don’t get to spend much time alone together anymore. This weekend was the perfect opportunity to reconnect & just relax together.
When we first arrived, my mom was eager to see the beach. Neither of us had ever been to Assateague before, & we both wanted to see the wild horses. So, we changed our clothes, put on our flip flops (despite the fact that Assateague is still rather chilly in April), went to Starbucks for a much-needed caffeine boost, & then headed to the shore. We dipped our feet in the cool & soft sand & gazed out at the ocean from a distance. The wind was so strong & the waves were crashing so loud that we could barely hold a conversation over the din. Despite this, the beach was serene.
It is surprising to me that Assateague is only a short drive away from Ocean City, which is always busy, overly-commercialized, & full of material beach flair. Assateague, however, looks almost untouched. The beach is not combed, & there are no shops or restaurants for miles. Even with it being the “off season,” the beach was less busy than I had imagined it to be.
My mom enjoying the beach at the Assateague Island National Seashore
We didn’t see any horses, so once we had our fill of watching the waves, we headed to the Full Moon Saloon for dinner. We split a half rack of ribs as an appetizer & then a perfectly grilled & succulent tuna with freshly steamed green beans for dinner. For dessert, we ordered a slice of bumbleberry pie, simply because I was so enamored by the name. For those who do not know, bumbleberry pie is a pie served cold that has at least three different kinds of berries – this one had blueberries, blackberries & raspberries. Served in a flaky, buttery crust, this pie was so dense with berries it seemed impossible that it held itself together. It was refreshingly sweet, making it the perfect end to a delicious, comforting meal.
All the while, my mom & I chatted. Despite talking regularly on the phone & visiting almost once a month, it seemed we had so much to catch up on! There was never a break in the conversation. From family to jobs to hobbies to plans for the future, there was so much to share & discuss.
After dinner, we headed back to our Airbnb, where we opened a bag of popcorn & watched WandaVision. I had seen it months ago, but my mom had never watched it. I knew with her love of old TV shows like I Love Lucy it would be a big hit. We watched two episodes, at which time neither of us could keep our eyes open any longer, & we retired to bed.
The reason we had been initially invited on this weekend getaway was to attend a pollinator event run by the Maryland Conservation Corps at Assateague. A childhood friend of mine had helped create the event, & her mom had invited us all to attend. Saturday morning, my mom & I got ready & headed back to the state park to check out all the excitement.
Multiple tents had been set up with displays that included activities & information for different sustainability efforts. At the first tent, we watched two small owls (one of which startled my mom, who believed the owls were stuffed animals), a horseshoe crab & a box turtle. At the next tent, we were able to get seeds to plant our summer gardens, & at the next, we had the opportunity to paint bluebird houses. Aimee, my childhood friend, was helping at a table where participants were planting new flowers & grasses in a field. We caught up briefly, talking to Aimee more about the event & what she has been up to recently. Then, we met up with Aimee’s mom, Tammy; her cousin, Caroline; & a family friend, Cheryl, who had come on the trip as well. They invited us to come back to their Airbnb in Ocean City that afternoon for charcuterie & wine, which we excitedly accepted.
We tried first to go to the national park with Tammy’s borrowed park pass, but we couldn’t get in. Disappointed, we turned around to return her pass. As we drove, we caught site of one lazy pony on the side of the road, & we both ogled at it, eager to see more. However, this was the only pony we saw on our way in & out of the park.
For lunch, we headed to downtown Berlin, a small town filled with shops & local restaurants. Here, farther from the water, the day was warm & sunny, & we were able to shed our many layers & walk around in sunglasses. We perused the shops, chatting casually. We stopped for lunch at Blacksmith, a gastropub that serves delicious farm-to-table meals, & then we got coffees at a cleverly named shop, On What Grounds?
After a few hours of perusing, we headed back to our Airbnb to change for dinner & then went to spend time with our friends. We sat on their balcony, eating charcuterie & sipping Moscato, catching up on everyone’s lives. When it was time to go to dinner, we carpooled in two cars to OC Wasabi, a Japanese restaurant that serves delicious sushi. Aimee & her roommate, Jess, as well as another childhood friend, Gabby, joined us for dinner.
What was most surprising to me was that the majority of people sitting around the table I had not seen in years or I had never met. However, we fell in place like old friends do & spent the entire night talking about our lives since we had last seen each other. Aimee & Jess intern for the National Parks Service & live just a few minutes away from the Assateague Island National Seashore. Jess is working on a novel, & the two of them recently went to Comic-Con together dressed as characters from Star Wars. Caroline is going to school, & she is currently working at Starbucks with what sounds to be a great group of friends & her boyfriend. Tammy & her husband are in retirement, & she shared with us about what she & her husband have been up to as well as their two sons. Cheryl works with preschoolers & is soon leaving for a vacation for her eldest son’s college graduation in Montana & then to go on a Disney Cruise to Alaska. Gabby is about to graduate & then go on to medical school to work with the deaf community.
I did not want the evening to end. It was so much fun to catch up with everyone & hear the stories from their lives. We said our goodbyes in the chilly parking lot & then headed to our own Airbnbs. My mom & I were both exhausted from the activity-filled day, but we still couldn’t help staying up late in the living room, still bursting with things to talk about. It wasn’t until nearly midnight that we both collapsed in our beds, exhausted.
The following morning, mom & I headed to the Assteague Island National Seashore in search of horses. This time, we decided to pay the $25 visitor fee & go hiking. As soon as we arrived, we saw two horses playing together, & as we approached, we noticed three more standing not too far away. Tourists had gathered to watch, & we, too, joined the crowd, smiles stretched across our faces. The horses were elegant, with long mains of hair & shiny coats. Despite being wild, they looked well groomed. We had been warned by signs to stay at least 40 feet away from the horses, so we kept our distance, watching in awe.
We traversed the Dune Trail next, which, despite being less than a mile, was challenging because of the shifty, sandy terrain. With every step, our feet dug into the sand, slowing our gait. Today was much warmer than the days prior, & the sun beat down on our skin. By the end, I was desperate to change out of my planned attire for another chilly day at the beach & into shorts & a tank.
Wild horses enjoying the sunshine at the Assateague Island National Seashore
We didn’t see any horses on the first trail, so we headed next to the Marsh Trail, which led us onto a pier over shallow water & wet grass. Here, we saw four more horses, one of which was just a foal! She was so tired, she spent the entire time lying next to her mother in the grass, & her mother grazed lazily beside her.
It was the perfect way to end the trip. We had finally seen the horses we had come to see, but more importantly, we had finally had the chance to spend a weekend away together, & it was everything we had hoped for. Unlike the wild horses that live in herds, we, as humans, often split up chasing our own dreams & passions. But every once in a while, it’s nice to come together once again, reliving old memories, sharing new stories, & making new memories to be cherished.
Trip map created with Wanderlog, the best trip planner app on iOS and Android
In 2020, my husband, Joseph, & I made the pact that we would visit all 50 states in the United States together. We still have long to go, but since our first road trip to Colorado up to now planning trips to North Carolina, Montana, Wyoming, Vermont & New York for this year, we have learned a lot about how see the most of these amazing & diverse states without breaking the bank.
If you have the same daunting goal as we do, or if you are just planning a trip for this upcoming summer, read on for my top nine travel tips that will give you a budget-friendly trip that is fun & full of adventures.
Whenever I start planning a trip, the first thing I do is search online for the best places to go & things to do in that state. You can find so many great ideas online, sometimes including full itineraries! I always cross reference these to other sources to make sure I am getting everything I want on my personal itinerary. However, if you find one you like online, there is no harm in following it! This is especially convenient for places you are not familiar with, or if you are not conformable making your own itinerary.
As a side note, I recommend staying away from the official tourist sites & instead reading blogs of fellow travelers. Tourist sites sometimes recommend places that make them the most money or places that have paid for advertisement, rather than the best spots. Travel bloggers (like myself) can also recommend secret hidden spots they stumbled across, places they heard about from locals, & other unique spots to eat, rest, etc. that you wouldn’t normally find on a tourist website.
Based on the information I find online, I next head to Google maps to plan out my itinerary. I have my top destination points, & based on where those are, I add other items based on what’s nearby or what is close to our road trip route.
2. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone
This tip goes along with the last one, but it’s important enough to get its own spot on my list. When you are picking activities for your trip, don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone. Often when planning budget-friendly trips, it’s easy to just pick a few things that you are familiar with & then base the trip around those activities. But we have all been to the beach a million times, & while it’s fun, I find it much more interesting & rewarding to try new things that are unique to each place we visit.
When Joseph & I plan a trip, we have four categories of activities we have to complete in order to say that we really visited the state & can cross it off our list. First, we have to hike at a national park (this is our favorite activity, & if we didn’t have this list, it is probably the only thing we would do). This is a wonderful opportunity to really see & experience the place you are visiting. Plus, it’s a great way to stretch your legs & get in some fresh air after a long flight or car ride.
Second, we have to walk a main street. This is a great way to get a feel for the culture of the place you are visiting & an opportunity to talk to locals to find out what they like to do & where they like to go if you have some extra time in your itinerary.
Third, we have to eat at a local restaurant. This usually goes along with our main street visit, & we will often ask locals where they love to eat. We try to find something that is also a local cuisine (i.e. Mexican food in San Diego, or pretzels & cheesesteaks in Philadelphia) so we can get a real taste for where we are staying.
Last, we have to do a tourist attraction. This is always our least favorite & most expensive part of our trip, but sometimes we end up having a great time. It’s a fun way to experience the place we are visiting, & a great way to find out what unique activities each place we visit has to offer.
3. Always add a time buffer into your itinerary for each activity
When planning activities, always account for an extra hour than the time actually needed. When I am planning my itinerary, I always search online for the average amount of time it takes to complete each activity. How long does it take to explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or how long does it take to drive from San Diego to the Redwood National Forest, or even how long does it take to hike Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park? Once I have my average answer, I always add an hour on top it. This gives time for us to relax, take photos, & enjoy conversation, & it keeps us from worrying about what is coming next & whether or not we will be on time.
I have learned this one from experience. I used to plan my itineraries based exactly on the average time, & then I was stressed any time we spent too long on the top of a mountain enjoying the view or we got stuck in traffic. But these things are part of the adventure! Allot for extra time in your itinerary, & if you find you have too much time on your hands, you can always slip enjoying a cup of coffee at a local cafe.
4. Be flexible about your flight times
The view out my window during my flight to Arizona
Now that you know what you are doing on your trip, it’s time to decide when you will be going. If you can, be flexible about the actual dates you are traveling. This will allow you to find the cheapest flights within the time frame you wish to take your trip.
Whether or not you can be flexible with the dates, my next recommendation is to be flexible with the flight times. I personally recommend booking an early flight out & a late flight back. Early morning & late evening flights are often the cheapest, & flying in early allows you to get an early start to your trip (you can always take a nap when you arrive at your destination or even on the plane), & leaving late allows you to get the most out of your vacation. As long as you don’t have anything planned for the day after your trip, you will have plenty of time to rest & recover.
Airbnbs are a great alternative to traditional lodging. They range in cost, but you can almost always find a more affordable option than a hotel room. And, you have the opportunity to stay somewhere that gives a local cultural feel, or somewhere that is super unique! Do you want to stay in a log cabin in the mountains, a camper in the forest, or even a treehouse – Airbnb has a unique stay just for you!
When choosing your Airbnb, make sure you click the Superhost option. Superhosts are verified by Airbnb & have tons of reviews to be excellent hosts, which means a much less stressful vacation. It’s no fun getting to your Airbnb late at night, only to find that it is not what you were expecting.
Now that you know when you are going & where you are staying, the next step for many trips is to rent a vehicle for transportation. Despite the prevalence of Uber & Lyft, we have found that renting a car is still often more cost effective, especially for trips that involve lots of traveling (which ours often do).
When choosing a rental car company, I highly recommend going with a larger, more reputable company, rather than a smaller company that seems cheaper. Many smaller rental companies have hidden fees that add up fast. When you rent the car, call first to speak with a representative & ask up front if there will be any surprise fees & what they may be. For most larger companies, there will be minimal if any fees, but asking ahead of time gives you the advantage of knowing what to expect & the opportunity to compare companies to find what’s best for you.
Also, do not let the rental company talk you into buying rental insurance for your vehicle. Check your car insurance plan to be sure, but most people have car insurance that covers damage to a rental vehicle. This is one of the unnecessary costs of renting a car that you do not have to be tricked by.
No matter where you are visiting, the locals have to get there food somehow, & it’s not all from restaurants. Getting food from a grocery store is an underrated way to fuel while you travel. It’s cheaper than anything you will find in a restaurant, & you can even get local fruits, cheeses or meats or try local food brands.
For most of our trips, Joseph & I bring a small cooler that we can fold up into our suitcase for easy portability. We stop at gas stations along the way to refill it with ice, & we keep it stocked the whole time with fixings for sandwiches, protein-rich snacks like cheese sticks & hummus, & veggies & fruits for snacking. We try to eat breakfast & lunch from our little cooler while on the road, & then we treat ourselves to a restaurant for dinner. It’s an easy way to save money while on the road, & it saves you time in your itinerary. Eating on the road or even stopping for a picnic is much faster than any rest stop.
This isn’t really a budget-friendly tip, but I thought I would remiss not to share it. If you are going to be hiking in the wilderness, always bring some emergency supplies & more food & water than you think you need. Before you go, give a copy of your itinerary to someone you trust. A lot of national parks do not have wifi service, so it’s a good idea to also bring downloaded maps.
Even if the hike seems simple, accidents happen, so it’s good to always be prepared & have someone else know where you are in case something does happen. Other than rolling my ankle, I have never been injured on a hike, but I have been lost plenty of times, & the extra food & water really made a difference in keeping my energy up & getting me back home safely.
9. Pick a fun souvenir that you can find almost anywhere
It’s always fun to bring home a memento from your travels. But, if you have ever gone shopping for souvenirs, you know how over-priced they can be. When you’re in the moment, you may be more apt to buy multiple souvenirs on your trip, & before you know it, you can spend your entire budget on these items. And let’s be honest, did you really need another T-shirt?
Think of a type of souvenir that you love & that can be found almost anywhere, & then collect only that. It could be a magnet, coffee mug, shot glass, baseball cap, book, snow globe, keychain, or so much more! When you walk into a souvenir shop, resist buying the first thing that catches your eye. Instead, look for the special item that you are collecting. It’s a guaranteed way to make sure you save money on your trip, & you will start to have a very cool collection of special memories on your bookshelf at home.
Joseph & I personally collect the Starbucks Been There… series mugs. There is a unique mug for every place, & we love looking at the designs on the mug & pointing out the places we went to & things we saw. I also have been personally collecting snow globes since I was a little girl, & I often pick up one of these, if I think I can keep it safe for the entire plane ride home.
Most importantly, enjoy your trip & travel safe!
If you want to share your favorite travel tips with me, or share about your latest adventure, leave me a comment below!
