Travel

Book Review: “Choose Adventure: Safe Travels in a Dangerous Place” by Greg Ellifritz

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Premise: Initially living a sedentary life in the United States, Greg Ellifritz got the travel bug late in life and couldn’t get enough of it. When he isn’t working in law enforcement or teaching self-defense skills, he’s racking up new globe-trotting experiences. His first book, Choose Adventure, details all the travel safety tips and tricks he picked up along the way. 411: Choose Adventure begins by pointing out its target audience. Ellifritz quotes a fellow traveler friend at the beginning, “If I was going to write this book, it would only have one page. In fact, it would only have one sentence … ‘Don’t do stupid stuff.’” This is completely true, but Ellifritz realizes that there can be a number of intricacies along the way. Maybe you’ve been to Mexico a couple times and want to expand your horizons. Or you’ve lived overseas your entire life, but want to see …

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See Some of the World’s Oldest Trees at Great Basin

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Visiting Great Basin National Park in eastern Nevada is like teleporting from the arid desert to the high alpine in a matter of minutes. After a six-hour drive along Highway 50, dubbed “the loneliest road in America,” I cruised through the tiny town of Baker, then found myself transported into a lush pine forest. Beautiful Scenic Drive to Great Basin National Park I took a sharp right onto Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive and parked among the bright marigold-colored balsamroot blooms near Upper Lehman Creek Campground. A brisk wind occasionally tussled my hair as I packed up my things to hike. It was going to be a long day. Not five minutes after I started on the trail, I passed a ranger doing maintenance work. “You going up?” he hollered. “Not all the way,” I replied, “Just hiking to the bristlecones.” “That’s like 5.5 miles each way!” he said. “I know! It’s gonna be …

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The 6 Best Hikes in Oahu – Natural Beauty

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Steeped in natural beauty and incredible history, Oahu is one of the best places in Hawaii to go hiking. Check out our top six recommendations for the best hikes in Oahu to get you out exploring. Oahu is the most visited island in Hawaii, and one of its claims to fame is its amazing hiking trails. The landscapes, flora, and fauna are unique on every hike, and there’s no shortage of beautiful views, historic landmarks, and fun activities. Plus, history buffs will find Oahu really interesting for its extensive WWII history, some of which you’ll encounter on the trails. Koko Head Crater Trail Photo credit: Remi Yuan via Unsplash Located in Koko Head District Park, this hike was the only trail that came recommended on nearly every single Oahu hiking guide. So it tops our list too. This trail will definitely put your fitness to the test, with a 1,048-“stair” climb to the …

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Road Trip – My Lifelong Addiction

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Last spring I decided I had to see the Great Plains again, so I took a road trip and drove the 1,500 miles out there from New Jersey. Actually, it was more like 3,000 miles, as I ricocheted along an indirect route, from the famous Natural Bridge in Virginia, a beautiful, high stone arch, created by erosion, that Thomas Jefferson once owned, to the Tina Turner Museum, in Tennessee, which is in the one-room schoolhouse she attended as a girl, to a museum in New Madrid, Missouri, devoted to the earthquake that caused the Mississippi River to run backward in 1812. I took a break to visit friends in Little Rock, Arkansas. Then I cut across into Oklahoma and continued on to Kansas; I pictured myself as a tiny icon moving on a map. Mountains In Colorado, I decided to follow a two-lane road stretching to the western horizon beyond a …

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Our Favorite Camping Near Cedar Rapids

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This article about Camping near Cedar Rapids, Iowa is brought to you by Wenzel. Their pop-up shelter will keep you comfortable no matter where you decide to camp. These campgrounds near Cedar Rapids, Iowa have it all – from gorgeous caves to prairies to lakes. Choose between modern or primitive campgrounds at the same location, or go deep into Iowa wilderness for dispersed camping. Furthermore, most of these parks have lakes and boat rentals, and a few have amenities on site. Climb the Devil’s Backbone near Strawberry Point, descend into the breathtaking Dancehall Cave at Maquoketa State Park, or lazily drift around Lake Macbride. Both native and restored prairies are a fascinating snapshot of Iowa’s ecological history, and you can learn about them at F.W. Kent Park, right off the interstate near I-80. So then, with no further ado, here’s our favorite camping near Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Our Top 4 …

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South Carolina’s Congaree National Park

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Located in South Carolina, just a half-hour’s drive from the capital city of Columbia, Congaree National Park preserves the largest remaining old-growth bottomland forest in North America. Congaree isn’t exactly a swamp, because most of the time no standing water covers the floor. However, the Congaree River floods the area about 10 times per year. This lesser-known and uncrowded park combines the watery environment of the Everglades with the towering old-growth forests of the West. It’s a small 41 square miles, but you can’t explore it by driving. Hiking and canoeing are the only ways to immerse yourself in the primeval forest. Congaree National Park Located Near Columbia, SC Starting from the visitor center, the flat, easy 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop Trail is the obvious introduction to the park. The first section is elevated as much as 6 feet. While the second section rests directly on the forest floor, offering a …

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Luxury RV Resorts Across the Country

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Even if you’re normally into boondocking or extended stays at barebones RV parks, you may enjoy taking it up a notch at one of these luxury RV resorts. Why rough it when you can have all the amenities usually only associated with five-star hotels like golf courses, spas, private beach access, concierge services, and a jam-packed social activities calendar. These luxury RV resorts feature immaculately landscaped sites, often with panoramic views of the mountains, desert, or oceanside landscapes. All are privately-owned resorts and have both rental and owning options. Although rates are all a bit pricey, they’re often less than the average hotel room in the area, and with all the included amenities, can actually be a fantastic deal. 1. Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort The sprawling 50-acre resort on South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island is one of the most luxurious resorts in the country. It’s just a short bike …

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Hike To The Secluded Cibecue Falls

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  Located on the eastern edge of the Tonto National Forest is the spectacular Cibecue Falls. The hike brings visitors to a waterfall situated in a charming desert canyon along Cibecue Creek, a small river that eventually feeds into the larger Salt River. When To Hike Cibecue Falls Late spring, summer, and early fall are best for hiking Cibecue Falls. Although situated in a desert environment, much of the hike is shaded by brush and canyon walls, so warmer weather is the best time to visit. The hike also presents plenty of opportunities to swim along the way. Although the hike provides plenty of shade and river to wade in, bring more than enough water. This is always an essential tip to follow, but especially important when hiking in a desert environment. Getting to Cibecue Falls From Phoenix, simply hop on the US-60 East. Stay on this road for a …

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Scout Campers: A Backpack for Your Truck

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The new Scout Campers line is all about versatility, value, and outdoor adventure. These new slide-in truck campers start at under $20,000 and are designed like a backpack. Every system and feature is multipurpose, removable, and the simplest-quality form possible. Scout Campers are all about remote self-supported vehicle adventure. They’re lightweight units with components designed to be robust and usable both in and out of the camper. Sure, we all love the shelter of a comfy camper, especially when the weather sets in or a swarm of mosquitoes descends on camp. Until that time, it’s usually better to enjoy the great outdoors. Scout Campers Adventure Manufacturing is based in Yakima, WA, and has over 50 years of truck camper building experience. This same facility and dealer network will create, sell, and service Scout Campers. The main feature that sets these new Scout Campers apart from the wide range of other truck …

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Northern California’s Rugged Lost Coast Trail

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When most of us picture California, we think of Hollywood movie stars, desert landscapes, Yosemite, sunny beaches, and amusement parks. Seldom visited, California’s mountainous north coast provides a stark contrast to everything else you may know about the state including the Lost Coast Trail. There are towering sea cliffs, rough hills, and tranquil beaches that are hemmed by vast redwood forests, miles of wilderness, and frequent fog. Furthermore, it is populated mainly by sea lions and hauntingly remote, you’d be hard-pressed to find movie stars or even road access along much of the rugged northern coastline. Hiking The Lost Coast Trail At 56 miles long, the Lost Coast Trail provides you with a thru-hike straight to the heart of California’s north coast. Whether you want to power through in three days or roam for a week, pack your bags and get ready to experience California in a new way. The …

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The 7 Best Road Trip Essentials

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There’s nothing more exciting and liberating than taking to the open road with a packed cooler, good music, and the thrill of a new destination to explore. A road trip is the perfect break from your usual life, when things are feeling a little too routine. It’s also a super cost-effective way to travel and enjoy the most amazing natural wonders in the U.S. No matter where you’re headed, these road trip essentials will keep you safe, connected, and well-prepared on the road. Road Trip Essentials for Families Paper Maps/Phone Screen Shots The most memorable and adventurous road trips tend to involve a little bit of remote road travel. You can’t (and shouldn’t) assume you’ll always have a strong cell phone signal while visiting National Parks, campgrounds, or public lands. And the more you stray from the beaten path, the more crucial it is to be prepared. We recommend traveling …

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Solo Sleeping Shelter – What is the Best Option?

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Whether you’re heading out alone for a simple overnight getaway or embarking on an extended, minimalist-style adventure, choosing the right type of sleeping shelter is a major consideration. Besides weight and volume, the utility also plays into deciding what type of gear to bring along. The choices are straight forward and offer a good range of options to consider: Sleeping Bags – Sleeping Shelter Presuming you aren’t going to curl up in the fetal position and burrow into a pile of leaves, the most basic sleeping arrangement is a sleeping bag laid out under the stars, on top of the ground cloth.  Sheltered under a tarp is a smart adaptation of this method. Besides the comforts one wants in a bag, it’s also important to consider how well the outer shell resists moisture in the form of dew or rain. Some bags are designed with a pocket or fasteners for …

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Motocamping: What to Know and Where to Start

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First of all, you may be asking what is “Motocamping?” Motorcycle camping combines two all-American pastimes. The freedom of the open road can be daunting and uncertain, but exhilarating all the same. So then, if you are ready to channel your Easy Rider and hit the open road, check out these tips to help your motocamping trip run as smoothly and safely as possible. Get the Gear: Figuring Out Your Camping Style When you’re traveling and living out of your motorcycle, you need the right gear. Light, compact gear alleviates any hassle or headache from lack of space. The gear you’ll need depends entirely on the adventure goals you have. For example, are you a rock climber? A hiker? Do you love the simplicity of just cruising all day and camping each night in a new spot? Simply, decide what you’ll need based on your dream itinerary. Furthermore, if you …

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East Coast Getaway – The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

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Hit I-95 this summer and explore some of the spectacular natural and historical attractions that the East Coast has to offer. We have rounded up the best attractions, highlights, and campgrounds from Maine to Florida to get the most out of your East Coast Getaway road trip. East Coast Getaway – Maine First, no camping road trip to Maine is complete without a stay at Acadia National Park. Home to some of the most stunning granite cliffs, lush forest hiking trails and tranquil New England beaches in the country. Furthermore, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from across the 47,000-acre recreation area. So then, the Blackwoods Campground down at Otter Creek is a short drive from charming Bar Harbor, which offers historical walking tours and cruises. The campground is shadowed by Cadillac Mountain, which you can climb for an unforgettable panoramic view of the bay. Although smaller than some …

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Your Guide to Planning a Perfect Florida Road Trip

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A road trip in the Sunshine State sounds like a slice of heaven. A lot goes into planning a Florida Road Trip, which holds doubly true if you are planning on RVing or camping your way through Florida. Since the state is long and skinny, you can plan your Florida road trip based on the direction you want to go. Drive either north-to-south or vice-versa. This may depend on how you’re initially getting to Florida and how much time you’ll have on the road. Road Trip through the Sunshine State One of the ways to decide on where your route leads you is by considering where the end will be. Have you always dreamed of watching the sun go down on the Gulf of Mexico? Maybe you want to end your road trip at the very tip of Florida, gazing across at Cuba. Either way, you’re in for a memorable trip! …

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Gila National Forest – Enchanted Hidden Gem

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With relatively warm winters, cool summers, and millions of acres of forests, rangelands, and mountains, there is truly something for everyone in the Gila National Forest. Furthermore, Gila’s versatility made an impression on the Mogollon people 800 years ago when they decided to leave their nomadic lifestyle and call the caves of the Gila River home. They moved in, carved out rooms, and lived exclusively in these caves for 20 years. Ultimately, they did move on to other homesteads, but they left behind plenty of evidence of their two-decade habitation in the caves. Then today, this National Forest is a prime destination for those interested in natural history, wildlife, and outdoor activities on land and water. In total, the Gila National Forest encompasses 3.3 million acres of wildland; made up of mesas, rivers, deep canyons, and forest. Here are our tips and suggestions for how to get the most out …

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10 Waterfall Hikes in the U.S. to Start your Summer

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10 Waterfall Hikes in the U.S. to Start your Summer Wanderlust There’s something magical and soothing about watching water pour over a cliff. And what better way to kick off your summer vacation than by spending some time recharging alongside some of the most gorgeous waterfalls in the U.S. Many of these waterfall hikes are easily accessible to all ability levels. However, a few, like Havasu Falls, require an overnight hike, making the waterfall payoff even more special and rewarding. Cumberland Falls, Kentucky Often referred to as The Niagara of the South, Kentucky’s Cumberland Falls is one of the few places in the world where you can see a “moonbow”. A “moonbow” is a rainbow formed by the water of the falls but is only visible on clear nights, two days before and after a full moon. From the parking lot, several viewpoints at the top, base, and downstream of …

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In Appreciation of Gun Store Dogs

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Walking into most local gun stores is a homecoming of sorts for gun aficionados. While nights with friends around a campfire are rare and drugstore lunch counter coffee klatches a thing of the past, there is still a communal and nostalgic atmosphere in the local gun store or “LGS,” as they’re often referred to on internet forums. One reason most local gun stores have that homey feel is the presence of one or more canine companions. They may belong to store personnel or frequent visitors. They may be large or small, purebred or “fence jumper.” They may snooze quietly in the corner, or greet everyone with a slobbery hello. Others stay alert yet calm at their owner’s side, ready for whatever is next—whether that be greeting a friendly face or providing a deterrent to robbery. Regardless, the presence of a gun store dog has a special way of reminding us that, …

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The Best Florida RV Parks on the Beach

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Here you will see the best Florida RV Parks to stay at if you’re planning a trip to Florida for your next camping vacation, getting to the beach is likely your primary goal. Who doesn’t love waking up to the sound, smell, and sight of the ocean? With these six Florida RV parks on the beach, just open your door to enjoy a walk at sunset, beachcombing, or a swim in the warm water. Beverly Beach Camptown RV Resort Image from The Dyrt camper Emily J. This RV resort is on the Atlantic Ocean between St. Augustine—32 miles north—and Daytona Beach—30 miles to the south. The sites are on a seawall, and the park boasts an impressive 1,500 feet of beach. All 64 shoreside sites have full hookups, including water, sewer, Wi-Fi, and electric with 50-amp service. Depending on the site you get, you either have to back in or …

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Find Primitive Camping in the Catskills

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Find primitive camping in the Catskill Mountains, located in southeastern New York state, are part of the northern portion of the Appalachian Mountains. Home to the towns of Phoenicia and Woodstock, the Catskills is known as a haven for artists, musicians, and writers. They are also a remote, wild, oasis for backpackers, hikers, campers, and anyone else looking to escape city life. Interested in Catskills camping but not sure where to begin? The Catskills, after all, encompass a huge area, 700,000 acres are within the Catskill Forest Preserve alone. Keep reading for our (mostly) complete guide to primitive camping in the Catskills. Your Guide to Primitive Camping in the Catskills First, what does primitive camping mean? Most of the time, it means hiking, walking or boating into a remote area without amenities like running water, electricity, picnic tables, or restrooms, and setting up camp on non-designated campsites. And it almost …

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