As our alarms sounded at 3:30 am, we packed up our van and hit the road, eager to experience one of California’s most iconic landmarks. The plan? Arrive at Bixby Bridge for sunrise. Neither of us was sure whether sunrise or sunset would showcase the bridge at its best, but sunrise felt like the right choice for our night-owl road trip vibe.
Read MoreGetting Altitude Sickness Changed My Mind On Climbing 14ers Solo
When I first started my peak-bagging journey, I was obsessed with climbing 14ers. Living in California gave me some great options, but nowhere near the variety Colorado offers. The flipside? Not as many people in California are chasing those 14,000-foot summits. In Colorado, the peaks are buzzing with climbers.
After my first few successful summits in California, I felt invincible. I tackled these mountains car-to-car and stuck to routes no harder than Class 4. Climbing solo felt completely fine—until the day I experienced altitude sickness.
Read MoreThe Local's Guide To The Bixby Bridge
When road tripping the Pacific Coast Highway, the Bixby Creek Bridge stands as an architectural marvel that effortlessly merges with the breathtaking natural landscape of Big Sur. The first time I drove across this bridge, I knew that I had to stop and get out, to look at what I was crossing. It was kind of terrifying, at first. What sets this bridge apart is not just its structural elegance but its ability to evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for the raw beauty that defines the region.
Read MoreThe Ancient Sites of Luxor, Egypt Are Overwhelming Without a Guide
When you picture ancient Egypt, you're likely imagining the wonders of Luxor. This “small town” along the Nile River is a treasure trove of history, home to some of the most iconic sites in the world. From the Valley of the Kings and Queens to the sprawling Temple of Karnak and the Luxor Temple, the sheer scale and significance of Luxor's ancient sites are breathtaking. Yet, without a guide, it can be hard to fully appreciate the depth of what you’re seeing.
Read MoreWe Discovered Paddington Cove By Accident, and It Was Amazing
Driving along Highway One in Big Sur is like flipping through a photo book of California’s greatest hits. On this particular day, the skies were impossibly blue, the hills were lush and green from recent rains, and the Pacific Ocean seemed to stretch forever into the horizon. There were four of us packed into the car, road-tripping without much of a plan—just friends looking for adventure.
I was behind the wheel, enjoying the rhythm of the winding road, when someone in the backseat shouted, “Hey, this looks awesome, stop here!”
Read MoreOf a Lifetime by The North Face Makes You Want to Charter a Sailboat To Antarctica
When I first saw Of A Lifetime pop up on my computer screen, I figured I’d give it a quick watch. Five minutes in, I realized this was no ordinary ski video. This was something special. I paused, headed to my TV, and settled in to experience the full 44 minutes on the biggest screen in my house. It was the best decision I made all week.
Read MoreStepping onto Antarctica’s White Continent Was Emotional For Me
Growing up, I dreamed of visiting all seven continents. I didn’t just want to see them from afar—I wanted to stand on the land, breathe the air, and hear the sounds of each one. As a kid, this felt impossible. What working-class child gets to travel the world? It seemed like a distant fantasy. But as my career path developed, opportunities appeared that I never thought possible. One of those doors recently opened, leading me to Antarctica.
Read MoreYou Can Vanlife In Alaska and Here's What You Should Do
So, you want to vanlife the Last Frontier? Well, Alaska isn’t for the faint of heart, but it does offers vanlifers unparalleled opportunities to experience a rugged landscapes, see an abundance of wildlife, and enjoy remote beauty unlike anywhere else in North America. From the iconic Denali National Park to the breathtaking Kenai Peninsula, Alaska’s vast and varied terrain provides endless opportunities for exploration and connection with nature. Whether you're chasing the Midnight Sun in the summer or witnessing the magic of the Northern Lights in the fall, vanlife in Alaska promises unforgettable experiences for those seeking freedom and adventure off the beaten path.
So, longstory short, yes, you can vanlife Alaska. The real question is what do you want to experience while vanlifing in Alaska?
Read MoreCalifornia's Best Hot Springs Are In Mammoth Lakes, Here's Why
Hidden in the plain sight in the breathtaking Eastern Sierra region of California, Mammoth Lakes and its neighboring areas provide a perfect retreat for travelers craving tranquility, natural beauty, and rejuvenation. Among the area's most alluring features are the hot springs scattered along Highway 395, offering a serene and soothing escape amid stunning mountain views. Whether you're looking to soak in a natural mineral pool after a day of hiking or simply unwind surrounded by nature, these hot springs are an oasis worth exploring.
Read MoreThe Ultimate Guide to Yosemite Firefalls in 2025
In the heart of one of America's most iconic national parks, a natural phenomenon known as the Yosemite Firefall awaits those seeking to capture its breathtaking beauty. This awe-inspiring event is a testament to the wonders of nature as a sliver of sunset light casts a lava-red glow upon a thin stream of water plummeting off El Capitan. While it may not involve actual flames, it's a mesmerizing illusion of fire that graces Yosemite's Horsetail Falls every year in February.
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