Category: Travel Stories

Travel stories & ideas for adventures near and far – road trips, weekend getaways, budget trips and epic vacations.

Big Island Kayaking, Swimming with Wild Dolphins & Snorkeling Near Kona

When we heard we could swim with wild dolphins on the Big Island of Hawaii, we knew we had to prioritize this unique activity. No tour guide needed! We just got set up with a tandem kayak from Bay Side Adventures and were on our way to search for dolphins and go... Read more

9 Helpful Things to Know Before Taking an International House Sitting Gig

It doesn't seem like that long ago that we were complete newbies to this house sitting lifestyle – let alone the idea of taking it overseas. But, after more than a year of full-time sitting (including five months of international house sitting in Europe), we... Read more

Uncle Robert’s Night Market in Pahoa & Fantastic Big Island Sunset!

Few places really give you a taste of local culture. Often, it is a show put on for tourists and nothing like what the real experience would be like. But, a visit to Uncle Robert’s Night Market in Pahoa is an exception to the rule. Yes, you’ll see tourists scattered... Read more

Day Trip to the Green Sand Beach on the Big Island

On a sunny day, we set out with a well-researched plan to hike to the stunning Green Sand Beach on Hawaii’s Big Island. Just kidding. We left on a whim in crappy weather with no idea how far we would have to drive or walk to get to the scenic beach we had seen in a... Read more

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden on the Big Island Near Hilo

Nestled in the dense jungle north of Hilo, is a magical place for nature lovers to escape. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden (now renamed Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden) offers a beautiful oasis in a lush ocean-side valley. When we first visited the Big Island... Read more

Guide to Driving to Mauna Kea Summit for an Unforgettable Sunset Above the Clouds

We didn't plan to take the almost 14,000-ft adventure friving to Mauna Kea Summit on this trip to the Big Island. Although we loved the idea, we knew four-wheel drive was necessary, adverse conditions were possible, most rental car companies forbid you from taking... Read more

Guide to How Unaccompanied Minors Fly with Southwest Airlines

Our 10-year-old nephew just came to visit us in Colorado all by himself! And he was totally unphased by it. What a badass, right? Anyway, we were really impressed with how easy this process was, once we understood all the rules needed for unaccompanied minors to fly... Read more

Why Horsetooth Reservoir is Our Favorite Place to SUP in Colorado

There is a reason why stand up paddleboarding has grown exponentially in popularity over the last couple of years… it is addictively fun! After my first time on a stand up paddleboard, I was hooked! I could easily spend hours on the water... Read more

Guide to the 3 Iconic Boulder Flatirons Hikes in Colorado

The Boulder Flatirons hikes have always been a huge, pointy reminder of some of our favorite Colorado memories. From hiking to the first Flatiron on our anniversary one spring to watching the sun set behind them on my way home from work daily. And, of course, walking... Read more

Ultimate Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado

I'll never forget our first visit to Rocky Mountain National Park during our Colorado honeymoon. Those big, jagged, snow-capped mountains loomed over us and made us feel so very, very small in the best way. The wildlife greeted us at every turn, and as it began to get... Read more