North Carolina is blessed with National Park Service lands in nearly every corner of the state. Each park embodies a different aspect of the state’s history and terrain, and almost all offer the chance to get outdoors and into nature. Some parks are ideal for a day trip, while others warrant multiple days of exploration.…
From ancient mountain ranges, dense forests and remote islands to historic forts, battlefields and national monuments, Virginia has 22 wonderful national parks calling out to modern-day explorers. Millions of visitors flock to famous sites such as Shenandoah National Park, Colonial National Historical Park and Fredericksburg National Military Park for Virginia’s signature blend of natural beauty…
Belize is the perfect road-trip country. In fact, renting a car and driving yourself is by far the best way to get around when there is so much to see within such short distances. You can stop when and where you want to admire the scenery and take as much time as you’d like at…
Heads up: some of the links on this site are affiliate links. If you click and make a booking or purchase, I’ll make a commission (at no extra cost to you). I partner with companies I personally use and the $$ goes towards creating more awesome, free travel content. Portugal is one of my favorite…
Lonely Planet’s senior director of content and Boston native Laura Motta shared this shapshot of her hometown, Boston – and what to see, do, and eat in one of its newest and most appealing neighborhoods. I grew up in northeastern Massachusetts and lived in Boston as a college student, and I return to my old…
Squeezed between the Canadian border to the north and the Massachusetts border to the south, Vermont is beloved for its bucolic landscapes, Holstein-dotted pastures, pointy white-church steeples, craggy mountains and the sparkling Lake Champlain. Vermont has one national park, but its state parks – some with full amenities and others a bit more rustic –…
With its abundance of jungles, waterfalls and caves, Belize can easily make you feel like an intrepid explorer. Abounding with opportunities to experience nature, the Central American country has 17 national parks, three nature reserves, five natural monuments, seven wildlife sanctuaries, 16 forest reserves, eight marine reserves, seven bird sanctuaries and various private reserves – all…
2022 was our 10th year on honeymoon, Buddy the Camper’s 5th year in the family, and the year we reached the 70th country on our 7-continent journey. Hitting a decade of nomadic living, we felt a deep sense of gratitude. Back in 2012 we started traveling to celebrate our marriage, but as the years have…
Everything is bigger in Texas, from the ranches to the portions, but the state's two national parks are true giants. Big Bend National Park in West Texas covers a staggering 1252 square miles of the Chisos Mountain range and the Rio Grande basin, while the state’s highest peaks and colorful fall foliage lure hikers to…
When it comes to natural beauty in the USA, Montana sets the gold standard. The state’s rugged mountains, endless forests and rich wildlife remain mostly pristine thanks to wilderness-preservation programs and low population numbers, which allows outdoorsy types to enjoy all that Montana has to offer. Given Montana’s unparalleled natural attractions, it’s no surprise that the first…