10 Fantastic Things To Do Outdoors In Mobile, Alabama

Outdoor adventures in Mobile, Alabama, naturally focus on the Gulf Coast and water activities (kayak with alligators, anyone?). You can explore the Tensaw Delta, Mobile Bay, and the Mobile River by fishing boat, eco tour, kayak, and more. Or, step off the water for a bit to visit a marshland sanctuary, explore the Alabama Bird Trail, or even see what life was like for soldiers in the 1800s.

I visited Mobile previously on a press tour. It was an eco-tour that took us around the area to see up close the diverse ecosystems both on land and water. Since Alabama is one of the most biologically diverse states in the U.S., we discovered a multitude of plants and animals in the area’s wetlands and woodlands. It’s a perfect destination to get outdoors and explore a variety of nature-centric activities.

1. Take A Delta Eco Boat Tour

Experience the diversity of the ecosystem in Mobile on a delta safari tour with Wild Native Tours. You’ll travel aboard an enclosed seasonal vessel with padded seats, a PA system, and restrooms for a 90-minute tour. Mobile is home to the most diverse ecosystem in the U.S., the fourth largest estuary in North America, and the 11th busiest port in the nation. You’ll travel from the bustling port, through Mobile Bay, and into the Mobile Tensaw Delta. You’ll see local wildlife like alligators, birds, and dolphins, naval vessels, cargo ships, plus historical landmarks like the USS Alabama. You’ll be entertained along the way with funny and interesting stories about the sights you see.

2. Watch For Dolphins On A Gulf Coast Cruise

Search for dolphins on a cruise departing from Orange Beach during which you’ll view the Alabama coastline while watching for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Plus, if time allows, the crew will pull up a crab pot to see if there’s a daily catch — a big favorite with children. And if the dolphins are feeling playful, you may catch them surfing in the boat wake!

According to one Viator reviewer, “The sunset cruise was so beautiful. We saw lots of dolphins and they even put on a little show when the captain created some wakes! They will allow you to bring a small cooler so we got to enjoy some wine and cheese while watching the sunset. I would highly recommend for adults and kids!”

Sunset on the delta. — Jill Dutton / USAbyRail.blog

3. Kayak The Bartram Canoe Trail

Start with a tour of the 5 Rivers Delta Center, a $10 million facility located where the Mobile, Spanish, Tensaw, Apalachee, and Blakely rivers flow into Mobile Bay. Experience the exhibit hall, learning center, walking trails, and campsites — four of which are floating platforms — and gift shop before putting into the water for a guided kayaking tour. This facility serves as a gateway to more than 250,000 acres of waterways, woods, and wetlands. Follow the Bartram Canoe Trail and be prepared to view alligators in their natural habitat.

4. Try Mountain Biking At Chickasabogue Park

The Chickasabogue Park offers 12 loop trails for a total of 14 bikeable miles. There are challenging single-track paths for experienced bikers plus easier trails for beginners. It’s an interesting journey across boardwalks that carry you over wetlands and bogs, intertwined loops, and swales if you’d like to do some mudding. To keep the trails from wearing down over time, the park alternates days you can ride certain trails.

Rootsrated, a platform for finding the best, hand-picked outdoor activities, says many riders call this the best set of trails in the Mobile area. The trails are rated intermediate but have options for beginners that allow everyone to “get their feet wet in the sport,” and technical challenges for experienced bikers. “The paths are root strewn with a few rocks, some sandy patches, some hills to climb, and plenty of swales so you can do a little mudding. There are also several boardwalks over wetlands and bogs to make the trips even more interesting.”

Birds in Mobile, Alabama. — Jill Dutton / USAbyRail.blog

5. Bird Watching

If birding is your interest, you’ll want to explore the Coastal Alabama Birding Trails on nearby Dauphin Island. If you go for spring viewing, know that Dauphin Island was named one of the top four locations in North America for viewing spring migrations. At the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, you can hike a three-mile trail system that includes maritime forest, marshes, and dunes with a lake, a swamp, and a beach. Located on 137 acres, the sanctuary is the largest segment of protected forest on the island and “the first landfall for neo-tropical migrant birds after their long flight across the Gulf from Central and South America each spring.”

The Audubon Bird Sanctuary was recognized by the National Audubon Society as being globally important for bird migrations. On a visit to the sanctuary, you can enjoy hiking, photographing the wildlife (we saw turtles and a small alligator from the dock of one lake along the trail), bird watching, and the various colors of each season.

6. Explore Fort Gaines

While you’re on Dauphin Island, stop by Fort Gaines to see how soldiers lived in the 1800s. This 19th-century brick seacoast fort houses a working blacksmith shop with live demonstrations, the Officer’s Quarters, and costumed interpreters who put on exhibitions like the firing of the actual cannons used in the Battle of Mobile Bay. You can see a video I shot of the firing of the cannon here.

The USS Alabama in Mobile. — GTD7 / Shutterstock

7. Explore The USS Alabama

Take a self-guided walking tour of the historic battleship USS Alabama, the submarine USS Drum, tanks, artillery, and the aircraft pavilion. Step back in time as you see this 100-acre battleship park up close.

The mission of the USS Alabama Battleship Commission when created in 1963 was to “establish, operate, and maintain a state memorial park to honor the Alabamians who participated so valiantly in all armed conflicts of the United States … and, as a permanent public memorial to educate the public on the contributions and sacrifices of the veterans of all branches of the United States Armed Services in all conflicts.”

8. Visit An Alligator Sanctuary

At Alligator Alley, you’ll find a swamp sanctuary, home to more than 200 American alligators and other wildlife. Walk along the elevated boardwalk to view the alligators close up. About halfway through, you’ll come upon Captain Crunch, a 13-foot, 2,982-pound alligator said to have the world’s strongest bite. View the alligators in all manner of poses, with gators from hatchlings to mature adults relaxing, sunbathing, courting, and nesting. During the tour you may also see turtles, ospreys, owls, and bullfrogs.

The alligator farm was opened by Wes Moore in 2004. Moore rescues the alligators, bringing them from unsafe areas to the farm, which is designed to give them a natural environment. The alligators are considered “nuisance animals” because they’ve lost their natural fear of humans, making them dangerous. If an alligator is more than 4 feet in length and determined dangerous to humans or their property, they must be removed. Alligator Alley becomes their new home and the safe educational walking tour is an excellent opportunity to view these massive creatures.

Downtown Mobile, Alabama. — Fotoluminate LLC / Shutterstock

9. Walk Around Downtown

In addition to the busy port, downtown Mobile is a creative hub with art galleries, shops, restaurants, and bars best explored on foot. Evenings and weekends are filled with festivals, open-air markets, live concerts, and special events. Home to America’s original Mardi Gras, you can experience the oldest organized Carnival celebration in the U.S. here. Find everything there is to know, see, and do in downtown Mobile at the Downtown Mobile Alliance.

While you’re downtown, explore Mobile’s award-winning food scene with Gulf Coast dishes like gumbo, pralines, and oysters, plus hear stories about more than 300 years of Mobile history covering everything from Bienville to Hank Aaron to the Moon Pie on a food tour.

10. Tour A Maritime Museum

Although only part of this tour is actually outdoors, for anyone interested in the maritime history of the area, a visit to GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico shouldn’t be missed. The mission of the museum is “to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to understand and appreciate the Gulf Coast and its rich maritime heritage through exhibits, programs, and activities.”

With 90 interactive exhibits including theaters, simulators, and displays, it will be a day-long visit. If you don’t have an entire day to spend at the museum, don’t miss the GulfQuest Theater with its 16-minute film on the rich maritime history and culture of the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay from past to present. The Take the Helm pilot simulator is another popular exhibit where visitors can try navigating a variety of vessels around the Port of Mobile, Mobile Bay, and the Tombigbee River in a simulator identical to those used to train professional boat pilots.

Want to get out on the water in Alabama? Here are eight reasons to visit Alabama’s Gulf Shores.

Tips And Tricks For Flying During The Holidays

I’ve never met a suitcase I didn’t like. I’ve been known to pack days (okay, weeks) in advance. What can I say? I love packing! But even a packing geek like me can get overwhelmed when it comes to flying during the holidays. Here’s how to stay safe — and sane — during this busy holiday travel period.

Give Lists Some Lovin’

I live and die by lists, especially when it comes to travel. I have a master list for packing, one for travel gear, and one for leaving the house. Writing it all down (and editing my list after each trip) keeps my stress low and my enthusiasm high.

Lists are particularly useful during the busy holiday period. They’ll ensure you don’t leave essential season-specific items at home in your rush to arrive on time for your flight. There’s nothing worse than realizing at takeoff that you’ve forgotten your favorite winter coat or the present you were planning on giving your grandkids.

Underpack Your Bags

In my opinion, the ideal suitcase is one-third clothing, one-third miscellaneous items (like cameras, shoes, toiletries, and gifts), and one-third empty. Yes — empty! Sadly, the pack you leave with is not the pack you carry throughout your trip. Things just seem to expand overnight, and you don’t want to be struggling with a bursting bag on the third day of your vacation. And, assuming you’re not on Santa’s naughty list, you’ll need room to bring home the gifts you receive.

Don’t Wrap Before You Go

While it’s technically okay to travel with wrapped gifts in your carry-on bag, you and the TSA agents at the airport will be happier if you don’t. That’s because any item that can’t easily be identified has to be unwrapped and examined. That’s aggravating and time-consuming — and your gorgeous wrapping paper will be ruined.

Use Travel-Friendly Gift Bags Instead

An easy alternative is to use gift bags and tissue paper. I personally leave my gifts unwrapped and slip my flattened gift bags in next to my laptop so that they stay smooth and crisp. If you prefer boxes, choose shoebox-style containers that allow you to wrap lids and bottoms separately. If agents need to inspect the contents, you can easily lift open the lid for them.

Remember TSA’s Tricky Food Rules

It’s okay to bring food with you to the airport, but make sure they are solid products like muffins and fruit.

If you fly frequently, you’re probably familiar with the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule, which dictates that each passenger may only carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or less. What’s more, each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols.

What many people don’t know, however, is that this rule applies to food as well as toiletries. Unfortunately, that means you won’t be able to pack many liquid-based foods in your carry-on. This includes gravy and salsa, containers of apple cider and cranberry sauce, and canned goods like pie filling, sauces, and soups. Even thicker products like peanut butter and preserves are included. If you can pour it or spread it, it’s a liquid in the eyes of the TSA.

Solid foods, like turkey, ham, fruitcake, nuts, cookies, and so on, are allowed in your carry-on bag provided you are flying domestically. Interestingly, while containers of pie filling are considered a liquid, a baked pie is not, no matter how runny the interior filling is.

The restrictions on liquids don’t apply to checked luggage, so if you really want to bring home a large jar filled with your mother’s homemade gravy, you can do it. Just make sure you seal it tight!

Keep Your Passport In A Safe Place

I’ve only ever had one travel experience that made my heart jump into my throat. It was when I came within seconds of forgetting our passports in a hotel room. I had done such a thorough job of reorganizing our gear that somehow our passports got tucked between the corner of the duvet and the bedsheets. It was only a last-second impulse to straighten the sheets that revealed the navy blue edges of our passports. I still get nervous when I think about how close I came to disaster!

Passports, along with all other important papers, belong in a safe place. If that place isn’t on your body, then it should be in a secure and brightly colored travel wallet that keeps things clean and organized. Make sure to include your boarding cards, insurance documents, extra credit cards, receipts, and a little spare money, too. Just because your focus is on family and festivities doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep your most important papers safe.

I know that my passion for packing is a bit of an anomaly, but I really do believe that every part of the travel experience should be a pleasure. Yes — even the packing! And with a little organization, you can have a smooth and happy holiday travel experience, even at the airport.

Want to make holiday travel even simpler? Consider TSA PreCheck.

Exploring Italy’s Shakespearean Landmarks: 4 Places To Visit

William Shakespeare apparently loved Italy, although there’s no historical evidence that he ever actually visited the country. The Bard set a third of his plays in Italian cities, leading some historians to suggest that he visited the country at least once; nevertheless, he never mentioned such a trip in his correspondence.

Regardless, Shakespeare demonstrated substantial knowledge of Italian culture and history in his plays, and he borrowed from Italian novellas when constructing his stories. For fans of literature, a trip to Italy is a great excuse to dive into Shakespeare’s works — and visit some of the cities referenced in his most famous plays.

If that sounds like a great time, this basic itinerary should give you the framework you need to design your own Shakespearean vacation. As the playwright wrote: “To unpath’d waters, undream’d shores.”

Inside Doge's Palace in Venice. — Viacheslav Lopatin / Shutterstock

Shakespearean Landmarks In Venice

Othello and The Merchant of Venice are set in Venice, and tourists can walk in the footsteps of those plays’ characters. Start at the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, the home of Othello’s Desdemona. If Shakespeare took inspiration from history, he may have created the title character in the image of Nicolo Contarini, a warlord frequently called “the Moorish” in historical texts.

Another key Shakespearean site is the Doge’s Palace, one of the city’s truly essential landmarks. The city’s leaders (doges) lived here, including Cristoforo Moro, another possible inspiration for the character of Othello. Today, it’s a fascinating museum and a great place to marvel at Venetian Gothic architecture.

Venice was one of the first cities in Europe to establish ghettos, neighborhoods where the city’s Jewish community lived. While the term “ghetto” has a negative connotation in modern times, the areas were once refuges for Jews; while they were forcibly placed in the ghettos, they were allowed to maintain their culture, which is likely why Shakespeare set The Merchant of Venice here. Five synagogues still stand in Venice’s historic ghettos, and all feature incredible architecture. To visit, you’ll need to sign up for the regular tours provided by the Jewish Museum of Venice.

From Venice, you’ll take a 40-minute drive or hour-long bus trip to Padua, where Shakespeare set one of his most famous comedies.

The observatory at the University of Padua. — FEDELE FERRARA / Shutterstock

Shakespearean Landmarks In Padua

In Shakespeare’s day, Padua was an important hub for academics, so setting The Taming of the Shrew in the city made sense: The play is a fairly ribald comedy, so it’s somewhat ironic that much of the action happens in a city known for intellectualism.

Padua owed much of that lofty reputation to its University of Padua, founded in 1222 as a law school. One of the world’s oldest universities still in operation, it has a gorgeous campus with quite a bit of historic architecture, including a wooden amphitheater built in the 16th century.

And while it doesn’t really relate to the Bard, visitors will still want to stop by the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, a breathtaking domed church in the town center. After viewing the basilica and exploring the quaint streets of Padua, prepare for an hour-long drive or bus ride to Verona.

The statue of Juliet in Verona. — kavalenkava / Shutterstock

Shakespearean Landmarks In Verona

Shakespeare set two plays in Verona: The Two Gentlemen of Verona and Romeo and Juliet. Most travelers will be far more familiar with the latter than the former, and Verona has embraced its characterization as a city for romantics.

In 1969, sculptor Nereo Costantini created a life-size statue of Juliet, positioned in the courtyard of Juliet’s House, an older building with a stone balcony located on the Via Cappello. Of course, Juliet wasn’t based on a real person, and this building has no real historic significance, but it’s an interesting stop for Shakespeare fans, and a museum inside the house makes for a nice diversion.

From there, set out for San Francesco al Corso, a monastery colloquially known as “Juliet’s tomb.” A crypt in the monastery is said to be the inspiration behind the final scene of Romeo and Juliet, though, again, the play wasn’t based on real people. Nevertheless, the monastery is fascinating, and guided tours are available.

Circus Maximus in Rome. — Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock

Shakespearean Landmarks In Rome

No Shakespearean tour would be complete without a stop in Rome, the setting for parts of Titus Andronicus, Coriolanus, Julius Caesar, and Antony and Cleopatra.

Of course, working this stop into your itinerary may prove difficult. To visit Rome from Verona, you’ll need to spend about 5 hours in the car, but the drive is hardly boring; on the way, you can stop by Monte San Savino, one of the oldest towns in Tuscany, or visit the 14th-century Medici castle in Sinalunga.

Once you’re in Rome, head into the historic imperial city as early as possible to avoid the crowds. Here, you can visit the Colosseum and Circus Maximus while pondering the finer points of Shakespeare’s histories (and snapping a few unforgettable pictures along the way).

While Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar died in front of the Senate, modern evidence suggests that the historical Caesar died in Largo di Torre Argentina, an ancient square that currently serves as a stray cat sanctuary. Renovations are underway, and the square will open to the public in the second half of 2021, but tourists can stand outside the site to snap photos and admire the scenery.

Statue of William Shakespeare in Verona. — FoxOwlStudio / Shutterstock

Prepare For Your Trip By Revisiting Shakespeare’s Works

Not all of Shakespeare’s Italian plays are tragic, like Romeo and Juliet, or dramatic histories, like Julius Caesar. If you need a break from the Bard’s heavy side, you’ve got plenty to choose from — all without leaving Italy’s shores.

Start with Much Ado About Nothing, a masterful comedy of manners set in the Sicilian vacation town of Messina. The play follows the “merry war” between noble soldiers and clever gentlewomen and remains one of Shakespeare’s best-loved comedies.

From there, it’s an easy pivot to The Winter’s Tale, a Shakespearean deep cut that’s well worth a read. Half of the action takes place in Sicily, with periodic breaks for a bit of Bohemian comedy courtesy of some rustic clowns.

The Winter’s Tale lands somewhere between comedy and tragedy, making it a great way to get back to some of the plays we’ve already mentioned in this article: Othello, The Merchant of Venice, and, of course, Romeo and Juliet.

For some reading outside the plays themselves, try The Shakespeare Guide to Italy: Retracing the Bard’s Unknown Travels by Richard Paul Roe. The author describes his obsessive journey through the real-life locations where Shakespeare’s incomparable works are set, which makes for nice reading if you’re planning on doing the same.

How To Visit Crater Lake National Park In Oregon

Known as one of Oregon’s seven wonders, Crater Lake’s crystal clear, snow-fed waters will make you gasp in awe.

You’ll never forget the sight of driving out from the pine tree-lined road to the first views of the glistening blue caldera in front of you. At 1,943 feet, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, and the ninth deepest in the world. Although photographers can try to capture its beauty, Crater Lake is one of those places that truly has to be seen in person to be believed.

Where Is Crater Lake National Park?

Situated in southern Oregon, Crater Lake is part of the Cascade Range, which runs from Northern California to British Columbia. As part of the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of Fire, the Cascade Range includes 13 volcanoes such as Mount Shasta, Mount Rainer, and Mount Hood. It also includes Mount Mazama, which erupted about 7,700 years ago and left behind a giant caldera. Over time, this crater was filled with rain and snow to create what we now know as Crater Lake. It’s also why the lake is so vibrantly blue.

Located inland, Crater Lake is about a four-hour drive from the ocean, a four-hour drive from Portland, and just 60 miles from the California border. The closest cities to Crater Lake are Ashland, Medford, and Klamath Falls.

Sign at the entrance of Crater Lake. — Christopher Boswell / Shutterstock

How To Get To Crater Lake

Crater Lake sits about seven miles from the turn off of Highway 62. To appreciate the deepest lake in the United States fully, make sure to drive to the Rim Village Visitor Center to see the stunning view.

Getting To Crater Lake By Car

Driving is probably the most convenient and low-cost way to visit Crater Lake. A car will allow flexibility of movement around the park and fewer time restrictions.

About two hours from the California border, Crater Lake National Park can be accessed year-round via Highway 62. The entrance from the main highway to Park Headquarters is open daily, however, the last three miles to Rim Village can be closed in the winter during heavy snow.

If you’re traveling from Medford, you can take Highway 62 all the way to the West Entrance. If you’re traveling from Klamath Falls, drive on Highway 97 before merging onto Highway 62 for the park’s South Entrance. From the north, you can enter via Highway 138 and the North Entrance to Crater Lake, however, if it’s closed due to snow, continue driving to the West or South Entrance via Highway 62.

Getting To Crater Lake By Train And Bus

As of 2016, if you’re traveling from Los Angeles, California, or Seattle, Washington, you can take the Amtrak Train line to the Klamath Falls stop. From Klamath Falls, a shuttle will pick you up and take you to Crater Lake National Park.

From California, the #14 train arrives at 8:30 a.m. — just in time for the shuttle transfer to the park at 9 a.m. You’ll have time to explore the park before boarding the 3 p.m. shuttle back to Klamath Falls.

If you’re traveling from Seattle or Portland, the #11 train arrives in Klamath Falls at 10:30 p.m., where you can stay overnight before boarding the 9 a.m. shuttle to Crater Lake National Park. This option also has a return shuttle back to Klamath Falls at 3 p.m.

The perk of this transportation option is that your $40 round-trip ticket already includes your park entrance fee. However, it’s important to note that this option is only available between July 1 and September 8.

Winter time at Crater Lake. — Matthew Connolly / Shutterstock

When Is The Best Time To Visit Crater Lake?

Sitting almost 7,000 feet above sea level, Crater Lake is known to be one of the snowiest places in the United States — an average of 43 feet of snow fall around Crater Lake each year. Due to this, Crater Lake skips over most of traditional spring as there can be snow on the ground until June!

These conditions cause the park to close the North Entrance Road and Rim Drive during the winter. It doesn’t mean you can’t visit, but that you’ll have to access Crater Lake via Highway 62 through the South or West entrances. These closures don’t affect Rim Village unless there is very heavy snowfall, in which case the road may be closed for a few hours or days to clear it.

The snowy months also mean accommodations inside the park, such as campgrounds and lodges, are closed. That said, there are places to stay outside the park. For snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, however, this is the best time to visit. Rangers even offer free two-hour guided snowshoe walks that last about two hours on weekends and some holidays.

Although it depends on your activity preferences, many people choose to visit from July through September. During these three months, all the roads will have opened, snow will have melted, and more than 90 miles of Crater Lake trails can be hiked.

Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. — Jeffrey B. Banke / Shutterstock

What Is There To Do At Crater Lake?

Although it may seem that Crater Lake doesn’t offer much to do beyond taking in the view from the road, you may be surprised! During the winter, snowshoeing, sledding, backcountry camping, and other winter activities are the main draws. However, some may argue that there are more things to do during the summer months, including hiking, swimming, fishing, and driving around the lake. Here are some options.

Complete The Rim Drive

The 33-mile drive around the rim is one of the most beautiful aspects of visiting Crater Lake, as you’ll be able to see the lake from all angles. The Rim Drive is open from July to October and has many turnouts and outlooks for optimal enjoyment of the view. Take about two to three hours to fully enjoy the trip. The most popular places to stop include Cloudcap Overlook, Pinnacles Overlook, and Vidae Falls for cliff-side pine trees, rock formations, and a spring-fed waterfall, respectively. When the roads close for the winter, the Rim Drive becomes a scenic place to walk, play, and ski.

If you don’t want to drive yourself and want to fully focus on taking in the scenery, take a Crater Lake Trolley Tour. The ranger-led tour takes about two hours, stops at five outlooks, and leaves from Rim Village daily.

Hike The Trails

One of the best ways to experience Crater Lake National Park is taking a stroll through some of the 90 miles of hiking trails available. As one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Oregon, it can be enjoyed by hikers of all levels. From short and easy to long and strenuous, Crater Lake has a trail for every kind of experience.

For a quick hike with a lot of reward, choose to hike Castle Crest. The 20-minute half-mile hike takes you through a meadow that’s filled with wildflowers in July. For a slightly longer trek with plenty of lake views, choose the moderate Discovery Point trail which takes you to the place of the first documented Crater Lake discovery — way back in 1853. For longer hikes (~3 hours) that will work up a sweat and reward with panoramic views of Crater Lake, choose either Garfield Peak Trail or Mount Scott.

The Phantom Ship in Crater Lake. — e’walker / Shutterstock

View The Phantom Ship

One of the most unique features of Crater Lake is a small island that looks like a sailing ship that rises from its water. However, the ship-island likes to play games, and during different weather conditions, it can completely disappear from view, hence its name: Phantom Ship. The best place to view the island is from the short Sun Notch loop trail. In about 30-minutes, you’ll be able to walk to and from the rim to see if you can catch a glimpse of the elusive “ship.”

Go Stargazing

Clear and crisp evenings are some of the most beautiful at Crater Lake National Park. The absence of light pollution in addition to the clean air on top of the mountain provides the perfect conditions to watch the night sky. Whether you decide to visit during an astronomical event like a meteor shower or just want to get away from city lights, Discovery Point and Watchmen’s Overlook are great places to watch the moonrise, sunrise, and sunset. If you go in the evening, you can stay for the night sky.

Take A Cruise

While most of the previous activities are around the lake, it’s also possible to get up close to the water. That’s right, you can take a boat cruise around Crater Lake. The two-hour ranger-led tour takes visitors around the entire lake while explaining all the lake’s marvels. The other tour available shuttles people to and from Wizard Island (about one hour each way) and allows visitors to swim, fish, and hike there for about three hours.

The dock rests at the end of Cleetwood Cove Trail, which is the only access to Crater Lake’s shore and can be tough to hike. Heading down to the shore takes about 45 minutes along sandy switchbacks that drop 700 feet. This means the way back is quite steep — equivalent to climbing 65 flights of stairs. The trail is just over two miles round-trip and should be approached with caution, mobility, and overall health in mind.

Other Things To Know

Since Crater Lake is part of the National Park Service, an entrance fee applies. If you don’t already have an annual National Parks Pass, your Crater Lake trip is a great time to get a National Park Senior pass. Otherwise, it costs $25 to enter between May 22 and October 1 and $15 to enter between November 1 and May 21. The fee includes seven days of access to the park.

Going to Oregon? Here’s how to visit Multnomah Falls, plus why Thor’s Well on the Oregon coast appears to be draining the Pacific Ocean.

I Took A Solo Trip To Antarctica And It Was Amazing

The sky was dark. A brisk wind and some waves. We paddled in our kayaks past Port Lockroy, the former British military base and now museum. Gentoo penguins waddled about. We launched our kayaks onto the fast ice. I was cold and tired. And very grateful. I had really done it: kayaked in Antarctica. Seen penguins feeding chicks, swimming, and arguing. Watched minke and humpback whales breach from 50 feet away. Stepped foot on the seventh continent.

Antarctica: My Dream Trip For Turning 50

Antarctica was my dream trip. Since I was 30, I had planned to go to Antarctica. I read every book on Antarctica. Saw every movie. Went to see penguins in the Galapagos and South Africa. Attended travel shows and grilled the tour company representatives. I was intent on going for my 50th.

Penguins in Antarctica. — Sue Davies / TravelForLifeNow.com

Age 50 Comes And Goes

For my 50th birthday, Regina (my spouse) and I found ourselves on Easter Island and in the Atacama Desert instead. A spectacular trip — but not Antarctica. The next year it was Oaxaca, Mexico, followed by South Africa, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Cuba, Sri Lanka, Budapest, Portugal, Spain, London, Greece, Italy, Denmark, Paris, and even Norway and the northern lights. And still we had not booked the Antarctica trip.

When I was 56, I finally asked, “Are we ever going to go to Antarctica?

Regina said, “I don’t want to go.”

I was heartbroken.

Then she said, “Why don’t you go without me?”

Over the past two decades, Regina and I had been to 45 countries together. She was the planner and paid attention to details. I was the dreamer and the finder of offbeat things to do.

I couldn’t imagine doing such a big trip on my own. But I couldn’t imagine giving up my dream.

Deciding To Go Solo To Antarctica

It was 11 p.m. in mid-November. Another Antarctic travel season had already started. There was the possibility of a last-minute deal. I did an online search and found a cruise with one single cabin and one kayaking space available. There was a huge discount since I was booking so late — and no single supplement. It seemed like the stars were aligned. I’d have to give up the idea of camping since that was already sold out, but I could kayak. I grabbed it immediately.

The writer on her solo trip to Antarctica. — Sue Davies / TravelForLifeNow.com

Packing And Worrying

I worried about packing. How was I going to bring everything and stay within the weight limits? What was I going to do alone in Buenos Aires? Would I be safe at night? Would I have anyone to talk to? Eat dinner with? Would I actually make it to Antarctica?

Packing for Antarctica is a challenge. There is so much gear to bring — cameras (DSL, underwater, and GoPro), extra batteries, a tripod, base layers (several), gloves, hats, waterproof pants, and more. The baggage limits were 44 pounds for checked bags and 11 pounds for my carry on. My camera equipment alone weighed almost 11 pounds.

I carefully planned my packing. Weighed my bags about 40 times to make sure that I was under the weight limit.

I also worried about my flight and the possibility of bad weather. I elected to have a two-day cushion in Buenos Aires in case of a flight cancellation.

Two Days In Buenos Aires

In order to make sure that there was one organized outing in my first days in Buenos Aires, I booked a street art group tour. Street art is a passion of mine. And I thought that I would have someone to talk to at least for a few hours. It was a good plan.

The tour guide told me about the Asociacion Madres de Plaza de Mayo (Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo) demonstration the next day. The mothers have been protesting the disappearance of their children for more than 40 years. I set off for the plaza the next day. It was an honor to join their protest.

Meeting My First New Friends

The next morning it was time to take the bus from the hotel to the charter flight for Ushuaia, where we would embark on the cruise. The bus to the airport was buzzing with excitement. Everyone was talking to everyone. And we were all so excited. On the airplane, I immediately made friends with the people sitting in my row. A nurse from the Midwest traveling solo. A 70-year-old man traveling solo. A 30-something young woman also solo. It turned out that the boat had a lot of single cabins, so there was a whole contingent of us solo travelers.

There were 16 people on the kayaking excursions and we bonded as well. My worries about being lonely were gone.

Kayaking In The Southern Ocean

Kayaking in the Southern Ocean was beyond my dreams. Minke and humpback whales surfaced nearby. Penguins were everywhere — in front, behind, underneath, and on the side. We saw enormous penguin colonies with thousands of birds. On land, we watched penguins feeding chicks. And diving into the water. We heard and saw an iceberg calving (from a safe distance, of course).

It was everything that I dreamed of and more. My next aspirational trips are to Greenland and the North Pole. Perhaps I’ll do those solo, too.

Tips For Going Solo To Antarctica

Antarctica is a great trip for solo travel. Make sure the boat that you are going on has doubles, triples and/or single cabins. This is an indication that there will be many other solo travelers.

Going to Antarctica is very expensive. You can save money by booking very early or very late. If you want to camp or kayak, booking early is better. I was very lucky to get a kayaking spot when I booked.

You can also save money by sharing a cabin — and that’s a good way to make a new friend if you are traveling solo.

Talk to everyone. I made friends with other solo travelers, married couples, and families. On my boat, everyone talked to everyone. This might not be the case on every cruise, but it is a possibility!

Go to the lectures about Antarctica, penguins, whales, photography, and other topics. You may find like-minded people there.

Get to know the cruise and expedition teams. On my trip, they were very friendly and happy to spend time talking about almost anything.

If you are concerned about global warming, you will learn a lot about it on the trip. Share all that you learned when you come back.

The last and most important tip: Go to Antarctica. It is an unforgettable experience and a privilege to be able to go.

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7 Fast Facts About Wales’s Stunning Snowdonia National Park

Enchanting Snowdonia is the pride of Wales: 823 square miles of pristine vistas, and craggy valleys carved by glaciers long ago.

Fairy Glen Gorge in Snowdonia. — orxy / Shutterstock

Snowdonia is famous for its phenomenal hiking and trekking, as well as its multitude of fluffy white residents. Sheep dot the Welsh landscape and add a pastoral air to Snowdonia, reminding visitors that they are indeed in another world altogether.

Sheep in Snowdonia, Wales. — Lilly Trott / Shutterstock

No trip to Wales would be complete without visiting this massive national park. Before you lace up your hiking boots and head out into the wonderful Welsh wilderness, there are a few things that you should know about majestic Snowdonia.

The valley of Cwm Idwal in Snowdonia. — DJTaylor / Shutterstock

Glaciers Carved Its Distinctive Valleys

Snowdonia’s valleys, or corries, are the remnants of long-ago glacial activity. As the massive glaciers passed through Wales, they carved out Snowdonia’s most famous valleys, including Cwm Idwal and Cwm Clyd. It’s speculated that the icy behemoths slowly crawled over Snowdonia 18,000 years ago, leaving their telltale traces in the valleys and peaks of the park.

The town of Beddgelert in Snowdonia. — Adrian Baker / Shutterstock

It’s The Final Resting Place Of A Famously Loyal Pup

Snowdonia is home to several small villages, including Beddgelert, which is named after a fiercely loyal canine companion who lost his life in a tragic misunderstanding. The legend of Gelert is the story of Prince Llywelyn the Great’s trusty hunting dog. While the prince was away, Gelert slew a wolf to save the prince’s child. The prince mistook the wolf’s blood for his infant’s and killed Gelert. When the misunderstanding came to light, Gelert was honored for his bravery and remains one of Wales’s favorite sons to this day.

Dinorwig Quarry in Snowdonia. — Helen Hotson / Shutterstock

Its Resources Have Been Valued Since Roman Times

Snowdonia is rich in copper, gold, and slate. Its bountiful hills have been mined for riches since Roman times. You can still visit some of the restored mines today and learn about Snowdonia’s remarkable history in the Welsh economy. Today, Snowdonia is primarily an agricultural district and tourist destination.

It Boasts The Highest Peak In Wales

Snowdonia’s Yr Wyddfa peak is the highest in Wales. At 3,560 feet, Yr Wyddfa’s summit offers a spectacular panoramic view of Snowdonia. It’s a popular place to visit, and you can take the scenic train ride up or tackle Snowdon’s peak on foot. Reaching the summit takes 6 to 8 hours, and the climb can be strenuous. There are six ways to summit Yr Wyddfa, and if you take up the challenge, it’s advisable to bring your own food and plenty of water.

Mountains in Snowdonia during winter. — Valdis Skudre / Shutterstock

It Contains Nine Mountain Ranges

Considering Snowdonia’s sheer size, it’s no surprise that this Welsh park has plenty of jaw-dropping natural features. One of the most impressive is its many mountains. No less than nine mountain ranges crisscross Snowdonia. Snowdon’s Yr Wyddfa is the tallest, but Cadair Idris and Tryfan are certainly not to be missed. Snowdonia’s plethora of peaks are part of what makes it an adventurer’s paradise.

Castell y Gwynt in Snowdonia. — travellight / Shutterstock

Its Trails Trace The Paths Of Dragons

Wales is a land steeped in mythology, and one of the most famous tales comes from Snowdonia. The Dinas Emrys Trail leads to a famous place where two ancient dragons are said to have sparred for control. According to lore, the red and white dragons emerged from below the surface and battled epically. The red dragon won and has been slumbering deep below Snowdonia for centuries. Today, you can hike the moderately difficult Dinas Emrys Trail to walk in the footsteps of these two mythological dragons.

Fields and mountains in Snowdonia. — JazzLove / Shutterstock

26,000 People Call It Home

Unlike many national parks, Snowdonia has a thriving population: About 26,000 people live in the many small towns in the park. The vast majority of the residents speak Welsh, and the vast majority of them are involved in the agricultural sector. Wander through Snowdonia, and you’re bound to come across farm animals and fields of crops, as well as the pleasant country folk who call the park home.

A waterfall in Snowdonia. — Willy Barton / Shutterstock

Snowdonia is one of the world’s most unique natural spaces. Forged by glaciers, mined by Romans, and currently the heart of Welsh agriculture, Snowdonia is a special place. Next time you’re in England or Wales, put this beautiful Welsh gem on your bucket list.