10 Day Trips You Can Take From Phoenix

The Greater Phoenix area in Arizona has a wealth of things to see and do, but nearby attractions offer good reasons to add days outside the city to your itinerary. Here are the 10 best day trips you can take from Phoenix.

1. Drive the Apache Trail

The Apache Trail is a scenic drive offering views of canyons, jagged cliffs, saguaro-covered hills and desert landscapes. The road, originally built in the early 1900s to transport materials to the Roosevelt Dam Building site, begins in Apache Junction east of Phoenix and twists and climbs for 40 miles through the Superstition Mountains.

Stops along the way include Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat, which was an old stagecoach stop and now contains a restaurant, small shop, and museum. You can double back after lunch at Tortilla Flat, continue a few miles further to Fish Creek Hill Lookout before doubling back, or continue on to Roosevelt Dam. Note that the road beyond Tortilla Flat is less traveled and mostly unpaved with steep drop-offs.

For more information, read Drive The Apache Trail.

The Apache Trail, Arizona — Wikimedia Commons

2. Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

Located three miles west of Superior and just over sixty miles from Phoenix, Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park is Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden. The arboretum features plants from the Arizona desert and deserts around the world. Set alongside unspoiled native Sonoran Desert vegetation with a backdrop of rock formations, Boyce Thompson Arboretum offers both beautiful walks and the chance to learn more about desert vegetation. Exhibits recreate various deserts of the world and special focus areas feature cacti, herbs, native medicinal and edible plants, legumes, and a riparian area.

For more information, read Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park.

Cacti in Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Arizona — Photo: Donna Janke.

3. The Mogollon Rim

Less than one hundred miles northeast of Phoenix, the Mogollon Rim offers spectacular scenery amid giant rocks and towering pines. The Rim is a roughly 200-mile-long limestone and granite cliff running diagonally across Arizona. Ponderosa pine forests dominate its slope.

The entire drive from Phoenix is scenic. The Beeline Highway, State Route 87, winds and climbs through mountain terrain. As elevation increases, the saguaros dotting the landscape disappear and are eventually replaced by evergreen forests. When you reach Payson at the edge of the Rim, you are at an altitude of almost 5,000 feet. Continuing east on Arizona State Route 250 at Payson takes you into the heart of the Mogollon Rim recreation area.

For more information, check out our article How To Spend A Day At Arizona’s Mogollon Rim.

Mogollon Rim, Arizona — Flickr / kevin dooley

4. Wickenburg, America’s most western town

Wickenburg, a comfortable 54-mile freeway drive from Phoenix, bills itself as “America’s most western community.” Its historic downtown, with buildings dating to the early 1900s and wood plank sidewalks, certainly feels like a step back into the Old West. Recorded messages from a series of talking statues, figures representing characters from Wickenburg’s past, bring its history to life.

Inside the buildings, modern shops offer a variety of art, crafts, western wear, and unique gifts. Your walk and browse through town may feel like continual steps between past and present. Don’t leave town without visiting the Desert Caballeros Western Museum. It has an impressive collection of western art and recreates Wickenburg’s early days.

For more information, check out Phoenix Day Trip: Wickenburg.

Schoolteacher "talking statue" in Wickenburg, Arizona. — Schoolteacher “talking statue” in Wickenburg. Photo: Donna Janke.

5. Saguaro Lake

It may come as a surprise to some to learn that there are lakes within easy reach of Phoenix. One of these man-made lakes is Saguaro Lake, created by the damming of the Salt River. Its 22 miles of shoreline includes rocky crags, canyon walls, marshland, and desert shrubland.

You can explore its varied scenery and ecosystems on a narrated 90-minute cruise aboard the Desert Belle riverboat. You’ll see rugged desert, mountains, marshlands, many birds and maybe even a bighorn sheep, deer, or bobcats. Saguaro Lake also offers hiking, camping and a variety of water activities.

For more information, read 5 Things To Do At Saguaro Lake.

The Desert Belle riverboat on Saguaro Lake. — The Desert Belle, Saguaro Lake. Flickr / vaxomatic

6. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

A 183-foot-high natural arch in Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is believed to the largest travertine bridge in the world. The bridge has been carved over thousands of years by precipitation seeping through limestone.

The park is located in Pine Creek Valley, 100 miles northeast of Phoenix. Four viewing platforms allow you to view the bridge from above. Alternatively you can hike trails taking you past walls of rock formations, cacti and pinyon pines down to the creek bottom and underneath the bridge.

For more information, read our article Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.

Tonto Natural Bridge water falling between rocks — Flickr / etzel42

7. Kartchner Caverns State Park

Thousands of years of water seeping through limestone is also responsible for the formations known as speleotherms in Kartchner Caverns State Park, 165 miles southeast of Phoenix. The massive limestone cave has 13,000 feet of passages and is considered one of the top ten caves of the world in terms of mineral diversity. Daily tours of this living cave are available.

For more information, read our article about Kartchner Caverns State Park.

Kartchner Caverns stalactites and stalagmites, Arizona — Wikimedia Commons

8. Jerome, Vertical City of Ghosts and Artists

The town of Jerome makes for a fun and quirky day trip. Many buildings in this “vertical city”, built at a 30-degree incline atop Cleopatra Hill two hours north of Phoenix, date to the late 1800s and early 1900s when Jerome got its start as a copper mining town. The mining boom brought miners, businessmen and less savory characters to town. Ghosts from that time supposedly haunt the town to this day. When mining ceased and the town nearly died, artists, musicians and writers moved in. Jerome is now home to a thriving arts community.

Today, both ghosts and art bring people to town. Ghost tours explore haunting stories. Historic buildings house galleries, studios and specialty shops.

For more information, check out Phoenix Day Trip: Jerome, The Vertical City.

Jerome, Arizona, seen at sunrise — Jerome, Arizona. Wikimedia Commons

9. Montezuma Castle National Monument

Montezuma Castle National Monument, located 95 miles north of Phoenix, is one of the best-preserved cliff-dwellings in North America. The buildings of this five-story structure sit on ledges of natural caves and appear nestled in the mountain. The Sinagua people began building the structure in the twelfth century and lived there until the early fifteen century.

For more information, read How To Spend A Day At Montezuma Castle National Monument.

Montezuma Castle, Montezuma National Monument, Arizona — Pixabay / SoCali

10. Tubac, Town of History and Art

Art and history meet in the village of Tubac, 160 miles southeast of Phoenix. Tubac was established in 1752 as a Spanish presidio and began to develop as an artist colony in the 1930s and 1940s. Today, restored historic buildings in this thriving arts community house over 100 galleries, studios and shops, all within easy walking distance of each other. The annual February Tubac Festival of the Arts brings artists from all over the country and is the longest running festival in Arizona. The grounds of the former fortress now house a state historic park showcasing the timeline of human settlement in the area.

For more information, check out Art And History In Tubac, Arizona.

Arts and crafts for sale outdoors, Tubac, Arizona — Photo: Donna Janke.

9 Reasons To Visit Thailand

Six months following my return to the U.S. after a year spent abroad in Thailand, I still find myself incredibly nostalgic for this glorious and anomalous Southeast Asian country.

I’ve spent several years living abroad, and arriving in Thailand I didn’t fall head over heels the way I did in Europe. It took a little bit of time to appreciate and fall in love with Thailand, but being able to eventually assimilate to a culture that was nothing like my own inspired an even deeper and greater veneration by the time my stay came to an end.

I could write 10,000 words about the reasons fellow wanderers should visit Thailand, but the ones detailed below are the aspects of the country that stood out most to me. If you’re looking for reasons to visit the Land of Smiles (I’ll explain this, too), then I hope this article finds you well.

1. It’s called the Land of Smiles

Perhaps because people can’t stop smiling when they’re traveling through Thailand, the country has been deemed the Land of Smiles. Historically, though, the country gave itself this name in order to hopefully attract tourists for its pristine white sandy beaches, affordable travel costs, and overwhelmingly friendly locals.

Though this name was initially used as a marketing tool, it undeniably holds some truth. While Thailand has an apparent wealth inequality, its people seem to be content and happy with life. Based on my observations while living in Thailand, I believe this is due in part to their background in Buddhism.

The Buddhist religion is rooted in reaching enlightenment and happiness, something that can only be done by ridding oneself of cravings. To put this in laymen’s terms, Buddhists believe you should be happy with what you have and you shouldn’t need more than what life has to offer at its core. Though this is my own interpretation of reasons Thailand might be called the Land of Smiles, it’s one I find truthful and sensible.

2. Its celebrated (and bizarre) annual festivals and holidays

Thailand is home to some of the most unique annual festivals and holidays, namely Songkran and Phuket Vegetarian Festival.

Songkran is the Thai New Year’s national holiday, celebrated annually from Apr. 13-15. Since Songkran falls during Thailand’s hottest month of the year, Thai people celebrate their new year a little bit differently than the rest of the world: with a giant, three-day-long water fight.

It’s guaranteed that during Songkran, every single Thai person in the nation will be out on the street, soaking each other with balloons, water guns, buckets and anything they can get their hands on.

Songkran is Thailand’s most famous holiday, and if you’re wondering when is a good time to visit Thailand, you may want to consider April for this reason.

Celebrated primarily by local Chinese communities, Phuket Vegetarian Festival, or Nine Emperor Gods Festival, is nothing like the name implies.

Unusual religious rituals during this nine-day festival include body mutilation, specifically by impaling the cheeks, arms, face, legs, and back with anything from syringes to knives, swords, and axes. If you have a weak stomach or faint at the sight of blood, this festival is not for you.

Elephant sprays water on crowd, Songkran festival. Thailand. — Even elephants participate in the Thai New Year’s national holiday known as Songkran. Wikimedia Commons

3. Its world-renowned cuisine

It’s no surprise that tourists flock to Thailand because of its world-renowned cuisine. This is arguably one of the top reasons people head to the Land of Smiles in the first place. Thai cuisine is so tantalizing and eclectic, you should be able to travel the country for at least two weeks without ever repeating a meal.

Bisa Myles of Myles to Travel speaks for many when she praises the uniqueness of Thai cuisine. “My favorite country for food is Thailand,” she says. “It’s probably not a surprise to people. My favorite dish to eat while I was there was the papaya salad. I never had it before in the US and haven’t been able to find it in any Thai restaurants.”

Caressed with a spicy flare and an array of powerful flavors, Thai food has a handful of essential ingredients that can be found in several of its principal dishes, including ginger, galangal, Thai basil leaves, kaffir lime leaves, cilantro, fish sauce, coconut, lemongrass and red-hot Thai chilis.

One of my personal favorite Thai dishes is pad kee mao, otherwise known as “drunken noodles.” Kee mao, like tom yum, is a type of flavoring that can be incorporated into various noodle dishes, made with soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, chopped garlic, fresh black pepper pods and holy basil.

While in Thailand, you can choose to order sen yai pad kee mao, made with a wide rice noodle, or mama pad kee mao, made with Chinese-style spiral wheat noodles. You can also choose what type of meat you would like with any Thai dish by adding the word at the end. For example, sen yai pad kee mao gai would be “drunken noodles with chicken.” The phonetic spellings of meat in Thailand are as follows:

Gai– chicken
Goong– shrimp
Mu krub– crispy pork
Krub– regular pork
Tao hu– tofu
Jey– vegetarian

Want to eat like a local while traveling Thailand? Check out 11 Foods To Try In Thailand for a more detailed guide on the country’s best eats.

4. Acceptance of transgender community

If there’s one thing other countries around the world can learn from Thai culture, it’s their acceptance of its transgender community, formally referred to as kathoeys.

Today, metropolitan cities in Thailand such as Bangkok are performing two to three gender operations per week, with more than 3,500 GRSs over the past 30 years.

There are several popular Thai models, singers, and movie stars that are kathoeys, and the country hosts several transgender beauty contests and pageants. The most famous of these is Miss Tiffany’s Universe, Pattaya’s annual transgender beauty contest that has taken place since 1984.

Another leading transgender superstar in Thailand, Parinya Charoenphol, known informally as Nong Toom, is a Thai boxer, former Muay Thai champion, model and actress.

While I was studying for a teaching certificate in Hua Hin, we had several culture classes that discussed various norms throughout Thailand. One thing they talked to our class about, in particular, was Thailand’s prominent transgender community. They told us that while teaching in Thailand, for example, if we ever decided to split the class into “boys” and “girls,” not to be surprised if we were to see several of the boys choose to walk over to the girl’s side.

I remember thinking how beautiful this was, that even at such juvenile ages, school children in Thailand didn’t think twice about classmates that were transgender. The rest of the world has a lot of work to do when it comes to the acceptance of transgender men and women, and we can look to Thailand as a model, yet another great reason to visit and fall in love with the Land of Smiles.

5.,6.,7. Pristine beaches, ideal weather, and affordable prices

Even Thailand’s coldest month (December) sees average temperatures around 79°F; with 2,000 miles of coastline and approximately 1,400 islands, it makes for an ideal tropical getaway year round.

Thailand has some of the world’s most stunning, pristine, white sandy beaches, including Patong, Phi Phi Islands, Ao Nang, Railay Beach, Ko Samui, Pattaya, Karon, Ko Lanta, Ko Phangan and many more.

Beyond its immaculate beaches and idyllic weather, Thailand is an ideal destination for those on a budget.

If you eat at local restaurants, you can get any meal for about 30-60 THB, equivalent to about $1-3 USD. Hour-long massages can be found for as little as 180 THB, or $6 USD. Even the swankiest of accommodations can go for as little as $45 a night. While airfare may be expensive depending on your departure location, you’ll unquestionably make up for this cost during your travels.

“The most beautiful and affordable city I’ve visited is Chiang Mai, Thailand,” Bisa Myles says. “I stayed four nights in a hotel for $134. The food is very cheap. My favorite thing about it is the combination of mountains and city views.”

Long-tail boat on beach, Thailand. — Thailand’s prominent long-tail boats can take you to various islands and beaches. Photo Credit: Alexandra Mahoney

8. Its exuberant nightlife

Cities like Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya boast some of the best walking streets for nightlife in Thailand, teeming with bars, restaurants, cabaret shows, street vendors, massage parlors, tattoo shops, and much, much more.

Bangkok is often referred to as Sin City, and if you’re looking for some naughty-nightlife hotspots, head to Khao San Road, Soi Cowboy, Nana Plaza, Patpong, or Sukhumvit.

A popular destination for backpackers, Ko Phangan island hosts the Full Moon Party, an all-night beach party on the night of, before, or after every full moon.

9. Its blend of tradition and modernity

One of my greatest takeaways from Thailand is its peculiar blend of tradition and modernity. You can look in one direction and gaze upon a centuries-old Buddhist temple; you can look the other way and see a modern skyscraper soaring 1,000 feet into the muggy sky.

To me, Thailand always had this unexplained contrast between old and new, conservative and liberal. Thailand was almost like an oxymoron but in the most beautiful of ways.

Rooted in Buddhist religion and culture, Thailand is still very set in its ways. Traditional and modest are a few adjectives that come to mind when thinking about Thai culture. Nevertheless, Thailand has one of the highest prostitution rates and one of the most bustling nightlives in the world, offering a variety of sinful activities. The difference between night and day in Thailand is astonishing, and I always found this very strange.

As mentioned above, Thai people are extremely accepting of their transgender community, something that I always thought would contradict a country so deeply rooted in religion. Although I didn’t totally understand it, I loved this fact about the country.

If you let it, Thailand can open your eyes to a new world and teach you many things you didn’t know before. Thailand is more than just a tourist destination or tropical getaway, it’s a country with thousands of years of incredible history and some of the most welcoming people in the world.

Thai children in costume. — Thailand is a blend of tradition and modernity. Photo Credit: Alexandra Mahoney

If you weren’t sure about visiting Thailand before, we hope this article helped convince you why you should. It’s time to go and book that trip to the wonderful Land of Smiles. Happy Trails!

11 Foods To Try In Thailand

When traveling to tropical Southeast Asia, it will come as no surprise that Thailand is referred to as the “Land of Smiles.” Visitors constantly fall in love with its natural beauty and historic riches, an undeniable truth that caused me to reside in Bangkok for one year; it’s the most visited city in the world with more than 21 million annual guests.

Not only are Thailand’s landscapes breathtaking, but the culture is fascinating, its people overwhelmingly friendly, and its cuisine otherworldly. A spicy edge and aromatic components form the contours of Thai cuisine, and listed below are my top 11 picks for food to try when traveling to Thailand.

Let this be a guide to help you avoid touristy-favored dishes like pad thai and eat like a true local when visiting this unparalleled country.

Of course, the most famous snack, Pad Thai, is a must, but there are so many other dishes. Among my favorite are Pad Krapow (stir-fried vegetables with basil over rice), all the curries made with coconut milk (my favorite is Green Curry, or Gaeng Khiaw Wan), Tom Kha (coconut soup with fresh vegetables), Tom Yum (Spicy Soup), Som Tam (Spicy Green Papaya salad), Kuay Teow (Noodle Soup), and Pad See Ew (Wide Stir-Fried Noodles with vegetables). But maybe best of all is dessert — Mango and Sticky Rice with coconut sauce!
— Barbara Weibel, travel blogger, Hole In The Donut

Soups

1. Tom kha gai

A coconut milk-based soup, tom kha gai is an extremely popular Thai dish that is typically served before the main meal and usually with a side of white rice for dipping. Galangal is the main ingredient that gives tom kha gai its unique flavor, a tropical rhizomatous spice.

This spicy and sour hot soup is teeming with strips of lemongrass, red tomato chunks, oyster mushrooms, chicken breast, kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce and cilantro. Don’t leave Thailand without trying this delicious starter dish!

2. Tom yum goong

Another essential Thai hot soup, tom yum goong is one of the most famous Thai dishes and, in my humble opinion, one of the best soups in the world. Tom yum itself is a type of flavoring used in many Thai dishes, characterized by its hot and sour inflection and the incorporation of many fresh spices and herbs.

Tom yum goong’s main ingredients are fresh shrimp (goong), ginger, kaffir lime leaves, lime juice, fish sauce, sweet white onions, sugar, and crushed chili peppers. Many street-style tom yum soups will be served with nam prik pao, a widely-used Thai chili paste.

Tom yum goong can also be served as a cream-based soup with condensed milk instead of broth, referred to as tom yum goong nam khon.

Tom Yum Goong soup, Thailand — Tom Yum Goong. Photo Credit: Alexandra Mahoney

Salads

3. Som tam (green papaya salad)

Som tam is Thailand’s only true salad, otherwise referred to as green papaya salad. Food historians believe that som tam actually originated in Thailand’s northeast neighbor nation of Laos, arguably why it is so popular in Thailand’s northern Isaan province. Isaan cuisine may be the spiciest in all of Thailand, so beware when you’re trying som tam salad!

An authentic som tam salad will normally include shredded raw green papaya, dried shrimp, yardlong beans, garlic, peanuts, palm sugar, lime, fish sauce, tomatoes and, of course, lots and lots of red or green chilis. This dish is hot, hot, hot!

Mains

4. Gai pad med mamuang (cashew chicken stir-fry)

If you’re traveling to Thailand, not a huge fan of spicy food and worried about what you’ll eat during your trip, gai pad med mamuang is a great option. A sweet and sour cashew chicken stir-fry, this dish was always one of my go-tos when needing a break from spicy Thai cuisine. Though this is a less-spicy Thai dish, be aware that most Thai food has at least some kick to it.

Gai pad med mamuang is typically made with lightly floured chicken chunks, chopped garlic, yellow onions, dried red chilis, cashew nuts, spring onions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a pinch of sugar.

5. Pad see ew

If you’ve ever tried Thai cuisine, you’ve probably heard of pad see ew. Though pad see ew has disputable Chinese origins, Thai culture has adopted the dish and made it their own.

The name pad see ew translates to “fried with soy sauce,” another great option for those seeking a not-so-spicy Thai dish. Pad see ew is prepared with broad flat rice noodles called sen yai, meaning big strip. Other essential ingredients in pad see ew are garlic cloves, broccoli, soy sauce, and sugar.

6. Nam tok

A less popular Thai dish, nam tok was one of my favorite meals whilst living in Thailand and can usually be found solely by street vendors in authentic Thai neighborhoods.

Nam tok literally translates to “beef waterfall” and is another dish originating from Thailand’s Isaan region. Nam tok is made with a generous portion of fatty beef, khao kua, otherwise known as toasted sticky rice powder, fish sauce, a pinch of sugar, cilantro, red onion, mint leaves and, once again, a lot of chili flakes (remember: Isaan cuisine).

7. Pad mama

There are many ways to eat mama style noodles in the Land of Smiles, Thailand’s version of stir-fry ramen noodles. One of the easiest and quickest meals to eat in Thailand, pad mama is a great choice if you’re vegetarian or on-the-go and looking for a quick bite.

A traditional pad mama dish is comprised of a block of mama instant noodles, garlic, eggs, cabbage, carrots, julienned onions, soy sauce, fish sauce and green onion.

Cashew chicken stir fry, or gai pad med mamuang, paired with Thai yellow curry. Photo Credit: Alexandra Mahoney.

Currys

8. Kaeng khiao wan (Thai green curry)

Many countries in Southeast and South Asia have their own versions of curry dishes, and Thailand is no exception. Kaeng khiano wan, or Thai green curry, is a must-try dish when visiting this exotic Southeast Asian country.

The main ingredient in kaeng khiao wan is green curry paste, usually made from cilantro root or cilantro stems and fresh green chilies. Other essential ingredients in an authentic Thai green curry are Thai eggplant, coconut milk, bamboo shoot, kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, palm sugar, Thai basil leaves, and red chili peppers.

9. Phanaeng curry

Phanaeng curry, also spelled panang curry, is a thick, sweet and salty curry with a nutty peanut flavor. Published in 1890, Mom Somchin Rachanupraphan’s “Tamra Kap Khao” is the world’s first-known mention of phanaeng curry.

Pork phanaeng is the most popular way to consume this Thai curry dish, and its intoxicating flavors stem from Panang red curry paste, typically made with toasted cumin and coriander seeds, white peppercorns, chopped lemongrass and galangal, kaffir lime zest, cilantro roots, chopped shallots, shrimp paste, and ground roasted peanuts.

Other vital ingredients in an authentic Thai phanaeng curry are red and orange bell peppers, onion, Thai basil, and kaffir lime leaves.

A very spicy and authentic Thai green curry from Bangkok. Photo Credit: Alexandra Mahoney

Desserts

10. Khao niaow ma muang (mango sticky rice)

Khao niaow ma muang, or mango sticky rice, is without a doubt Thailand’s number-one dessert menu item. Mango sticky rice can be found practically anywhere in Thailand and is a particularly popular street food snack.

Whatever you do, don’t let the sound of rice and fruit mixed together deter you from trying mango sticky rice. This is a surprisingly unmatched pairing of flavors and textures.

Though this delectable dessert originated in Thailand, it is commonly found throughout other regions of Southeast Asia, including Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

11. Roti

Another popular street food dessert, roti s a wheat-flour pan-fried sweet bread with Muslim origins. Though roti can be found basically anywhere in Thailand, the country’s four southernmost provinces of Satun, Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat are a popular place to eat roti, since a majority of Thailand’s Muslim population resides in these regions.

Roti is exceedingly similar to Malaysia’s roti canai and India’s flatbread maida paratha. When ordering roti on the street, it is usually offered with various toppings such as sweetened condensed milk, white sugar, banana slices and even chocolate!

Mango sticky rice, or Khao Niaow Ma Muang. Photo Credit: Alexandra Mahoney

We hope we made you hungry for some of Thailand’s culinary delights — and maybe for adventure as well! Happy trails.

15 Affordable Fall Getaways For Empty Nesters

Fall is a great time to plan a getaway if you’re an empty nester. With many destinations to explore both locally and abroad, eager to keep tourists coming during shoulder season, you’ll see less demand for accommodations and better rates all around!

Depending on your location, you can take advantage of the summer tourism decline as the kids have returned to school and most people have begun saving vacation days for the fast-approaching holiday season. If you’re planning on heading somewhere tropical, use the fact that hurricane season is winding up to your advantage — you’ll likely experience smaller crowds and lower rates if you can stomach a few days of rain in paradise. No matter what you decide, now is a great time to travel!

Here are 15 ideal fall vacation spots for empty nesters.

1. Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is at its cheapest during the summer months, but there are still bargains to be enjoyed if you arrive for a visit in late fall. Since Sedona is renowned for its stunning red rock and scenic vistas, you’ll likely be spending much of your time outdoors, so cooler temperatures are key. During fall, you’ll be enchanted with plenty of color too.

Here, you can experience Sedona’s thriving artist community, go hiking on a variety of trails suited for every ability and activity level, or even take a day or two chilling out in one of their renowned spa retreats. If you’re looking for even more adventure, the Grand Canyon is only a two hour drive from Sedona.

2. Las Vegas, Nevada

Experiencing Vegas without the kids in tow means you’ll have more time for travel on your terms. Even if you aren’t a big gambler, Vegas is renowned for its night life and jaw-dropping shows.

Since the desert won’t be the summer scorcher of the previous season, you’ll also be able to fit in plenty of time at the pool or visiting various properties along the Strip that are free or inexpensive to enjoy.

Fall foliage in Grant Park, Chicago. — DiegoMariottini / Shutterstock

3. Chicago, Illinois

Locals will tell you, fall in Chicago can’t be beat. With beautiful foliage in the quaint north end neighborhoods and autumn fashion trends parading down Michigan Avenue, you’ll be able to enjoy cooler temperatures and equally cool sights.

Getting around the Windy City is easy and affordable, and there are plenty of landmarks to see for free, including Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and Lincoln Park Zoo. The Cubs or White Sox may not make it close enough to the World Series to host a home game, but you can still grab a beer in Wrigleyville at Goose Island, a quick 35-minute ride up the Red Line from downtown, to get your baseball fix.

4. New Orleans, Louisiana

You can often find cheap airfare to New Orleans this time of year, and while it may not be as lively as Fat Tuesday during Mardi Gras, visiting the Crescent City in fall still provides plenty of flavor. The city is renowned for its Cajun food and French inspiration — you can cut costs on food by eating your most anticipated meals during lunch versus dinner.

Taking a food tour or walking the French Quarter on your own will give you plenty to do, and if you want to ramble, grab a street car for only $1.25 each way for a uniquely New Orleans experience.

5. Book A Caribbean (Or Other!) Cruise

Many ships switch routes between summer and winter to adjust to changing weather patterns and demand. These “repositioning cruises” are one-way trips that offer the normal accommodations and perks — but as I say, they typically only take you one way.

While the Caribbean is a popular destination for many empty nesters, you can take advantage of these repositioning cruises all over the globe — including trips through the Panama Canal and to various destinations in Europe. While a cruise doesn’t include transportation costs to get to port, like airfare or cab rides, it’s a great opportunity to see if you like cruising for a fraction of the price.

Tower Bridge in London during the fall. — PROMA1 / Shutterstock

6. London, United Kingdom

London is a notoriously pricey city, but shoulder season is an excellent time to visit when crowds have thinned and the winter chill hasn’t quite set in. For this destination, plan to visit in late autumn to take advantage of smaller crowds and better deals.

With so many historical sites, free museums, and cheap or free walking tours, plus an affordable underground train system, you should have an excellent trip!

7. Disney Properties

If you’ve wanted to feel like a kid without having the kids in tow, fall is an excellent time to visit any of the Disney properties. You can take advantage of school being back in session without the disappointment of encountering regularly scheduled ride closures for winter maintenance.

If you find yourself in Orlando, Florida, you can enjoy the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival that happens from August through November or pop over to any of the other local theme parks Orlando is known for. If you plan to spend your time at Disney’s California properties, don’t miss these great Disneyland restaurants for dining without kids.

8. Traverse City, Michigan

Most famous as a summertime destination, there is still plenty to be seen and enjoyed in the upper peninsula of Michigan during autumn. Enjoy the changing fall leaves and sip some hot cider at one of the local wineries that are scattered around Traverse City.

With crisp weather, hiking and exploring at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will be a true fall experience to remember. Then cozy up at a local tap room to sip on one of the area’s local microbrews.

Fall foliage in New York City's Central Park. — GagliardiPhotography / Shutterstock

9. New York, New York

For New York, on average, prices are 18 to 23 percent cheaper this time of year, versus visiting the Big Apple in spring and summer. While you can enjoy a day or two amidst the hustle and bustle of the city itself, you’ll also be a stone’s throw away from a state nature preserve and two national parks where you can experience the changing colors.

If you’d like to stay in the city, you can enjoy this cultural and culinary mecca by dining your way around the city and stopping in for a Broadway musical. With a bit of planning and strategy, you can score some affordable tickets to favorite attractions.

10. San Antonio, Texas

Summer can be especially sweltering in Texas due to the high humidity the southern cities experience. Fall in San Antonio means warm but comfortable temperatures and new flavors to enjoy. While most tourists remember the Alamo and have heard of the River Walk, visitors can experience some world class Mexican food, Tex-Mex and great local microbrews.

If you want to experience Texas wine country, Fredricksburg is only a one hour drive away, and is a quaint town built around German immigrant settlements with over two dozen wineries, plus a long strip of great shopping from local shops. Plus, it puts you in range of a day trip to Austin.

11. Vancouver, British Columbia

Fall in Canada is a great time to visit any of the provinces, but it’s an especially great time to explore Vancouver. The fall season brings cheaper rooms, smaller crowds, and pleasant but crisp fall weather.

Those seeking adventure can summit Grouse Mountain for fabulous views or get their steps in elsewhere at a leisurely pace in one of the city’s many lovely parks. Fall festivals are commonplace, so just about anyone might find just the crowd they’re looking for.

Autumn in Dublin's Saint Stephen's Green Park. — Kayihan Bolukbasi / Shutterstock

12. Dublin, Ireland

Before winter weather chills your chances to enjoy this beautiful island country, you can fly into Dublin and take advantage of lower airfare and great direct flight options. Dublin is rich in folklore, history, and a vibrant live music scene. Stop in for a pint, explore the Guinness Storehouse, and take a free walking tour of the city center.

You can head out to the Cliffs of Moher and Giant’s Causeway on the coast before winter weather ruins the views.

13. Reykjavik, Iceland

As temperatures drop, so do prices! Iceland is a scenic country with natural beauty, welcoming people, and unique traditions. And it’s only a six-hour flight from New York city.

Before embarking by car to visit the country’s stunning natural sights and enjoy the Northern Lights, you can take in the city center for a day or two. Notable spots include Hallgrímskirkja church, Harpa Concert Hall, and the many great dining options offering local fare you can’t get elsewhere!

14. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta is often an ideal destination for the aforementioned cruise ships, but you can also get there by plane. With a far more laid back vibe than Cancun and other well-known Mexican cities, resorts are designed to be welcoming and stocked with every amenity for relaxing experience. Puerto Vallarta may experience some hurricane or storm activity during the fall season, but often it’s an opportunity to get a great deal!

Whether you decide to enjoy some time at the pool without the kids along or want to venture out to enjoy what Puerto Vallarta has to offer off-resort, you’ll find plenty to stay up — or stay in — for to enjoy your time there.

An East Coast road trip during the fall. — Pierre Leclerc / Shutterstock

15. Take A Bucket-List Road Trip

If you’ve been dying to see fall foliage along the coasts, now is the time to go. Popping along the lighthouses dotting the East Coast, or enjoying the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky is so much easier without kids in the car! You can take your time enjoying the scenery, shopping for antiques, or tucking into vineyards and distilleries to try something new.

There are plenty of great ideas to craft the road trip of your dreams, with fun stops along the way!

Want to chase the changing leaves this fall? Learn where to see the best fall foliage in the U.S. and the best times to go, state by state.

11 Incredible Spots To Celebrate New Year’s In The U.S.

This year’s days are numbered. Well, okay, they always are, but with the winter coming, it’s not too early to start thinking about where you’d like to ring in the new year. In that spirit, here are 11 of the best places in the U.S. to spend New Year’s Eve.

1. New York, New York

There’s no shortage of fabulous things to do in the city that never sleeps! From gourmet dinners to Broadway shows to the biggest party of the year as the ball drops on Times Square, New York City has the best of all things glitz and glamour for New Year’s Eve. If hanging around with about a million people isn’t your thing though, try a cruise along the Hudson River, and the fireworks show in Prospect Park. There’s even a midnight run in Central Park, the Emerald Nuts Midnight Run, that will have you jogging your way into the New Year. And if you just want to get away from it all and observe, try hitting up some New York’s rooftop bars and restaurants to watch all the festivities unfold beneath you.

New Year’s Eve 2012 in Times Square. Wikimedia Commons

2. Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL

There’s a reason they call it the most magical place on Earth. New Year’s Eve at Disney World begins at 8 p.m. Starting in the Fantasia Ballroom of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you can indulge in adult beverages and gourmet foods before moving on to the dance floor for music from the 60s to today. Later, you can stroll outside to the Porte Cochere to sip champagne and watch fireworks from the Magic Kingdom light up the sky. And for the kiddos, there’s the Pixar Party on the 2nd floor of the Contemporary Resort Convention Center that features food and festivities inspired by Toy Story, Up, the Incredibles, and Cars, to name a few. Activities include face painting, boot camp with Sarge from Toy Story, a balloon artist, as well as food and music based on the Pixar movies. Kiddies can join mom and dad after the fun to watch the fireworks too!

Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse in front of illuminated Castle, Disney World. — Walt Disney World on New Year’s. Unsplash / Kenrick Mills

3. Pasadena, CA

More than just a place for a little New Year’s Day parade, Pasadena celebrates with fireworks, parties and pre-Rose Bowl celebrations on New Year’s Eve. If you can’t do a little pre-parade legwork and get a spot volunteering to help with one of the floats, you can walk down a view the flower-decked floats up close. Hundreds of thousands of people flock to the city each year, many camping out along the parade route or parking their RVs in the city, so make sure to get reservations for dinner, and to take in all the sites and celebrations before the big game! From Equestfest, a celebration of the horse units that will be marching in the parade, to BandFest, which shows off all the bands, from pre-parade festivities, to strolling through the Playhouse District or down South Lake Avenue for post-parade festivities, there’s tons to get you marching.

4. New Orleans, LA

New Orleans is a city that really knows how to party, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. From the All State Sugar Bowl New Year’s Eve Parade with its extravagant floats, bands, and live entertainment, to the Baby New Year drop and fireworks show in Jackson Square, New Orleans does it up right, with its own NOLA twist. Ring in the New Year and then party all night long — Mardi Gras style! And the kiddies can get their fun in too, without staying up too late. Both the Louisiana Children’s Museum and the nationally renowned Audubon Zoo host countdowns to noon for kids only. For games, entertainment, and New Year’s Eve-like countdowns, kiddos can dress up, drink some sparkling apple cider, don a festive hat, and go to town with noisemakers at their own year-end celebrations — and while leaving time for Mom and Dad to get ready for the big parties later!

Champagne on ice with flutes — Unsplash / JESHOOTS.COM

5. Tallapoosa, GA

If a rural New Year’s Eve is more to your liking, head to Tallapoosa, GA for the annual Possum Drop! Billed as West Georgia’s Largest New Year’s Eve party, the evening features music, food, fireworks and last, but not least, the possum drop. The possum, a stuffed possum named “Spencer”, is surrounded by a Christmas-tree lighted ball, and hangs by its tail and is lowered from the top of American Hometown Realty — one of the city’s oldest buildings. Formerly known as “Possum Snout”, the town proudly welcomes tourists to its little haven of country. The town has gained national recognition for its possum drop and has been featured by CNN, The Christian Science Monitor, Newsweek, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, and the New Orleans Times Picayune. It even served as a location for the TLC reality series “Here Comes Honey-Boo-Boo”.

6. Boston, MA

New Year’s Eve in Boston is known locally as “First Night,” and celebrations during the evening are filled with packages and fixed price menus at restaurants, bars and clubs throughout the city. At Copley Square, you find music, dancing and ice sculptures across from magnificent churches and the Copley Square hotels and restaurants. A People’s Parade starts at 6, followed by a fireworks display in the Boston Harbor. Later, at midnight, a pyrotechnics show kicks off in Copley Square. For more adventurous evening celebrations, try a speakeasy riverboat cruise along the Boston Harbor, or take a glide across the ice rink in Boston Commons. If you’re feeling even smarter this year, head up to Harvard Square and take in the sights and sounds of the world-renowned college, and all the activities planned there as well.

Boats in Boston Harbor glow in the light of an exploding firework. — Unsplash / Matthew Landers

7. Eureka, CA

Can’t get enough of this year? Head to Eureka, California, the westernmost city in the continental United States and the last city to see the sunset in America. Camp out at any of the campgrounds near the Redwoods National Forest to watch the sunset, then head to Eureka and Arcata for the New Year’s Eve celebrations. If you’re feeling lucky, casinos in the area have several different festivities going on. And for music and partying, things get downright funky in Arcata. For those looking for a calmer and classier year-end celebration, head over to the Benbow Inn for dinner, dancing, dining, a champagne toast at midnight, and fireworks to send off the old year. Reservations for two or three night stays are required and tickets to the gala evening sell out fast, so make your reservations early.

8. Porcupine Mountain/Cadillac Mountain, ME

Is the outdoors more your thing? Want to get a head start on the New Year? Head to the Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, Maine, the first place to see the sunrise in America everyday. Authorities debate which of the two mountains actually sees sunrise the first, but either location is bound to provide you with a breath-taking view of the New Year’s sun. While the area is a popular spot for early morning hikers year-round, it takes on special significance on New Year’s Day. Dawn starts around 5:30, so be prepared to forego those New Year’s Eve activities and get to bed early so you can start the trek up the 1,528-foot tall mountain, along Cadillac Mountain Road. Park rangers suggest starting at 3:30-4 in the morning to be able to take it all in.

9. Miami, FL

Whether by land or by sea, you’re sure to find a thrilling end to your year in Miami. From sipping champagne in luxury at the W. Miami rooftop party, or lounging by your hotel’s pool listening to the DJ spin some tracks, or heading out to sea, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the new year. To celebrate at sea, catch one of the yacht parties in the harbor or out of Coral Gables, or join the Western Key Outdoor Center for a Paddle into the Harbor to watch the fireworks. Starting at 7 p.m., you’ll enjoy music and food, then head out on your kayak at 10:30 with lights and noisemakers to watch the fireworks from the water. Attire is formal, of course, meaning please wear your good flip flops. Other events include parties in Little Cuba and swanky affairs in South Beach. You’ll find it all from casual to contemporary in Miami.

Umbrellas lining the beach seen from above, Miami — Miami! Unsplash / Syd Sujuaan

10. Denver, CO

Get outdoors in Denver to ring in the New Year. With the mountains calling, you’ll be relaxing in wintry resorts and activities like skiing, hiking, and hot-spring dipping! For the kids, there’s the annual Rodeo Challenge, the Zoo Year’s Eve celebration at the Denver Zoo, or indoor fireworks at the Colorado Avalanche hockey game. Or for adults, grab some cocktails and dance the night away at any of Denver’s famous clubs. If history is your thing, travel back in time for the annual Great Gatsby White Rose Gala that features a Roaring 20s theme, period costumes, dance exhibitions, flappers, and other 20s-themed special treats. The gala features 2,500+ guests, 50 entertainers, and five floors of partying. It regularly sells out though, so get your tickets in advance.

Woman cross-country skiing in the woods — Unsplash / phillip belena

11. Las Vegas, NV

It’s Brittney, b!$#h! Brittney Spears announced another residency in Las Vegas in 2018, so now is definitely the time to go — in case you or any of your friends are fans of the 90s pop icon. Most people sum up New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas in one word — crazy! But crazy in a good way. From the shows to the casinos to the over-the-to parties, there is literally something for everyone and every taste in Las Vegas. Starting around 7, the Strip shuts down and the whole town turns into one big block party for you and your closest 300,000 or so friends. While Las Vegas’ midnight fireworks display makes New York’s look like child’s play, that’s only when the fun begins. There’s the regulars — Celine Dion, Blue Man Group, David Copperfield, Cirque du Soleil to name but a few — and then there are the extreme experiences like those at the Eiffel Tower, and the Hard Rock Café. For outdoor types, you can even get in some ATV tours before the big night.

Wherever you opt to spend New Year’s we wish you all the best in the coming year. Auld lang syne!

9 Great Whale-Watching Locations In North America

There’s something otherworldly and indescribable about witnessing an enormous whale explode out of the water and crash back down onto the sea’s surface. These gargantuan creatures are intimidating yet breathtaking at the same time. They’re the type of animals that make us humans realize how small we really are in this world.

Whale-watching is an experience that brings us closer to a species we rarely get to encounter. North America has some of the world’s best whale-watching opportunities — not just in Canada and the United States, but also in Mexico.

Listed below are the places in these three countries that offer you the best chance of spotting your own Free Willy, and information about how to embark on your own whale of an adventure.

Best Whale-Watching Spots In Canada

1. British Columbia

Orcas, humpback whales, minkes, and gray whales abound in British Columbia, particularly in Vancouver, Richmond, and Victoria. Rich with marine life, the waters off the coast of BC allow travelers to get up close and personal with these majestic maritime mammals, an experience like no other.

March through October are the best months to partake in whale-watching in BC, and BC Whale Tours offer an abundance of tours fit for every type of traveler.

Best for young children and seniors, BC Luna’s vessel has a luxurious design and the highest safety rating in the whale-watching industry.

Prospective photographers and filmmakers will want to hop on the BC Tika, an outdoor-seating only vessel that has been chartered out by numerous film and documentary crews.

2. Quebec

May through October is Québec’s ideal whale-watching season, with opportunities to gaze upon 13 different species of cetaceans found mainly in the waters of the St. Lawrence, including humpback and blue whales, the largest animals on the planet. If you’re lucky enough, you can even spot humpbacks from the shore. These impressive animals tend to swim up to the mouth of Saguenay Fjord National Park near Tadoussac.

Québec’s Whale Watching Essipit Cruise offers travelers the unique experience of sailing directly at water level in inflatable zodiac vessels along the St. Lawrence Estuary, the largest estuary in the world. On this tour, visitors can abut with humpbacks, blue whales, fin whales, seals, and minkes.

3. Nova Scotia

Canada’s picturesque province of Nova Scotia welcomes 12 species of whales during the summer and fall months, namely humpback, minke, fin, blue, pilot, sei, and North Atlantic right whales. These awe-inspiring creatures grace the waters of Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island, the Bay of Fundy, and Brier Island.

In Westport, Brier Island Whale and Seabird Cruises are dedicated not only to offering unparalleled whale-watching experiences, but also collecting important information on endangered or rare species of whales. A portion of whale-watch sales on these particular cruises is contributed to the company’s ongoing research.

Wale's fin sticking out of the water, Vancouver, BC — Whale-watching in Vancouver, British Columbia. Unsplash / Luc Tribolet

Best Whale-Watching Locations In The United States

1. Massachusetts

According to the World Wildlife Fund, Massachusetts is one of the top ten whale-watching destinations in the world. From April to October, the state’s Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary invites visitors to indulge in bona fide New England whale-watching expeditions alongside onboard naturalists.

Departing from Cape Cod, Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises have been in business for over thirty years and have a 99% sighting rate. The company’s state-of-the-art jet-powered vessel takes visitors through some of the world’s best whale-watching waters for the chance to spot humpback, finback, and minke whales, and at times, large numbers of Atlantic white-sided dolphins.

2. Alaska

With Kenai Fjords National Park being Alaska’s top whale-watching destination, the most copious species in this area are humpback and orca whales, while gray whales can be seen in the Gulf of Alaska during their annual migration season in the spring.

Kenai Fjords Tours claims that their whale-watching tours are an adventure of both patience and adrenaline. Passionate and knowledgeable captains and deckhands guide visitors through a journey observing humpback and orca whales that are often seen in pods breaching, playfully slapping their fins, bubble-net feeding, and showing off their flukes.

Other prominent whale-watching tours in Alaska are Major Marine Tours, Gastineau Guiding, and Northern Latitude Adventures. Considering whale watching on an Alaska cruise? Here’s what to know.

4. Hawaii

From November to May, Hawaiian waters are graced by humpback whales, or as Hawaiians call them, kohola. With peak season running from January to March, whale-watching is an activity that is gaining more popularity throughout the islands due to its abundance of these magnificent mammals.

For only $31 USD, Maui Watch Whale Cruise takes guests on a two-hour excursion with the guarantee of a whale-spotting. Travelers get an exciting peek into this underwater world, including informative narration from the captain and crew. Stunning views and photo opportunities proliferate on this tour along Maui’s captivating coastline.

Whale breaching the water, Massachusetts — Provincetown, Massachusetts. Unsplash / Thomas Kelley

Best Whale-Watching Locations In Mexico

1. Cabo San Lucas

Mid-January to Mid-March is the best time for whale-watching in Cabo San Lucas, when the bay of the same name welcomes humpback and gray whales along its coastline.

Because they migrate along Mexico’s Baja Coast to calve, gray whales are seen most frequently in Cabo San Lucas, though humpbacks, sperm whales, blue whales, and orcas can also be spotted.

Receiving a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor for five consecutive years, Cabo Trek‘s staff delivers excellent and responsible services — plus the best whale-watching to be had in Cabo San Lucas. From December until April, travelers can embark on a whale-watching tour with Cabo Trek and take a look into the natural habitat of humpback, California gray, and blue whales.

2. San Ignacio

With whales so close you can sometimes even reach out and touch them, San Ignacio boasts an abundance of these gentle giants set in the natural beauty of a lagoon.

This Baja California region is home to Kuyimá Eco-Lodge, a whale camp offering a four-day adventure that includes three fully-guided whale-watching boat tours and afternoon nature-watching activities. The tour’s vessels are safe 23 to 25-foot outboard-motor boats called pangas, operated by experienced skiff drivers.

For a detailed depiction of this particular whale-watching tour, check out this article.

3. Nayarit

Sayulita and Rincón de Guayabitos are two areas in Nayarit that offer the best whale-watching experiences.

A quaint surfer town with a hippie vibe, Sayulita is best for whale-watching from November to April. Situated at the meeting point of the North Pacific Ocean, Sea of Cortez, and the Tropical Eastern Pacific, this biogeographic location is centered in a marine transition zone, making it an ideal location to witness a wide diversity of marine life, especially whales and dolphins.

Check out Ally Cat Sailing Adventures for whale-watching tours in Sayulita that include sailing, snorkeling, fishing gear, and paddleboards.

Located just a 30-minute drive from Nayarit, Rincón de Guayabitos is best for whale-watching from December to March. This quiet seaside town is nestled between the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, with a famous humpback whale migration providing ample whale-watching opportunities and three native species of endangered sea turtles.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Unsplash / frank mckenna

We hope this article has inspired you to plan a whale-watching expedition of your own. There’s no better way to experience the kinship between all living things, no matter how different. Happy trails!