Best Bed & Breakfasts in Colorado this Autumn & Winter

Anyone who loves nature usually loves Colorado, too.

Its natural wonders are worth a visit any time of the year. But thanks to the Rockies and their annual snowfall, visits in autumn and winter are especially ideal.

Whether looking to soak up fall foliage from hiking trails or enjoy the perfect ski trip in Aspen, visitors rightfully think of Colorado when the weather turns cold.

For me, this period is prime B&B season. When the temperature drops and the leaves change colors, we start dreaming of curling up by a cozy fire and sipping on something warm.

It’s a time for quiet reflection, spending time with loved ones, and enjoying seasonal treats like spiced ciders and apple fritters.

And while I love a good Airbnb rental and a solid hotel, places like Colorado are too full of rugged charm to avoid the allure of a bed and breakfast.

Looking for the ultimate in cozy travels? Stay at one of the best bed & breakfasts in Colorado as autumn ushers in the snowy winter.

Best bed & breakfasts in Colorado

Best big-city option: Capitol Hill Mansion Bed & Breakfast Inn

Denver

If you’ve spent any time in Denver, you might have noticed this stately building before.

The Capitol Hill Mansion Bed & Breakfast was once one of the most famous abodes in the city of Denver. In fact, it’s a State and National Landmark thanks to its historical appeal.

The interior and exterior have been renovated to maintain the charm and features of the original building. The result is a well-preserved glimpse into the past.

That being said, it’s the more modern luxury features that make this B&B stand out. There’s a gourmet fine dining experience available from resident chef Carl S. Schmidt II, for example.

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Best for families & events: The Inn on Fall River

Estes Park

This location is a popular choice for wedding parties and large gatherings.

It offers a fantastic balance between charming communal spaces and natural wonders. The sound of the relaxing Fall River is never far out of earshot while towering mountains are visible from the patios and balconies.

I also enjoy the classic ‘feel’ that The Inn on Fall River offers.

It has all the woodwork you’d expect to see from a more rural B&B, along with plenty of outdoor spaces that let guests really enjoy their surroundings. I imagine that makes it ideal for families that also want to lounge around between busy hiking days.

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Most historic bed and breakfast: The Avon

Silverton

Silverton is a former mining town that looks like something out of a picture book. From its dining to its museums, the town perfectly captures the feeling of the frontier days.

At The Avon, guests stay right in the center of the old town’s main street in a classic, red-brick building. It’s been newly updated to offer more modern amenities without losing its historical appeal.

I’m talking, there’s a large wood stove in the lobby and wooden rafters that look like they date back to the saloon days of yore. It’s mismatched and eclectic in all the right ways.

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More luxurious bed & breakfast: The Nordic Inn

Crested Butte

Who says you can’t have a five-star experience at a B&B?

At the Nordic Inn, guests are treated to a unique stay in downtown Crested Butte that connects them to some of Colorado’s best skiing trails.

I love the alpine feel of this location. The communal fireplace is large and ornate with plenty of seating for guests to mingle at the end of a long day.

On top of that, its rooms have a simple and clean design that makes it more like a traditional hotel stay. Combined with the range of natural wonders in the surrounding area, that makes this a more luxurious B&B option.

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Most romantic bed & breakfast: Romantic RiverSong Inn

Estes Park

Looking for intimacy at your B&B stay?

RiverSong Inn is a great choice thanks to its in-room amenities. Some options include wood-burning fireplaces, while others have jacuzzi tubs. Some even have cozy reading nooks and stained glass windows.

At RiverSong, there are dozens of romance-centric details to gush over. But I recommend taking a look at the rooms before booking so that you can request which one you like the most.

Aside from its romance-centric features, the B&B is also located within walking distance of amazing hiking trails.

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Best Colorado Parks for Free Camping with a Camper Van

One of the main benefits of renting, buying, or living full-time in a camper van is the freedom of the open road.

Though camper vans require trade-offs when it comes to creature comforts, they offer one major plus: The ability to go off-road.

Sure, not all camper vans can handle uneven terrain. Even camper vans with sturdy constructions might struggle with unkept dirt lanes.

That being said, camper vans can navigate to some impressive locations, offering drivers the chance to wake up in unspoiled natural wonders.

They aren’t bound to campsites or even roads. In fact, camper vans with electrical and water setups can survive off-grid for weeks at a time. Assuming they can find a park or reserve that offers free camping.

What is free camping with a camper van?

Free camping is simply off-road camping that’s away from official campsites and plots.

Some camper van buffs use recommendations on where to find free camping from others they’ve met on the road.

Many also consult resources like iOverlander and the US Department of Land Management. Both offer helpful clues into where camper vans are allowed to camp ‘wild’ and whether the terrain is safe.

Unsurprisingly, states like Colorado—home to dozens of national parks, historic trails, and national monuments—are ideal for free camping in a camper van.

If you’re looking for the best Colorado parks for free camping with a camper van, start with these suggestions. But first, let’s cover the legalities of free camping.

Is free camping with a camper van legal?

Every national park and campsite has a unique set of rules on where camper vans can set up shop for the night.

Usually, campsites and parks divide their grounds into RV or tent plots. In these cases, camper vans should be parked with RVs, even though they don’t need an electric hookup.

If you want to go off-roading, that’s known as free or dispersed camping. Some national parks in the US allow free camping, while others don’t. Some might allow free camping for a small fee.

Always make sure to read the fine print—every park is different. You might also see free and dispersed camping referred to as boondocking.

Unless free camping is forbidden, feel free to venture out and park your camper somewhere remote. You can check out the official rules from the US Forest Service here.

Here are the most important rules on free camping from the US Forest Service: Use existing roads and paths to find a spot, don’t destroy the meadows (they’re fragile), no groups larger than 75, don’t stay for more than 16 days, and keep at least 100 feet away from local water sources to avoid polluting.

That’s about it.

Also, watch out for bears—especially in the Rockies.

Best Colorado Parks for Free Camping with a Camper Van

Indian Peaks Wilderness Area

This location is just south of Rocky Mountain National Park, offering all the wonders and views of the main attraction… without the bustle.

Plus, it’s located just outside Denver and Boulder, making it great for first-timers.

Visitors can explore the ground’s various maps, which include trail descriptions and information on where campers can park.

Because this wilderness site welcomes thousands of visitors a year, you can easily find roads that lead to great free camping sites. Just make sure to pay for your permit.

Mount Evans Wilderness Area

Mount Evans Wilderness Area is home to the US’s highest paved road, the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway. That should be at the top of the list for anyone taking their camper van through Colorado.

You can expect larger-than-life views from the area’s suitable parking spots. If Mount Evans Wilderness Area is too remote and rugged, you can instead camp at the Echo Lake Campground.

It’s located inside the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests—which are also worth exploring. Once more, make sure to obtain the necessary permits, as these are some of Colorado’s more popular outdoors destinations.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets. While locals might have spent time gazing at the stunning rockfaces here, it’s usually a surprise for out-of-towners.

The national park has three campgrounds, two on either rim of the canyon and one in the valley below.

For better views, stay at one of the rim campgrounds above. But if you’re more interested in disappearing into a full-grown forest, stick to the East Portal Campground below.

Or if you’re ready for a dispersed camping adventure, then you can also head off-road to find your own camping spot at the Black Canyon Dispersed Camping area.

This is a great place for first-time free campers to set up shop. You’ll notice well-worn trails from other campers and agile RVs, which makes finding a suitable and safe spot much easier.

Dinosaur National Monument

This park covers a whopping 211,000 acres—and most of that area is open for dispersed camping. Once again, you need to read through the rules and obtain the correct permits.

But once you’ve got your ducks in a row, you’ll have literally hundreds of miles to cover as you find a good spot at the Dinosaur National Monument grounds.

Carry-On Countdown: Rolling Backpacks

There’s a carry-on for every type of traveler out there.

Whether on the hunt for a functional backpack carry-on or shopping around for the best rolling suitcases, hundreds of brands have taken up the charge to streamline air travel.

But what about luggage that combines the best of both these worlds—

Rolling backpacks, anyone?

Rolling backpacks are versatile in that they can be worn like a regular backpack for shorter getaways, then stuffed to full capacity and rolled around an airport for longer, international trips.

Though rolling duffels are a popular choice because they’re a bit larger and more rugged than backpacks, they aren’t quite as dynamic. Duffels are notoriously awkward to carry and won’t necessarily serve anyone well on a hiking trip.

A rolling backpack should be able to do it all.

So which rolling backpacks are worth your money? Let’s take a closer look at the most functional, comfortable, and dual-threat rolling backpacks on the market.

eBags Mother Lode Rolling Backpack

This rolling backpack is one of the smallest on the list with a capacity of 26L.

To be blunt, it’s also not the prettiest option on the market. But what eBags Mother Lode Rolling Backpack lacks in star appeal it makes up for with functionality.

This product has been on the market for a while. In fact, eBags is currently undergoing a transition to the Samsonite brand thanks to a recent acquisition. But if you’re on the hunt for an eBags original, you can find them on eBay.

Eagle Creek Expanse Convertible

As a trusted outdoors brand, it’s no surprise that Eagle Creek has a solid hold on the rolling backpack sector. Its bi-tech armor lite material is robust enough to survive busy airports and hikes alike.

With a packing capacity of 30L, it’s also got plenty of space for packing.

I’d recommend the Eagle Creek Expanse Convertible for travelers who don’t need to use the backpack function too often. Though I appreciate that this rolling backpack has pockets to hide its straps, some buyers have noted they’re not the most functional for long-term backpacking trips.

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Osprey Fairview & Farpoint

Osprey outperforms Eagle Creek when it comes to offering high-quality, dual-threat rolling backpacks. In fact, you can choose from its Fairview and Farpoint products.

The distinction in its Farpoint and Fairview products is gender. Farpoint rolling backpacks were created with the male figure in mind, while Fairview is geared towards women.

This is especially helpful for anyone who plans on doing a lot of backpacking on their trip, as the pieces are designed with ergonomics in mind, saving you back and neck pain.

Both types of convertible wheeled backpacks offer 35L of packing space, which is the largest on this list. But keep in mind that this space makes it easy to overpack. While you’ll have Osprey’s industry-leading design on your side, that won’t make a 40lb bag magically lighter.

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Kipling Rolling Backpack

Kipling is more known for its backpacks and handbags than its luggage. That makes the Kipling rolling backpack a unique product—one that’s built on the experience of functional handbags more than elite suitcases.

This 26L rolling backpack is ergonomic and comfortable when slung over the back thanks to its wide and padded straps. But it’s also got four wheels for easy rolling, which makes it particularly great for airports.

Despite weighing just over five pounds, many buyers have also noted how lightweight the bag feels.

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Everkie Atlas Wheeled Laptop Backpack

You guessed it—the key feature of this laptop is its reachable laptop sleeve.

That makes it ideal for business travelers who might need access to their devices at a moment’s notice. It also has six total outer pockets and dividers, which makes organization on the go a breeze.

In fact, Everkie dubs this the ‘mobile office’.

It’s functional as both a rolling suitcase and a backpack. Though its design isn’t particularly sleek or sexy, it’s durable and functional, and even includes added features like an outer bottle pocket.

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Kathmandu Hybrid Trolley 3.0

This 32L backpack hybrid is surprisingly agile thanks to its minimal weight. While this product was designed with outdoorsy types in mind, its sleek and simple design makes it great for just about any traveler.

Plus, its straps are ergonomic and designed for easy lifting. What I like about the Kathmandu Hybrid Trolley is its compression straps and dividers.

These interior features make it similar to a suitcase and easier to pack. For this reason, it’s become a favorite for backpackers heading to rugged and remote places like Southeast Asia.

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What Are Aparthotels? Inside the New Rental Trend

Ever heard of aparthotels?

This novel new idea has been taking the travel world by storm over the last few years.

But the idea has been around since the 1980s. That’s when extended stay hotels first popped up, allowing travelers the opportunity to stay in more comfortable hotel rooms for longer periods.

Aparthotels function with the same philosophy—but they’re distinct from extended stay hotels.

An extended-stay hotel is designed like a temporary home with the amenities of a hotel. They usually have kitchenettes and basic living room features. When I stayed in an extended-stay hotel, I could even use its address for any official mail I needed to receive.

An aparthotel, by contrast, is a hybrid rental that offers all the amenities of a full apartment with the services of a hotel. Think of them like Airbnb rentals that come bundled with hotel services like cleaning, check-in, and basic concierge services.

But who are they designed for? And, most importantly, where can travelers start shopping around for them? Here’s what you need to know about aparthotels.

Why choose an aparthotel?

I recently returned from Milan where I stayed in the Heart Milan Apartments (San Sepolcro). The brand offers full aparthotel rentals for short-term periods—in my case, a three-night stay with my family.

I think that’s the main appeal of an aparthotel: Communal space. (And savings to a certain extent.)

Rather than rent three rooms at a hotel or pay an insanely exorbitant Airbnb fee, my family opted for a single aparthotel rental. It allowed us to hang out in the living room and handle breakfast with the fully stocked kitchen.

If you’re traveling for the purpose of spending quality time with family and/or friends, aparthotels offer a distinctly home-away-from-home feel. They’re also more elevated than Airbnbs in terms of features and design, but tend to include lower fees… even if you’re staying in the city-center like I was.

Unlike an Airbnb, the building is entirely rented out to other aparthotel guests. Aparthotels also offer a front desk that makes it easy to ask questions, check in and check out, store luggage, and more.

Why are aparthotels becoming more popular?

Based on the description above, you might still feel like aparthotels are basically just Airbnbs—except with a cleaning crew and a basic concierge.

I can’t argue with that logic. Aparthotels are very similar to Airbnbs.

That being said, they’re becoming more popular because of their distinctions from the DIY rental platform.

One of the primary reasons is cleaning. Aparthotels use cleaning crews, guaranteeing guests a clean check-in and stress-free checkout… all without the pricey add-ons.

On top of that, the savings are pretty steep. The location of the Heart Milan San Sepolcro put my family smack in the center of Milan’s busiest historic district next to the Duomo. And we paid a fraction of what we would have on either Airbnb or booking with a traditional hotel.

To be clear, we didn’t have any higher-end amenities like a pool, gym, or on-site restaurants. That being said, we didn’t need any of that. Our goal was to spend quality time together while enjoying the city from a central location.

Here’s a tighter summary of aparthotels:

They come in all shapes and sizes, but most are higher-end
They’re ideal for groups who want to lounge in a shared space
They’re also great for groups who don’t want any cleaning responsibility or check-in difficulties
They’re more affordable than many Airbnb options, especially where location is involved

Where can travelers shop for aparthotels?

Though aparthotels are distinct from Airbnbs, I’ve seen them offered on the website.

If you’re looking to book a place through Airbnb, I suggest Googling (or otherwise searching) with the keywords Airbnb, aparthotel, and your destination.

You can also use Google or another search engine to look for independent brands. For example, I found the Heart Milan apartments with a Google search, but ultimately booked through Expedia. Many aparthotels allow you to book directly through their website.

The easiest way to shop around for aparthotels is to use a search engine, then book through Expedia, Booking, Airbnb, or another booking site.

Your Guide to Great Red-Eye Flights

Red-eye flights are an interesting topic.

Some frequent flyers swear by red-eyes. They posit that overnight flights help them wake up at their destination feeling refreshed and ready to go.

Others avoid red-eye flights at all costs. Maybe they struggle to sleep on planes or have had bad experiences with red-eyes in the past. (After all, what’s worse than sitting in a plane in a half-state of dazed sleeplessness… for hours and hours on end?)

In reality, red-eyes can be a great solution for preventing jet lag and saving time while crossing time zones.

Assuming you know the basics, that is.

If you’re a little hesitant to take red-eyes or simply want to improve your red-eye routine, read the tips and tricks below. They’re taken from experienced flyers, airline staff, and travel experts.

First, let’s debunk the myths surrounding whether red-eye flights are risky for travelers.

Debunking the myth: are red-eye flights bad for you?

Maybe you’ve heard the myth that red-eyes are bad for you.

This notion is based on the idea that red-eye flights can interrupt our sleep schedules and add to the negative cumulative effects of air travel.

That’s not a far-off idea. Here’s the short of it: Our circadian rhythm gets thrown off when we switch time zones.

The disruption to our circadian rhythm negatively impacts our ability to sleep, eat, and even digest, causing issues like jet lag and constipation. Those two factors can have a serious impact on our trip’s outlook.

So, red-eyes can be bad for you assuming you don’t sleep on them. But assuming you do, red-eye flights are beneficial, increasing the time you spend asleep while being ferried around the world.

Traveling east vs. west: which is best for red-eye flights?

Let’s bust another myth related to red-eye flights.

Some people believe that red-eye flights are designed for eastward travel. So, if you’re jumping on a red-eye in Los Angeles, you’ll wake up in the ‘morning’ ready to land in New York City.

You’ve essentially slept through the night and woken up at your destination. The same is true for red-eye flights that take passengers from the East Coast over to Europe, too.

Is it absolutely necessary to fly east on a red-eye? No.

But it doesn’t usually work better for our circadian rhythms—so if you’re a little nervous about taking a red-eye, I suggest trying your first flight on an eastward route.

Tips for great red-eye flights

Before the flight

Book a flight that’s closest to your bedtime. As you’ll see with the advice below, you’re more likely to sleep if you can pretend you’re on your regular sleep routine.
Pay extra beforehand to select a seat that works great for you. Most red-eye fans prefer window seats. Some also avoid aisles close to the bathroom and emergency exits to avoid added noise and light.
Bring your cozy gear. Whether it’s a special neck pillow or a pair of amazing compression socks, make sure that you’re setting yourself up for the most comfortable trip possible. Some of the most important things to have with you are an eye mask and ear plugs (or noise-canceling headphones).

On the flight

Avoid booze, caffeine, and unhealthy foods. To set yourself up for a great night of sleep, you need a settled tummy. Sticking to water and simple, healthy(ish) foods is a great way to avoid gut discomfort while on board.
Try to start sleeping as soon as possible. Most flyers recommend not watching a movie or scrolling on your phone to avoid blue light exposure. Instead, consider setting up a podcast or another relaxing form of listening entertainment.
Follow your usual routine. That might include brushing your teeth and even washing your face in the plane bathroom. Some travelers even recommend using the same products on the plane, as the scents of familiar lotions and soaps help them maintain their sleep routine.

Seattle vs Portland: Comparison Guide

When taking a zoomed-out view of the United States, it makes sense to clump Seattle and Portland together.

Both are located in the Pacific Northwest. Both are renowned for their unique identities. Both have left their mark on pop culture.

But in reality, Seattle and Portland are very distinct.

Travelers who enjoy independent thinking and the great outdoors will fare well in either city. But what about those who need to choose between a visit to Washington or Oregon—which city are they better off visiting?

Let’s dig a little deeper to explore the biggest differences between these two hotspots. Here’s your Seattle vs Portland comparison guide. First up: size.

Seattle is bona fide metropolis

Portland has a population of around 650,000 according to the 2023 census. Seattle, on the other hand, is home to around 755,000 residents… in its city center alone.

Seattle’s metropolitan and suburban areas are sprawling, home to around four million residents.

Portland, even when clumped with neighboring towns like Vancouver and Hillsboro, has 1.7 million residents. Even in Portland’s downtown area, crowds and traffic aren’t usually consistent problems.

Seattle, on the other hand, faces major traffic congestion and public transportation struggles thanks to its dense population.

Portland is more homegrown & focused on community

Speaking of public transportation, that brings me to my next point: Portland is smaller, more homegrown, and fiercely focused on its community. One of the first ways that visitors will feel that distinction is with its public transportation system.

Portland has one of the US’s most extensive and easy-to-use public transportation systems. It runs on buses, light rails, and street cars.

Aside from its navigable nature, Portland also places a stronger emphasis on its local community. While major retail and food chains dot the city, Portland is home to dozens of successful homegrown businesses.

If you like a little self-determination with your draught beers, Portland should be your pick.

Seattle vs Portland: Neither is particularly affordable

Given its smaller size and penchant for mom-and-pop shops, you might be thinking that Portland is a more affordable destination.

And it is—Portland is more affordable than Seattle when it comes to rentals, dining, transportation, and just about every other metric.

But that doesn’t mean Portland is affordable. One report found that Portland’s cost of living is almost 30% higher than the national average. Again—it’s cheaper than Seattle, but it’s not a budget destination by any means.

Seattle vs Portland: fine dining vs local staples

Seattle is a more bustling urban city than Portland. Part of that reason is thanks to its tech-centric economy.

For decades, Seattle has been a major hub for impactful and profitable startups and companies. It has a highly competitive workforce.

That distinctly metropolitan identity means that you can find all the hallmarks of slick business—from Michelin-rated dining to high-end shopping to great nightlife.

Though Portland is also home to major brands and fancy shopping, it’s few and far between compared to Seattle.

In Portland, you’re more likely to be impacted by the eclectic, relaxed, and community-centric atmosphere. In Seattle, you’re going to be tossed into a sleek and rainy world of skyscrapers and self-driving cars.

Portland isn’t nearly as rainy

When most people think about Seattle, they think about rain—and rightfully so.

The city is the rainiest in the United States by a long shot. Portland, though located in the Pacific Northwest, doesn’t experience nearly as much rain.

In fact, Portland is located in the Cascade Mountain Range, which means its forests and rivers are fairly similar to other deciduous parks around the US. Seattle, on the other hand, is located between mountain rangers.

Though surrounded by hilly forests, they aren’t prone to the same snowy winters. Instead, Seattle’s visitors can easily access more unique natural wonders—including Hoh Rainforest, one of the US’s only rainforest climates.