Heritage Railways in Alaska: Skagway Railway Spotlight

You might know Skagway, Alaska thanks to its ranking as one of the friendliest small towns in the United States.

Or maybe you’ve heard of this Alaskan outpost thanks to its famous train line.

Back during the Klondike Gold Rush (1879-99), Skagway was connected to Carcross, an outpost located in Canada’s Yukon Territory via a high-speed train route.

What began with a modern railway designed to connect North America’s remote goldmines has since become a standout rail line—one that’s renowned as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark over a century later.

If you dream of scenic, remote journeys out in the wilderness, it simply doesn’t get any better. From towering mountains to bright-blue glaciers to historical landmarks, tourists have it all when they step onto the train.

Here’s why you need to keep the Skagway Railway (officially known as White Pass and Yukon Route) on your radar.

Unbeatable scenery

The Skagway Railway was originally designed to ferry gold minders between Carcross and Skagway. Since then, the route has expanded.

The modern route runs from Skagway Junction in Alaska north to Canada’s Whitehorse—almost doubling the original trip that stopped at Carcross.

Along the way, guests are treated to some bird’s eye view of steep gorges and tree-covered mountains. There are steep ravines throughout, crystal-clear lakes nestled in narrow valleys, lovely waterfalls lacing through the rocks, and snow-capped mountains galore.

It’s a clear win for those who want to experience the glory of nature without getting their boots dirty. But aside from the train’s beautiful setting, I think its main appeal is its vintage railcars and emphasis on the old guard of railways.

Vintage railcars and more

The Skagway Railway is a huge destination for rail fans. That’s partly because it still uses vintage-style railcars, including dining cars. Even the cars that aren’t vintage showcase the historical appeal of the railway with vintage features like wooden paneling and wooden furniture.

That should clue you in: the interior of most railcars is basic, meant to reflect means of travel from the late 1800s and early 1900s. That being said, the seating looks comfortable and is designed to provide great views of the passing wilderness.

Interior design aside, some trains, including Steam Engine #73, showcase the locomotives of yore. Though they run on modern engines, they showcase the engineering feats that would have been used a century ago.

And despite the emphasis on history, the train operates with all the standard amenities that modern travelers want. There are restrooms in each car, for example.

The tourist experience

You probably won’t find any locals on the train. That’s because the Skagway Railway is operated entirely as a tourist venture.

Following the Klondike Gold Rush, the railway slowly fell out of use and into disrepair. Back in the 1980s, major efforts were undertaken to save the railway.

By 1988, the locomotive and its cars had all been renovated and refurbished. Once more, the Skagway Railway was up and running—but this time around, it would be catering only to tourists. That’s a huge plus for me because it signals that the crew is acquainted with the types of questions and concerns that visitors have.

There are plenty of day trip excursions available, from hiking through scenic outposts to exploring heritage museums that dive deep into the Klondike Gold Rush. If you’re a history nerd like me, you’ll enjoy this well-rounded approach. You’re not just getting acquainted with a region, but also its history and legacy.

The tie to tourism goes deeper than that, though. Back in 2018, Klondike Holdings joined with Carnival Corporation (from the world-famous Carnival Cruises) to buy the railway. Cruise guests can walk straight from the docks to the railway station in Skagway, making it easy for cruise guests to take this heritage railway.

Interested in booking a trip on the Skagway Railway? You can book directly from the website or via TripAdvisor. If you have any more questions about the routes offered and experiences, I suggest looking through TripAdvisor’s reviews.

Best Cottages in Michigan for Enjoying Fall Foliage

No matter the season, Michigan is a popular holiday destination.

In spring and summer, its woodlands come alive as hikers and campers hit the trails. The same goes for its lakesides, which see families from across the region pack into rentals to get out on the water.

Given the state’s cold climate and long winters, it’s also a popular choice for those on the hunt for snowy winters and delightful Christmas displays.

The same goes for autumn, which sees the state’s thick forests transform with fall’s warm colors. Places like Houghton and Alpena are top of the list for autumn-lovers.

But what about more remote destinations?

Thanks to rental platforms like VRBO and Airbnb, autumn-lovers can find top-tier cabins and cozy getaways that put them right in the middle of the fall foliage display.

Want to cuddle up with your loved one while staring dreamily into fiery canopies? I’ve got a few selections that will let you soak up the loveliest days of autumn. (I know, I know—the photos below aren’t all taken in autumn. You’ll just have to use your imagination.)

Log Cabin Tiny Home Getaway

Cadillac, Michigan

I love a classic cabin like this tiny getaway. The woodwork features plenty of knotty pine and hickory—the kind that fills a cabin with that beloved rustic scent.

But that’s enough about the interior. This cabin is surrounded by dense woodlands, letting visitors immerse themselves in a display of fall foliage. Plus, there’s a fantastic porch and fire pit that provide the perfect outdoor hangout space.

Book here

Lake Superior Beach with Porcupine Mountain Views

Ontonagon, Michigan

This cabin is a bit more done-up than others on this list, with a modern and sleek exterior and fully refurbished interior. Design aside, it’s got plenty of broad windows that showcase the surrounding forest and nearby lakeside.

There’s also a massive back porch with plenty of seating. Once again, you’ll be able to soak up the autumn display from inside the cabin or straight from its outdoor lounging areas.

Book here

Historic Cabin

Mancelona, Michigan

This historic cabin is seriously rustic. It’s an old-school log cabin with unfinished interior walls and a cobbled stone fireplace that looks ancient.

If you’re on the hunt for pioneer-esque rentals, this selection is for you. Along with its historical appeal, it also benefits from a remote location. You’ll be treated to a lovely forest escape that’s close to misty rivers and quiet walking paths. Like a Walden Pond vibe for all the Thoreau’s out there.

Book here

Cabin on Lake Fanny Hooe

Copper Harbor, Michigan

Located right on the lakeside, this cabin offers multiple ways to soak up the autumn foliage. You can do so from the dock overlooking the lake, from the porch that’s surrounded by tall trees, or even from the cabin’s interior, which features massive windows.

While the cabin’s design is worth writing about, the magic here is in the sheer number of exterior coves that make it easy to comfortably enjoy the fleeting weeks of fall.

Book here

The Morel Cottage

Grayling, Michigan

Who doesn’t love a good A-frame? When it comes to cool-weather getaways, A-frames provide the ultimate in cozy comforts.

The Morel Cottage is a remote A-frame that offers a front-seat view into Mother Nature. It’s surrounded by forest and includes a rock-lined fire pit for bonfires and late-night stargazing, letting you soak up the autumn vibes.

Book here

Cheerful Six Mile Lake Log Cabin

East Jordan, Michigan

This lakeside cabin looks perfect for a summer getaway—but let me sell you on an autumn escape instead. Not only is there a large fireplace that’s perfect for cool evenings, but there’s also a large fire pit enclosed by mature trees and a partly covered back porch ideal for lounging beneath the changing leaves.

Plus, a stellar lakeview, which lets you soak up a panoramic view of autumn on the water.

Book here

The Granary Northport

Northport, Michigan

This rental has a design-forward focus, making it ideal for those who are a little picky about their Airbnbs. But what I love is the outdoor area.

There’s a porch with a grill connected to a sauna and a fire pit area, which provides an all-in-one outdoor area that I love. The home is surrounded by grasslands and forest, which I imagine transforms into a delectable fall display.

Book here

Heading to Japan? Forget Trains—Go by Ferry

Ferries are growing in popularity.

In places like Europe, ferries let travelers take scenic routes across the continent. From Helsinki to Turkey, you can find diverse ferries that are geared toward adventurous travelers looking for lesser-known destinations.

By comparison, the US’s ferries are few and far between. The most well-known ferries, including New York’s Staten Island Ferry, are often used for public transportation just as much as sightseeing.

But ferries in both regions don’t hold a candle to Japan’s network.

In case you didn’t know, Japan is an archipelago that’s home to over 6,000 islands, with a whopping 421 listed as inhabited. Ferries are the most viable option for island-hopping—and many of Japan’s ferries are just as high-tech and functional as its bullet train system.

They’re cheaper, too.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, consider booking one of these ferry rides. Whether you’re looking for a next-level sightseeing adventure or simply want to get from one city to the next, you’ll have options. (Really, really cool options.)

A quick introduction to ferries in Japan

At their most basic, ferries in Japan are designed for public transportation.

Just like US options, these ferries include seating, restrooms, and small shops selling drinks and snacks. They can help you get from locations like Tokyo to Osaka to Kobe by traveling up and down the coasts.

Many ferries are designed to transport locals and visitors off the mainland and onto its smaller islands.

Some ferries are designed for longer journeys by sea, too. In these cases, travelers have access to hotel-like stays. These ferries might even offer extra bonuses like entertainment, lounges, spas, and more.

Depending on the ticket tier (from first class to second class), guests might also have access to multiple dining options, pet rooms, game rooms, and more.

In my research, I’ve found dozens of options—from basic thirty-minute trips to 40-hour treks up the coast. These are my top three picks for those heading to Japan.

MOL Sunflower

Multiple routes

This is the ferry that started it all—thanks to an Instagram post, nonetheless.

From the cabins to the restaurants to the shops, MOL Sunflower ferries offer a truly luxurious way to travel across Japan. But the ships also have a few extras that made me put it first on this list.

First, there’s a panoramic bathing area that offers views of the sea. Second, there are kid-friendly spaces that make it great for traveling families. Third, there’s a digital skylight that puts on some pretty mesmerizing shows.

Best of all, MOL ferries are cheaper than a bullet train.

Book here

Hankyu Ferry

Transportation between Kyushu, Osaka, and Kobe

The Hankyu Ferry is like a mobile four-star hotel that glides through the water.

Seriously—this option might not have kicked off my interested in Japanese ferries, but it’s high on my list now. It has all the added features of a long-distance ferry cruise, from restaurants to shops to pools. (That’s right, you have multiple bathing options.)

But there’s a bit more on offer, too. Guests can choose between indoor and outdoor baths, enjoy the night with friends in a karaoke bar, spend an afternoon in the game room, and even get a little grooming done in the pet room.

Book here

Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry

Transportation across Tsugaro Strait to Hakodate, Aomori, and Honshu

This ferry doesn’t traverse a popular route, from what I can tell. Instead, the appeal seems to be the views of Tsugaru Strait and other more remote destinations.

In fact, it’s billed as a ‘cruise-ferry’, which should clue you into the relaxed vibe here. The ferry includes all the major amenities you need, from dining options to lounge areas that let you soak up the views and atmosphere.

But you can also get to some of Japan’s cooler and lesser-known outposts with the Tsugaro Kaikyo Ferry, from Ryusendo Limestone Cave to Naruko Valley.

Book here

Van Life: A New Alternative to RVing

RVing isn’t a hard sell.

Want to live life on the road, free from a monotonous day-to-day? Get an RV. Looking to meet other adventurous and like-minded travelers? Head to an RV park and start up a conversation. Dreaming of exploring the farthest reaches of the American frontier? Just load her up and press the gas.

The best part? RVers can do all of the above without saying goodbye to their home or their favorite amenities, from hot showers to comfortable beds.

While RVing comes with a few lessons learned, the merits aren’t hard to see.

Every year, newcomers leave their traditional homes behind to start a new life in their RV. In fact, one report from RV Nerd found that 2024’s RV sales numbers are up 11.1% from 2023. From travel trailers to fifth-wheel options, sales are increasing.

It seems that Americans are highly intrigued by the idea of a life lived fully on the road.

But not all roadies are interested in the standard RV fare.

Thanks to trending ‘van life’ social media accounts and a desire to get out of cities, there’s a new horizon in the realm of living on-the-go. Rather than opt for larger RVs, some Americans are gearing up camper vans.

Compared to the standard RV, camper vans are smaller and less amenity-packed—or more agile and off-road ready, depending on how you want to look at things.

Ever wondered about the merits of buying and customizing up a camper van versus an RV? Here’s what you need to know.

Rugged-ready adventures

Life on the road is inevitably more compact than life lived in an apartment or home.

And when it comes to comparing van life versus RV-living, that distinction is even greater. The average camper van is smaller than the average RV, which often poses challenges in terms of storage, electrical capabilities, and just about every other feature.

Except when it comes to getting into nature.

Vans are more agile, which makes it easier to explore national parks, reserves, and other remote destinations. Because vehicles are lighter, they’re better prepared to maneuver to off-road positions, especially those that offer jaw-dropping views.

To put it simply, vans are more ready for rugged adventures far from civilization.

DIY dreams

Vans also outmaneuver RVs when it comes to customization.

That isn’t to say that RVs aren’t customizable. However, most companies pack as many features into their RVs as possible in order to minimize the amount of work buyers have to do before hitting the road.

In other words, RVers are usually looking for the features they need when shopping around for their latest vehicle.

By comparison, vans are cheaper and easier to customize. That’s especially true for those who know a thing or two about carpentry, electric work, and plumbing—or those who know professionals that do.

That being said, there’s limited space in a van, which means they aren’t infinitely customizable. That’s doubly true when you factor in considerations like weight.

So this isn’t a no-holds-barred focus on DIY tinkering. It’s instead about minimalism and functionality.

All those cherished amenities

Broadly speaking, RV life comes with more comfort.

Van life, on the other hand, requires sacrifices related to space and amenities. That being said, adventurers who live out of their vans don’t need to sacrifice all the things they love the most.

If you want to see what’s really possible living inside a van, I suggest checking out this blog from Court & Nate. They’re a van-life couple with a bespoke vehicle that takes them to the US’s most stunning parks. They live with their Doberman and cat inside the van—and it looks comfortable to me.

Not only do they live with pets, but they also have modern amenities like Wi-Fi, hot water capabilities, a lovely shower, and even a compost toilet.

In other words, van life doesn’t mean ascetic living. In fact, the rules are constantly being rewritten when it comes to van life.

Who is van life best geared towards?

Van life requires a minimalist approach, no matter which way you paint it.

While that doesn’t mean saying goodbye to modern amenities, it usually involves a simpler lifestyle. In exchange, there’s the freedom of the open road—which doesn’t require hitching at RV parks.

So if you’re a do-it-yourself adventurist with a more limited budget, van life is for you. If you’re interested in customizing your van to meet your specific needs, even better.

The easiest way to start living in a van (down by the river), is to explore van blogs that introduce the basics. These resources can help you learn about the most important features of a starter van, along with things like electrical setups, compost toilets, water storage and heating, and more.

Here are the blogs I suggest exploring:

Water Worlds: US Cities that Use Ferries as Public Transportation

Who cares about an Uber when you can take a ferry to get around?

As cities become more congested, new solutions are emerging, from car-free districts to expanded public transport. You might have seen headlines covering Swiss workers who choose to get home by floating down a river.

While ferries aren’t nearly as cool as floating down a pristine river, they’re pretty close.

Especially for city slickers.

If you’re heading to these US cities anytime soon, consider tacking on ferry transportation to your itinerary. They’re more exciting than a taxi, smoother than a bus, and way more calming than a metro or train.

New York City

For decades, the Staten Island Ferry has serviced New York City.

As the oft-forgotten borough, the Staten Island Ferry has been a lifeline for locals. (And it’s also a bit of a cultural icon, having been shouted out in series like Sex and the City, amongst others.)

But New York City’s transport authority rolled out a brand-new plan over the last few years, sometimes known as the Waterway program. The city’s ferries now connect all five boroughs.

I have family in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn who regularly take them, as they’re faster than the metro and way more relaxing than a car trip.

If you want to use NYC’s Waterway ferries, simply use Google Maps or another top-tier app. It now incorporates the city’s ferries into its routes. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to buy tickets before boarding.

Bay Area

The Bay Area’s ferries aren’t quite as integrated as New York City’s, even if they’ve been around in some form or another for around 150 years.

The Golden Gate Ferry is the most well-known, offering routes between San Francisco and nearby points in Marin County and beyond.

There’s also the San Francisco Bay Ferry, which provides routes all around the San Francisco Bay. Some of its routes only run on weekdays, along with certain seasonal routes.

As with NYC’s ferries, San Francisco’s also offer some food and drink options for passengers.

Outer Banks

This popular vacation spot offers vehicular ferries and passenger ferries.

Both make it easy to hop around the various coastal islands and destinations with routes between Hatteras and Ocracoke.

I suggest looking into both ferries if you’re heading to a coastal resort or rental in North Carolina. Not only do they help transport you from Point A to Point B, but they can also be used to reach unique activities, like bird-watching, parasailing, surfing, and more.

New Orleans

San Francisco has been using ferries for well over a century—but New Orleans has the longest-running pedestrian option in the US.

The Canal Street Ferry has been safely transporting locals from Canal Street all the way to the Algiers Point neighborhood across the city… since 1827.

I don’t often see the Canal Street Ferry covered in relation to transportation in NOLA. That might be because of its catchier streetcar offerings. But the ferry is hugely popular for locals, and it’s been a staple for tourists in the know, as it offers an incredible view of the skyline and downtown New Orleans.

Hoh Rainforest: How to Visit a Rainforest Without Leaving the US

The US isn’t short on stunning forests.

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the towering Rockies, there’s a wild frontier for just about every taste.

The Pacific Northwest, though smaller than others, also leaves an impact.

It’s known for its cloud cover, rainfall, and peaks like Mt. Rainier. In fact, these forests are one of the primary reasons that people visit and even relocate to Washington State.

Olympic National Park, which lies on the Olympic Peninsula, is one of the most iconic landscapes in the region.

And it’s home to unique geographic features. There’s the rugged Pacific Coast, then the towering alpine forests and the wild meadows that stretch between them.

And, of course, the US’s largest temperate rainforest: Hoh Rainforest.

If you’ve seen images of moss-laden and jungle-esque scenes from Olympic National Park, they were probably of Hoh. Its trees are seriously laden with lichen and moss, making them look fuzzy and friendly… or spooky, depending on your outlook.

And despite the fact that loggers took to Hoh with gusto throughout the 1900s, it’s now protected and beginning to regenerate.

There’s even a National Park Service outpost that ushers you into the park, where rangers live year-round to monitor and protect the forest.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to visit Hoh Rainforest.

A rainforest? In the continental United States?

Hoh Rainforest is a temperate rainforest—not the tropical, lush Amazonian image you probably have in your mind.

Also, it’s not the US’s only rainforest. (That blew my mind.)

Temperate rainforests are a bit different than their tropical cousins in that they see much lower temperatures. Though winters are mild, temperatures stay cool year-round. Two of the US’s other temperate rainforests are located in Alaska, for context.

Most flora in Hoh is reliant on a near-constant drift of fog, which provides year-round moisture. This feeds the moss, lichen, and old-growth trees. These plants serve as an important resource for animals—and Hoh Rainforest is home to many unique creatures.

There are herds of Roosevelt elk wandering through the park, along with bushy-tailed marmots (they look like gophers), river otters, blacktail deer, and even black bears.

Welcome to Hoh

There are a few different ways that you can visit Hoh Rainforest.

If you’re interested in hiking, there are three trails to choose from.

The Hoh River Trail is an out-and-back trail that ends at Blue Glacier moraine with an overlook of Mt. Olympus. There are four main turn-around points on this trail, including First River, Mineral Creek Falls, Cedar Grove, and 5-mile Island
The Spruce Nature Trail
The Hall of Mosses Trail

But you’ll also have the choice to camp in Hoh Rainforest.

The campgrounds are open year-round thanks to the temperate winters. While facilities are limited, there are 72 different sites that guests can choose from.

During peak season, you can also reserve campgrounds up to six months in advance. (I’d suggest doing so!)

If you want, you can also let a guide show you around.

I’d also suggest doing this, as they’ll be able to point out important landmarks and different species, and otherwise tie together why this rainforest is so impactful.

Otherwise, you can easily find a place to stay outside of Hoh Rainforest. Nearby, you’ll find Forks—a town that I know about thanks to a certain sparkly vampire. Or if you want even more immersion in the Cascade Range, check out some of the best A-frames around Seattle.