Best Road Trip Activities: 7 Places Where You Can Mine for Gems in the US

If you’re going on a road trip, I hope you’re staying open-minded and flexible.

After all, there’s nothing better than spying on a weird roadside attraction, then peeling off at the next exit to get a closer look.

Off the top of my head, I can recount a few highly memorable roadside attractions from childhood into adulthood: a petrified forest in Arkansas, a Donner Party museum in California, and a vintage shop in Upstate New York.

Having a little flexibility on road trips exposes us to America’s weirdest little side quests, adding a little flavor to the journey—and relief from long periods of sitting.

But there’s one roadside attraction I’ll never forgive myself for passing up: the Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine in North Carolina. I passed it on a road trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains, and I’ve thought about it often.

You may have noticed similar offers across the US and wondered whether they were legit and worth your time.

While not too many city-slickers know it, the country is dotted with DIY mines where you can search for your own gems. And they make for some of the best road trip activities in the world.

If you’re close to a mine, I suggest planning a trip around this type of unique side quest. If not, consider going off-road (so to speak) to visit one of the locations listed below. Like I said, mining for gems is a hard-to-beat find on the list of road trip activities.

Especially if you know where to find a highly rated mine.

I’ve sourced some of the best places where you can mine for gems in the US with pro picks from Donald Clark, a CSM or Certified Supreme Master Gemcutter and member of the International Gem Society.

The big question—will you actually find gems at these mines?

The lucky and diligent might find buried treasures in the mines listed below. Still, the sites below are largely located on old mines that are past their heyday, meaning finds aren’t guaranteed. You’re better off viewing these excursions as fun for the family—or just a great way to get out of the car and stretch your legs. But never say never! And keep your eyes peeled as you sift through gem-friendly creeks around the country!

Places where you can mine for gems in the US

Emerald Hollow Mine (Hiddenite, NC)
Gem Mountain (Spruce Pine, NC)
Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine (Franklin, NC)
Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine (Philipsburg, MT)
Montana Blue Jewel Mine (Helena, MT)
Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine (Denio, NV)
Crystal Grove Diamond Mine (Saint Johnsville, NY)

Here’s where you can mine for gems in the US

Emerald Hollow Mine (Hiddenite, NC)

This 69-acre mine is the world’s only public emerald mine. It’s tucked away in North Carolina’s Brushy Mountains, where staff will help you get situated in a digging area or, if you prefer, a creek perfect for sifting. Though it’s rare to uncover emeralds at Emerald Hollow Mine, they’ve been found before—along with rubies.

Gem Mountain (Spruce Pine, NC)

Whether you want to keep it casual or actually wander into an active mine, Gem Mountain has the perfect DIY mining adventure for you. Casual visitors can stick to the main site, where you can sift through the flume to look for quartz and garnets. Or you can pay more to reserve a trip into the mine for a four-hour gem-hunting experience.

Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine (Franklin, NC)

This is the mine that started my obsession years ago when I passed up the sign and kept cruising westward. Don’t make my mistake—if you’re passing through the Franklin area, schedule a visit. First, it’s one of the best ways to spend some time in the Smoky Mountains that’s not on a trail. Second, staff are extremely passionate and knowledgeable, meaning you’ll learn a thing or two. Third, you might find a ruby or a sapphire.

Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine (Philipsburg, MT)

Roll up your sleeves—it’s time to sort through some gravel on the hunt for sapphires. This is a pretty professional operation, letting you learn about gravel washing, heat treating, and even gem faceting. You might even uncover an ancient fossil from the mines, too. *Philipsburg is located near Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, making this a perfect day trip adventure when you’re in the area.

Montana Blue Jewel Mine (Helena, MT)

Open seasonally, you might want to call ahead to make sure the Blue Jewel Mine is open to visitors. If it is, head over immediately—this is one of the most highly rated places where you can mine for gems in the US. So long as you’re patient, it’s not unlikely that you’ll uncover a sapphire at this mine. That’s because it isn’t an old location that’s been overmined.

Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine (Denio, NV)

Opal might not be as iconic as a ruby or a sapphire, but it’s still a rock-lover’s dream to pull one of these multi-colored gems from the ground. Similar to the Blue Jewel Mine, this spot hasn’t been overmined, meaning there’s a strong potential that you’ll find an opal piece. And not a tiny, fingernail-sized gem, but a larger, heftier gem.

Crystal Grove Diamond Mine (Saint Johnsville, NY)

This Herkimer diamond mine and campground is a perfect escape for the family. The grounds are gorgeous with plenty of mature forest and a wandering creek. Plus, you can mine for local Herkimer diamonds (which are a type of pure quartz), which are only found in this area.

Things You Shouldn’t Pack for a Trip: 7 Space & Weight-Wasters

Packing advice is endless and, usually, dependent on your trip’s duration and destination.

Beach vacation packing lists won’t necessarily look like a winter escape list, after all. But your trip’s theme isn’t the only thing you need to keep in mind when you bust out your favorite suitcase.

Then, there are popular travel products you need to consider, along with wacky new luggage hacks. In short, even if you’ve been traveling for years, you might realize your suitcase setup is far from streamlined.

Ready to figure out which things you shouldn’t pack for a trip, in most cases? While I can’t help you craft the perfect packing list without knowing the precise details of your trip, I offer you my humble suggestions about what should rarely, if ever, be in your suitcase when you leave home.

These are the seven things you shouldn’t pack for a trip.

7 things you shouldn’t pack for a trip

1. Your ‘just in case’ pieces, including fancy clothes

Fancy clothes are usually heavier and bulkier than standard pieces, meaning they waste space in your luggage while adding poundage.

But what if you want to look fancy for an impromptu date night—you should bring that nice dress, right? And what if you take that photography tour—you should bring your professional camera, right? And what happens if you lose your earbuds—might as well bring the over-the-ear headphones, too, right?

Wrong. On all three counts.

Unless you have a pricey date night scheduled at a restaurant with an actual dress code, skip the fancy gear, including dresses for her and nice shoes for him. And, unless you actually booked an extensive photography tour and are traveling specifically for photography, leave the camera at home.

I think you get my point. ‘Just in case’ things should be the first items axed from your packing list.

2. Rain jackets

Why does the rain jacket have its own category? It’s the most contentious of all those ‘just in case’ items.

If you’re visiting a location that has rain in the immediate forecast and is in the rainy season, you might need one. But if that’s not the case, you probably don’t need one.

Rain jackets are usually thick in order to keep moisture out, which makes them stuffy and harder for you to regulate your temperature in warm climates. After a single use, some rain jackets will start to smell musty—especially if your hotel room or rental doesn’t get a lot of airflow.

Again, if you’re going to India in the monsoon season, you probably want a rain jacket. However, I think an umbrella and/or a fantastic poncho would do the job just as well, even if you’re facing brief daily showers.

3. A heavy-duty, reusable water bottle

Don’t bring your Stanley Cup or your Yeti. They’re huge, and they weigh a lot. The same is true for many stainless-steel water bottles, and definitely for glass water bottles.

I’ve had the most success with high-quality and BPA-free plastic water bottles. If I’m in a bind and forget to bring a water bottle, I usually purchase a drink in a glass bottle from the airport (usually a cold tea) and use that for emergencies.

Whatever water bottle solution you choose, just don’t forget to consider weight. Also, if you’re worried about standing out as an American, avoid brands like Stanley Cup or Yeti. Not too many other international travelers tote them along.

4. A clunky power bank

Just like with your water bottle, you should think about weight and even heat when it comes to your power bank. In my many worldly travels, I’ve gotten away with keeping small and single-charge battery packs with me.

That being said, I don’t use my phone too often while traveling. So, if you do need a larger option, consider weight and quality.

Weight is important because you don’t want to be bogged down by a portable item you’ll keep with you. But quality is also important if you’re visiting a warm zone, like the Greek Islands or Mexico. The higher the quality of the charging bank, the better it will manage those high temperatures, preventing any burnouts and charging issues.

5. Bluetooth converters

Bluetooth converters took off over the last year, making it easy for passengers on planes to connect their Bluetooth-enabled earbuds to the plane’s entertainment console. They can be used in a similar fashion for any electronics with a headphone jack.

In reality, they’re just another gadget you need to keep track of and charge while you’re on vacation. For this reason, I advise you leave them behind.

(To clarify: Bluetooth converters landed on this list of things you shouldn’t pack because it’s geared toward the average traveler. But if you’re a frequent flyer who covers long distances regularly, they might be helpful for you since they let you use your favorite pair of Bluetooth-powered headphones on the plane.)

6. New shoes or large shoes

If your shoes aren’t broken in, vacation isn’t the time to do so. If your shoes are large, like boots, then reconsider packing them.

Even if you’re willing to wear your largest pair of shoes on the plane, remember that you might have more domestic travel when you arrive at your destination. In other words, though you can manage an airport trip with them, how do you feel about riding buses in those shoes, taking trains in those shoes, and so on?

As with other things you shouldn’t pack for a trip, don’t just think about how you’ll get stuff to/from your destination, but how bringing those items will affect your trip.

7. Hairstyling tools

You probably don’t need a curling iron or a hair-dryer or a straightener on your trip. Or, if it is necessary, invest in a travel size. Not only do hairstyling tools take up a lot of space, but they’re also prone to converter issues.

What’s worse than busting a Dyson hair dryer on vacation thanks to a power surge? Having to replace it. Or maybe having to explain to your Airbnb neighbors why the whole floor’s power just cut out. (Don’t forget – other countries might have more sensitive electrical systems.)

For men, consider whether your buzzer uses a lithium battery. If it does, make sure to pack it in your carry-on. But try to avoid bringing it along unless you’re positive that you’ll use it. And, as with hairstyling tools, choose an option that’s travel-friendly.

DoS Updates Travel Warning for Americans Heading to Mexico

The US Department of State just updated its travel warnings for Mexico from Level 1 to Level 2, mirroring a similar incident earlier this year.

In March 2025, the US Embassy in Mexico offered a similar warning to spring breakers heading to hotspots like Cozumel and Cancun. Visitors were advised to avoid heading out to remote places after dark and adventuring alone. Later on in June, that warning was updated to warn travelers about a string of kidnappings that occurred due to dating apps.

So, is it safe to travel to Mexico? And where are these warnings actually relevant? After all, it’s a massive country, and Americans regularly flock to zones like the Riviera Maya, Mexico City, Oaxaca, and beyond.

US Department of State updates Mexico travel warning to Level 2

The DoS updated its travel warning for Mexico to Level 2 on Tuesday, August 12^th, due to a string of terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. Those threats piggyback on the reality that American officials don’t have the authority to operate in Mexico like it does in other countries.

The updated travel warning also highlighted the risk of terrorism, including “terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico.” The update goes on to advise Americans to remain cooperative and calm if stopped while driving, and avoid driving alone at night and in rural places.

That being said, the DoS has listed separate travel advisory levels for each Mexican state, meaning that Level 2 across-the-board advisory isn’t exactly comprehensive.

Is it safe to travel to Mexico? Here’s what the DoS says

Screenshot from DoS Mexico advisories map

Before I dig into the details, here’s my take: the US has less authority to maneuver inside Mexico than in recent decades, meaning Americans who really get into trouble could be out of luck waiting for an official resolution from the USA. Whether you’ve been carjacked or kidnapped, it’s possible you won’t have an embassy in reach and officials ready to save you.

But, as you can see by the map above, every state has its own travel advisory level. Some are a safe Level 1, and others are a don’t-go-at-any-cost Level 4. Below, I’ve listed out each Mexican state based on travel advisory warnings from the DoS. I’ve put an asterisk on states with popular destinations for Americans.

Mexican states with Level 1 advisory:

Campeche
Yucatan* (Mérida)

Mexican states with Level 2 advisory:

Aguascalientes
Baja California Sur* (Riviera Nayarit)
Durango
Hidalgo
Mexico City* (Mexico City)
State of Mexico
Nayarit* (Rivieria Nayarit, Xalisco)
Nuevo Leon
Oaxaca* (Oaxaca City)
Puebla
Queretaro
Quintana Roo* (Riviera Maya, including Cancun and Cozumel)
San Luis Potosi
Tabasco
Tlaxcala
Veracruz

Mexican states with Level 3 advisory:

Baja California* (Tijuana)
Chiapas
Chihuahua
Coahuila
Guanajuato
Jalisco
Morelos
Sonora

Mexican states with Level 4 advisory:

Colima
Guerrero
Michoacan
Sinaloa
Tamaulipas
Zacatecas

10 Tourist Traps in San Francisco You Can’t Miss

Controversial travel opinion: Some tourist traps are absolutely worth the fuss.

For example, overpaying for a (plastic) glass of champagne at a mini-bar at the top of the Eiffel Tower—a blatant tourist-trap cash grab. Does the champagne taste good? Not by Parisian standards. Are you paying an arm and a leg for something basic? Absolutely. Is it going to be crowded? Probably.

It’s a tourist trap, after all.

But it’s a special one. A memorable one. A meaningful one.

Though I spend a lot of time recommending ways that travelers can minimize the chance of getting tangled in a tourist trap web, there are times when you should live and let go.

And when it comes to US destinations with similar attractions, there’s no comparison to the tourist traps of San Francisco. They’re kitschy, they’ve been around for decades, and you’ve probably been avoiding most of them like the plague when you visit.

No more, my friends. These are the tourist traps in San Francisco that you can’t miss.

First up: not just my favorite tourist trap in SF, but possibly the state. Maybe even the country.

Tourist traps in San Francisco that you can’t miss

Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar
RocketBoat
Chinatown
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factor
Alcatraz
Scoma’s Restaurant
Camera Obscura
Hippie Hill
Ghirardelli Square sundae
Vesuvio Café

Tourist traps in San Francisco that you can’t miss

Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar

One of the wackiest and perfectly kitsch restaurants in the US, the Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar is a staple. This tiki-style restaurant includes a moody lagoon and fake thunderstorms that sweep through the restaurant periodically.

Are the food and drinks the best in the city? No. But there’s a band that plays on a little boat floating in the fake lagoon, and I think that’s a great compromise.

RocketBoat

Departing seasonally from PIER 39, these small and flashy speedboats will zip you around San Francisco Bay at lightning speeds. Though closed in 2020 after a spat with the Coast Guard, it looks like RocketBoat is back up and running. Hand over your money if you like city views, fast rides, and the sea breeze.

Chinatown

Home to the US’s oldest and most historic Chinatown, this tourist trap has the potential to keep you busy for hours as you wander the streets. Whether you’re looking for the best food in Chinatown or simply want to shop at boutiques and pop into museums, there’s a cool adventure around every corner. Plus, it’s spend-what-you-want, unlike the other tourist traps listed here.

It’s not flashy or modern, and it doesn’t have an actual tour available—this is a real-life, mom-and-pop fortune cookie operation. Nestled right in the heart of Chinatown, it’s probably my second-favorite of all the tourist traps in San Francisco that you can’t miss. The only thing I love more than cookies is history. Also, the art of fortune-telling.

Alcatraz

Alcatraz Island needs no introduction. From its real-life history to its intimidating reputation, it’s one of the US’s most iconic dark tourist destinations. Since 1963, it’s operated as a museum—but many claim to still feel the ghostly presence of the thousands imprisoned on this island. That’s a lot of spook for a standard tourist trap.

Scoma’s Restaurant

Similar to Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the city’s most well-known tourist traps—and it’s been one for decades. Scoma’s opened in 1965, making its name thanks to its ‘pier to plate’ menu that’s born from the owners’ relationship to local fishers. It’s delicious, if crowded—and absolutely worth your time.

Camera Obscura

Not all tourist traps in San Francisco are easy to find. This one is slightly off the beaten path and usually regarded as a more cult-level tourist trap—one that locals also enjoy. It’s a small structure where you can see holograms. Just ask a local if it’s still open before you visit; I’ve seen conflicting reports about whether this camera obscura is still live.

Hippie Hill

(Photo By Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

Of all my Golden Gate Park adventures, my favorite was a visit to Hippie Hill. This well-known enclave in the larger park offers great views of the city and its iconic architecture. Just make sure you plan your route—Golden Gate Park is absolutely massive. I suggest bundling a visit to the Japanese Tea Gardens, as well.

Ghirardelli Square sundae

Chocolate lovers, assemble! There are dozens of ways to enjoy Ghirardelli Square, which is a small group of renovated factories where you can learn the art of chocolate making, explore galleries, and shop for chocolate products. I suggest going for the famous ice cream sundae.

Vesuvio Café

For half a century, Vesuvio Café has been one of the best dive bars on North Beach—one that got its name thanks to its famous Beat era patrons. It’s still frequented by locals who like the relaxed atmosphere and bohemian vibes. Stop in for a drink if you like casual bars with meaningful history.

9 Spiritual Experiences in Sedona for Beginners

Ever wondered what’s going on in Sedona with all those vortexes?

Aren’t even sure what a vortex is? And what supposed powers one could impart to a traveler like you?

Don’t worry, you aren’t alone. Questions about spirituality often piggyback on discussions of Sedona.

If you haven’t heard, Sedona is a stunning desert hideaway that’s home to a handful of ‘vortexes’. These are natural centers where energy gathers and amplifies within the area’s red rocks.

You might have heard of a few popular vortex sites, such as Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, or Airport Mesa. Aside from specific landmarks, the entire town of Sedona is sometimes dubbed a vortex.

To be brief, think of vortexes like energy centers that provide healing, steadying, and overall positive emotional benefits.

If you don’t believe in that stuff, the views are still great and the hikes are accessible. But if you do believe in the potential of energy vortexes, Sedona is a hard place to beat when it comes to wellness-focused vacations.

The big question is—how can you experience the spiritual side of Sedona? I’ve got tours, classes, and more lined up for you, all of which showcase a unique facet of the town.

Whether you want to dive all-in to the spiritual stuff or just get a lay of the land, these are the best spiritual experiences in Sedona, from casual adventures to full-on meditation retreats. First up, I’m recommending two companies that you can book multi-day tours with. After, I’ll cover single-day tours and classes.

Companies that offer spiritual experiences in Sedona: yoga & meditation

Sedona, AZ: Tourists around a Buddha statue at the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park. (Getty)

Vita Pura Yoga Tours

If you’re interested in putting together a package that includes yoga, meditation, hiking, and breathwork around Sedona’s red rocks, start here. Tours include a stay at a four-star hotel, along with the chance to craft the perfect itinerary for your needs. Or, if you’re staying at an Airbnb in Sedona, you can also schedule a visit from the Vita Pura Yoga team for a private lesson.

Sedona Meditation Experiences

Looking for unique meditation sessions that capture the magic of Sedona’s red rocks and vortexes? Sedona Meditation Experience offers private or group classes, along with half-day or full-day sessions. You can meditate at the vortexes, balance your chakras, meditate under the full moon (or new moon), and more.

Spiritual experiences in Sedona: best tours

Friends walking on pathway on Bell Rock Loop. (Getty)

Sedona Vortex Odyssey

Aren’t sure if you believe in vortexes? Start with this in-a-van, three-hour tour that introduces the town’s most famous sites. As the tour unravels, you’ll learn about Sedona’s history, its spiritual significance, and the scientific studies that have both proved and challenged certain beliefs about the area’s geology. Perfect for on-the-fence visitors.

The Ultimate Sedona Experience

This Jeep tour is also great for anyone who isn’t sure they want to dedicate six hours to vortex studies. Instead, you’ll drift a bit further from Sedona’s center to uncover the area’s coolest locations, including Chapel of the Holy Cross, the Airport Scenic Viewpoint (a vortex), and the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. The latter is perfect for those who still need to do some souvenir-hunting.

Sedona Vortex and the City Tour

This private tour has it all—a visit to Sedona’s most gorgeous Red Rock sites, a pop-in to a vortex or two, and then a well-rounded city tour to round things off. Expect to stop for hot drinks, hear insider stories about life in Sedona, and see sites like Chapel of the Holy Cross.

The Original Sedona UFO and Stargazing Night Tour

Before we dive into the more spiritually-minded vortex and Sedona tours, I’m recommending an adjacent UFO tour. Given its penchant for alternative thinking and living, Sedona has also become a hotspot for Ufologists. If you’re open to an encounter from the other kind, this tour takes you to three of the best night sky viewing locations. If not, enjoy the unspoiled constellations.

2.5-Hour Jeep Tour of Mysticism

This tour includes both hiking and jeep rides, getting you off the beaten path and face-to-face with Sedona’s vortexes. Not only will you stop by popular vortexes, but also lesser-known spots that locals know how to navigate. Even if you aren’t looking for a spiritual experience, you’ll still get to learn about the history of the vortexes and our modern understanding of their potential.

Private Vortex Tour

Helmed by Professor Todd Denny, who has been shouted out on both NPR and PBS, this private vortex tour lets you dive deep into vortex knowledge. He can give you hands-on advice on how to experience their power and transformational qualities. Plus, you’ll also get a bit of background on the area’s significance to the Yavapai-Apache tribes.

3-hour Sedona Spirit and Vortex Journey

This tour is designed to take you straight out into the Red Rock landscape to Sedona’s most powerful vortexes. The tour is focused on natural wonders, as well, making it great if you like to feel connected to the Earth—even if vortex meditations aren’t really your thing. Photographers are also welcome.

Park Hyatt Hotel Opens in World’s Second-Tallest Skyscraper: Malaysia’s Merdeka

Merdeka 118 might be the last megatall skyscraper ever built, which makes its recent completion even more poignant. Standing at 118 stories tall at 2,227 feet and second only to the Burj Khalifa, it dominates Kuala Lumpur’s skyline.

If you’re not into architecture, you might recognize this famous megatall skyscraper from Skywalkers, a tale about two urban explorers with a penchant for death-defying climbs. If not, know that one highly athletic and fearless couple actually (illegally) scaled Merdeka 118 during construction.

And that was famously during the 2022 World Cup Finals, when security guards were distracted by the big game.

That should clue you in: construction on Merdeka 118 has been underway for a while. In fact, ground was first broken back in 2014. Ten years later, in January 2024, the megatall skyscraper celebrated its grand opening—but has since remained closed to the public.

That is, until August 7, 2025, when Merdeka 118’s Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur Hotel opened its doors and began taking reservations.

That makes this Park Hyatt one of the tallest in the world, spanning floors 75-115 of the world’s second-tallest mega-skyscraper.

Inside the new Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur Hotel

The brand new Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur spans a whopping 40 floors of Merdeka 118, including an on-site restaurant (Merdeka Grill and Park Lounge), a chocolate-themed bar (Cacao Mixology & Chocolate), and a full wellness center floor, which offers a spa, fitness center, infinity pool, and lounge.

The Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur Hotel includes 252 guestrooms and suites, all of which come with floor-to-ceiling windows. Interiors are designed to reflect traditional Malay homes, from the artwork to the color palette to the accents and woven textiles.

As with other ultra-lux Hyatt destinations, room rates aren’t for the faint of heart. However, World of Hyatt has rolled out a few bonuses that members can take advantage of, including the 500 Reasons to Stay Here program, which applies to the Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur Hotel until November 30, 2025.