Freedom, Fun, & Savings: 10 Reason to Go Camping This Year

If your pockets are empty, that doesn’t mean travel is off the table—it just means you need to get a little creative.

While many Millennials and Gen Zers prefer long-term, exotic travels, camping has always remained a heavy-hitter domestically in the US. In fact, there are signs that camping trends are picking up steam amongst these types of travelers.

One report from the Kampgrounds of America (aka the KOA) found that 11 million more households camped in 2024 compared to 2019—and a whopping 61% of new campers today are either Millennials or Gen Z.

Still, it’s easy to feel intimidated when you just start camping.

Before you hit the open road with your tent in tow, you need to research your destination, potential threats (like bears, ticks, and property lines), weather, and nearby attractions and activities.

Most importantly, you need to feed yourself without a standard kitchen.

Although camping is affordable and accessible for Americans, it’s not quite as easy to organize as a one-click trip to a Mexican resort.

So, if you’re on the fence about becoming a camper, I get it—but let me tip you over into Paul Bunyon territory. These are the key reasons to go camping, from self-discovery to summer camp-style escapes.

10 reasons to go camping if you haven’t before

Portrait tourist man eating fast food in the mountains, instant noodles for the traveler, delicious lunch in nature while relaxing. (Getty)

Reason #1: It’s as cheap as you want it to be

The United States is home to an abundance of campgrounds—and it’s not hard to find free spots where you can pitch a tent without spending a dime.

In fact, the Bureau of Land Management’s official take on camping is this: campsites are first-come, first-serve, and you need to pay the fee within thirty minutes of showing up.

But you can also enjoy free camping, aka dispersed camping. Dispersed camping is when you camp wild on any public lands—so long as you’re a safe distance from facilities, are respectful to wildlife and resources, and aren’t camped in a spot that says ‘closed to camping’, you can stay for up to two weeks. No fees.

Reason #2: The nostalgia factor is strong

Camping is part of the American identity, stored in our collective memory as a fond callback to the past. Even if you’ve never been camping, you’ve probably been on a summer camp trip or heard about them.

The first time you set up your tent and manage to get your fire going, you’ll feel that sense of nostalgia in its full force—and you’ll have joined the ranks as an American Who Camps.

Reason #3: Campsites run a huge gamut—and include glamping options

If the allure of nostalgia and freedom don’t woo you, let me sweeten the deal with one of the best reasons to go camping: it can be really high-class.

Kampgrounds of America, for example, offers a huge range of campsites to choose from. If you’re tent-averse, you can choose a glamorous yurt, an above-ground canvas tent, and many other options. If you want to go fully into luxury territory, that’s also an option.

Best of all, many of these glamping sites come with modern amenities, from hot showers to heated pools.

Reason #4: You can drive, too

Technically, if you drive your RV into a campground, you’re RVing instead of camping. But I won’t judge if you have access to an RV or a camper van—they’re the easiest way for a first-timer to see what the camping hype is all about.

Many campsites include both RV hookups and tent plots, meaning you can get a lay of the land without leaving behind all familiar signs of civilization.

Reason #5: Water adventures are easy to bundle in

According to another study from the Kampgrounds of America, 57% of campers actively seek out water adventures and grounds that are close to the water.

Whether you want a scenic lakeside retreat or a beachy summer escape, you won’t be looking for a campsite for long. The US is home to dozens upon dozens of campsites that overlook the water or are located a short distance from major bodies.

Reason #6: So are wellness experiences

The rise of glamping locations highlights budding interest in getting outdoors—and many younger travelers aren’t just seeking out the restorative qualities of nature (more on this below). One of the best reasons to go camping is to refocus on wellness.

Many campers head out on the hunt for casual wellness-based activities, whether putting down their phones for an impromptu digital detox or signing up for camping experiences that come with yoga classes.

Don’t just think rustic when you think camping—think wellness, too.

Family enjoying eating when trekking with tent in mountains (Getty)

Reason #7: The whole gang is invited—from multi-gen crews to large groups

Many campgrounds fill up during summer—but if you’re willing to schedule your trip during the shoulder season, you’re likely to find half-empty sites.

In that case, you can easily bring along a large group, whether just hanging out with friends or kicking back with multiple generations on a family trip. Size isn’t a prohibitive factor when putting together camping trips.

Let’s imagine you do head to a popular campsite during high season. You’re likely to be surrounded by like-minded campers, and if the campground has amenities like a pool and/or restaurant, you’re going to make a few friends during your stay.

In fact, some campgrounds host events like dance parties and ‘mixers’ for young guests, transforming the grounds into a summer camp-like setup. It’s pure, nostalgic fun.

Reason #9: Nature is good for you—and science agrees

Spending time in nature regulates the human nervous system, and that yields benefits for both our minds and bodies. In fact, some studies show that spending time in nature can sharpen our cognitive skills and restore mental health.

So, if you’ve been feeling bogged down and uninspired, your camping trip might be just as impactful as a trip to the doctor’s office.

Reason #10: You’ll get to know yourself

Even if you head to the bougiest glampsite in the United States, you’re going to be spending more time with your thoughts than on a standard vacation.

This is one of the best reasons to go camping, in my opinion: it’s a travel experience you haven’t had before. Being outdoors is a great chance to take a breather and get back in touch with your personal goals and overall life’s vision.

And if you’re heading to a basic campground where you need to cook and fend for yourself, you’ll have even more time to reflect. In the case of the latter, you’ll also need to dig deep to overcome challenges that we don’t face in our daily lives, whether washing up in freezing cold river water or trying to cook a meal over a campfire.

6 Reasons to Visit Petra in 2025

Petra is one of the most iconic destinations in the world.

Even those who don’t know anything about the country of Jordan have probably seen pictures of Petra’s grand facades carved into a cliff face.

Sometimes called Rose City, this ancient wonder is a hugely important tourist attraction in Jordan—one that usually brings close to one million visitors to the site each year. For local Bedouin people, those tourism dollars are an important part of their livelihood.

Unfortunately, military actions in the region have seen visitor numbers drop drastically over the last year. Even though Jordan has steered clear of major conflicts, and is a country known for its balance of ancient traditions and modern habits, many have decided it’s too risky to visit.

In short, tourist numbers in Petra are dropping drastically.

That makes it a sneakily fantastic time to visit. (Again, let me re-iterate: Jordan is safe and removed from conflicts happening in other countries.)

If you’ve been wanting to visit Petra but feel hesitant, let me sell you on the idea.

Why now is the time to visit Petra

Female tourist at Petra famous archaeological site in Jordan’s southwestern desert. (Getty)

Reason #1: You’ll have the place (mostly) to yourself

The high season in Petra runs from spring to autumn. Many guests who want a sense of solitude plan their trip over the winter period, which is also cooler.

But with dropping visitor numbers, you’ll have the place largely to yourself. That makes exploring the main drags of this 102-square-mile site (yes, Petra is huge) more relaxing and awe-inspiring.

Reason #2: Fewer guests = better hospitality

The Middle East is already renowned for its hospitality, but you’re in store for a more meaningful experience with fewer guests. (Although you might also be the target of more hawkers.)

This is particularly important in the town of Petra rather than just inside the historical site, as you can find better deals on tours and activities, along with locals who are more interested in engaging with visitors.

If cross-cultural exchanges are high on your priority list, stick to winter visits. You’ll find more chances to interact meaningfully with fewer tourists around you.

The Temple of Dushares is one of the most intact free-standing structures in Petra due to the layers of wood used in its construction which made it more resilient to earthquakes. (Getty)

Reason #3: You’ll see tombs, temples, and canyons when you visit Petra

Like I just mentioned, Petra is way larger than most people think. To reach the most famous buildings in Rose City, you first need to hike through canyons and up a hill with steep cliffs. Along the way, you can explore a massive amphitheater, multiple tombs, sacrificial areas, and the former city center.

Reason #4: It’s a multi-day adventure, not a day trip

That brings me to my next point: Petra is best experienced over the course of many days. Not only does that put less pressure on the site from a traffic standpoint (day trips degrade destinations quickly), but it also lets you take your time as you explore one site to the next.

The Royal Tombs aren’t quite as well-known as the famous facades from Petra’s ancient city center, for example. And to reach another hotspot, The Monastery, you need to scale close to 1,000 ancient steps.

(Pro tip: don’t ride on any animals unless you feel strongly that they’re well taken care of. Animal welfare at Petra is a hot topic at the moment.)

View of Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) (Getty)

Reason #5: When you visit Petra, you visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World

Petra is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, which was established back in 2001. Petra is joined by Chichen Itza, Machu Pichu, Christ the Redeemer, the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, and the Roman Coliseum.

If crossing those destinations off your bucket list is a priority, then don’t leave Petra as a day trip or an afterthought. Make your experience in Jordan one of a lifetime—which is a much easier task when there are fewer tourists to contend with.

Reason #6: You’ll get to learn about the Middle East as it really is—not what you read in the news

If your sole focus is on seeing the famous facades of Petra, you might not care too much about experiencing Jordan and its capital, Amman.

However, your trip to Petra is an opportunity to take a closer look at life in the capital. You can explore Roman ruins and citadel, along with modern activities like the Museum of Popular Traditions—a great intro to life and culture in Jordan.

The downtown area is bright and lively, full of food stalls and restaurants that serve up local favorites like lamb and rice. Come for the ancient stone city, stay for the vibes.

Sun Valley in Summer: Best Things to Do Without the Snow

Sun Valley, Idaho is one of the US’s premier winter sports destinations.

And it’s one of quiet luxury. While you might associate places like Aspen, Colorado, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming as the most upscale skiing and snowboarding destinations in the US, let’s not forget the most important tenet of true opulence: you won’t actually hear about it.

That ethos reminds me of Sun Valley—a place that celebrities have been slipping away to for close to a century but that hasn’t ended up on the list of top-notch wintering spots.

In fact, I only know about it because I went to university with someone from Sun Valley.

Home to less than 2,000 residents, Sun Valley is a world-class resort town that comes alive when its alpine ski areas fill up each winter. (It’s adjacent to Ketchum, in case you’ve heard the name before.)

When the trails on Dollar Mountain and Bald Mountain (aka Baldy) calm down for spring, the city empties out. And that might just be the perfect time to visit, in my estimation. (I don’t ski, and it’s too late to convince me to learn.)

Not only will you get slashed prices on those fancy hotels and likely have plenty of space to yourself, but you’ll have one of the most unspoiled landscapes to explore.

As someone who just spent the weekend loafing around Font Romeu, one of the most popular ski spots in southern France, after its ski season ended, I can promise you: ghost towns are my new thing.

Don’t sleep on Sun Valley in the summer. Here’s what to do.

What to do in Sun Valley in summer

Get around with Mountain Rides

The vast majority of visitors drive into Sun Valley, meaning you’ll have a car at your disposal. But this remote town has one of the most surprising public transport systems I’ve seen in the US: Mountain Rides.

Mountain Rides is a state-run transportation project that includes a small fleet of emission-free buses that zip between Sun Valley and neighboring towns.

They’re available to ferry you around town and into nature—and have bike racks situated so that you can actually take the bus to hit the trails. Best of all, they offer a fixed route that’s totally free.

Hit the trails however you like

When the snow on Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain melts, miles and miles of hiking trails are revealed. In Sun Valley, you don’t just have the option of hiking those trails.

You can mountain bike down them, ride horses across them, and much more. There are also plenty of paved tracks for skateboarding and/or rollerblading adventures.

The most popular trails in White Cloud Trails, Wood River Trail, the massive Bald Mountain Trail, Proctor Mountain Trail, and many more. Learn more from Visit Sun Valley and AllTrails.

But be warned: this is wild territory where bears, pumas, and wolves wander. Always ask for advice on when and how to explore nature around Sun Valley.

Spy on the stars

Sun Valley is located in the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve. That means that you’ll be able to spy on the stars like a professional gazer in Sun Valley in summer.

You can set up shop at Atkinson’s Park, Penny Hill, Sun Valley Pavilion, and Sun Valley Lake for the best views. For added wonder, book your stay over a new moon to avoid light pollution from the moon.

Go to the symphony—yes, the local symphony

As a popular choice for luxurious winter adventures, Sun Valley is no stranger to hosting upscale soirees. Since 1937, the Sun Valley Opera House has delighted guests with professional performances.

You can catch symphonic performances during select times over the summer—so look ahead before you book your trip.

Additionally, the Sun Valley Opera House runs screenings of “Sun Valley Serenade”, a famous film from 1941 that’s set in the area, every day at 5 pm—free of charge.

Visit Hemingway’s Grave

I’ve written about Ernest Hemingway when covering places in Florida and Barcelona—so I was a bit surprised to learn that Hemingway died and was buried in Ketchum, next to Sun Valley.

You can visit the home where he spent the final months of his life, along with his grave. There’s also a memorial to him on Trail Creek in Sun Valley.

Welcome to the Most Terrifying B&B in the US: Lizzie Borden House

Nothing goes better with a quaint B&B stay than tales of axe murder.

At least, that’s what the great minds at the Historic Lizzie Borden House believe. This maybe-haunted mansion is located in Fall River, Massachusetts, a place you might know of thanks to a famous murder—one that was later turned into a Kristen Stewart and Chloe Sevigny flick.

But what really happened at the Lizzie Borden House?

And, for fans of the paranormal heading to Massachusetts, should you skip out on Salem to let the ghosts of the Lizzie Borden House scare the bejeesus out of you instead?

Let’s dive into this paranormal heavyweight.

What happened at the Lizzie Borden House?

During the 1870s and 80s, this famous Fall River mansion was occupied by Andrew Borden, his wife, and his daughters from a previous marriage, including Lizzie.

Borden was a prominent banker and member of high society. While the home remains large and impressive by today’s standards, it was below the Borden’s station in the late 19th century; rumor has it his daughter Lizzie was too embarrassed to invite her friends over, hinting at possible friction in the family.

In 1892, after occupying the home for twenty years, Andrew Borden and his wife Abby Borden were found brutally murdered in the living room and bedroom, respectively.

A subsequent trial tried to pin the axe murders on Lizzie, the eldest daughter. However, she was acquitted and went on to inherit the house. She lived out the rest of her days living nearby before passing away in 1927.

Being that Lizzie was acquitted, nobody knows who murdered the elder Bordens. At least, legally.

Off the record, however, many officers were confused and suspicious of Lizzie’s responses during interrogation. Her story changed frequently—and without a stronger suspect in the pool, suspicions have always remained that Lizzie was the axe-wielder.

How can you visit the Lizzie Borden House?

The Borden House changed hands multiple times after the murder. As mentioned above, Lizzie sold the home and moved down the street shortly after she inherited the home.

Fast forward to 1996, when a couple named Martha McGinn and Ronald Evans inherited the home. They began taking steps to refurbish and restore its original rooms with one goal: to curate a terrifying and irresistible bed and breakfast.

In 2021, they sold the property to Lance Zaal, owner of the Travel Channel show Ghost Adventures. Since then, Zaal has expanded the tour schedule that touches on both historical and paranormal elements. (He stays on the grounds, too, which means you could run into him.)

Today, The Lizzie Borden House is one of the premier attractions in Fall River. You can visit the house via tour or hotel stay.

Is it better to book a hotel stay or a tour?

The Lizzie Borden House rents four rooms and two guest suites—including the bedroom where Abby Borden’s body was discovered.

But there’s a (pretty significant) catch: tours run during the day, so you need to clear out from 10 am to 5 pm. You also need to stash your belongings to keep up the illusion for visitors.

Unless you’re a hardcore ghost hunter, a tour is probably sufficient. You can choose from house tours, ghost tours, and overnight ghost-hunting excursions. That being said if you’ll be out and about during your stay in Fall River, that 10 am – 5 pm time slot might not be hard to fill with other activities.

Will you actually see a ghost at the Lizzie Borden House?

Ghost sightings aren’t common at the Lizzie Borden House—but you might sense the presence of a ghost looming over you while you sleep at night.

According to paranormal investigators and psychics, you might see spectral cats and apparitions, rocking chairs that move on their own, and even feel the cold hands of Lizzie Borden close around your throat at night.

If you want to learn more, you can catch specials on the Lizzie Borden House from ‘Ghost Adventures’ and ‘Dead Files’.

Best 6 Compression Packing Cubes on the Market

I’ve been screaming it from the (digital) rooftops for at least a year: stop using regular packing cubes and level up your travel game with compression packing cubes.

Packing cubes can help you stay organized and turn your suitcase into an aesthetic, photo-worthy setup… but they won’t actually help you stuff your bag to the brim.

Compression cubes, by contrast, are designed to literally shrink your items. When you zip them up, they tighten and compress into a more compact shape. (Who would’ve thought?)

Not only can compression cubes help you save extra room when packing your suitcase, but they can even help you get home with more souvenirs than you bargained for.

In other words, if you’re a chronic over-packer or are heading out on a long-haul trip, you need compression cubes yesterday.

Tips on using compression cubes

Here’s the thing about compression cubes: they aren’t made equally and they don’t let you stuff them to capacity willy-nilly. Plan to save between 10-20% of your overall space if you use them correctly.

So, how should you be using compression cubes?

First, take the time to figure out which ones are worth your money. There are affordable options on Amazon that run as little as $20, which gives you the option to sample these bad buys before opting for a more luxurious choice. Below, you can find my top six picks.

Second, know that some materials shrink down more than others. Compression cubes won’t be able to magically make your wool sweaters half the size. Though you can (and should) use compression cubes to shrink your heavier winter layers, I want to point out that you can save serious space by packing synthetic clothes.

Third, don’t stuff your compression cube to the max, and then expect a miracle. Usually, you need to leave around 10% of the cube empty for maximum results. To shrink your cube, just zip it up and then push down on it evenly to remove all extra air.

Lastly, know that your items are prone to wrinkle when they’re compressed. The more carefully you fold and/or roll your pieces into the bag, the less intense those wrinkles will be.

Best compression packing cubes on the market

Top pick: Peak Design Packing Cube

The name should clue you in: Peak Design’s compression packing cubes come in a sleek and well-thought-out design. Though ‘compression’ isn’t in the product name, these cubes shrink down thanks to a second zipper—exactly like suitcases with expandable sides.

That means you can pack them like a normal cube on your way to your destination, then unlock those compression capabilities when it’s time to come home with a few extra goodies in your luggage.

Most rugged-ready: Thule Compression Packing Cubes

Need a little more durability with your packing cubes? Go with Thule Compression Packing Cubes, which are made from top-notch water-repellent nylon (known as the 100-denier diamond ripstop). As with Peak Design’s product, you have two zippers: one to open the cube and the other to shrink its size in a single go.

Most capabilities: Nomatic

Nomatic Compression Packing Cubes have a few added features that make them stand out from the pack. Along with their strong compression capabilities, you also have a mesh exterior panel and handles.

The mesh panel is great because it prevents your clothes from getting stuffy, keeping your clothes fresh and dry. Plus, you can more easily see what you’ve packed inside, unlike with other cubes.

Lastly, the handle is a nice little detail that makes carrying these cubes a bit easier.

Budget pick: Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes

I love Bagsmart products, from their barely-there fold-up totes (one of my top travel picks) and their compression packing cubes.

Their packing cubes are sleek and stylish, with a partial mesh exterior to keep your items fresh without compromising on all that shrinking power. They also come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, giving you more packing power and customization.

Coolest design (and still functional): Calpak Cubes or Beis The Compression Packing Cubes

Want to feel stylish as hell while you shrink your packing list? Go for Calpak Compression Cubes or Beis Compression Cubes.

Calpak’s come in three sizes (small, medium, and large) with five classic designs to choose from, plus another 14 unique options. By contrast, Beis lets you choose from five different designs for the same small, medium, and large setup.

5 Must-See Free Museums in Ottawa, Canada

Ottawa isn’t Canada’s most famous city—but it’s definitely one of the country’s sleeper-hit destinations.

I’m a bit partial to the capital because one of my friends dated a guy from Ottawa. He let me in on a few cool secrets about the city, like the fact that French and English are spoken because Ottawa straddles Ontario and Quebec, and that its architecture is some of the coolest in North America.

Plus, you can find gorgeous hikes outside of town, along with nature-centric events like the annual Tulip Festival. Spring saturnalias aside, winter is a great time to visit, as the city comes alive for its coldest months.

As the nation’s capital, it’s also home to a handful of top-notch museums, just like Washington DC. Though they aren’t universally free like many in Washington DC, most establishments lift their fees during a short window every week.

These aren’t just a great way to explore the city while saving a few Canadian dollars—they’re also the perfect chance to dig into Ottawa’s unique, lesser-known identity.

Want to explore Ottawa’s culture and heritage without overspending? Head to these free museums in Ottawa.

Coolest free museums in Ottawa—plus, tips on how to enjoy them

National Gallery

Free every Thursday from 5-8 pm

Before you make it inside, you’re going to notice that the National Gallery is guarded by a massive 30-foot-tall spider. Its name is ‘Maman’, which is doubly upsetting given that Maman is French for ‘mommy. (I say this as someone who loves spiders.)

But go see Maman for yourself—this iconic work is from a highly acclaimed artist and is one of only six spiders that reside in museums around the world.

Inside, you’ll find a gargantuan gallery (one of the largest artistic exhibition areas on the continent, in fact) that houses over 90,000 unique works from European, Indigenous, African, Asian, and Canadian artists. You can find works as old as 200 CE century, along with contemporary pieces.

Even the building itself is a bit of an artistic display. The grounds were designed by world-famous architect Moshe Safdie, the great mind behind projects like the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

Ottawa Art Gallery

Pay-what-you-can admission

The Ottaway Art Gallery houses some of the most powerful works from the region. Its exhibitions bring on modern projects, from huge murals from digital artists to artisanal crafts from Canada’s coasts.

The Ottawa Art Gallery also curates its social calendar. Along with workshops and summer camps, you can also join the community to ring in brand-new exhibitions. There’s even a new fellowship program to help educate and empower new curators.

Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Free from 4-5 pm daily

Want to get a little closer to the cosmos while you’re in Ottawa? The Canada Aviation and Space Museum includes engaging exhibits and a wide range of artifacts that showcase the evolution of air travel. In fact, there are over 130 aircraft dotting the grounds, including civil and military crafts.

Take a closer look at the museum’s list of events before you plan your visit. They offer awesome hands-on workshops and classes. In April, for example, they’ll be hosting a Drone Zone event that lets you learn the basics of how to man a drone—and even a chance to fly one yourself.

Canadian Museum of History

Free every Thursday from 4-8 pm

Canadian museum of civilization and view

This museum is a site to behold. Though the National Gallery of Canada was designed by Safdie, I have to say I prefer the organic and grand scale of Douglas Cardinal’s Canadian Museum of History.

It’s a larger-than-life building that spans over 800,000 square feet. Not only is the museum used for exhibitions, but also for anthropological research.

I’d probably head to the Inuit, First Nations, and Métis exhibitions first. These showcase the history and culture of Canada’s indigenous groups. (Métis people are descended from both European settlers and indigenous tribes from the prairies.) There, you can learn about topics like Ways of Knowing and the Arrival of Strangers.

When you’re ready, you can catch up with more modern Canadian history. Aside from its First Nations exhibit, I’d likely delve into the history between French-speaking Quebec and Canada’s English-speaking provinces.

Bytown Museum

Free every Thursday after 5 pm

Located inside Ottawa’s oldest remaining stone building, the Commissariat Building, the Bytown Museum takes you deep into the city’s history through the lens of one of its most famous neighborhoods.

Apparently, Ottawa has a ‘rowdy lumberjack past’—which makes me suddenly very interested in local history. In fact, when it comes to free museums in Ottawa, the Bytown Museum would probably be my first stop.

At the Bytown Museum, you can explore more than 7,000 artifacts that showcase the city’s history, identity, and evolution. You’ll also learn plenty about the Rideau Canal which cuts through the city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.