travel – Page 5

Arches National Park, Utah

Published on January 31, 2023January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. Beck2 Comments

Last summer Patrick and I had the opportunity to visit Arches National Park during our out west road trip. Arches National Park is located outside Moab, Utah. We only had about a day and a half in the park but we were able to experience some of the park’s highlights. Here’s my small guide to Arches National Park.

Things to know before visiting ANP

Timed Entry Reservation system: Currently ANP requires visitors to have a timed entry reservation pass throughout the months of April-October.
- Timed entry tickets are required to enter the park between the hours of 7am- 4pm (MDT).
- The timed entry reservations can be purchased on the ANP park’s website and they cost $2 per vehicle. Note, you’ll need a timed reservation pass for each day you plan to visit the park.
Exceptions for the timed entry reservations tickets:
- If you have a reservation with a campground in the National Park, you can show your campground reservation in place of having a timed entry reservation and enter at any time as long as the dates of the campground reservation match the dates you want to enter the park.
- You can enter the park before or after the allowed times! If you are unable to get a reservation, you can enter the park before 7am. However, keep in mind if you enter the park this way, once you leave the park you will not be allowed back in during the hours required for a timed entry ticket. Similarly, you may enter the park after required hours (i.e., after 4pm).
Fees: It costs $30 per vehicle to enter the park which covers the cost of 7 days. We bought the America the Beautiful pass which is $80 for the year and covers entrance fees for all National Parks. I would highly recommend this if you plan to visit multiple National Parks!
Camping: There is only one campground within Arches National Park, Devils Garden Campground. If this is a campground you’d like to stay in, I recommended booking as far in advance as possible.
Boondocking; If you’re traveling in a van or a car like us, there are several free camp spots surrounding the national park in Moab, Utah. We used Campendium to search free camp spots or areas to park and sleep with a small fee. Note, majority of these areas are first come first serve rather than reservation based.
Heat: The heat in this part of Utah and Arches National Park during the summer months is extreme. There were nights we couldn’t sleep in our car set up or tent. This is worth putting in some research especially if you plan to camp like we attempted to. Surprisingly the hotels in Moab weren’t too pricey and definitely worth booking to have a break from the heat. We booked a night at Scenic Views Inn and Suites Moab and it was incredible!
Area. Moab, UT is the closet town to the park. This is where you’ll find restaurants, hotels, and grocery shops.

Things to Do

Hike to Delicate Arch (park at delicate arch trail head) for sunrise. This was my absolute favorite thing we did while visiting Arches National Park. This arch is one of the most popular so it was well worth it to hike at sunrise and enjoy the views in peace before the crowds!
Drive to double arch trailhead and walk to see Double Arch.
Continue walking the loop path to see North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch
Drive along scenic drive & stop to see various viewpoints:
- petrified dunes
- panorama point
- fiery furnace/salt valley
Stop at visitor’s center
Take time to explore Park Avenue

My Tips

Start hikes in the dark to catch the sunrise and avoid crowds. We used head lights and our offline All Trails map while hiking in the early morning hours. Arches National Park is a very busy place so hiking early ensures some peace before crowds. We hiked to Delicate Arch before sunrise and it was our favorite experience while visiting the park.
Carry plenty of water. As I mentioned, Arches National Park can be extremely hot during the day if you’re visiting during the summer time. Be prepared to continuously hydrate! The visitor’s center has free water you can utilize to fill up water bottles.

Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado

Published on January 25, 2023January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. Beck3 Comments

This past summer my boyfriend, Patrick and I took our first big road trip out west. The first stop along our road trip was the beautiful, Colorado. We only spent a few days in Colorado and our main focus was the Rocky Mountains National Park. The park exceeded our expectations! We are dreaming of our next trip to RMMP! We had about two full days in the park which was a decent amount of time for a quick visit. I would recommend at least 3-4 days in the park to enjoy several activities and hikes. Throughout this guide I’ll be sharing our experience in the Rocky Mountains National Park.

Things to know before visiting RMNP 🌲

Timed Entry Reservation system: Currently RMNP requires visitors to have a timed entry reservation pass throughout the months of May-October. There are two types of timed entry reservations:
- The Bear Lake Road Corridor [required during the hours of 5am-6pm (MDT)]. This pass will give you access to the entire park as well. I would recommend trying to get this pass to experience all parts of the park.
- Park Access, No Bear Lake Road [required during the hours of 9am-3pm (MDT)]. This reservation allows access to the park but not the bear lake road area.
- The timed entry reservations can be purchased on the RMNP park’s website and they cost $2 per vehicle. Note, you’ll need a timed reservation pass for each day you plan to visit the park.
- Exceptions for the timed entry reservations tickets:
  - If you have a reservation with a campground in the National Park, you can show your campground reservation in place of having a timed entry reservation and enter at any time as long as the dates of the campground reservation match the dates you want to enter the park.
  - You can enter the park before or after the allowed times! If you are unable to get a reservation, you can enter the park before 5am/9am depending on the area you want to access. However, keep in mind if you enter the park this way, once you leave the park you will not be allowed back in during the hours required for a timed entry ticket. Similarly, you may enter the park after required hours (i.e., after 6pm or 3pm depending on the area).
Afternoon Thunderstorms: The RMNP is known for afternoon thunderstorms especially in the summer time. Keep this in mind when planning hikes and other day activities.
Elevation Change: The RMNP has a significant elevation range which can cause altitude sickness without proper time to allow your body to adjust. The only way to treat altitude sickness is to return to lower elevation.
Fees: It costs $25 per vehicle to enter the park which covers the cost of 7 days. We bought the America the Beautiful pass which is $80 for the year and covers entrance fees for all National Parks. I would highly recommend this if you plan to visit multiple National Parks!
Phone reception: Like many National Parks, there is no cell reception available within the park (including campgrounds!). Keep this in mind if you need to download directions to trails in advance.
Accommodations: If you plan to stay at a campground while visiting the park, book early! Campgrounds are available to book 6 months in advance and definitely fill up quickly. I imagine hotels/lodges in the area fill up just as quickly.
Area: Estes Park is the closet town/area to the RMNP. In Estes Park you’ll find restaurants, hotels/lodges, and grocery stores.

Things to Do in RMNP:

DAY ONE

Estes Park & Bear Lake Corridor

Overview:

Stop at Kind coffee, Estes Park before a full day of hiking
Spend the day at Bear lake trailhead:
- Hike to Bear Lake
- Hike to Nymph lake
- Hike to Dream Lake
- Hike to Emerald Lake (3.2mi one way)
Explore Estes Park
Check into campground, Glacier Basin

On our first day in the park, we drove in from Boulder, CO which was about an hour drive. Before going into the park we stopped in the park’s closest town, Estes Park. This town is definitely worth exploring either before or after a day in the park! I’d recommend stopping on the way into the park for a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich at Kind Coffee before starting a big day of hiking.

After some coffee and breakfast, we spent our first day in RMNP exploring the Bear Lake corridor area. This area features several hikes but we focused on the lake hikes that all connect: Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake. If you hike all the way to Emerald Lake it’s about 3.2 miles. We were only able to hike to Dream Lake and back due to a rain storm that started coming in. And although we missed out on Emerald lake, this hike was still one of my favorites in the park!

After a full afternoon of hiking, we spent our evening exploring more of Estes Park. We then checked into our campground for the next couple nights, Glacier Basin campground. If you’re looking to book a campground, I highly recommend Glacier Basin, it’s great proximity to the park and clean.

DAY TWO

Trail Ridge Road & Mount Ida

The highlights:

Drive along Trail Ridge road and catch the sunrise
Hike Mount Ida (park in Milner pass parking lot) 9 mi roundtrip
Stop at Alpine visitor’s center for souvenirs
Enjoy dinner back in Estes Park at The Bird and Jim

We started our second day in RMNP bright and early (4am!) for a drive along the Trail Ridge road on our way to Milner Pass parking lot for a big hike. From this trial head we started our hike to Mount Ida. This hike is strenuous and long but the 360 views make it all worth it! I recommend starting as early as we did to beat any thunderstorms that may roll in during the afternoon hours. This hike was a total of 9mi round trip and took us about 6 hours. Keep in mind this trailhead is on the opposite side of the park, so plan for a lengthy drive. From our campground, we were about an hour away from the trailhead.

My Tips

Start hikes early!– Even with the timed reservation system, the RMNP is still very crowded! Starting hikes before 7am ensures the trail to yourself or with only a few others. You’re also more likely to see some amazing wildlife.
Carry bear spray!– As a precaution it’s always best to be prepared in case you encounter an aggressive bear.
Wear layers– we visited RMNP in August and the mornings and evenings were cold but by the afternoon the sun was strong.
Plan in advance– if possible, start planning your trip to RMNP (or any national park) well in advance (6+ months) to ensure you can reserve an overnight accommodation.
Leave no trace– only leave footprints and only take photos + memories!

The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Published on July 21, 2021January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Earlier this summer I took my first trip to the heart of Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains! Patrick and I decided to stay in another getaway house because we enjoyed our experience in the Ohio location so much. The tiny cabin was just as comfortable and welcoming and about a three hour drive from the smoky mountains. Maybe we were a little ambitious to stay in a cabin so far from our main destination but we wanted to take in as much of Tennessee as possible. Our trip consisted of taking a day trip to Nashville, spending time hiking in the smoky mountains and traveling home through Asheville, North Carolina. Out of all the places we visited, our day trip to the Great Smoky Mountains was hands down our favorite.

There is so much to see and do in the smoky mountains, I wish I would’ve had more time to explore and soak in the beauty of this national park. But, if you only have time for a day trip like us, there is a lot you can accomplish! We left early in the morning because we knew we wanted to tackle a lot with the time we had. We were determined to see Cades Cove and also experience a hike in the smokies.

To Do:

Cades Cove Loop

One of my favorite spots to visit in the smoky mountains! We started our morning here and it was the most beautiful way to be introduced to the mountains. I would suggest arriving on the earlier side because it does get crowded. Cades Cove is an eleven mile loop that is full of incredible scenery. Along the way, you can pull off to the side with your car to stop and walk around, take pictures, and enjoy the breath taking views. *Cades Cove is open daily for cars but is reserved for pedestrians and bikers on Wednesdays until 10am *

We originally intended on hiking Abram Falls which is located off the Cades Cove loop, but it was closed due to trail construction. Be sure to check before making plans!

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls was our spontaneous back up hike plan when we realized we could not hike Abram Falls, and it was a stunning hike! Located near Gatlinburg, this hike exceed our expectations and provided us with a new experience of what it’s like to hike within the smoky mountains. It’s an ideal hike if you don’t have enough time for a longer hike and it has plenty of stunning outlooks and several waterfalls along the way. Rainbow Falls is described as strenuous, and a total of about 5 miles roundtrip. The hike definitely feels longer than 2.5 miles one way, and that could be because it’s mostly uphill and paved with uneven and rocky surfaces–something to be aware of! I would highly recommend if you’re looking for a stunning hike that will take a few hours.

Clingman’s Dome

We visited Clingman’s Dome on our way out of town a few days later than our day trip but if you’re staying in the smoky mountains, visiting Clingman’s Dome is a must see. Only a mile trail to the top of the dome provides you with the highest view point in the National Park. The drive to Clingman’s is equally as beautiful, and there are multiple stop points along the way to pull over and take some pictures.

My tips:

Have a map– there is little to zero cell service within the smoky mountains and a map is helpful to orient yourself especially if plans need to be readjusted.
Look up trail updates-going off of the above tip, look up updates for trails you plan to hike ahead of time. I didn’t think to do this about Abram falls and we had to find a new trail to hike.
Take advantage of visitor centers-this is where you’ll find some of the only locations with actual toilets that flush!
Research– especially if your time is limited, make sure you are aware of the level of difficulties for hikes and what will work well in your time frame.

A Weekend in Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio

Published on June 25, 2021January 8, 2025 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

Last weekend, I booked a surprise trip for my boyfriend Patrick’s birthday. Hocking Hills State Park is a place we both have wanted to visit. I knew booking a cabin for his birthday weekend would be the perfect way to soak up the beauty of the park.

The park is full of beautiful trails, cliffs, and waterfalls. Located in Southeast Ohio, Hocking Hills State park is a special place that feels like a national park at times. Most of the trails are not difficult and several are connected making it easy to see more locations by foot. I would suggest starting the day early to beat some crowds to enjoy the scenery in a more private way.

Tips

Wear waterproof footwear- almost all the trails we encountered had waterfalls or streams of water. It was a relief to hike through without worrying about our feet getting wet.
Bring plenty of water and snacks- there are a lot of beautifully spots to have an impromptu picnic or lunch while hiking.
Plan out stops- there is very little cell service within and around Hocking Hills so it’s best to plan out where to hike first if directions are needed via google maps. At the Old Man’s Cave visitor’s center, they provided maps of the popular trails which was helpful to have along while we were hiking.
Bring layers and rain gear- it rained off and on the whole weekend we were visiting and it was so nice to have a rain jacket

Spots to see:

Old Man’s Cave
Rock House
Cedar Falls
Ash Cave

Other spots and activities:

Hocking Hills winery– you can bring your own food and buy wine for a relaxing night after a day of hiking!
Kayaking down the Hocking Hills River- we booked a 5 mile kayak trip to end our time in hocking hills

Getaway House Review

Published on April 21, 2021August 6, 2023 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

I recently had the opportunity to stay in one of Getaway Houses for a few days! These tiny cabins are a dream hidden in a secluded area with plenty of wildlife to feel like you’re truly far away from home. I stayed at the Ohio location and it was perfectly hidden off the road and deep behind several pine trees. The Getaway house is enhanced camping which feels like a retreat and provided me with a chance to unplug from the world.

I was amazed with how much could fit in such a tiny space. The design of the getaway houses was impressive as there was plenty of storage, space, while at the same time extremely simplistic. The interior of the cabin creates a peaceful atmosphere that instantly makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. The Getaway provides a lot of little things to make packing a lot easier! There’s no need to bring basic cooking materials (salt, pepper, olive oil, aluminum foil) and they even provide a no-stick frying pan! The Getaway also provides, a mixing bowl, plates, bowls, mugs, cups, and all utensils. I’ve listed below a few things I’ll remember for my next trip. I can’t wait to visit again, I cannot recommend the Getaway House enough! Here is a reference link to receive $25 your first stay with the Getaway!

Things to keep in mind:

Plan out your meals to bring materials and snacks needed for your stay. The refrigerator in the cabin is small!
There is not an oven in the cabin, however, there is an outdoor grill available for cooking.
The tap water in the cabin is safe to drink so there’s no need to bring extra water along.
There is no wifi available, it truly is a screen free retreat if you want it to be! If you want to bring movies, be sure to have them downloaded beforehand.
If you’re a coffee lover, bring your own coffee and maker. I brought my french press and I was thankful to have it in the mornings! The cabin provides creamer and sugar. There is also coffee available for purchase if you forget!
If you want wine glasses be sure to bring your own.
We noticed the hot water didn’t last long so I suggest taking showers before washing dishes in the morning and at night.
There’s a cell phone ‘lock box” provided in the cabin, I would highly recommend using it!
The service was amazing while we stayed! If you need any extra amenities throughout your stay you can simply text the staff to drop more off.

Autumn in Ohio: Photo Diary

Published on November 2, 2020November 2, 2020 by Skylar M. Beck1 Comment

Ohio is where I grew up and the place I’ll always call home. If Ohio should be known for anything, it should be the way it looks in the fall. The leaves are vibrant and beautiful, the weather is cool enough for a sweater and there’s a pumpkin patch in every city. There are so many things about Ohio in the fall that I love and I thought I’d share.

Some of my favorite fall spots:

Rocky River Reservation
The Holden Arboretum
Ledges Overlook
Patterson’s Fruit Farm
Szalay’s Farm & Market
Sandrun Metro Park

Places I Cannot Wait to Travel to Again

Published on October 15, 2020December 1, 2020 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

There have been some places I’ve traveled to and in the moment I knew I would come back someday. There will always be those places that inspire so much inside me I already start planning my next visit. During this time especially, I’ve had a chance to think about all of the places I’ve traveled to and which ones I cannot wait to travel to again once it’s safe to do so.

Iceland

Iceland is one of my favorite countries in the world! I was struck by the scenery and the overall atmosphere of the country. When I have the chance to go back I would love to stay for a longer trip and drive around the country to experience more.

Italy

Italy will always hold a special place in my heart. I hope Italy will always be a country I can return to and feel at home. Florence in particular is a city I cannot wait to visit again. There are so many little things I miss about living in Italy. The convenience of walking to the city square, the loud church bells every afternoon, the line of people sipping their espresso before work, and the overall sense of history and art that spread throughout the city.

France

I’ve had the opportunity to visit France a couple times and each time I go, I know I’ll be back. Paris in particular was a special city to visit. Everything about Paris feels unique and like I’m in a movie. I cannot wait to experience the food, the Eiffel Tower, and the museums again.

Scotland

Scotland charmed me so much with it’s architecture and cozy atmosphere. I only had the chance to briefly visit Edinburgh and I would love to visit again and experience more of the country side!

Belgium

I’ll be honest, one of the reasons I wanted to visit Belgium in the first place was for the waffles and fries. But there was so much more to Belgium than I expected! I was only able to see Brussels but I look forward to traveling there again to visit more beautiful cities throughout the country.

New Zealand

New Zealand was one of the most incredible countries I’ve ever traveled to. I was there about three years ago and I still reflect on all the memories I made there and daydream about when I can go back. New Zealand offered such a peaceful trip that almost felt like a retreat.

Switzerland

Switzerland is a stunning country with so much to see! I’ve been able to travel there once in the summertime and once in the winter and I’ve loved the country equally as much both visits. When I visit again I would love to experience more of the Swiss alps and the stunning scenery the country offers.

Ireland

Ireland will always be a special country for me. I’ve visited twice and both times I had to go back to the Cliff of Moher. I felt so much peace and so grounded watching the waves hit the cliffside. When I return to Ireland I would love to experience more of the countryside and take drives around the beautiful country.

How to Travel During the Pandemic

Published on May 28, 2020May 28, 2020 by Skylar M. Beck2 Comments

With everything going on in the world due to coronavirus, I thought I would share ways I’ve been “traveling” without leaving my home. This is a scary and unusual time all of us are facing but I believe brighter days are ahead! Being stuck at home may feel a bit suffocating to my fellow travelers out there, especially when the weather warms up and the travel bug really starts bitting… BUT being stuck at home prevents further cases and deaths which is a much better alternative. Thankfully, being stuck at home means there’s internet. The internet opens all kinds of doors for ways to travel while at home.

Virtual Tours

There are many virtual tours available which provide an excellent way to travel from home. Some of a favorites include: The Van Gogh Museum , The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Louvre, The British Museum, and The Anne Frank House. These virtual tours are such a unique way to experience rich history, culture, and art. I’ve been to all of these museums in person and I’m thrilled I can tour them without a crowd and whenever I want from home.

Make a Travel Bucket List

Personally, I love making travel bucket lists. There’s something so satisfying about making a list of all your dream destinations and being able to cross one off the list once you finally visit. Making a travel bucket list during the pandemic also gives you something to look forward to and even start planning! A dedicated blog post of my 2021 travel bucket list is coming soon.

Cook an International Dish

Have a night dedicated to a favorite meal from country or city you’ve visited. I love recreating meals I used to find while living in Italy. This could be a fun way to virtually have a meal with friends and family through video chat!

Organize Travel Photos

Organizing my travel photos is something I love to do in my free time. Going through travel pictures, is a fun way to reminisce on travel adventures. Another idea is to print out pictures to put in a book or create a travel journal!

Watch a Movie with a Travel Theme

Have a travel themed night, maybe along with an international dish and dive into a movie inspired by travel. Some of my favorite travel inspired movies are: Under the Tucsan Sun, Eat, Pray, Love, Midnight in Paris, Wild, and Julie and Julia.

Go for a Walk or Hike

Go for a walk or hike near home! I’ve been finding new places on the weekends to explore and enjoy the fresh air. This is a perfect time to explore where you live in a new way.

Visit Cities Virtually

This is my favorite experience that is available! From the comfort of your home you can experience the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night, Times Square without a crowd, and Rome’s historic Colosseum! This is a unique way to travel and experience different major cities around the world.

Favorite Travel Photos 2019

Published on December 16, 2019December 14, 2019 by Skylar M. BeckLeave a comment

It’s hard to believe 2019 is quickly coming to an end. As I reflect on the past year, I have so many wonderful travel moments to look back on. In 2019 I traveled to ten countries and countless cities in between. 2019 has been one of my favorite travel years yet. This year was special for several reasons, I was able to travel to places that have been at the top of my bucket list. I swam in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, paraglided over the Swiss Alps, had a picnic underneath the Eiffel Tower, tasted an authentic Belgium waffle and took a Harry Potter walking tour in Edinburgh, Scotland. Of course every place I went this year, my camera was in hand. Being able to reminisce through the photos I collect is something very special to me. So to wrap up 2019, I’m sharing my favorite travel photos from this past year.

Happy New Year everyone!