When exploring the vast open spaces of the Western United States, millions of travelers visit iconic National Parks like the Grand Canyon or Yosemite. For the uninitiated, Death Valley National Park may appear to simply be a wasteland with record breaking temperatures famous for frying eggs on blacktop. But dig deeper and you have one of the country’s largest National Parks with extremely comfortable daytime winter and early spring temperatures … [Read more...]
Sweet dreams are made of this: From Russia (with love) to South Korea by ferry
Sweet dreams are made of this. From Russia (with love) to South Korea by Ferry I get a good night's sleep after the wonderful exploration of Vladivostok yesterday. I think about taking a bus to the funicular railway, one of only two in Russia. The second one has just been built in Sochi for the recent Winter Olympics. However, I choose a lie-in and a good breakfast instead. The warmth of the hotel compared to the freezing temperatures outside … [Read more...]
Tent Camping at Point Sublime, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon!
Point Sublime, on the Grand Canyon's North Rim is located 18 miles off the beaten path. Although a day trip is possible, we obtained an overnight permit weeks ago so we could watch the sunset and the sunrise at a place that can make one feel at peace and insignificant in the same moment. Research and Planning For several years we spoke of visiting the Grand Canyon, but never made time for the trip. Many barriers, some real and some … [Read more...]
Visitors Flock to Las Vegas to Commemorate Chinese New Year
The Entertainment Capital of the World Welcomes the Year of the Rooster with Special Events, Cuisine and More LAS VEGAS (January 14, 2017) - Las Vegas will celebrate the 2017 Chinese New Year with an extensive array of culinary offerings, entertainment and experiences for visitors to usher in the Year of the Rooster. Honoring the rich culture and historical importance of Spring Festival, Las Vegas will feature symbolic décor and stunning … [Read more...]
50 States Challenge – Fifty States of Wigge
I am German travel extreme reporter Michael Wigge, and I specialize in extreme travel challenges. I am now ready for my new 50 states challenge. Here are my prior projects: How to Travel the World for Free – 2010 How to Barter for Paradise – 2011 (trading an apple in to a house in Hawaii) How to Travel 2000 Miles on a Razor Scooter in 80 Days – 2013 Europe Blindfolded – 2014 My fifth challenge is a 50 states … [Read more...]
Far and Away, Flat Out, The West’s Best Road Trip
It feels like we’re driving to the edge of the world where the water falls off. Infinity is just ahead. To the right are mountains that arc up from the basement of time. On the left, a dry lakebed now glassed with salt. This is the driest state in the country, not so surprising, but it is also the most mountainous, with some 300 ranges. If you look at a satellite photo of earth at night one of the brightest pixels is Las Vegas in … [Read more...]
Extra Fancy Sauce: Pebble Beach Food & Wine
I can honestly say that I’ve never been to an event quite like Pebble Beach Food & Wine. Over. The. Top. As I pulled up to the Grand Tasting in my Honda CRV, I giggled at the sign which read, “Free valet parking when you drive your Lexus,” and knew that I was in for something completely different at this tasting event. As I walked from my car to the enormous white tents hosting the festivities, I had a momentary concern that my … [Read more...]
Planning To Travel Route 66, What You Need To Take With You
Route 66 was the first highway of its kind and since then has been hugely popular for people to tour parts of America. Touring Route 66 is great ways to visit 8 of America’s states starting in Chicago and finishing in Santa Monica in California just make sure you apply for your ESTA USA visa, have a plan of action and bring plenty of supplies. Starting Point If you’re planning a trip to travel Route 66 then you will need a somewhat organised … [Read more...]
“It’s Djiboutiful!”(And the Hottest New Destination)
When our rafts were bitten by crocodiles or hippos, complications ensued we hadn't imagined. We were in Ethiopia making a series of first descents down big rivers that fall off the Abyssinian Plateau: The Omo, Baro, Blue Nile, and the Awash. We called our little expedition Sobek, after the ancient Egyptian crocodile god, hoping the homage would ensure safe passage. But, another challenge reared its head, one unanticipated. When we … [Read more...]
The New American Road Trip MixTape
The New American Road Trip Mixtape by Brendan Leonard Brendan Leonard lives in a van. Even though Brendan has never left the United States, the brave native Iowan has climbed most of the big peaks in the Western United States, including those at the Rockies, Yosemite, Grand Tetons, Canyonlands, Sawtooths, and elsewhere, and has written about his adventures for Climbing, Backpacker, Men’s Journal, Adventure Journal, Dirtbag Diaries, and … [Read more...]