The Explore All 50 States Project
Let's Go!
Whether it’s a super-ritzy resort or a dingy motel, bedbugs can be a real problem that at best can leave you an itchy mess and at worst follow you home and become a true nightmare. My first encounter with these miserable creatures was at a very nice resort in South Florida. At 3am in the morning, I woke up feeling like something had bitten me on my butt. I went to the bathroom to check it out and sure enough I … [Read more...]
Planning a trip around an idea When planning a trip I like to focus on an idea or message based on the places we are going and the sights we’ll see. Themes are a great way to connect an entire itinerary to what your kids are learning in school, or to general ideas in everyday life. It’s important to make sure that your theme is age appropriate so everyone gets the most out of each trip. Our very first road … [Read more...]
“Ahhh the romance of the open road…traveling with my family...all of us together in our little camper…” It all sounds good on paper, but there are many things to consider before you embark on your road trip if you’re considering taking an RV. For those of you seasoned RV travelers, my hat’s off to you. Once was enough to decide that it just wasn’t for me. On our very first road trip to Washington and … [Read more...]
If you’re like me and RVs are not an option, then hotels are where you’ll be staying over the course of your trip. Choosing a hotel can be a scary process if you have no knowledge of the area and are working with a limited budget, but using my helpful tips can take out some of the guesswork in finding acceptable hotels. 1. Chain hotels are usually a safe bet (and you could get breakfast for … [Read more...]
Picture this: You’re in rural New Mexico and, after a long, tedious drive you are about to check in to your motel for the night. But something’s wrong—the reservation you made weeks in advance isn’t showing up in the system. Even worse, you have no phone service and your laptop/iPad is dead. Now you’ve got tired kids and a short temper, and no way to prove that you pre-paid for a room. There’s one … [Read more...]
Unfortunately, airlines are now charging for checked bags. With everyone having their own bag, that can really add up. In addition, you are probably going to be lugging your suitcases in and out of the car on a daily basis if you cover a lot of ground like I do. So here are a few tips on packing to make sure you have all you’ll need while traveling as light as possible. 1. Sharing bags When my kids were … [Read more...]
I remember being in the car with Shari and the kids and seeing the enormous mountains in the distance as we left Montrose heading to Silverton. They were ominous and awe inspiring and in that moment we channeled our inner pioneers and headed on the road toward the mountaintops. Colorado is such a peaceful and beautiful place and yet the power of nature is everywhere from the white water in the rivers to the steep … [Read more...]
How cool is it to simultaneously be in four states at once! You can do just that at the Four Corners National Monument which is administered by the Navajo Nation. Beware, it was about $3 per person to enter and the concessioners have a tendency to up their prices just because. After posing for photos on the monument marker we decided to peruse the stands. I wanted everyone to taste Indian Fry Bread to add to our … [Read more...]
Another truly modern marvel, The Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in the world, hanging 956 feet high and spanning a quarter mile across the canyon. Unfortunately this is one of those stops where I just didn't have the time to fully explore-we just took a peek. The park also has rides, shows, and other attractions that sadly we missed to, but if you have the time, this is a great place … [Read more...]
The Black Canyon of The Gunnison has some of the most incredible rock formations we have seen anywhere. We thought it would be a great place to stretch our legs, take in the views and catch a break from the car for just a bit. There are trails to hike if that’s your thing, but were content to just take in the sites from the viewing platform. There is a visitor center which can come in handy if you need any … [Read more...]
