Sedona, AZ Bucket List

Sedona, AZ is already a bucket list destination for hikers, photographers, spiritualists, and vanlifers, but what do you do once you get to Sedona? From the crowded trailheads, to the must-see Uptown Sedona, this is everything you need to do and see in Sedona, AZ.

What to know before you go…

The best time of year to visit Sedona, according to the weather, is between October and April, but the best time of year to visit according to the crowds is in the summer. Sedona is located in Northern Arizona, so it gets really hot in the summer, making it almost impossible to hike. In the winter, though, the crowds make it so that you need to choose a hike the night before, and get there first thing in the morning in order to find a parking spot that allows you to actually hike.

Most hikes in Sedona that aren’t affiliated with a state park are dog friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend along!

On the Soldier’s Pass Trail

Visiting Sedona Vortexes

Sedona is a highly spiritual location full of energy Vortexes. These are natural spaces that are known to be super energetically charged, so much so that spiritual people can feel an energy shift while they are near them. You can recognize them by the swirly “vortex trees,” and they’re often found at the top of hikes like Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon.

At the Boynton Canyon Mesa

Hikes You Should Do

Sedona is known for hiking. This is the main thing we do whenever we visit Sedona, and there are so many trails, I definitely haven’t hiked even close to all of them. These are my favorites for first time visitors, though, so that you get the best experience.

Devils Bridge: 4 miles RT, easy-moderate. Devils Bridge takes you to the famous bridge arch formation, where you can get your perfect picture. The trail starts on a 4x4 dirt road, and eventually climbs to the viewpoint. Be careful on the bridge though—it’s narrow!

Devils Bridge Trail

Cathedral Rock: 1.2 miles RT, moderate-difficult. Cathedral Rock is a straight ascent of about 700 feet up to a beautiful viewpoint and spiritual vortex. This hike involves some heavy rock scrambling, and I highly recommend going in real hiking boots.

Solider’s Pass Trail and Seven Sacred Pools: as long as you want it to be, easy-moderate. The Seven Sacred Pools are an easy .25 miles from the trailhead, but if you want to go to Soldier’s Pass or the nearby caves, you’ll be doing about a 4 mile hike. We liked returning by walking the 4x4 road to avoid crowds going to the Seven Sacred Pools from Jordan Pond.

The Birthing Cave: 2 miles RT, moderate. This cave trail is easy until it reaches a steep ascent during the last .25 miles to the top. Traditionally, Hopi women came here to give birth, which is part of how it got its name (the other reason being its yonic shape). This is a very busy trail, so be prepared for crowds, and if you want a picture perfect scene for the ‘gram, get there early!

Cathedral Rock Trail

Healthy Hippie Bites

Sedona is a true hippie town full of amazing plant based food. These are my favorite spots for any meal, any time of day.

ChocolaTree: If you’re looking for amazing lunch or dinner food, ChocolaTree has you covered for vegetarian food. With options for any budget and diet, including raw vegan, you’ll love this organic eatery. My favorite thing to order at ChocolaTree is the Mushroom Fantasy.

Local Juicery: If you’re looking for a quick bite for lunch, Local Juicery is an amazing choice. From smoothies and juices, to easy on-the-go meals, this is the place to stop for any food you’re craving. My favorite thing to order here is the Avocado Toast.

Berry Devine: For anyone trying to cool off after a hike, Berry Devine has got you covered. This acai bowl place carries organic acai soft serve perfect for quenching any thirst. My favorite thing to order here is the Vortex Bowl with agave instead of honey and vegan granola.

At a Vortex just after sunrise

Visit Uptown

Shopping, believe it or not, is another thing you have to do in Sedona. But not just any shopping: crystal shopping. Sedona’s Uptown is their version of downtown, with shops after shops, and restaurants you won’t find anywhere else. Aside from the clothes and art galleries, you’ll find endless metaphysical shops in Uptown, and these are the perfect spots to buy crystals and other spiritual goodies during your trip. My favorite metaphysical shop in Uptown is called the Center For New Age, a shop where the spiritual energy is high, and you’ll find the most genuine crystals in town. They also have affordable incense, a spiritual bookshop, and a vortex at the back of the store.

Sedona, AZ is one of my favorite places in the US, and as a spiritualist, it’s a must see for anyone who connects to the energy of the universe. Even if you’re skeptical, no one can doubt that the hikes here are incredible, and there’s no chance that there is a more beautiful desert town in the Southwest.

Live in a van? Check out last year’s Vanlife Guide to Sedona at the link below!

How to Travel to The Outdoors During the Pandemic

As winter comes in close, many states and cities are beginning to shut down again. Traditionally, winter is the second most popular time to travel. So many people have given up holiday travel, visiting family, and even bigger trips that would normally take place during breaks from school or PTO from work. And with grey skies and colder temps, we might be feeling the travel blues a little more than we did even last spring.

I know we can’t go very far, but the outdoors are always going to be there, even if it is cold out. So, this time, let’s grab our warmest jackets, maybe invest in some waterproof hiking boots, and head to the outdoors, adventure can be closer than you think!

Try Out a Local Hiking Trail or Nature Center

As long as you have a mask ready to go whenever you pass other hikers, hiking is a great way to feel a sense of adventure, even if you have to stay close to home. Even for those of us who live in cities, hiking trails and nature trails are never that far away. The app All Trails (not sponsored, I just actually love this app) is great for finding hikes near you that you might not have heard of before.

Hiking trails can consist of much more than just hard trails that are there to send you to mountain peaks—many cities have nature centers and arboretums to explore, just so you can get out of your house for a little bit and explore something new. These usually have very easy trails accessible to all levels and unique plants and wildlife to experience, even if you’re stuck in your own city.

Favorite Nature Centers and Arboretums for me include the Hoyt Arboretum in Portland, OR and the Cincinnati Nature Center in Cincinnati, OH.

Hoyt Arboretum, Portland, OR

Visit Your Local State Parks

Another great option if you’re looking for a slightly bigger adventure is to see what the restrictions are at your local state parks and choose one of those to visit as a day trip! There are over 10,000 state parks throughout the US, and many are actually located near cities, so even if you think you can’t get away from it all, there is probably a great option for you! And the thing is, there are so many state parks, there’s more than likely one you haven’t heard of yet! State parks are a great option that allow you to have a more local outdoor adventure, learn about your local native wildlife and plants, go on a hike or two, or have a picnic outside. State parks can be huge, but they can also be small enough to explore in just a day. These are great options for anyone looking for an awesome day trip adventure!

My favorite California state parks (where I’m from) include Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Topanga State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. My favorite state parks outside of California are Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada and Itasca State Park in Minnesota.

Disclaimer: all state parks will have different restrictions and closures, and every state is different. Please check conditions before heading out.

Anza Borrego Desert State Park, CA

If You Live Near a National Park, Go For It!

I do want to start off this section by saying: PLEASE don’t travel more than 3 hours to visit a National Park right now. If you live nearby, and the park is open, by all means, go for it. Unwind, social distance, go on a hike, have a picnic. But if you have to travel across multiple state lines, wait a little longer so that you don’t put anyone in danger. National Parks are tourist hotspots, and the point of this post isn’t to increase tourism, it’s go give people options for spending time outside safely.

National Parks are amazing. They’re my favorite thing about the US, and they’re home to some of the best landscapes in the country. And the good news is, they’re not limited to the “Big 62.” These parks are simply the ones with “Park Status,” but the thing is, there are over 300 more parks that are listed as National Rec Areas, National Monuments, National Reserves, National Historic Sites, and more! (National Forests are NOT part of the National Park System). Each park will have its own restrictions, but if you live nearby, it might be a good option to visit for a day trip and take a hike or go on a scenic drive just to get out of the house for the day.

Always check the National Park Service for updates on closures!

My favorite National Parks that are near big cities are:

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area: Los Angeles, CA

Mount Rainier National Park: Seattle, WA

Rocky Mountain National Park: Fort Collins, CO

Grand Teton National Park: Jackson, WY

Colorado National Monument: Grand Junction, CO

Indiana Dunes National Park: Chicago, IL

Santa Monica Mountains National Rec Area, CA

Create a Vacation In Your Backyard

Seriously, I’m not joking about this one. If none of these options are feasible for you, create your own mini vacation by getting outside in your own backyard! That way you don’t even have to leave your house. If you live somewhere where it’s warm this time of year, plan an at-home yoga retreat by looking up yoga videos on YouTube and guided meditations on your favorite app (mine is Insight Timer—again, not sponsored, but I did get to test this app for a job, which was pretty cool!). Make some tropical smoothie bowls and give yourself time to rest (even if you don’t live in a warm climate)—believe me, we all need it!

If you live somewhere where it snows in the winter, spend time outside building snowmen (yes, even if you don’t have kids, it’ll make you smile, I promise), and drink your hot coffee, tea, or chocolate on the porch to clear your head every morning.

It’s also never a bad idea to invest in a fire pit and roast some marshmallows, tell stories, play music with your family, and pretend you’re camping, even if you just go inside and sleep in your own bed!

In the meantime, you have tons of time to start thinking about your next big adventure! Make sure you go ALL OUT this time!

This pandemic is hard on all of us, but just know that there are options nearby for anyone living anywhere to be able to get outside, clear their head, and recenter, at least a little bit. Tell me in the comments what your favorite local places are, and share this post with friends and family who are missing travel a little extra right now.

10 Things to Know Before Visiting Laos

When I hear people planning trips to Southeast Asia, they usually list Thailand, Bali, Cambodia, and Vietnam on their list. But the truth is, there is no country like Laos. When I first visited Southeast Asia, I included two countries in my itinerary: Thailand and Laos, and I expected to fall in love with Thailand, with Laos being just another cool place to say I’ve been, but the opposite ended up being true. I fell head over heels for this unique landlocked country in a way I never expected to. So, if this post doesn’t convince you to go to Laos, I don’t know what will. And if it does, here are the 10 things you should know before going.

Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links

So… where is Laos?

Laos is a landlocked Southeast Asian country that shares borders with five other countries: Thailand, Vietnam, China, Myanmar, and Cambodia. It is home to some of the most amazing, lush, green landscapes I’ve ever seen, and is full of flowing rivers, including the famous Mekong. Its capital is Vientiane, ad the official language is Lao (which I’ll get back to later!).

When most people visit Laos, they stick to Luang Prabang City and some surrounding villages in Luang Prabang Province such as the backpacking village of Nong Kiaw.

Restaurant in the remote village of Ban Sop Chem

What currency do they use there?

Laos is a very interesting country when it comes to spending money. Due to the fact that they are a less developed country, many of the vendors and shop owners do not even have card readers. Instead, there are ATMs located throughout the city that are generally safe to use. If you’re nervous about pulling out more cash in this practically cash-only country, pull out enough when you land at the airport from the airport’s ATMs. I personally used them and they are safe.

Laos’ currency is known as the Lao Kip. It’s fairly easy to convert, but of course won’t be exact. About 10,000 Lao Kip is equal to $1.50 USD, so you can pull out $150 USD here and be a millionaire! Things are very cheap in Laos, and you’ll be able to stay at a good hostel for only about 150,000 Kip per night (only about $15 USD). Food is also very cheap, as are souvenirs.

Hand woven fabrics hang outside of homes in Ban Sop Chem, Laos

Night markets

Speaking of money, something many Southeast Asian countries are famous for are their night markets. Night markets are an incredibly fun way to get to meet some locals, buy local goods, and practice your bartering skills. Yes, bartering skills! The locals known what tourists look like, and they’ll likely try to charge more for their goods than they’re worth, so if you find yourself at the Luang Prabang night market, feel free to do some bartering.

The view from my hostel in Luang Prabang City

What religion do they practice in Laos?

Laos is a largely Buddhist country. Nearly everyone there practices Buddhism, and one of my guides when I visited even used to be a Buddhist monk. There are plenty of temples to visit, and you can even look into participating in the morning alms giving ceremony, a daily ritual where patrons will wake up at 5 am to offer rice to the monks who are commuting to temple for the day.

See this ceremony in action in my Youtube video on Laos!

Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang City

What should I wear?

Due to this being a Buddhist and communist country, it’s important to recognize that their customs are on the more conservative side. While it’s okay to wear shorts in Luang Prabang City, and even in some backpacking villages like Nong Kiaw, it’s also important to respect the culture. By the end of my trip, I felt uncomfortable wearing anything that showed my knees while walking around town. Generally, to be culturally appropriate, it’s important to cover your knees and shoulders in a way that doesn’t show off your figure (yes, for girls and guys). This is particularly important when it comes to visiting temples and smaller villages like Ban Sop Chem.

Key staples for packing include:

Elephant Pants (which you can purchase at the night market—bring less than you think you need)

T Shirts (bring one more than you think you need)

One sweatshirt (Laos has mountains)

One bathing suit (for the waterfalls!)

Plenty of comfy socks

Sandals you can slip on and off when you enter temples and your hostel

Hiking/walking shoes

Dressed up for the traditional Buddhist Baci Ceremony in Ban Sop Chem

Where are the waterfalls?

When you google Laos, you’ll likely see endless photos of Tat Kuang Si National Park, a national park just outside of Luang Prabang City known for its bright blue waterfalls. These are known as Kuang Si Falls, and they’re absolutely gorgeous, and definitely worth stopping at, despite how touristy they are. Here, it’s appropriate to wear an American bathing suit, and there are changing rooms available at the falls.

If you’re looking for a way to give back a little during your time in Laos, Tat Kuang Si National Park is also home to Free the Bears Sanctuary, a rescue focusing on Moon and Sun Bear conservation.

Laos is also home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world, so make sure you branch out and explore a little more than just this most common national park.

Kuang Si Falls in Tat Kuang Si National Park

The country has a tough history

Laos is the most heavily bombed country from the Vietnam war. Today, there still exists UXO, or unexploded ordinance in the remote villages of the country. Children are taught from a young age how to recognize UXO and avoid them, and there are bomb squads that are actively clearing the country of UXO. It is an integral part of the country’s history, and one that can’t go overlooked when visiting. For more information, please visit the UXO museum during your time in Laos.

Government

While completely safe to travel in (and safe for solo female travelers), it’s important to note that Laos is a communist country, which means their economy and land ownership work differently than in other countries you may have visited in the past. One of the places you’ll see this most is in the presence of China in Laos. China is currently building a railroad through the country, as well as damns in many of the major rivers. While there are pros to these projects, such as jobs for Lao citizens and better transportation of goods via the railroad, there are also cons including flooding of the rivers and drought in some areas.

The children of Ban Sop Chem

Key Phrases

It’s always good to enter a country with a few key phrases under your belt so that you can better communicate with the locals. Here are the phrases I found useful during my time in Laos:

Sabaidee: Hello

Khob jai: Thank you

Khob jai lai lai: Thank you very much

Tao dai: how much?

Kor thod: sorry

Sabaidee ton sao: good morning

Sabaidee ton laeng: good evening

Bor pen yang: it’s all good!

Bo me nam nom: no milk (for my vegans!)

Ngam lai: very beautiful

The view from Pha Deang Peak in Nong Kiaw

All about food

I actually love Lao food. It’s flavorful, and different from that in a lot of other Southeast Asian countries. It kind of reminded me of a mix between Thai, Indian, and Western food. It uses a lot of the same flavors as Thailand, but also uses a lot of potatoes, and much more bread than Thailand! Expect curries, sticky rice, and something my guide called “crack sauce,” which is soaked chilis and garlic in soy sauce. It’s used for dipping sticky rice and it’s amazing! There is also fried rice, noodles, and stir fries galore. If you go to the street market, you’ll find plenty of street food, as well as fruit shakes, which can easily be made vegan.

If you go to any remote villages, expect to take part in some traditions. During my time in the remote village of Sop Chem, we learned to make rice wine and sticky rice, and got to take part in a welcoming tradition, where you take shots of Lao Lao (rice whiskey) for good luck.

If you’re vegan, or plant based, like me, you might be concerned about being able to maintain your plant based diet while traveling, so I just wanted to reassure you that in Asia, it’s fairly easy to be plant based. Often, there is no milk used in food, and in curry, it’s usually coconut milk anyway. In the above section, I did cover how to say “no milk,” but you can rest assured that usually, unless it is a meat dish, it will be vegan as long as there is no fish sauce.

After the Buddhist Baci Ceremony

Laos is truly one of the most underrated Southeast Asian countries. While it borders a lot of the countries many people love to travel to, it’s often overlooked, but it’s home to some of the most beautiful nature, kindest people, and best food on the continent. It should be on everybody’s list, and considering the fact that they want tourists, there’s no better reason to go and support this beautiful place.

For comfy clothes perfect for travel, check out my friend Riah’s shop: THE WANDERFUL SOUL! Use code HALLE for 15% off!

Top 10 Things to Do In Philadelphia

When it comes to cities I’ve visited in the US, Philadelphia stands out to me. While New York gets all the hype, and Los Angeles is a summer tourist destination not to be messed with, Philadelphia is easily one of my favorite big cities in the Lower 48.

I visited Philadelphia in the summer of 2018 with my mom and grandparents following a family reunion in Lancaster, PA. While I’m definitely more of a nature girl, I’m also all for saying yes to new experiences, and since Philly was a city I had never been to, I jumped at the chance to go.

Philadelphia truly is the City of Brotherly Love. My mom and I spent the majority of the trip wandering the city streets, and compared to most cities, we felt very safe as a couple of very small female travelers relying on Google Maps for directions. People were incredibly kind, and the tourist attractions didn’t feel super touristy to me. While there’s plenty to do in Philly, here are the things you absolutely can’t miss during your time there.

Itinerary info: This is based on a 5 day trip. All of these activities can easily be fit into a week or less, depending on your travel style.

Standing in front of a fountain at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Art:

When I visit a big city, one of the main things I like to do to get acquainted with its culture is to visit its art museums. Philadelphia has so many museums, it would be impossible to visit them all in one trip, but these Philadelphia art museums truly stand out.

Philadelphia Museum of Art:

Even if you’re not a fan of art, this museum deserves a spot on your Philadelphia itinerary due to its pop culture significance. This is the spot you’ve been looking for if you’ve been trying to figure out where the Rocky Steps are! Outside this huge museum, you’ll find a statue of Rocky himself, and the steps he runs up in the movie, so don’t be afraid to reenact that famous scene (plenty of people will be doing it).

If you are into art, however, it’s definitely worth a trip inside the museum. This spot reminds me of a combination of the Louvre in Paris and the Getty Center in Los Angeles. This huge building is home to many different styles of art, and is so large, you can easily get lost in its hallways.

Admission to the Philadelphia Museum of Art is just $25 for adults and offers senior and student discounts.

The Barnes Foundation:

If you’re a fan of Impressionist or Post-Impressionist art, The Barnes Foundation is the art museum for you. This smaller Philadelphia museum is perfect for an after-lunch stroll through the halls, and includes multiple rooms full of unique art by your favorite artists (think Van Gogh). This beautiful museum also includes an on-site restaurant and gift shop, and was voted the #1 museum in Philadelphia.

Admission to the Barnes Foundation costs $25 for adults and offers senior and student discounts.

The Rodin Museum

This was one of the spots I was most excited to visit during my trip to Philly because it is one of the only museums in the world to house Rodin’s famous statue: The Thinker. Closest to many of the museums located in Europe, this sculpture museum is home to many of Rodin’s famous pieces, and is one of the only places in the world to see a collection this vast of his work.

Admission to the Rodin Museum is based on a Pay What You Wish principle, but it is suggested that adults pay $12 admission, with student and senior discounted suggested prices. There is also an option for a two-day ticket that gets you into multiple museums in the area.

Running up the Rocky Steps is a rite of passage in Philly!

History:

If you’re visiting Philadelphia, it’s important that you visit at least one place of historical significance so that you can truly get the idea of this city’s foundations. While the city has plenty to see in terms of historical significance, the one spot you cannot miss during a trip to Philadelphia is actually run by the National Park Service, and is known as one of the smallest National Park Service Sites in the country.

The Liberty Bell at Independence National Historical Park

Seeing the Liberty Bell is easily one of the most iconic things to do in Philadelphia. Formerly the State House bell, the Liberty Bell is now located in Independence Hall. This bell has existed as a symbol of Philadelphia since 1751, and took on further historical significance as a symbol of liberty in the 1830’s. Here, you can learn about the city’s history with abolitionists, women’s suffrage, and civil rights, and read the words on the bell for yourself: “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof.”

Admission to Independence National Historical Park is free. This is one of the best things to do in Philadelphia for budget travelers.

You haven’t been to Philly if you don’t take your picture with the Liberty Bell

Culture:

While you might think that no US city could have the culture cities in other countries have, the truth is, each city has its very unique rhythm worth experiencing.

Explore:

My mom and I did a lot of walking during our time in Philly. Truly, walking the streets just looking for interesting things to do is one of the best ways to dive right into a new city. We found unique parks this way, as well as bookshops, statues, and coffee shops.

The Love Statue:

One of the most iconic symbols of Philadelphia is the Love Statue. Known as the City of Brotherly Love, you can’t visit this iconic American city without a picture in front of this quirky statue, located in Love Park. This statue was created by Robert Indiana in 1976, and was briefly taken down in 1978 before popular demand brought it back. Now a symbol of the city, you can’t travel to Philly without seeing this symbol on t-shirts, postcards, and more.

Reading Terminal Market

Easily one of the most bustling places in Philadelphia, the Reading Terminal Market is an indoor street market full of restaurants, food vendors, and souvenir shops. Here, you’ll find merchants selling everything from full-on meals, fresh fruits and veggies, and kitchen essentials, and its fast-paced rhythm is sure to pull you in as you experience this little corner of Philadelphia for yourself.

The Love Statue truly is a symbol of Philadelphia

Vegan Food:

I am vegan, so I will not promote any restaurants directly that support animal cruelty. The good news is, these spots are so tasty, anyone would love them (and you might not even be able to tell the difference!).

Hip City Veg

Hip City Veg is one of the best convenient vegan restaurants I’ve ever been to. Located only in Philadelphia and Washington DC, Hip City Veg was so good, we had to go back a second time, and I even ended up buying a souvenir t-shirt from them. This vegan spot is known for burgers, salads, and milkshakes, and my mom and I made a huge point to order different things every time so that we could try more of their amazing menu.

Tip: Make sure you get a milkshake, and ask if they can do half chocolate and half vanilla (they can, but it might not be on the menu!). Also their Kale Lemonade is to die for!

V Street:

If you’re looking for a nice sit-down restaurant to indulge in during your time in Philadelphia, this is the spot for you. V Street is a share-style restaurant where you order multiple small plates, which come out one at a time, and share them with your table. The service here was absolutely amazing, and we loved everything we ordered. They even brought us an extra dish when we said we were visiting from California!

Grindcore House:

A little off the beaten path, this was one spot we had to take a Lyft to because it was just a little too far from our hotel. Worth the extra miles, Grindcore House is a cute little hole-in-the-wall coffee house that specializes in vegan coffee and pastries. The staff was awesome about recommending the right milk for the drinks we ordered, and the punk atmosphere makes for one of the most unique Philly experiences we had while in the city.

Coffee and pastries at Grindcore House, Philadelphia, PA

Getting Around:

Philadelphia is a fairly walkable city. We walked nearly everywhere we went, as nothing was too far from our hotel, which was in the center of the city. The streets are a bit confusing at first, but you’ll quickly get the hang of it, and Google Maps is your friend!

Lyft and Uber are also available for any spots that are just a little too far to walk, and there is public transport as well, although we found we didn’t need it during our time there.

Another option, if you don’t want to walk, is to take a tour bus. Now, this is not my favorite way to see a city, but it’s great if you’re traveling with young kids or grandparents who might not be able to walk as far. All of the art museums are part of the hop on hop off bus route, and you’ll get a fairly comprehensive tour of the city when you take one of these buses as well.

Modern art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

When planning a visit to Philadelphia, there are a few things you just can’t miss. From Independence National Historical Park to amazing food, and unique culture, the City of Brotherly Love has a little something for every type of traveler. But don’t hesitate to just let the sidewalks tell you where to go—letting your soul do the wandering is half the fun!

How to Truly Experience New York City

I know what you’re thinking: me? Not writing about a National Park or natural space? Weird, right? Well, this week, in one of the many travel groups I’m in on Facebook, someone asked for recommendations for New York City. And after writing all of my favorite spots out for her, I realized, wow, I’ve been to New York a lot and could probably write something about this.

Disclaimer: I am in no way encouraging travel during COVID-19. Please use this as a reference for all trip planning and daydreaming during this time. Thanks!

I’ve visited New York city so many times since I was a kid, I’ve honestly lost count. My first trip there was when I was about 8 years old, and my last one was during my solo road trip this past summer. In between that, it was a mix of New Year’s Eves spent with family in Upstate New York with interspersed day trips into the city, and a cross country train trip I took with my grandma from LA to NYC the year I graduated high school.

So, I think I know my way around fairly well at this point. These are my must-sees, for a well-rounded trip that’ll show you everything this city has to offer.

The New York City Skyline, as seen from the Empire State Building

The High Line and Chelsea Market

The High Line is awesome. Attached to the famous and quirky Chelsea Market, an indoor market with people selling all types of food at established shops, the High Line is an elevated sidewalk above the streets of the city. It’s beautifully decorated with plants and benches, and serves as a small, incredibly unique park above the city chaos.

MoMA and Starry Night

One of my favorite experiences in NYC has been to the Museum of Modern Art. When I visited New York with my grandparents that summer after finishing high school, I was very into art, especially the impressionists and post-impressionists. The one thing I wanted to do in the city was visit art museums, and out of the ones we visited, MoMA will always be my favorite. The reason for this is, on the top floor, lives Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night. Now, I had no idea that my favorite painting ever created was housed here, and I almost didn’t go up to the top floor. I didn’t even notice it at first. I was just looking at other famous paintings by other artists I loved, and turned the corner to see a crowd in front of a painting I could only see the corner of. That corner was enough, and it quickly became a highlight of my trip. A stranger took my picture in front of the painting (should’ve known back then I’d grow up to love solo travel), and now it’s one of my top things I recommend you do when you visit NYC for the first time.

Little Italy, NYC

The Strand Bookstore

The Strand is another super unique thing I experienced on that trip a few years ago. I was a writing major in college, so a lot of city excursions for me throughout those younger years included trips to cool bookstores. The Strand was actually a surprise element my grandma came up with when planning that trip back east. It’s the largest bookstore in the city, and its size is honestly impressive, even if you’re not a big reader.

Inside The Strand Bookstore, NYC

The Friends Fountain

Friends is one of the most popular TV shows across generations. During the time of that huge trip after high school, I was big into Friends, so in addition to those museums, I needed to go find the Friends Fountain in Central Park (you know, the one from the theme song). It’s not too hard to find and I’m 90% sure it’s on Google Maps, but you will definitely get a good tour of Central Park while you look.

The Empire State Building

I had to throw some touristy stuff in here. You simply can’t go to NYC without seeing the Empire State Building. And yes, it’s worth the hype. It was on my bucket list for a while to go to the top, so when the opportunity arose, I jumped on it. Sometimes you have to just say yes to things—who knows when you’ll get the chance again? So, I rode the elevator to the top, which was terrifying, but the views are worth it.

Me at age 18, in front of the Friends Fountain in Central Park, NYC (2016)

Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty

You thought I’d get through this list without mentioning a National Park. Ellis Island is an incredibly important historical stop. I always make a point to learn about the place I’m visiting when I travel, and since I actually had ancestors come to the states through Ellis Island, this was one of our excursions during one of those early trips to New York. Seeing the Statue of Liberty is a cool experience for travelers of any age, and the ferry ride over will make this a day trip to remember.

The American Museum of Natural History

So, we’ve all seen Night at the Museum, yeah? An absolute classic, according to mine and my brother’s generations. Well, in New York, you can experience the museum for real. The Museum of Natural History is one of my favorite spots in NYC. You can truly spend an entire day here, and it’s budget-traveler friendly because they do have a “pay what you want” option for admission. You can explore all of the regions of the world, and journey into the prehistoric past with the dinosaurs. It’s truly one of the most interesting spots in the city for adults and children, and something no one should miss.

A beautiful NYC sunset

Honorable Mentions:

Chinatown: great food, and a different side of the NYC culture you won’t get anywhere else.

Little Italy: stop here for gelato, food, or just to walk around and appreciate some street art.

Vegan Restaurants:

By Chloe- one of the more famous plant-based spots. Make sure you get their take on the classic Hostess Cupcake before you leave!

Peacefood Café- a great little vegan spot with wifi, fresh food, and good service. They also carry plenty of delicious baked goods, so don’t leave empty-handed!

What you can skip…

There’s really only one thing on this list: Times Square. I absolutely hate Times Square. Maybe it’s because I’ve been so many times I feel like a local, but I personally find it overrated, crowded, and dirty. It’s just a tourist trap full of shops you can find elsewhere in the city. While there are some fun things for kids here (like M&M’s world), it’s definitely not a spot you have to visit to say you’ve experienced New York. But if you’re insistent on seeing it, go for it! Everyone’s opinions are different, and maybe you’ll find a hidden gem there I haven’t discovered yet.

Getting around:

New York is a cool experience for any type of traveler, but I highly recommend not renting a car, or if you’re a vanlifer, driving in at all. Rely on public transport as much as possible, and walk when you have no other option. The Subway is really easy to navigate, and taxis, while more expensive, are everywhere. Plus, it’s not a real trip to the Big Apple if you don’t hail a taxi at least once, right?

A healthy dinner from Peacefood Café in NYC

New York City is a bucket list destination for so many people. It’s a unique spot that kind of defines the word “city” for a lot of travelers, and is full of plenty of amazing and incomparable experiences. From history to art to the quirkiness of the city itself, there is so much more to do there than is even on this list—these are just my personal tips. The Big Apple is a must if you’re a city lover, so make sure you don’t miss these spots, and of course, try to find your own hidden gems along the way.

How to Have an Epic Adventure in Your Hometown

With every other post on social media being about the coronavirus right now, it’s easy to feel anxious about traveling and exploring new places, especially if your usual mode of transportation is an airplane. For those of us with the travel bug (or even those with just the springtime itch to travel), this time can be one of anxiety, frustration, and a feeling of being stuck. The thing is, you don’t have to go far to have an epic adventure, and likely, there are places not to far from where you live that you haven’t discovered yet. Having a “stay-cation” might just be the best way to fuel that adventure craving without getting on an airplane, and this is the best way to do it.

El Matador Beach, CA

Realize that anything can be an adventure

You don’t have to be new to a city to explore it. One of the most productive things I’ve done since I started traveling is realize that I don’t know everything about my hometown. It’s super easy to assume you have nothing left to see in or around your hometown, but the truth is, there are always hidden gems that you don’t know about yet. Check to see if there are any hiking trails you haven’t done before, or parks you haven’t been to. Museums are always changing out their exhibits, and restaurants always have new specials to try. Even something as small as going to a new ice cream shop can be an adventure if you approach it with the right mindset.

Visit a local state park! Lake Anita State Park, IA

Make a list of the things you GENUINELY love doing when you travel

When you’re on the go exploring new cities far from home, what is it that you always make sure you do? For example, some of my friends enjoy checking out a coffee shop right when they arrive in a new place. For cities, I like to explore the art scene and go to art museums. When I visit natural places, I like to learn about the geology and wildlife in the place I’m visiting and then go on a hike. When you realize what makes your passion for travel shine when you’re far from home, you’ll be able to figure out what you might love doing in your hometown.

I love being outdoors when I travel, but sometimes just a visit to a city park will suffice. Mount Tabor Park, OR

If you’re worried about cities, stick to the outdoors

This one simply has to do with the fears of getting sick that are circulating through social media. Not only is exploring nature incredibly good for your health (exercise and fresh air), but it will get you out of those dirty cities where germs are spread. There are tons of National and State Parks all over the world (yes, there are National Parks almost everywhere), so go hit your local one and appreciate the beauty of nature.

If you’re in the US, National Parks have different categories. Visit a National Historic Site, National Recreation Area, or National Monument. Each type offers a little something different, so if you’re not that into hiking, you’ll still be able to find something fun to do in your local NPS sites.

National Parks aren’t just for the outdoor enthusiast! Visit historic sites like Gettysburg National Military Park

Take a day trip

Normally, I’d say take a road trip, but since most people don’t live out of their vehicles, you’d need to stay in hotels, and frankly, I don’t think a lot of people are doing that during this moment in history. So, my best advice instead is to take day trips. Choose a place that’s only an hour or two away from your hometown, and make a point to go there and explore for a day. Two hours is plenty of time to get back in time to sleep in your own bed, but you won’t find yourself lacking in time spent at your destination. Of course, National Parks are great for day trips, but so are beaches, lakes, and even smaller cities, depending on what you’re interested in or what you feel comfortable doing.

Go to somewhere close by to where you are or where you live, such as your local National Park. Indiana Dunes National Park, IN

If you’re itching to explore, this strange point in time might be hitting you a little extra hard, but the truth is, there’s adventure in the everyday, even if that everyday is spent in your hometown. There are likely tons of places you haven’t explored right near where you live, so branch out, visit a local state park, and make anything an adventure.

Tips From a Local: Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a top tourist spot for a lot of reasons. During the summer, we avoid going to the city because it’s “tourist season,” and I constantly see questions regarding my home city and public transportation (hint: we have none). While I’m a huge fan of nature, I do have a certain love for Los Angeles, even if that love only comes from the fact that I grew up there. Since I started traveling, I’ve done a pretty good job of exploring my home city when I do happen to go home to visit my family, and I’ve started to gain an appreciation of everything there is to do in this massive city. Basically, why people love to travel there.

Recently, I had one of my favorite members of my Van Fam (@jaredinthevan) come and visit while I was in LA catching up with the family, so I had the pleasure of playing tour guide for a few days. There were beaches, mountains, and rocks to be climbed. Oh, and ice cream. These are the places I take my friends when we’re in Los Angeles.

Sunset at El Matador Beach

El Matador Beach

Shhh! This one’s a secret! Once one of the most secluded beaches in Los Angeles, El Matador has recently sprung up as a hotspot for film and photoshoots. I try not to tell people about it, but it simply had to be on this list—it’s generally the first place I take people when they come to LA for the first time. It’s known for its rock formations, and if the tide is low, you can walk all the way down to a decent sized cave. There is limited parking here, and it costs $6 to park.

El Matador is my favorite place in Los Angeles. Please, if you visit, keep it low key—don’t bring a ton of people to party, and please, leave no trace.

Hidden cave at El Matador Beach

Vasquez Rocks Natural Park

This is a place I’ve been coming since I was a kid after my dad came here a lot when he was a kid. This is a historic film site (think, Star Trek!), as well as a section of the Pacific Crest Trail and natural area. I took Jared here to do some bouldering. We did our fair share of scrambling too, but climbing was the main purpose of the day. This area was once underwater and is home to plenty of interesting rock formations to climb or scramble up. This is also a great place to bring kids if you’re traveling with a family (believe me, it was 4 year old Halle approved!).

On weekends it does get busy, so plan ahead and get there early. There is also no water at the park, so pack some in (and remember to pack all your trash out!). Vasquez Rocks is free to enter, and has a small visitor center for information.

Vasquez Rocks Natural Park

Point Dume State Beach

Point Dume is a huge climbing hotspot, which is why I wanted to take Jared out here, but it’s also one of my favorite beaches in the area. Climb to the top of the bluff (via hiking trail or rope), and take a peek at the view, explore the tide pools, go for a swim, or, in the winter, watch for whales! Yes, we saw whales here! Point Dume is more of your classic swim beach than El Matador, and offers plenty of sand to sprawl out on, as well as a towering rock formation on the west side of the beach. There is free parking available, but it does require some walking. If walking just isn’t your thing, you can pay the $8 parking fee in the lot.

View from the top of the bluff, Point Dume State Beach

Magpies Softserve

This is a bit of a different spot than the others on this list, but it had to be on here for obvious reasons (if it isn’t obvious, the reason is ICE CREAM!). Magpies is my favorite ice cream shop in Los Angeles. They have a rotating menu of specialty soft serve flavors, and six of their eight flavors are vegan. They also make delicious ice cream pies with vegan whipped cream, and the shop itself is so good, I went three times in one week!

Magpie’s Softserve is one of the most Instagrammable ice cream spots in the city

Topanga State Park

Topanga State Park is a state park located in the Santa Monica Mountains. Of all the many state parks in the area, this one is definitely my favorite. It has some of the best hiking trails in the area, and accessing them takes you through the beautiful canyon, which is recognized by the state of California as a scenic route. Some of my favorite trails in the park include Parker Mesa, Eagle Rock, and Hondo Canyon (which is located off Old Topanga Road and is part of the Backbone Trail). While Parker Mesa and Hondo Canyon are definitely meant for more advanced hikers, there truly is a trail for everyone in Topanga, and Eagle Rock is a huge tourist spot, so get ready to snap that Instagram pic at the top.

Top of the Eagle Rock hike in Topanga State Park

Los Angeles is a place I have a complicated relationship with. I love it because it’s home, but it’s a bit chaotic to be in with the van. Regardless of chaos, I do have my favorite spots, and these ones are definitely worth seeing during a trip to Los Angeles. So get that camera ready, and prepare to step out of the tourist spotlight for a day or two, and head out to one of these places. But most importantly, take care of them. Let’s keep these places beautiful.

Why I Live in a Van

I’ve been living in the van full time for a month now, and the truth is, living in a van down by the river (or in the desert, or woods, or mountains, or city) is the best life ever. But I get it: you might not. And that’s okay, but really, full time travel is something that a lot of people are pursuing these days. I live in a 1997 Dodge Ram 3500 conversion van. It has a full sized bed, refrigerator, running water, solar power electricity, and an emergency toilet, and it’s everything I need to be happy. It’s not all fun and games, but it gives our lives variety. It allows me to have the freedom my soul wants while still being a Responsible Adult. And it’s allowed me to find myself, at least a little bit. So this is my why. Why travel. Why an alternative lifestyle. Why vanlife.

Camping on Joshua Tree South BLM

What is an alternative lifestyle?

We’ve all heard of the 9-5. We’ve all heard of the college, get married, buy a house, have kids, work for 30 years, retire loop that people tend to get stuck in. An alternative lifestyle is the rejection of that. It’s the idea that we are in charge of our own lives, not society. You can really do whatever you want. The thing is, whatever your excuse is, spin it around. If you think, “yeah but… I have to work.” Why can’t you do that from the road? Why can’t you start your own business? “Yeah but… I’m supposed to be buying a house.” Why is that? Who is saying that a house is your next step? There are no written rules for life, so it’s important to understand that we can take charge of our own paths, and do the thing that makes our souls feel full.

Of course, if a 9-5 feels right to you, then amazing! Do that! But for many of the people in my community, there’s boredom in a 9-5, there’s creative blocks, there’s a feeling of being trapped. So listen to that feeling and know that there’s another life out there.

Camping at Anza Borrego Desert State Park

But you can’t just be on vacation all the time…

Whoa whoa whoa… I have to stop you there. This is not a vacation. First I want to talk about something that my guide, Mike, brought up on the first day of my GIVE trip: what is the difference between a vacation and an adventure?

To me, a vacation is an escape from something, usually from a job or school. A vacation has the purpose of being a relaxing break before you return to real life.

An adventure is what this life feels like to me, but it’s more than that: this is my real life. Travel is my lifestyle. I still deal with real life, sometimes more than I would if I was living in an apartment, because in a moving house, things tend to break. I have to fill up my water tanks and dump the grey water when it’s full. I go grocery shopping and cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner every night. And more importantly, I work. I spend about 50% of my time in a place working so that I can afford to be where I am. This is simply life to me—it’s just that my backyard changes.

Loving life in Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by my friend Jared @jaredinthevan.

Why a van?

Now a lot of people romanticize backpacking, which is also long term travel, but yet don’t understand vanlife. Why is that? Honestly, there is a stigma, but when I have friends living in Mercedes Sprinters, it’s hard to understand why that stigma still stands. Honestly, I chose a van because I wanted to travel, but didn’t want rent to pay on top of my plane tickets. I wanted to be going full time, and having a van allows you to have everything you could possibly need with you all the time, no matter where you are.

I chose a van because when I sleep next to a national park I wake up to the sunrise peeking through my windows. I chose a van because ending my day surrounded by somewhere new but under a sky full of the same stars feels more stable and right to me than going home to the same place every night. I chose a van because it could park anywhere. I chose a van because the road feels like home to me, and even more so when I carry my home with me like a snail does. I chose a van because structure doesn’t pair well with me. And that’s okay. There’s a life for everyone where they’re happy.

Me and the van at the RTR 2020. Photo by my friends @lindseyanddannyvanlife

What about friends and relationships?

This is a tricky one. When we’re constantly moving, we don’t find ourselves surrounded by the same people all the time, but at the same time, the people we need to be around will find us when we need them the most. I have an amazing van fam who I caravanned with for about a month, and the thing is, people come and go, and moments do too—it’s just a matter of listening to where your soul wants to be and who it wants to be with.

Me and Emma in Sedona. Emma is one of the van fam and you can find her @emma.goes. Photo by our friend Brien @theotherground.

So… in conclusion…

Basically, vanlife for me is finding my freedom. I felt very stifled in school, and like I never really had the opportunity to make friends who truly understood how I felt about certain things, and through full time travel, through the road, I’ve been able to find both of those things. While people are fleeting, I’ve found my community, and while all roads do come to an end, I’ve found my freedom through the movement. I’ve figured myself out, and what I need, and I think that was something that needed to happen for me to progress as a person. Vanlife isn’t just about the van, it’s about the life and what you choose to do with it.

-HWS

My Must-Visit Spots in San Diego, CA

It’s no secret, if you’ve been following me a while, that cities aren’t really my thing. But when I was on my way back to my home base from my 3 weeks in Arizona, I really wanted to see where else I could fit into my route before taking a break from vanlife for a bit to get my WFA certification. A lot of my van fam had headed out to San Diego after Arizona, and it’s kinda the place to go for people in vans in the colder months because we, like birds, go south for the winter.

Now, it’s not that cities don’t have a ton to offer. There’s culture, food, and plenty to do. But there tends to be a bit more chaos in cities than I like. It’s a bit harder to park the van, and there are more rules about where you can sleep at night. I also tend to feel a little disconnected when I spent too much time in a city (truly, the forest is where I belong). But I went to San Diego anyway. So, for anyone in a van (or not!) who’s planning a trip to San Diego, these are my favorite places I went while I was there.

La Jolla Cove

Sunset Cliffs and Ocean Beach

The beach towns tended to have a little more space for big ol’ Sequoia, so the first place I went was Ocean Beach. Sunset Cliffs is a natural park known for towering cliffs over the ocean. Lots of people come here to see the views, surf the waves, or watch the sunset because, well, it’s called Sunset Cliffs for a reason.

Ocean Beach is also home to a very cool nighttime farmer’s market on Wednesdays (starting at 4pm), where they have music, vendors, and tons of vegan food available.

Sunset Cliffs, Ocean Beach

La Jolla

La Jolla is one of the most crowded and complicated areas to visit if you have a van. Parking here is an absolute nightmare, and my one tip is to try to park as far from the actual coves as you can walk. I ended up finding parking over by the La Jolla Underwater Park (I believe), and walked the beautiful cliffside trail to the coves (which was only about a half mile and incredibly gorgeous).

La Jolla is one of the nicest areas I visited in San Diego. It’s full of touristy shops, expensive restaurants, and sea lions. Yes, sea lions. These gorgeous animals are what La Jolla is known for, so make sure you go to the coves and say hi (just don’t get too close! Remember to Leave No Trace!).

The sea lions of La Jolla

Mission Bay Park

This was a great little spot to go and relax, make lunch, and get some work done. It’s definitely not a place to plan on spending your entire day unless you have a kayak or paddleboard, but it did give me some beautiful views while I did some writing. A lot of people come here to walk or ride their bikes along the shore, get a work out in, or let their kids run off some steam. There’s also tons of parking during the day so if you’re looking for a place to just relax, hop on your hotspot, or take a walk, this spot should be on your list.

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Mission Bay Park

Where I ate

I usually don’t talk about veganism on the blog, but honestly, a huge portion of what I do in cities is food related. Cities make it really easy to spend all your money on food. Luckily, because I have a kitchen, I did cook most of my food, and I had plenty of snacks with me, but there were a few points where I did buy food out. A favorite in Ocean Beach is Plant Power Fast Food. I used to work at one of their other locations, and it made for a super convenient place to grab a bite on the days when I was in OB. They also have WiFi, so it was a bit of a win-win.

I did also get an awesome meal at the OB farmer’s market on the Wednesday that I was there. They had tons of vegan spots at the event, but I found a vegan Chinese food place with no line that gave me an incredible amount of food for $12.

I also headed out to the University Heights area near SDSU where I went with a friend for dinner. We met at Plumeria Vegetarian Restaurant, a sit-down vegetarian Thai food place that was almost as good as the real deal.

The last place I ate out at was Loving Hut in Scripp’s Ranch. I wasn’t planning on heading out this way again, and then I found out that my childhood best friend was also in town, so I went out to where she grew up (and where I had visited with her mom a few days before), and she took me here. This place has amazing food and enormous portions. Would definitely recommend!

La Jolla Underwater Park, view from a coastal trail I parked near

San Diego was an interesting first real city experience in the van. I did really enjoy my time there, despite the absolute chaos cities tend to bring. So, if you’re planning your own trip to Southern California anytime soon, make sure these spots are on your list—they’ll be sure to give you a pretty complete San Diego experience.

Exploring Tucson's Nature

Saguaro National Park and Mount Lemmon

Generally, I’m the type of traveler who travels for the natural landscapes. I go from National Park to National Forest to State Park and try to avoid cities, but there are a few cities that are so surrounded by nature that exploring their parks has become the main attraction. I didn’t quite realize how engrained in Tucson’s culture Saguaro National Park and Mount Lemmon were until a fellow vanner told me, “There isn’t much to do in Tucson except to visit the national park and drive Mount Lemmon.”

After four nights of weather so cold I had to break out the 0 degree sleeping bag, I finally made it back to the southern part of the state. I had already been planning on visiting the park, but as usual, I didn’t have too much of a plan for my day. I ended up fitting both destinations into my one full day I had in Tucson. Here’s everything you need to know.

**Usually I’d stay a bit longer in a place, but cities are expensive and I have to sleep in parking lots, which can be noisy, so I decided I’d want to stay only for a little bit before heading back to the coast.**

Saguaro National Park: how many different types of cactus do you see here?

Saguaro National Park

There are two sides to Saguaro National Park: the West and the East. Since the East was closer to where I was staying in Tucson and was much closer to Mount Lemmon, I decided that that would be the side I visited during my time there. The West side is a bit out of the way, yet boasts bigger and older saguaro cacti.

East Saguaro has a small park or monument feel (basically, it’s not Yosemite, it feels more like Craters of the Moon). There isn’t too much to do but what there is to see is gorgeous. Since I only had half the day in the park before driving Mount Lemmon, I was recommended to do the Loop Road and walk the Desert Ecology Trail. Between this and getting out of the van to take a few pictures and video with and of the cacti, I felt like I saw the basics of what the park was about.

It’s also worth stopping in that Javelina Picnic Area for lunch, as all the tables are surrounded by desert plants, and it allows you to get up close and personal with the cacti.

Saguaro is a place of desert diversity, and is home to far more types of cactus than just the Saguaro. This National Park is home to 24 different types of cactus, and they’re all incredibly unique.

East Saguaro National Park

Mount Lemmon

If you like saguaros, you’re in luck: the bottom of Mount Lemmon is covered in them—even more than are in the East side of the National Park! Mount Lemmon is known for being a place where you’ll experience all of the different biospheres that you would if you were to drive from Mexico to Canada.

There are five biosphere’s total in this unique National Forest (Coronado National Forest) ranging from Sonoran Desert, to Ponderosa Pines, to Mixed Conifers at the summit. I was so happy to see pine trees again without it being absolutely freezing, so if you’re a mountain person stuck in the desert, this is definitely the drive for you.

Mount Lemmon is also ideal for road cyclists, but be warned: it’s a 27 mile journey to the top!

One of the lower biomes of Mount Lemmon

The entire drive from the bottom to the top of Mount Lemmon takes about an hour and ends at a ski resort. I was unable to go the last two miles to the top because the road had been closed due to snow. Throughout the drive, you’ll pass plenty of roadside pullouts, picnic areas, campgrounds (if you’re into that—I don’t believe any of them are free), and one visitor center that has a museum about the area inside. If you go in the winter, try to go on a warmer day, or a little later in the winter, as there was still tons of snow on the sides of the road.

As close the the summit as they would let me drive, Mount Lemmon, AZ

Tucson was completely full of surprises for me. I of course expected to like the National Park, but I didn’t expect it to be so easily accessible from the city. Mount Lemmon, however, was a total surprise for me—I knew it would be beautiful, but no one expects pine trees in southern Arizona. Basically, don’t take anything at face value—every destination has a hidden gem waiting just around the corner, or maybe, at the top of a summit.