It’s time to travel to the United States! Here is the collection of The Keys to Travel blog posts highlighting United States destinations, United States travel guides and itineraries, and United States travel tips.
If you are heading to Olympic National Park for the first time, the thought of all you can do can be overwhelming. Depending on what season you go, you can hike, swim, camp, fish, snowshoe and so much more. When I visited Olympic National Park for the first time, it was late spring and I only had a few short days, so I couldn’t do it all! Here are my thoughts on the most memorable things to do in Olympic National Park. I would love to hear what you think after you visit!
Hiking Trails in Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is not short on hiking trails. They range from short distances to day long or weekend long hikes. Pick and choose which one fits your hiking preferences and explore! We chose to do the Hoh River Trail (just part of it, since it is 17.5 miles long, one way!) and the Hall of Mosses. Both trails were so vibrant lush with all shades of green I wondered if I was back in Ireland!
Hall of Mosses
The Hall of Mosses Trail is part of the Hoh Rain Forest and is 0.8 miles long. This is a quick beautiful walk through an actual rain forest! I couldn’t believe how tall the trees were and how green and luscious everything looked. Make sure to remember your raincoat. I never knew if it was actually raining or if I was just getting wet from the moisture filled air. When it was raining, I never got too drenched because the trees are a great umbrella for protection.
Hoh River Trail
The Hoh River Trail is also a part of the Hoh Rain Forest. This trail is 17.5 miles long one way! We only walked and explored a little ways and then turned around. It was just as beautiful as the Hall of Mosses, but a bit more strenuous. We went on a Saturday and still only saw one other couple on the trail. It’s very secluded and serene. It’s a great trail to get out in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just be.
The Coast at Olympic National Park
One of the most memorable things to do in Olympic National Park for me was walking the coast at low tide. This could be because I love the ocean and the calm it brings my soul when I’m near the tide or it could be all the starfish we got to see! Make sure you check the time of low tide and go to Kalaloch Beach during this time. Just look at all we got to see!
While you are here, see if you can find this tree that is basically just hanging in thin air. Some call it the ‘Tree of Life’ and some call it ‘Tree Root Cave’. Whatever it’s official name is, make sure to explore this area and underneath the tree. Technically, the tree shouldn’t be alive with its roots so exposed to the coastal weather, but hey, sometimes we just keep fighting!
Also, the walk down to the beaches (like the photo below on the left) at Olympic National Park are a site to see themselves! There is no shortage of beauty in this park, that is for sure.
What things do you love to do in Olympic National Park that I missed? I will definitely be getting back here one day!
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When traveling with my husband, we try to do and see as much as possible in a new destination. With only six days to explore Maui and knowing how much there is we wanted to see on this beautiful island, we knew we had to make the most of our time there. When I asked around about what to do on Maui, everyone said we had to do The Road to Hana. Most people are able to do this drive in one day, but knowing my husband and how long he can take shooting with his camera while exploring new places, I knew I had to plan for two days on the Road to Hana. Lucky for me, this meant that we got to stay at Travaasa, one of my dream hotels, located in Hana!
Planning out our trip, we decided to fly into Maui late on our first night, rent an AirBnb in Paia (right near the start of the Road to Hana on Maui), and get a fresh start on the Road to Hana first thing in the morning.
Here are all all stops you need to make along your journey on the Road to Hana on Maui!
*Side Note* I don’t normally get car sick, but these windy roads did make my stomach a little queasy. Luckily, there are plenty of stops along the way where my stomach got a break from the car. Just be prepared if you are someone who gets car sick! But don’t let this deter you from going. It is definitely worth it!
Stop 1: Fuel up at Colleen’s at the Cannery
We woke up early to start our drive along the Road to Hana. We decided to fuel up at Colleen’s at the Cannery in Haiku, a restaurant I read many raving reviews about. It was so good, I forgot to take a photo of my food to share before I devoured it all, so here is a photo of the outside! Colleen’s opens at 6am every day, so no matter how early you want to start on your Road to Hana journey, Colleen’s will be ready for you!
Stop 2: Hike Twin Falls
The Twin Falls area has a few easy hikes to explore. This first photo is a trail that leads past Twin Falls to the river upstream. We hit this spot right at the perfect time to see beautiful sunlight streaming through. These short hikes are not strenuous and are easy for everyone from little kids to grandparents. I enjoyed that this first “hike” was easy, considering my stomach was still very full from the delicious breakfast at Colleen’s!
Here is a photo of the actual Twin Falls, just a short walk from the parking area.
Stop 3: Eat at a Food Stand
We didn’t stop at a food stand since we were still so full from Colleen’s Restaurant, but I read wonderful things about this food stand at Huelo Lookout (another great stop). If you are hungry or thirsty, make sure to stop and grab some fresh fruit and smoothies to fuel you for the rest of the drive.
Stop 4: Walk Around Keanae Peninsula
I was really excited for this stop along the Road to Hana because of the history. When you enter Keanae Peninsula, you pass by a stone church that was built in 1856. A large tsunami hit this village in 1946, killing 24 people. The waves topped 45 feet and crashed into the village with no warning. The church was the only remaining building after the tsunami hit. Due to the tragedy of this tsunami, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center was created, which now sends out tsunami warnings for all of the Pacific Ocean. With such a beautiful stop, it was sad to think about the village and lives that used to be here.
Even without a tsunami, you can see how rough the waves are crashing into the edge of this peninsula.
Stop 5: Waikani Falls
This is a quick stop you will miss if you aren’t keeping an eye out. As you cross a bridge, this waterfall is right off to your side. It’s a quick pull off to view. It’s definitely worth a stop simply because it’s so easy to see!
Stop 6: Visit Black Sand Beach
Black Sand Beach at Wai’ anapanapa State Park is a beautiful place to stop and see. Oh, and there are bathrooms! We got to this spot late afternoon and the beach was packed with people. Unfortunately, most of the beach is pretty rocky and only a little bit is sand. If you want to lounge on the beach, I’d recommend getting here earlier in the day to get a good sandy spot.
If you are a camper, this is also a great spot to stop and camp for the night.
Stop 7: Rest in Hana at Travaasa
I wish we could have stayed here longer, and I hope one day we will be back. But man, if you can spend at least one night at Travaasa, please do! I will be writing a blog post soon highlighting the hotel and all it has to offer. In the meantime, this pool was one of my favorite spots to relax.
We also got to see a beautiful rainbow after our morning yoga class! Talk about perfection.
After a night of relaxation at Travaasa, head to your next stop. Normally people turn around and head back once they hit Hana, but I recommend taking the south side back to the main part of Maui. I personally loved this half of the Road to Hana much more than the first half.
Stop 8: Relax at Hamoa Beach
After a morning of yoga, meditation, beautiful rainbows, and a delicious breakfast at Travaasa, we headed on our way to finish up the drive on the Road to Hana. Our first stop was at Hamoa Beach. This beach is consistently rated one of the top beaches on Maui. I can definitely see why. If we could have stayed at Travaasa another night, I would have been sitting on this beach for an entire day! I’m a beach girl, if you can’t tell!
Stop 9: Hike the Pipiwai Trail inside Haleakalā National Park
Our next stop, and where we spent most of the day, was the Pipiwai Trail. If you want to be memorized by the views and the sounds of walking through a bamboo forest, make sure to hike the Pipiwai trail. When we were there, we were one of the few people hiking. It was an odd combination of peacefulness and eeriness. When walking through the bamboo forest portion of the hike, it was nearly silent. Then the wind would pick up and the bamboo would bounce against each other making hollow wind chime sounds. It is hard to explain. You will just have to experience it on your own! The hike is 1.8 miles one way and leads to to he hike leads to Waimoku Falls.
After your last stop at Haleakala National Park, continue the drive on the backside of Haleakela. It honestly looks like the hillsides of Ireland.
What are your favorite stops along the Road to Hana on Maui?
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There is a lot you can do in Seattle for a day! My husband and I spent the weekend in Olympic National Park and decided to spend a day in Seattle before flying back to Denver. My list was, of course, way too long to fit into one day. So I narrowed it down to five essentials. A little bit of beer, food, art, and touristy sites!
Pike Place Market
You can’t go to Seattle and not walk around the long halls of the public market, Pike Place Market. We stumbled upon a store that has years upon years of old magazines and newspapers. It was fun to flip through and see all the headlines year after year. There are also rows and rows and rows of tulip and flower shops! If we weren’t flying home the next day, I would have bought a bundle! And finally, if you get lucky, you can see the iconic fish throwers whipping their catch around the store.
Eat (and drink) at Old Stove Brewing
Head around the back side of Pike Place Market and find Old Stave Brewery. It is right on the water and has beautiful views of the city! The food and beer is delicious, definitely what you deserve from walking around the market for awhile.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
After your stomachs are satisfied, make your way to Chihuly Garden and Glass. We got tickets here in advance that included entrance to the Chihuly Garden and Glass and a ride to the top of the Space Needle that is right next door.
I am obsessed with blown glass. It’s my favorite souvenir to purchase… so far in Hawaii, Italy, and now Seattle. Walking through an entire museum of incredible blown glass work blew my mind. I also really wanted to touch each piece but held back! These artists in my opinion are magicians, and it was a special treat to be able to see so many beautiful pieces of blown glass all in one space.
Space Needle
I could have spent all day at the Chihuly Garden and Glass, but we had tickets to the Space Needle, so next door we went!
Normally, I am not afraid of heights, but it was a bit trippy at the top of the Space Needle! I can’t believe that when they built this, none of the workers were wearing harnesses or protective gear to keep them from falling 80 feet to their death. Miraculously, no one was injured during the construction of the Space Needle! It was insane to see the progress photos and the men just hanging out at the top of the needle doing work with no harnesses.
The view from the top is amazing, but be forewarned if you are afraid of heights!
Optimism Brewery
And finally, end your night with a drink or two at Optimism Brewery. The atmosphere is really fun with outdoor space for games and the beer is delicious. It’s hard to not end your day in Seattle on a high note with cute glasses like this! Oh and don’t worry about tipping- they pay their employees fairl here :)
What is your favorite thing to do in Seattle in a day?
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Savannah, Georgia has become one of my favorite cities USA. It is beautiful and romantic, has an unbelievable history, and is exciting to explore. Here are my top tips for visiting Savannah, Georgia.
When to Visit Savannah
Summer in Savannah is incredibly hot and humid. August is the rainiest month along with the second hottest month (July being the hottest month). In July and August, prices for activities and hotels are pretty reasonable because most people are heading to the beach to get a break from the Southern summer heat.
Winter in Savannah is “cold”, and by cold I mean in the mid-60s and not humid, which is perfect for some people. Temperatures can get close to freezing, though, so be prepared if you run into some icy, cold conditions. Prices of hotel rooms are significantly lower than the summer.
Fall and Spring is a great time to visit Savannah. The temperatures are mild, room rates are reasonable, and it isn’t too crowded with most kids being in school. During spring time you can see plenty of blooming flowers all over the city.
If you want to avoid the crowds, heat, humidity, and high prices, my suggestion is visiting Savannah in late October through March.
You can’t visit Savannah without seeing one of the prettiest streets in America. Yes, Jones Street has officially been named one of the most beautiful streets and for good reason!
Located in the heart of the Historic District of Savannah, most of the homes were built in the mid-1800s on Jones Street. The extra wide street and sidewalks are paved with brick. The trees lining the street have hanging moss, which makes it a very romantic and peaceful location. Make sure to take a leisurely stroll down the brick paved sidewalk and dream of a life in one of these homes!
Savannah has 22 historic squares spread throughout the Historic District. The first squares were designed in 1733! These mini parks are a great break among all the historic homes and buildings. They provide shade and a comfy place to sit and read (and possibly visit with some ghosts).
Do a Haunted Pub Crawl
Savannah is one of the most haunted cities in the country… or so they say! Whether or not you believe in ghosts, doing a haunted tour or haunted pub crawl is a great way to learn the history of Savannah. On most of these tours, you walk around the Historic District of Savannah with a tour guide sharing stories of the most haunted squares, homes, and buildings. And of course, you end at a cemetery!
Get Lost in a Book at The Book Lady Bookstore
If you are a book nerd like me, finding a good bookstore is like visiting the candy store. The Book Lady Bookstore is Savannah’s only full service independent bookstore. They have all types of books, including brand new, slightly used, out of print, and rare finds. I can guarantee you will find some hidden gems in this tucked away oasis.
Stroll Around Forsyth Park
When visiting Savannah, Forsyth Park is a must-stop. It is one of Savannah’s most well-known and largest parks. It’s iconic feature, the Forsyth Fountain, is at the north end of the park. There is almost always an event going on, and you can often see a wedding group taking photos near the fountain.
Walk Savannah’s River Street
River Street is supposedly one of the most haunted areas in Savannah. If you are willing to battle the ghosts, River Street is a great area to explore at night. There are pubs and restaurants up and down the river. One of my favorites is Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub. They have live Irish music each night. With a glass of Guinness, it almost felt like we were back in Ireland!
Where to Eat and Drink in Savannah
Brunch at Clary’s Cafe
Visiting Savannah without stopping at Clary’s Cafe is not an option. Clary’s Cafe is a classic cafe with a basic menu, but the food is so good I’ve eaten there multiple times! Oh, and they serve breakfast all day!
Visit the Olde Pink House
Fun Fact: The Olde Pink House hasn’t always been pink! In 1771, the mansion was built with bricks and covered in white stucco. Over time, the red of the brick faded through the white of the stucco to give The Olde Pink House it’s pink hue!
The Olde Pink House is now a restaurant, but be careful of the ghosts that are said to roam the halls!
Drink and Walk Around Town
One of the many wonderful things about Savannah is the open-container law. This means you can take your drink to-go and explore Savannah with a drink in hand. Make sure to head to Wet Willies to get your frozen alcoholic drink to-go!
Where to Stay in Savannah
There are plenty of places to choose from when looking for a place to stay in Savannah. We chose to stay near Forsyth Park so we had easy access to all the hot spots in the Historic District. One great thing about Savannah is their free trolly system. The dot connects you (for free!) all around Downtown and the Historic District. They even have a free water ferry shuttle! This free shuttle system makes it very easy to find affordable lodging and get to where you want to go around Savannah.
Day Trips from Savannah
If you have extra time when visiting Savannah, make sure to check out these four place just a quick drive away.
Wormsloe Historic Site
You may have already seen photos of Wormsloe Historic Site without even knowing what it was! The iconic road surrounded by rows of live oaks is what I am talking about.
This estate is only 15 minutes from Savannah. There is a lot more to this Historic Site than the beautiful tree-lined road, though. It holds the ruins of the oldest standing structure in Savannah, built in 1745. Head there yourself to see this beautiful estate!
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
When I was in Savannah with my family, we got the chance to go on a kayak tour with Savannah Coastal Ecotours in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kathryn and Fran helped us navigate the marsh and educated us along the way. I would highly recommend Savannah Coastal Ecotours for water excursions in and around Savannah. We didn’t see any alligators, but maybe you will!
Tybee Island
Tybee Island, also known as Savannah’s Beach, is the closest beach to Savannah. It is only about a 20 minute drive from the city, but is worth the drive, especially on a hot, humid summer’s day. If you want tips on what to do on Tybee Island, head to my friend Bree Pair’s blog. She created a really great Travel Guide to Tybee Island!
The Crab Shack
On the way back from Tybee Island, make sure to stop at The Crab Shack. It has a really laid back, beach feel with delicious seafood.
When you sit outside, the tables have a hole and trash can in the middle where you can throw the shells of your discarded seafood for convenience. Make sure to have a Captain Crab’s Sampler Platter for me!
Have you visited this beautiful city? What is your favorite thing to do in Savannah?
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So you’re heading to Oahu, Hawaii, but you’re not sure what you should do or things that shouldn’t be missed? Here are my top ten recommendations on what to do when traveling to the Island of Oahu!
1. Watch the Sunrise
Inevitably, you will have jet lag waking up the first morning in Oahu if you are flying in from the mainland. When you wake up before the sun, head over to the East side of the island to watch the sunrise. Lanikai Beach is great for this.
2. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel & Mai Tai Bar
Check out The Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Built in 1927, this hotel has incredible history. It is truly beautiful inside and out… it will be a hard one to miss considering it is a light pink on the outside, sometimes nicknamed the Pink Palace. Outside just steps from Waikiki Beach, make sure to try out the Mai Tai Bar. There are so many different mai tais and taste delicious.
3. Cinnamon’s
Eat at Cinnamon’sin Kailua for breakfast. Their guava pancakes are award winning for a reason! Also, try their ginger tea, and let me know if you can find out the secret ingredient that makes this tea so delicious.
4. The North Shore
Drive to The North Shore along the Kamehameha Highway. It is one of the most scenic drives on Oahu and there are plenty of food trucks to pick from along the way. The famous Shrimp Shack was my favorite spot! The North Shore in winter has huge waves with well known surfer competitions, but in the summer the ocean is pretty calm and this is a good floating spot for you and your favorite floatie!
5. Honolulu Botanical Gardens
If you need a break from the beach and sun, head to one of theHonolulu Botanical Gardens. There are five gardens throughout the island, so plenty to choose from depending where you are staying. We went to Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden. There are so many tropical plant species to learn about and see with plenty of walking trails. Also- free admission!
6. Hanauma Bay
If you are interested in snorkeling, head to Hanauma Bay. It is a very popular snorkel spot, so get there early. They will close if they reach capacity. They provide snorkeling gear and a quick tutorial and safety 101, if you need it. Otherwise, you can head on down to the beach and start snorkeling!
7. Waikiki Brewing Co.
Along the main drag in Waikiki is Waikiki Brewing Co. They have great beer and food and a fun atmosphere with plenty of seating indoors and out.
8. Hike
Three of my favorite hikes were Kaena Point, Manoa Falls Trail, and Diamond Head. Kaena Point is super hot and dry, so make sure to bring plenty of water. Fun Fact – It is also the most Western point of Oahu. For a hike where you are pretty much guaranteed to get wet, head to the center of the island for Manoa Falls Trail, You’re basically hiking through a rainforest, so bring a raincoat! Diamond Head is a touristy hike to do, but the views from the top are amazing. It is also very easy to get to if you are staying in Waikiki.
9. Luau
Experience an authentic Luau. We went to Germaine’s Luau and had a blast. You will learn the history to the Hawaiian Luau, enjoy a traditional Hawaiian feast, and watch and maybe participate in an authentic luau.
10. Shave Ice
And a final classic Oahu tradition is eat all the shave ice you can! You can find shave ice stands pretty much everywhere you go. There are so many flavors you can mix, and they are especially refreshing when you get hot from being out in the tropical sun! Let me know what your favorite flavor is when you are back on the mainland!
What are some of your favorite things to do when traveling to Oahu, Hawaii?
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Colorado is definitely known for skiing and snowboarding, but my favorite winter activity is snowshoeing. One specific reason is because my dog, Lambeau, can join us. I think he was made for winter. He never looks happier than when he is running and playing in the snow. And yes, he wears dog booties because his paws pile in the snow real quick.
Avoiding I-70 during winter is something I try to do often. This is the main highway to the mountains and is always jam packed on the weekends. I recently learned about a system of trails that are great for snowshoeing where you don’t have to take I-70. This trail system is Brainard Lake Recreation Area. It is out just past Boulder and takes only about an hour to get to from Denver. A very great option for a quick day hike.
Brainard Lake Recreation Area has a lot of snowshoeing trail options. is free in the winter for visitors, and has a large parking lot. One snowshoeing trail leads right to Brainard Lake, which I hear is beautiful. However, if you bring your furry friend, you cannot use this trail. Instead, we went off on another trail that allows dogs and for a Sunday morning, it wasn’t busy at all. We basically had the trail to ourselves with some fresh new snow.
Getting out in nature, especially in the winter when the days are shorter and the weather is drearier, is a great way to reset and improve your mood. I would highly recommend this trail system as an easy day trip from Denver, for a snowshoe hike or a regular hike in the summer!
What are some of your favorite snowshoeing trails near your home or that you have tried while traveling?
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There are many options when deciding where to stay when visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. When my husband and I spent a weekend at Disney World, we decided staying at a resort on the Disney property was the best option, mainly because of the transportation. Disney has a convenient (and free) bus service to and from the Orlando International Airport, Disney Parks and Disney Springs. Having our hotel so close to the Disney Parks and with the convenient transportation allowed us more time at the parks and less time and money traveling each day.
Of course, another reason we decided to stay at a Disney Resort was to experience the full Disney charm throughout our entire vacation. We were only in Orlando for 2 full days, so that meant wanting to get our fill of Disney the whole time we were there.
There are numerous options to choose from when looking to stay on a Disney property from a campground, to value resorts, to moderate resorts, deluxe villas and luxury hotels. Ultimately, we chose Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.
Moderate resort hotel option
Close proximity to the Parks (Epcot and Magic Kingdom) that we were going to go to as well as Disney Springs and the Boardwalk
A fun “warm weather themed” resort that I was needing after some cold winter months in Colorado!
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Even though we were at Magic Kingdom and Epcot for two full days, we were able to explore and enjoy the Caribbean Beach Resort on the two half days we had bookending our trip. If you’re going to Disney World, I would highly recommend staying on a Disney property to fully experience the Disney charm!
Where have you stayed when visiting Disney World? I would love new ideas for our next visit!
Do you need help planning and booking your next Disney Vacation? Message me here to get started!
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