USA

Tips for the Bright Angel Trail at the Grand Canyon

The Bright Angel Trail at the Grand Canyon is one of the most popular hikes from the South Rim as it is one of the only few opportunities you have to head down into the canyon proper.

But while the hike does give the chance to enjoy some beautiful scenery, the hike down requires a hike back up, and the climb out of the canyon can be quite intense.

As such, while you can get some gorgeous views, you better be well-prepared when tackling this one- especially during the heat of summer!

Note: Grand Canyon National Park is closing most of the Bright Angel Trail starting December 1st, 2023, for construction. The trail is estimated to open again in mid-April 2024. The connection from Havasupai Gardens to Plateau Point closed in October 2023 for extended construction and is expected to re-open in mid-2025.

Read more

Arizona Biltmore Review – A Grand Stay in Phoenix

When it comes to opulence in Phoenix, it is hard to beat the historic Arizona Biltmore on the outskirts of the city.

This gem, built in 1929, has just about everything we look for in a high-end stay- unique architecture, wonderful amenities, and a history to match.

Although we do have to admit, this one comes at a sufficient price, and is one of those stays we are glad we had hotel credits and credit card perks to enjoy!

Read more

A Complete Guide to Alaska’s Matanuska Glacier

Matanuska Glacier (Glacier View)

Matanuska Glacier is a 27-mile beast of a glacier tucked away in Alaska’s Chugach Mountain Range. It’s the largest glacier accessible by car in the country, but things get even more exciting if you book a tour to walk across this glacial landscape.

Getting up close and personal with this glacier is the best way to explore its blue crevasses and white ice up against the Alaskan wilderness. At about two hours from Anchorage, it’s also a pretty easy day trip from a city you’ll likely visit on Alaska trips anyway.

This guide will share everything about visiting the Matanuska Glacier on your next visit to Alaska, including whether you need to book a tour to make it happen.

Read more

The Mount Washington Cog Railway – Ride Up the Mountain

The Mount Washington Cog Railway is located in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA. It climbs Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States.The railway is about 3 miles (~5 km) long, and it climbs from an elevation of approximately2,700 feet (820 meters) at its base to the summit of Mount Washington at 6,288 feet (1,917 meters).

The average grade of the track is more than 25%, with the steepest ection being around 37.41%. The round trip is about three hours, including a stop at the summit, and let me tell you, this is New Hampshire's (and probably the whole East Coast’s) most epic adventure!

Read more