Nothing irks me more than when people call Alaska’s biggest city "Los Anchorage" and suggest there's nothing about it worth visiting. I grew up in the Anchorage area, and – call me biased – it holds a special place in my heart. Best of all, Anchorage is stepping up – and into the spotlight – this summer. With more flights, new hotels, exciting cultural updates, and a food scene that’s quietly catching national attention...| Valerie & Valise
Running nearly 1,906 miles from Miami, Florida, to the Canadian border near Houlton, Maine, Interstate 95 (I-95) is a transportation corridor that runs almost the entire length of America's East Coast. Along the way, it passes through many major cities, including Jacksonville, Savannah, Washington (D.C.), Philadelphia, New York City, Providence, Boston, and Portland (ME). In some ways, it funnels the lifeblood of commerce and carriage through this part of the country...| Valerie & Valise
I was surprised to learn that I am not alone in preferring Capitol Reef above Utah's other Mighty 5 parks; it is less visited than all but Canyonlands, and doesn't ever feel crowded even on busy summer days – at least not the same way you might feel crowded in Arches, Bryce Canyon, and Zion! Don't be surprised if Capitol Reef's combination of fewer crowds, jaw-dropping scenery, fascinating geology, dynamic hiking, and delicious fruit pies win you over after you visit, too...| Valerie & Valise
Ask anyone who's been, and they have a favorite among the five National Parks in Utah (that would be Arches, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Zion, just to remind you). Even I do – now that I've visited them all, that is! I finally ticked off the fifth of Utah's Mighty 5 with a visit in April 2025; my friend Marissa and I made it our destination for that year's annual national parks trip...| Valerie & Valise
The sky is clear and the sun creates a million sparkles of light on the face of the ocean. A humpback whale erupts from the shallow waves in a full breach. A glacier cracks loudly making the phrase "white thunder" make sense as a giant piece of ice falls into the water. An otter rides the wake of our boat, holding onto a rock it will use to crack open the clamshell in its other paw for lunch. These are some of the quintessential experiences you can have on a Kenai Fjords National Park cruise...| Valerie & Valise
Alaska may have a short summer season, but we certainly know how to make the most of it. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, both visitors and local Alaskans can experience all The Last Frontier has to offer, from culture and cuisine to the wonders of wildlife and the Great Outdoors...| Valerie & Valise
When it comes to Utah's National Parks, it's easy to understand why they're called the Mighty 5. From Arches eponymous formations to Zion's riotous red canyons, it's hard to believe there can be anywhere so beautiful in the world. This is undoubtedly why Utah ranks #3 for the most national park visitors in the country (after North Carolina (Great Smoky Mountains) and California with its 9 parks)...| Valerie & Valise
12 days is a long time. In America, most workers receive just two weeks – 10 business days – of paid vacation each year. Adding in weekends and one holiday, the longest single trip you could take in any given year is just 17 days long. If you choose to spend 12 of those precious vacation days in Alaska, you’re committing a big part of your vacation budget for the year to explore this bucket list destination. But don’t worry – it’s absolutely worth it...| Valerie & Valise
