Things to do in Yosemite
I recently booked a very last minute road trip to Yosemite National Park to witness the splendor of the waterfalls in May after the rain. Day use timed entry reservations are NOT needed in 2026, check here for details. May is a fantastic time to see the waterfalls at this national park like never before! […]
20 Amazing Things to Do in Oaxaca – From Mitla to Mole to Mezcal
Oaxaca stands out from so many other excellent destinations in Mexico thanks to its celebration of indigenous culture, vibrant arts scene, and incredible food (and drink). From incredible outdoor destinations to wonderful museums to mezcal tastings, you’ll discover so many remarkable things to do in Oaxaca! I honestly feel like Oaxaca is the heart of […]
Places You Didn’t Know Existed in Missouri
My childhood adventure began in Missouri, when my parents and I first moved from India. Before life took us all around the states (and California eventually becoming our permanent home), you could say it was in the Show-Me State where I first discovered the American spirit during my teen years. But just recently, thanks to […]
The Ultimate Cancun Mexico Itinerary – 21 Unique Things to Do in Cancun
If you’re dreaming of white sand beaches, crystal clear blue water, and vibrant nightlife, Cancun is the place for you. It’s an incredibly popular destination for a reason, and you’ll find something for everyone here. But if you’re struggling to choose between all the activities in Cancun, this guide will help you create your perfect […]
How to plan a Sustainable California Weekend Getaway
Mendocino is the perfect sustainable California weekend getaway, and it has a little something for everyone. This town is a small coastal community in Northern California and rests in the shadow of its much more famous coastal neighbor on the Central Coast – Big Sur. While Big Sur is no doubt beautiful, Mendocino has a […]
How to Choose Hiking Boots
When it comes to hiking, one of the most crucial pieces of gear is a good pair of hiking boots, otherwise you’re not going to enjoy your hike very much and you’ll probably think twice before agreeing to a hike again! I say this from experience. When I first started hiking, I had the wrong […]
13 Things To Do In Mendocino, California
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Growing up in Northern California, Mendocino wasn’t on my radar. I’d visited it once, but it was Big Sur’s dramatic cliffs and iconic coastline that truly captured my […]
Exploring the Illinois Valley
Introduction I recently took this amazing fall trip to Illinois. If this post inspires you to travel to Illinois, make sure to check ahead for up-to-date events, exhibits and opening hours at any attractions. I had been to the Windy City once many years ago, but I’ve never explored the rest of the state. As a […]
How to Spend a Week in Idaho
When I first told people I was going to Idaho, they looked at me like I was crazy. Honestly, I too wondered, if other than potatoes I’d find anything else in Idaho. To my greatest surprise, I not only fell in love with Boise, I’m actually heading back to Idaho once again in a few […]
7 Day Itinerary for Kerala
itinerary for kerala, kerala travel blog, my trip to kerala, itinerary for kerala for 7 days In this 7 day itinerary for Kerala, I will show you how to roadtrip this gorgeous, lush state in 7 days. My trip to Kerala was a combination of landscapes such as waterfalls, verdant tea estates, foggy hill stations […]
Guide to Yosemite Firefall 2023
What is Yosemite Firefall Yosemite Firefall is a unique, spectacular phenomenon that typically occurs every year from mid-to late February in California. But conditions have to be just right in order for the phenomenon to occur. What does that mean?! Well, the setting sun has to hit Yosemite’s Horsetail Fall at the perfect angle, thus creating the […]
Things To Do In Vermont During Fall
Vermont is perched within the gorgeous northeast United States, and is a stunning state to explore. There are so many things to do in Vermont, including exploring quaint little villages, beautiful hiking trails, maple tasting in farms and of course experiencing fall foliage during fall. Visiting Vermont feels like you’re stepping back in time a […]
What to do in Conejo Valley
I’ve lived in Northern California for most of life but hadn’t really visited the region known as Conejo Valley until recently. The Conejo Valley is a region spanning both southeastern Ventura County and northwestern Los Angeles County in Southern California. If you’ve ever been to Thousand Oaks then you’ve been to the largest city in Conejo […]
Things to do in Banff in Summer
Banff in the summer is pure magic. The days are warm, the air is fresh, and the emerald lakes framed by towering peaks create a picture-perfect setting. It’s no surprise that visitors from across the globe make their way to this iconic destination to experience the best of the Canadian Rockies. With endless adventure and […]
California Adventure Road Trip – The Majestic Mountain Loop
I recently went on an epic California adventure road trip through the Majestic Mountain Loop with my friend. If you’re like me and have no idea what that is, well you’ve come to the right place! The Majestic Mountain Loop is a 3 day itinerary which will take you through three of California’s incredible national […]
Best Time to Visit Iceland
June – August So is there a best time to visit Iceland?! Well, I first went to Iceland few years back in the summer. While the sun shone almost everyday, it was also definitely windy and cold. I recently went back to Iceland in September and it was realllly cold! It also snowed, and hailed. […]
Iceland by Campervan
Introduction I’ve always wanted to travel around Iceland by campervan. So when my friend Gillian said she’s doing that in Iceland , how could I not join?! This was my second time visiting Iceland and it seemed like a good idea especially because the Fagradalsfjall volcano also erupted in March, after lying dormant for 800 […]
Cruise Trip: Is it Safe?
The cruise industry says a cruise trip is safer than other vacations right now. But let’s be real, is a cruise trip really safe? My mom and I were recently invited to attend the inaugural launch of Royal Caribbean’s brand new ship, the Celebrity Apex and following is my honest assessment of the pros and […]
Things to do in Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is a remote area in the Eastern Sierra Mountains (one of my favorite places) with a population of 8,000 and an altitude of 8,050 feet. It is located just 45 minutes from Yosemite National Park and 3 hours from Death Valley National Park. Although Mammoth Lakes is remote, it is a full-service community with two […]
Fall Colors in California
I’ve lived in California for 30 years but I only discovered fall colors in California recently! Let’s face it, when it comes to fall, we don’t really think of California! But from Mammoth Lakes to Hope Valley, fall is very real in this state. This year, I just returned from another amazing trip to Inyo […]
8 Beautiful Day Hikes in Washington State
Hiking in Washington I have been wanting to explore hikes in Washington State for a long time! While hiking in California (where I am from) has been amazing, I decided to spend 10 days in Washington State this past August. Choosing what trails to hike is difficult because the state has 3 national parks, a […]
The Best Hike in Washington
Before the pandemic, I traveled largely to epic international destinations for hiking. From hiking Macchu Pichhu in Peru to the 10-day Tour Du Mont Blanc in Europe, I sought out mind-blowing scenery. The pandemic however forced me to recreate in my own backyard and little did I realize that I have access to stunning hikes […]
Hiking in Glacier National Park
I’ve lived in the States for 30 years but have never been to Montana. I finally went last week for the very first time to see Glacier National Park. Many have told me this is their favorite national park in the States. While I didn’t get to explore the entire park, there are four hikes […]
Backpacking Guide for Beginners
I didn’t grow up backpacking in the outdoors. I grew up in a city in India. When I immigrated to the States with my parents as a teenager, they were too busy trying to re-build their lives and I was too busy trying to adjust to a new culture. Therefore, as an adult, going backpacking […]
The Best Day Hike Snacks
This is a sponsored post on best day hike snacks written by me on behalf of ADM. All opinions are 100% mine. I never used to cook before the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world in 2020, but during much of the lockdown, like everyone else, I was forced to stay home. And as gyms and […]
Destination Guide: What to Do in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel is a rather unique seaside town in Northern California. In a setting that feels far removed from the real world, tree-shaded streets are lined with lovely Victorian buildings and little storybook cottages. It’s the perfect 48-hour getaway from San Francisco. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend with your significant other or a short […]
Destination Guide: Santa Maria Valley
I’ve lived in California for 30 years and had no idea there was a gem of a place called Santa Maria Valley just few hours away from my home in San Francisco! Santa Maria Valley is located on the Central Coast in northern Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County, and it’s an up-and-coming […]
Things to Do in Sequoia National Park
I first visited Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks when I was 16 with my parents and extended family. We had gone camping. It was my first time, after having immigrated to the United States. I recently returned to both National Parks this past weekend to reminisce and re-discover what it felt like to walk […]
Joshua Tree Camping Guide
I have never wanted to visit Joshua Tree National Park, California even though I live about 8.5 hours away from it in San Francisco. The desert scenery with a bunch of cactus doesn’t really appeal to me. I also do NOT like hiking in the heat. Camping in the heat? Forget it! So how and […]
Visiting Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is the hottest, driest and lowest National Park in North America. I visited Death Valley first about ten years ago on my way home to San Francisco after a backpacking trip to Inyo National Forest. During that first visit, I spent only one night in Death Valley National Park. The only […]
14 Things To Do While Social Distancing in San Francisco – Part 1
When the pandemic hit the United States in early 2020, I did not step out of my apartment in San Francisco for about 3 months, other than to go on daily walks. After the three months, I began to slowly rediscover this city. What I realized was that San Francisco might very well be one […]
A Weekend Getaway to Murphys, California
2020 taught me some valuable lessons. The biggest lesson was that I didn’t have to travel far from home to experience adventure. In late October, I took a road trip through California’s Gold Country region and discovered an ideal weekend getaway to the small but action packed town of Murphys, California. Below, I list out […]
California Gold Country: A Road Trip Guide
I’ve lived in Northern California for most of my life and didn’t think there was anything new to discover in my state, until the pandemic hit in 2020. In October 2020, I set out on a road trip to explore the California Gold Country with a fellow photographer friend from San Francisco, epic7travel. Our mission? […]
Fall Colors in Mammoth Lakes, California
Where is Mammoth Lakes? One of my favorite regions in the Eastern Sierra Nevada range is a place called Inyo National Forest. It’s about 4-6 hours driving distance from San Francisco. Inyo National Forest is also home to an area called Mammoth Lakes. Having lived in California for most of my life, I visited Mammoth […]
Backpacking in the Wilderness at Yosemite National Park
I haven’t backpacked in the wilderness in ages. The first time I backpacked was at Inyo National Park in Northern California in 2011. The second time I backpacked was this August 2020, in one of California’s most well known national parks, Yosemite. So, am I a seasoned pro at wilderness backpacking? Uh, most definitely not. […]
8 Day Trek to Annapurna Base Camp
Who would have thought a scrawny, non-athletic, Indian girl like me would one day hike the Annapurna Base Camp?! The words “base camp” have become synonymous with Mt. Everest, and sound intimidating to many of us! 10 years ago, when a friend told me about this place called the Annapurna, he described it as even […]
How to Plan a Road Trip to Mt. Shasta, CA
It’s the summer of July, 2020. America and most of the world is in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Typically, this is the time most of us are looking to take our summer vacations, whether domestic or international. Given that most countries are not accepting the American passport currently, due to America’s rising cases, […]
Glacier Hiking in Perito Moreno, Argentina
Walking on ice is a unique experience. As far as difficulty levels, let’s just say, if I can do it, so can you! Glacier hiking however is not something to be attempted on your own. Let’s take a look at what you need to know before you plan your next glacier hiking trip. Which Glacier […]
Why I was Scared to Travel to Germany
Immigrating to the States The year was 1989. My family and I were immigrating to the United States. Mom and I were at Frankfurt airport on a stop over from India on the way to our new home in the States. We were standing in line waiting to be served. The counter lady instead acted […]
5 Tips You Need To Know Before You Visit San Francisco
When I was a kid, growing up in the suburbs of the Bay Area, San Francisco was THE CITY for me. I used to dream of living there one day. Fast forward a gazillion years later. I did it! I’m now grateful to be able to call this beautiful city home. San Francisco, however, has […]
Acanela Expeditions Review
Was this a Mistake?! On day 1 of an 8-day Morocco Tour with a company called Acanela Expeditions, I nervously climbed aboard the van to greet 8 other women I didn’t know, with a false bravado. This was either one of my worst ideas in a very long time or I could end up with […]
The 4 Most Underrated Historic Cities in Germany
On any visit to Germany, the main points of entry are typically Munich, Berlin or Frankfurt. While Berlin and Munich have much to offer tourists, next time you’re in Germany why not venture off the beaten path and discover the hidden gems that lie in the northern region. Here are 4 historic cities dripping with […]
A 4 Day Visit to San Miguel De Allende
In the July 2018 edition of Travel and Leisure, the charming Mexican city of San Miguel de Allende was voted the best in the world for the 2nd year in a row! I’ve been dying to visit San Miguel de Allende and when I recently had the wonderful opportunity to attend a destination wedding on […]
A Secret Hot Springs, Ocean View Sauna, and Sea Otters: Inside a Central California Wellness Weekend
I feel like people often talk about Sedona, Ojai, or flying to Tulum when the word “wellness trip” comes up. But after a few days in San Luis Obispo County with a good friend, no rigid schedule, and a lot of time in the outdoors, I’m convinced Central Coast California is one of the most […]
Why I love Hiking in Switzerland
When people ask me why I keep returning to Switzerland, the answer is simple: hiking in Switzerland honestly feels like stepping into a living postcard. Rolling green meadows, jagged alpine peaks, waterfalls tumbling down cliffs, and cozy wooden huts serving hot chocolate, and crispy rosti in the middle of nowhere – it’s the kind of […]
11 Best Things to do in Bhutan for First-Time Visitors
Bhutan, for me, wasn’t just a destination—it was a return to stillness. A place where the mountains hold centuries of wisdom, where strangers greet you with genuine warmth, and where time seems to slow down just enough for you to catch your breath. It’s a destination that measures success not by Gross Domestic Product, but […]
Bali Hidden Gems: Take The Road Less Traveled
Tourism in Bali is booming, and it can be hard to escape the crowds and find some solitude in this beautiful place. But these Bali hidden gems offer an escape off the beaten path that might give you a glimpse into what Bali was like before it became so popular. The Best Bali Hidden Gems […]
Hidden Gems of Mexico: Amazing Destinations Off The Beaten Path
Looking for an adventure off the beaten path in Mexico? Skip the hot spots like Cabo and Tulum, and head to these Mexico hidden gems instead. From Guanajauto to Chiapas, you’ll have an amazing trip exploring the hidden gems of Mexico. The Best Hidden Gems of Mexico These hidden gems of Mexico offer everything from […]
2 Week Indonesia Itinerary (How to Spend 2 Weeks in Bali & Java)
Indonesia is an incredible destination made up of over 17,000 islands to explore. An ideal Indonesia itinerary is jam-packed with volcanoes to hike, temples to visit, waterfalls to swim in, and, of course, yoga and a massage to relax. Two weeks in Indonesia will give you enough time to explore both Bali and Java and […]
The Best 7-Day Bali Itinerary
When you think of Indonesia, Bali is probably the destination that comes to mind first. While all of Indonesia is amazing, if you only have a week to spend there, Bali is truly where you want to spend your time exploring. You can pack a ton into a 7-day Bali itinerary, from savoring the sandy […]
The Best Things to Do in Springfield, Missouri
Springfield, Missouri, is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Ozarks. It offers an array of outdoor activities, unique attractions, and incredible culinary experiences. I”m not kidding when I say Springfield is an underrated destination. It’s warm, welcoming vibe that offers something for everyone—from adventure seekers and food lovers to history buffs. Here’s […]
What to Do in Bend, Oregon: The Perfect Getaway for Outdoors Lovers
Nestled in the heart of Central Oregon, Bend is a town that surprises and delights at every turn. During my recent visit, I discovered its incredible blend of natural beauty, adventure opportunities, and culinary delights. While Bend may be lesser-known than other outdoor destinations in the US, I would argue it’s the perfect place for […]
