On Hawaii's Big Island, you won't find a 'hotter' hangout than Pahoa and Lava Tree State Monument.
Ryan grabs a shot of a huge lava tree.
If I told you that Pahoa, Hawaii, was one of the hottest spots on earth, you'd probably think I was exaggerating or that I was describing a spot with a lot of buzz. But Pahoa, on Hawaii's Big Island, is indeed one of the world's hottest spots and it's all thanks to its neighbour, Kilauea Volcano.
Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and, as recently as 2014-2015, lava flows threatened to destroy part of the town of Pahoa and surrounding communities. Fortunately, the lava stopped just in the nick of time, but local residents were right to be wary. This region bears the scars - and the beauty - of centuries of volcanic power. From delicate wildflowers to the toughest "trees" you've ever seen, nearby Lava Tree State Monument (sometimes called Lava Tree State Park) is a captivating tribute to the prowess of mother nature. We found a great place to stay just outside Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii.
Value travelers will be familiar with this struggle. Sometimes it feels like there aren't many options between the realm of luxury hotels and bare-bones campgrounds, especially if you're searching for a property that comes with a bit of character, as well as great value. But when Ryan and I were exploring one of the 'hottest' spots in Hawaii, we discovered an inn that's decidedly cool. Kilauea Lodge, in the village of Volcano on Hawaii's Big Island, is a beautiful property but that's not why we enjoyed it so much. We found some cool things here that you just don't discover every day.
Four fun, frugal Florida vacations for those who want more than Disney.  National Park Service Photo by Rodney Cammauf used under public permission. I do my best to embrace winter. I've recruited my blogging friends to help me write about all the amazing things you do when you travel in the heart of winter. I've eaten Beavertails on the Rideau Canal - the world's longest skating rink. And I've traveled to amazing winter destinations around the world. But I'm also a proud Canadian - and that means dreaming of a warm escape is in my DNA! And for most Canadians, there's no winter avoidance destination quite as affordable as Florida.
Whether you're heading to Orlando, Miami, Tampa, or further afield, Canadians can find cheap flights to Florida, plenty of value priced (and delicious!) food, great road trip opportunities, and bargain basement priced attractions. There's just one catch - none of it is in a theme park. My friends have always given glowing reports about Disney, except for one thing: the price. Even basic theme park passes can make your budget soar. So with all due respect to Cinderella and Snow White, this girl's recommending four Florida vacations that are completely cartoon free. Exploring the hidden history of Alcatraz Prison through a night tour.  San Francisco skyline From Alcatraz For most travelers, being in a maximum security prison with no chance of escape would be the ultimate nightmare; but for me it was the ultimate adventure! When the prison in question is the legendary Alcatraz and it's the 50th anniversary of its closure, the idea of spending a night in jail has tremendous appeal.  Arriving at Alcatraz. Why Golfing in Death Valley National Park (in July!) is Something That Should be on Every Golfers' Bucket Lists In summer, golfing Death Valley's Furnace Creek begins at 6am. There are a couple of things I must be doing wrong. Waking up at 5am and stepping outside into a 105 degree pressure cooker is not normally high on my agenda of pleasant summer activities. But this is no ordinary morning – I have a 6:00 am tee off time at the Furnace Creek Resort in Death Valley.
This course was rated as one of the 50 most difficult to play in the United States by Golf Digest, and it’s not hard to see why. By the time my round finishes on this clear July morning, the sun will be baking the 18th green with temperatures passing the 120 degree mark. Combined with the heavy, still air of the valley at 214 feet below sea level, this course certainly tests the resolve of any golfer who attempts it – and that’s the very reason why I have come to play. To play the world’s lowest elevation golf course, to dodge coyotes who are chasing road runners, and to sweat out a round that should be on everyone’s golf bucket list! Zion National Park is filled with breathtaking natural wonders. Zion National Park has amazing geological formations. Just over two hours from Las Vegas, the beautiful natural wonders of Zion National Park are perfect for a short day of sightseeing. I enjoyed it for the breathtaking geological formations, the unique plant and animal life, the many lovely photo opportunities, and the interesting and informative presentations by the park rangers. If your tastes run towards more adventuresome activities, Zion National Park has legendary hiking and climbing challenges.  Even within the desert there is wonderful, diverse plant life. Grand Canyon planning starts with the basics. Here's what you need to know to visit this iconic park (no matter if your travel styles are wild and a bit wimpy like me!) Grand Canyon planning starts with some inspiration: Grand Canyon National Park at sunset. Few locations capture the beauty, mystery, and romance of the American Southwest like the Grand Canyon. This extraordinary natural wonder captivates thousands of people each year and for good reason – it really is stunning! While extraordinary adventures are everywhere to be found, the Grand Canyon is still a wonderful destination for anti-adventurists like me! You could spend days admiring the scenic vistas, honing your photography skills, and enjoying informative presentations from the renowned park rangers. But Grand Canyon planning starts with the basics. Here's what you need to know to organize your trip.
I'm an indoor girl but I do love to get in touch with nature when I travel. Here's why! Visiting Grand Canyon National Park. I can’t claim to be an outdoorsy girl. I’d much rather read Jane Austen and sip wine than brave the bugs, sun, sleet, and dirt of the great outdoors. I’m a bit of a chicken (we all remember the Segway and ziplining anti-adventure), but one way or another, I’ve always managed to find myself outside, SPF 110 and bug spray in hand, ready to try something new. Here are some of my favourite travel activities in the great outdoors.
 Below the Rim in the Grand Canyon. It gets hotter the lower you go! Grand Canyon National Park |
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