Essential Rules In U.S. National Parks

Above, Lassen Peak at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With summer vacation season a little over a month away (some consider Memorial Day weekend the beginning of the summer vacation season), if visiting national parks is on one's itinerary, it is a good idea to familiarize one's self with dos and don't for visiting national parks.

This is the topic of an article by Lonely Planet. They have 40 dos and don't to know.

They begin with:

Picture it now. You’re standing atop Ooh Ahh Point, soaking up magnificent views of the Grand Canyon. Blue skies. Light breeze. Life is good. But one negative thought interrupts the vibe: your choice of flip-flops might have been a bad idea. Yep, that climb to the South Rim – steep and twisty with the possibility of mule poop – is going to be uncomfortable if you’re wearing wimpy footwear.

A little preparation can improve your trip. From wearing the right shoes to securing permits for popular trails, there are important rules to remember when visiting a US national park. Even if you mean well, it’s easy to irritate others unintentionally or run afoul of park regulations. And nobody wants to annoy a park ranger.

To read the full article, go here. 

8 Best Things To Do In New Mexico

Above, Roswell, New Mexico's International UFO Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those wondering what to do during the coming summer vacation season, Lonely Planet has posted a list of 8 best things to do in New Mexico.

I have lived in the state for seven years and I've traveled around the state during that time. But that only scratched the surface.

Still, the things the list includes are worth considering.

They begin with:

They don’t call it the Land of Enchantment for nothing.

New Mexico does indeed entice, thanks to otherworldly desertscapes, weird rock formations and more wonders of nature you’ll find only here. Yet it’s perhaps the state’s unique culture – visible in the adobe architecture everywhere, quirky frontier towns, container loads of chile pepper and an abundance of preserved Indigenous history – that truly etch the 47th state into visitors’ memories.

No matter what time of year you visit, here are eight ways to begin getting to know this marvelous place. 

To read more, go here. 

8 Best Places To Visit In The Bahamas

Above, a view of Nassau from our cruise ship. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After having been to the Bahamas last summer, I can easily see why Sean Connery chose to live (and eventually pass away) there. 

A friend and I took a cruise there with Norwegian Cruise Line and had a great time visiting Freeport, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay (where we jet skied). It would have been nice to stay longer at each port-of-call in order to take more in what the island have to offer. 

Lonely Planet has posted an article on the 8 best places to visit in the Bahamas. 

It begins with:

If you're looking for beach-vacation bliss, few destinations beat the Bahamas.

Strewn like emeralds between Florida and the Caribbean, more than 3000 islands and cays – most uninhabited – compose this Atlantic archipelago. Lushly subtropical and fringed with teeming coral reefs and glorious beaches, these stunning islands offer as much to divers and hikers as they do to sunseekers in search of banging beachside bars.

Here’s our roundup of the best places to visit in the Bahamas.

To read more, go here. 

Lonely Planet Guide To The Bahamas

Above, a view of Nassau from our cruise ship after docking. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last month, a friend and I took a cruise to the Bahamas aboard the Norwegian Sky of Norwegian Cruise Lines.

I have always wanted to visit the Bahamas and finally I got to go. 

We had a great time visiting the islands with stops in Freeport, Nassau and doing some jet skiing at Great Stirrup Cay (a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line). The weather was generally decent with some rain, but it didn't dampen our enjoyment.

Above, yours truly jet skiing at Great Stirrup Cay.

As things happen, Lonely Planet has just posted a guide to the Bahamas for first-timers. It is worth a look-see for those interested in going there.

It begins with:

The Bahamas, an archipelago of 700 islands and cays (though only 30 are inhabited), is celebrated for its dazzling turquoise and pink waters, pristine beaches, and balmy weather.

Yet, this island nation offers more than just picturesque scenery – it's a vibrant mosaic of culture and history. From the rhythmic beats of Junkanoo to the mouthwatering flavors of fresh conch and sweet guava duff, The Bahamas transforms every visit into a lively adventure.

Whether diving into blue holes, sailing across sparkling seas, or reveling in local parades, each island invites you to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Bahamian life. Our first-timer's guide has everything you need to know before you go.

To read the full guide, go here. 

10 Best U.S. National Parks For RV Campers

Above, Trailer Village at Grand Canyon National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Camping in a U.S. national park is something everyone ought to put on their "bucket list" of things to do.

That also goes for RVers who like a bit more comfort than a tent and a sleeping bag.

Lonely Planet has posted a list of 10 best national parks for RV campers.

They begin it with:

Looking to get closer to nature and linger longer at a US national park? RV camping is the perfect way to experience the majestic wide-open spaces of the US national parks.

Camping in an RV within a national park provides a comfortable base to immerse yourself in a park’s beauty from sunrise to sunset (and beyond for great stargazing). National park campsites also create a fun sense of community between RV campers, who share everything from vehicle advice to travel tips, BBQ recipes and s’mores around the campfire.

The national parks listed below are top destinations not only for the quantity and quality of RV campsites within the parks but for the access that RVs have to tour the parks on wide, paved roadways with key park attractions within roadside viewing distance.

To read more, go here. 

Guide To Mesa Verde National Park For First-Timers

Above, Square Tower House at Mesa Verde National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Living in the Four Corners region of the U.S. (where Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico meet) gives me easy access to places such as Durango, Monument Valley, Petrified Forest National Park and Mesa Verde National Park. Each are roughly a 3-hour drive from home.

Mesa Verde National Park is situated near Cortez, Colorado. I have been there several times, including camping there twice. My most recent visit was four years ago.

For those who have never been there, Lonely Planet has posted a guide for first-timers.

It begins with:

Around the year 550 CE, the Ancestral Pueblo people began settling in what is today southwest Colorado. Here, on a slightly sloping section of the Colorado Plateau, they farmed, made pottery, wove baskets, and built sprawling villages within the canyon walls.

Then, around 1300 CE, they moved away and never returned. It’s not clear why the Ancestral Pueblo deserted the place that had been their home for roughly 700 years. But they left behind many clues about their rich cultural heritage, which today’s archaeologists are still eagerly studying.

Recognizing the value of the Ancestral Puebloan’s artifacts and cliff dwellings, President Theodore Roosevelt created Mesa Verde National Park in 1906. It was the first national park to “preserve the works of man,” as Roosevelt said, in addition to natural resources. The park protects nearly 5000 archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings.

Mesa Verde is one of four national parks in Colorado. Though it’s the farthest from Denver, this archaeological marvel is well worth the extra drive time. Here’s what to know as you start planning your first visit.

To read more, go here. 

Lonely Planet: Guide To O'ahu

Above, a view of Diamond Head from Waikiki Beach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that vacation season is here and one is planning to spend a vacation in Hawaii, Lonely Planet has posted guide to O'ahu for first-timers. Oddly, it doesn't mention paying a visit to Pearl Harbor. That should be a must-see for everyone, especially first-timers.

It begins with:

Welcome to Oʻahu, home to some of the most well-known natural landmarks in the world – from famed Waikiki Beach to towering Diamond Head to the surfable North Shore.

Known as a beautiful beach destination, this island is great for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing to your heart’s content. But beyond the sunny shorelines, Oʻahu has a wealth of greenery-filled hikes, internationally-inspired restaurants, and cultural landmarks for you to explore.

To read more, go here. 

Hawaii Proposes $25 Tourism Tax

Above, the battleship USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If there is a constant in this universe, it is that blue states (controlled by Democrats) will find any means to tax people using overtourism or climate change as an excuse.

Hawaii is considering a $25 tourism tax. Of course, Hawaii is a Democrat-controlled state.

According to Lonely Planet:

Spending time on Hawaii’s gorgeous beaches or traipsing through its vibrant forests could cost travelers just a little more in the future.

Joining other nations struggling with the heavy burden of over-tourism, Hawaii’s governor, Josh Green, proposed a $25 climate fee on tourists. The bill, HB206 is currently in committee in Hawaii’s legislature. 

What lawmakers call the green fee, or visitor impact fee, is intended to raise funds to help protect beaches, prevent wildfires and offset the repercussions of nearly 10 million visitors per year. Hawaii’s population hovers at 1.6 million, meaning tourists make up the vast majority of people on the islands at any given time.

“A Climate Impact Fee on visitors would provide the needed resources to protect our environment and increase awareness of the impacts of climate change,” Green said. “I believe this is not too much to ask of visitors to our islands… Hawaii’s natural resources – our beaches, forests, and waterfalls – are an essential part of our culture and way of life.”

The proposed fee would be added to a visitor’s accommodation charge in lieu of raising hotel and resort taxes, which in Hawaii are already some of the highest in the world. 

To read more, go here. 

Best Road Trips In Yellowstone National Park

Above, Lower Yellowstone Fall. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The last time I was in Yellowstone National Park (2019), I drove my motorhome from the south entrance from Grand Teton National Park to Old Faithful Geyser.

As I expected, the roads were clogged with vehicles. After viewing the geyser, we headed back out of the park. I wasn't planning on going to Yellowstone, but a friend who was with me wanted to see it.  

My previous trip there (2015) was much more enjoyable as my daughter and I took two tours of the park with Buffalo Bus Touring Co. The roads were crowded, but at least I let someone else do the driving. Additionally, they picked us up at the KOA Kampground we stayed at in West Yellowstone, Montana.

However, if one has more patience than I who doesn't mind driving in such crowded conditions, Lonely Planet has an article on five of the best Yellowstone road trips.

They begin with:

Yellowstone National Park is vast.

It encompasses more than 3400 sq miles and it includes more than 450 miles of roads, providing plenty of space to explore. Driving yourself means you can spend as much time as you like doing the best things that Yellowstone has to offer, whether that's gazing at geysers or hiking the 900 miles of trails.

Be sure to keep your eye on the gas gauge and bring water and food along with you. Also, check the roads you'll need will be open when you plan on coming. Most of the park's roads are closed for much of the year (generally closing in early November before reopening in April or May). Services within the park are also very limited outside of peak season, so be prepared.

Parking can be difficult at popular spots — try to aim for early or late in the day to avoid having to wait for a spot. If you're driving an alternative fuel vehicle, be sure to check on fueling station availability. 

Driving yourself offers freedom and the opportunity to explore some lesser-known sites that might not be part of organized tours, but be sure to see the park's tips for drivers. If you'd rather leave the driving to someone else, there are numerous tour options available. However you visit, brush up on bear safety and read the park's safety advice on wildlife, environmental hazards, hydrothermal features, and other things to keep in mind. Here are the five best road trips in Yellowstone National Park.

To read more, go here.

Best Time To Visit Grand Canyon National Park

Above, a view of the Grand Canyon from a viewpoint along Rim Drive. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Grand Canyon National Park is roughly 275 miles from home. During the past six years, I have visited it twice. Both times were at the South Rim (have visited the North Rim back in the 1970s) during the autumn season.

The last time there, we stayed at Trailer Village, which is an RV park with full hook-ups and a shuttle bus service that takes visitors to Grand Canyon Village and viewpoints. It is around 60 miles from Interstate 40 in Williams, Arizona.

Above, at South Rim's Trailer Village. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One may ask, When is the best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park? Well, Lonely Planet has posted an article answering that question.

They begin with: 

There is never a bad time to explore the deep and rippled beauty of Grand Canyon National Park. But depending on the nature of your trip – be it a rugged multi-day hike through jagged switchbacks and river ravines, a spot of family camping, or a quick budget-friendly adventure – when you visit can make all the difference.

When planning the perfect Grand Canyon National Park itinerary, the factors to consider are as expansive as the rocky vistas that await your arrival. From monsoons to relentless desert heat via peak visitor numbers, here’s everything you need to know about the best times to visit.

To read more, go here. 

New Mexico In Lonely Planet's "Best In Travel"

Above, Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The state's government leaves much to be desired, but New Mexico has plenty of scenic and cultural beauty to enjoy.

That is why Lonely Planet has named New Mexico one of 30 places to inspire.

According to Yahoo:

Nov. 28—New Mexico is one of three U.S. entries on Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2023 list of 30 Places to Inspire You.

New Mexico joins Alaska and Boise, Idaho, on a list "designed to help you dream, plan and go to the places that will be buzzing in the year ahead."

As top attractions, Lonely Planet listed Meow Wolf, the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, Taos Pueblo, the Very Large Array, Chaco Culture Natural Historic Park, Acoma Pueblo, Spaceport America and White Sands National Park.

To read more, go here.

Lonely Planet: Tokyo On A Budget

Above, Tokyo's famous Nakamise Street in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One has to wonder if some travel websites check on how things are at certain destinations when it comes to foreign exchange of currencies before posting an article.

Kyodo News reported that the Japanese yen has tumbled to a 20-year low against the U.S. dollar today. I blogged about it just moments ago. Lonely Planet could have incorporated this information in their article when they posted it four hours ago.

Regardless, Lonely Planet has posted an article on how to visit Tokyo on a budget. That is, when the country finally opens up to foreign tourism. If we were able to go there, we'd be getting more yen for our dollars now.

They begin it with:

When one thinks of budget travel destinations, Tokyo seldom jumps to the top of the list. But while Japan’s frenetic capital can have seriously deleterious effects on your bank account, it also offers yen-counting alternatives that don’t necessarily require a dip in quality. 

Michelin-star cuisine for less than $10 per meal, nomihoudai (all-you-can-drink) and tabehoudai (all-you-can eat) options at izakaya (gastropubs), capsule hotels that marry quintessentially Japanese living quirks with cheap prices, and affordable low-season flight fares mean you can make the best out Tokyo without having to max out your credit cards.

So, for all the need-to-know insider tips, check out our guide to traveling Tokyo on a budget.

To read more, go here. 

Best Waterfalls of Yellowstone National Park

Above, Yellowstone's Lower Falls is probably the most popular. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yellowstone National Park is loaded with many geothermal features along with a myriad of animals, mountains, plant life and waterfalls.

Yellowstone has so many that Lonely Planet has picked out the ten best waterfalls within the park.

They begin with:

Located primarily in Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park sprawls its 2.2 million acres of spectacular and wild beauty into parts of Montana and Idaho, too, and is one of the largest parks in the US National Park Service. 

This hotspot of geothermal activity (the most of any place on the planet!) is home to such iconic sights as Old Faithful geyser and Mammoth Hot Springs. Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is also the oldest national park in the United States. 

In addition to geysers that blow their lids on the regular and pools that bubble with 50 shades of blue (and very dangerous) beauty, Yellowstone is a place with cold water in abundance, too – cascades, curtains and veils of it gush down in varying intensities all over the park. So if you’ve come to chase waterfalls, you’re in a great spot for it here. 

To read more, go here. 

Top Tips For Yellowstone National Park

Above, a mother bear and cub in a Yellowstone meadow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Two months from now, the summer vacation will start and thousands of people will flock to Yellowstone National Park.

An expert on Yellowstone has written an article on the dos and don'ts of visiting the park at Lonely Planet.

He begins it with:

For the better half of three decades, I have been blessed with the opportunity to work and play in Yellowstone National Park, the first national park of the United States of America.

On March 1, 2022, Yellowstone turned 150 years old. In those 150 years, the boundaries of the park have changed, animals have both flirted with extinction and thrived with protection and park visitation numbers continue to soar year after year.  

As a Yellowstone tour guide and avid outdoorsman, here are my top 5 do’s along with 5 don’ts all park visitors this very special 150th season should, well, do and don’t do.

To read more, go here. 

Best National Parks For RV Campers

Above, Trailer Village at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

March is zipping by fast, and before we know it, it will be summer vacation season.

With COVID-19 on the wane (we hope), people will be wanting to get out into the Great Outdoors in their RVs, particularly to a national park.

Lonely Planet has posted an article on the best national parks for RV campers in 2022. They begin it with:

Looking to get closer to nature and linger longer at a US national park in 2022? RV camping is the perfect socially-distanced way to experience the majestic wide-open spaces of the US national parks. 

Camping in an RV within a national park provides a comfortable base to immerse yourself in a park’s beauty from sunrise to sunset (and beyond for great stargazing). National park campsites also create a fun sense of community between RV campers, who share everything from vehicle advice to travel tips, BBQ recipes and s’mores around the campfire.

The national parks listed below are top destinations not only for the quantity and quality of RV campsites within the parks but for the access that RVs have to tour the parks on wide, paved roadways with key park attractions being within roadside viewing distance. 

To read more, go here. 

When Can International Tourists Visit Japan?

Above, wintertime at Nakamise Street in Asakusa, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When can tourists travel to Japan?

That is a question on a lot of people's minds. Japan recently extended their travel ban to the end of February. After that, what happens then?

Lonely Planet has posted an article wondering the same.

Some snippets:

Once the ban is lifted at the end of February, it's unclear who will be permitted to travel to Japan. Presumably Japan will allow business travelers and international students to return again and resume the phased reopening plan that had started in early November, but that hasn't been confirmed.

As for international tourists the situation is even less clear. "Unfortunately, we don't have any more information than the extension of the travel ban through February," a spokesperson for the tourism board told Lonely Planet.

While a statement on US Embassy in Japan's website reads: "travel for tourism and most other short-term purposes is still not permitted, and there is no indication that this will change in the short term. Visa-free travel is suspended."

To read the full article, go here. 

Lonely Planet: Best Day Trips From Jackson Hole

Above, yours truly under an antler arch in Jackson, Wyoming. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

The northwest corner of Wyoming is a great and fun place to visit on vacation. There's plenty of things to see and do.

Near Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks is the valley known as Jackson Hole. It is an ideal base camp for exploring the region. There are plenty of hotels, motels and campgrounds in and near the town of Jackson.

Lonely Planet has posted an article on the best four day trips from Jackson Hole.

They begin it with:

There’s enough to do in Jackson Hole to keep you busy for weeks at a time – and most visitors use the valley as a home base to explore the wider area, too.

Two of America’s most famous national parks are within 60 miles of Jackson Hole, and the history of the American West feels omnipresent in the region. Here are the top four day trips for visitors to Jackson Hole.  

To see what they are, go here. 

Lonely Planet: Things To Know Before Going To Kyoto

Above, the Higashiyama District (東山) below Kiyomizu-dera temple. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When (not if) we are again able to travel to Japan on vacation, Kyoto should be put on the itinerary of places to visit. 

I have been to Kyoto twice and enjoyed it each time.

Lonely Planet has an article on things to know before going to Kyoto which is helpful for future visitors.

It begins with:

Kyoto is the embodiment of traditional Japanese culture, a place where authentic crafts are kept alive and historic temples and teahouses line the narrow streets. So perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s also a destination where etiquette can have a big part to play. 

Here’s a rundown of some key things to know before going to Kyoto.

To read more, go here. 

Key West On A Budget

Above, tour trolleys in Key West makes it easy to get around. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before the pandemic hit last year, I was planning on a return visit to Key West, Florida for a week. We had stopped there during the Royal Caribbean Havana, Cuba cruise in 2019 and I enjoyed Key West and wanted to go back since we were there for only a few hours.

During my research planning, I found that Key West is not cheap. 

As this is the case, my attention was drawn to some tips on visiting Key West on a budget by Lonely Planet. 

They posted an article on this and it begins with:

Key West, the southernmost city in the continental USA, is a seven-mile-long island of rainbow-colored historical Caribbean homes, shaded verandas, palmetto fronds, open-air bars and a surfeit of restaurants.

What Key West is not: cheap. Or, to be more accurate, it is not a budget travel destination. There are workarounds if you are willing to be flexible, but be aware, even these tips will make your trip less expensive rather than a true budget experience.

To read more, go here. 

Lonely Planet: Getting Around Albuquerque

Above, a hearth at Old Town Albuquerque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With all the things I have to do on occasion in Albuquerque, New Mexico these past three years, I am starting to get to know the city. There are services in Albuquerque that I can't get in nearby Gallup, so I usually stay at an RV park while there.

Albuquerque has ways for people to get around the city and Lonely Planet has an article on what's available to visitors. 

They start it with:

From wagon-rutted trails to trains to Route 66, Albuquerque has long found itself at the crossroads of transportation. Albuquerque’s neighborhoods such as Old Town and Nob Hill tend to be pedestrian friendly, but getting around the 189-sq-mile city is admittedly easiest by car. 

Still, while Albuquerque doesn’t have a subway system or light rail, it has taken steps in the past few years to increase its accessibility and decrease its carbon footprint. Here are the best ways to navigate Albuquerque via public transportation.

To read more, go here.