5 Off the Beaten Path Trails to Try
These local, less crowded trails are calling your name as spring gets ready to make its entrance.
Erin Gifford
I am a Washington, DC-based lifestyle & travel writer. My writing has appeared in USA Today's GoEscape, Chicago Tribune, AFAR.com, CNN.com, The Washington Post, LonelyPlanet.com, Parents, Family Circle, HGTV.com, TravelChannel.com, ArchitecturalDigest.com, AAA Traveler Worldwise, Northern Virginia Magazine, Brides.com and AAA World. I am also a family travel expert and founder of Kidventurous.com, an award-winning travel resource. When not seeking out new adventures, I'm crossing off the next state in my quest to run a half-marathon in all 50 states (so far, I've run in 29 states).
A restless Virginia resident finds sights that evoke the West within driving distance
Like many travel lovers, I’ve had no desire to go anywhere by plane — mask on, eyes darting anxiously from one passenger to the next, ears open for coughs and sneezes. Over the summer, I hiked, biked, kayaked and camped within an hour or two of my home in Virginia’s Loudoun County, an area of rolling hills and green countryside outside D.C. But by September, I ached to untether from my safe space in the suburbs. I fiercely desired a bona fide change of scenery.
Fall for Virginia's Skyline Drive
Revel in the foliage-filled scenic route but unclick your seatbelt to explore the historic attractions and natural wonders across Shenandoah National Park.
A carefree drive along the gently curving 105-mile Skyline Drive in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park is for many a bucket list-worthy experience. This is especially true in fall as the dramatic foliage display gets underway with vibrant bursts of gold and fiery orange leaves.
Motoring along at 35 mph, it can take as little as three hours
St. Augustine: A Timeless Favorite
St. Augustine is rich in history and old-world charm thanks largely to famed Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon. He came ashore in 1513 during his search of Bimini in the Bahamas. This fated landing led to the founding of historic St. Augustine, the country’s oldest continuously inhabited city.
10 Hidden Gems When You Need to Get Back to Nature
For a summer vacation that allows for outdoor adventures minus the long lines and crowded hiking trails, look to less-visited, but equally beautiful, state parks, recreation areas, and national monuments.
Top Travel Trends for 2020 and 2021
Travel experts and industry insiders offer insight on what 2020 through 2021 travel trends will look like as stay-at-home restrictions change and social distancing continues.
The Ultimate Guide to RVing with Kids
For those who’ve been considering an RV family vacation, we’ve got three pieces of advice: There’s no better time than now. Yes, you can do it. You will not regret the decision. Not sure where to begin? We’ve got you covered. From picking an RV to choosing a campground to figuring out meals, read on and get ready for an RV adventure for the books
10 Best Cruise Ships for Teens
Chart a course for fun with your teens on a family cruise. Here are a slew of ocean cruises that will appeal to even the most jaded teens.
10 Unforgettable Airbnb Rentals in Costa Rica Under $125 Per Night
A tropical vacation doesn't need to be expensive. Here are the best and most beautiful wallet-friendly stays on Costa Rica beaches.
10 Unexpected Family Spring Break Vacations to Book Now
Whether you prefer sandy beaches or urban escapes, here's where to go this year as a family for your Spring Break vacation.
10 Midwest Vacation Destinations for Adventure Lovers
Set your sights on the Midwest for thrilling adventures of all kinds. Here's where to go to make the most of your vacay days.
Ever think about quitting your job to sail around the Caribbean? A couple of Wisconsin natives did just that.
A little over a year ago, Sara and Nick Wiskerchen did what many of us dream about, but few of us actually do. These Wisconsin natives quit their jobs in Washington, D.C., sold their modest home and set sail on a DIY cruise adventure.
10 Awesome Florida Spring Break Destinations That Aren't Disney
Move over Mickey. Here's where you really want to go in Florida for spring break this year.
These Active Wine Tours are Perfect for Every Adventurer
Grab a paddle, a saddle or a pair of snowshoes - you're going wine tasting.
Eco-Friendly Adventures in the Florida Keys
From snorkeling and coral reefs to colorful botanical parks and wild bird sanctuaries, every island on the chain has eco-friendly adventures to share and stories to tell visitors keen to get to know the Florida Keys.
The Top 4 Grand Canyon Experiences You Should Book Now
The siren's call of the Grand Canyon leads many to Arizona to experience this remarkable natural wonder first-hand. Yet few do more than amble along the rim. There are many more ways to get to know one of the most famous natural landmarks in the United States.
Family-Friendly Spring Break Destinations You Haven't Thought of Yet
The annual spring break holiday is a fantastic way to re-connect as a family, particularly after several dreary months spent busy with school and work. Here's where to go in the U.S. to make the most of your much-deserved spring vacation.
10 Reasons to Vacation in Cancun in 2020
Here's why you need to drop everything and pay a visit to the sun-soaked beaches of Mexico's delightful Yucatan Peninsula.
Hang Glide Over Sand Dunes in the Outer Banks
It’s fitting that visitors can heed the call of the sky in an area so steeped in aviation history. What more scenic place to experience flight than North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
8 Adrenaline-Filled U.S. Trips for Teens
Teens can be equal parts fun-loving and frustrating, especially when it comes to travel. We’ve got you covered: here are eight of our favorite high-octane trip ideas for teens in the U.S.
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