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Travel Tips & Deals

Most recently updated August 4th, 2023

Over the years, I’ve found a few favorite tools for planning and booking travel in the US and around the world.

Most of my travel adventures have been in or close to National Parks or other incredible outdoor destinations.

I focus on time spent in Nature, but there are also plenty of cultural and historical sights to see!

For your convenience, I’ve included links to my favorite travel companies, and some blog posts about trips I’ve taken with them.

Some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will receive a small payment at no additional cost to you. I do not get paid for recommendations, all opinions on this site are my own. See full Disclosure page here.

Travel Destinations USA

The average American spends 87% of their time indoors, 6% of it in a car, and just 7% of their life outdoors.

That’s too bad, because there are a lot of benefits to spending time outdoors!

National Parks

For National Park locations in the US, the National Park Service provides a park locator that may help you with some destination ideas.

I’ve written about some of the National Parks I’ve visited – with more to come!

State Parks

Many States in the US have online pages to help people navigate the State parks in their area.

T-Bone is on loan from the Texas Longhorn Herd to Palo Duro Canyon State Park

I’ve spent the most time in North Carolina State Parks and Virginia State Parks, but an online search would easily find parks in other parts of the country.

These sites provide important information like location, hours, fees and lodging options – as well as detailed Trail and park maps.

I’ve written about a few of the State Parks I’ve visited – with more to come! Read more here about:

Taking the ferry away from Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile

Adventure Travel

There are a couple of companies that I rely on when I want to go on hiking/adventure trips outside of the US.

Though I’ve arranged all of the details for many trips on my own, it’s much more convenient – and usually less expensive – to have the help of an experienced team in my destination country.

They take care of getting transfers, hiking permits, lodging, renting any necessary equipment and engaging trail guides – which can be tricky, especially when traveling in a remote area.

Hiking Old Rag in Shenandoah National Park

Adventure Travel Companies

If you have multiple flights and other transfers to reach your destination, it can be really confusing – especially if you don’t know the language!

It’s good to have someone on the ground to help you navigate the potential pitfalls that come with the mechanics of getting where you want to go.

There are two companies I’ve traveled the most with for guided trips. They’re both great companies, which is why I keep going back to them!

View of the crater on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand

G Adventures

I’ve got special regard for G Adventures because I’ve taken so many wonderful trips with them. They’re very eco-friendly and always have great discounts available.

Me at Machu Picchu – can’t believe this was 15 years ago!

My first trip with G Adventures was back in 2004, to hike and see ancient sites on the Amalfi Coast in Italy, and my most recent was in 2020 (right before the pandemic) to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand.

G Adventures offers vacations for solo travelers, couples, and the whole family, too.

NOTE: After March 31, 2023, GAP no longer requires all travelers to show proof of COVID vaccines & boosters or provide a Medical exemption to travel with them on any tour, but you can find an “all vaccinated” tour if you want one.

To learn more, see my G Adventures Travel page and get links to trip discounts!

Hiking near the Mont Blanc range in Italy.

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel provides expert group leaders and take care of all of the necessary permits and transfers for all of their trips, including entrance to any National parks abroad.

I’ve hiked the Isle of Skye in Scotland and cycled in Tuscany with this company, and much more. They were great!

They also offer some really good discounts on Last Minute travel.

NOTE: After March 31, 2023, Intrepid no longer requires all travelers to show proof of COVID vaccines & boosters or provide a Medical exemption to travel with them on any tour.

Travel Resources

For me, the most stressful part of a trip is getting to my destination and getting back home.

With flight cancellations, close connections, and carry-on rules changing for each flight, just navigating the airlines is enough to make you stay at home!

Returning to Puerto Natales from Torres del Paine.

Getting in the TSA Pre-Check line for flights in the US can help smooth the process.

Just go to their site, fill out the form, pay the fee and bring your ID to a quick in-person meeting and you’ll get your TSA Pre-check account number.

With TSA Pre-Check you won’t have to remove your shoes or unpack your laptop while going through airport Security – this is very important if time is tight and you’re wearing hiking boots!

A Guide To Enjoying National Parks

I write a lot about the individual hikes I’ve taken in the wonderful National Parks across America, but pretty much leave the descriptions of the parks themselves to the Park websites.

Wayside previews of the park on the way into Bryce Canyon National Park

A friend from the National Parks shared this Guide with me recently, and I thought I would pass it on to you!

The US is home to 62 national parks, and I’ve visited a bunch of them. But if you want to read about them ALL go here:

https://www.loveholidays.com/holidays/enjoying-us-national-parks-responsibly/

Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in 1872, and the rest followed, up to New River Gorge National Park, which was dedicated less than a decade ago.

Dark Hollow Falls in Shenandoah National Park

Other Helpful Travel Sites

The resources below help me keep everything organized with detailed itineraries, and usually provide some good discounts, too:

Travelocity – I use them mainly for researching and booking flights. This is great because you can see flight options from many different airlines and from different airports. If you book rental car and lodging along with your flights, you can get some really good deals.
Crystal Travel – Some great discount flights and other travel deals.
Booking.com – Great for booking hotel rooms and comparison shopping. The more you book with them, the better deals you get. Also, most bookings are cancellable and don’t require a deposit.
Cozycozy.com – Look for a room with Cozycozy for your next hiking trip – they’re sure to have a place near the trail that suits you!
City Pass – Discount Activity Passes for specific destination cities, you get great discounts on multiple local attractions!
Sightseeing Pass – Sightseeing Passes give you access to activities and services for a discount. Passes are available for: New York City, New Orleans, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Nashville, Orlando, Miami, Key West, and more!

I'm sharing my anti-asthma diet with you! I hope it helps. My earliest memory is of being inside an oxygen tent when I was a toddler. I'm in my 50's now. Through years of research and trial and error, I've created a diet that helps me breathe easier. — Trail marker on the Pacific Crest Trail near Big Bear CA

For more vacation planning ideas, see my Trip Planning post. You may also find some tips in my post about planning your trip budget.

I hope these resources help you plan the trip of your dreams 🙂 However you do it, get out there and have your hiking adventure!

Thanks for stopping by – see you next time! LJ

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Go Llama Trekking at Divine Llama Vineyards

Most recently updated January 16th, 2022

From the moment I heard the phrase “llama trekking”, I was hooked. I love to hike – and who doesn’t love a llama??

Even better, when you go llama trekking at Divine Llama Vineyards, there could be wine involved 🙂

Divine Llama Vineyards is equally famous for its wine and for the Llama Treks they host together with their neighbor, the Four Ladies & Me Farm.

I stopped by for a visit one afternoon after a day of hiking at nearby Pilot Mountain State Park. It’s so close, you can see the mountain from the vineyard, and they’ve put Pilot Mountain on their label.

The big pinnacle at Pilot Mountain State Park

Equally close by is Hanging Rock State Park – so I plan to reward myself with another visit to Divine Llama after a day of hiking there, too! Continue reading Go Llama Trekking at Divine Llama Vineyards

Pilot Mountain State Park – Hike, Climb, Paddle and Camp

Most recently updated January 16th, 2022

Pilot Mountain State Park views from the top are especially spectacular when the Fall colors come out! It’s a great place to take a family trip any time of year, with miles of trails, camping, climbing, canoeing, and lots of Ranger programs.

I’ve been visiting this park for many years, first with my daughter when she was young, and later with hiking friends or on my own.

Like the rocky escarpments in nearby Hanging Rock State Park, Pilot Mountain is a remnant of the ancient Sauratown Mountains.

In fact, the Sauratown Trail, a 22-mile (30 miles with spurs) trail for both hikers and equestrians, crosses the range and interconnects the two state parks.

This is a hike I’ve been dreaming of tackling for a while now – you’ll hear all about it when I do!

Perfect for Day Trips

Map of NC State Parks within an easy drive of Winston-Salem

Several NC State Parks are just far enough away to be special trips but still close enough to make good day or weekend trips from the Raleigh area.

Hanging Rock State Park, Pilot Mountain State Park, and – just squeaking in as do-able with a 3 hour drive – Stone Mountain State Park.

Pilot Mountain SP is an easy 2.5 hour drive from Raleigh, so you can easily get there, hike all day and still make it home before bedtime – especially on longer summer days. Of course, if you live in Winston-Salem it’s an even shorter trip 🙂

Every time I visit, there’s something new to see, and the view from the summit never loses it’s charm.

If you’re looking for something a little bit closer to the Raleigh area, try Umstead State Park or for younger kids, try Yates Mill County Park.

Where To Stay

Talking to a llama at Divine Llama Winery — Chatting up a llama at Divine Llama Vineyards

If you want to spend more time to thoroughly explore the park and visit local attractions like Horne Creek Farm or Divine Llama Vineyards, you’ll need to find a place to stay.

There are camping sites and canoe-in camp sites available in the park. You can reserve a campsite on the ReserveAmerica site.

You could also find Pilot Mountain cabins to rent or stay at a Mount Airy or Pilot Mountain hotel. Continue reading Pilot Mountain State Park – Hike, Climb, Paddle and Camp

Explore the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park

Most recently updated January 16th, 2022

The Flume Gorge natural area in New Hampshire’s Franconia Notch State Park is spectacular and pictures just don’t do it justice.

Avalanche Falls i the Flume Gorge — Avalanche Falls in the Flume Gorge

Eight hundred feet long and about 20 feet from side to side at its widest, with granite walls 90 feet high, the Flume feels like you’ve entered a different world or stepped back in time.

It’s something you really have to see for yourself to appreciate.

I returned last week from my second visit (in the past year!) to the area – the first was early last November, and a freak storm had covered the place deep in snow, so I wasn’t able to hike very far.

But my most recent visit, in early May, was perfect weather for visiting the gorge, and well worth the return trip!

I went on my own, but walking the self-guided 2-mile Flume Trail through the Flume Gorge is a great way to spend some time outdoors with the whole family.

Bear Cave near the Flume Trail boardwalk

Though there are many more difficult hikes in the Franconia Notch area for seasoned hikers, the Flume Trail is an easy manicured walk for hikers of all ages and abilities.

But don’t think you’ll be bored because it’s an easier hike.

In addition to the prehistoric beauty of the gorge, you’ll be splashed by waterfalls and cooled by mist, see huge Ice Age boulders, walk through historic covered bridges, and take in some beautiful mountain views. Continue reading Explore the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park

Run and Hike the Lake Pine Trail – Even if You Have Asthma!

Most recently updated July 7th, 2023

The Lake Pine Trail is a paved loop that circles the lake in Apex Community Park, located near the dividing line between the towns of Cary and Apex, close to Raleigh, North Carolina.

Like nearby Bond Park, Lake Crabtree County Park, and Umstead State Park, Apex Community Park has the benefit of being in town, plus the appeal of hosting a fairly large recreational lake.

Another nearby park with paved walking trails is the North Carolina Museum of Art Park – but they don’t have a lake, just a pond. 🙂

The Lake Pine Trail Loop

Lake Pine is a great trail for running or walking, is smooth and wide enough to use your stroller or baby jogger, too – and is good for all skill levels.

Apex Community Park entry sign at Laura Duncan Road

The trail runs between the lake and other natural areas, so there’s a good chance to see wildlife.

I’ve seen deer, otters, loons, cranes, turtles – and fish 🙂

Dogs are also allowed on this trail but must be kept on leash.

The loop is about 2 miles long, and you have the option to venture off the main path to other unpaved nature trails, too. Continue reading Run and Hike the Lake Pine Trail – Even if You Have Asthma!

Fun Outdoor Activity Ideas – 13 Trail Games to Play With Your Kids

Most recently updated January 16th, 2022

Kids play outdoors at the Prairie Ridge Ecostation

If you’ve read any of my other posts, you know that hiking with kids and fun outdoor activity ideas for the whole family are a big focus of my blog.

This week’s article is a guest post from Hannah Murley, who is a blogger over at OwntheYard.com, a blog that focuses on backyard games and gear.

Fun Outdoor Games For Kids

Hannah approached me with an idea for a post about trail games for kids, because we both seem to have some focus on getting kids outside.

Kids hiking at the Prairie Ridge Ecostation

Mostly, I focus on hiking with kids, but I also write about fun outdoor activities for toddlers that don’t include a lot of “hiking” unless you have them in some sort of carrying device.

So, I thought, that’s great – let’s get some ideas from a different point of view!

The games below are all fun, but some are more suited for play at a rest stop or in a park than for actual trail hiking.

Baby Backpack Carrier for Hiking with Kids

This could be due to the props you’d have to carry (in addition to any tired kids), or that the game might slow progress down the trail, or that the trail might be too rough for that particular game.

Hannah has made notes to that effect, but I urge everyone to use their common sense and knowledge of the trails and children involved to decide whether a game would be good for the outing you’re hosting.

And as always, remember to be courteous to others using the trail or park.

Do not block trails or trail access, and pause your game to allow other hikers to pass through.

13 Trail Games to Play with Your Kids

Hiking is a great outdoor activity for the whole family!

by Hannah Murley

Hiking is a great way to get children out in the open air, surround them with nature, and get them some healthy exercise.

While the wonders of the trail are new and intriguing at the beginning, over time kids can become bored.

Continue reading Fun Outdoor Activity Ideas – 13 Trail Games to Play With Your Kids

10 Tips to Control Indoor Allergens – and Stop the Madness!

Most recently updated July 7th, 2023

Spring!

It’s the time of year when trees in the South release massive clouds of yellow pollen into the wind, to be distributed to allergy-prone noses and lungs everywhere.

Around here, it’s known as “The Pollening”.

Pine pollen is a huge problem in the South

Even if you don’t live in the South, it isn’t unusual to find your allergies heating up along with the air temperature.

The horrors of pollen season are so well-known that years ago, when my boyfriend told me he’d be unavailable for a few weeks due to severe allergies, I had nothing but sympathy for him.

Much later, I realized that my boyfriend’s allergies struck at exactly the same time as the “March Madness” basketball playoffs. Hmmm…

Basketball and pine pollen season arrive together

I’m not as gullible now, but I still have nothing but sympathy for people with allergies 🙂

If you have allergic asthma symptoms throughout the year (like I do), or even seasonal allergies and asthma, you can’t do much about what’s floating around in the air outside.

What you can do is take steps to control allergens inside your home, so you can breathe and rest easier year round.

According to the The American Lung Association, the air quality inside your home could be 2-5 times worse than the air outdoors. Continue reading 10 Tips to Control Indoor Allergens – and Stop the Madness!

Hikes and History at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

Most recently updated January 16th, 2022

I first heard about Palo Duro Canyon State Park a couple of years ago. It was February, and I wanted a good place to hike for a few days that was out of the cold, but not out of the USA.

A couple of hiker friends recommended Palo Duro Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas”.

After doing a some follow-up research, I decided that the park sounded perfect for my short solo hiking trip.

I booked a flight, bought some new boots, and went on down to Texas to see it for myself. Continue reading Hikes and History at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

Hiking Gear and Clothing

Most recently updated October 30th, 2024

You’ll need some good tread on your boots for this one…

Getting the right outdoor gear and clothing can make the difference between a happy hike and a miserable or even dangerous one.

There’s a lot of advice out there on what gear you’ll need and which products are the best.

On this page, you’ll find my picks for outdoor gear, clothing, and other stuff you might need for your hiking adventures.

If you’re looking for some travel pointers or ideas for your next adventure, check out my Travel Resources page.

For full service active tours at great prices, see my Adventures For You! page.

This page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will receive a small payment at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, and other affiliations, I earn from qualifying purchases. See full Disclosure page here.

Don’t forget your hat! Click to purchase

Usually people say they won’t endorse anything they’ve not used personally.

That’s a good practice, and I’ve tried to do that as much as possible with my picks for you.

That said, I tend to buy decent quality stuff and hang onto my gear until it falls apart, so I haven’t been able to try out all of these brands yet.

But I’ve read the descriptions and/or looked over them in a retail store, and I feel confident recommending these products to you.

HIKING GEAR LIST

My selections below are a result of weeding through many products to give you a sample selection of reliable gear choices for any budget.

For a more in-depth discussion of what to consider for each type of clothing, take a look at my Day Hike Gear Guide.

You can also see some info about less expensive – but still good to have – bits of gear on this post.

NOTE: The photos and grids below show my top picks for you from a variety of brands through Amazon. (Click any photo for more info or to purchase. You can also use the Search bar to find more options.)

PANTS AND LEGGINGS

Decades ago when I was shopping for hiking gear, there wasn’t much available for girls and women that would stand up to actual hiking and sweating on the trail.

Everything seemed to be made of flimsy pastel fabric, and some even had ruffles. Eeeww.

Fortunately, my daughter and I were small enough to be able to get what we needed in the Boys’ department.

Today there are so many options – both in women’s and men’s – for pants, shorts, leggings and even hiking skirts that trying to choose the right ones will make your head spin.

What to Look for in a Pair of Hiking Pants

The main thing you’re looking for is comfort and mobility. (Looking good won’t seem so important if your thighs are chafed raw, so when in doubt go for the larger size!)

Lately I’ve noticed a lot of women and girls hiking in leggings.

I’m personally not a fan of this practice because non-athletic leggings aren’t breathable, and I don’t think anyone needs to see that much detail of my butt.

That said, wicking running tights or athletic leggings can work for hiking, especially in cooler weather.

I also always opt for hiking pants rather than shorts because even in very hot weather, long pants help protect my legs from getting scraped up or bitten by insects – and offer sun protection, too.

MID LAYER (INSULATING)

There are three basic categories of insulating layers: a thin fleece to hike in on colder days, a thin synthetic jacket, and a down puffy jacket for really cold weather.

(I also sometimes top this off with a rain shell too for an extra layer of wind protection.)

Even on a warm day, you should pack an insulating layer.

Women’s full zip fleece – click to purchase

On colder days, you’ll need more layers to put on and take off as the day (and you) warm up or cool down.

You’ll need to gauge the outside temperature and how hard you’ll be exercising to know how many layers you want to start with.

When you sweat and then stop for a break, you’ll get cold very fast.

That’s when it’s good to have a jacket or a fleece handy.

I like a fleece layer with a full zipper, so I can just inzip it if I don’t want to take it all the way off.

BASE LAYER

Your base layer is what you wear right next to your skin. In any season, it should keep your skin as dry as possible (e.g. use a wicking fabric), provide insulation and ventilation.

The purpose of wicking fabric is to pull moisture away from your skin.

Merino wool is a great choice and comes in different weights for any season. It also keeps on insulating you even when it’s wet.

Mens Merino mid-layer – click to purchase

As an alternative, synthetic fabrics dry fast so you won’t wear a cold layer on your skin, risking hypothermia.

Which reminds me – stay away from cotton: it’ll get wet and heavy, and is slow to dry.

I’ve also used wicking thermals to double as a base layer and camping jammies.

JACKETS

I always carry a lightweight rain jacket in my pack (along with a hat and gloves in case it gets chilly).

This is one of those items that every hiker needs, but does unfortunately wear out over time and has to be replaced.

If you hike in some really wet places with torrential rains, it’s also a good idea to keep rain pants in your pack.

Pick some with zippers running the whole length so you can put them on quickly, without taking your boots off.

My picks include a sampling of warmer jackets for cold weather and lighter ones for layering.

Some of the jackets below are waterproof and will also serve as rain jackets.

Each one offers something a little bit different and will fit different budgets and hikes in all types weather.

PACKS

High on the list of “must-haves” for your hike is a decent daypack or backpack.

Not only do your packs take care of your gear, they also can make or break your comfort level while out on the trail.

There are countless variety of good packs out there to choose from to get you started.

BOOTS OR SHOES

Hiking boots may be the most important item in your hiker’s kit.

If you don’t choose your boots correctly, you may be in for a lot of pain – and also the expense of getting a new pair!

Women’s mid-range boot – click to purchase

There are lot of choices now for outdoor footgear.

Trail runners, hiking shoes and hiking boots are all equally good and it really comes down to where you’re hiking, personal preferences, and the weather.

I prefer hiking in boots but I choose as light as possible for the season.

For boots, I prefer mid-rise because I have strong ankles. Waterproof boots are good for wet days and winter hikes.

Mens waterproof hiking boot – click to purchase

For shorter day hikes I might pick trail runners or hiking shoes.

If in doubt, it’s better to wear boots – especially when the terrain is rocky, the weather is wet, or you’re carrying a heavy pack.

When you get your boots, make sure you try them on wearing thick socks that you would wear for hiking.

Then walk around a bit, and make sure you have a little bit of room in front: if your toes hit the front, downhill trails will hurt you.

Remember, feet swell when you’re hiking, so make sure the boots aren’t too snug.

For more detail on how to choose the right boots, and more boot recommendations, see this article How to Choose the Best Boots.

And if you’re still looking for gear and gifts, take a look at our IRW Merch Shop.

You’ll find gifts with the IRW Logo, Holiday-themed mugs and water-bottles, and other fun things to give as a gift.

ONE LAST THING….

Amazon logo

There are some other Idratherwalk.com pages about gear and other hiking stuff that feature Amazon products.

If you’ve been eyeballing something on the pages below, you should take another look to see if anything you want is on sale!

Some of the items on these pages are at a special price for Amazon Prime members, so be sure to get your membership before you buy.

I hope these suggestions have been helpful, and you find what you need!

Thanks for stopping by – see you next time! LJ

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Explore Lake Crabtree County Park – Sail, Fish, Bike, or Hike

Most recently updated September 21st, 2022

Lake Crabtree County Park is arguably the best in-town alternative to a trip to the beach for a quick fix of sand and time on the water.

View of the Observation Tower from the marina

In my opinion, any park where you can take your kids to paddle or even just watch the sun on the water is a big bonus – especially when you don’t have to drive more than 15-20 minutes to get there.

While Bond Lake and Symphony Lake are also centrally located, they don’t have nearly the size or water access afforded by Lake Crabtree.

Ice-sailing on White Bear Lake in Minnesota

I grew up on a large natural lake in Minnesota, with sailboats in the summer and snowmobiles, skis and ice-fishing in the winter.

So lakes make me feel good – and I logged a lot of hours on the Open Play field on the shore of Lake Crabtree when my daughter was little.

These days I spend more time hiking the 6 mile Lake Trail loop than flying kites. But you could do both!

Located in a forested area between Cary, Morrisville, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Lake Crabtree County Park offers visitors a 520-acre flood-control lake adjacent to a 215-acre wooded site, with 16-plus miles of trails, picnic areas that are perfect for outdoor games, boating, geocaching and catch-and-release fishing.

Continue reading Explore Lake Crabtree County Park – Sail, Fish, Bike, or Hike