When I traveled solo around the South Island's West Coast in New Zealand, I hadn’t planned to spend much time on the West Coast. It was just …
Laurie Schmidt
Three Days in West Kauai
About 20 years ago, I was trying to decide where to take my son on a summer vacation trip. One of my coworkers asked me if I had ever been …
Utah Canyon Country: Why Winter is the Best Time to Visit
When I first started exploring Utah canyon country in the 1990s, I always went during spring, summer, and fall, like most people. But one …
Easy Day Hikes in Grand Staircase-Escalante NM
If you want to get an up-close look at southern Utah’s arches, natural bridges, and hoodoos, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument …
Essential Tips for Visiting Bermuda
Back in the late 1970s, my brother and I went to see the new blockbuster movie, The Deep. I was fascinated by the cool underwater scenes I’d …
My Favorite Hawaii Sunset Photo Spots
I admit I’m not very motivated when it comes to getting up early enough to photograph sunrises. I have honestly tried, but my body is just …
Escalante Canyons: A Wild West Story
The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM) encompasses a vast region that covers nearly two million acres in southern Utah. The …
Solo Travel: Overcoming the Fear
I’ve been traveling solo for more than 25 years, and it’s given me some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. But was I afraid to …
My Cook Islands Adventure on Aitutaki Atoll
I’ve always had a fascination with South Pacific islands. Something about that region of the planet has always called to me. So, when I did …