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The Ultimate Mount Rainier National Park Guide & Itinerary

March 26, 2024

The Ultimate Mount Rainier National Park Guide & Itinerary

Expecting Adventure – 11 Tips for Hiking While Pregnant

February 27, 2024

Expecting Adventure – 11 Tips for Hiking While Pregnant

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I'm Caitlin. Chicago based travel blogger with a passion for currating well researched travel guides and tips.

16 Must-Try Cozy Restaurants in Chicago

North America, Travel • January 24, 2024

16 Must-Try Cozy Restaurants in Chicago

Does anyone else appreciate experiencing all four seasons throughout the year? In my totally biased opinion, it’s one of the best parts about living in the Midwest. It allows us Chicagoans to enjoy various dining experiences throughout the year, from…

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37 Top Gift Ideas for Each Type of Travel Lover in Your Life

Travel Tips • December 11, 2023

37 Top Gift Ideas for Each Type of Travel Lover in Your Life

Want to know a little secret about me? Gift-giving is not my love language. I’m always amazed by the people who know how to pick a thoughtful and beautiful gift that surprises the recipient. They also can make gift wrapping…

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Our Next Adventure Begins in December 2023

Lifestyle • October 31, 2023

Our Next Adventure Begins in December 2023

I stare back at my reflection in the mirror and spot the newly sprouted grey hairs that seemed to have grown overnight. My once brunette hairline quickly morphed into a grey and brown striped mixture within the past nine months….

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Hi, I'm Caitlin! Chicago based travel blogger with a passion for currating well researched travel guides and tips.

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The Ultimate Mount Rainier National Park Guide & Itinerary
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Is spotting a puffin on your Iceland bucket list?

Is spotting a puffin on your Iceland bucket list? 🇮🇸

If so, save this post! ✔️

Witnessing one of these colorful creatures was certainly on my bucket list during our summer trip to Iceland. Luckily, we saw one singular puffin while exploring Látrabjarg Cliffs 😄

When we visited Iceland in late August, it was at the tail end of one of their colder summers, so our odds of seeing a puffin were slim. We struggled to catch a glimpse of one of these vibrant birds as we explored the cliffs. Almost losing hope and heading back towards the car park, Bill spotted one singular puffin in its nest. We kept our cool even though we were so excited that we were the only people around to witness our puffin friend.

My hope is that you have better luck than us and have the opportunity to witness Iceland’s adorable mascot. Here are five tips to help you make the most of your puffin-spotting experience:

📍 Head to the right location: Puffins can be found all around Iceland, but the best places to see them are Látrabjarg Cliffs, Dyrhólaey, and Westman Islands, to name a few.

🌅 Pick the right time of day: The best times to see puffins are during the evening hours or early in the morning, as they’re out at sea catching fish during the day.

☀️ Check the season: Puffins arrive in Iceland in late April and stay until August. Be sure to plan your trip accordingly.

☺️ Be patient: Puffins can be shy and may take some time to emerge from their burrows, so don’t be afraid to wait around for a bit.

🇮🇸 Respect their space: I hope this goes without saying, but don’t feed or touch the puffins. Puffins are a protected species in Iceland, so make sure to keep a safe distance.

Let me know in the comments if spotting a puffin is on your Iceland bucket list!

#puffinsiceland #traveliceland #icelandicnature #latrabjargcliffs #todayiniceland #icelandicadventure

Traveling can be an incredibly enriching adventure

Traveling can be an incredibly enriching adventure, but it can also be overwhelming. With so many new sights, sounds, and experiences to take in, it’s easy to lose touch with yourself in the midst of all the excitement.

Double tap if you can relate 🤍

That’s why it’s so important to take some time to reflect and come back to yourself while you’re on the road ✨

For me, this means finding moments of stillness amidst the chaos of travel. Maybe it’s waking up early to watch the sunrise or taking a quiet hike on a beautiful trail 🏔️

Whatever it is, making time for these small moments of reflection can not only help enhance your travels, but also have a positive impact on your overall well-being 😌

Of course, this isn’t always easy to do. When you’re in a new place, there can be pressure to see and do as much as possible.

So remember to take your time, listen to your body, and don’t be afraid to slow down and reconnect with yourself. Your travels will be all the richer for it ☀️

#rialtobeach #pnwadventures #rialtobeachsunset #pnwroadtrip #pnwwonderland #olympicnationalpark🌲

Dreaming of snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows?

Dreaming of snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows? If so, Mount Rainier National Park is your ultimate escape 🏔️✨

Save this post for future reference! ☑️

Nestled majestically in the heart of Washington state, Mount Rainier National Park beckons adventurers with its towering peaks and wild beauty. Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the US and, as a result, has produced gorgeous terrain surrounding it. The rivers flowing from the glaciers have created the renowned wildflower meadows for which the National Park is famous for 🌸

Mount Rainier National Park also has some of the region’s most beautiful hiking trails, making it a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Double tap if this sounds like you! 💛

I was so captivated by the beauty of Mount Rainier that it prompted me to create a comprehensive travel guide so others could experience the park’s brilliance. I published my new Mount Rainier National Park Guide & Itinerary blog post this week, and it turned out better than I imagined!

Click the link in the bio to check it out!

#mountrainiernationalpark #mountrainiernps #pnwroadtrip #washingtonstatebeauty #pnwdiscovered

Explore Yosemite’s wonders, one trail at a time

Explore Yosemite’s wonders, one trail at a time ✨
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Save this post for future reference! ✔️
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Yosemite National Park is a true gem nestled in the heart of California. The park boasts a variety of hiking trails, each with its own unique and breathtaking views 🤩
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For an unforgettable journey, check out the Inspiration Point and Glacier Point trails, which offer panoramic views of the park’s iconic landmarks 🏔️
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Alternatively, the Cathedral Lakes and Sentinel Dome trails offer a more challenging terrain with stunning vistas along the way 🥾
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For a true adrenaline rush, the Taft Point and Vernal and Nevada Falls trails will not disappoint 😍
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And last but certainly not least, the Half Dome trail is a must-do for any serious hiker. This 16-mile round-trip trek is challenging but rewards those who complete it with stunning views of Yosemite Valley. You’ll need to secure a permit well in advance!
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Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, Yosemite National Park will surely leave you amazed 🤍
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Have you visited Yosemite, or is it still on your bucket list? Tell me in the comments!

#yosemitenationalpark🌲 #yosemitehiking #yosemitehikes #usnationalparks #glacierpoint #elcapitanyosemite #taftpoint

The magic of Mount Rainier 🏔️✨ Visiting Mo

The magic of Mount Rainier 🏔️✨

Visiting Mount Rainier National Park for the first time left me in awe of the sheer beauty and scale of this majestic mountain. From the stunning vistas to the wildflower meadows, every step of the journey was an adventure 🤩

Mount Rainier had been on my National Park bucket list for years, and its breathtaking views surpassed all of my expectations.

I can’t wait to go back and explore more of this spectacular wilderness one day with my daughter 🤍

What US National Parks are still on your bucket list? Tell me in the comments!

#mountrainiernationalpark #mountrainiernps #usnationalpark #pnwhiking #fremontlookouttrail #pnwadventures

Lost in the land of fire and ice ❄️🔥 Whene

Lost in the land of fire and ice ❄️🔥

Whenever I’m asked about my favorite travel destination, Iceland is always my first response. This remarkable country has stolen my heart with its stunning waterfalls, rugged fjords, natural hot springs, and raw beauty 🇮🇸

Double tap if Iceland is on your list of favorite places in the world 🤍

Now that Bill and I are parents, we’ve been dreaming of all the countries we want to show our daughter. Unsurprisingly, Iceland is one of the top destinations we can’t wait to take her to when the time is right.

Planning a trip to the land of fire and ice? I have 5 blog posts dedicated to planning an unforgettable adventure in my favorite place. Click the link in my bio to learn more! 😄🇮🇸

#icelandtravelguide #icelandnature #icelandadventure #icelandexplored #icelandroadtrip

Dreaming of the ultimate relaxing experience after

Dreaming of the ultimate relaxing experience after conquering Queenstown's stunning hiking trails? If yes, double tap 🤍

You can revel in a moment of pure bliss when you arrive at @onsenhotpools.

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You'll immediately be put at ease once you step foot in this serene spa. The warmth of the Onsen Hot Pools melts away all worries, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Queenstown 🌿

This boutique day spa has several cedar-lined hot pools, each with a private space that overlooks the Shotover River canyon. The Original Onsen experience is an hour-long soak in the tranquil warm water and includes a towel, a complimentary glass of wine, beer, or juice, and a sweet treat 🥂

I recommend booking your soak around sunset for a truly magical experience 😌

Who are you bringing with you for your sunset spa experience? Tell me in the comments!

If you're traveling to the South Island of New Zealand, I have an entire 14-day itinerary on my blog. Link in bio!

#onsenhotpools #queenstownnewzealand #queenstownlife #onsenhotpoolsqueenstown #purenz🇳🇿

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable advent

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure this spring? Double tap if you’re in, and prepare to explore the unique landscape in Arches National Park 💛🥾
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Spring is one of the best seasons to visit Arches National Park - the days get longer, the temperatures are comfortable for outdoor adventures, and the desert wildflowers are in bloom 🌼
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Arches National Park offers a variety of stunning hikes, showcasing its iconic rock formations and breathtaking vistas. I’ve highlighted the top hikes below:
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🔸Delicate Arch Trail (3.2 miles) - This is easily the most famous hike in the park to Utah’s most recognizable landmark.
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🔸Devils Garden Trail (7.9 miles) - Another popular yet challenging trail is the Devils Garden Trail loop. It requires hikers to scramble in certain sections, but you can witness several impressive arches along the way.
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🔸Double Arch (0.6 miles) & The Windows Loop (1.2 miles) Trails - These easy yet scenic trails are next to one another and can be tackled simultaneously.
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🔸Fiery Furnace Trail (2.1 miles) - This intricate, maze-like trail will leave you speechless. While you need a permit to access this hike, it’s worth every bit of effort.
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🔸Park Avenue Trail (1.8 miles) - A short but picturesque hike that takes you through a canyon with towering rock formations resembling skyscrapers.
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If you plan on hiking, remember to pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and be sure to follow the Leave No Trace Principles!

#archesnationalpark #archesnps #delicatearch #archesnationalparkguide #archesphotography #utahtravel

Embracing nature with a little one on the way is a

Embracing nature with a little one on the way is a truly memorable experience. Double tap if you agree 💕

Bill and I wanted to add some outdoor adventure to our babymoon itinerary. Instead of the typical relaxing getaway, we decided to plan a road trip in the Pacific Northwest when I was six months pregnant.

I’ll admit, a handful of people thought we were a little crazy for booking a trip like this for a babymoon. What can I say? I prefer a bit of adventure in my life! 😄

I had never traveled or hiked during my pregnancy, so I decided to do some research and familiarize myself with best practices for a safe journey.

After countless hours of internet searches, talking with my doctor, and experiencing it firsthand, I’ve put together some helpful tips for all the soon-to-be mamas who love hiking and would like to continue doing so during pregnancy 🤰🏻

🩺 First and foremost, check with your doctor before you hit the trails! I’m not a medical professional, and all the tips and advice below are my own opinions and researched guidance.

🏔️ Choose the perfect trail - consider the altitude, uneven terrain, cell service availability, and proximity to local hospitals and doctors.

🥾 Wear the right gear - supportive hiking boots are a must.

❤️ Take care of your body - stay hydrated, stretch beforehand, and pack nutritious snacks. Utilize trekking poles to maintain your balance on the trail. Remember to take breaks and listen to your body.

🧻 Consider your bladder - include toilet paper and hand sanitizer in your pack.

👯‍♀️ Avoid hiking solo - bring a hiking buddy with you to enjoy the scenery and help you in case of an emergency!

🚨 Recognize warning signs - feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or excessively fatigued, to name a few.

If you decide to hike, be sure to follow the Leave No Trace Principles! 🌲

Which one of these pregnancy hiking tips stood out to you? Let me know in the comments!

#pregnancyhikingtips #pregnanthiking #pregnanthiker #pnwroadtrip #mountrainiernationalpark #olympicnps

In the heart of New Zealand’s beauty lies the Be

In the heart of New Zealand’s beauty lies the Ben Lomond track, where adventure and spectacular landscapes collide. Ready for the ascent? 🏔️🥾

You’ll witness the most breathtaking panoramic views of The Remarkables once you reach the summit 😍

Unlike most treks, Ben Lomond has two starting points. The first segment and starting point of the challenging 9.5-mile out-and-back trail begins at the Tiki Trail below the Queenstown gondola.

The hike’s second segment and starting point begins at the top of the gondola at Bob’s Peak. Starting your walk from Bob’s Peak will shorten your trek to 6.8 miles – I recommend this option if you’re a less experienced hiker or are trying to conserve some energy!

Ben Lomond is a challenging trek with some serious elevation gain (4,419 ft from the Tiki Trail and 3,316 ft from Bob’s Peak), but well worth the effort 😮‍💨

One of my core memories from our trip to New Zealand is looking out at the incredible surrounding views 🇳🇿✨

When you visit New Zealand, would you be up for this challenging hike? Let me know in the comments! 🤍

#benlomondsummit #benlomondnz #newzealandhikes #purenz🇳🇿 #queenstownnewzealand

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