First-time visitors to Las Vegas are often caught off guard by resort fees, expensive cocktails, and how much walking the Strip requires. After 14 trips to Las Vegas, we’ve learned the hard way what matters most, including where to stay, what to skip, what’s actually free, and how to make the most of a short trip. These Las Vegas tips and tricks for first-time visitors…
One night in Las Vegas can deliver a full Strip experience if you choose the right hotel and plan it strategically. For a one-night Las Vegas itinerary, New York-New York Hotel & Casino (NYNY) stands out as one of the best all-in-one stays on the Strip, thanks to its central location, walkability, and built-in dining and entertainment. Here’s exactly how to plan the perfect one…
The Grand Canyon South Rim is a bucket list travel destination whether it’s a quick visit or a longer stay. But one day is enough to see it properly if you plan it well. This complete Grand Canyon South Rim travel guide covers the itinerary we’d recommend, where to stay and eat, the best viewpoints, the ones you can skip, and the two optional experiences…
Choosing where to stay at the Grand Canyon South Rim came down to one decision for our trip: Bright Angel Lodge or El Tovar. They’re the two most discussed options inside the park and they’re within easy walking distance of each other. But at these prices, we had to choose carefully. We ultimately stayed two nights in a Bright Angel Lodge cabin, explored and ate…
A Grand Canyon helicopter tour isn’t cheap, which makes one question hard to ignore: is it actually worth it? We booked the Maverick Helicopters South Rim tour out of Tusayan near Grand Canyon Village hoping for a unique perspective on one of America’s most iconic landscapes. Did it deliver? This review covers what to expect, how the experience compares to Grand Canyon helicopter tours from…
Monument Valley was the biggest detour of our Southwest road trip and one we’re so glad we made. We nearly skipped it in favor of another night in Bryce Canyon, but staying at The View Hotel’s Premium Cabins made the extra drive worthwhile. Watching the Mittens glow at sunset and waking up with the sunrise from our private porch was one of the most memorable…
The most memorable experiences we’ve had exploring 80+ countries weren’t always the most expensive, carefully planned, or even the most relaxing. They were the moments when we made an effort to go a little deeper by hiring a private guide who knew the back streets, taking a cooking class with a chef who became a friend, or sharing an unplanned evening with locals. This guide…
Main Cabin Extra on the American Airlines A321neo can feel completely different depending on where you sit. On a recent flight from Washington Reagan (DCA) to Las Vegas, we tested the bulkhead, exit row, and standard extra-legroom seats to figure out which ones are actually worth the upgrade. Some felt surprisingly close to domestic first class. One row looked great on the seat map but…
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is the only hotel inside Bryce Canyon National Park, and its location alone makes it one of the most sought-after stays in Utah. It’s just steps from the rim trail, so staying here means you can watch sunrise and sunset over the hoodoos without dealing with parking, shuttles, or an early morning drive from outside the park. In this Bryce…
Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the easiest national parks in the American Southwest to experience in a single day, but timing matters. In this guide, we cover the perfect one day Bryce Canyon itinerary, including the best viewpoints, easiest hikes, top photography spots, where to stay nearby, and how Bryce compares to Zion for first-time visitors planning a Southwest road trip.
