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New Mexico sunset

10 Things to Love About New Mexico (Photos)

I spent a month in New Mexico, and on my last day, I walked around enjoying the ever-present perfect weather and frequently stopping to smell the flowers. Those were the biggest surprise in this place I’d never been to before—the flowers. But they weren’t the only things I loved. Here are images of 10 things I loved about New Mexico. 1 Flowers in New Mexico It’s springtime, but I didn’t expect it to be so grand in New Mexico. I...

Rene at Quail Creek

Paddle and Hike to Petroglyphs in Quail Creek State Park in Utah

Near St. George, Utah, there isn’t a lot of water, but there is the Quail Creek State Park and it’s the perfect lake for recreation and history. I went to the park for a 3-hour tour paddleboard tour culminating with a hike to some nearby ancient petroglyphs. Dig Paddlesports, who rents watersports equipment at the park, hosted the tour. The tour started at 8 am on the lake to get an early start on the day and avoid the 100+...

Canyonlands

5 Reasons I Found Canyonlands National Park an Unexpected Delight

When you hear about Utah National Parks, it’s always about Zion, Arches and Bryce, but others are less crowded and dare I say, maybe more beautiful. Canyonlands is one of those. It may not be on your shortlist because of those other parks, but after visiting for a day, I’d say, depending on the kind of person you are, Canyonlands should top your list. Why? For several reasons. Because I like the solitude of nature and being out moving around...

Utah national park Arches National Park

When Visiting Arches National Park, Prepare for Crowds

The first time I showed up at Arches National Park in Utah at 7:30 a.m. the park was already closed to further visitors. I joined the massive line of people turning around to find something else to do. But you don’t have to if you plan ahead and arrive early or in the evening Holiday crowds are expected, but the crowds at Arches are commonplace throughout spring, summer and fall. When I returned that evening, I entered after waiting in...

Tsankawi

5 Things to Do Around the Rio Grande Gorge

For one month, I stayed a few miles from the Rio Grande Gorge and spent a lot of time in it. It turns out that there’s quite a bit to do around it for only being a gorge – which is just a big hole in the ground. I hiked it many times, rafted through it, walked across the bridge, and even had a few relaxing spa days at the hot springs. The gorge is a spectacular New Mexico character....

New Mexico Earthships Sustainable Living

I used to think I was an environmentally friendly person. Then I visited the Earthships of New Mexico and realize I’m a total slacker. I’ve long practiced “reduce, reuse, recycle” habits. I try not to use plastic if I can avoid it and conserve water, paper, and electricity in a dozen ways. This is nothing compared to what Earthship dwellers are doing. These people and their houses are a showcase of next-level sustainable living enthusiasm. But they’re also probably a...

Kayaks on the Rio River gorge

Kayaking the Rio River Gorge in New Mexico

Whitewater kayaking in the Rio River Gorge in New Mexico is a favorite pastime for locals and visitors to the state. However, due to low water levels, the amount of “whitewater” is less each year. Still, it was among the most challenging and scenic kayaking I’ve ever done. I took a rambling early afternoon drive through the mountains along the Rio Grande Gorge. The 50-mile gorge runs from northwest to southeast of Taos, New Mexico. It is about 800 feet...

San Antonio Market shops

Exploring San Antonio’s Historic Market Square

Nearly every weekend, San Antonio’s Historic Market Square comes to life with authentic Mexican heritage, shopping, and delicious tex-mex food, so I decided to check it out. As I drove into town, I wasn’t exactly sure where the market was, but it quickly became clear … follow the mariachi band … and the people. I parked a few blocks away and simply followed the sounds and crowds. It led me right to the square. There, about four city blocks are taken...

Rene at Niagara Falls, Canada

10 Tips to Travel More on a Budget

I’m always looking for a way to travel more, but as someone who hasn’t always had a lot of money, I’ve had to be crafty. These ten tips help me travel more affordably. I hope they allow you to travel more too. The biggest thing that makes travel a reality for me is flexibility. I’m as flexible as a contortionist when getting a deal on travel. I have a long list of places I want to go, so I’m ready...