Category: lifestyle

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort Ultimate Review: Everything You Need to Know Before Booking

Post author By Hannah

When it comes to a Maui vacation, there’s so many different hotel, resort, and Airbnb options to choose from. If you’re planning to splurge on a resort, it’s nice to know exactly what you’re going to get! The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa sits right on the southern stretch of Kāʻanapali Beach, and it combines a prime oceanfront location with the kind of amenities that make a stay feel like a delightful escape. From the moment you arrive, there’s a sense of relaxing tropical charm—towering palm trees, open-air spaces, and sweeping ocean views that set the tone for a dreamy Hawaiian getaway.

In this review, we’ll dive into everything the Hyatt Regency Maui has to offer— from the rooms to sprawling pool areas to the wide variety of dining experiences, and all the inclusions, activities, and amenities in between. Plus, for any World of Hyatt members looking to redeem club passes, we’ll also touch on the Regency Club and what you can expect there. Whether you’re considering booking your first trip to Maui or you’ve stayed at other Kāʻanapali resorts and are curious how the Hyatt compares, this review is designed to give you a complete picture of what it’s like to stay here.

Aloha sign in the entry breezeway at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

All About Location

In Maui, there are a few different “resort areas”. Kāʻanapali Beach is arguably one of Maui’s most iconic stretches of sand. The Hyatt Regency Maui enjoys one of the best spots along its golden shoreline. The beach itself is inviting— perfect for long walks, swimming, snorkeling, or taking in the sunset. Plus is boats a view of the neighboring islands: Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi!

Kāʻanapali Beach is known for being a more lively area– especially compared to Kapalua or Wailea; however, the Hyatt Regency’s most-southern end location means it feels a little more relaxed compared to the busier central stretch near Whalers Village. It’s certainly still within walking distance of shops, dining, and evening entertainment, but it feels more secluded than some of the resorts more centrally located on the beach. It’s a perfect balance of convenience and beachy tranquility that makes the Hyatt Regency Maui rather appealing.

Kāʻanapali Beach is located on the western coast of the island, which enjoys lots of sun and nice weather, but it’s not the most centrally located. This means individuals looking to drive the Road to Hana or visit the Haleakala summit might want to spend a night or two in Kahului or Kula before heading West. It’s definitely not impossible to see and do everything you want (being based out of Kāʻanapali), but you’d expect some extra drive time.

Roomy Rooms

As with any resort, there are an array of rooms and suites to choose from. We booked our room with Hyatt points, snagging a basic “The King” room, and honestly it was every bit as polished as the photos promised—if not better. The space was clean, bright, and welcoming, with small modern touches and plenty of room to settle in comfortably.

Traveling with a toddler, we also appreciated how easy it was to request a crib; the staff promptly delivered a fully assembled pack ‘n play right to our door, which made settling in rather seamless.

The bathroom was well-appointed too, with a modern design that felt fresh and practical. Counter space was generous enough to spread out toiletries, and the rainfall-style shower added a touch of luxury after long days in the sun.

All rooms feature a private balcony, which is a perfect place to unwind. Whether it was sipping coffee in the morning or enjoying some little toddler snuggles as the sun set, the balcony gave us a quiet moment to soak in the beauty of Maui in the peace of our room.

Together with the comfortable bed and thoughtful amenities, these details made the room feel like a peaceful space, within the larger resort.

Staying Cool at the Pool

The pool area at the Hyatt Regency Maui is actually one of the deciding reasons we chose to stay here. We fel there were so many fun, unique pool areas— waterfalls, a 150-foot waterslide (our toddler didn’t go down the slide but my grown adult husband went more than once), a whirlpool, a rope bridge, and an interactive sandy-bottom children’s pool. Knowing we were bringing a kiddo along for the ride, the pool set-up was a definitely selling point, and it did not disappoint!

Just because it’s kid-friendly doesn’t mean it’s a devolved madhouse out on the pool deck. For those looking to relax, the pool area is large, so there’s plenty of space and loungers to go around. There’s also cabanas available for rent if you want a little extra comfort and shade.

Just beyond the pool area, the resort opens directly onto Kāʻanapali Beach, where soft sand and calm waters make it easy to spend the day swimming, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the ocean views and the nearby islands. Having both a dynamic pool scene and immediate beach access creates a best-of-both-worlds experience. It’s the essence of a luxe Maui vacation experience.

Dining: Good Eats on Vacation

For something more casual, Ūmalu is the poolside restaurant and bar, offering tropical cocktails and a menu of burgers, sandwiches, and lighter fare that you can enjoy without straying far from the water. This is the most laid-back restaurant option as you can wander over, straight from your pool lounger or beach-side relaxation. Food and drinks here are more or less what you’d expect— good enough to hit the spot but not necessarily the best burger or cocktail you’ve ever had.

The Swan Court is a breakfast buffet with open-air seating. It’s a lovely way to start the day— especially with the koi ponds and swans gliding past nearby. The space transitions to become Son’z Steakhouse at 5pm, where classic steak and seafood dishes are paired with an upscale yet relaxed ambiance. While breakfast is first come, first serve, reservations are recommended for dinner. We actually ate breakfast at the Regency Club (more on this below) and explored more off–resort options for dinner, so the location and atmosphere of the restaurant were groovy, but we can’t attest to the deliciousness of the food.

The resort’s signature restaurant is Japengo— serving up fresh sushi, seafood, and Asian-inspired dishes. It’s the kind of spot that works just as well for a special dinner as it does for a relaxed evening meal after a day in the sun… or perhaps fun a cocktail to end the night. We just grabbed a drink here, but the service was great and it has a fun ambiance!

Bonus options

It’s also worth noting, there’s a Honolulu Coffee shop on the resort grounds. There’s also a convenience store of sorts that sells different snacks and drinks as well as some pre-made sandwiches, salads, spam musubis, etc. For this pregnant-mama-on-vacation, the Dips Ice Cream Bites were an unexpected treat that really hit the spot. Overall, the collection of options here was actually pretty impressive and provided a nice alternative.

A Lovely Luʻau

The Hyatt Regency Maui puts on the Drums of the Pacific Luʻau, and it’s so much more than just dinner and a little dancing— it’s a robust cultural experience. The luʻau includes a variety of island-inspired dishes, from kalua pork to Paniolo beef to fresh island fish dishes. The evening’s entertainment brings the stories of Hawaiʻi to life through music and performance. If you’ve never been to a luʻau, it’s an awesome way to enjoy a fabulous meal and enjoy a glimpse into Hawaiian and Polynesian culture.

The luʻau takes place right on the resort property, so it’s easy to find!

Resort Fee & Complimentary Activities

This Hyatt charges a resort fee of $49/day, but in doing so, they offer a thoughtful lineup of complimentary activities. Daily programming often includes things like lei-making workshops, hula lessons, or talks that dive into Hawaiian history and traditions. There are kid-friendly crafts and games, but there’s also some more adult-leaning activities, like yoga on the lawn. Visitors of all ages are likely to be drawn to the resort’s resident penguins and parrots.

Activities are offered all throughout the day. The full PDF is linked here, with descriptions of each item on the calendar. The 2025 schedule is detailed below, but you can access all resort activity information here.

*schedule via hyattmaui.ipoolside.com* (linked above)

Sign-ups are available on a same-day, first-come, first-served basis at the Recreation & Pool Desk. Most activities are open to guests ages 4 and up (children must be accompanied by an adult); however, ukulele lessons are available for ages 7 and up.

The resort also provides easy access to its fitness center, as well as the tennis and pickleball courts, making it simple to stay active or relaxed depending on your mood. While we didn’t participate in any racquet sports, we did take advantage of the gym. It’s decently robust— perhaps a little dated, but there’s new Peloton bikes and more than enough equipment to keep you feeling fit on vacation.

For the life of me, I don’t know why the resort fee isn’t just included in the daily rate, but perhaps that’s simply above my hospitality knowledge pay-grade. Below is everything your resort fee covers/includes.

Money Please: Paid Experiences

The Hyatt Regency Maui also offers a handful of different paid experiences, like ‘Maui Poke History and Tasting’, ‘Tour of the Stars’, or ‘Mixology Experience’, as well have some fun seasonal offerings too— such as an Oktoberfest night.

As one might expect, there’s also a concierge desk that can aid in an array of booking options… everything from snorkeling and sunset cruises to guided hikes and helicopter tours. You can also book private cabanas for the day— there’s a few different options to choose from.

A Day at the Spa, Oooo La La

The Spa at the Hyatt Regency Maui is tucked in the serene, southern corner of the resort, with both indoor treatment rooms and oceanfront cabanas. Offering both salon and spa services, there’s quite the menu of massages, facials, body treatments, pedicure, and more if you’re looking to treat yourself (see for yourself here).

We didn’t indulge in any spa experiences this trip, but a massage is always tempting!

Regency Club

If you’re a World of Hyatt member, and have club passes to burn, the Regency Club here is definitely a worthwhile spot to put them to use.

The continental breakfast spread is solid, with different fresh fruit options available every morning. We visited for a few days in mid-June and never had an issue finding a place to sit. By comparison, the Swan Court breakfast buffet is $40/person for adults and $16/person for children (over 5). I have no doubt the Swan Court breakfast is tasty, but this is an awesome way to enjoy a great breakfast with a beautiful view AND save some money.

The afternoon snacks are by far the lightest spread, but if you’re looking for an apple, bag of chips, cookie, etc to take the edge off, it does the trick! There’s no dinner, but they do serve some hearty hors d’oeuvres that could certainly serve as a light dinner— for example one night was a southwest salad and empanadas, but there was also assorted veggies to munch on as well as a charcuterie-board-esque meat, cheese, and bread spread. The afternoon snacks were pretty much the same every day that we were there, but the hors d’oeuvres differed from night to night!

Overall, the Regency Club provides a private space to relax and eat, with indoor and outdoor seating. It really feels like its own little oasis in the resort. The Club is well-staffed, with ample attention to the buffet. It was so sweet to have individuals remember our son’s name from one day to the next! We had nothing but lovely experiences when we were here— we even got to try a yellow watermelon one morning!

*living like a little king in his high chair*

Overall Impression

Accommodations in Hawaii are expensive, and staying in a resort is definitely not a budget option. You’d be hard-pressed to stay at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa for less than $500/night, when paying cash prices. Compared to other resorts of a similar price point, the Hyatt Regency has a more secluded location along Kaanapali Beach, rooms are modern and well-kept, the property as a whole is well maintained, and they have an impressive array of included activities for guests to enjoy. We would 1000% stay here again!

It’s worth noting, we did book this trip with Hyatt points, so we actually paid $0 for our stay here, which makes it even easier to find amazing value in our stay here. This is currently an Award Category 6 hotel, meaning it costs 21k-29k points to book depending on the time of year. Using points, this feels like an even more incredible value!

If you’re new to the world of points travel, you can check out our blog post on Booking a 1-Week Hawaii Vacation with Points.

All in all, the Hyatt Regency Maui is a relaxing resort, and a perfect spot make the most of your Hawaii vacation. While there are loads of luxe stays on Maui, the Hyatt Regency is a solid contender— especially for anyone looking to stay on Kaanapali Beach. From the unique welcome leis to the variety of included activities to the amazing oceanfront location, you won’t be disappointed by the fun, relaxing ambiance.

If you’re looking for some guidance in your Maui trip planning, check out our four day Maui itinerary. Happy travels!

written by Hannah

Hannah traded the warm beaches of southwest FL for the outdoor adventure locale that is Bend, OR. Despite the distance, Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves making time to explore newfound hikes. These days she has some extra pack weight; however, Xavier is notorious for being unimpressed by sweeping vistas.

Tags Maui, travel Hawaii, travel Maui

lifestyle

How to Book A 1-Week Hawai’i Vacation with Points

Post author By Hannah

Dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway but having nightmares about the price tag? The good news is, those turquoise waters, lush landscapes, and golden sunsets don’t have to drain your savings. You can use points and miles to cover flights, hotels, and even rental cars, turning a dream trip into an affordable reality. Whether you’ve been collecting rewards for years or are just starting to dip your toes into the world of “travel hacking”, Hawai’i is one of the best destinations to maximize value. This post will walk you through how to make your vacation to the islands more attainable—without sacrificing the aloha spirit. A 1-week Hawai’i vacation might be more attainable than you originally thought!

If you are new to the world of points travel, we will explain points and miles redemption in a way that’s very beginner friendly. For those that have dabbled in points travel a bit, you might find some information you already know, but we have some awesome nuggets about how to stretch your points as far as possible (hint: if doesn’t always involve booking travel in the ‘award portal’).

When you’re traveling there’s five categories of expenses to consider: flights, accommodations, rental car/transportation, food, and activities. Using points to travel can significantly reduce the cost of your trip, but it’s important to know that we are not boosting a “hack” for a completely free trip. We can certainly teach you how to use miles to book flights and hotels. This accounts for a huge part of the budget for a Hawai’i trip. Depending on how long you’ve been saving up your miles, you may also have enough to cover your rental car too!

*As a disclaimer, there are no affiliate links in this blog post. We’re not associated with Delta, Chase, or Hyatt in any way. We simply live to evangelize credit card points/miles travel, and these are redemption avenues that we have found to have the best value— when traveling to Hawai’i.*

Getting There: Flights Baby

First, let’s talk about flights! If you are completely starting from scratch, without any credit card points to your name, there is a bit of strategy involved. Where you live and what airlines service your local airport will determine which airline credit card makes the most sense for you to procure. Since Minneapolis is a Delta hub we have a Delta gold card to help accrue miles more quickly.

Getting Your Toes Wet

We recommend signing up for a card when the sign on bonus is better than their “usual offer”. For example, don’t open a card for 50k miles, when you could receive 80k miles as a sign on bonus!

We have the Delta Gold card, and we like it for a few reasons. First and foremost, if you’re starting from scratch the sign-up bonus will go a long way in your journey to get to Hawai’i. Additionally, all of the Delta cards with annual fees (i.e. Gold, Platinum, Reserve), receive 15% off the miles price of an airplane ticket. Fifteen percent might not seem like much, but it can make a difference!

Additionally, for anyone that’s new to the credit card points “game”, the idea of paying an annual fee for a credit card can seem a little strange, so the delta gold card can be a nice introduction as you don’t have to pay for the annual fee in the first year.

Wait, What’s a Sign-Up Bonus?

To entice travelers and spenders, credit card companies will offer a Sign-Up Bonus. You can see this above “Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles, after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within your first 6 months.” Delta and American Express will “give” you 80k miles for opening up the branded credit card… only if you meet the detailed spending requirement.

For many adults, you will generally find you’re not hard-pressed to spend $3k over the course of 6 months. Instead of making purchases with a debit card, just pay for them with your credit card! Its goes without saying but you will definitely want to ensure you are either paying your card off at the end of the month *OR* have automatic payments ensure your balance is getting paid in full each month.

Credit cards are an awesome way to accrue points and free travel experiences; however, credit card spending should always be done responsibly. Please be mindful and careful not to over-commit to financial purchases beyond one’s means.

Earn More Miles!

Once you have your sign-up bonus figured out, every purchase you make on the card is earning you more miles. The general rule is that for every dollar spent, you earn a point or in Delta’s case, a Skymile. For the Delta Gold card, you can actually earn 2 Skymiles for every dollar spent at restaurants, grocery stores, and on Delta purchases.

Redeemin’ and Schemin’

Once you have at the very least earned your sign on bonus, it’s time to start looking for a way to spend those Skymiles. The search features on Delta’s website are pretty user-friendly and allow you to check the calendar for best prices/redemption with ease.

Be sure to click ‘Shop with Miles’ and ‘My Dates are Flexible’. Points and miles trips tend to work best when you have a bit of flexibility. For example, you can see in the search bar, I looked up February 17th-24th, but the search feature automatically shows a variety of different permutations in a similar time window. If you skew the arrival and departure each back a single day, you can travel for 3,600 less Skymiles… might be worth it!

What makes this even better, is the additional 15% off you receive for having a Delta branded card, so that ticket would only cost you 23,600 Skymiles. If the sign-up bonus gets you 80k Skymiles and you find RT tickets for under 40k miles/person… you’ve got flights covered for two excited vacationers! There is a small fee of $12/ticket for taxes, but this is pretty minimal compared to what the tickets would otherwise cost.

Flights? DONE!

Stay a While: Hotels

One of our favorite hotel companies to book through when traveling with points is Hyatt. First and foremost, we’ve only had positive experiences staying at Hyatts– not just the hotels and resorts themselves but the customer service we have received has been excellent as well. Another huge plus? Compared to other hotel partners, the redemption rate for even the most posh of the Hyatt brands is beyond reasonable for what you receive in return.

Accruing Hyatt Points

There’s two ways to accrue points for redemption at Hyatt properties. The more obvious of the two is signing up for a World of Hyatt credit card. This card’s “normal” sign-up bonus is 30,000 points, after spending $3,000 in the first three months of opening the card. To entice you to spend more, you can earn up to an additional 30k points by spending $15k (i.e. for the first 6 months of having the card, all purchases earn double points). This card does have a $95 annual fee. While this isn’t a bad offer, it’s not exactly the strongest sign-up bonus offer. If you’re new to the world of credit-card points travel, this is not the top card we’d recommend.

In all fairness to the Hyatt card, you do receive a free night at any Category 1–4 Hyatt hotel or resort every year on your card anniversary, so as long as you actually use your free night stay, this benefit alone covers the cost of the annual fee. It’s just…. we’re trying to spend a week in Hawai’i and 30k points just isn’t quite enough.

Chasing those Hyatt Points

Chase is the only credit card company that maintains a partnership with Hyatt for transferring point balances. In order to do so, you must have one of Chase’s ‘premium’ cards: Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Chase Ink Business Preferred (i.e. a card with an annual fee– their “free” cards don’t transfer to Hyatt).

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card, generally speaking, is known to be one of the best travel cards for point accrual and redemption— or at least in its annual fee price point ($95/year). The “normal” sign-up bonus is 60,000 points, after spending $5,000 in the first three months of opening the card, but once or twice a year, Chase will increase the sign-up bonus to 75k+ points. Taking a trip with points does take some intentional planning, and this is a piece of that puzzle. I recommend waiting to sign up for this card, until they have an elevated bonus offer.

The Chase card has lots of benefits besides the ability to transfer points to Hyatt. This includes rental car insurance, some limited trip insurance, delayed luggage insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, etc. They also have 2 other hotel partners as well as 13 airline partners you can transfer points to— in addition to being able to book travel through their award portal.

*we love using Chase points for flights too— nothing like flying first class home from London!*

Where to Stay

Of the four main Hawaiian Islands, three islands have Hyatt properties. You’ll find that your points have the opportunity to go the farthest on O’ahu. For Hyatt’s points system, hotels and resorts are sorted into different categories— 1 through 8, with a category 1 hotel being the least expensive and a category 8 hotel or resort being the most expensive. Hyatt’s all-inclusive properties follow a letter system, but that’s irrelevant here as there are no all-inclusive Hyatt resorts in Hawai’i.

Now, there is only one category 4 hotel in Hawai’i, and it’s the Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach in O’ahu. Hyatt has a somewhat dynamic pricing aspect to their points system, but you can largely expect a room at this hotel to cost you ~15k points/night. That means for a one week stay, you’d need 105k points. Now, the sign-up bonus should get you most of the way there, but it might take a little bit of time and responsible spending to get the rest of the points you need. Not to be too redundant, but a points trip doesn’t come together immediately— it definitely takes time and a bit of intentional planning!

We stayed here in June 2025, and felt the value was 10000% there. Meals in Hawai’i can certainly add up, so the complimentary breakfast goes a long way. For what it’s worth, it was a pretty nice breakfast spread with robust options– including lots of fresh fruit! This Hyatt hotel also charges a daily “destination fee” ($38/night), in addition to the nightly room rate; however, you do NOT have to pay this fee when you book your room with points. The destination fee covers all of the below amenities.

Any Cons?

Generally speaking, we had an overwhelmingly positive experience here, and we would certainly recommend this hotel to friends. “Cons” are pretty mild in nature. This hotel is not riiiiight on the beach, but it’s a very short, easy walk to get to the beach, so this wasn’t really a negative for us. After extensively reading google reviews on the hotel prior to our arrival, I had seen people mention the elevators could take a while, but we never ran into an issue with this!

The pool here is closed for future construction plans (June ’25), but they do provide access to a pool at another nearby hotel. This might be a little cumbersome if you have a kiddo that’s really excited to splash around in the pool at the end of the day. Finally, our hotel room itself felt a little on the smaller side, compared to other Hyatt hotels we’ve stayed at in the past, but it was exactly as pictured and described. The ‘standard room free night’ is their ‘King Bed City View (with Sofa Bed)’, which you can check out here— you can even take a 3D tour.

Alternate Options

Let the record show, if you have more Chase or Hyatt points to burn, the Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach and Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa are both category 5 properties on O’ahu that are options to stay at as well. These hotel/resort options will cost around 20k points/night.

The Grand Hyatt Kauai—category 8—is the only option on Kauai. We’ve stayed here a couple times (Jan ’22 & Feb ’22) and really enjoyed it— you can read our full review here.

There are 5 options on Maui, and they are all category 6 and above, so not exactly budget-core points options. That being said, the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa is lovely and a great redemption value— if you have extra points to burn and are open to island hopping. Unfortunately there are no Hyatt hotels or resorts on Big Island.

Let’s Get to Booking: Finding availability

To get the ball rolling, head to hyatt.com. You’ll want to click on the “Explore” tab and then select “Hotels & Resorts”

Once you’re on the explore page, type “Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach” into the search bar and click on the hotel option that pops up.

This will bring up the three properties on O’ahu. In the Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach box, click on the points calendar link. This will take you to a calendar page that allows you to see reward night availability and cost of the hotel each night.

If you remember from our flight search earlier, the optimal dates were February 18th to February 25th. This works perfectly with the hotel availability! You’ll notice early in February, the cost is 18k points/night. This reflects the dynamic nature of Hyatt’s pricing— “peak season” dates sometimes have a slightly higher cost, but it’s not an outrageous jump.

booking a 1-week Hawai'i vacation via Hyatt

Transfer Those points

Now that you have confirmed availability for the dates that you need, it’s time to get to booking! But wait… you have Chase points, how do you use those to book a Hyatt hotel? First you need to make a free, World of Hyatt account. Remember that account number, because you’re going to need it!

Then, head over to your Chase account and click on your Rewards portal.

Once you’re in the Ultimate Reward portal, click on the far right “Travel” tab, and go to the “Transfer points to partners” link.

Once you’re on this page, click on the Hotels, and select Hyatt.

From there, you go through a 3-step process, inputting your World of Hyatt account number and selecting how many points you want to transfer. You’ll want to double, triple check your math on how many points you need, because once you transfer the points to Hyatt, you can’t transfer them back to Chase. It’s a one-way deal!

Points can take up to 7 days to transfer, but our experience is that it’s usually within a couple hours.

Transferring Points Vs. the Ultimate Rewards Portal

Before you transfer your points, you might think to yourself “What about the Chase travel portal? Why not just book it through there?” That would be a reasonable question, and it’s always worth checking to see what the points cost would be, but it’s almost always a worse deal.

As you can see below, for the exact same room, the exact same nights, the points cost is over 26k points more expensive, PLUS an additional $289-$314 in taxes…. PLUS this rate doesn’t include or waive the destination fee, so that would be an additional $38/day ($266 total). While it’s a bit of a hoop to jump through to transfer your points, it’s more than worth it to save you over $500 AND 26k points.

Back to Hyatt: Finish the Booking

Now that you have confirmed the availability AND that you’ve found the best price. It’s time to sign back into your Hyatt account. Enter the hotel, dates, and be sure to click “use points”.

The free award night option will pop up towards the bottom of the page. Smash that “Select and Book” button. It’s time for things to start getting official!

Double check everything one last time on your confirmation page. Correct dates? Right hotel? All that’s left is to press the “Book My Stay” button at the bottom of the page.

As a note, transferring your points from Chase to Hyatt is a one-way journey. However, as you can see in the cancellation policy, if something comes up, you do have free cancellation up to a week before your stay. The points would remain in your Hyatt account, but it *is* a refundable booking!

Additional Costs: Transportation

Your hotel stay is entirely covered by points and your flight cost is just over $10 in taxes. So far the Hawai’i vacation budget is looking pretty good! What’s the next big cost to consider? A rental car!

Now, of all the Hawaiian islands, O’ahu is the only one with good enough public transit that you *could* potentially use it to get around. That being said, it’s hard to beat the flexibility you gain with having your own car, but it’s worth mentioning there’s an alternate option. We didn’t utilize The Bus, but if you’re interested, you can learn more about routes, timetables, etc here.

Back to the rental car, depending on how many Chase points you have accrued, you might be able to cover your vehicle as well. For a one-week rental (for the same dates as the flights & hotel), it will cost you 53,264 points. Now, this isn’t a bad redemption value, but it’s worth shopping around a bit to see if you can find a better deal.

For example, if you have a Costco membership, you could book an economy car for a week for under $375. Even though Chase reflects the value at $666, if you can find something else similar for cheaper, it’s worth considering. Apples to apples, the 53k points have the potential to be worth more than $375, so we’d probably just pay cash to rent the car. That’s a personal choice though— we’re just trying to make you aware of your options.

Sneaky Extras

Depending on how detailed you are with your budgeting, you will also want to account for the cost of gas. The exact car you rent as well as how adventurous your exploration itinerary is, will affect the gas consumption. We’d recommend budgeting $100-$200. Gas prices on O’ahu do tend to be higher than on the mainland!

Another car-related cost is parking. Waikiki Beach is definitely a bumpin’ place, so you’ll need to find a garage to park your car in overnight. The cost here ranges from $35-50/night, so if you rent a car for the week, parking will run you $245-350.

Blowing the Budget: Food, Drinks, & Activities

The last costs to consider are meals and activities. The cost here is really variable as to what your trip vision-board entails. O’ahu has so many beautiful beaches and unique hikes, so these are low-cost/no-cost adventures that allow you to take in the Hawai’i landscape for almost nothing. Inversely, there are also some amazing tours you can splurge on— snorkeling with sharks, whale watching, ATV rides, sunset catamarans…. the list goes on!

Food and drink spending expectations differ for everyone. As one might expect, meals on O’ahu tend to be a little more expensive than what you might pay on the mainland. Plus, sometimes it’s fun to be a little decadent on vacation. We found you a hotel with complimentary breakfast, so you can burn the rest of your food budget on lunch and dinner!

Hawai’i is never going to be a cheap vacation, but it might just be a little more affordable than you originally thought! Spending with credit cards should always be done responsibly, but it’s always amazing to me the things you can experience for free… just because you paid for expenses with a credit card and accrued some points.

We recently visited O’ahu and Maui, so we weren’t quite on O’ahu for a week, but we have a pretty robust 3-day itinerary if you’re looking for a place to start your planning. Happy travels!

written by Hannah

Tags points travel, travel Hawaii

lifestyle

Family Travel Made Easy: Packing for Hawai’i With a Toddler

Post author By Hannah

Packing for Hawai’i with a toddler might feel a little daunting—between beach time, island adventures, and keeping your little one comfortable on long travel days, there’s a lot to think about. Regardless of which islands you plan to visit, the general laid-back vibe of Hawai’i is perfect for families. Making sure you have the right gear can be the difference between a smooth vacation and one filled with avoidable stress. From sun-safe clothing to toys that keep your toddler entertained on flights, a little preparation goes a long way.

This guide is designed to help streamline the packing process so you can pack with confidence, and minimize your “oh shoot I forgot about xyz” moments. We’ll walk you through the essentials to bring, as well as a couple helpful extras that often get overlooked. Plus a few things you can confidently leave at home. With the right balance of practicality and comfort, you’ll be ready to make the most of island life with your toddler in tow.

Our son has taken 21 flights in his first 20 months, so while we are certainly not the most seasoned travel parents out there, we have flown with him at a variety of ages and stages. Admittedly, the flights we took at 15, 18, and 20 months have been the most challenging, BUT it’s important to remember to give yourself (and your toddler) grace.

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In the Airport & On The Plane

Taking the packing list one step at a time. Before you can enjoy Hawai’i, you must first make it to Hawai’i. Being prepared for the airport and subsequent flight can make or break the start of your trip!

‘Blowout Bag’

We’re getting too real too quickly here, but a toddler pooping on the plane is NOT an ideal situation. We’ve managed to only run into this once, but I like to keep a ‘blowout bag’ ready to go… just so we’re prepared in a worst-case-scenario situation. I recommend still having your diaper bag 200% stocked compared to what you anticipate needing (you want to be prepared in the event of an unexpectedly long layover), but I also recommend packing an additional ‘blowout bag’.

This should all be in a gallon-sized ziplock bag and include the following: 2 diapers, a half to completely full pack of wipes, a spare outfit, 2 doggy poop bags (or 2 ziplock sandwich baggies), and a disposable changing pad. The doggy/sandwich bags are for a dirty diaper to go in one and soiled clothes to go in the other. The disposable changing pad can be convenient to ensure the post-diaper change clean up is as smooth as possible. Perhaps I just over-worry, but I wouldn’t want to be scrambling for anything in the midst of a poo-mergency!

Painter’s tape

Masking tape or painter’s tape is a surprisingly versatile item. On the plane, it’s an inexpensive and creative toy—toddlers love peeling pieces off, sticking them to the seat tray, etc. It can be a nice way to keep little hands busy!

Once you arrive at your hotel or Airbnb, that same roll of tape becomes a quick toddler-proofing tool. You can use it to cover outlets, secure dangling cords, or tape shut cabinets you’d rather your curious explorer not open. Lightweight and easy to pack, painter’s tape is a simple ‘hack’ for both mid-flight entertainment AND child-proofing.

Water bottle

Bringing a water bottle for your toddler on the plane is perhaps common sense, but you do not want to forget it! Air travel can be dehydrating, and having a familiar bottle on hand means your kiddo can have water whenever they need it— without relying on flight attendants. We recommend a bottle with a secure, latch-style lid (unlike straw-only bottles— we learned this lesson the hard way), as these are less likely to leak or spray water when cabin pressure changes during takeoff and landing.

Snacks

When it comes to packing snacks for a plane ride with a toddler, a little planning can go a long way in keeping everyone content mid-flight. Simple, mess-free options like fruit pouches, Cheerios, apple slices, and Goldfish crackers are great staples—Goldfish, in particular, can be useful since their saltiness often makes kids thirsty, which can encourage them to drink water and help with ear pressure during takeoff and landing. While berries are often a toddler favorite, they don’t always travel well and can easily get squished in a backpack, so sturdier options tend to hold up better.

It’s also worth thinking about how much space you have. If your ticket/airline status includes free checked luggage (or if you’re just generally not worried about suitcase room), bringing a week or two’s worth of your toddler’s go-to snacks can save you the hassle of searching once you arrive. On the flip side, if packing space is tight, just bring enough for the flight and the first couple of days—Hawai’i may feel far from home, but you’ll still find plenty of familiar snack brands at Safeway, Target, Costco, and other mainland-style stores once you’re on the islands. This way, you can balance convenience with practicality while ensuring your toddler always has something they’ll happily eat.

Toys

Bringing the right toys and activities for your toddler can make all the difference on a long flight or during downtime in Hawai’i. The key is to pack a mix of lightweight, engaging options that hold their attention without taking up too much space. Some of our favorites include peek-a-boo books and interactive books that talk or sing, since they combine play with a bit of learning.

Fidget toys, spinners, and Squigs are all excellent because they’re compact, versatile, and seem to hold attention and novelty longer. In addition, a small toy car can provide entertainment both on the plane as well as once touching down in Hawaii.

Stroller

Bringing your stroller (we love our jogger) with you and gate checking it—rather than sending it straight to your final destination—can make travel days much smoother, especially if you have a layover. Having the stroller available in the airport means your toddler has a comfortable place to rest, nap, or simply stay contained in the chaos of a busy terminal, giving you a break from carrying them between gates. Or if they want to stretch their legs, you can toss your backpack in the stroller and run after them unencumbered.

Once in Hawai’i, the stroller becomes just as helpful, not only for the obvious purpose of transporting your kiddo but also as a convenient way to haul all the extras that come with a beach or adventure day: towels, snacks, sunscreen, toys, and more. It saves your arms, keeps everything organized, and helps make outings feel far less overwhelming.

Band-aids

This is a small and easy item on the list, but having a small pack of band-aids can be useful for any unexpected boo-boos.

Small blanket

If you have room in your personal item, consider tucking a small blanket in with your things. It can be a nice layer to cover your kiddo if they fall asleep on the plane, or it can function as a little ‘pillow’ to keep their head from any hard spots when they’re trying to get comfortable. If your sweet sweet toddler falls asleep in your arms, it might be nice to have a small blanket to give you a little extra support, because sometimes those little bodies get heavy faster than you’d think!

For Exploration

Touch down in Hawai’i! Time to start enjoying the heck out of your tropical paradise. Everyone’s ideal itinerary is a little different, but there are some good essentials to keep in mind for your little peanut.

Bathing suits

In my humble opinion, a toddler’s bathing suit should cover as much skin as humanly possible, because it’s the easiest way to protect them from the sun! Especially in Hawai’i! There are some cute long-sleeve-onsies-with-shorts, but you can never go wrong with a rashguard shirt!

Hat

If your toddler will tolerate wearing any sort of hat, pack it!!! Not to be dramatic, but sun protection is so important for little skin. Plus hair can still be pretty thin in some toddlers, so the last thing they need is the crown of their head getting burned.

We keep trying to put hats on our toddler, but he yanks ’em off impressively fast (see above).

Swim diapers

Swim diapers are one of those toddler travel essentials that you definitely don’t want to forget when heading to Hawai’i. Unlike regular diapers, swim diapers are designed to contain accidents without swelling up in the water, making them a must-have for pool days or splashing around at the beach. Depending on how much your toddler loves (or hates) the water, their necessity might fluctuate, but if you’re going to be in Hawai’i for 1-2 weeks, you probably don’t need more than a dozen. Alternatively, you can stock up at a local store once you arrive. Since they’re lightweight and don’t take up much space, tossing a handful into your suitcase ensures you’re prepared right away.

Life jacket

If your child isn’t a strong swimmer, packing a life jacket is the best way to let them frolic in the water safely. When you google ‘toddler life jackets’, there’s loads of options that pop up, but you always want to make sure a jacket is US Coast Guard approved before purchasing it! Our son looooves this under 30lbs life jacket, but if your toddler is a bit older (or bigger), they might enjoy one that allows them to roll onto their stomach easier and practice swimming.

Sunshade

If you’re planning to have any Hawaiian beach days, a sunshade is a must. It creates a much-needed break from the strong island sun. While sunscreen and hats are important, having a shaded spot at the beach gives your little one a safe, comfortable place to rest, snack, or even nap without being directly exposed to UV rays.

It just generally makes beach days more enjoyable for the whole family— offering a cooler space to retreat to when the sand gets hot or the midday sun feels overwhelming. Those mid-day UV rays are strong! Lightweight and easy to pack down, a portable sunshade is more than worth the space it takes up in your luggage.

Roll-up mat

A roll-up outdoor blanket is the perfect counterpart to your sun shelter, creating a (relatively) clean and comfortable base for your shady beach setup. Unlike towels, which can shift around or bunch up in the sand, a big blanket gives your toddler plenty of space to sprawl out with toys, enjoy snacks, or take a break from playing in the water. It’s also handy for keeping bags, shoes, and other items off the sand. Getting a blanket that folds/rolls up easily ensures it’s lightweight, compact, and easy to carry. It shouldn’t add much bulk to your luggage, but it does make a difference in how relaxed and functional your beach days feel.

Shoes

I recommend packing three pairs of shoes for your toddler—sandals, water shoes, and sneakers. This should cover just about every activity you’ll encounter on a trip to Hawai’i. Sandals are perfect for everyday wear in the warm weather, whether you’re heading out to grab shaved ice or strolling along the resort paths. Water shoes are a game-changer at the beach or splash pads, protecting little feet from hot sand, slippery rocks, or unexpected sharp shells while still being quick to dry. Sneakers are always good to have as well— some sturdy support for outdoor exploration, running around playgrounds, or being the kind of big kid that goes walking through town on their own two feet.

we’re still working on good table etiquette

Outfits

I have less advice for trendy toddler ‘fits and more of a general recommendation to bring more outfits than days visited. If you plan to do laundry while you’re in Hawai’i, that obviously alters the suggestion, but I usually bring 150-200% (i.e. 15-20 little outfits for a 10 day trip) just to ensure we’re covered. You never know how sweaty, sticky, or wet a little person is going to get!

I would also recommend packing a long sleeve shirt or jacket. Hawai’i is thought of as being warm year round, but there’s certain destinations that get windy, chilly, or downright cold! In addition to warm layers, sometimes it’s also nice to have a long sleeve sun shirt or linen shirt to keep them protected from the sun, without overheating.

Hiking backpack

A hiking backpack/carrier is a game-changer for parents who want to explore Hawai’i’s trails and natural beauty without being limited by toddler stamina. Even short hikes can feel long for little legs, and having a carrier means your toddler can come along safely. Cinch those straps about as tight as you can to keep their body weight close to your center of mass, and you’ll cruise!

The carrier always seems to put our son to sleep, so we have a collection of photos of him just absolutely zonked in gorgeous places. It’s worth noting, these backpacks can get pricey, so it’s worth checking FB Marketplace as you can often find them here for a fraction of the original cost!

Sunscreen applicator

Everyone’s kiddo is different about having lotions put on. Our son currently doesn’t seem to mind when we lotion him up, but for any older toddlers more in a more stubbornly independent season, a little sunscreen applicator can be a nice way to help control the mess. We don’t own one, but just know it exists out in the world. You can also use a make-up sponge to dab sunscreen on a little face.

The Bedtime Routine

It’s all fun and games until your toddler is up at 3am, with a little body convinced it’s 7am. Making sure the bed time routine and experience is as familiar as possible to help your kiddo adjust.

Slumberpod

A SlumberPod can be a lifesaver when traveling with a toddler, especially if you’re all sharing one hotel room or Airbnb. It goes over your pack n’ play and creates a dark, private sleep space that helps block out light and distractions, making it much easier for your child to settle down at night (or nap during the day).

Bath soap/lotion

Sticking to your child’s usual bath routine while traveling can provide familiarity and be helpful in the midst of wild changes to their routine. Bringing their bath soap and lotion helps ensure you won’t run into any skin sensitivity issues with unfamiliar products… the last thing you want to be worried about is an unexpected rash or allergic reaction on vacation.

Sound machine

A portable sound machine is one of the easiest ways to create a consistent sleep environment for your toddler while away from home. It serves as a familiar cue that it’s bedtime, which is especially helpful when you’re changing time zones or routines. Ideally you’re located somewhere relatively quiet, but in case you encounter unexpected environmental chaos, the steady hum of white noise can mask disruptions and help your child sleep soundly.

Bedtime books & blankies

Packing a few favorite books or other small bedtime routine items can go a long way in helping your kiddo feel settled. Reading the same stories they enjoy at home or cuddling with a familiar stuffed animal gives them a sense of comfort and predictability, even when everything else feels new!

Packing For The Parents

How many times have you gotten your toddler dressed for the day, and you’re still looking like a ragamuffin? Perhaps that’s just me, but it definitely won’t be vacation YOU. Here’s a handful of packing considerations either for you or things that might make life a little easier for you.

Small hiking pack

A small hiking pack is a really handy item to bring along for outdoor adventures in Hawai‘i. Even on shorter trails, it’s nice to have a lightweight backpack where you can stash water, snacks, sunscreen, keys, and your phone without juggling everything in your hands. Many hikes on the islands are hot and can take longer than expected, so having the basics easily accessible keeps the outing more comfortable. It doesn’t need to be a big pack—just something small and practical that makes it easy to carry your essentials.

Tote bag

A simple tote bag is perfect for beach days in Hawai‘i. It gives you one central spot to toss all of your beachy items—like sunscreen, towels, toys, books, and snacks—so you’re not scrambling to keep track of everything as you head out the door. Easy to carry and quick to shake sand out of, a tote is a low-maintenance option that helps keep your beach essentials organized and within reach.

Clothes

Everyone’s ideal beach Hawai’i vacation differs… I can’t imagine visiting the Hawaiian archipelago and *not* going hiking or snorkeling. All of the Hawaiian islands tend to be pretty casual. A loose packing list would include a couple casual dresses (bonus if they are casual enough to double as a beach cover-up), a fun matching set, and perhaps one nice dress (or dressy outfit). You’ll also want to bring a few ‘workout attire’ outfits, if you plan to do any hiking. A sun shirt can also be nice to have— your toddler isn’t the only one that needs protection from the sun!

It can also be nice to have a lounge outfit or two packed. If you’ve spent a majority of the day outside, a comfy couch and some cool AC can be quite the relaxing indulgence before you head out to get dinner. A linen shirt is so multi-functional as it is the perfect layer on cooler mornings but it also acts as a nice cover up as well! Regardless of which island you plan to visit, you might want to consider packing a jacket. While Hawai’i is generally warm, there are volcanos you can summit that are cold and sometimes windy as well. Particularly Mauna Kea on Big Island– it’s not uncommon to see snow up there!

Bathing suit & Cover ups

A handful of bathing suits and a couple cover-ups is really all you need, but if you feel like indulging in a matching family moment, there’s a handful of different companies (like this one) that sell matching family outfits and bathing suits.

Shoes

At a bare minimum, you need a pair of sandals and a pair of sneakers. Depending on your island of choice, hiking boots may or may not be essential— for example we were VERY glad to have them for the Kalalau Trail in Kauai (rather muddy). Depending on what your itinerary holds, a pair of chacos, tevas, etc— something that acts as a sandal but can also be worn in the water, can be nice to avoid stepping on anything unexpected as you enter and exit the water. If you have lots of styled outfits planned a cuter or dressier sandal shouldn’t take up too much extra room in the suitcase.

Hat

This technically makes the list twice, but don’t forget a hat for yourself! A fun, wide-brimmed hat can even double as shade for your kiddo— if you’re snuggling them in close. The UV rays get stronggg during peak hours of the day, so you want to stay protected!

Portable Charger

A portable charger is a simple but super useful item to bring along when visiting Hawai‘i. Between using your phone for maps, taking endless photos, looking up restaurant recommendations, or keeping kids entertained (our son loooves Damien Marley’s NPR tiny desk concert), batteries can drain quickly. Since many adventures take you far from an outlet, and a backup power source ensures you’re never stuck with a dead phone.

Optional Extras:

Necessity is in the eye of the beholder. If you have an airline card or status that affords you free bags, take advantage! If you’re looking at your luggage thinking “how do we trim the excess here?!” There are the items we think of as being more optional in nature.

Packing for Hawai'i involves lots of bags— a toddler sitting on a suitcase with another suitcase and a stroller nearby — whenever we have free checked bags, they get *USED*!

Car seat

The car seat we use for our son is just spendy enough that we’re a little hesitant to check it and have it experience the full gamut of checked bag experiences. It’s typically an option to rent a car seat from the car rental company; however, this does have a cost associated with it. While it can feel like more of an up front “investment”, purchasing a second, cheaper (but still safe and well-rated car seat) can be a preferred option (this is the one we have).

First and foremost, you don’t have to worry about what has happened in this car seat before it made its way to your family, but more importantly most toddler car seats are good for a while, so in the long run it might be cheaper to just own a second car seat. They do fly for free, so there’s no extra charge incurred there!

Towels

Towels are one of those bulky items that you can almost always skip when packing for Hawai‘i. Most hotels and Airbnbs provide plenty of bath, pool, and even beach towels, so there’s no need to sacrifice valuable suitcase space lugging your own from home. The only exception might be a lightweight, quick-dry travel towel—these fold down small and can come in handy for spontaneous beach stops or hikes that end at a waterfall. Still, even that’s more of a “nice to have” than a true necessity. For the most part, you can confidently leave towels off your packing list and trust your accommodations to have you covered.

Snorkeling gear

Snorkeling gear falls into the “optional” category for a Hawai‘i packing list because it really depends on how often you plan to use it and how much space you have in your luggage. If you already own a set and know you’ll be snorkeling multiple times during your trip, it can be worth bringing along for convenience and comfort. However, snorkel gear is widely available to rent at beaches, resorts, and shops across the islands, making it easy to grab when you need it without hauling it through the airport.

Sunscreen & Bug spray

Sunscreen and bug spray are optional items on a Hawai‘i packing list because they’re easy to find once you arrive—most local shops, grocery stores, and even beach stands sell both. This means you can leave them behind to save space in your luggage, especially if you’re trying to avoid packing liquids. That said, if you’re particular about a certain brand, or if your toddler has sensitive skin and you already know which products work well, it’s worth bringing them from home. Having a trusted option on hand can give you peace of mind, while still knowing that if you run out or forget, replacements are never far away.

Diapers

Diapers are one of those optional items you can choose to pack or easily leave off your Hawai‘i list, depending on your preference. They’re also widely available at grocery stores, Targets, and Costcos across the islands, so there’s no need to sacrifice valuable suitcase space if you’d rather buy them once you land.

That said, if you don’t want the hassle of tracking down a store right away, a simple workaround is to strap a bag of diapers to your car seat when you check it—since car seats fly free, it’s an easy way to bring diapers along without taking up luggage space. Because both the car seat and diapers are toddler essentials, it feels like a practical packing hack rather than gaming the system. Ultimately, it’s about what makes your travel day less stressful: buying upon arrival or having a stash ready to go.

Hiking boots

Hiking boots may not be necessary for every traveler, but they can be a great addition if you plan to tackle Hawai‘i’s more rugged trails. Many island hikes include uneven terrain, mud, or steep inclines, and a sturdy pair of boots provides the grip and ankle support needed to navigate them safely. While sneakers are often fine for easier walks, boots can make a big difference in both comfort and confidence on more challenging routes. If hiking is on your itinerary, they’re well worth the suitcase space, but if you’re rolling your eyes at the idea of hiking on your beach vacation, leave the boots at home.

pack ‘N play

A pack and play is one item you can pretty confidently leave off your Hawai‘i packing list, as most hotels provide a crib upon request. Some Airbnbs also offer them, though it’s always best to double-check before booking to be sure. Since these sleep setups are bulky and awkward to travel with, relying on what your accommodations provide is more practical. When you’re organizing all of your stays, ensure each place has a safe sleep option for your toddler lined up in advance, so you can save both space and hassle.

Full List

Here’s the full list with everything above detailed, for anyone that likes a nice condensed version. Best of luck with all your packing— may your bags be light on their wheels!

Perhaps the best thing we brought to Hawaii with us was an extra pair of hands. Vacation with a toddler is many things… special, fun, adventurous, beautiful, and memorable— in spades! But it’s not exactly relaxing. My sister met us in Hawai’i, and I can 10000% recommend having a sibling tag along!

While we’ve visited all four of the bigger Hawaiian islands, we have only adventured to Oahu in Maui with a toddler. Admittedly, it does change the itineraries slightly (compared to pre-baby travels), but still totally, worth going. You can check out our Maui 4-day itinerary here and our three-day O’ahu itinerary here. Happy travels!

written by Hannah

Tags hawaii packing list, toddler travel, travel Hawaii

lifestyle

Four Days in Maui: How to See the Best of the Valley Isle

Post author By Hannah

Maui is an island that captures the imagination from the moment you arrive, with its dramatic contrasts of emerald valleys, golden beaches, and rugged volcanic peaks. Often referred to as the Valley Isle, Maui is a place where the natural beauty feels endless. Whether you’re gazing out at the vast Pacific, wandering beneath towering waterfalls, or standing on ancient lava rock. Maui is a destination that begs to be explored at a deliberate pace. Whether you’re drawn to natural wonders, underwater adventures, or simply the joy of being outdoors, spending four days in Maui offers an array of unique experiences.

While it would be beyond easy to spend a week or two enjoying alllll Maui has to offer; however, for those potentially trying to visit a couple islands in one trip, it’s certainly possible to capture the essence of Maui in a few days. Our best recommendation for a brief trip is spending the better part of three days exploring the island’s most unforgettable highlights, followed by a final, deliciously relaxing day.

Time of Year to Visit

Maui is a year-round destination, but tends to be busiest in the holiday months of December to March as well as the summer-loving months of June through August. While the winter months are the ‘wet season’ here, the leeward side of the island tends to remain pretty dry. This is true even in the rainier months. PLUS winter is when whales migrate down to Hawaii, which is always pretty special to see.

If you have the flexibility to visit in late spring, you might be able to experience Maui in the presence of less tourists. We were most recently there in mid-June, and did not find the extent of fellow visitors to be egregious. That being said, it certainly did not feel like a sleepy little island.

Catch Some Zzzzz’s

On shorter trips, it’s often easiest to stay based out of one location, to minimize the stress of relocating. However, to make the most of your time here, we recommend spending a night in Kula, just outside the Summit District of Haleakalā National Park.

We stayed at this Airbnb and can heartily attest to how amazing the location, property, and host were.

For the other nights, there’s two general areas that people stay in: West Maui (i.e. Kaanapali and Lahaina) and South-ish Maui (i.e. Kihei and Wailea). You really can’t go wrong at either location. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Maui on Kaanapali Beach and really enjoyed everything about it. We visited with our 18 month old toddler, and found it to be delightfully kid-friendly, while still very much being a spot we’d return to without kiddos in tow.

If you have Hyatt points to spend, we felt the Hyatt Regency Maui was an excellent redemption. For a hotel with a nightly price that’s typically $500+/night, it’s always a little wild to know we wheeled and dealed our way in for freeee.

DAY ONE

The Road to Hāna is one of Maui’s most iconic adventures, but to truly enjoy it without rushing, an early start is essential. Leaving from the general Kahului area, the drive to Hāna itself can take about 2-3 hours without stops; however, that’s rarely the case, since the journey is all about pulling over for waterfalls, scenic lookouts, banana bread stands, and short hikes.

By hitting the road by 7am-8am, you’ll beat more of the morning of traffic. Generally speaking, you’ll also have better luck finding parking at popular stops. It also just gives you plenty of time to explore without worrying about racing the sunset. The earlier you go, the more you’ll actually enjoy the rhythm of the road and the quiet of the surroundings before tour vans and other travelers pile in.

Mana Foods

Mana Foods in Pāʻia is the perfect first stop on the journey to Hāna—not because it’s flashy or touristy, but precisely because it isn’t. This beloved local grocery store is packed with fresh, organic, and island-made goods, making it a one-stop shop to fuel up for the long day ahead.

You can grab a hearty breakfast from the deli, stock up on car-friendly snacks like trail mix, fresh fruit, or banana bread, and pick up cold drinks or kombucha to keep you hydrated on the winding road. If you’ve brought a cooler, even better! Mana’s prepared foods, hot bar, and grab-and-go lunches are ideal for a picnic later on the drive. It sets an authentic grounded tone for the day!

Ho‘okipa Beach Park

Just past mile marker 9 on the Hāna Highway, Hoʻokipa Beach Park is a legendary Maui landmark. It’s famous for its consistent trade‑wind powered surf and windsurfing— enticing enough to draw seasoned locals and pro athletes riding big, clean breakers right at the reef’s edge. For today, it’s a perfect spot to stop and spectate while you enjoy breakfast from one of the elevated lookout platforms or picnic areas.

Ke’anae Peninsula

The Ke‘anae Peninsula is absolutely worth pulling over for. With its dramatic coastline of jagged black lava rock and crashing waves, the views here are raw and cinematic— a beautiful contrast to the surrounding greenery and taro fields. It’s quieter than many other stops, giving you a chance to breathe and really take in the natural beauty without the crowds.

Ke‘anae isn’t just about the scenery—it’s also home to one of the most beloved banana bread stands on the island. There’s nothing quite like eating a warm slice (… or loaf) of banana bread from Aunty Sandy’s, while you watch the waves crash… the kind of simple but unforgettable experience that makes the Road to Hāna so special.

Waiʻānapanapa State Park

Just before you arrive in Hana, you’ll want to stop at Waiʻānapanapa State Park. This lush state park is home to the black-sand Pailoa Beach and spans around 122 acres— including short hiking loops and ancient trails. The rugged coastline park boasts sea arches, blowholes, lava tubes, anchialine pools, and native hala forests, making it an unforgettable highlight on the Road to Hāna.

Waiʻānapanapa State Park does utilize a reservation system for non-residents to access the park. Entry tickets go on sale 30 days in advance, so if you know this is a stop you want to make, be sure to snag your park reservations in advance! You can do so here.

If you are a last-minute planner and entry tickets are sold out, Hamoa Beach makes for a beautiful back-up beach locale.

Haleakalā — Kipahulu District

The rest of the day’s adventures are dependent on two things: what time you start your road to Hana adventure and what time of year you’re visiting. Summer will lend itself to a bit longer daylight hours. If you have time, the Kipahulu District of Haleakalā National Park is about 45 minutes past Hana and has an awesome hike that’s worth going out of the way for.

Optimally you’d be arriving at the Pipiwai Trailhead no later than 2pm. The hike to Waimoku Falls is one of Maui’s most rewarding adventures, offering a dramatic contrast to the summit district of Haleakalā National Park. You’re immersed in the lush, jungle-like scenery that defines East Maui. The trail winds past towering banyan trees, through bamboo forests, and alongside streams and smaller waterfalls before culminating at the breathtaking 400-foot cascade of Waimoku Falls. This microclimate feels worlds away from the nearby arid summit, showcasing just how diverse Maui’s environments can be. It’s a hike that captures the wild, tropical beauty of Maui’s rainforest landscapes

Don’t forget: if you go to the Haleakalā National Park in the Kipahulu district, be sure to keep your entry receipt. You can use it when you go up to the summit of Haleakala, which is the first item on the itinerary for day two!

The Journey Back: option #1

As noted above, you do want to be mindful about timing, because driving back in the dark is not advised. If you return back the way you came, via the Road Hana, you’ll want to leave yourself about 2.5 hours to make it back to Paʻia. While the road certainly is not dangerous, it is rather winding, without streetlights, so not the best road for a tourist to endeavor upon in the night-time hours. It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry!

THE JOURNEY BACK: OPTION #2

The day two itinerary kicks off at the Summit District of Haleakalā National Park, so we recommend spending the night in the Kula/Upcountry region. Now, there is a south road you can take to get up to Kula (i.e. not returning via the Road to Hana). Your rental car company may dissuade you from taking this route as there are a couple of “hairy” places where the road is steep and narrow, but really entirely doable and safe– as long as it’s not storming (this road can flood during heavy rain).

Before you embark on the southern road, you should know, there is a 45-ish minute stretch of dirt road. Once you are past this, you will find yourself on a smooth, paved road, with fabulous, sweeping vistas! Also, make sure you have your directions loaded up before you leave the national park as you’ll likely be without service for a stretch, until you reach the Ulapalakua area.

Our Airbnb host is actually who recommended this alternative route to us, and she said, “if the road says “local traffic only”, tell them you’re going to your Auntie Pamelaʻs house, and you will be able to come that way!”

Everyone’s driving abilities and comfortability differ, so only you make the decision about what’s safest for you… we’re just here to share an adventurous option. If you’re on the fence about what exactly this entails, you can check out this detailed post by MauiGuidebook. Safety first, safety always!

Kula

Kula Bistro is a gem tucked into the upcountry town of Kula, and it makes for a fantastic dinner spot after a long day of exploring Maui. The menu is packed with hearty, flavorful options—from fresh seafood and pastas to generously portioned entrées that leave you more than satisfied. While it’s a bit on the spendier side compared to casual island eats, the quality of the food and the welcoming atmosphere make it a splurge well worth making.

Hana Hot Takes

Popular experiences, such as this one, can be both amazingly iconic but also have some logistical snafus. For example, nearly every ‘Road to Hana Itinerary’ recommends visiting Twin Falls; however, we found it to be crowded and, honestly, not worth the hype. The waterfalls there were underwhelming at best and felt more like a traffic jam than a nature spot. Everyone will have their own experience, but perhaps temper your expectations a bit for some of the stops— especially if you’re visiting in the high season.
While the Road to Hāna is often romanticized as a coastal drive, in reality, much of the route winds through dense rainforest and bamboo groves. It’s lush and green, yes—but you’ll only catch glimpses of the ocean here and there. If you go in expecting more jungle than seaside cliffs, you’re less likely to be disappointed.
Either drive all the way out to Hana or skip this adventure. You’ll find some people recommend just doing half of the Road to Hāna, as an alternate option for those traveling with young(er) kids or those without time to make a full day of it. This is mediocre advice!! As mentioned above, you’ll be driving through a fairly dense rainforest, so it’s not like jaw-dropping views are abounding. At the halfway point, you will have a pretty sweet viewpoint, but I’d be hard-pressed to argue that it’s worth the hour-long drive on winding roads. All or nothing!!!

DAY TWO

Another day on Maui filled with a completely different array of sweeping landscapes and local flavor— plus an unforgettable sunset. Start your morning early with a drive up to Haleakalā National Park to witness the otherworldly beauty of the volcanic summit. After descending from the clouds, sample the local cuisine and beer before heading to ʻĪao Valley State Monument for a peaceful stroll through lush rainforest and towering emerald peaks. As the afternoon winds down, make your way to the west side for a relaxing evening on Kāʻanapali Beach.

Haleakalā National Park

Spending about a half day here allows you to take in some of the park’s most iconic sights — including scenic overlooks, high-elevation trails, and panoramic views stretching all the way to the Big Island on a clear day. For those with a bit more time or no qualms about an early bird start to the day, there are awesome opportunities to catch the sunrise and hike into the volcanic crater. The beauty and quiet power of Haleakalā make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Maui— even if you make it to the Kipahulu region of the park, the summit district is unlike anything else on the island!

We actually have a whole separate Haleakalā National Park blog post, detailing the key stops and things to do in the summit district. The spark notes?

The sunrise is amazing but does require advanced registration.
Hiking even part of the Sliding Sands Trail down into the crater is beyond worth the time and effort.
Drive all the way up to the summit of the summit district and take in the views from above the clouds.

Mahalo Aleworks

By the time you come down from Haleakalā, you will have likely worked up an appetite… and you might just need your thirst quenched as well. Mahalo Aleworks is a perfect spot for a well-deserved local craft beer. While the beer was worth stopping in for, their food was just okay, BUT there are actually a bunch of other options in a 1-2 block radius.

Crema Maui is a very cute coffee shop, just around the corner, housed in an old trolley… talk about fun, quirky character!! There’s also ‘Oko’a Farms, which is a small market for local goods– primarily produce but they have some gorgeous flower arrangements as well. You can also find a handful of different food truck cuisine options just across the road. We both got a burger and would go back again in a heartbeat!

Iao Valley State Monument

As you leave the upcountry and head west, the ʻĪao Valley State Monument is the next stop. It’s a lush, sacred gem nestled in the heart of central Maui, dominated by the iconic ʻĪao Needle—a striking green-covered rock pinnacle rising 1,200 feet from the valley floor. Beyond its jaw-dropping scenery, ʻĪao Valley is also a place of great historical significance, once the site of the pivotal 1790 Battle of Kepaniwai, where King Kamehameha I fought to unify the Hawaiian Islands.

There’s a short, easy hike that winds through botanical gardens with mist-draped cliffs towering above. Whether you’re drawn by the dramatic landscape, the history, or simply a peaceful pause in nature, ʻĪao Valley is a worthy and accessible stop for any Maui itinerary.

Non-residents (i.e. tourists) do require timed-reservations. They can be made online here.

Kaanapali Beach

We stayed on the west side of Maui in Kaanapali at the Hyatt Regency in Maui. We really enjoyed our stay (especially considering we booked our stay with Hyatt points, making it freeee). The resort is right along the beach, which makes for a delightfully relaxing way to end the day. Whether you stay here or elsewhere, watching the sun set on Kaanapali Beach is a must!

DAY THREE

Is it a crime to visit Maui and not go snorkeling? No but maybe it should be! While this might be a smidge dramatic, the aquatic wildlife here is truly amazing— not to mention, you have a pretty solid chance of seeing sea turtles as well! Whether you’re looking to splurge on a tour or hit some of the shoreline snorkel spots, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.

A Snorkeling Tour to Remember

If you’re looking for a paid snorkeling adventure that feels truly unforgettable, we recommend going with the sunrise Molokini Crater tour through Kai Kanani. Departing directly from Maluaka Beach, it affords the opportunity to be on the water before the crowds and in the crater at its calmest— when the visibility is crystal clear and the marine life is most active.

The early start means you have the rare chance to snorkel in peace, surrounded only by the vibrant coral and schools of tropical fish instead of a sea of other boats. If you’re going to pay for a snorkeling adventure, you might as well wake up early and actually get to have the slice of nature to yourself for a bit! To our knowledge, this is the only snorkeling tour company that is positioned to offer this first-thing-in-the-morning experience, so it’s an easy choice!

Shoreline Snorkeling

If you’d prefer to stick to the shoreline, Maui offers some truly outstanding snorkeling spots, each with its own character. Honolua Bay usually tops the list, thanks to its protected waters and reef teeming with colorful fish, coral, and even the occasional turtle—though it does require a short walk from the parking area to reach the shoreline. Kapalua Beach is another strong contender— a crescent-shaped shoreline with calm waters that make it especially beginner-friendly while still offering plenty of marine life along the rocky edges. Close behind is Napili Bay, a scenic, sandy beach where the snorkeling is best near the rocks on either side of the bay.

These three bay areas showcase the variety of Maui’s snorkeling, from vibrant wildlife from easy-access beaches. These are all great options for anyone wanting to explore straight from shore. Oftentimes the simplest deciding factor in where to go is simply where the conditions are best! We highly recommend checking the snorkel report in the morning, before you head out! The Snorkel Store provides a rating (out of 10) of various snorkeling regions around the island to help inform eager snorkelers.

Relaxation Station

In the midst of an activity-filled itinerary, it’s important to carve out a pocket of downtime to simply unwind—whether that means lounging by the pool (Mai Tai optional) or stretching out on the sand as the waves roll in. With so many adventures packed into just three days, the constant go-go-go can easily become overwhelming, and allowing yourself a pause is just as valuable as chasing the next sight. Sometimes the most memorable moments aren’t the big excursions, but the simple pleasure of being present with loved ones… or taking the space for yourself!

DAY FOUR

Day four on Maui is all about slowing the pace and savoring the island’s beauty in a more relaxed way. Begin the morning with a coastal nature walk and the rest of the day is intentional space to unwind—whether that means sinking into a lounge chair by the pool, enjoying the soft sand and surf of a nearby beach, or simply soaking up the laid-back rhythm that makes Maui so unforgettable.

Kapalua Coastal Trail

Beginning your morning with a walk along the Kapalua Coastal Trail is a refreshing way to ease into your final day on Maui. The path meanders along the shoreline, offering sweeping views of the Pacific, dramatic lava rock formations, and quiet stretches of golden sand—all while the air is still cool and the light is soft. It’s a relatively easy walk, yet it still feels rewarding thanks to the stunning scenery and the possibility of spotting sea turtles. Starting your day here sets a peaceful tone, giving you a chance to start your day by soaking in the staggering beauty of Maui’s coastline.

Relaxation Station: Round 2

There’s some inherent flexibility in every itinerary… you could alternatively finish day three with the Kapalua Coastal Trail, and spend your entire fourth day relaxing peacefully. We are still getting used to traveling with a toddler, and while we typically pride ourselves in getting out of the resort and truly exploring a given area, life continues to provide humbling opportunities. Regardless if you’re single, visiting with the love of your life, or wrangling a few kiddos, it’s ALWAYS nice to have a little space to slow down and relax.

Spending four days in Maui flies by, but that’s usually the case when you’re having a jam-packed, good time. Each of the Hawaiʻian islands has its own unique identity and charm— Maui is somehow both adventurous while also being laid-back… luxury abounds while still holding space for both nature and local tradition. We hope you have the most amazing time exploring for yourself!

If you’re planning to visit any other islands in the Hawaiʻian archipelago, our personal favorite might just have to be Kaui. It’s hard to choose though! Dana and McKenna both had the opportunity to live on Big Island for 4 months, so that holds a special place in their heart (either a 4-day or one week itinerary).

Regardless of where your adventures take you, we so hope you enjoy the journey. Happy travels!

written by Hannah

Tags Maui, travel Hawaii, travel Maui

lifestyle

Haleakalā Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to Maui’s Volcano Park

Post author By Hannah

Rising over 10,000 feet above sea level, visiting Haleakalā National Park feels like stepping onto another planet — one sculpted by ancient lava flows, swirling clouds, and sunrise colors that defy description. Located on the island of Maui, this dramatic volcanic landscape is unlike anywhere else in Hawaiʻi. Whether you’re arriving early to witness the legendary sunrise from the summit or hiking off to explore the crater floor, Haleakalā offers a rather surreal experience. We have created a perfect first-time visitor’s guide to Maui’s illustrious volcano park. It’s a place where cinder cones rise like moonscapes and native silversword plants thrive in the thin alpine air, making it a truly unique ecosystem on Maui.

Spending even just a half day here allows you to take in some of the park’s most iconic sights — including scenic overlooks, high-elevation trails, and panoramic views stretching all the way to the Big Island on a clear day. For those with a bit more time, a full-day visit opens up opportunities to catch the sunrise and hike into the crater. The volcanic beauty and quiet power of Haleakalā make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Maui.

Fast Facts About Haleakalā National Park

Size: 30,183 acres

Visitors: 732,477 visitors annually (data from 2024)

Distance from OGG Airport: 40 miles or a 1 hour & 15 min drive (to the summit)

National Park Initiation: Hawaiʻi National Park was established by Congress in 1916, and at the time, this included what is now Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (on Big Island) AND Haleakalā on Maui. In 1961, the Hawaiʻi National Park was separated and re-designated as Haleakalā National Park and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Fun Fact: Haleakala means “house of the sun” and is said to be where the demigod Maui lassoed the sun, delaying its passage so people had more time to dry kapa (cloth) and grow food

Summit District & Kīpahulu District

Haleakalā National Park is divided into two separate areas: the Summit District and the Kīpahulu District, each offering its own unique volcanic Maui experience. The Summit District, located in upcountry Maui, is the more accessible of the two and home to the park’s famous volcanic crater, sunrise vistas, and high-elevation hikes like Sliding Sands and Pa Ka‘oao. It’s all about expansive views, barren beauty, and feeling like you’re on top of the world.

In contrast, the Kīpahulu District lies on the lush, more-remote southeastern side of the island— past Hāna, and showcases a completely different side of the park. Dense rainforests, flowing waterfalls, and trails, like the Pīpīwai Trail, wind through bamboo groves and lead to towering waterfalls.

Together, these two districts highlight the dramatic range of Maui’s ecosystems — from alpine desert to tropical jungle — making Haleakalā a truly ecologically diverse and fascinating national park. While both districts are in the same park, there are no intra-park roads connecting the two. The safest way to get from one area to the other is actually an approximately 3.5 hour drive around the east side of the island.

It’s totally possible to visit both districts of the park in one day; however, the road to (and through) Hana is its own day trip adventure, and is best suited for another day. This itinerary focuses predominantly on enjoying the Summit District.

Where to Stay

Watching the sunrise in Haleakalā is quite the Maui bucket list item. Even if you stay just outside the park, in Kula, it’s still about a 45-50 minute drive to the summit. If you plan to bring your camping gear on your Maui vacation, you can stay at Hosmer Grove Campground; however, this campground is located near the entrance gate to the park, meaning it will still be a 25-30 min drive up to the summit.

Other cities nearby? The drive from Wailea takes about an hour and a half. Coming from Kahului or Paia takes around an hour and 15 minutes.

We stayed at an Airbnb in Kula, and loved it. Super spacious and an awesome host. The space was big enough that we could spread out a bit, with an awesome view from the terrace and relaxing hot tub to look up at the stars. It was cloudy the night we were there, but apparently the Milky Way is visible on clear nights.

What to Bring

Spending a half to full day up on Haleakalā doesn’t warrant an overly extensive packing list, but there are a handful of things to be aware of.

Jacket — first on the list because it’s, perhaps, the item most likely to be left behind. Haleakalā is up at elevation, and it’s about 20 degrees cooler up at the summit than it was at the base of the volcano. It’s also pretty windy up there as well! Be sure to check the weather before you go… it’s never fun to be cold. Even during the warm summer months, it can be surprisingly cool!
Snacks — there’s no lodge or restaurant to purchase food, so be sure to pack all the snacks and meals you’re going to need, before you head up
Water — hiking at elevation can be a bit more taxing than one might expect, so it’s always better to bring more water than you think you might need. You can refill water bottles, so at the very least ensure you have enough containers for the amount of water you’ll need
Backpack — even a small hiking backpack can be nice to have. It makes for an easy place to throw everything you need together before you go for a hike (even if you don’t plan to go on a long hike)
Headlamp — if you plan to arrive for the sunrise or after sunset, a headlamp is soooo much more convenient than using your phone flashlight
Sunscreen — just because it’s cool doesn’t mean you won’t get burned (once the sun’s up, that it)
Hat — protecting your scalp and face is a must! it can get pretty breezy, so you’re best off with a baseball cap or a hat that straps to your head… nothing’s worse than losing a good hat

A Native Note

Haleakalā is sacred to Native Hawaiians, so please treat this park with the respect it deserves. Stay on marked paths, throw your trash away, and if you see people practicing cultural traditions, please be courteous and do not disturb them.

The Itinerary

Haleakalā paints a landscape different from any other US national park. Peering out across the cinder-scape of a dormant volcano really does fill one with a sense of awe. For anyone that has visited Hawaiʻi Volcano National Park, it’s a beautiful park but also very different from Haleakalā. The volcanic landscapes are uniquely beautiful and memorable.

It’s very easy to spend a half day in the park, and this is the least amount of time that should be allotted. Depending on your time and fitness-level, one could spend the better part of the day exploring Haleakalā! Below we have detailed the must-do activities, when you’re in the park.

Sunrise

Catching the sunrise from the Haleakalā summit is a truly outstanding way to start the day. Despite it being QUITE the early start to the day (especially in the summer), this has become a rather popular endeavor, so the park has implemented a reservation system for the park— but only effective from 3am-7am.

Reservations can be made online up to 60 days in advance, released at 7:00am HST. There is a second, smaller portion of reservations that become available 2 days prior. Reservations can be made here.

If you’d rather not navigate the roads up to the summer, there are four NPS-approved tour companies that offer sunrise experiences: Haleakalā Ecotours, Valley Isle Excursions, Skyline Eco-Adventures, and Polynesian Adventure Tours.

You can check the sunrise time here.

The Summit

We visited Haleakalā in June, with our charming toddler in tow. There was about a 0% chance of us making it to watch the sun rise with our sleepy little friend; however, even in early to mid-morning, the park is beautiful— there’s still lots to see and do!

A visit to the summit of Haleakalā is well worth it for the sweeping views. This isn’t simply the Summit District, but the highest elevation of the park i.e. the summit of the Summit District. At over 10,000 feet, the summit area feels worlds away from Maui’s beaches— taking in the ocean waves below from your perch high in the clouds. Here, you’ll find a cluster of high-tech telescopes used for astronomical research, a testament to the area’s clear skies and minimal light pollution.

Just steps away, a small visitor building offers educational displays and a horizon map that points out distant landmarks — including other Hawaiian islands you can spot on clear days. It’s an awe-inspiring reminder of how vast the view truly is.

Volcano Hikes

Hiking at Haleakalā offers a chance to truly immerse yourself in the park’s surreal volcanic landscape. For a short but rewarding option, the Pa Ka’oao Trail (White Hill Trail) — also known as the White Hill Trail — is a quick climb, beginning right by the Visitor Center, that leads to a stunning panoramic overlook of the crater, with sweeping views that stretch all the way to the ocean on clear days.

For a more immersive adventure, the Sliding Sands Trail descends dramatically into the crater, and hiking even part of the way gives you a sense of the vast scale and quiet beauty of Haleakalā’s interior. Depending how far you trek, you might just pass some windswept cinder cones, shifting colors in the volcanic soil, and the endangered ʻāhinahina (silversword) plant that grows only here.

Visitor Center

No national park trip is complete without a brief stop by the visitor center! You are unlikely to have much service at the summit, so a park ranger is the best person to answer all your questions. I always love to snag a couple postcards… plus you can’t forget to stamp your NPS passport!

Kīpahulu District

Driving the Road to Hana is another popular day trip adventure. If you leave early in the day or if you stay overnight in Hana, hiking the Pipiwai Trail is a well-rounded way to experience the southeastern pocket of the park. The bamboo forests and waterfalls are in sharp contrast to the volcanic landscape— each impressive in their own way.

Due to the time it takes to travel from one district to the other, it would not be the most ideal to visit both parts of the park in one day, but it is certainly possible.

Haleakalā is a unique park with amazing opportunities to experience Maui from a different perspective. Being able to look out at surrounding islands, watch the sunrise from above the clouds, and climb into a crater are memories you certainly won’t forget anytime soon.

Haleakalā is one of two national parks in Hawaii. If your Hawai’i adventures bring you to Big Island, be sure to go visit the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park!

written by Hannah

Tags Maui, national park travel, national parks, travel Hawaii

lifestyle

The Oʻahu Adventure Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days Hiking, Snorkeling, and Soaking Up the Sun

Post author By Hannah

Oʻahu’s moniker is “The Gathering Place” and for good reason. With a population more than double that of all of the other islands combined, Oʻahu is a happening place. It’s best described as a vibrant blend of culture, history, natural beauty, and adventure. From the bustling energy of Honolulu to the laid-back charm of the North Shore, Oʻahu delivers the best of both worlds. Oʻahu serves as a well-rounded gateway to all things Hawaiʻi — white sandy beaches, lush ridgelines, and some of the best snorkeling spots in the entire archipelago. Get ready for an adventure— hiking, snorkeling, and soaking in the Hawai’i magic.

How much time is the perfect amount of time on Oʻahu? It would be easy to spend a week or more exploring the island at a leisurely pace. However, if you’re planning to island hop and are looking for a ‘get-the-essence-of-Oʻahu’ experience, a three to four day itinerary is perfect to explore Oʻahu’s diverse array of experiences at a pace that’s exciting yet manageable — especially for families with young children.

If you can handle a full, action packed itinerary, three full days on the island will suffice. If you want to mix a little bit more relaxation into your days, four days might provide you with a bit more wiggle room to stop and smell the roses… or in this case, stop and watch the waves crash.

What’s in store? Imagine hiking along panoramic trails, cruising along the coast as the sun dips below the horizon, and discovering teeming reefs while snorkeling in calm, shallow waters. A full-circle road trip around the island showcases Oʻahu’s dramatic contrasts, from rugged cliffs and jungle valleys to food trucks and quiet beaches.

Where to Stay

Staying in Waikīkī Beach makes for a convenient and lively home base when spending a few days on Oʻahu. Centrally located on the island’s south shore, Waikīkī offers quick access to a wide range of attractions — from nearby scenic hikes to the historic sites of downtown Honolulu to the the iconic sands of Hanauma Bay. It’s also packed with dining options, whether you’re craving local plate lunches, fresh poke, or upscale beachfront dinners.

While traffic is common when heading out of the city, it’s pretty manageable. Basing yourself in one place, like Waikīkī, keeps your trip simple and efficient, allowing you to explore the island by day and return to the comfort of a walkable neighborhood each night.

We stayed at the Hyatt Place Waikīkī Beach and had a great experience. Location was super convenient and amenities were solid for the price point— especially the complimentary breakfast provided each morning. A great way to start the day!

The only notable downside to staying in Waikīkī Beach is that you should keep in mind the cost of parking or valet. A parking garage will run you $35-55/day and valet costs $55-75/day. If you’re only staying 3-4 nights, it’s not anything that will break the bank per se, just something to be aware of.

To Drive or Not To Drive

Oʻahu stands out from the other Hawaiian islands for its solid public transportation system, with TheBus offering extensive routes that reach much of the island — including popular destinations like Pearl Harbor, Waikīkī, the North Shore, and even the Windward Coast. It’s a budget-friendly and reliable option, especially for those who have a bit more time and prefer not to drive.

That being said, if you’re only on the island for a few days and want to make the most of your time, renting a car is well worth the extra expense. While buses run frequently and get reasonably close to most stops on this itinerary, having your own vehicle gives you full flexibility to explore at your own pace — without waiting on schedules or juggling transfers.

DAY ONE

The first day in paradise will include some unforgettable snorkeling, a steep but rewarding hike, and a sunset catamaran sail along the coast. It’s a perfect introduction to the dreamy landscape of Hawai’i.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is about as picturesque a beach as you could ask for, PLUS it’s known to be one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. There’s awesome visuals and information about the bay ecosystem, if you want to learn more about the local aquatic life. We saw dozens of different kinds of fish, and my husband even got to swim with a green sea turtle. They also have a cafe, so if you’re cutting it close for your time slot, you don’t have to worry about grabbing water or snacks. We brought our snorkel set and beach shade tent, but they have snorkeling gear and umbrellas available to rent as well.

Don’t let my mediocre GoPro photography skills lead you astray here, there were soooo many unique, beautiful fish to see!

To limit the amount of visitors each day, the preserve requires advanced registration, and spots go FAST. Reservations become available at 7am HST, and they are completely sold out in less than 5 minutes. You can buy tickets here.

This is scheduled on day one of the itinerary for a reason… if at first you don’t succeed, try try again. We assumed using a desktop computer would have the best connection; however, the website kept crashing on our desktop, and all too late (aka at 7:02am), we discovered it worked fine on our phones. Because of this snafu, we ended up not getting reservations until the 2nd day of our trip. This was totally fine, but you could find yourself in a pickle if you 1000% assume you’ll be able to get them for your last day. That being said, the preserve is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan accordingly!

Koko Crater Hike

If you’re looking to get absolutely humbled by a sub-2 mile hike, this is the trail for you. All jokes aside, the Koko Crater Hike provides an insane panorama of Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, Hanauma Bay, and the Pacific Ocean.

There are 25 yellow markers beside the trail that count you down as you approach the summit of the trail. This hike is also composed entirely of stairs on an old tramway, with zero shade. While AllTrails has it at 912ft of elevation, our watches captured >1,000ft elevation gain. Regardless, it’s a pretty hefty climb that’s only spread out over ~0.8 miles. You’ll want to hit this early in the day, with about twice as much water as you’d usually bring for a 1.6 mile hike.

The Koko Crater trail is less than 10 min from Hanauma Bay, so if you find yourself with a mid-to-late morning time slot to enter the bay, take advantage of the jet-lag induced early morning wake up and hit this trail before you go enjoy the beach!

Ke Kai Sunset Sail

Does it get much better than ending your first day with a relaxing sunset catamaran ride? There’s a handful of different options to choose from, but we really enjoyed Ke Kai (and highly recommend). With music bumping and an open bar, it makes for a fun time while you wait for the sun to go down. There’s just something about being out on the water that makes for a lovely end to the day.

Even better, this sunset cruise only cost $60, which felt veryyy reasonable– even more so when you consider the open bar. The boat’s capacity is 49 guests, but our group had about 35 sailors, including us, and it felt super comfortable (i.e. not overcrowded at all). We loved it! You can check it out here.

DAY TWO

Day two is all about hitting the road and discovering the diverse landscapes and laid-back charm of Oʻahu’s coastline. Start the day with scenic lookouts along the windward side before making your way north, stopping for a short panoramic hike, overlooking the picturesque Kahana Bay. As you approach the legendary North Shore, grab lunch from a roadside food truck, and take time to relax at one of the island’s quieter beaches. If the waves are calm, there are excellent snorkeling spots, where you can get out and explore.

Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout

Perched up in the Koʻolau Mountains, the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout offers a dramatic and historically significant view. From this very windy cliffside perch, you can see sweeping panoramas of the lush windward coast, dotted with emerald peaks, coastal towns, and turquoise stretches of ocean that seem to go on forever. Be sure to hold onto your hats and small children… the wind really gets to whipping up there!

Beyond the stunning scenery, the lookout marks the site of a pivotal 1795 battle in King Kamehameha’s campaign to unify the Hawaiian Islands, adding a layer of cultural depth to the visit. There’s a handful of different informational signs at the lookout point if you’re curious to learn more. The mix of natural beauty and historical resonance makes it an awesome first stop.

Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park

Next up, a short but very beautiful hike… and you actually have options. We originally intended to hike the Crouching Lion Trail, but had zero service for the 15 min leading up to the Kahana Bay area, so we ended up doing the The Kapa’ele’ele Ko’a Trail in the Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park instead. You’ll be rewarded with amazing sweeping views of the bay regardless of which hike you endeavor upon.

This hike isn’t on AllTrails (yet), so we’ll walk you through it. When you first pull into the state park, there’s a parking lot and bathroom to the right. Keep driving down the road, just a little farther until you get the green building. There’s no entrance fee, so you can just park and get to stepping. The trail starts to the right of the green building. It’s wide and pretty easy to spot.

On the Kapa’ele’ele Ko’a Trail, there’s a bench seemingly near the end of the trail, with a nice overlook of the bay, through the trees. However, about 25 feet before you reach the bench there’s a split off the trail (to the left, if you’re walking toward the bench), that takes you to a short gravelly incline, which provides more of the sweeping view you’re looking for. The hike is about 1 mile round trip.

***Regardless of which hike you opt for, have either your AllTrails or directions to the trailhead pulled up, when you leave the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout, so you don’t run into any issues with service.

view of the bay through the trees, near the bench— seems like you’ve reached the end of the trail, but it’s not!

back track just slightly and head up the trail just a couple minutes to find this beautiful vista

Banzai Pipeline

A stop at the Banzai Pipeline on Oʻahu’s illustrious North Shore is a must, but only if you’re visiting during the winter months. during this time, towering swells transform this stretch of beach into a world-famous surfing spectacle. Known for its perfectly formed, thunderous barrels, the Pipeline draws elite surfers from around the globe. Certainly not for novice surfers, but even as a spectator, it’s amazing to watch these athletes tackle some of the planet’s most powerful waves. The energy is electric and the ocean puts on a mesmerizing show.

North Shore Food Trucks

Are you hungry yet? We enjoyed some fresh coconuts, poke from the Aji Limo food truck, and acai from the Sunrise Shack, but there’s an assortment of different food trucks if you’re in the mood for something else. There’s space to eat there, but it’s easy to cross the street and eat your lunch in the shade with a view at Pupukea Beach. If you’re in the mood for an afternoon snorkel, there’s rentals available near the food trucks, and outstanding snorkeling steps away.

Shark’s Cove

Your snorkel and flippers are going to get some action again today! Right across the food trucks, you’ll find Shark’s Cove, which is a top notch snorkeling spot along the North Shore. Three Tables is a short walk south, and is also a notorious great spot to go snorkeling. If you’re looking to see some vibrant fish and majestic sea turtles, you have options! Waimea Bay is a short drive south, and makes for another fabulous beachy snorkeling locale.

Honorable Mention: Shark Snorkeling

The order of stops creates a nice loop around the island; however, if you are interested in snorkeling with sharks, we recommend you do the loop in reverse. Generally speaking, going out on the boat earlier is better as you can get out on calmer waters. Hence the reversed itinerary recommendation.

With an 18 month old along for the ride, this adventure wasn’t in the cards, but it’s definitely on the list for whenever we head back! We’d looked into Hawaii Adventure Diving, and they seemed like an awesome option, but you’ll have to let us know if you give it a try!

For Your Consideration: Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch is nestled between the dramatic cliffs and lush valleys of Oʻahu’s windward coast. Best known as a filming location for movies like Jurassic Park and Jumanji, the ranch offers a mix of activities that range from laid-back to adrenaline-pumping — think jungle jeep tours, horseback rides, ziplining, and e-bike adventures through its cinematic landscapes.

While we skipped the ranch in lieu of other stops, it’s a great alternative plan if ocean conditions cancel your snorkeling plans, offering plenty of excitement on land without sacrificing scenery. With sweeping views and some family-friendly tour options, Kualoa Ranch is a great option, especially if you’re a big Jurassic Park fan!

Hot take— Skip the Byod-In Temple

The Byod-In Temple is certainly beautiful, but our experience there felt pretty touristy. There wasn’t much for placards or information to learn about the temple and culture. Also the property itself just was much smaller than it seemed. Not a bad stop, but you won’t miss much by skipping it.

Wakkiki Beach & Honolulu Wandering

Once you’re back in the Waikiki Beach or Honolulu area, rinse off and take a moment to relax. If you still have some exploration left in the tank, you can take the ‘ole heel-toe express and walk around for a bit. There’s loads of food trucks to choose from, and there’s a handful of local breweries as well. While there’s always high end options available, the easy-paced food truck dinner makes for a pretty chill end to the day. You can always grab your dinner, sit on Waikiki Beach, and watch the sun set.

There’s lots of different stores to grab snacks and drinks before you head out, but it’s worth mentioning, there is a Target in the midst of all the stores along Waikiki Beach… we have a pouch-obsessed toddler, and it was easy to swing through and grab another box.

DAY THREE

The (potential) final day on Oʻahu invites a bit of a slower, scenic pace with a focus on the island’s stunning southeastern coast. Start your morning with a nice hike… is there such a thing as too many sweeping ocean views?! Afterward, unwind at the beach nearby, where calm waters and soft sand are perfect for a midday break. In the afternoon, take the longer, more scenic route back to Honolulu via the H3 Highway, where the surrounding mountain views make the drive feel like part of the adventure. Cap off your trip with a festive luau, complete with traditional Hawaiian food, music, and storytelling.

don’t forget to bring your hat and water bottle along!

Lanikai Pillbox Trail

After the Koko Crater trail, everything feels easy by comparison! This 1.6 mile Lanikai Pillbox trail tackles a cool ~600ft of elevation, and some parts are a little gravelly, so you won’t be sad to have your hiking boots on. There are two pillboxes, and they provide a beautiful 360-degree view of the Pacific Ocean, Lanikai Beach, the city below, and the seemingly endless stretches of ridges. It’s a beautiful way to start the day.

With our toddler in tow, there was a 0% chance of us making this hike for sunrise (especially in June); however, if you don’t have a 18 month old menace along for the ride, this is an awesome sunrise locale.

Kailua Beach Park

Kailua Beach Park is a picture-perfect spot to unwind, with soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and a welcoming, laid-back vibe that makes it a favorite for both locals and visitors. The beach stretches wide and flat, ideal for lounging or strolling along the shoreline, while the gentle waves are great for swimming — especially with lifeguards on duty for added peace of mind.

Convenient ‘amenities’ like restrooms (not the cleanest ever but good enough), outdoor showers, and easy parking (the lot does fill up though) make it a pretty hassle-free beach spot, particularly for families. For those feeling a bit more adventurous, the calm waters also offer a great opportunity to rent a kayak and paddle out to nearby offshore islets, adding a touch of exploration to an otherwise relaxing beach day.

H3 Highway

While it may not be the fastest route back to Honolulu, taking the H-3 Highway from the windward side is absolutely worth the extra minutes for the sheer visual payoff. This scenic drive cuts through the lush Koʻolau Mountains via towering viaducts and dramatic tunnels, offering sweeping views of misty peaks, deep valleys, and stretches of jungle. The ride feels more like a journey through a movie scene than a typical highway commute.

Luau

If it’s your first time visiting Hawai’i, attending a luau is an immersive way to experience Hawai’ian culture through music, dance, and traditional island cuisine. You can expect a generous buffet or plated meals featuring local favorites like kalua pig, lomi salmon, and haupia— all enjoyed in a beautiful outdoor setting. Beyond the food, the real magic is in the spectacle — with fire dancers, hula performers, and live music that bring centuries-old Polynesian traditions to life.

DAY FOUR

The fourth and final day is a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure… depending on what you need. Having just recently returned from Hawai’i ourselves, I had someone ask if I had a relaxing time, and my first thought was, “Have you ever traveled anywhere with an 18 month old?!?!!” Regardless, whether you have multiple children or struggle just to babysit yourself, everyone deserves a little treat-yo-self moment. Whether you want to sleep in, take a nap on the beach, or read a book by the pool, the opportunity awaits.

Inversely, if you go on vacation to see and do as much as possible, we have a couple ideas of how to spend your final day.

Pearl Harbor

Visiting Pearl Harbor is a powerful experience that offers a deep look into a pivotal moment in American history. You’ll find thoughtfully curated exhibits, memorials, and museums — with the USS Arizona Memorial being the centerpiece, accessible by a short boat ride included in timed-entry tickets. These tickets are available 8 weeks in advance, and another, smaller, batch becomes available at 3pm HST, the day prior. You can purchase your tickets here. Advanced reservations aren’t required, they are just highly recommended during the busy season, to ensure you’re able to make it— if that’s important to you!

Just to be clear, the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, or visiting the other museums do not require a timed entry ticket— just the USS Arizona Memorial.

Helicopter Tour: Smash or Pass?

Helicopter or small plane tours can be an amazing way to see the island from a bird’s eye view; however, they often come with a heftyyyy price tag. Each of the islands has its own charm but they also differ in accessibility. If a helicopter tour of Oahu is on your dream-trip bucket list, do it!! We have previously done a plane tour in Kauai (hellllo Nā Pali Coast), where much of the island is harder to access, and would recommend it in a heartbeat. However, we felt we were able to see the essence of Oahu by driving around. To each their own!

If you do opt for a helicopter tour, be sure to do some research before you sign up as helicopter crashes, while infrequent, do occur, and some companies are better/safer than others.

Three or four days on Oahu goes by fast– it’s a relatively small island, but there’s lots to see and do. We hope you have an awesome time exploring! If your travels include island hopping, Kauai is my favorite of the Hawai’ian archipelago (we have a 4-day itinerary and 7-day itinerary), and I sooo recommend it if you’re looking to swing the pendulum a bit. The ‘garden isle’ is less populated and commercialized, but the natural beauty there is unmatched (in my humble opinion).

That being said, my sisters Dana and McKenna each had the opportunity to live on Big Island for 4 months, and they absolutely loved it. The island’s biodiversity, volcano national park, and manta ray snorkeling are just the tip of the iceberg— you can check out our 4-day itinerary and 7-day itinerary. Happy travels!

written by Hannah

lifestyle

3 Perfect Days in the Redwoods: The Ultimate Itinerary for A First Time Visitor

Post author By Hannah

The Northern California coast is home to some of the tallest trees in the world, making it a truly enchanting forest. There’s something humbling about standing beneath the towering redwoods. A place where centuries-old giants stretch into the sky and sunlight filters through an abundance of leaves. Walking among these ancient trees, the redwoods aren’t just a beautiful backdrop — they’re living witnesses to history, endurance, and the quiet power of nature. Whether you’re a first time visitor to the famous groves of Northern California or coming back to stumble upon new, hidden gems, being among them feels like stepping into a world far older and wiser than our own.

As you wander deeper into the ancient redwood forests, the sense of wonder only grows. The sheer size and silence of the redwoods create a feeling of both awe, like nature’s own sacred sanctuary. Every winding trail reveals something new: a massive scorched trunk, a fallen giant, or an unexpectedly beautiful stretch of soft ferns. In the redwoods, you don’t just see nature — you feel it, powerful and alive, woven into every breath and footstep. There’s something almost ethereal about being in a forest of tower trees— only nature can make you feel small in a way that’s so humbling yet inspiring.

Fast Facts About Redwood National & State Park

Size: 131,983 acres — 60,268 acres state park land + 71,715 acres federal land

Visitors: 622,883 visitors annually (data from 2024)

Distance from SFO Airport: 6-7 hour drive (there are smaller, regional airports that are closer)

National Park Initiation: became a national park in 1968, but in 1994, the National Park Service & the California Department of Parks and Recreation formed a cooperative agreement to maximize resource protection for the four parks (more info below)

Fun Fact: after extensive logging in the mid-to-late 1800s, only 5% of old-growth redwoods remain

National Park or State Park(s)?

Differing from most of the other national parks the national park land is interspersed with California state park land. Rather than operating separately, Redwoods National and State Parks work together under a cooperative management plan, blending federal and state resources to preserve these ancient forests as one unified whole. As a visitor, it makes for pretty seamless exploration between the four park areas: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and the broader Redwood National Park.

photo taken by our friend Zachary (IG: master_splint3r)

Sleeps

Ensuring you’re well rested is the easiest way to make the most of your hiking and sight-seeing days. Depending on how outdoorsy you’re feeling, you can either go camping or stay in Crescent City. Since we were visiting with a one year old, we did a mixture of both— two nights camping, with our final night at an Airbnb.

Jedediah Smith Campground

If you’re camping, Jedediah Smith Campground is hard to beat. It’s located about 20 minutes from arguably some of the most iconic views in the park, not to mention the campsite itself is in a beautiful spot along the Smith River. Without even leaving the campground, ancient redwoods tower right over picnic tables, just leaving enough room for a tent pad and fire pit. With clean restrooms, flat tent pads, reasonably-priced hot showers (you’ll need quarters!), and the peaceful sound of the river nearby, it offers just enough comfort to make nature feel welcoming.

We had a friend join us, visiting from south Florida, who had never been camping before, and this was a fantastic first camping experience for him. You can’t beat the combination of easy access to little “amenities”, while still being amidst the immersive beauty camping affords.

Gold Bluffs Beach Campground

One could easily spend two or three nights at the Jedediah Smith Campground. In addition to the top notch locale, there’s something nice about not picking up your campsite and completely relocating it…. which is actually what we did. There’s only 25 campsites available at the Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, which, in and of itself, is an awesome campsite, but it also provides easy access to the illustrious Fern Canyon (more on this later).

The campground itself is just off the beach, which makes for a very easy walk to watch the sun set on the beach. There’s ample space to spread out, free/included showers, a fire ring, and picnic table– everything you need! The bathroom and shower to campsite ratio felt perfect as we never had to wait to use the bathroom or shower.

This is also a great spot to stargaze. We were there right at the new moon, and were optimistic to potentially see the milky way; however, heavy cloud coverage ruined our fun. I’d read that this campground can get pretty windy, due to the beach location; however, we didn’t really encounter any excessive breeze or windiness.

Airbnb

Crescent City is the closest city to the Redwoods, and if you’re not much for camping, this is likely the spot to base your adventures out of. As this was our first trip camping with our kiddo, we wanted to hedge our bets a little, so we snagged an Airbnb for our final night. We stayed here and could not recommend it highly enough! The location was amazing, but it was also an easy place to share with friends as each of the three rooms had its own attached bathroom— plus a couple awesome communal areas to hang out.

DAY 1

Howland Hill Road

Driving Howland Hill Road feels like stepping into a fairytale — only you’re behind the wheel. This narrow, unpaved road winds through the heart of the Redwoods forest, placing you right in the midst of the tallest trees on Earth. Unlike highways that keep nature at a distance, Howland Hill immerses you in it: massive redwoods rise just inches from your window, ferns brush the edges of your car, and dappled light flickers across the windshield. It’s the kind of slow, winding journey that encourages you to roll down the windows, turn off the music, and just listen — to birdsong, the rustle of leaves, and the soft hush of the forest.

As a convenient two-for-one, all of the hikes on the to-do list for day one are located off Howland Hill Road.

Boy Scout Tree Trail (optional)

The Boy Scout Tree Trail is a bit of a hidden gem for those willing to venture a bit deeper into the redwoods. This out-and-back trail winds through a pristine, old-growth forest where massive redwoods rise like ancient pillars, ferns carpet the forest floor, and sunlight filters down in soft rays. What makes this trail stand out is its sense of quiet solitude; it’s less traveled than some of the more popular routes, giving you the chance to really experience the redwoods. The trail culminates at the enormous Boy Scout Tree — a double-trunked giant that feels like something out of a storybook — and a nearby waterfall that adds a peaceful finale.

Depending on when you roll into town, you may or may not have time for this hike. It’s the farthest down Howland Hill Road, and it’s also the longest hike, so while it’s a worthy investment of time, it would be the first to get trimmed from the itinerary.

Grove of Titans Trail

The Grove of Titans isn’t just a hike — it’s an encounter with giants hidden in plain sight. This trail leads you to some of the largest known redwoods on Earth, including trees so massive and ancient they almost seem unreal. As this trail has grown in popularity, there’s an elevated boardwalk in some areas to help protect the forest floor and root system. It’s also a good reminder as to the importance of staying on the path.

Each trail in the redwoods has something about it that’s a little unique, and Grove of Titans has some of the most physically massive trees. Large trees are littered throughout the park, but these are the wide-based trees that will really have your jaw on the ground.

Stout Grove

Stout Grove is easily one of the crown jewels of the Redwoods. Don’t let the sub-1 mile distance fool you— Stout Grove is a short, easily accessible loop that delivers an timeless sense of wonder. What makes it truly serene is the way light filters through the open canopy, creating a soft, golden glow that shifts throughout the day and highlights the sheer scale and texture of the surrounding trees. The grove has an almost cathedral-like stillness, where fallen trees, thick ferns, and towering trunks create a scene that feels both wild and artfully composed. Without the distraction of road noise or heavy foot traffic, it’s a place where even a brief visit feels immersive and peaceful.

For the Campers

If you’re staying at the Jedediah Smith Campground, it’s not a bad idea to bring cash in small bills. Showers cost 50¢ for 2 minutes and 25¢ for each additional minute. Additionally the campground host was selling firewood bundles for $8/each (cash only).

Crescent city isn’t too far away, but if you can swing by the grocery store before you get to camp for the evening, it will make things much smoother for your evening plans. There’s a store just down the road, but options are limited, so you’re best off packing everything you need.

With so many amazing trees around, you can almost forget the Smith River is steps away. I highly recommend heading down to the river for a moment of peace, either at the end of the day or as you get ready for day two.

DAY 2

Hiouchi Visitor Center

Just minutes from Jedediah Smith Campground, the Hiouchi Visitor Center is the ideal place to start your day. Whether you’re looking for passport stamps, park ~swag~, or tracking down a ranger to answer all your park-related inquiries, this small but informative center is a great spot to orient yourself before heading out.

Newton Drury Scenic Parkway

The Newton Drury Scenic Parkway is part of the drive for today’s adventures, but it’s a treat in and of itself. This ten-mile stretch through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is a paved, two-lane road that winds gracefully through some stunning old-growth redwoods. Towering trees line both sides of the road— their canopies creating a living tunnel of green overhead. The journey, in some cases, is just as magical as the destination.

Cathedral Trees Trail

The Cathedral Trees Trail lives up to its name, offering a peaceful, grounding walk through a grove of towering redwoods that feel like nature’s own sanctuary. While the first part of the trail is a little busy, due to its proximity to the Prairie Creek Visitor Center, it quickly thins out, and you’re left with a delightfully quiet immersion into the forest. The trees’ magnitude never ceases to be amazing, but there’s a certain reverence about this slice of the forest that felt above-averagely calming and serene.

Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

Perched at a higher elevation than many other redwood trails, the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail offers a unique perspective — both literally and figuratively. This peaceful loop trail winds through a misty, upland redwood forest where the trees are often shrouded in fog, adding a rather ethereal quality to the landscape.

Numbered trail posts are found along the trail. If you have the NPS app, there’s a virtual ‘Lady Bird Johnson Grove Walking Tour’ you can read along at each of the 13 stops. It’s not quite as smooth as a guided ranger tour, but it certainly provides some interesting information.

Fern Canyon

After wandering around in a towering redwood forest all day, Fern Canyon feels like stepping into another world. This unforgettable trail winds through a narrow canyon where 50-foot-high walls are completely draped in lush, prehistoric ferns, dripping with moisture and alive with vibrant green. Fern Canyon is actually so surreal in appearance that parts of Jurassic Park 2 were filmed here!

With a shallow creek running through the canyon floor, you’ll find yourself hopping across stones and fallen logs, fully immersed in a landscape that feels untouched by time. And I do mean fully immersed! Bring shoes you don’t mind getting wet! You can hop around to a certain extent, but you’ll be hard–pressed to make it through the canyon with dry toes.

This part of the park is permitted, so it’s a good idea to snag permits as soon as you can. That can be done here. If you happen to be camping at the Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, that will also grant you access to this part of the park as well.

Even with the permits, this canyon can feel a little over-run with fellow visitors/tourists. If you are staying at the near-by campground, I’d recommend setting up camp and then going over to check out the canyon about an hour and a half before sunset. The even better option would be waking up and getting to the canyon earlier in the morning, before the masses are awake and moving. I promise it will be worth going out of your way to enjoy a bit more solitude!

Gold Bluffs Beach Campground

The Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is also the public access point to the Gold Bluffs Beach. If the timing works out and you’re wrapping up at Fern Canyon or camping at the campground itself, the beach makes for a lovely sunset to end the day.

While night number one was spent under the trees, night two will be steps away from the beach. The campsites are a generous size, the showers are included in the cost of the campsite, and someone will drive by in the evening selling firewood… what more could you ask for?

Stars perhaps? This part of the park is known to be excellent for stargazing, due to the lack of nearby light pollution. Check the moon cycle… if it’s a new moon and the weather is clear, you might just be able to see the milky way!

DAY 3

Klamath River Overlook

Perched above the Klamath River and Pacific Ocean confluence, the Klamath River Overlook offers a breathtaking panorama, unique to the forest, fern, and beach views observed thus far. It’s a dramatic, ever-changing scene where fog rolls over the cliffs and waves crash below. It’s another uniquely peaceful place— allowing you to start the day by appreciating the sheer diversity of landscapes that make up Redwood National and State Parks.

Damnation Creek Trail

For those looking to experience the full drama of the Redwood Coast, the Damnation Creek Trail delivers an unforgettable blend of towering forest and rugged shoreline. Beginning beneath a dense canopy of old-growth redwoods, the trail descends steeply—over 1,000 feet—through layers of lush ferns, mossy trunks, and misty understory until it reaches the wild, wave-battered cliffs of the Pacific.

It’s one of the few hikes in the region that truly bridges the forest and the sea, offering a rare chance to walk from ancient inland groves all the way to a coastal bluff. The elevation change is no joke, especially on the way back up, but the reward is a deeply immersive journey through the diverse ecosystems that define the magic of Northern California.

Crescent Beach Overlook & Enderts Beach

For an up-close taste of the wild Northern California coast, Crescent Beach Overlook and the short hike to Enderts Beach offer the perfect coast experience, while actually still being part of the national park land. Just minutes from Crescent City, the overlook provides a stunning, easily accessible view of the coastline — a sweeping panorama of rugged cliffs and crashing waves. It’s more than worth it to take the short trail down to Enderts Beach. A peaceful stretch of shoreline awaits, a scenic contrast to the towering redwoods and a reminder of just how richly varied this landscape really is.

first time visitor to redwoods stands along the pacific coast — photo taken by our friend Zachary (IG: master_splint3r)

Pebble Beach

Depending on where you plan to rest your weary bones tonight, catching the sunset at Pebble Beach in Crescent City just might be the perfect end to your beachy redwood day. This rugged stretch of coastline is known for its dramatic sea stacks and ever-changing skies — and as the sun sinks low over the Pacific, the entire sky is bathed in golden light. The perfect way to reflect on a lovely trip!

The national and state parks in California have such a huge range, and are beautiful in so many unique ways. The Redwoods are tall, historic trees and the forest they compose is a humbling reminder of nature’s magnitude. Three days in the park flies by… in the best possible way— happy travels!

Looking for your next great national park adventure? Crater Lake National Park is less than 4 hours away!

written by Hannah

Tags national park travel, national parks

lifestyle

Luxury on the Rhine: Inside Viking’s 8-Day River Cruise Experience

Post author By Hannah

Sailing along the Rhine River is like stepping into a storybook filled with medieval castles, vineyard-covered hills, and charming old-world towns. Viking’s 8-day Rhine River cruise takes you through the heart of Europe, winding from Switzerland to the Netherlands, with stops in France and Germany along the way. Whether you’re drawn to the half-timbered houses of Strasbourg, the imposing fortresses of the Middle Rhine, or the vibrancy of Amsterdam, each day offers a new chapter of history and breathtaking scenery.

Whether you’re considering the itinerary or you’ve already booked it and you’re getting excited for what’s to come, we have detailed the full 8-day cruise below. This includes each of the planned ports, a breakdown of the different shore excursion options at each stop, the food and drink selection, rooms, and various trip extension options.

The Viking Vibe

First and foremost, with so many different cruise lines and tour groups, you might wonder, how is Viking unique? Is it what you’re looking for? From a bird’s eye view, Viking Cruises is a small-ship, luxury cruise line, known for its destination-focused travel experiences. With meticulously planned (and customizable) itineraries, guests can explore historic cities, scenic landscapes, and lesser-known cities and towns, while enjoying regionally inspired cuisine and curated excursions. The Scandinavian-inspired ships emphasize understated luxury, featuring spacious rooms, inviting public spaces, and an ambiance that fosters relaxation and discovery. It doesn’t go so far as to be gaudy, and you won’t find any ‘formal nights’ here.

For better or for worse, Viking only welcomes sailors over the age of 18 years old, so this isn’t a family-friendly cruise line. It does however contribute to a more tranquil and sophisticated atmosphere (generally speaking… adults can certainly get rowdy too). While this does tend to be a spendier cruise, it’s pretty all-inclusive once you arrive, so on-board food, drink, and entertainment are included.

Viking’s 8-day Rhine River cruise boat with Basel, Switzerland on the background

The Cruise Life

So often on a European vacation, there’s the pull to see different places, without dealing with the annoying hassle of un-packing and re-packing your things every day. Having never partook in a cruise-vacation before, one of the ‘perks’ we loved most was being able to see so many different places without the tediousness of packing. It was also rather lovely to sleep during travel time. The boat more or less cruised while we were sleeping, so the days were used economically for walking, hiking, and biking around!

Again, this was our first cruise— we’re typically more independent vacationers, BUT there’s a lot to be said for *just* how smoothly things run on a Viking ship. It’s so relaxing to have all the small details, down to your bags, handled without needing to think twice about it.

Can’t Control Mother Nature

Despite everything running smoothly from a Viking organization and customer service perspective, you can’t control mother nature!! The water level in the Rhine River was too high for the boat to make it under a bridge, so on our fourth day, we did have to pack our bags, load up in a bus, and drive about three hours to where another (identical) boat was waiting for us. Honestly, this process was about as smooth as they could possibly make it; however, it’s worth noting– sometimes things don’t go exactly according to plan!

The Room

We booked the Veranda Suite and really enjoyed it. Cruise ship rooms can sometimes get a reputation for feeling small, but we were rather pleased with the size and space in our room. Our summer 2024 expedition was actually a very delayed re-scheduling from a canceled 2020 trip. We originally booked the Explorer Suite in 2020; however, it was unavailable by the time we were able to make the 2024 commitment. Here’s the thing though— friends we were vacationing with managed to snag one of the explorer suites, and while it was certainly nice…. in my opinion, the Veranda Suite is spacious enough and the difference in cost is better spent on a pre-trip excursion!

The Ship

Outside of the room, the ship has 4 levels. The lowest level of the boat is exclusively guest rooms, with all of the shared spaces on the top three levels. We felt the communal-space-to-guests-onboard ratio was good. It never felt cramped or overwhelming. Seeing the boat from a bird’s eye view helps make sense of the different “locations” on the boat as they’re referenced below.

If you’ve already booked your Viking cruise, the name of your boat will be in the information packet you receive prior to your trip. You can find a list of boats here to see when yours was built as well as a little history behind the name.

Food & Wine

Whenever food and drink are all inclusive, the question becomes…. but was it good??? We don’t drink much but we love a good meal! Food truly was excellent the whole time we were on board. We didn’t have a single bad meal! The portions were perhaps a bit more European than the typical American plate, but there was no restriction on how much any person was allowed to eat. The only downside? Meals are only served at the outlined meal times— outside of that, you’re out of luck. This really is not a huge issue, but if you get peckish on occasion, perhaps bring an extra snack or two.

Besides the occasional glass of sangria, I don’t drink much, so I am not an expert on the selection of drinks provided. A good friend of ours cruised with us, and she’s the opposite— arguably a little bit of a wine snob. She had upgraded to the premium wine selection and felt it was a bit limited, but ultimately found a couple favorites aboard.

Nine Cities in Eight Days

Tackling nine cities in eight days certainly makes for a full itinerary! From Switzerland, up through France and Germany, alllll the way up to the Netherlands, it’s a cultural cornucopia. Think historic cities, medieval towns, towering cathedrals, renowned wine country, and storybook castles. The boat traveling while you’re sleeping really aids in the economy of time—you can actually spend the whole day exploring when transit occurs through the night!

The boat’s journey along the Rhine River is outlined below in purple, with the nine ports noted along the way. We will dive into each stop below!

‘Twas the Night(s) Before

Viking offers a handful of different pre-trip extensions, providing the opportunity to experience even more, before embarking on the cruise journey. The Lake Como (3 nights) and Italian Lakes (3 nights) options provide a glimpse into northern Italy, where you can soak in the serene beauty of alpine waters, explore charming lakeside villages, and sample some Italian cuisine.

For those drawn to the Swiss Alps, the Lucerne (2 nights) and the Alpine Backdrops of Lake Lucerne (3 nights) extensions offer breathtaking scenery, with opportunities to wander the medieval old town, cruise on Lake Lucerne, and take in some majestic peaks. For an even more immersive alpine experience, the Swiss Alps & Scenic Train (4 nights) extension combines stunning mountain landscapes with an iconic train journey through Switzerland’s picturesque countryside.

We tacked on the Basel (2 night) extension option, and enjoyed wandering around the city, taking in the cultural hub, with historic art and architecture. It was especially fun to see Dreiländereck of Basel— a point where Switzerland, France, Germany meet. Regardless if you take advantage of an add-on extension, or if you just arrive a day or so early, it’s always nice to have a moment to acclimate to the time change…. the extra sights, sounds, and scenes are always a highlight too! We’d never visited Switzerland before, so it was lovely to take in the historic charm.

Day One — Basel, Switzerland

Exploration

The earliest you can get on the boat is 12pm, so, depending on your flight’s arrival (or your jet-lack) there is time to do some sightseeing. Even better, it’s wise to plan on arriving a day or two early. Our flights into Basel went smoothly, but we always like to have a bit of a buffer, just in case!

Simply wandering around a new city is always fun. If time allows, check out the Marktplatz, as this the center of town. The Barfüsser Church and Basel Historical Museum are lovely to explore as well, but truly, our favorite thing we did was walking around the city on a guided tour. As you might expect for a city that’s an intersection point for three different countries (be sure to check out the Dreiländereck), Basel is a melting pot of architecture styles, with contemporary, Romanesque, and neo-baroque influence.

If you miss out on morning adventures, your window of opportunity isn’t closed yet… there are two afternoon options for a leisurely, guided tour around Basel. Due to time limitations, it’s not the most robust exploration of Basel, but it’s certainly nice to have someone filling you in on the context and history or a given area— especially one as charismatic as Basel.

Departure

The first evening was mostly spent eating dinner and familiarizing ourselves with the boat. The boat has four different “floors”, but three different levels with communal spaces, so it’s nice to take some time to orient yourself. Even at night, the sun deck is fun to go sit out on!

Day Two: Breisach, Germany

Day two of the cruise, but the first day of exploring Germany! Breisach is charming in and of itself, but it’s also a gateway to the enchanting Black Forest. For any early risers, breakfast is available starting at 6am. You’ll want some food in your belly, because your excursion into the Black Forest commences at 8:30am sharp! This excursion is certainly not mandatory, but it is included in the cost of the cruise. There are additional excursion add-ons if you’re looking to up the ante, but exploring independently is also an option as well.

*you can find more information about each excursion option here*

The Black Forest

Admittedly, they’re very touristy-looking, but everyone on the ship is provided an audio receiver and earpieces. These are important to bring along on practically every excursion as this is how the guides lead a given tour. It’s the easiest way to ensure everyone can hear, without any obnoxious shouting.

The Black Forest hiking escapades take up most of the morning, but time flies because the forest is lush and beautiful to walk through. Even with other guests around, it’s rather peaceful to wander around the dense fir forest and enjoy this little slice of nature. It’s not all forest trekking— this excursion also includes a couple stops in the local village, including a cuckoo clock demonstration and watching a glassblower at work.

Afternoon adventures

All too soon, it’s time to eat some lunch back on the boat. Don’t get too comfortable though– there’s more exploring to do. The afternoon is more of a flexible open time, for independent exploration. The St. Stephen’s Cathedral is beautiful and there’s also some outstanding local wine to sample from the nearby Alsace— an area known for its white wines. My husband, Kendell is a bit of a World War II buff, so we opted into the ‘Colmar Pocket in World War II: Museum & Memorial’ excursion. Definitely recommend it if you enjoy museums and world war history!

The day winds down nicely, with a happy hour ambiance of drinks and live music starting at 5pm. Everyone should be back to the boat by 6:15pm, and the boat casts off at 6:45pm. Dinner is at 7pm, and is followed by some fun trivia and live music. Even just sitting out on the terrace, watching the various historic villages float by, as the sun sets, is a rather lovely end to the day.

Day Three: Strasbourg, France

Third day, third country! As you are enjoying breakfast, the boat will dock in Kehl, France. From there, it’s an easy 15 min drive to Strasbourg, which is the city on the docket for exploration today. The included excursion again departs at 8:30am, but there are other tour options if you’re interested in seeing or doing something different.

*you can find more information about each tour here*

Out on the Town

Walking around a new city is always fun— especially a place as steeped in historic culture as Strasbourg. It’s made even better when you have a knowledgeable tour guide on hand to actually explain the significance of different buildings and areas, such as the former Tanners’ District or the Strasbourg Cathedral.

The morning tour lasts around 4 hours, and you can neither head back to the boat to eat lunch there, so stick around for lunch in the city. If you stay in Strasbourg, Viking has shuttle buses running from 2:00-6:00pm, so it’s pretty easy to head back whenever you’re tuckered out.

Overall, Strasbourg feels like a town in a Disney movie brought to life. Think timeless cobblestone streets and lovely wooden houses, with picturesque canals interwoven throughout. There’s even a unique double-decker merry-go-round! We definitely recommend taking advantage of the extra time to explore. Climbing the ~330 steps to the top of the cathedral was soooo worth it for a beautiful view at the top. Makes getting a scoop of gelato afterwards taste even more refreshing!

Back to the Boat

Once you get back to the boat, there’s still more fun to be had! Flammkuchen is a German/French flatbread pizza. While Alsace is known for its white wines, this specialty pizza comes from there as well. If you have any interest in making your own, there’s an early evening demonstration on the boat. This leads right into the evening’s hour of pre-dinner drinks and live music.

The boat casts off at 7pm, just in time for dinner. Every itinerary has the potential for unique meals, but our third night was a hearty German meal. There’s so many rich opportunities when visiting new places but man, trying local dishes is perhaps the best way to experience a region.

Day Four: Speyer & Rüdesheim, Germany

Just like in life, sometimes things on vacation don’t go according to plan. The itinerary for day 4 is supposed to be centered around a robust day in Speyer; however, unfortunately for us, high water high water levels along the Rhine River prevented our boat from being able to pass under bridges as necessary.

We actually had to pack our bags and switch to another vessel. Our new ship was about three hours away, so they transported us via bus. While this was a little inconvenient, they made the process as seamless as possible. Really makes you appreciate all the other days when we just got to travel while we were sleeping!

*view of the countryside from the bus as we drive to meet our boat*

Since the change of boats affected the schedule a bit, we pivoted and split off from the group for a bit. We were able to snag a taxi and go explore the Natzweiler Struthof Concentration Camp, in the Vosges Mountains. Even decades after the Holocaust, the concentration camp still had a rather somber air. Definitely not a lighthearted day trip, but it was something that felt meaningful. We reunited with the group and spent the night in Mainz, a little town on the outskirts of Frankfurt.

The Original Plan

While we didn’t get to visit either city, they both seemed like there was a high potential for an engaging day. Speyer is home to Speyer Cathedral— a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As we understand it, the church and city played a role in the Christian reformation and creation of the Protestant branch of Christianity.

Rüdesheim was even more disappointing to miss out on. This unique town is rich in character. It’s the crown jewel of the Rheingau wine region— culminating along the Drosselgasse, a cobblestone alleyway lined with bars and taverns, serving local vintages. Rüdesheim is also home to one of the oldest castles along the Rhine as well as a musical museum brimming with self-playing instruments!

Alas, if you end up visiting, you’ll have to let us know what you think!

Day Five: Scenic Sailing— Middle Rhine & Koblenz, Germany

While so many of the previous days have been filled with exploration during the day, followed by traveling at nights, the itinerary is flip-flopped today! The ‘Middle Rhine’ is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site, so traveling through this area at night would be a crime! The surrounding hills are home to rolling vineyards and towering castles. After the hectic day prior, it was rather relaxing to have a day sightseeing from the boat.

Interestingly, many of the castles have become boutique hotels. We decided if we were to ever come back independently, that would be an awesome place to stay! The Lorelei Rock is another eye-catching sight, towering high along the riverbank.

As a note, this was a chilly day for us, so even if you are cruising in the summer months (we were here at the end of June), it’s not a bad idea to pack a jacket!!

We made it to Koblenz by evening; however, due to the late sunset of summer, we were able to wander around for a bit before bed. Typically Viking has a couple different excursion options in Koblenz, but since our itinerary was tweaked slightly, there was no formal tour of Koblenz.

Even without a guided tour… does one ever really tire of walking along cobblestone streets, wondering what life was once like in the ancient market square, or admiring the character of old, wood-beamed houses??

Day Six: Cologne, Germany

Better make sure you get a good night’s rest, because today is an action-packed day! The Cologne walking tour departs at 9:15am, and it’s just the tip of the iceberg.

The tour winds around the city, with the most memorable sight being the Cologne Cathedral— another UNESCO World Heritage site. Climbing to the top is no small feat but the views are gorgeous. The city has such a rich, historic ambiance, with old Roman cobblestone streets, and the two-hour morning tour flies by.

Lunch is served on the boat, but we just stayed in town and grabbed a bite at Peter’s Brauhaus before then heading out for an afternoon adventure. The afternoon is an open time for independent exploration but there’s also a few additional tour options, for anyone so inclined. We signed up for the bike tour and ended up riding over 20 kilometers, along the Rheinauhafen waterfront. Such an awesome way to maximize time, when you only had one day in Cologne.

We finished out the day by putting a love lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge. Such a full and wonderful day!

The full schedule for the day, with the timing of different excursions, is detailed below.

Day Seven: Kinderdijk, The Netherlands

It’s amazing how fast time flies when you’re having fun! The morning of day seven is spent cruising along the Rhine, with a couple dedicated disembarkation meetings to help ensure things go smoothly upon departure on day eight. The breakfast spread is tasty as always— hard to beat starting the day with an omelet in hand, as the Rhine riverside cruises along.

The boat docks in Gorinchem briefly before continuing onto Kinderdijk. There’s four excursions offered in this region, but only one commences in Gorinchem. The ‘Kinderdijk Windmills & Dutch Cheese Making’ group gets to depart the ship while everyone else floats down to Kinderdijk.

We were part of the crew that opted into the Kinderdijk Windmills & Dutch Cheese Making excursion, and not even unexpected precipitation could ruin our day! Despite the rain, we had a nice time wandering around the city, taking it in and learning about the regional culture— for example, Kinderdijk is home to the largest concentration of windmills in The Netherlands.

Who doesn’t jump at the opportunity to sample some fancy cheese?? We went to an amazing local cheesemaking facility: Kaasboerderij Kuiper. They made all types of artisanal Gouda! Not only was the cheese tasty, but the cows were nice as well. Especially friendly with my husband, Kendell— he kept getting licks! We finished the day, visiting one final old windmill, before returning back to the boat.

A slower and more logistical start to the morning followed by a rather action-packed afternoon. The itinerary for the last full day on the boat is detailed below.

Day Eight: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Wake up in Amsterdam! The final day of the cruise is less about cruising and more about getting some breakfast and getting off the boat. Everyone is expected to be out of their rooms by 8am— no sleeping in on the last day!!

In the same way Viking offers pre-cruise extensions, there’s a couple post-cruise extension options as well. Upon arrival, there’s not an “included” excursion for Amsterdam, unless you opt into one of the extensions. If you want to stay in Amsterdam independently for a day or two, there’s certainly more exploring to do! If you’re looking for a little direction, here’s a bunch of our favorite places to go and things to do in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Post-Cruise Extension

The extension in Amsterdam includes two nights hotel, two breakfasts, and included guided walking tour of Amsterdam, the opportunity to add on a few additional experiences, and your transfer to the airport. We did sign up for this as well as the additional Evening Canal Cruise.

The day we arrived in Amsterdam felt rather full with the group walking tour, our independent wandering, and a canal boat ride to end the day. As such, we spent entirely toooo much of our final day lounging around and resting, but after the full pace of the previous days, it was nice to slow down.

Our biggest regret is not getting tickets to the Anne Frank House as they have to be bought weeks and weeks in advance (you can buy them here). There’s certainly loads of other things to see and do, but this is one that requires a bit of advanced planning as tickets become available 6 weeks in advance and will sell out quickly in the busier months!!

Antwerp Post- Cruise Extension

The Antwerp extension package is very similar! All interested parties will make the ~2 hour trek to Antwerp and once there, a two nights hotel stay, two breakfasts, a guided walking tour of Antwerp, the opportunity to add on a few additional excursions/experiences, and a transfer back to the airport are included here as well. As we stayed in Amsterdam, we did not take advantage of this extension, but it could be a great option for anyone that’s already visited Amsterdam in the past!

Overall the tour was a fabulous experience. Customer service and attention to detail goes a long way, and Viking did a great job in both regards. The cruise path itself along the Rhine River was beautiful and afforded the opportunity to explore more off-the-beaten-path locations, loaded with historic charm. Food was delicious, and we really enjoyed out room! Any negatives were minor and relatively circumstantial (ex. water level too high to pass under bridge).

Not a bad thing at all but just something to be aware of: the cruise is adult only, but we generally found it was catered to a bit more of a middle-aged and older crowd. Logically this makes sense when you consider the price point of the cruise and the age group that the included transfers, guided tours, etc. most appeals to. This was an awesome couples trip, but would likely not be how we’d spend a trip budget for a vacation with our five adult daughters (age 19-30).

All in all a truly beautiful trip and an amazing way to explore this pocket of Europe. Happy travels!

Tags Amsterdam travel, Rhine River, travel Europe

lifestyle

Spring Break in Florida: A Complete 7-10 Day Packing Guide

Post author By Hannah

The practically year-round warm weather of south Florida is always inviting— especially as temperatures in the north drop! A week in the sunshine will bring you back to life and maybe even give you a great tan too. Whether you’re visiting as family, enjoying some time away with your significant other, or cutting loose on a girl’s trip, you’re bound to have a fabulous time. Spending spring break in Florida is the perfect winter escape!

Packing for a 7-10 day trip to Florida can be tricky if you’re not sure what to expect— especially if you’re visiting over spring break. We grew up in the wild wild southwest of Florida, so we’ve got you covered. Having the right essentials will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable…. And isn’t that kinda the whole point of a beach vacation? To enjoy some stress-free relaxation? In this guide, we’ll share exactly what you need to bring—from must-have clothing to all the easy-to-forget items that everyone always seems to forget.

From beach bum kiddos to long days spent on the boat to relaxing sunset escapes, we have spent hundreds— if not thousands of hours on the beach. There’s nothing that brings us peace quite like sitting on the sand, looking out as the waves as they crash.

A Full Packing List

Are you an over-packer? Or do you tend to get someplace and realize you forgot your bathing suit and favorite pair of jeans? In order to ensure packing goes smoothly, we have complied a comprehensive-but-not-overzealous packing list for anyone planning to spend a week or so down in Florida. Spring is a beautiful time of year, almost anywhere in Florida!

Bathing Suits

First and foremost, you gotta back a few bathing suits! If you’re going to be gone a week, you’ll likely want at least three bathing suits. If you’re gone for ten days, you might enjoy having five different suits to choose from. Luckily bathing suits don’t take up much space, so packing 1 or 2 extra won’t split the seams on your bag.

There’s so many different places to snag a bathing suit, but if you’re wanting some coordinating spouse, partner, or family bathing suits, we love Kenny Flowers! If you happen to be in the Fort Myers area, check out Mack Swimwear to see if there happens to be a pop-up shop when you’re in town.

Rash-guard shirt (optional)

Three of the five Wherry sisters enjoy surfing, so if you plan to visit the east coast of Florida and give it a whirl, you might want to bring your own rash-guard shirt (like this or this) or a long sleeve one piece (like this one). Oftentimes they’ll provide one if you’re getting a first-timer lesson; however, it’s not always included if you just rent a board. It’s not the end of the world to surf without one, but it’s nice to have if you plan to be out for a bit. Rash-guard shirts can also be a great option for anyone with very fair skin that wants a layer of sun protection!

Cover Ups

Everyone has a different style! Fun vs functionality…. or perhaps a bit of both. For some, a cover-up is as simple as a cotton t-shirt, whereas someone else might rock a cute sarong, and someone else yet might have a trendy cover-up dress. Anything works but when you’re planning clothes and outfits, this is something that might get a bit sandy, so you’ll want to make sure you pack a couple cover-ups. Oftentimes you’ll find yourself running to grab food on your way to the beach or perhaps afterwards, and it’s ideal to have something besides your bathing suit to hang out in.

Casual outfits

Beach towns are often pretty casual in nature, so you don’t need anything fancy to run to the grocery store, grab lunch, etc, but you’ll definitely want to pack a 5-8 easy-to-throw on outfits. Think a few pairs of cotton, linen, or jean shorts that are easy to re-wear and a handful of cotton or performance wicking t-shirts or tank tops. If you’ve never experienced Florida humidity, it’s nice to have clothes that handle a bit of sweat well. Just a word to the wise, white and black clothing tends to not show sweat as much!

All Dressed Up

Even in a casual ambiance, sometimes it’s fun to have a nice night out or two. This can be as easy as a little cotton dress or perhaps you’re looking hot-to-trot with a new matching set! It’s always fun to dress up a little every once in a while.

If your spring break adventuring brings you to Miami, there is a bit more opportunity to get all done up, but it just depends on what you’re after! If you’re looking to go clubbing, attire is a bit different than heading to a craft cocktail bar. Either way, you should definitely pack one or two nicer outfits that you feel confident in!

Layers

March in Florida usually means highs in the 80s but lows can still drop into the 50s, depending on where in Florida you’re staying. The beach can also get surprisingly windy at night, so it’s always a good idea to pack some longer layers. A single long sleeve shirt and one hoodie will be perfect. A long sleeve linen shirt is always nice to have in the mix as well. It can work as a cover up but also might be nice to throw on over a t-shirt, for an evening walk.

Sandals

You won’t want to leave home without 1-2 pairs of sandals. You definitely want a pair to wear down to the beach. While you *can* bring your Birkenstocks down to the beach, usually a pair of flip flops, Chaccos, or something else you don’t mind getting wet is the better option. It’s nice to have a second pair of sandals that go with your casual and more dressed up “non-beach” outfits.

Beach Bag

If you’re an adult going to the beach with other adults, this is super easy— any canvas tote or even an old (larger sided) reusable bag will work. You want something large enough to fit a towel, your water bottle (don’t forget to pack a water bottle— it gets HOT!), keys, and perhaps a good book. If you’re a parent, you might want something mesh-sided that makes extraneous sand easy to shake out! Perhaps something like this or like this.

Hat

Protect your face and scalp!! At least one hat should be in your bag, if not two or three. We love a fun straw sun hat but you can never go wrong with a classic baseball cap.

Sunglasses

Don’t let these be the thing you leave behind! A good pair of sunglasses not only protects your eyes but they can be a fun accessory as well. If you plan on wearing them into the ocean, you might want a pair of croakies. There’s nothing worse than losing a pair of sunglasses you love to an unsuspecting wave!

Sneakers (optional)

While sneakers aren’t a must-pack item for everyone, sometimes it’s nice to have them if you plan to do any long beach walks or runs. The hard packed sand is easier to walk on and carries less risk of wayward sand grains making it into your shoes. We love starting the day with a nice morning walk!

Socks, underwear, & PJs

No packing list is complete without your socks, underwear, and pajamas. You can leave the socks behind if you don’t plan to pack your sneakers, but don’t leave home without your underwear! PJs are another must as well. A comfy night’s sleep is a good night’s sleep!

Sunscreen

If you’re packing in a carry-on, you can always buy body sunscreen once you get to Florida, but if you use a specific sunscreen for your face, don’t forget to pack it! Especially for anyone that has sensitive skin, nothing is more frustrating than breaking out because you rolled the dice on something new. If you’re driving or packing a checked bag, it never hurts to bring a bottle of sunscreen with you. There’s usually sunscreen in stock somewhere, but some smell weird and others have a strange texture… it’s always nice to feel confident in whatever you’re using to protect your skin!

Dr. Jart has a redness-correcting 30SPF face sunscreen that’s a fan favorite in our house. For body sunscreen you can never go wrong with Neutrogena spray-on sunscreen.

Bug spray

It never hurts to have a small bottle of bug spray. We also have friends that swear by the bug repellent bracelets. Regardless, Florida is home to mosquitos AND no-see-ums… nothing makes you crazy on vacation like legs covered in bites!!

Beach Gear

Depending on where you’re staying, there might be some beach equipment included. Airbnbs and VRBOs oftentimes have a couple boogie boards, perhaps a couple beach chairs, and maybe a frisbee or two available for guests to use. They will also (usually) leave you a stash of beach towels as well. Even if towels are provided, we always love bringing a nice roll-up beach mat to lay out on. They usually pack down nicely, so it shouldn’t take up toooo much space in your bag.

If you’re bringing young kiddos with you, a sun shade/shelter (like this one) can be a nice reprieve from the hot sun. It packs down reasonably well, so it won’t take up toooo much space. This can also be nice for any fair-skinned girlies that are ready to be out of the sun but still want to read a book by the ocean.

Hotels right on the beach will often have beach towels available for use, but if you’re staying somewhere a few blocks from the beach, you might need to bring your own beach towel. A quick-dry travel towel (like this one) isn’t quite as nice as a fluffy beach towel, but it does the job and it’s quite compact.

Do not forget your water bottle!! If you’re driving down to Florida and have the space, a cooler can also be nice to have on had as well. Either for food….. or drinks! This is another item an Airbnb/VRBO might provide for you though, so check in with them before you pack yours.

Tripod (optional)

Setting up a tripod can feel very tacky tourist, but as long as you’re generally being courteous to the people around you, who cares?!?!?! Sometimes this is the best way to get a nice group photo. I’ve never looked back on a family or friend group photo and thought to myself “ugh it wasn’t worth the hassle to commemorate this little memory”. Take the pictures!

The shadows aren’t always in your favor (see below), but I’m so grateful to have this little family moment captured.

Leave it behind

You should always check the weather before you leave, but it’s unlikely you’ll need your rain jacket. The rainy Florida months come in the summer, so you should be fine to leave any rain gear at home, when visiting in March.

The Official List

Here it is all together! An easy to save and reference list, with all your must-haves and extra options in one place! Cheers to a well-packed bag.

We absolutely love the beach, and we hope you have the best time enjoying the salty air, golden sands, and refreshing waves. Having all the packing essentials squared away makes it all that much easier to relax, knowing you’ve got everything you need! Still trying to figure out what to do while you’re down here? Unfortunately Fort Myers Beach (hometown beach) was hit pretty hard by hurricane Ian in 2022 and is still rebuilding, but you can check out our guide for Tampa and our favorite things to do in Key West. Happy travels!

dusk on the beach, as the waves crash. a lone seagull walking along the changing tides. a beautiful moment, spring break in Florida

written by Hannah

Tags Florida spring break, packing list, spring break

lifestyle

Death Valley in a Day: The Perfect No-4WD-Needed Itinerary!

Post author By Hannah

The moment you step into Death Valley National Park, it feels like you’ve landed on another planet. As you peer out, towering sand dunes ripple like golden waves under a scorching sun. In the distance, jagged mountains rise and the salt flats stretch endlessly, shimmering like a mirage. This is a land of extremes—the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.—yet within its harsh beauty lies an otherworldly charm. From the ghostly silence of Badwater Basin to the kaleidoscopic colors of Artist’s Palette, Death Valley is a place that both humbles and exhilarates in equal measure. Seeing all the highlights of Death Valley in a single day will leave your heart happy and your camera roll full.

Under 2.5 hours from Vegas, Death Valley is a doable day trip for a motivated parks enthusiast. Even better, it’s possible to experience some of the most breathtaking sights—- without the concern of venturing into the rugged backcountry. Over the course of a day, you can stand at the lowest point in North America, wander across the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, drive the scenic curves of Artist’s Drive, and witness the fiery glow of sunset at Zabriskie Point. In essence, you’ll have enough time to explore the highlights—without needing a high-clearance vehicle or hours of off-roading.

Fast Facts About Death Valley National Park

Size: 3.4 million acres

Visitors: 1,099,632 visitors annually (data from 2023)

Highest elevation: 11, 049 feet — at Telescope Peak

Lowest elevation: 282 feet below sea level — at Badwater Basin

Distance from Las Vegas Airport: 120 miles — 2 hr & 15 min drive

National Park Initiation: upgraded from national monument to national park status in 1994 by an act of Congress

Fun Fact: per the NPS, the highest recorded air temperature in the world was recorded at Furnace Creek at 134°F (57°C) Furnace Creek on July 10, 1913

Timing is Everything

While October through April are the ideal months to visit, what’s most important is knowing when not to visit—- and that’s the middle of the summer. Summer visits are not recommended due to the dangerous heat (regularly > 120°F). It becomes unsafe to spend too much time outside in an area notorious for being as dry as it is hot.

A visit in March or April means you might get to see some wildflowers in bloom. I had an open four day weekend at the end of January, so I decided to go visit! Temperatures ranged from 40s-60s, so it was warm enough to camp without issue, while also staying comfortable whilst hiking around. The quantity of fellow park visitors was minimal. Overall, January was a great month to visit!

Ridin’ Dirty

While Death Valley is home to some rugged, off-the-grid destinations that require a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle, this itinerary is accessible to anyone with a standard vehicle. Almost all the desert landscapes on the list can be reached via paved roads or well-maintained gravel routes. You’ll be able to sample Death Valley’s remote beauty without the risk of getting stuck in deep sand or rough terrain! You don’t need off-roading capabilities to have an unforgettable adventure.

It’s always a good idea to fill up on gas before you head to Death Valley, but there are gas stations in the park. No need to fret about running out of gas!

Good Eats

Even in one of the harshest landscapes on Earth, you’ll find a surprisingly large variety of dining options. As you might expect, the Furnace Creek area offers the most choices, centered around The Oasis at Death Valley. The Inn Dining Room serves upscale cuisine with desert views that are as memorable as the food is delicious. The Ranch 1849 Buffet provides an all-you-can-eat experience for those looking to refuel after a long day of exploring. Just around the corner, the Last Kind Words Saloon, with its Western atmosphere, serves hearty meals and cocktails. Even if you pack your own meals, the Coffee and Cream is the nice spot to visit for a morning caffeine or post-adventure sweet treat.

Depending on when you roll through Stovepipe Wells, you’ll find a couple options: both Toll Road Restaurant and Badwater Saloon have some solid casual lunch fare options. The general store here also has some snacks, cold drinks, and basic supplies.

Death Valley’s limited but well-placed food options ensure you won’t go hungry in the middle of this vast desert wilderness.

The Day-Trip Itinerary:

Death Valley is almost 5 hours round trip trip from Las Vegas, so you’ll certainly be motivated to spend your time economically while you’re there. The order of stops is intentional as it sequences an approximately two and a half hour drive through the park. The below itinerary includes 5-7hours worth of exploring, so this truly is a very full day.

Visitor Center at Furnace Creek

The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is a perfect starting point for any Death Valley adventure. They have everything you need to get your bearings before heading out—park maps, trail updates, and a water fountain… all of these things are especially important as the weather in Death Valley grows warmer! It’s nice to have the rangers’ insight, and they can also answer any questions you might have— be sure to ask about the mysterious moving rocks at Racetrack Playa. The visitor center also features informative exhibits on Death Valley’s extreme climate, unique geology, and rich history– particularly regarding the indigenous Timbisha Shoshone culture. For any parks passporters, don’t forget to get your stamp!

Badwater Basin

At an impressive 282 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America—a vast, surreal expanse of hexagonal salt formations that seem to go on endlessly under the rising sun. While the view from the parking lot is rather impressive, it’s even more enchanting to take the 2-mile walk onto the salt flats. As you venture farther, the ground beneath your feet transforms into a dazzling white crust, crunching with each step.

It’s so wild to think the sandy-looking ground is actually an impressive stretch of salt… I did a quick taste test (not recommended) and can very heartily attest to the salinity. This truly is a beautiful place to start your adventuring— the expanse of salt and distant mountains make this a stark, stunning desert landscape.

Devil’s Golf Course

You won’t find a lush, manicured golf course amidst this desert expanse. The Devil’s Golf Course is a vast field of jagged, twisted salt formations so tumultuous that “only the devil could play golf here.” This peculiar landscape was formed as ancient lake beds evaporated, leaving behind a maze of salt pinnacles, sculpted by wind and time. It’s intriguing to see two salt fields that differ from one another so tremendously. Their similarity? The salt in both spots expands as it heats up in the warm sun, causing it to crackle and pop.

Artist’s Drive & Artist’s Palette

Winding through colorful hills and rugged canyons, Artist’s Drive is one of Death Valley’s most scenic roads. This 9-mile, one-way loop twists through a landscape that looks more like a painting come to life than a desert landscape. Especially at Artist’s Palette, where mineral-rich volcanic deposits have stained the hills in hues of red, yellow, green, and even purple, creating a surreal view.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

For being out in the middle of the desert, it’s amazing how many unique, memorable landscapes you’ll find. Trade the plains of salt and colored canyons, for endless sand! The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are a sea of rolling, wind-sculpted dunes— rising up to 100 feet tall. There’s a 2.3 mile trail, for a more immersive experience; however, there’s no official path, so shoe and footprints or hikers are ever-changing in the shifting sands.

Mosaic Canyon

Tucked into the hills near Stovepipe Wells, Mosaic Canyon is a hidden wonder of smooth marble-like rock and narrow passageways. A 3.5 mile out-and-back trail starts with a short scramble and leads into a twisting slot canyon, where polished walls, shaped by centuries of water erosion, gleam in the sunlight. Even if you don’t have time to do the whole hike, the first half-mile or showcases the most stunning formations— making it a worthwhile stop for adventurers of all fitness levels!

Ubehebe Crater — optional

Ubehebe Crater is an enormous, gaping hole measuring 600 feet deep and half a mile across. This volcanic crater was formed by a powerful explosion when rising magma superheated groundwater, creating a violent steam eruption. The resulting dramatic, steep pit is surrounded by layers of dark volcanic rock, making it yet another unique geographical marvel in this desert park. To take it in from every angle, there’s a just-under-2-mile hike around the rim that offers panoramic views of Ubehebe as well as a peek at Little Hebe Crater nearby.

Adding ‘crater’ to the list of things you’ll see in Death Valley is undoubtably cool; however, it does come at a bit of a time cost. The time-spent-in-the-car for this round trip itinerary is about 2.5 hours. If you decide to go visit the Ubehebe Crater, you’re looking at about 4 hours of drive time. And that doesn’t include the time spent taking pictures, hiking, or reading/learning. Different enough that it’s worth mentioning, but the first thing to cut, if you’re a tight on time!

Zabriskie Point

End the day with a sunset at Zabriskie Point. As the sun sinks, the vibrant evening sun streams across the rolling badlands, casting deep shadows and highlighting the dramatic ridges and valleys below. There’s a short walk out to a viewpoint, overlooking a labyrinth of eroded rocks, with the Panamint Mountains in the distant background. It makes for an incredibly peaceful and grounding end to the day!

Death Valley National Park embodies such varieties and extremes. From salt flats to mountains to sand dunes to craters, and all the slot canyons in between, this national park is a wonderland of unique experiences in a desert landscape. We hope you have an incredible time exploring and adventuring. It’s a rather full day, but even a day trip out to Death Valley provides an awesome glimpse of this natural desert wonder! If you have a bit more time, check out our two-day itinerary for Death Valley here.

Looking to hit another California desert national park? Joshua Tree National Park is a completely different ambiance, only 4.5 hours away. If you head in the opposite direction, Zion National Park is also an easy 4.5 hours away. You never have to go toooo far to find your next adventure in this pocket of the country. Happy travels!

written by Kayla

A literal life saving queen, Kayla Grace is an Army nurse in southern California. She can be found patching patients up in the emergency department but is equally likely to be spotted out hiking or backpacking. She is also quite the coffee connoisseur, and she will go out of her way to find a local coffee shop when she visits somewhere new!

Tags California national parks, Death Valley National Park, national parks

lifestyle

The Best Death Valley Itinerary for 48 Hours of Adventure

Post author By Hannah

The moment you step into Death Valley National Park, it feels like you’ve landed on another planet. As you peer out, towering sand dunes ripple like golden waves under a scorching sun. In the distance, jagged mountains rise and the salt flats stretch endlessly, shimmering like a mirage. This is a land of extremes—the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.—yet within its harsh beauty lies an otherworldly charm. From the ghostly silence of Badwater Basin to the kaleidoscopic colors of Artist’s Palette, Death Valley is a place that both humbles and exhilarates in equal measure. You’ll find that 48 hours of exploring flies by in a blur as you traverse the remote desert.

Two days in Death Valley is the perfect sweet spot for experiencing its most breathtaking sights, without venturing into the rugged backcountry. In just 48 hours, you can stand at the lowest point in North America, wander across the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, drive the scenic curves of Artist’s Drive, and witness the fiery glow of sunrise at Zabriskie Point. You’ll have enough time to explore the highlights—without needing a high-clearance vehicle or hours of off-roading. Whether you’re here for the epic landscapes, the eerie silence, or the thrill of exploring one of Earth’s most extreme environments, a well-planned two-day itinerary ensures you see the best of Death Valley without pushing past your comfort zone.

Fast Facts About Death Valley National Park

Size: 3.4 million acres

Visitors: 1,099,632 visitors annually (data from 2023)

Highest elevation: 11, 049 feet — at Telescope Peak

Lowest elevation: 282 feet below sea level — at Badwater Basin

Distance from Las Vegas Airport: 120 miles — 2 hr & 15 min drive

National Park Initiation: upgraded from national monument to national park status in 1994 by an act of Congress

Timing is Everything

While late fall to early spring (i.e. October to April) is the ideal time of year to visit, what’s most important is knowing when not to visit—- and that’s the middle of the summer. Summer visits are not recommended due to the dangerous heat (regularly > 120°F). It becomes unsafe to spend too much time outside in an area notorious for being as dry as it is hot.

Catch Some Zzzzzs

There are loads of accommodation options when you’re visiting Death Valley. In-park accommodations tend to either be very economical (camping) or a little on the spendier side (lodge living). Either way you have quite a few options to choose from— you can explore them below. It’s worth noting, both camping and the lodges will fill up quickly. If you know this is where you want to stay, book sooner rather than later!

LODGE LIFE

For those looking to experience Death Valley without roughing it, the park offers several lodge options. These range from historic luxury to rustic desert stays. The Inn at Death Valley, a beautifully restored 1920s resort, offers the most upscale accommodations in the park. Think elegant rooms, a spring-fed pool, and stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. Just down the road, The Ranch at Death Valley provides a more casual, family-friendly experience, featuring a western-style vibe, a general store, and even a saloon. Both properties are located in Furnace Creek, making them ideal bases for exploring Death Valley’s major attractions.

To the northwest, Stovepipe Wells Village offers a mid-range option. You’ll find comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and easy access to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly and remote stay, Panamint Springs Resort on the park’s western edge provides basic motel rooms, cabins, and tent sites, along with a small gas station and a restaurant. Whether you’re seeking luxury, convenience, or a rugged desert retreat, Death Valley’s lodges offer a place to cool off and rest after a day of exploring the park’s extreme landscapes.

CAMPING

Death Valley has several developed campgrounds (and even more primitive campgrounds), each catering to different styles of desert camping. Furnace Creek Campground is the most popular, due to its convenient location (just minutes from the Furnace Creek Visitor Center). It’s also the only campground that allows advanced reservations. This makes it the best choice for any planners who love the peace of mind that comes with a guaranteed spot—especially during peak season.

Nearby, Texas Springs Campground offers a quieter alternative with a scenic setting against the foothills, while Sunset Campground provides a massive, open gravel lot that’s ideal for RVs and larger vehicles. These three campgrounds are all within a five-minute drive of the visitor center, making them a convenient base camp when exploring Death Valley’s major sights.

About 30 minutes northwest, Stovepipe Wells Campground offers a rustic stay near the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, with easy access to gas and a general store. For those looking to be a bit more removed, Emigrant Campground is a free, tent-only site along Highway 190, while Wildrose Campground is nestled in the Panamint Mountains, providing a cooler, higher-elevation option. The most remote of the developed campgrounds, Mesquite Spring Campground, sits near Ubehebe Crater and offers a peaceful, less crowded experience.

our campsite at Furnace Creek Campground

Good Eats

If you’re staying or stopping at Stovepipe Wells, you’ll find a couple options: Toll Road Restaurant for casual lunch and dinner fare, and Badwater Saloon, a great place to grab a bite and unwind with a drink— especially after a long day in the desert. The general store here also has some snacks, cold drinks, and basic supplies.

The Panamint Springs Resort, located on the park’s western edge, has a restaurant and bar serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner year-round. To really enjoy your meal, snag a patio seat and take in the rugged mountain views. The resort’s general store also carries firewood, camping essentials, and souvenirs.

Death Valley’s limited but well-placed food options ensure you won’t go hungry in the middle of this vast desert wilderness.

Ridin’ Dirty

It’s always a good idea to fill up on gas before you head to Death Valley, but there are gas stations in the park. No need to fret about running out of gas!

D A Y O N E

Visitor Center at Furnace Creek

Badwater Basin

Devil’s Golf Course

You won’t find a lush, manicured golf course amidst this desert expanse. The Devil’s Golf Course is a vast field of jagged, twisted salt formations so tumultuous that “only the devil could play golf here.” This peculiar landscape was formed as ancient lake beds evaporated, leaving behind a maze of salt pinnacles, sculpted by wind and time. It’s intriguing to see two salt fields that differ from one another so tremendously. Their similarity? The salt expands as it heats up in the warm sun, causing it to crackle and pop.

Artist’s Drive & Artist’s Palette

Dante’s View

Perhaps the most breathtaking panorama in the park, Dante’s View, sits at a perch of 5,475 feet, offering a staggering bird’s-eye view of Death Valley below. From here, you can see the vast salt flats of Badwater Basin stretching to the horizon, framed by towering mountains and, on a clear day, you can even see the distant peak of Mount Whitney. Not only is this incredibly scenic, but the dichotomy of visible elevation stretches from the lowest point in the U.S. at Badwater Basin to the highest peak in the continental U.S. at Mount Whitney. This makes for a serene place to end the day as the soft golden light of sunset rolls through.

Bonus views: Dante’s view is also an awesome place to stargaze. If you don’t mind hanging out for a bit, pack some dinner and hang out while you wait for the stars to make an appearance. Death Valley National Park is an international dark sky park, meaning the stargazing here is far above average.

D A Y T W O

Zabriskie Point

Start the day with an iconic sunrise at Zabriskie Point. As dawn breaks, the soft golden light streams across the rolling badlands, casting deep shadows and highlighting the dramatic ridges and valleys below. There’s a short walk out to a viewpoint, overlooking a labyrinth of eroded rocks, with the Panamint Mountains in the distant background. It makes for an incredibly peaceful and grounding start to the day!

Mosaic Canyon

Tucked into the hills near Stovepipe Wells, Mosaic Canyon is a hidden wonder of smooth marble-like rock and narrow passageways. A 3.5 mile out-and-back trail starts with a short scramble and leads into a twisting slot canyon, where polished walls, shaped by centuries of water erosion, gleam in the sunlight. Even if you aren’t keen on doing the whole hike, the first half-mile or showcases the most stunning formations— making it a worthwhile stop for adventurers of all fitness levels!

Twenty Mule Team Canyon Drive

Up next? A short and sweet peek at the rugged backcountry. The Twenty Mule Team Canyon Drive delivers a thrilling, off-the-beaten-path experience—without the need for 4WD! The road is named for the famous mule teams that once hauled borax out of the valley…. My how times have changed!! While this 2.7-mile loop remains unpaved, you shouldn’t have difficulty navigating through a maze of golden badlands, where rolling hills and eroded ridges create an almost alien-like landscape.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

For being out in the middle of the desert, it’s amazing how many unique, memorable landscapes you’ll find. Trade the plains of salt, for endless sand! The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are a sea of rolling, wind-sculpted dunes— rising up to 100 feet tall. There’s a 2.3 mile trail, for a more immersive experience; however, there’s no official path, so shoe and footprints or hikers are ever-changing in the shifting sands.

Ubehebe Crater

Death Valley National Park embodies such varieties and extremes. From salt flats to mountains to sand dunes to craters, and all the slot canyons in between, this national park is a wonderland of unique experiences in a desert landscape. We hope you have an incredible time exploring and adventuring— it’s action packed, but 48 hours in the park is an awesome glimpse of this natural desert wonder!

written by Kayla

Tags Death Valley National Park, national park camping, national park travel, national parks

lifestyle

A One Day Adventure: Hiking & Beaches at Indiana Dunes

Post author By Hannah

Nestled along the southern tip of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and ecological diversity. Of the 63 national parks, the dunes were the 61st park, making them one of the most recent additions to the illustrious US national park ranks. This Midwest treasure boasts about 15,000 acres of landscapes that range from towering sand dunes to tranquil wetlands, and all the lush forests in between. The park is a testament to the power of nature’s adaptability, showcasing habitats that support over 1,100 plant species and a variety of wildlife. Only an hour southeast of Chicago, a one day adventure in Indiana Dunes is a tranquil escape from the bustling windy city.

There’s immense diversity between the breadth of parks within the national park system. While some areas feature more dramatic topography, much of the Indiana Dunes region is more subtle in its enriching, natural beauty. If you are on a road trip, a half day is sufficient to marinade in the ambiance of the park. For those interested in some shoreside relaxation, a full day is perfect to enjoy some morning activity before a restful afternoon of relaxation. Either way, we have an idyllic itinerary in store for this great lakes gem. Get ready, because a visit to the Indiana Dunes means connecting to nature, with beautiful Lake Michigan as a backdrop!

Fast Facts About Indiana Dunes National Park

Size: ~15,000 acres

Visitors: 2,765,892 visitors annually (data from 2023)

Highest elevation: ~140 feet above the surface of the Lake Michigan — on Mount Baldy (the dune is dynamic so this can change from year to year)

Distance from Chicago Airport (ORD): 55 miles — 1 hour drive

National Park Initiation: on February 15th, 2019 Indiana Dunes was upgraded from National Lakeshore to National Park by an

National park or state park?

Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park lands are rather interspersed throughout the region, creating a patchwork of protected areas that blend seamlessly together. While the state park is managed separately, it has its own hiking trails and activity opportunities. The state park actually has the largest beach area and facilities, along this stretch of Lake Michigan. You will almost assuredly find yourself moving between national and state park areas without even realizing it.

We enjoyed the cohesive, intertwined nature of the park system here. Perhaps this is a hot take, but from the feats-of-nature perspective, Indiana Dunes generally feels like a state park. It’s not like the ‘national park’ parts are significantly different than the ‘state park’ areas. That being said, the national protections, championed by conservationists, have been huge to protect against ‘big steel’. Part of the beauty of the national parks system is the diversity between all the states and regions protected. Plus, it’s still a wayyyy more immersive outdoor-nature experience than visiting the Gateway Arch National Park.

Accommodation Station

Depending on how long you plan to stay in the park, accommodations might not be necessary. However, if you’re looking to spend the night, you have a couple options. There’s no lodge in the park but there is a log cabin! The Cypress Log Cabin is a cozy, rustic abode, able to sleep up to 12 visitors. This is a beautiful, historic house with modern amenities and an amazing view of Lake Michigan.

For any campers, the Dunewood Campground offers spacious sites nestled among the trees, complete with restrooms and showers. The Central Avenue Walk-In Sites cater to those looking for a more secluded experience, as they require a short hike to reach the campsites. This also lends itself to a bit more solitude! Meanwhile, the Dunbar Group Site is ideal for larger groups and gatherings (up to 30 people allowed). Whether you prefer the comforts of a cabin or the simplicity of a campsite, the park’s accommodations ensure a memorable stay surrounded by nature.

*photo by Erin Watson via inthedunes.com*

ONE DAY

The park’s compact size and well-maintained trails make it easy to explore several distinct ecosystems within a few hours. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on a sandy beach, taking a leisurely stroll through a wooded trail, or marveling at the sweeping views from a dune summit, you can savor the park’s beauty and still have time to relax. A half-day itinerary is ideal for travelers looking to enjoy nature while leaving room for other regional activities or a peaceful evening to unwind. A full day in the park will leave you time to sink your toes in the sandy beach!

Visitor Center

The visitor center is the logical first stop as you enter the park. Not only is it conveniently located, but you’ll also find all the helpful park resources, detailed maps, interactive exhibits, and (most importantly) expert guidance from rangers. It’s always helpful to know if there’s any closures or areas to be mindful of, when out exploring. For any parks passport enthusiasts, don’t forget your stamp!

Cowles Bog Trail

The Cowles Bog Trail is arguably the best trail in the park, as it explores a variety of ecosystems. This not-quite-4.5-mile trail weaves through wetlands, forests, prairies, and sand dunes, showcasing the park’s remarkable ecological diversity in a surprisingly short round trip distance. As you saunter along the trail, you’ll encounter picturesque views, vibrant plant life, and the chance to spot unique wildlife. And on a clear day, the Chicago skyline, as the trail culminates at a serene beach along Lake Michigan, making it a rewarding adventure for nature lovers.

A word to the wise, hiking back up from the beach is loose, dune sand is humbling— even for more experienced hikers, so be ready for a little challenge. Regardless, the Cowles Bog Trail provides a rich and immersive way to experience the heart of the park.

a couple stands with lake michigan as the backdrop to the forest and dunes, along the Cowles Bog trail — a perfect hike for a one day adventure in Indiana dunes national park

West Beach

If you’re looking for some afternoon relaxation, West Beach is an easy, 20-minute drive from the Cowles Bog trailhead. With its expansive shoreline, it’s an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and post-hike picnicking. It’s also one of the bigger beach areas, which means you won’t have to fret about mid-day parking– there’s over 650 parking spots! It means there’s bathrooms and showers as well, which is always refreshing at the end of a long, warm day.

For any beach-bound families, lifeguards are out during the day, in the summer months. You’ll also find food trucks setting up shop in the West Beach parking lot during the busier months. They vary from day to day but you can get your sugar fix with some kettle corn, cotton candy, and ice cream… or perhaps if you forgot to pack luck, the tacos, hot dogs, or sandwiches will tickle your fancy.

To get from the parking lot down to the beach, there’s an easy paved path— wheelchair accessible!! For anyone looking to take the scenic route, the Dune Succession Trail, winds through the dunes, woodlands, and wetlands behind the beachfront. Truly, West Beach encapsulates a little bit of all the best aspects of the park… stunning views of natural beauty paired with accessibility and fun.

Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk Beach

The Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk Beach is a close second when considering beach options. The parking lot is considerably smaller (still over 100 spots available), making this a less hectic spot, while still having a cafe and bathrooms nearby. The riverwalk stretches out into Lake Michigan, making this a favorite sunset spot. Its peaceful ambiance makes this a relaxing spot to end the day.

Not a very action-packed itinerary? We felt you really can capture the essence of this park with a half-to-full day experience. The Cowles Bog trail does take you down to the beach, so it’s a pretty rewarding one-stop-shop, if you only make one stop in the park. Overall, we felt, when compared to other national parks, Indiana Dunes National isn’t exactly going to blow you away with its topographical magnitude, but there is a peaceful atmosphere of feeling grounded in nature. We hope you enjoy your visit— happy travels!

written by Hannah

Tags Indiana Dunes National Park, national park camping, national park travel, national parks

lifestyle

Azul Beach Resort Negril: A Balanced Blend of Luxury & Value

Post author By Hannah

Nestled along the pristine shores western Jamaica, the Azul Beach Resort is a luxe haven for anyone seeking an indulgent relaxation destination. Known for its breathtaking sunsets, crystal-clear waters, and powdery white sands, this resort offers an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. From modern accommodations to world-class dining, Azul Beach Resort Negril promises an unforgettable experience tailored to every kind of traveler. Whether you’re looking to lounge by the pool with a cocktail in hand, embark on a snorkeling adventure in the turquoise sea, or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment, Azul has an array of indulgences.

Below we’ll break down what makes the Azul Beach Resort Negril unique. We’ll explore accommodation expectations, the culinary delights, and the wide array of activities available on-site. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation, this review will give you an inside scoop on everything you need to know before booking a stay at Azul Beach Resort. Get ready to immerse yourself in the charm and beauty of the western Jamaican coast.

Destination weddings are hands down the most exciting weddings to attend. When our childhood friends decided to get married in Negril, it became the perfect excuse to come explore this slice of Jamaica. While they actually got married at the nearby Pattoo Castle, the whole wedding party stayed at Azul and made the most of our time there!

the Arrival

The closest airport to Azul is in Montego Bay. The drive to Negril should take about 90 min; however, it ended up taking us over 3.5 hours to get to the resort when we arrived. Upon our departure, the drive back was a bit faster but we again encountered notable traffic. This has nothing to do with the resort itself, but just something to be aware of. The resort will set up transit for you to help ensure a smooth transit process, but if there’s traffic it will slow you down .

Upon arrival you’ll be greeted with a blue ‘sparkling wine’ or fresh fruit smoothie. The small welcoming touches always go a long way. Just between us, the smoothie was the better choice.

Rooms

The rooms at Azul Beach Resort strike a balance between comfort and functionality. Each space is reasonably sized, offering enough room to unwind without feeling cramped. While not overly luxurious, the rooms are modern, reasonably well-maintained, and equipped with amenities such as free wifi, a daily-restocked-minibar, and a private balcony or terrace. Some rooms even feature swim-up pool access or stunning ocean views– depending on your room selection.

Our room was a bit more sheltered from road noise, but we did have friends that mentioned they could hear cars driving by from their room. So it’s something to be mindful of… or perhaps remember to pack a portable sound machine or earplugs if you’re sensitive to ambient noise at night. We noticed some minor wear on the room, but generally, we felt the space was a good value for the price— a comfortable and overall enjoyable stay.

Restaurants & Bars

With nine restaurants and nine different bars, you’ll definitely have ample choices! It’s easy to make the most of your all-inclusive dining options. We honestly did not have a single bad meal while we were here. The saltfish at Ackee was my favorite meal. If you enjoy seafood, they do it very well. We overall felt the food was one of the highlights of our stay!

When you arrive, you’re given a code to access your resort app. This is the platform to utilize for all your reservations! Hua Hin and DiRomagna are the restaurants that typically require reservations, so be sure to make those asap upon arrival.

Pools

Instead of a singular pool area, there are seven pools spread out around the resort, catering to a variety of preferences. There are family-friendly areas, adults-only options, and swim-up bars, ensuring that everyone can find their ideal spot to relax or play. The swim-up bar areas tend to get a little more lively during peak hours, so the various areas allow everyone to have a nice time however they are best suited!

Some rooms have direct pool access, which can be a nice perk if you’re just looking to take a quick dip or enjoy being poolside early in the morning, from the comfort of your room. The pool scene elevates the relaxation ambiance about the resort… what’s more Caribbean vacation core than a sparkling pool with a swim-up bar???

Beach

The pool is always nice, but you can’t spend the whole trip poolside, when the beach is only steps away! The Azul stretch of the Seven Mile Beach is a nice intersection of privacy and accessibility. While the shoreline is technically public (as are all beaches in Jamaica) the resort maintains a designated area exclusively for its guests— ensuring a sense of seclusion.

The beach could not be more picturesque, with soft white sand and calm turquoise waters, it’s just as ideal for sunbathing (don’t forget your sunscreen) as it is swimming, kayaking, or sailing. Plus all non-motorized water sports (i.e. kayaks, boogie boards, hobie cats and canoes) are available complimentary. The beachside loungers, umbrellas, and towel service, are also all included in the cost of your stay.

Additionally, the attentive staff are never far away, to provide drinks and snacks. There are also private cabanas available for rentals at an additional fee, offering shade, comfortable seating, and enhanced service. We didn’t utilize them as the lounger-umbrella combo was more than satisfactory; however, the cabanas did look nice! Overall, the beach’s tranquil setting and thoughtful amenities make it a perfect spot to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of Negril. This was one of our favorite parts of the resort.

Activities & Entertainment

Azul Beach Resort offers a wide array of included activities designed to keep guests of all ages entertained throughout their stay. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy beach volleyball and soccer, while those seeking a more laid-back experience can try their hand at giant chess or a game of ping-pong. The resort also provides access to non-motorized water sports, such as paddleboarding and kayaking, perfect for exploring the calm Caribbean waters.

Azul also features a weekly schedule of unique experiences that showcase local culture and encourage guest participation. Highlights include archery, aqua reggae classes, beach cricket, and even basket-making workshops. With such a diverse range of activities, guests can choose between staying active, learning a new skill, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere that Azul Beach Resort has to offer.

come one, come all… bring the kids!

If you’re a parent traveling with your family, an important consideration for any all-inclusive resort is how the property is equipped to entertain children. We had an adults-only stay; however, being parents makes us more cognizant of how child-friendly a given resort is. The Azul Beach Resort does appear to be exceptionally kid-friendly. Upon arrival, kiddos are greeted with their own welcome beverage— a fresh smoothie or chocolate milk. It’s the little things that set the tone for their own enjoyable, inclusive experience.

The Azulitos Kids Club offers supervised activities for children aged 3 to 12, ensuring a safe and engaging environment filled with creative and interactive fun. Older kids and teens might enjoy some of the resort’s broader activity offerings, including non-motorized water sports mentioned above. Additionally, options such as yoga, aqua aerobics, dance lessons, and cooking classes provide entertainment that appeals across age groups. With such a wide variety of options, it feels like a resort that prioritizes children and families, so everyone can create cherished memories together.

Fitness Center & Spa

If you need some time out of the sun, there’s a few options for self care. The fitness center won’t knock your socks off, but it has all the essentials! The Vassa Spa has an array of services including massages, facials, and hydrotherapy. While we didn’t indulge in any spa services, the space did have a relaxing ambiance!

*photo via @azulbeachresortnegril instagram*

Overall we enjoyed our stay here. We were in Negril for a wedding, so we arrived a couple days early to enjoy the resort and general Negril region. We paid around $280/night per person, which felt perhaps a little on the expensive side but more or less a reasonable value for an all-inclusive in the Caribbean. There might be some cosmetic imperfections but the food and beach were truly excellent. We hope this helps inform your accommodation planning. Happy travels!

view of the sun setting along the beach at Azul Beach Resort Negril

written by Salvador

While he isn’t an original member of the squad, he married Hannah, and is now fondly considered the-brother-we’ve-never-had by the rest of the sisters. Whenever Salvador travels, assessing the local craft beer scene is a top priority. Salvador currently speaks two languages, English and Spanish, but every time he visits Italy, his Italian gets a little better! To pass the time between adventures, Salvador is a professor of exercise physiology.

Tags Caribbean all-inclusive, Caribbean travel, Caribbean vacation, Jamaica all inclusive

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One Day in Joshua Tree: Essential Hikes and Scenic Stops

Post author By Hannah

Joshua Tree National Park is a mesmerizing desert landscape. The convergence of the Mojave and Colorado Desert ecosystems meet to create a unique arid climate. Named after the spindly-armed trees the park is known for, the iconic Joshua trees dot the rugged terrain vista— while dramatic, monolithic boulders appeal to curious explorers of all ages. Joshua Tree is a place of contrasts—an expanse of harsh desert softened by delicate beauty. Where solitude and awe inspire those who wander its trails and lose themselves in its otherworldly ambiance. One day in Joshua Tree provides a perfect window to take in all the key highlights of this desert abode.

Due to its convenient location, about an hour away from Palm Springs, one day in the park affords ample opportunity to explore the dazzling desert of Joshua Tree. Whether you’re hiking amidst towering rock formations, soaking in panoramic views from high desert trails, or marveling at the vibrant desert sunsets, a day in Joshua Tree promises unforgettable moments. We’ve compiled the ultimate one-day itinerary, filled with must-see sights, short hikes, and hidden gems to make the most of your time.

Fast Facts About Joshua Tree National Park

Size: 792,623 acres

Visitors: 3,270,404 visitors annually (data from 2023)

Highest elevation: 5,816 feet — at Quail Mountain

Distance from Palm Springs Airport: 40 miles — 45 min drive

Distance from Los Angeles Airport: 145 miles — 2.5 hour drive

National Park Initiation: upgraded from National Monument to National Park on October 31st, 1994 via the Desert Protection Bill

Rock This Way

With Joshua Tree being in a desert climate, the busy season stretches from October to May– with the spring break months being particularly popular (mid-March to April). If you’re able to visit during a weekday, you’re likely to find less crowds than on the weekend. We most recently visited in late February and found the weather to be relatively mild and fellow visitors were present but not overwhelming by any means.

In the summer months, temps stretch into the 90s and 100s, so if you find yourself in Joshua Tree in July, be sure to start your day early and bring loooooots of water!

Rest Your Weary Bones

There’s no lodge in Joshua Tree, so if you’re looking to stay in the park you’re got about 500 campsites to choose from. Reservations can be made online here. Campground *do* fill up, so be sure to make reservations in advance if you plan to camp it out.

If you’re not much for camping, there are hotel and Airbnb options in the city of Joshua Tree and even more in Palm Springs— an easy 45 min drive southwest.

Campsites go like HOTCAKES in the busy season!!! Campgrounds will be fully booked up weeks in advance, but there’s hope for last minute campers. We love using Campflare to help snag last-minute campsites. It’s an app that will let you know when a campsite in a given campground becomes available. Be prepared to act fast though because things do not stay vacant long!

One Day in Joshua Tree

California is home to more national parks than any other state in the USA, with an impressive nine unique parks protecting various landscapes across the state. One of the most well-visited parks in California is Joshua Tree (second only to Yosemite)— characterized by the rugged beauty of the California desert. And for good reason! It’s easy to spend a day here, tackling some short hikes and taking in the desert vistas.

Joshua Tree Visitor Center

The Joshua Tree Visitor Center is the perfect place to start your day. It’s conveniently located along CA-62, meaning you’ll likely pass it as you make your way into the park anyways– so might as well stop! Not only is this a clean place to use the bathroom and fill up your water bottle, but it’s also convenient to check in with the rangers about any road or trail closures. There’s also a few informative exhibits that delve into the park’s unique ecosystems, geology, and history— worth spending a bit of town perusing. For any parks passport stampers, don’t forget to get your Joshua Tree ink before you leave!

If you’re needing an extra kick, Joshua Tree Coffee Company is an awesome spot to grab a cup of coffee. It’s just down the road from the Visitor Center and opens at 7am, so minimal to no detouring necessary!

Hidden Valley Trail

The Hidden Valley is one of the most popular trails in the park but for good reason! It’s a 1 mile loop that traverses through a picturesque valley, encircled by towering rock walls. If you get there early enough, it almost feels like your own secret desert sanctuary. This hike is pretty family friendly and easy-to-follow. Nature’s beauty isn’t the only amazing feat out here… keep an eye out for nearby rock climbers! It’s always rather thrilling to watch talented climbers scale the massive boulders in the park.

due to the popularity of this spot, try to make it here before 9am as at it will get busy in the high season

Skull Rock

Skull Rock is one of Joshua Tree’s most famous and quirky landmarks, easily recognized by its uncanny resemblance to a human skull. The iconic formation has been shaped over millennia by erosion, personifying hollowed-out “eye sockets” and rounded contours. Located just off the main road, it’s a quick stop that offers a fun opportunity for photos and light rock scrambling. There’s also a surrounding trail that winds through the surrounding boulder field (and desert plants), making it a unique mix of whimsy and natural beauty. Perfect for explorers of all ages!

Cap Rock

Cap Rock is an oversized, flat boulder precariously balanced on a stack of smaller rocks— seemingly defying gravity and logic. Not quite as uniquely wondrous as Skull Rock but certainly worth popping out for. Plus, Cap Rock is located in a crossroads of the park, making this an easy stop to hit amongst other key highlight destinations.

Keys View

While many of the memorable views in Joshua Tree are characterized by its boulder fields and flora, the Keys View offers a different but uniquely spectacular panorama, showcasing sweeping vistas of the Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault. From a perch up at an elevation of over 5,000ft, this viewpoint provides a dramatic contrast to the low-lying desert below. There’s a short, paved path to an overlook. This makes it an accessible stop for visitors of all ages and mobility limitations.

**Indian Cove Trail (optional)**

If you’re bunking down at Indian Cove Campground, tacking on this hike is a no brainer! Clocking in at just over a half mile, the Indian Indian Cove Trailhead is a bit of a hidden gem, nestled amongst towering rock formations and clusters of iconic Joshua trees. The winding trail meanders through surreal landscapes, but some there’s also unique people watching experiences as well. This area is a veritable haven for rock climbers, as its massive granite boulders provide endless opportunities for tenacious climbers.

Perhaps this is an unpopular opinion, but for as much as I’d heard about Joshua Tree, I expected it to be a bit more grandiose?? It’s difficult to criticize a national park because Joshua Tree truly is a beautiful place with a spectacular topography and some one-of-a-kind geological feats; however, you’re likely to find that one day in the park is more than enough to see your fill. But perhaps you’ll feel differently! Let us know what you think— happy travels!

written by Kayla

Tags California national parks, joshua tree, national parks, travel California

lifestyle

The Only Travel Backpack You’ll Ever Need

Post author By Hannah

Between budget airlines with expensive baggage fees and the headache of dealing with missing checked bags, there’s never been a greater need for the elusive perfect travel bag. While perfection is a moving target, we’ve found the ultimate travel backpack that’s going to be on the top of your must-have list. It’s carry-on compatible and the intuitive design has room for all your trip essentials.

Whether you’ve booked a last-minute weekend escape or you’re spending a couple weeks abroad, you will be impressed with the range and versatility afforded to you with this backpack. The closest thing to a perfect travel backpack we’ve discovered to date!

The Brand: Cotopaxi

You’ll notice the backpack might not fit a cohesive monochromatic aesthetic, but the color chaos is so meaningful. Integral to Cotopaxi’s mission is the creation of sustainably designed outdoor gear. Almost 95% of their products contain repurposed or recycled materials to produce truly eco-friendly bags. Their ‘Del Día’ collection uses remnant fabric, left over from other companies’ larger production runs to create each bag– hence the multi-hue ensemble. Each bag is unique, created with unused, high-quality nylon that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill. Through Cotopaxi, these ‘scraps’ are reassembled and given new life!

Features on Features

This travel bag has 42L or 2,563 cubic inches of space for all of your stuff and things. The bag itself is designed with maximal space economy to ensure you will be able to fit everything you need. Whether you want to wear it as a backpack, an over-the-shoulder duffel, or carry it briefcase style, you have an array of transportation options. You’ll also notice that all of the zippers have an anti-theft feature that makes it difficult for someone to snag something out of your pack on the fly.

the ultimate travel backpack by Cotopaxi

A Suitcase Backpack

While I love all of the thoughtful features in this pack, the suitcase-style opening and interior sectioned zipper pockets are my favorite features. Not only does it make it easier to ensure all the nooks and crannies of the backpack are filled, but it’s like packing cubes are built right into the bag. You can sort it however you like, but it seems to be a perfect space separation for clothes, shoes, and toiletries to all have their own spot!

The Front Pocket Pouch

While all of your trip essentials are stored away inside, the top zipper pocket is the perfect place to store everything you’ll want to access during your flight. This compartment is larger than it looks as it has space to hold all your snacks, hand sanitizer, a book, your wallet, headphones, and more. Plus, if you’re leaving home, the little clip sewn into the bag makes for the perfect spot to attach your keys so they don’t get lost along the way.

A Strong Strap Game

Lots to break down here on the back of the bag! First and foremost, a 42L bag packed to the gills can feel heavy, so the adjustable hip-belt can come in handy big time if you’re planning to do a bunch of walking with your bag. If you’re not so keen on using this belt, it IS removable. Similarly, if you want to carry the bag by a duffle strap or handle, you can unclip the backpack straps and tuck them into the moisture-wicking lining. So much customization, so little time!

There’s two zipper pockets on the back-side of the bag— parallel to one another, on either side of the backpack straps. One zipper opens up to well-padded ipad and laptop sleeves, while the other serves as a short-cut access point to the large compartment in the bag. This can be super convenient if you want to grab a jacket without fully opening the main zipper.

But Wait, There’s More

A side pocket for your water? That’s a given, to keep you hydrated! There’s also carabiner lash points all over the bag, so if you run out of room inside, there’s ample space to clip miscellaneous items on. Perhaps the most groovy of all, the bag comes with a rain cover to keep your goods protected from the elements. What more could you possibly need?

See It for Yourself: The 85-Second Scoop

A Confident Purchase

Cost: $210

This is a bag you can purchase with confidence, because if anything happens to it, Cotopaxi has an awesome customer service policy that ensures your bag will be repaired or replaced, if it’s defective. As a bonus, if you’ve had your bag (or any of their gear) for a while and want to trade it in for a store credit, that is an option as well. Cotopaxi is all about sustainable solutions, so they go above and beyond to maximize the life cycle of their products and reduce their overall environmental impact. You can read more about their Guaranteed for Good policy here.

The biggest problem with this backpack? It sells out! You can find it on the Cotopaxi website and REI, but if it’s out of stock, the 35L bag is designed extremely similarly and doesn’t seem to sell out quite as quickly.

Disclaimer: All product photos used in this post were taken directly from the Cotopaxi or REI website, in which the bag is linked. None of these product photographs are our own.

written by Hannah

Hannah has learned the hard way to be careful what you wish for— sometimes happily ever after lands you with a husband and puppy… in the Midwest. Despite leaving Florida to move to Wisconsin, Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves spending weekends exploring newfound hikes.

Tags Cotopaxi, travel backpack

lifestyle

Turo: A New Take on Car Rentals

Post author By Hannah

When traveling someplace new, the best way to get out and explore with freedom and flexibility is by renting a car. With travelers venturing back out into the world, there have been shortages in car rentals leading to a lack of vehicles and an influx in overpriced options. The solution? Turo!

What is Turo?

Turo is a peer-to-peer car sharing service. In the same way people use Airbnb in lieu of a hotel stay, Turo is an alternate option when you’re looking to rent a car. Prefer a specific make? Need all wheel drive? The easy to navigate website makes it simple to search for exactly what you need.

Cancellation Policy

All vehicles listed on Turo have free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your reservation. This is beyond convenient as it affords you the flexibility to lock in your best option, with the comfort of knowing you’re not going to lose money if your plans change.

Mileage

Mileage varies from host to host. Some cars will have unlimited mileage while others will have a cap. This is something to note before you make your reservation as there is usually a per mile charge if you go over your allotted mileage. In our experience, mileage limits are generally pretty reasonable and far exceed our planned trip mileage; however, it’s something to note before booking.

Pick-Up and Drop Off

If you’re not taking a shuttle to the car rental agency, how are you getting your car? This varies from host to host. All hosts have a pick-up location that it automatically select as this is likely most convenient for the host. For some Turo listings, this is the only option; however, for others they may be able to offer you additional flexibility. Convenience can cost ya… an airport pick-up/drop off may be complementary or it may cost you anywhere from $25-$100.

Extras

Extras are never guaranteed, but always worth checking out! An ‘extra’ is an item or service the host offers as an add-on to the car rental. When we were checking out options in Hawaii, it was common to see people offering beach chairs, snorkel gear, or beach towels for a nominal trip fee. When looking at options in Alaska, various rental’s ‘extra’ options included camping equipment, coolers, car seats, strollers, and more. If a host offers any fun extras, they will be noted in the description, with their associate price. If you decide to utilize an offered ‘extra’, they are easily added when you check-out.

Insurance & Liability

Since Turo is considered a peer-to-peer car sharing service, the rental car insurance provided by some credit card companies will not cover you in the event of an accident. What are your options for insurance? Turo provides the option to include coverage from Travelers when you’re checking out. This is offered at three different coverage levels or price points.

That being said, before you opt into the coverage, check with your car insurance agent. Between the five of us, we are on three different car insurance plans, and they all cover a Turo rental! When you’re booking your car for a trip, it’s certainly worth knowing if you’re already covered. It could save you hundreds of dollars!

Young Driver Fees

Renting a car can be quite the headache if you are under 25. When booking through Turo, you must be 18 or older to book a trip. Also, if you’re age 18-21, you can’t decline a protection plan or choose Premier protection. This hold true regardless of what your car insurance policy covers. You must choose either the Minimum or the Standard protection plans.

If you’re age 18-20, you’ll pay a minimum young driver fee of $50/day, and if you’re 21–25, you’ll pay a minimum fee of $30/day. A peculiar wrinkle, but renters must be 21 or older to book a car valued over $20k.

As a note, the age requirements are based on your age at the time of booking, not the age you’ll be when the trip takes place.

You can read more about the age requirements for drivers here.

*we rented this Jeep when adventuring around Kauai*

Pros & Cons

When you rent a car, you have a general idea of what you might end up with, but you never really know until you arrive and someone hands you the keys. When you book through Turo, you know exactly what you’re getting. Additionally, the options for ‘extras’ may be a streamlined way to rent items you were struggling to figure out how to pack (i.e. camping supplies or beach chairs).

While this doesn’t necessarily benefit you specifically, when you rent through Turo, part of your money will always goes to Turo but the majority goes to the person or family you are renting your car from. As such, renting your car through Turo can be a unique way to support the local economy.

The cons? Turo does not guarantee you an alternate option if the vehicle you rented become unavailable last minute. For example, if the Turo you rented needs to be taken into the shop because the radiator broke, you may be out of luck or scrambling to find a last minute replacement. We usually aim to mitigate this by sticking to newer models of cars as they should theoretically have less wear and miles.

Overall Impressions

Turo is an awesome option for your next trip. Whether you’re planning on zipping through the city, car camping in the back of a truck, or yearning for breezy rides with the top down, Turo has a wide array of options to choose from.

Cheers to your next adventure! Let us know how your first Turo experience goes!

written by Hannah

lifestyle travel

Making the Most of Your Hyatt Points

Post author By Hannah

One of the great joys of life is traveling. Money spent exploring the world is money well spent, but money saved while traveling is even better. One of the easiest ways to cut costs while traveling is to use your points… more importantly, your World of Hyatt points. This is literally free money you accrue just by using (and paying off) your credit card each month!

One of our favorite hotel companies to book through when traveling is Hyatt. Not only have our stays here always been more than satisfactory, we have found we love spending the points we accrue through our more mundane stays to enjoy visiting some of their luxurious properties. Compared to other hotel partners, the redemption rate for even the most posh of the Hyatt brands is beyond reasonable for what you receive in return. Hyatt’s portfolio now includes more than 1,000 properties in 69 countries. These range from boutique hotels to all-inclusive resorts and everything in between.

Rack ‘Em & Stack ‘Em

Are you dying to travel but just can’t justify spending the money? It is time for you to up your credit card game. There’s two ways to accrue points for redemption at Hyatt properties.

World of Hyatt Credit Card

There’s two ways to accrue points for redemption at Hyatt properties. The more obvious of the two is signing up for a World of Hyatt credit card. This card offers a 30,000 point sign on bonus for spending $3,000 in the first three months of opening the card. Eager spenders and travelers can accrue up to an additional 30,000 points by earning 2 bonus points per $1 spent (up to $15,000) in the first 6 months of opening your account. You also receive a free night at any Category 1–4 Hyatt hotel or resort every year on your cardmember anniversary…. ca-ching!

The more you spend with your Hyatt card, the faster you accrue points and the elite levels of World of Hyatt membership exponentially increase your benefits. You can learn more about the levels of elite membership and milestone rewards here.

Chase

Chase is the only credit card company that maintains a partnership with Hyatt for transferring point balances. In order to do so, you must have one of Chase’s premium cards: Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Chase Ink Business Preferred. These cards offer some pretty eye catching sign-up bonuses, easily transferred they equate to a couple nights in a lux hotel. If you travel often, one of these cards may generally be a good choice for you as they also have 2 other hotel partners and 13 airline partners as well.

It Takes Money to Make Money

While there’s both nuance and simplicity to earning Hyatt points, we’re here to help you make the most of them. Here’s a handful of tips we have learned over the years. Points are free money, so you have to make the most of them!

TIP #1

For the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, a 60,000 point sign up bonus is nice, but if you’re on the fence about it, you can always wait for Chase to sweeten the pot. In 2021, with travel beginning to resume, the sign-up bonus rose up to 100,000 points for a couple months over the summer. With almost double the usual benefit, the $95 annual fee is even more worthwhile, when considering the value of that quantity of points.

TIP #2

Ready for a trip? Points burning a hole in your pocket? Being able to transfer your points opens up some exciting point-saving opportunities. Before you book anything, check both the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal as well as what it would cost you in points to book directly through Hyatt.

When booking our stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai we noticed that booking through the Chase Ultimate Rewards account was going to cost us over 52,000 points per night, while booking through our Hyatt account would only cost 33,000 points per night (and included Grand Club Lounge access). Your Chase points transfer in a 1:1 ratio, so by transferring your points, you could be saving yourself big time!

Below we have detailed an example with the comparison for travel to the Andaz in Costa Rica. Through World of Hyatt, the room runs at 17,000 points/night, for a total of 34,000 points. By comparison, the Chase Ultimate Rewards cost is 59,132 points PLUS another $346 dollars, just for the room and an additional $96 resort fee. It’s a no-brainer that you would be so much better off transferring your points over in a case like this!

redemption through Ultimate Rewards account

redemption through World of Hyatt account

[Just an FYI, you do not need a Hyatt credit card to transfer your points to Hyatt– signing up for a World of Hyatt account is free.]

TIP #3

When you are awarded a free night’s stay, it can be tempting to use that night for any random travel you might be doing, but give it a second thought before you book. Instead, save it for booking a category three or four property to get the most “bang” for your free-night-buck.

redeeming your world of hyatt points at a category four hotel — If you click on “Hotels & Resorts” and filter by hotel category, you can check out your best options.

TIP #4

Piggy-backing off that save-the-free-night-for-a- fancier-resort mentality, with Hyatt, when you book a resort entirely with points or redeem a free night, you do not have to pay a resort fee. While these fees vary from one property to another, they can add up to hundreds of dollars, depending on your length of stay.

TIP #5

If you have a World of Hyatt account, you receive a complimentary night at a category 1-4 property after you have stayed at five different brands under their Hyatt umbrella. What makes this especially enticing is that stays booked with points or other award nights are included in this count.

For example, if you used your points to book a couple nights at Andaz Maui, that would count as one of your five brands visited. This is essentially a fun game of Hyatt bingo. It certainly is not a primary factor in informing your hotel selection, butttt if you’re staying in a city with two different Hyatt brand hotels, this could be an easy deciding factor in which one to book.

TIP #6

Do you have an American Airlines AAdvantage Miles account? If you are an elite World of Hyatt member– this means you are a Discoversit, Globalist, or Explorist– you can earn 1 World of Hyatt Bonus Point for every $1 USD spent on qualifying American Airlines flights. This is *almost* like double dipping as you still received the AAdvantage miles you would already earn as an AAdvantage member. Who doesn’t want extra free points?

How Does It Stack Up?

If you are accustomed to using your points at a Hilton or Marriott hotel group, 30,000… or even 100,000 points might sound like it won’t get you very far. It’s important to recognize the difference here, because Hyatt point thresholds for redemption are much lower— for similar quality stays— as some of their competitor brands.

It’s also worth noting, if you sign up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and receive the 60,000 point bonus, you can transfer it to any of their three hotel partners: Hyatt, IGH, or Marriott. The points transfer in a 1:1 ratio to all companies, so unless you are highly preferential towards one of the other two brands, the 60,000 points are going to afford you more travel and luxury through Hyatt than either of the other options.

Have you ever visited a World of Hyatt resort? When we vacation, we find we enjoy adventuring around a bit more independently to truly get a feel for the culture of a given area, but we LOVE ending the last few days of vacation at a cushy Hyatt resort. Most recently, we visited the Andaz Costa Rica Resort on the Papagayo Peninsula and had a truly amazing time.

What’s your favorite World of Hyatt property? Do you have any other tips or tricks for making the most of you Hyatt points? Let us know!

Disclaimer: All photos used in this post were taken directly from the World of Hyatt or Chase website. None of these images are our own.

written by Hannah

Tags World of Hyatt points, World of Hyatt travel

lifestyle

Warm Layers in a Winter Wonderland

Post author By Hannah

Born and raised in Florida, there was nothing like experiencing my first real winter to truly understand the meaning of the word COLD. Sure, it’s one thing to go on a rowdy ski trip or go visit your family up north for a week, but it’s a whole other to endure the months-long marathon of cold. It doesn’t happen overnight, but you will start to build a whole new wardrobe of warm layers. I’ve lived in Wisconsin for a couple years now, so here’s a few things I’ve acquired over the years that have made winter survivable! From coats to mittens and everything in between, cheers to finding your best warm layers.

COATS

A good winter coat is THE staple of mandatory winter attire. This is what is going to get you through winter, and you WILL wear it every day of your life for at least three months. For this reason, it’s important to just accept the fact that a good winter jacket is going to be spendy. The purchase may feel frivolous, but when you encounter sub-zero temperatures for the first time, you will feel nothing but grateful that you splurged on a nice jacket.

BIG PAPA

The bread and butter of winter warmth is your long coat. There’s no two ways about it, you want your fanny covered. In my personal opinion, the longer the jacket the better. From November to April, I have this out and at the ready to keep me warm from the top of my head to mid-calf. I personally love having the longest jacket possible, as I am all about covering maximal surface area.

Winter gets cold— like I’m-trying-to-stay-warm-but-it’s-BELOW-ZERO-out-here cold. You want to make sure you’re looking out for your late January and early February self when you purchase this jacket. I am in love with my jacket from Helly Hansen jacket; however, it’s currently out of stock, so I have included a few similar jackets from go-to winter survival brands.

A Shorty on the Side

Potentially the strangest concept of winter jackets is that there’s different “levels” of cold, if you will. In late fall and early spring, you may not need your big, bad jacket. For me, this waist-length coat is perfect for when the weather is in the 40s and 50s….. a born and raised midwestern may find this laughable, so it’s important to note, this is a sliding scale. This is your “a hoodie isn’t warm enough but I don’t really need my big coat yet” jacket.

Run Forest Run

One of the first times Salvador tried to take me running with him in 40 degree weather I had what can only be described as an adult temper-tantrum a quarter mile in, protesting that it’s “just too cold outside to be going on a run!” I am proud to say I have grown since this very Floridian outburst, and will willingly go on runs in the 30s, 40s, and even upper 20s.

If you enjoy running outside and are slightly more hardy to the cold weather than I was (it’s a low bar), a running jacket is something you’ll be glad to have. It’s warm enough to keep the cold at bay but not so insulated that you’ll feel the need to shed layers five minutes into your run.

PANTS

Snow Pants

If you’re considering participation in any sort of winter sport or outdoor adventure, you’re going to want some snow pants. I have both pair of snow pants below, and recommend either pair! The North Face pants come in short and long, in addition to the usual regular, so that if a helpful option for anyone of above and below average height. Pro-tip (from a novice winterer): you definitely want them to have an internal leg gaiter to keep the snow from making its way up your pants or into your boots.

Most snow pants come is small, medium, large, etc. sizing, so in the event that you too have the #slimthicc body type, a snow pants belt is nice to have.

Base Layers

Perhaps you’re familiar with base layers or thermals, but prior to spending much time in Wisconsin, I had never heard of such a thing…. I actually thought Salvador had bought me pajamas for Christmas when he gifted me a pair. The function is right in the name, these layers are the first to go on. They help wick away sweaty moisture and regulate your body heat once you get moving.

Fleece-Lined Leggings

If you exist in leggings 95% of your day, fleece-lined are a MUST PURCHASE. Winter isn’t just about fighting the cold, it’s about escaping the wind as well. The wind will cut through most regular leggings, but that layer of fleece will have your legs and bum staying nice and warm.

BOOTS

A gal’s gotta protect her feet!! In the description of any given pair of boots, it should tell you how insulated they are. Most winter boots shouldn’t have less than 100 grams of insulation, which is sufficient for a fashionable yet functional boot. If you’re hoping to take your boots on some rowdy outdoor adventures, you’ll want a cool 200g or more of insulation.

GLOVES

Walking Gloves

This will be your “lighter” pair of gloves. You want something that will certainly keep your hands warm as you go on a walk, but doesn’t necessarily have the bulkiness of some of the more waterproof gloves. Most of this style of glove will have a finger tip or two that is touchscreen compatible, which makes it a bit easier to use your phone if necessary while out and about.

Snow-Ball Fight Ready

Whether you’re building a snowman, dominating a snowball fight, or shredding the gnar, you’ll want some gloves with a bit more gusto. These gloves are going to be a bit thicker and have more of a waterproof shell. Gloves vs mittens? Gloves allow you a bit more dexterity in your hands; while, gloves allow your fingers to share their warmth and maybe sneak a little hot hands in for added extra heat.

To Beanie or Not to Beanie

As a gal with her hair in a perpetual ponytail or bun, I find that beanies aren’t always my favorite way to keep my noggin warm. In my opinion, knit head bands are the way to go when you’re on the go. Whenever I go on a run in the cold, I bring this guy with me as it keeps my ears protected while still allowing me to dissipate heat. I usually only don a beanie if my hair’s down or in a braid… accepting any and all tips on how one styles a beanie without looking like a little egg-head.

FANNY PACK IT OUT

Perhaps I just lack coordination, but I find that when I’m wearing a coat, I either don’t feel my purse as well or it slips off my shoulder more easily since I’m just bulkier than usual with my 27 layers. Thank the lord fanny packs are back in style, because I have found it super convenient to either wear it around my waist or as a crossbody, so I can have all the essentials right where I need them. Kate Spade no longer sells my go-to fanny pack, but this one is similar!

SCARVES

My go to scarf is the Vinyasa scarf from Lululemon because it’s a perfect weight and can be styled soooo many different ways. It will definitely keep you warm, without feeling too bulky— all the colors and patterns are fun but neutral enough that they’ll match almost everything.

This is by no means an all inclusive list of everything you’ll need to make the most of winter, but it should be more than enough to get you started. Let us know if there’s any winter essentials we missed!

My best tip for surviving winter? Plan a trip! There’s no time like January or February to head somewhere tropical. You won’t regret saving all your PTO days to go be warm for a couple weeks in Hawaii. The seasonal depression gets real when it’s both cold and dark, so having a fun, warm trip planned is something exciting to look forward to, while also providing a much needed reprieve from the cold and snow!

Disclaimer: All photos used in this post were taken directly from the site to which the item is linked. None of the product photographs are our own.

written by Hannah

Tags surviving winter, winter in Wisconsin, winter layers

lifestyle

Our Favorite Dupes of Lululemon

Post author By Hannah

Everyone’s favorite athleisure wear brand, Lululemon is known for the fantastic quality and fit of their clothing. While I certainly love all my Lulu pieces, sometimes it’s nice to have some clothes that fit similarly that I don’t mind roughing up. You know, your I’ll-wear-these-when-I-try-rock-climbing-for-the-first-time leggings. For this reason, we have scoured the internet and found all the best Lululemon dupes.

All of the almost-Lululemon pieces can be found on Amazon, so you still get that fast, free shipping. Even better, most of these items have thousands upon thousand of reviews, with an overall average rating of 4.5/5 stars. The quality might not be identical to Lululemon, but all of these dupes boast rave reviews.

This post does contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Ebb to Street Tank Top

The sport tank is a favorite in our family— comfy enough that you could wear it all day but also supportive enough to work out in! The Ebb to Street tank costs $68, whereas the Attraco dupe will only cost you $24.99. There’s a dupe of the cropped version as well that’s honestly just as excellent… I may own more of the dupe in this lulu tank than I do of the original.

Dance Studio Mid-Rise Jogger

I can’t pretend that I’m a dancer, but I do work as a PT, which means I need to be able to squat, lift, and jump around in my work pants and these totally do the job. The Dance Studio Mid-Rise Jogger will cost you $98, whereas this dupe from the CRZ Yoga is about a third of the price at $35.

Align Tank Top

Perhaps my favorite tank top from Lululemon, the Align Tank Top will cost you $58, while this The Gym People dupe is less than half at $22.99. We’re not the only ones to have discovered this lulu dupe… it’s a #1 Bestseller for Women’s Sports Bras on Amazon! If you don’t trust us, there’s over 40,000 reviews that just might convince you to give it a try.

Speed Up Short

I’m not a runner, and I don’t know that I ever will be, but I do stay dreaming of summer shorts weather (moving from Florida to Wisconsin has made me team #SummerIsTheBestSeason). Perfect for running, walking, or sitting outside on a warm day, the Speed Up Short costs $58. They may not be identical, but CRZ Yoga has a similar short for only $28.

Define Jacket

As classic piece from Lululemon, the Define Jacket has a perfect cut and sporty design, a perfect layer for in-between weather. The original costs $118, but QUEENIEKE sells a pretty dang similar jacket for $39.99.

Align High-Rise Pant 25″

The famously butter-soft align leggings are a favorite of nearly anyone that’s worn them. For the 25″ length, CRZ Yoga has a $26 legging that feels like it comes close to the Align magic… for less than a third of the OG price tag of $98.

Align High-Rise Pant 28″

If you’re looking for the slightly longer Align dupe, the 28″ legging from ColorfulKoala is about as close as it gets.

Align High-Rise Short 6″

Biker shorts are hot, because they are perfect short for everything. From running errands to getting zen in yoga, the Align High-Rise Short is everyone’s favorite. If you’re looking to bring that $58 price tag down to $17.99, Lavento sell an eerily similar pair. The big difference here? The lulu aligns are sold in 4″ and 6″ inseams, while the dupe offers 3″ and 5″ inseams.

On the Fly Jogger

A perfect casual work pant, the On The Fly 7/8 Pant costs $98, while this dupe from CRZ Yoga is only $32. I own multiple versions of this pant, and LOVE them! The dupe version is perfectly comfy and does the job. You can still move around with easy, but they look a little nicer than a pair of leggings or sweatpants.

This pant no longer appears to no longer be sold by Lululemon; however, I do wear the dupe version to work at least once a week, so we kept it on here as an honorable mention.

Stretch Luxtreme High-Rise Jogger

A go-to for running errands on the weekend, this jogger is both comfy and cute… in both versions! The Stretch Luxtreme High-Rise Jogger costs a cool $118, while the AJISAI dupe will only cost you $31.

This pant no longer appears to no longer be sold by Lululemon; however, I do wear the dupe version often enough that it’s worth an honorable mention.

What did you think? Similar enough it might be hard to spot from across the room? Or are you a ride-or-die Lululemon gal? A little bit of everything, these Lululemon dupes may not be the real thing, but they’re still comfy and super functional! Great options if you love the fit but you’re ballin’ on a budget.

Stubborn for the real thing?

Lululemon is not known to largely markdown their items, but there are a few ways to get your favorites for a bargain.

Group fitness/studio instructors/private instructors of adult participants, personal trainers, professional run club leaders, studio owners/managers, athletes (eligible athletes include professional, Olympic, university/college (non-NCAA only), and elite amateur athletes), & coaches and team trainers/staff can receive 25% off both in store & online orders by becoming part of their Sweat Collective.

Health care workers can receive 15% off! This discount is available both in stores and online.

If you like Lululemon, and don’t mind lightly used items, Lululemon now has a Lulu Like New website that sells gently used apparel. Worth checking out!

Disclaimer: All photos used in this post were taken directly from the site to which the item is linked. None of these photographs are our own.

written by Hannah

Tags lululemon, lululemon dupes

lifestyle

All The Best Gifts for Him

Post author By Hannah

In our family gift giving is almost a competitive sport. We love thinking of the most perfect, personal gifts to get each other, and will often buy them months in advance of Christmas or birthdays. No one is as hard to shop for as our father! We have curated a list of our favorite gifts for dads, brothers, and significant others. From functional to what-to-get-someone-that-has-everything, we have ideas for everyone. Happy gifting!

Baseball Stadium BluePrints

If your husband gets all jazzed up about his favorite baseball team, this is the perfect print to rep his favorite team in the man-cave or office.

Price: $185

Whiskey Stones

Get your best dude one step closer to the ever-unattainable perfect drink. No watered down drinks here, with these stone ice cubes doing all the work.

Price: $13.99

Cocktail Smoker

Looking to elevate your boyfriend’s cocktail game? A cocktail smoker may just be the final spin he needs to perfect his old fashion recipe.

Price: $100

Personalized Whiskey Decanter Set

A perfect gift for whiskey drinkers of any shape and size. This gift works for all kinds of occasions: house-warming, graduation, Christmas, or World Whiskey Day (May 21st, FYI). Pairs perfectly with a bottle of their favorite whiskey.

Price: $57.98+

Bar Cart

Rounding out the alcohol-related gifts, a bar cart is a perfect entertainment piece. Not only are they a fun, stylish accent to any room, but it’s also the perfect way to be ready for a party at any time!

The Rustic Three-Level bar cart suspends up to four bottles of wine, maximizing available space on this beautifully functional cart. The West Elm Mid-Century Walnut bar cart has a retro character that is sure to make this cart the center of attention— even if no drinks are being served.

Price: $100 / $499

Personalized Gifts: Record LP Clock

Sentiment meets functionality with this perfect gift for any music lover. All the words on the center of the LP are customizable to make it completely your own. Plus, it’s also a functioning clock!

Price: $100

Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

We are obsessed with this travel backpack from Cotopaxi! This is the perfect gift for the whimsical explorer in your family. The design is beyond intuitive as the bag is perfectly crafted to maximize space when packing all your essentials. As a bonus, Cotopaxi is a fantastic, environmentally conscious company with fab customer service… did someone say ‘lifetime warranty and repairs’?? We’re actually so keen on this backpack we wrote an entire blog post about it!

Price: $220

Grill

A grill can be a deeply personal decision that takes loads of research and review-scouring, but if you have a general idea what you’re looking for, a grill can be a fantastic gift. The Pit Boss Sportman 500 is an versatile pellet grill, under $500. The Weber Genesis II is an awesome propane grill, for less than $1,000. Regardless what kind you get, he is SURE to be delighted.

Price: varies

Grilling Rubs

If you’re price range is less grill and more grill rubs, this set is sure to excite your favorite grill-master artisan. With rubs inspired from all over the country, everything is guaranteed to be finger-lickin’ good!

Price: $26.95

Nespresso VertuoPlus

Hello coffee lovers looking to elevate their home barista game. A perfect espresso in less than 60 seconds? Yes, yes that is the best gift you can give a coffee addict.

Price: $149

Slouch Potato

This lumbar support pillow is a perfect gift for anyone that spends an above average amount of time in the car or traveling. Its cushiony support makes even the longest rides far more comfortable. We’ve actually bought this for our dad twice now, because he likes it so much!

Price: $39.95

Pizza Maker

The perfect gift for your pizza-aholic friend. This magic hot plate will have your ‘za hot and ready to eat before your kitchen oven has even pre-heated.

Price: $42.99

Duluth Trading Company Boxers

Ahhhh underwear. The gift you hated as a kid and now cherish as an adult. These boxers are my husband’s favorite. Just spendy enough that you might not want to buy them for yourself, but you would be delighted if someone bought a pair (or two) for you.

Price: $22.50

Pet Portrait

Who owns a dog and isn’t at least a little obsessed with it? If you’ve already sat through the entire camera roll of your friend’s MANY doggo pictures, you can give them one more to treasure as a sentimental wall art piece. Not guaranteed to make them cry but not unlikely!!

Price: $33.75+

Grandpa’s Weeder

Taking pride in your yard is an honorable hobby, but pulling weeds can become a back-breaking endeavor, for even the most dedicated lawn artisan. Grandpa’s Weeder is a simple yet effective tool to make weed-pulling a breeze.

Price: $39.99

Hypervolt 2

The Hypervolt 2 by Hyperice is the solution your husband’s tight muscles have been waiting for. From low back pain after a long day of yard work to sore legs after the gym, this percussion massager has you covered!

Price: $299

Personalized Family Member Signpost

A perfect gift for a dad or grandpa with children that have left the nest and spread out. Nothing makes our dad happier than having all his girls at home, and this fun sign is a sweet way to remember that ever when everyone is spread out, they’re never too far to come home! It’s such a unique way to think of your loved ones!

Price: $155+

Mega Yard Games

Who doesn’t love being the host with the most?! Jumbo yard games are an enticing way to keep everyone entertained. From Cornhole to Dice to Jenga, these super-sized games will be the perfect addition to your next outdoor gathering!

Price: 39.99+ / $249.49 / $58.85

Audio-Technica Record Player

Record players are back and they’re not going anywhere! This Audio-Technica model is a perfect nicer-end entry level record player for anyone interested in a throw-back auditory experience. Not only is it a different way to experience music, but once you have a record player, it opens up a whole new world for record hunting as you begin to curate your record collection.

Price: $149

Disclaimer: All photos used in this post were taken directly from the site to which the item is linked. None of these photographs are our own.

written by Hannah

Tags birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, gift for him

lifestyle

The Best Wedding Keepsakes

Post author By Hannah

Every girl LOVES her wedding day, and lives for small ways to hold onto the amazing memories of that day. As a newly wed, here are some things I loved that we did and others I wish we had done, to integrate memories from our wedding decor into our home decor and alternatively repurpose it in subtle ways.

Give That Bouquet a Second Life

Eye-catching coasters and trays are already a fun and function way to decorate a coffee table… what better way to do so than with flowers from your wedding day. A subtle nod to your wedding day and a beautiful decor piece.

Dried and pressed flowers can make for a unique wall decor statement piece. If anyone asks, you can certainly fill them in on the sentimental backstory, but it’s a lovely way to nonchalantly put your wedding bouquet on display. Depending on your style, there are a few different small businesses that create these works of art. A few of my favorites can be found here, here, and here.

Put My Name Up in Lights

Last name signs are becoming a popular accent piece or photo op at weddings, but the advantage to choosing a wooden sign, it that it’s super easy to incorporate into your house decor.

Below I have included the wooden sign featured at our wedding, and it’s current home over the coat rack.

Long Live the Invitation

Not everyone has a sentimental attachment to their invitations, but if you were rather fond of yours, it can live on indestructibly as a handmade, wooden engraved replica. A cute decoration for your office or a sturdy memory for your wedding keepsake box… the choice is yours!

Forever and Always

What better way to remember your wedding vows to one another than to have them hung up in your bedroom? Such a sweet and aesthetically pleasing way to reminisce over the promises you made one another. This wood etched pair is one-of-a-kind… just like your love!

If you’re looking for some combined vows and picture action, this canvas print is an awesome option. The floating wood hangers make for a fun, different frame.

Cuff Links

Just a couple sentimental cuff link options to hold your sweetie close. The tiny envelope cuff links are like a men’s locket… perfect for a little extra love on your special day and any day after. Alternatively, you can opt for some simple, elegant cuff links that display a small swatch of you loved one’s wedding dress.

Wedding Dress to Christening Dress

This one s a bit of a long con, since most newly weds don’t immediately have a tiny human needing a christening outfit, but it’s such a precious idea to keep in the back of your mind. So many wedding dresses sit in a box on a shelf forever, so this is a sweet way to repurpose it.

Personalized Wedding Photo Puzzle

Who doesn’t love a good puzzle? It’s such a cute way to put one of your wedding photos to use. A fun activity to do on your anniversary! Also, imagine how much fun you potential kids might have doing a puzzle with mom and dad on it?? Just think, this could be the start of Sunday puzzle night.

Your wedding is such an exciting day in your life that goes by so quickly. These sentimental keepsakes are a warm reminder of the day you promised your lives to one another. We hope you found a new idea or two to make that wedding day last. Congratulations!

Disclaimer: Almost all photos used in this post were taken directly from the site to which the item is linked. With the exception of the two noted, none of these photographs are our own.

written by Hannah

Tags wedding flowers, wedding keepsakes, wedding memories

lifestyle

All the Best Gifts for Her

Post author By Hannah

In our family gift giving is almost a competitive sport. We love thinking of the most perfect, personal gifts to get each other, and will often buy them months in advance of Christmas or birthdays. We have curated a list of our favorites to share with you. From functional to what-to-get-someone-that-has-everything, we have ideas for everyone.

Since there’s five of us sisters (plus our mama), we have a diverse group of gals to shop for. Our compilation of gift ideas is almost entirely things on our Christmas list, ideas for one another, or some of our favorite purchases from the past year. We hope it gives you a little inspiration for your holiday shopping… happy gifting!

Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

We are obsessed with this travel backpack from Cotopaxi! This is the perfect gift for the whimsical explorer in your family. The design is beyond intuitive as the bag is perfectly crafted to maximize space when packing all your essentials. As a bonus, Cotopaxi is a fantastic, environmentally conscious company with fab customer service… did someone say ‘lifetime warranty and repairs’?? We’re actually so obsessed with this backpack we wrote an entire blog post about it!

Price: $220

Watercolor Print of Your Home

Everyone has a home that holds a special place in their heart. Whether it’s the first home you purchased together, your childhood home, or the lake house you went to as a child, this Etsy shop can turn a picture of home into a beautiful watercolor picture. This makes for such a beautiful, sentimental gift.

Price: $29.50+

Lindsay Albanese Hat Clip

The worst part about traveling with a hat is figuring out how to pack it, and Lindsay Albanese has created the perfect solution. By clipping your hat to your bag, you can keep your hat close, without fear of crushing it!

Price: $48+

Lack of Color Hat

The perfect hat to fill your hat clip! Besides, there is nothing like a hat to truly elevate your outfit. We’re loving this green right now, but they have all kinds of colors… from creamy neutrals to bold statement tones.

Price: $139

If you’re loving the hat, but are trying to find the look for under $50, Urban Outfitters has a pretty good dupe for Lack of Color hats. Not quite the same, but definitely similar.

Lululemon Belt Bag

Fanny packs are back baby!!! And this belt bag from Lululemon is a particularly big hit with women (and men) of all ages. Who wants to carry a purse when you can fit a surprising amount of your belongings in this little pack?? The only problem? It sells out quickly! Sold in 1L and 2L sizes, it’s a cute yet functional gift for anyone on the go.

Price: $38-48

Glass Cups & Straws

Never thought I’d be the kind of gal to get excited about glassware, but here we are. I received these for my birthday this past year, and they are a favorite both for hosting as well as drinking a post-workout smoothie.

Price: $26.99 (cups) & $4.99 (straws)

Initials Necklace

This is the perfect gift for a new mama looking to hold her littles close in a simple, meaningful way. Understated but lovely… a beautiful piece.

Price: $28.34+

Huzi Travel Pillow

Does someone have a long flight ahead of them? Travel often for work? Have a perpetual itch from the travel bug? Being able to catch some zzzz’s on a flight can be huge to help hit the ground running when you arrive at your destination. Sometimes a little outside the box thinking can be just what you need to stay comfy. The infinity loop design is versatile, allowing you to snuggle into any position during your flight.

Price: $45.00

Audio-Technica Record Player

Price: $149

Tile

The Tile helps keep track of all your wandering valuables. They are prepared for all scenarios with a Tile card for your wallet, a fob for your keys, or a sticker for your camera (not pictured above). The best way to keep an eye on everything. A perfect gift for your most forgetful friend.

Price: $59 for wallet & keys Tiles

Sunlight Simulator Alarm Clock

If someone you know and love is moving north, to the land of long nights and short days, this alarm clock makes all the difference in the world to help a gal get out of bed on time. An alarm clock may not be the sexiest gift, but you cannot beat the practicality here!

Price: $99.99

Pet Portrait

Price: $33.75+

Nespresso VertuoPlus

Hello coffee lovers looking to elevate their home barista game. A perfect espresso in less than 60 seconds? Yes, yes that is the best gift you can give a coffee addict.

Price: $149

Paddy Wax

This may look like just a candle, but it’s actually a candle with a built in secondary purpose. When the candle has lived its full life and burned out, this becomes the perfect margarita glass. The Paddy Wax go-to margarita recipe is on the back of the dust cover, to help get the good times started.

Price: $30

Agate Coasters

Nothing elevates a coffee table like some fun, fancy coasters. Not only do they protect the table from unsightly water rings, but they are a beautiful way to make any table look a little more posh.

Price: $16/coaster

Electric Wine Opener & Preserver

From a seasoned wino to your recently legal friend, nothing expedites a good time like getting that bottle of wine opened ASAP. Pairs well with a bottle of your favorite wine!

Price: $79.95

Personalized Gifts: Record LP Clock

Sentiment meets functionality with this perfect gift for any music lover. All the words on the center of the LP are customizable to make it completely your own. Plus, it’s also a functioning clock!

Price: $100

FabFitFun Box

I’ve been getting my FabFitFun box for years, and it’s truly the gift that keeps on giving. While it seems like there’s a subscription box for just about everything these days, FabFitFun have been sending out boxes since 2010. As such, they have expanded their company so much in the last decade! Their box is such a fun way to get exposed to new products and brands. Plus, with your subscription membership, you’re afforded access to a whole array of discounted products available as add-ons.

Price: $59.99/box or $219.99 annually

In the event the gal you’re shopping for isn’t quite the target clientele of FabFitFun, there’s so many different subscription options to choose from. Whether she’s into fishing, coffee, tech gadgets, knitting, candles, or something else entirely, there’s just about a box for everyone these days!

Disclaimer: All photos used in this post were taken directly from the site to which the item is linked. None of these photographs are our own.

written by Hannah

Tags birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, gifts for her, perfect gifts

lifestyle

Eleven Awesome Reef Safe Sunscreens

Post author By Hannah

Sunscreen is an important product for anyone wanting to avoid the sun’s harmful rays, but unfortunately the chemicals that block out UV rays can also be harmful to aquatic ecosystems. A single person snorkeling may feel like they have no effect, but as a population, it’s estimated that approximately 14,000 tons of sunscreen are released into oceans and therefore reefs annually. With that much sunscreen sloughing off of people, small quantities of toxic chemicals add up quickly. For this reason, reef safe mineral sunscreens are an awesome alternative to protect oneself, while also minimizing the impact we as humans have on the ocean and its reef systems.

Bans & Bad Chemicals

Hawaii was the first state to ban the sale of sunscreens containing the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate. While all of Florida has not followed suit, Key West, FL has also banned sunscreens with these ingredients as well*. As we dug into this, we discovered a few more harmful chemicals. In addition to being damaging to the coral reef, some of these compounds are harmful to marine life as well. The top eight offenders to look out for are listed below. Be sure to check the ingredients list for these dubious chemicals!

Oxybenzone	Octinoxate	Octocrylene	Homosalate
4-methylbenzylidene camphor	PABA	Parabens	Triclosan

* The previously aforementioned bans in place exempt sunscreens prescribed by a doctor to patients for medical reasons.

Eleven Excellent Options

It is widely accepted that sunscreen should be worn when spending sustained periods of time outside or in direct sunlight, but integrating a sunscreen into your daily skincare routine may just be the best thing you can do to prevent premature aging of your skin. Interestingly, the sun exposure from a 30 minute mental-health walk or the blue light reflected up from a computer or phone can have their own damaging effects over time. Whether you’re packing to go on vacation or just trying to stay woke about daily skincare, we’ve found some of the best options, at a variety of price points, to keep your skin protected. Don’t forget to cover your ears and neck too!

1. Dr. Jart+

Dr. Jart+ is an innovative skincare company based in Korean, that has mastered skincare staples. Whether you need a sunscreen for vacation or you’re more of a can’t leave-the-indoors-without-burning, this Every Sun Day sunscreen’s got you covered. Another reef-safe option from Dr. Jart+ is the fan-favorite: Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment— it not only neutralizes redness but also has a very reasonable spf 30.

2. Kate Somerville

Sunscreen and cosmetics can be assigned a PA value, to inform consumers of the level of protection a products offers from UV rays. The Daily Deflector Mineral Face Sunscreen boasts an impressive PA++++, the highest score possible. Additionally, it is compatible with all skin types and completely unscented for anyone that’s sensitive to fragrance.

3. Tula

This sunscreen was named Best SPF by Health 2020 Beauty Awards, and it’s not hard to see why. The protect + glow daily sunscreen gel has a non-comedogenic formula, to keep pores clear and skin happy. This is of course in addition to the probiotic extracts and pineapple, as well as wild butterfly ginger root that are integrated into this packed sunscreen formula— a sunscreen that’s not just protecting you, but improving your skin along the way.

4. Murad

Offering maximum protection from UV rays, this City Skin Age Defense Sunscreen has also received the esteemed PA++++ rating. In addition to it’s spf 50, this sunscreen has a soft peach tint, which serves to color correct and boost radiance on all skin tones.

5. ILIA

If you’re searching for a make-up and sunscreen hybrid, look no further than the weightless Super Serum Skin Tint. By all accounts ILIA seems to be doing everything right. With 30 tints offered, this inclusive product is meant for everyone. It is silicone-free, fragrance-free, chemical screen-free, and non-comedogenic— while also incorporating hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide to keep skin hydrated. A perfect product for daily use!

6. Sun Bum

A universally recognized name in the sunscreen game, it comes as no surprise that Sun Bum offers a well-loved Sunscreen Face Lotion. This vegan, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free product feels less like a chalky sunscreen and more like a primer, with it’s luxe matte finish. A perfect product for anyone with sensitive skin!

7. Native

Native is the epitome of a company with a conscience. They originally started as an anti-perspirant company to create an alternative to the mainstream aluminum-laden deodorants. As the company has grown they have expanded to a collection of re-formulated every day self-care products to maximize the safety and benefit for the consumer, while concurrently maintaining a mindfulness for the environment. This face sunscreen is offered in both a unscented and coconut-pineapple scents and boasts clean and effective ingredients

8. Supergoop!

A favorite in the world of high quality sunscreen, Supergood! has leveled up to offer their most reef-safe sunscreen yet: the Mineral Mattescreen. Mattescreen has a sheer tint to mask the white cast mineral sunscreens are sometimes known for. You love the blurring effect it has on pores, leaving your skin looking airbrushed and smooth.

9. Cetaphil

The Sheer Mineral Liquid Face Sunscreen from Cetaphil is a perfect option for anyone with sensitive skin. This fragrance-free, paraben-free and chemical-free active formula is hypoallergenic— plus it helps preserve your skin’s delicate microbiome. Another bonus, this sunscreen is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great option for the beach or longer outdoor workouts.

10. COOLA

The Sun Silk Créme sunscreen is the perfect combination of smooth, lightweight, and radiant moisture without a dreaded greasy finish. COOLA is known for their clean beauty products, so you can purchase with a clean conscience, knowing everything is crafted with at least 70% certified organic ingredients, from sustainable farming practices.

11. Dermalogica

Looking for some outside-the-box ingredients? The Invisible Physical Defense boasts some unique ingredients, with a bio-active mushroom complex to help soothe skin and reduce redness. You will also find antioxidant green tea in the mix to defend skin from free radical damage. All products from Dermalogica are free of artificial colors and fragrances, parabens, and microplastics, so you can purchase with confidence.

Haters Gunna Hate

This is intended to be enlightening in nature— certainly not a guilt-trip to anyone that wants to stick with a sunscreen brand they like. It can take ages to find a product you like, that doesn’t irritate your skin— especially your face.

With lots of outdoorsy travel on the horizon, we happened upon this sunscreen snafu, and felt it was important to share. Especially since we were previously unaware of the extent of harm the sunscreen can have on the environment. We hope you learned a little something as well!

We have done a cursory exploration into the topics of sunscreen’s environmental impact; however, we are far from experts in this area. If you have any contradicting or additionally informative knowledge to share, we would love to learn more!

If you are eager to earn more about what you can do to protect our reefs, you can visit Save the Reef .

None of the product photos in this post are our own as they were integrated from the associated linked website.

written by Hannah

Tags reef safe, reef safe sunscreen

lifestyle

Seven Athleisurewear Brands We Love

Post author By Hannah

It would not be an exaggeration to say we LIVE in athleisurewear. We could go weeks without fastening a single button. We wear it to work, we wear it to workout, and it’s what we choose to exist in for all the time in between. Field tested, Wherry-girl approved, these are our favorite pieces and best brands to rock.

BEYOND YOGA

Beyond Yoga has mastered the art of buttery soft fabric. This woman-owned business offers sizes XXS to 4X, so inclusivity is at the forefront of their model. Their free shipping & returns make it easy to purchase with peace of mind. They maintain a core collection of colors year-round, as well seasonal colors that are always fun. They go quickly though, so you have to grab ‘em while they’re available!

These are the most comfortable pair of biker shorts I own. The length is perfect and you truly cannot beat the material they’re made out of!

This cropped tank lives in more than one Wherry sister closet… in multiple colors. What can we say? When we love something, we really double down! The cut is flattering and the cropped length is perfect with high waisted leggings.

Comfy and cozy, these leggings are perfect for so many occasions, but especially for travel days. Plus how fun is this stellar blue heather color?

Fit

Beyond yoga is the epitome of athleisure-wear. As the name suggests, the clothes are perfect for lower intensity workouts such as yoga or pilates. They are also a first rate choice if you’re looking to stay comfy while traveling, running errands, or lounging around the house. Generally speaking this would not be my go-to for a high intensity workout or long run.

Our personal experience is that most of the tops and sports bras fit pretty true to size, but the leggings will sometimes run a little big.

Bonus

If you are a medical professional, military personnel, educator, or student, you can receive 20% off every order. A discount just means you get to order more, right?

FREE PEOPLE MOVEMENT

You may know about Free People, but have you tried Free People Movement?! The loungewear and fitness focused take on this iconic brand delivers athleisure clothes just as well as they do boho chic. If you don’t own anything from Free People Movement, it’s time to give them a try.

This set is just as cute as it looks. The sports bra has a fun square neckline, and the small cut-outs up the back of the leggings make for a cute design. The perfect outfit to rock for a quick pilates workout.

Kayla bought this cropped tank, and I liked it so much I had to have my own! It’s super versatile as it can be worn with matching leggings or you can rock it at happy hour with cutoffs. Get you a tank that! can! do! both! Available in a slightly longer length as well.

If slouchy comfort is your style this reversible shirt and biker short set is a must have. The shirt is definitely oversized, so you have to dig the loose-style fit, but let’s be honest… all the best shirts are too big.

Fit

My only gripe with Free People Movement is their sizing is a little chaotic when you’re ordering for the first time. Some of their leggings & workout tops are only offered in XS/S & M/L sizing, while others are offered XS to XL. That being said, once you figure out what sizing works best for you, you’re set!

ATHLETA

Athleta is the fab, fit company in the Gap Inc. franchise. This is an athleisure brand with range! Not only does their sizing run from XXS to 3X, but they also sell almost all their pants and leggings in regular, tall, and petite lengths! You love to see it!

This crop top is a family favorite, with three out of five sisters owning this shirt in various colors. It is a perfect cropped length to wear with high-waisted leggings, without

While you don’t always think of dresses when you think of athleisurewear, this dress is the perfect combination of flattering meets effortless style.

I recently purchased these shorts, and have been summer-lovin’ them. I am officially part of camo’s comeback.

These leggings have just enough compression to keep everything in place while still feeling like jammies. The 7/8ths length is my favorite!

For Your Information

Athleta has mastered comfort for the whole wardrobe. If you live for days spent in loungewear, but ~work~ requires a certain amount of business casual, Athleta delivers some great crossover pants to keep you comfy while you’re working hard.

LULULEMON

You know what you’re getting when you buy from Lululemon and that’s quality. Whether it’s for yoga, lifting, crushing your orange theory class, or running, they have you covered. Their sizing runs from 2-14, allowing for a bit more specificity than the usual S/M/L sizing. You can always count on their free shipping and returns to bring you your next treat-yo-self in a jiffy.

The align leggings will feel like a dream for your next pilates class. I’m not sure what makes the Nulu material magical— I just know I never want to take these leggings off!

The wunder train leggings are what you want on as you head to your next Orange Theory or Burn Boot Camp workout class. These leggings will fit like a glove and not move an inch as you hustle.

I like to wear this workout top under my jacket at work, so I can get a little lunch time workout in with ease. It’s so comfortable you’ll want to wear it all day but still supportive for when you want to get your move on.

These are my FAVORITE joggers. They are the perfect crossover between leggings and sweatpants… incredibly comfortable but still makes your a$$ look great. Could never recommend these enough!!

Fit

Generally speaking, most leggings and tanks fit pretty true to size. For sports bras and shorts we tend to go one size up. Everyone’s different, but that’s just how we’ve found things fit us best!

Discount anyone?

Health care workers can receive 15% off! This discount is available both in stores and online.

Did you know?

If you like Lululemon, but the price tag gets you down, Lululemon now has a Lulu Like New website that sells gently used apparel. Worth checking out!

ALO YOGA

I first learned about Alo at a Pure Barre in Miami, and my sporty style has never been the same. High quality leggings worn by all kinds of fit, stylish gals— including some celebs (check out their website!) Sizing runs XS to XL. Free shipping and free returns literally never gets old.

If your largest biker short complaint is that they get annoying to re-adjust, these are the biker shorts for you!! I have a #thiccthighs body type, and I can even wear these running without an issue. This is a summer-time staple!

I have been wayyy too into matching sets recently, and this set is no exception. How vibrant is this Ocean Teal color?!

I have officially survived my first Mid-West winter, and my appreciation for a good hoodie/sweatpant pairing has never been higher. This set is the perfect combo of street style meets better-than-your-boyfriend’s-hoodie comfort.

If you’re looking for an effortless, how-does-she-looks-so cute-in-sweats set, this is the set for you. The muted colors are all perfect to stay chic and comfy all through fall. The perfect traveling outfit!

Discount Please

Certified fitness professionals who are actively teaching will be eligible to purchase Alo Yoga apparel at 25% off.

MISSION LOUNGEWEAR

This loungewear company is owned by none other than Dana and McKenna Wherry! Their mission is to create high quality, comfortable pieces that are ethically made and give back to organizations that aid people in extreme need. What’s better than a purchase that keeps you comfy and serves the greater good.

Say hello to my the best quarter zip I’ve ever owned. It runs big so it has that perfect I-stole-my-husband’s-hoodie feel, while still being wayyy cuter than any hoodie I’ve ever “borrowed” from Salvador.

These easy-to-throw on shorts have me wishing summer days would never end. These are my go-to to throw on when I need to run errands.

Who doesn’t live for a matching set? This crew neck sweatshirt and lounge-short is perfect for a day spent in the library studying. So in love with the color!

BOMBAS

Socks may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a leisurewear staple, but Bombas socks are about to elevate your comfort game! Not only will you never want to wear another pair of socks again, but they’re a company with an awesome mission. For every item you purchase, Bombas donates an item to someone affected by homelessness… they have donated more than 40 million items thus far!!!

Fit

Socks are available in no show, ankle, quarter, calf, and knee high lengths, as well as small/medium/large sizes to accommodate feet of various sizes. They also sell compression socks for friends that spend all day on their feet!

written by Hannah

Tags athleisurewear, athleisurewear sizing, best athleisurewear

lifestyle

Easy No-Equipment Workouts for Travel

Post author By Hannah

Whether you’re traveling for work or for pleasure, leaving the comfort of your gym or exercise routine can make it more difficult to get your workouts in. Now, in my opinion, the best way to combine exploration of a new area and an easy-to-plan workout is to go out on a walk or hike. If hiking is more your style, AllTrails is an awesome tool to help you discover local trails! It shows a trail’s difficulty rating, elevation, comments from recent hikers, and pictures of the view you’re hiking to.

Perhaps hiking isn’t an option, or maybe you’re wanting something that gets the heart pumping. There are loads of free resources that are easily accessible from one’s phone. First and foremost, I have included individual workouts that can be found on Youtube. This is a collection of some of my favorites! Whether we’re traveling or I’m trying to get in a workout over my lunch break, these are my go tos! All the original content creators are listed in the description— we love supporting female led channels!! If you like the style of the video, most of these fit gals have hundreds of other workouts to peruse. I have also included a few easy-to-navigate apps, with a wide array of no-equipment-needed workouts!

YOUTUBE

PILATES

A nice little 15 min workout with a focus on thighs & cardio from Sarah’s day. Checkout these pilates-chic sets to keep you moving in style.

This is a short and sweet 8 minute workout from The Balanced Life Pilates. It can serve as a nice warm-up to a longer workout or perhaps a quick movement moment before you start your day. It’s part of a 30-day challenge if you’re looking to integrate a little bit of pilates into your exercise practice.

This 15 minute workout from Blogilates will make exercisers of any pilates experience level feel like they’re crushing it. It has both beginner and moderate/advanced levels of exercises demonstrated.

This 18 minute core focused pilates workout from Sarah’s Day is sure to challenge anyone and everyone’s core!

FULL BODY WORKOUTS

This 23 minute circuit workout by Sarah’s Day flies by! No equipment needed!

This 30 minute workout from SELF is sure to get the heart rate up!

This 30 minute workout from GrowingAnnanas is perfect if home-workouts sometimes get boring for you. Here you’ll be doing a different exercise every minute of the workout for a total of 30 different exercises.

This 40 minute workout from Sydney Cummings has a focus on cardio and abs, but your whole body will be ready for a break when the clock strikes 0:00!

LEG & BUM WORKOUTS

This 30 minute workout by Sydney Cummings is a fantastic leg workout that had me sore for days after the first time I did it. While she does use some bands, but it’s certainly still doable if you don’t have any resistance bands! She does an awesome job of showing alternate movement patterns if her primary exercise doesn’t work for you.

This workout from Fitness Blender comes in at just under 30 minutes, but you better be ready to WORK!!

No pre-amble, no introduction, this 30 minute lower body workout from GrowingAnnanas will have you feeling. the. burn.

YOGA

This 10 minute yoga stretch routine from Yoga with Kassandra is a perfect flow to start the day with.

This nearly 24 minute yoga strength workout by Yoga with Adriene is challenging in a way that sneaks up on you! If you’re looking to get more consistent with your yoga practice, this video is part of a 30 day series.

APPS

Nike Training Club

This free app features 251 no equipment needed workouts, ranging from 5 minutes to 60 minutes in duration. Users can sort the kind of workout they’re looking for by workout format, duration, intensity, and focus.

FitOn

As you create your account on FitOn, it asks questions about your fitness goals, how often you workout, the kinds of workouts you enjoy, etc to curate a workout program for you. If you’re not in the mood for the programmed workout one day, you can tap over to the workouts tab and sort through hundreds of various options. This app provides more than just workouts as it embodies more of a fitness lifestyle approach as it includes recipes in the ‘Meals’ tab and a wide array of wellness articles under the ‘Advice’ section. There is a Pro upgrade available, but a wide array of content is available to free users!

Fitbod

If real-time workout videos aren’t your thing and you like to crush a workout in your own way, this app is perfect! Every day a new workout is prepared and waiting for you. It will design a workout according to whatever equipment you have available— even if that is no equipment! Before you begin your workout, you can click on any given exercise to see a video of how it’s done if you’re a little unsure. If you’re previewing your workout and see something you either don’t think you can do or don’t want to do, you can easily replace it or delete it!

Peloton

While this company is widely known for their high-end spin bikes, their app has a huge collection of no-bike-needed workouts. Their categories include strength, yoga, cardio, meditation, running, outdoor, cycling, stretching, tread bootcamp, bike bootcamp, and walking. The outdoor collection features audio-only instruction, so you can enjoy an instructor-led run in the beautiful outdoors. Peloton has an awesome collection of pilates and barre classes that can be found under the strength section. This is my current favorite app to use for working out— I just love the range of exercises to choose from. Individuals that have already taken the classes rate how difficult they perceived it to be on a 1-10 scale, so you can factor that in when considering how hard you want to hustle for this workout. This app does cost $12.99/month, BUT they always have a free trial of at least one month (sometimes more, depending on the time of year), so you can decide if it’s for you before fully committing.

written by Hannah

Tags no-equipment, travel workouts