So, here is (perhaps) something of a surprise. A new study by WalletHub says the best state for a road trip in the U.S. is Minnesota. The study considered a wide variety of criteria, including “fun, scenery, and affordability,” and looking at everything from the number of attractions in each state, to the quality of its roads, and naturally, the average cost of gas. Travel and Leisure reports the North Star State has the fourth-highest spending per capita on parks and recreation, and the fourth-most fairs and festivals per capita during the summer, so there’s plenty to do. It’s also Read more
road trips
ON THE CALIFORNIA COAST – One of the world’s great drives. Sensational food. And a wide mix of places to stay. The Monterey/Big Sur region of California is one of the most magical destinations on the planet, a “pinch me, I must be dreaming” kind of place that almost defies the imagination with its mix of soft light and rugged beauty. Here are some highlights from a recent trip from Monterey to Big Sur and back, including visits to the towns of Carmel and Pacific Grove, and a stunning, hillside spot on the coast. I’m also sprinkling in some tips Read more
It was an ambitious plan. And probably a stupid one. My wife and I had an invitation to take the Rocky Mountaineer train from Denver to Moab, Utah from April 22-24. We also had a visit lined up for Las Vegas from April 28-30. Flying home from Utah to Toronto on April 24 and then flying back out west to Las Vegas on the 28th seemed silly. I started to think, which is often a dangerous occurrence in my household. “I’ve always wanted to see the great national parks of Utah,” I told my wife. “What do you think?” She Read more
Since we all seem a little short on time, I’ve begun a series of brief travel items called “Canada Shorts.” Today I take a not-too-time-consuming look at Waterton Lakes National Park in southern Alberta. Waterton Lakes National Park might be the most under-appreciated national park in Canada. Located only three hours south of Calgary, Waterton simply took my breath away when I was there, with an outrageously beautiful lake and several smaller ones nearby, towering, snow-clad mountains, spectacular canyon drives, gushing waterfalls and a very laid-back feel to the main town, which is so small it makes Banff look like a Read more
North Americans should be prepared for a very busy weekend. The U.S. Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and, with travel restrictions pretty much lifted around the world, it’s big. Very big. Scary big. The American Automobile Association expected 37.1 million Americans to hop in their cars this weekend, up 6% from last year. I’m surprised it’s not a little higher given that the association says car rental prices are down 17% and gas prices down 10% from a year ago. “We’re seeing strong demand for MDW with nearly 17 million passengers scheduled to depart from U.S airports this coming Read more
