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If we had to rate our Southwest Campervan destinations, White Sands National Park  would certainly sit at the top. From the moment we arrived, we knew it was going to be our favorite and if you are like one of us, the wild animals that can be a part of any hike can sometimes scare you away, but not when the hike is as far as the eye can see and a blank canvas for nothing to hide.  White Sands How Long Should you Set Aside for White Sands You really only need to set aside a day for this National Park and the reason is because there aren’t any designated camping sites at the park, making it a better day trip than a multi-day stay. There is said to be backcountry camping available at White Sands but, unfortunately, when we went, it was undergoing rehabilitation and still has yet to be reopened (June 2025). Where to Stay near White Sands White Sands marked our turn-around point of our campervan trip - it was the farthest we were going to travel East of Arizona. Our pre-trip research found that there weren’t very many options for campgrounds nearby and the closest one was Oliver Lee Campground , located 24 miles  from the park. Even though we only had one day for White Sands, Oliver Lee proved to be the perfect spot for so many reasons. With an electrical hookup, clean bathrooms, nice neighbors and a super helpful groundskeeper, this is definitely a spot we’ll return back to.  Also - because Oliver Lee Memorial is its own State Park, you can do a hike with a trailhead less than a 5 minute walk from your camping site. We wish we’d known it ahead of time so we could’ve planned for longer than an hour to explore the park, but that just means we have a great excuse to come again.  Coffee before the hike = necessary The Hike: Alkali Flat Trail Strenuous | 5 miles | 2–3 hours White Sands Attempting the Alkali Flat Trail at White Sands: What to Know Before You Go When we arrived at the park office, the ranger wasn’t exaggerating - midday temperatures in May were dangerous, and attempting the Alkali Flat Trail could be deadly. We were strongly advised not to go. But this is not a blog about attempted experiences…  And here’s the thing: we’re avid and experienced hikers. We know our limits, how to prepare, and most importantly, how to respect the environment we’re hiking in. So with caution and plenty of preparation, we decided to do it. And honestly? It turned out to be the most otherworldly, jaw-droppingly beautiful hike we’ve ever  done. Climbing up the white sand dunes Things You Need For the Alkali Flat Trail Sun Protection Desert sun is dangerous. We layered up with breathable cotton button-ups to cover our arms, backs, and shoulders. Thin gaiters protected our necks and faces, and wide-brimmed wool felt hats kept our heads shaded. Of course, sunscreen was a must—and we reapplied regularly (1x per hour). Water We each carried a 3L hydration pack, plus an extra water bottle and one frozen water bottle. (Pro tip: press the frozen bottle against your neck if you start feeling sunsick - it’s a lifesaver.) Stick to the golden rule: if you’re nearing the halfway point on a trail, check your water reserve. If you have half of your water leftover or less, turn around.  More tips on how to stay hydrated while hiking: REI Electrolytes Yes, you can over-hydrate. Guzzling water without replenishing electrolytes can throw your body out of balance, especially on a high-exertion desert hike. Electrolytes  help regulate everything from hydration to muscle function - and they’re absolutely essential. We’ve seen elite hikers at the Grand Canyon  swapping electrolyte packets like trading cards. It's not just smart - it's necessary. Got Electrolytes? Now that we’re prepared, we have to warn you, the Alkali Trail at White Sands is the most beautiful trail we have ever done. The park’s website meant it when it said: “Like no place else on Earth.” Just Google the pictures and you’ll think White Sands has to be on another planet.  To start our time at the park, we got sleds in the beginning and spent our first hour attempting to surf down the dunes, which is NOT EASY. Once we gave up on trying and getting in our fill of slow motion pictures on the sand, we started our hike.  Trail Markers It can be easy to get lost at White Sands with nothing for miles but, well, sand. Luckily for hikers, the park put in red pole trail markers continuously throughout the hike. By the time you reach a red pole, you will be able to see the next one in the distance, but usually you can only see one pole ahead at a time. Once you are halfway through the hike, there will be a distinguishable pole at the edge of the dunes letting you know that you’re almost there! Alkali Flat Trail Marker Is the Alkali Trail Difficult? The Alkali Trail is not for beginners. The heat alone is dangerous, let alone being fit and able enough to make it up each hill. The sand is fun when you run down in slow motion, moon walking as we liked to call it, but it is painful as you try to climb a dune and continuously sink down.  So, is the Alkali Trial difficult? Of course! But is it worth it? ABSOLUTELY! Us at White Sands Other Things to Do Near White Sands National Park I am so glad you asked! When you’re driving to the park, you’ll see a bunch of billboards for the World’s Largest Pistachio   and if you’re like us, then you definitely have to make time for it (and trust me, you won’t regret it).  Plan for about 90-minutes here because not only is there a country store with pistachios galore, but there is also a fantastic tour of the pistachio farm that will only make you want to buy the pistachios more. They suggest you buy tickets  ahead of time, but we did a walk-in and had zero problems hopping on the next tour. After the tour is over, don’t forget to grab a scoop of the homemade pistachio ice cream, a must-have during the hot days that are the New Mexico summers. Side Note: if you are into the “World’s Largest …”, you can also find the World’s Largest Chili Pepper only 50 minutes southwest of White Sands and makes for a fun photo pit stop.  World's Largest Chili Pepper Saving is Sexy:  Tip #1 : If staying at Oliver Lee and you have an America the Beautiful Pass, you can reserve a spot in Lot A - non electric and enter in your pass number to get a discount. We stayed for 2 nights and paid $16, but had we not had the ATB pass, it would have been $36 - so we saved that $20 easily. Tip #2 : If staying at Oliver Lee campground, they have sleds there that you can borrow and use at White Sands. If you purchase the sleds at White Sands National Park, they will charge you $25 per sled and will offer you a $5 credit to use in their gift shop if you return the sled when you’re done. That being said, borrow the sleds free from the campground and save that $25 each.  Sled sign at White Sands gift shop Note: we are not compensated for any links included in this blog - we just genuinely like the stuff we mention. Links: Electrolytes: LMNT Hats: Will+Bear Water Backpacks: Camelbak Coffee Kettle: Fellow

If you’re like me, sometimes you need to get away from everyday life. After months of working 9-5, your phone being your constant companion and a deep lack of adventure, Sedona is the perfect place to go to feel like you can breathe again.  My girlfriend and I took on a 9 day campervan trip and made Sedona our last stop. Each of us had seen the red rock photos that make celebrities look like they’re on another planet, but we wanted to know if it lived up to our expectations in person. Spoiler Alert: It did. Views from Cathedral Rock, Sedona, Arizona Why a Campervan trip to Sedona? Sedona is a close-knit city, but its best qualities come from the dispersed nature and famous trails. Although accessible by shuttle, nothing beats the convenience of traveling by campervan and having your own space. Plus, a rental car, hotel and restaurant all in one? Who could say no to that? Where to Stay in Sedona Being the last leg of our campervan journey, we wanted the comfortability and convenience of booking a campground. For this, we chose Rancho Sedona RV Park.  While doing our pre-trip research, I found the blog “ The Perfect 3 Day Sedona Campervan Itinerary ” and it was more than enough of a recommendation for this spot. With full hookups, the nicest campground bathroom we’ve stayed in by far, a private creek to swim and being in walking distance of town squares and restaurants.  The creek at Rancho Sedona RV Park If you’re staying there - make sure to go to Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village  (great bookstores, galleries, coffee shops and other shops). We walked over from the park on our first night to find a courtyard outside of El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano with live music. Everyone was standing and sitting around the center, drinking wine, while others danced around. We saw two older couples twirling around the tables in long skirts with what can only be described as light-up dance whips. Not to mention, the barefoot travelers slow dancing on the top terrace. You could really feel the community and see the locals coming out after a hot day - it was a must-do and highlight. The fountain at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village The Beauty of Sedona  This city is a hard one to describe - the definition of “you have to see it to believe it.” Although, I haven’t had the chance to go to space, Sedona may be the closest I get to another planet. Red rocks everywhere and sand that sticks to your hiking boots for months. Although the characteristic features are the same throughout the city, each trail has its own magic. Hike 1: Cathedral Rock Moderate to Strenuous | 1.5 miles | 1–2 hours Cathedral Rock We arrived in Sedona on a Tuesday afternoon, too eager to wait until morning to hit the trails, so we made Cathedral Rock our first hike. Known as Sedona’s most iconic formation, it was the perfect welcome. When going to Cathedral Rock , you can expect expansive views, beautifully dispersed greenery and some rock scrambles. It is the perfect combination of the feeling of adventure, without being too difficult or dangerous. Not to mention that at the top, there’s a photo spot that makes it look like you’re standing at the edge of a cliff, along with a few hidden passages for the curious. Hike 2: The Subway Cave Moderate | 5 miles round trip | ~3 hours The Subway Cave Once a locals-only secret, the Subway Cave  hike has become a semi-hidden gem. While it’s no longer totally off-the-radar, it still has an air of mystery. When the directions have phrases like  “There is no sign marking the trail to the cave. However, there is a very distinctive tree. As you approach the 2 mile mark, keep an eye out for a large Alligator Juniper tree.” you know that you’re going to have a good hike. We followed the Earth Trekkers guide  (which I highly recommend for finding our way —it includes photos and step-by-step directions) . The final climb to the cave is steep, but once you turn the corner and enter, it’s like stepping into a natural cathedral. Tucked just around the bend are the Sinagua ruins—ancient cliff dwellings once home to the Sinagua people.  You can learn more about the Sinagua people here . The Sinagua Ruins Although it should be expected in the Southwest, be on the lookout for rattlesnakes  when finding the cave. During our entire campground trip, we only saw one during this hike. When explaining how to get to the cave, we like to joke: “To find the Subway trail, turn right at the correct alligator tree, left at the broken tree stump and ignore the jumping rattlesnakes.” Other Hikes on Our List We didn’t have time for everything, but we’re already planning a return trip. Here’s what’s on our “next time” list: #1 The Birthing Cave #2 Devil’s Bridge (most popular hike in Sedona) #3 Soldier’s Pass When hitting these spots, make sure to beat the crowds or go later in the day if you want a chance for some privacy or to take pictures without waiting in line! Where to Eat in Sedona Sedona being the hot spot of the Southwest, make sure to book your reservations far in advance if you want to grab a seat after a day of hiking. We ate at the Mesa Grill Sedona  on our first day. With big glass windows, it was the perfect place to catch the sunset and close to the Mesa Airport Trail where dozens of people gather to see the views. If you visit, get the table-side guac.  Need a good wake up in the morning with some Sedona energy, or a good slow down spot for the sunset? Stop at The Chai Spot  in the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village . A shop that brings you from Sedona to Pakistan in a cup, it is definitely worth the time. To Wrap it Up Whether you go for the hikes, the stargazing, or just to reset from life, Sedona is one of those places that gets under your skin in the best way. We’ll be back—and next time, we’re staying longer. Views from Cathedral Rock, Sedona, Arizona Saving is Sexy:  Tip #1:  If you have the ATB pass  (which I highly suggest if you plan on doing a campervan trip), you can display the pass on the dashboard to park for free. Otherwise, you’ll need to get a Red Rock Parking Pass for $5/day. We used it at the Vista parking lot for Boynton Canyon Trail (the one you have to go off of to reach the Subway) and Back O’ Beyond Road (the trailhead for Cathedral Rock).

If you’re like us—and honestly, like every other remote worker in the U.S.—you’ve probably caught yourself daydreaming of escaping to the dry, sun-soaked cliffs of the Grand Canyon. So, during a Southwest road trip hitting all the top national parks, my girlfriend and I made it a priority to spend two days hiking into the canyon. Views as we leave the Havasupai Gardens The Basics of the Canyon First, let’s break it down: the Grand Canyon is divided into two rims—the North Rim and the South Rim. The North Rim is the road less traveled: quieter, more remote, and perfect for those looking for a rugged backcountry experience. It’s closed from mid-October to mid-May  due to snow, so plan accordingly if it’s on your list. The South Rim is where most people go, and for good reason. It’s open year-round, easily accessible, and home to nearly 90% of all Grand Canyon visitors. It’s the version of the canyon you see in postcards and desktop wallpapers. But don’t let its popularity scare you off—the South Rim is popular because it’s breathtaking. Keep in mind, though, that getting from the South Rim to the North Rim takes about five hours by car. If you're looking to do both, split it into two separate trips. Since my girlfriend prefers more populated trails (fewer chances of crossing paths with rattlesnakes—valid), we stuck to the South Rim for our adventure. Where to Stay We rolled into the park with our trusty campervan and camped at Mather Campground, a well-equipped and budget-friendly spot right inside the park. At just $18 per night, it’s one of the cheapest national park campgrounds out there. Pro tip: this place fills up fast, especially around holidays, so make your reservation months in advance  if you can. And definitely bring along your America the Beautiful Pass  to save on entrance fees. If you’re visiting during a busy weekend like Memorial Day (like we did), know that while most spots are reserved, they do keep about 15 first-come, first-serve sites  open each morning. Get there by 8:00 a.m. and you might just snag one. The campsites come with everything you need: picnic tables, fire pits, and enough leafy coverage for a little privacy. There's even a Grand Canyon Village grocery store just minutes away with all the essentials—firewood, burgers, s'mores supplies, you name it. Bathrooms are free, showers cost a few coins, and while there are no RV hookups, campervans are totally fine to park. Our campervan parked at Mather Campground Hiking the Grand Canyon in Two Days Before you start racing down into the canyon, there’s a phrase posted everywhere that you’ll want to take to heart: “Going down is optional; going up is mandatory.” You don’t realize how deceptively easy it is to descend into the canyon—until you’re trying to climb back out. Over 250  people are rescued from the canyon each year, many of them because they underestimated the hike and overestimated their abilities. If your water bottle is halfway empty, that’s your cue to turn around. Don’t test your luck (or your credit card balance) on a $10,000 rescue helicopter. Getting ready to hike into the canyon Bright Angel Trail to Havasupai Gardens On our first day, we tackled the legendary Bright Angel Trail to Havasupai Gardens. This is the  hike to do if you're up for the challenge. One write-up I read before our trip said, “ For the fit and prepared, the Bright Angel Trail to Indian Garden is the quintessential hike in the Grand Canyon .”   And it delivered. The full hike is about 9 miles roundtrip and took us just under six hours to complete. It’s not for beginners, but it is  considered one of the safest canyon hikes. Park rangers often patrol the first part of the trail, reminding folks of the risks. There are water refill stations along the way, but they’re not always functioning, so carry more than you think you’ll need. You’ll zig-zag your way down the famous switchbacks carved into the canyon wall—steep, winding, and seemingly endless. These switchbacks test your knees on the way down and your endurance on the way back up. But with each turn, the views grow more dramatic, and the sense of scale more humbling. When we finally reached Havasupai Gardens, we found more than just a beautiful oasis. There’s a surprising sense of camaraderie at the bottom of the canyon. Strangers instantly feel like teammates. Everyone is sharing trail tips, electrolyte powders, and encouragement. People swap stories about their hike in, and seasoned backpackers offer knowing nods to the newcomers soaking their hats in the water fountain. And let’s talk about that red canyon dust. It’s the kind of fine, earthy sand that finds its way into your shoes, onto your legs, under your fingernails—everywhere. By the end of the hike, you’re not just tired; you’re completely coated in that iconic rust-colored layer, like the canyon leaves a little piece of itself on everyone who makes the journey. Ooh-Ah Point via South Kaibab Trail Ooooohhhhh-Ahhhhhhhhh Originally, we’d planned to do an even tougher hike on Day 2. But after the climb out from Havasupai Gardens, our legs were toast. So instead, we opted for a short and sweet hike to Ooh-Ah Point. Don’t let the name fool you—it’s earned. You start at the South Kaibab trailhead and hike 1.5 miles down to a viewpoint that lives up to its name. The views are jaw-dropping, and the trail gives you a quick taste of the canyon without the full commitment. Even though it’s short, the way back up still requires effort. This is the Grand Canyon, after all—nothing comes easy. Final Thoughts Taking in the sun on our first trek up the Grand Canyon The Grand Canyon is one of those places that stays with you. It’s not just about the scenery (though that alone is worth the trip). It’s about the conversations with fellow hikers at the bottom, the burn in your legs as you tackle the last switchback, and the layer of red dust you wear like a badge of honor. Two days at the Grand Canyon wasn’t nearly enough to see it all—but it was  enough to feel small, grateful, and completely alive. If you’re even thinking about going—go. Just be smart, pack water, respect the heat, and let the canyon do its thing. You’ll leave a little tired, a little dusty, and completely changed.

Embarking on a solo journey can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. The freedom of exploring new destinations at your own pace is unmatched, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. If you're gearing up for your next epic solo adventure, here are some tips to ensure a smooth and memorable trip. Research Thoroughly: Before you set off on your journey, make sure to research your destination extensively. Familiarize yourself with the local customs, culture, and language to avoid any cultural faux pas. Look up the best places to stay, eat, and visit to make the most of your time. Pack Light, Pack Right: When traveling solo, it's essential to pack smart. Opt for versatile clothing and pack light to avoid lugging around a heavy suitcase. Make a checklist of essential items such as travel documents, medication, and emergency contacts to stay organized. Stay Connected: While solo travel is all about disconnecting from the world, it's important to stay connected for safety reasons. Share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member, and check in with them regularly. Invest in a local SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi device to stay connected on the go. Trust Your Instincts: One of the most important tips for solo travelers is to trust your instincts. If a situation doesn't feel right, remove yourself from it immediately. Whether it's avoiding shady areas or declining unsolicited offers, prioritizing your safety is paramount. Meet New People: Solo travel doesn't mean you have to be alone the entire time. Embrace the opportunity to meet new people along the way, whether it's fellow travelers, locals, or tour guides. Join group tours, attend local events, or stay in social accommodations to make new connections. Embrace Spontaneity: While planning is crucial, leave room for spontaneity in your itinerary. Some of the best travel experiences come from unexpected moments and detours, so be open to changing your plans and going with the flow. Stay Mindful: Solo travel is not just about exploring new places but also about self-discovery. Take the time to be present, appreciate your surroundings, and reflect on your experiences. Whether it's journaling, meditation, or simply enjoying a quiet moment, stay mindful throughout your journey. Remember, solo travel is a rewarding and empowering experience that can push you out of your comfort zone and help you grow as a person. By following these tips and staying open to new adventures, your next epic journey is sure to be an unforgettable one. Safe travels!