Side Trips

Escape to Muir Beach

This easy SF getaway offers redwoods and great coastal hikes.

The quiet shoreline of Muir Beach is set among centuries-old redwoods on a remote stretch of Northern California coast. You'll feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of nearby San Francisco. At ...

Jaunt up to Northern Ireland

Check off the UK province's must-sees, an easy drive from Dublin.

Ever since the peace accords of 1997, Northern Ireland has enjoyed a bit of a renaissance. Freed from 25 years of conflict, referred to locally as “The Troubles,” Northern Ireland has rebuilt its economy – ...

Río Lagartos — The Yucatan's Natural Side

Wildlife-rich wetlands preserve two hours from Cancun.

When you're in Cancun – and are tired of white sand beaches and turquoise water – drive to Río Lagartos, where you have a chance to see bright pink flamingos, sea turtles, rare birds and ...

Tainan – Historic Heart of Taiwan

This southern Taiwanese city's a worthy stop for your next Asia tour.

Most travelers to Taiwan simply visit Taipei, its modern capital. Although filled with wonderful sights, Taipei has only been a city of significance since the Chinese Qing dynasty moved the provincial capital there in 1886. ...

Escape to Amsterdamse Bos

A biking adventure in Amsterdam.

Bicycles more than double that of the number of cars in Amsterdam, coming in at over half a million. In the city center, the number is probably closer to 5 to 1, as thousands of ...

Last Stop: Chloride, AZ

A pit-stop worthy ghost town for your next Grand Canyon visit.

We were heading to the majestic Grand Canyon, surely America’s most famous crevasse, when we decided to stop off at the neat little ghost town of Chloride, AZ. Nestling halfway between Las Vegas and the ...

Groveland's Gold-Rush Era Watering Hole

Step into the past at Iron Door Saloon, the oldest bar in California.

Sitting approximately 25 miles from the western gate of Yosemite National Park is Groveland, CA. The town straddles highway 120 and is as rooted in the past as any other you will see on this ...

Go Dutch in Delft

A short day trip from Amsterdam.

Breaking out of Amsterdam can be a difficult task, as there's so much to see in the vibrant city. In fact, it took me numerous visits to finally venture outside the capital. If you're looking ...

Cabot's Miracle: Desert Hot Springs and Pueblo

Two and a half hours north of San Diego.

I’m in love with a dead man. Honestly, if there ever was a Man of Men to pine for, it would be Cabot Yerxa, who died three years after I was born. Not only was ...

Omiš, Croatia

Maya, my three-year-old Border collie mix, and I had been traveling through Europe. We had started in Athens, and now we were in Split, Croatia, at a dog-friendly B&B. The owners said that almost anything ...