travel
This is the broadest section of the archive, spanning destination guides, itineraries, and practical trip planning posts.
This archive currently includes 73 posts in travel.
The 20 Best Summer Hikes in Washington State
My favorite summer hikes in Washington State, from Heybrook Lookout and Dog Mountain to Skyline Trail, Sahale Arm, and Olympic National Park viewpoints.
3 Days in Tokyo Itinerary: My Ideal First-Timer Guide
My 3-day Tokyo itinerary for first-timers, from Shibuya and Meiji Shrine to Asakusa, Akihabara, and Shinjuku, plus where to stay and my favorite coffee stops.
Hiking Sahale Arm Trail in Washington: A North Cascades Classic
Complete guide to hiking Sahale Arm Trail in Washington's North Cascades — driving from Seattle, trail stats, what to expect on this 13-mile alpine classic.
Nowhere to go, but everywhere.
A reflective story about years of road tripping the American West in a MINI Cooper, and how those drives shaped the way I travel now.
Summer in Montana: Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, and Grinnell Glacier Review
My Montana summer trip pairing Yellowstone with Glacier National Park — Kalispell stays, Lake McDonald, rodeos, and my Grinnell Glacier hike review.
Guide to Planning a Ski Trip at Whistler Ski Resort
My guide to planning a Whistler ski trip — driving the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver, where to stay in the village, EPIC pass tips, and dog-friendly breaks.
Discovering Fall Foliage in Colorado: A Guide for Adventurers
My favorite places to see fall foliage near Denver — golden aspens at Kenosha Pass, the Abyss Trail, Golden Gate Canyon, St Mary's Glacier, and Loveland Pass.
South Korea Beauty Trip Guide: Seoul Self-Care, Spas & K-Beauty Experiences
My Seoul self-care trip: a professional color analysis, a 15-step scalp treatment at Eco Jardin, K-beauty shopping, and where to stay in Myeongdong.
Plan Your Trip to Mexico: CDMX Itinerary & Oaxaca Adventures Guide
My week in Mexico City and Oaxaca — a sunrise hot air balloon over Teotihuacan, Casa Luis Barragan, Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul, tostadas at Contramar, and more.
Mt Hood Fruit Loop Guide | Somewhere with Sora Personal Blog
My guide to the Hood River Fruit Loop in summer — dog-friendly Wyeast Vineyards, lavender farms, sunflowers at Mt View Orchards, and a stop at Trillium Lake.
Washington State Summer Road Trip Map
Plan a Washington State summer road trip with scenic hikes, coastal stops, ferry-friendly detours, and a route that links Seattle to the state’s best landscapes.
Colorado Summer Road Trip Map
A two-week Colorado summer road trip itinerary with mountain towns, camping ideas, scenic drives, and favorite outdoor stops across the state.
Car Camping with a Mini Cooper: Tips, Gear, and Locations
Everything I learned car camping across Colorado in my MINI Cooper — developed vs dispersed sites, Black Canyon stargazing, packing lists, and dog tips.
A Guide to Planning Your Ski Trip in Steamboat Springs Ski Resort in Colorado
How I plan ski trips to Steamboat Springs — ski-in/ski-out stays, Strawberry Park Hot Springs reservations, night skiing, and the Fish Creek Falls hike.
Oregon Summer Road Trip Map
My 7-day Oregon summer road trip route with a map — Portland and the Columbia Gorge, Bend, Crater Lake, and Cannon Beach, plus where I stayed each night.
Leavenworth Washington Travel Guide: Year-Round Adventures & Tips
My guide to Leavenworth, Washington's Bavarian village — Oktoberfest, dog-friendly stays, and hikes like Colchuck Lake, Lake Valhalla, and Heybrook Lookout.
Guide to a Soft Cool Summer Color Palette after a professional color analysis in Seoul
What I learned from a professional color analysis in Seoul — my soft summer color palette, makeup notes, and rebuilding a cool-toned capsule wardrobe.
Guide to Visiting Taipei Taiwan: What to do, Places to go, Food to try
After several work trips to Taipei, my favorite finds — night markets, thrifting in Zhongzheng, the Maokong gondola, and day trips to Jiufen and Shifen.
Guide to Visiting All 4 National Parks in Colorado: Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dune, Black Canyon and Mesa Verde
My guide to all four Colorado national parks — Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde — with camping and hike tips.
Travel Guide for Visiting Northern Vietnam
What I learned traveling to Hanoi, Vietnam — egg coffee, Train Street, a Ninh Binh day trip with Tam Coc and Mua Cave, and safety tips for solo travelers.
The Ultimate Guide to Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort: Lodging, Dog-Friendly Tips, and More!
My winter guide to Aspen Snowmass — where to stay in Snowmass Village, skiing Long Shot, and taking my dog Sora on the slopes after the lifts close.
Exploring Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Photography and Hiking in Grand Teton National Park, Dog-Friendly Stays & Places to fly your Drone
My favorite photography spots and hikes in Grand Teton National Park — Mormon Row, Schwabacher Landing, Cascade Canyon — plus dog-friendly Jackson Hole stays.
Andermatt, Switzerland Ski Resort: A Classic Winter Experience
How I planned a ski trip to Andermatt, Switzerland — trains from Zurich, Epic Pass access, cozy chalet stays, and a day trip to Liechtenstein on rest days.
Olympic Peninsula Travel Guide: Best Spots to Stay & See in Olympic Park
My 7-day Olympic Peninsula itinerary: Hurricane Ridge, Mount Storm King, Cape Flattery at sunset, Rialto Beach tide pools, and dog-friendly stops.
Explore Arches National Park Moab Utah: Photography, Hikes, and Dark Sky Astrophotography
My Moab guide from several trips: sunrise at Mesa Arch, Corona Arch and Mary Jane Canyon with my dog, camping at Sand Flats, and stargazing tips.
Complete Guide to Tulip Festival Skagit Valley Washington
My tips for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival: when tulips peak in April, dog-friendly Tuliptown, daffodils at Roozengaarde, and nearby stops like La Conner.
6 Things to Do in Seattle During the Summer
Six of my favorite things to do in Seattle, from city exploring and food stops to nearby hikes, water activities, and classic summer day trips.
Plan Your Perfect Trip to Lake Tahoe: Summer Activities, Hiking & SUP
My summer Lake Tahoe trip: paddleboarding Secret Cove and Chimney Beach, hiking Granite Lake to Maggie's Peak, Sand Harbor, and dog-friendly stops.
The Ultimate 10-Day Ireland Ring of Kerry Road Trip Itinerary
My 10-day road trip around Ireland: Dublin, Giant's Causeway, cycling Inis Mor, Cliffs of Moher at sunset, Killarney, Portmagee, and Skellig Michael.
Things to do in Grand Junction Colorado
My dog-friendly weekend guide to Grand Junction: driving Colorado National Monument, hiking Dominguez Canyon, and wine tasting in nearby Palisade.
Exploring the Southwest: Ouray vs Telluride Summer Guide
Ouray or Telluride? I've stayed in both and break down which to choose, plus Blue Lakes and Ice Lake hikes, hot springs, the via ferrata, and camping.
The 16 Best Summer Hikes Colorado
My favorite summer hikes in Colorado from my years living there, including Blue Lakes, Sky Pond, Maroon Bells, Hanging Lake, and Dominguez Canyon.
Everything to know for Visiting Bend Oregon
Everything I love about Bend, Oregon: Tumalo Falls, Smith Rock, Sparrow Bakery ocean rolls, dog-friendly downtown, and skiing Mt Bachelor in winter.
Hiking Oregon's Blue Pool
My guide to hiking Oregon's Tamolitch Blue Pool: the flat McKenzie River Trail, the 37-degree water, whether to swim, dog-friendly tips, and drone photos.
Summer Guide to Maroon Bells and Aspen Colorado
My summer guide to Maroon Bells and Aspen: shuttle and parking reservations, dog-friendly trails, Independence Pass, Twin Lakes, and photography tips.
'Ultimate Guide to Enchantments Hike: Day Hiking Tips'
A practical guide to day hiking the Enchantments in Washington, including what to pack, where to stay, training notes, and what to expect on the trail.
Weekend Trip to Cannon Beach at the Oregon Coast
My Cannon Beach weekend guide: tide pools at Haystack Rock, camping at Nehalem Bay and Fort Stevens, Ecola State Park hikes, and Tillamook ice cream.
Hiking Blue Lakes trail in Colorado
My guide to hiking Blue Lakes Trail near Ridgway, Colorado — yes, you can swim in the icy alpine lakes — plus camping at the trailhead and Mt Sneffels.
9 Places to Fly Your Drone in Colorado
My favorite places to fly a drone in Colorado, from Loveland Pass Lake and Ouray to Kenosha Pass fall colors, Twin Lakes, and Dominguez Canyon.
Visiting Zion National Park with your Dog
Dog-friendly Zion planning tips, including where to stay, when to go, what trails dogs can actually do, and how to make the trip smoother.
Ultimate Guide for a Weekend in Victoria BC Canada
How I spend a weekend in Victoria BC with my dog: the Black Ball Ferry from Port Angeles, Butchart Gardens, tea at the Empress, and Beacon Hill Park.
Experiencing Mauna Kea: Driving to the World's Tallest Mountain and other Big Island adventures
My weekend on Hawaii's Big Island: driving up Mauna Kea for sunset and stargazing, sea turtles at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, and Volcanoes National Park.
The Top 10 Must-Do Things in Kyoto: A Traveler's Guide
Ten of my favorite things to do in Kyoto, including shrines, markets, Arashiyama, guesthouses, and easy day-trip ideas for a first visit.
Best Places to Fly your Drone in Washington State
Where I fly my drone in Washington State: Artist Point and the Ptarmigan trail near Mt Baker, Gold Creek Pond, and High Steel Bridge south of Seattle.
Car Camping in my MINI Cooper
How I sleep in my MINI Cooper Countryman while car camping: HEST foam mattresses, window covers, a rooftop cargo box, and safety tips for solo travelers.
Fun Things to Do in Iceland: A 5-Day Adventure Itinerary
My 5-day Iceland itinerary: the Blue Lagoon, snorkeling Silfra, a Sólheimajökull glacier hike, Gullfoss and Skógafoss, and chasing the northern lights.
Top 10 Outdoor Things to Do Near Denver Colorado
My favorite outdoor adventures near Denver: the Telluride via ferrata, hiking a 14er, whitewater rafting in Clear Creek, alpine lakes, and hot springs.
Denver to Seattle Roadtrip: Best Stops and Sites to See
A scenic Denver to Seattle road trip route with favorite stops in Wyoming and Oregon, plus practical notes on what is worth the detour.
Essential Dog Road Trip Tips for Long Distances
Dog road trip tips for long-distance drives, including route planning, work-on-the-road logistics, safety precautions, and gear I actually use.
Discover the Best Things to Do in Venice Italy
My favorite things to do in Venice, Italy: a gondola ride through the canals, breakfast at Caffe Florian, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge — with tips.
Must-Do Things in Florence Italy for a Weekend
My favorite things to do in Florence, Italy: climbing the Duomo, seeing the original David, a Tuscany wine day trip, and sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo.
Things to do in Lisbon, Portugal
My favorite things to do in Lisbon, from Pastéis de Belém and Belém Tower to Miradouro de Santa Luzia, the Time Out Market, and a day trip to Sintra's castles.
5 Places to Fly your Drone in Ireland
The best places I flew my drone in Ireland: the Ring of Kerry, Kerry Cliffs, Aran Islands, Staigue Fort, and castles — plus IAA registration tips.
2-Day Guide to Rome, Italy: Must-Do Things in Roma
How I spent 2 days in Rome: the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City, plus where to find aperol spritzes and summer crowd tips.
Visiting the Famous Skellig Michael and Portmagee
Everything I learned visiting Skellig Michael from Portmagee: booking landing vs. eco tours, staying at the Moorings Guesthouse, and when to go.
6 Places to Fly your Drone in Iceland
Where I flew my drone in Iceland: Seljalandsfoss, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Reynisfjara black sand beach, Faxi waterfall, Kerid Crater, and outside Reykjavik.
Discovering Myself: A Solo Pacific Coast Highway California Road Trip
My solo Pacific Coast Highway road trip through California, with route ideas, favorite stops, and practical notes for planning the drive.
Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima
How I would plan a first trip to Japan, with itinerary ideas for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima plus budgeting, transit, and lodging advice.
Staying the night in a Castle in Ireland: Abbeyglen Castle
My night at Abbeyglen Castle Hotel in Clifden, Ireland: castle rooms, drone views over Connemara, complimentary champagne hour, and dinner at sunset.
'How to be Happy When Single: Cultivating a Beautiful Life'
How I found happiness single again after a 4.5-year relationship: moving to Denver with my puppy Sora, learning to hike and camp, and rebuilding my life solo.
Must-Do Things to Do Baltimore: Insider's Guide
My favorite things to do in Baltimore after living there for years: Federal Hill Park, the Inner Harbor, Fells Point bars, cheap brunch spots, and Ekiben.
Essential Tips for Female Solo Hiking Adventures
My beginner tips for solo hiking as a woman: picking popular trails like Rattlesnake Ledge and Emerald Lake, carrying bear spray, and checking conditions.
Tadoussac, Quebec: A Summer Escape in Canada
My summer getaway to Tadoussac, Quebec: beluga whale watching on the fjord, horseback riding, climbing the sand dunes, and staying at Hotel Tadoussac.
Denver, you were good to us.
Reflections on my year in Denver with Sora — over 60 hikes, pandemic loneliness, heartbreak, and growth — and why I packed the car and moved to Seattle.
Skin Age Analysis: ChatGPT Explores My Korean Janus Pro Report | Somewhere with Sora
Discover how ChatGPT enhances your skin analysis experience! Learn about detailed skin age analysis results and personalized skincare tips from Korea.
One Week in Spain
My one-week Spain itinerary splitting time between Barcelona and Malaga, with a Granada day trip, Renfe train tips, and how much I budgeted per day.
Granada Spain Itinerary: A Day Trip Guide for things to do
How I spent a day trip to Granada from Malaga: touring the Alhambra, free tapas with every drink, and sunset over the city from Mirador San Nicolas.
5 Tips for your First Cruise
My 5 tips for first-time cruisers: why a balcony room is worth it, BYOB wine rules, booking shore excursions early, and skipping the drink package.
Planning a Trip to Ireland
How I planned a 10-day road trip around Ireland, with driving tips, castle and B&B stays, and stops from the Cliffs of Moher to Giant's Causeway.
Guide: One week in Southern California (Los Angeles & San Diego)
My one-week Southern California itinerary split between San Diego and Los Angeles, with beach-hopping stops in San Clemente, Newport, and Huntington.
Budgeting for a Trip to Iceland
How I budgeted about $1,200 per person for 5 days in Iceland, covering the rental car and insurance, Costco meal prep, Blue Lagoon, and Silfra snorkeling.
Brands I Love: Travel Edition
The travel gear I pack on every trip: my Osprey Tempest 40, Away carry-on, Icebreaker merino base layers, Sorel boots, and my Sony A6300 travel camera.
Iceland: Packing List
Everything I packed for early October in Iceland: merino wool base layers, a parka and rain jacket, Sorel boots, plus my drone and camera essentials.