US | QUEER ADVENTURERS

Mountain with desert shrubbery at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, one of the best Las Vegas day trips by car

By Lindsey US

Las Vegas is best known for its glitz and glamour, from the vibrant neon signs and over-the-top stage shows to the "anything goes" vibe of the Strip. Las Vegas day trips by car deliver a new perspective on a destination known for its party scene. While many of the best day trips from Las Vegas cross state lines to venture deep into the nearby mountain ranges and desert landscapes, there are worthy adventures to be had without straying too far from the Strip. From short hikes through Red Rock Canyon to kayaking on Lake Mead and touring Hoover Dam, I loved the activities I chose – which is why I'm sharing my favorites with you!

Kayaks on the beach with the Colorado River in the background

Kayak Lake Mead Emerald Cove: Everything You Need to Know for a Half Day Tour

By Lindsey US

Kayaking to Emerald Cove was the highlight of my Las Vegas trip, but finding all the logistical information to actually plan my Lake Mead kayak trip was rough. I know how frustrating it can be to plan trips when you don't have the answers. Especially when it comes to planning a day trip from Las Vegas by car. I've put together this helpful guide to kayak Lake Mead Emerald Cove so you don't have to research the way I did. It's packed with everything I wish I knew ahead of time!

How to Find Petoskey Stones: Tips + Where to Look

By Lindsey US

While driving from Michigan's Upper Peninsula to the Lower Peninsula, my wife and I made a rockhounding stop at Petoskey State Park. Since it's widely advertised as the best place to find Petoskey stones, I figured all the good ones would be picked over. But within half an hour of searching the shoreline, we had a couple dozen small, smooth Petoskey stones perfect for turning into jewelry. That day sparked my continuing fascination with these fossilized coral treasures unique to Michigan. In this blog post, I want to share tips from my Michigan road trip for spotting Petoskey stones. I'll cover what exactly Petoskey stones are, what to look for when hunting for them, and where the best place to find Petoskey stones is.

10 Best LGBTQ-friendly Cities in North America for Queer Women

By Lindsey Canada, Travel Planning, US

North America contains some of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities anywhere, in my opinion. But how welcome you'll be as an out bi, pan or lesbian traveler really depends on where you go. I've rounded up 10 most LGBTQ-friendly cities in North America for queer women travelers. While some of these places are still on my bucket list, I've visited a majority of them and have been fortunate enough to call two of these LGBTQ-friendly cities home! So keep reading to learn the top destinations in North America for queer women!

Death Valley National Park views with mountains and road.

The Best and Worst States for LGBTQ Family Travel

By Lindsey US

Are you looking for the best and worst states for LGBTQ travel right now? Here's a list of the most LGBTQ-friendly states to visit with Trump back in office – and the ones where hostile laws make it uncomfortable and potentially unsafe if you're queer or trans. I created this list so that you don’t have to worry about which states are LGBTQ-friendly and which ones are not so friendly, particularly if you’re going on an LGBTQ family vacation where you can’t exactly hide your rainbow selves :)

Lesbian couple and daughter enjoy a sunny day walk on a wooden bridge in a park.

Want to Move to The Safest States for LGBTQ? Here’s How to Plan

By Lindsey US

LGBTQ people deserve freedom, joy, and ease in our lives. We deserve to be ourselves, without minimizing who we are, apologizing for who we are, or pretending to be someone we are not. All of these become much more possible for us when we live somewhere our identities are respected, with laws that affirm our right to express our identities without fear of discrimination or reprisal. I haven't found a ton of resources out there geared toward folks who want to move to the safest states for LGBTQ folks – so I built my own.

A bicycle with loaded panniers in a field with mountains in the background

Unengendered Terrain – LGBTQ Essay Contest Winner

By Caro Tyner US, Voices of LGBTQ Travelers

Caro Tyner shares their first bike packing trip in this story, which took first place in our LGBTQ essay contest, themed on firsts. Before my first bikepacking trip, I impulsively grabbed the razor in my childhood bathroom, which had probably sat idle for years, and took it to my pits. I’d been fixating on the damp, sweaty hair under my arms when I woke up, and I didn’t want to deal with it on the road. As I dried off, the bare skin in the mirror left me a little queasy. I hadn’t shaved in years, and the sudden loss made me worry… Do I look less queer?

Best Hikes in the Hudson Valley for Fall

By Lindsey US

Are you looking for the best hikes in the Hudson Valley in the fall? This list of Hudson Valley hikes with fire towers offers incredible views of forests full of red, yellow and orange leaves. Autumn is one of the best times to visit the Hudson Valley. Fall foliage blazes in vibrant hues. From up high, you can take in breathtaking fall views of forests, mountains, and rivers. While all of these trails rank among the best hikes in the Hudson Valley for fall, some are more challenging than others. I've listed mileage and difficulty to help you choose the best hike for you.

Hudson River and farm fields seen from a hike

An Insider’s Guide to the Best Hudson Valley Day Trips

By Lindsey US

Planning Hudson Valley day trips? This list of day trips in the Hudson Valley highlights the best things to do from an insider's perspective, with plenty of tips on what to eat and how to avoid the crowds. I've lived in the Hudson Valley for seven years. But I've been exploring the region since college–so I know a lot about what to see and do in the Hudson Valley, including Hudson Valley towns that are LGBTQ friendly.

12 Best California State Parks to Visit This Year

By Lindsey US

California has some of the most epic National Parks out there. But did you know it is also home to hundreds of beautiful state parks, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences? Add these 12 best California state parks to your travel bucket list to explore some magnificent landscapes!