day trips | QUEER ADVENTURERS

Buildings in Monte Carlo Monaco seen from afar

By Lindsey France

Yachts, ritzy casinos, and eye-watering prices for a simple cafe lunch: When I thought about visiting Monaco while in the French Riviera, my first thought was how much would it cost me? Digging deeper, I discovered another side to Monaco—a day trip version that skips the splurges and pricey extras with a focus on Monaco's history, nature, and culture. The cheapest way to visit Monaco from Nice is by train. The train follows the coastline, so you get to enjoy beautiful ocean views along the way. Once you arrive in Monaco - Monte Carlo (the only station in Monaco), venture off on foot to get to know a quieter, affordable side of the Monaco. From strolling the port and admiring yachts from afar to exploring the Prince's palace and learning about its eco-friendly restoration methods, here's my budget-friendly day trip to Monaco from Nice guide.

aerial view of city buildings near body of water during daytime

11 Best Day Trips from Nice, France

By Lindsey France

The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, stretches along the southeastern coast of France, from the glitzy playground of Monaco down to the sun-soaked shores of Cannes and St. Tropez. It’s famous for its azure waters, glamorous cities, charming medieval towns, and a perfect blend of French culture with a Mediterranean flair. Whether you're into hiking rugged cliffs, browsing world-class art, or sipping cocktails by the beach, the Riviera has something for everyone – and its highlife are all easily explored on day trips from Nice!

Museum exterior at the Huntington with garden beds.

How to Spend a Day at Huntington Gardens in Pasadena

By Lindsey US

The Huntington Library & Gardens has one of the best gardens in the U.S. While the Huntington Library is a few miles from downtown Los Angeles, many visitors to LA don't put the Huntington on their to-do list. In my opinion, a day trip to Huntington Gardens is one of the best ways to spend a day in LA (even though it's not actually in Los Angeles, but in nearby Pasadena). I'm sharing some of my favorite garden photos and my recommendations for the best things to see and do at the Huntington - since it's so large, you can't see it all, even if you spend the entire day, like I did!

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!

Winding mountain roads in Zagorohoria Greece

What To See And Do In Zagorohoria Greece

By Lindsey Greece

The Zagori region of Greece is one of my favorite places I've visited. It's nature at its finest, a unique cultural landscape, and – my favorite part – none of the crowds you find in other top places to visit in Greece! The Zagorohoria consists of 46 remote mountain villages, linked together by old footpaths and stunning stone bridges. Tucked in these tiny towns are monasteries, churches, residential homes, guesthouses and inns, and so much more. On my day trip to the Zagori villages, I fell in love with the stone bridges, the peaceful villages, and the epic views of Vikos Gorge. Read on to learn about the top things to do in Zagorohoria, Greece, where to stay, where to eat, and my exact day trip itinerary for an unforgettable road trip through this unique cultural landscape.

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.

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!

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.

View of Old Quebec and Chateau Frontenac

Queer Quebec: The Ultimate Gay Quebec City Travel Guide

By Lindsey Canada

Montreal is a major LGBTQ travel destination, with a huge gayborhood and epic Pride festival. I’ve been lucky enough to attend Montreal Pride twice, and it was a travel highlight for me. In contrast, there aren’t as many activities or places to go for LGBTQ travelers to Quebec City. Some places are for gay men only which narrows the options for the rest of us. There is a silver lining to have a smaller LGBTQ scene. When there are fewer places for lesbian and gay Quebec City places to go, you won’t have to worry about missing out! This guide to lesbian and gay Quebec City things to do will help you explore the queer side of Quebec on your next vacation.