Epic Views, Easy-ish Hikes, and the Best of the Southwest on One Big Road Trip

Last week on my April break, I set off on a Southwest road trip and packed some of the most incredible landscapes in the U.S. into just over a week. I have done so much international traveling, but have never seen some of these jewels of the US, and am so glad to have finally made it to this incredible part of the good old USA! April was a picture-perfect time to visit also: incredible weather, not too crowded, but everything was open (for the most part). 

If you are thinking about visiting the Grand Canyon and Utah’s “Mighty Five” National Parks, let me tell you that this route nails the highlights without feeling overly rushed. There is a lot of driving, but most of it is so beautiful it genuinely is a big part of the experience. I planned this trip for my very-fit 70-year old dad as well as my husband and I, aiming for easy to moderate hikes, comfortable-but-not-too-pricey hotels, good food, and plenty of “wow” moments without overdoing it. If you are looking for an unforgettable way to spend seven or eight nights in the Southwest, this is exactly the trip I would recommend! I am trying a new style here where I do a full trip report with tips and specifics in bold - let me know if you like it or take this trip on your own!

We started by flying into Phoenix, where my dad picked us up in his new-old car. A one-way rental car from the airport would suffice in the absence of this luxury! We then started our big driving trip by heading north to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This drive takes about three and a half hours, but pop on some good tunes and it flies by, even if you get some rogue hail like we did! Once we arrived, we checked into Yavapai Lodge, which is one of the most convenient places to stay inside the park. It's not particularly fancy, but the location can’t be beat! There’s easy parking directly in front of the room block, it’s walking distance to the Rim Trail, and there’s easy access to the park shuttle if you want it. We stayed in the Yavapai East section, which has newer, more “hotel-y” rooms than the more “motel-y” Yavapai West.

That first afternoon, we walked around Mather Point along the rim, soaking up the incredible views. I really can't overstate how massive and awe-inspiring the Grand Canyon is, even though I have heard it again and again. It honestly took my breath away and brought tears to my Earth-science-teacher eyes seeing it for the first time. After an hour of watching the light change and the clouds drift through and over the Canyon, we had an easy dinner at the Yavapai Tavern, attached to the hotel. It was casual and sort of a confusing order-ahead buffet, but the food was solid and perfect after a long travel day.

The next morning, we were up early because of the time change, and drove back to Mather Viewpoint to catch the sunrise. I highly recommend this if you are up! After a cat nap and some coffee, we grabbed breakfast sandwiches at the Grand Canyon General Store, packed up, and checked out and headed to Utah! We made a couple stops along the road where the views looked compelling, and a final Grand Canyon stop at Desert View Watchtower. This historic stone tower has one of the best panoramic viewpoints of the Colorado River and is a must if you have a little extra time, but was not quite as incredible as Mather Viewpoint from the evening before. From there, it was a 2.5-hour drive to Page, Arizona for our pre-booked tour of Upper Antelope Canyon. I would definitely recommend booking (or letting me book!) an Antelope Canyon tour as early as spots fill up fast, and you can only access these canyons with Navajo tour companies. We used Adventurous Tours and would highly recommend them! Walking through the slot canyon was one of the highlights of the entire trip. The way the light filters through the whirling sandstone walls is absolutely magical! Note that it was a bit claustrophobic and there were lots of tour groups one after the other while walking through.

After the tour, we made a quick stop at Horseshoe Bend. It is a short, easy walk out to the viewpoint (about 1.5 miles roundtrip), but here we were reminded for the first time of the trip to wear a hat and sunscreen - there is no shade, and it was hot. The view at the end is fabulous: the Colorado River wrapping in a perfect horseshoe-shaped bend far below. Afterward, we hopped back in the car on for another 2.5 hours to Springdale, Utah, where we checked into Bumbleberry Inn. This inn is a great choice for Zion. It is clean, friendly, and you can hop right on the park shuttle from the stop out front. Dinner that night was at Porter's Restaurant onsite, which was cozy and easy after a long day. 

We spent the next day exploring Zion National Park. After breakfast at Porter’s (included with our stay, chicken fried steak for the win), we took the shuttle into the park. Zion’s shuttle system is excellent and makes it really easy to get around without having to fight for parking at the entrance and the Park shuttle is the only way to access most of the main canyon. We started with The Watchman Trail, a moderate hike with a steady climb that rewarded us with gorgeous views of the valley and the Virgin River below. From there, we hopped back on the shuttle to the Emerald Pools trail, where waterfalls and shaded pools offered a refreshing break from all the sun. After a refresh back at the hotel, later in the afternoon, we drove our own car through the tunnel to the Canyon Overlook Trail. This short hike is a little sketchier with some steep drop offs, but the views out over the canyon are fantastic and totally worth the hopping around, and it was my husband’s favorite hike of the trip. For that night’s dinner, we headed to Oscar’s Café, where we can highly recommend the burgers and fajitas!

The next morning, we left Zion early and drove about an hour and forty-five minutes to Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce feels completely different from Zion, and it is a must-see. The hoodoos (colorful, spindly rock spires) make the landscape look like something from another planet. We left our car at the visitor center and again hopped on the park shuttle to Bryce Point. From there, we walked the Rim Trail from Bryce Point to Sunrise Point, which is about 2.7 miles and relatively flat. It is a great way to get tons of views without doing a strenuous hike, though you definitely feel the 9,000-ft altitude if you’re a sea-level dweller like we are. We were feeling a bit tired from all the hiking and driving, but if you’re up for more of a hike and want to get down into the hoodoos, Queen’s Garden to Navajo Loop/Wall Street comes highly recommended as a trail, too! We left the park and checked into the Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand, a comfortable, convenient spot in Bryce Canyon City (a real misnomer). That evening, we went to Ebenezer’s Dinner and Country Show, which, while a little touristy, was a lot of fun.  Better-than-expected BBQ and live music made for a bit of fun for our little group. 

After a later wakeup and breakfast at the hotel, we drove the two hours to Capitol Reef National Park, which was less crowded than the others but equally stunning. We drove the Scenic Drive, which takes you through dramatic red rock and sandstone canyons, and then hiked the Grand Wash Trail. This easy, flat trail runs through a narrow canyon with soaring cliffs on either side and was a great way to stretch our legs and felt more “in it” than most of the [amazing] panoramic hikes and drives we’d done thus far. From Capitol Reef, we drove about two hours and fifteen minutes more to Moab and checked into the Hoodoo Moab,  in a 2-bedroom bilevel Casita (they have beautiful “normal” rooms here as well). This was all of our favorite lodging of the whole trip. We stayed in a fabulous, two-story casita with tons of space, a full kitchen, multiple balconies, and two gas fireplaces! The property has a beautiful spa as well as two year-round pools, and it was a great place to come “home” to after adventurous and exhausting days around Moab. It was also just really nice to stay somewhere for 3 nights and not have to pack up and move the way we had been doing.

Moab makes a great place to stay for a few days, as it’s a great home base for exploring both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. At Arches, you need to reserve a timed entry permit if you are visiting between 7 AM and 4 PM, and I had made reservations for two of our mornings to give us some flexibility, though we went on our first full day. We entered during our time (10-11) and drove to the “end” of the park to Devil’s Garden, and worked our way back with little hikes to Skyline Arch, Sand Dune Arch, and Broken Arch. We didn’t hike all the way to Delicate Arch, but it is probably the most iconic sight in the Park (and maybe all of Utah, given that it’s on the license plate!). The Windows and Double Arch were also pretty great, and capped off our time in Arches. I would recommend finding some time to come back into the park at night (no pass or timed entry required), as Arches is a certified Dark Sky location and the stars there are incredible.

The next day we had set aside a full day to rent a side-by-side for a day of off-roading. After calling around, we decided to rent from Moab Tours, right on the main drag, for their expertise and excellent pricing. We drove right off their lot and through town to “warm up” with Fins & Things then onto the [insane!] Hell’s Revenge - neither trail is for the faint-of-heart! I would say in hindsight that Chicken Corners may have been a better place to start, as it was quite a bit easier but had some of the best river and canyon views of the entire trip. If you are even slightly adventurous, one of these rentals is a terrific way to spend a day!

Our final full day started with a visit to Canyonlands National Park. This park feels vast and wild, and was probably my favorite park of the trip - it has a little of everything! There are 4 separate “districts,” though we only made it to Island in the Sky. We drove out to Grand View Point, visited Green River Overlook, and hiked the short trail to Mesa Arch, which frames a picture-perfect view over vast canyons and Bryce-like hoodoos. From Canyonlands, we drove 2.5 hours to Grand Junction, Colorado, which is home to the closest airport to Moab that has easy-ish connections to the Northeast. Salt Lake City and Denver have better and more direct options, but they are each ~4+ hours from Moab.

This trip was a spectacular best-of, highlight-tour of this stunner of a region: ridiculously-beautiful, otherworldly landscapes, fun but not-too-taxing hikes, a little bit of adventure, and enough downtime to relax a bit and enjoy it all. If you are thinking about doing a Southwest road trip, I cannot recommend this route highly enough. I would do it again in a heartbeat and can help make sure you are set up for success!

the grand canyon on our first morning

My Hawai’i: Secret Beaches, Fabulous Poke, and Local Secrets

From secret beaches tucked into the heart of downtown Honolulu to the legendary waves of the North Shore, from hidden waterfalls deep in the Big Island’s lush valleys to the freshest poke spots only locals know about, Hawai‘i is a true bucket-list destination, again and again. And while the islands are beautiful no matter how you experience them, there’s something extra special about seeing them with the insight of someone who knows the lay of the land.

That’s where I come in. With Here’s What I Would Do, you’ve got more than just a travel advisor: you’ve got a frequent visitor with a deep love for the islands and a boots-on-the-ground bestie (@livethehawaiilife) who makes sure I’m always in the loop on what’s new, what’s not worth the hype, and what’s quietly amazing and totally off the radar.

Whether you’re planning your first trip or your fifth, I can help you figure out the best island (or islands!) to match your trip vision, and can recommend where to stay for the best mix of adventure, relaxation, and authentic local flavor. Want to surf at sunrise and eat shave ice by noon? Hike to a hidden waterfall for sunrise and finish the day with a mai tai at Duke’s? Spend lazy beach days in Waikiki or seek solitude on the Big Island’s wild coastlines? I’ve got you!

My goal is to make sure your trip captures the true Aloha spirit - easygoing, welcoming, unforgettable - and that you leave already planning your return.

Here’s a little throwback to some of my favorite beach days across the islands, perfect for daydreaming on this rainy April Sunday.

Into the Wild: Safari in the Okavango Delta

We have been home for a month, but I am still processing and reeling from the incredible experience we had on safari just after our Christmas in Cape Town. In 2025, there are still some places in the world that feel almost too wild, too untouched, too awe-inspiring to be real. Botswana’s Okavango Delta is one of them. It’s a place where nature rules, where the rhythms of the wild dictate the schedule of the day, the stars are brighter than you’ve ever imagined possible, and where every moment is filled with the kind of beauty that makes you pause, breathe deeply, and realize just how small you are in the best possible way.

We experienced all of this and more at 4 Rivers Camp: a stunning, intimate safari lodge tucked deep in the heart of the Okavango Delta in the private Kwara concession, and the company Kwando Safaris’ newest camp. An important note about any safari you can go on: you really want to be in a private concession, as you gain the ability to truly go “into the wild” as you are not beholden to the roadways of a national park. This trip was everything I dreamed a safari could be - and way, way more. From the moment we touched down on the camp’s private, packed-dirt airstrip, we were immersed in the pulse of the wilderness. The sounds of hippos grunting in the distance, the bell frogs’ incredibly nightly chorus, the sight of an African sunset reflecting off the water during a sundowner cocktail - it was nothing short of magical. As evidenced by the gallery of pictures below - there was no way to choose just one!

I have been lucky enough to go on safari before, in Kruger National Park in South Africa, which was itself an incredible experience. But Botswana felt so much wilder - there were no roads, no defined paths, only the tracks left by the animals who roamed before us. We weren’t just driving along dirt roads (though there was some of that for sure) - we were bumping through the bush in pursuit of sighting after sighting of animals that are as close as we can come to a real-life fairytale creature. To gaze across an open plain and see a herd of giraffe slowly making its way across the horizon feels, honestly, like being in the opening scene of Jurassic Park - it is awe-inspiring in the truest sense of the phrase.

We drove through deep rivers, got soaked the thunderstorms of the rainy season (NOT a reason to skip a December trip), and slept in a stilted luxury tent - with not one but two showers - allowing us to rinse off the dust of the adventure while still feeling completely connected to the wild. The hippos that lounge all day in the riverbend out front spend their nights grazing in the woods behind the tent, and it was a nightly occurrence to hear them grunting to one another directly beneath our heads - no wonder you are always accompanied while it is dark in camp!

But what truly made this experience unforgettable wasn’t just the landscape or the endless wildlife sightings. It was our guide, Mwamo. In Botswana especially, a safari guide is so much more than someone who helps you spot animals; they are storytellers, protectors, and translators of the wild. It is a highly prestigious job, and with good reason. Mwamo brought this world to life for us in a way I never expected. His deep knowledge, his ability to track a leopard through the brush with nothing but subtle signs in the sand, his patience and reverence for the animals, it was mesmerizing. Every sighting became more meaningful because of him. We didn’t just see elephants, we learned about their family structures, their emotions, and their habits. We didn’t just spot lions, we understood their relationships, their hierarchy, their skillset. Mwamo made us feel like we belonged in this world, if only for a short time.

And then there were the sightings - oh man the sightings! Lions lounging in the golden morning light of a 5 am game drive, their tails flicking lazily as they watched us from a distance. A leopard draped across the branches of a tree, gazing down at us with cool indifference. Herds of elephants wading through the floodplains, splashing playfully in the water. A pack of wild dogs, rare and elusive, moving as one in perfect, silent coordination as we raced through the bush and watched them make a kill. A visit to the hyena den an hour through the brush in the dark, where the cubs caught moths attracted by the lights of the Land Cruiser and it felt at any moment like they might hop inside. Every moment felt like something out of a dream, set against the untamed backdrop of beautiful Botswana.

A safari isn’t just a vacation, it is truly an experience that changes you, as trite as that may sound. It makes you see the world differently. It reminds you of the raw, beautiful, unpredictable forces of nature. It’s humbling and exhilarating all at once. And if you’ve ever thought about going on safari, my advice is this: Go. And go the right way.

Botswana and the Okavango Delta is one of the most spectacular safari destinations on Earth, and it deserves to be done well. If you're ready to plan the perfect itinerary for your safari, I’d love to help you create a travel experience that’s just as breathtaking, immersive, and unforgettable as mine. This trip was truly life-changing, and I can’t wait to help you craft your own adventure, and as Mwamo would say before each drive, “let’s go and see what Mother Nature provides.”

Christmas in Cape Town - A Perfect City for Every Type of Traveler

It has been a couple of weeks since returning from our holiday season in South Africa and Bostwana, and I am still reeling from the incredible two-fer experience a trip to Southern Africa does better than just about anywhere else. Cape Town itself is one of my favorite global cities, and I could happily return again and again, and can wholeheartedly recommend it to any type of traveler! It serves up adventure, culture, incredible food (check out The Codfather for a next-level seafood experience), amazing scenery, and plenty of opportunity for beachside relaxing all at a terrific price point with an amazing exchange rate for those traveling from the USA.

For this most recent trip (my second and my husband’s first), in just a few days, we managed to tick off a fair few of the iconic must-dos. We took the cable car to the top of the amazing Table Mountain for panoramic views that are always worth the ride (even if you’ve done it before, and even if you get caught under “the Tablecloth” of cloud cover that comes and goes intermittently and quickly!), shopped till we dropped at the vibrant V&A Waterfront, and spent an afternoon wandering the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap. And of course, no trip to Cape Town is complete without a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak - this time in an Uber - which is one of the most beautiful drives I can imagine. The juxtaposition of natural beauty with vibrant city life here is unmatched. Not only that, but Cape Town is also the ideal bookend to a safari, whether you’re gearing up for adventure or unwinding after days of bumping around in the bushveld on your game drives.

This time, we were in Cape Town leading up to our safari, and we spent all of our free time on Camps Bay Beach, basking in the sun and savoring the laid-back holiday vibe before plunging into the wild. As we learned, it is something of a Cape Town tradition for locals to flock en masse to Camps Bay on Christmas Day, and it was such an incredible holiday vibe to be surrounded by so many people absolutely radiating joy and holiday spirit in this most-beautoful of places. Our little stay was the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation, and if Cape Town isn’t on your travel bucket list yet, it absolutely should be - and needless to say I’d be thrilled to help you plan your perfect itinerary.

Camps Bay Beach on Christmas Eve 2024

Thankful for the Gift of Travel

Gratitude is something I think about every day, and it feels especially poignant when I consider the role travel has played in my life. Having the ability to explore the world - the sights, tastes, and perspectives - has been one of the greatest gifts of my life, and I never take for granted how lucky I am to have the time, resources, and support to make it happen. As a travel advisor and agent, I’ve seen firsthand how moments of discovery and connection can transform not just a trip but the way we experience life itself. Every journey, whether it’s to a nearby city or a far-flung country, reminds me just how much there is to be grateful for.

One of the things I’m most thankful for is the people I get to share these adventures with. Traveling with family and friends has created some of my most cherished memories, from inside jokes on road trips to shared awe at breathtaking landscapes. Even planning trips for others brings me joy! I adore crafting itineraries through Here’s What I Would Do that I’d love to take myself and knowing I’m helping create experiences they’ll treasure. Gratitude is also in the little moments, like hearing someone’s travel story after they’ve returned and knowing I played a small part in making it happen. It also bears mentioning how grateful I am for the friends, family, and clients who have trusted me to plan their travel this past year after launching Here’s What I Would Do!

And then there’s the deep appreciation I have for home. No matter how exciting the trip, there’s nothing quite like returning to Maine to the home I love, to my beloved dogs, and to the comfort of my own bed after a post-flight shower. I’m constantly reminded how gratitude for both the grand and the simple things can make life so much sweeter. Travel has a way of making the ordinary feel extraordinary and the extraordinary feel more meaningful! For that I am deeply thankful, today and every day.

The Thrill of Anticipation: When the Journey Begins Before You Even Leave

The joy of a trip begins the moment you start dreaming about it! From the first spark of inspiration through the exploratory conversations to thrill of actually booking, the anticipation builds with each step. Once you have it on your calendar, everything from picturing yourself at each destination, packing the bags, and counting down the hours until takeoff can feel almost as wonderful as the trip itself. It’s that sweet spot of excitement, where every possibility lies ahead

Right now, I am buzzing with excitement about my upcoming safari! I am leaving in three weeks, and doing a lot of reflecting on how much the leadup to a trip is a way to draw out the experience of travel. The beauty of this pre-trip phase - distilled into an exciting mad dash for spur-of-the-moment trips, and spread over months for those long-planned escapes - is that it allows us to savor each part of the journey before it even begins. Whether it’s curating the perfect travel playlist, memorizing your “Here’s What I Would Do” itinerary, clicking through local recommendations, or imagining yourself in your dream destinations, it’s all part of the joy of travel. And let’s not forget the thrill of choosing just the right outfits and packing everything you’ll need for the adventures to come. There’s nothing like the feeling of zipping up that suitcase!

Of course, it’s even better when the planning process is free from stress. That’s where I come in! I handle all the logistics, from finding the best flights and searching for and securing the ideal accommodations, to arranging special activities and transportation - so you can focus on the fun parts and enjoy that pre-trip excitement. Let’s turn your travel dreams into a reality and make every moment, from start to finish, as wonderful as possible!

All those carefully-packed bags arrive - by bike trolley! - in la digue, seychelles

Embrace the World: The Joy of Travel with Your Trusted Travel Advisor!

There’s something truly magical about stepping out into the world, ready to experience everything it has to offer! Travel of all kinds opens up opportunities to see new things, meet incredible people, and immerse ourselves in diverse cultures, beautiful landscapes, and places that feel worlds away from our daily routines. Each destination, whether it's a bustling city, a serene beach, or a hidden gem, brings its own flavor of excitement and wonder.

For me, travel has always been more than just visiting new places: it's it's one of the primary experiences that enriches and inspires my whole life. Every adventure - from stepping outside my comfort zone and into motorized canoe to buzz around the Mekong Delta (pictured below) to indulging in the luxury of a plush and sophisticated grande dame hotel - has added to my love of the remarkable world of travel. That's why I chose to become a certified travel advisor: I want to share this passion with others and help create unforgettable journeys that inspire and rejuvenate.

With years of experience and countless airline miles behind me (CO2 offset in other ways!), I bring a wealth of knowledge to my role as your travel agent. My expertise comes not only from extensive research but from real-world experience and strong industry connections. I know the value of an itinerary tailored to you, one that’s crafted with insider tips, the best local intel, and all the special touches that transform a trip into a memory for life.

Every aspect of planning a trip excites me, from designing seamless itineraries to uncovering hidden treasures that make a destination truly shine. Whether you’re looking for the thrill of adventure, the comfort of luxury, or something in between, with “Here’s What I Would Do,” I am dedicated to creating a travel experience that meets all your desires and exceeds your expectations.

So, are you ready to explore the world? Let’s start planning your next journey! Contact me today, and together, we’ll make your dream trip a reality. I can’t wait to see where we’ll go next!

The mighty Mekong (and just a little trepidation)