Katie Boutwell

Much like the Watchman trail, the Pa’rus trail is also located right to the Watchman Campground. While this trailhead is located on the east side of the park and the only one on this list not accessible from the main canyon drive, driving out the Kanab exit is an absolute must when visiting Zion for the first time. The canyon has limited parking options, so the only pedestrian vehicles allowed to drive through the canyon are those staying at the lodge. Grotto Trail is a quick trail that connects the Zion Lodge to the Grotto – if for any reason you are starting any of The Grotto trails at the Zion Lodge or couldn’t get parking at The Grotto.

If you have global entry then you have TSA pre-check. When originally applying 4 years ago, I didn’t have any international trips planned at that time and I thought that when I was traveling internationally it wouldn’t be for work and it would be with family or friends that didn’t have global entry. Many credit cards offer a statement credit when you apply for TSA pre-check and use that card to pay. To apply for pre-check or global entry, you will start the application on the department of homeland security’s website and then make an appointment for finger printing and document validations.

Haleakala National Park at sunrise isn’t the easiest thing to accomplish on a trip to Maui, but it is one of the most worth is things I have sacrificed sleep for. Haleakala means “house of the sun” and with little to no light pollution or air pollution not only is this a great place to see the sunrise, but it is also a great sunset or star gazing spot in Hawaii. You will need to plan about 2 hours to get to the parking lot at the top of the summit district in Haleakala National Park. For more information on Haleakala National Park, visit the National Park Service website.

Some times a long-haul flight is unavoidable or the best choice to get to your destination in a timely manner. A long-haul flight can be exciting because it can mean a good adventure ahead of you, but that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice comfort along the way. A good book is always included in my travel essentials for long-haul flights, but usually makes its way into my bag for any trip. I have used them on 5+ hour flights after being awake for 20 hours and when getting 3 hours of sleep the night before I change 6 time zones.