-
avalon + two harbors, catalina island, california, usa
Santa Catalina Island, often also referred to just as Catalina Island, is the only privately owned part of the Channel Islands archipelago. As you soak up the sun and breath in the whimsical sea breeze, you can wander the cute little streets of Avalon, take a ride on a golf cart, go on a wildlife Read more
-
trans-catalina trail (tct), catalina island, california, usa
The Trans-Catalina Trail, often also referred to as the Catalina Backbone Trail, is a beautifully strenuous 38.5 mile multi-day hiking trail that traverses across the entirety of Santa Catalina Island. As you soak up the sun and breath in the whimsical sea breeze, you will wander past private coves, and maybe even a bison (or Read more
-
guadalupe mountains national park, texas, usa
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and their highest peak is right here in this park. Sitting at an estimated 8751 feet above sea level, Guadalupe Peak may not be the biggest of all-time, but it certainly does not disappoint with its incredible sweeping views of the endless desert below. This mountain range spans Read more
-
glacier national park, montana, usa
Glacier National Park is an absolute gem, and a true visual of the remote and rugged snow-capped mountains many imagine when they think of the northern wilderness. This park is an absolute dream destination from summer through fall, which is the only time of year the majority of the park’s interior is accessible. One of Read more
-
carlsbad caverns national park, new mexico, usa
Do you like dark, quiet places that make you question what you think you know about the planet? Come hang around with the bats and experience a universe that has never seen sunshine. Staring at the stalagmites and stalactites is just as fun as watching the clouds pass by in the sky as you let Read more
-
channel islands national park, california, usa
A solitude lover’s dream, Channel Islands National Park is a surf and turf wonderland full of breathtaking views and secluded beaches. Adventure seekers can float through the shallow waters on their kayaks around arches and into caves, and from many hiking trails, the doorways to many sea caves can be seen from the edges of Read more
“travel isn’t always pretty. it isn’t always comfortable. sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. but that’s okay.
Anthony Bourdain
the journey changes you; it should change you. it leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body.
you take something with you. hopefully, you leave something good behind.”
Laura the explora: the blog
your unofficial travel agent and tour guide
menu ->
blog
hey there!
i’m Laura
welcome to my little corner of the internet where i share my travel tips, stories, and photos of the places i visit. i’ve been fortunate enough to set foot in all fifty of the united states as well as nearly 20 different countries over the past decade. my goal is to make traveling affordable and accessible for everyone by giving you the tools you need to plan your own vacation for free. i hope these posts inspire you to get out into the world and see it for yourself! :)
[Note: I do not make any revenue from this website. If any of these posts helped you plan your trip and you’d like to support my work and website operating costs by tipping me as your unofficial tour guide, click the little black triangle to see my Venmo ID.] 😊
Venmo: @Laura-the-explora (#0324)
let’s connect!
want more?
not sure what you’ll get if you type your email here, but you’ll be added to a list!
Laura the explora: the blog 