Karilyn Owen

Antarctica Cruise Review: Antarctica21 Cruise with Adventure Life Travel

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Antarctica has been on the top of my dream wish list for decades now. But honestly I didn’t think I would ever have the opportunity to visit because I just didn’t know when I would have the tens of thousands of extra cash laying around. Enter Adventure Life Travel. I was working with Adventure Life … Read more

Antarctica Cruise: 7 Important Things to Consider When Booking

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One of the most iconic destinations on the planet is Antarctica. This bucket list trip is truly a trip of a lifetime. It is one of the most revered of travel destinations and for great reason. However it can feel quite overwhelming when planning a trip. It is not cheap to visit Antarctica and you … Read more

13 Exciting Things to Do in El Salvador (in 1 Week)

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El Salvador was one of the last countries in Central America I had not yet visited. I have flown through it several times, but never stopped. While looking for somewhere to go for my yearly birthday trip, a cheap flight to El Salvador called out to me. Ignoring the naysayers, I am so glad I … Read more

Where to Find Snow Near Los Angeles That Kids Will Love

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Are you looking for the best places to find snow near Los Angeles? So were we! Now we have found all the best places in Southern California to play and share them here with you. The beauty of living in Los Angeles is having access to both the sea and the snow. Have you ever … Read more

Hidden Gems In Ireland: 20 Surprisingly Unique Places You Will Love In Ireland (Off The Beaten Path)

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One of the most amazing things about visiting Ireland is that no matter where you go, there is an adorable village, historical site or scene of natural beauty waiting for you. There are not many places in the world that I have found that offer as much in such a small space as Ireland does. … Read more

35+ Helpful Japan Travel Tips To Know BEFORE You Go

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Japan is a remarkable country filled with so much history, natural beauty and modern touches. I’ve just returned from my second trip to Japan and was reminded of so many things I had forgotten about the country! Traveling in Japan is an amazing and enriching experience, however it is also a country filled with traditions and unique ways of operating that visitors may not be used to. Below I share the best Japan travel tips to help you make the most of your trip.

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10 Unexpected Life Lessons From My 11 Year Old on the John Muir Trail

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Last summer, I hiked 180 miles of the 211+ mile John Muir Trail (JMT) with my 11 year old son. The JMT runs through the Eastern Sierra mountains in California, starting from Yosemite Valley to the summit of Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the contiguous US. For many this isn’t a huge outdoor accomplishment, … Read more

Rebun And Rishiri Islands: Japan’s Unbelievably Unique Northernmost Islands

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Do busy intersections, white faced geishas and red torii gates flood your mind when you think of a trip to Japan? That is the common thought of the country, however, there is so much more to discover in Japan when you get off the beaten path a little. In the far northwest of Japan lie two islands that are waiting to be discovered.

Rebun and Rishiri Islands are well known to many Japanese as being beautiful nature escapes, but even yet, many locals have not made the journey up this way. Visiting Rishiri and Rebun Islands in Japan is an experience like no other, and below I show why you should consider adding them to your adventure itinerary. I share our travels from a long weekend exploring these stunning islands with tips on where to stay, what to eat and what to do.

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Seeking Out the Beauty of Mammoth Lakes Fall Colors

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Did you know that you can find fall colors in California? While New England wins hand down for the best fall colors, those of us on the west coast can also cash in on this fall favorite. Mammoth Lakes fall colors lures visitors from near and far for their yearly display of bright yellow aspen trees and beautiful fall colors in California’s eastern sierras. The best fall colors are typically popping around mid Sept to the end of October, making it the ideal destination for a fall leaf peeping trip.

For those of us in Southern California, sometimes it’s hard to imagine that the seasons are really changing elsewhere in the US. We have heat waves and fires all through the fall, often making the changing of temperatures further up north a distant thought. If you are like me and try to bring a little bit of fall foliage into your autumn, head up the 395 where you can experience the beauty of fall from Bishop to Mammoth Lakes and even further north to the South Lake Tahoe area.

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Club Med Québec Charlevoix: A Unique Nature Based All Inclusive

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Are you interested in taking your family on a vacation that everyone will love?  Look no further than Club Med Quebéc Charlevoix. This nature based all-inclusive getaway has something for everyone. Opened in 2021, this property is the only Club Med in Canada and the only mountainside resort for the brand in North America. While … Read more

7 Surprising Reasons Iraq Should Be on Your Bucket List

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Bits of conversions and names swirl in my head as I dizzily walk half asleep from one plane to the other. Abu Haider “Shall I follow you” Noor!! Pst pst pst It’s hard to imagine the fear I felt just 14 days ago. Of leaving my son, of going to a “war zone”.  Now, tears … Read more

13 Amazing Things to Do in La Fortuna Costa Rica (+ Arenal)

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If you are going to Costa Rica it is my guess you will make a visit to the adventure capital and want to find out all the top things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica! With an abundance of outdoor activities, not to mention amazing access and views to one of the most perfectly formed volcanoes in the country, it’s no surprise that La Fortuna and Arenal are at the top of most Costa Rica itineraries. Well known as an outdoor adventurers playground, there are so many things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica for all ages. As most visits to the area are short, it’s important to determine in advance just what you want to do while you are in town. To help guide your planning process here are the top activities in La Fortuna (and Arenal) we think all families should check out.

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