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Take a Utah National Parks Road Trip – 2TravelDads

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Take a Utah National Parks Road Trip - 2TravelDads

Taking a Utah National Parks Road Trip

We’ve been looking forward to this journey for a LONG TIME. Like, I can’t even tell you how long. We are finally exploring more of the Southwest with the kids: Las Vegas and the Utah National Parks. Being from the Pacific Northwest, we’re used to cold, wet climates with lush rainforests and snow capped mountains. And saltwater on all sides of us. Our road trip from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park is going to be such a contrast to our daily life.

We’ve partnered with Best Western Hotels & Resorts to come up with an awesome spring break travel plan that includes fun, nature and family-friendly hotels in the Southwest. Our Utah National Parks Road Trip is all about exploring the unique nature of Utah while getting plenty of time relaxing together and recharging, you know, like you’re supposed to do on vacation. Yes, our itinerary will keep us busy, but we know how to strike a good balance of fun and calm. A road trip from Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park will be just that: balanced and beautiful.

I know, you think “road trip” and all that comes to mind for packing are car snacks and highways bingo. There’s more to it than that though! For us packing for a road trip, whether we’re flying to our destination and renting a car or if we’re starting from home, includes sun protection, our reusables, and more.

Full Story at 2TravelDads

Utah Gay Travel Resources

Florida’s Rainbow Springs – 2TravelDads

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Florida's Rainbow Springs - 2TravelDads

Rainbow Springs State Park is just like it sounds: rainbowy and beautiful. One of the lesser known state parks due to its off-the-beaten-path location, it’s worth planning an adventure to visit. We love hitting up our favorite Florida springs for manatees and swimming in the summer, and this beautiful place is at the top of that list.

Visiting Florida’s Rainbow Springs

So much of what we share is National Park-centric, but we’ve really come to love Florida’s state parks, and some, like this, contain some of the most beautiful sights we’ve ever seen. Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, Florida is the type of place you’ve seen in fantasy movies or whimsical paintings. Seriously pretty beyond pretty. And it’s so much fun for a visit too!

When you do a Florida Gulf Coast road trip you’ll see some pretty incredible sights, from manatees in Crystal River to fiddler crab colonies in Fort Myers Beach, but nothing is quite like this place. Being the headwaters of the Rainbow River, you know it’s bound to be beautiful and a bit magical.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Florida Gay Travel Resources

Exploring Big Cypress With Kids – 2TravelDads

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Exploring Big Cypress With Kids - 2TravelDads

Exploring Big Cypress With Kids

Have you heard of Big Cypress National Preserve? No? On the northern border of Everglades National Park there’s a pretty cool Florida landmark. No, we’re not talking about the Tamiami Trail, even though Highway 41 is fun to drive, but we’re talking about this awesome National Park site. It’s a part of the National Parks Service and it’s really cool with its swamps and trees, boardwalks and alligators.

Being a part of the larger Everglades ecological system, is it worth planning time JUST in Big Cypress National Preserve? Absolutely! Exploring Big Cypress with kids is very different from what you’ll experience in river of grass in Everglades National Park and is a great day trip from Miami or Naples, Florida. You’ll love it!

Located smack dab in the middle of the southern tip of the state, between Miami and Naples, Florida, is Big Cypress National Preserve. You’ll have to drive through the preserve if you’re going between the two, so you might as well stop. On the north end, the park is bordered by I-75, aka Alligator Alley, and to the south Florida Highway 41, the Tamiami Trail.

Full Story at 2TravelDads

Central Florida Gay Travel Resources

California Coast Road Trip From Mexico to the Oregon Border – 2TravelDads

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California Coast road trip - 2TravelDads

There is nothing like a California Coast road trip. That California life is so awesome with all that nature and sunshine. What better way to experience it than by doing a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway? This Golden State itinerary begins at the northern border, but reverse this travel plan and you’ll have just as amazing of a time by starting in San Diego.

Planning Your California Coast Road Trip

These are our best ideas for a CA coastal road trip. Lots of things to do along the coastal drive including California lighthouses, hikes in state parks, beach stops along Highway 1 and even awesome foodie finds along the coast.

So you’ve just crossed the border from OR into CA on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), aka Highway 1 (and sometimes 101). Get ready because your coastal road trip is going to be totally different than what you experienced in Washington and Oregon. This itinerary visits Big Sur and Monterey as you drive from San Francisco to LA. You’ll visit the Redwoods, missions and more along the PCH.

Full Story at 2TravelDads

California Gay Travel Resources

Disney World Galactic Starcruiser: Is It a Hotel? 2TravelDads

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Disney World Galactic Starcruiser - 2TravelDads

I’m going to dispel all the confusion or misunderstanding about the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World. Everyone asks “What’s the Star Wars hotel like?!” and I will absolutely tell you, but I won’t give any big spoilers.

If you read no further, let me just say this: the Disney World Galactic Starcruiser is NOT a hotel, but an actual immersive theater experience. If you go into thinking that it’s a hotel for visiting DIsney World, you’ll be so confused and potentially upset. If you know you’re signing on for a legit space cruise that’s basically an ongoing production all around you, you’ll absolutely love it.

The Disney World Galactic Starcruiser Story

I think it’s important to understand that the Galactic Starcruiser is a Star Wars story, and not just a hotel you check into. Having the mindset that you’ll be participating in a story is key to both enjoying and getting the most out of the Galactic Starcruiser experience. From arrival to departure, every element of your stay is a part of the story.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Orlando Gay Travel Resources

Winter Travel: Hamilton’s Frozen Waterfalls – 2TravelDads

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Winter Travel: Hamilton's Frozen Waterfalls - 2TravelDads

Hamilton’s frozen waterfalls should be on your list to visit to enjoy or embrace winter in Canada. The city is just less than an hour away from Toronto and it’s pretty accessible via Go Bus. However, from Hamilton to these frozen waterfalls you’ve got to hire a taxi or Uber and tell them to wait for you. So, your best bet is to find or constantly prod a friend with a car to go with you.

Hamilton’s Frozen Waterfalls – Tiffany Falls

We arrived just after lunch and we had to wait a bit on the roadside for a parking space that can’t accommodate more than 10 cars, at least. From the parking lot, it was an easy 8-10 minutes walk to the waterfall. Though we brought ice cleats, we didn’t see a need to use them since the snow was still fresh from a blizzard that engulfed Ontario. Yep, it’s okay to bring your kids here, but not sure about the infants.

Tiffany Falls was entirely frozen when we visited it on February 5.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Ontario Gay Travel Resources

Best Yellowstone Picnic Spots – 2TravelDads

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Best Yellowstone Picnic Spots - 2TravelDads

Where Are the Best Yellowstone Picnic Spots?

In real life we picnic, so why wouldn’t we when we’re on vacation? Yellowstone is a picnicker’s paradise. As the late, great Yogi Bear would say as he walked through Jellystone Park: “A tisket a tasket, I smell a pin-a-nic basket.” And it’s true, that’s what Yellowstone is all about. The Park provides tons of great picnic areas for families and individuals to enjoy. Picnicking helps you get outside and really appreciate the nature that’s all around you. Having said that, go have fun and eat lunch in the sunshine!

Note: there are many more of what folks think are the best Yellowstone picnic spots than what we’re going to share, but our list is all about being family friendly and based 100% on our own experiences, which is why we’re confident that these spots are awesome.

Quick note before we dive in: always pack out what you pack in, including food scraps. Even an apple core isn’t something to chuck into the woods. Think about the animals first and don’t teach them to want human scented food.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Oregon Gay Travel Bucket List – 2TravelDads

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Oregon Gay Travel Bucket List - 2TravelDads

We love Oregon and have spent more time there than any other state that we haven’t lived in. The adventures here never end with countless fun things to do. Must see places and beautiful places to stay are everywhere. This is our Oregon gay travel bucket list, many of which can be done on a weekend or road trip.

So many of the unique places are within an hour or two of a major city (Portland, Eugene, Bend…). Sightseeing here is a breeze in spring and fall, with most people traveling in the peak of summer, so plan a trip for the changing seasons and enjoy the quiet beauty!

Must See Oregon Gay Travel Spots Around Portland

Most people will visit the state either on a work trip to Portland or on a road trip, maybe driving up doing a coast road trip. However you arrive, you’ll find plenty of adventures in the northern part of the state. Sightseeing in Portland and beyond is very easy, with many unique places and things to do. Our bucket list begins in Portland and heads east along the Columbia Gorge and Willamette Valley. There are lots of places to drive for the day or a weekend trip out of Portland.

By Chris and Rob – Full Sthttps://2traveldads.com/adventures-in-oregon-bucket-list/ory at the 2TravelDads

Oregon Gay Travel Resources

Outdoors in Phoenix for Gay Families – 2TravelDads

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Phoenix for Gay Families - 2TravelDads

Are you looking for fun outdoor things to do around Phoenix for gay families? Don’t worry! This wonderful city, also commonly known as the Valley of the Sun, will never make your to-do lists dry with its exciting outdoor activities and distinctive destinations. We’ve been several times and love the combination of hot sun and fun things to do.

This Arizona desert mecca draws visitors from around the USA with its collection of scenic landscapes and world-class tourist activities. With lots of nature parks, restaurants, and even lakes around Phoenix, Arizona, you won’t run out of things to do to enjoy your sunny escape.

Outdoors in Phoenix for Gay Families – Boating

Although the area is known for its sunny climate and deserts, it also has its share of sparkling lakes that are great for a change of scenery and a boating experience. Some of the best tourist destinations for this outdoor activity are Lake Pleasant, Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, Roosevelt Lake, and Bartlett Lake.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Phoenix Gay Travel Resources

The Best of Hiking Palm Springs – 2TravelDads

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The Best of Hiking Palm Springs - 2TravelDads

We love to find places that everybody talks about but nobody knows the cool stuff you can do there. One such place is Palm Springs, California. I mean, everybody goes there for a nice weekend or a relaxing vacation, but besides golf, gay bars and swimming pools, what is there? The ACTUAL Palm Springs!! Agua Caliente Indian Canyons is the reason for the name, and hiking Palm Springs is awesome!

Have you been to the area and done the oasis hikes at Indian Canyons or out at the Coachella Preserve and know what we’re talking about? Been thinking about a visit maybe but didn’t know what to do beyond golf and shopping? Well, let us give you some motivation to make a weekend trip out of it or at least get you away from the pool for a few hours.

Hiking Palm Springs – Getting There

A two hour drive from Los Angeles, Orange County or San Diego, PS lies to the east of the coastal cities. You’ll have to pass through Riverside or Ontario, so plan for city traffic on your drive… or you can just take a short flight from any of the Southern California airports. Actually, most West Coast airports have direct flights into Palm Springs (search for flight tickets with Omio).

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

PS Gay Travel Resources