Outdoors

Cancun’s Mayan Ruins – El-Rey, Tulum and More – 2TravelDads

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Cancun's Mayan Ruins - 2TravelDads

Some of the best of Cancun’s Mayan ruins are also the easiest to access. We’ve picked the best Mayan ruins to visit on the Eastern Yucatan Peninsula, basically most near Cancun, to add to a fun, interesting Caribbean Mexico vacation. These spots can either be visited as day trips or shore excursions from cruise ships.

One of the most cool and unique aspects of touring the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico is the abundance of Mayan ruins. The Mayans were spread all across the Yucatan and down into Belize, Guatemala and beyond. They left behind thousands of small and large structures on the beaches and in the jungles. Having spent many days exploring the Yucatan Peninsula, these archaeological sites are some of the most fascinating things to do near Cancun.

Best of Cancun’s Mayan Ruins

Starting directly in Cancun and heading south and west, these are the best Mayan sites near Cancun to visit on your beach vacation. This list is NOT inclusive of every single ruin or archaeological site, but these are the ruins that are closest to Cancun and Tulum. These sites you can visit on your own or do a tour to Mayan sites with a local guide.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Quintana Roo Gay Travel Resources

Hiking the Finger Lakes – Our Taste for Life

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Hiking the Finger Lakes - Our Taste for Life

Hiking the Finger Lakes region of New York is a magical experience. In this guide, guest blogger Polly Clover shares 15 of the best local hikes to help you plan your trip.

Bursting with natural beauty, this region in central New York is one of the most enchanting destinations I’ve ever visited. In fact, no New York itinerary is complete without visiting.

Why I love Hiking the Finger Lakes

I discovered the Finger Lakes during one of my east coast road trip adventures, and I was instantly blown away. With its expansive vineyards, incredibly kind locals, stunning vistas, and breathtaking waterfalls, what more could you ask for?

There are 11 Finger Lakes, with five main ones. They expand over 9,000 miles, so a car is necessary to explore the entire area! That said, my favourite way to explore this natural slice of heaven is on foot and hitting the trails.

From leisurely, short strolls to long, challenging hikes, there’s something for all kinds of nature lovers! Many are pet-friendly, some are great for children, and a few are adequate for pro hikers.

By Charlotte & Natalie – Our Taste for Life

Finger Lakes Lesbian Travel Resources

Epic Utah National Parks Road Trip – 2TravelDads

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Utah National Parks Road Trip - 2TravelDads

Utah National Parks Road Trip: Epic & Unforgettable Sights

You’ll see lots of vultures in Utah, circling like they have a plan. Well, here’s a plan for you. Utah is a fascinating area with both desolate landscapes and… barbeque? This Utah National Parks road trip plan will take you through some of the most popular parks in the USA as well as through territory that you might otherwise try to drive through quickly and completely miss. And be sure to eat local as you explore, because the state has some great barbeque and local cuisines.

After this road trip through Utah, if somebody asks you why you like the Southwest, you’ll have an easy, un-arguable answer: it’s astoundingly beautiful and super dramatic. This road trip is a loop, so you’ll be able to hit all five National Parks, you’ll see how each is extremely different, and you’ll be tired by the end.

Since so much of this road trip is EXTREMELY remote, be sure that you are well stocked with back up water (you can never have too much) and lots of snacks. Sometimes it’s more than an hour between services, and they may not always be open. Be well prepared for any situation. Also, for some of the more remotes areas, take time to download the offline maps through your preferred navigation program. You’ll be glad that you did.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Utah Gay Travel Resources

Visiting Silver Springs State Park – 2TravelDads

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Silver Springs State Park - 2TravelDads

Silver Springs State Park is our favorite place to take visitors when they come to Florida. Between having the most gorgeously clear water and the most remarkable wildlife encounters, It will become your new favorite Florida State Park too. Even if you’re not normally into outdoorsy things, that atmosphere and all the things to do here will make it a place you want to return to every year.

We’ve picked our favorite things to do and have put together everything you need to know for visiting, from trails to kayaking, including how to paddle here from the Ocala National Forest.

History of Silver Springs State Park, Florida

Back in the golden age of Hollywood, Florida had a big role in shooting adventure films and underwater scenes. Silver Springs was at the heart of major motion picture production due to its extremely clear water and very deep head springs. The jungle setting also was the perfect backdrop for any number of exotic locations, but conveniently located in Florida.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Florida Gay Travel Resources

Visiting Hells Canyon National Recreation Area – 2TravelDads

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Hells Canyon - 2TravelDads

Visiting Hells Canyon National Recreation area is a remarkable experience. Being the deepest river gorge in the USA, Hells Canyon is jaw-dropping and such a unique place to explore. We’ve got all the info for planning a trip to this outdoor wonderland, including jet boats, rafting, hiking and more.

If you’re looking specifically for information about doing a jet boat here, we’ve got you covered, but don’t limit yourself to this one activity. From Lewiston or Clarkston there are plenty of ways to explore the Snake River and Idaho wine country. If you have more questions than what we cover, please leave a comment or send us a note!

Things to do at Hells Canyon

What I love about Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is how many things there are to do there AND the whole area around it. With Lewiston, ID and Clarkston, WA at the northern end of the canyon, and Oxbow, OR at the southern end, you’ll never be lacking activities. 

The most common way people visit the gorge is via jet boat, and it’s certainly one of the best things to do in the area. A jet boat is a metal boat that runs on water jet propulsion instead of propeller motors. This allows the jet boats to both go really fast and cover a ton of mileage, and to be able to navigate very shallow areas and through rapids. They’re an awesome fete of engineering.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Lesbian Road Trip to the Best Finger Lakes Waterfalls – Our Taste for Life

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Lesbian Roat Trip to the Best Finger Lakes Waterfalls - Our Taste for Life

Finding the Best Finger Lakes Waterfalls

The Finger Lakes is one of my favourite places to visit on a New York to Florida road trip. In fact, this central New York region is one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been to.

Whenever I plan a New York itinerary, I always schedule extra time for the Finger Lakes. Filled with outdoor adventure, unforgettable hikes, and more waterfalls in one area than I’ve ever seen, it’s a true nature’s paradise.

From iconic state park falls to magical waterfalls off the beaten path, it’s easy to get lost chasing waterfalls in this beautiful region. But they’re not all worth visiting. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of those that shouldn’t be missed.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about Finger Lakes waterfalls, including when to go, entrance fees, and insider tips. I’ll also tell you the best way to take yourself on a tour of all the ocal falls.

By Charlotte & Natalie – Full Story at Our Taste for Life

Local Lesbian Travel Resources

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

The Crack Trail in Killarney – Keep Calm and Wander

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The Crack Trail in Killarney - Keep Calm and Wander

Hiking The Crack trail in Killarney was a different experience I had to endure. And I mean it in a good, satisfying way. It is the best hiking I’ve ever had in Ontario. Reaching the top was insane, but the views were worth the trouble. Every step you make will be worth it, I promise!

Hiking the Crack Trail

The sign at the entrance shows that it’s a difficult-level hiking trail. Like any trail, we started slow and easy. We passed through a forested area as we started our ascent. Then came the blistering rocks and onto the Crack.

Personally, the hike was primarily easy-intermediate, with steep terrains. The only tricky part was the last 10-15 minutes before reaching the apex of The Crack, and we had to scramble on all fours. There was no proper trail, but hikers had to climb huge boulders to pass through the crack. And after this challenge, magnificent views await those who made it to the top!

Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

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