Guest Blog Archives | TRAVELS WITH TAM

5 Types Of Trips To Spark Your Wanderlust This Summer!

May 11, 2018 By Tam Warner 17 Comments

wanderlust, big city, country, cultural explosion, bliss, types of trips, trips to take this summer — Photo by Oliver Sjostrom

Here are 5 Types of Trips to spark your wanderlust this summer! When you know that you want to travel, you start to get excited about where you’re going to go, but you don’t always know exactly what you want to do. It’s a big world, with so much to see and do, so how are you supposed to choose? You know that you can’t do it all at once, Instead, you need to focus on just one idea at a time. If your budget permits and you’ve got the time, you can always add on more stops, right? So, what will it be? Let’s look at the options!

City Lights

First of all, you’ve always got the option of jetting off on a weekend away to a big city. If you’re someone who loves to explore, take in the beauty of a new location, and just enjoy being somewhere completely different than what you’re used to, then it’s safe to say that being in a city will definitely work. Who doesn’t love the excitement of the big city lights?

Country Life

Sometimes, you just want to be able to enjoy a slower pace and ensure that you can get away from your busy schedule for a while. And that’s where the country comes in. Whether it’s heading out to somewhere local or going off to the French countryside where you can see fields for miles and can wake up with the birds, you know the country is always relaxing.

Sailing Away

From the country to the coast, another option is to hit the seas. And if you can get a yacht charter and hop around from island to island, what more could you want? If you know you want incredible weather, a slow pace of life, and to take in a range of different locations on sunny, lazy days, take a yacht charter this summer!

4. Cultural Explosion

Or maybe you want to escape the ordinary and head somewhere completely different? When you know that you want to push your comfort zone, a cultural explosion is exactly what you need. And I do not mean heading off to a different European city. Oh no, you’re going to want to hop over to Bali or visit Sri Lanka or Thailand or Africa, and really take in a different way of life.

Unadulterated Bliss

And finally, there’s also the option of going for what most of us will call our guilty pleasures – the secluded getaway. Because lying on a beach or being pampered in a spa resort really is one of the most relaxing and de-stressing travel experiences around!

So…what are YOU going to do???

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The 6 Best Places to Hike in Wisconsin!

April 16, 2018 By Tam Warner 13 Comments

The 6 best places to hike in Wisconsin are beautiful! Are you under the impression that Wisconsin is a frozen tundra or is flat and only focused on bicycle trails? Have you wondered where you can go for some great hiking that rivals other areas of the country? If so, this post is for you!

As an idea for a post, I thought this one would be easy. Great hiking trails in Wisconsin? There are plenty! The problem came down to narrowing it down into a neat little list that I could easily share with everyone!

With 47 state parks, 72 counties with their own great parks, and over 2500 miles of hiking trails, including two National Trails – the Ice Age Scenic Trail and the North Country Scenic Trail, this one was a lot more difficult than I imagined!

So, to help me organize my thoughts, I decided to focus on trails in some of the main geographic formations of Wisconsin, the Driftless Area, the Kettle Moraines, Door County Peninsula, Apostle Islands, and the Upper Highlands.

Most of the Wisconsin landscape was formed by huge glaciers. The Driftless Area, shared by Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa, is a region left untouched by glaciers, leaving a rugged terrain formed by major rivers, like the Mississippi, and flooding from melting glaciers.

At the eastern edge of this area lies one of my favorite State Parks and hiking areas, Devil’s Lake.

Devil’s Lake State Park

Devil’s Lake State Park is the largest state park in Wisconsin and one of the oldest. Its 500-foot quartzite bluffs are part of the Baraboo Range and includes a 360 acre lake, a mixed conifer-deciduous forest, unique rock formations, effigy mounds, and a deep gorge known as Parfrey’s Glen.

The area is an unexpected natural wonder and an outdoor paradise of the Midwest.

There are 41 miles of hiking trails in the park, including the Ice Age Trail, and the best ones are listed here.

The best trail to hike is a loop made up of West Bluff Trail, Balanced Rock Trail, East Bluff Trail and Devil’s Doorway plus a bit of walking through the parking lots and concession area, for a total of about 4.5 miles.

The trail consists of stone steps, rock formations, scenic views, bluff edges, woods, cliffs, and boardwalks.

Going up the bluff at Balanced Rock Trail is easier, in my opinion, than going down. You can start at the South Shore or the North Shore, but either way, I’d go counter-clockwise. There is a steep climb with rock steps and switchbacks, but well worth the views!

When you get to the top, head right along the East Bluff Trail to the Devil’s Doorway side trail before double-backing and continuing on along the cliff. You could also descend down via the Potholes Trail if you’re short on time.

You’ll have to drive down the road a bit to Parfreys Glen, a 1.5 out-and-back trail through a scenic gorge at the eastern end of the park. Powerful floods have changed the glen and the official trail now ends at the gorge. Hikers can continue on by navigating a stream and rough stone to the waterfall.

Wyalusing State Park

Wyalusing State Park, also residing in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, sits 500 feet above where the waters of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers meet and is one of Wisconsin’s oldest parks. The park consists of campsites with views and even a canoe/kayaking trail.

It has over 14 miles of hiking trails, and the best are listed here.

Bluff Trail to Old Immigrant Trail

This 3-mile trail starts at some scenic outlooks, winds down through a couple staircases/ladders to Treasure Cave, and then follows the ridge along the Wisconsin River bluff to the other side of the campground.

You can also connect to the Old Wagon Road Trail (1 mile) which takes a path through the woods out to the park road in order to make a loop.

Sugar Maple Trail

This 2.5 mile loop through the woods includes a self-guided nature trail with informational signs. A short side trail leads to Pictured Rock Cave with a wet-weather waterfall.

Sentinel Ridge Trail

This 1.5 mile trail follows the ridge above the Mississippi River side of the park in between the Old Immigrant Trail and the Sugar Maple Trail. You will either need to go out and back or follow the park road back to your starting point.

There are some steep areas and great views along this trail, along with Indian mounds.

Kettle Moraine State Forest

Kettle Moraine is a large area of lakes, kettles, serpentine ridges, and canonical hills in Eastern Wisconsin formed by receding glaciers and offering many outdoor recreation opportunities. It includes a State Forest and is divided into a Northern Unit with 14 trailheads and a Southern Unit with 17 trailheads.

The best of over 145 miles of trails in this area are listed here.

Ice Age Trail to Lapham Peak
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is more than 1,000 miles in 30 counties across Wisconsin. It starts at Interstate State Park, following the edge of the last continental glacier in Wisconsin to Lake Michigan.

The trail covers some of Wisconsin’s most scenic areas, including the Kettle Moraine area. One of the best sections is the hike to Lapham Peak.

This 2.8-mile trail is a moderate loop through woods and grassy areas. It starts at the entrance of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Laphma Peak Unit and includes an observation tower at Lapham Peak. You can connect up to the Kettle View Trail to make the loop.

Also in the Kettle Moraine Forest, don’t miss the 3.4 mile out-and-back Bald Bluff Trail, the Emma Carlin Trails (watch out for mountain bikes!), Scuppernong Trail, and the Parnell Tower Trail. All worthy for a stop!

Apostle Islands

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is made up of 21 islands and 12 miles of coastal mainland on the shores of Lake Superior. It includes cliffs, sea caves, rock formations, beaches, light houses, and many hiking trails.

Seeing all of the features of the islands requires a boat tour, and some of the 50 miles of hiking trails are only accessible via boat. The best trails are listed here.

Meyers Beach Sea Cave Trail (aka Lakeshore Trail)
This 4.6-mile out-and-back trail follows the shoreline of Lake Superior and offers spectacular views of the lake and the sea caves below. It starts with a boardwalk at Meyer’s Beach and includes edge and wooded sections.

Island Hikes
Take the ferry over to Madeline Island and hike Big Bay State Park, then check out the trails and camping at Stockton Island, hike the Overlook Trail and see the Hole in the Wall on Oak Island, and wander among 250-year-old trees and view sea caves on Sand Island.

As you leave the Apostle Islands, head over to Lost Creek Falls, one of Wisconsin’s best waterfall hiking trails. It’s a 2.2-mile out and back trail through lush woods to a beautiful waterfall. To access the trail from Cornucopia, take County Road C South to Trail Drive (on the right) to the parking area.

Peninsula State Park

Peninsula State Park is located in the Door Peninsula of Wisconsin, which lies between Lake Michigan and Green Bay. The park includes high bluffs and sandy beaches with 8 miles of shoreline on Green Bay.

The Eagle Bluff Trail is a 2-mile loop along the shoreline and through woods with stunning views and some beach access. You walk along the water with 100 foot bluffs and a some caves. You can extend your hike by taking Minnehaha to Lone Pine to Sentinel to make a 4.25 mile loop.

The park is filled with miles 30 miles of hiking and bicycle trails which make for easy hiking throughout the rest of the park and shoreline.

These are just five of the top hiking areas of Wisconsin. I’m sure if you ask 10 people who love Wisconsin, you will get a different list! There are just that many great trails and scenic areas! If you’re going to hike these areas, it’s a good idea to bring mosquito and tick repellent (Deep Woods Off is my favorite), plenty of water, and a Wisconsin State Park pass.

However, I do think that these hikes do a great job at representing the diverse geography of Wisconsin. It’s a beautiful state with a lot to offer. Many of these hiking trails are open in the winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. So, don’t be afraid to come any time of year to check them out!

If you are thinking of planning a road trip to or in Wisconsin, or looking for recommendations on where to stay, eat, or other activities while exploring this wonderful area, we can help! Just let us know at Roadtrippers R Us!

Thanks for reading!

Kristi, aka The Trippy Tripster!

4 Awesome Things to Do in Tasmania!

March 19, 2018 By Tam Warner 16 Comments

Having always wanted to go to Tasmania, I was very happy to receive a request to publish 4 Awesome Things to do in Tasmania! I’m hanging on every word, and trying to plan when I can go! Tasmania is an isolated island state off Australia’s southern coast, and is known for its vast, rugged wilderness areas, largely protected within parks and reserves. Sounds like a perfect vacation, doesn’t it?

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The 8 biggest Waterslides in the World!

March 11, 2018 By Tam Warner 16 Comments

Check out the 8 biggest waterslides in the world! Summer equals sea and sun and most of the people choose as a destination a place with crystal clear waters all around the world. Some people, however, choose destination with water parks and huge water slides in order to feel more adventurous. The water parks are refreshing, relaxing and entertaining. If the prospect of adventure gets the adrenaline pumping and you are adventurous, there are some huge water parks all around the world that will surely make you reconsider your next holiday destination is going to be.

Insano (Beach Park, Brazil)

In Brazil, there are a lot of options when you want to have a really good time under the sun. Endless beaches with crystal clear waters make the dream vacation destination. There is also a huge water park that really worth visiting, the Insano Park. It is located 55 miles south of Fortaleza and is visited by those who need a solid dose of adrenaline. It has one of the world’s tallest waterslide, which is 42 meters long.

Brain Wash (Wet ‘n’ Wild Water Park, Florida)

This walk is sure to be unforgettable, accompanied by sounds, videos and lights, as well as a vertical 16-meter downhill that will most likely make your heart race. Florida is not only good for the glam style. It’s fun too.

Aqualoop (Terme 3000 Adventure Pool Complex, Slovenia)

In this wonderful waterpark in Slovenia, one of the fastest slides in the world can be found. It has a 360 degree turn that will surely confuse your senses as you go down.

Faser (Galaxy Erding, Germany)

Erding is a small town located just outside Munich. There is however a great reason for visiting this place even though you do not think of a small city in Germany when you dream of your vacation. Upon your arrival, you will catch a speed of 72 km / h in one of its most famous slides.

Jumeirah Sceirah (Wild Wadi Waterpark, Dubai)

In the heart of Dubai is this incredible water park. It has places especially designed for those who want to relax, but Jumeirah Sceirah is definitely not one of them. At your arrival you will reach 80 km / h on this slide.

Summit Plummet (Disney’s Blizzard Beach, Florida)

It is well known that the descent to Disney’s Blizzard Beach will make you reach 96 km / h. But if you want, you can have a speedometer with you and you know exactly the speed is at all times.

The Scorpion’s Tail (Noah’s Ark Waterpark, Wisconsin)

The park is located 55 miles north of Madison. If you find yourself there, you will get down 122 meters of slides in 5 to 8 seconds. Suitable only for those you do not have heart problems.

Leap of Faith (Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas)

This water park in Bahamas is unique for a certain reason, besides its great facilities. From the 18 meter slide in the air, the courageous will pass through a tube surrounded by a shark lake!

Waterbom Bali

Waterbom Bali is one of the largest water parks in the world, which covers a very long distance and which is on the south side to the city Kuta. It is the biggest and the absolute choice of all tourists who want to spend an unforgettable day. It offers moments of relaxation and intense fun in its friendly and cool environment and has attracted many millions of visitors over the years. If, you are brave enough, you should try the thrilling ‘Climax’. It’s an almost 30 meter slide, which takes you up and all of a sudden, drops you down causing you to experience 3G’s. You end up in the water through a near vertical dip. This slide should not be preferred by people who are afraid of heights and have heart problems. In Indonesia you can also relax in luxury spa Jakarta. It will feel just as if you were a child again.

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Fabulous Recipe for #MeatlessMonday from Cultureatz! Enjoy!

February 19, 2018 By Tam Warner 2 Comments

A fabulous recipe for almond soup on meatfree Monday!

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Top Tips To Safely and Smoothly Cross The Canadian Border In Your RV

November 17, 2017 By Tam Warner 6 Comments

Canada, Canadian border, tips — Oh Canada!

Cross the Canadian Border in your RV!

If you’re an American planning on embarking on an RV road trip into Canada, you should know that you will embark on a trip that will be equally as fun as it is memorable. If you’re not sure about where to go yet, Outdoorsy is a great resource to help research the best Canadian RV destinations.

But you should also know that since you’re obviously going to have to cross the border to get into Canada, there are some things you should know.

Canada, Canadian border, travel tips, RV — Photo by Melody Pittman of Wherever I May Roam Blog

Here are the top tips you need to follow to safely and smoothly cross the Canadian border in your RV:

Plan Extra Travel Time

Once you reach the U.S-Canadian border, the first thing you will notice is that there will be hundreds of assorted vehicles all backed up as they await their turn. While it largely depends on the time of day and year you arrive in regards to how long the line will be, plan on waiting at least thirty minutes to an hour before you talk to the border guard and are allowed entry.

Bring Your Vehicle Registration and Insurance

Just like in America, you must have your vehicle insurance and registration at all times. While you won’t be required to present it to the border guard, it is legally required for you to have in Canada.

Bring Your Passport

As you may have anticipated, crossing the Canadian border will require you to bring your passport. The only exceptions for where you won’t need your passport is if you are traveling internationally and have an enhanced driver’s license, or if you enter and exit Canada repeatedly and have a NEXUS card.

Bring A Rabies Vaccination Certificate (If You Have Pets)

Are bringing dogs and/or cats with you on your RV trip? If so, then you will need to bring a rabies vaccination certificate so long as your pets are older than three months old. Your vaccination certificate can only be provided to you from a certified veterinarian, and they will be valid for anywhere from one to three years.

The only types of pets that are exempt from needing a rabies vaccination certificate to enter Canada is if you have a service dog. Otherwise, you will need the certificate.

Keep Your License Plate Number Handy

The border guard will likely ask you for your license plate number, so you’ll either need to know it off the top of your head or have it written down on a piece of paper that you can show them.

Crossing The Canadian Border

An RV road trip in Canada is one of the best journeys that you can possibly take, especially in the summer. At the same time, there are many rules that you will need to follow to cross the border, but the tips you have learned in this article will help make everything go as smoothly as possible.