Bellingham Alive | Fly, Drive, Cruise | April 2025

DRIVE FLY

Written by Anne Godenham and Kristen Boehm

We North Sound residents are extremely fortunate to be spoiled with excellent scenery, culture, and food right in our backyards—but even we still get the travel itch, especially when the weather is wet and cold and the evenings descend too quickly. Luckily, we’re also perfectly positioned to head out of town and see new places, with three airports, multiple highways, and various ports within range. So, whether you choose to fly, drive, or cruise, we’ve got a ton of great destination ideas for you!

Puerto Vallarta malecón statue

FLY FLY

If you want to get far away in a short time, air travel is your best bet. While flying has undoubtedly become less comfortable in recent decades, it’s also more affordable than ever (and, hey, a trip somewhere new and different is worth a little discomfort and a mediocre bag of pretzels for lunch). Whether you leave from SeaTac, Everett’s Paine Airfield, or our own Bellingham Airport, the options abound!

Velas Vallarta Resort, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

While Cancún is often the first city that comes to mind for Americans looking to vacation at a Mexican resort, we’d argue that Puerto Vallarta—often referred to by locals as simply Vallarta—is the better choice. While it’s definitely touristy, the vibe is less ‘spring break’ and more ‘laid-back beach town.’ Set on the enormous Bahía de Banderas (Bay of Flags), against the backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains, Vallarta is picturesque from all angles, but it’s also a large city with close to 250,000 residents, which gives it a feeling of being more than just a resort town.

Not that the resort we stayed at is anything to sneer at, either. While there are many good reasons to explore Vallarta (check the sidebar for some starting ideas),

one could easily spend a week within the walls of Velas Vallarta and never get bored—or hungry. The resort, which was one of the first big hotels built on the bay, has two sit-down restaurants, a snack bar by the main pool, and 24-hour room service. There are also periodic large-scale events throughout the year, including one last September that centered entirely around the Chile en Nogada, a stuffed poblano pepper in walnut sauce that serves as a national symbol of Mexican independence (the dish is green, red, and white, like the Mexican flag).

“One thing that is really different in Velas resorts,” says Social Media & PR Manager Ana Kuri, “is that we really do put a lot of effort in the culinary aspect…One of our restaurants, in Los Cabos, and another one in Riviera Maya, just won a Michelin star…That makes us the only hotel chain in the world with two Michelin stars.”

That same level of effort goes into caring for the property, and especially the plants and animals that inhabit it. There are koi in ponds and rivers throughout the grounds, and a stunning peacock named Pancho strolls the pathways, often with his three daughters trailing behind (the ‘wife’ seems to prefer her solitude). Information about the various plants and trees can be found on small, botanical garden-esque plaques in the dirt, and the bougainvillea flowers that trail from every balcony are pampered by a specialist, as are the koi, peafowl, and flora.

“It is a love story,” Kuri says. “The people take care of these super tiny details and super specific things…we

have one person taking care of all of the bougainvillea and he really knows about the flowers and he knows a lot about how to take care of them.”

Velas’s investment in the care of the living things on the property, in addition to their dedication to sustainability and ecological practices in all aspects of property maintenance, is a large part of the reason they’ve been awarded the EarthCheck certificate by Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism for 15 years running.

That same care and attention to detail was evident in every moment of our visit to Velas Vallarta, from the beauty of the grounds and pools to the comfort of our suite, and especially in the service and kindness we experienced from literally every person we interacted with. We can’t wait to go back. velasvallarta.com

Reasons to Head into Town

While it’s certainly easy to spend all your time at the resort, it’s worth hopping an inexpensive taxi—or, if you’re feeling adventurous, catch a ride on the back of a motorcycle with UberMoto—into one of the many fabulous neighborhoods Puerto Vallarta is known for. Here are three to get you started:

For a beachside stroll, great people-watching, and a look at some fabulous public art, head to El Malecón. This 12-block pedestrian promenade is peppered with shops, restaurants, and sculptures, and most evenings there’s some sort of performance going on as well.

If you’re looking for more of a ‘real city’ neighborhood, spend the afternoon in the Zona Romantica, Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town and the hub of the city’s gay community. The area is marked by its laid-back vibe, excellent restaurants, and charming shops—don’t miss Lázaro Cardenas Park, where mosaics decorate everything from benches to planters.

Those of you who like a bit of a workout with your sightseeing might opt to climb up to the Mirador de La Cruz, a sightseeing tower that offers incredible views of the bay and the city below. It’s free, but the bathrooms at the top aren’t, so make sure you have a bit of cash on you!

Las Vegas

If you've never been to Vegas, you might think it's a destination for gamblers and bachelor/ette parties, and it is that—but not just that. Vegas is a bit like an amusement park for adults, with something for everyone, from incredible music and stage shows to luxury shopping and fine dining (and there's even an actual roller coaster at the New York, New York hotel!). If crowds and party scenes aren't your vibe, keep to the strip during the day. Cruise the canal in a gondola at The Venetian, lounge at the Bellagio’s enormous outdoor pool, or take in an early show like Postcard from Earth at The Sphere, then grab dinner at a mellow restaurant like Ramen-Ya Katana and catch an early night. If you like the energy of crowded places or you just love to people-watch, the big hotel casinos are the place to be. You can take part in the action or post up at a table by the window (or on the indoor balcony) at a swanky lounge like Petrossian Bar at the Bellagio, which offers a front-row seat to the swarms of glitter-clad young women and suited men on their way to the tables or a fancy dinner.

Arizona

For a large portion of Washingtonians and Canadians, often referred to as ‘snowbirds,’ Arizona is a well-known winter destination— many even have a second home or timeshare there, and some split the year entirely so they’re never without a full day of sun. But for the rest of us, Arizona is worth even a short visit. Allegiant flies direct from Bellingham to Phoenix, where you can spend a weekend doing everything from hiking Camelback Mountain or visiting the Desert Botanical Garden to riding the Valley Metro Rail around downtown and taking in the colorful murals between excellent meals. Not looking for a city break? Famously luxurious resort town Sedona is less than two hours away and offers relaxation, spa treatments, and nature immersion in spades—they’ve also got a fabulous art scene!

Hawaiʻi is a natural vacation choice for Washingtonians: it has all the things we love in a mountains-meet-water setting that feels like home, only tropical instead of forested. With six main islands to choose from—Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lanaʻi, Maui, Hawaiʻi (or ‘the Big Island’)—visitors can tailor their trip to their exact preferences. Beach bums, luxury seekers, and snorkelers are probably best off at one of Maui’s resort areas, while city-lovers will likely prefer a boutique hotel or AirBnB in Honolulu on Oʻahu. For up-close-and-personal volcano experiences, you’ll want the Big Island, where Kilauea has been erupting actively (but in a confined area) since 1983. And if the natural beauty of Hawaiʻi is the big draw, you’ll be surrounded on any of the islands, but Kauaʻi is the place to stay for sweeping vistas, incredible waterfalls, and botanical gardens galore.

Flying With Children Tips for

For many of us, flying is already a stressful experience; adding kids into the mix threatens to make it unbearable. But it doesn’t have to be! Here are a few tricks to ease the strain.

ƒ Our best piece of advice for flying with children is the same advice we have for surviving the chaos of parenting more generally: lower your standards! Let go of the memory of quiet flights where you could watch Oscar-nominated movies and chow down on overpriced candy, and lean in instead to your kids’ excitement at the view from the window, the unlimited Bluey on the seatback screen (or your phone, if it comes to that), and the little bag of snack mix the flight attendants hand out.

ƒ We also recommend leaning into your kid’s seat, literally. If you had to pay for a seat for their little body, at least you can take up a little extra shoulder or thigh space—they probably want to be glued to you anyway.

ƒ Lastly, never underestimate the value of novelty to kids. A new toy, even something as small as a matchbox car or a tiny Etcha-Sketch, has the potential to be thrilling enough to maintain your kid’s attention for much of the flight (something that’s hard to get with a toy they’re already used to).

Palm Desert / Palm Springs

With direct flights from Bellingham that will deliver you to the sun in under three hours, the Coachella Valley of California is a no-brainer destination for travelers looking to relax and warm their bones. While the main city of Palm Springs is a popular tourist spot for good reasons—it’s teeming with great restaurants, fun nightlife, and pedestrian-friendly—the neighboring resort town of Palm Desert is better for golfers, tennis players, and poolside loungers. Palm Desert is less walkable, and the vibe is a bit less cosmopolitan; Palm Springs is more of a city, and its history of being at the forefront of midcentury design and gay culture gives it a colorful, playful feel. That said, the resorts in Palm Desert offer stunning grounds, exceptional golf courses and tennis courts, and luxury goods: the main shopping street, El Paseo, is often referred to as the “Rodeo Drive of the desert,” thanks to the many designer retailers housed there. Plus, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens offers an in-depth look at the flora and fauna of the surrounding area, as well as some wonderful special exhibits (including the opportunity to handfeed giraffes!).

Small Plane Catch a

Not all air travel has to happen in a commercial jet; here in the PNW we have some of the best small-plane opportunities around! Whether you take a one-hour seaplane tour in Seattle, catch a San Juan Airlines flight to one of the San Juan Islands, or go for a full weekend trip with Vancouver Island Air Tours, you’re bound to see parts of our region you’d never otherwise have witnessed.

DRIVE

Southwest WASHINGTON

There are tons of good reasons to choose the open road the next time you’re planning a trip. Driving allows you to set your own pace, go on spur-of-the-moment side quests, and really soak in the sights, all from the comfort of your own cockpit, so to speak.

Let’s Hit the

I-5

Seattle Southside

Seattle Southside is a region that includes the close cities of Tukwila, SeaTac, and Des Moines. This area is often misunderstood by Washingtonians and visitors alike, partially because it’s overshadowed by Seattle proper, and partially because some of it is relatively new—SeaTac was only incorporated in 1990, and its 10.5 square miles surround the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, after which it is named. The entirety of Seattle Southside has a focus on hospitality and sensational experiences within a variety of settings, from the Puget Sound waterfronts of Des Moines to the metropolitan draws of Tukwila.

For a home base during a trip to Seattle Southside, we recommend Hotel Interurban. The contemporary, 19-floor hotel towers over the Tukwila skyline, seemingly only matched in stature by Mount Rainier in the distance.

A road trip relies on its routes, and luckily, we live right off an iconic American roadway: Interstate 5, also known as I-5 (or “the 5,” if you’re from California). This Interstate Highway runs 1,381 miles, all the way from the Canadian border in Blaine to the Mexican border south of San Diego, making it the main north-south route of the West Coast of the United States and the only continuous Interstate Highway to touch both the Canadian and Mexican borders.

I-5’s 277-mile stretch through Washington connects many Whatcom and Skagit cities, so you should have an easy time hopping on. The I-5 mostly runs parallel to the coast of the Salish Sea, through Seattle and right into our first recommendation.

If you love a bit of retail therapy, the largest mall in Washington State is literally next door. Westfield Southcenter covers almost 1.7 million square feet and has over 200 shops, restaurants, and businesses like a theatre, bowling alley, and an arcade to visit. They even provide a Locker Service where you can store your bags!

Tukwila’s indoor adventures don’t end there! Experience freefall in a windtunnel at iFLY Indoor Skydiving, get curious at The Museum of Flight, or take a factory tour through a real candyland at Seattle Chocolate Company.

The SeaTac community is extremely diverse and lively, having grown into its identity around travel and the mixing of cultures—of its 32,000 residents, almost 40% were born outside the United States.

In 2024, cultural ambassador and Chef Christina Arokiasamy worked to highlight this diverse population by guiding attendees through hands-on, interactive lessons on Peruvian and East

African cuisines at restaurants and stores run by SeaTac locals. In these SeaTac Culinary Tours, Arokiasamy explained the geographical and cultural history behind the cuisine, broke down the flavor profiles of popular dishes ingredient by ingredient, and ended the event with a meal created by the local business.

For the Peruvian tour, the lesson and meal took place at San Fernando Roasted Peruvian Chicken, and the meal included pollo a la grasa, Peruvian ceviche, and chicha morada, a sweet, cold drink made by simmering together purple corn, cinnamon and clove, fruit, and sugar.

Arokiasamy spoke to the importance of exploring worldly cuisines at authentic small businesses, saying, “You’re not just eating the food, you’re keeping someone’s heritage alive.”

At the time of writing, Arokiasamy is leading culinary tours in Kent, but teases some tantalizing 2025 SeaTac tours on her nonprofit’s website, culturegeneration.org.

Another way to experience SeaTac’s vibrant culture is to visit the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden. It has a beautiful history to learn while walking

through 11 acres of lush greenery, including the two original gardens that started Highline over 20 years ago.

Of course, this being SeaTac, Highline Botanical’s founding is tied to the airport—both the Elda Behm Paradise Garden and the Seike Japanese Garden were relocated to this space to avoid destruction due to the airport’s third runway expansion.

We were lucky enough to get a tour of the gardens from retired manager Greg Butler, a founding gardener who, along with 200 volunteers, worked tirelessly to transplant Behm’s garden (making that happen “felt like working with everyone but the Vatican,” he says). His love for Highline Botanical is evident in his effusive recollections, peppered with jokes and fun facts thanks to his masterful knowledge of plants.

Highline Botanical also contains a formal rose garden, an apple orchard left behind from the neighborhood that originally stood where the gardens are today, and many flower gardens created by various local gardening societies.

Visit Washington's Trolls

So you seek the trolls… be wary, traveller! This hero’s journey will take you across waters and into hidden groves, where large magical creatures slumber in wait for you. You’ll be stricken with curiosity, and perhaps find yourself feeling awe… maybe even whimsy. If you choose to brave these conditions, by all means, sally forth.

“Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King” is a public art project by Danish environmental artist, Thomas Dambo, who creates large-scale works out of recycled materials. He’s worked in 20 countries across five continents, and created over 150 giant, hand-built trolls around the world as of 2025. The NWTrolls project is presented by Scan Design Foundation, and out of the six trolls created for it, we’re lucky to have five here in Washington.

The trolls are publicly accessible and free to visit, but their exact locations are kept a secret—don’t worry, there’s usually clues around to help you. Go forth and seek “Pia the Peacekeeper” in Sakai Park on Bainbridge Island, “Bruun Idun” in Lincoln Park in Seattle, “Jakob Two Trees” on Rainier Trail in Issaquah, “Frankie Feetsplinters” at the National Nordic Museum in Seattle, and “Oscar the Bird King” at Point Robinson Park on Vashon Island.

Crafting the Perfect Playlist

Step 1 | Find the thesis

What is this playlist trying to accomplish? Is it setting a mood? Does it have something to say? Is it introducing someone to a new sound? Defining the point of the playlist is all-important. For road trips, I think a mix of jammy tunes to keep the blood flowing and sing-alongs for engagement is a great place to start.

Step 2 | Pick your platform

Many folks today use Spotify for pretty much all their listening needs, and it’s a super easy place to make a playlist. It has a ridiculously huge library of music in every genre. You can even create a temporary playlist with their “queue” feature, so if the mood has shifted, you just “add to queue” the songs that are suddenly relevant, and after they play they’re not cluttering up your library.

But there’s plenty of other ways to make a playlist. You can use other online platforms, like YouTube or Soundcloud, which often have smaller artists than Spotify. You can use iTunes. You can even still burn CDs and record to cassette tapes.

Step 3 | Source the tunes

Don’t overthink this! With the thesis in mind, go to the first songs that pop into your head. From there, branch out and explore. Check out other mainstays in the genres you’re trending towards. You can go hunting for other people’s playlists that have similar vibes and adopt what pleases you. On the aforementioned platforms, there’s often generated playlists by mood or genre that can be really helpful in this phase.

Vashon Island

One of the best parts of choosing to take a Washington staycation is the amount of beautiful hidden gems you can reach in your own car via the ferries! Vashon Island is reminiscent of Orcas and San Juan, offering visitors a mix of seemingly untouched nature, laid-back island life, and top-tier lodging and dining.

A stay at The Lodges at Vashon is enough to make a trip feel restorative all on its own. The lodges are individual bungalows, interconnected by pathways and courtyards on a manicured property in town, just minutes of walking from destinations. It felt like staying in a sleek, modern tiny home village. The Meadow King Lodge had a living area, kitchen nook, bathroom, and bedroom, plus a wet room with an oversized shower, in-floor radiant heat, and double doors that opened to a private patio with seating.

The island takes food and drink seriously. We visited two on-island cideries, Dragon’s Head Cider and Nashi Orchards. Both have beautiful properties, with Dragon’s Head orchard frequented by locals for picnics, and Nashi Orchards being situated on a home property designed after a “17th century Katsura Japanese country estate.” Both craft award-winning ciders and perries, well worth a trip to their tasting rooms to sample, both also sold regionally in Washington, Oregon, and online.

Olympia

Between Seattle and Portland, our state capital is the “just right” city for many folks: big and urban enough to provide a unique, artsy downtown with an excellent cafe culture, small enough that it can still feel a little sleepy, and surrounded by nature for outdoor enthusiasts.

Start a day exploring downtown with a coffee at Ember Goods, a local coffee and retail shop co-founded by four friends who love the outdoors. If you love camping, cozy adventures, and family vibes, visiting this cafe will delight and inspire you. Ember Goods roasts its own organic and fair trade beans in a cabin in the woods outside of town, so it’s always small-batch and fresh. When we visited, we ducked in from the fall rain,

by Kristen Boehm

and sipping on a smoky and sweet Campfire Latte while browsing the clothing, art, and outdoor-geared goods made us feel warm and cozy.

Shopping will always be fun in downtown Olympia. It’s like a scavenger hunt you don’t know you’re on, and you’ll be endlessly surprised ducking into each new shop. Some of our favorites are Browsers Bookshop, an independent bookstore since 1935 with a charming interior and selection; the lotions, potions, and eclectic curiosities of self-care and novelty shop Archibald Sisters; and the dreamy vintage clothes and metaphysical paraphernalia at Psychic Sister (a shop complete with a psychic jukebox and clothing tags that give you good omens).

For something completely different, Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls in the city of Tumwater is only minutes away by car. This 15-acre, privately-owned park is free to visit from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and is a deeply historical site. A looping trail just under a mile allows you to walk along the waters and multiple falls of the Deschutes River, just before it empties into the Budd Inlet, the southernmost point of our beloved Puget Sound. Walking through this river gorge surrounded by PNW forest, massive rock formations, a recreation of a historic wooden bridge, and even a salmon run if you visit in early fall, you can’t help but take it all in and let your stress all out.

The Olympia area has plenty to offer you foodies as well. Pop into the Bread Peddler for artisan bakes at lunchtime, sample local beer at Briggs Taphouse (which gives Terramar Distillery energy via its cult-classic craft pizza), or have a tasting at Stottle Winery in Lacey. For a casual fine dining dinner, settle into Chicory’s deep-blue atmosphere for local fare “influenced by the food traditions and techniques of the American South.” Co-owned by the wife and husband team of Chef Elise Landry and Beverage Director and General Manager Adam Wagner, an evening here is full of well-crafted cocktails, irresistibly prepared veggies, and mains from hot chicken to wagyu tartare.

Step 4 | Set up the structure

A good playlist can be likened to many things, like a story arc or a line of dominoes falling in a row. NNPR producer Bobby Carter said in 2020 that playlists can be structured like a flight: take off, cruising at altitude, and then coming in for a landing.

Introduce your listeners to your thesis, whether that means starting with the oldiesbut-goldies or easing them in with a slow song. Then, hit your stride with crowd-pleasers and surprising bangers alike! As you near the end, bring everything to a cathartic close. By the end of the playlist, everyone should feel like they accomplished something.

Or set it to shuffle and let the fates decide!

Whistler and Victoria, British Columbia

These two destinations are about five hours apart, and each offer unique experiences year-round. Whistler is known for Whistler Blackcomb, one of the biggest and most popular ski resorts in North America (even the world, according to Conde Nast Traveller readers). Obviously a prime destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other snowsports, Whistler Blackcomb also offers a Summer Alpine Experience, including their PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola (which stretches between the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains), over 50 kilometers of hiking trails among glaciers, lakes, and slops, and a 130-meter Cloudraker Skybridge between West Ridge and Whistler Peak, where you can take in 360-degree views at the Raven’s Eye.

Drive down from Whistler to hop on the Tsawwassen ferry (maybe party a little in Vancouver on the way), and next thing you know you’ll be in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. It's known, for a distinctly English feel thanks to its British-colonial past, and history buffs will enjoy touring the Baroque architecture of the Parliament Buildings, completed in 1897, and the Victorian Craigdarroch Castle. Explore other facets of the region’s rich culture via the Royal BC Museum, the second oldest Chinatown in North America, and plentiful art galleries. Enjoy manicured landscapes at The Butchart Gardens, or go whale-watching off the coast.

Tips for Long Drives

Be Prepared

Truly, the most important part of a successful road trip is what you do pre-departure. Your mechanic can perform a pre-trip check-up to check your fluid levels (oil, coolant, and brake fluid included) tire treads and pressure, lights, and windshield wipers. Make sure you fill-up on gas. Pack an emergency kit with first aid, roadside repair needs, and whatever else is important to you. A newer addition to this checklist is making sure you have all your cables, gizmos, and gadgets before you leave. If you don’t want to be charging your phone off the car battery the whole time, bring battery packs!

Prioritize Comfort

Sure, you can make-do with imperfect conditions for a 30 minute drive, but for a road trip? Splurge on some car accessories to transform your ride from a workhorse to a cushy, efficient place you enjoy being. We recommend a good phone holder for the driver, a trash can with a lid, a handheld vacuum for cleanup, gel seat cushions, organizers, and non-infuriating window sun shields to start.

Portland

Just across the Washington-Oregon border, Portland is a perfect weekend trip for those craving new urban adventures. Portland is split by the Willamette River, with attractions you won’t want to miss on both sides, so stay near one of its bridges for easy access. Boutique hotel The Hoxton is in Old Town Chinatown (yes, they’re combined), and has a moody midcentury identity that you won’t forget—not to mention a basement speakeasy, lobby cafe and bar, and rooftop lounge. Tour Portland’s coffee culture at cafes like the groovy Flour Bloom, or lose some quarters at Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade and Bar. Learn and grow at OMSI (the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) or combine wonder with fun at interactive 23,000-square-foot art gallery Hopscotch Portland. Add some fright to your night at Raven’s Manor, a haunted mansion themed bar that offers a terrifying mixology workshop! There’s no end to the creative experiences in this city.

Oregon Coast

The perfect coastal road trip doesn’t exist—oh, wait! How does 363 miles of seaside towns, sandy beaches, and stunning nature sound? The Oregon Coast is both a factual description and a regional name for the long stretch of Oregon’s western edge, which meets the Pacific Ocean from Washington to California. It’s also known colloquially as The People’s Coast thanks to the Oregon Beach Bill, a piece of 1967 state legislation that ensured public ownership of the entire coast.

While you can traverse the whole coast by cruising on U.S. Route 101, there are three distinct regions to the Oregon Coast, each with their own draws and personality, that you might want to explore a little more. The history-rich North Coast, with lighthouses, shipwrecks, and folklore aplenty, stretches from Astoria to Neskowin. From Lincoln city to Florence is the Central Coast, which is all about maritime life, food, and adventure. The South Coast, from Reedsport to Brookings-Harbor, is more remote and rugged, with “coastal forest trails, sand dunes, and secluded beaches.” Learn more at visittheoregoncoast.com

Idaho

Some Idaho destinations are just a day’s drive from Seattle! Northern Idaho (also known as the Idaho panhandle) is yet another treat for PNW nature-lovers, with hiking, biking, wildlife, and scenic drives aplenty.

Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway, Red Horse Mountain Ranch

By way of Spokane, take Interstate 90 East across the border towards Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. If you want, take a day in Coeur d’Alene to enjoy City Park & Beach , a park with a playground, picnic areas, sports courts, and a sandy swimming beach with mountains in the distance. Otherwise, turn off I-90 and onto Idaho 97, a.k.a. the Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway. The route is about 36 miles long, and will take you south along the eastern coast of Lake Coeur

d’Alene . Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles and ospreys, and possibly stretch your legs on the Mineral Ridge Trail before continuing over hills and through forests towards Harrison.

Inland from Harrison’s waterfront development is Red Horse Mountain Ranch, a large, all-inclusive dude ranch retreat. Families, couples, and individuals can book week-long stays, with meals, accommodations, guided activities, and entertainment included. Adventures on offer here include horseback riding, kayaking, sporting clays, and much more. If this is up your trail, the Red Horse Mountain Ranch is undeniably a must-do.

If you still didn’t get enough, the Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway ends where it connects to the White Pine Scenic Byway, which heads south towards Palouse. Learn more about Idaho’s scenic byways at visitnorthidaho.com.

Montana

Driving through Big Sky Country is a road trip for those who really identify with the “ribbon of highway” to “endless skyway” part of "This Land is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie. Wide open air and majestic earth awaits you during a Montana road trip!

A popular Montana destination on a road trip from Washington is Glacier National Park, which takes about 9-10 hours going straight from Seattle. But there’s tons to see on the way there as you travel from Western to Eastern Washington, through the Idaho panhandle, and into Western Montana. The Montanna city of Missoula is a great place to stop for a night and a

bit of civilization between stretches on the open road.

Glacier National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the U.S. (though it is about ten years younger than Mount Rainier National Park, no biggie). Known for its glistening snow-covered Rocky Mountains peaks and monumental glaciers, the park has relatively few miles of paved road through it. Think ahead and reserve your timed entry for the Going-tothe-Sun Road, a 50-mile mountain road that can take you through the park within hours. The drive will deliver you to views of the glaciers, valleys, waterways, wildlife, and steep rock faces of the park. It will take you over Logan Pass, the elevated pass that crosses the Continental Divide. This road trip is a bucket list item for many, and will give you endless stories to tell when you drive back home!

Car Companion Communication

One thing that can make road trips seem daunting or stressful is being in the constant presence of your car companion(s) for however long your drive is. When you’re locked inside a space with the square footage of a guest bathroom for hours on end, anybody could find tensions rising! The best tip for this is having open communication. What does the driver need from the passenger(s)? When is everybody okay with disengaging and having some quiet time? Help each other, talk to each other, and you’ll be right as rain.

Entertainment is Key

While a large draw of roadtrips is the beauty you’ll end up driving through, there’s no denying that every drive is going to have its dull moments. Maybe it’s nighttime and you can’t see past your headlights, or maybe you’re making your way through your fifth two-stoplight roadside town. What you’re definitely going to want to do is talk with your car companion(s) about what kind of music, podcasts, and road games you both like. We, for instance, dig a good sing-along, which can fill up a couple hours if you pick the right albums.

Start Structured, Stay Loose!

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What’s two things every good road trip has? A plan so that you know where you’re going and how to get there, and sidequests that keep the magic alive! The most touted benefit of a road trip is the ability to go on your own time and find little adventures along the way. The mastery is in balancing both.

Cruise

Holland America’s

For the ultimate in hands-off ‘slow travel,’ cruising is where it’s at! Whether you choose to fly to your starting point or leave from a nearby port, once you’ve boarded the ship you can see a bunch of new places without ever repacking your luggage or even changing hotel rooms.

Alaska Tours

While many cruise lines sail to Alaska from Seattle or Vancouver, Holland America has been doing it the longest— they've been visiting Alaska for more than 75 years—and they’ve got the experience and connections to create some truly incredible itineraries. Their 7-Day Alaska Explorer cruise was named 2024’s Best Alaska Cruise by USA Today, and covers all the basics: a day in Juneau to experience the “strangest state capital in the U.S.,” a slow cruise past Hubbard Glacier, then a day each in Sitka and Ketchikan (don’t miss the huge stand of totems at Totem Bight State Park) before heading back to Seattle.

For travelers with a bit more time to spend, and/or a special interest in bears, their new 18-Day Great Bear Rainforest itinerary leaves from Vancouver and maximizes opportunities to see “the big three Ws:” whales, waterfalls, and wildlife. Aboard the Zaandam, passengers will cruise past Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay, passing through Seymour Narrows, Bella Bella, Grenville Channel, Great Bear Rainforest, and Princess Royal Island—plus a full day cruising the Inside Passage. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to see Alaska’s rugged natural beauty from the comfort of the ship, with eight port stops for exploring on land as well. Plus, this cruise offers a chance to see the rare ‘Spirit Bear!’

The aforementioned comfort of the ship, by the way, is more than just shelter from the cold; Holland America’s fleet is thoughtfully designed, and each ship offers comfortable staterooms, contemporary entertainment, and a range of fine dining options. We traveled on the Westerdam last fall and it was like a city unto itself—just going from our room to breakfast got half our steps in for the day! With three full-service restaurants, plus two more casual options, 24-hour room service, and the Morimoto by Sea sushi pop-up, we were absolutely spoiled for choice when it came to the food. The entertainment menu was no less extensive, with an on-board theater with rotating performances, a lounge for live musical acts, and a dedicated “chart-topping hits” dance hall. There was also an art gallery, a casino, and a range of shops to check out—that is, whenever we weren’t playing pickleball on the top deck or swimming in one of the two pools!

With more than half their 11-ship fleet sailing Alaska routes, all of them on par with the Westerdam, you’re bound to have a great time both on and off the ship. Holland America also recently made a $70 million commitment to expanding their Alaska cruisetours and Denali Lodge property, so their tours are going to get even more epic over the next few years! hollandamerica.com

Cruises From

Seattle

‘Roughing It’

on the Alaska Ferry

Want to cruise to Alaska in a much less expensive, albeit significantly less glamorous, way? Hop the ferry! The Alaska Marine Highway System leaves right from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven and travels through the Gulf of Alaska, stopping at a range of cities and going as far as Dutch Harbor and the Aleutian Islands. Passengers can walk on or bring a vehicle, and sleeping options for the multi-day sailings range from standard deck seating to a four-bed cabin with a private bathroom (head).

While Alaska is by far the most common route leaving from Seattle’s port, there are multiple other options for sailing the Pacific. For a tiny taste of the cruising experience—great for travelers who are reticent about water travel, or who aren’t sure yet how they’ll feel about the ship accommodations—Holland America offers a one-night journey from Seattle to Vancouver, which is pretty much as inexpensive and low-time-investment as cruising gets! For the more adventurous, or anyone who wants to really settle in, they also have a range of much longer itineraries, including a 28-Night Far East trip with 14 ports in Japan and a whopping 69-Night South Pacific cruise that goes through 34 ports in Hawai’i, a range of Pacific Islands, and Australia and New Zealand. If the Caribbean is more your vibe, the Cunard Line’s 40-Night World Cruise goes up the coast to Alaska, then turns around and heads south, hitting major Pacific Coast cities like San Francisco and Cabo San Lucas before passing through the Panama Canal and stopping at various Caribbean islands, then finishing up in Miami.

Cruises From

Vancouver

Vancouver’s port offers a similar array of cruises to the Seattle ones, with itineraries to Alaska and Hawai’i leading the charge. But Vancouver is also a great departure port for shorter cruises around the Pacific Northwest, with stops in British Columbia, Washington, and the Oregon coast. Longer itineraries include There’s also an epic 92-Night Grand Pacific Explorer cruise with Viking Ocean Cruises that goes through Alaska and on to Singapore, Jakarta, and Bali, among the 59 total ports.

European

River Cruises

While oceans are the usual association with cruising, river cruises are an excellent way to see inland cities—and the much smaller ships are nonetheless luxurious. With so many historic and beautiful cities lining the rivers of the world, options abound, but Europe is the most common go-to for savvy travelers. Two of the most popular rivers, for very good reasons, are the western Danube (with calls in ports like Budapest, Vienna, and Nuremberg) and the Rhine (which flows through The Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland). There are also fabulous cruises on the Douro River, which runs through Portugal and Spain, as well as farther east on the Danube to Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania

Travel Europe

Must-Haves

If you’re headed to Europe, don’t forget the following essentials:

■ A travel adapter, so your U.S. technology will work in European outlets (hint: get a universal one, so you won’t have to get another one when you go to Asia or the U.K.!)

■ Sturdy, comfortable shoes with grippy soles—cobblestones can be deadly, especially in a light rain.

■ A wallet or purse with multiple pockets, so you can keep different currencies separate. Not every country uses the Euro.

■ Earplugs and/or bluetooth headphones—these are useful everywhere, but many European cities are small and crowded, and the nights can be quite loud.

■ Bonus item: a portable fan. Air conditioning isn’t common in most of Europe, and while the river breeze will likely keep you cool in the evenings you’ll be glad of a bit of artificial air movement in the stagnant afternoons.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers

If you’ve never been on a cruise before, there are a few things you should know before you go.

How to Choose Your Cruise: River vs. Ocean

The choice between a river or ocean cruise will usually be made for you based on your desired ports, but if you’re torn between two options here are some things to consider:

■ River cruise ships are significantly smaller than ocean cruise ships, with an average passenger load of around 150, compared to an average of 3,000 for ocean cruises. For some travelers, this is a relief, while others prefer the relative anonymity of a larger ship/crowd.

■ If you’re looking for a cruise that includes lots of entertainment, shopping, spa opportunities, pool(s) and/or a casino, you definitely want an ocean ship; river ships are usually too small to accommodate such elements.

■ On the other hand, if you’d rather swap more standard entertainment for “enrichment,” as Viking River Cruises calls it, a river cruise will often offer guest lectures, relevant cultural performances, and curated onboard libraries.

■ River cruises are often less family-oriented—some river cruise lines, like Viking, don’t even allow anyone under 18 on board—so they’re a better choice for adults traveling without kids.

Packing: most cruise ship staterooms have limited storage, but the onboard restaurants may have a dress code for dinner—this can make packing tricky! Our best tip is to bring one fancy outfit, including shoes, and keep the rest of your clothing flexible with layers and colors that can combine in more or less casual ways. A black cashmere shawl or cardigan can dress up almost any dress. cruise liners usually offer passengers a range of onshore excursion options, from inexpensive walking tours to full-day trips to inland destinations. Go through the offerings for your cruise well in advance and book anything that catches your fancy so you won’t miss out. do some research on the cultural events in the ports on your itinerary before you board the ship. If there’s a restaurant you want to visit in one city, make those reservations in advance; if a play you’re interested in will be showing at one stop, check to see if you can catch a matinee before you have to be back on the ship, and buy those tickets ahead as well. Your cruise will be much more fun and relaxing if you have your top picks booked before you embark on your journey.

Whether you choose to travel by air, car, or water, you’re sure to have a wonderful time at any of these fantastic destinations. Don’t forget to take a million photos— we’d love to see them if you want to tag us on social media @bellinghamalive!