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Valerie Stimac

Travel & Space Tourism Writer

Valerie Stimac

Travel & Space Tourism Writer

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How to Plan an Amazing Alaska Aurora Trip

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Valerie & Valise

Space Tourism Guide

Follow the Butterflies

EXPLORE @visitutah’s BEST PARKS ✔️ I was EXPLORE @visitutah’s BEST PARKS ✔️ I was going to call this one “Explore Utah’s Mighty Five,” but 1) this photo isn’t from one of Utah’s National Parks (it’s from Dead Horse Point State Park), and 2) I haven’t actually done all five yet myself! (I’ve only done @zionnps @canyonlandsnps & @archesnps, not @brycecanyonnps_gov or @capitolreefnps 🙈) But even if you don’t have the time or vacation days to see all five of Utah’s amazing parks, there’s still plenty of reason to explore the different parks of the Beehive State. Lately I’ve been obsessed with the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin (in Utah and Nevada). This isn’t a place I planned to visit, but rethinking my travels closer to home has helped me get creative and inspired about new places. I’ve even got a trip in the works to explore more of this area and can’t wait to share.
VISIT YOUR HOME CITY LIKE A TOURIST ✔️ Too o VISIT YOUR HOME CITY LIKE A TOURIST ✔️ Too often, we let ourselves become complacent with the place we live and don’t see what’s special about it. I’ve done this in so many of the places I have lived — but this year has definitely given us all the opportunity to explore closer to home than usual. If you need inspiration, my 2020 gift guide for travelers-who-aren’t-traveling includes TWO gifts to help you see the wonder of the world closer to home. (Link in bio!)
VOTE ✔️ This is Exit Glacier, near Seward, A VOTE ✔️ This is Exit Glacier, near Seward, Alaska. I grew up visiting this glacier on occasion, and in the 15 years I called #Alaska home, this glacier shrunk tremendously. But did you know that scientists back in the 1970s and 80s and a real plan to slow climate change and politicians didn’t care? Because of policies like that, glaciers across the globe continue to melt. (Don’t get me started on another climate change issue I live with here in California! 🔥) Who you vote for matters - and not just in the long timelines that we might not see the impact of. The policies we create today impact tomorrow, and I’m proud to vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to try and protect our planet and us - the people on it! Voting day is next week: vote for the world you want, and frankly, vote for your life.
SEE THE SOUTHERN SKY ✔️⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ This one' SEE THE SOUTHERN SKY ✔️⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ This one's for you space fans out there – I know you're out there! (Maybe waaaaay out there? 👨‍🚀)⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ I traveled to Chile's Elqui Valley last year (2019) to see the southern Milky Way for the first time. I also saw the Magellanic clouds and Orion upside down (that confused me for about 20 minutes!). It's the last time I remember having a truly awe-inspiring NEW view of the night sky.⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ You can even see a few meteors streaking through the sky; they happen pretty much all the time as we journey through space!
GO ON AN ALASKA CRUISE ...✔️?⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ I r GO ON AN ALASKA CRUISE ...✔️?⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ I recently asked all of my Alaska subscribers if they wanted me to start sharing #Alaskacruise stories again. I thought it might be a sore spot since so many of them had cancelled/rescheduled their Alaska cruises in 2020.⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ The results were super interesting!:⁠⠀ 🛳 40% were interested in doing a mega cruise in 2021⁠⠀ ⛴ 40% were interested in doing a small ship cruise in 2021⁠⠀ 🙅🏻‍♀️ 20% weren't interested in cruising at all/anymore⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ And approximately 100% of those people who want to cruise are worried they won't happen. ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ I totally get that: I would NOT want to go on a cruise and get stuck on a ship for 30 days! 😷⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ At this point, I'm still planning to go on a small ship cruise with @alaskandreamcruises in September to chase the #northernlights. I can't wait to get back to Alaska again!
IT’S MY BLOGIVERSARY 🥂 Don’t know what a b IT’S MY BLOGIVERSARY 🥂 Don’t know what a blogiversary is? It’s the anniversary of starting my blog! Seven years ago today I officially launched my blog. I was living in #Seattle at the time so I thought that might be a good picture to share. Since then, I’ve been so lucky to slowly carve out a full time income from my blog and have been able to travel the world as a result (as far as Jordan, Kazakhstan, and Chile — but also all across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico). I feel very grateful for how far I’ve been able to go with my #travelblog and am excited to move into the next phase: watch out, Year 10, here I come! 💪🏻
GO DOG SLEDDING ✔️ As we move into the wint GO DOG SLEDDING ✔️ As we move into the winter months, I’ve been getting lots of questions about #Alaska winter activities and things to do (other than seeing the #northernlights, of course!) when it gets that cold outside! One great option is going #dogsledding or mushing! These dogs LOVE to run and many train their whole lives for big races like the #Iditarod. Some who don’t make the “pro level” work at camps like this one, @pawsforadventurellc, where people can go for short rides in the sled! The dogs also love people, so don’t be surprised if you get a few puppy kisses after your ride... Swipe to see what I mean! 🥰 🌟 Pro-Tip: it’s COLD out on the sled so be sure to take advantage of any extra layers that the guides might offer! (Save this post so you don’t forget!)
TAKE A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE ✔️ I’ve taken TAKE A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE ✔️ I’ve taken two hot air balloon rides in my life: one in Colorado and one in #Arizona (pictured). Let’s just say this one isn’t for those afraid of heights! Taking a hot air balloon ride is on a lot of people’s bucket lists, probably because you get to view the world from above — with nothing in the way of all that beauty! 🌟Pro-tip: most hot air balloon rides are very early in the morning, think pre-dawn! You’ll have to set the coffee maker timer early to do this ☕️ Save this post to remember this tip for whenever you’re planning your own #hotairballoon ride. 📸: Taken on @hotairexpeditions in @scottsdaleariz
SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS ✔️ I was lucky to g SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS ✔️ I was lucky to grow up in Alaska and saw the #aurora quite often; it wasn’t til I moved away that I realized it was a unique experience people waited their whole lives to try and do — and planned really expensive trips for! We’re back in Alaska’s aurora season now, and Alaska is technically open for visitors (there are testing requirements though!). If seeing the aurora is on your bucket list, pop over to my profile and click the link for a complete guide on how to do so in #Alaska. 🌟 Pro-tip: the #northernlights are best seen in September and March, so nows a great time to start planning for March 2021! Save this post so you have it whenever you plan. 🔖 📸: @alaskaphototreks in March 2020
© 2019 Valerie Stimac
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