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All in Adventure Travel
As a kid, my dream was to see the world. My oldest core memories come from road trips with my family growing, which is why I think I love them so much still to this day. Every year, I try to take at least 3 or 4 "big" road trips to new places. However, whenever I can return to a location that blew my mind, I get very happy. And, I must say Monument Valley is one of those locations.
For the past few months I’ve been obsessed with Craig Mod and the way he shares his great walks around Japan with his readers. This sparked inside of me the desire to look at how I share my road trips with everyone on my weekly newsletter and those who read The Travel Journal religiously. Enough fanboying over Craig and his amazing work (BTW he just released a new book), here is what that really means for the upcoming road trip around a relatively overlooked part of the Western United States.
Before the sun rose, we had our shorts on, bags packed, and towels slung over our shoulder. Andrew has the behemoth Muse Roamer that allows for a very plush life on the road, meanwhile I have modest comforts with a converted van. So, I crawled out of the van and headed into the heated Muse Roamer to enjoy coffee to wait for the best lighting.
Consistency is not frequency, yet many creatives think these words are synonymous. Heck, I used to think this was the case until a few years ago, which lead to me leaving all social media platforms for about 2.5 years, but that is a story for another time. To debunk the consistency vs frequency argument, I’m starting with the fundamentals…
The warmth of my bed hugged me, saying, "Stay here, forever. I'll keep you warm and comfortable." And, boy, how I wanted to stay under my covers and look out my window at the sunrise, but I was here for an assignment, not vacation.
As a kid, I dreamed of visiting all seven continents. I’m proud to say, after this trip to Egypt, my 12 year-old-self would greet me with a smile and say, “Good job, Dalton, you did it. Now, were else else are we going to go? You’re only 31.” Laughing to myself as I write this, I understand my younger self was never satisfied. I’m still kind of like that, but, for now, it’s time to sit back and process this privilege I’ve been blessed to enjoy.
From 2016 to 2022, my focus was strictly on adventure content. I chased swells towering 50 feet above my head as I snapped images from the water, dangled from ropes 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley’s floor, and all the things in between that stroke an adventurer’s ego.
Whale watching in Baja California is one of the most sought-after experiences for adventure travelers. Every year, hundreds of gray whales migrate to Baja’s warm waters to mate and give birth, creating a unique opportunity to see these majestic creatures up close. This annual migration draws visitors from across the globe, eager to witness one of nature’s most remarkable spectacles. But when is the best time to plan your visit?
Driving to Baja, Mexico, is a popular adventure for travelers seeking stunning beaches, charming towns, and endless outdoor activities. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or an extended exploration of this breathtaking region, being prepared with the necessary documents is essential. Forgetting even one critical piece of paperwork can lead to delays, fines, or other complications. Here’s a detailed guide to help ensure your journey goes smoothly.
Living near Lake Tahoe has given me the chance to explore its waters countless times, and I can confidently say it’s a kayaker’s paradise. The combination of pristine waters, dramatic alpine scenery, and hidden gems makes every paddle feel like a new adventure. If you’re planning to kayak Tahoe, here are some of my favorite spots to explore.
Adventure comes in all shapes and sizes, yet, we feel it is hard to discover new adventures. So, the editors at The Adventure Travel Network have teamed up to create a space highlighting the best adventures we have heard about each week. Without further adieu, we give you the coolest adventures we found this week:
Some adventures come from spontaneous ideas, and this was one of them. Kristin and I, both having grown up near Lake Tahoe, realized that despite our roots, we had never spent a full day kayaking its iconic waters. So, we woke up at 3:30 a.m. with a bold plan: hit three stunning kayaking spots in a single day—Emerald Bay, Bonsai Rock, and Zephyr Cove.
After days of driving, endless highways, and countless moments of awe, we finally reached the Canada-Alaska border. For me, it wasn’t just another milestone on the map. It felt like the culmination of everything the journey had been leading up to. My dad and I pulled over, parked the van, and stepped out to take it all in. That moment—standing there with one foot in Canada and the other in Alaska—became one of my favorite memories of the entire trip.
When the opportunity to create a documentary about Mount Denali came my way, I had two choices: fly to Alaska or drive. I chose to drive. That decision transformed what could have been a straightforward work trip into an unforgettable adventure—one that tested my limits, deepened my bond with my dad, and left me with memories I’ll carry for the rest of my life.
I have driven to Alaska and back. Each way taught me new lessons about timing, route choices, and personal limits. These tips will help you plan your own road trip with a clear mind and a realistic approach. Whether you’re an experienced road-tripper or embarking on your first major journey, Alaska’s vast wilderness offers lessons you’ll carry with you for a lifetime.
Camping in Baja is a truly unique experience. The stunning desert landscapes, the wide-open skies, and the incredible solitude make it a paradise for adventurers. But as we learned the hard way, Baja's beauty comes with its own set of challenges—challenges that can be made much easier with the right gear. Chief among these: don’t forget your rainfly.
When you drive to Alaska, the road has a way of leaving its mark on you. It’s not just the miles you cover but the moments that make you stop, look around, and truly feel the scale of the world. On my drive, there were three experiences that stood out and defined the journey: standing at the Canada-Alaska border, driving those endless highways that stretch into the wilderness, and seeing my first glacier. Each of these moments wasn’t just beautiful—they were unforgettable.
If you’re thinking about traveling to Alaska, there’s a choice you’ll have to make: fly or drive. For me, the decision to drive wasn’t just about getting there—it was about everything that happens along the way. Choosing to drive instead of fly let me feel the sheer vastness of Alaska, experience the wild beauty as it unfolded, and share an unforgettable journey with my dad. What could have been a quick flight turned into a trip I’ll never forget.
