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Permalink to: Exploring Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun

Exploring Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun

With a wealth of cultural and outdoor activities, a thriving art and food scene, historical sites, and natural areas, Phoenix is more than a snowbird escape.

Permalink to: Exploring Minnesota State Parks

Exploring Minnesota State Parks

Minnesota has 75 state parks and recreation areas, with the largest concentration in the scenic Lake Superior North Shore in the northeastern part of the state. However, parks can be found throughout the state. 

Permalink to: About me – Cindy Carlsson

About me – Cindy Carlsson

I’m a travel evangelist: A photographer, writer, blogger, and public speaker, I love exploring the world and sharing my discoveries.

book cover with sedona red rock

Book review: A great guide to 25 awesome scenic side trips in Arizona and New Mexico

Posted onJuly 8, 2018June 27, 2019Leave a comment

Roadtrip America Arizona and New Mexico: 25 Scenic Side Trips by Rick Quinn doesn’t just take road trippers on a few pleasant scenic drives, it takes them on full-scale adventures through some of the Southwest’s Read More …

CategoriesArizona, New Mexico, USATagsbooks, travel planning

white sand beach with aqua water

My 2018 two week ABC island hopping itinerary

Posted onJune 25, 2018November 13, 2019Leave a comment

Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao (the ABCs of the Caribbean) offer plenty to do on, along, and under the water. However, my January 2018 two week ABC island hopping itinerary also included some of the islands’ Read More …

CategoriesABC islands, Aruba, Bonaire, Caribbean, CuracaoTagstravel planning, tropical islands

Colorful boats and buildings at the old harbor in Siglufjörður, Iceland

Add Siglufjörður to your Iceland Ring Road itinerary

Posted onJune 19, 2018June 27, 20192 Comments

In the far north of Iceland, pretty little Siglufjörður (Siglufjordur) belongs on every Iceland Ring Road itinerary. Why put Siglufjörður on your Ring Road itinerary? The Ring Road, Iceland’s Route 1, offers a wealth of Read More …

CategoriesEurope, IcelandTagsarchitecture

red wood boathouse with old boat on land and boats in the bay

Enjoy the best of summer on an Åland Island holiday

Posted onJune 3, 2018July 16, 201912 Comments

Finland’s Åland Islands aren’t on most travelers’ summer holiday short-list. But if an Åland Island holiday isn’t on your list yet, maybe it’s time you discover these magical islands. (Of course, if it IS on Read More …

CategoriesAland, Europe, Finland

Playing the melody at the Accordionathon outside the Minnesota State Capitol in St Paul for Make Music Twin Cities 2017 - ExplorationVacation #MakeMusic #Minnesota #MyStPaul #USA #accordionathon

Make music on June 21

Posted onMay 21, 2018June 27, 20192 Comments

Make Music Day is a world-wide event open to anyone who wants to join in and music on June 21. Join in the fun and make music on June 21 Held annually on the June Read More …

CategoriesMinneapolis / Saint Paul Twin Cities Metro Area, Minnesota, USATagsfestivals

Labrador tea in bloom in Minnesota's Big Bog State Recreation Area - ExplorationVacation.net

Discover carnivorous plants and more in Minnesota’s Big Bog

Posted onMay 9, 2018October 17, 20184 Comments

Minnesota’s Big Bog State Recreation Area is best known for the mile-long boardwalk that takes visitors into the odd world of the largest peat bog in the lower 48 states.  Expect to see carnivorous plants, Read More …

CategoriesMinnesota, USATagsflowers and gardens, Minnesota state parks

Little Blue Penguin heading back to its nest on New Zealand's Otago Peninsula - ExplorationVacation.net

An evening with New Zealand’s little blue penguins

Posted onApril 24, 2018September 28, 201911 Comments

For a unique night out in New Zealand, spend an evening watching little blue penguins come ashore on the Otago Peninsula. New Zealand’s blue penguins Visitors to New Zealand can generally plan to see three Read More …

CategoriesNew ZealandTagsbirds

Blue Swallow Motel sign over a classic car outside an old motel

Historic Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico

Posted onApril 18, 2018December 3, 2019

With a classic highway commercial strip that’s changed little since the heyday of historic Route 66, travelers on the Mother Road will feel right at home in Tucumcari, New Mexico.

CategoriesNew Mexico, USATagsarchitecture, food and dining, lodging, National Register of Historic Places, road trips

Lakeside gardens at the Chicago Botanic Garden - ExplorationVacation.net

Beauty abounds at the Chicago Botanic Garden

Posted onApril 14, 2018October 17, 201820 Comments

With 27 gardens and four natural areas, the Chicago Botanic Garden provides a lush oasis of calm and beauty just north of the Windy City.

CategoriesChicago, Illinois, USATagsflowers and gardens

Ajo Arizona mural designed by Kat Anderson - ExplorationVacation.net

Discover street art in Ajo, Arizona

Posted onApril 1, 2018October 16, 201914 Comments

The exuberant street art in Ajo, Arizona is a bold and colorful sign of this old mining town’s artistic rebirth.

CategoriesArizona, USATagsart

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  • Home
  • Welcome!
    • About me – Cindy Carlsson
  • Destinations to Explore
    • Africa & Middle East
    • Asia
    • Canada
    • Europe
    • Mexico, Central & South America
    • Islands: New Zealand, South Pacific & more
    • USA
  • Purchase Photography
  • Privacy, Cookies, Copyright & More
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
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