Flying in a hot air balloon over Yolo County in Winters, California with Yolo Ballooning Adventures is spectacular and fun. Finish off the sunrise balloon flight with a bubbly rosé at Turkovich Family Wines.
Michael Hodgson
Winner of a Silver Medal from the North American Travel Journalists Association for travel writing excellence in both 2018 and 2019, and a gold medal for photography excellence from the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association in 2021, Michael has authored more than 16 books and penned many hundreds of feature articles over the years. His travels have taken him to all seven continents. He is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA), the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Professional Photographers of America (PPA).
Biking the Presidio and San Francisco waterfront on electric bikes
The perfect way to really experience and explore the San Francisco Waterfront — and the Presidio park — is on an electric bike or e-bike. Some of the best overlooks and views of the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge can be seen when biking the Presidio and the waterfront.
Adventure Cat Sunset Sail – Best Views in San Francisco
One of the very best views in San Francisco can only be had from the deck of a sailboat. Jump on an Adventure Cat sunset sail to see the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
The best railbike adventure – Find railbikes near me
Railbikes have been used on railroad tracks since the 1800s. It wasn’t until recently that individuals and companies began designing railbikes and offering railbike trips for the public. Railbiking companies are numerous. Our guide will help you to find the best railbike adventure near you and to understand what railbiking is.
River Fox Railbikes – Railbiking adventure near Sacramento
Riding historic train tracks on a railbiking adventure with River Fox Railbikes near Sacramento, California. Pairs of riders pedal two-seat, motor-assisted railbikes along relatively flat railroad tracks.
Choosing Bug Repellents: Which is the best insect repellent for travel
Biting insects all over the world are searching for their next blood meal. You need to know what the best insect repellent is for travel to help prevent a mosquito or tick bite that could carry a nasty disease.
Why I hate ticks and how to prevent tick bites
It’s not all that hard to realize why I hate ticks. The very thought of walking through woods and fields infested with ticks makes my skin crawl. Perhaps it is because of a tick’s predilection to attaching itself firmly to its host, in this case me, and then draining a seemingly prodigious quantity of blood from those dark and moist places where I would rather not have something alien nibbling. Even with my skin dipped in insect repellent and clothes soaked in permethrin, I am on edge.
Travel medical kit: packing a first aid kit for travel
When you are packing for your next international trip, there are a few items that are essential – passport, ID, money, smartphone and a compact travel medical kit. No matter what destination you are heading to in the world, a first aid kit for travel should go with you everywhere.
Immunizations you need: Important vaccinations for travel
Proof of a COVID vaccination is just one of the immunizations travelers need. Before you hop on a plane, you need to know what diseases you may come into contact with, and the important vaccinations for travel you should receive to protect you and your family.
Visit Oregon City – an historic town near Oroville California
The historic town of Oregon City, located near Oroville, California, was founded by Peter Burnett during the California gold rush in 1848. The infamous Burnett became the first governor of California.
Post-pandemic planning checklist for vaccinated travelers
When the CDC gave the green light to fully vaccinated travelers to begin hitting the road and flying again, the announcement generated numerous questions about travel preparation, planning and COVID protection. This checklist for vaccinated travelers is how to start planning your next trip.
Hilton Palm Springs Resort a perfectly located Palm Springs hotel
The Hilton Palm Springs Resort is an ideal place to stay if you want to be within walking distance of The Vineyard Shopping Center, the Palm Springs Art Museum, and downtown Palm Springs.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens: rhododendrons, ocean views, whales
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg is a hidden and magical destination located on the California Mendocino coast. World-class rhododendrons draw many visitors, as does birding, whale watching, and peaceful garden trails.
A love for travel began with my mum
My love for travel and adventure began with my mum. I still take time on her birthday, on Mother’s Day and on International Women’s Day to honor her and thank her for all the gifts she gave me. Gifts that have made me a better traveler, journalist, photographer and, I hope, a better man.
Hiking checklist: 11 essentials for hikers anywhere in the world
From road trippers to adventure travelers, everyone who heads out on a hike needs to pack along emergency gear to keep them safe if things go wrong. The 11 essentials for hikers are items that are easy to carry and pack, and might just save a life – yours.
24 hours in Virginia City – mine tours, Cemetery Gin, and ghosts
Virginia City, Nevada, was the site of the richest silver strike in the world in 1859. Today, Virginia City still looks much like it did during its rough-and-tumble mining beginnings. We’ll guide you on a perfect 24 hours in Virginia City adventure itinerary with saloons and Cemetery Gin included of course.
On-demand accident insurance perfect for adventures near or far
All it takes is one accident to cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills before health insurance kicks in, if it ever does. On-demand accident insurance provides a financial safety net for adventurers anywhere in the world or even at home.
A Noyo River kayak tour plus dinner with a view
A Noyo River kayak tour with Liquid Fusion Kayaks is a slow-paced 1½-hour easy kayak tour designed for all ages and abilities. Expect to see river otters, sea lions, seals, osprey, loons and a host of other wildlife, not to mention enjoy a peaceful outing on the water.
Oak Alley Plantation: A picturesque estate in plantation country
Oak Alley Plantation is an historic plantation country site that sits on the banks of the Mississippi River in Louisiana along the Great River Road. It is owned and operated by the Oak Alley Foundation. The plantation is named for the 28 oak trees that form a magnificent alley up to the main entrance of the estate.
California railbiking: pedaling Skunk Train railbikes in Mendocino
On a Skunk Train Railbikes Explorer Package, pairs of riders pedal a two-seat, motor-assisted railbike along historic railroad tracks beside Pudding Creek and up into majestic redwood groves. The roundtrip railbike tours depart from the Skunk Train depot in Fort Bragg, Calif.
Houmas House: a luxurious plantation country estate
Houmas House estate is a New Orleans area attraction located in Louisiana’s River Parishes. Once one of the biggest and richest plantations in Louisiana’s plantation country, it’s now a destination for lovers of architecture, gardens and fine dining, as well as an entertainment venue.
Explore New Orleans Plantation Country along the Great River Road
Explore New Orleans Plantation Country along the Great River Road following the Mississippi River. Discover wild bayous, vast plantation gardens, luxurious antebellum mansions, stories of folklore and slavery, and innumerable culinary delights. Plantation Country will delight.
Top things to do in Jefferson Parish – historic neighbor to New Orleans
Rich in culture, diverse in its people, and steeped in tradition, there are so many things to do in Jefferson Parish. And its only minutes away from New Orleans. Think swamps and bayous to quaint historic districts, a trendy art scene, and contemporary restaurants. Jefferson Parish is the quiet neighbor to the Big Easy, one you definitely want to meet.
Is it safe to stay in a hotel? What you need to know to stay healthy
Wondering if it is safe to stay in a hotel room because of the coronavirus? No one wants to catch COVID-19 and certainly not from a hotel stay. Many hotels, inns and B&Bs are working to ensure guest and employee health and safety when guests are staying in a hotel. Learn the health tips you need to keep your hotel visit safe.
An Iditarod adventure – In March, Nome Alaska goes to the dogs
Experience the lighter side of an Iditarod adventure. The Iditarod is an epic sled dog race held in March that begins in Anchorage and ends nearly 1,000 miles later in Nome. It has been an annual sporting event in Alaska since 1973, attracting spectators and the best dog sled mushers from around the world.
How to travel in a post-pandemic world – respect, safety, patience
The COVID-19 global pandemic has had a huge impact on travel. When you do however start to travel in a post-pandemic world, be sure to travel with respect and patience, and always travel safely, paying attention to local regulations.
Start to learn languages – Top language learning apps and websites
A look at some of the best language learning apps and language learning websites available today. The best ways to learn languages, aside from immersive experiences, are with language tools you can use at home, online and offline, that you can take with you when you travel.
Goodbye Berlin – Hello to a world forever changed
In two short weeks, we went from happy travelers to anxious escapees. Therese and I held hands and stared out the airplane window. It was goodbye Berlin. Hello to a world forever changed. From Tegel airport to London Heathrow to Los Angeles and then home, each airport provided a glimpse of a world turned upside down because of COVID-19.
Top 3 tips to protect yourself from Zika virus
Planning on traveling to Central and South America or to the Caribbean? Then you would be wise to know how to protect yourself from Zika. The Zika virus is spread by mosquito bite and sexual contact. What are the best ways to protect yourself from getting infected with Zika? We show you how.
Fear of COVID-19 – traveling in the age of coronavirus
Should we be traveling in the age of coronavirus? We make our living as travel writers and photographers. For us, it’s either travel, or find another line of work. But the fear of COVID-19 is real. How do we travel and still stay safe from coronavirus? Read our personal essay on learning to stay calm and travel despite a fear of cornonavirus.