By the time this blog goes live, I will be halfway through my adventure in Utah. It has always been on my list of places to explore, but I have never had the chance or the travel buddy until now. Before this, I have only been to the western side of the United States for quick work trips or a weekend wedding but have never had the chance to explore for more than a day or two.
Photo courtesy of Sundance Mountain Resort.
On our first stop, we are visiting Sundance Mountain Resort. Arriving June 20, we will fly in on the day of the Summer Solstice Event. The resort has a day of activities we are able to join, from yoga, music, a BBQ dinner to an interesting and unique class to make an authentic Native American drum. The class takes attendees through the history and meaning behind drumming. A guide will help visitors create their own instrument with buffalo or elk hide and a wooden hoop made from a maple tree. Although I did not sign up for this experience, I will pop my head in to take a glance at the action.
Photo courtesy of Sundance Mountain Resort.
After a couple days at the resort, we head to an area around Zion National Park in Hurricane, Utah, to go glamping. I am ecstatic to do this as I have not been camping in about eight years. We found our spot on Airbnb, with the most stunning view, called Ponderosa Pine Luxury Camp Sites. I cannot wait to wake up for the sunrise as it hits the large rock formation in front of our tent. It is going to be breathtaking. We will spend two nights here to give us a chance to explore as much of the area as we can.
Next on the itinerary, we are going east to the Grand Canyon. This campsite is right outside of the North Rim entrance of the canyon in Williams, Arizona. Yet another glamping Airbnb, this listing sounded phenomenal and like a one-of-a-kind experience with locals. Our stay is fully hosted by the owners of the property, called Camp Prado, Rich and Jeff. Upon reading the more than 1,400 reviews with an average of 4.91 stars, how could we not book? The hosts help you set up camp, cook a family-style meal of chili and cornbread (yum) for all who are staying the night and have breakfast in the morning. What a steal! The reviews make note Rich and Jeff have a telescope they like to bring out to show guests the stars, and by the end of the stay, everyone felt like family. I can’t wait for this experience.
Once our outdoor adventure is over, we are making a short drive to Las Vegas to stay at the Mirage. My boyfriend, Jason, doesn’t know this yet, but our friend from Germany, Ugi, will surprise him by meeting us there to celebrate his 30th birthday. Ugi purchased tickets for us to see DJ Steve Aoki, famous for throwing full sheet cakes at people in the crowd, at the day club Wet Republic.
I know this will be one of my best trips so far, and I cannot wait to come back with some first-hand experiences to share on Global Traveler!
— Audrey Lee, assistant editor
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Apr 18, 2024Fort George Hotel & Spa Transforms Belize City from Gateway to Destination
Belize City is better known as a business center and a stop en route to Belize’s lush rural destinations, but Fort George Hotel & Spa promises to change things up and reframe the nation’s capital as a destination in its own right. Located in the city’s Fort George neighborhood, the hotel debuted as the first luxury hotel in Belize City, boasting sophisticated design, elevated culinary offerings, expansive guestrooms and an inspiring wellness program. The hotel also features a branded fitness center, plunge pool and K’IN Spa.
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
Daily
Apr 18, 2024Explore the Secrets of the Distant Stars with Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas’ New SKY Gurus
Have you ever looked up at the sky and questioned the mysteries of the universe? For travelers looking to learn more about the stars and their secrets, head to SKY at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas.
Daily
Apr 18, 2024Exclusive Golf and Tennis Itineraries from Kensington Tours
Kensington Tours recently announced a limited series of luxury itineraries centered on golf and tennis, including world-famous events like Wimbledon.
Sponsored Content
The Argosaronic Islands Are Calling
The Saronic or Argo Saronic Islands of Greece call travelers to explore its seven small islands and islets brimming with history, natural sites and more. With most easily accessible by boat, the islands’ proximity to ports of Athens make the Saronic Islands an ideal destination for those preferring shorter boat rides. In fact, trips from Athens ports to the islands take only between 10 minutes and two hours, depending on the island you choose, making them perfect for day or weekend trips. From Piraeus port, you can access Hydra, Spetses, Aegina and Poros directly. Come explore these stunning islands with us and find the inspiration to plan your next trip to these islands. Hydra Hydra town curves around a slope overlooking the Argosaronic Gulf like an amphitheater and is considered one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. Most unique to the island is its lack of vehicles. People on the island get around on mules and donkeys as well as water taxis, making for a peaceful and laid-back day. Hydra lies a two-hour ferry ride from Piraeus port in Athens.
Bhutan
Apr 17, 2024Mindfulness City in Kingdom of Bhutan Unveiled as Future Economic Hub
In front of an audience of 30,000 Kingdom of Bhutan residents and officials, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck presented his vision for a new economic hub in Bhutan. Located between India to the south and China to the north, Bhutan is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Bhutan came late to global tourism. It opened its borders to international visitors in 1974 and, while tourism definitely increased, residents are enduring “light” rush-hour traffic in Thimphu, its capital city, as the only Asian capital without traffic lights.
Amansara Review
eFlyer Reviews
Apr 17, 2024Regent Santa Monica Beach to Debut This Summer
Daily
Apr 17, 2024eFlyer Deals
Apr 17, 2024Birder’s Delight at Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa
Calling all bird lovers! Make for Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa in Mendocino, California, and book the all-new Birder’s Delight offer. Designed for nature enthusiasts, this offer takes two guests on a guided birdwatching excursion.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Trip Cancellation Insurance?
Don’t risk losing all the money you’ve spent if you must cancel your trip at the last minute. Allianz Travel Insurance can give you:
eFlyer Deals
Apr 17, 2024Love and Let Fly at Sandals, Beaches Resorts
On Feb. 24, American Airlines launched a new, nonstop flight (AA4407) to the Caribbean Riviera. To celebrate the new flight, Sandals and Beaches Resorts launched the Love and Let Fly offer, honoring both spring and a stronger connection between the Caribbean and U.S. travelers.
ShareThis