Destinations

Terradrift destination guides help you figure out where to go and what to do (and where to find the best vegan food) in cities all over the world without blowing your budget. We’ll help you experience the world in all sorts of destinations! Don’t forget to pack your hiking boots! Looking for a particular destination? Try our search feature!

Central America | Destinations

Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica is Gorgeous AND Sustainable [Full Guide]
ByAlisha McDarris July 1, 2022July 2, 2025

The term “sustainable travel” often evokes images of low-flow shower heads, rickety beachfront shacks with no AC, yoga retreats deep in the rainforest, and a general lack of luxury amenities. Well, that, or thoughts of nothing more than reusable water bottles and reef-safe sunscreen…Fortunately, sustainable luxury is absolutely an option when traveling. And Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica knows it. I got to experience it first-hand this June, basking in sun and surf while I learned all about what the peninsula–and the accommodations and residences on it–are doing to make the world–and their little corner of it–a cleaner and more sustainable place. Read or watch to find out more about this slice of sustainable, luxury paradise.

Read More Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica is Gorgeous AND Sustainable [Full Guide]
North America

Postcard Cabins Review: Delivering on Super Chill Vibes
ByAlisha McDarris June 23, 2022July 2, 2025

Listen, we love a good weekend getaway as much as the next guy. But if we’re being totally honest, a lil’ weekend break (even if it involves camping) usually still involves laptops, cell phones, notebooks, planners…basically, we’re workaholics and we know it. So when we got the chance to got spend a few nights in one of the Getaway tiny cabins in Wimberley, Texas, we were all, “yes, please!” I mean, cell phone lock boxes? Spotty cell service? No TV? An excuse to just chill the heck out and enjoy some quality time in nature?! Where do we sign up? So we packed our bags and headed to Wimberley, our closest Getaway location (there are locations around the U.S.) to unwind. Here’s what the stay was like.

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Destinations | North America

National Park Reservations: These Parks Require Reservations in 2025
ByAlisha McDarris May 17, 2022January 2, 2025

Want to know what national parks require reservations this year? Here are the areas requiring national park reservations this year. Heading to a national park or two this summer? We highly recommend it! We’ve been to parks from Acadia in Maine to Yosemite in California, Big Bend in Texas to Denali in Alaska and have…

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North America

Surprising Destinations: Outdoor Adventure in Burnet County, Texas
ByAlisha McDarris April 7, 2022July 2, 2025

I often find that if you’re not from Texas, you don’t realize what spectacular outdoor recreation options there are all over the state. From mountains and backpacking trails in the south and west (looking at you Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks) to kayak trails near the coast (Hi, Beaumont) to rolling hills and meandering lakes in Hill Country. But even I wasn’t aware of all of the options for outdoor adventure in Burnet County, just north of my home in Austin! Have I piqued your interest? Well, lace up your boots, mount your bike rack on the back of your car, and load up the kayaks, ’cause it’s about to get wild! Read (and watch) to get the scoop (spoilers: there’s a ski lift on the list…yup…in Texas).

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Destinations | North America

Backpacking in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
ByAlisha McDarris March 17, 2022June 20, 2024

Backpacking in Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers a unique wilderness experience in the desert peaks of West Texas. You should go. Here’s how and what to expect.

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North America

Beginner Guide to Death Valley National Park – Where to Hike and What to Do
ByAlisha McDarris January 18, 2022July 2, 2025

We’ve long been enamored with the idea of Death Valley National Park in California. I mean, we’re pretty into the dark and macabre, so how could we not want to visit a place with landmarks named things like Badwater, Devil’s Golf Course, and Funeral Peak?! But rest assured, even if those places inspire more reticence than excitement, Death Valley National Park is still absolutely worth a visit. So here’s some info to get you started.

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North America

Lake Placid Winter Activities – Outdoorsy Things to do in Lake Placid in the Winter
ByAlisha McDarris January 4, 2022July 2, 2025

Many people who happen to be familiar with the Lake Placid region in New York think of it as a delightful summer destination (I mean, the lake says it all, am I right?). But those in the know know that it’s just as magical in the winter and provides a whole different experience. And it’s a rad experience. We recently spent some time playing in the snow in the area, so here’s our recommendations for all manner of Lake Placid winter activities so you can enjoy the fourth season.

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Destinations | North America

Surprising Destinations: Bike Houston (A Self-Guided E-Bike Tour)
ByAlisha McDarris December 1, 2021July 2, 2025

Houston is a big place. With lots of traffic. And very little parking. It can feel overwhelming. But that’s because it’s got a lot going on in the culture and food departments, not to mention history and business. So it’s definitely worth a visit. The only way to experience the city in our humble opinion? Bike Houston. E-bike Houston, to be precise. So you can go farther faster. That’s why we mounted a pair of electric steeds with Houstonian, cyclist, and micro mobility expert Doogie Roux: so we could zip around the city and feel the breeze in our hair and the sun on our faces, all while not having to worry about parallel parking. Here’s where we went, what we saw, ate, and experienced as we explored Houston by E-bike so you can replicate it on your own ride.

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North America

Surprising Destinations: Outdoor Activities and History in Tulsa, Oklahoma
ByAlisha McDarris November 30, 2021February 7, 2024

We’re not gonna lie. When Tulsa, Oklahoma was suggested to us as a rad, up-and-coming new destination, we thought someone was yanking our chain. I mean, Oklahoma? Really? But as it turns out, Tulsa’s got a lot going on, from cool places to play outside to good food to history. So don’t snub Tulsa for what you think it is; go explore and find out what the city’s really all about. Here’s our list of outdoor activities and historical attractions in Tulsa.

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Destinations | North America

Beat the Crowds on the Quiet Side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
ByAlisha McDarris October 5, 2021July 2, 2025

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, split between Tennesee and North Carolina, is the country’s most visited national park. Like, by a lot. A lot, a lot. This park, which is free to visit, btw, saw over 12 million visitors last year. Twelve! Million! The next most-visited park only saw a little over three! So yeah, it’s safe to say that the Smokies are overrun with tourists and visitors, especially if you’re on the south side of the park around the Blue Ridge Parkway. Fortunately, there’s a trick to avoiding the massive amounts of people (and traffic) rambling through the area: head to the quiet side of the Smokies, the northern edge where there are still picturesque hiking trails and adventures galore, just a lot fewer people. Wanna know what things to do on the peaceful side of the Smokies? Here’s what we recommend.

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