Exploring States
Vacations started as solo adventures, just me, exploring the world on my own. As life changed, so did the way I traveled. What began as solo trips soon included my then-girlfriend (now wife), and over time, family vacations became the new norm, sometimes even with our two dogs in tow. Despite meticulous planning for every trip, unexpected events often occur, adding to the adventure.
Exploring States began as a way to document my travel experiences and share American road trip adventures and travel tips from the places I’ve explored. When I first came up with the idea, extravagant vacations weren’t an option. In 2014, I took a road trip to New Mexico on a tight budget. There wasn’t much money for attractions, but I had plenty for gas, so I embraced the road trip lifestyle. That trip sparked my love for exploring state and national parks, roadside attractions, and state capitols. Over time, I added haunted and historic locations to my must-visit list.
Back then, traveling on a budget wasn’t just a choice. It was a necessity. Even today, I continue to plan cost-conscious vacations because nothing is worse than having the financial burden of a trip follow you home.
As I create new content, I’ll be sharing more road trip stories, travel insights, and practical tips for making the most of every adventure while keeping travel affordable.
Cuise Adventure
We recently returned from our second Alaska cruise, and it was an incredible experience! This trip brought new adventures with different ports, a smaller ship, and two little kids along for the journey. Unlike our first round-trip cruise, this one began in Vancouver and ended in Seward, with stops at Icy Strait, Sitka, and Hubbard Glacier along the way. Join us as we share our Alaska experience, traveling for the second time with older kids, exploring new destinations, and taking a breathtaking scenic train ride to Anchorage.
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TRAVIS K
Travis Kerkvliet is the author of Wonders of the Wild and a lifelong road-tripper who is passionate about exploring America. He is drawn to roadside attractions, national parks, and haunted places, especially historic hotels and old prisons. Travis aims to visit every state, capitol, and national park across the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. His love for the Southwest and its rich history and culture continues to inspire his travels and storytelling.
Keep up with him socially via popular social media platforms.
American Road Trip
WordCamp Phoenix, taking place August 16–19, 2026, is fast approaching, and I’m already weighing my options. Do I drive or fly? So many decisions. As the date gets closer, I’ll finalize my plans and look forward to sharing all the details. Events like this help me grow, connect, and improve Exploring States, where I share American road trip adventures and travel tips built on WordPress.
Adventures
Day 9: Seward to Anchorage Train
Seward to Anchorage Train via Scenic Observation Car Today is the official end of our cruise, and today begins our…
Monster Jam in Wichita, Kansas
Monster Jam Wichita weekend Exploring Kansas Our Monster Jam Wichita weekend began because of a result of a series of…
Day 8: Hubbard Glacier Views
Hubbard Glacier cruise viewing and Final Day of Sailing Our Hubbard Glacier cruise viewing marks the final day at sea. While…