Editor's note: this is such a beautiful description of a place I love, Lassen Volcanic National Park. To read all of Christian Grand's articles here on The Royal Tour, visit his index here. I’m from San Diego, but I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest for about ten years. Over the last decade, I’ve been on…
Atop a 5,700 foot mountain overlooking most of Los Angeles lies a place most Angelenos have never been. Driving about 40 minutes up California Highway 2 - Angeles Crest Highway - from La Canada Flintridge into the heart of Angeles National Forest will bring visitors into a world seemingly incredibly distant from the city, and…
Editor's note: I, too, have visited Crater Lake a number of times, but it is fascinating to read Christian's account of visiting during these times. For more of his stories here on The Royal Tour, visit his index here! Every visit to a national park is a unique experience. I roll over memories in my…
When most people think of the Southern California coastline, they think of huge flat swaths of sand, paths for bikers and roller bladers, bikini-clad women and muscular men lying sunning themselves by the bright blue waters. While these things are true, there are also spots where the mountains end into the sea and rocky cliffs…
Let's put it this way: it is 388 miles to drive between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Imagine being in a cave that whole way, and still not having the exit in sight. That is what makes Mammoth Cave unique. Mammoth Cave National Park protects a bit more than 52,000 acres of central Kentucky, but…
Editor's note: I have been to Belize twice, and have loved it both times. I've stayed in an eco-lodge, gone cave tubing, and explored Mayan ruins at Altun-Ha. This article by Sam gives a taste of what the country has to offer. For all of his articles, click here. I have started a competition with…
Editor's note: I, too, have spent time at Petrified Forest National Park, and it's fun for me to follow another writer's story, in this case our resident park expert, Christian. Mine can be found here, for comparison's sake. To read more of Christian's adventures, click here. I’m fortunate to have been to Petrified Forest National…
Editor's note: it's been more than four months since I have left Southern California, and I am so excited to live vicariously through our amazing Sam Spector on this trip! Don't miss all his writing by clicking here. Also, as circumstances are constantly changing in this time of global pandemic, please check current conditions and…
Editor's note: it is always a brave thing for a travel writer to use the word "favorite." So it really means something when Sam does so here. Make sure you check out all of his articles for more incredibly destinations! The most annoying question you can ask me: “So, what’s, like, your favorite country you…
If you've missed it, my Facebook group, Travelers Tell All (yes, please join), has been running tournaments to keep ourselves amused while we can't travel. We first decided what the best city in the world was, then the best US national park, the best man-made wonder, and the best museum in the world. Now it's…