Erika is an avid traveler and explorer of over ninety countries on six different continents. Since 2011, she has spent time studying Arabic in the Middle East, teaching English in Namibia and working as a flight attendant for a major US airline. When not traveling overseas, she loves exploring her own backyard in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

  • Birds in Ocean Shores
    United States of America

    Day Trip to Ocean Shores and Seabrook

    The Washington Coast is rugged, wild, and often forgotten. Unlike the renowned stretches of Pacific shoreline in Oregon and California, the Washington beaches can feel like a bit of an afterthought.  Geographical and logistical barriers divide Washington’s coastline into three distinct sections. The northern part lies within Olympic National Park and is largely regarded as the state’s most striking, while the southern portion boasts the state’s largest and most famous beach.  Washington’s central coast lacks the wow-factors that draw visitors north and south. Characterized by its haphazard resort towns and…

  • Port Townsend--Cutest Town in Washington
    United States of America

    10 Adorable Small Towns in Washington

    Washington may be best known for its eye-popping scenery, but the state’s beauty isn’t only relegated to nature. Throughout Washington, quaint population centers support fishing, agriculture and tourism industries. They are home to historic downtowns, tasty eateries, and vibrant festivals. These beautiful small towns lie sprinkled along seasides and tucked amidst mountains. For lovers of art and culture, they offer gallery-hopping and window-shopping opportunities. And for recreation enthusiasts, they act as fantastic launchpads for adventures into the state’s great outdoors.   QUAINT TOWNS IN WASHINGTON STATE The United States isn’t…

  • Lime Kiln Lighthouse
    United States of America

    6 Awesome Things to Do on San Juan Island

    San Juan Island is one of Washington State’s favorite summer destinations. Situated within eyeshot of Canada in the northern Puget Sound, the fleck of emerald land defies the hustle and bustle of nearby Seattle.  On San Juan Island, the pace of daily life slows to a peaceful amble. It is the type of destination that lures relaxation-seekers and nature-lovers. The type of place where  lapping waves and cooing seabirds act as a soundtrack to the scenery.  Among its eclectic mix of things to do, the island boasts natural, artistic and…

  • North Cascades National Park-Ste
    United States of America

    Cascade Loop Road Trip in Washington

    Washington’s Cascade Loop paints a dramatic portrait of the Pacific Northwest’s raw and wild scenery. The area’s roadside attractions feature granite mountain peaks that reach toward the sky, quaint towns nestled among greenery, and emerald islands sprinkled across cobalt waters. While many stops along the Cascade Loop are must-sees on their own, together they form an unforgettable road trip itinerary. Along its course, the road trip reveals a tapestry of lakes, rivers, forests, and mountains. With twisting scenic byways and opportunities for jaunts into untamed wilderness, the 440 mile loop…

  • Skagit Valley Tulip Fields
    United States of America

    Skagit Valley Day Trip from Seattle

    Every year during springtime, Seattleites flock to the Skagit valley in order to capture Instagram-worthy selfies against a backdrop of tulip fields. The rows of red and purple and pink are a spectacular sight to behold. And it is no wonder that people will withstand clogged streets and traffic jams in order to catch a glimpse of their beauty. Yet, once the flowers shed their petals, the verdant valley reverts to being an afterthought. Aside from its annual springtime tulip bloom, Skagit County is mostly regarded as drive-through country. It…

  • Winter Wonderland Leavenworth
    United States of America

    Leavenworth in Winter: A Bavarian-Style Getaway

    Leavenworth Washington is a little slice of southern Germany that lies in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Located at the eastern edge of Washington’s Cascade Mountains, the logging-town-turned-Bavarian village is more than 5,000 miles from the place it was made to resemble. With its faux-German storefronts and exaggerated Bavarian folk culture, it isn’t the type of place I typically choose to visit In fact, I’ve often found myself remarking at the town’s kitschy and over-the-top decor. But I have to admit that Leavenworth in winter is a magical sight.…