Starved Rock State Park offers real trails, not just walks in the woods. Climb to sweeping river views or hike into French Canyon for a waterfall reward. Just an hour from home, it’s the kind of place that makes your legs burn and your heart feel full—all in one afternoon.
Category: PLACES
Explore with DESTINATIONS with DuffelBagSpouse: Master the art of slow travel planning and uncover global adventures. Let your travels inspire joy, create lasting memories, and enrich your journey with carefully curated experiences. Discover the world at your own pace.
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What Makes Chiang Mai, Thailand, a Destination You’ll Fall in Love With?
Chiang Mai is essentially Thailand’s second city – the smaller, more relaxed answer to the madness of Bangkok and the chill space sans the Phuket beaches. It was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, but now is a major draw for backpackers and travelers of all kinds, not to mention older ex-pats, humanitarians and digital warriors.
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Explore London: Must-See Itinerary of the Best Experiences in 3 Days
London has survived fire, plague, war, and time itself. In just 3 days, you can explore London’s iconic landmarks, sip tea like a local, and stand where kings once ruled. This guide shows how to make the most of a short trip—and why London belongs on your list.
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Life in the Midwest: Romantic Destinations for Couples
Let’s be honest—traveling as a couple isn’t always candlelight and matching robes. Sometimes it’s one of you getting hangry, missing the turn for the scenic overlook, or arguing over who forgot the wine opener. But in between all that, there’s magic. A shared laugh on a quiet trail. That first sip of local wine with your feet up. The way everything slows down when the only sound is lake water and wind through the trees. The Midwest may not shout, but it knows how to show up—with quiet beauty, easy charm, and the kind of romantic moments that deliver in the most unexpected ways.
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Black in Poland: Why I Will Never Go Back to that Country Again
Poland felt like a country torn between progress and prejudice. I’ve traveled through places that challenged me, but I’ve never felt so unwelcome. The stares weren’t curious—they were cold. I don’t regret visiting, but I left with no desire to return. Some places aren’t meant to be revisited.
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Where to Stay in Seoul: 4 Great Neighborhoods for First-Time Visitors
Choosing where to stay in Seoul shapes your whole trip. This guide highlights four ideal neighborhoods—each offering safety, easy transit, and a unique local vibe—to help first-time visitors feel confident, comfortable, and connected. Find the base that fits your style, and let the rest of Seoul unfold from there.
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Where to Shop in Chiang Mai: The Best Markets for Color, Crafts, and Character
Chiang Mai’s markets aren’t about souvenirs. They’re about life moving at full speed—unfiltered, unscripted. You walk in and get swallowed by motion. A man fixes a fan with one hand and counts change with the other. A woman stacks woven baskets while yelling prices over the hum of scooters. Nothing is quiet, nothing is staged. It’s part trade, part theater, part heartbeat. And if you pay attention, if you stay long enough, you stop being a visitor. You become part of the noise.
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36 hours in Des Moines: What to Do this Spring in Iowa’s Capitol City
36 hours in Des Moines gives you just enough time to get a feel for the city. It’s only a 2.5-hour drive from the Quad Cities, which makes it an easy weekend trip. Spring and fall are the best times to go. The gardens are full of color, the air feels crisp, and the trails make it easy to slow down and enjoy your surroundings. The Capitol building is worth the time—it’s grand, detailed, and full of history. We went once in the dead of winter. It was cold, gray, and everything felt shut down. I wouldn’t go back that time of year. Des Moines has its charm, but it shows up best when the weather does too.