Winter 2011

As editor in chief of Stowaway, I am the only consistent staff member from one issue to the next. For every issue, I start out with a completely new magazine staff of students at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah.

Spring has sprung, bringing with it flowers, food, music, and cultural celebrations around the country. For a fun way to enjoy the season, check out these spring festivals.

Dealing with Aerophobia

Travel again with Stowaway as we discover how to see the real New Zealand. Get a map of the best places to ski and snowboard in the place that is home to 'the greatest snow on earth.' Explore yurting—a new way to camp in the winter. And have you ever wondered what it would be like to live around the world? In this issue, you'll meet Ruth Baptista, a 'citizen of the world.' Winter is the theme, and now it's up to you to join us as we dream, explore, and discover in the Winter 2011 issue of Stowaway Magazine.

Staying Sane on I-15

The phrase “spring has sprung” instills fear into the hearts of many winter sports lovers. To extend the adventure of winter during the early spring months, the small northern Utah towns of Francis, Kamas, and Oakley offer recreational activities that will satisfy nearly any winter sport hunger.

I travel to have fun. It might not be the most sophisticated or noble reason to go on vacation, but that’s just the type of person I am. Your reasons for traveling might be different from mine, but the end result is usually the same: get out of the house, go somewhere new, and return home refreshed, rejuvenated, and maybe even a little wiser.

Hawaii is a popular vacation spot full of amazing sights and family-friendly activities. While there are many touristy areas to choose from, here are three attractions in the Hawaiian Islands that enable you to catch your breath, take in scenery, and enjoy the outdoors.

A trip to New York City is a pilgrimage that every American must make. It’s a city packed with life, history, and culture. In light of all that New York has to offer, many people pledge to go there someday, only to be thwarted by one factor: cost. Sure, New York is not cheap, but New Yorkers and well-informed tourists know that some of the best attractions are free. So once you have exhausted your budget on a Broadway show or a Statue of Liberty tour—or if you can’t afford these attractions in the first place—here are some ideas to get the biggest bite out of the Big Apple without having to pull out your wallet.

Cries of “Don’t go! Don’t go!” filled Katie’s ears. Skinny, ragged children crowded around her, each hoping to give her one last hug. They passed her camera around the classroom, squeezing as many memories into it as they could.

Santa Ana Hill, with a scattering of houses that make up the neighborhood Las Peñas, is an icon of the city of Guayaquil. Located on the western coast of South America, the beautiful country of -Ecuador has a lot to offer. Whether you are looking to experience city life, get a tan at the beach, or escape to a fairy-tale land, Ecuador has it all. Here’s a look at three cities that offer different perspectives on a country that is rich in culture and diversity.

When the cold weather finally retreats and the first heat wave hits, the same ailment consumes everyone: spring fever! There’s no better way to treat this virus than to spend a week in Whatcom County, Washington. Whatcom County, one of our nation’s berry capitals, is known for its beautiful scenery and vast opportunities to enjoy nature. And because its borders reach into -Canada, you can celebrate the warming weather in two different countries!Seafood SerenityCast your nets! Whatcom County covers the coastline of the northwest corner of Washington, providing excellent opportunities for reeling in seafood. The town of Birch Bay is famous for its crabbing sites that yield crab generously, so there’s no chance of going home empty-netted. To add to your catch, visit the neighboring town of Blaine for excellent deep-sea fishing and clamming. But make sure to bring some rain boots or other shoes that are easy to clean since clamming is a sandy and dirty business.

For a new way to experience your favorite destinations, grab a bike and check out a nearby rail-trail. Many railroad tracks that once connected America’s cities were discontinued in the 1960s. But today more than 1900 miles of tracks around the country have been converted into multi-use trails known as rail-trails.

Attention, foodies! Instead of simply sampling local flavor on your vacation, why not bring a taste of your travels home with you? Cooking vacations are a unique way to experience a country, city, or village as you learn about food traditions by cooking local dishes and exploring local markets. Whether you want cooking lessons locally or abroad, for a day, a week, or longer, there is a cooking vacation for you. Prices, which are based on location and length of stay, typically range from $150 to $4,000.

Ancient History Museums in America

Caught in a spring shower? Stowaway has you covered.

Kendall Wilcox spends about 30 weeks out of the year traveling as a senior supervising executive producer for BYUTV—and he loves it. “This is the longest I’ve been home since April, going on two and a half weeks. I’m getting a little stir-crazy,” he confides. Whether he’s traveling for work or pleasure, Wilcox has a knack for finding local treasures and delights, delicious food, and interesting art, all off the beaten path. Keeping his ears, eyes, and mind open, Wilcox is able to get to know a location and culture in a refreshing and simple way: by taking everything as it comes.

Guess what . . . You don’t have to win the lottery to fulfill your dream of visiting the Mayan ruins in Guatemala or of going on a gondola ride in Venice. Your young-adult years are supposed to be a time of exploration and adventure, so start thinking beyond weekend road trips. Here are a few tips to help your traveling dreams become a reality.