Winter 2011

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.

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.

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.

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.

Looking for a cultural experience in downtown San Antonio, Texas? Take a stroll down the River Walk. With museums, restaurants, boats rides, and shops, this Venice-inspired destination provides a unique twist to the cowboy town.

I’m awake. It’s dark outside—almost dawn. My roommates are still sleeping in their beds. But I can’t let this opportunity pass me by. I quietly tie on my running shoes and tiptoe toward the door.

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.

Staying Sane on I-15

Some of my favorite vacation memories come from the backpacking trips my family likes to take in the Wind Rivers in Wyoming. Although the long hikes into camp are never easy, it’s always worth it because the Wind Rivers are so beautiful. One year is particularly memorable to me though because we got lost on our way to base camp and added an extra two or three miles on to our hike. By the time we reached camp that year, we were exhausted.

Kristin Hatch, like many others, has always wanted to run a marathon. It has been part of her bucket list since she returned from serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2008. She wanted the chance to prove to herself that she could aim high, persevere, and see it through—a chance to prove that she wouldn’t give up. So you can imagine the shock when her doctor told her she couldn’t run because of arthritis in her knee. Yet, true to her character, she did it anyway.

Stowaway’s readers know that when travelers go out their front doors to dream, explore, and discover, they’re not doing it in Disney World—they’re in the real world. Here are some stories of those (mis)adventures.

Experiencing American heritage in boots and a cowboy hat

“Keep Austin Weird” is an unofficial slogan for Austin, Texas—and the locals take it very seriously. The city prides itself on its eclectic, creative atmosphere that fosters small businesses and supports artists, musicians, music festivals, and pretty much anything independent.

The story of an airline pilot’s daughter includes more than seeing the world from a window seat in first class. It is one of long lines, cancelled flights, and seats back in their upright position. It is a story of lost luggage, layovers, and life lessons.

A friend recently asked me why I thought the world needed another travel magazine. I told her that Stowaway isn’t just another travel magazine.