Winter 2011

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.

Cedar Point: rollercoaster heaven. This record-breaking amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio, is home to some of the tallest, fastest, and most intense rollercoasters in the world. For all you rollercoaster enthusiasts (and even those who aren’t), check out this article for more information on what this world famous park has to offer.

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.

When Aubrey Wright walked into an orphanage in Haiti as a volunteer with Sustain Haiti, she was literally welcomed with open arms. “The children ran up to me with their arms outstretched, saying ‘Po tem! Po tem!’ which means ‘Hold me! Hold me!’” Aubrey says. In her volunteer work, Aubrey, a student at Brigham Young University, learned to love the orphans as she helped them -emotionally recover from losing loved ones, homes, and -possessions in the earthquakes that devastated Haiti last year. “I truly feel that this is how you can make a difference in the lives of children in Haiti—hold them. Not just physically, but emotionally. Hold them in your arms and in your heart.”

It was 5 a.m. and my dad was dropping my mom and me off at the airport. We were about to begin a journey to Antarctica, that oft-forgotten seventh continent. As Dad unloaded the luggage, we quickly discovered that my suitcases had not made it into the car. With no time to recover the baggage before the flight left, I set off on a three-week expedition with not so much as a pair of underwear to keep me warm in the below-zero weather. Forgetting the luggage was definitely a bad way to start the trip, but little did I know that things would only get worse.

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.

Staying Sane on I-15

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

Experiencing American heritage in boots and a cowboy hat

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.

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.