Seattle is blessed with several picturesque hikes just a bus ride or under an hour’s drive from the city. Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is one such spot, merely a 30-minute drive from Seattle, and offers thrilling hikes through lush forests while rewarding its visitors with cascading waterfalls and good views. What & Where is [...] The post Discover the Beauty of Cougar Mountain: Coal Creek Falls Hike appeared first on Backpacking With My Lens ..read more

Get ready for an adventure in the city by the Bay, San Fran-freakin’-cisco! The Golden City offers a plethora of must-see landmarks, mouth-watering seafood, and picturesque views that’ll blow your mind. From the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz Island to the historic cable cars, there’s no shortage of things to do and see in this [...] The post San Francisco in 4 Days: The Ultimate Guide to the Golden City appeared first on Backpacking With My Lens ..read more

Spring brings a new life into the dark winters of the Pacific Northwest, from cherry trees, magnolias, camellias, and daffodils to our favorite tulips. Several festivals happen across the state to celebrate this beautiful season. One such must-see extravaganza is the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, an annual event that transforms the landscape into a breathtaking [...] The post Skagit Valley Tulip Festival: A Guide to Spring Blooms and Beyond appeared first on Backpacking With My Lens ..read more

Bellingham is a beautiful city in north Washington, nestled amidst the Salish Sea and the majestic Mount Baker. The city offers a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and urban charm, making it ideal for a short getaway. Abhi and I visited Bellingham in the summer of 2022, car-free. In this guide, I will share [...] The post Explore Bellingham: The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary appeared first on Backpacking With My Lens ..read more

Explore Yosemite National Park, the gem of California, a sanctuary of natural beauty and wonder. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, this iconic park spans over 1,100 square miles. In January 2022, we embarked on our adventure with Extranomical Tours, a San Francisco-based tour company, to explore this stunning national park. Keep reading this blog [...] The post Yosemite National Park Day Trip with Extranomical Tours appeared first on Backpacking With My Lens ..read more

Sonoma County is a captivating wine region in the heart of Northern California. It is merely an hour away from San Francisco, making it an ideal place for a day trip. Sonoma County enchants visitors with its rolling vineyards, quaint towns, and scenic landscapes. And the best part? It’s less touristy than its neighboring wine [...] The post Exploring Sonoma County: Our Half-Day Adventure from San Francisco appeared first on Backpacking With My Lens ..read more

If warm weather, swimming with the Sea Lions, indulging in delicious Mexican food & craft beer, and exploring historic sites is your thing, San Diego is the ideal place for your next vacation! Check out my ultimate San Diego travel guide, great for weekend getaways. This stunning coastal city boasts a perfect balance of modernity [...] The post Explore San Diego on a Budget: The Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary appeared first on Backpacking With My Lens ..read more

Visit Oregon’s iconic peak, Mount Hood, a majestic sentinel in the Cascade Range. Towering at 11,240 feet (3,426 meters), Mount Hood is the highest point in Oregon and a beloved outdoor playground for adventurers and nature enthusiasts.  Its snow-capped summit is visible from miles away, making it a year-round destination for climbers, skiers, and hikers. [...] The post Your Ultimate Guide to Mount Hood, Oregon appeared first on Backpacking With My Lens ..read more

Ok. I’ll be straight. The food court is the best place to kill time at any airport during short layovers. We did it during our flight from Seattle to Delhi via Chicago (4 hours layover) last year and did the same this year.  So, without wasting time, here is a list of five Turkish dishes we tried [...] The post Istanbul Airport Layover Idea: Eat, Shop & Repeat appeared first on Backpacking With My Lens ..read more

We recently visited Vancouver, a vibrant and dynamic coastal city in British Columbia. While Canada is known for its adventurous spirit, Vancouver is a perfect destination for a relaxing family trip. In this blog post, I will share my 2-day itinerary of Vancouver, including popular tourist attractions and a few hidden gems we explored. However, [...] The post 2 Days in Vancouver: A Complete Guide For First Time Visitors appeared first on Backpacking With My Lens ..read more