Author: Petite Retreats

5 Things to Do in Mesa, AZ

If you’re headed to Mesa, Arizona in the next month or so, you know there is no reason to shy away from the weather. In fact, if you’re planning a glamping trip with a stay at one of our fabulous glamping resorts, Viewpoint RV & Golf Resort or Monte Vista RV Resort, plan to spend as much time in the sun as you can. Of course, there are interesting indoor activities too. Here is a little roundup of what you can do if you’re doing a winter glamping getaway to the area. 

Glamping cottage at ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort
Glamping cottage at ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort

1. Usery Mountain Regional Park: To borrow a phrase from the film, Step Brothers, Usery Mountain Regional Park has “so much room for activities.” At over 3600 acres of desert lands, you can find just about any outdoor activity you might desire here from archery and biking to stargazing and picnicking. Hiking trails include the moderate and very popular Wind Cave Trail; the easy Merkle Trail, which can accommodate wheelchairs, strollers and other mobility equipment; and the moderate Pass Mountain trail which leads to the mountain’s summit. There are also roughly 29 miles of mountain biking trails ranging from easy to difficult; a 5-star archery range; plenty of picnic tables, a model airplane flying site, an outdoor fitness area and plenty of activities led by the park ranger staff.  

2. Fresh Foodie Trail: With all the fresh air and activity, you’ll want to eat good so why not try something unique? The Fresh Foodie Trail is a 52-mile trail that includes local farms, wineries, farmers markets, and eateries featuring some of the best of the local offerings from wines, produce and baked good to artisan olive oils. For details on the interesting way to explore the area, head to visitmesa.com/restaurants/fresh-foodie. 

Landscape view of The Apache Trail
The Apache Trail

3. The Apache Trail: How about a 65-mile round trip drive that traces the path of the Native Americans as well as early settlers to the area. The Trail includes miles and miles of desert wilderness with the rugged Superstition Mountains towering over. You can stop and visit a reconstructed ghost town (Goldfield), stop at the historic Tortilla Flat, a stagecoach stop complete with the Superstition Saloon or check out Lost Dutchman State Park to learn about the legendary lost gold mine.   

Pool at ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort
Pool at ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort

4. Taliesin West: As both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark, not to mention an architectural masterpiece by the world-renowned Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin West also served as Wright’s beloved winter home and studio. Built in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, the home was designed to incorporate local materials like desert rock and sand to stand in harmony with the landscape. There are several ways to explore this magnificent tribute to FLW from self-guided tours to hikes. To see what strikes your fancy, visit franklloydwright.org.  

5. Wild Horses: If you want to see something unique, visit the Tonto National Forest to see if you can catch a glimpse of the Salt River wild horses that roam the area and are said to be descendants of the horses brought here by Spanish settlers in the 16th and 17th century. The horses tend to gather near the water in the forest and prime viewing spots include the Blue Point and Coon Bluff Recreation areas. Go to visitmesa.com for more information and tips on how to view these magnificent creatures.  

Read More:

Plan Your Winter Vacation With the 3Cs 

If you’re looking for a way to choose your 2026 glamping adventures, rather than check your bucket list or close your eyes and point a finger on a map of the US, consider the 3 C’s option. What is that, you ask? A way to choose your destination by picking one of the hot travel trends for 2026 – City, Coastal, or Culture.  

City 

When doing a city glamping getaway, you’ll want to make sure you choose a city that either has fabulous public transportation or is very walkable by the sheer design (or size) of the city. For walkability, we offer you both Boston and Nashville. For Boston, book a glamping stay at the Tuxbury Tiny House Village, which is a little under an hour’s drive from Boston. Once you’re in Beantown (a nickname earned from a favorite meal during Colonial times – baked beans cooked in molasses), there is a lot to do without once finding the need for a vehicle. Consider the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, which takes visitors past 16 historical points in the city’s history as well as that of the American Revolution. Then there’s the iconic Fenway Park, America’s oldest baseball park and home to the Boston Red Sox. Other sights include the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the North End for some of the best cannoli you will ever eat.  

Cabin at Thousand Trails Natchez Trace Campground
Cabin at Thousand Trails Natchez Trace Campground

Nashville loves its music and is a very walkable city. There are all the honky-tonks, eateries and shops along Broadway while just to the south is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Johnny Cash & Patsy Cline Museum and the National Museum of African American Music.  Also walkable from Broadway is the historic Ryman Theater. OK – maybe you need to Uber or use your own vehicle to reach a few other areas like 12th South and The Gulch, but once you arrive at these destinations everything is walkable. 12 South offers the Instagram-popular murals as well as boutiques and coffee shops while The Gulch offers music, shopping, live entertainment and restaurants. Book a cabin stay at Thousand Trails Natchez Trace for your trip to Nashville.  

Coastal 

If you’re looking for the ultimate location for an Oregon coast getaway, look no further than a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Seaside and a visit to nearby Cannon Beach, home to iconic Haystack Rock. Consider a hike in Ecola State Park where many of the trails offer great views of the Pacific Ocean and secluded coves. Try tide pooling on the beach and see what treasures you can find. Visit the Tillamook Creamery to learn about cheesemaking or see what’s up on the North Coast Food Trail (visit traveloregon.com for trail information.) 

Cabin at Thousand Trails Seaside RV Campground
Cabin at Thousand Trails Seaside

Culture 

A cultural getaway can be found in either immersing yourself in another culture or visiting a plethora of museums with exhibits that include fine and modern art or historical artifacts and exhibits. For an immersion version, consider a visit to Miami to learn all about the Latin American culture of the area. Consider a walking tour of Little Havana (littlehavanawalkingtour.com), or learn from the locals with a Cuban cooking class or cigar rolling class. Encore Miami Everglades is the best glamping location to explore Miami. 

Night time Cabin at Encore Miami Everglades
Cabin at Encore Miami Everglades

If you’re planning a visit to Houston, you just might find the perfect combination of cultural diversity as well as culture found in the museum aspect. One interesting culture to explore here is the cowboy culture of ranching. Of course, cowboys dedicated to ranching played an important role in the area’s history. Visit the George Ranch (georgeranch.org) to get a glimpse into what ranching life was like. Originally settled in 1824, the ranching continues to be a working ranch and offers visitors a view of ranching through the ages.  

Cabins at Thousand Trails Lake Conroe
Cabins at Thousand Trails Lake Conroe

From a museum standpoint, consider Houston’s Museum District, 1.5-mile grid of 19 museums, all walkable. They include the Museum of Fine Arts, the Holocaust Museum Houston, the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Thousand Trails Lake Conroe is the glamping destination for a Houston visit.  

Read More:

The Most Beautiful Sights to See This Year 

The saying “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” basically means what one person finds beautiful may not be the same for another. Some find beauty in nature while others find beauty in fine art or architecture. If you google “most beautiful sights in the US” a whole bunch of lists pop up created by magazines, travel sites and bloggers. Here are a few located near our glamping locations: 

Yurts at Thousand Trails Thunderbird
Yurts at Thousand Trails Thunderbird

Kerry Park (Washington): Considered one of Seattle’s most picturesque destinations, Kerry Park is considered a “viewpoint park” thanks to the opportunity to take in the Seattle skyline with breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier in one location. This small park sits atop Queen Anne Hill in the charming Queen Anne neighborhood of the city, is open to the public and is a guaranteed spot for picture-perfect shots of Seattle’s best including Mt. Rainier, the Space Needle and Puget Sound. 

(Book a glamping cabin or yurt at Thousand Trails Thunderbird) 

Glamping Cottage at Marina Dunes RV Park
Glamping Cottage at Marina Dunes RV Park

Big Sur (California): From the purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach to the towering redwoods, Big Sur should be on everyone’s list of “the most beautiful places to see in the US.” And don’t forget Bixby Bridge, a manmade concrete arch bridge that is considered one of the most photographed landmarks in the world. Other photo-worthy, sight-to-behold views here include the setting sun through Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach (best between November and January); China Cove in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and the 80-foot waterfall, McWay Falls, located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.  

(Book a glamping yurt or vacation rental loft at Marina Dunes RV Resort) 

Lightner Museum (Florida): If you find all things Gilded Age beautiful, you might want to plan a visit to the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, Florida. Once a hotel for the elite during the Gilded Age known as the Hotel Alcazar, the building is now the Lightner Museum and is home to a grand collection of Victorian and Gilded Age treasures. But aside from beautiful exhibits found inside, the building itself (both interior and exterior) is a thing of beauty – fashioned in the Spanish Renaissance Revival style. Completed in 1888, the building features columns, arches, terracotta, mosaic tiles, marble floors, hand-painted walls and more opulence than you can shake a stick (gilded albeit) at!   

(Book a glamping cabin or cottage at Encore Bulow) 

Cabins at Thousand Trails Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch
Cabins at Thousand Trails Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch

Gunnison, Colorado: Definitely a destination most beautiful during summer and fall, thanks to the natural beauty that abounds here with carpets of wildflowers in summer and aspen groves ablaze with colors come fall. From mid-July to early August, nearby Crested Butte, considered the state’s wildflower capital, has plenty of hiking trails to walk while taking in the beauty of blooming lupines, varieties of lilies, and fireweed to name just a few of the flowers on display here. Come fall, the leaves of the aspen trees here turn from green to brilliant reds, oranges and yellow welcoming the change in seasons. 

(Book a glamping cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch) 

Read More:

5 Things to Do in the Florida Keys  

People often ask which of the Florida Keys they should visit. Well, the answer is all of them. Each of the islands offers something a bit different from the always party time atmosphere of Key West to Key Largo which is known for great snorkeling and is home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. If you’re planning a glamping getaway to The Keys, you’re lucky because we have two great glamping locations: stay in a totally hip tiny house at the Sunshine Key Tiny House Village or enjoy a colorful cottage at Encore Fiesta Key. Below we offer just a few suggestions for things to do when visiting: 

Sunshine Key Tiny House Village
Sunshine Key Tiny House Village

1. The Lara Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary is worth the visit to see 30 different species of birds that make this sanctuary their permanent home after having been rescued and rehabilitated but are considered non-releasable for their safety. The sanctuary is open 365 days each year from sunrise to sunset and offers guided tours as well. For more details go to the sanctuary’s website keepthemflying.org. 

2. With so many islands and coral reefs, of course diving is a big deal here. Check out the History of Diving Museum on Islamorada and explore their multiple exhibits that details the history of diving, the advent of equipment from early dive helmets to the most modern-day apparatus, and the diving equipment from many nations around the world. There’s also a tribute to Jules Verne (have you read 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea yet?) and a 50-gallon aquarium full of tropical reef fish. For information visit divingmuseum.org.  

Christ of the Abyss
Christ of the Abyss

3. So many islands, so many excursions! From land to sea, there are plenty of exciting things to do in The Keys when it comes to excursions. Christ of the Abyss is not your typical statue – this one is located roughly 25 feet under the waters that surround John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The best way to see it is via a snorkeling excursion – check out silentworld.com to book a dive tour. Movie buffs will appreciate the excursion aboard The African Queen – the storied steamboat from the movie of the same name starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn. To enjoy one of the daily canal cruises, visit africanqueenflkeys.com. Get to know Key West with a “Southernmost Food and Cultural Walking Tour”, offered by viator.com that takes you around the island’s historic district with stops along the way to enjoy the great food here including Cuban cuisine and of course, Key Lime pie! 

4. Sunrise/Sunset – make sure you get the best of both when glamping in The Keys. Some of the best places to catch the sunrise include Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key (perfect if you’re staying at Encore Sunshine Key); the aptly named Sunrise Beach in Key Largo and Higgs Beach in Key West. For a spectacular sunset, consider Mallory Beach in Key West which hosts a nightly sunset celebration; or from aboard a catamaran cruise that departs from Islamorada (check out robbies.com for details); or back to Bahia Honda State Park to end a perfect day!  

Sunset at Bahia Honda State Park
Sunset at Bahia Honda State Park

5. Aside from the sun, sand and snorkeling, The Florida Keys have a lot of noteworthy sites to visit. They include The Little White House (Key West), which served as President Harry Truman’s winter getaway; the Caribbean Club (Key Largo), the oldest bar in the Upper Keys where portions of the film Key Largo were shot; the Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson National Park, which is the largest all-masonry fort in the Western Hemisphere; and Hemingway House (Key West); which was home for many years to famous author Ernest Hemingway. 

Read More:

Glamping Guide to Big 2026 Events

Don’t be left out of some of the biggest celebrations and events set for 2026. Make your plans ahead of time to make sure you’ve got the best glamping spot location nearby: 

The Daytona 500 is scheduled for February 16, 2026. This 500-mile race officially opens the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series calendar and promises plenty of high-speed excitement. (Reserve a glamping cottage at Encore Sunshine Holiday Daytona.) 

The Innings Music Festival can be considered the opening pitch for Major League Baseball’s Cactus League Spring Training which begins in late-February. This year’s festival, which runs February 20-22 and February 27-28, includes headliners such as Mumford and Sons and Dierks Bentley. (Reserve the glamping cottage at ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort.) 

Glamping cottage at ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort
Glamping cottage at ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort

Speaking of spring training, catch some of your favorite teams as they train and prepare for the 2026 regular season with Cactus League inter-league games that include some of 2025’s best including the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres and the World Series winning LA Dodgers. Check out mlb.com/spring-training/cactus-league for schedules. (ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort, Monte Vista RV Resort, or Encore Mesa Spirit can be glamping options.) 

South by Southwest, the fabulous festival for the meeting of the minds for all things film, music and television is set for March 12-18, 2026. See what’s new and hot this year and mark this great event off your bucket list! (Reserve a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Colorado River.) 

Vacation Cottage at Thousand Trails Palm Springs

Everyone who is anyone flocks to California, or more specifically, Indio, California for these two great music festivals annually in April. We’re talking about Coachella – set for April 10-12 and April 17-19 and Stagecoach set for April 24-26. (Reserve a colorful glamping cottage at Thousand Trails Palm Springs.) 

The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will be held at Saratoga Race Course in New York, June 3-7, 2006. Opened in 1863, Saratoga is considered to be the oldest sporting venue of any kind in the US and will be the setting for the last horse race in the iconic 2026 Triple Crown. (Reserve a glamping cabin at Lake George Escape Campground.) 

Cabin at Spring Gulch Camping Resort
Cabin at Spring Gulch Camping Resort

Soccer fans, get ready—the 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to North America, and Houston is set to host several thrilling matches throughout June and July. As some of the world’s best teams take the field, the city will be buzzing with fan festivals, viewing parties, and international excitement. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this global celebration—secure your spot early and enjoy a relaxing glamping retreat just outside the city. (Reserve a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Lake Conroe for easy access to all the Houston action.)

Major League Baseball’s annual All-Star game is scheduled for July 1, 2026 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Come see your favorite players face off against some of the rest of the best in the MLB. (Reserve a glamping rental at Spring Gulch Campground.) 

EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival begins August 27 and runs through November 21 so a trip to Florida is in order if you want to catch this culinary adventure featuring foods from several countries. (Reserve a colorful cottage at Encore Tropical Palms.) 

Kick off your 2026 holiday season by heading to Leavenworth, Washington for their famous Village of Lights: Christmastown. No one can say bah humbug to this festival that lights up this quaint Bavarian-style village with thousands of twinkling lights. The festival runs from Thanksgiving through February 2027! (Reserve a tiny house at the Leavenworth Tiny House Village.)

Read More: 

Discover 6 Underrated December Celebrations 

December certainly has plenty to celebrate with Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and News Year’s Eve but we have a few other days to make this month chock-full of celebrations. Even if you’re not glamping on these days, we hope you’ll join in the fun!

Vacation Cottage at Encore Pioneer Village
Vacation Cottage at Encore Pioneer Village

December 10 was National Lager Day, so why not enjoy a pint or two on your next trip? Craft breweries in the Fort Myers area include Coastal Dayz Brewery or Palm City Brewing. (Book a glamping stay at Encore Harbor Lakes or Encore Pioneer Village.)

December 15th is the Bill of Rights Day so it would be fitting to visit the Presidents Hall of Fame in Clermont, Florida to learn a bit about James Madison, who is credited as the chief author of the document. (Book a glamping cabin or cottage at Clerbrook RV & Golf Resort.) 

Cabin Glamping at Thousand Trails Chehalis
Cabin Glamping at Thousand Trails Chehalis

Created so people can appreciate the beauty of the evergreen tree, National Look for an Evergreen Day is celebrated December 19. There’s no better place to do that than in one of our glamping locations in the Evergreen State – Washington! (Consider a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Chehalis, Thousand Trails La Conner, or Thousand Trails Thunderbird.) 

Welcome the Winter Solstice on December 21 with a sunrise hike through the beautiful Red Rock Canyon of Sedona, Arizona. Take time to visit the healing vortexes found here that include the Bell Rock Vortex and The Chapel of the Holy Cross Vortex. (Reserve a tiny house or cottage at Thousand Trails Verde Valley.)  

December 28 is National Card Playing Day and where better to try your luck at a few games of Texas Hold ‘Em or Poker than Las Vegas. (Reserve a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Las Vegas.) 

Cabin at Thousand Trails Russian River
Cabin at Thousand Trails Russian River

How about a glass or two of bubbly while celebrating National Champagne Day on December 31? Enjoy some of the sparkling wine in California’s Sonoma County including those found at Amista Vineyards in Healdsburg, Harvest Moon Estate and Winery in Santa Rosa or Gloria Ferrer Winery in Sonoma. (Book a glamping cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Russian River.) 

Read More:

5 Things to Do in California’s Monterey Bay Area

Did you know that Monterey was the first capital of California? Fun fact – Monterey was the state capital from 1774 to 1849. Did you know that this beautiful bayside city is considered the “Sardine Capital of the World” thanks to these tiny fish that populated the waters here and the subsequent canning boom of said little fishes? Monterey is rich in history and is definitely worth a look-see when glamping at nearby Marina Dunes RV Resort. Here are five things not to miss…

1. Monterey Coast Trail: With 18 miles of paved trail, this is a great way to experience scenic ocean views, frolicking sea lions, sea otters, and coastal birds and access all the things along the way like the fabulous aquarium, Fisherman’s Wharf and more. You can choose to bike or walk this beautiful coastal trail.

Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium

2. Monterey Bay Aquarium: While the Aquarium has been in the news lately due to a certain t-shirt sported by Taylor Swift, this place is known for so much more like its unique, 28-foot high Kelp Forest, a multitude of interactive exhibits, including the newest exhibit “Deep: Exploring Our Undiscovered Ocean”, and the more than 35,000 creatures that make their home here.

3. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: From the amazing shoreline views to the wildlife spotting and whale watching, do not miss the opportunity to visit what is considered the “crown jewel of California’s state parks.” Birders will enjoy a hike on the Bird Island Trail while China Cove and the Gibson Beach Trail offer hidden caves and high cliffs. Lovers of sea lions will want to hike the Sea Lion Point Trail to catch a glimpse of the sea lions lounging on the rocks. Don’t miss the historic Whalers Cabin, accessible from the Cabin Trail, which leads to this cabin built by Chinese fishermen in the 1850s.

Outside of the Historic Mission, Carmel Mission
Outside of the Historic Mission, Carmel Mission

4. Small-town Charm: There are several small towns in the area worth a visit and they include Salinas, home to the National Steinbeck Center that pays tribute to author John Steinbeck who was born and raised here; Pacific Grove, home to the Point Pinos Lighthouse and the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, which is best when visited during migration season from November to February; Castroville, which is considered the “artichoke capital of the world” and is home to the world’s largest artichoke statue; and Carmel-by-the-Sea, home to the historic Carmel Mission, the unique Fairy Tale Cottages built in 1926 and plenty of shops and eateries. 

Glamping Cottage at Marina Dunes RV Park
Glamping Cottage at Marina Dunes RV Resort

5. This and That: Don’t miss the murals in Sand City, the setting sun at Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove, the clam chowder at Old Fisherman’s Grotto in Monterey, and the scenic 17-Mile Drive.

Read More:

The Coolest and Warmest Winter Glamping Destinations

According to iges.com, the hottest travel trends this winter include digital detoxing, embracing the weather and the classic “traditional winter getaways” which means heading out of the cold and into the sunshine. Here are a few ways you can be trendy when glamping with us this winter:

Cabin at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver
Cabin at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver

Embracing the Weather: This means going to the snow and for our glampers, it means places like Leavenworth, Washington and Mt. Hood or Bend, Oregon. Book a yurt, glamping cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver and enjoy this oft-voted “best outdoorsy town” in the country! Ski or snowboard at Mt. Bachelor, snowshoe in Deschutes National Forest, which offers several snowshoe trails, or try fat-tire biking in the snow or indoor ice skating at the Pavillion. Plan to be here to enjoy WinterFest, scheduled for February 13-15, 2026, that will include an ice carving competition, a wine walk, live music and snowsports competitions.

Mt. Hood Tiny House Village
Mt. Hood Tiny House Village

The Mt. Hood Tiny House Village is a great place to glamp when enjoying the Mt. Hood Territory in winter. Try night skiing or cosmic tubing at the Mt. Hood Skibowl, take a guided tour of Mt. Hood National Forest on a snowmobile, or a moonlight snowshoe tour around the iconic Timberline Lodge.

Winter at Leavenworth Tiny House Village
Winter at Leavenworth Tiny House Village

Leavenworth, Washington is always great in winter with opportunities for downhill skiing, Nordic skiing, sledding, snow tubing, ice fishing and a visit to a reindeer farm. Icicle Ridge Winery offers winter wine walks (icicleridgewinery.com) and the millions of twinkling lights will continue to illuminate the quaint Bavarian-style downtown through February. Book a stay at Thousand Trails Leavenworth for a great winter glamping getaway here.

Escaping the Weather: Most likely you’re heading to the sunshine. Our choices would include a colorful cottage at Encore Tropical Palms to do the theme parks or a trip to The Keys with a stay at Encore Fiesta Key or Encore Sunshine Key. EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts runs January 16 through February 23, 2026, while the Key West Food and Wine Festival is set for January 26-February 1, 2026. South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach is an option for a glamping getaway with a stay at Carolina Shores RV Resort. Mild daytime temps and cooler nights are a nice trade-in for sub-zero snow days! Activities here can include golfing, strolling the Boardwalk, visiting the many museums or enjoying the beauty of Brookgreen Gardens in winter. On the West Coast, plan a glamping getaway to Thousand Trails Pio Pico or Thousand Trails Oakzanita Springs to explore the San Diego area in winter. Gray whales are migrating from December to April, so now is a good time for whale watching. Speaking of migrating, it is also the migratory season for thousands of birds so check out the San Diego River Estuary.

Vacation Cottages at Thousand Trails Palm Springs
Vacation Cottages at Thousand Trails Palm Springs

Digital Detoxing: This type of getaway may not necessarily mean absolutely no screens, but probably something more along the lines of being present, being in nature and really taking it all in without multi-tasking going on. Exploring national parks, taking long hikes in the forests and woodlands, walking rugged shorelines and spending quality time with friends and family is most likely the itinerary for this kind of trip. One of the best destinations for spiritual renewal may be Red Rocks State Park in Sedona, Arizona. Book a stay at Thousand Trails Verde Valley and explore the red sandstone canyonland with its healing vortexes. Another option is Joshua Tree National Park in California, another spot chock full of serene landscape vistas and energy vortexes. Book a glamping cabin or cottage at nearby Thousand Trails Palm Springs. Yosemite in winter is a wonderland with opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing at Badger Pass Ski Area and hiking the trails that remain open in winter. Book a yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes for a great glamping getaway.

Read More:

Glamp Near Some of the Most Iconic Landmarks and Locations

Thanks to social media, any of you list makers can always get some ideas from Instagram, Facebook, and other various online sources for listicles that regularly pop up letting you know how many people have visited these locations, viewed these landmarks, visited these national parks etc. We took a tour around some of these lists to see what you can mark off when glamping nearby with us:

One list includes US landmarks like the Hollywood Sign, the Las Vegas Strip, and Disney World. We can make this easy for you:

To visit the Hollywood Sign, book a glamping cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon and drive roughly 45 miles to see this iconic bit of LaLa Land. Fun fact, the original sign, which was built in 1923 to advertise a real estate development, read HOLLYWOODLAND. A great spot to view the sign is from the Griffith Observatory which can be reached via a hike through Griffith Park.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Las Vegas
Cabin at Thousand Trails Las Vegas

To experience the bright lights and high energy of the Las Vegas Strip, book a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Las Vegas and stroll the roughly four miles where highlights include the nightly fountain show outside the Bellagio Hotel, a gondola ride at The Venetian, the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, and the Insta-worthy “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign!

Cottages at Encore Tropical Palms
Cottages at Encore Tropical Palms

Florida’s Walt Disney World is considered an unofficial landmark as the iconic castle is known world-wide so that works for our purposes. And apparently you are never too old to enjoy the fun here. In March 2024, Magnolia Jackson celebrated her 106th birthday with her first trip ever to the Magic Kingdom. Book a colorful glamping cottage at Encore Tropical Palms in Kissimmee and let the magic in!

Yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes Campground
Yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes Campground

Then there’s the National Parks checklist – how many of the 63 US national parks have you visited? Start tackling that list by glamping with us when you head to Yosemite which is famous for the Yosemite Falls, El Capitan and Half Dome, plus just down the road from Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes. 

Cabin at Seaside RV Campround
Cabin at Seaside RV Campround

How about the most beautiful small towns in America? That’s another easy one list makers include California’s Carmel by the Sea (book a glamping stay at Marina Dunes RV Resort); Cannon Beach, Oregon (book a charming glamping cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Seaside); and Sedona, Arizona (glamp at a tiny house at Thousand Trails Verde Valley).

Read More:

5 Things to Do in Orlando, FL

Boasting more than 250 days of sunshine each year, a trip to Orlando is an option if you’re seeking the rays. It’s also a favorite spot for thrill-ride lovers, hikers, bikers, birdwatchers, festival-goers, foodies…and the list goes on. In a nutshell, Orlando has something for everyone. Here are five things to see, not including the fabulous glamping accommodations at Encore Tropical Palms or Thousand Trails Orlando , if you’re Orlando-bound:

1. Take the International Drive: I-Drive, as it’s known in Orlando, is almost like an all-inclusive destination for everything from food to fun and more. There are outlet malls, plenty of restaurants (check out the Pirate’s Dinner Adventure or Taverna Opa for an authentic Greek experience); attractions such as the Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe or Not; a chocolate museum (The Chocolate Museum and Cafe); gator shows (Gator Golf); plenty of golf options from mini-golf courses to Top Golf simulators and whole lot more on this one exciting strip. For all the fun on I-Drive, visit internationaldriveorlando.com.

2. Board the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit: Get a feel for what it was like to be aboard the Titanic (before the iceberg) in an opulent recreation of the ill-fated ship that has more than 300 artifacts, full scale room replicas from the ship, and costumed actors to give you the feeling it’s 1912 all over again. Guided tours are available as well as other options that include the Titanic Gala Dinner and the Titanic Teatime Experience. For information, go to titanicorlando.com.

Elite Cottage at Thousand Trails Orlando
Elite Cottage at Thousand Trails Orlando

3. Be a Spectator: Orlando is home to many sporting teams, and depending on the time of year, you can catch multiple games in a single trip. The Orlando Solar Bears are an NHL affiliate, and the hockey season here begins in October and extends to April; the NBA’s Orlando Magic play their home basketball games at the Amway Center and the regular season runs October to April, and Orlando City is the team for soccer and regular play begins in February. Orlando is also a great homebase to catch Major League Baseball’s spring training games, aka the Grapefruit League, played in several nearby locations including Tampa (NY Yankees) and Lakeland (Detroit Tigers).

Cottages at Encore Tropical Palms
Cottages at Encore Tropical Palms

4. Enjoy a Festival or Two: Any time of year here, you can find a festival celebrating heritage, music, food and more. Some biggies include Universal’s Mardi Gras (held in late winter each year); EPCOT’s International Food and Wine (July to November annually); and EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays (set for November 24 through December 30 this year). To find a festival to coincide with your visit, go to orlandoinsidervacations.com/annual-events-in-orlando-kissimmee.

5. Visit Mount Dora: Just about 40 minutes outside of the popular and populated Orlando, you will find the small-town charmer of Mount Dora. Visitors to this lakefront town (the lake being Lake Dora) will love the historic buildings, shops, green spaces, and authentic southern charm found here. Mount Dora fun fact – Presidents Coolidge and Eisenhower came here for a winter retreat. One fun way to see the historic buildings and the town is to take the one-hour, narrated historic tour aboard the Mount Dora Trolley. There are also opportunities for fishing (Lake Dora); antiquing (Renninger’s); shopping in the historic downtown and browsing modern art (Modernism Museum).

Read More: