Each winter, we trade snow-covered roads in upstate New York for a slower journey south. This 30-day road trip to Florida wasn’t about the fastest route—it was about scenic back roads, quiet farmland, unexpected stops, and the freedom that comes with traveling instead of vacationing.
Explore Big Pine Key by bike—quiet roads, Key deer encounters, a stop at No Name Pub, and a visit to Blue Hole. A scenic Florida Keys experience.
Some people vacation to escape. Others travel to discover. Along quiet back roads and small towns, the difference becomes clear.
Travel photography is about more than capturing beautiful scenes — it’s about finding balance between the road and the lens. In Balancing the Journey, I share how to plan with flexibility, simplify your gear, and stay present in the moment so your photographs reflect the full story of your travels — not just the view, but the feeling of being there.
From the red rocks of Arizona to the mesas of Utah, the Southwest offers a landscape shaped by time and spirit. In this regional guide, I share my favorite scenic drives, small towns, and off-the-beaten-path stops — from Canyon de Chelly to Monument Valley — plus tips for planning your own desert adventure.