Beth Bankhead, Author at ETB Travel Photography

When to Protect Honey Bees: A Seasonal Guide for Responsible Travelers and Nature Enthusiasts

For travelers who spend their days chasing good light across state parks, coastal trails, and backcountry roads, honey bees are a familiar part of the scenery. Anyone who has photographed wildflower fields in the Southeast or waited patiently near a blooming citrus grove for the perfect shot has likely heard that low, steady hum before seeing the bees themselves. What many adventure travelers do not realize is that those same bees are protected under specific state and federal rules, and that stumbling onto a wild colony or a managed hive during your travels carries real legal and ethical responsibilities.

SAVE THE BEES!

Cinque Torri and Lagazuoi

From San Cassiano, MacsAdventures scheduled us to hike back up the 2,000 feet we had just descended and then hike approximately two more miles to Lagazuoi. We figured out a better way to Lagazuoi that didn’t require us hiking two of the same miles on such a short overall trek. We grabbed a taxi to the Gondola!

Actually, we did a lot more than that and truly lucked out with the time constraints we faced. Though we made one mistake, discussed below, we enjoyed another spectacular day in the Dolomites.

EXPLORE!

Two Nights in San Cassiano

San Cassiano or St. Kassian depending on if you speak Italian or German is a small, upscale mountain village located in the Alta Badia valley of the Italian Dolomites. Situated at 5,000 feet in South Tyrol, Italy, this quiet alpine town is known for world class skiing, fine dining, and stunning scenery.

At first glance, San Cassiano, only about a ½ mile long with one main street and a few feeders, seems tiny with almost nothing to do. But if you like the outdoors and take some time to explore the surrounding hills, you’ll find some interesting places and many things to do in San Cassiano.

EXPLORE!

Hiking Alta Via 1: Pederu to San Cassiano

Continuing on our hiking journey through the Dolomites in comfort, we took the bus from San Vigilio to Rifugio Pederu which serves as a strategic hub for hikers embarking on the renowned Alta Via 1 trail. Located in Italy’s Fanes-Sennes-Brais Natural Park, the mountain guesthouse was once a military camp and officer barracks for the Austro-Hungarian Imperial Army during World War I. Here we began our 12-mile hike to San Cassiano or St. Kassian.

HAPPY HIKING!

Two Nights in San Vigilio di Marebbe

San Viglio di Marebbe is a small Italian Village in the Dolomites with a population of 1,200 hundred or so. Though its population routinely triples in the summer in winter as tourists enjoy the outdoor paradise. Tucked away in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is best known for preserving its Ladin language, mountain culture, and legendary alpine folklore. Today, it merges its traditional farming traditions with world-class winter sports, making it a premier skiing destination in the Dolomites.

We arrived in San Vigilio on foot after a 10-mile hike from Lago di Braies in July. For my first hike in the mountains for a few years, my legs were feeling it. As a result, sightseeing in St. Viglio did not immediately top the list when we stumbled into town around five pm. Instead, in need of getting off my feet, we checked into our hotel, located right across from the church in the middle of town.

EXPLORE!

Alta Via 1 Highlights – Lago di Braies to St. Vigil – Day 1

Alta Via 1 Trek in the Dolomites

The Alta Via 1 is a 75-mile long-distance hiking trail in the Italian Dolomites. The iconic hut to hut trek takes approximately 8-10 days to complete and begins in Lago di Braies and ends near Belluno.

To hike it during peak season of July and August, you need to book rifugios (the mountain huts) 6-9 months in advance or join a guided tour that already has reservations. The huts vary in comfort from basic to luxurious.

HAPPY HIKING!

California on a Budget: Combining Cheap Flights, Public Transit, and San Diego

California usually brings to mind flashy convertibles and pricey beach resorts, but a weekend here can actually be pretty cheap. The trick is just pairing low-cost flights with local public transit. Planning ahead lets you skip the massive car rental fees and see the absolute best of San Diego on a budget.

Cheap Tickets and The Right Arrival Points

Starting your planning early means monitoring flights from budget airlines to the local airport. Well-known American low-cost carrier Frontier flies here regularly, offering highly attractive prices. The golden rule is to travel with a small backpack only, avoiding any extra baggage fees.

If you are already staying in neighboring Los Angeles, taking regional bus lines is the most economical choice. Comfortable FlixBus coaches run daily, dropping passengers off right at prime central locations. A ticket for this ride often costs less than a single gallon of gas for a rental car.

For those who prefer scenic views, the Pacific Surfliner rail route is a perfect match. This train moves right along the ocean, giving passengers incredible panoramic views from the window. The journey wraps up at the historic Santa Fe Depot right in the city center.

EXPLORE!

Things to Do in Cortina

History of Cortina

Once the Pearl of the Dolomites, and now the Queen of the Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo has a rich history. Originally called Ampezzo, it was governed by several empires over the last 500 years including the Republic of Venice, the Austrian Empire, the French Empire (Napolean), the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and presently the Kingdom of Italy. Its name was changed to Cortina d’Ampezzo after World War I when it was annexed into Italy.

The once sleepy agriculture community turned into an elite tourist destination in the late 1800’s following an Austrian mountaineers famous climbs of 1864. By 1956, after Cortina hosted the first ever internationally televised Winter Olympics, the Pearl of the Dolomites was thrust into the spotlight.

EXPLORE!

Things to Do in Tyler

Located just ninety-nine miles southeast of Dallas, Tyler is one of the biggest cities in East Texas. This lively city was named after President John Tyler, to thank him for admitting the state of Texas to the United States. While many know Tyler as the “Rose Capital of America,” it is much more than roses and thorns. This charming city is full of many opportunities for exploration, from a sprawling state park, historical sites full of incredible stories, and some delicious Texas BBQ. And if you get really lucky, you might even be in town during Tyler’s famous Rose Festival, an annual event rich in tradition and history.

EXPLORE!

Hanoi Highlights

Established over a millennium ago as Thăng Long, Hanoi has weathered centuries of imperial rule, French colonialism, and the ravages of war. Today, Vietnam’s bustling capital blends this ancient soul with rapid modern development. For tourists, exploring the narrow alleyways of the historic Old Quarter and tasting world-famous street food are absolute must-do experiences.

Whether you’re sipping egg coffee or marveling at French colonial architecture, navigating the city’s rich past is unforgettable. Plan your walking tour of Hanoi with this guide.

On my tour with G-Adventures, we only had a few afternoons in Hanoi, as we used the Northern Vietnam City as hub for trips to Ha Long Bay and Mai Chau. Consequently, I added an extra day to my itinerary to explore the Soaring Dragon City.

DISCOVER!