With 59 national parks inside America, each one of these incredible outdoor destinations has something special to offer visitors. Located primarily in California, Death Valley National Park is recognized for holding two unique titles amongst the rest of our parks. Wondering what makes this place so different from anywhere else? Then keep reading to find out.
Found in the southern half of Death Valley National Park, California’s Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America. Part of Inyo County, Badwater Basin earns its name due to the fact that the accumulated salts around the basin make the water undrinkable.
With only one main road running through the park, finding the Badwater Basin is an easy enough task for travelers to handle. What won’t be easy? Withstanding the heat. Not only is Death Valley National Park home to the lowest point in North America, it’s also home to to the hottest spot in the world. Over 100 years ago, this place saw a record temperature of 134 degrees in 1913.
Visitors who are willing to withstand the average 100-degree temperatures at the Badwater Basin can walk out onto the salt flats that very seldom ever see actual pools of water. On average, Death Valley National Park only sees two inches of rainfall each year. Talk about dry conditions!
Those who visit the park, specifically the Badwater Basin and Furnace Creek Area, are urged to bring lots of water and sunscreen. Travelers are told to bring survival kits and take caution when hiking out to this area after the early morning during the summer. While most people are drawn to the Badwater Basin because it’s the second lowest point in the Western Hempishere, the actual lowest point lies just a few miles away.
Because the actual lowest point is a hazardous area that’s unpredictable and often an unsteady place to explore, visitors come to the Badwater Basin area to explore the land and take their picture with the sea level sign. A total of 282 feet below sea level, the lowest point in our country deservingly belongs at the top of your bucket list.
Wondering where exactly the Badwater Basin is located inside of Death Valley National Park? Then use Google Maps below to help you find the way!
How Traveling Helps Me Get Through the Winter Blues
I have tried various methods to help me beat the winter blues and nothing seemed to work — until I started traveling during the colder months of the year.
There is so much to love about the winter. There are snow-covered landscapes and frozen waterfalls. There are cozy sweaters and hot chocolate. There are even winter activities like snowshoe adventures and cabin getaways. And while there is something magical about that first snowfall of the year, it also tends to trigger something inside me — a feeling of dread, worry, and anxiousness. It’s a fear that the winter blues will be making their appearance and making my days feel discouraging and dark.
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Winter has always been hard for me but it wasn’t until I moved to the Inland Northwest that I truly began to recognize it. The constant fog, rain, and cloudy days were hard on my mind and body. It didn’t help that I also lived in the Pacific Time Zone, right near the time zone line, so during the winter months, it would become dark very early.
I’ll never forget flying to my parent’s home in sunny Southern Utah during spring break. On my first day at home, I spent most of the morning lying in a sprawled eagle position on the driveway cement. All I wanted was to feel sunshine on my face.
What are the winter blues?
The winter blues is a temporary feeling of depression during the colder, darker months of the year. This is different than Seasonal Affective Disorder (also known as SADS) where your depression is so deep that it affects your interests and quality of life. Many factors contribute to the winter blues such as longer, darker days and a lack of sunlight, which can impact your body’s circadian rhythm and affect everything from your sleep to your hormones.
Each year, I use various methods to beat the winter blues. I create a very consistent exercise routine, eat lots of fresh foods, take various supplements, and sit in front of a light therapy box every single morning. While these things certainly help, I find there is one activity where I see the biggest improvements — traveling.
How traveling helps me get through the winter blues
For the past several years, I have planned at least one vacation during the winter months. Keep in mind that these aren’t quick, overnight getaways. Rather, they are nearly week-long excursions to someplace where I can wear a t-shirt during the day and bask in the sunlight. Some of my favorite trip destinations have included multiple cities in Florida, Hawaii, southern Arizona, southern Utah, and even a cruise to the Bahamas.
I budget for these trips all year long and will typically begin planning for them in the spring and early summer. While I have ventured on these trips in December, I have found that traveling in January or February helps me the most because, by this time in the season, I’m running quite low and need to give my mental health a big boost.
So, how exactly has traveling helped me get through the winter blues? Well, the sunshine and warm weather certainly help but there’s so much more to it. Here are just four benefits I’ve received.
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Traveling gives me something to look forward to
Like I mentioned before, a vacation during the winter is something I plan for months in advance. It is something I make a priority for my mental health. The excitement and anticipation of the event brings me great joy and on those dark and gloomy days where I may find myself in a funk, I like to pull out my itinerary and plan an adventure. It may be something small such as a restaurant I want to visit or a hike I want to tackle but the excitement tends to overpower the gloom.
Research shows that traveling is an excellent stress reducer. Vacations often provide you with more time with family and friends, allow you to feel more productive with your days, and can even cause you to move your body more, resulting in an increased release of endorphins. While I certainly love a relaxing vacation where I can lay by the pool for hours, I also need some movement, whether that’s a hike, shopping, time in the water swimming or snorkeling, visits to amusement parks, etc. This movement is much different than my regular exercise routine, resulting in a little variety and a lot of stress and anxiety leaving my body.
Traveling helps me become a better version of myself
Yes, some trips can be very exhausting and challenging. Difficulties may arise that can put a damper on your adventure such as flights delayed or canceled, issues with lodging, poor weather, etc. However, when these unexpected issues arise, you must problem solve. You must find a solution to your situation, even if that means being flexible and changing your plans (which is difficult for my Type A personality). You might need to step out of your comfort zone.
Traveling ignites my curiosity and I want to learn something new. My adventures motivate me to try something unusual, to taste something obscure, and to go someplace that frightens me. Traveling motivates me to become a better version of myself and on those hard days after I’ve returned, it’s fun to look at photos or keepsakes and remind myself of that.
It gives me a break from my regular routine
When you follow the same routine day after day, it is easy to feel a little lost, discouraged, and depressed. Traveling helps to beak up the monotony and add some excitement to your days. It allows your mind to focus on something different, exciting, and rewarding. It helps you step out of a slump and into an adventure.
I could go on and on about the benefits of traveling and how it helps me beat the winter blues. It’s something I’m passionate about and something that has helped me when I couldn’t find anything else. Traveling has helped me fall in love with winter. It is a time of the year I no longer dread. In fact, I look forward to it.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
