Japan’s Summer Holiday Travel Rush Is Here

Above, the famous Miyajima Island torii gate. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The summer travel rush in Japan has just started. 

Tourists, foreign and locals, are flocking to places around the country and filling up bullet trains and other public transportation.

According to Travel and Tour World:

Japan’s summer travel surge is here, and it’s feeling hot literally and figuratively. Trains and planes to Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka are sold out. Families are reuniting, tourists are sightseeing, and everybody is moving, moving, moving. Long check-in lines, crammed concourses, and sold-out flights tell you this season is all systems go.

Last Saturday, JR Tokyo Station buzzed loud. Every Nozomi shinkansen seat zooming to Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka disappeared. Travelers formed long queues for unreserved seats on other lines, turning platforms into crowded waiting zones. Doesn’t stop there: expressway bumper-to-bumper jams sent drivers cursing. Many ducked into waiting rooms and concourses, seeking A/C relief from the summer furnace.

I have been to Japan during the summer once (that was the first G-TOUR in 2004) and it was very hot, especially in Kyoto. My preferred seasons for Japan travel are spring and autumn.

To read more, go here. 

A Local's Guide To Three Classic Western Road Trips

Above, a sunrise view of Monument Valley's Mittens and Merrick Butte. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In case you haven't heard, summer began last evening.

Now that we're in summertime, it is time to think about where to go during the vacation season.

Cowboys and Indians Magazine has posted some great suggestions in the form of the local's guide to three classic western road trips. 

They start with:

If you’re like us, at some point this summer you’ll be loading the truck and getting out of town. The wide-open byways of the West are one of the best places to find the freedom, adventure, and sense of discovery that can only come from that great American tradition, the road trip.

This country would be a lot better off if we all got out a little more, met some different folks, went to some new places. And like Louis L’Amour, we believe the magic of any trip lies in the journey.

That’s why we’ve partnered with Off the Beaten Path, a Bozeman, Montana, travel service, to bring you this local’s guide to three classic Western road trips. Each begins and ends in a terrific destination, but we’re not going to talk about them. We're focused on the in-between. The road there. The stops, the people, the history that you encounter along the way. That’s what you always remember most.

We promise we’re sharing some great recommendations, but please use this guide as a rough plan. Stop at places that aren’t on the itinerary. If you feel the urge, go ahead, pull in. See where that side road takes you. And remember, sometimes you find the best stuff by getting a little lost.

To read more, go here. 

10 Hot Weather RV Tips To Stay Cool This Summer

Above, at camp near the Snake River near Jackson, Wyoming. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I am only weeks away from taking a vacation trip up to Wyoming and South Dakota. Currently, the temperatures in Jamestown, New Mexico have been in the 90s, sometimes touching on 100°.

Summer means RV travel and some travelers will going into places that are in warmer climates. RV Life has posted an article with 10 hot weather RV tips to stay cool in the summer.

They begin it with:

Summer’s warm temperatures are perfect for RV camping and a lot of other fun outdoor activities. After all, many RVers spent winter and spring eagerly anticipating the heat of summer. However, in the case of scorching summer temperatures, too much of a good thing can be no good at all. That said, sweltering temperatures aren’t just uncomfortable, they can be hazardous. Not to worry though, because I’ve gathered 10 hot-weather RV tips that experienced RVers use to keep things cool in the RV when temperatures soar.

One tip they didn't mention is to indulge in some sort of water sport while at camp. A few years ago, I did some river rafting near Jackson, Wyoming. Besides being a lot of fun, I also was kept cool.

Above, rafting on the Snake River near Jackson, Wyoming. 

To read more, go here. 

100° Outside!

After enduring months of cold weather (even into spring), we finally have summer-like temperaturres!

 I may barbecue a Porterhouse steak I bought this morning.

20 Great Places To Camp In An RV This Summer

Above, Route 66 RV Resort near Albuquerque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Although we are still in spring, Memorial Day weekend has been traditionally the official start of the summer vacation season (to some).

As the official start of summer is a month away, now is the time to plan for vacations. RV Life has posted a list of 20 great places to camp in an RV. Of the 20, I have stayed at one of them, Route 66 RV Resort outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico along Interstate 40.

They begin with:

Finding the best places to camp in an RV can be tough, especially because there are so many options! Some resorts and campgrounds are better than others, so we’ve made a list of 20 great places to camp.

Obviously, every state has its own hidden gems and local favorites, but this list is based on visitor reviews and overall quality ratings from reliable sources. You won’t be disappointed when you decide to camp in any of these great locations. 

To read more, go here. 

RV Summer Storage

Above, the RV garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I live in the Southwest at about 7,000 feet in elevation, my first priority when I made the move there was to erect an RV storage garage.

This I had done during the fall months of 2018. I had to wait a few months for it to be made and delivered after ordering it in the spring.

The garage, dubbed the GOCO Beast Barn, is a steel storage shed with a roll-up and side door that only took a day to construct on one of my acres of land. It offers protection against the snows of winter and the sun during the summer.

I added a 30 amp outlet inside the garage the following year.

Above, the motorhome in its garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Do It Yourself RV posted an article on RV storage during the summer. 

It starts with:

RV summer storage, huh? Hmm. It seems rather counterintuitive to store a recreational vehicle during a season typically associated with travel and outdoor adventures. However, there are plenty of financial, lifestyle, and practical reasons for doing so. Besides, it can get pretty hot in some places.

Whether it’s the unbearably swampy temperatures (or dry ones for those in the Southwest), pet and equipment concerns, health risks, off-season savings, or the snowbird lifestyle, parking the RV for the summer isn’t quite as uncommon as some think.

Summer storage brings its own challenges, such as sun damage, mold, pests, mechanical issues, and more. RV summer storage may not be as labor intensive as good winterization, but proper preparation is necessary nonetheless.

To read the full article, go here.

10 Best Mountain Towns In America To Visit

Above, Mammoth Lakes, California during the summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

2025 is just around the corner. Many people, including myself, are thinking about where to travel to during vacation season.

TheTravel has posted a list of mountain towns around the U.S. worth considering. I have already been to several of them.

They begin with:

2025 is almost here! Travelers will plan and finalize their travel plans weeks and sometimes months in advance. So, now is a great time to search for destinations in America worth visiting in 2025.

Most have heard John Muir's quote, "The mountains are calling, and I must go." He wrote it to his sister from Yosemite Valley (Yosemite is best seen on a scenic train with one-of-a-kind views) on Sept. 3, 1873. It speaks of an inner need and desire to be in the mountains.

Millions around the world have resonated with Muir's quote. As a result, scenic mountains and valleys have become top-rated vacation destinations worth every penny for mountain lovers in the US and worldwide.

America thrives in its towns, and its mountains are only more picturesque and alluring. With gorgeous natural landscapes, quaint and historical main streets, and warm, hospitable people, these fantastic mountain towns in America are the perfect destinations to visit in 2025.

To read more, go here. 

Experts: The Best Time To Visit Japan

Above, Senso-ji temple and pagoda in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Just about any time is the best time to visit Japan. Well, "just about" means any time with the exception of the summer season when it gets brutally hot an humid there. Summer is also typhoon season there as well

For those wondering when is the best time to visit the Land of the Rising Sun, Forbes has posted an article on just this topic with expert advice.

They begin it with:

In Japan, fall foliage stretches late into the year, as gingko and maple trees pop with color well into December. Powderhounds flock to ski resorts like Honshu and Hokkaido in the winter months for bucket list ski trips, complete with deep powder and snow that’s light and dry and referred to as “Japow.” Then, spring brings the famous cherry blossom displays to the country.

With all the natural beauty and attractions, it’s no surprise that it can be hard for first-time visitors and repeat travelers to narrow down the best time to visit Japan.

Ahead, experts who specialize in Japanese travel share their advice on the best time of the year to visit Japan and also reveal the times of year you should avoid visiting Japan. 

To read more, go here. 

Forbes: Worst Cities For Summer Travel

Above, the Redondo Beach pier. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With the Hyatt Regency O'Hare's restaurant opening in 40 minutes, I took a look at an article from Forbes.com about the worst cities for summer travel to kill time.

Chicago is not on the list, by the way. Neither is Los Angeles. But Albuquerque, New Mexico is number four on the list.

They begin with:

Summer vacation is a time to relax and take a break, but potential complications like flight delays, cancellations or car accidents can make the experience anything but relaxing.

Some cities have plagued unsuspecting visitors with increased air travel disruptions, traffic snarls, scant amenities and sky-high hotel prices during the summer travel season.

More than half of Americans plan to take a vacation before the end of September, according to the 2024 Deloitte summer travel survey. With this in mind, Forbes Advisor set out to uncover the worst cities for summer travel.

We compared the 43 most populated cities with available data across 16 metrics spanning three key categories: city experience, air travel experience and driving experience.

To read more to see what are the worst cities for summer travel are, go here.

Tricks For Beating The Heat While RVing

Above, camped at Lake Havasu where temperatures reach over 110° frequently. Photo by Armand Vaquer,

The first day of summer will arrive June 20. 

With it, warmer (and hotter) temperatures will also be upon us. For RVers, keeping the rig cool during hot days is essential.

RV Travel has posted some tips on keeping recreational vehicles cooler on hot days.

They begin with:

The temperatures are already on the rise and that means the annual battle against the heat is gearing up. We all can use some tips and tricks to beat the heat while RVing. Follow these tips and stay cool this summer. 

To read what they are, to here. 

Top 10 Things To Know About Yellowstone National Park

Above, Lower Yellowstone Falls and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Summer vacation season is fast approaching and people will be taking vacations to different national parks.

National Parks Traveler has posted a list of top ten things to know about Yellowstone National Park, primarily located in the northwest corner of Wyoming. 

They begin with:

If you plan to travel to Yellowstone National Park this summer, plan ahead to protect yourself and this wild and awe-inspiring place. Within the park’s 2.2 million acres, visitors have unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in an intact ecosystem, explore geothermal areas that contain half the world’s active geysers and view geologic wonders like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

Follow the top 10 things to know to enjoy your visit and protect the park for generations to come:

To read more, go here. 

Elvis Presley’s Graceland Gears Up for Summer

Above, Graceland's famous Jungle Room. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It has been eight years since I last visited Elvis Presley's Graceland. It was a year before the big Elvis Presley's Memphis complex across the street opened. It was still under construction during my visit.

I stayed at the Graceland RV Park & Campground located across the street and behind the former Heartbreak Hotel. It was very handy as it was an easy short walk to the mansion.

Above, The Beast at the Graceland RV Park & Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Graceland is gearing up for the summer vacation season with new tours, events, concerts and exhibits.

Yahoo! Finance posted:

MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 16, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Elvis Presley’s Graceland is preparing for a summer filled with a variety of events, concerts, and numerous other reasons why this is the summer to visit the home of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll in Memphis.

Graceland’s daily tours give fans and music lovers the opportunity to experience how Elvis lived and spent his time. This summer, visitors can enjoy an all-new tour experience, updated exhibits, as well as get a last chance look at one of our fan favorite exhibitions.

To read more, go here. 

8 Affordable Summer Vacation Spots In Utah

Above, the West and East Mittens near dusk in Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Summer vacation season is nearly over, but if one still has time to venture out or need some ideas for next summer, World Atlas has eight suggestions. They are also affordable.

They're all in the state of Utah.

They begin with:

From breathtaking national and state parks to lovely, quiet little towns, Utah has so much to offer anyone looking to break away from the hustle of routine life. Thanks to Utah's many natural splendors, it's one of the most affordable states to plan a summer getaway. The warm and welcoming communities here also make you feel at home. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures or a leisurely vacation in the lap of nature, Utah has it all covered for you, and best of all, you can do it all on a budget! 

To see what they are, go here. 

RV Tires and Summer Heat

Above, my motorhome is protected in its garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV parts and accessories stores such as Camping World carry tire covers for a reason. RVs sitting out in the sun for weeks will get damaged. When I first bought my motorhome, I bought many accessories for it and that included tire covers. 

At the time, my RV sat out in the open at my apartment's parking lot. I kept the tires covered when the RV wasn't in use.

After moving to New Mexico, I had a RV garage built to protect it and its tires. Moving to an area at 7,000 feet in elevation made this more necessary. My tires are in great shape as a result. I keep all of my vehicles garaged for the same reasons.

Do It Yourself RV has an article on tires and summer heat with tips on protecting them.

The begin it with:

For many people, summer is the ideal time to climb into your RV and hit the road. It’s great to travel during the warm seasons because you don’t need to worry about snowstorms and icy roads. But the summer heat comes with its own dangers. Tires are one of the key areas that are affected by soaring temperatures.

Excessive heat can damage or even destroy RV tires if you’re not careful. High temperatures can warp the rubber and cause additional issues like leaks, dry rot, and tire pressure differences. In the worst-case scenarios, your tires might even explode while you’re driving!

Although summer heat is certainly dangerous, there are things you can do to prevent tire damage. As long as you’re aware of the risk factors and take steps to avoid them, you can continue to use your tires during every season of the year. Below, we’ll explore some of the dangers your tires will face and how you can prevent them.

To read more, go here. 

Beating The Heat While RVing

Above, camping at Lake Havasu where it is over 100° daily in the summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It has been hot for the past several weeks. At my home in New Mexico, the temperature has been in the 90s.

I was thinking about going up to Durango, Colorado to beat the heat. But I found that the temperatures there are no better than in New Mexico. So I nixed that idea.

However, if one is about to head out in their RV during this hot summer, RV Travel has some tips on beating the heat.

They begin with:

It’s hot. Really hot. Locations across the country are setting all-time heat records this summer. Perhaps no one knows about heat better than RVers. Face it. We RVers battle the heat while living in what’s basically an oversized tin can or cardboard box. The question on all of our minds is: How can we beat the heat while RVing?

To read what they suggest, go here. 

5 Reasons To Visit Japan In The Summer

Above, the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima during the summer of 2004. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2004, I was part of G-TOUR, a group tour of Japan by Godzilla fans. It was during the summer of that year.

We did find it hot and humid while on the tour. The coolest (temperature-wise) was while we were on the slopes of Mount Fuji. 

For those who can only travel during the summer months or have a high tolerance to heat and humidity, the following may be your cup of green tea.

Travel Off Path provides five reasons why this summer is the perfect time to visit Japan.

They begin it with:

Japan is famous for its springtime cherry blossoms, colorful autumn days, and crisp snow-capped mountains in the winter, but summer is its best-kept secret.

While most summer travelers picture dreamy beaches and charming European towns for their vacation, there are many benefits to discovering other less popular destinations during this time of year. 

With fewer tourists and better deals to be found, Japan offers some surprising reasons to visit this summer.

 To see what the five reasons are, go here.

Quartzsite Heat

Above, dry camping in Quartzsite in March 2021. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Two years ago, the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus (of which I am a member) held two clampouts (campouts) in Quartzsite, Arizona (March and October) filled with fun, frivolity, history and drinking. The weather during the two clampouts was just perfect, no hotter than in the 80s.

However, it is now summer and people have to be made aware that Quartzsite can, and does, get pretty darn hot in the summer.

RV Travel takes a look at Quartzsite heat in a new article.

They begin it with:

Quartzsite clings tenaciously to its claim of being the “Snowbird Capital of the West.” With the Big Tent RV Show, hundreds of miles of ATV trails, and loads of open space on BLM land to camp on, there are plenty of attractions. And when Minnesotans groan as they pull on Long Johns to face sub-zero weather in January, Snowbirds in Quartzsite are in “Hog Heaven.”

Here’s what one website says: “The average temperature in Quartzsite in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 68°F (20°C) to a low of 43°F (6°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool with a gentle breeze.” Locals refer to the “Crazy Canadians” whom they see donning shorts and short sleeves and sunbathing. But it’s not January anymore—and the Quartzsite heat has arrived.

 To read more, go here.

10 WAYS TO BEAT THE HEAT WHILE RV CAMPING

Above, at Crazy Horse Campgrounds at Lake Havasu in August 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Do you know what tomorrow is? In case you don't, the summer solstice arrives tomorrow morning. That means tomorrow is the first day of summer. This is the time when people are out vacationing and trying to find ways to cool off.

That includes RVers.

My motorhome has a roof air conditioner. For the most part, it works just fine. But a few times in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, it barely was able to keep the inside of the RV cool from the blistering heat (in excess of 110°).

Do It Yourself RV has some tips (ten of them) on how to beat the heat in your RV.

They begin with:

As the weather heats up, we all begin planning summer road trips and camping adventures. Warm temperatures encourage us to get outside, go swimming, and bask in the sun. But at the end of the day, you’ll need a nice, cool RV to help you beat the heat.

Many RVers overheat during the summer because their vehicle can’t compete with the blazing sun. A built-in AC system is great, but it can drain a lot of power (especially if you’re boondocking). Fortunately, there are plenty of strategies that you can use to cool down your living space and enjoy summer to the fullest.

Below we have 10 tips to beat the heat. They’re simple, cheap, and low effort, so give them a try! Feel free to use your AC as much as you want, but just remember that these tips might help you become less dependent on this system.

To read more, go here. 

Outside RV Storage A Bad Idea

Above, the RV in its garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I bought my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R that year, I was living in the Los Angeles area where the climate is not harsh.

Since then, I have moved to New Mexico and now live in a semi-arid area at about 7,000 feet above sea level. The winters get very cold and snowy and the summers can cause damage to an RV due to the altitude's UV rays.

That is why I had a RV garage (called the GOCO Beast Barn) built. It protects my motorhome from the harsher aspects of the climate. Thankfully, I was able to do so as I have a two-acre ranchette.

With the above in mind, RV Travel has posted an article on why storing an RV outside can be a bad idea. 

The begin it with:

Every year hundreds of thousands of RV owners all across the country need to store their RVs. Whether it is due to harsh winter conditions or because work and school activities limit the time we can “recreate,” RVers must find the best method to put their unit into hibernation. Trying to find a nice, heated, indoor facility can be difficult and very expensive. So most of us are forced to store our RVs outside, which is not always a good idea and can create some very expensive issues.

To read more, go here. 

Vacation In Billy The Kid Country?

Above, Billy the Kid, c. 1880.

My six-day camping trip this past week is now in the history books.

With gasoline prices rising again, it is hard to say where I'll be going next with the motorhome. Wherever that will be, it will likely be to a destination somewhat close to home. By close to home, I mean somewhere that only will take two gas tank fill-ups in total.

Here's the current Flying J gasoline prices:

Last year, it was to Durango, Silverton and Ridgway, Colorado and Navajo Lake in northern New Mexico along with a short trek to Monument Valley.

Above, Billy the Kid's grave in Fort Sumner, New Mexico.

This year, I am kind of thinking of heading down south into Billy the Kid country in and around Lincoln County New Mexico. That seems interesting enough to me to take a trip there. Billy the Kid was shot by Pat Garrett at Fort Sumner in De Baca County on July 14, 1881. He is buried there. 

We'll see what transpires before making any vacation trip decisions.