Pony trekking to a volcano in Mexico- Mexico usually inspires images of ancient ruins or beaches dotted with lounge chairs. But there’s another unusual sight, volcanoes, that need to be on your list for 2024.

You may think of the majestic Popocatepetl volcano just outside Mexico City in Puebla and no one would blame you. But the perfect horseback riding experience waits for you in the Michoacan-Guanajuato volcanic field at Paricutin. Since it stopped erupting in the 1950s it’s safe to visit now and travelers can climb up the crater rim or walk across the ruins of a city frozen in black hardened lava. A local guide can lead you and your group on horseback to the site.

Since the local population is organizing your experience, participate comfortably knowing that the money spent goes directly to the community.

Tour a national park almost all to yourself! As of 2023, the least visited national park in California is Pinnacles National Park, where hiking and rock climbing are a way of life for this close-kept secret’s biggest fans. Just two hours outside of San Francisco, Pinnacles is the literal definition of a hidden gem as Monterey County locals will be sure to tell you.

A close second is Channel Islands National Park. The fact that you need to schedule a ferry ride out to the park may deter some people. But anyone who has taken the time to visit knows, that the ferry ride is one of the joys of the area as you can see a huge variety of marine life. We saw sea lions, a small group of whales, and more dolphins than we could count on our trip. Sea caves, ancient legends, and a chance to hike for beautiful views without any chance of crowds. Hell, what’s not to love?

And finally, no North American adventure is complete without mentioning Alaska! Road trip from Fairbanks to Anchorage to catch amazing views of Denali. Enjoy the longer days when the sun doesn’t set and get the most out of your time at Denali National Park.​

Hike a glacier at Kenai Fjords National Park. Exit Glacier is still a site to behold but rising temperatures are rapidly melting it. A trip to see the shrinking beauty just might inspire visitors to learn more about protecting this rapidly changing environment

Or shoot the rapids! We took a two-and-a-half-hour trip down the Nenana River by Denali which was an energizing way to kick off our last morning in Alaska!