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🍂 Dreaming of golden hues and crisp mountain ai

🍂 Dreaming of golden hues and crisp mountain air? Take a drive on the 395! June Lake is the ultimate spot for fall vibes! ✨

🍁This cozy alpine gem transforms into a wonderland of aspen trees, glowing in shades of yellow and orange ❤️🧡💛

🌟 Best Stops:
1️⃣ June Lake Loop - Drive the loop for endless aspen views. Bonus: stop at the lakes for picture-perfect reflections!

2️⃣ Silver Lake - A must-see for golden foliage by the water.

3️⃣ Parker Lake Trail - A short hike with stunning fall colors and a peaceful lake backdrop.

🍂 Pro Tips:

💛 Peak colors usually show late
💛 September to mid-October, but check updates for timing!
💛 Go early for soft light and fewer crowds.
💛 Layer up—it’s chilly in the mornings!

Tag me if you visit, and let me know your favorite spots! 🌄 #JuneLake #Highway395 #FallAdventures #CaliforniaRoadTrip #MonoLake

💦✨ Did you know this is also in Pamukkale? Yo

💦✨ Did you know this is also in Pamukkale? You can swim in the same ancient thermal waters once enjoyed by Cleopatra herself!

Cleopatra’s Pool in Pamukkale is a unique experience where you can float among submerged Roman columns and ruins in crystal-clear, mineral-rich water. 🏛️💙

📜 Entrance Fees:

* Access to Hierapolis and Pamukkale terraces: 30 euro in 2024 (includes general site admission).
* Cleopatra’s Pool has an additional entry fee (pricing changes, it was 400 lira) if you want to swim. No fee to have a quick look. There’s a restaurant and gift shops and tables with shade.
* Pamukkale Archeology Museum: entry fee included with general admission

After your soak, explore the ancient city of Hierapolis and visit the Pamukkale Archeology Museum. Wander the stunning Roman theater, stroll through the ancient necropolis, and visit the Temple of Apollo—this city was once a wellness hub for Roman aristocrats!

Hierapolis and Cleopatra’s Pool are a must-visit for history lovers, spa enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike. Would you go? 👑💧 #CleopatrasPool #Hierapolis #Pamukkale

#Pamukkale #TravelGuide #TurkeyTravel #Türkiye #solofemaletraveler #CleopatrasPool

Pamukkale: should you go? The white terraces are n

Pamukkale: should you go? The white terraces are no longer what they used to be. Due to climate shifts, tourism, and nearby development, there isn’t as much water flowing over its terraces as it once did. 💧

The thermal pools rely on mineral-rich water to maintain that beautiful white glow, but less water means some areas are drying out.

Pamukkale’s water levels have been declining due to a combination of natural and human factors that impact the flow and availability of the mineral-rich waters essential to its iconic white terraces:

1️⃣ Increased Tourism: As more hotels and amenities were built in the area, especially in the late 20th century, these developments tapped into the thermal waters, reducing the natural flow over the terraces. To combat this, many hotels were later closed or redirected, but the impact on the water levels remains.

2️⃣ Climate Change: Changes in weather patterns have affected rainfall and groundwater replenishment, contributing to lower water flow. Reduced rainfall and hotter temperatures also cause evaporation, further decreasing the amount of water available to flow over the terraces.

3️⃣ Preservation Efforts: Authorities now control water distribution, redirecting flows to certain sections at a time to prevent further drying. This means that some areas might look dry at certain times, but it’s part of a larger strategy to conserve the site and prevent erosion or overuse of any one area.

While Pamukkale is still an incredible destination, these changes are a reminder of the impact tourism and climate can have on natural wonders. Sustainable travel practices and environmental conservation will be key to preserving Pamukkale’s magic for generations to come.

#Pamukkale #TravelGuide #TurkeyTravel #Türkiye #solofemaletraveler #sustainabletourism

Planning a trip to Pamukkale? Here’s everything

Planning a trip to Pamukkale? Here’s everything you need to know to experience this “Cotton Castle” to the fullest!

📍 Location: Pamukkale is located in southwestern Turkey, about 3 hours from Izmir. The closest town is Denizli. (I arrived on an overnight bus from Konya, and left on an overnight bus to Fethiye)

🕒 Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the terraces during the softer light of sunrise or sunset. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures!

💸 Entry Fee: Tickets include access to the terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis above. It was 30 Euros in 2024 & the Museum Pass Turkey is valid here. Pamukkale opening hours are between 08:00 in the morning and 20:00 in the evening. (check for updates)

👣 What to Bring: Sunscreen, hat/sunglasses, snacks, water, a bag for shoes (you’ll walk barefoot on the terraces), and a swimsuit if you want to dip in the thermal pools or Cleopatra’s Pool!

📸 Top Spots: 1️⃣ Thermal Terraces: Walk along the white travertines 2️⃣ Hierapolis: Explore the ruins of this ancient city, including the Roman theater and Temple of Apollo. 3️⃣ Cleopatra’s Pool: For an additional fee, swim among ancient columns in this thermal pool rumored to have hosted Cleopatra herself.

🌎 Travel Tip: Pamukkale’s water levels fluctuate, so be mindful of preservation efforts by following posted guidelines. Let’s keep this beauty intact for future travelers!

#Pamukkale #TravelGuide #TurkeyTravel #Türkiye #solofemaletraveler

From the mystical energy of the Mevlâna Museum to

From the mystical energy of the Mevlâna Museum to the colorful alleys filled with vibrant street art, Konya, Türkiye will surprise you with its charm, history, and depth.

#WhirlingDervish #Rumi #Konya @gokonya #Türkiye #solofemaletraveler

Is 24 hours enough in Konya? Maybe not, but here’s how to make every second count!

Save this post for your #Türkiye itinerary! 🧳✈️

Here’s the perfect one-day walking itinerary to immerse yourself in the city’s best spots:

TIP: If you want to see the whirling dervishes at the Mevlâna Kültür Merkezi, they are only open to the public on Saturday nights, at 7:00pm, doors open at 6:00pm. Cost: 100 Turkish Lira

1️⃣ Mevlâna Museum: You can’t miss the shrine of Rumi, where spirituality and beauty blend seamlessly. Tip: Go early to avoid the crowds.

2️⃣ Aziziye Mosque: A quick stop here is a must for architecture lovers. The architecture is a unique blend of Ottoman & Baroque styles. It’s a 7 min walk from the Mevlâna Museum.

3️⃣ Lunch at Mithat Tirit: Time for a taste of Konya’s culinary heritage! Try Tirit, a traditional dish made with tender lamb, crispy bread, & yogurt, all layered for a perfect blend of flavors. Don’t miss trying aryan, a creamy yet light, slightly tangy, & perfectly thirst-quenching, yogurt drink for a true local experience.

4️⃣ Street Markets: You will find yourself walking through a maze of street markets in this neighborhood. You can find almost anything you need, from gold to kitchenware.

5️⃣ Şemsi Tebrizi Camii ve Türbesi: Keep walking another 10 mins & you will be at the tomb of Şemsi Tebrizi, Rumi’s teacher. (These are religious areas of active worship, so you will be asked to wear appropriate cover-ups to enter, covering the legs, shoulders, and hair for women.)

6️⃣ Alaeddin Hill & Mosque: Walk up to Alaeddin Hill for panoramic views of Konya, surrounded by the beauty of Turkish architecture and gardens.

7️⃣ Mevlâna Kültür Merkezi: End your day at this cultural center where you can experience the mesmerizing Whirling Dervishes performance—a spiritual and cultural highlight that brings Rumi’s teachings to life. It’s located back near the Mevlana Museum, so you might want to take a taxi back!

There’s so much history and beauty in Konya that one day is not enough!

#WhirlingDervish #Rumi #Konya @gokonya #Türkiye

Sometimes, being on the road gives me a clearer le

Sometimes, being on the road gives me a clearer lens—not just for capturing landscapes, but for understanding the landscape of our world. Like many of you, I’ve been feeling a mix of frustration, worry, and disappointment after this recent election. I’m not one to be overly political, but I believe in standing up for the things that matter.

Travel has taught me resilience, patience, and the power of finding beauty in unexpected places. As we navigate these uncertain times, let’s remember that change doesn’t happen overnight but with consistent steps forward. We can still create the world we want to see by lifting each other up, being kind, and holding onto hope.

So here’s to the journey—a long, winding road with some tough climbs. But every sunrise reminds us that each new day holds potential. Let’s keep exploring, keep speaking up, and most importantly, keep showing up for each other. 🌄

#KeepMovingForward #TogetherWeRise Thank you @dannaliz for the inspiration for this post!

🍽️ Turkish breakfast everyday! 🇹🇷 One

🍽️ Turkish breakfast everyday!

🇹🇷 One of my favorite things about Türkiye

🥂 I could do this every day

🤗 For dinner too

Have you had a Turkish breakfast?

#Türkiye #Turkishbreakfast #delicious

🤍 Seeing the whirling dervishes in Konya, Turki

🤍 Seeing the whirling dervishes in Konya, Turkiye was a very special moment

Many people in the West have heard of Rumi, but did you know he was born in 1207? 🌹 On my birthday no less! 😊

Rumi invented the tradition of the whirling dervish

There are dervish shows for tourists in Istanbul, but in Konya you can attend the weekly practice of this tradition

🗺️ It’s located near the center of town in the Mevlana Cultural Center (Mevlâna Kültür Merkezi)

⏰ Saturdays at 7:00pm, doors open at 6:00pm

🎟️ 100 Turkish Lira

📿 There is a small market on the lower level selling local artwork

*save this post for your trip to Türkiye!

#WhirlingDervish #Rumi #Konya @go_konya #Türkiye

👋 Hi! I’m Akemi and it’s time to re-introdu

👋 Hi! I’m Akemi and it’s time to re-introduce myself!

📸 I’m your go to girl for travel inspiration, type 2 hiking & camping adventure, road trips and photography!

🧘🏻‍♀️ I also have a regular self care practice which includes forgiveness when I’m not doing everything “right,” going easy on myself, and following my heart 💫

💪🏼 I’m also a doctor of physical therapy (one of my day jobs!) and I’m currently rehabbing my own shoulder through a torn rotator cuff!

🤩 It’s so nice to meet you, I hope you enjoy yourself today, and don’t spend too much time on your screen! I’d love to hear more about you! Please introduce yourself in the captions!

#solofemaletraveler #SoloHiker #CampingCalifornia #girlscampingweekend

💦 I found this awesome waterfall hike in Pine M

💦 I found this awesome waterfall hike in Pine Mountain Club!

🥾 It’s short but sweet! There’s some rock scrambling about halfway up, and then you’re kind of wading in the water, but suddenly you look up and there’s this fairyland castle ambience with water dripping down from moss, with gentle sounds of the babbling brook, it’s magical! ✨

🌲 It’s located in Pine Mountain club, about 2 hours from Los Angeles and it’s about 15 miles further to Hudson Ranch Resort!

🗺️ To find it, look for the trailhead on @googlemaps, it’s not on @alltrails

@hudsonranchresort #glamping #pinemountainclub #hikingnearLA #waterfallhike

🌚 It was a dark but not stormy night… 💫

🌚 It was a dark but not stormy night…

💫 And I got to see Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS!

✨ The Hudson Ranch Resort has a huge beautiful open space where you can star gaze for hours.

🚗 It’s just 2 hours away from Los Angeles, close, but just far enough that there are no city lights in the way.

@hudsonranchresort #glamping #darkskies #stargazing #girlscampingweekend #CaliforniaOutdoors #campingwithkids

🤗 Come with me to a glamping getaway just 2 hou

🤗 Come with me to a glamping getaway just 2 hours from LA!

✨ Enjoy the fresh air and open space, perfect for campfires and stargazing…

🚿 Then come inside for running water, a full kitchen, and even a microwave!

☀️ It’s the perfect place for family vacation or group trip!

@hudsonranchresort #glamping #campfire #girlscampingweekend #CaliforniaOutdoors #Sunsethike #campingwithkids

🍁 Fall is perfect glamping weather in Southern

🍁 Fall is perfect glamping weather in Southern California!

☀️ Welcome to Hudson Ranch Resort. It’s a wide open space with lots of room for camping, bonfires, outdoor games and star gazing.

🛣️ Located near Pine Mountain Club off the 5 freeway and just past Frazier Park, it’s conveniently close to the Carrizo Plain National Monument, a popular spot for wildflowers during the spring!

⛺️ You can camp out or stay in a rustic cabin with a full kitchen and bathrooms!

💁🏻‍♀️ It’s great for groups, families, or couples.

🦅 Enjoy some time out in nature, disconnect from the television and see the stars!

@hudsonranchresort #glamping #campfire #girlscampingweekend #CaliforniaOutdoors #Sunsethike #campingwithkids #hosted

☀️ A photo dump of my weekend at the historic

☀️ A photo dump of my weekend at the historic Hudson Ranch Glamping Resort in California!

🌲 The fall weather is perfect for staying outdoors, but if you want the comfort of indoor plumbing, Hudson Ranch also has rooms available!

🔥 You can have your cake and eat it too. Enjoy a pleasant evening by the campfire, then take a hot shower and snuggle in a real bed!

⚽️ Bring the whole family for some outdoor bonding time. Play corn hole, or kick the soccer ball around. Hike up to the water tower for sunset, or adventure out to Carrizo Plain National Monument to see the wildflowers!

@hudsonranchresort #glamping #campfire #girlscampingweekend #CaliforniaOutdoors #Sunsethike #carrizoplainnationalmonument #wildflowerbloom

🥾 I used to be a Girl Scout! Probably why I lik

🥾 I used to be a Girl Scout! Probably why I like to lead hikes and such now 😂

👉🏼 I gotta take care of my troop!

🌅 That’s why I love the Mountain Series Sunset Medical Kit. Not only is it so cute in this pretty package, but inside it’s packed with carefully-selected first aid supplies to fix you up in the trail.

😘 You can feel safe when you hike with me!

@adventuremedicalkits #SoloHiker #girlscampingweekend #girlswhohike

🇹🇷 The underground cities in Cappadocia are

🇹🇷 The underground cities in Cappadocia are super cool.

🏠 They date back to the 7th century BC, and contain everything from living space, stables and communal kitchens to a church, a graveyard, and even wine making facilities.

⛪️ Early Christians used the caves to hide from religious persecution.

🚌 Easily accessible on public transportation, take the dolmuş from Göreme and transfer in Neveşir. It’s about 30 km and takes about 35 min, depending how long you wait for the dolumuş.

👉🏼 Save this post for your trip to Cappadocia!

#Cappadocia #Goreme #UndergroundCities #Kaymaklı #TurkeyTravel

The scenery in Cappadocia never stops! Before I we

The scenery in Cappadocia never stops! Before I went, I had been told I would love it, and that I should plan at least 5 days there.

I could have spend twice that amount of time!

There are so many ways to do this area. I chose hiking and adventure. But there’s amazing food, coffeeshops, and even more hiking. I didn’t rent a car, which would have allowed for more exploration.

Stand out recommendations for food are Tandir & Restoran: small, good value and delicious! and the Göreme Kadin Kooperatifi (Goreme Women’s Cooperative), which serves a “working class” style lunch of local food. They provide jobs for women, and they make and sell jewelry as well!

#Goreme #Cappadocia @goremekadin @tandirrestaurantt #turkiye🇹🇷

Going up in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia was a

Going up in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia was a dream come true

We almost didn’t go up!

The balloon companies there follow strict FAA regulations. If the weather conditions aren’t right, they don’t fly.

The day we went, there was a yellow flag warning, meaning there was a chance we could fly, but also a chance we couldn’t.

Everyone was anxiously awaiting the news!

Luckily, we were able to fly that day!

Be sure to book your flight early in your trip to Goreme, Cappadocia, so if the flight is cancelled that day, you have a chance the next day.

I flew with @royalballoons, which was a great experience! I flew in the 20 person basket, which didn’t seem crowded at all.

We finished the flight with champagne and chocolate covered strawberries, and everyone got a medal!

#HotAirBalloonCappadocia #RoyalBalloon #Goreme #BalloonFlight

Zemi Valley is one of the lesser known hikes in th

Zemi Valley is one of the lesser known hikes in the area, but the views did not disappoint!

The Maps.me app saved the day once again, as there are countless trails that crisscross each other leading to various places. It’s a great way to set waypoints and not get thrown off course.

Wear sturdy hiking shoes, carry loads of water, bring a hat and sunscreen. It’s hot out there! Bring snacks too.

*Pro tip: If you stay at @diademhostel, they can help you with the map points for the hike!

#HikingCappadocia #HikingGoreme #HikingRoseValley #hikingRedValley #SoloHiker #HikingTurkiye #LoveValley #PigeonValley #WhiteValley #zemivalley

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