One of the first things I booked and planned when I decided to spend my summer in the US was a bus and adventure travel tour. The route would take me down from San Francisco along the rugged coastline of the Big Sur, back to Los Angeles. I’d then spend some time in Joshua Tree National park, Las Vegas, and Zion National park before heading back to San Francisco.
It was a week of long bus rides, new friends, camping, dirty hair and exhausting but exhilarating hikes.

I was never and probably will never be a huge fan of camping but I enjoy it every once in a while. I feel better after having been uncomfortable and dirty for a couple of days. It makes me appreciate what I have more, learn how to deal better with awkward situations and exercises my patience. It grounds me in ways other things cannot.
This is why I’d urge anyone to put themselves out there and feel uncomfortable at least once a year. Go out there, smell like campfire and have sticky hands from all the S’mores you just made. The laughter and occasional shooting star will more than make up for that. I promise you.

The coastline of Big Sur was one of the most enchanting places I’ve ever been. I won’t ever forget our evening hikes or campfire talks. We regularly stopped along the way and got out – we even were lucky enough to spot a bunch of humpback whales. It was unforgettable.

I loved being back in LA after almost a week of wandering the streets of San Francisco. A food truck in Santa Monica provided us with the best burrito I’ve ever eaten and watching the sunset on the beach was the perfect ending for the first part of our trip.

Rock climbing in Joshua Tree is a must. There’s just no way around it. Also, sleeping outside under the clear desert skies was one of the best things I’ve done in a while.

Amboy, CA is also called “the Ghost Town that ain’t dead yet” and it’s pretty accurate for this cluster of three houses, a motel and a tiny diner. It makes for a great spot when you’re moving along the Route 66 though.

Zion is an utterly breathtaking place. The rock formations are begging to be hiked. It’s not for the faint hearted though. I never considered myself afraid of heights, but I couldn’t do the last 40 minutes of the hike up to Angel’s Landing. The terrain was just too dangerous for my sneaker-clad feet. It’s one hell of a hike though, and if you’re brave enough, I’ve heard that the view is stunning.