hiking guide — blog — Where Tara Went

how to find free campsites in New Zealand: 12 best apps for campervan travel in New Zealand

There is definitely more than one way to see a country, but intrepid travellers looking to see the very best of New Zealand honestly must see it on a campervan road trip. There is nothing more quintessentially New Zealand than a campervan trip across the country filled to the brim with lake dips, coastal swims, multi-day treks, and plenty of (mis)adventures along the way. So where do you find free campsites? What are the rules for freedom camping? I cover all of this and more in this lengthy guide set to help you find free campsites across New Zealand.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal: what to pack, when to trek, + how to prepare

Before you trek to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal, read this guide for all the details about the trek, including budget breakdown, accommodation, booking a group trip, and packing information.

How to Climb Ben Nevis in Scotland: Everything You Need to Hike the U.K.'s Highest Peak

Looking to hike Ben Nevis during your visit to Scotland? This essential guide includes what you need to pack, how you need to prepare, and everything you need to know before making the trek up Great Britain’s highest peak.

travel, Scotland, hiking guide, destination guide, EuropeWhere Tara WentAugust 26, 2022Europe, Scotland, hiking, outdoor travel, travel, adventure travel, united kingdom, ukComment

10 incredible things to do in Moab, Utah: an epic travel guide to Moab

This guide to Moab, Utah and its nearby National Parks covers everything from where to eat and the 10 best tings to do in this Mars-like part of the US.

The Ultimate Grand Teton Itinerary: 3 Days in Grand Teton National Park

This post is your ultimate itinerary for Grand Teton National Park. From where to camp and what trails to hike, to what to see + do in the area— I’ve shared all the crucial information and insider details for visiting this Grand Teton National Park.

2-week itinerary for Costa Rica: the ultimate Costa Rica travel guide with tips + planning resources

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Costa Rica with this two-week itinerary. From exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest to surfing on the beaches of Tamarindo, this itinerary offers a comprehensive guide to help you plan your dream trip to this tropical paradise.

Going-to-the-Sun Road Tickets + The Ultimate Guide to Glacier National Park (updated for 2023)

In this post, you’ll find a step-by-step guide for getting Going-to-the-Sun Road tickets and the ultimate planning resource for a trip to Glacier National Park.

how to hike Scafell Pike, England's highest peak

Nestled in England’s Lake District is the country’s highest peak, Scafell Pike. Most avid hiker in the U.K will have Scafell Pike on their bucket list, but knowing how to prepare yourself doesn’t have to be a daunting task. I’ve compiled all the information from my recent hiking trip to make this complete guide for those wanting to hike the peak!

eco travel, England, destination guide, Europe, hiking guide, travelWhere Tara WentOctober 5, 2020travel, outdoor travel, Europe, united kingdom, uk, england, hiking, 2020Comment

hiking for beginners: awesome tips + how to get started

I love hiking. As a teenager in South Dakota’s Black Hills, it was almost imperative that I enjoyed hitting the trails. Everywhere I’ve lived in my adult life has been in close proximity to nature, and hiking has always been one of my favourite ways to get amongst it. What about those who are new to hiking and aren’t sure how to start? For those people, I’ve created this guide filled with tips.

the 10 best hikes in the Black Hills

The black hills are a treasure trove of hidden gem hiking trails. I’ve put together a list of 10 of my favourites that I’ve enjoyed time and time again during my adolescenthood.

hiking Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand: everything you need to know

In early March, well before New Zealand went into its nationwide lockdown, my group of rag-tag friends set out to hike the highest point on the North Island of New Zealand— Mount Ruapehu. We spent the weekend in a massive bach, complete with a trampoline, kayaks, and an outdoor shower. We made family dinners, went for afternoon swims, and hiked the up to Ruapehu’s Crater Lake.

travel, pack list, New Zealand, Oceania, hiking guideWhere Tara WentApril 27, 2020hiking, travel, outdoor travel, new zealand, home, Oceania, 2020, Mount RuapehuComment

how to hike Ella Rock without paying for a guide + scams to avoid

Along the train tracks, up rolling hills, and through eucalyptus forests lies Ella Rock. This cliff offers gorgeous views of the valley below for those who brave the heat to climb it. The four-hour roundtrip trek up Ella Rock is one of the most famous hikes in the country, and it was one of the best things I did while in Ella. Immediately after hiking, I had messages in my inbox asking if I paid for a guide up Ella Rock or not. Many people shot me a message asking: “CAN YOU HIKE ELLA ROCK WITHOUT A GUIDE?” Absolutely.

How to Hike Sigiriya + Pidurangala in a Morning + What to Know

If you are traveling through Sri Lanka, you undoubtedly have Sigiriya on your itinerary. But how do you decide whether to climb Pidurangala Rock or Lion Rock? Don’t worry, I’ve made this guide to help any indecisive readers make as informed a decision as possible.

how to plan a multi-day trek in Luang Namtha, Laos

Luang Namtha Province in northwest Laos is filled with natural landscapes and cultural diversity, making it an ideal place for ecotourism. Especially since it is home to the Nam Ha Biodiversity Conservation Area and various outdoor tourism initiatives.

Asia, eco travel, Lao PDR, travel, hiking guideWhere Tara WentApril 12, 2019eco travel, ethical travel, outdoor travel, asia, southeast asia, Lao PDR, Laos, laos, nature, hiking, trekking, travelComment

the hidden hike in Chomphet District, Laos

While Luang Prabang may not be known for its hiking the way that Vang Vieng is, it only takes a ferry ride across the Mekong to find quality trekking in Chomphet. The ferry ride to the “Chomphet Hike” trailhead takes only a few minutes, but the difference between the city and its neighbouring village will make you feel like you’ve traveled hours. Chomphet’s side of the Mekong is much less developed and significantly less visited, making the hike an easy detour from tourist congestion. Though you won’t find tourists on the hike, you will discover five different temples, including Wat Long Khoune, and side of local life in Laos many visitors miss out on.

the ultimate guide to New Zealand's Tongariro Alpine Crossing

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of those quintessential New Zealand treks all travelers hear about and backpackers flock to. Despite its popularity and reputation for stunning views, and the years I’ve cumulatively spent in New Zealand, I hadn’t ever made my way to hike it. Until my recent return!

how to hike Mount Maunganui in New Zealand

Mount Maunganui is a hike I’ve heard people talk about for ages. While I was living in Auckland particularly, people would always recommend I make the trip to Tauranga to do the walk and peep the view from the top. I simply never made the trip or had the time. It wasn’t that far up my priority list. Luckily for me, a day of good weather and no work brought together a few of my favourite humans for a trip to the Mount to mark it off all our lists!