Amber in New England:
Your Guide to Hiking, Gear Reviews, & Northeast Travel

Escape the crowds and cruise to your private Costa Rican island! 🏝️ If you’re in Jaco, the Tortuga Island catamaran cruise  is an absolute must-do full-day excursion. Less time driving, more time on the ocean, and plenty of adventures waiting once you arrive. Whether you’re snorkeling, riding the banana boat, or just lounging on white sand beaches, this day trip is a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Where the Cruise Departs Start your day at the world-class Los Sueno

Affiliate Disclosure:   This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I’ve personally used on the trail. You don’t always need a heavy down jacket or overcomplicated technical mid-layer. A simple, reliable fleece is all you really need for most hikes in New England. Lightweight, warm, and easy to layer. In this guide, I’ll share my trail-tested picks, layering tips, and

Franconia Ridge looks simple on AllTrails, until you realize the loop includes three peaks, a hut, and over 4,000 feet of climbing that’ll have your knees questioning every life choice. So, instead of another vague itinerary, here’s my exact timeline from a real overnight on the Ridge: campsite setup times, sunrise alarms, soup breaks, and all. My pack weighed 27 lbs, I carried every ounce up Liberty Springs, and I’ll tell you exactly what I’d do differently next time. 🥾 Day

If you’re staying in Jaco and want maximum thrills in a single day, the Jaco Jungle Adventure Five in One  is the perfect solution. For my sister’s 30th birthday, our friends and I dedicated a full day to this park, tackling ziplining, RZR rides, canyoning, and more. This is our honest review covering logistics, gear, and whether it’s worth the full-day investment. We squeezed every adrenaline-packed minute out of the day, and I’m sharing exactly what you need to know to make