A Motto for Montana

by Dan Austin Here’s a bet you’re bound to win – ask someone for Montana’s state motto. Even if they’ve visited recently, to climb mountains, raft rivers, bike or hike or to experience Yellowstone National Park, you can bet them ten to one and still win a bundle. Some will smile knowingly and take your wager, thinking “Big Sky Country” is the answer. And boy does that moniker fit. Travel the state from its green eastern prairies to its western white-capped peaks (a distance of some 500 miles!) and you’ll marvel at the immensity of open space and the big blue sky. But no matter the popularity of the nickname, and even its presence on some highway signs, your bet’s still safe. Another friend might come up with “The Last Best Place,” which has gained in popularity of late as everyone from recent college grads to the just-retired look to live where they can have an active outdoors lifestyle while still enjoying the culture and convenience of big towns and small cities.... Read More →

El Salvador: Ready to be Explored!

by Holly Jones El Salvador is an off-the-beaten-path destination loaded with impressive mountainous, volcanic and coastal landscapes that are teeming with thousands of species of flora and fauna, more adventure sports than you can imagine, an exceptional arts and crafts scene, cultural festivals, breathtaking coffee-growing highlands, and exquisite local food bursting with flavors of the mountain and sea.  This tiny country has emerged, leaving its conflicted past behind and reinventing itself as an adventure and ecotravel destination. Adventure Sports Surfing the world’s best beaches at dawn, mountain biking through the narrow trails of the coffee highlands at midday and peacefully paragliding through the orange and pink sunset skies, all while taking pictures of the towering volcanoes and the Pacific Ocean right in front of you are the types of daily itineraries that make El Salvador a prime destination for thrill-seekers and outdoor lovers alike. Over the past 10 years, the popularity... Read More →