No time like the present

A Facebook post came across the other day that stated that people should take trips, “Short trips, long trips, day trips, 24 hr. trips…” and in the end it states the focus is to make experiences. This is the most important part of travel, creating experiences that you can’t have at home. Most importantly, trips don’t have to be long extended vacations. They can be short excursions but again, whatever it is make sure to make experiences that can be remembered.

In today’s newsletter:

• Travel News this Week

• City Spotlight: Bozeman, MT

  • Who should go?

  • When should we go?

  • What should we see?

  • Where should we eat?

  • Why Bozeman?

• Travel Tips

Travel News this Week

Some helpful travel news for families that have occurred this week.

• Sandwich Sweet spots: Where to find the best sandwiches in this country.

• The Clock is Ticking: With Christmas holiday less than 100 days away, tips for planning your holiday travel.

• Traveling smarter: How to travel and support sustainable travel techniques.

City Spotlight: Bozeman, Montana

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Bozeman is a vibrant mountain town where outdoor adventure meets rustic charm. Serving as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park and a hub for nature lovers, Bozeman is a perfect basecamp for families looking to explore the wild beauty of Big Sky Country. Let’s break Bozeman down using the tried and true 5 W’s in helping families decide if this is the next vacation destination.

Who should go to Bozeman?

If your family prefers hiking boots to high heels and finds joy in stunning mountain vistas, crystal-clear rivers, and abundant wildlife, Bozeman is the ideal destination. It's for the adventurous family that wants to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature and each other.

When should we go?

Summer is peak season, offering warm weather perfect for hiking, fishing, and exploring Yellowstone. However, the current season, autumn, is arguably the best time to visit. Right now in late September, the summer crowds have thinned, the air is crisp, and the aspen and cottonwood trees are turning a brilliant gold. It's also a prime time for wildlife viewing, as animals are more active. Winter transforms the area into a wonderland for skiing and snowshoeing.

What should we do?

Bozeman is an adventurer's playground. Here are just a few ideas with links to their websites for more information.

• Museum of the Rockies: A must-visit for any family, this world-class, Smithsonian-affiliated museum boasts one of the most important dinosaur fossil collections in the world, including a massive T. Rex skeleton. It also features fascinating exhibits on Montana history and a planetarium.

• Day Trip to Yellowstone National Park: Bozeman is the perfect northern gateway to the world's first national park. Take a scenic drive south to explore Mammoth Hot Springs with its steaming travertine terraces (and resident elk!) and continue into the Lamar Valley, often called the "American Serengeti," for unparalleled wildlife spotting opportunities.

• Hike a Local Trail: You don't have to go far for a great hike. The Drinking Horse Mountain Trail is a local favorite that offers a relatively short climb to fantastic views of the Gallatin Valley. For a shaded, easier walk, the trail to Grotto Falls is a beautiful option that follows a creek to a lovely waterfall.

• Explore Historic Downtown Bozeman: Stroll down the charming and vibrant Main Street, lined with historic buildings that now house art galleries, outdoor gear shops, unique boutiques, and fantastic restaurants. It’s the perfect place to wind down after a day of exploration.

Where should we eat?

Bozeman's food scene is surprisingly robust and family-friendly. Here are a few favorites.

• Montana Ale Works: Housed in a beautifully restored railroad freight house, this lively restaurant is a Bozeman institution. The menu has something for everyone, from great burgers and steaks to fresh salads, and the bustling atmosphere is very welcoming to families.

• Sweet Peaks Ice Cream: After a day on the trails, a stop at this beloved Montana ice cream shop is a must. With creative, locally inspired flavors like Huckleberry, Mountain Mint, and Salty Caramel, it’s the perfect treat for all ages.

• Jam! on Main: For an incredible breakfast or brunch to fuel your day's adventure, Jam! is the place. Known for its creative twists on classic dishes, like lemon ricotta pancakes and a variety of eggs Benedicts, it's a popular spot that's well worth the visit.

• MAP Brewing Company: Offering arguably the best view in town, MAP has a fantastic patio overlooking Glen Lake with the Bridger Mountains as a backdrop. Enjoy delicious pub fare like nachos and burgers while the kids have space to move and everyone soaks in the scenery.

Why Bozeman?

The question should be why not? Bozeman offers a rare combination of rugged, untamed nature and the comforts of a cool, contemporary town. It's a destination where a family can create lasting memories, whether it's seeing a bison for the first time, reaching the top of a mountain together, or simply sharing an ice cream on Main Street. For a vacation that inspires awe and adventure, Bozeman, Montana is hard to beat.

Travel Hacks

• Even though life is easier now with a digital map, investing in a paper map is a wise choice just in case your phone’s signal is lost or your battery dies.

• Get to know the need of a “Go Bag”. Pack snacks, toiletries, extra change of clothes, just in case of the situation that your bags may be delayed.