Nick Hilden

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Originally, I’d planned on testing out the brand-new Apple Watch Ultra while hiking through the surreal landscape of Cappadocia or trekking the jungles of Vietnam, both of which loomed on the horizon of my never-ending itinerary.

The New Apple Watch Ultra Is a Game Changer for Athletes & Outdoor Enthusiasts

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Travel

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As far as Mexican beach destinations go, the port town of Puerto Escondido, in the state of Oaxaca, hits a sweet spot: It’s moderately developed, laid-back, and caters enough to tourists but is still blissfully free of mega resorts and hordes of spring breakers that are staples of places like Cancún.

What to Do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico’s Chillest Surf Town

Rerouting

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Spanning the wilds of upper Washington, the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20, if you want to be boring) is an encapsulation of the mysterious, sprawling allure of the Pacific Northwest.

This Wild, Winding Highway Is 140 Miles of Pure Natural Awe

Dinosaur Provincial Park UNESCO World Heritage Site

Dinosaurs: the word in itself sums up why people are drawn to sprawling deserts and rocky landscapes that might have prehistoric fossils, giant footsteps imprinted into stone, or even just a ghostly landscape where large creatures once roamed.

See Jurassic Park Come to Life at These Amazing Dinosaur Fossil Parks

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On the streets of Hanoi, a torrent of motorbikes wind between dragon-throned temples, winged-roof pavilions, colorful colonial buildings with French doors, and modern glass towers.

This Friendly, Lantern-Lit City of Southeast Asia Is Having a Comeback

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Of all the great cities I’ve lived in across the world, it’s hard to argue that any of them stir as much longing and adoration as Paris.

See the Cool Side of Paris with These Unexpected Escapades

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Mexico is rich with renowned destinations.

Skip Cabo: Mexico’s Most Underrated Destinations to Visit This Summer

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Strolling the beach in Puerto Morelos, a two-mile Caribbean coastal town in Yucatán, you can look north and see the towering hotels of Cancún.

The Cenote Capital of Mexico Is Still Under the Radar

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About two hours from Seattle, a spectacular land awaits.

Water Cascades Down the Mountains in This Breathtaking National Park

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Beach towns in Mexico tend to lean in one of two directions: gorgeous tropical paradise or somewhat unkempt beach drag.

Mexico’s Gorgeous, Gritty Beach Town You Should Party in ASAP

Photo by Nick Hilden

You’re wandering the streets of downtown Tlaquepaque—a charming little district on the southern edge of Guadalajara, Mexico—where you check out the wares offered by street vendors, poke your head into shops owned by local craft makers, and take some photos of the looming cathedral on the edge of the bustling central plaza, all the while keeping an eye out for which of the many restaurant terraces catches your fancy.

This Mexican Art Town Is Like Alice in Wonderland Meets Palm Trees

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Do you like national parks but dislike crowds?

Nick Hilden’s Recent Articles

The New Apple Watch Ultra Is a Game Changer for Athletes & Outdoor Enthusiasts

The new Apple Watch Ultra delivers a dizzying array of fitness and adventure features—but it does have a few quirks.

What to Do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico’s Chillest Surf Town

Feel free to lose your shoes upon arrival.

This Wild, Winding Highway Is 140 Miles of Pure Natural Awe

Gear up for the Pacific Northwest tour of a lifetime.

See Jurassic Park Come to Life at These Amazing Dinosaur Fossil Parks

Enjoy the views, travel through eons.

This Friendly, Lantern-Lit City of Southeast Asia Is Having a Comeback

May the streets overflow with food stalls.

See the Cool Side of Paris with These Unexpected Escapades

Appreciate the cliches without being a cliche.

Skip Cabo: Mexico’s Most Underrated Destinations to Visit This Summer

This way to a better vacation.

The Cenote Capital of Mexico Is Still Under the Radar

And it’s just around the corner from Cancún.

Water Cascades Down the Mountains in This Breathtaking National Park

And pools at the bottom in emerald lakes.

Mexico’s Gorgeous, Gritty Beach Town You Should Party in ASAP

Come on down for fresh seafood, immaculate vibes, and parties that last 'til dawn.

This Mexican Art Town Is Like Alice in Wonderland Meets Palm Trees

And the artist is like a surrealist mad hatter.

This Gorgeous Park Spans 2 States and a Whole Lot of Dino Bones

And you can hike, river-raft, and camp right next to 'em.