American Nomad Blog
About this blog
American Nomad covers the best of U.S. travel—from vacation deals to festivals, weekend getaways, travel tips, and more. A seasoned traveler and Moon author, Laura is the perfect guide to help discover new gems when traveling domestically.
Recent Posts
- A Southern Girl's Wintertime Adventure in Yellowstone
- One Novelist's Odyssey Across America
- Gearing up for a Family Camping Trip
- Mint Juleps and More at Oak Alley Plantation
- Avoiding Identity Theft While on Vacation
- Money-Saving Travel Tips from Nomadic Matt
- Fashion, Fun, and Convenience for the Modern Traveler
- In Search of Irish Museums Across America
- The Inspiring Journey of a Solo Kayaker
- Getting Fit for Treks in Yosemite and Elsewhere, Part 2
- Getting Fit for Treks in Yosemite and Elsewhere, Part 1
- Experiencing Yosemite with YExplore
- Two Travel Contests Worth Mentioning
- A Word About the TSA's No-No List
- A Reader's Advice About Airport Security
Commonsensical Shooting Tips from Ten Top Photographers
When, in late October, I found myself sitting in a hospital room in downtown New Orleans, waiting to hear about my husband's prognosis after an unexpected bout of gastrointestinal bleeding, I admit to seeking solace in the pages of two travel-related books – both of which I was invited to review by their respective publishers. more >>
Bike Rentals Made Easy
Two weeks ago, on my 36th birthday (which was incidentally Mark Twain's 177th), my thoughtful hubby, Dan, surprised me with a beautiful new bicycle. The bright blue, vintage-style Schwinn, which I found waiting for me in our courtyard, has fat tires, widely spaced handlebars, a roomy seat, an awesome headlight, a handy rear storage rack, vivid sunflowers all along the frame, and, thankfully, only one speed. As you might imagine from that description, it's girlie to the max! No wonder Schwinn calls it a “Slik Chik.” Of course, that doesn't refer to the “chick” riding it through the French Quarter. As many friends and relatives can attest, I'm not the most graceful individual, but so far, I have yet to experience a mishap on my new bike. more >>
Christmastime at Louisiana's Madewood Plantation House
While exploring New Orleans, many visitors make time to venture beyond the city's borders – and embrace the unique attractions that southern Louisiana locales like the Northshore, the Great River Road, and Cajun Country have to offer. While all of these regions are worth experiencing, I admit to harboring a particular affinity for the plantation homes that lie along or near the Great River Road. Despite the complicated history of Southern plantation life – and the horrendous practice of slavery that allowed many plantations to thrive – I've always enjoyed visiting these antebellum homes, if only to have a better understanding of America's past. more >>
A Helpful Handbook for Hopeful Travel Writers, Part 3
Recently, I shared with you my rather hopeful conversation with Jacqueline Harmon Butler, co-author of The Travel Writer's Handbook: How to Write – and Sell – Your Own Travel Experiences (Chicago: Agate Publishing, Inc., 2012, $18.95), the seventh edition of which was published earlier this year. As mentioned in the second part of this three-part series, this helpful guide – which appeals to travel writers of all types, from aspiring bloggers to veteran magazine journalists – was originally assembled by Louise Purwin Zobel, who produced the first five editions of the book before her death in 2008. more >>
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.