Crazy Nomad

10 Hidden-Gem Towns With Great Hiking and Housing You Can Actually Afford

July 28, 2025 by James Clendenin

You don’t have to be a millionaire to live near the mountains.

For many outdoor lovers, the dream of living in a town with instant access to incredible hiking trails is often crushed by the reality of an astronomical cost of living. Popular mountain towns have become playgrounds for the wealthy, but the dream is not dead. There are still a number of fantastic, under-the-radar towns across the country that offer world-class hiking and a quality of life you can actually afford.

These are the places where the trails are epic and a one-bedroom apartment doesn’t cost a fortune.

Foreign Visitors Have Vanished—U.S. Tourism Crash Wipes Out $29 Billion

July 28, 2025 by James Clendenin

The welcome mat is out, but international visitors are not showing up.

The post-pandemic travel boom that was expected to bring a flood of international visitors back to the United States has fizzled into a serious tourism drought. New data for 2025 reveals a shocking decline in inbound international travel, creating a $29 billion hole in the nation’s economy and leaving tourist-dependent businesses scrambling. This isn’t a single-cause problem, but a perfect storm of economic and social factors.

The result is a country that is suddenly a much less attractive destination for the global traveler.

14 Charming Small Towns You’ll Be Amazed No One’s Talking About

July 28, 2025 by James Clendenin

These places have all the character without all the crowds.

America is full of small towns that are just as beautiful, historic, and charming as the famous ones that grace the covers of travel magazines, but without the tour buses and the crowds. These are the places that have managed to fly under the radar, preserving their unique character and offering a more authentic and relaxed travel experience. They are the true hidden gems of the American landscape.

A visit to one of these towns feels like discovering a well-kept secret, a place that reminds you of the quiet beauty that exists off the main highway.

Biking Across America: 13 Must-Ride Routes for Every Skill Level

July 28, 2025 by James Clendenin

There is no better way to see the country than from the seat of a bicycle.

The idea of a great American road trip is a classic, but a far more intimate and rewarding way to see the country is by bike. Exploring America’s diverse landscapes on two wheels connects you to the terrain in a way a car never can, with the wind in your face and a 360-degree view of your surroundings. It’s a slower, more deliberate way to travel that creates lasting memories.

Here are thirteen incredible routes that offer something for every rider, from easy coastal cruisers to epic mountain adventures.

Workcation Nation: Hybrid Workers Are Now Blending Zoom Calls with Beach Views

July 28, 2025 by James Clendenin

The out-of-office message is officially dead for many.

The dream of working from anywhere has rapidly evolved from a niche digital nomad fantasy into a mainstream travel trend. A stunning new poll from 2025 reveals that nearly a quarter of all travelers are now taking “workcations,” blending their work responsibilities with leisure travel. Instead of using up precious vacation days, they are simply relocating their home office to a more scenic location for a week or two.

This movement is a direct result of the profound shifts in work culture and technology that have redefined the modern workplace.