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Tim Mektrakarn

Top 10 Things to Do in Rome

Rome isn’t the kind of city you “finish.” It’s a place you feel—in the echo of footsteps on ancient stones, in the smell of espresso drifting out of tiny bars, in the sudden quiet you find inside a candlelit church just off a busy street. Whether you’re visiting Rome for the first time or returning for another round of pasta, piazzas, and history, these are the top...

Attending Mass With the Pope at St. Peter’s Basilica and Seeing the Angelus: A Complete Guide

Few experiences in Rome feel as unforgettable at St. Peter’s Basilica is attending mass with the Pope—and then later standing in St. Peter’s Square for the Angelus as the Holy Father appears at the Apostolic Palace window. Whether you’re visiting as a pilgrim, a curious traveler, or someone seeking a quiet spiritual moment in the heart of Vatican City, this guide...

Idaho Falls Stopover: A Giant Burger at Big Jud’s and a Visit to the Idaho Potato Museum

If you’re road-tripping through eastern Idaho, there’s a good chance Idaho Falls stopover shows up on your itinerary as a convenient overnight stop. It sits right in that sweet spot between Yellowstone, Jackson, Salt Lake City, and the long drive south toward Nevada and Utah. But Idaho Falls is more than just a place to sleep. On our trip, it became one of the most...

Visiting the Holy Doors in Rome During the Jubilee Year 2025

Visiting the Holy Doors in Rome during the Jubilee Year was one of the most meaningful experiences we have ever had in the city. The Eternal City is always unforgettable, but a Jubilee Year adds a layer of emotion, purpose, and history that you can feel everywhere you go. Because the Holy Doors are only opened during a Jubilee Year, the experience feels rare and time...

3500 Mile Road Trip From Los Angeles to Yellowstone: Red Rock, Big Cities, and Winter Wildlife

This year we spent Thanksgiving week doing something completely different: a road trip from Los Angeles to Yellowstone. We traded palm trees and traffic for desert canyons, snowy plains, the Black Hills, and the wild northern range of Yellowstone, where bison, elk, and wolves roam through steaming winter landscapes. This was a true “see everything” kind of route. In...

Why You Should Stop at Independence Rock on the Way to Casper, WY

If you’re planning a road trip through central Wyoming or driving toward Casper, one of the most worthwhile stops you can make is at Independence Rock State Historic Site. This massive granite monolith is steeped in American history and remains one of the most iconic landmarks along the Oregon Trail. Easy to access from Wyoming Highway 220, it’s the perfect quick...