Anda Arko, Author at Travel with Anda

Angels Landing hike

December 12, 2021

Here’s an embarrassing confession: the night before my first Angels Landing confrontation in 2019, I watched a YouTube video about the hike and almost had a nervous breakdown. I literally cried and even started writing a farewell letter to my parents. Luckily, Ales managed to calm me down, and I decided I’d hike as far as I felt safe. To cut a long story short, I made it safely to the top and back. Not only once, but three times – I did it again in 2021 and 2025! 😉

So, what is it about the Angels Landing hike that makes it so iconic? Is it really that difficult? Is there an easier way to reach the summit? And last but not least, is it worth the trouble? In this post, I will tell you everything you need to know about the Angels Landing hike.

Hotel Review: The View hotel at Monument Valley (Utah, USA)

Hotel reviews USA

November 28, 2021

Imagine that Monument Valley was something you’ve always wanted to see. Now imagine searching “where to stay in Monument Valley” and these words appear on your screen: “The view from each guestroom at The View Hotel is unlike anywhere else in the world. It is worth a journey from across the US or from the other side of the world.” And finally, imagine yourself not booking a room there. CAN you, seriously? Me neither!

5 things to do in Arches National Park

Trips & Tricks USA

November 21, 2021

If you’re planning a road trip to Utah, Arches National Park is something that cannot be missed in your itinerary. This beautiful park, full of natural bridges in different shades of red is one of the most popular US national parks, for many reasons. First, it is small and you can easily do it in one day. Second, it’s on the way to other Southern Utah and Arizona attractions, including Canyonlands, Dead Horse State Park and Monument Valley. And last, but not the least, it is unique and simply beautiful. In this post you will find best 5 things to do in Arches National Park, including practical tips and important information.

Lodge review: Red Cliffs Lodge (Moab, Utah)

Hotel reviews USA

November 20, 2021

Utah is home to some of the United States’ most popular national parks. If your Utah itinerary includes Arches and Canyonlands national park, it is a good idea to stay somewhere in or near Moab. We stayed in Red Cliffs Lodge, which looked absolutely gorgeous on the web page. I admit, I felt for the photos. In this post you will find a detailed review of Red Cliffs lodge and see why it’s rated as one of the top places to stay in Moab.

5 things to do in Phoenix

Trips & Tricks USA

November 14, 2021

So, you’re traveling to Phoenix, Arizona and you’re not sure what to do there? Well, me neither! 😀 Jokes aside, if you are an urban type of tourist, you will have to search for “things to do in Phoenix” somewhere else. But if you are somewhat like me, a nature lover and occasional shopaholic, you came to the right place. The capital of Arizona was the starting point and finish line on our USA road trip in October 2021. While searching for things to do in greater Phoenix area, I came up with the itinerary that involved a bit of everything. Here are 5 things to do in Phoenix for those who want so spend their days away from the hustle and bustle.

Flatiron hike via Siphon Draw Trail (Arizona)

Hiking Trips & Tricks USA

November 13, 2021

What do you do if you have 2 days to spend in a city that isn’t very high on your bucket list? You try to get the most fun out of it. For us, fun means sweating in the nature and chasing views. While searching for best hikes near Phoenix I ran into several blogs that mentioned Superstition Mountains. A few trails looked interesting but the Flatiron hike via Siphon Draw seemed to offer exactly what we needed. It was described as one of top 10 hikes in Arizona, difficult, 6 mile out and back trail.

Hotel review: Moxy Phoenix Tempe (Phoenix, Arizona)

Hotel reviews USA

November 10, 2021

Our USA road trip in October started and finished in Phoenix, Arizona. Since we were facing a lot of hotel-changing on the road, we wanted to stay somewhere nice and comfortable for a start. Our plan was to spend the first 2 days in Phoenix and the itinerary involved some hiking and shopping. We weren’t interested in visiting downtown, hence I searched for the hotels in Tempe to be as close to our interest points as possible. When the name “Moxy” appeared in my search, the decision was instant. I love Moxy and Moxy Phoenix Tempe it was. And once again, Moxy did not disappoint.

Author: Anda Arko