• Start Here
  • Contact Me
  • Advertise/Hire Me
  • Privacy Policy

This Way To Paradise

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Travel Tips
  • Escape Guides
    • Belize
      • Ambergris Caye
      • Caye Caulker
    • Cambodia, Koh Rong Samloem
    • Costa Rica
      • Arenal and La Fortuna
      • The Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park
      • Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
    • Dominican Republic
    • Guatemala
      • Lake Atitlan
    • Indonesia
      • Ambon, Maluku
      • Bali
      • Gili Islands
      • Kai Island, Maluku
      • Raja Ampat
      • Sumatra-Belitung Island
    • Mexico
      • Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo
      • La Paz
      • Patzcuaro
      • San Miguel De Allende
      • Todos Santos-The Antidote To Cabo!
      • Zipolite Beach: A Complete Travel Guide
    • Portugal
      • Beach Porn Alert: 7 Reasons Why You Need To Put Lagos, Portugal On Your Bucket List Now
      • The Top Portugal Beaches To Visit
    • Sri Lanka
      • Colombo, Sri Lanka
      • Ella
      • Mirissa Beach
      • Yala National Park
    • Thailand
      • Bangkok
      • Koh Lipe
      • Phi Phi
      • Phuket
      • Railay Beach-Krabi Town
      • Your Thailand Songkran Water Festival Guide
  • Places To Stay
  • Food
  • Contact Me
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Travel Tips
  • Escape Guides
    • Belize
      • Ambergris Caye
      • Caye Caulker
    • Cambodia, Koh Rong Samloem
    • Costa Rica
      • Arenal and La Fortuna
      • The Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park
      • Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
    • Dominican Republic
    • Guatemala
      • Lake Atitlan
    • Indonesia
      • Ambon, Maluku
      • Bali
      • Gili Islands
      • Kai Island, Maluku
      • Raja Ampat
      • Sumatra-Belitung Island
    • Mexico
      • Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo
      • La Paz
      • Patzcuaro
      • San Miguel De Allende
      • Todos Santos-The Antidote To Cabo!
      • Zipolite Beach: A Complete Travel Guide
    • Portugal
      • Beach Porn Alert: 7 Reasons Why You Need To Put Lagos, Portugal On Your Bucket List Now
      • The Top Portugal Beaches To Visit
    • Sri Lanka
      • Colombo, Sri Lanka
      • Ella
      • Mirissa Beach
      • Yala National Park
    • Thailand
      • Bangkok
      • Koh Lipe
      • Phi Phi
      • Phuket
      • Railay Beach-Krabi Town
      • Your Thailand Songkran Water Festival Guide
  • Places To Stay
  • Food
  • Contact Me

Recent Posts

  • The Woman’s Guide to Solo Travel in Colorado
  • Easy Daily Transport in Thailand for Tourists Using eSIM
  • Paradise Found: The Ultimate Guide To Paradise Island’s Tropical Wonders
  • Skip the Hotel, Skip the Villa: The French Summer Luxury Everyone Overlooks
  • Planning a Summer House in California: Everything You Need to Know
Travel Tips

San Pancho & Sayulita Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

I just got back from my travels to San Pancho and Sayulita in Mexico, and I had a wonderful time. These two beach towns are right next to each other,…

read more
November 28, 2025
Escape Guides

10 Hidden Beaches in Mexico You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

If you’re looking for an uncrowded escape, you need to know about these hidden beaches in Mexico. Everyone tends to gravitate towards Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and to Cabos,…

read more
May 29, 2026
Travel Tips

Unforgettable Things To Do in Portland, Oregon

I moved back to Portland, Oregon after living in Charleston, SC and St Pete, FL the past four years. Moving back has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever…

read more
April 1, 2025
Escape Guides

From Dolphins To Fish Tacos: The Best Things To Do In Loreto

I just returned from Loreto, Mexico, and while I can’t say it was my favorite place in Mexico, it still had its charms. Zipolite still gets my vote for being…

read more
August 5, 2025
Link 1
My Favorite Greek Island
Link 1
Sacred Sites of Mt Shasta
Link 1
Best Things To Do in Milos, Greece
Link 1
The Secret Beach on the Big Island
Link 1
Do You Know About the Florida Springs?
Link 1
Some of the Best Florida Beaches
  • Washington Hikes: The Columbia Gorge Labyrinth Has It All
    Travel Tips

    Washington Hikes: The Columbia Gorge Labyrinth Has It All

    October 29, 2018 / 2 Comments

    The Labyrinth hike, in the Columbia Gorge, is one of my absolute favorite Washington hikes. On this hike, in the Catherine Creek area, you get it all. A few waterfalls, a stunning view of the Columbia Gorge and Mt. Hood, basalt outcroppings, and wildflowers in the Spring. Plus, the crowds are smaller than you will find at the neighboring Coyote Wall hike. The Labyrinth is the name for the area between Coyote Walland the Rowland Basin. You can even take your dog on this hike! Note that dogs must be on a leash from December 1st to June 30th. The only downsides to this hike is there is a lot of poison…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    An Alternative To Staying In Touristy Waikiki: Rent This Condo In Makaha

    An Alternative To Staying In Touristy Waikiki: Rent This Condo In Makaha

    June 27, 2016
    Be Astonished By The Magical Hawaiian Ko Olina Lagoons

    Be Astonished By The Magical Hawaiian Ko Olina Lagoons

    February 14, 2017
    NINETEEN-A Stylish Brighton Guesthouse In England

    NINETEEN-A Stylish Brighton Guesthouse In England

    June 5, 2016
  • Hawaii Hikes: The Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail
    Travel Tips

    Hawaii Hikes: The Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

    October 16, 2018 / No Comments

    If you’re looking for an easy hike in Hawaii with gorgeous views, then make sure to hike the Makapu’u Lighthouse trail (Kaiwi Scenic Shoreline). While, you won’t find seclusion on this trail, it’s still a hike that’s definitely worth doing. The lighthouse isn’t really the main reason to do this hike. You will only see it from a distance. The reason to do the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is for the incredible vistas that you start seeing before you even reach the top. Also, the entire path is paved, so this makes it great for strollers or those who are in wheelchairs. The hike is only two miles round trip, so it’s…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    traveling to Guatemala, Antigua

    The One Thing You Probably Don’t Know If You Are Traveling To Guatemala

    June 29, 2015
    The Best Cozumel Beach Clubs

    The Best Cozumel Beach Clubs

    October 10, 2022
    Riva Surya

    Relaxing On The River At The Riva Surya Hotel Bangkok

    June 7, 2014
  • Oregon Waterfalls: Butte Creek Falls
    Travel Tips

    Oregon Waterfalls: Butte Creek Falls

    September 24, 2018 / 1 Comment

    If you’re looking for an easy hike to see some Oregon waterfalls, I highly recommend a stop at Butte Creek Falls. It’s just over an hour’s drive from Portland, near Scott Mills. And, this mile-long easy hike will let you view two beautifully stunning waterfalls. The tranquil forest trail takes you to both Upper Butte Creek Falls and Butte Creek Falls. It’s often possible to walk behind Upper Butte Creek Falls which provides for a stunning view. Be careful of the slippery rocks, though. This is a great hike for people with all skill levels of hiking, including kids. You will want to keep an eye on your kids on…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    Multnomah Falls just outside Portland

    The Best Pacific Northwest Road Trip from Portland: Routes, Stops, and How to Plan Yours

    May 8, 2026
    La Parroquia Church, San Miguel de Allende

    Join Me For A Magical Walk Through San Miguel de Allende

    September 22, 2013

    How To Live A Life You Don’t Need A Vacation From

    January 16, 2017
  • A Northwest Forest Pass or other valid parking pass is required to park at the Ramona Falls Trailhead
    Travel Tips

    Ramona Falls: The Most Breathtaking Waterfall In Oregon

    August 28, 2018 / 6 Comments

    While Oregon has many incredible waterfalls, my absolute favorite is Ramona Falls. It’s close to Portland, located near Rhododendron, Oregon. And, it’s usually not crowded, as it does require a bit of effort to hike to. First of all, it’s a 7 mile hike. Also, the bridge at the Sandy River crossing was washed away, so you have to use your balancing skills to cross logs to get across the river. If the river is running fast, don’t try to cross. It is dangerous, so save the hike for when the river is more calm. You can always check with the Zigzag Ranger station before setting out to ask about…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    La Teca owner and me

    A Perfect Meal At La Teca

    January 21, 2013
    Multnomah Falls just outside Portland

    The Best Pacific Northwest Road Trip from Portland: Routes, Stops, and How to Plan Yours

    May 8, 2026
    Valen Dawson at the Castaway Resort, Koh Lipe www.thiswaytoparadise.com

    Other Travel Articles Written By Valen Dawson

    December 30, 2013
  • The Finest Beaches Of La Paz, Mexico
    Travel Tips

    The Finest Beaches In La Paz, Mexico

    August 6, 2018 / 5 Comments

    La Paz, Mexico, the capital of Baja, California, has some of the most magnificent beaches in Mexico. If crystal clear, gently blue waters and white, powdery sand are what you are looking for, then La Paz is where you want to go. I will mention that the best beaches are located about a 45-minute drive out of La Paz, so La Paz isn’t the type of beach destination like Zipolite is where you can stay in a cabana right on the beach. You do have to rent a car to get to these beaches, as the bus doesn’t go to the most beautiful ones, and while you can take an…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    Samana Peninsula, Dominican Republic

    January 11, 2013
    Valen Dawson at the Castaway Resort, Koh Lipe www.thiswaytoparadise.com

    Other Travel Articles Written By Valen Dawson

    December 30, 2013
    The Best Beaches In St Petersburg and Clearwater, FL

    The Best Beaches In St. Petersburg and Clearwater, FL

    November 5, 2021
2526272829

About Me

I am always looking for the perfect escape, the perfect paradise, the kind of place that tosses your cares into the sea. Fortunately, I have discovered many! I created this site to show you where to go and how to get there. My goal is to show you that Paradise is only a plane ticket (or boat ride) away. I have inspired many others to travel and to create a better life. I am available for inspirational speaking, coaching, writing, travel planning, and photography.

©2026