David Whitley, Author at Planet Whitley

Red Rock Crossing, Sedona: Nature’s greatest swimming pool?

Within the Crescent Moon Ranch Day Use Area, Red Rock Crossing is a spectacular Arizona swimming hole with perfect views of Sedona’s Cathedral Rock. Slide on in. Sedona, Arizona, is outrageously greedy with spectacular views. But Red Rock Crossing combines a perfect view of Sedona’s…

Arizona, Sedona, swimming

Why Ellis Island Deserves More Time Than the Statue of Liberty

Most visitors allocate more time to the Statue of Liberty than Ellis Island. And they shouldn’t. Statue of Liberty boat trips The Statue of Liberty is justifiably one of the great international symbols of New York City – and, indeed, the United States of America.…

New York, New York City, USA

Which is the cheapest Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil show?

The cheapest Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil show is Mad Apple – but it’s not necessarily the best value for money. Are the Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas worth the money? The Cirque du Soleil shows are a staple of the Las Vegas…

Las Vegas, Nevada, shows, USA

Why you should visit the Benjamin Franklin Museum in Philadelphia | Review

The Benjamin Franklin Museum is often overlooked, but it is full of fascinating insight. Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia Benjamin Franklin’s name appears on pretty much everything in Philadelphia. Which isn’t a bad effort for a guy who ran away from an apprenticeship in Boston because…

museums, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA

Santiago Airport review

What to expect if flying from the Chilean capital. Dropping off rental cars at Santiago Airport? It’s hard not to groan when dropping off the rental car. I can’t just walk to the terminal – I have to take the free shuttle bus. This is…

airports, Chile, reviews, Santiago

The view from the Humphrey Peak Lookout on the US-180W in Arizona.

The best route from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon

The best route from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon is via the US-180W, not the I-40W via Williams. It might take a few minutes longer, but the San Francisco Peaks scenery makes up for it. Using Flagstaff as a gateway to the Grand Canyon The…

Arizona, driving, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, USA

Powell Point on the Hermit Road in Grand Canyon National Park.

How to drive Hermit Road at the Grand Canyon without taking the shuttle bus

What is Hermit Road? Hermit Road is a seven mile road that hugs the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It links several of the most popular viewpoints on the Grand Canyon, including Hopi Point, Mohave Point and Pima Point. Hermit Road runs from the…

accessible travel, Arizona, driving, Grand Canyon, USA

How to get the best seat in economy

Six strategies for flying as comfortably as possible in economy class. Flying in economy class isn’t a comfortable experience, even if you’re armed with travel pillows, compression socks and a power bank for your devices. But you can make it more comfortable, and avoid the…

air travel

Why I ended up enjoying Austalia’s most notoriously boring drive

Crossing the Nullarbor from Adelaide to Perth turns out to be rather enjoyable if you make the right stops. Getting to know the sea lions of Baird Bay It’s Beryl’s eyes that do it. If she asked for a pony, no-one would be able to…

Australia, driving, South Australia, Western Australia

Monte Alban Travel Guide: Shuttle vs. Bus Options

The ancient Zapotec capital of Monte Alban is awkward to visit by public transport. Expect a long walk if you take the R37 bus – or splash out on the shuttle bus or tour instead. What is Monte Alban? Many of the ‘ancient’ sites in…

Mexico, Oaxaca, public transport