An Anglers Paradise: Fly Fishing the Missouri River in Montana Jared Dillingham 2025-10-14 | I fished quite a bit with my dad as a kid, but frankly, I struggle in the "patience" department, so I was hesitant to ask a guide to take me out on the Missouri River in Central Montana.Thankfully, the patience longtime guide Jason Newmack brought to the boat far outweighed my shortcomings. He grew up in Great Falls, MT, and worked abroad for a few years before returning home to start a business in Montana. He's been in the adventure tourism industry for 30 years.These days, he floats and fishes the Missouri three to five days a week, and as many as seven during the busiest times of the year."The sport’s become a lot bigger than it was when I started doing this, so that's cool to see. And a lot more people want to enjoy our state," he told me on a July fly fishing trip.Another concern of mine: I hadn't even attempted fly fishing in 30 years. Jason and his wife, Jen, gave me a brief run-through, and I was casting on my own pretty quickly.They also explained how the unique geography, combined with the dam system along this stretch of the Missouri River, contributes to the prime fishing conditions. The water levels and temperature are pretty consistent, and the environment is perfect for insects to hatch.They bring groups of two to ten out on the river daily. They fish roughly from 8am to 5pm, though the schedule adjusts based on the insects that are hatching. Plus, the daylight lasts well past 9pm in the summer in Montana! Over the course of the day, they usually float around 10 miles of the winding Missouri River.I was surprised to learn: fishing season is year-round. Having lived in Montana, it came as a shock to hear anyone would opt to be on the river between November and March. Still, Jason says: since the river doesn't freeze, you can fish through the winter, as long as you take extra steps (dipping the rod, etc) to keep the equipment from freezing in the frigid Montana air.I have a lot more information on fly fishing the Missouri River between Helena and Great Falls, MT here: jaredsdetours.com/missouri-riverFOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
Dinosaur Eggs & New Dino Discoveries in Montana Jared Dillingham 2025-10-14 | The Montana Dinosaur Center is much more than a museum. It offers the rare chance to engage with working paleontologists, and even go out on a dinosaur dig with them. The Dinosaur Center is really a non-profit research institute, which also operates as a museum and visitor center for dino-enthusiasts.The Dinosaur Center is along Highway 89 in Bynum, Montana, halfway between Great Falls and Glacier National Park's east entrance.The museum is part of the Montana Dinosaur Trail, which connects 14 sites across the state and is a major draw for dinosaur enthusiasts and researchers.The museum is home to historically significant fossils, including the first baby dinosaur bones found in North America and the first dinosaur eggs discovered in MontanaIt's also home to the world's longest dinosaur model: a 137-foot-long Seismosaurus.Much more info & many photos at: jaredsdetours.com/montana-dinosaur-centerFOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
A Favorite Travel Hack: Using Local Ferries! Jared Dillingham 2025-09-25 | Taking local commuter ferries is a great way to inexpensively take yourself on a tour of a new city.This video shows you what you can see in cities around the world using ferries, which usually only cost a couple dollars to board.⏰ Video Timeline ⏰ 00:00 Intro to Taking Ferries on Vacations00:22 The ferries in Italy01:05 The ferry in Greece01:17 The ferry from Stockholm, Sweden01:29 The Maui to Lanai ferry01:44 The NYC ferry in Manhattan01:58 The ferry in Istanbul02:32 The ferry in CambodiaFOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
I Took the Eurostar from London to Paris and This Surprised Me! Jared Dillingham 2025-08-26 | The most suprising part of the trip on the Eurostar from London to Paris was the crowded chaos we went through in the hour before departure. It's similar to going through security at a crowded airport.Aside from the long lines, it's a great way to travel between the cities. Just remember: it's not a typical train trip between domestic destinations. You'll be crossing between the EU & UK, so there are layers of security involved.Heading from London to Paris, you'll depart from King's Cross Saint Pancras Station (I'm pronouncing it "Pancra" without the "s" because that's the way the agent in line pronounced it.)While the station has ticket kiosks, you should book in advance, since the trains can sell out.Arrive early, because you’ll need the time to get through security.You’ll start going through security 60 to 80 minutes before departure. It took us 40 minutes to get through the long lines on this busy summer day. After security, there’s a large waiting area with food options.Your track will be announced 20 minutes before departure.The Eurostar train itself is very comfortable, with plenty of legroom and luggage storage options.The ride is a bit over 2 hours. Depending on which "class" you book, they’ll offer a meal along the way, plus wine, tea, and coffee.There’s another bar cart, too.Arriving in Paris is easy, since you’ve already had your passport checked in London.You’ll be at Gare du Nord, in north-central Paris, and from here you can walk, take the Metro, or a car to your destination in the city. FOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
Lake Iseo: A Crowd-Free Italy Adventure from Milan Jared Dillingham 2025-08-24 | If you’ve heard about the massive summer crowds at Lake Como, divert to Lake Lugano or Lake Iseo for a beautiful, but far less stressful day trip.A day trip from Milan to Iseo begins with a train ride, which usually requires a transfer in Brescia, to the town of Sulzano.The train will cost about $40 each way, for the 90-minute ride.Sulzano is a picturesque lakeside town, with its own market, shops, and restaurants.From here, you can take the 5-minute ferry across the lake to Monte Isola, an island in Lake Iseo.The ride is $4. The ferry runs constantly in the summer.Restaurants and shops line the waterfront on Monte Isola, which is home to fewer than 2,000 people.There are no cars allowed, making Monte Isola the perfect place to wander around.You can rent bikes and follow the road around the island, or hike up one of the trails.We hiked 1.3 miles up to the village of Cure. It’ll take 30 to 50 minutes, depending on your speed.The views are beautiful, and thankfully, there’s a cafe at the top!Other people went on to a church even higher, but we were happy with the patio views, $3 Proseccos.From the island of Monte Isola, we took a ferry to the town of Iseo.You buy tickets right on the ferry itself. It’s about $4 for the 30-minute ride across the lake down to Iseo.You can spend time in town, which is bigger with more shops and restaurants, before walking up the street to the train station and heading back to Milan at the end of your day.FOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
Oxford in a Day: An Easy One-Minute Guide from London Jared Dillingham 2025-08-22 | Oxford is an easy and worthwhile day trip (or half-day trip) from London.The trip begins at London’s Paddington Station.You’ll be riding the GWR: the Great Western Railway.It’ll cost $40 to $60 each way.The ride takes 50 to 80 minutes, depending on whether you have to transfer. Direct trains can be more expensive.Departures are every 15 minutes (or so).In Oxford, you'll find plenty of sites within walking distance from the station: beautiful gardens, plus a canal walk along a waterway once used to transport coal.Christ Church is just one of the many massive complexes to explore in town.I also enjoyed the garden shops, produce stands, and cafes inside Oxford’s Covered Market.The train station is an easy walk to town, making a day trip to Oxford from London easy for anyone visiting the area.FOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
Driving on Madeira: A Guide to Renting a Car Jared Dillingham 2025-08-20 | Landing on the island of Madeira, you can pick up a rental car right at the airport in Funchal.You'll find the usual internationally-known rental brands, along with a few locally-owned options.It’s most convenient to find a company with cars directly on the airport property, so you don’t have to wait for a shuttle to an off-site rental location.The highways are nicely paved, and a mix of tunnels and roundabouts. Some of the tunnels are a couple of kilometers long.You’ll lose cell service in them, so if you’re following a GPS or map app, make sure you know which exit at the coming roundabout to take when you exit the tunnel, before you drive into it.Traffic in the tunnels can get backed up. If this happens, watch for the motorcycle and moped riders. They’re allowed to zip around cars to pass.In more rural parts of Madeira, you’ll find yourself driving on narrow, one-lane roads.They’re mostly paved, but some trailheads will require a drive down a dirt road.When it comes to trailhead parking, it’ll be a mix. Some will have room for just a dozen cars or so. Others will have large parking lots and a lengthy stretch of roadside parking.Filling up with gas, you’ll be on the honor system! This is strange for those of us from the US, who have to pay first or put a card in first before we pump. On Madeira, as it is in a few other spots in Europe, you pump the gas first, then walk in to pay.FOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
Montana Travels: Fly fishing in the Missouri River Jared Dillingham 2025-08-08 | This is a beautiful stretch of the Missouri near Cascade, Montana. It's between Helena and Great Falls.Tower Rock State Park is nearby (a significant stop on the Lewis & Clark Expedition).
Winter in Nice: Christmas on the French Riviera Jared Dillingham 2025-07-24 | The French Riviera will still be mild and sunny in the winter months, so with much smaller crowds and Christmas displays to check out up and down the coast, it’s a great time to visit.It’s easy to fly right into Nice, and make that your hub.The city’s daily market (Marche aux Fleurs) isn’t quite as bustling as it is in the spring and summer, but you’ll still find fresh produce, teas, lavender, art, and souvenirs to take home.The tower on the east end of the city is always nice to climb, for a birds-eye view of the coastline.From Nice, the trains run up and down the coast to other cities, like Cannes, Antibes, and Menton. Monaco is its own principality, and another quick and easy train ride from Nice. The streets you’ll walk through on the way to the palace are like something out of a fairytale. Medieval hilltop towns, like Eze and Saint Paul de Vence, are almost too crowded in the summer months. In the winter, not all of the shops will be open, but the streets will be decorated and the views from the patio cafes are beautiful.You can even take the train into Italy. Ventimiglia is about 45 minutes east of Nice. At night, Nice lights up, with its own Christmas Market, or “Marche de Noël.”Nice is also home to its own Notre Dame. Some years it hosts a spectacular light show on the interior walls and ceilings, which his definitely worth checking out. FOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
Explore Winter in Paris: Christmas Lights & Sites Jared Dillingham 2025-07-23 | Let's take a 2-minute tour of Paris around Christmas. Winter is a great time to visit France!There are several Christmas markets right in Paris, including the Marche de Noel, at the base of the Eiffel Tower.The famous department stores, like Printemps and Galeries de Lafayette are decorated beautifully.If it’s cold or rainy, check out some of Paris’ famous “passages.” These are covered walkways between buildings, lined with small shops and cafes. Galerie Vivienne is a nice opetion, near the Opera House.The Paris Opera House is a “must-see” during the winter. You don’t even have to go to a show. They let you walk around inside to marvel at the decor and the 150-year-old architecture.Don’t forget to step out into one of the boxes in the theater to admire the view, the ceilings painted by Chagall, and the chandelier that inspired “Phantom of the Opera.”At night it’s worth braving the brisk winter air to walk around the "city of lights."The bridges are glowing. The famous French brands have their flagships decorated with elaborate displays along the Champs Elysees..FOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/findingdetours
A 1 Minute Guide to the Milan Metro and Airport Train Jared Dillingham 2025-07-21 | Milan has a great Metro system, which makes it easy to get from Linate International Airport to the city center.After gathering your bags, just start looking for Metro signs. There's no need for a metro ticket. You can just tap your credit card: Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.The trains from the airport to the city center run every 6-minutes.The entire trip will take 20 to 30 minutes, and cost about $2.50.You’ll have to tap your card one more time to exit the train station.FOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/findingdetours
Warnings About Summer Travel in Europe Jared Dillingham 2025-07-19 | I think fall is the best time to visit Europe. The weather's great, the crowds are smaller, and the prices are more affordable.For a variety of reasons, I realize: many people can *only* travel during the summer. While you'll have a great time, you should be aware of a series of challenges you could face in Europe during June, July and August.⏰ Video Timeline ⏰ 00:20 London in Summer00:40 Windsor in Summer00:57 Paris in Summer01:35 Greece in Summer02:00 Milan in SummerIn general, heat waves are becoming more common in Europe, and since air conditioning isn’t universal, make sure your hotel or Airbnb is equipped before you book.In France, the world’s biggest museum shut down without warning for a day in June 2025. The staff at the Louvre went on strike to protest the sheer number of visitors allowed to crowd in daily.The heat led to a closure of part of the Eiffel Tower on a couple of occasions in July.In Greece, the heat’s been so intense, authorities actually closed the Acropolis on a few afternoons.Summer is also “strike season” in Europe.The rail workers have been striking intermittently in Italy, leading to long lines at train stations.Airports in France and Italy were also affected by strikes.I won't dwell too much on the overtourism protests in Barcelona and other cities. I think they're overblown, and have found: most people in Europe are welcoming to tourists.Again, I go to Europe every summer and always have a great time. The key is to go into it with flexible options, and plans to visit places that are a bit more off-the-beaten path.FOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
Markets, Wine & Hikes: My Favorite Spots Near Vancouver, Washington Jared Dillingham 2025-07-18 | Vancouver, Washington, is right across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon. Vancouver's waterfront, once an industrial site, is now lined with hotels, restaurants, and wineries.⏰ Video Timeline ⏰ 00:00 Introduction to Vancouver, WA00:42 Vancouver Waterfront00:50 Vancouver Wineries01:00 Vancouver Farmers Market01:21 Hiking Trails01:45 Mount St. Helens01:55 Ape Cave02:06 Trail of Two Forests02:17 Falls Creek FallsThe Vancouver Farmers' Market is setup under a canopy of trees. You'll find a range of local produce harvested in both Oregon and Washington.As for the hikes, there are riverside trails in nearby Camas, which are great for kids and dog-friendly, too.Lacamas Park is 300 acres, with a network of looping trails, which will take you across bridges and by waterfalls. Nearby Mount St. Helens is responsible for some of the area's more unique sites. The volcano created the famous Ape Cave in an eruption 2,000 years ago. With a headlamp, you can hike more than two miles underground, where it's a chilly 42 degrees year-round.My favorite is a two-mile hike through the forest to the Falls Creek Falls. It's a towering, tiered waterfall that creates a beautiful river gorge below. FOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/findingdetoursFacebook: facebook.com/JaredTV
Explore Ape Cave: A Lava Tube in Washington Jared Dillingham 2025-07-17 | Ape Cave was formed 2,000 years ago after Mount St. Helens erupted. It was discovered in the 1950s, by a group of scouts nicknamed the "Apes."Today, you'll need a permit to enter from recreation.gov. They time entries to make sure the 2.5 mile hike is never crowded. It's an easy day trip from Vancouver, WA.Bring a headlamp and a jacket, because it's dark and 42 degrees year-round inside!
Quick Tutorial: Get a Refund if Airfare Drops on American Airlines Jared Dillingham 2025-07-13 | If you book a main cabin seat or above, you can get miles refunded or a credit to your account if the flight prices drop after you book on American Airlines.FOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
How to Get Airline Miles Refunded if the Price Drops Jared Dillingham 2025-07-12 | If you book a main cabin seat or above with miles on Delta (and most airlines) you can get a refund if the price drops.FOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.com Instagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
How to Get Delta Miles Back When Flight Prices Drop Jared Dillingham 2025-07-11 | Another example of how I get mileage refunds after booking flights, if the price drops.This is an example of how to do it on Delta.FOLLOW JARED:Website: https://www.JAREDSDETOURS.com Instagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
What Surprised Me on the Eurostar between Paris & London Jared Dillingham 2025-06-27 | I was surprised by the chaos, big crowds, and amount of time it took to get through security. The ride itself was enjoyable. It's not luxurious, but the seats are comfortable and the ride is smooth. Just be aware: this isn't a normal train ride. You have to get there an hour before your departure to board on time.
Falls Creek Falls: A Multi-Tiered Waterfall in Washington Jared Dillingham 2025-06-25 | Falls Creek Falls is one of my favorite hikes in this part of Washington state. It's a 4-mile round trip, which is easy enough for kids & families.The waterfall is a great day trip (about 60 miles) from Vancouver, WA, or Portland, OR.
Crowded Windsor Castle, and an alternate near London 🇬🇧 #uktravel #windsorcastle #europetravel Jared Dillingham 2025-06-24 | During summertime in Europe, the top destinations can almost be too crowded to enjoy. While Windsor Castle is always worth a visit, regardless of when you're in the UK, you'll be in huge crowds during the summer. Make sure to get there as early as possible, and buy your tickets ahead of time online for the best experience.As an alternative, consider a day trip to Oxford. It's an hour by train from London. Aside from the Harry Potter sites, there's plenty to see and explore for a day!
The Pedal! I feel like only 10% of planes have this… Jared Dillingham 2025-06-22 | Only some Airbus planes (this is an A350) have this pedal that opens the garbage flap in the bathroom. I HATE having to push it down with my hand!
Why We Skipped Lake Como For This Gem! Jared Dillingham 2025-06-21 | While Lake Como is beautiful and easy to get to from Milan, the summer crowds have become too overwhelming. Consider Lake Lugano or Lake Iseo as alternates!
Train strikes in Italy this month 🇮🇹 Prepare for crowds & cancelations #italytravel Jared Dillingham 2025-06-20 | ...
Ponta de Sao Lourenco, Madeira #madeira #hikingadventures #madeiratravel Jared Dillingham 2025-06-17 | I think this is the most scenic, beautiful coastal hike on Madeira! Check out my full post about how to get here, what to expect, and everything else you need to know about parking, etc: jaredsdetours.com/madeiras-sao-lourenco
Save Big on Flights: Take Advantage of Americans Mileage Deal Jared Dillingham 2025-05-22 | American Airlines' best mileage deal of the year is on! This video walks you through the steps of finding the best flight deals.Keep in mind:-It's good for travel in August and September 2025-You have to book by May 28-They're doing this for a million seats. Once the allotment is gone for your desired cities, it's gone!-Domestic flights as low as 5,000 miles each way-Flights to Mexico & the Caribbean as low as 5,000 miles each way-Flights to Europe as low as 20,00 miles each way-Flights to London as low as 15,000 each wayFOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.com Instagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
Watching the dolphins swim by from the Saccharum’s pool in Calheta, Madeira 🐬 #madeira #travel Jared Dillingham 2025-05-21 | ...
Exploring Istanbuls Basilica Cistern Jared Dillingham 2025-05-13 | It’s amazing to see what was built here during the 6th Century, and somehow still standing today.Today, the cistern is still partially filled with water, just for show, and it’s lit beautifully. The constantly changing light display really highlights the ancient architecture.They’ve turned this into a mystical space. You can even hear the drops of water still falling into the clear pool today.Tourists can walk on metal walkways, suspended over the water. They carve a path through the entire cistern, which was made even more accessible during a restoration project during the pandemic.If you’re looking to photograph the stunning backdrops, make sure to get here right when the Basilica Cistern opens, because the crowd builds through the day.The Medusa heads are likely from an ancient restoration or expansion project. One is sideways, and the other is upside down. The placement could be a way to neutralize Medusa’s gaze, since her eyes were said to turn people to stone. Or, they could’ve been laid in the best way to support the columns above.A third Medusa is new, and part of a modern art installation.The 336 marble columns, many repurposed from Roman temples, have survived more than 20 massive earthquakes over the centuries, and will hopefully survive many more to come.FOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.com Instagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
Exploring Istanbul & the Islands by Ferry Jared Dillingham 2025-05-12 | The views from the ferries in the Bosphorus Strait and other waterways around Istanbul are stunning.The big boats go by the city’s famous mosques and other sites, and also go out to the Princes’ Islands.In Istanbul, it’s quick and easy to use the ferry to get from one side of the city, across the water to the other side. You’ll be with a pretty big crowd of locals, and just like it is with the ferries in Greece, it’s organized chaos when it comes to boarding.You’ll have indoor and outdoor seating options available, and the ride itself from one side of Istanbul to the other is about 15 minutes. I’d also suggest taking the ferry to one of the Princes’ Islands from Istanbul. The cost of the ferry is just about $3 each way. From the Kabatas ferry terminal, departures leave every hour or so.The ride is very pretty, and it’ll take about an hour and 45-minutes to get to the largest and farthest island, called Buyukada. For a $6 roundtrip ferry ticket, you can’t beat it.FOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.com Instagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
Visit Cappadocia Underground City: Kaymakli Jared Dillingham 2025-05-11 | Cappadocia is home to a few ancient underground cities, which are open to the public to explore. This video takes you underground at Kaymakli.Some of the underground passageways are only a couple of feet wide and four feet tall.Only 10% of this site is open to the public. It goes far deeper than you’re allowed.Ancient civilizations carved the rooms into the soft volcanic rock, and used their underground world to hide or escape invasions.Construction began around 4,000 years ago, and the ancient engineers thought of everything, including ventilation tunnels to allow for fresh airflow, and escape passageways.There are rooms where people lived, worshipped, stored food, and made wine… all underground.If you’re not too claustrophobic, or pregnant, and don’t have a heart condition, walking through an underground city will be a highlight of your trip to Cappadocia.Derinkuyu is another underground city in Cappadocia. This is a spot I’d recommend a tour guide for, since it’s tough to understand what you’re looking at unless you walk through with an expert.FOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.com Instagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
In Istanbul? Spend 2 Days in Cappadocia! Jared Dillingham 2025-04-28 | Cappadocia is an easy one-hour flight from Istanbul. One of the big draws in this part of Central Turkey is the daily hot air balloon launch at dawn. Between 50 and 100 balloons launch each day over the unique landscape people have called home for thousands of years.A visit to Cappadocia takes you back in time. For centuries, civilizations have carved homes and churches into the soft rock in this part of Turkey.Today, you’ll be eating and staying in those caves. While some of the caves are still homes today, many of them have been turned into hotels and restaurants.Just outside the town of Goreme, you can explore the landscape on horseback, ATVs, and Jeeps. The ancient cave dwellings are open to explore and walk through.Other rock formations in Cappadocia earned the nickname “fairy chimneys” long ago. From another lookout here, called “Imagination Valley,” you can see formations that look like a hand reaching out of the ground, a camel riding through the desert, and two cloaked men horseback.At the “Open Air Museum,” you’ll get a better sense of what life was like.Interestingly, pigeons were a focal point. These are pigeon houses, built to collect pigeon droppings, which were highly valued as fertilizer.Cappadocia is home to a few underground cities, carved over time by civilizations that used them for protection. You can walk through the labyrinth of underground passageways, some of which are very narrow and only four feet high. The rooms were carved out to use as storage facilities, kitchens, wineries, and churches.Cappadocia is also Turkey’s wine region.The vineyards aren’t tourist hot-spots like they are in other parts of Europe, but the local restaurants and shops here proudly feature only their locally-made bottles.Let’s talk some logistics:Cappadocia is an hour flight from Istanbul, and Turkish Airlines flies back and forth several times a day.The airport here is 45 minutes from Goreme and the other towns you’d stay in. You can take a taxi outside or arrange a transfer with your hotel.There’s also a taxi stand right in town, where you can hire a driver to take you anywhere you’d like to go.Here’s a quick reminder: it does snow in Cappadocia a couple of times each winter, and snowfall cancels the balloon launches.Still, no matter the season, you’ll enjoy the unique history and landscapes this part of Turkey has to offer. FOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
Visiting Cappadocia in the Winter Jared Dillingham 2025-04-26 | Cappadocia is a one-hour flight from Istanbul, and a major tourist hub in Turkey.It snows here a few times each winter. While a blanket of fresh snow might look pretty on the unique rock landscapes and ancient cliff dwellings that make the area famous, the snowfall can cancel Cappadocia’s other big draw: the daily sunrise balloon launches.The balloon pilots say they launch an average of 300 days a year, so your odds are still pretty good, even in the winter.If your balloon trip gets canceled, you can always visit the area’s other sites.Cappadocia is home to a few underground cities, carved over time by civilizations that used them for cover.This one opened to the public in the 1950s. You can walk through the labyrinth of underground passageways, some of which are very narrow and only four feet high. The rooms were carved out to use as storage facilities, kitchens, wineries, and churches.Temperatures remain the same underground, no matter the season.The Open Air Museum remains open through winter. It’s history, preserved. You can visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, which was once home to a few hundred people, living in the rock caves.The walkways just get pretty icy in the winter.The horses and ATVs still head out each day through the winter, bringing tourists out to get up close to the unique rock formations and cave dwellings.A snow day in Cappadocia might mean relaxing inside with a glass of wine. This is Turkey’s wine region, and while it’s not a major export, the local vineyards produce both red and white wine, which is sold inexpensively at shops in Goreme and the other towns in the region.The cave hotels here are beautiful, too, so even if you get hit with winter weather, you’ll still find a way to enjoy this unique part of Turkey.FOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
Visiting Istanbul, Turkey, in the Winter Jared Dillingham 2025-04-24 | It snows each winter in Istanbul, and in much of Turkey, and overnight temperatures dip below freezing.Still, if you bundle up, you can still have an enjoyable visit in December, January, or February.If the weather’s lousy, head inside.Warm up with a traditional Turkish bath at one of the city’s hammams. Explore the spice bazaar and the famous Grand Bazaar.The Blue Mosque and others are open to the public. The views inside are stunning.Just remember, you’ll have to take your shoes off and women will have to cover-up.You can also head deep underground, to the Basilica Cistern, an ancient water reservoir built to supply Constantinople hundreds of years ago.Today, it’s part history lesson, part art exhibit, and part photography studio for the crowds of people who walk the platforms, suspended over the water daily.Winter weather won’t stop daily local life. You’ll always see fishermen lined up along the Galata Bridge. And again: most days will be partly cloudy and brisk outside, which is fine for walking around through Istanbul’s neighborhoods.People love the colorful homes and streets of Balat.There are big pedestrian-only shopping boulevards, along with smaller, quaint neighborhood streets lined with local coffee shops.The tree-lined streets are much prettier in the summer, but they’re far less crowded in the winter.Cappadocia is an hour flight from Istanbul, and a major tourist hub in Turkey.You can see: it snows here too in the winter.While it can be pretty on the unique rock landscapes and ancient cliff dwellings that made the area famous, the snowfall can cancel Cappadocia’s other big draw: the daily sunrise balloon launches.The balloon pilots say they launch an average of 300 days a year, so your odds are still pretty good, even in the winter.If your balloon trip gets canceled, you can always visit the area's other sites, like the ancient underground cities, cave dwellings, and stunning rock formations, like these so-called fairy chimneys.Back in Istanbul, don’t forget: if it’s too cold to walk, rely on the cheap and easy-to-navigate metro system, which connects all corners of the city.By mid-March, daily highs are up into the mid-60s, so that might be a much more enjoyable time to visit Turkey.FOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
Thing to Know About Drinking Alcohol in Turkey Jared Dillingham 2025-04-22 | Turkey is a Muslim-majority country, and generally alcohol is forbidden in Islam, but you’ll still find alcohol in Istanbul and the other cities.You’re also likely to find: it’s heavily taxed and pretty expensive.Alcohol taxes in Turkey are up 1500% over the last decade.The high taxes have led to homemade bootleg alcohol, which continues to sicken or even kill people at high rates.Efes is still pretty cheap.The local Turkish beer is a crowd-pleaser, and often offered at happy hours in Istanbul for a dollar or two per pint.It’s probably your best bet in Turkey, where the national beverage is a distilled high-alcohol content drink made from grapes and anise called raki.At bars and restaurants, prices will rival what you’d pay at nice bars in the United States and Europe. While restaurants should be fine for wine, be careful shopping at small shops in Istanbul. Some of the bottles, both red and white will be old and spoiled. You will find decent wine shops in Cappadocia, in central Turkey.It’s mostly known for its fascinating rock formations and sunrise balloon launches.But Cappadocia is also Turkey’s wine region. The vineyards here produce good wine, but the market for the bottles is small.The soil and climate are good for growing grapes here in central Turkey, so maybe in a few years, vineyard tours will become more of a thing.For now, I’d stick to the few local brands of wine, and a bottle of Efes anytime.FOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
First Time to Istanbul, Turkey? 10 Key Things to Know! Jared Dillingham 2025-04-20 | If you’re a first-time visitor to Turkey, let’s go over 10 things to know before you go to Istanbul, beginning with what you’ll find when you land at Istanbul’s airport.1. Istanbul’s main airport is massive.It’s clean and modern inside and out, but it’s also quite a drive to the city.Depending on traffic, which is often hellish, it’ll take at least 45 minutes to get from the airport into the city center.Uber works here, and there are plenty of taxis, too.A taxi ride from the airport will likely cost around $40 each way.2. Speaking of money, I’ve never seen more ATMs in any destination. You’ll find full banks of them all over Turkey.When you take out Turkish Liras, be prepared: the ATMs will charge big 7% withdrawal fees.If you have Euros, I’d bring those too.3. When it comes to tipping, it’s not necessary, but it’s definitely polite and appreciated.Check your bills, since a 10% service fee is often added at restaurants.Otherwise, I’d leave at least a 10% tip. 4. I can’t show you much inside a traditional Turkish bath, or “hamam,” but a full body scrub is a “must” if you’re visiting, especially for the first time.5. At the major tourist sites in Istanbul, be prepared to be approached constantly by store owners or salesmen. They’re friendly, but very persistent, and usually use the line, “Where are you from?” as an opening line. You could easily get dragged into a lengthy sales situation you weren’t looking for.6. The Grand Bazaar isn’t just touristy. It plays a major role in Turkish life. Families traditionally keep a lot of their wealth in gold, and many of those transactions are all handled at the bazaar … in addition to the spices and rugs you’ll find.7. Mosques are all over the city, and they’re generally open to the public.Remember: you’ll have to remove your shoes to go in.Women will have to cover up. In some cases, you’ll be able to borrow a scarf to wear inside.The most famous mosque is the Blue Mosque, right in Old Istanbul.The largest mosque is perched above the city. It’s a massive complex which just opened a few years ago.8. While Turkey is a Muslim-majority country and alcohol is generally forbidden in Islam, you’ll find plenty of bars in Istanbul.The red wine will mostly be locally-produced at vineyards in central Turkey.Beer is more common, though you might have your glasses covered up out of respect if you’re close to a mosque.9. Istanbul’s tram or metro system is easy to use. The rides are less than a dollar.The ticket kiosks are simple to figure out, and the trains run consistently every few minutes.10. The ferries are a great way to get a cheap tour of Istanbul.Tickets are just a couple bucks to cross to the other side of the city, or to take on a longer 90-minute ride to the Princes’ Islands for a day trip.Finally, the weather in Istanbul ranges from cold and sometimes snowy in the winter, to sweltering during the hot summer months.Something to keep in mind, as you plan your visit to the largest city in Europe, home to nearly 16 million people.FOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
How to Visit the Princes Islands from Istanbul Jared Dillingham 2025-04-18 | If you’re in Istanbul, and the weather’s nice, consider taking the ferry from city out to the Princes’ Islands. They've long been coastal vacation destinations in the Sea of Marmara.From the Kabatas terminal in Istanbul, the ferries leave every hour or so.Up on the board, we’re taking the 11:05 boat to the biggest, and farthest island, Buyukada. It’s just $3 each way.There’s no need to buy a ticket. Just tap your credit card and walk into the waiting area.About 10 minutes before departure, they’ll open the gates and you’ll walk to the boat. Don’t be late because the ferries seem to run on time here.You can choose to sit inside or outside once on board.Get comfortable, because it’ll be about an hour and 45-minute ride. You could get off earlier at one of the closer islands.The ferry will drop you off at the center of town. It’s very pretty, and full of shops and restaurants to check out.Walking around the island, you’ll find huge old mansions, most of which are still in great shape and used as private homes or hotels.There are almost no vehicles on the islands. There are a few electric buses, golf carts, and scooters.A lot of people rent bikes to ride the 16-kilometer loop around the island. Along the way, you’ll stop at cafes and restaurants with gorgeous views.You can also hike down to different beaches.Back in town, you’ll be ready for a meal at one of the coastal restaurants, before checking the ferry boards to coordinate a departure to head back to Istanbul.FOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
Istanbuls Best Turkish Bath: Cagaloglu Hammam Jared Dillingham 2025-04-16 | I can't show you what it looks like in the main bathing area of a hammam because people are nearly naked. Men and women are separated into different areas inside.I can show you the waiting room inside the most famous and historic hammam in Istanbul: Cagaloglu.They have a full wall dedicated to the celebrities and royalty who’ve been here.In the changing room, you’ll leave everything behind and locked up.Art on the walls shows the process inside this 300-year-old building.After a 15-minute sweat in a sauna-like room, each person is laid on a marble stone slab to be washed and scrubbed.You’ll be completely covered in thick suds, massaged, and then doused with water of varying degrees of temperature.You’ll get shampooed and maybe covered in a detoxifying clay mask.After an hour, you’ll leave with your skin feeling literally squeaky clean.They’ll let you relax and unwind for a few minutes, and serve tea and Turkish delights.Something else I found interesting: they heat the sauna and water by burning olive seeds, which is a more environmentally-friendly method.The cost will range. Cagaloglu is a higher-end hammam, so our traditional Turkish bath cost around $150 USD. FOLLOW JARED:Website: jaredsdetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
How to Take the Metro in Istanbul, Turkey Jared Dillingham 2025-04-14 | I want to show you how easy it is to use Istanbul’s tram or metro system to get around this massive city (actually the largest, by population, in Europe).At one of the stations, find the ticket kiosk.They let you change the language to English.You’ll have to buy a MetroCard, and I’d add 100 Turkish Lira to it, which is just a few dollars.The card itself costs money, since you can keep it and refill it, so this whole transaction cost me about $6 USD.From there, just tap your credit card, and your Istanbul Metro ticket will print out Take this to the train platform and tap it to walk through the gate. The video shows what one of our rides looked like on Google Maps.We wanted to get from our hotel in the Eminonu neighborhood to the Balat neighborhood.It told us the ride would be 3 stops, and also told us the price: 27 Turkish Lira, which is about 75 cents.Taxis can be expensive in Istanbul, and traffic is horrendous, so you’re much better off learning how to use the metro.FOLLOW JARED:Website: jareddillingham.comInstagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
Is Arizonas Sonoita Wine Country The Next Big Vacation Spot? Jared Dillingham 2025-04-01 | Yes, Arizona has wine country! In the southern part of the state, the rolling hills, soil makeup, and cooler temperatures grapevines to grow a variety of wine-producing grapes. Sonoita is 2.5 hours from Phoenix, or an hour from Tucson.The elevation is up near 5,000 feet around Sonoita, so the climate combined with the volcanic soil and limestone deposits create decent grape-growing conditions.Between Sonoita and nearby Elgin, AZ, there are around 20 wineries and vineyards to check out.Los Milics is in Elgin. You can walk through the vineyards, and enjoy great food in their tasting room and restaurant.They recently opened casitas, so you can stay right on site, and wakeup to vineyard views.Rune Wineworks in Sonoita is off-the-grid, and totally solar-powered You'll find open seating inside and out, offering amazing sunset views.Dos Cabezas is a longtime favorite in Sonoita, celebrating its 30th year.It’s another winery with indoor-outdoor seating.Hops & Vines is an eclectic option, run by sisters.They harvest the raps here every August, and they hold a harvest fest every July or August. The wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms are open year-round.FOLLOW JARED:Website: arizonadetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
Exploring The Wild West: A Visit to Tombstone Arizona Jared Dillingham 2025-03-31 | Tombstone was once one of the biggest and fastest-growing towns in the west. The mines here flooded and were abandoned. Later, the town rejuvenated itself into the tourist destination it is today.Today, Tombstone really is like stepping back in time, to the 1880s.It's a 3-hour drive from Phoenix.Most people have heard of Wyatt Earp and the famous gunfight at the OK Corral.They built a replica of the old livestock yard, where you can see a re-enactment of the gunfight several times a day.The Bird Cage Theatre is one of the few original buildings remaining from Tombstone’s heyday. It was a 24-7 saloon, theater, gambling hall, and brothel.Around 140 bullet holes are still in the building.The Tombstone Courthouse is another true original from the 1880s, and is now an Arizona State Historic Park.You might also catch reenactments in the middle of historic Allen Street.The Tombstone Vigilantes perform a few times a month, and other reenactment groups come to perform from all over the southwest.You’ll find a distillery, winery, and brewery in Tombstone, plus plenty of southwestern gear, collectibles, and saloons.When the town’s founder came here looking for silver, soldiers warned him: all he’d find in the desert wilderness was his tombstone.The name stuck.FOLLOW JARED:Website: arizonadetours.com Instagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
Explore Chiricahua National Monuments Stunning Rock Formations Jared Dillingham 2025-03-30 | There’s talk about turning the Chiricahua National Monument in Eastern Arizona, into the next National Park. It’s easy to see how Chiricahua got the nickname “The Wonderland of Rocks.”The tall towering formations were formed more than 20 million years ago by volcanic activity.As the lava cooled and hardened, it created thick layers of rock.Over time, wind and water have eroded away the surrounding rock and soil, exposing the unique and dramatic formations we see today.One of the park’s most popular trails is Echo Canyon. It’s a 4-mile loop that’ll wind down to the base of the formations, and through an area known s “the grottoes.”It’s a scenic trail that’s clearly marked, almost a century after it was built.As part of the New Deal, the government created the Civilian Conservation Corps to put young men to work on projects like roads and trails on federal lands.A team spent 6 years at Chiricahua building trails, roads, and buildings we still visit today.The trails were laid out to provide access to the rock formations for future visitors like us.People looking for views without the hike can head to Massai Point.A quick walk will bring you cliffside, for panoramic views of the landscape.Around 60,000 people visit Chiricahua National Monument each year.It’s free to visit. That would all change if it becomes a National Park, as many of our congressional representatives are pushing for.If Chiricahua becomes a National Park, it would be Arizona’s fourth, in addition to the Grand Canyon, Saguaro, and Petrified Forest National Parks.The Chiricahua National Monument is a 4-hour drive from Phoenix, so too far for a day trip. The closest town is Willcox, or you can camp right here on site.FOLLOW JARED:Website: arizonadetours.com Instagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
Karchner Caverns: Arizonas Incredible Hidden Cave Jared Dillingham 2025-03-29 | The caves underground in Southern Arizona were only recently discovered, in 1974. They were kept secret for decades, then opened to the public as Karchner Caverns State Park in 1999.More than 50 years after their discovery, Kartchner Caverns, east of Tucson, remains one of the most stunning and well-preserved caves in the U.S.“It’s one of the most geological diverse caves in the world," said Chelsea Ballard , a cave scientist who worked at Mammoth Cave National Park before coming to Kartchner Caverns. She is one of a handful of people allowed to explore and study all 2.5 miles of the cave system, often crawling through tight spots and down tunnels, unsure where they’ll lead.“You can climb Mount Everest and see the ending point. In a cave you can’t see the ending point. Not knowing that’s behind the next bend and what it can add to science? Since 2nd grade, that’s been my goal and I’m still following that path.”About a mile of the cave is open to the public. It stays a humid 70 degrees year-round inside. Part of Kartchner Caverns closes each year in the spring, as thousands of bats move in to raise their young. It takes a few weeks to cleanup after the bats move out each fall.Scientists say ancient bat droppings have shed light on changes to the climate and ecosystem over the centuries. Kartchner Caverns is what’s considered a “living cave.” Water still drips, and formations are still growing. There’s a focus on preservation, so tourists aren’t allowed in on their own. They also can’t bring phones or anything with them, to make sure nothing gets dropped on the delicate formations. We’ve taken conservation efforts to make sure this cave is protected for future generations.”A lot of people over time have unfortunately trashed caves, but thankfully this one has been protected since 1974.”Since Arizona State Parks are self-funded, tour fees help keep the caverns in pristine condition.FOLLOW JARED:Website: https://www.ArizonaDetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
Swim at Fossil Springs: Hiking the Bob Bear Trail Jared Dillingham 2025-03-28 | Formerly known as the Fossil Springs Trail, the Bob Bear Trail requires a permit from April through September. Parking at the trailhead is limited, and you’ll need to secure your $6 per car reservation on recreation.gov. Cell coverage will be spotty the entire way.It's important to remember: Fossil Springs and Fossil Creek are two different places.Fossil Creek is another beautiful spot in the same area, but the access point is through Camp Verde, AZ, rather than north of Payson. At the Bob Bear/Fossil Springs trailhead, an old sign warns of the dangers here, and the number of rescues crews go on. The trail itself is partly flat, well-marked and traveled, and is about 5 miles from the trailhead down to the water.You’ll drop around 1500 feet in elevation on your descent.While it’s easy on the way down, it’s much more of a challenge to hike out after a day on the creek.For that reason, the trail is rated a “difficult” hike.Along the way, you’ll see signs of the wildfire that closed the area in 2023.You’ll also see signs that tell you this is “not” the trail to the waterfall, but rest assured: it does lead to a waterfall. It’s pretty remarkable to see the amount of water coming from the springs, feeding the creek and flowing over the old Fossil Spring Dam.The water is crystal clear, and there are a few areas to explore, including the man falls over the old dam, and a cove to swim into. Even if it’s cool outside, it’s worth swimming against the current to get inside the cove.The biggest cause of rescues and deaths is this feature, known as the “Toilet Bowl.”People jump into it, expecting to have the current shoot them out down through an opening below. Unfortunately, sometimes the current traps them inside the bowl. Aside from that, watch out for downed trees underwater and other hazards, in addition to the strong current. Plus, bring water shoes since the rocks are slippery and jagged.Dogs are allowed, but they’re supposed to be leashed.Camping’s also allowed, but higher up, not at the creek.Bikes and e-bikes are allowed, but I’ve seen people struggle on them. FOLLOW JARED:Website: https://www.ArizonaDetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
Meteor Crater: Explore the Impact Site in Arizona Jared Dillingham 2025-03-27 | This giant depression, created by a meteorite's impact, is one of the best-preserved meteor craters in the world. Measuring nearly a mile across and over 550 feet deep, Meteor Crater is the result of an iron-nickel asteroid, roughly 150 feet wide, slamming into the Earth at an estimated speed of 26,000 miles per hour. The rim is a 2.5-mile loop, and you can walk partly around it, but most of the trail is now closed.The impact released energy equivalent to 10 million tons of TNT, instantly reshaping the landscape.These days, you’ll find a large visitor center, with interactive exhibits, a museum, and a theater, with a great visual explanation of how the crater formed.Entry is $29 per adult.There are very knowledgeable tour guides, who will take you around, and lead you outside to the rim and its various viewpointsMeteor Crater is also known as Barrington Crater,. It's named after the mining engineer who acquired the land to mine for what he expected would be a massive amount of iron-nickel.You can spot an old mine at the center, where scientists dug 200 feet down, searching for meteorite fragments.Scientists have been studying Meteor Crater for more than a century. With its lunar-like terrain, NASA astronauts trained here in preparation for the Apollo missions in the 1960s. They included the most famous astronauts in history, like Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.If you’re up here, consider a stop in Winslow, Arizona, to the east, and Walnut Canyon National Monument to the west toward Flagstaff.FOLLOW JARED:Website: arizonadetours.comInstagram: instagram.com/dillinjay
