fbpx

Seconds to Go

Mother-Daughter Travel Bloggers

Exploring New England, Oregon and Everywhere in Between

Get Out and Explore with Seconds to Go

We’re a mother-daughter travel blogging team, sharing our experiences adventuring, from coast to coast across the US. Although we're a travel blog, we aim to help the last-minute day tripper as well as those planning a vacation.

We’re turning our experiences into a series of “trips”, to help like-minded travelers easily find things to do. Explore each “trip” individually or string them together for a longer adventure.

If you need Disney World vacation planning advice and tips, we’ve got you covered as well. We’re drawing from over a decade of Disney World travel to provide you with all of the planning information you’ll need.

So, why not take a look around, and then, Get Out. Explore

ABOUT

Meet Kat and Ali

Mother-daughter travel bloggers exploring the U.S. coast to coast.

In the Solitude of Nature

Oregon Travel

Tillamook Air Museum

Tillamook Air Museum- the Almost Forgotten War History

DISCLAIMER: Our posts may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll get a small commission, which helps to keep the lights on. Thanks! Tillamook Air Museum houses the almost forgotten secret of Oregon’s crucial contribution to World War II. If you have ever … Read more

exterior of living rock museum, Oregon's museum dedicated to stone art.

Living Rock Studios, Chiseling Oregon Art from Stone

Nestled into a forgotten corridor of the Over the River and Through the Woods Scenic Byway is Oregon’s Living Rock Studios one of the most unique things we’ve found to do yet in a state offering a lot of variety. Creating Unusual Oregon Art out of Stone The state of Oregon is rich in geologic … Read more

Trail of Molten Lands Featured image

The Trail of the Molten Land- Newberry Volcano

The Trail of the Molten Land, located outside of Bend, is an easy trail that brings hikers to an alien planet. In reality, you stroll through a roughly one-mile of lava flow, at the bottom of an ancient volcano, but your eyes will surely convince you that you’ve entered an alien realm. What is the … Read more

IMG 6153 1

Trekking the Shimmering Path: A Guide to Oregon’s Big Obsidian Flow Trail

The Bog Obsidian Flow Trail winds through the youngest lava flow in Oregon. The roughly one square mile area is made up of glossy black obsidian and pumice stone. This hike is one of the most unique experiences in all of the diverse state of Oregon. What is the Big Obsidian Flow? The Big Obsidian … Read more

Newberry National Volcanic Monument featured image

Nature’s Raw Power on Display: Exploring the Geologic Wonders of Newberry Volcanic Monument

The Newberry National Volcanic Monument in central Oregon combines 54,000 acres of land to feature lakes, lava flows, lava tubes, unique geologic formations, and some of the best views of the nearby cascade ranges, all inside one park. The New berry Volcanic Monument is mainly all about lava. The park is on an active volcano … Read more

two women in shadow inside a lava tube cave in central Oregon

Descending into the Abyss at Lava River Cave Oregon

Even as you’re descending into the giant maw of Lava River Cave near Bend Oregon, you’re thinking the usual thoughts that accompany steps into the subterranean. Will I see stalactites or Stalagmites? Will the floor be slippery with dropping moisture, will sudden bursts of illumination highlight spectacular displays of geologic history (thanks to thoughtful park … Read more

A Wild and Woolly Weekend

Yellowstone National Park

Exploring the beauty and majesty of Yellowstone in a single weekend.

History and Charm

Things to Do in New England

girl and golden retriever look inside Dover Stone Church

Finding the Mysterious Cavern of Dover Stone Church Preserve

By Kathleen Hesketh | August 6, 2024

As the fall laid down a blanket of leaves and blazed in glorious colors, it seemed a strange time to leave New England, but New York state is a magnificent bastion of historical references all rolled into one endless sweep of stunning terrain. And it’s just over the Connecticut border, where a place called Dover … Read more

CT day trips feature

6 Connecticut Winter Activities for Non-Skiers: The Perfect Way to Spend a Cold Day

By Kathleen Hesketh | July 21, 2024

Connecticut day trips are a great way to bust the boredom of gloomy winter weather, but if you think you’re limited in options by the snow or cold, don’t worry. We’ve put together our top 6 Connecticut winter activities for non-skiers, to help you get out and explore this winter. These experiences offer some great … Read more

New England fall color is vibrant at peak in Vermont

New England Fall Color, Incredible Ways to Enjoy the Season

By Kathleen Hesketh | July 16, 2024

When it comes to autumn spectacles, New England fall color is unbeatable. While many areas of the country sport their most dazzling displays in autumn, few come close to creating the same majesty as the tiny northeastern states. However, if you think we’re just being biased, why not put our claim to the test, and … Read more

Walking towards the Nautilus at the Submarine Force Museum

Submerged at Submarine Force Museum in Connecticut

By Ali Patton | May 21, 2024

The Submarine Force Museum in Groton CT is home to all things submarine, including working periscopes and the USS Nautilus. The Nautilus is submerged in water outside the museum and is open for tours. The Story of the Submarine Force Museum’s USS Nautilus In 1951, Congress authorized the construction of the Nautilus submarine. “Underway on … Read more

Best CT hikes featured 2

Best Connecticut Hiking Trails: 7 Hikes that Will Knock Your Socks off

By Kathleen Hesketh | May 9, 2024

You don’t have to search long to come up with dozens of Connecticut hiking trails, but narrowing in on the best hikes in Connecticut often requires a little determination. Many are short, flat jaunts with little to pique your curiosity, while others dig deep into history or the ecological wonders of the state. These are … Read more

featuredb20e57c38e114c40ab4b780485284576

Lowell National Historic Park: Bringing the Industrial Revolution Back to Life

By Ali Patton | April 11, 2024

A visit to Lowell National Historic Park is a visit back in time to the 19th century during the peak of the Industrial Revolution. Located in the heart of the city of Lowell Massachusetts, Lowell National Historic Park doesn’t provide views of nature and wildlife like other national parks, but rather a deep delve into … Read more

Our Sidekicks

Dog-Friendly Travel

Places to go with your furry friend and the gear you need when you get there.

Our Happy Place

95307946242a4ace9871219e58436ff7

Explore Some of EPCOT’s Best-Kept Dining Secrets: Best Restaurants in EPCOT Ranked and Reviewed!

By Kathleen Hesketh | September 5, 2024

When it comes to dishing out thrills, Disney World’s EPCOT park has more on the menu than rides and attractions. Some of Disney World’s best restaurants are in EPCOT, making the park a popular place for foodies and anyone who enjoys sampling fine eats and spirits. If you’re visiting EPCOT, where to eat should be … Read more

Disney World Boma as seen from above

Disney World Boma Review: Why This Might Be Orlando’s Top Restaurant

By Ali Patton | September 5, 2024

Disney World’s Boma is one of the most beloved restaurants in the entire resort, and it may be one of the best restaurants in all of the Orlando area. Boma Reviews: What it’s Like Eating at Boma Boma is a unique dining experience unlike anything else inside of Disney World. Rather than the typical selections … Read more

View from Disney World hotel, Hilton Lake Buena Vista Palace balcony.

Disney World Hotels: Hilton Lake Buena Vista Palace Review

By Kathleen Hesketh | September 5, 2024

When it comes to Disney World Hotels, Hilton Lake Buena Vista Palace Orlando is a top contender for vacation stays. While the hotel is not owned and operated by the mighty Disney Parks system, its location near Disney Springs, providing convenient access to the parks, while the hotel’s impressive suite of amenities puts it at … Read more

payment plan feature

Financing Your Disney Dream: Plan Now, Pay Later Disney World Vacation Payment Plan

By Kathleen Hesketh | September 5, 2024

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on a Disney World vacation payment plan, where we show you how to turn your dream vacation into a reality. It seems not that long ago that we were gathered around the kitchen table, exploring different resorts, and deciding where we’d stay during our first trip to Disney. It was … Read more

Disney World computer screen

Disney World Discounts in 2024: Score Hotel Deals and Savings

By Kathleen Hesketh | September 5, 2024

If you’re ready to visit Disney World and looking for Disney World discounts in 2024, you’re in luck. Some of the best deals at Disney World have been released to help you make the most of your Disney World budget this year. Best of all, we’ll be updating this page as new discounts become available, … Read more

9a53fdf2d486470e9ecb50d7bbc07b6d

How Does the Disney Virtual Queue Work?

By Ali Patton | September 4, 2024

NOTE: As of September 9, 2024, Tron Lightcycle Run will no longer be available via virtual queue. Guests may use the standby line or purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass to join the Lightning Lane queue. What is and how does the Disney virtual queue work? It’s a common question among Disney World newbies and … Read more

Incredible Hikes

Explore 16 of the Best Oregon Hiking Trails

We love to get out and explore the unpaved path and even some paved ones. We've found some of the best hiking adventures in Oregon.

What Is Seconds to Go?

Travel Tips and Trips for people on the go.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you have time to adventure out and explore, or maybe you want to take a trip, but don’t know what to do or where to go?

It used to happen to us all the time. We’d scour the web for ideas and suggestions but could never get the level of detail we needed to know if the experience was right for us.

As a result, we started “exploring”. That’s what we called our adventures when we’d get in the car and head out on a drive, just looking for something new and unique to do.

After years of traveling New England, Oregon and taking vacations to Disney World, we decided to share the knowledge and insights we gained from our adventures in a coast-to-coast blog of the U.S.

The result is a series of blog posts, each providing a no-hassle “trip”.

We are dedicated to low hassle travel, so even if you only have a few seconds before you go, each trip will quickly explain:

  • The time it takes to experience each trip
  • Special tips for making the most of each trip
  • Nearby destinations that you can visit

What you won’t find in a Seconds to Go trip:

  • Trips written about places we’ve never been
  • Trips based only on internet research with no personal point of view

So, if you’re looking for something to do, or want to plan a vacation, take inspiration from our trips and travel tips. You can even string our trips together for a longer day on the road. Maybe even a full vacation.

As coast-to-coast travel bloggers, it’s our goal to inspire you and provide the knowledge you need to quickly and easily create your own travel adventure.

We currently have a number of "trips for New England and Oregon. Look for detailed itineraries covering our other adventures coast-to-coast.

Valley of the Giants feature

Valley of the Giants: Oregon’s Tallest Hidden Secret

By Kathleen Hesketh | August 15, 2024

ATTENTION: As of December 2023, the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management has closed the Valley of the Giants to Public Access due to flooding of the North Fork Siletz River. The resulting debris flow has obliterated the roadway to the area and is predicted to take years to salvage. Please consider … Read more

IMG 1219

Silver Falls State Park in Oregon: 10 Awesome Waterfalls in a Single Day

By Ali Patton | August 8, 2024

Silver Falls State Park Oregon is the largest park in the state at close to ten thousand acres. It features moderate trails through dense Oregon forest that bring you to a total of ten different waterfalls. The well-maintained trails, paired with the uniquely beautiful falls, make Silver Falls hike in Oregon a popular place that … Read more

Smith Rock State Park Rock face as seen through the trees.

Exploring Epic Landscapes, Guide to the Most Scenic Places in Oregon

By Ali Patton | August 8, 2024

When visiting Oregon, it may be hard to narrow down a list of things to do. So, we’ve put together this simplified visitor resource, a companion to our Oregon travel guide, to help you discover the top scenic places in Oregon and the best of what this magnificent state has to offer. Visiting Oregon’s Scenic … Read more

Royal Terrace falls on the McDowell Creek Falls trail

McDowell Creek Falls- A Mythical Oregon Hike

By Ali Patton | August 6, 2024

McDowell Creek Falls Oregon is a moderate hike located north of Sweet Home. It features beautiful forest views and serene boardwalk stairs leading to the base and summit of two waterfalls. McDowell Creek Falls Views For us, the McDowell Creek Falls trail started out in a small gravel parking lot at the Royal Terrace Trailhead … Read more

girl and golden retriever look inside Dover Stone Church

Finding the Mysterious Cavern of Dover Stone Church Preserve

By Kathleen Hesketh | August 6, 2024

As the fall laid down a blanket of leaves and blazed in glorious colors, it seemed a strange time to leave New England, but New York state is a magnificent bastion of historical references all rolled into one endless sweep of stunning terrain. And it’s just over the Connecticut border, where a place called Dover … Read more

CT day trips feature

6 Connecticut Winter Activities for Non-Skiers: The Perfect Way to Spend a Cold Day

By Kathleen Hesketh | July 21, 2024

Connecticut day trips are a great way to bust the boredom of gloomy winter weather, but if you think you’re limited in options by the snow or cold, don’t worry. We’ve put together our top 6 Connecticut winter activities for non-skiers, to help you get out and explore this winter. These experiences offer some great … Read more