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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

tokatee falls cascading down the rocks with bright blue water

Toketee Falls Trail in Oregon and the Hunt for a Red Toyota

By far, one of our favorite waterfalls is Toketee Falls in Oregon. Water, in shades of green and blue crystal, cascades over a sheer basalt cliff, falling into not just one, but two turbulent turquoise pools. The Toketee Falls trail winds through stone staircases and the most elaborate treetop trail before it finally gives up … Read more

a historic home in a field located at Fort Hoskins

Fort Hoskins Hiking Trail – Oregon History Hidden in the Valley

Oregon’s Willamette Valley is known for its endless hiking opportunities, many of which are intertwined with rich Oregon history. Fort Hoskins sits nestled into the valley, as a little-known historical secret. If you are planning an Oregon vacation, you may want to add this hidden gem to your list. Fort Hoskins History Originally created to … Read more

Waterfall at Drift Creek Falls with suspension bridge in the background

Drift Creek Falls Hike- Oregon’s Most Surprising Hike

The Drift Creek Falls hike winds through a dense, damp forest. Ferns carpet the ground, blanketing everything in shades of green. As you walk, the hike may seem to be leading you in endless circles, but soon enough, the forest’s secret is revealed. About Drift Creek Falls Located in Oregon’s Siuslaw National Forest, this 3 … Read more

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Starvation Creek Oregon: 4 Forgotten Waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge

Starvation Creek, an Oregon state park located along the Columbia River Gorge, serves as a jumping off point for accessing the paved old highway 30, that is now an Oregon hiking trail for pedestrians. This trailhead also serves as easy access for four different and unique waterfalls, that are all a short walk from the … Read more

rows of different colored tulips at wooden shoe tulip festival

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival – Not Your Typical Tulip Patch

The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival is not your grandmother’s tulip patch! This Oregon tulip festival boasts 40 acres of rainbow tulips set against an astounding background of snow-peaked Mount Hood. Beautiful doesn’t even begin to explain the sights here. If you are looking for visiting Oregon in the spring, or live here and are seeking … Read more

ghost towns in Central Oregon like Shaniko can be a fun place to visit

Ghost Towns in Central Oregon or Scam? Real Deal on Shaniko and Antelope

Shaniko and Antelope are 2 American towns often labelled as ghost towns in central Oregon, but are these communities really abandoned relics of the old west or is it all a scam? We set out expecting to find a hollow remnant of what once was while visiting Oregon. Instead, we found something else. Ghost Towns … 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

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

Historic drum factory surrounded by New England fall colors

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

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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

Fort Wetherill entrance

Fort Wetherill Jamestown: Exploring Semi-Secret Tunnels and Other Things You Can’t Imagine

By Ali Patton | March 28, 2024

Abandoned on Rhode Island’s shores, behind overgrown trees, often overlooked, or just plain forgotten, sits Fort Wetherill in Jamestown. Once a proud active fort, Fort Wetherill’s many tunnels and structures are now covered in multicolored graffiti. Fort Wetherill Jamestown’s History In 1855, President Grover appointed the Endicott Board. Made up of members of the Army, … 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

Magic Kingdom castle with colored sky.

Magic Kingdom Multi Pass: Skip the Regular Queue and Do More in a Day

By Kathleen Hesketh | July 26, 2024

Roller coasters, spinning rides, thrills, drops and pleasant cruises, you’ll find attractions for all ages at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. With so much to see and do, using the Magic Kingdom Multi Pass service can be a real time saver and make it possible to experience more of the magic during your vacation. To learn … Read more

Epcot genie plus feature

Why Savvy Disney World Travelers Are Using EPCOT Lightning Lane Multi Pass

By Kathleen Hesketh | July 26, 2024

We’ve found Disney’s Multi Pass service (formerly Genie+) a great way to save time in line. While it may cost a little extra, in the case of EPCOT park, it’s a situation where spending a little more could save you a lot of waiting. Some of EPCOT’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass rides also happen to … Read more

Haunted Mansion

9 Rides Where You Might Not Think to Use Walt Disney World Lightning Lane

By Ali Patton | July 25, 2024

When it comes to the complicated world of booking Walt Disney World Lightning Lane rides, it’s easy to miss your intended targets with everyone vying for that coveted spot on 7 Dwarfs Mine Train or Slinky Dog Dash to name a few. While Lightning Lane reservations for popular attractions such as those in Pandora Land … Read more

Thunder Mountain dinosaur lighting pass

The 5 Big Advantages of a Disney World Lightning Pass

By Kathleen Hesketh | July 25, 2024

A Disney World Lightning Pass, formerly known as FastPass+, is part of the newest technological service being offered at Disney parks. The service helps you plan your day, and more importantly, offers the opportunity to take advantage of the Lightning Lane, an expedited queue. So, what’s the difference between Disney a Disney World Lightning pass? … Read more

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Mastering the Lightning Lane Single Pass at Disney World: Tips & Tricks

By Kathleen Hesketh | July 25, 2024

So, you’ve finally gotten a handle on the new Disney Lightning Lane Muti Pass service and think you understand how to use the Lightning Lane. Then suddenly you realize not every ride is available with Multi Pass. For some of the most popular rides, you must purchase a separate pass to the Lightning Lane at … Read more

Slinky Dog Dash with Disney World Genie Plus booking screenshot

Using Disney World Genie Plus, the Magic Is in the Details

By Kathleen Hesketh | July 25, 2024

As of July 24, Disney Genie+ will become Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass. While many of the features and benefits will remain the same, Lightning Lane Multi Pass will include the option to pre-select up to 3 Lightning Lane Attractions Prior to leaving home. For more information, review our guide to … 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.

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

Historic drum factory surrounded by New England fall colors

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

Clear Lake Oregon with kayaker on surface

What Lies Beneath Clear Lake in Oregon: Kayaking the Great Blue

By Ali Patton | July 16, 2024

Kayaking over Clear Lake, Oregon, you would have no idea what lies underneath. From above, you experience calm, clear water in the peaceful setting. But just below the water’s surface, an underwater world awaits.  Clear Lake is an oasis surrounded by forested fir trees that tower above and blanket the shores in shade. The lake … Read more

Girl walking on wooden bridge in front of a reservoir at an amazing Oregon destination

5 Oregon Scenic Places You Definitely Want to Visit this Spring

By Ali Patton | May 31, 2024

Spring comes to Oregon earlier than some parts of the country, making it a fine time to visit some of the Oregon scenic places that are cluttering up your bucket list. If you’re looking for ways to enjoy Oregon in spring, we have 5 of the most scenic places that are sure to knock your … Read more

Downtown Astoria street

We Found the Best Things to Do in Astoria Oregon, and that Was a Problem

By Kathleen Hesketh | May 23, 2024

Finding cool and unusual things to do in Astoria, Oregon wasn’t the hard part of our journey. It was compressing them into the space of a morning that proved impossible. It’s a Tight Itinerary, but We Decide to Head up the Coast We recently made the decision to head out on a mini road trip … Read more

The Over the Woods and Through the Woods Scenic Byway Views

Over the River and Through the Woods: Oregon’s Premier Scenic Byway

By Ali Patton | May 22, 2024

What is the Over the River and Through the Woods Scenic Byway? The over the river and through the woods scenic byway in Oregon is the highway that encompasses ground from Brownsville Oregon to the junction of OR-226, OR-22 and US-20. The byway offers magnificent views of winding rivers, lakes, and snow peaked mountains. It … Read more