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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

Oregon fall brings amazing sunsets

5 Ways to Enjoy an Oregon Fall

Typically, Oregon fall consists of fun outdoor gatherings and farm festivals, but you’ll also find plenty of activities and day trips you can do when visiting Oregon in the fall. Pumpkin Patches and Farm Stands During an Oregon Fall Oregon has no shortage of farm stands and pumpkin patches. If looking for something to do … Read more

Clear Lake Oregon with kayaker on surface

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

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

Carver working his magic at Albany Carousel in Oregon

Albany Carousel: Riding the Winds of Change

Albany isn’t far from major cities in Oregon, such as Portland, but visiting the newly opened Albany carousel can be a step back in time. Read our original article written three years ago during the construction of the volunteer-led project for history on the making of the carousel and the art of menagerie making in … Read more

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Oregon in Summer, a Paradise You Won’t Want to Leave

With over 1,100 moderate hiking trails, miles of back country wilderness and opportunities for biking, paddling and rock climbing, just to name a few, there aren’t many other warm weather destinations as friendly to outdoor enthusiasts as Oregon in summer. Add in a host of activities, a penchant for historical fare and a coastline filled … 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

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

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

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

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Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve in Connecticut Is a Small Hike with Big Surprises

By Kathleen Hesketh | March 21, 2024

It was a balmy 4o degrees when we set out for a hike in the Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve in North Granby, Connecticut. Not a beach day by any means, but the sun was flirting with some billowing clouds, and the weather forecast promised more frigid temperatures for the weekend, so it seemed the perfect … Read more

Clydesdale Stables at Budweiser Brewery in Merrimack, NH

Budweiser New Hampshire Brewery Tour Merrimack: A Non-Drinker’s View

By Kathleen Hesketh | March 17, 2024

Taking a Budweiser Brewery tour in Merrimack, NH isn’t just for beer lovers. It’s also an experience for history buffs and anyone who likes to understand the ins and outs of how things are made. While you can no longer visit the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales at this location, you can tour the facilities and sample … Read more

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Abandoned Becket Quarry, the Land that Time Forgot

By Kathleen Hesketh | March 8, 2024

Heading out for a hike in the snow can be an adventure in and of itself, but searching out abandoned Massachusetts quarries adds an extra element of mystery. That’s particularly true when the destination is one where the workers walked off the job and left everything just as it was at quitting time more than … Read more

Young woman and golden retriever walk in front of Hearthstone Castle ruins

The Enigmatic Hearthstone Castle of Danbury: Once Grand, Now Abandoned

By Kathleen Hesketh | March 8, 2024

Visiting Hearthstone Castle in Danbury is a less a trip than it is an exploration. For us, it tied some peculiar history into an outdoor adventure that left us a bit nostalgic for the past. Note: Since our initial visit to Hearthstone Castle Danbury in 2020, the fence around Hearthstone Caste Danbury has been closed … Read more

The world's largest indoor go kart track at Supercharged

Go Kart Racing In Connecticut – Thrill on the World’s Largest Indoor Track

By Kathleen Hesketh | March 7, 2024

Our First Experience Go Kart Racing on the World’s Largest Indoor Track Speed is not a thrill I typically pursue, so I approached Supercharged go kart racing in Connecticut with a fair degree of trepidation. Supercharged offers two racetracks. One is more compact, offering thrill enthusiasts a high number of hairpin turns. While some are … Read more

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Abandoned in Brenton Point State Park: Searching Historical Remains of The Reef

By Kathleen Hesketh | March 7, 2024

On a breezy summer day, Brenton Point State Park in Newport, Rhode Island glistens as brightly as the sun off the ocean waves across the street. Kites fly high, and if you time it right, you might even score a Dell’s Lemonade, one of Rhode Island’s distinctive treats. However, Brenton Point State Park holds a … 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