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

dogs walking at MInto Brown Island State Park

Explore Minto Brown Island Park: The Most Dog-Friendly Place in Salem

Minto Brown Island State Park is the perfect dog lover’s paradise. This riverfront West Salem park offers walking, hiking, jogging, and swimming, all with the option to take man’s best friend with you! The Search for Dog Friendly Parks at the Halfway Point When I stumbled upon Minto Island Brown Park in Salem, I was … Read more

views from Rim Drive are what to do at Crater Lake

What to Do at Crater Lake-Best Bets for Your Visit

When thinking about what to do at Crater Lake, many people go right to the pristine, blue water of the lake itself, but the over 180,000-acre park has much more to offer. With historic lodges, dining, sightseeing drives and endless hiking trails, Crater Lake National park is an experience, not just a destination. We visited … Read more

Valley of the Giants: Oregon’s Tallest Hidden Secret

When it comes to visiting the Pacific Northwest, adventurers have a lot of choices, but none are as humbling as the Valley of the Giants Oregon trail near the now defunct town of Siletz. Accessing this special, sacred old growth grove requires an intrepid spirit, perseverance, and if traveling on a weekday, possibly a death … Read more

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

Silver Falls State Park in 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 … Read more

Visiting Oregon: 11 Things to Do When You Get There

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 attractions, and scenic places in Oregon this magnificent state has to offer. Exploring the Outdoors: Scenic Places in … Read more

Royal Terrace falls on the McDowell Creek Falls trail

McDowell Creek Falls- A Mythical Oregon Hike

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. Oregon Hike Views For us, the McDowell Creek Falls trail started out in a small gravel parking lot at the Royal Terrace Trailhead in … 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

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

By Kathleen Hesketh | January 26, 2021

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

Heublein Tower as viewed from the top of the Heublein Tower Hike on Talcott Mountain

Heublein Tower Hike: Views Atop the Talcott Ridge

By Ali Patton | May 6, 2020

What started out as a lavish gift from a loving husband to his wife, is now one of the best hikes in Connecticut. The Heublein Tower hike and trail, located atop Talcott Mountain and just west of Hartford, offers views as far as Massachusetts. I grew up hiking Talcott Mountain and visiting the tower with … Read more

Clydesdale Stables at Budweiser Brewery in Merrimack, NH

Budweiser Brewery Tour Merrimack, NH: A Non-Drinker’s View

By Kathleen Hesketh | April 12, 2020

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. It’s also an opportunity to take a peek at the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales. Picking up a Budweiser Brewery Tour in … Read more

Travel Back in Time to a National Park You Probably Didn’t Know Existed

By Ali Patton | March 9, 2020

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 Historical Park doesn’t provide views of nature and wildlife like other national parks, but rather a deep delve into … Read more

Walking towards the Nautilus at the Submarine Force Museum

Submerged at Submarine Force Museum in Connecticut

By Ali Patton | February 26, 2020

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 USS Nautilus In 1951, Congress authorized the construction of the Nautilus submarine. “Underway on nuclear power” are … 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 | February 9, 2020

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, featuring a high number of hairpin turns. While some are banked, most … 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

Why We Love Walt Disney World Vacation Packages (and You Should Too)

By Kathleen Hesketh | May 10, 2023

Walt Disney World vacation packages come in all sizes, designed to fit multiple travel styles and budgets. From packages with bundled ground transportation to all-inclusive deals, you’re bound to find a package to Walt Disney World to make your trip both magical and efficient. The question many travelers ask is whether they need to book … Read more

Big Changes to Disney World Coming with Vacation Packages 2024!

By Kathleen Hesketh | May 10, 2023

Disney World Packages have been released for 2024, and big changes await park visitors in the next year. Before we get to the specifics, let’s clarify a few of the details surrounding package bookings. First, if you’re wondering what a Disney World vacation package is and the advantages of booking one, we have a complete … Read more

Collage featuring images of Disney World and Disneyland.

Is Disney World Better than Disneyland: Things the Florida Park Gets Right

By Kathleen Hesketh | May 7, 2023

Disney World and Disneyland are two of the most popular theme parks in the world, each offering a unique experience for visitors. While both parks share the same core values of magic, entertainment, and nostalgia, there are distinct differences that set them apart. When trying to decide where to invest their vacation dollars, many travelers … Read more

Magical Holidays at Disney World: Useful Guide to Festivities and Events

By Kathleen Hesketh | April 30, 2023

Holidays are special times for families and friends to come together and make unforgettable memories. What better way to celebrate than by spending your holidays at Disney World? Boasting a variety of seasonal experiences, from Halloween to Easter, and everything in between, this popular travel destination knows how to deliver the seasonal fun. Join us … Read more

Disney World Halloween 2023 entrance to MK

Thrills and Chills Await at Disney World Halloween 2023

By Ali Patton | April 26, 2023

Halloween at Disney World is always a frightfully good time. Whether you’re celebrating ghouls or goblins, villains or princesses, you’ll find that Halloween at Disney World in 2023 offers the right combination of ghoulish and whimsey to create a perfect seasonal haunt for everyone. Here’s what’s currently expected for Halloween at Disney World in 2023, … Read more

Spooktacular Fun Is Back: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2023

By Kathleen Hesketh | April 23, 2023

Boo! It’s that time of the year again – and what better way to celebrate than by attending the Walt Disney World Halloween Party in 2023, also known as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? If you’re looking for a frightfully good time, look no further than this must-attend event at the happiest place on … 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.

dogs walking at MInto Brown Island State Park

Explore Minto Brown Island Park: The Most Dog-Friendly Place in Salem

By Ali Patton | March 16, 2023

Minto Brown Island State Park is the perfect dog lover’s paradise. This riverfront West Salem park offers walking, hiking, jogging, and swimming, all with the option to take man’s best friend with you! The Search for Dog Friendly Parks at the Halfway Point When I stumbled upon Minto Island Brown Park in Salem, I was … Read more

views from Rim Drive are what to do at Crater Lake

What to Do at Crater Lake-Best Bets for Your Visit

By Ali Patton | March 5, 2023

When thinking about what to do at Crater Lake, many people go right to the pristine, blue water of the lake itself, but the over 180,000-acre park has much more to offer. With historic lodges, dining, sightseeing drives and endless hiking trails, Crater Lake National park is an experience, not just a destination. We visited … Read more

Valley of the Giants: Oregon’s Tallest Hidden Secret

By Kathleen Hesketh | February 26, 2023

When it comes to visiting the Pacific Northwest, adventurers have a lot of choices, but none are as humbling as the Valley of the Giants Oregon trail near the now defunct town of Siletz. Accessing this special, sacred old growth grove requires an intrepid spirit, perseverance, and if traveling on a weekday, possibly a death … Read more

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

By Ali Patton | February 8, 2023

Silver Falls State Park in 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 … Read more

Visiting Oregon: 11 Things to Do When You Get There

By Ali Patton | February 1, 2023

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 attractions, and scenic places in Oregon this magnificent state has to offer. Exploring the Outdoors: Scenic Places in … Read more

Royal Terrace falls on the McDowell Creek Falls trail

McDowell Creek Falls- A Mythical Oregon Hike

By Ali Patton | January 25, 2023

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. Oregon Hike Views For us, the McDowell Creek Falls trail started out in a small gravel parking lot at the Royal Terrace Trailhead in … Read more