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Scott McConkey

Scott McConkey is a nationally syndicated travel writer and the founder of Miles with McConkey, where he provides vacationers and travel enthusiasts with trip ideas, travel guides, and inspiration. His travel articles have been seen in The Associated Press wire, ABC, CBS, CW, FOX, NBC, MSN, and many more. He and his wife, Julie, left the corporate world after nearly 30 years for a life of travel and adventure. What started as a gap year has evolved into a second act. She creates visual content while he utilizes the written word. Their goal is to create content inspiring others to travel more and live their best lives now.

A Caribou cross a field with Denali covered in snow in the background

What Are Denali’s Big 5—and Where Can You Find Them?

by Scott McConkey

Wondering what the Denali Big 5 are—and where to find them? This wildlife guide introduces Alaska’s most iconic animals and shares the best spots and tips for seeing them in the wild.

A woman stands on a paved path by colorful, striped mounds - Blue Mesa Trail in Petrified Forest National Park.

More Than Fossilized Wood: What Makes Petrified Forest Worth the Stop

by Scott McConkey

We didn’t expect to be moved by a place filled with stone logs and silence. But Petrified Forest surprised us—with color, solitude, and stories etched in time.

A giant Viking statue and a giant dragon statue tower out of the water in the Isle of Berk in Epic Universe

Isle of Berk at Epic Universe: Rides, Food & Dragon-Sized Fun

by Scott McConkey

From dragon-riding thrills to Viking feasts, Isle of Berk at Epic Universe brings the world of How to Train Your Dragon to life. Here’s what to expect—and why it’s worth the flight.

Autumn leaves adorn trees surrounding Jordan Pond, Acadia National Park, ME

Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons We Say Yes

by Scott McConkey

Acadia’s beauty inspired us to leave our corporate jobs and chase a life of travel. Here are 7 reasons this national park is absolutely worth visiting.

Colorful striped badlands dominate the horizon in Badlands National Park, South Dakota

The Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park: Crowds, Weather, Cost & Activities

by Scott McConkey

Planning a trip to Badlands National Park? Here’s when to go for the best weather, lowest costs, fewer crowds, and unforgettable experiences.

A family walks down a set of stairs into Super Mario Land in Super Nintendo World.

Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe: Attractions, Dining, and Power-Up Fun

by Scott McConkey

From Mario Kart mayhem to Donkey Kong thrills, Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe brings your favorite games to life. Here’s what to expect—and why we can’t wait to power up.

People looking at a solar eclipse

When the Sky Went Dark: A Look Back at the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse (and Our Front-Row Seat)

by Scott McConkey

2024 brought us a backyard light show like no other—meteor shower, northern lights, and the total solar eclipse. We didn’t chase the cosmos. It came to us.

A woman looks through binoculars on a boardwalk trail in a forest - birding in a national park

Best National Parks for Birding: Our Top Picks and Unforgettable Moments

by Scott McConkey

From warblers in the Smokies to pelicans in the Channel Islands, these national parks offer unforgettable birding experiences. Discover where to go, what to bring, and when to visit for peak sightings.

A sandy snowman represents Christmas in July travel - some locations celebrate the popular holiday in summer for a fun twist.

Where Santa Wears Flip-Flops: 8 Places That Celebrate Christmas in July

by Scott McConkey

From beachside Santas to snowball fights in summer, these destinations prove you don’t have to wait until December to feel the magic of Christmas.

Carved watermelons or jack-o-melons are a tradition for celebrating Summerween - Halloween in summer

Summerween Is Real: Where to Celebrate Halloween in the Heat of Summer

by Scott McConkey

Inspired by Gravity Falls and Halloween nostalgia, Summerween is gaining traction across the U.S. Here’s where to find real events—and how to plan a spooky summer getaway.