Your Very Next Step newsletter for May June 2025
By Ned Lundquist
www.yourverynextstep.com
“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”
– Andre Gide
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”
– Lao Tzu
This edition of YVNS comes to you from West Harwich, Massachusetts
http://www.yourverynextstep.com/2025/06/16/your-very-next-step-newsletter-for-may-june-2025
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“Your Very Next Step” adventure/outdoors/conservation newsletter, published by Ned Lundquist, is a cooperative community, and everyone is invited, no…encouraged, no…urged to participate. Share your adventures with the network today! Send to lundquist989@cs.com.
*** To subscribe for free: Join our Google Groups Listerv. If you are already a Google Groups member, just sign up for the “Your Very Next Step” group. Otherwise, send Ned an email, ask nicely, and he’ll get you on the list. Contact Ned at lundquist989@cs.com.
*** Send us your comments, questions, and contributions to lundquist989@cs.com.
*** In this issue travel and adventure news; volunteer conservation and wilderness opportunities; travel, adventure and conservation jobs.
*** Where am I?
West Harwich, Massachusetts
*** Ned’s upcoming travel, maybe, perhaps
13-22 June 2025 Harwich, Mass.
25-29 June 2025 Omaha, Nebraska
12 Sept – 26 Sept 2025 Paris/Lyon/Avignon/Aix-en-Provence/Marseille, France
*** The 10 Best Hikes in the USA For Every Type of Adventurer
I’ve hiked all over the world, and mile for mile, the USA has the best hiking out of anywhere I’ve ever been.
By Maggie Slepian
https://57hours.com/best-of/hiking-destinations-in-the-us/
*** The 10 Most Beautiful Hikes in the U.S.
From a two-mile stroll in North Carolina to a 2,600-mile trek along the Pacific Crest, these hikes have had the most profound impact on our trails columnist—and will change your perspective on the country.
By Grayson Haver Currin
https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/most-beautiful-hikes-us/
*** Saving Hawaiian Honeycreepers
NPF fights to protect critically endangered birds and culture at Haleakalā National Park
by Dan Paley
https://www.nationalparks.org/stories/saving-hawaiian-honeycreepers
*** Dive Into Paradise: The World’s Best Snorkeling Spots Revealed
From Iceland’s glacial fissures to Fiji’s coral gardens—explore the dreamiest places to snorkel, no matter your skill level.
*** The 10 Best National Parks for Hiking, According to Travel Experts
By Zachary Mack
*** A surprising source of clouds in Antarctica: Penguin poop
Previous models have found clouds fueled by seabird guano in the Arctic do cool the ground, but the study authors say observations are needed to confirm the effect on the climate.
By Kasha Patel
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2025/05/22/penguin-guano-clouds-study-climate/
*** This Beach in Spain Was Named the Happiest in the World—and It Has Smooth Sand, Warm Waters, and a ‘Peaceful Sea Area’
Sitges Beach in Barcelona came in at No. 1.
By Stacey Leasca
https://www.travelandleisure.com/sitges-beach-barcelona-spain-named-happiest-beach-in-world-11735660
*** 10 Best Zoos in the World
By Julia Hammond
https://www.thediscoverer.com/blog/10-best-zoos-in-the-world/XvHyVpKgiwAG5avy
*** 12 crazy activities for your adventure travel bucket list
by Jeremy Scott Foster
https://www.travelocity.com/inspire/12-crazy-activities-for-your-adventure-travel-bucket-list/
*** Three Perfect Days: A trip to Faro
By Micayla Shevlin
*** 10 Tourist Spots to Avoid and Where to Go Instead
https://www.thediscoverer.com/blog/10-alternatives-to-popular-tourist-destinations/XvHyVpKgiwAG5agC
*** 9 Canal Rides You Have to Take
By Vivian Chung
https://www.thediscoverer.com/blog/10-canal-rides-you-have-to-take/XvHyVpKgiwAG5atq
*** Yes, You Can Visit the Maldives on a Budget — if You Go to These 10 Islands
By Geena Truman
*** 6 ways to survive a long-haul flight with kids
By Nina Coomes
https://www.united.com/en/us/hemispheres/things-to-do/lifestyle/flying-with-kids.html
*** 12 crazy activities for your adventure travel bucket list
by Jeremy Scott Foster
https://www.travelocity.com/inspire/12-crazy-activities-for-your-adventure-travel-bucket-list/
*** Complete Hawaii Volcano & Lava Viewing Guide
By Big Island Guide
https://bigislandguide.com/volcanoes-national-park-lava-viewing
*** This Gorgeous Coastal Florida Destination Was Just Named the Best Food City in the U.S.
Get ready for a great meal in St. Petersburg, Florida.
By Stacey Leasca
https://www.travelandleisure.com/st-petersburg-florida-named-best-foodie-city-united-states-8674480
*** 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Exchanging Money Abroad
By Bailey Berg
https://www.afar.com/magazine/how-to-get-the-best-exchange-rate-when-traveling
*** This Hidden Gem in Italy Is Filled With Rich History, Gorgeous Views, and Art — and It’s an Easy Day Trip From Rome
Where to eat, drink, and shop in Italy’s charming hill town of Orvieto.
By Elizabeth Heath
https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/orvieto-umbria-italian-hilltown
*** Right whales ring in: Acoustic buoy starts listening off Cape Cod
Saving right whales starts with listening — Cape Cod just turned up the volume
By Heather McCarron
Cape Cod Times
*** 51 Most Romantic Places in the U.S.
Here’s where to go for a romantic getaway in each U.S. state and Washington, D.C.
By Cailey Rizzo
https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/romantic-getaways/most-romantic-destinations
*** Do Any of These 12 Cheap Airfare Hacks Actually Work?
By Jamie Davis Smith
https://www.fodors.com/news/travel-tips/the-truth-about-common-airfare-hacks
*** 12 Hotels That Are Worth the Splurge
By Rachel Gresh
https://www.thediscoverer.com/blog/6-hotels-worth-the-splurge/XvHyVpKgiwAG5am5
*** 5 Underrated Mountain Ranges You Should Know
By Hailey Hudson
https://www.thediscoverer.com/blog/five-underrated-mountain-ranges/XvHyVpKgiwAG5ayz
*** The Ecological Catastrophe You’ve Never Heard Of
In 12 minutes, a landslide, tsunami, and flood devastated a valley in Canada
BY MARA JOHNSON-GROH
https://nautil.us/the-ecological-catastrophe-youve-never-heard-of-257291/
*** This Tiny European Country Is Home to Emerald-Green Lakes, an Under-the-Radar National Park and Alpine Peaks
By Rachael Mendizabal
https://www.travelandleisure.com/how-to-plan-an-active-week-in-slovenia-8758657
*** This Is the No. 1 Family Beach Vacation Spot in the U.S.
While Alabama might not be the obvious choice for a beach vacation, Gulf Shores claims the top spot.
By Taryn White
*** Hawaii to Charge Visitors a Climate Tax—Here’s What Travelers Need to Know
By Acacia Gabriel
https://www.travelandleisure.com/hawaii-to-charge-climate-tax-to-hotels-11729034
*** Small Towns, Big Heart: 11 Hidden Gems in Virginia
Ready for a slower pace and a warmer welcome? These charming Virginia towns are calling your name.
https://takemoreadventures.beehiiv.com/p/small-towns-big-heart-11-hidden-gems-in-virginia
*** This 23-square-mile Country Within a Country Is the Oldest in Europe — and It’s Not Vatican City
Here’s why Italy’s other country within a country, San Marino, is worth the detour.
By Elizabeth Heath
https://www.travelandleisure.com/san-marino-travel-guide-8724805
*** Hawaii Black Sand Beaches Come With A Catch
https://beatofhawaii.com/hawaii-black-sand-beaches-come-with-a-catch/
*** This Tiny Caribbean Island Off the Coast of Puerto Rico Is Home to One of the World’s Best Beaches—No Passport Required
By Carley Rojas Avila
https://www.travelandleisure.com/culebra-puerto-rico-travel-guide-8778894
*** The 15 Best Things to Do in Austin, Texas (And the Top Things to Avoid)
*** Would You Trust This Steel-Lined Sand Bag With Your iPhone In Hawaii?
https://beatofhawaii.com/can-you-trust-this-sand-safe-with-your-iphone-in-hawaii/
*** Are you REAL ID ready?
*** How to Size & Fit a Backpack
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacks-adjusting-fit.html
*** Why taking a vacation is good for you
Data shows that getting away can boost your health, happiness and love life.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/04/20/vacation-health-cardiac-bedroom-benefits/
*** 15 Things to Never Pack in a Carry-on for Europe — and What an American Living Abroad Says to Bring Instead
Don’t make these common mistakes.
By Kristy Alpert
https://www.kristyalpert.com/travel-leisure-25/
*** 10 Botanic Gardens You Can’t Miss in the U.S.
By Julia Hammond
https://www.thediscoverer.com/blog/10-botanic-gardens-you-cant-miss-in-the-u-s/XvHyVpKgiwAG5ath
*** The Gorgeous Island Nation Is Selling Citizenship for $105,000
Here’s how you can obtain a second passport to the South Pacific island nation of Nauru.
By Stacey Leasca
https://www.travelandleisure.com/nauru-island-selling-citizenship-second-passport-11699020
*** 6 Romantic Getaways in the U.S.
By Lianne
https://www.thediscoverer.com/blog/6-romantic-getaways-in-the-us/XvHyVpKgiwAG5ajQ
*** Camping in Mojave National Preserve
https://www.nps.gov/moja/planyourvisit/camping.htm
*** 6 College Towns You Don’t Need to Be a Student to Enjoy
*** 15 Most Beautiful Places in Europe
By Aimee Long
https://www.thediscoverer.com/blog/15-most-beautiful-places-in-europe/Y_WAQB6QgAAH77DW
*** Amazing places to go camping near Los Angeles
https://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/things-to-do/the-best-places-to-go-camping-near-los-angeles
*** World’s Best Airports for 2025 Revealed
https://www.travelpulse.com/news/airlines-airports/worlds-best-airports-for-2025-skytrax-awards
** 6 Fascinating Places for History Buffs To Visit in New England
By Jersey Griggs
https://dailypassport.com/fascinating-places-for-history-buffs-to-visit-in-new-england/
*** The Coolest Museum in Each State
By Jersey Griggs
https://www.thediscoverer.com/blog/the-coolest-museum-in-each-state/XvHyVpKgiwAG5an7
*** This Small Beach Town in Mexico Has Incredible Surfing, Humpback Whale Watching, and Tasty Tacos
Plan the perfect trip to Sayulita, Mexico.
By David Shortell
https://www.travelandleisure.com/sayulita-mexico-travel-guide-8557213
*** People on the Water: Power and Permanence on the Great Bear Sea
A new agreement conserves 10 million hectares of globally rare marine habitat while supporting Indigenous-led stewardship and sustainable economies.
By Adam Bloom
*** 6 Charming Towns in Hawaii
By Sarah Etinas
https://www.thediscoverer.com/blog/6-charming-towns-in-hawaii/YqI_lJ7n1gAGMGMH
*** The World’s Most Obscure 5th Freedom Flights
Why Airlines Love These Strange Routes
By Will Everett
https://thepondhopper.substack.com/p/the-worlds-most-obscure-5th-freedom
*** The 10 Airlines With the Best Economy Class in 2025
The 10 unrivaled winners for best economy class
By Scott Laird
https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/airlines-with-the-best-economy-class-in-2025
*** 12 Travel Destinations You Should Visit This June
By Mark Ellwood
https://www.afar.com/magazine/10-best-places-to-travel-in-june
*** This Is Where You’re Most Likely to Have a Celebrity Sighting—and No, It’s Not Los Angeles or New York City
Not only is Watch Hill, Rhode Island, home to Taylor Swift, but it’s also a popular celeb getaway.
By Stacey Leasca
*** The Most Underrated Attractions in Europe
By Jessica A. Scott
https://www.thediscoverer.com/blog/the-most-underrated-attractions-in-europe/XvHyVpKgiwAG5alr
*** This Country Was Just Named the Happiest Country in the World—and It Has More Than 150,000 Lakes
Finland just ranked the happiest country in the world for the eighth year in a row.
By Stacey Leasca
https://www.travelandleisure.com/finland-named-happiest-country-in-the-world-gallup-11698828
*** Mile Markers: The Longest Flights for Each Major Commercial Aircraft
Pushing fuel limits, passenger comfort—and airline profitability.
By WILL EVERETT
*** The Most Incredible Subterranean Architecture Around the World
By K.C. Dermody
*** 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Exchanging Money Abroad
Here’s how to make sure you get the best currency conversion rate and aren’t overcharged for international transactions.
By Bailey Berg
https://www.afar.com/magazine/how-to-get-the-best-exchange-rate-when-traveling
*** Rail Tail of the Month
June 2025 Trail of the Month
Alabama’s Chief Ladiga Trail
By Javacia Harris Bowser
https://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/alabamas-chief-ladiga-trail-june-2025-trail-of-the-month/
March 2025
May 2025 Trail of the Month
Utah’s Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail State Park
By Cindy Barks
*** Trail/Outdoor/Conservation volunteer opportunities:
1.) 2025 Butterfly Garden Volunteer (Until Aug 31, 2025, Flexible), Butterfly Mosaic Trail, Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, Mass Audubon, Cummaquid, MA
As a Butterfly Garden Volunteer, you will care for one of 10 native butterfly gardens along our Butterfly Mosaic Trail at Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary. This trail is an interpretive garden connecting people with wildlife and supporting native pollinators. You will be part of a dedicated volunteer gardening team managing the gardens.
https://volunteer.massaudubon.org/need/detail/?need_id=1084264
2.) Volunteering, Winkler Botanical Preserve, Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, Alexandria VA
3.) BMWF #35: Lodgepole Trail #13 Trail Crew, Seeley Lake Ranger District, Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, Seeley Lake, MT
Project Start Date: August 27th/ Project End Date: September 2nd
https://www.bmwf.org/2025-bmwf35-lodgepole-trail-13
4.) Volunteer Vacation/Trail Restoration (August 10 @ 5:00 pm – August 16 @ 8:00 am), Salal Hill Trail, Bureau of Land Management/American Hiking Society, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Newport, OR
5.) Beach Water Quality Volunteers, Cape Cod National Seashore, Wellfleet, MA
Volunteers travel to the national seashore’s six swimming beaches from Eastham to Provincetown on Monday mornings to collect water samples and record weather conditions. Volunteers then drop the samples off at seashore headquarters in Wellfleet to be delivered to a laboratory for analysis.
https://www.nps.gov/caco/getinvolved/individual-volunteer-opportunities.htm
6.) Sanctuary Volunteer, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Monterey, CA
Become a sanctuary volunteer! Join our incredible volunteer team and support Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s mission in education, research, and resource protection. Volunteers provide assistance for sanctuary visitor center education, citizen science, water quality monitoring, and shoreline interpretive naturalist programs.
https://montereybay.noaa.gov/getinvolved/volunteer/
7.) Volunteer, Marine Mammals of Maine, Bath, Maine
https://www.mmome.org/volunteer/
*** Travel/Outdoor/Conservation job opportunities:
1.) Seasonal Field Assistants, Invasive species control and coastal sage scrub /needlegrass grassland restoration project, Audubon Starr Ranch Sanctuary, Audubon California, Trabuco Canyon, CA
https://starrranch.org/seasonal-positions/#upland
2.) Bird Outcomes Assessment Tech, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (In partnership with the USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the University of Georgia), Jackson, AL area, Anniston, AL area, Hattiesburg, MS area, or Batesville, MS area
https://pheasantsforever.applytojob.com/apply/lCVIAk7Tcl/WLFW-Bird-Outcomes-Assessment-Tech
3.) Hopi Wood for Life Program Coordinator, Conservation Legacy, Hopi or Flagstaff, AZ
https://secure8.entertimeonline.com/ta/conservationlegacy.careers?ShowJob=671670083
4.) Assistant Professor/Avian Ecology & Management, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico
https://careers.wildlife.org/jobs/view/assistant-professoravian-ecology-management/77770634/
5.) Director, Social Media & Influencer, The North Face, Denver, CO
https://andrewhudsonsjobslist.com/jobs/director-social-media-influencer-in-denver-colorado-us/
6.) Field Experience Ambassador, Poudre Learning Center, Greeley, CO
https://plc.greeleyschools.org/about-us/careers
7.) Executive Director, The Alaska Raptor Center, Sitka, AK
https://alaskaraptor.org/executive-director/
8.) Manager of People and Culture, Vermont Land Trust, Montpelier, Vermont
https://vlt.org/about/employment/we-are-hiring-a-people-and-culture-manager/
9.) Tour guide (Canadians Only), Timberwolf Tours, Spruce Grove, AB
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/jobsearch/jobposting/44241508
10.) Guest Service Agent, Boston Harbor City Cruises, Boston, Mass.
https://recruiting.ultipro.com/HOR1007HORNB/JobBoard/dec5c41f-535e-4693-8cc7-e4ae40474a06/
11.) Education & Outreach Specialist, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA), Plymouth, MA
https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=53aaa30254056f7c
12.) Wildlife Monitor (NPS, Joshua Tree National Park), Great Basin Institute, Twentynine Palms, California
https://www.conservation-careers.com/job/wildlife-monitor-nps-joshua-tree-national-park-2-2/
13.) Natural Resources AmeriCorps Member (Two openings), Lewis and Clark National Historical Par, Northwest Youth Corps, Astoria, Oregon
14.) Staff Ecologist, Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI
https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=b51c09d908ed0022
15.) Field Instructor – Bilingual, Cal-Wood Education Center, Jamestown, Colorado
https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/jobs/89900-field-instructor-bilingual
16.) Guides (Educators), Trackers Bay—California, Trackers Earth, Bay Area summer camp locations are offered in El Cerrito and North Oakland, CA.
https://trackersbay.com/camp-jobs/
17.) Outdoor leaders for 2025 Summer Season, Missoula Outdoor Learning Adventures (MOLA),
https://www.wildernessadventures.com/work-at-mola/
18.) Executive Director, Ketcha Outdoors, Scarborough, Maine
https://jobs.nonprofitmaine.org/job/executive-director-scarborough-maine-4204
19.) Summer Overnight Camp Co-Lead, Nature Niños, Albuquerque, NM
https://www.natureninos.org/employment/
20.) Crew Leader, Performance Trail Crew, Pacific Northwest Trail Association, Kettle Falls, WA
https://www.pnt.org/seasonal-jobs/
21.) Individual Placement – Visitor Services, Canyonlands National Park, Student Conservation Association, Moab, UT
22.) Float plane pilot Alaska, Alaska Ultimate Safaris, Homer, AK
https://www.simplyhired.com/job/6a98xdJs8tcKClTiQXL-_4zft0IJqljBQbr7HNAa5vcIWiYZvBUUmQ
23.) Park Ranger, Philadelphia District, Operations Division, Northern Area Office, Blue Marsh Lake, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army, Leesport, Pennsylvania
https://www.usajobs.gov/job/838301700
*** Send your job opportunities to share with the YVNS network to lundquist989@cs.com.
*** Your Very Next Step is a service of the Job of the Week Network LLC
© 2020 The Job of the Week Network LLC
Edward Lundquist, ABC –
Editor and Publisher
Your Very Next Step
7813 Richfield Road
Springfield, VA 22153
Home office phone: (703) 455-7661
lundquist989@cs.com
www.nedsjotw.com
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Ha’ina ‘ia mai ana ka’puana
(And So The Story Is Told)
-Traditional ending to Hawaiian songs