Belonging to Rainbows

Chasing Rainbows Around the World: Travel Inspiration and a Dose of Happiness

Jan 22, 2025

I’ve been heads down writing every day and I’m super excited for more articles to come.

This week with everything happening in the world and the devastating fires close to home here in Southern California, I want to give everyone a little dose of joy from nature.

I think everyone could use some rainbows 🌈

It might sound corny, but rainbows are one of nature's best surprises and also, sometimes the most unpredictable. I don't think anyone can deny that when you see a rainbow, you’re reignited with childlike joy. Unless you're from Norway, where apparently rainbows just pop up every minute (come on, it has to never get old).

But for most of us, rainbows are a gift and a reminder of extreme beauty can come and fade. Rainbows are special and we all need them (there is actually one place below that has “some” guarantees).

Here are some of my favorite rainbow spotings in the last year. I hope it inspires some destination exploration and gives you a little dose of happiness.

Yosemite Valley

Starting with one of the more “predictable” places for rainbows and one of my all time favorite national parks: Yosemite. The park's many waterfalls create a near-constant mist, providing opportunities for perfect rainbows. When sunlight hits the mist, especially in spring and summer when the waterfalls are at peak flow, it’s like a movie scene from Jurassic Park.

These photos were taken on two of my favorite Yosemite hikes: Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail and Upper Yosemite Falls. At Vernal Fall, the rainbow formed at the base of the cascade, where the sunlight hits the mist. While backpacking to Upper Yosemite Fall (I will write about backpacking / camping at the top of the falls), I almost missed this incredible rainbow. It was a lucky glance over my shoulder that caught this breathtaking view.

Tips for Rainbow Spotting and Hiking in Yosemite:

Steady Footing: The Mist Trail to Vernal Fall can be slippery, especially when wet. I enjoyed having hiking poles to provide extra stability or bring a friend to lean on
Timing is Key: For the best chance of seeing rainbows, time your hike for when the sun hits the waterfalls. Mid-morning to afternoon is a good bet.
Embrace the Crowds: Yosemite is popular (I get it). If you want a less crowded experience, consider hiking higher up. The views get better in my opinion, and you'll encounter fewer people.
Seasonal Waterfalls: Keep in mind that many of Yosemite's major waterfalls, like Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall, tend to dry up by late summer (August-September) until the snow returns. Vernal is year round.
Windy Conditions: On windy days, the mist can be blown around, making rainbows less visible.
Upward Glances: When hiking to Upper Yosemite Fall, remember to look around. It's easy to get focused on the strenuous climb, but the views and potential rainbows are worth the breaks.
Firefall: This happens soon in February. I’m hoping to see this and share the experience with you.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

I recently wrote about the Lofoten Islands in my last post, and I have to say, it was one of the most magical trips I've ever taken. After a heavy rain, we were driving around the furthest part of the islands to a town called Å (such a cool name - it's the last letter in the Norwegian alphabet) when we saw 10+ stunning rainbows stretching across unreal landscapes. This was a record for me, and the views were absolutely breathtaking.

Starting Point Recommendations for traveling to Lofoten:

Rent a car: The bus stops are spaced out, and having a car allowed us to stop whenever we saw something beautiful. Trust me, this happened a million times.
Fly, if possible: Traveling to the Lofoten Islands can be tricky. Ferries can be delayed frequently due to unpredictable weather.
Embrace the midnight sun: In the summer, the days have 24 hours of sunlight. I traveled at the tail end of this period and didn't get to fully experience it, but it was amazing having sunlight until 10 pm. So much time for activities!
This is an outdoor paradise: Lofoten is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You've got it all: kayaking, fishing, hiking, etc. If you're more of a city slicker, it might not be the best place for you unless you just want to drive around, enjoy the views, and visit some small restaurants.
Pack layers: Weather is constantly changing in the summer and fall. Layers, layers, layers. Did I say layers?
Credit cards are mostly accepted: I was surprised that I didn't really need cash. Everywhere took credit cards, but don't hate me if for some reason somewhere requires cash only.

Camogli, Italy

Camogli, a charming fishing village nestled near Genoa and the Italian Riviera, was a discovery while scrolling through the AirBnB map in the region. I some times find the best-hidden gems by scrolling through rental maps and venturing outside the typical tourist hubs.

Camogli is Italian magic. Having explored 10+ cities throughout Italy, I'm always captivated by the coastal landscape – a picturesque blend of cascading houses overlooking the sea, fresh seafood paired with homemade pasta, and warm summer nights spent strolling along the beach. Take me back now (seriously).

This rainbow was captured from our terrace after a summer storm rolled through. We drank wine under terrace and enjoyed the rain.

Recommendations for your Camogli trip:

Embrace the Italian way: As Camogli is a favorite amongst Italians, brush up on your basic Italian phrases, there’s not a lot of english.
Book your train in advance: Trains can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. I learned this the hard way by not being able to get a train ticket day of (they sold out, which I have never had happen before)
Dinner reservations: Like most places in Italy, restaurants often require reservations, especially for dinner. Plan ahead
Favorite foods:
- Pesto: This region is known for pesto (there’s things I would do that I’m not proud of for pesto genovese)
- Seafood pasta: It’s hard to beat in this region. One of my favorites on a menu is squid ink pasta with fresh seafood.
- Focaccia: The region is known for its focaccia and it’s some of the best in the world
Farmers' markets: I loved trying new food and exploring the farmers markets that happened every other day in the street

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Nederland, Colorado

Nederland holds a special place in my heart where I’ve been going here for 10+ years. Just 40 minutes from Boulder, Ned is a true mountain town that retains most of its charm. Knowing some locals in the area, they would tell me just fifteen years ago, the town didn't have cell service. Which I love and speaks to its “off the beaten path” vibe. Whether I'm passing through on my way to the mountains, Summit County, or Boulder, I always make time for a stop in Ned to feed my mountain spirit.

Nederland Recommendations:

Peak to Peak Highway: This is a must-do! The views of the Continental Divide are incredible. Don't forget to stop at Brainard Lake Recreation Area while you're on Peak to Peak. It's one of my favorite spots in the area (and I know you're a fellow outdoor enthusiast, Jenny, even if we're "mediocre" at it! 😉).
Nature's Own: I love collecting rocks liked a true rock girl and I don’t usually love to buy rocks or crystals, but I’ve been going here for years and I’m always obsessed with their collection.
Watch your speed: Seriously, Nederland takes its speed limits very seriously. They can change quickly, and the sheriff has pulled me over (twice). Keep it under 35 mph in town, and do not speed until you see the next sign. They are quick out there
Food & Drink:
- Crosscut Pizza: They have fantastic pizza, but be warned, their menu changes every six months! Don't get too attached to your favorite pie (I've learned that the hard way a few times!).
- The Train Cars Coffee: This is a fun spot for coffee and a quick bite. It's literally in a train car! Plus, it has a special place in my heart because my friend used to work there.
El Dora: I skied El Dora recently which is technically in Nederland and is known to be windy and icy. It was true for the conditions, however, it is a fun, steep and great mountain to ski (especially within distance to Boulder). It’s on the IKON pass and I had fun.
Hiking: There’s a million hiking trails and recommendations that I will leave for a separate post (look up Brainard Lake as a starting point, one of my favorite areas in Colorado)