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Kessi World

Mindful travel around the Pacific Northwest.

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Getting around

Seattle to Vancouver drive — plan the best road trip

August 9, 2021 by Matthew

The giant Peace Arch at the United States Canada border is a milestone along the Seattle to Vancouver Drive. The giant white marble columns are located on a grassy green lawn with trees and gardens and both the US and Canadian flags fly proudly overhead.

This wonderland we call the Pacific Northwest is a region with vast beauty and variety that encompasses two countries and several states -- depending upon who you ask. Regardless of semantics and despite the political border, we blend together in commerce, history, spectacular natural beauty, and fantastic itineraries for visitors -- whether you're returning or exploring for … [Read more...] about Seattle to Vancouver drive — plan the best road trip

Oregon road trip — photo gallery and helpful tips

June 9, 2021 by Matthew

A blue SUV is parked on the side of a highway on an Oregon road trip while the South Sister of the Cascade Mountains rises up snow-covered, toward the blue sky.

Oregon road trip -- Table of Contents Photo Gallery -- diverse terrainKey regions of Oregon (coming soon)Itinerary ideas (coming soon)Interactive MapHelpful tips (coming soon)Planning guide (coming soon)How to get to Oregon (coming soon)Vehicles (coming soon)Food (coming soon)Where to stay (coming soon)Resources (coming soon) Oregon road trip -- photo gallery of a … [Read more...] about Oregon road trip — photo gallery and helpful tips

Seattle to Portland train — the best Amtrak information

May 31, 2021 by Matthew

This photo shows a train from Seattle arriving in Portland at Union Station. The famous red brick building can be seen from under a dark overhang shelter where the train tracks roll through the station.

My life always straddled Oregon and Washington State, with my mom from the Seattle area and dad from Portland. So we traveled often between the two cities to visit relatives. Lots of driving, but also train rides, which were held over me as a treat for being well-behaved (didn’t happen too much). There was always something electrifying about gliding on rails while the familiar … [Read more...] about Seattle to Portland train — the best Amtrak information

7 innovative ways to use your gazillion Alaska Airlines miles

May 12, 2021 by Matthew

Matthew Kessi deplanes from his Alaska Airlines flight after using frequent flyer miles to fly to Redmond/Bend Airport for a quick getaway. He's wearing a face mask and carrying a backpack.

The pandemic has been pretty good to mileage balances with airline plans, especially if you use a loyalty credit card and have still been spending money on Amazon during the pandemic. While it might still be too soon to cash in six figures of points — and many exotic locations are still not available — there are several ways to whet your travel appetite and gently dip your toes … [Read more...] about 7 innovative ways to use your gazillion Alaska Airlines miles

Protected: Dave’s wild tour of the Oregon Coast

March 30, 2021 by Matthew

This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: … [Read more...] about Protected: Dave’s wild tour of the Oregon Coast

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I would like to acknowledge that much of my inspiration comes from living on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

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Top Posts & Pages

  • How to train from Seattle to Vancouver -- the best information
    How to train from Seattle to Vancouver -- the best information
  • Seattle to Vancouver drive -- plan the best road trip
    Seattle to Vancouver drive -- plan the best road trip
  • Seattle to Portland train -- the best Amtrak information
    Seattle to Portland train -- the best Amtrak information

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