I was born with a nerve condition that changed the way my feet worked — and eventually led me across the country, in a cast, with a newborn, for two reconstructive surgeries. What I didn't expect was how much it would teach me about accessible travel. If you've ever talked yourself out of a trip because of a health condition or mobility limitation, this one's for you.

Some trips just stick with you. This one — nine stops through Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada in April — is one we're still talking about. Here's the full breakdown, with everything we wish we'd known before we went.

A missed ferry on our way from Olympic National Park to North Cascades sent us on an unexpected detour — and straight through Leavenworth, Washington. A Bavarian village tucked into the Cascades, hillsides covered in blooming apple and cherry trees, cold mountain streams, brats and cold beers. What felt like a total inconvenience turned into one of the best parts of the trip. We're already talking about going back.