My grandmother passed on one travel rule to my mother, which she passed on to me: Always pack a swimsuit.

This has come in handy many times and has made it into my travel rule set. But I have a rule I’d add: Always bring your passport.

A passport is not needed, usually, for simple domestic travels. But you never know what will come up.

Yesterday morning, I boarded a flight that would connect to Rochester, NY. I use my passport now when flying, so that I won’t lose my driver’s license again (long story). When I arrived in Rochester, I asked the rental car agent and the hotel clerk what I should go see. They both agreed: Go visit Niagara Falls.

After lunch at DiBella’s, a fantastic local sub shop, I drove the hour and a half there. It was a pretty drive, but the Falls were really stunning. I’m so glad I went. Because I’m on a budget this trip, I skipped the expensive stuff and spent a total of $11.50 on my experience (plus $9.50 in tolls). As I got closer to Niagara Falls, I could see all of the mist rising. So cool looking! I could also see towering hotels and casinos, all in Canada. The final bit of the drive was along the upper Niagara river. Absolutely one of the prettiest big rivers I’ve seen. Very clean and blue.

Parking was easy to find ($10). I walked over to the top of the American falls, then visited the elevated observation deck ($1). The observation deck sticks out over the river so you can see all three waterfalls and the Lower Gorge. I then descended to the lower river level, where you can climb a series of stairs and get quite close to the edge of the falls. Every few minutes, the wind would shift and cover us with water spray.

Like the Grand Canyon, Niagara had a plethora of foreign visitors. Not surprising; this planet has many amazing sights that belong to us, the human race. They are our birthrights. And it is wonderful to see people appreciate them.

After seeing the American side of things, I walked across the bridge to Canada. A few short questions from a strongly accented immigration officer, a scan of my passport, and I was in. Canada’s Niagara falls may be more developed, but it is also the prettiest. Gorgeous masonry walls and traditional English gardening. And the most fragrant lilacs I’ve ever smelled. I walked along the river gorge all the way up to the edge of Horseshoe falls. The river was beautiful, I had a stunning view of all three waterfalls, and with the sun’s late afternoon angle, I saw the prettiest, huge rainbows in the spray over the river. I am definitely glad I went, glad I had brought my DSLR, and glad I had a passport.

It cost $0.50 to leave Canada, and after walking across the bridge, I met a US CBP agent who queried me on the length and nature of my visit, inspected my passport, then said “Welcome Home”, and cleared me for entry.

The drive back went by quickly and I grabbed dinner at a burger place before turning in rather late.

I love the drive to Dallas. It is the perfect length; long enough to let go of stress, short enough to not get too fatigued.

I think the best time to leave is right before sunset. I got out of the Tyler city traffic, then rode the winding ribbon of a peaceful country road while watching the sun set over East Texas farm land. The interstate has left traffic on it, and as you get further into the trip, temperatures subside to perfect open window weather.

I love Dallas at night. The City feels alive, humming with a subtle energy. Lights and life aplenty, but no traffic to speak of. I always find it quiet and meditative. Tonight, I sped through without delay, windows down, air flowing. The soundtrack provided by the phenomenal worship album “I Am Living, Vol. 1″, which is a unique, intensely contemplative sort of compilation. I was traveling fast, but it was relaxing. De-stressing. Letting go of the weight and sheer tiredness that has amassed over the last eight days of 18-hours-a-day average work life.

That’s what I live about hitting the road. Life’s everyday troubles melt away and everything surrounding us becomes new. It’s like a small taste of the life to come.