As someone who moved to Northern Virginia a few years ago, learning the area was definitely a priority. Upon my search, I came across some very nice places to dine either by yourself or with family, areas to explore, and activities to engage in. Since Northern Virginia and the DMV area itself are extremely large, I thought I'd share some cool places that I have visited and still visit with hopes of inspiring you to check out these places and make great memories too!
Orlando is my home away from home. So here are a few of my favorite places I want to share so you can take advantage of all the fun Orlando has to offer. Orlando is more than just theme parks. So even if your just coming in for a quick business trip or long stay I want to help make your stay enjoyable. The BEST HIDDEN GEM is just outside of Orlando is Winter Park, Fl it is a small charming college town with amazing restaurants and boutique style shopping on Park Avenue.
I visit my hometown about twice a year and always make sure to spend as much quality time with my family and friends as possible. These programs and places I am revisiting time after time and they never fail to make me enjoy my stay at home- while of course planning my next adventure!
Peterborough, Ontario Canada is a great small city to visit! It’s about a 2 hour drive north-east of Toronto, and is the official “gateway to cottage country.” Lots to see and do here, with all the shopping you need on the way to the cottage. Stay for a bit and enjoy the vibrant music scene and fantastic local food. Here are some places to check out!
Beijing is a gorgeous city that embraces ancient history and modern culture. A paradise city break for those who love history, architecture, food and nature! These are my favourite recommendations from my recent winter trip to Beijing, and a few options that I didn’t try out that I wish I could! My very best places in each section will have a ‘🏆’ next to the name!
apart from bringing a mask for the reciruclated air, and a neck pillow, these recommendations will help you have a comfortable as possible long haul flight.
Some of my favorite spots in Greenlake that I keep on going back to! Along with the 3 mile loop around the lake of course! What are your favorite spots?
Explore the best of Juneau, whether you're sipping on a local brew, wandering through stunning gardens, or shopping in vibrant districts. This list captures a mix of relaxing and delightful spots perfect for a solo traveler looking to make unforgettable memories in Alaska's capital.
When in Tulum… do everything on this list. If you're craving amazing food, cenotes that look straight out of a dream, and beach clubs that make you forget what day it is, then I've got just the place.
Want to spend a day or two in Chicago like a local? Here are my fav things to do, see, and eat. Sure some are tourist things too—but they’re also just some of the great things about the city that Chicagoans happen to enjoy as well!
There’s so much to do in NYC! My favorite things to do in the city are: (1) to eat (see below for my foodie guide), (2) go to a broadway show (the TKTS stand has great discounted tickets – and I personally pick the shows I want to see based on the cast), and (3) walk around and explore the different neighborhoods!
Each neighborhood has its own charm – I particularly love Chelsea (you can walk the highline and get something to eat at Chelsea Market), Nolita/Soho/Little Italy (which are all in walking distance of each other), and there’s nothing like walking around central park (with a stop at the Plaza Hotel or Columbus circle). It’s touristy, but I love 30 Rock (get something from Magnolia bakery while you’re there), and if you’ve never done the tour it’s fun to see the SNL set and hear from a real NBC page! Obviously, Columbia has a beautiful campus but unless you’re venturing uptown there isn’t that much else to do there. Brooklyn is its own magical world (and each neighborhood there is different too - Brooklyn Heights is bougie and beautiful, Williamsburg is hipster AF, and generally the pizza is the best in Brooklyn).
But my favorite part about living in NYC was that chances are if you see a cool pop up or random event happening on instagram/social media, it’s happening in New York and you can be a part of it! Eater and Thrillist are two places that share these types of events.
Whether you’re a local looking for something to do, a tourist, or family/friends are visiting you: this list has activities for all. I lived in DFW for 2.5 years, so these are all tried and true favorites of mine.
The Palm Beaches are considered cities and towns within Palm Beach County - which includes beach towns and rural western areas. The most iconic area being Palm Beach Island. The Palm Beaches offer something for everyone. Be sure to follow funinthe561 on IG AND TIKTOK!
Here is my list of recommendations for travel destinations that offer culinary highlights and cozy accommodation. There you will find great food spots and hotels that will make your stay special. Whether regional specialties or international cuisine – here you can enjoy and relax at the same time. A perfect combination of good food and relaxation is waiting for you!
This GORGEOUS island is a hidden gem. Check out the second largest barrier reef in the world, crystal clear calm water, and enjoy great beaches with kind locals.
For anyone planning a trip to SF or just wanting to find something to do in the area! I was born and raised in the Bay and love to frequent these places or have brought my friends to visit some of these popular spots.
Here are the mini versions of products I bring with me when I travel, and they are TSA-friendly! Even if you are not flying, minis are great to bring with you as they won't take up too much space in your bag!
Beach Mode: Activated
These are my personal go-to beach essentials—tested, loved, and ready for sunshine. From towels to tunes, it’s all covered so you can just chill and enjoy the waves! 🏖️☀️
This travel guide to Salem is for the spooky ghouls 👻 Witch City is for the goths and misfits.
I’ve lived locally for 5+ years and these are my recommendations! 🎃
For my husband's 30th birthday party, we got a group of 8 people and drove down to Kentucky to spend time on the Bourbon Trail. We love bourbon and being based out of Frankfort for the weekend seemed like a great central location for exploring several of the great distilleries nearby. Below is our itinerary for what we did on the long weekend.
When we moved from Florida to Middle Georgia we went on a hunt to find kid friendly activities and places to visit as a family. Here are a few of our favorite spots! Most of these locations are in Milledgeville, Macon and Warner Robins, GA.
The Romeo Family favorite pumpkin patches in Oregon. Activities, pumpkins, drinks, food, and more! If you want to feel the best parts of fall, check these out.
I highly recommend MSC if you’re looking to cruise for your next vacation! Here are some of the restaurants I checked out while on my stay and a few things you may need 🚢🏝️🍱🍝
Nothing is more magical than Disney. I take multiple trips a year and my trial and error adventures have created a list of things to make your trip more enjoyable.
Barbados is a tropical paradise where stunning beaches, rich culture, and exciting activities come together. Relax on the pink sands of Crane Beach, snorkel with sea turtles in Carlisle Bay, or catch waves at Bathsheba Beach. The island’s food scene is just as vibrant—enjoy fresh seafood at Oistins Fish Fry, fine dining at The Cliff, or a classic fish cutter from Cuz’s Fish Shack. Beyond the shore, explore Harrison’s Cave, sip world-famous rum at Mount Gay Distillery, or cruise the coast on a catamaran. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Barbados offers unforgettable experiences at every turn.
It's always been a dream of mine to travel oversees and learn some of my family history. This wish list includes clothes, shoes and other things I will need to pack for the trip! Keep checking back, I will continue adding as I think of items.
Been traveling for over 20 years and these are my favorite things to use. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or 2 weeks internationally. These items have always lasted.
Discover the best attractions in Shediac, New Brunswick that are perfect for families. This list includes both educational museums and thrilling adventure spots. It's all about creating memorable moments and fun experiences for kids and adults alike.
All of my suggestions for Colombia! This is possibly my favorite country I have ever visited. So many gorgeous mountains and beaches. Incredible c culture, food and so many amazing places to see!
Stumped on where to take your date & new to the area? Here’s some good quality restaurants. If you’re traveling to the area I also listed some nice hotels as well.
Eat and drink your way through Santa Barbara like a local! I’ve lived here for 8 years and want to share all my favorite spots! You have to trust me on these, they will not disappoint, I promise!
Here are some of my favorites between Indy and Terre Haute! Lots of recommendations in Hendricks and Putnam counties! Check out these great, local places!
Our Amsterdam trip was October 3-5 2024. We flew from Keflavik to Amsterdam using Icelandair's stopover program. We arrived in the afternoon and took a train to Centraal Station from Schipol Airport. The train station is in the middle of the city and we were able to walk to our hotel. Amsterdam's public transportation is amazing so we used the tram to get around or walked. You can also rent a bike if you'd like! We bought the IAMsterdam card prior and booked a lot of experiences using this. This is another ambitious itinerary and we were exhausted but, again, so worth it!
Looking for some romantic spots in Calabar? I've got you covered! Here are some great cafés, coffee shops, and monuments/statues to check out with your special someone. Get cosy, enjoy amazing views, and dive into the romantic vibe of the city.
This is my ultimate checklist for travel essentials, including luggage I love, and some hacks for travel.
I recommend investing in a good weekender bag- I feel like it's used the most and you want something that will stand the test of time!
I usually only pack a carry on and a personal item for most of my trips. It just makes it easier to get in and out of airports.
The Big Easy, the Crescent City, the greatest place on Earth? Quite possibly. Here are my recommendations to make the most of your time in one the most intoxicating cities on the planet.
Everything I pack for the perfect day by the water — sun protection, comfy beach gear, and all the little things that make beach days easier, prettier, and way more fun. 🌊🌴✨
In case you find yourself in Boston for a day (or two), this list is comprised of some of the spots I feel you just cannot miss. If I had friend or family in town, you best believe we are hitting at least 3 of these.
Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, Winchester has made a name for itself in history through the Civil War, several historical figures residing in it (including a young George Washington), and the infamous Apple Blossom festival. Located roughly an hour outside of D.C. it has something for everyone of all ages and interests.
From beachy bungalows to desert-chic hideaways, this list is your golden ticket to SoCal stays that are anything but basic. Whether you're craving ocean views, retro vibes, or a cozy cabin with major main-character energy, I’ve rounded up spots that bring the fun, the flair, and the photo ops. Pack your sass, grab your sunnies, and let’s make your next getaway unforgettable.
Discover romantic cafes, coffee shops, parks, and gardens in the beautiful city of Bhaktapur, Nepal. Whether you're seeking a cozy spot for coffee or a scenic garden for a peaceful stroll, this list covers some of the most charming and intimate locations to explore with your loved one.
An extremely non-exhaustive list of some of my favourite stops and eats along the way. Make sure to check out my blog post with more tips and itinerary suggestions! https://still-busy-baking.ca/bali-bucket-list-what-to-do-where-to-eat-and-where-to-stay/
As someone who grew up in Massachusetts their whole life, these are my top recommendations to visit if you want to travel or plan to visit here one day!
Mom life is a wild ride and its likely that your could use organization and cleaning supplies that are easy to use and durable! This list has everything you need to keep the mom wagon clean and organized.
I’ve lived in Napa for the last few years years, and am always on the hunt for the best Napa wineries to visit. This list of recs has something for everyone, whether you’re a wine conosseiur or it's your first time in Napa. Hope you enjoy my recs and leave a comment if you’ve visited any of these & let me know what you think!
Gather 'round, green warriors and caffeine crazies! This list is your holy grail for eco-friendly escapades and coffee concoctions in Traverse City. We've got everything from hidden garden gems to cafés where the beans have passports. Prepare to laugh, love, and sip your way through Michigan's finest spots.
Budapest completely surprised me in the best way, and this list is a collection of places that made it feel warm, real, and unforgettable. From peaceful river views and quiet streets to cozy cafes, sweet treats, and little hidden moments, everything here added something special to my trip. I’ve split it into experiences I’d relive in a heartbeat and spots that gave me that soft, cozy “Budapest feeling”, the kind of places that make you slow down and truly enjoy the city🌆 .
My trip to Krakow, Poland had long been on my bucket list. I always wanted to visit the “old country” of my ancestors. We spent a week there and was immersed in history, culture, unforgettable food and experiences. The fun part of visiting Poland from the United States is that it is a comparatively inexpensive trip. Here are some of the things we did while we visited.
This curated checklist bypasses generic packing advice to tackle the everyday physical friction points of cruise life, from claustrophobic cabin layouts and strict safety restrictions to small, wet bathroom counters. By focusing on smart, high-utility essentials like hidden safes, magnetic wall hooks, wrinkle releasers, and insulated pool tumblers, this blueprint maximizes your limited stateroom space and ensures a completely stress-free voyage.
Plan your trip to Gatlinburg super easy with this list with places to stay such as Vrbos, hotels and a list of things to do, to make your vacation planning much easier.
This curated list highlights affordable, high-value travel essentials I rely on while traveling between cities for interviews, film events, and creative projects. From luggage that protects my equipment to compact tech and comfort hacks that help me stay organized, rested, and camera-ready, every item here has been personally tested and trusted on the road.