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!
Genuinely useful travel packing essentials that keep my suitcase organised and stop me wanting to turn it upside down while trying to find one simple thing. Pack like you’re playing Tetris, patience intact.
Between school drop-offs, client meetings, and drive-thru lunches eaten at red lights, my car became a rolling dumpster. Ketchup on the steering wheel, receipts stuffed in every crevice, phone sliding off the seat mid-turn — sound familiar? If you practically live in your car and your center console looks like a crime scene, these are the exact products I stuck, clipped, and velcroed into place over the last year. Took me way too many spilled coffees and sticky dashboards to get here, so steal this list and skip the mess.
Hubs is in a corporate ed. company and travels a ton, is a self-described tech nerd and LOTR fanatic. He's a road cyclist, amateur shooter, and happy camper ⛺ these are a few of his favorite things
Not all destinations will be glitz and glamour. Some simply do not live up to the hype, and for me, Cancun was one of those. These recommendations are based on places and things I've experienced on my trips to Cancun. I am willing to give it another try and maybe then my view may change but for now here are some of the things i did in my time there and some of the experiences I had (good and the bad).
As someone who’s been traveling internationally and domestically since I was 2 (I actually learned how to walk in Spain!), here are the things I cannot travel without! These are all things that can be brought onto a plane. Enjoy!
recommendations i have from my Bahamas trip || Nassau || One Particular Harbor Resort in Margaritaville|| safe to say it was beautiful, both downtown and the beach, and i would go back in a heartbeat!! FYI: “conch” is prounounced “conk”! they teach you that haha!! and it’s delicious btw get the conch fritters!! they have it everywhere! another history fact: New Providence is the island name! it’s not just Nassau!
As a travel planner, I love sending little thank-you gifts that spark joy and remind clients of their upcoming adventures. These are my go-to items for creating memorable, budget-friendly travel goodie bags that clients actually use.
Spent years walking past the same coffee shop, the same park, the same mural — never really seeing any of it. Then I started treating my zip code like a travel destination and suddenly needed the right stuff to actually enjoy it. If you live somewhere cool but spend every weekend on your couch doom-scrolling, this list took me from bored local to someone who actually knows their city.
Local Las Vegas family spots and everyday staples I actually send families toward—parks, museums, library freebies, and a few classroom/home tools that earn their shelf space.
Arles makes a great setting for soulful Van Gogh spots, remarkable Roman remains, beautiful museums, and a range of places to stay. A few things I’d happily add to the day are I picked the stops that feel especially lovely rather than simply collecting every sight in town.
We have moved to Quebec and I cannot wait to share all the activities, tourist spots, cafes and restaurants we got to visit! Enjoy your next trip to Montreal Quebec 🤍 feel free to use this list of recommendations directly from a resident of Quebec! 🤍
Your Metro Vancouver summer water bucket list, from the warmest swimming lakes to the paddle spots, pools and day trips locals actually love. I sorted them by type and added the tips that matter most, like which lakes warm up early, where to rent, and when to go before the lots fill. Scroll to the bottom for the gear that makes every water day easier.
I grew up in the UK. We've spent 2 weeks in the past 2 summers ('22 and ‘23) in London with one kid. We’re heading again for Summer '25 with 2 young kids. Here are some of our favorite places and things to do. Check out the Map view as well as the list!
Minneapolis is first and foremost the City of Lakes, which are its beating heart and common gathering place. The Mississippi River is another beautiful area to explore from the Stone Arch Bridge downtown to the Minnehaha Falls area, which is where the lakes and river join. Overall, there’s a lot to see and do. Here are a few of my favorite restaurants and areas of interest in Minneapolis.
Visiting Western PA and need things to do? Here are some of the attractions that you can visit or stay at. Western PA has some beautiful scenery, especially in the fall. And it also has some of the best festivals!
After traveling back and forth from the U.S to the UK/ Europe, I’ve perfected the art of arriving fresh after an overnight flight, and these are the exact travel must-haves that keep me comfy, glowing, and actually able to sleep at 35,000 ft. this list is packed with products I personally swear by. Whether you’re jetting off for work or a dreamy holiday, these picks will help you land looking and feeling your best.
These are the best finds for our off-grid, tiny home lifestyle. Everything on this list has been a necessity at one point or another during the 4 years we've lived in Kentucky.
Experience the magic of New York City at its most festive — all in a New York minute! From ice skating under the Rockefeller tree and wandering past Fifth Avenue window displays to sipping cocoa at Bryant Park and catching a holiday show, this guide has everything you need to make the most of the season in the city that never sleeps. Fast-paced, full of sparkle, and totally unforgettable.
Come back to a cosy room after a long day out in Hampstead, London, United Kingdom. With the heath, village-style streets and wonderful views around you, these hotels are an easy pick for solo trips, couples or families.
Things to do in Jacksonville and Saint Johns County, FL! My top picks and where I bring my own guests to! From where to eat to where to bring your dog!
Target Audience: Outdoor enthusiasts, vehicle-based campers, weekend road trippers, and digital nomads who love hitting the open road without giving up modern convenience and comfort.
Heading out off-grid or pulling over for a spontaneous overnight stay requires gear that is rugged, quick to set up, and reliable. This guide highlights fifteen high-utility Amazon finds tested across miles of highway, campsite setups, and backcountry weekends.
I've lived in Costa Rica for 3-4 months at a time, during both the rainy season and dry season. I've explored the beach town of Santa Teresa, adventured in La Fortuna, and even worked from the city of San Jose. Here's what you'll need to pack whether you're traveling or living there for a bit.
I love to visit the National Parks. There is so much beauty to behold. They are all unique in their own way. I love to hike and get out into nature when I can and most of these parks have great hiking. I hope to visit more in the future and add to my list.
As a woman and a mom to a young adult daughter, safety is always on my mind. This list contains items to help keep you safe in your everyday life and while traveling.
I put this list together for a Metz trip that balances grand landmarks with slower, more atmospheric stops - and a few well-placed places to stay. These are the spots I'd send to a friend who wants the city's medieval character, contemporary edge and lovely evening moments without overcomplicating the itinerary.
I just got back from Europe and visiting Paris for the very first time! I went with a group and we did a lot of research before going, which made our trip sooo perfect. It was a mix of prepaid tickets and spontaneous finds, and I am here to share everything we found :) (We stayed in Le Marais which I highly recommend!
A family-friendly Rocky Mountain National Park 3 day itinerary. Check into a recommended hotel, then get ready for lakes, waterfalls, and gorgeous views following in order below!
If you've ever torn apart a hotel room looking for your charger, showed up at the airport with a wrinkled mess of clothes, or forgot your toothbrush for the third trip in a row — I was you. Took me about a dozen chaotic vacations and two missed flights before I nailed down a system that actually works. This is everything I pack now, and it took me years of trial and error so you can skip straight to the good part.
I lived in Northern California for several years and loved spending time in San Francisco. When the sun is out, you have time to wander, good shoes, and an appetite, there's nowhere better on earth!
Looking for what to get for your next Disney cruise?! Look no more. Cruise must have all listed here🛳️ We’re so excited to cruise again on the Disney Magic in 2025!!
I live in a beautiful tourist area in NW Florida. These are the places you have to see when you visit Citrus County Florida. Places I live by, grew up going to, amd recommend still to anyone coming this way.
If you’ve ever felt stressed, disorganized, or overwhelmed while traveling, it’s usually not the trip it’s what you didn’t prepare for. After years of overpacking, I’ve narrowed down my travel kit to these exact items that save space and time.
I love India, it’s where I danced, did my yoga teacher training, walked in the mountains, swam in the sea and ate thousands of curries. I haven’t seen it all, that would be quite a trip, but here’s what I did 🧡. Just for your inspiration
These places are guys for both parents & kids alike. Grab a coffee & sweet treat then head to a park! These places are all within 15 minutes of each other.
as someone who has traveled to 5 different countries in the past year, i’ve definitely become a pro at knowing what to bring, so here are my top products to help you have the best experience!!
Every NYC trip I came home more exhausted than when I left — street noise at 3am, paper-thin walls, elevators clanging next door. After eight trips and way too many wasted hotel nights, I mapped out the actually quiet spots block by block. If you're a light sleeper who loves New York but dreads the hotel lottery, steal my list before your next booking.
i am a home-grown nebraska resident. yes we exist, and no it’s not JUST cornfields and the boonies everywhere. personally, i get homesick whenever i’m somewhere else for long enough. there are pockets of peace, and pockets of action, so there is certainly something for everybody. let me take you through some of my favorite locations that i have been so far in my life, and maybe you too can understand that there’s no place that nebraska.
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!
This list is all my tried and trusted travel gear. They are things I use every time I travel. There's everything from great underseat cases for Easyjet to 4m long charging leads. I've also included ginger sweets and tablets that I use to help manage my travel sickness, plus sleeping aids and more. Check it out now
I live in central Helsinki with my dog and these are the places we keep returning to to have a coffee, to grab a bite, for a staycation and for wardrobe and home decor updates. Most of them are dog friendly!
You just touched down in Lisbon or Porto with jet lag brain and zero local knowledge. Your phone is dying, you're starving, and everything looks beautiful but slightly confusing. Took me three trips and a lot of wasted euros to figure out what actually makes those first 48 hours smooth instead of stressful.
Last February my car slid off an icy county road at 11pm — no cell signal, no blanket, nothing but a half-eaten bag of pretzels. Sat there shivering for two hours before a plow truck spotted me. Never again. If you drive anywhere between November and March and your trunk is still empty, steal this list before the first freeze hits.
sacramento has my heart - check out all the local businesses that makes my city great! i've lived in midtown sacramento for many years and have come to find my sacramento staples. this list includes all my sacramento favorites: food, drinks, coffee, activities, events and more!
Planning a trip to MONA in Hobart sounds simple until you realize the weather changes four times a day, the museum takes way longer than you think, and half the stuff you packed sits in your bag untouched. This is for the traveler heading to Tasmania for the first time who wants to actually enjoy MONA without the rookie mistakes I made. Bookmark this before you book your flights.
Planning an Alaska cruise or land tour? ❄️🛳️
This list includes Alaska-tested essentials I personally recommend for staying warm, comfortable, and prepared—without overpacking. From layering basics and weather-ready clothing to practical must-haves for excursions, glaciers, and chilly days at sea, these are smart, versatile picks that actually make a difference on an Alaska trip.
Perfect for Alaska cruises, Inside Passage sailings, Denali trips, and cold-weather travel.
I've been to the Dells more than four times over the years—sometimes with my family, sometimes with my husband—and it’s always a nostalgic mix of classic attractions and discovering what’s new (or sadly, what’s no longer there). Each visit has had its own flavor depending on who I was with and what was open that season. Some places we stumbled into and ended up loving, others were longtime favorites we kept going back to—until they disappeared (RIP to a few lost gems).
This list is a collection of everything I’ve actually spent time and money on—meals, attractions, shows, tours, you name it. From waterparks and kitschy museums to romantic dinners or lazy river floats, these are my real experiences. If you're planning a trip, these are the places I’d tell you to check out based on firsthand visits. I’ll keep updating it when we go back (and we always do). Just know that the Dells is always evolving—so while not everything sticks around, the memories sure do.
I used to travel and live in an RV and I got to visit over half of the country. These are my recs for anyone visiting these states for the first time. I lived in some states longer than others so some lists won’t have a lot.
I have been in North County for 5 years now and am always looking for new places to camp out for the day. But the coffee has to be good and the vibes have to be right! Below is a list of my fave places to chill out with friends, have a solo reading day, or pull out my laptop for an office away from the office vibe.
I only been driving for a year now but as a passenger I learned there's so much to keep in your car. There's stuff you never even considered before. Here's some of my must haves for your car.
Stepping out without the right essentials can feel incomplete. That’s why my travel bag is always packed with little lifesavers — from beauty must-haves to practical everyday items. Inside, you’ll find mini makeup essentials for quick touch-ups, tissues and sanitizers to stay fresh and clean, a compact perfume to keep me smelling sweet, and of course, my trusty wallet, phone, and powerbank. I never forget a small water bottle, a snack for sudden cravings, and tiny first-aid items like plasters or balm for unexpected moments. It’s the perfect mix of beauty, comfort, and practicality — everything I need to stay confident and ready wherever I go. 🌿✨
Cruises out of New Orleans usually head to some mix of Cozumel, Costa Maya, Progreso, Belize, and Roatán. Cozumel and Roatán already have their own sections on my Caribbean shore excursions list (linked below), so this one covers the rest, plus the best ways to spend a day in New Orleans before you board. Fly in a day early, baby. Watching your ship sail off while you're stuck at the airport is not the vacation you paid for. And since booking on your own isn't the same as booking through the ship, check each tour's end time against your all-aboard time and leave yourself a cushion. I may earn a commission if you book through these links.
A curated collection of my favourite small Australian businesses - the ones I’ve discovered while road-tripping full-time and meeting the incredible people who make this country bloody amazing. These are the local legends, creatives, and community gems that deserve more love. If you’re planning a roadtrip or just want to support Aussie small biz, this list is packed with places and people I genuinely adore and recommend 💛
New Orleans holds a special place in my heart, not just because of its incredible food, music, and culture—but because I’ve experienced it from two very different, deeply meaningful perspectives.
The first time I visited was after Hurricane Katrina, on a community outreach and educational trip. We worked with local organizations, learned about the city’s resilience, and saw firsthand the strength and spirit of its people. That trip shaped my understanding of New Orleans beyond the tourist lens—it was raw, real, and unforgettable.
Years later, I returned on vacation, this time soaking in the fun and flavor—live jazz spilling from every corner, powdered sugar flying at Café du Monde, and the rich history that pulses through every street of the French Quarter.
This list blends both visits—must-see spots, hidden gems, and places that moved me. Whether you’re heading to NOLA for the first time or planning a return, I hope these experiences show the soul of the city like they did for me.
There is nothing better than visiting Lake Winnipesaukee! If you are on vacation or just looking for something to do around the Lakes Region of NH, make sure to check out some of these fun spots!
If I were planning my first trip to Alabama, these are the places I'd consider staying. I picked destinations ranging from Gulf Coast beach towns to peaceful lake escapes, mountain communities, and charming Southern cities. Whether you're looking for a beach vacation, outdoor adventure, or a relaxing weekend getaway, these are the places I'd start with when searching for a vacation rental.
For years Oregon was an off-the-radar state located on the Pacific Ocean that was known mostly for Myrtle wood trinkets and wet, cold weather. Little did people know that Oregon has so much more to offer. With a rennaisance attributed much to the establishment of the wine industry, Oregon started attracting more tourists, and, as a state realized they had much more to offer than the ocean and Myrtle wood trinkets.
With the advent of high tech, Oregon's population exploded, and with that, came a desire to explore and experience new things. Destinations that were once virtually unknown suddenly became top of the list stops on vacation plans and long weekend trips.
Oregon has so much to offer beyond the obvious Pacific Ocean and Mt. Hood. Take a dive into some of my favorite places to go and have a great time!
I've been to Bali three times now and still keep a running list of the spots worth the trip. Here are my 20 must-see Bali destinations, from Uluwatu Temple and Tegallalang Rice Terraces to Seminyak's beaches and Ubud's markets — curated from top traveler ratings for an unforgettable trip.
I always get so nervous when I plan my trips. So I made this list with all the websites that help me save money, find hidden gems, and enjoy my vacations to the max!
I live in Maryland and love visiting our parks. We have amazing ones. Beach, lake, river, trail or playground, you'll find it all in my list. Any questions, let me know. I have visited all of these, some many times!
Exploring Mahe solo? Here are some top cafés and theaters where you can unwind, sip great coffee, and enjoy a show. Super chill vibe, perfect for some 'me time'.
Surabaya is Indonesia’s second largest city and the second most important commercial and industrial center after Jakarta. It is home to three million people, a large port and Indonesia’s navy. The old city is situated around Jembatan Merah (Red Bridge) and Kota train station. The city center and major top-end hotel area is around J. Pemuda. The airport is 15 kilometers outside of town. There are good train connection to Jakarta, Yogyakarta and a ferry to Bali. Most travelers don’t stay here any longer than they have to: often until they can the next plane or train out.
My trusty recs from my minimal backpacking days, especially Latin America & SE Asia. Useful and minimal backpacking items, healthcare, bags, safety measures, and more. I may earn a commission if you purchase from any of my recommendations here.
It’s a capital of French gastronomy. It’s uniquely and ideally located between two stunning wine regions: Beaujolais and the Rhône. That would certainly be enough for me to visit, but on top of that, Lyon has a unique industrial history that makes it worth exploring – at least on a stopover trip. I loved visiting in June, when it was super sunny and perfect weather – the best time to stroll along the Rhône and Saône rivers! Read on for everything I did while there so you can plan your own weekend getaway.