After having traveled for over 9 months all around the world, but wanting to keep my eco-footprint as low as possible. These are the essentials I couldn't live without.
Landing in Malta with zero plan means you'll spend half your day lost in Sliema traffic eating mediocre tourist pasta. I burned my first trip doing exactly that — came back a second time with a real plan and crammed more history, food, and jaw-dropping views into 14 hours than most people see in a week. This is for the traveler who only has one or two days and refuses to waste them.
I have been a travel nurse for years and these are my go-to items that make packing and living on the move a breeze. Everything on this list, I own and use on a daily basis. I only recommend things that I know are quality products.
Whether you are local or a just visiting - these are some of the best spots in Memphis for kids and family fun. I am a lifelong Memphian and attests to how exciting these places were as a kid and now I get to share it with my daughters. This list includes a wide variety of activities for all ages.
This isn’t just about places it’s about portals. Each destination on this list is a mirror of your essence: powerful, soft, rare. Waterfalls that roar like your ambition. Blue lagoons that hold silence like a prayer. Beaches that shimmer like your future.
Traveling with a toddler doesn’t have to feel like an Olympic sport (or a meltdown waiting to happen). This list is packed with simple, mom-tested essentials to make flights smoother, tantrums shorter, and your carry-on lighter.
Wondering where stay in Croatia? I've got you covered this list ranges from popular tourist locations to a more quiet escape! All of these locations are based on the coast of Croatia so you will be getting sun and sea everywhere you go! But remember to bring your pebble shoes because these beaches in Croatia are rocky not Sandy!
I grew up living 5 minutes away from Jim Thorpe, and it is such a wonderful place. I have places listed here but there is SOOO much! So much that in all my years I haven't ventured into absolutely everything the town has to offer! Broadway street is the streets with all your shopping needs! Wine and Spirits, Handmade Crafts, Charm BAR, Witchy things, Harry Potter cafe :) Definitely check this place out and make sure to research, because events are happening all year round!
Come along as my sister and I relive our unforgettable adventures through Croatia, Italy, Greece, and a few extra stops along the way! From breathtaking views and local food favorites to hidden shopping gems, memorable experiences, and plenty of wine, these are the places and little moments that made our trip so special. ✈️🍷🌍
Built for maximum packing efficiency: these are some of the essential items that I brought to Italy for 18 days using only a carry-on and a backpack. No checked bags, no overpacking; minimal liquids, space-saving essentials, and multi-use products that made it work!
My very first backpacking trip, many years ago, was to Austria, which is home to some of the most stunning hiking trails in the world. Austria has it all: beautiful mountain scenery, established hiking infrastructure, and no scary animals. Check out this list to help you plan your hiking adventure in Austria!
Because sensory needs don’t stop at childhood — they just get better curated. ✈️ This list is for the neurospicy, the easily overstimulated, the texture-picky, and the “please-don’t-touch-me-until-I’ve-landed” crowd. From buttery-soft layers and noise-canceling lifesavers to fidget-friendly gadgets and calming self-care must-haves, these are the items that keep me regulated, cozy, and functional from TSA line to baggage claim. No flashing lights. No itchy seams. No chaos. Just sensory peace — for adults who deserve it too.
Picture this: flat tire, pitch black highway shoulder, no flashlight, no warning triangle, cars flying past at 70 mph. That was me last October. If you drive regularly and your trunk has nothing but a spare tire and old gym clothes, this is the exact kit I built the next morning so I'd never be that vulnerable again.
I don't like seeing people recommend “things to do in Miami”, and it's an activity in Hialeah or Kendall…………. that's not actually Miami. So without further ado, as someone who was born and raised in this city, here's what I recommend :) P.S. I've organized this list into the communities they're in, they're all technically Miami
Good finds in Jacksonville, FL. These are some of my favorite places. Check out these restaurants, tattoo shops, parks, and so many other places around the city.
Planning a walk through Montaza Palace Gardens in Alexandria without the right gear means blisters, dead phones, and sunburn by noon. This list is for the traveler who wants to actually enjoy the gardens instead of suffering through them. I spent three days wandering those paths and figured out exactly what to bring and where to stop so you can skip my rookie mistakes.
in the busy world of today, we spend a lot of time in our cars traveling from destination to destination. why not decorate a bit? make it feel more like home? this list contains cutesy car items but also some practical essentials
Disney Trip Essentials: What to Buy Before You Go From a mom and accessible travel planner who’s packed for pixie dust more times than she can count!
Planning a Disney vacation? This list is your go-to guide for smart purchases that save money, reduce stress, and add magic to your trip. Whether you’re traveling with littles, just us adults, or sensory-sensitive adventurers, these items are tried, true, and family-tested. Inside you’ll find:
🎒 Park Bag Must-Haves (hydration, cooling gear, comfort items)
🌈 Sensory-Friendly Picks (noise protection, fidget tools, visual aids)
🧁 Pre-Trip Fun (countdown calendars, themed surprises, travel toys)
💡 Accessibility Boosters (lanyards, ID tags, stroller markers)
💰 Budget-Savers (ponchos, fans, water bottlesbuy now, not in the parks!)
These are the things I always recommend to my clients and pack for my own daughter to make Disney feel smooth, joyful, and inclusive. Because when you prep ahead, you get to focus on the magic, not the meltdown.
I have worked from cafes, trains, and rentals across several countries, all from a single backpack. The trick is choosing gear that is light, tough, and does more than one job. These are the bags, laptop accessories, and power gear in my one bag remote work kit. Tell me your dream remote work spot in the comments!
(This list contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)
As someone from New England, one of my favorite quick weekend trips is to Miami. Here are my favorite restaurants and activities worth checking out in the city.
Kona is definitely one of my favorite places to decompress, unwind, and just be in the moment. There's something about listening to the crashing waves and the smell of the air that makes me feel at ease. Kona is a little more laid back than Maui, and often not as crowded. If you love to hike, snorkel, walking on the beach (green and black sand) this definitely is the place for you. If your plans consists of staying a week or more, I would highly recommend renting a condo or house.
Planning a road trip through the Atherton Tablelands in Queensland and not sure what to bring, where to stop, or how to actually enjoy it without melting in the humidity? I spent a week driving the waterfall circuit, made every rookie mistake, and came back with a list that would have saved me hours of frustration. If you're the type who wants to swim under waterfalls without lugging the wrong gear through a rainforest, read this before you book your flights.
That moment you look at your dashboard and realize it went from sleek black to chalky gray somewhere around year three. If your car's interior plastic, leather, and trim look like they aged a decade in two summers, I spent way too long testing restorers, conditioners, and protectants so you can skip straight to what actually works. Grab these before the sun does any more damage.
Männer zu beschenken finde ich jedes Jahr am schwierigsten – vor allem zum Valentinstag. Deshalb habe ich hier meine liebsten Ideen für deinen Freund, Partner oder Ehemann gesammelt: romantische Kurztrips mit Whirlpool, Wellness zu zweit, Bubble Hotel unter Sternen, persönliche Geschenke mit Gravur oder Foto und ein paar Sachen zum Lachen. Mein Motto: lieber gemeinsame Zeit als noch mehr Kram – darum findest du auch meine eigenen Date-Bücher hier. Funktioniert genauso zum Jahrestag. (Enthält Affiliate-Links)
I took a solo-trip to Seattle in the month of December and although it was cold it was amazing!! On my list include museums, tourist destinations, book store, restaurants and the hotel I stayed in. Explore and enjoy! 🫶🏽
From one park mom (and Disney Adult) to another, these are my tried and true essentials for the parks. I'm at a Disney or Universal park almost every month... so I know a thing or two.
Everything I always bring when I’m on the go! Tested on weekend trips, work travel, and long-haul flights. These are the essentials that make packing easier, the plane more comfortable, and being away from home feel a little more put-together.
Where to spend the perfect cozy, yet spooky fall in Kansas City! As told by a Born and raised KC local. From pumpkin patches and cider donuts to themed sips and shows
In September 2024, I took a 9 day roadtrip around the southern half of ROI. Here were the places we stayed, ate, and saw that really stood out! Some you expect to see and some were such beautiful gems!
So you're planning a trip to the Northern Territory and want to do more than just stare at Uluru from a parking lot. Maybe you've always been curious about boomerangs, or maybe you just want something genuinely different on your itinerary. This is everything I learned, bought, tried, and visited after one throwing lesson turned into a full-blown obsession. Bookmark this before your trip because half of these experiences book out weeks in advance.
We travel to Missouri a couple of times a year. These are some of the places we've visited and stayed at, along with some others we plan to hit on our next visit!
Looking to itch that travel bug? Here are some of my favorite stays from around the globe 🌎
Whether its the tropics or mountians - I've got you covered!
Everything I'd actually pack for a week in Paris - the carry-on travel bag, the neck pillow that survives an overnight flight, and the small comfort and organization items that make cobblestones and long Metro days a lot easier. All linked, nothing you'll regret packing.
Having grown up and lived in Brisbane, and now raising my own family in Brisbane - here are my picks of family outings; locations, food, fun and everything in between!
Swirl and sip wines at these local wineries and vineyards in the DC, Maryland and Virginia area. Many of these locations also offer great food or food trucks on site.
✨ Heading to Disney? ✨ This list has all my tried-and-true Disney park must-haves — the things I never step into the parks without! From practical essentials (think cooling, comfort, and staying dry during Florida rainstorms) to the cute little extras that make the day feel magical, these are my go-tos for making park days easier, happier, and way more fun. Whether it’s your first trip or your hundredth, you’ll find everything here to help you feel prepared, comfy, and ✨park-princess perfect✨ from rope drop to fireworks. 🌟
I spent a week in Lake Geneva (no, not the one in Switzerland. yes, the one in Wisconsin) and here's everything I did that I enjoyed! I myself am a tourist so I think other tourists would like this too.
Discover Miami the way locals experience it—beyond the tourist spots. This list highlights my favorite places to eat, explore, relax, and get inspired as a Miami creative. From art-filled corners and hidden cafés to weekend markets and ocean views, these are the spots that truly make the city feel like home.
A collection of some of my favorite haunts, different locations around my city that bring me joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging. Plenty of places to see and things to buy!
Oh the places we'll go! My husband prefers to cruise on vacation. He can't stand the thought of flying somewhere and “just being there” for a week. I don't mind cruising as it allows me to lay by the pool and read while he hangs out…wherever he hangs out - haha! Here is a short list of my must pack items!
A master list of my personal favorite travel activities, high-end stays, and non-negotiable trip protection. From curated Viator excursions and premium boutique accommodations to essential luggage and travel insurance, this directory covers exactly how to elevate your next adventure while completely bypassing the standard tourist traps.
One a.m., a dark field outside Tromsø or Fairbanks, and you are standing still for two hours waiting for the sky to move. That kind of stillness is what makes cold-weather packing different, so this list pairs carry-on luggage and organizers with thermal layers, mittens, dry bags and battery backups built for long, motionless nights. Think Iceland, Norway and Alaska aurora trips, packed into one bag.
planning a trip to WDW resort? here’s advice from a self proclaimed disney adult! these are my park non-negotiables and the best places to stay/visit on property.
I feel like there's never enough time in Bangkok. It's such a vibrant and unique place. From floating markets, incredible street food, smiley locals and spectacular temples to skyscrapers, rooftop bars and Michelin Star restaurants. Here are some of my MUST SEE places to inclusde in your trip
anytime I need a service, I always try to support local businesses. whether it's anything from beauty care to fitness to food and drink, these are the local metro vancouver brands that I love to support and visit and I think you would enjoy them too!
Every time I visited the Netherlands I kept falling for the Instagram-famous places and leaving disappointed — overpriced, overcrowded, mediocre. Then a local friend dragged me to a string of spots that looked like nothing from the outside. Peeling paint, no signage, zero line. Each one wrecked me in the best way. If you're planning a trip and you're tired of tourist-trap regret, save this before you book.
Are you visiting Manchester for the first time? This is my list of must do activities. I've got you covered for brunch, lunch, dinner and activities. All of these are budget friendly and suit a range of people from couples, friends and families!
These are my must-haves when we travel on the Disney Cruise Line! These help make our stateroom more comfortable, add convenience, and add some Disney magic to our family vacation!
Your go-to guide for making the most of the holidays in Orlando! From festive eats and cocktails to holiday lights, shows, and cozy things to do — here’s where to celebrate the season around the city ✨🎄
Take a cozy trip through Scotland filled with warm meals, handmade treasures, and breathtaking landscapes. From rustic cafés serving hearty Scottish fare to historic wool mills and yarn shops tucked into stone villages; This list brings together my favorite stops for anyone who loves good food, cozy textures, and creative inspiration. Perfect for travelers, crocheters, and food lovers alike — a trip that feeds both your heart and your hands.
I’ve lived in Utah my whole life and Southern Utah for almost 8 years and I never plan on leaving. To say this place has a piece of my heart is understatement and I LOVE sharing my favorites with visitors because I want everybody to love it as much as me.
As a family we try to vacation at least once a year even if its just for a weekend getaway. Here are some places we have found that we love and would go back to over and over if we get the chance…Some are must see adventures with some incredible views and scenery and others are fun for the kiddos.
Walking/hiking/rambling is England's national past time and there are beautiful landscapes to explore in this country and centuries old footpaths crisscrossing these landscapes. Check out this list for all the information you need to hike in England.
There is nothing better than northern Minnesota in the summer - preferably Fourth of July or Blueberry Festival! Here's the places you have to hit to have a great weekend while you're there!
I've been living in Alexandria VA for nearly 20 years - first near Old Town Alexandria, and now in Alexandria (Fairfax county). This is a great area, and a great place to visit if you're coming to Washington DC to visit. My favorite things/places and hidden gems (aside from all the well known, popular tourist spots)!
Having taught in Dayton and raised young kids there, I’ve seen firsthand what really engages children and sparks curiosity. Between knowing what works in classrooms and exploring the city with my own kids, I’ve learned which activities are worth the time and which are truly memorable. You can trust my recommendations!
The best of Thailand - As a professional travel consultant and someone who loves visiting Thailand, here are the must do tours and experiences for you visit to Thailand! Plus some restaurants that should not be missed!
Packing for months away means cutting hard: a trunk-sized checked bag, compression cubes, a hanging toiletry kit and a document wallet made the cut, while the fussy extras stayed home. This study abroad and gap semester packing list rounds up the Away, Béis and Calpak luggage, organizers and side-trip backpacks worth carrying for a long stay overseas.
Some links on this list are affiliate links, so I may earn a commission. I've been to every corner of South Carolina, and if you want a beach trip that feels a little upscale, Hilton Head is the place. Wide, quiet beaches, live oaks dripping with moss, and dolphins showing off in the sounds. Bring a bike or rent one. There are more than 60 miles of paths, and at low tide the beach is packed hard enough to ride. Here's where to eat, stay and explore, plus the boat tours worth booking.
You know the drill. You get home from the beach, shake your towel for five minutes straight, and sand still pours out of it for the next three laundry cycles. Meanwhile it stays damp in your bag long enough to smell like a swamp. I spent two summers testing towels until I landed on a full beach setup that actually works. If you're the person who dreads unpacking after a beach day, scroll through this before your next trip.
Skip the rest of the carry-on roundups: these are the best carry-on suitcases compared head to head, from hardside spinners and softside expandables to backpack-style rollers from Away, Béis, Calpak, Monos, Samsonite and Travelpro. Every pick comes with the luggage tags, covers, packing cubes and tech pouches that make it worth owning, ranked by what holds up in an overhead bin.
I especially enjoyed… the mix of small artful corners, peaceful green spaces, grand sights, and welcoming places to stay in Sathorn, Bangkok, Thailand. This is a thoughtfully chosen list for slowing down between city adventures, with a few spots that made me want to linger and return.
Shhh…insider scoop! Skip the tourist traps—here’s where you can have an amazing Napa Valley experience with your family (no French Laundry reservation required).
Looking for an exciting family vacation? Live in Kentucky and want to explore more of the state? Just passing through and want to see some attractions? Here are some great things to do with the whole family in Kentucky!
Virginia is for lovers! Virginia is also known as one of the best states to raise a family! Keeping checking back as I add more things to this list! There are so many hidden gems in Virginia!
Free and cheap things to do in NYC this fall and holiday season, for when you want a cute day out without spending the bank. Parks, views, markets and the classic NYC moments that cost little or nothing. Hours and dates change, so check before you go. Look expensive, save the bank. 🍂
I'm a travel journalist who's scouted fun destinations and things to do across the nation for Redbook, Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and more. Here are my recs for the best things to do in Louisville, Kentucky - from offbeat experiences, fun tours, day trips, local foods, where to eat and stay, and Kentucky Derby tips! Find more of my trip ideas and itineraries at ReadymadeTravelPlans.com.
Here are my go-to packing essentials and travel must-haves! For luggage, I swear by my Calpak set—the carry-on is spacious, durable, and fits perfectly within airline size limits. For shorter trips or extra storage, the Beis Weekender and Mini Weekender are game changers, with their sleek design and handy shoe compartments. I always pack an AirTag in my luggage, even when traveling carry-on, just in case bags get checked unexpectedly. For organizing my makeup and skincare, I use a clear travel case that holds a ton and makes it easy to see everything at a glance. These essentials kept me organized and stress-free, especially during my multi-flight trip across Europe!✈️🧳
I live in Nashville and these are places I have personally been to and highly recommend visiting when in town or if you are wanting to be a tourist in your own city!
Disney cruises are no joke and you want to be prepared when you board! Since I’ve been on every Disney cruise ship, I wanted to make sure you have items that are must haves when I cruise! Happy Sailing!