We did not plan a big family vacation this year to save money, but next year I already have some places marked that I want to go , and along with that comes the list of things we will need for the trip. Might as well start now so I can start looking forward to it.
Alright, folks! Buckle up and let me take you on a one-person rollercoaster ride through the magical land of Hoboken. We've got the perfect hotels and nature spots that scream 'I love myself and I know how to travel solo!' This list promises heartwarming solitude and nature's best, served with a side of humor. Enjoy, you lone wolves!
Going to the pool, beach or on an all inclusive vacation? Check out some of our favorites items for traveling and some of my favorite clothing and shoe items for all inclusive resorts! Also, don’t forget to check out our favorite luggage recm
Pizza at Miguel’s, peaks with a view, and the smell of the pines. 🌲 This is the Savvy Shopper Squad’s definitive guide to Red River Gorge! Discover the best arches to hike and the must-have gear to pack for a perfect Kentucky adventure.
A beginners list for traveling outside of the states. I had my first trip out of the country earlier this year. Preparing for the trip itself was nerve wrecking, but I survived it! I’m hoping that this list can help someone else.
For our one year anniversary, my husband and I dreamed of a quiet weekend getaway and found exactly that in charming Fairhope. From cozy stays and morning coffee spots to delicious food and unique shops, we loved every moment. Sharing our favorite recommendations so you can fall in love with it too!
I have lived in Des Moines for about two years now. Here is an on going list of the places I have been as a 25 year old and what I would recommend. I love trying new places and am into the night life.
If you're ever thinking of visiting Spokane, WA spring is definitely my recommendation!! Here is a list of my favorite coffee shops, shopping spots, farms and and food here!! Small businesses are everywhere here and I guarantee you'll love them!!
As an expat, I've always had to think outside the box when it comes to holiday gifting for my family in Italy (and extended family in Florida). These are the ideas that had the most success!
All of these are locations that we personally visited on our 4 day trip to Tampa. As a couple, we really enjoyed all of these attractions, restaurants, and hotel. Don't miss these spots when you plan your vacation to Tampa Bay!
Here are so of my favorite night time activities in San Diego. These include date night ideas, family friendly and for a night out with friends. This list has a little something for everyone.
As a travel advisor, I travel a lot for my job, and I have found some products that really make travel life easier. Here are some of my top travel essentials!
This list contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.
I am an East Coast Girl. Growing up we never went on a plane for vacation- it was always a couple hours drive instead.
Most of the time people come to NH for the ocean or mountains so I have sorted them into these categories.
My own personal experience, mixed in with some general info.
I'm sharing the best of Lisbon through my own experiences - what to see, what to eat, and how to make the most of your visit. Think of this as your easy, go-to Lisbon guide - curated by someone who's wandered the streets and hunted down the best pastel de nata. Bookmark this for later so you've got everything in one place when it's time to plan.
Chicago isn't just a city it's a whole mood. from the Sparkle of the skyscraper to chill Lake views, this place is bursting with energy, beauty, and Unforgettable moments .whether you're vibing solo hanging out with friends ,showing off your outfits in the perfect background, these 15 spots give you the real feel of what Chicago is meant to be.
Follow along as I explore INDY! I'm organizing the best recommendations I've seen and the places I've been to and loved within my new city of Indianapolis! Let me know if you have any recommendations for me to add to my list to check out! <3
The capital of the lone world super power has so much to show and offer. From historical sites, memorable buildings, state of the art museums, and a loaded recreational atmosphere at night. Real tourists and those wanting to explore new cities on the east coast United States should have a wonderful and educational time going through this list.
If you are headed to the island itself or thinking about it. This is a basic guide from someone who has family there :). Will forewarn you, the island as a whole is a very historic place of ancient ruins, Roman Catholic history, and WWII forts. The vibe itself is very relaxed and slow. As far as dress Business casual is the minimum.
Looking for an affordable Alaskan getaway? Here’s a fun and budget-friendly list of places where you can stay and explore the scenic beauty of Seward without breaking the bank. Cozy stays, beautiful parks, and serene gardens await you!
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!
These weekend getaway ideas across the United States are perfect for those looking to travel on weekends between their 9-to-5 job. As a travel blogger, these are my recommendations of weekend trips to jump start your travel planning! I've spent countless hours researching each destination and have firsthand traveled to each. You can travel to everything on this list between your 9 to 5.
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.
As a family of 7 we are always looking for fun local activities we can do as a family or even for a date night! Here are some of our go to activities for when the boredom hits!
Iowa really has many things to offer and there are so many fun things you can do as a family. Here are some of my favs in the des moines area as well as some others. Let me know if you have been to any of these places!
I travel alot!!! And these are what make traveling a whole lot easier and fun. Let's face it, travel takes you out of your comfort zone and for some of us, it can bring out our crazy. To make your trip as comfortable as possible, I put together a list of travel goodies. These will not only help you but your travel companions too. Oftentimes keeping them happy, keeps you happy! Hope you have an amazing trip! Let your goodies get to work and allow yourself to be immersed in exploring and experiencing what your travel has to offer!
I absolutely fell in love with Bologna, Italy’s vibrant culinary heart. From wandering its charming medieval streets to tasting the most heavenly pasta and rich cured meats, every moment here felt unforgettable. I’ve put together my personal recommendations for the best tours, cozy boutique stays, and experiences you simply can’t miss. Whether you’re here for a quick weekend escape or a longer stay, my curated Bologna guide will help you eat, explore, shop, and soak up the city like a true Bolognese.
this is your one-stop guide for solo travelling Bali, Indonesia! Most of my recommendations listed below are budget-friendly and appeal to those who like to stay in hostels AND also like to stay in private accommodation (especially if you have to work like me). I have and will continue to list all of my favourite restaurants, cafes as well as best stays, activities and attractions worth doing! All from my own personal experience - if it's listed below, it's probably iconic and you should give it a go… enjoy! xx
This country surprised me!I didn't know much about when I booked the flights, but wow! The people are friendly and there is so much adventure! Not to mention the food is fantastic and affordable. I will be back
Long flights don’t have to be exhausting—this list covers it all. Streamlined packing must-haves, travel gear for a smoother journey, and beauty products that keep you glowing from takeoff to touchdown
The most common weeks dedicated to spring break in the United States, extend from mid March, to mid April. This year in 2025 is no exception, and that is when Southern California can expect to see college students of various age groups, descend on the area in clusters, taking advantage of all the fun and exciting things to do. The following list offers a wide range of ideas and specifics about what's going on this spring, particularly in the Los Angeles area where I happen to reside. Enjoy some first-hand suggestions, as well as tips that were either researched or passed on to me by young folks in the know :-)
A handpicked guide to Napa — my favorite wineries, restaurants, shops, and activities. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, these spots capture the best of wine country charm.
St. Maarten will always be have a special place in my heart. We've visited St. Maarten twice. The second time we took a ferry over to St. Barts for the day. Talk about a dream vacation. St. Barts is definitely on my bucket list. You can also visit Anguilla. You can turn your trip into a 3 island trip which IMO is really cool. I never visited the French side but I've heard nothing but great things. I would totally bring my kids to visit St. Maarten. I would say the people there are the nicest people I have ever met. So grateful and appreciated of everyone visiting their beautiful island. It's home of the famous beach next to the airport. You can almost touch the bottom of the planes! You can also make your own perfume or cologne on the island. Definitely an island you need to experience!
Family fun in my own backyard. So many fun things to do and so many fun places to explore in our own community. I will never take for granted that my family and I live in such an amazing state. Check out what Southern CA has to offer. Whether you live here or plan to visit, we have beaches, lakes, mountains and the desert. We have Disneyland, Universal Studios and Knotts Berry Farm. We have high end stores and farmers markets and the best restaurants!
I took a 10 day trip in Washington State asked out of Seattle. The distance traveled was 1700 miles. We traveled in late May, so there was still a lot of snow on the high trails. We enjoyed smaller crowds in the areas we visited and our trip ended Memorial Day Saturday. We did some hiking, visited National Parks and enjoyed the San Juan Islands. This was my first time to visit the state. Overall, it was a great snapshot of Northwestern Washington and so many places I’d love to spend more time.
As a travel agent I travel a lot. So, I always need to make sure I have enough products with me to last the duration of my vacation. I have shared my must haves on all vacations in this list. I even have must haves just for cruising.
Yellowstone National Park is a must-visit destination! It boasts an impressive array of geothermal wonders, including the famous Old Faithful geyser. The park is full of wildlife. You can see bison herds in Lamar Valley and find wolves, grizzly bears, elk, moose, and eagles. As the world's first national park, it set the example for preserving nature. Visiting Yellowstone is an unforgettable family experience.
This list is for EVERYONE who has a car and need a simple list of the basic things to keep in their cars. I know a lot of people use the word “essentials” frequently but this is truly a simple essential list. I am a busy person who is always driving to the next place I need to be at. I’m in my car a lot so I have things that most people don’t typically NEED. I did separate what is an essential vs what is ALMOST an essential.
Ready to explore the rugged beaches of the Algarve's West Coast? Here are the best ones to bookmark that I've discovered over several trips to Portugal and don't miss my post on the best beaches in Algarve Portugal.
The things we did on our Costa Rican honeymoon! We were in La Fortuna for the duration of our stay, and did book our stay and excursions through a Travelmation travel agent.
Nelson County is one of Virginia's hidden gems, and our home. We love welcoming visitors to our guest cottage, and guiding them to all the wonderful local buisness the county has. Its easy to spend a week exploring this tremendously beautiful county!
Museums are special to me as an artist & former Met guard. There are many museums in NY, these are some of my recommendations to see in New York City, and things that will help you feel comfortable on your Museum Day.
California offers some of the most beautiful wellness and healing getaways in the world. From natural hot springs and peaceful retreats to yoga, meditation, and nature-based escapes, these places focus on rest, renewal, and reconnecting with yourself. This list highlights calming destinations and mindful travel tips perfect for slowing down, healing the body, and finding balance in nature. ✨🧘♀️🌲
These are the must-have travel items that make every trip smoother and more enjoyable for me! I'm talking easier, more efficient packing, flight "upgrades," and convenience-boosters! From packing essentials to travel gadgets, these are my go-tos!
From hidden mezcalerías in Centro Histórico to chef-driven taquerías that redefine street food, Mexico City delivers authentic experiences at every price point. Explore Polanco’s fine dining scene, discover contemporary Mexican art in San Miguel Chapultepec’s galleries, and experience the Sunday ritual at Mercado de Coyoacán. Whether you’re seeking rooftop cocktails with skyline views, pre-Hispanic cuisine at award-winning restaurants, or morning churros at century-old cafés, this list captures the city’s creative energy and culinary excellence that make it one of the world’s most dynamic destinations.
Some of my personal favourite solo travelling equipment, I've used so many different things and different brands of things and these are the ones that I live by and the ones that have been my saving grace while travelling.
Check out this list of must-see historic sites and art galleries in Innsbruck. Perfect for a curious and adventurous explorer, these recommendations will take you on a journey through Gothic cathedrals, historic palaces, modern art spaces, and more. Enjoy discovering the rich and diverse cultural tapestry of this charming Austrian city!
There’s so many things to do even working around toddler naps or height requirements, so here’s a full list for your next Disney day itinerary! (This list is specifically for Disneyland)
I have traveled to 30 out of the 50 states in the United States of America. I finally had my first international trip in 2021 at the age of 40. I actually had to get a passport to where I could travel to Costa Rica.
My partner and family had already traveled down, which meant that I was flying down solo. I was in Costa Rica for 2 weeks and absolutely fell in love with the culture, food, and the amazing views. As a photographer, I took a LOT of pictures and videos.
Please join me on this amazing journey that led me to consider relocating to Costa Rica.
When we were planning our Florida trip, I knew I wanted all the fun — water slides, kids clubs, beach time — without the whole Disney hustle. (Love ya, Mickey, but sometimes we just need a break.) I found some amazing family-friendly hotels that have everything for the kids and a little luxury for us adults, too. If you’re dreaming of a trip where everyone’s happy — and you actually get to relax — you’re going to love this list!
These are always with me when I travel - items that provide convenience, comfort, and ease on trips. These items are the best of the best and things I personally use every time I travel, whether it's a road trip or international travel. There's something here for every aspect of your trip!
From island escapes to lakeside towns, Shores & Islands Ohio is full of fun finds, great food, and even outdoor adventure. I’m sharing some of my favorite spots—from unique wineries and cool parks to fun attractions and local eats. Whether you’re planning your first trip or looking for new ideas, we'll help you make the most of your time on Lake Erie’s shores and islands of Ohio.
Pai is a vibrant and groovy town in the north of Thailand, infamous for it's high backpacker scene and laid back atmosphere (literally saw a hippy the moment i got there). I would highly recommend renting an automatic scooter to get around as the GRAB app doesn't work in Pai, neither does GoJek. Try not to fall into the Pai-hole, best of luck!
I’ve been traveling to Myrtle Beach, about every 6 weeks for the past few years, I’ve gotten to know the area well, here are some of my favorites. Lists of things to do for free as well as other attractions to visit, places to eat, drink and just have a good time!
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. 🌿✨