As a PNW girl who loves to explore, these are my go-to travel tools and local discovery apps I never leave home without! From road trip must-haves to hidden gem finders.
For the last 10 summers I've traveled across country to support my husbands job that required him to be in a different state every summer. When I started I was pregnant with my oldest and now travel solo with all three of my kids. I've traveled by airplane, driven long distance (30+ hours) as well as short distances . I've learned what products I can't go with out and most importantly that you and your kids are capable of anything! I hope by sharing these lists I can help parent feeling anxious about traveling with kids feel a little more confident! You got this!
By accident, we stumbled on this little town and fell in love with it! This western town is steeped in cowboy and Native American history. The absolute charm of the downtown area just reels you in. Here are some great places to visit!
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 Griefy Gals - Alana Kaplan and Blair Kaplan Venables
places around the world that we deem to be the best of the best! places where we would go again and again to rest our heads and fill our bellies. we are travelling a lot, and eating and sleeping are two of our favourite things, so this is what we suggest! Mostly North America recs, but a couple outside of the continent too! Stick around as we continue to add more
From the East coast, I became a travel nurse wandering around until I found a spot to land. Tacoma was that spot and I've been here for over 2 years. These are some of the spots I've stumbled upon that I love and made this place home.
I've been an avid traveller for 6+ years now and have tried and tested a variety of gear in an attempt to simplify my travels. Preparing well for your trip will help you ensure that you really enjoy of your trip and are free from carrying too much around, or not having what you need! This curated list of backpacking essentials covers everything you need for an unforgettable experience travelling light.
These are all my top suggestions for when you are traveling in the Philippines! This is a seriously gorgeous country. There are so many incredible things to do and places to visit :)
Some ideas for a daytrip to Tarrytown! If you can, sit on the left side of the train when you’re heading there from NYC and the right side on the way back to NYC for the best river views. And wear comfy shoes (a general good life rec) especially if planning to walk up the pretty steep hill from the train station to the bottom of Main Street. Enjoy, and happy to answer any questions in comments!
Before you book that Eiffel Tower ticket or sit down at a random café, read this. This curated Paris guide covers the must-see landmarks, unforgettable experiences and the best places to eat- from iconic restaurants to hidden gems. If you want to do Paris right, start here.
This is everything you need for a trip to Baku - including windproof gear, a first aid kit and other essentials you need when visiting this part of the world. It's got everything you need for a great trip including luggage, sleep essentials and more.
Discover the magic of Palm Springs, where mid-century modern meets desert chic. This sun-soaked oasis offers everything from architectural tours and mountain hikes to poolside lounging and vibrant nightlife – all set against a backdrop of swaying palms and dramatic mountain views.
Travel is one of my favorite hobbies and something that I truly love to do. I love experiencing new places, wandering through different cities, and finding the best spots to eat, see, and explore. Before every trip, I do my research and plan out schedules so I can make the most of each day, but I always leave room for a little adventure, too. Every photo I share is real and authentic, taken by me, because I want to show the world exactly how I experienced it. One of my favorite traditions is collecting a Pandora charm from every destination I visit, slowly building a travel bracelet that holds all of my memories. This is my way of collecting a souvenir to remember where I've been and the memories I've formed. Welcome to my Travel Diaries
Girls, we all deserve for our car to be as ready as we are! Whether you're heading out for a busy day, a road trip, or just running errands, it's important to have the right essentials at your fingertips. Here's my list of must-have car items to keep you prepared, stress-free, and ready to handle whatever comes your way - all while staying stylish and comfortable on the go!
Exploring the parks in my home state of Virginia inspires my photography and designs. The parks are not as spectacular as influencer destinations. But I want to see the flora and fauna that live there, not an exotic, perfect landscape or view. Sometimes I’ll go just for the drive.
Saint Barths is magical! Coming from where we are located in NJ, it is a fairly quick flight for an unbelievable experience. The views, the people, the food, the relaxing and party life are second to none!
Curated guides and tools that pair naturally with Rick Steves Spain, helping travelers fine-tune itineraries, dive deeper into regions, and navigate Spanish language basics. Ideal for first-timers and repeat visitors who like Rick's style but want more focused resources for cities, regions, or trip lengths.
Planning a trip to Calgary or just want new things to do, This list has the BEST spots- from iconic views to hidden local gems and day trips you can’t miss. Save this so you don’t waste time figuring it out later🔥🙂
Best places to stay in Phnom Penh, Cambodia for your travels! I've listed them in different price points depending on what kind of trip you are looking for. All of the hotels I've listed I would consider super nice and “bougie" regardless of their price points.
Iceland is on my (and lots of people's!) bucket list, not only to visit during the fall/winter/spring to view the magnificent Northern Lights, but to hike/trek the beautiful landscapes of the ‘land of fire and ice’.
The South of France is made up of several charming towns! We decided to base ourselves in Antibes for the first half of our trip and then in Nice the second half, but you can't go wrong picking just one place as your home base for the week!
As a homeschool mom, I love finding super fun and/or educational museums to take my boys to. Here is a list of interactive museums in the Houston, Texas area!
What I love about Texas is that we have a lot of different things to do. You can always find yourself being entertained. Take your family on your next trip to some of these recommendations! You won't be disappointed!
my name is aminah, and i'm a teenager who lived in hong kong for about 8 years of her life altogether! included are some of my favourite shops and restaurants for anyone who's new to hong kong or needs some inspiration on where to go!
Beach days are supposed to be relaxing… but let’s be real, they take some planning! I’ve rounded up my favorite beach accessories that make life easier—think less stress, less mess, and more time actually enjoying the waves. Perfect for moms, families, or anyone who wants a smooth beach day.
I love Paris especially off the beaten path Paris. Paris is definitely the top of my “Happy Places” if not my top. I love everything about Paris, the food, the people, the architecture the laid-back feel, the shopping. Whenever I'm on a trip to a new city or even one that I visited before I like to do things other than sightsee I like to have experiences in this list is a couple that I have personally enjoyed. I hope you find them interesting. Sometimes I think if I believed in reincarnation that I lived in Paris in one of my lifetimes. My plan is to actually live there during this lifetime.
Planning a trip to Fez, Morocco? Whether you're an adventure seeker or a history buff, this list has got you covered. From ancient medinas to exhilarating hikes, each recommendation promises to add a dash of excitement and a pinch of cultural richness to your experience. Dive in and find your next must-visit spot in this vibrant city!
Do you live in the Tennessee Valley? Do you absolutely love all things Spring? Are you ready for that warm weather too? Then check out my list below. From flowers to fashion to fun outings. I have a recommendation for it all! Go on and give it a look to put a little Spring in your step!! 🩷
Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog, Tower of Terror - Hollywood Studios packs more headliners per square foot than any other Disney World park. We're Kissimmee locals who rope-drop this park all the time; here's what to ride, watch, and eat to beat the crowds.
Going to UCLA in the fall? Or already go there but need new recs? Look no further, this is the list for you. This mega list is everything UCLA related that I loved (food places, coffee shops, dorm/apartment favs, etc) that I hope you'll love too! Feel free to ask any questions relating to UCLA/LA living and I'll happily answer.
I love staying in Amsterdam when on multi-weeks in Europe. So much to do even on the weekend. Take a tram to get around in the city and a train to get out the city and see more. When traveling to the Netherlands for a weekend stop during a work trip, there are plenty of delightful activities and places to explore. Here's a recommendation list of things to do:
I love to travel, whether it's for fun or for work, and these things are what I need with me on all trips. From cleaning supplies to making packing easier, these items are my favorite.
Denver has incredible Gluten free options - you can pretty much close your eyes and point and find a great place to eat. I've put together a few of my favorites along with some fun places to stay and things to do!
Riley Reynolds is the main character in my romantic suspense novel, The Past We Thought We Knew. Take a peek to see her favorite places around the Twin Cities to visit!
These are some of my favorite hotels I’ve personally stayed at and loved. Each one made a lasting impression—whether it was the setting, the service, or just how easy it made relaxing. If you’re planning a trip, these are spots I’d genuinely recommend to a friend.
Ahh Nevada, a stunning place that is worth a visit! So here are my top picks for your next visit to Las Vegas! Some are touristy one-time flings, and other local favs :) *This list contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you, which I may make a small commission from if you purchase.*
Omaha has been my home for 10+ years - although I've been a Nebraska native my entire life. Often times people think that Nebraska doesn't offer anything but dirt roads and horses. I'm here to tell you that there's actually some gems here and you're missing out if you don't come visit at least once.
Tokyo is a beautiful and vibrant city full of culture and history. If you're looking to add an amazing place to explore in 2025, I strongly suggest visiting Tokyo. 5-6 days allows you to scratch the surface. I'll be back!
Recommendations from my week long trip to Crete, Santorini, and Athens Greece! Where I went, what I ate, what I wore, and what I did. This was a trip that I will never forget, and I would LOVE to share what made it so special! Take in some of these tips, and have yourself a Mamma Mia summer!
As an East TN local these are my recommendations for just about everything you could need to set up the best trip to the Great Smoky Mountains! Whether you’re looking for a comfy and unique place to sleep after you’re adventure filled day, or looking for the best spots to e
When I travel, I seek out gardens and spend hours in the best ones. These are my favorites around the world. Leave me your favorites in the comments so I know where to head next. Enjoying nature is a fabulous break during traveling, as good as any art museum and a great way to enjoy any weather.
My favorite place to day-trip from the suburbs. About a 2 hour drive from where I am, about 20 minutes outside of Madison. Mount Horeb draws a lot of insperation from the Swedish ancestry of many of the settlers, which you will see when you visit from the Swedish gift store to the trolls around town to the shops all themed after their scandenavian roots.
Everyone does the parks a little differently but these are my go to items to make every Disney trip easy, and well prepared for, coming from a mom of 5, travel advisor of 5 years.
🧳 Travel Essentials: Must-Have Items for Smart & Stylish Trips ✈️ Peek inside my suitcase! Discover my personal go-to items for stress-free, stylish travel. From smart packing organizers and game-changing gear to travel-friendly beauty must-haves, these essentials keep every trip smooth, chic, and enjoyable. Explore, shop, and travel confidently—every time!
Porto is one of my favourite cities in Portugal, and it’s the second largest city in the country! There is a lot to see and do, and these tips will help you create a fun itinerary!
The ULTIMATE guide that covers everything from where to stay, things to do, wineries, & more! For my fellow "girls girls" who are spending a weekend in Leavenworth with their besties.
As someone who loves discovering local spots and sharing those special moments, I’ve put together this guide to help you explore Madrid like a local, and make sure your trip is filled with amazing memories. This list features a mix of the best spots to eat, things to do, and hidden gems that made my trip to Madrid unforgettable.
Cape May, New Jersey is filled with hidden gems that could turn a long trip into an unforgettable experience. This list is driven by heartfelt suggestions of wonderful places to eat and visit for a bit of relaxation. Let's dive into some local favorites and serene spots that will make your Cape May journey remarkable.
Check out these fun things to do in Hocking Hills, Ohio! This list highlights exciting things to do, great places to eat, and cozy places to stay, whether you're planning a family trip or a romantic getaway.
My friends parents recently bought a condo in Daytona Beach so I've been exploring a new-to-me Florida beach town. Here are some food, beach and activity recs for the Daytona Beach area.
If you're going to Japan (especially long-term like me), don’t overpack—but don’t miss these essentials either. Japan has everything, but these items will make your life MUCH easier from day one.
👉 Japan is super convenient, but you’ll walk a LOT (20k steps daily 😭), so being prepared matters.
Curated guides and tools that pair naturally with Rick Steves Spain, helping travelers fine-tune itineraries, dive deeper into regions, and navigate Spanish language basics. Ideal for first-timers and repeat visitors who like Rick's style but want more focused resources for cities, regions, or trip lengths.
Ever since I was very young, I have been intrugued by Wyoming. I've wanted to move there for many years, but my better half always said it was too cold.
We've traveled to Wyoming on several occasions and have absolutely fallen in love with the state. There is so much to see, do, and experience in Wyoming that one list just doesn't seem fitting....
Two years ago, an opportunity presented itself, so we made the proverbial jump and moved to Wyoming - and we're loving it!!!
This is a list of places we've visited over the course of the past five years and since we've moved to Wyoming in 2024. I will be adding more and more to this list as time goes on and we're able to travel more. Watch for new additions to this list in the future!!
Get ready for stress-free beach vacations with this complete beach vacation packing list. Whether you're heading to a beach house or planning long, relaxing days at the beach, this board has everything you don’t want to forget—from beach towels and rash guards to the best beach bag and flip flops. Shop sun protection favorites, must-have beach chairs, toiletry bag picks, beach toys for the kids, and more! Save this for your next beach trip so you always feel prepared and stylish.
Arizona has a way of surprising you when you slow down and notice its details. These are my favorite moody, creative, and grounding places; it is perfect for when you need inspiration or just want to escape the obvious. As someone born and raised here, these are gems and glimpses close to my heart when I need to recharge.