Travel Must Do's

Pack like a pro for your next beach day — whether you’re visiting a Caribbean island on a cruise or driving to your favorite coastal spot. These lightweight, practical essentials make your day in the sun easier, cleaner, and more relaxing.

Stay warm, dry, and comfortable no matter how low the temperature drops. Whether you’re heading on a ski trip, exploring European Christmas markets, or cruising through Alaska, these winter travel essentials will help you layer smart, pack light, and stay cozy in the cold.

Traveling is so much easier with the right apps. From booking flights and hotels to finding your way around a new city, these mobile apps can help streamline your trip and save you money. This list includes my must-have apps for hotels, airlines, transportation, trip planning, food, money, and a few that make traveling a whole lot smoother.

Seattle is a vibrant Pacific Northwest city known for its iconic Space Needle, waterfront views, coffee culture, and thriving art and music scene. Whether you’re here for a weekend or an extended stay, this guide highlights the best of what the Emerald City has to offer. On our trip to Seattle, we loved visiting Pike Place Market – the fish throwing is as fun as everyone says! A ride up the Space Needle gave us an amazing view of Mount Rainier on a clear day. One of our favorite experiences was taking a city sightseeing tour, which gave us a great overview of Seattle’s neighborhoods and top attractions without worrying about driving or parking. We also enjoyed sampling different coffees around the city and indulging in fresh seafood, especially at Ivar’s.

Whether you're heading out on a weekend getaway or a multi-week international adventure, having the right luggage and packing gear makes all the difference. Over years of travel, I've tested countless suitcases, backpacks, and travel accessories—and this list includes my personal favorites. These are the packing essentials I use on every trip, carefully chosen for durability, function, and travel ease. From carry-ons that slide easily under the seat to backpacks with smart compartments, you'll find what works in real life, not just in a product photo.

Planning a trip to Quebec City? This charming, French-speaking destination is like stepping into a European village without leaving North America. Whether you're strolling through Old Quebec’s cobblestone streets, enjoying cozy cafes, or exploring historic landmarks, this list covers the best things to do, top places to stay, delicious eats, and great tours to help you plan your perfect visit.

Whether you're heading to your first stadium concert or catching your favorite team live, preparation is key to having a great experience. From essential gear to seasonal must-haves and ticket-buying tips, this guide has you covered. We’ve broken it down into practical sections so you can arrive ready to cheer, sing, and enjoy every moment—without the stress.

Flying can be unpredictable, but packing the right essentials makes the journey so much smoother. This curated list includes my must-have items for every flight — from comfort upgrades and entertainment picks to smart travel hacks that keep me feeling refreshed and organized in the air. Whether it’s a quick hop or a long-haul journey, these are the things I never board without.

We love to travel but don’t love being hungry. These are our go to snacks. One of us is into healthy eating; one of us not so much.

We visit Hawaii every year and we love all the islands, although must admit Maui is our favorite. Each island has unique things to do and here are my recommendations for the top 5 for each (in no particular order)

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, experiencing a traditional Hawaiian luau should definitely be on your must-do list. Luaus are more than just a dinner and a show—they’re a vibrant celebration of Hawaiian culture, filled with storytelling, hula dancing, music, and of course, delicious island cuisine. Whether you’re traveling with family, your partner, or a group of friends, there’s a luau on the Hawaiian Island you are visiting that’s perfect for you. From beachfront performances under the stars to lush garden settings and theatrical storytelling, these are the best luaus in Kauai to help you experience the true spirit of aloha.

We visit Maui at least once a year and these are our favorite things

Kauai, the Garden Isle, is a lush paradise filled with breathtaking cliffs, serene beaches, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you're hiking along the Na Pali Coast, tasting local poke, or cruising the Wailua River, this guide covers my top picks for restaurants, tours, places to visit, things to do, and hotels—all based on real experiences and must-do recommendations. Start planning your Kauai adventure here!

Hawaii is the only U.S. state where coffee is grown commercially, and visiting a coffee farm is one of the most memorable experiences you can have while exploring the islands. From the world-famous Kona coffee fields on the Big Island to small family farms tucked into Maui’s Upcountry and the massive Kauai Coffee estate, each island offers a different perspective on Hawaii’s coffee culture. Many farms offer guided tours, tastings, and behind-the-scenes looks at how coffee moves from tree to cup. You’ll learn how volcanic soil, elevation, and ocean breezes shape the flavor of Hawaiian coffee while sampling some of the freshest brews anywhere. If you enjoy local food experiences, scenic drives, or simply great coffee, these coffee farms across Maui, the Big Island, Kauai, and Oahu are well worth adding to your Hawaii itinerary.

Planning a European cruise? This list includes helpful tips, shore excursions, and must-see highlights for some of the most popular cruise ports across Europe. Whether you’re docking in Italy, Spain, Greece, or beyond, these recommendations will help you make the most of your time ashore.

Planning a cruise from Rome (Civitavecchia)? This list has everything you need—from how to get to the cruise port and where to stay in Rome, to top shore excursion picks and essential travel tips. Whether it’s your first cruise or your fifth, this guide helps you plan smarter, pack better, and start your vacation stress-free.

Great information for thoSet sail stress-free with my top Cruising Must Do’s! Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, this list covers the essentials you don’t want to forget. From must-pack items that make life on board easier to practical tips that help you cruise smarter—not harder—this guide is designed to keep your vacation smooth and enjoyable from embarkation to disembarkation.se who like to Cruise. We take multiple cruises a year, so wanted to share what works for us!

From sandy beaches to world-class attractions, San Diego has something for every traveler. This list highlights our top picks for first-time visitors and return adventurers alike—covering unforgettable things to do, great places to stay, delicious eats, and the best local tours. Whether you're planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, or solo escape, use this guide to make the most of your San Diego experience.

Whether you're visiting with kids, friends, or flying solo, SeaWorld San Diego has a great mix of excitement and education. Here’s everything worth seeing, riding, and doing to help you maximize your visit.

Discover the best of Gatlinburg, Tennessee—a lively mountain town known for its breathtaking views, fun attractions, southern dining, and easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This guide highlights top things to do, great places to stay, and where to eat for a memorable visit.

Pigeon Forge is a family-friendly mountain town packed with theme parks, dinner shows, outdoor adventures, and scenic beauty. Just minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains, it’s a top destination for fun, food, and entertainment in East Tennessee.

Sevierville, Tennessee—Dolly Parton’s hometown—is a charming Smoky Mountain destination known for outdoor adventures, shopping, local history, and family-friendly attractions. Just minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, it’s the perfect place to explore the quieter side of the Smokies.