Travel Must Do's

Planning a trip to Almaty? This guide brings together the city sights, hotels, restaurants and tours that can help you make the most of your visit. From leafy parks and lively streets to mountain scenery just beyond the city, Almaty offers plenty to explore.

Planning a visit to Doha? This guide brings together memorable sights, comfortable hotels, local dining and worthwhile tours to help you make the most of your time. Explore the Museum of Islamic Art, browse the Souq Waqif, stroll the Corniche and discover the city’s mix of modern architecture and Qatari heritage. Whether Doha is your main destination or a stopover, these recommendations can help you plan a visit that feels easy and rewarding.

Planning a Frankfurt stopover or a longer stay? We spent two nights exploring the city and taking a trip through the Rhine Valley. This guide brings together our picks for things to do, places to stay, places to eat and tours that make it easier to enjoy Frankfurt, whether you’re visiting for the first time or adding a few days to a European trip.

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!

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!

San Diego is one of our favorite California getaways, and these are the places and experiences I’d recommend when planning a trip. I’ve pulled together standout things to do, beachside hotels, restaurants worth adding to your itinerary, and tours that make exploring easier. From La Jolla and Coronado to Balboa Park and the waterfront, these picks will help you experience some of the best of San Diego.

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.