Hi Reader, One of my favorite parts of travel is trying local food. Whether it’s sipping a perfectly balanced Mai Tai in Hawaii or digging into a plate of rich, cheesy poutine in Quebec City, great meals are often the memories that stick the longest. Over the years, I’ve found a few simple ways to discover the best spots before I even arrive. How I Find Good Restaurants When Traveling When I’m planning a trip, I’m not just looking for “the most popular” spots — I want the ones that locals and...
16 days ago • 2 min read
Alaska is a bucket-list cruise destination—and it did not disappoint when I visited with my Mom last month! From stunning glaciers to charming port towns and unforgettable wildlife, this trip was packed with adventure. Here are our Alaska Cruise Must-Do’s, including the excursions we loved and a mini packing list so you’re ready for your own Alaska adventure. Our Favorite Excursions Juneau – Glacier & Whale WatchingWe booked a shore excursion through our cruise line that included whale...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
We Don’t Always Travel on Points—But We Always Collect Them Over the years, we’ve learned this simple truth: even if you don’t plan your whole trip using points, you should always be collecting them. Whether it’s through a credit card, an airline, or a hotel stay—points add up faster than you think. They’ve helped us score free flights, room upgrades, and even whole vacations. This issue is all about how we earn (and use!) both nonbranded and branded points—and why you should be collecting...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, We’re halfway through the year, and it’s the perfect time to round up what you loved most. These are the top 10 blog posts from Travel Must Do's you’ve read, saved, and shared the most in 2025. If you missed any, now’s the time to catch up—especially if you’ve got a road trip, cruise, or flight coming up. ✅ Best Time to Avoid Traffic when Driving Thru Atlanta, GA ✅ 29 Best Restaurants In or Near Ka’anapali, Maui ✅ The Ultimate Rose Parade and Rose Bowl First-Time Visitor Guide ✅ 5...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Let’s talk luggage—because having the right bag makes travel so much smoother. Whether you're hopping on a budget flight or packing for two weeks abroad, the right piece of luggage keeps you organized, saves space, and helps avoid baggage drama. I’m sharing what I personally use, plus tips on when to carry on, when to check a bag, and my favorite underseat bags for budget airlines and regional jets. 🧳 My Favorite Travel Bags (Yes, I own all of these) 🧠 Underseat Carry-On Picks...
3 months ago • 4 min read
Hi Reader, Planning a trip can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Over the years, I’ve developed a simple, stress-free system that helps me go from “Where should we go?” to “Let’s book it” without the chaos. Here are my go-to tips and tricks that save time, money, and frustration when planning any trip: Start with the experience, not the destination - Instead of asking where to go, ask what you want to do. Do you want beaches or mountains? City lights or quiet nature? Adventure or...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, If you’ve been dreaming of waking up in a new place every day without packing and unpacking constantly, it might be time to book a cruise. Summer and early fall are perfect seasons to set sail—fewer crowds, better weather, and more deals. Here are some of my top cruise recommendations for 2025 based on personal experience and traveler favorites: Greek Isles Cruise For crystal-clear waters, postcard-perfect villages, and ancient ruins, you can’t beat a cruise through the Greek...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Long flights can be challenging, but with the right gear, they become so much more manageable. Over the years, I’ve tested a lot of travel accessories, and these are the five flight must-haves I never board without. Whether you’re flying cross-country or across the ocean, these items keep things organized, comfortable, and hassle-free. Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds - They’re lightweight, have great sound, and last up to 12 hours—perfect for in-flight movies or music. I love the...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, A quick reminder: Starting today, May 7, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative (like a valid passport) to board any U.S. domestic flight. Without it, you could face long delays, extra screening, or miss your flight altogether. Need more info? REAL ID options: tsa.gov/real-id Passport info: travel.state.gov/passport Double-check your ID today so you’re ready to travel without a hitch. Until next time,Melodie Travel Must Do’s P.S. Join the Travel...
4 months ago • 1 min read