Hi Reader, Before the Christmas Day rush kicks in, I wanted to send you a quick note to wish you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season. This community has grown so much over the past year, and I’m genuinely thankful for your support, your messages, and the joy you share about exploring the world. We’ll be celebrating with family on Christmas Eve, then spending Christmas Day at an NFL game. It feels like the perfect mix of cozy and fun with a bit of travel. I hope your holiday plans...
27 days ago • 1 min read
Hi , Black Friday and Cyber Monday are here, and this week is one of the best times to save on travel gear and travel bookings. I rounded up the Amazon products I use myself and added my favorite cashback tools. If you want to stretch your budget for your next trip, this is the week to do it. Black Friday Cyber Monday Travel Specials I Recommend These are three products I take on every trip. All three have Black Friday Cyber Monday pricing this week. UPack Backpack This lightweight backpack...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, I just got back from my latest cruise a couple of weeks ago, and if you’re planning a cruise to the Bahamas or the Caribbean, this issue brings together a few helpful updates and the cabin essentials I never sail without. Whether your itinerary includes Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay, Nassau, or a departure from Port Canaveral, these tips can help you make the most of your trip. A Quick Update From the Bahamas On my latest cruise, we were scheduled to sail from Port Canaveral to...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Fall is one of my favorite times to travel — cooler weather, changing leaves, smaller crowds, and great deals! Whether you’re chasing vibrant foliage, squeezing in a warm beach getaway before winter, or cheering at a stadium game, there are plenty of amazing destinations to explore this season. Here are a few Travel Must Do’s for your fall travel list. 🏔️ Best Fall Destinations to Visit 1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina This is one of the best spots...
3 months ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, On almost every trip, there are a few mobile apps I can’t do without. From booking flights and hotels to finding the nearest restroom, these apps make travel easier and less stressful. Here are the ones I recommend keeping on your phone. Best Mobile Apps for Travel General AppsThese cover the basics: Airlines – download your airline’s app for mobile boarding passes, flight updates, and seat selection. Hotels – Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and other hotel apps let you book, check in,...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Stadium events aren’t just about the show—they’re an experience. The energy of the crowd, the traditions, and the memories made are part of what makes travel special. Recently, we’ve been lucky enough to attend two very different, but equally unforgettable games. If you’re planning to attend a stadium event while traveling—whether a game or a concert—here’s what I learned and what I recommend. First up was a preseason NFL matchup—Commanders vs. Bengals. It may not have been the...
4 months ago • 3 min read
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...
5 months 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...
5 months 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...
6 months ago • 3 min read