Travel Tips

Think you’re a savvy traveler? Read a few of these posts and see if you don’t learn a little something new!

Budget Tips

How to Get What You Paid for in Your Travels

Here are the key ways that we make sure we get what we pay for in our global and domestic travels!
The Best Ways to Save Money When You’re Traveling

You saved for that trip, now you need to save at your destination. Here’s how!
Exactly How to Have a Great Trip on a Tight Budget

The number one misconception about travel is this: Travel is expensive.
The Best Tips for Traveling on a Budget

Travel is for anyone who wants it.
The Ultimate Tips for Going Car-free on Your Next Trip

To make sure you’re able to have a great, car-free trip, here are my top tips for you!
The 10 Ultimate Worst Money Wasters on Travel

We’ve all done it–don’t feel bad!
How to Love Your Staycation

We’re all pretty much over this quarantine business, but as a result of quarantine, a lot of us are also short on cash. Enter: the Staycation.
The Top 5 Ways to Travel without Leaving Home

Everyone who loves to travel gets it… that itch. That travel bug bites, and it’s impossible to shake that feeling that you need to travel! Unfortunately for those of us who live in the real world, travel is not always an option. Or is it?
Can I Use the US Dollar Abroad?

The US Dollar is the most widely accepted currency in the world. There are some countries outside the United States that not only take the US Dollar, but there are some who use it for their country’s currency!

Couple Travel

Where to Travel According to Your Love Language

If you’re also a fan of any of the 5 Love Language books, I hope you’ll find some inspiration for future travels!
The World’s Best Hotels for Couples

If you’re looking for a romantic place to go with your honey this year, here are the best ones.
How to Plan the Perfect Valentine’s Day Getaway

Here’s your guide to exactly how make big plans for you and your honey!
The Secrets to Happy Couple Travel

Okay, no couples are perfect. But that’s okay! It is possible to travel with the person you love and still love them afterward.
10 Most Romantic Travel Experiences

What’s romantic to you? Travel is how my sweet husband Steve and I show love for each other.
How to Choose the Ultimate Anniversary Getaway

If you’re looking for a fantastic place to spend your anniversary in the coming years, this post has all the inspiration you’ll need!
Ultimate Travel Couple Bucket List

Looking for some adventures to have with your loved one? There are definitely some bucket list items out there that are best experienced as a couple, and I hope you’ll find that this list is your ultimate guide!
Where to Get Engaged in Verona

Ah, love! It’s beautiful, it’s fun, and it’s, well, lovely! Our Valentine’s trip to Verona was an absolute dream, and I kept thinking, “Wow! What a great spot to get engaged!” and, “Wow! What a beautiful view for an engagement! So if you’re planning an engagement or a trip to Verona, here are a few…
The World’s Most Perfect Honeymoons

I left the honeymoon planning up to my sweet, soon-to-be husband, and he did a fantastic job! So whether you or the love of your life will be the one planning your honeymoon, here are some suggestions to help you dream!
The Flight for True Love

Originally published 5 February 2014. This is the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for me! While I was sorry to leave Val, and I was so thankful for her and her Steve’s hospitality, I was looking forward to getting home to see my Steve when he picked me up at the airport in…

Destination Ideas

The Best Trips for Animal Lovers

Want to make some animal friends in your travels? Check out these epic trips!
The Ultimate List of 30 Trips to Take in Your 30s

Your life situation may be different in your 30s than it was in your 20s, and so should your travels be.
5 Reasons Why Everyone Needs an Island Getaway

I can’t say enough positive things about vacationing on an island
The Best Cities in the World to Travel Without a Car

It’s more important than ever to find destinations that do not require a car when you get there.
The Best U.S. Destinations to Visit Without a Rental Car

If your favorite didn’t make my list, please add it in the comments section!
The Top 10 Places I Could Visit Again and Again

There are two kinds of travelers: those who always want to go somewhere new, and those who only want to go back to “their place.” It has to be “their coffee shop,” “their breakfast spot,” “their restaurant,” “their beach.” To each his own, I say!
The World’s Most Overrated Travel Destinations

“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” —Susan Sontag. I don’t know about everywhere, actually. There are some places that just don’t pique my interest. And while I’ve never been one to follow the crowd and do something just because it’s popular, sometimes I do want to see for myself what all the…
10 Trips Every Traveler Should Take

If you need some travel inspiration to help you plan your next trips, here’s the short list!
Epic Landscapes of the World

There’s one thing that can make even the most oblivious traveler stop in their tracks and stand in awe: epic landscapes.
Ruined: Beauty in the Broken Places

Do you like ruins?
Most Underrated Travel Destinations

We love them: the underdog, the hidden gem, the secret wonder so few know about! In my travels, I’ve discovered a few places like this.
The Top 5 Trips for Positive Vibes

Hopefully every trip you take leaves you feeling exhilarated, accomplished, and longing for more experiences just like it!
10 Trips to Take in College

College… your last chance to be a kid without adults giving you the stink-eye about it!
10 Life-changing Trips

In hopes of inspiring you, here are my top 10 picks for life-changing trips around the world.
The Ultimate 20 Trips to Take in Your 20s

Here is my list of 20 trips to take in your 20s to challenge yourself to become your best you!

Essential Travel Skills

The Best Tips for Taking Public Transportation Anywhere in the World

Whether you’ve never used public transportation or you find yourself needing to learn a form of public transportation you’re not used to, it can be intimidating.
5 Tips for Shopping Local When You Travel

I’ve pulled together some tips for shopping local in your upcoming travels.
The Best Things about Jet Lag

When you know how to use it to your advantage, you win!
10 Essential Blog Posts All Travelers Need to Read

If you’re like me, you don’t like to waste your time!
9 Habits of Successful Travelers

We were all beginners once, you know? Even the most well traveled person began their journey with a first trip ever.
7 Travel Rules You Don’t Know Until Someone Tells You

Everyone was a beginner at some point, even the most seasoned traveler!
Ultimate Guide to Travel Lingo

Every field has its own lingo. But with travel lingo, every traveler needs to be able to decipher it. So next time you look at your boarding pass or try to read a travel blog, just refer to this post and you’ll be in the know in no time!
Words to Learn in the Local Language

Confession: I am only fluent in English. Braggadocious moment: I can say “Thank you” in 18 languages!
How to Read a Map

This week’s tip involves something near and dear to my heart: map reading!
The 5 Ultimate Habits of Flexible Travelers

Savvy travelers are above all flexible. Here are 5 ways you can improve your globe trotting experience with a little flexibility!

Passports and Visas

How to Get Your Passport Fast

Need your passport in a hot minute? Here’s how to make it happen.
How to Apply for an Australian Tourist Visa

In case you haven’t heard yet… I’m headed to Australia and New Zealand this week! I have two long layovers in Sydney, Australia, on my way to and from Christchurch, New Zealand, and I may be making my way back Down Under in the next few months, so I needed to get a Tourist Visa.
How to Renew Global Entry

My husband’s Global Entry was set to expire this year, so I decided to document his renewal process so you will know what to expect!
How to Apply for Global Entry

Are you ready to revolutionize (and speed up) your travels? Global Entry is just the thing for you!
What To Do When You Lose Your Passport

This week it’s all about expecting the unexpected and preparing for the one of the worst possible travel scenarios: losing your passport.
How to Get an Impossible Visa

Think you can’t visit the country you want because you’re not allowed to get the visa? Don’t give up hope!
The Traveler’s Ultimate Guide to Passports

I’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know so you can start traveling the world without limits!
How to Get a Tourist Visa

So you’re wondering how to go about getting a tourist visa. Do I need one? How soon should I start the process? Do I seriously have to send my passport?

Personal Care

The Most Scandalous Things Women Need for Travel

Read to the end… I saved the most scandalous one for last!
How to Practice Self Care on Travel

Travel is one of my favorite parts of life, but much like exercise, it’s hard on the body after a while!
The Ultimate List of Tips for Traveling with Curly Hair

We all want what we don’t have. Hair is one of those things we don’t get to choose for ourselves, making it one of the more frustrating things!
Perfect Trips Aren’t Planned

Unfortunately, I have learned over the years that no amount of planning can make for a perfect trip. So…
How to Travel and Still Have Good Hygiene!

Okay, ladies, let’s talk about it. All of it. We all deal with ourselves when we travel, and it can be kind of gross!

Top Travel Tips

The Best Tips for Taking Public Transportation Anywhere in the World

Whether you’ve never used public transportation or you find yourself needing to learn a form of public transportation you’re not used to, it can be intimidating.
The Most Common Mistakes When Planning Travel (and how to avoid them!)

Here’s my list of common travel mistakes and how to avoid them in your future travel planning!
Top 10 Ultimate Road Trip Tips

Whether you’re desperate to get out, afraid to fly at the moment, or you finally bought that RV you’ve always wanted, here are my best tips for taking to the open road!
Your Ultimate 2020 Travel Essentials

While I’m not trying to promote unnecessary or unsafe travel, I do think that is you’re going to travel right now, it’s good to be prepared! So I decided to pull together a list of the most essential items to put on your COVID travel packing list. Here you go!
The Best Hotel Luxuries

There’s nothing better than coming back after a long day to a freshly-made bed… that I didn’t have to make! That is luxury to me. What says luxury to you?
How to Savor Your Travels

In an effort to truly savor our travels from here on out, and to help you do the same, here’s your list of ways to savor your travels—because we will never take travel for granted again, will we?
The Business of Traveling for Good

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with my dear friend and fellow entrepreneur Jillian Ryan, of Marie Mae Company, for her incredible Good Office Podcast! We talked about doing good in our travels, and I gave a few little-known tips for being a responsible traveler, wherever you find yourself.
What I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started Traveling

I have recently passed my 14th blogging anniversary. I know, I can’t believe it either!
How to Make a Business Trip Fun

Maybe it seems impossible, maybe it seems like it’s against the rules (it’s not), but no excuse is a good one. Here is the short list of the best ways to make the most of your next business trip!
5 Practical Ways to Travel Sustainably

I know, I know. You have a million people and companies and advocates basically yelling at you to save the planet, but very few of them are kindly explaining some practical ways to do that. So I decided to do that.
Tips for Flying with Gifts

I don’t know about you, but I love finding that perfect gift for my friends and family, whether it’s for a birthday, Christmas, or just because.
Travel Mistakes (You May Be Making)

No one likes to be corrected–perhaps especially not me! But no one also likes to do the wrong things–perhaps especially when traveling and being outside of what is familiar.
Why It’s Okay to Be a Tourist

I’m about to make some “travelers” very mad. As a travel blogger, I try to read other travel blogs to keep up-to-date and perhaps find some travel tips or inspiration. But lately I’ve read more and more articles that attempt to “tourist shame.”
Surviving Rainy Day Travels

I have never found a way to truly appreciate cloudy or rainy days when I’m traveling, since I always want to get picture-perfect photos and I just love the sun! But sometimes you just have to roll with it.
Jet Lag: Your Secret Travel Weapon

Do you love jet lag? Neither do we! It seems like the older I get, the more jet lag effects me. But there are a few ways to use jet lag to our advantage. Nothing should stop you when you travel!
The Best Apps for Travelers

This week we are going hi-tech and letting you in on some awesome travel apps to help you be a savvy and efficient traveler!
The Beauty of a Weekender

Today I’m letting you in on some of the reasons why weekend trips are so awesome. Steve and I frequently take quick trips to places we’ve never been, and inevitably we get looks of shock and the exclamation, “But that’s not enough time to really know a city!” Or the ever-popular, “But why would you…

Travel Advice

How Travel Helped Me Heal from a 22-year Eating Disorder

How’s that for a click-bait title, yes? Usually I stay away from titles like that, but sometimes you need the shock factor.
7 Things Your Tour Guide Wants You to Know

Here are the things that your ghost, house, and walking tour guides want you to know!
The Top 10 Things a Traveler Should Never Do

“Never say never,” right? Well, that’s not always true!
The Most Important Lessons Travel Has Taught Me

They say you learn something new every day… And on every trip!
How to Think Outside the Box for Travel Solutions

Anyone can be this kind of traveler if they want to be. Here’s how!
The Worst Travel Advice You Should Never Follow

Here are the worst pieces of travel advice I’ve actually heard!
The Top 10 Guaranteed Ways to Ruin Any Trip

Be forewarned so you don’t ruin your—and everyone else’s—trip!
The Top 5 Ways to Bounce Back from a Bad Trip: The Ultimate Guide to Making It Better

Here are 5 ways I’ve found to bounce back from a bad trip. I hope they help you, too!
The Ultimate Harsh Truths about Travel

The sooner you know the truth, the better!
How to Get the Most Out of Your Trip

From planning to actually being there, here’s how to get the most out of your next trip!
The Best Advice for New Travelers

If you’re thinking of trying out this travel thing, here’s my best advice!
The Best Reasons to Be an Early Bird on Vacation

Maybe you’ll want to see what it’s like to be an early bird once in a while!
How We’re Leaving 2020 Better Than We Found It

Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints…
How to Be Your Own Travel Advocate

I’m about to blow your mind with travel advice that’s also life advice. These two little tidbits will get you through some rough patches, help you think outside the box (or travel outside the suitcase!), and keep you from being disappointed in many situations—travel or no travel!
5 Ways to Embrace Cultural Differences

One of the most fascinating parts of travel is experiencing a new culture. Similarly, one of the scariest things about traveling for some people is experiencing a new culture. So here’s a little guide for how to navigate it all!
How to Savor Your Travels

In an effort to truly savor our travels from here on out, and to help you do the same, here’s your list of ways to savor your travels—because we will never take travel for granted again, will we?
7 Travel Rules You Don’t Know Until Someone Tells You

Everyone was a beginner at some point, even the most seasoned traveler!
What I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started Traveling

I have recently passed my 14th blogging anniversary. I know, I can’t believe it either!

Travel Lists

The Ultimate Traveler’s Bucket List

How many have you checked off so far, and how many do you have to go?
The Ultimate Foodie Destinations Around the World

If you’re a foodie like me, it might be fun to pick your next trip based on a destination’s foodie-friendliness.
The Luckiest Things that Ever Happened to Us on Travel

The short answer: YES! Here are some of the luckiest things that ever happened to us in all our travels, whether solo or together.
The Most Interesting Ways We Got Creative on Travel

Truly, part of the fun of travel is the journey!
Steve’s Best Travel Moments

Tomorrow is Steve’s birthday! Woohoo! Fun fact: It’s also my mom’s birthday! Woohoo!
Quick Whit’s Best Travel Moments

I’ve also found reminiscing about past trips to be fun and soothing, with the added bonus of appreciating all the amazing things I’ve been able to do over my last 14 years of travel. Check out my top 10 list of my favorite travel moments!
What I Love About Travel

I am grateful for the travels and adventures I’ve had up to now. Travel has given me so much, and I love everything about it. Here’s the short list!
5 Ways to Surprise Someone with Travel

I love to be surprised, and I love to surprise the people in my life, and it made me think about the best surprise anyone ever gave me, when Steve came to “pick me up” at the Burbank airport when we were newly engaged! He flew across the country just to surprise me, and that…
10 Things Every Traveler Should Know

Some travel by car, some prefer flying, still others take trains, sail, cruise, or even walk! But no matter how you travel, there are just some things that absolutely every traveler should know!
Some Things Travelers Know (That Other People Don’t)

The more you do something, the better you get at it, right? In an industry as changeable and varied as travel, it seems like the rules change all the time; but despite all that, there are a few things travelers know for sure.
My Top 10 Best Travel Hacks

Are you ready for this? I love giving away my travel tips, but I was recently compelled to compile a list of my very top travel hacks–the lifesavers that work every time! Well, this is it. Get ready to travel like a pro!
The 6 Craziest Things that Happen to Travelers

Let’s be practical for a minute. We all know I LOVE to travel, but I’ll be completely honest, there are some uncomfortable and less than convenient parts to traveling.

Travel Tips by Season

Spring

The Best Spring Travel Tips

Here are the best tips to travel in springtime!
The Best Places to Travel in Spring

Whatever your fancy, I’ve got a springtime travel destination for you!

Summer

Sunscreen for Travelers: The Ultimate Guide

I teamed up with my dermatologist to answer all your (sun)burning questions!
The Ultimate Guide for What to Pack for the Beach

Here’s a quick reminder of the things you simply shouldn’t forget for any beach trip!
7 Tips for Traveling in Summer

Summer has always been my favorite season! I was born in the summer. I was free from school in the summer.
The Ultimate Endless Summer Bucket List

Lots of people I know look forward to fall. But not this girl! I’m a summer girl through and through.

Fall

The Ultimate List of Fall Destinations

Whatever you call it, if you’re traveling this season, you’re most likely looking for changing colors on the trees, chillier temperatures, and maybe some maple-flavored items along the way. Here are the best places to travel in the fall–and the autumn!
The Best Tips for Traveling in Fall

Fall is a beautiful time to travel! The leaves are all colors, the mornings are crisp, and the afternoons warm up nicely. But I have to admit, fall is probabaly the hardest season to pack for, and it has a few other challenges as well! But never fear. I have some tips for you to…

Winter

The Best Tips for Traveling at the Holidays

I thought a few tips about traveling at the holidays might be helpful!
The Ultimate Christmas Bucket List for Travelers

Some will have to wait until next year, but some you can do right now!
The Best Tips for Traveling in Winter

Winter travels can be awesome! Whether you like skiing, snowboarding, winter hiking, Christmas markets, or just a lot of snow, winter is a fun time to travel! Here are my best tips—from packing to weather conditions. Take a look, and start planning your winter trip today!
The Ultimate List of the World’s Best Winter Destinations

Sometimes even a summer lover gets a hankering for a frolic in the snow! Here’s a quick run-down of some of the best snowy, wintery places I’ve visited!