I booked a staycation at an all-inclusive castle resort and felt like I'd traveled to Europe without getting on a plane
10 min read
I thought Napa was the gold standard for wine trips. Then, a city in Washington changed what I look for in a vacation.
I was impressed by the vineyards, tasting rooms, and wine in Walla Walla, Washington. My visit was cheaper and as nice as my trip to Napa Valley.
6 min read
I'm a Massachusetts native. Skip Salem and check out this less-crowded neighboring city for Halloween fun.
Instead of visiting Salem, Massachusetts, I suggest checking out Beverly, a less-crowded alternative with great food and amazing Halloween decor.
4 min read
I've been to 3 Bavarian-style villages in the US. They're charming, but just one made me feel like I was in Germany.
I visited towns in the US that feel like Europe: Helen, Georgia; Frankenmuth, Michigan; and Leavenworth, Washington. One transported me to Germany.
4 min read
As a Florida native, I skip Tampa's crowded beaches for this beautiful, lesser-visited spot
I'm from Florida. My favorite place to visit here is Tarpon Springs, which has great Greek food, lots of culture and charm, and beautiful beaches.
3 min read
I've been to Cancún countless times — but I prefer this quieter island about 30 minutes away
I enjoy visiting Cancún, but I've been looking for a place that offers the same clear water with fewer crowds. I found it on an island, Isla Mujeres.
4 min read
I've lived in New England my whole life. I skip Newport for this other coastal city with great food, shopping, and history.
As a New England local, I skip Newport and Bar Harbor and visit a coastal New Hampshire city instead. Portsmouth is less crowded and has lots to do.
4 min read
I've been to several 'dupes' for Switzerland around the US, and none beat the Alpine feel of Washington's North Cascades
America's best mountain area with European Alpine vibes is North Cascades National Park in Washington. It feels like a Switzerland dupe.
5 min read
I went to a quieter Greek island instead of Mykonos and Santorini. I got beautiful beaches without fighting the crowds.
I skipped Mykonos or Santorini and visited Syros, a quieter Greek island. The beaches were stunning, the food was delicious, and it was affordable.
4 min read
I visited a Maryland town in the 'new Hamptons.' This laid-back hidden gem is my new favorite vacation spot.
My family loves visiting Easton, Maryland, a town in the "new Hamptons." We enjoy exploring the downtown shops and sampling the local cuisine.
4 min read
I love visiting the 'Napa of the Midwest.' It's an underrated gem with reasonable prices and fantastic wine.
The Midwest gem Traverse City, Michigan, won me over with its wine, vibes, and prices. The town feels cheaper to visit and as pretty as Napa Valley.
4 min read
I visited the 'Niagara of the West.' It's the perfect way to enjoy a breathtaking waterfall without overwhelming crowds.
I visited Shoshone Falls in Idaho, which is often referred to as the "Niagara of the West." The falls are stunning and there's lots to do in the area.
4 min read
I skip the crowds of Martha's Vineyard to visit a smaller seaside town near Boston. It's less expensive and just as beautiful.
As a New England local, I skip Martha's Vineyard and head to a nearby coastal Massachusetts town instead. Rockport is less crowded and cheaper.
5 min read
I visited the 'Hawaii of the Atlantic,' an island chain only 5 hours from Boston. It felt like an unspoiled paradise.
This nature-filled archipelago is less than 1,000 miles from Portugal, and the direct flights from Boston and New York are less than six hours long.
5 min read
I skip the Hamptons and head to a coastal town in Connecticut instead. It's less crowded and wonderful year-round.
Madison, Connecticut, is easy to get to from New York City and has nice beaches and as many things to do as the Hamptons, just with fewer crowds.
4 min read
As a Nevada local, I always tell people to skip Las Vegas — these 3 destinations are so much better
As a Nevada local, I tell first-time visitors and tourists to skip Las Vegas and go to better places in the state, like Lake Tahoe or Virginia City.
5 min read
I didn't love Mexico City as much as I thought I would. Luckily, I found a smaller, more charming spot nearby.
Mexico City was too crowded for me. So, I'm glad I had Santiago de Querétaro, a smaller city just a short bus ride away, on my travel itinerary.
5 min read
I've traveled to Italy annually for the past 15 years. I always skip Capri for this neighboring island instead.
Ischia, an island in the Gulf of Naples, belongs on your Italy itinerary. It has gorgeous beaches, fewer crowds than Capri, and plenty of sightseeing.
6 min read
My family's favorite vacation spot is a gorgeous strip of beach towns on Mexico's coast. It has something for everyone.
The best underrated beaches and towns to visit in Mexico are in Oaxaca. My family would choose spots like Puerto Angel over Tulum every time.
4 min read