Mexico North America

Ultimate Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide For First Timer’s

Drone shot looking over the main Los Muertos beach section of Puerto Vallarta

Planning a fun Mexico getaway to PV? This post covers everything you need to know for your first trip to Puerto Vallarta, so you don’t miss a thing! I honestly still can’t believe I traveled to Mexico over twenty times before making my way to Puerto Vallarta, as it’s quickly become one of my favorite Mexico destinations. What makes Puerto Vallarta so fun is that it blends the best of both worlds when it comes to city life and beach…

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Europe Hungary

What It’s Really Like Visiting the Best Budapest Baths in Winter

Széchenyi bath in Budapest with people lounging in the outdoors pools

You likely already know that Budapest’s baths are one of the city’s top attractions. I mean, it’s called the “City of Spas” after all. But you might be asking yourself, ‘Are they really worth visiting?’ and ‘Should I visit Budapest’s baths in winter time or summer?’ If you’re traveling to the “City of Spas” in the winter, I can tell you from personal experience from our last trip to Budapest that spending an afternoon soaking in the baths is an…

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Accommodation Africa Namibia

The Ultimate Namibia Safari Lodge: Zannier Omaanda Review

Zannier Omaanda's main lodge seating area

Want to know what it’s really like staying at Zannier Omaanda in Namibia? Namibia has so many incredible luxury lodges and activities to offer visitors…so how do you choose? I stayed at three different luxury hotels during my time in Namibia and they all offered something quite unique and exciting. After experiencing them all though, one thing is definitely clear: If wildlife spotting is a priority for your trip, you’ll absolutely want to consider a stay with Zannier Omaanda. Omaanda…

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Accommodation Africa Namibia

Bucket List Stay at Zannier Sonop Namibia: Luxury Hotel Review

Drone shot of luxury safari tents amongst boulders at Zannier Sonop Namibia

Wondering whether a stay at this bucket list Namibia hotel is worth it? Read on for my thorough Zannier Sonop review breaking down everything you can expect from a stay here. Zannier Sonop is an adventure to get to, and usually the best places are. We drove bumpy gravel roads for many hours and many miles, watching the landscape transform from flatter desert vistas to peaks and valleys, before arriving at this gem. The effort it takes to get here,…

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Accommodation Africa Namibia

Gmundner Lodge Namibia Review: A Luxury Safari Experience Like No Other

Drone shot of Gmundner Lodge at sunrise with golden rays

Looking for a thorough and honest Gmundner Lodge Namibia review? I’m here to give you all the details from our recent stay. The truth is, if you’re traveling to Namibia and looking for the ultimate luxury safari lodge experience, then Gmundner Lodge should be #1 on your list. I’ve stayed in hundreds and hundreds of hotels and this property quickly skyrocketed to my top five favorite hotels of all time—their incredible staff, focus on sustainability, and stunning ambiance at every…

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Favorite Products

Reviewing Sterling Pacific’s Gorgeous 40L Carry-On Luggage

Aluminum 40L Sterling Pacific carry-on bag sitting next to a sheepskin covered pouf and in front of a fireplace

As a travel blogger who spends anywhere from 150-200 days on the road per year, having luggage that’s going to make my life easier is a must, which is why I’m excited to share my honest Sterling Pacific luggage review with you after my recent experiences using their 40L carry-on travel case. Having been in the travel blogging space for 8+ years now, I’ve been through allll the trendy affordable luggage brands, but I’m not someone who has ever invested…

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Costa Rica

11 Can’t-Miss Restaurants in Nosara, Costa Rica

View from the outside of La Malacrianza in Nosara

Over the course of the last few years, I’ve spent over a month cumulatively exploring this corner of Costa Rica— and that includes trying as many restaurants in Nosara as I can! I’ll be honest—I’ve traveled to over 50 countries, and Costa Rica cuisine just doesn’t compare to places like France, Italy and Japan. With that said, for a small (and pretty hard to get to) surf town, Nosara has surprisingly tasty food options! In this post I’m going to…

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Accommodation Mexico

Where to Stay in Todos Santos, Mexico (2025): Best Hotels & Airbnbs

Pool bar and deck at the Kimpton Mas Olas resort in Todos Santos, Mexico

Wondering where to stay in Todos Santos? Consider this your comprehensive guide. Todos Santos is one of the most laid-back, sleepy surf towns in all of Mexico, but it’s been growing in popularity and attracting more and more visitors every year. While I’d love for this hidden gem to remain a secret forever, the pro of this rise in popularity is that over the past few years some really amazing hotels have been popping up around town—and I’ve been lucky…

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Europe Hungary

16 Amazing Things to Do in Budapest in Winter

Michelle Halpern sitting at Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest with a big white coat on looking out at the view.

While everyone seems to be hoofing it to Europe for the summer months, visiting in winter holds its own kind of magic—and trust me when I say that traveling to Budapest in winter feels like stepping into a real-life fairytale. We decided to plan our trip to Budapest in winter specifically to visit the Christmas markets, but whether you’re visiting during Christmas or not, this is a city that still shines (or dare I say *sparkles*) this time of year.…

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California USA

23 Fun and Unique Things to do in Palm Springs

Exploring the colorful doorways in Palm Springs, one of the most unique things to do in Palm Springs

Looking to explore some unique things to do in Palm Springs? I’ve got you covered. Being just two hours from Los Angeles, Palm Springs has long been a favorite weekend getaway of mine when I want to escape the city. Palm Springs is one of the most unique places to visit in California in my opinion. Between the scorching desert heat, next level mid-century architecture and quirky retro vibes that characterize the city, Palm Springs has a stamp all its…

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California USA

12 Best Restaurants in Oceanside, California

Seating at the Mission Pacific Rooftop Bar with ocean views in the background

Looking for the absolute best restaurants in Oceanside, CA to check out on your trip? I promise not to steer you wrong with these 12 epic eateries. Oceanside continues to be one of my favorite places to visit in North County San Diego, and the food scene is a big part of that. For such a small, laidback surf town, Oceanside is bursting at the seams with excellent restaurants. From eateries with Michelin Guide nods to more casual fare that’s…

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California USA

A Conscious Traveler’s Guide to Oceanside, California

Sunrise view of the Oceanside Pier and beach

If quintessential Southern California beach vibes, trendy eateries, and a vibrant arts and culture scene are calling to you, then Oceanside, California needs to be on your list. Oceanside has come a long way in the last 20 years. Once a San Diego suburb many would call “rough around the edges,” it’s now a blossoming hub of young business owners, cultural activities and foodie hotspots that attract locals all over San Diego county. This has quickly become one of my…

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California USA

Perfect Long Weekend Guide: Monterey and Carmel, California

View of rocky coast and ocean from Pebble Beach's 17 Mile Drive

Looking for the best ways to spend your time in Monterey and Carmel? I’ve got you covered. As a California resident, this is one corner of the state that I keep returning to over and over again—it’s just that magical! You’ll soon see why as we dive into this guide to an unforgettable long weekend in Monterey and Carmel. Nestled along the breathtaking Central Coast of California, these two towns offer an idyllic blend of natural beauty, charm, and a…

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California USA

Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Sequoia National Park in Winter

Snowy giant sequoia tree in winter

There’s nothing quite like a Sequoia National Park winter. Walking through groves of the largest trees in the world, covered in snow, with little to no crowds is a true winter wonderland experience. No matter what time of the year you visit, this national park offers a magical experience…although, in my opinion, wintertime is super underrated! Since I live in Southern California, it’s not too often that I get to experience snowy weather or freezing temps (not complaining). Every once…

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California USA

Lake Tahoe Winter Guide: Planning Tips, Best Activities + Things to Do

View from the ski slope at Heavenly Mountain Resort - Lake Tahoe winter guide

Planning a Lake Tahoe winter escape? This guide will have you covered with everything you need to know to plan an epic trip! Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite destinations in all of California and it’s a breathtaking destination year-round. However, winter is undoubtedly one of the most magical times to visit. As the snow begins to fall and blankets the area, the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, creating endless opportunities for outdoor activities and unforgettable snow-centric experiences.…

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Mexico North America

27 Absolute Best Things to do in Todos Santos

Colorful streets of Todos Santos with hats and goods lined up outside

Looking for the best things to do in Todos Santos? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Although it has a reputation for being one of Mexico’s more sleepy, off-the-beaten-path beach towns, there are still so many amazing things to do in Todos Santos. By the end of this post you’ll have tons of ideas of ways to make your trip to Todos Santos exciting and activity-filled with all the highlights plus some unique adventures that are a bit more…

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California Nevada USA

12 Lake Tahoe Restaurants with a Scenic View

View of tables overlooking Lake Tahoe at Edgewood Restaurant

After a long day of exploring all the natural beauty that Lake Tahoe has to offer, there’s nothing quite like resting your legs with a delicious lakeside meal and a side of views of the surrounding Sierras. Luckily there are a number of Lake Tahoe restaurants with a view that will make your jaw drop. But here’s the honest truth about the Lake Tahoe food scene: it’s not exactly a foodie mecca. Sure, there are plenty of places to grab…

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