Tired of feeling rushed and exhausted on vacation? I plan every trip around daily rhythm—not a packed itinerary. Here’s how I build space for rest, spontaneity, and slow travel magic, even with a toddler in tow.

The first few hours in a new city set the tone for your entire trip. Instead of rushing to check off landmarks, I take time to settle in, wander my neighborhood, and find my rhythm. From dropping off bags to discovering a favorite café, here’s how grounding yourself first can make every other moment more meaningful.

Choosing the right neighborhood isn’t just about convenience—it’s about how you want to feel each day of your trip. Whether you’re craving quiet mornings with local cafés or easy access to major sights, the area you stay in can completely shape your experience. Here’s how I find the perfect balance between local charm, safety, and walkability—because where you stay matters just as much as what you see.

I love the simplicity of a capsule wardrobe while traveling—but I’m still bringing at least 1 pretty dress that makes me feel like me. Here’s how I pack light, stay comfortable, and still feel stylish on the road, with real-world tips (like my must-have Spanx and go-to walking shoes).

Travel days don’t have to be chaotic. With the right prep and a few real-life strategies (learned the hard way!), I’ve figured out how to make travel days smoother, calmer, and even kind of enjoyable. Here’s exactly how I plan for comfort, flexibility, and sanity—especially with a toddler in tow.

Some of the best travel moments aren’t planned—they’re felt. From lingering in a Parisian café to strolling without a destination, I’ve learned that leaving space to do “nothing” often leads to the most meaningful memories. Here’s why I always build room for stillness and spontaneity in every trip.

You’ve booked the flights and picked the hotel—but are you asking the right questions before you go? These 8 often-overlooked travel questions can make or break your trip—from how you’ll get around to where you’ll store your bags after checkout.

Airbnb can be an incredible way to travel—more space, local charm, and great value. But it’s not always the right fit. Here’s how I decide when to book a vacation rental versus a hotel, based on trip length, group size, convenience, and comfort.

Your hotel check-in is more than just picking up keys—it’s a golden opportunity to get local insight. From safety tips to the best food in the neighborhood, here are 5 simple questions I always ask the front desk to make my stay smoother, safer, and way more fun.

When it was just Jake and me, I was a pretty laid-back traveler. But now that we’re exploring the world with our daughter, Kiah, safety looks a little different—and a lot more intentional. From door locks to travel insurance, here are 10 small things I pack (or prep!) for every trip to give our family peace of mind—and help us travel with confidence, not anxiety.

New York City is one of those places you can visit a dozen times and still feel like you’ve only just begun. I’ve been twice—once for Christmas magic with my husband and brother, and again for a quick weekend with Jake—and each trip left me more in love with the city’s energy, diversity, and endless stories. From sunset walks across the Brooklyn Bridge to Irish coffee pit stops in Midtown, this post dives into my favorite moments, tips, and why I’m already planning my next visit this fall.

Many people assume that travel is an unattainable luxury, but the reality is that with the right planning, it can be far more affordable than you think. The cost of a trip depends on several factors—destination, travel style, seasonality, and how strategically you book. Flights often make up 30-40% of a trip’s cost, while accommodations and activities account for the rest. Smart travelers reduce expenses by using points and miles, booking during off-peak seasons, and mixing budget-friendly stays with luxury experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of a five-star honeymoon or a budget-friendly backpacking trip, understanding what travel really costs can help you plan smarter and make your dream trip a reality.

Your honeymoon should be the trip of a lifetime, not a last-minute stress fest! Between wedding planning, budget balancing, and endless travel options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. In this guide, I break down exactly how to plan a seamless, stress-free honeymoon, from booking at the right time to choosing a destination that fits your style. Plus, I share insider tips on saving money, maximizing travel rewards, and making sure every moment is unforgettable. Or better yet—let me handle the details so you can simply enjoy your first adventure as newlyweds! ✈️

Planning a trip sounds exciting, but the reality of researching flights, comparing hotels, and organizing logistics can quickly become overwhelming. A travel planner takes the stress out of the process by handling the details—securing the best deals, curating personalized itineraries, and ensuring every part of your trip runs smoothly. Instead of spending hours second-guessing your choices, you can relax knowing that your vacation is expertly planned to maximize your time, budget, and experience. Let’s make your next trip effortless—message me to get started!

Dreaming of your next adventure but worried about the cost? The truth is, you don’t have to wait years to save up—with the right strategy, you can travel now and pay smart!

By leveraging travel reward credit cards, we’ve booked flights for as little as 5K points, flown to Egypt for just $92, and saved thousands on dream destinations. Plus, with flex pay options, you can lock in your trip now and pay over time—often with low or no interest.

While saving up is always a great plan, sometimes it’s just not realistic in today’s economy—and let’s be honest, tomorrow isn’t promised! If you’re ready to make your travel dreams a reality, message me for credit card referral links and flexible booking options to start planning your next trip! ✈️🌍

Packing light is a skill I’ve refined over years of travel, but let’s be real—this guide is about to see some changes now that we’re traveling with Kiah! Even so, I still plan to stick to my carry-on-only strategy. From learning the hard way that backpacking wasn’t for us to finding the perfect balance with a roller suitcase and a personal item, this guide walks you through exactly what to bring, what to leave behind, and how to pack smarter—whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family on the go.

Think you have to quit your job to travel the world? Think again. You don’t need unlimited time off or a remote job to explore new places—you just need a smart strategy. By using long weekends, maximizing PTO, and making travel a priority, you can fit multiple trips into your year without sacrificing your career. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to travel more while keeping your 9-to-5, plus why investing in travel is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Trip Abroad

Traveling internationally for the first time is exciting but overwhelming. Between visas, currency exchanges, and foreign customs, it’s easy to overlook key details that can make or break your trip. Avoid common first-time traveler mistakesby following these expert travel tips to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.

Your kids are only this age once. Your parents are only this young once. The time to make memories isn’t someday—it’s now. Growing up, my mom made sure we had family traditions like summer trips to Mammoth Lakes and visiting relatives every year. Those trips weren’t extravagant, but they were consistent, and they became the foundation of my best childhood memories. Now, I want to pass that same sense of adventure and connection on to my own family.

Losing Jake’s dad was devastating. They had always talked about taking dirt biking trips together, but that someday never came. That loss made us realize how fragile time is—we couldn’t keep waiting for the “right moment” to live our lives. So in 2022, we stopped postponing and finally took the trips we had dreamed of, because tomorrow isn’t promised, but today is.