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The world is waiting for you to explore it. Find out what wonders await when you venture outside.

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Latest from the wanderlust diaries
7 Best Museums in Grand Rapids, Michigan You Can’t Miss
There are many incredible museums in Grand Rapids, Michigan but in my opinion, these are the 7 you can’t miss. Grand Rapids is a wonderful city for arts, culture, and history. Well curated museums are abound, with interactive and educational exhibits for all ages. As a self-proclaimed exhibit buff, I’ve enjoyed getting lost in a display of toys and games…
Around the World in Madison, Wisconsin: The Perfect Long Weekend Getaway
Madison, Wisconsin is a diverse city filled with residents from different backgrounds and faiths. It’s a collection of worldly influences, flavors, and green spaces that will make you feel like you’re traveling the world, without ever leaving the city. Flying across the ocean is expensive and time consuming, so it’s not always feasible. If you want to feel like you’re…
Best Things to do in Southern Oregon for First-Time Visitors
Southern Oregon is a blend of outdoor adventures, culinary delights, and global cultures. I spent a week in the area, between the cities of Ashland, Medford, and Klamath Falls. I visited in June and summertime is a popular time to visit, but depending on the activities you enjoy there is much to do year-round. Here are some of the best…
Fun things to do in Vancouver, Washington
Did you there’s a Vancouver in the United States? Found in Washington State, it’s just across the bridge from Portland, Oregon and is poised to see similar rapid growth. Vancouver, Washington is located along the Columbia River and has all the elements I look for in a U.S. city — art, innovative cuisine, nature, and history. Here are some fun…
Taking a Kintsugi Class at Taku Nakano Ceramic Arts
The Japanese art of kintsugi is centuries old, but it’s only in recent years that it’s gained popularity across social media. Memes sharing the poignant message behind the practice have gone viral, and one reached me prior to my 10-day trip to Japan. It was a brief but impactful visual introduction. I knew this was an activity I had to…
Trying Giant Cotton Candy at Totti Candy Factory in Tokyo, Japan
When I booked a flight to Japan, I had one culinary delight on my mind. No, not ramen. Not sushi. Not even the cute hot beverages with foaming designs on them. I was looking forward to having a giant rainbow cotton candy bigger than my face in the Harajuku neighborhood of Tokyo. It was a dream come true! Here’s everything…
Taking a Ninja Class at Ninja Dojo and Store in Kyoto, Japan
My trip to Japan was filled with activities that I wanted to do, simply because they looked like fun. Taking a ninja class was one of them! There’s a place called Ninja Dojo in Kyoto, Japan that teaches you the art of the ninja, including espionage and defense, in a training session. I took a one-hour group lesson and it…
Things to do in Havana, Cuba for First-Time Visitors
I visited Havana, Cuba in 2017 and it was a memorable trip. It’s a tough place to describe, with the vibrancy and resiliency of Cuban people juxtaposed against a grim political situation and decades of strife. While there, I took the chance to support as many local businesses as possible. Here are some of the best things I did while…
How to Visit Cuba as an American Citizen
I have to admit, I was nervous about traveling to Cuba. I went to college in Miami and had heard horrors about the regime and life for locals on the island. In 2017, I decided to visit to see Cuba for myself. Restrictions had lessened for Americans and I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to get into country…
How to Swim with Manatees in Crystal River, Florida: A Moon Guides Adventure
I had the pleasure of swimming with manatees in Florida thanks to a collaboration with Hunter Springs Kayaks and Moon Guides. Read on for my full review! There is only one place in the U.S. where you can swim with manatees in the wild – Crystal River, Florida. This is an ethical animal interaction that is worth supporting. Here’s how…
Best Views in Yosemite National Park: 6 Jaw-Dropping Stops You Can’t Miss
I had the pleasure of visiting Yosemite National Park for the first time in partnership with Yosemite Mariposa County. With the help of a local tourism board representative, I was able to see the best the area has to offer in a short time. I visited in November, a great season since most things are still open but there’s more…