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air travel
With the right knowledge, air travel can be a breeze! Learn all my best air travel hacks here.

solo travel
You don’t need to wait for anyone to join you before you can start having epic solo travel experiences. Get inspired!

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

travel tips
Make the most out of your vacation with these savvy strategies to maximize your time, money, and energy.


Latest from the wanderlust diaries
10 Days in Jordan: A Solo Female Traveler’s Itinerary
In August 2021, I took my very first trip to the Middle East—and like many good adventures, it wasn’t exactly planned months in advance. Quite the opposite, actually. After being named to The Points Guy’s Travel Advisory Panel, I was given a $5,000 stipend to travel anywhere in the world. It was one of those “use it or lose it”…
A Review of the Florida Hotel in Orlando
When I planned my trip to Orlando to visit Discovery Cove, I knew I wanted a hotel that was centrally located, clean, and comfortable—but not overcrowded or overpriced. That’s how I discovered The Florida Hotel & Conference Center, connected to the Florida Mall. My friend and I got there late at night after a long travel day and appreciated how…
Discovery Cove Orlando: Is It Worth It? Guide to Tickets, Attractions & All-Inclusive Perks
Orlando is known for its theme parks, but there’s none quite like Discovery Cove. This is an all-inclusive, tropical escape that blends animal interactions with aquatic relaxation and modern ease. This oasis offers visitors the chance to snorkel with tropical fish, float down a lazy river, hand-feed exotic birds, and even swim with dolphins or sharks. Unlike the hustle and…
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…