Puerto Rico’s cuisine is a captivating blend of indigenous Taino, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, creating a mouthwatering tapestry of dishes. You’ll want to try beloved local dishes like mofongo, made with fried green plantains, savory sauce and seafood, or lechón, the famous roasted pig slow-cooked to perfection.

Charleston is a historic South Carolina city marked by colorful antebellum homes and architectural design, cobblestone roads, extensive beach access, a rich culture of southern comfort food, and nightlife at King Street. From Folly Beach and Isle of Palms to Rainbow Row and The Battery to Angel Oak Tree and the Ravenel Bridge, it's a charmingly beautiful, slow-paced, tourist city to explore.

My therapist challenged me to do a solo getaway in 2019 and I chose Washington D.C. as a staycation, this time solo. From Richmond, Virginia, it’s only about a two hour drive so it’s very possible to fit many activities into one short trip; however, my goal was to relax, so I’ll share the few things I did.

Jamaica is a breathtaking country, and while there, I learned so much about the culture including the flag's symbolism, the origins of jerk food, of which I had my fill, and of course I heard the music of the great Bob Marley.

Unfortunately, one of the challenges women often face is catcalling, which has a tendency to make some women feel uncomfortable, objectified, and unsafe. It can happen anywhere, but I have most experienced it internationally where certain behaviors are more culturally engrained and locals are very much drawn to tourists. The most important thing is our safety, so let’s get into preparedness tips and ways to cope when catcalling happens.

I started traveling solo back in 2019, and one of the first things I did was add a first aid kit to my packing routine. The kit has evolved over time, but make no mistake that it has come in handy on more than one occasion. Accidents and minor illnesses can happen at any time, so I’ve got a list of twelve things I always have in my travel first aid kit.

In truth, LA is not at all my first thought when I think of places that have excellent food in general but especially Black food. I’ve been to LA enough now (more than anywhere else) to have tried a few different restaurants, and these eight are the best I’ve come across over the last couple years if you’re looking for soul food or a down home feel. Each in a different part of the city, you’ll find similar menu items, but each has its own unique flavor and charm.

The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, is a legendary road trip. That would explain why it makes the list of most traveled road trips every year. Stretching along the stunning coastline of California, this destination is truly something like a dream. Unmatched landscapes, hidden location gems, and carefree vibes are the perfect vacation package for adventure and spontaneity.

Traveling through grief is a reminder that we have the power to embark on a journey of self-discovery and find healing as we interact with the richness of the world around us. Even in far-flung corners of the world, in different languages, in unfamiliar environments, you can connect through shared experiences, laughter, and heartfelt conversations. You can find a sense of belonging, something easily misplaced in the early stages of grief. Traveling is a lasting reminder that in your darkest moments, the world can be a source of light.

People aren’t clamoring to ride in an airbus just to be doing it; the reward of flying is always the destination. The more you fly, the more you figure out tricks to personalize the experience and make it as comfortable as possible. Getting through the airport can be simplified by doing certain things, but getting comfortable on board requires another set of personalized things that make sure you have a smooth flight to your destination.

It’s dynamic. It’s kaleidoscopic. It’s spirited. It’s San Juan La Laguna. From the time I stepped off the boat onto the dock, I could feel the vibration of the village. It appeared that more people were arriving than leaving, and that was both simultaneously a good indication that I would love it but that I also might have an itch to stay.

For centuries, Mayan women have kept alive the tradition of weaving that produces some of the most globally recognized textiles. At a glance, it may appear these clothing pieces are fairly similar, but coming to understanding the history and culture of Guatemala and having the opportunity to take a closer look at textiles from several villages, you can glean that these textiles are far more complex and representative of more than you can imagine.

There are at least eleven villages surrounding Lake Atitlán, and you might visit them all for different reasons. I made it to four during my trip to Guatemala and was amazed at how each village could be described as having its very own personality: Panajachel with its familiar vibe, illusory San Juan La Laguna, beguiling San Pedro, and reticent Santiago.

Guatemala is a Central American country just underneath Mexico that is home to Mayan culture, volcanoes, delicious coffee and so much more. It is one of the largest countries in Central America and hosts the most populous urban area, Guatemala City. There is so much to explore in Guatemala, but here are ten things I learned while there that I found most interesting.

Guatemala is fairly simple to navigate, even with limited Spanish. It can be as cheap or as expensive as you’d like depending on how you travel, but it’s important to note that your money can go a long way here. Convenient transportation like tuc tucs and chicken buses or meals at the local market rather than at restaurants are both ways to stretch your money.

Aside from visits to local markets and Mayan villages, taking a Guatemalan cooking class was as cinematic as it sounds. When I think about travel, food is almost synonymous, and it presents a unique opportunity to understand the history and culture of a new place through its best dishes.

In The Bahamas, a tour guide with a sense of humor may convince you to try something that looks and feels similar to a worm. In my case, the tour guide refused to tell me what I was trying and made me eat three before he even gave me a hint. Would you try conch pistols? They’re said to be an aphrodisiac, but I’m still deciding if the bragging rights were worth it.

Staying healthy has obviously always been important, but post-pandemic, it’s even more critical, especially when traveling abroad. I never get sick, and I owe it to a great immune system, but also to a few things I do on and in between trips to boost my immune system and overall health and wellness.

I’ve been wanting to take a vacation to a Getaway House since I first saw the ad on Instagram a couple years ago. I loved how the cabins looked and how it just seemed like the perfect opportunity to be off the grid. I’ve been describing it as the perfect median between camping and glamping (“glam camping”) because you get the experience of being in nature, cooking outdoors, hiking, etc. but the comfort of returning to a home with running water, shower, kitchen and beds.

Stacks of fruit. Heaps of seaweed. Rustic furniture. Raw charm. Tulum is naturally beautiful in the way a place or thing doesn’t have to try hard to be anything but what it is. Being here urges you to acknowledge the balance between ancient and neo-bohemia. What you see is what you get. No more. No less. Take it or leave it.