Blog

Your go-to destination for authentic travel insights, adventures, and unique experiences. On the blog, we explore the world with curiosity, capturing the beauty, flavors, and stories that make each journey unforgettable. Whether you’re seeking travel tips, restaurant reviews, or inspiration for your next getaway, join me as I uncover the truth behind every trip—one destination at a time.

Kayla Nixon Kayla Nixon

Staycation: St. Gregory Hotel, Washington D.C.

Tagged as “Sophisticated Design Meets Historic Culture,” the 4-star St. Gregory Hotel is an incredibly chic stay perfectly situated between Dupont Circle, the West End, and Georgetown. With convenient access to local restaurants and shops, a gorgeous restaurant and bar space inside the hotel, full fitness center and more, the St. Gregory is one of the best stays you'll find in Washington D.C.

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National Kayla Nixon National Kayla Nixon

Holidays in NYC: Top 8 Tips for New York at Christmas

Plan your dream NYC Christmas with these top 8 tips. Budget for holiday markets and entertainment, be mindful of the possibility of snow in the city, and wear your most comfortable layers for the best experience. Maximize your time by walking and build the perfect itinerary to make the most of the holiday season in the Big Apple!

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National Kayla Nixon National Kayla Nixon

A Magical Christmas in New York: 10 Activities for the Ultimate Holiday Experience

Christmas in the Big Apple is nothing short of magical. Explore charming holiday markets in Central Park, Bryant Park, Union Square, Grand Central Terminal. Witness the glorious Rockefeller Center tree, stop by Radio City Music Hall, and be enchanted by Fifth Avenue holiday window displays. The most unforgettable Christmas in the city that never sleeps starts here.

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Planning Planning

A Black Woman's Guide to Choosing Travel Experiences and Activities

When I browse social media these days, I’m particularly proud to see Black women travel everywhere you can think of, but more importantly, liberating ourselves to experience any and everything the world has to offer. When you choose experiences, you’ll want to think about adventure, connecting with your heritage, supporting local businesses and immersing yourself in a way that’s enriching and memorable.

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Guide, National Guide, National

A Guide To Joshua Tree, California | The Basics

Joshua Tree is on the map as the perfect getaway to do just that- get away. There’s nothing but desert and hiking trails, so essentially a trendy call of the wild. It sits between the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert and is named for the yucca tree that, in my mind, resembles something out of a Dr. Seuss book. There are a few things to know, but most important to note is that this is a place you go to explore and commune with nature.

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7 Things To Do In Joshua Tree, California | National Park, Museums, Integratron

Joshua Tree is an interesting place that I would say is all about exploration. Most of your activities will be outdoors and more or less just things to see and take in. You won’t find very typical vacation activities here, so my suggestion is to be open minded going into the trip about what you’ll be able to do. Get into the peculiar art culture, hike a trail or two, or experience a hypnotic sound bath.

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Food Food

What To Eat In Cartagena, Columbia

In Cartagena, I booked a street food tour because that’s where all of the food emphasis is in this city. That’s not to say there aren’t some great restaurants; it’s just that street food is where you’ll find the standout recipes that are likely passed down through families, generations and years of tradition.

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Guide Guide

A Guide To San Juan, Puerto Rico | The Basics

For a trip to the Caribbean, Puerto Rico will be one of your most convenient options considering you don’t need a passport or proof of vaccination to enter and leave, Uber operates in the main part of the city and to and from the airport, and Old San Juan is one of the safest and most walkable places I’ve ever been.

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Food Food

Where To Eat In San Juan, Puerto Rico | Restaurants & Cafes

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.

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National National

Things To Do In Charleston, South Carolina | Historical Sites, Beaches & More

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.

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National National

Staycation: National Harbor

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.

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Walks Walks

A Walk In Montego Bay, Jamaica

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.

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Travel Safety Travel Safety

Navigating Catcalling While Traveling: Empowering Safety for Black Women

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.

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Food Food

8 Black Owned Restaurants To Try In Los Angeles

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.

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National National

Exploring the Magic of the Pacific Coast Highway: What Is So Special About It?

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.

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Health Health

Travel Helped Me Grieve: Here's How

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.

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Prepping Prepping

5 Surprising Things To Do For A More Comfortable Flight

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.

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Walks Walks

A Walk In San Juan La Laguna

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.

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