Sacco Pizza is a classic no-nonsense Italian pizzeria where I had two slices and a Coke for about $10 after a night at the theater. It’s the kind of New York establishment that reminds you an inexpensive meal can feel like heaven when you need it most and probably just a few steps away from wherever you might find yourself in the city.

Yardbird Table & Bar in Miami serves up Southern food with standout flavor and consistency. Known for classics like chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits, Yardbird is a must-visit restaurant in South Beach for reliable comfort dishes.

Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace is a restaurant right outside of Joshua Tree, and it is an experience. When I think of a roadside saloon from back in the day, this is what i’d imagine. You can hear live music here, but it’s also an unexpected and legendary culinary gem that has earned a reputation as one of the most recommended restaurants in the high desert.

Before you book a hotel, consider these tips to avoid common mistakes. If you’re a solo traveler especially, it’s important to think ahead about safety, neighborhood walkability, and hotel amenities you can take advantage of. This guide helps you make smart booking decisions that could ultimately save you time, money and effort.

Frida: Beyond the Myth is at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, VA, through September 28, 2025. Through this powerful exhibition we explore the stories behind her iconic self-portraits, personal style, and complex life that shaped her legacy as a cultural icon.

New Orleans was the first city I ever traveled to solo—that was back in 2017. I’ve been to many cities since then, but I can always make a case for New Orleans being one of the most magical cities on earth. The French Quarter, more specifically, is a neighborhood so alive and so colorful, and all those years ago, I had never seen a place like it.

When I go to the beach, I always try to think of everything I could possibly need so that I don’t have to return to my car or my hotel. I tend to overpack for the beach, but when I focus only on the essentials, these are my must have items.

Hotel Ändra is roughly a 25 minute drive from Sea Tac Airport, has plenty of great food options nearby, including Lola immediately downstairs in the lobby, and it’s not far from favorite attractions like Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, Seattle Waterfront and more. If that hasn’t sold you, it is also incredibly chic and cozy.

If you’re visiting Seattle and looking for a natural escape, a day trip to Snoqualmie Falls is something you simply must do. Just a short drive from the city, this majestic 268-foot waterfall is an incredibly beautiful wonder to experience.

Nearly 10 years after my first visit to the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, Virginia, I revisit to see their centralized collection of over 30,000 works spanning 5,000 years of history. I will always love to see the work of Mark Rothko anywhere and more recently Georgia O'Keefe, but I also love to see local artists featured in their hometown museum and of course the ever-provocative work of Black artists.

Before my family and I arrived in Seattle, we all heard from various people that seafood and Asian cuisine were the way to go, so we found plenty of restaurants that offered both, but we also discovered restaurants that offered other cuisines that were just as tasty.

Seattle is brimming with locally made goods and internationally sourced items. Pike Place Market is the most ideal place for tourists to shop for artisan items, but you will also find shops all over the city and surrounding islands like Bainbridge that sell stunning, one of a kind pieces.

Luray Caverns, a natural wonder and one of Virginia’s great treasures, features incredible stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. Highlights include the Great Stalacpipe Organ, which produces music by tapping on natural formations, and the Dream Lake, a mirror-like pool that so perfectly reflects the formations above. To me, the caverns are a reminder that you don’t have to travel far to experience something extraordinary.

In 2018, on my second-ever solo trip, I found myself at Candlefish in Atlanta for a candle making class. Although this location has since closed, Candlefish still welcomes crafters in Charleston and Boston to create something meaningful with your their two hands. For $60, you'll spend an hour and a half with experienced chandlers who will walk you through the process of fragrance blending.

Each year, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) transforms into a breathtaking display of fine art and vibrant blooms during the Fine Arts and Flowers Biennial. This unique event, which began in 1987, invites floral artists to create stunning arrangements inspired by the museum’s permanent art collection. The result? A treasure hunt of bursting colors.

Richmond may not be New York or Paris at Christmastime, but we definitely do it up here for the holidays. As the city grows, it seems like more and more establishments have their own unique take on holiday festivities. Check out our picks to add to your holiday itinerary.

When it comes to the best fried chicken wings and fries in Richmond, my go-to spot is Manchu, a New Orleans original that recently opened its second location right here in Virginia’s capital, more specifically the Northside neighborhood.

Looking for Christmas-y things to do, I was surprised to find that Birdie’s creates an annual pop-up called The Evergreen that transforms the space into a winter wonderland with extravagant decorations that will definitely bring you holiday cheer.

If I’m going to stay somewhere for any amount of time that is not my home, then I need to make sure I have home-level comfort. Naturally, I’m very active on vacations, so my accommodations are where I rest and rejuvenate to be ready for whatever I may have planned over the course of the trip.

Discover how to find the perfect balance between thrilling adventures and rejuvenating self-care. Incorporating wellness and mindful activities into your itinerary can be the difference between a fulfilling trip and returning home having experienced burnout. This guide is your go-to resource for maintaining balance and joy while you travel.