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Authentic travel stories & cultural connection

Honest stories, hidden gems, and practical trip ideas — written from the road to help you explore more of the world, your way.

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New stories, hidden gems, and travel tips from the road.

A city skyline with tall buildings next to a waterfront, a pier extending into the water, and a partly cloudy sky at sunset.

Seattle Travel Guide: Beauty, Food & Culture

Seattle gets a reputation it doesn’t fully deserve. Rainy, dirty, cold, those are the words people throw around, but after several trips, my adjectives look different: beautiful, picturesque, delicious, accessible, and yes, expensive. Tucked between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, it’s a city where you stop every few feet for another photo because the next angle is somehow better. In this post, I break down what I mean by each of those adjectives, from the glacially carved hills to the seafood and coffee scene, the honest cost of a trip, and why Seattle’s “unfriendly” reputation just isn’t true in my experience.

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Waterfront view of Wilmington, NC, with trees, buildings, and boats; text overlay reads Its How I Wilmington and describes supporting local businesses and experiences.

It’s How I Wilmington

After a few weeks away, I’m excited to share some big news: It’s How I Wilmington has officially launched! This new blog is a companion to It’s How I Travel, dedicated entirely to my hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina. Nothing changes here on It’s How I Travel. I’ll still be sharing stories from past adventures and continuing to explore the world. But after writing an entire series on Wilmington, I realized the Port City deserved its own dedicated space. It’s How I Travel is about my love for travel and helping others discover authentic experiences shaped by a decade of constant movement. It’s How I Wilmington is about my love for the place I now call home, and why, after years of seeking kindness, diversity, and connection on the road, I chose to settle in Wilmington. Head over and check out the new site!

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Busy urban park in Montreal with people walking, biking, and a small colorful train for children. Trees and greenery surround the area, with city buildings and a bridge visible in the background under a cloudy sky—perfect for inclusion in any Traveler's Guide to Canada's Most European City.

Bonjour Montreal: A Traveler’s Guide to Canada’s Most European City

Montreal often feels like a slice of Europe hiding in eastern Canada, just four hours from New Hampshire and worth every mile. In this guide, we walk through Montreal’s most iconic neighborhoods: cobblestoned Old Montreal with its 17th-century streets and river views, modern Downtown with its underground city and Mount Royal Park, and the culturally rich Quartier des Spectacles. We cover the best ways to get to Montreal, whether flying into YUL, taking the train from Toronto or Ottawa, or driving up from Boston for a scenic road trip through New England. You’ll also find honest answers about the language question (English is everywhere) and a curated list of favorite restaurants, bars, and places to stay, from cozy pubs to boutique hotels. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, this guide gives you the foundation to explore Montreal on your own terms.

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