Destinations Archives

Every place has a story. Browse my travels by destination, from the beaches of Australia to the cobblestone streets of Europe, the vibrant culture of Mexico to adventures across the United States and Caribbean. These are the places I've explored, the experiences I've had, and the authentic insights I've gathered along the way.

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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

July 19, 2026

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.

Aerial view of a grand building with a gold dome, surrounded by snow-covered grounds and city buildings under a cloudy sky in winter—inviting you to visit New Hampshire and experience its historic charm.

New Hampshire: The Best State?

July 12, 2026

I started writing this from the couch of a rented lake house in central New Hampshire, looking out at the water on a perfect July afternoon. This place used to be home just shy of a year ago, and while I could talk about living there, I would rather talk about visiting. Having been to all 50 states, I can tell you New Hampshire ranks near the top of my list. It is beautiful in all four seasons, with fall foliage in the White Mountains, hundreds of lakes in the Lakes Region, and coastal charm in Portsmouth. There is no income tax, no sales tax, and some of the cleanest air in the country. Add in walkable downtowns like Nashua and easy access from Boston, and you have a state that belongs high on your travel list. Here is why New Hampshire should be the next place you book.

The image features 250 in stars and stripes patterns, Happy Independence Day in red text, and Its How I Travel - Explore & Grow on a background of the American flag, highlighting American pride.

I Am Still Proud to Be the American I Am: You Can Be Too

July 2, 2026

With the Fourth of July just days away and America celebrating its 250th anniversary, I felt compelled to write something a little different from my usual travel content. Not a destination guide, not a packing list, but something more personal. I wrote an essay about American pride. Not the bumper sticker kind, and not the blind allegiance kind either. The honest kind, the kind that comes from having actually seen this country, all 50 states of it, and from having traveled the world and met people from places like Russia, Iran, and Israel along the way. I wrote it for the people who are still proud, and I wrote it for the people who are not sure they are anymore. I think both groups will find something in it.

Golden sunset over a sandy Fiji beach with gentle waves, palm trees on the left, and distant mountains—perfect for a tranquil village homestay under a partly cloudy sky.

3 Days in Fiji: A Homestay, a Village, and a Lesson I Won’t Forget

June 28, 2026

What do you think about when you hear someone say they are going to Fiji? I used to imagine a small island with a few very exclusive resorts that cost thousands a night. What I didn’t realize is that Fiji is rich in culture, affordable, more accessible than one would think, and even more beautiful than any photograph. We spent three days there in a way most travelers never do: a homestay with a local family, a visit to a traditional village, a hike across a small island, and a race against the tide with a stray dog as our guide. No resort. No infinity pool. Just Fiji, the way it actually feels when you slow down and let it in.

An American flag waves at the back of a boat on a river in Wilmington NC, with a large steel drawbridge and clear blue sky in the background. The water shows the boat’s wake leading toward the bridge and local finds along nearby neighborhoods.

Hidden Gems of Wilmington, NC: Neighborhoods, Districts, and Local Finds

June 21, 2026

Wilmington, North Carolina is a hidden gem with hidden gems within it. If you have been following my series on the Port City, you know we have already covered a lot, but to wrap it up, I wanted to highlight some areas that even locals don’t realize how special some of these things are. That brings us full circle on something I believe in deeply, the need to travel locally and explore your own backyard.
What you will find below is not a list of tourist attractions. It is a guide to the places Amanda and I have come to love as residents: the creative energy of the Brooklyn Arts District with its food truck park, neighborhood pubs, and Saturday Social District; the eclectic antique shops and boutiques of Castle Street; the only shipping container neighborhood in North Carolina; and a 250-acre park that most visitors drive right past on their way to the beach.
It also covers where to shop like a local in two of downtown’s most historically interesting buildings, how to get around the five downtown districts for free, where to take your 4WD onto the beach at Fort Fisher, and where to find some of the best wine scenes this side of the Cape Fear River.
Wilmington is already underrated as a destination, and these spots are the hidden layer within it. This is the post I wish someone had handed me when I first moved here.

A crowded theater in Wilmington NC, known for its vibrant entertainment scene, features ornate golden columns and red curtains. From the balcony, the audience faces a stage set with benches and ladders, eagerly awaiting the performance.

More Than a Beach Town: Entertainment in Wilmington, NC

June 14, 2026

If you think Wilmington, NC is just a beach town, think again. As a newer resident who visited for over 15 years before moving here, I can tell you this city has an entertainment scene that runs deep, and it runs year-round. From collegiate sports at Brooks Field and Trask Coliseum to Broadway productions at the Wilson Center, from the 460-year-old Airlie Oak to the steel decks of the Battleship North Carolina, there is no shortage of ways to spend your time here. Whether you are into live music, history, comedy, festivals, or a summer baseball game under the lights, Wilmington delivers. This is my running list of the top entertainment the Port City has to offer, and I am still discovering new favorites.

Snow-covered mountains under a cloudy sky, with a street in the foreground lined with snowbanks, street signs, and lamp posts capture the serene beauty of Alaska in January. Leafless trees stand between the road and the mountains.

Alaska: The State That Keeps Calling Me Back

June 7, 2026

When people find out I have been to all 50 US states, the first question is always “what is your favorite?” I usually re-phrase it to “what state do I most want to return to?” and the answer is always Alaska. I have only been once, and it was in January for work, but we turned it into something much more. From a frozen rental truck and pulling a stranger out of a ditch on our first hour in Anchorage, to nearly disappearing into the snow at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska had a way of making every moment feel like an adventure. The short daylight hours, the vast wilderness, and the warmth of the local community made it a trip that is impossible to forget and hard not to repeat.

A variety of pasta, herbs, and tomatoes on a dark surface, with text reading The Best and an outline of North Carolina showing Wilmington, marked by a red dot—capturing the fresh ingredients inspired by the best restaurants in Wilmington NC.

Best Restaurants in Wilmington, NC: A Local’s Guide to Downtown, Wrightsville, and Leland

May 17, 2026

Food is a big part of travel, or at least it should be. The food offered in a city can tell you a lot about it, and Wilmington, NC is no exception. With approximately 600 restaurants in the area and 200 downtown, Wilmington is a seriously underrated food city. From private wine lounges with skyline views to award winning speakeasies, waterfront seafood spots, and authentic Italian, there is something for every kind of traveler and every kind of night out. This local’s guide covers our go-to bars and restaurants across downtown Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, and nearby Leland, including True Blue Butcher and Barrel, Yosake, Blind Elephant, Flying Machine Oyster Bar, and many more. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or exploring your own hometown, this list will help you eat and drink your way through one of North Carolina’s most flavorful coastal cities.

The History of Wilmington, NC: A Coastal City Worth Exploring

May 10, 2026

There are many beautiful cities along the east coast of the United States, but only three major coastal cities sit between North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia: Savannah, Charleston, and Wilmington. Each has its own charm, but Wilmington stands apart with its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and award-winning Riverwalk. Named after Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington, and incorporated in 1739, the city once served as the capital of North Carolina. Today, you can walk past repurposed federal buildings, gaze across the Cape Fear River at the legendary USS North Carolina battleship, and feel the unique blend of Northeastern charm and Southern hospitality. As someone who recently moved here, I have come to appreciate Wilmington in a way I never could as a visitor. This post dives into the history that makes Wilmington one of the most fascinating coastal cities in the South.

Why Exploring Your Hometown Is Real Travel

April 26, 2026

I was raised in greater Boston and spent most of my adult life in New Hampshire before making the move to Wilmington, NC. Now when someone asks where I am from, I say Wilmington. Not because I am hiding my roots, but because it is where I feel at home, and I want to share it.
Travel has always been about learning and growing for me. I have visited all 50 US states, most of Canada, and several countries across Europe and Australia. There is more world to see, but right now I am pausing to take a deeper look at my new home.
Exploring your hometown, regardless of its size, can be just as meaningful and enlightening as traveling to the other side of the world. This post kicks off a series on Wilmington, the Port City, and what makes North Carolina worth slowing down for.