Destinations

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

    ByJay M

    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.

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    Why Exploring Your Hometown Is Real Travel

    ByJay M

    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.

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    The 5 Best MLB Parks for a Weekend Getaway (And the Cities That Make Them Worth It)

    ByJay M

    I love travel and I love baseball, and when those two things combine it makes for one of my favorite kinds of weekends. I have been to every city that hosts an MLB team and caught a game in over half of them. Not every great city has a great park, and not every great park sits in a city worth building a weekend around. This list is where both come together. From the iconic ivy walls of Wrigley Field in Chicago to the unmatched skyline views at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, these five ballparks earned their spots based on the full experience, the stadium, the neighborhood, and the city itself. Whether you are a die-hard baseball fan or just looking for a great excuse to explore somewhere new, these are the MLB parks worth planning a weekend around.

  • A Weekend in Saint Augustine: The City, the History, and the Beach

    ByJay M

    Saint Augustine, Florida is somewhere we had always wanted to visit, and when the opportunity finally came, it did not disappoint. Founded in 1565, it is the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the continental United States, and that history is felt everywhere you go.
    We spent the weekend splitting our time between Saint Augustine Beach and the city itself. The beach is classic Florida, wide open and easy to enjoy. The city, on the other hand, feels like stepping into a completely different world, one that predates the United States entirely.
    If you are looking for a destination that blends genuine history, great food, and a beach in one compact weekend trip, Saint Augustine belongs on your list.

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    How a Google Flights Search Turned Into a Fiji Beach Hut

    ByJay M

    Fiji is one of those places that sounds out of reach to most, or at least at a level of spend that many are not ready to indulge. I was of that same mindset too, always thinking of the movie “The Truman Show,” where Jim Carrey’s character dreams of visiting Fiji. That said, as you may know from reading this blog, that is how the majority of our trips start. Fiji, like so many other amazing places we have seen, is a long stopover in a journey that is the trip. What started as a Google Flights search turned into a beach hut with no electricity, meals cooked from the sea, and a Hilton stay on points, all for less than you might expect. Let me walk you through exactly how we made it happen.

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    Why Puerto Rico Should Be Your Go-To Caribbean Destination

    ByJay M

    Puerto Rico beats Aruba in every category that matters: no passport required, cheaper hotels, affordable dining, and authentic culture. Both are beautiful Caribbean destinations, but Puerto Rico offers vibrant history, stunning beaches, and significant savings, making it the smarter choice for your next island getaway.

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    Australia Chapter 4: Sydney

    ByJay M

    Sydney exceeded every expectation. From the iconic Harbor Bridge and Opera House to the laid-back charm of Manly Beach, Australia’s largest city proved why it ranks among the world’s best. We spent our days ferry-hopping to beach towns, exploring vibrant neighborhoods, and soaking in harbor views that live up to the hype.

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    Australia Chapter 3: Thanksgiving Down Under!

    ByJay M

    Celebrating Amanda’s favorite holiday 9,000 miles from home in Brisbane. Our first Thanksgiving abroad brought together friends from four countries for an unforgettable evening of food, stories, and cultural exchange.

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    Australia Chapter 2: Where did Saturday Go?

    ByJay M

    We made it to Brisbane, Australia! After leaving Wilmington in the early morning hours, a stop in Columbia, SC to work remotely, and a layover in LA, we landed on the other side of the world, so far from home that both locations can’t fit on my iPhone map at once. From being greeted with waving flags at the airport to our first flat white at Mount Coot-tha overlooking Brisbane, catching a local phone number, and choosing a “second wind” over jet lag recovery at Street Beach, this is how our Australian adventure began. Spoiler: it involved several pints, pokies, Chinese takeaway, and zero regrets.

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    Australia Chapter 1

    ByJay M

    We’re heading to Australia in just over a week! In this first chapter of our Australia adventure, I break down everything that went into planning this trip—from finding the best flight deals and navigating Delta upgrades, to the unexpected move that changed our departure city, securing our VISA, and booking hotels in Brisbane and Sydney. If you’re planning your own trip Down Under, this behind-the-scenes look at the research and booking process might just help you save some money and stress along the way.