travel tips

  • Spirit to End Operations

    ByJay M

    Spirit Airlines is shutting down. After a $500 million rescue deal with the Trump administration fell apart, the ultra-low-cost carrier that reshaped budget travel in America is preparing to ground its fleet for good. Years of mounting losses, fierce competition, pandemic struggles, engine defects, and rising fuel costs finally caught up with the airline that built its name on rock-bottom fares and add-on fees for everything else.
    So what does this mean for travelers? Fewer affordable options, thousands of jobs lost, and a major shift in how budget travel works in the United States. Even if Spirit was far from perfect, its absence leaves a real gap for price-conscious flyers. Here’s a breakdown of what happened, why the bailout failed, and what the shutdown means for the future of cheap air travel and the travelers who relied on it.

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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.

  • The Best Travel Accessories for Long Flights (What We Actually Pack)

    ByJay M

    Headed on a long-haul flight? After logging thousands of miles, including a 15-hour flight from Los Angeles to Brisbane, Australia, we have learned that the right gear makes all the difference. In this post, we are sharing the best travel accessories for long flights, the ones we actually pack and rely on every single time we leave the ground. From the YETI Crossroads Backpack, which keeps everything organized and accessible without ever leaving the overhead bin, to the Apple AirPods Max, which blocks out every crying baby and dinner cart on the plane, every item on this list has been tested on real trips to real places. We also cover clothing tips, compression gear, tech essentials, and a few small items that most people overlook but will wonder how they ever traveled without. This is not a sponsored list. This is what we actually use.

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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.

  • Best Locals to Ask for Advice in Any Destination

    ByJay M

    Traveling to a new place is fun, but it can be overwhelming when trying to navigate where to eat or what to do. Of course, you can search Yelp or Google for places, but then you’re combing through reviews and never confident they have exactly what you’re seeking. For me, I often arrive with little to no plans. Instead, I seek out certain people to help guide me, and they rarely disappoint.

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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.

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    Smart Tips to Handle the Current US Government Cutbacks In Air Travel

    ByJay M

    Worried about flight cancellations due to government cutbacks? Learn how to create backup travel plans that actually work. From alternative airports and rental cars to trains and buses, discover the essential strategies to keep your travel plans on track even when flights get canceled. Get prepared with actionable tips that can save your trip.

  • Why The Off Season Should Be Your Season

    ByJay M

    You ever talk to locals who say their favorite time of year is the off season? They’re onto something. Traveling when everyone else stays home means fewer crowds, lower prices, and a more authentic experience wherever you go. From quiet beaches to cozy winter cities, the off season lets you slow down, save money, and actually enjoy the place you came to see. Here’s why the off season should be your season, and a few destinations to prove it.

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    Hawaii | Worth the Flight?

    ByJay M

    Hawaii is absolutely worth visiting, but not for a typical beach vacation. After two trips to the Big Island, I’ve learned that Hawaii deserves to be experienced for what makes it unique: hiking to secluded Makalawena Beach, exploring active volcanoes, touring coffee farms with ocean views, and witnessing the breathtaking Waipi’o Valley. Save your 13-hour journey for authentic Hawaiian experiences you can’t find anywhere else.

  • Hotels | 1,000+ Nights

    ByJay M

    After spending more than 1,000 nights in hotels, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and everything in between. From loyalty perks and booking strategies to reviews, luxury, and location, here’s my honest perspective on what makes a hotel worth it and what doesn’t.