Who needs a Valentine when you have the Bahamas? My solo Valentine’s Day trip to Nassau turned into an unforgettable week of unexpected kindness, swimming with pigs, parasailing, and discovering that traveling alone doesn’t mean feeling alone.

I’m still figuring out how to turn The Truth Traveller into a sustainable business, so I’m sharing what that process actually looks like. Here’s how I’m monetizing my travel blog, including the affiliate platform that has generated more than $14,000 in travel bookings through my content.

Three days is the sweet spot for New York in December. It’s enough time for the tree, the windows, a Broadway show and a couple of museums without spending your whole trip in line. This itinerary draws on my two Christmas trips to NYC and groups each day by neighborhood, so you're walking between stops instead of crisscrossing the city in the cold, with meals and warm-up breaks built in.

Everyone tells you to book a Kenya safari between June and October. I went in November instead and spent two weeks across the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and the Great Rift Valley Lake System. It rained exactly twice, both times overnight. What I got instead was green landscapes, thinner crowds, and newborn wildlife everywhere I looked.

Chicago in the summer is my favorite city in the country, and I'm not being dramatic. Here's exactly how I'd spend four days there: what to do, where to eat, and how to plan a trip that gets the most out of the city's best season.

Fajardo doesn't always show up in the postcard version of Puerto Rico. On my third trip to Puerto Rico, I opted for a stay here instead of San Juan. Here's what views looked like, what the days felt like, and what I would tell a friend before they book the same trip.

"You are our sister, o." That's what a woman I'd known for exactly two visits said to me, mid-braid, after I mentioned my DNA results. This is a story about a Nigerian braiding shop in Atlanta, six hands moving through my hair, and a home I didn't know I was homesick for.

Still need to book a Christmas trip? Here are five warm-weather destinations I've actually been to, each one solo-friendly and still bookable with weeks to spare, plus one cold-weather pick if you'd rather stay stateside.

I had never used an eSIM before this trip. I always just paid whatever my carrier charged. This time I went with Airalo's 7-day unlimited plan for Morocco, and it held up perfectly across Marrakech, Essaouira, and the Atlas Mountains. Here's exactly what I bought, how setup went, and what it actually cost me, top-up included.

My complete travel skin care routine—the exact cleanser, SPF, serum, and sheet masks I use before a trip and pack for the road. It looks like a lot on paper, but it's really just a few reliable steps, repeated.

Ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites, one solo traveler, and lessons learned along the way. From getting lost in Marrakesh's medina to standing under the Guggenheim's spiraling dome, this list covers everything from ancient walled cities to modern architectural icons, plus the practical details and booking links to help you plan your own trip to any of them.

Amy Sherald’s American Sublime is an invitation to see Black life through dignity, humanity, and power. In this reflection on visiting the High Museum of Art, I explore why my favorite contemporary artist’s portraits of Michelle Obama, Breonna Taylor, and everyday Americans continue to shape how I think about representation. You’ll also find tips for planning your visit, including where to stay and where to eat nearby.

As a Richmond local, I had never stayed at The Graduate by Hilton Richmond until recently. I finally booked a staycation, and I went in curious about whether a boutique VCU hotel could deliver a proper local getaway. It turns out, it can. From the eclectic blend of preppy Americana and mid-century modern design in the rooms to Byrd House, the rooftop bar with 360-degree views over downtown, this felt like RVA distilled into one building. Here's my honest take on the property, where to eat nearby, and a couple things to do with your weekend.

If the World Cup brought you to Seattle, you are in for a treat, and I don't just mean the soccer. I spent two weeks exploring this city, and I want to make sure you get the most out of it. Here's everything you need to know to do Seattle right.

Prickly pear cactus oil. Orange blossom oil. Amber fragrance. Morocco has many beauty products that promise glowing skin, luxurious scents, and centuries-old traditions. During my trip to Marrakech, I brought home eight popular Moroccan beauty products and spent the last few weeks testing them in my everyday routine. Some became instant favorites, others didn’t quite live up to the hype, and a few surprised me completely. Here are my honest reviews, ratings, and recommendations on what I would buy again and what I would skip next time.

At first glance, Richmond, Virginia, and Chattanooga, Tennessee seem like very different cities. After spending several days exploring Chattanooga, I frequently made observations about how much it reminded me of my home. With its vibrant food and arts scenes, riverfront recreation, and preserved history, these two mid-sized Southern cities have more in common than you might expect.

During my first trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee, I quickly discovered that the city’s food scene is every bit as impressive as its scenic riverfront and outdoor attractions. From brunch at Honey Seed to dinner at Public House, STIR, and State of Confusion, these are the restaurants that stood out and what you should order when you visit.

Housed inside a beautifully restored historic bank building, The Waymark blends Chattanooga's past with modern design, comfortable accommodations, and a central location that makes exploring the city easy. During my five-day stay, it served as the perfect home base for visiting attractions like the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, the Chattanooga Zoo, and the city's scenic riverfront.

Four days in Chattanooga was enough to make me fall in love with this river city. I spent it riding the world's steepest passenger railway up Lookout Mountain, wandering the Chattanooga Zoo, and visiting the historic Walnut Street Bridge at golden hour. Here's exactly how I spent my trip, where I stayed, and what I'm already planning to do next time.

If you’ve been thinking about traveling solo but don’t know where to start, this is your list. These are a few of the places where I felt safe, comfortable, and able to fully enjoy the experience. The list includes U.S. cities and international destinations.