Kayla Nixon Kayla Nixon

East of the Postcards: A Fajardo Villa Diary

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.

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Kayla Nixon Kayla Nixon

I Used an eSIM for the First Time in Morocco—Here's Exactly How Airalo Held Up

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.

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Kayla Nixon Kayla Nixon

10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites You Can Visit Solo (And How I Booked Them)

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.

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Kayla Nixon Kayla Nixon

Seeing Ourselves Clearly: Amy Sherald at the High Museum

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.

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Kayla Nixon Kayla Nixon

A Local’s Guide to Staying at The Graduate Richmond

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.

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Kayla Nixon Kayla Nixon

I Spent $130 on Beauty in Morocco—This Is How I Rate Each Product

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.

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Kayla Nixon Kayla Nixon

If You Love Chattanooga, You’ll Love Richmond, Virginia: 8 Surprising Similarities Between These River Cities

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.

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Kayla Nixon Kayla Nixon

Inside The Waymark Hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee

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.

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Kayla Nixon Kayla Nixon

How I Spent 4 Days in Chattanooga

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.

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