Explore
Choose your curiosity
What’s Hot Now
Catch up on the latest and greatest articles the community can’t stop reading and sharing. These are the posts everyone is saving for their next adventure. Honest hotel reviews. Destination deep-dives. Personal stories. Travel tips. They all just hit different. We always have a pulse on what matters to the community, and we like to keep things fresh, sharing what is useful, inspiring, and worth talking about.
One of Miami Beach’s most iconic and Instagram-worthy attractions is its collection of colorful lifeguard towers. On my recent trip, I set out to walk the length of Miami Beach to see as many of these artistic structures as I could. I managed to visit nine of them, but with 36 of them scattered along the shoreline, there’s plenty left to explore.
Chicago is a city in which you’ll find many Southern restaurants because The Great Migration brought the food I’m so accustomed to in Virginia up north and then across the country. Dining at these restaurants always feels familiar in that way, but I also have come to expect and enjoy the surprises that evolution and a geographical change can bring to such classic and time-honored dishes.
Christmas in the Big Apple is nothing short of magical. Explore charming holiday markets in Central Park, Bryant Park, Union Square, Grand Central Terminal. Witness the glorious Rockefeller Center tree, stop by Radio City Music Hall, and be enchanted by Fifth Avenue holiday window displays. The most unforgettable Christmas in the city that never sleeps starts here.
Caye Caulker is a 5.5-mile scenic island off the coast of Belize with the friendliest people, amazing marine life, great food, and brilliant sunsets. You’ll definitely get to know people before you leave, and it’s truly a joy to do so. Life moves slower here, and that’s part of the charm. Barefoot strolls along three main streets, a tray full of jerk chicken, beans and rice—it’s so easy to feel at home.
In truth, LA is not at all my first thought when I think of places that have excellent food in general but especially Black food. I’ve been to LA enough now (more than anywhere else) to have tried a few different restaurants, and these five are the best I’ve come across over the last couple years if you’re looking for soul food or a down home feel. Each in a different part of the city, you’ll find similar menu items, but each has its own unique flavor and charm.
There are at least eleven villages surrounding Lake Atitlán, and you might visit them all for different reasons. I made it to four during my trip to Guatemala and was amazed at how each village could be described as having its very own personality: Panajachel with its familiar vibe, illusory San Juan La Laguna, beguiling San Pedro, and reticent Santiago.
In The Bahamas, a tour guide with a sense of humor may convince you to try something that looks and feels similar to a worm. In my case, the tour guide refused to tell me what I was trying and made me eat three before he even gave me a hint. Would you try conch pistols? They’re said to be an aphrodisiac, but I’m still deciding if the bragging rights were worth it.
Nassau cuisine is particularly interesting because chefs make use of ingredients that are not common everywhere. Like most islands, you'll find that seafood is popular, and in The Bahamas, mainly conch, snails that are indigenous to the Caribbean. Many dishes are jerk or cracked (deep-fried) and full of flavor, and conch is always the star of the show in salad, stew, or fritters.
Nassau is a beautiful destination and, really, getting into anything is something. I had as great of a time watching the men scale fish at the port as I did cuddling pigs and parasailing over the beach. Here, I’m walking you through eight things I did on “the Islands of Song.”
The Pacific Coast Highway is 656 miles long so surely there are several restaurants off of this route that are delicious. The eight we stopped at hit just right from breakfast to dinner to some of the best ice cream you’ve ever had. Check it out.
Pack This
What you pack can shape your trip. Seriously. Yon need the right walking shoes, a good carry-on setup, reliable essentials and anything that makes you comfortable and gives you some familiarity in unfamiliar places. This section includes travel products, gear, wellness items, tech, accessories, and everyday staples that consistently earn a place in my bag.
Check In: Where We Stay
We don’t just stay anywhere. These are our honest takes on stays vetted for comfort, design, and vibes.
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.
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.
Lake Elementaita Mountain Lodge was the briefest stop on my Kenya itinerary, but it delivered the most unforgettable view. Perched along the steep edge of the Great Rift Valley, the lodge offers private, house-style rooms with balconies that open to sweeping panoramas of Lake Elementaita. With a spa, pool, rose garden, and staff who shuttle you up and down the hillside, this stay blends comfort with breathtaking scenery. Here’s what it’s really like to spend a night on the Rift Valley’s edge.
Kilima Safari Camp was the first stop on my Kenya safari and, surprisingly, the most luxurious-feeling stay of the trip. Located just outside Amboseli National Park, this tented camp blends natural immersion with comfort, from spacious rooms and excellent dining to wildlife roaming freely around the property. Here’s my honest review of what it’s really like to stay at Kilima Safari Camp, including the rooms, food, amenities, and game drive access.
Zebra Plains Mara Camp was the most peaceful and luxurious stay of my entire Kenya trip. From spacious tented rooms and incredible food to warm staff, beautiful pool views, and game drives just minutes from camp, this lodge blends comfort with the magic of the Maasai Mara. Here’s everything you need to know before booking your stay.
Hotel Ändra is roughly a 25 minute drive from Sea Tac Airport, has plenty of great food options nearby, including Lola immediately downstairs in the lobby, and it’s not far from favorite attractions like Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, Seattle Waterfront and more. If that hasn’t sold you, it is also incredibly chic and cozy.
Good Hotel is a former private mansion and sustainable property in central city Antigua that began as a charitable organization years ago and evolved into several properties in different countries. While I fell in love with the design of the property, I also knew I wanted to stay because I greatly appreciated that the chain invests in the local community in a number of ways.
When I first saw that Pharrell Williams was collaborating with David Grutman to open the Goodtime Hotel in 2021, I immediately added it to the list of places I wanted to stay—partly because Pharrell is a fellow Virginia native and partly because I fell in love with the aesthetic. It just seemed like, well, a good time.
Tagged as “Sophisticated Design Meets Historic Culture,” the 4-star St. Gregory Hotel is an incredibly chic stay perfectly situated between Dupont Circle, the West End, and Georgetown. With convenient access to local restaurants and shops, a gorgeous restaurant and bar space inside the hotel, full fitness center and more, the St. Gregory is one of the best stays you'll find in Washington D.C.
My therapist challenged me to do a solo getaway in 2019 and I chose Washington D.C. as a staycation, this time solo. From Richmond, Virginia, it’s only about a two hour drive so it’s very possible to fit many activities into one short trip; however, my goal was to relax, so I’ll share the few things I did.
Yours Truly DC is modern in design, eclectic in decor, and soulful in feel. Not only can you dine downstairs at Mercy Me Restaurant, there’s space to work remotely in the lounge, a bar to grab a drink, and even a record shop, which is certainly nothing I’ve ever seen before in a hotel.
Flavors We Found
Food is one of the first ways we get to understand a place. When I travel, I’m paying attention to national dishes, what’s being sold in markets, what families cook on a daily basis, and which restaurants locals love to return to. Across national and international destinations, meals tell the most honest stories about migration, history, survival, celebration, and community. Some of my favorite travel memories have happened around a table.
This section explores restaurants, cafés, markets, street food, cooking classes, and food traditions. It’s also worth noting that I intentionally seek out Black-owned restaurants and locally loved spots whenever possible, while also staying open to any cuisines, ingredients, and traditions that are unfamiliar to me. Along the way, I’ve cooked dishes in places like Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and Morocco, visited local markets, and learned how deeply food connects people, especially across the diaspora. These stories and articles are less about being a food critic and more about understanding culture through flavor and shared experience.
National Food
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.
Martha’s Vineyard may be known for its beaches and charming towns, but this is a moment for the food. This trip was a mix of sit-down dinners, late-night donut runs, and casual comfort food that I loved. Some dishes were good. A few were unforgettable. And a handful, I’d order them again in a heartbeat.
Nestled at the end of Circuit Avenue, The Sweet Life Café is where Martha’s Vineyard dining meets charm and seasonality. With beautifully plated dishes that highlight fresh ingredients like peach salads and scallops topped with pomegranate, this intimate spot captures the perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Taste some of Atlanta’s best wings at What The Fry! inside Chattahoochee Food Works. With customizable sauces, fry styles, and seasonings, it’s a must-visit spot if you love wings like we do.
Discover why Rock Steady is one of Atlanta’s best Caribbean fusion restaurants. From unforgettable shrimp and grits and fried snapper bites to the energetic atmosphere with a fire DJ, this is the comfort food spot you’ll want to visit again and again.
Sacco Pizza is a classic no-nonsense Italian pizzeria where I had two slices and a Coke for about $10 after a night at the theater. It’s the kind of New York establishment that reminds you an inexpensive meal can feel like heaven when you need it most and probably just a few steps away from wherever you might find yourself in the city.
Yardbird Table & Bar in Miami serves up Southern food with standout flavor and consistency. Known for classics like chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits, Yardbird is a must-visit restaurant in South Beach for reliable comfort dishes.
Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace is a restaurant right outside of Joshua Tree, and it is an experience. When I think of a roadside saloon from back in the day, this is what i’d imagine. You can hear live music here, but it’s also an unexpected and legendary culinary gem that has earned a reputation as one of the most recommended restaurants in the high desert.
Before my family and I arrived in Seattle, we all heard from various people that seafood and Asian cuisine were the way to go, so we found plenty of restaurants that offered both, but we also discovered restaurants that offered other cuisines that were just as tasty.
When it comes to the best fried chicken wings and fries in Richmond, my go-to spot is Manchu, a New Orleans original that recently opened its second location right here in Virginia’s capital, more specifically the Northside neighborhood.
Looking for Christmas-y things to do, I was surprised to find that Birdie’s creates an annual pop-up called The Evergreen that transforms the space into a winter wonderland with extravagant decorations that will definitely bring you holiday cheer.
I had never knowingly had Vietnamese food, but one look at the menu and I knew it was a place I needed to be. If you could measure a restaurant's worth by entry, the line outside suggests an upcoming acclaimed experience. Modest in size, Tâm Tâm is the definition of a local treasure and the kind of place I prefer to find myself when it comes to food.
Chicago is a city in which you’ll find many Southern restaurants because The Great Migration brought the food I’m so accustomed to in Virginia up north and then across the country. Dining at these restaurants always feels familiar in that way, but I also have come to expect and enjoy the surprises that evolution and a geographical change can bring to such classic and time-honored dishes.
Big Jones in Chicago was mentioned on one of my favorite Netflix series High on the Hog, so you know I had to add it to my list. If you can find any type of cuisine in Chicago, it’s Southern food, thanks to the great migration, and Big Jones beautifully marries tradition with a fresh approach to Southern cuisine.
Eating at black-owned restaurants whenever I travel feels particularly important to me, because it’s an experience that makes me feel at home and reminds me of my culture. We may all be in different places, but food connects us by the continuation of traditions that define Southern cooking, and I’ll always be grateful to places like Virtue for that.
Sampan is a modern Asian restaurant offering a unique experience through its small plates concept. Instead of ordering a single entree, it's infinitely better to try and even share several dishes mixed and matched from different sections of the menu. The Kim Chee Fried Rice and Crispy Shrimp are to die for among other delicious menu items.
Lula Cafe is a 2024 James Beard Award Nominee for outstanding hospitality and 2020 Michelin Bib Gourmand winner, given to restaurants with best value for money. Having now been, I can attest to both and have been super excited to write this review.
Let’s be very clear. I’ve not tried very many soul food restaurants in Chicago, but I don’t imagine the others being better than Soulé. Chat with me about my experience.
Málà Project has the vibes of your favorite, most trusted neighborhood Chinese spot, but the feel of a spacious, new-age restaurant. At this unique dining experience, you choose any number of ingredients to personalize your dish. The málà sauce is a blend of 24 herbs and spices cooked over six hours and is the ingredient that unifies the dry pot for one of the most dynamic dishes you’ve ever had.
I heard that Sant Ambroeus had the best hot chocolate in New York City, so I had to see (or taste) for myself. Sant Ambroeus is a Milanese cafe chain known for its pasta and pastries with several locations across the city. This cozy, family-first dining experience on Madison Avenue was the perfect way to end my Christmastime trip to NYC.
In truth, LA is not at all my first thought when I think of places that have excellent food in general but especially Black food. I’ve been to LA enough now (more than anywhere else) to have tried a few different restaurants, and these five are the best I’ve come across over the last couple years if you’re looking for soul food or a down home feel. Each in a different part of the city, you’ll find similar menu items, but each has its own unique flavor and charm.
In Charleston, you’ll want to try southern comfort foods, especially those that are native to the area. Rice is a major part of the culture and history of Charleston so you’ll see it on nearly every menu; you’ll also come across many fundamentally southern seafood dishes like shrimp and grits or she crab soup.
The Pacific Coast Highway is 656 miles long so surely there are several restaurants off of this route that are delicious. The eight we stopped at hit just right from breakfast to dinner to some of the best ice cream you’ve ever had. Check it out.
Let’s talk about what is obviously the most important part of visiting New Orleans—the food. Aside from music, the Big Easy is known for the endless options of amazing flavor and variety. Most of the food is creole or cajun inspired—a blend of many different cultures. So, when you eat in New Orleans, you’re literally getting a taste of history.
International Food
After several days of tagine in Marrakech, I was ready for something different, and La Trattoria ended up being one of my favorite meals of the entire trip. Here’s what it’s like to eat at this beautiful garden restaurant in Marrakech.
It’s always important to know about the cuisine and good food spots when you visit somewhere new so I try to always list a few options for you. Here are five restaurants in Tulum, Mexico ranging from touristy to traditional, low cost to high cost, and small cafe vibes to beach view vibes.
In Cartagena, I booked a street food tour because that’s where all of the food emphasis is in this city. That’s not to say there aren’t some great restaurants; it’s just that street food is where you’ll find the standout recipes that are likely passed down through families, generations and years of tradition.
Puerto Rico’s cuisine is a captivating blend of indigenous Taino, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, creating a mouthwatering tapestry of dishes. You’ll want to try beloved local dishes like mofongo, made with fried green plantains, savory sauce and seafood, or lechón, the famous roasted pig slow-cooked to perfection.
Aside from visits to local markets and Mayan villages, taking a Guatemalan cooking class was as cinematic as it sounds. When I think about travel, food is almost synonymous, and it presents a unique opportunity to understand the history and culture of a new place through its best dishes.
Nassau cuisine is particularly interesting because chefs make use of ingredients that are not common everywhere. Like most islands, you'll find that seafood is popular, and in The Bahamas, mainly conch, snails that are indigenous to the Caribbean. Many dishes are jerk or cracked (deep-fried) and full of flavor, and conch is always the star of the show in salad, stew, or fritters.
You should know that Caye Caulker is known for fryjacks, a traditional Belizean dish that is deep fried dough stuffed with various items, and lobster, the seafood that was once their largest export. You’ll also find some Caribbean classics like stewed chicken and Cubano sandwiches. The slogan in Caye Caulker is “go slow” and I would add “eat good.”
Travel Wellness
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation.”
Audre Lorde
Travel Safety
Safety is not about fear. Let’s just put that on the table. It’s about awareness, preparation, and learning how to move around confidently. Over the years, I’ve navigated airports, medinas, cities, and countries on my own, and each destination has taught me something different about trusting myself, staying alert, and adapting to new environments. This section shares practical travel safety tips, personal experiences, and the things I’ve learned along the way as a Black woman traveling solo.
Here you’ll find conversations around destination research, transportation, solo dining, cultural etiquette, what makes me feel comfortable in a destination, and the balance between staying open to the world and being safe. Travel shouldn’t feel intimidating, so this section is meant to make you feel more informed, prepared, and confident.
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.
Is Morocco safe for solo female travelers? The answer is yes with a caveat. I felt safe walking through Marrakech, even at night, but my experience in the souks was a bit of a different story. Here’s what you should know before you go.
Unfortunately, one of the challenges women often face is catcalling, which has a tendency to make some women feel uncomfortable, objectified, and unsafe. It can happen anywhere, but I have most experienced it internationally where certain behaviors are more culturally engrained and locals are very much drawn to tourists. The most important thing is our safety, so let’s get into preparedness tips and ways to cope when catcalling happens.
I started traveling solo back in 2019, and one of the first things I did was add a first aid kit to my packing routine. The kit has evolved over time, but make no mistake that it has come in handy on more than one occasion. Accidents and minor illnesses can happen at any time, so I’ve got a list of twelve things I always have in my travel first aid kit.
When I was planning my very first international trip as a solo female traveler, I came across The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and a strong recommendation from another solo traveler to utilize it. Of course we always hope that nothing happens to us abroad, or even at home for that matter, but in the event that it does, registering with nearest US embassy is one way to be prepared or to get the information you need in an emergency.
The number one question I’ve gotten is “how do you do it on your own?” and that was the primary reason for starting this blog. Doing it on my own the last several years, I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks that might make the idea of traveling solo a little less scary for a woman that may want to venture out on her own.
When you take a trip, you undoubtedly need at least your driver’s license and/or passport and now even your proof of vaccination card, but there are other documents that you may want to consider carrying with you.
City by City, Gallery by Gallery: Museums
This section highlights the museums, galleries, and cultural spaces I’ve explored around the world.
Planning to visit Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech? Here’s what to know before you go, including ticket tips, timing, what’s inside the museums, and whether the experience is worth it.
In 2021, I visited SINGULAR DUALITY: ME CAN MAKE WE at Roberts Projects in Los Angeles, a solo exhibition by Amoako Boafo that immediately solidified him as one of my favorite contemporary artists.
Known for large-scale portraits of Black subjects, Boafo introduced shadow as a central element in this body of paintings, and through bold color, textured skin, and brilliantly captured emotion, the exhibition explores identity, duality, and psychological depth.
Planning a trip to Chicago? We’re sharing why the Art Institute of Chicago is a must-see for art lovers, featuring iconic pieces by Monet and Edward Hopper and powerful works by prolific Black artists like Jacob Lawrence and Walter Ellison.
Think you know what the Museum of Sex is about? Think again. Explore history, art, psychedelics, and play in an incredibly fin arcade in this unforgettable deep dive into human sexuality.
Frida: Beyond the Myth is at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, VA, through September 28, 2025. Through this powerful exhibition we explore the stories behind her iconic self-portraits, personal style, and complex life that shaped her legacy as a cultural icon.
Nearly 10 years after my first visit to the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, Virginia, I revisit to see their centralized collection of over 30,000 works spanning 5,000 years of history. I will always love to see the work of Mark Rothko anywhere and more recently Georgia O'Keefe, but I also love to see local artists featured in their hometown museum and of course the ever-provocative work of Black artists.
Each year, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) transforms into a breathtaking display of fine art and vibrant blooms during the Fine Arts and Flowers Biennial. This unique event, which began in 1987, invites floral artists to create stunning arrangements inspired by the museum’s permanent art collection. The result? A treasure hunt of bursting colors.
Something I never really considered about seeing art across the country is how much culture and geographic location can influence the collection of work shown at a museum. At Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), I was introduced to the work of several Latinx artists, a group whom I’ve not had the privilege of seeing much in museums before now.
The Museum of Ice Cream is a series of installations packed with treats and interactive games that can make you forget you’re an adult with actual responsibilities. It’s a fun opportunity for photos and the perfect opportunity for play time. Does it get any better than this?
The city of New York is art itself, and it’s the kind of place you go to experience art as a lover of the craft, but also the kind of place you go to repeatedly discover all you don’t know about art. I don’t think I have ever been to New York and not gone to a museum, which is a statement.
Before my family and I arrived in Seattle, we all heard from various people that seafood and Asian cuisine were the way to go, so we found plenty of restaurants that offered both, but we also discovered restaurants that offered other cuisines that were just as tasty.