Outdoors isn’t the only place to experience Arkansas which calls itself the natural state. Inside out – that’s a normal state of affairs in Arkansas because so many grand experiences flow easily from inside to outdoors and back again. I used to think the state nickname meant going there to hike and bike, camp and kayak. True but not the only things to do in Northwest Arkansas. Here’s what I know up close after a very full weekend in two of the towns in Northwest Arkansas, Bentonville and Fort Smith. If you start in the capital city, Little Rock, consider the trip to Bentonville part of the pla ..read more

The writer was hosted. Atlantis Paradise Island is one of my favorite jewels in the Caribbean because it’s always an unforgettable escape for my family. During my recent visit with my two energetic daughters, we had rooms at The Reef, a premier resort that was not just a place to stay, but a world of adventure and relaxation. The Reef has a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling energy of other Atlantis accommodations. But what truly sets The Reef apart, and why I enjoyed our stay,  is its unique blend of family-friendly features and luxurious amenities. Our Room at The ..read more

Updated in 2023, this information remains accurate as of 4/9/24. Fun Derby Facts: 2024 is the 150th Anniversary of the Kentucky Derby. There are 16 races on Derby Day. The Kentucky Derby has never been canceled. Diane Crump was the first female jockey to race in the Derby in 1970. The Rose Garland, awarded to the winner, has 400+ roses and weighs 40+ pounds. Over 1,000 pounds of fresh mint is needed for 120,000 mint juleps, the official Derby cocktail. My Kentucky Derby hat. Photo credit: Kim Orlando Here in Louisville, Kentucky, around the same time that folks start filling out basketball b ..read more

Nestled in the Bay Area of Northern California, Concord offers a slice of suburbia with the pulsing heartbeat of San Francisco just a short drive away. This city offers a rich tapestry of cultures and history to keep tourists entertained, and locals engaged in their community. Concord is only 30 miles east of San Francisco. Driving over the iconic San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and bay. The City of Concord, in Contra Costa County, is surrounded by charming towns and cities, including bustling Walnut Creek, seven miles to the south, known for it ..read more

Since the advent of the car and the post World War II creation of interstate highways, road trips have been the Great American Way to travel with kids. Parents in the front seat. Kids in the back. The open road ahead. But, as veteran road trippers know, getting a road trip right takes some serious planning. It starts weeks before the trip, choosing the destination, planning the route and taking the car for a check-up to ensure the vehicle is up to the challenge. (If it’s not, don’t despair. You can always rent a car — most companies offer unlimited mileage options. Check out these tips fo ..read more

A spectacular place filled with wide open spaces, ghost towns, Native American history, and scenic drives under a legendary big sky, Montana makes an ideal road trip destination. From Glacier National Park in the west to Yellowstone National Park shared with Wyoming to the small towns in the east where digging up dinosaur bones is possible, Montana sets the stage for some of the best road trips in the western USA. Add to that the 77 named ranges of the Rocky Mountains that dot the landscape and you’ll understand how Montana earne ..read more

From the moment I arrived in Finland, I absolutely fell in love–so much so that I ended up moving from California to Europe, where I settled into permanent residence in Helsinki in 2022. I’m the type of person who loves to fully immerse myself in a new country, and over the last two years, I’ve explored much of what Helsinki has to offer. Here are some of my top essentials for a first-time trip to Helsinki, many of which can be seen in only a few days due to the relatively small size of the city and the super-efficient public transportation system (HSL). Walking tours are very e ..read more

The writer was hosted. With its author-themed rooms, lounge-worthy library, and ocean views, the Sylvia Beach Hotel in Newport, Oregon, is a haven for book lovers or anyone looking to unplug. Perched on a 45-foot bluff above the surf on Newport’s Nye Beach, the historic boutique hotel isn’t for everyone. With the focus on books, the hotel has no TVs, room phones, or wifi — although cell phones still work. The unplugged nature of the oceanfront hotel makes it appealing to couples wanting a romantic weekend or people like me looking for a low-key girlfriends’ getaway. Read More: Best Places ..read more

Can a bargain-priced international trip provide a full-sized experience? SheBuysTravel Founder Kim Orlando had to find out. So she booked an 11-day tour of Ecuador and the Galapagos for just $1,600 – a deal that even included air travel from New York City. So, the burning question: Did Exoticca Tours deliver more or less than she bargained for? What kind of international trip (that includes airfare) can you really get for $1,600? I had to know.  Exoticca is an online travel agency and tour company based in Spain.  And IMHO, the worst name ever.  I feel like I have to explain i ..read more

What sort of hotel can you expect on a bargain-priced international trip? As SheBuysTravel Founder, I felt it was my duty to know.  I paid $1,600 for an 11-day Exoticca tour of Ecuador and the Galapagos. Read on to learn about the quality of hotels included in that super affordable price and what my traveling partners, both luxe travelers, thought of the hotels on the Exoticca Tour to Ecuador. I am never 100% sure what a three- and four-star hotel rating means outside of the United States. So I did not know what to make of the “Charm” (cheapest) and “Superior” (upgraded) ratings Exoticc ..read more