- Destination -

North America

From maple-syrup-drenched Canada to salsa-ready Mexico, North America is basically the ultimate travel sampler platter. Want mountains? Rockies. Want beaches? Riviera Maya. Want neon lights and a slice of pizza at 2 a.m.? Hello, New York City. This is where road trips become epic, national parks become your screensaver, and tacos are an actual food group.

Destinations

Travel Tips, Blogs & Itineraries

Best Time to Visit

North America is huge, so the best time to visit depends on where you’re headed.

Spring (March–May): A favorite time for city breaks and nature trips. Cherry blossoms bloom in Washington D.C. and Vancouver, national parks like Zion and Yosemite are at their greenest, and temperatures are mild across most regions.

Summer (June–August): Peak travel season. Great for Alaska cruises, Canadian Rockies road trips, and beach destinations, but expect higher prices and crowds. Perfect for festivals and outdoor adventures.

Fall (September–November): One of the best overall times to visit. Stunning fall foliage in New England, wine harvest season in California, and warm weather in the southern states and Mexico.

Winter (December–February): Ski season in Colorado, Utah, and British Columbia; sunny escapes in Florida, Arizona, and Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Some northern areas can be very cold, but you’ll find fewer tourists and good deals on hotels.

Thinking about the Waterfalls of Damajagua in Puerto Plata for your Virgin Voyages excursion?🌊 Important context: I am not a thrill girl. Roller coasters make me queasy. And I still loved this.

The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua are like a 5/10 intensity. Adventurous but very doable. Guided. Safe. Not extreme.

You can choose your comfort level and that’s what makes it so good.😍

#damajagua #puertoplatacity #dominicanrepublic🇩🇴 #waterfalls #adventure
If you’re docking in Puerto Plata and don’t want to book an excursion, this is such an easy way to spend a few hours. You can walk straight from Taino Bay. It’s flat, manageable, and felt safe with a really good mix of colorful photo ops and actual city energy.

If you only have 1–2 hours, prioritize:
📍 Umbrella Street
📍 Pink Street
📍 Centro Histórico

Have more time? Add the Malecón de Puerto Plata. Into history? Stop by Fortaleza San Felipe. We were there during La Vega Carnival, which made everything feel extra lively, but even without a festival, I’d still recommend this route.

It’s simple. It’s realistic. And it gives you a look at Puerto Plata beyond just the cruise port. 🌴✨ Save this for your next stop.

#travelling #puertoplata #dominicanrepublic #downtownpuertoplata #travelitinerary
I wouldn’t recommend @virginvoyages to everyone…🫢

If you’re Googling who Virgin Voyages is really for, you’re probably wondering if it fits your travel style, or if it’s just great marketing. I’ve sailed multiple times, taste-tested the ship (for research, obviously), and paid attention to the details that actually matter. 

Here’s the honest answer, no cruise brochure fluff. Head to my blog to read more about planning your trip!🚢

#travelling #travelvlog #cruisevlog #cruiseship #virginvoyages
Day 2, Puerto Plata… waterfalls, city walks, and zero rush.🌴

Port day in Puerto Plata and we truly packed it in waterfalls, wandering through town, and actually having time to explore. One thing @virginvoyages does so well? Long port days. No sprinting back to the ship. No watching the clock all day.

Dinner at Extra Virgin tonight (yes, included). Fresh pasta, made to order, a menu that feels like a real restaurant not cruise food. No constant upsells. No nickel-and-diming. Dining, drinks, Wi-Fi… it’s all just handled.

You really start to see what you’re paying for and what you’re not. Ending the night with Scarlet Night! Full day out. Full night in. This is the sweet spot.✨

Virgin Voyages Cruise Vlog | 📍Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Follow Me @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.

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Embark. Explore. Eat.

Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.

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