- Destination -

The United States

From the skyscrapers of NYC to the red rocks of Utah, the U.S. is a buffet of culture, nature, and neon. National parks? Check. Wild road trips? You bet. Burgers the size of your head? Oh yes. Whether you're hunting craft brews in Portland, hiking Yosemite's jaw-dropping trails, or chasing UFOs in Roswell (hey, I won't judge), the USA's got enough stories to fill a suitcase - and then some.

Destinations

Travel Tips, Blogs & Itineraries

Best Time to Visit

Northeast (New York, Boston, Washington DC)

Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–November) when the cities bloom and the autumn leaves turn Instagram gold. Summers can be hot and muggy, but this is still my favorite time to visit because I love sunshine! Winters can be, well, frigid.

Southeast (Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas)

Late fall to early spring (October–April) when humidity takes a vacation and hurricane season is safely at bay. Summers are hot and steamy, but hey, that’s what beaches are for!

Midwest (Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis)

Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October). Winter? Let’s just say unless you’re building a snowman, you might want to skip it.

Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas)

Fall (September–November) and spring (March–May) when the desert heat won’t fry your flip-flops. Summer can reach serious oven status.

West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington)

All year, depending on what you’re after! Spring and fall bring the best weather for cities and hikes, summer is glorious on the beaches, and winter is perfect for Northern California wine country.

Rocky Mountains (Colorado, Utah, Montana)

Winter (December–March) for ski enthusiasts; summer (June–September) for hikers and national park junkies.

Alaska & Hawaii

  • Alaska: Summer (June–August) for long days and mild temps.

  • Hawaii: Spring and fall (April–June, September–November) when it’s less crowded and still warm.

Top Things to Do

Embrace the road trip. Rent a car and hit the highways—some of the best experiences hide between the big cities.

National Parks Galore

  • Yellowstone: Geysers, bison, and a whole lotta “wow.”
  • Grand Canyon: A mile-deep wonder that defies description.
  • Yosemite: Granite cliffs and giant sequoias—photographer’s dream.
  • Great Smoky Mountains: Misty mornings, fall colors, and black bears, a personal favorite.
  • Zion: Red rock canyons perfect for adventurers.
  • Glacier: Alpine lakes and epic hiking.
  • Rocky Mountain: Majestic peaks and elk galore.
  • Acadia: Rugged coastlines and New England charm.
  • Arches: Over 2,000 sandstone arches—nature’s playground.
  • Everglades: Alligators, mangroves, and subtropical swamps.

City Adventures

  • New York City: The city that never sleeps—or stops surprising.
  • Los Angeles: Laid-back vibes with a side of Hollywood glam.
  • Chicago: Deep dish, skyline, and a lake that feels like an ocean.
  • San Francisco: Foggy hills, Golden Gate, and cable cars galore.
  • New Orleans: Jazz, beignets, and enough soul to fill a saxophone.
  • Austin: Live music capital with BBQ and a “keep it weird” vibe.
  • Seattle: Coffee, rain, and a thriving arts scene.
  • Miami: Beachy bliss with Latin flair and art deco cool.
  • Boston: History, sports, and that irresistible accent.
  • Las Vegas: Neon lights, big bets, and endless entertainment.

Road Trips

  • Route 66: Nostalgia, neon, and quirky roadside attractions.
  • Pacific Coast Highway: Cliff-hugging views and ocean breezes.
  • Blue Ridge Parkway: Scenic Appalachian magic, especially in fall.
  • Overseas Highway: The Florida Keys—where the road meets the sea.
  • Great River Road: Follows the Mississippi—history and blues.

Music Festivals & Fairs

  • Coachella (California): Sun, sound, and celeb sightings.
  • SXSW (Texas): Music, film, and tech all in one.
  • Mardi Gras (Louisiana): Beads, brass bands, and big fun.
  • Lollapalooza (Illinois): Epic beats by the lake.
  • Burning Man (Nevada): Art, dust, and radical self-expression.

Travel Information

Plane, Train, Automobile

Whether you’re chasing the bright lights of New York City or that off-the-beaten-path diner in Kansas, the USA makes getting there an adventure all its own. Touch down at the big hitters like JFK, LAX, or Chicago O’Hare—think of them as your travel launchpads. Domestic flights are everywhere, but if you want to take the scenic route, Amtrak’s long-haul train rides let you soak up the rolling hills, deserts, and small towns you might otherwise miss (pro tip: snag a window seat). For the ultimate road trip? Rent a car and get lost on Route 66, or take the Pacific Coast Highway—trust me, I’ve done it, and it’s worth every mile.

Cruise Ship

Ports like Miami, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle welcome cruise travelers in style. You can dock in bustling cities, hop off for local excursions, and reboard with a sunburn and a smile. Popular cruise lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian) make it easy to start or end your journey by sea, perfect for those who want to see the skyline from a deck chair with a piña colada in hand.

Plane

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Train

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Automobile

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Cruise Ship

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Packing for almost a month and somehow it all fit 😅✈️
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If you’re an overpacker or always running out of suitcase space, these are a game changer.

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Explore more in 2026 not by waiting, but by planning ✨ The biggest travel mistake? Saving your dream trip for “later.” This year is all about turning someday into scheduled.

📍Choose experiences that stretch you
📍Travel with purpose, not pressure
📍Let exploration be part of your lifestyle

Make 2026 the year you visit the places you’ve dreamed of going… who is with me?
2026 goal: Eat the world, one bite at a time 🌍 From fresh pasta in Italy to street tacos in Mexico, food tells the story of a place. This year, prioritize trips that let you taste the culture, not just see it.

✨ PRO TIP: Build travel plans around food festivals, wine regions, or local markets.

Where should your first bite of 2026 be? 👇

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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