- 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

Make Dynamic

Train

Make Dynamic

Automobile

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Cruise Ship

Make Dynamic

You are going to want to save this…☀️ If you only have one day in Miami, base yourself in Downtown Miami.

You’re on the water, minutes from the cruise port, and about 10–15 minutes from some of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods. For a short stay, it makes logistics simple and food access… dangerously convenient.

Efficient. Walkable. Well-connected. If time is tight, this is how you make it count. 🌴✨
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

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

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

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