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.
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!
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.
Fall (September–November) and spring (March–May) when the desert heat won’t fry your flip-flops. Summer can reach serious oven status.
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.
Winter (December–March) for ski enthusiasts; summer (June–September) for hikers and national park junkies.
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.
Embrace the road trip. Rent a car and hit the highways—some of the best experiences hide between the big cities.
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.
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.
Make Dynamic
Make Dynamic
Make Dynamic
Make Dynamic
No landmarks, no crowds, no souvenir shops. Otterberg is the everyday side of Germany 🇩🇪
It’s a small town just outside Kaiserslautern. Lunch at Putai inside the historic Das Blaue Haus means crispy chicken in coconut curry and spring rolls with homemade sweet chili sauce, then a slow walk past the old church and quiet streets. The Palatinate Forest and Humberg Tower views are close by. If you want a packed itinerary this isn’t your town, but if you like good food and nowhere to be, you’ll love it.
Save this for your Germany road trip!
Every 6 minutes a new round unlocks, and you can eat your way around the world for two hours. 🌍🍽️
Masons in Kaiserslautern: Korean BBQ, Jamaican jerk chicken, raclette potatoes, crispy baked ricotta from Monaco, and the Belgian cookie cheesecake you’ll still be talking about the next day. €39-45 per person. Bring a group and pace yourself, because they charge for leftovers.
Save this for your next trip to Germany
Sedona got me again 🌵
This was my second trip, and somehow I liked it even more. Every visit adds another trail, viewpoint, or restaurant to the list, and the list keeps getting longer. This time I stayed near Airport Mesa, with sunsets right outside my door and none of the crowds.
My Substack has everything I’d tell a first-time visitor: the lodge I’ve now stayed at twice, the experiences I’d do first, and the restaurants I’d plan my days around.
Subscribe for free so you don’t miss the next one. Link in bio ✨
YES is always the answer... ✈️
I’m Wendy, and yes, I travel for a living (still pinching myself). After 15 years teaching middle school math, I traded the whiteboard for a passport and never looked back. Knoxville is home base, but Arizona sunsets are on another level, and if it’s been sitting on your list, this is your sign to finally say yes and book it. City guides, hotel reviews, and foodie spots are all on the blog. So glad you’re here 🌵☀️
A café, bakery, market, and wine shop all in one Phoenix stop 🍊
At La Grande Orange, order the crepes first, they’re the thing I’d go back for. The chicken salad sandwich is perfect if someone wants lunch while you’re still on breakfast, and the red velvet mini cupcake and a chai latte round it out. The sea salt chocolate chip cookie is heartier than gooey, so it’s best for dunkers. It’s counter service with easy parking, and the market has quirky gifts you won’t find elsewhere. Leave time to browse, because you’ll stay longer than planned.
Save this for your Phoenix trip ☀️
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
