• Most of my travel over the past decade has been to visit friends and family.
• To me, this approach to travel is easier, cheaper, and more fulfilling.
• I enjoy seeing my loved ones' favorite places and helping them explore their cities in new ways.

A few years ago, my partner and I took a trip to Southeast Asia and didn't know anyone.

Although we undoubtedly had some great adventures together, it was exhausting trying to figure out everything on our own, from the best things to do to how to get around.

That trip made me realize just how much more I enjoy the kind of travel I've been doing for the past decade — using most of my vacations to visit loved ones in places like Los Angeles, London, Seattle, Melbourne, Chicago, Monterey, Washington, DC, and more.

In addition to saving money on hotels, traveling this way gives me everything I crave from a vacation: exploration of a new place, quality time with people I love, and a certain amount of ease.

I love getting to see a city through my loved ones' eyes

One of my favorite things about traveling this way is that it gives me insight into my loved ones' favorite things about their cities, like coffee shops, restaurants, and parks.

We get to build memories together, and later, when we're catching up from afar, I'll know some of the places and people they're talking about. I think it's special to be able to picture my friends and family members in their homes and haunts.

I often get to enjoy incredible experiences I never would have found on my own, too — like when my former coworker who lives in Melbourne invited me to her friends' annual bike bar crawl.

And sometimes, I even get to help them discover new parts of their cities. For instance, during a trip to Colorado, my friend and I took my aunt and uncle to a local magic show they'd never heard of. They both loved it and said they'd have to bring future visitors.

I typically plan some of my own activities and have frank conversations about scheduling and boundaries

I always try to make it very clear to my host that they don't have to entertain me the whole time I'm in town. Before I arrive, I usually ask about their work schedule, existing plans, and if they need me to leave the house at any point during the day.

I also do some research and try to pick one or two things I want to do while visiting. Then, I'll either invite my loved one to join me or let them know I'm happy to venture off on my own if they need some alone time.

Doing so has led to some incredible solo adventures. During my trip to Melbourne, for example, I joined a multi-day tour group along the coast of Victoria since my friend had to work during the week. It was great to have the opportunity to explore freely without relying too heavily on my friend during my visit.

I still go on other trips, but this will always be my preferred way of traveling

There are places I'd like to visit one day where I don't have anyone to stay with, so I'll definitely continue to plan travel that doesn't involve visiting friends and family.

However, I don't mind spreading those out further so that my annual trips can be focused on my loved ones.

I find more meaning in seeing the wonderful people in my life than the wonders of the world — but this way, I get to do both at the same time.

• Cold Stone Creamery has over 20 combinations of ice cream and mix-ins called Signature Creations.
• The Founder's Favorite was too sweet for me, even though I liked the brownies.
• I loved the Banana Caramel Crunch, which tasted like a piece of banana bread fresh out of the oven.

One of the hardest decisions for me to make is what to order at an ice cream shop.

So, I chose to avoid the decision altogether and order 26 of Cold Stone Creamery's pre-set combinations of ice cream and mix-ins known as Signature Creations.

I ordered all of the varieties in a "like it" cup (comparable to a small) from my local store in Kansas City, Missouri, for $7 each.

As an ice cream lover who normally gravitates toward flavors full of chocolate, fruit, and peanut butter, I was excited to try everything and rank them from worst to best.

Here's what the experience was like.

Disclaimer: The availability of some Signature Creations may be subject to change.

• I've been to all 50 states, but Santa Fe, New Mexico, feels unlike anywhere else I've ever visited.
• The architecture makes me feel like I'm walking through a beautifully preserved historic village.
• I love that art is everywhere, from public murals and street galleries to handmade sculptures.

I've traveled to all 50 states and visited hundreds of cities in the process, but Santa Fe, New Mexico, stands out in a way that's hard to explain.

The city, built on the traditional lands of the Northern and Southern Tewa, reflects centuries of Native American, Mexican, and Spanish history in its language, art, food, and even street names.

From the moment I first arrived over 12 years ago, I immediately felt like I was transported to a different country.

The colors, pace, food, and architecture are all unlike anywhere else I've experienced in the US — which is why I've traveled back countless times.

• I took a round-trip ferry ride between Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Port Jefferson, New York.
• The boat had plenty of seating, a small café stocked with treats, and a comfy lounge area.
• I enjoyed spending the day in Port Jefferson and thought it was the perfect day-trip destination.

I grew up in Connecticut and fondly remember taking a ferry from Bridgeport to visit a friend in Port Jefferson, New York, about 20 years ago.

We walked around the charming village, browsed the cute shops, and marveled at the historic homes. Although I had a great time that day, I hadn't been to Port Jefferson — or on the ship — since.

So, I decided to spend a recent sunny-weathered Sunday riding the Bridgeport and Port Jefferson ferry. The ride, which was an hour and 15 minutes each way, was definitely worth the $39 round-trip ticket price.

Here's what my experience was like.

• I tried potato salad from Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Wegmans.
• The Wegmans option was the most expensive and seemed a bit soupier than the others.
• I enjoyed the Whole Foods Red Bliss potato salad, which had a delicious mustard flavor.

No summertime barbecue or picnic is complete without a few good side dishes, and a scoop of potato salad makes a great addition to a juicy cheeseburger, a plate of smoky ribs, or a hearty deli sandwich.

To me, a good potato salad has a satisfying mix of textures, and enough flavor to liven up the potatoes without overpowering them.

With barbecue season upon us, I decided to try the house-brand potato salads from Wegmans, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods to see how they compare. Here's how I ranked them, from worst to first.

Prices may vary by location.

Wegmans potato salad was the most expensive

A pound of Wegmans potato salad cost me $5.50, which was the most I paid at any of the stores.

This potato salad looked a bit soupier than the others I tried, with chunks of potato, celery, and pepper flakes floating in the mayo-heavy base.

The potatoes themselves turned out to be the mealiest of any I tried, but there was a nice bit of crunch to the celery and a bit of peppery spice that I liked. There was also an unexpected earthiness from the onions, and they tasted as if they'd been sautéed.

This potato salad wasn't bad, but it was my least favorite of the three I tried. In my opinion, it was a little heavy for a poolside barbecue side dish. Since it was also the most expensive, it was an easy choice for third place.

I would buy Trader Joe's potato salad again

Trader Joe's potato salad cost a little less than Wegmans, at $5 a pound. Of the three salads I tried, it was the most consistent in appearance.

It honestly looked and tasted more like egg salad to me, but the yolk-heavy creaminess was enjoyable, and I liked the nice hint of vinegary tang.

This was the sweetest of the three potato salads I tried, which isn't necessarily a selling point for me. I also thought it had the least texture. The potatoes were mushy, and the small bits of celery offered little to no crunch.

I didn't love it, but it was good enough that I'd buy it again if I were at Trader Joe's and needed potato salad.

The Whole Foods Red Bliss potato salad was the clear winner

Of the three stores I visited, Whole Foods was the only one that packed my potato salad fresh to order at the deli counter.

I can't say for sure if that makes a difference, but the Red Bliss potato salad was undoubtedly the most visually appealing of the three I tried. Red potato skins and green chives added plenty of color to the visibly creamy salad.

Although it typically costs $6, it was marked down to $4.50 per pound the day that I went. So, Whole Foods' potato salad was the least expensive of the three, and from the first bite, the clear winner in quality.

The potatoes had a nice, hearty texture, the celery was crunchy, and the salad packed a strong, delicious mustard flavor.

Since Whole Foods' entry was the least expensive, the best-looking, and the tastiest, its top ranking was a no-brainer. From now on, when the shopping list calls for potato salad, I'll steer toward Whole Foods.

• I've been to 90+ countries and often only visit each one time — but I keep coming back to Iceland.
• There's so much to do in the country, from relaxing in lagoons to hiking glaciers.
• I've already visited Iceland several times. I love the adventure, local food, and people.

Although I live in the US, I'm a born traveler at heart. I've been to over 90 countries and have no plans to stop exploring.

However, my approach to travel is usually one-and-done. Why see the Colosseum again when I haven't seen the Great Pyramids or Antarctica?

Yet, there's one country that keeps pulling me back: Iceland. I've already visited three times and definitely plan to return.

I quickly fell in love with the country during my first visit

I'd always wanted to visit Iceland, but I never prioritized it until a close friend convinced me to take the plunge. She planned most of our trip and got me excited about seeing the country's soaring waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers, and lava fields.

Even better? It turns out that Iceland is less than a five-hour flight from where I live on the East Coast.

As soon as I arrived, I could feel myself falling for the country. Our first stop was Reykjavík, the world's northernmost capital city.

In the heart of the old town, there's a huge road painted like a rainbow — a beautiful and unmistakable sign that all are welcome in Iceland. It brought me so much joy.

Alongside shopping and museums showcasing Icelandic art, history, and culture, the city's personality comes through.

The old town of Iceland is filled with quirky museums, including a Phallic Museum and a punk-rock museum located in an underground, abandoned restroom.

Other uniquely Icelandic attractions, including the Lava Show, complete with real, red-hot lava, and the Perlan Museum, with an indoor ice cave, are also nearby.

I was astounded by how much there was to do in Reykjavík, especially since it's a fairly small city with a population under 140,000.

My trip just kept getting better as I experienced more of the country

Although I could've happily stayed in Reykjavík, I ventured out to see what else Iceland had to offer.

I started by soaking in the warm waters of the Sky Lagoon and indulging in a multistep ritual inspired by traditional Nordic wellness practices. My life is stressful, and I find it hard to relax, but I felt rejuvenated when I left.

I also visited a black beach with soaring basalt columns formed by volcanoes, hiked up a glacier, walked behind a soaring waterfall, and crossed a bridge spanning North American and European tectonic plates.

Throughout the trip, I enjoyed the local cuisine. It's hard not to love a country obsessed with hot dogs and ice cream, but I also loved the gourmet meals I had in Reykjavík.

A lot of the local pastries were astonishingly good — better than any I had in Paris.

Moreover, the people I encountered in Iceland — considered the world's most peaceful country — were incredibly nice. They also seemed proud to show off their country.

Once, while standing on the rooftop of a restaurant, someone asked my friend and me if we were tourists. I stiffened and wondered what was coming next. But when we nodded, they just led us to a higher part of the roof, where the views were even more stunning.

Unexpectedly, I felt at home in Iceland. I loved the adventure, the food, and the people. I didn't want to leave.

I've visited Iceland 2 more times since that trip — and I still plan to go back

At first, it seemed unthinkable that I'd ever return to Iceland since there's still so much of the world I haven't seen.

Yet, once I was back home in Washington, DC, my soul longed to return. I craved the vast, quiet, open landscapes that starkly contrast with my daily life in a big, busy city.

When a planned family trip unexpectedly fell apart, I decided to take my children to Iceland — even though it'd only been three months since I first visited.

This time, I booked an expedition cruise to the north. We saw puffins and whales, crossed the Arctic Circle, and hiked in mountains and lava fields so beautiful that the views didn't seem real.

Five months later, I packed my baselayers and returned to Iceland again. I was obsessed with the idea of seeing the northern lights and experiencing the country in winter.

Iceland looked totally different covered in snow, and I got to briefly see the northern lights. During this visit, I experienced Reykjavík's nightlife, visiting everything from an upscale rooftop bar to Lemmy's, a heavy-metal bar named after Motorhead's lead singer.

To me, this was more proof that there's always something new to discover in Iceland, and I'm already plotting a return trip.

Next time, I want to see a volcanic eruption.

• I've visited 30 tropical islands around the world, but five stand out from the rest.
• Bora Bora and Curaçao's beautiful beaches make them the perfect places for a relaxing vacation.
• Barbados has many activities, like touring a rum distillery and visiting Rihanna's childhood home.

As a travel writer specializing in tropical destinations, I've been lucky enough to have visited 30 islands around the world. Because of my extensive travels, people often ask me which islands I'd return to.

Each island I've been to has been idyllic and unique, but a few lingered in my salt-spray-tinged memories long after my tan faded.

Here are the five islands I always recommend to other travelers.

• I worked at Trader Joe's for three years and tried many products from premade meals to quick snacks.
• Now, I still return to buy my favorite easy weeknight dinners and pantry staples.
• I always stock up on overnight oats, chicken nuggets, dolmas, and coconut water.

Some Trader Joe's items are impossible to resist. Trust me, I used to work there.

Even after three years acquainting myself with products behind the scenes (and meeting my significant other in the process!), I still keep coming back for some of my favorite groceries, from customer favorites to hidden gems.

As someone who is neurodivergent, I tend to look for quick, frozen staples and easy-to-make meals. I don't often cook fancy dishes unless I'm feeling particularly inspired — for instance, if I just found an enticing recipe on TikTok.

Luckily for me, Trader Joe's has a wealth of products that make for simple (and affordable!) meals. These are the 10 that I can't live without.

• As a mom and professional meal planner, I rely on one-pot recipes for easy, customizable dinners.
• I keep the ingredients simple and affordable, with each meal costing under $25.
• Some of my favorite meals to make are creamy pesto pasta and Italian-style orzo.

As a professional meal planner and busy mom, I rely on simple one-pot dinners to get flavorful, satisfying meals on the table quickly.

I especially love these recipes because they're easy to customize. For example, I'm vegan but my family isn't, and these dishes can easily be adapted to suit different dietary preferences.

These four quick and easy dinners take less than 30 minutes to make and are perfect for busy weeknights when I want something homemade, nutritious, and stress-free.

At under $25 per meal, they're also budget-friendly and require only a handful of ingredients.

My family can't get enough of this taco soup

Ingredients: one onion, 12 ounces of vegan (or regular) ground beef, 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning, 3 cups of vegan broth, a 28-ounce jar of salsa, a 4-ounce can of diced green chiles, a can of black beans, a can of pinto beans, 1 tablespoon of olive oil

This one-pot soup delivers all the flavor of taco night with none of the fuss.

I start by sautéing the chopped onion in olive oil. Then, I add the vegan beef and taco seasoning and cook until browned.

Next, I stir in the broth, salsa, and green chiles. I drain and rinse the cans of beans and add them to the pot. Once the mixture comes to a boil, I reduce the heat and let it simmer until slightly thickened.

I like to serve it with a DIY topping bar so everyone can customize their bowl. At my house, dairy-free sour cream, lime wedges, avocado, taco sauce, and chopped cilantro are always in the mix.

I'm always amazed by how easy this creamy pesto pasta is

Ingredients: 1 pound of penne pasta, a 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce, 1 cup of pesto, ½ cup of drained sun-dried tomatoes, 8 ounces of vegan cream cheese, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of basil leaves, kosher salt, black pepper

I've made this creamy, dairy-free pesto pasta dozens of times, and it still surprises me how flavorful and effortless it is.

I start by boiling the pasta according to the directions on the bag. While that's on the stove, I chop the sun-dried tomatoes.

Once the pasta is cooked and drained, I return it to the pot and stir in the marinara sauce, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and vegan cream cheese until everything is smooth and creamy.

To finish, I season to taste with salt and pepper, then top with vegan Parmesan and torn basil.

My family can't get enough of this comforting, colorful dish.

This stir-fry is flavorful and packed with protein

Ingredients: one carrot, two cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 14 ounces of firm tofu, a bag of cauliflower rice, 1 cup of mushrooms, 1 cup of cooked edamame, six green onions, ½ cup chopped peanuts, a head of butter lettuce, stir-fry sauce

Stir-fry is one of my go-to meals because it's easy to customize, and this one delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

I start by sautéing the diced carrots and minced garlic in sesame oil. Then, I crumble in the tofu and cook it until it's golden and crispy.

Next, I stir in the cauliflower rice, sliced mushrooms, and cooked, shelled edamame. I finish with a generous drizzle of my favorite store-bought stir-fry sauce (any teriyaki-style blend works great).

To serve, I top it with sliced green onions and chopped nuts. We love eating it straight from the bowl — or spooning it into lettuce leaves for a nutritious, protein-packed wrap.

This Italian-style Orzo tastes like it came from a restaurant

Ingredients: half of an onion, two cloves of garlic, a jar of marinated bell peppers, a can of artichoke hearts, 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of capers, 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 cup of orzo, 14 ounces of bruschetta, a can of cannellini beans, 2 cups of vegetable broth, 3 cups of baby spinach leaves, ½ cup of vegan ricotta, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 ½ tablespoons of Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, fresh basil leaves

This is my favorite way to elevate a simple orzo dish. Everything comes together in one skillet before finishing in the oven — and the result is impressive.

While the oven preheats to 400°F, I chop the onions, bell peppers, and artichoke hearts. I mince the garlic and cut the sun-dried tomatoes into thin slices.

Then, I add all the veggies to a pan with capers and Italian seasoning, and sauté the mixture in olive oil for about 5 minutes.

Next, I stir in the uncooked orzo, tomato paste, bruschetta, drained beans, and broth. Once it comes to a simmer, I transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the dish for 10 to 15 minutes.

To finish, I stir in the spinach and vegan ricotta, and top it off with fresh basil.

The final result is a hearty comfort meal that's totally restaurant-worthy.

• I started making sourdough bread six years ago and have since fallen in love with the hobby.
• Initially, I didn't realize how often the sourdough starter had to be fed.
• I also didn't know I could use the discard to make other treats like flatbreads and muffins.

Seven years ago, I started making my own sourdough bread.

In addition to being a relaxing hobby that's taught me the importance of patience, making bread also keeps me from spending ridiculous amounts of money on loaves from the grocery store.

But baking sourdough is pretty different from other types of bread. This is partially because sourdough requires a starter — a fermented mixture of flour and water that creates its own yeast and bacteria.

The process of creating a starter, and eventually bread, isn't foolproof and can take beginners a little while to grasp.

Here are five things I wish I'd known before making sourdough bread for the first time.

You have to feed your sourdough starter like a pet

To keep your sourdough starter active, you have to feed it using flour and water. Until I inherited my first starter, though, I didn't realize I'd have to create a feeding schedule for it.

If you leave your starter on the counter, you'll want to feed it once every 12 to 24 hours. If you keep it in the refrigerator, however, you can feed it less, typically about once a week. This schedule will also vary depending on how often you bake.

If you need a break from feeding your starter, you can preserve it in a few ways

When I first started making sourdough, I didn't realize I could store my starter for a while without feeding it.

Turns out, you can leave it in the freezer for up to one year. Another more reliable, long-term storage option is to dehydrate your sourdough starter.

This would've been good to know when I let mine go bad because I went on a work trip and couldn't find a friend to feed it for me.

A starter can be brought back to life

Even if your sourdough starter looks grim, it's still possible to bring it back to life.

When this happens to mine, I feed it filtered water and flour and give it a few days to see if it starts to form bubbles.

It may take a while to get the cultures moving again, especially if the starter has been freeze-dried or dehydrated. When it bubbles up and doubles in size, you'll know you have a pillowy, healthy starter to bake with.

You don't have to get rid of your discard

I didn't realize until far into the process that sourdough discard can be used for other recipes. I figured the term indicated the runoff's value.

You can either compost your discard or use it in other recipes like flatbreads, pastries, rolls, waffles, muffins, and more.

When making sourdough, patience is key

Throughout the process, it's important to remember that fermentation takes time. Living cultures need the ideal environment to engage, grow, and develop a strong and active formula.

Your sourdough hobby won't satisfy any need for instant gratification. The starter will test your patience, indulge your mad scientist alter ego, and encourage a certain level of imagination in the kitchen.

This story was originally published on March 13, 2025, and most recently updated on August 7, 2025.

• I'm a dad in New York who walks 20 minutes to the nearest Trader Joe's to shop for my family. 
• My kids enjoy eating the chain's butternut-squash ravioli and Cosmic Crisp apples.
• I like to buy myself Trader Joe's jerk-chicken burritos and organic Bolivian coffee.

I'm a New Yorker who walks 20 minutes to the nearest Trader Joe's to shop for my family of four.

I skip items I can find at closer supermarkets and instead focus on snacks and kid-friendly meals. Fortunately, the chain also has some great items for adults.

Here are a few things I regularly buy at Trader Joe's.

• When my son was a senior in high school, he chose to move in with my 77-year-old mom.
• He doesn't have to worry about paying rent in our expensive city, and he's gained independence.
• My mom likes having help with chores, and his moving out has been good for him and our relationship.

When I got divorced, my two children and I moved back to the house I owned before I was married, which we'd kept as a rental property.

At 800 square feet, the two-bedroom cottage is ideal for two people, but it's a tight squeeze for three. My 13-year-old son got the smaller bedroom, while my 9-year-old daughter and I shared the larger one.

By the time my son was in high school and my daughter in middle school, they both desperately wanted their own space and more independence.

However, we live in Denver, one of the most expensive cities in the US. Upgrading to a bigger home wasn't an option — and my son couldn't afford his car and rent for his own place on the income from his part-time lifeguarding job.

So, he chose to move in with my 77-year-old mother during his senior year of high school.

Now, he's got more independence without the burden of rent

At my mom's house, my son has a spacious bedroom with a full bath in her finished basement, which includes a laundry, gym, and living room.

By living with his grandmother, he's able to avoid paying rent (and save money) while still having the independence that comes with having his own space.

When he moved in, my mom laid out clear rules and expectations of what he needed to help with around the house.

So far, he's been making dinner for her a few nights a week and helping with cleaning and other items on her to-do list. It's been a great lesson in independence for him, and it's been nice for my mom to have extra help around the house.

The move has also been beneficial to my relationship with my son. We set intentional boundaries that could bridge living at home and being 100% independent.

He doesn't have to coordinate all of his plans with me anymore, but he's also responsible for knowing what needs to be done with his schoolwork and housework and making it happen.

Now, he manages his schedule so he sees his friends plenty — and I'm no longer stressing about nagging him about homework and chores.

My son has also matured in a way that's really surprised me

After a couple of months of this living arrangement, a new confidence emerged in my son's personality and attitude.

As he got closer to graduation, he hit his stride with finishing school, working, saving money, and managing his household responsibilities.

Over several weeks, we were also able to have a lot of mature conversations about what he thought his future would look like.

Through high school, my son was unsure about attending college — he'd simply say he didn't know what he'd major in and didn't want to take out loans for tuition.

After a few months of his newfound independence, though, he was able to share his anxieties about college with me with more clarity and detail and less apathy.

Ultimately, he's decided to attend an affordable local community college in the fall and transfer to a university next year. I'm pleasantly surprised by how he was able to make such an important, mature choice on his own.

All in all, this unconventional living situation has been great

Even though this living arrangement is unconventional, it's been a game changer for all of us.

My son has gained so much independence. We've also improved our relationship, taking space as needed and coming together for meaningful conversations about his future.

And, of course, it's been helpful for my mom on a practical level.

Based on this experience, I'd encourage parents to think outside the box when it comes to living arrangements that an older teen might benefit from.

My son has been thriving after having a taste of what it means to live on his own as an adult — and, at my house, my daughter is thrilled to finally have her own space to decorate.

• Sundresses are a summer closet staple, so I tried on options at Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy.
• The Gap dress was too thin, and the Banana Republic option was a little out of my price range.
• Even though it was the least expensive, the Old Navy piece was my favorite.

Summer is in full swing, which means it's time for floral prints, bold colors, and short hemlines.

It's the perfect season to refresh your wardrobe with light, breezy styles, and in my opinion, there's no closet staple more practical or comfortable than a good sundress.

As someone who loves all things feminine and frilly, sundresses are a personal favorite. To find a new go-to for the season, I headed to three retailers that never miss when it comes to wearable fashion — Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy.

Here's how my search for the perfect sundress went.

• My husband, my teenage son, and his girlfriend visited Chili's on a Friday night for dinner.
• Our teenage dining companions love Chili's and our food wasn't bad, but I'm not sure I get the hype.
• The $100 meal seemed reasonably priced, but Chili's definitely isn't my favorite chain restaurant.

On one of my teenage son's first dates with his girlfriend, they went to Chili's.

As a food writer, I was curious about the choice. I wouldn't classify the major chain as an ideal date-night destination, but it's clear they may have been inspired by TikTok.

Chili's is a hit with Gen Z on the social-media platform, which is brimming with videos of people around their age eating mozzarella sticks with impressive cheese pulls and burgers loaded with toppings.

A few months later, it was my son's requested birthday dinner, so my husband and I accompanied him and his girlfriend to our local Chili's on a Friday night.

The place was hopping, with a 30-minute wait for a table and loud groups of diners sipping colorful, fish-bowl-sized margaritas as they waited for their meals.

It felt like the hottest spot in town, but I found the food underwhelming. Always willing to give a restaurant a second chance, our same group returned to that Chili's on another Friday night a few weeks later.

Here's what I thought of my second try at understanding Chili's popularity with younger customers.

• I've received lots of wedding invitations over the past few years.
• Many of the weddings I've been invited to have required me to travel.
• Now, I like to turn every wedding invitation into a mini vacation.

I don't know whether the influx of wedding invites I've received is a byproduct of the many celebrations that got delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic or a rite of passage for anyone approaching their late 20s.

Either way, the last few years have filled my calendar — and the outside of my refrigerator — with many an invitation and save the date. Many of these invitations have also required me to travel.

To maximize pricey flights, I've leveraged weddings to explore places like West Palm Beach, Cleveland, and even my own city. Here's how I've created the perfect marriage between wedding and personal travel.

I stay open and flexible to spur-of-the-moment experiences

Sandusky, Ohio, doesn't exactly scream "getaway," but for my cousin's wedding, my boyfriend and I embarked on a Midwest road trip.

While driving, I discovered two things: "A Christmas Story" was filmed in Cleveland, and my boyfriend had never had a meal at Waffle House.

Before we even arrived at our hotel, we mapped out our return, making sure to hit the iconic filming location and the famous chain restaurant on the way home. I loved that attending the wedding gave us a reason to explore the area and try new things.

Once in Sandusky, I maintained that eagerness, visiting Lake Erie, trying Culver's custard, and exploring Marblehead Lighthouse.

To manage expectations, I've learned to treat each wedding trip as an introduction to a place

A few years ago, I planned my first post-wedding trip to Miami after a friend's West Palm Beach ceremony.

Although I enjoyed Miami, I chastised myself for everything I'd missed in the Palm Beaches. Beyond visiting the Norton Museum of Art, I saw little of West Palm.

Since then, I've adjusted my expectations. I have neither the time nor energy to do everything I'd like to, so I regard wedding trips as city introductions rather than the end-all-be-all of tours.

This mindset has minimized the pressure I place on my vacations and inspired future travels.

Even when weddings are close to home, I embrace the art of the staycation

Last summer, I attended a wedding on Lake Canandaigua, just an hour from my Rochester, New York, apartment. Although I could've commuted, the venue had been on my radar since moving upstate, so I booked a room.

That decision was well worth the hotel cost. I jumped in the lake countless times, caught up with college friends, and sipped riesling: the Finger Lakes' claim to fame.

That wedding also sparked my interest in exploring the other Finger Lakes and refreshed my perspective on my surroundings.

I try not to jam-pack my schedule after the wedding festivities are over.

I'm planning on attending a wedding at the Chicago Botanic Garden soon. Although I'd initially planned for an extra day in the city, I realized my hotel was actually an hour away from the city center.

In order to conserve my energy, I've since adapted my trip to tour Chicago's North Shore and the chic, much closer suburb of Lake Forest, Illinois.

Beyond those activities, however, I'm leaving the rest of my day open. After a weekend of wedding events, I'll likely feel worn down and ready to recharge. Although weddings are structured to the hour, wedding trips can balance out the frenzy of a celebratory weekend.

This story was originally published on August 13, 2024, and most recently updated on July 23, 2025.

• I lived on a sailboat full-time. After about a year and a half, I chose to get an apartment instead.
• Simple activities, like showering and grocery shopping, were much more difficult on a boat.
• Still, I learned a lot living on board, like how to appreciate the simple things in life. 

In March 2021, my partner, greyhound, and I started living aboard a 42-foot sailboat.

In the years leading up to moving aboard, I daydreamed about our nomadic lifestyle — but after a year of sacrificing hygiene, stability, and family time, the wanderlust had worn off.

Simple day-to-day activities, like showering and grocery shopping, became complicated endeavors. We spent a lot of time and energy simply maintaining our basic needs.

By August 2022, we'd moved back on land and into an apartment.

Our decision was ultimately the result of these challenges, which wore on me physically and emotionally.

Limited water led to limited showers

Although I consider myself low-maintenance, boat life pushed my hygiene needs to their limit. 

When sailing, especially to remote locations, we had a finite amount of water we could carry. So we minimized showering to conserve it and instead took "saltwater baths" in the ocean.

Since soap doesn't lather as well in the ocean and salt sticks to skin and hair, I was never able to truly feel clean.

I went up to a month without a freshwater shower, and the heavy layer of salt and grease in my hair made me uncomfortable and self-conscious.

I longed to establish a daily routine

At first, finding the most convenient grocery store and a nice running path was part of the adventure, but constantly feeling unfamiliar with our location became tiring.

I was relieved when we stayed in a place for a week or more, so I could establish a routine. 

And instead of feeling excited about our next destination, each departure made me sad because I was leaving behind this newfound familiarity. 

Traveling every few days empowered me to become more adaptable, but I continued to have anxiety over access to the resources we needed. 

Homesickness was more difficult than I anticipated

I always knew leaving my friends and family would be challenging, but it surprised me how suddenly waves of homesickness would overcome me. 

While picking up ice cream, I wanted to share it with my dessert-loving nieces. And I yearned to be with my best friend when I tried local hot sauces. 

After missing a year of birthdays and holidays, I'm now embracing every opportunity to create memories with the people I love.

I still learned a lot, and the experience was worth the challenges

Living on a sailboat has helped me appreciate the simple things in life.

Since moving into an apartment, I'm as grateful as ever that showers are readily available and groceries are easily acquired and stored. 

I feel lucky to carry memories of beautiful beaches and diverse cultures, but I'm also looking forward to our next chapter on land. 

This story was originally published on November 27, 2022, and most recently updated on July 23, 2025.

• About five years ago, my now-fiancé and I moved from Washington, DC, to a small town in Arkansas.
• The most surprising part of moving was seeing how many people in our new town were self-employed.
• The culture shift inspired us to open up a restaurant, and I love the way my workweek looks now.

I never expected to leave my city life for a small Arkansas town of about 16,000 people — but I'm so glad I did.

I first moved to Washington, DC, for school, but ended up staying for nearly two decades thanks to the incredible job opportunities, cultural experiences, and lifelong friendships I made there.

Then, COVID-19 hit. I was fortunate to keep my job in the nonprofit industry, working remotely throughout the pandemic — but my boyfriend, a chef, had a hard time finding work as one restaurant after another closed its doors or cut staff.

Suddenly, we wondered whether it made sense to continue paying rent for a pricey basement apartment in the nation's capital.

My partner had some job leads in his Arkansas hometown, which was also much closer to my family in Memphis. So, in August 2020, we packed a U-Haul and hit the road.

I was surprised to learn that so many people in my new neck of the woods were self-employed

Coming from Washington, DC, I was used to people working for large firms or the government in some capacity. During my first few months in town, as I worked long remote hours for my DC-based job, I was struck by the percentage of locals who were self-employed.

It felt like half the people I met were entrepreneurs — from a band manager and a lawyer with his own firm to personal trainers and dog groomers. Even many of the kids at the local high school were starting boat-detailing businesses or mobile car-wash services.

My now-fiancé and I would stroll downtown, checking out empty storefronts and dreaming about opening a small gift shop or burger bar of our own.

Although I hadn't seriously considered it before, the idea of being brick-and-mortar business owners suddenly didn't seem quite so far-fetched.

So, when a small café and marina became available, we took the plunge

We invested our savings and became proud owners of a lakeside burger and po'boy shop.

We knew my fiancé would be the head chef and manage day-to-day operations. I expected to keep my office job and help serve customers on the weekends. Fate had other plans, though, and I was laid off right as the deal went through.

Now working on the business full time, I still help take orders and serve food, but I also handle a wide range of administrative tasks, from running payroll to paying county liquor taxes.

I also handle marketing efforts, like designing promotional fliers and managing our social media. Plus, I fill in wherever and whenever I'm needed — whether that means stocking food deliveries, mopping floors, coordinating events, or making fries.

The road forward hasn't always been easy, but I love my new career

We knew the restaurant business was notoriously challenging, and we saw that firsthand our first summer in operation.

Fully staffed, we opened for both lunch and dinner, but because our space mainly consists of outdoor seating, lunch service was largely empty during weeks of 90-degree heat.

The next season, we pivoted, limiting operations to late afternoon and evening hours and leaning into showcasing local musicians on weekend nights to make the most of prime patio hours.

Through the whole experience, I've learned how much I enjoy variety in my workweek. It's also been incredible to become a more active member of my community — I've gotten to know neighbors, donated meals to local sports teams, and exhibited artists' paintings on the walls.

Being new entrepreneurs has been a process of constant learning and frequent adjustments, but five years later, we have no regrets — just a lifestyle and business we love.

• My 88-year-old grandmother has a bustling social life and has always lived in the present.
• She doesn't spend too much time worrying about the future and stays open to trying new things.
• She's inspired me to enjoy my life instead of worrying so much about where to live and what to do.

Every Wednesday night after graduating from college, I sat in my grandma's living room and spiraled about my future.

How could I decide on the one thing I wanted to do for the rest of my life? One city to live in? One partner to marry?

She nodded and listened while filling our plates with kugel and mandel bread. "Emma," she'd say after my lament. "I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up."

My 88-year-old grandma has always lived in the present

My grandma Reva leads the most fulfilled life of anyone I know — not just the 80-plus-year-olds.

Now 88, she told me her secret is to "just live in the moment." And, throughout her life, she's stayed open to giving things a try if they sound interesting.

At 18, she took a leap of faith by marrying an Army man she met through a letter because, she said, she had "nothing to lose." That leap led to a 65-year marriage. The two kissed goodnight, held hands, and slow danced until the very end.

With her "I'll try it out" mindset, she bounced around jobs, only staying where she could find the fun.

As a retail employee, she quit on day one after meeting a rude coworker. As a legal secretary, her "boss was a putz," so she moved on to work for my grandpa's accounting firm. That job was hard work, but she loved the vacations after every tax season.

When that closed, she went to work for my dad. There, she made a best friend and stayed a while. "We used to laugh at all the clients, but I whipped that place into shape," she told me.

When my grandpa passed five years ago, she moved out of their family home and into a one-bedroom apartment. For the first time in her life, in her 70s, she was living alone.

Aside from the new digs, we figured her life would remain relatively unchanged. With her weekly mahjong and canasta games with friends, Friday night family dinners, and frequent calls with her 13 grandchildren, Grandma's life seemed content as is.

Instead, she chose to lean into this new chapter in her 80s and fill her life with even more joy and community. She and her apartment neighbors (turned friends) now spend their winters gossiping in the party room and summers book-clubbing at the pool.

Last week, she was too busy tasting each of her neighbor's "signature drinks" to take my call. "I never went to college, now I get the sorority-house experience," she told me. "It's made my life more beautiful."

Once again, my grandmother's life led me to reflect on my own. My grandma lives such a rich, social life — people even recognize her by just her laugh. If someone so happy has spent her life finding joy in the present, why was I so worried about the future?

She's inspired me to lean into present feelings while making peace with future uncertainties

So, I took her advice. I decided I no longer needed to know what I wanted to do when I grew up — just what I wanted to do tomorrow.

Swallowing my fears, I quit my job in Chicago and moved to New York City. Living in Manhattan, my decision paralysis dissipated.

I made new friends and kept the old. I signed up for the intimidating extracurriculars, and my comedy classes quickly became the highlight of my week. I dated without the pressure of finding one "forever person," and forged connections I'd otherwise convince myself out of.

By this playbook, I realized that tomorrow, I wanted to be a writer. So, I gave up my spot in my graduate program and applied for journalism school instead.

Just a few weeks ago, my grandma was "too busy clapping to take photos," as I walked across the graduation stage to collect my degree.

These days, neither one of us knows what we want to be when we grow up — but I'm no longer worried about it. All I know is we're happy today, and I'm excited to figure out what I'd like to do tomorrow.

• Epcot's Behind the Seeds Tour starts at $39 a person, making it the cheapest tour at Disney World.
• This one-hour tour takes guests on a tour of Epcot's greenhouses with a knowledgeable guide.
• We learned about innovative food-growing techniques at Disney and got to sample fresh produce.

If you go to Disney World a lot, it's easy to feel like you've seen and done it all. However, you can see a whole different side of the parks by taking one of its special tours.

On a recent trip, my husband and I booked Disney World's cheapest tour, the Behind the Seeds Tour, for a chance to explore Epcot's greenhouses with an expert guide.

• I thought I'd live in New York City forever, but I hit my breaking point and moved to Nashville.
• I could enjoy many things I love about city life and get more space for less. I even fell in love.
• It's been about a decade since my move, and I'm happily living here with my husband and two kids.

New York or nowhere. It's a T-shirt and an Instagram, but it was also my personal motto for most of my young life.

I was born in the Bronx, got my first post-college apartment in Queens, spent nearly a decade in a fifth-floor walk-up in Manhattan, and brought my first baby home to Brooklyn.

In high school and college, I spent time living in Connecticut, Poughkeepsie, and Scotland, but always felt the draw back to NYC.

By age 30, I'd spent most of my life in the city, and was living my own NYC dream working at a buzzy women's media company.

I had never imagined living anywhere else. Then, I hit my breaking point.

After a reality check, I gave myself permission to leave New York

New York wasn't just my city; it was a huge part of my identity.

However, I was burned out at my job, underpaid, and commuting hours on the subway between Manhattan and my shoebox of an apartment in Crown Heights.

I was paying a nanny most of my salary just so I could have the privilege of … not seeing my newborn.

After each day speed-editing dozens of articles and pumping breastmilk in a closet at the office, I would sprint to the subway at 7 p.m. in hopes of seeing my son while he was still awake.

I would never make it back in time. I'd kiss his sleeping face, pay the nanny, and cry.

By the time my son outgrew his bassinet and needed to transition to a crib, it became clear my tiny apartment was too small for us.

A crib and an adult bed didn't fit in the space, so I gave the latter away and spent the last six months of my New York life sleeping on a bedroll on the floor.

And I finally gave myself permission to consider the impossible: leaving. I just wasn't sure where to go next.

Nashville wasn't the plan, but it was the answer

I knew I wanted to live in a city, but I needed somewhere cheaper (and way more chill) than New York.

I didn't want to relive my teen years in the Connecticut suburbs, or even that blissful but too-quiet year in college when I lived on the coast of northern Scotland.

I wanted my son to grow up in a real community: walking to public school and the playground and pizza parlor like I did as a little kid in the Bronx. I wanted to take him to museums and music venues.

Soon, Nashville was on my radar — once I factored in my other wants, it seemed like the biggest, most diverse, most affordable city I could afford.

I told my employer I was moving, and that I could quit or they could let me go remote. They let me keep my job. I bought a four-bedroom house in East Nashville with a monthly mortgage that was close to half my rent in Brooklyn.

My new block had coffee shops, bars, a pharmacy, a pizza parlor, a bodega, and a vintage store that was also an art gallery that was also a music venue. So Brooklyn! I felt right at home.

Sure, at first everything felt … slow. I didn't live near downtown, so the bustle dial was turned way down.

Initially, it was hard to sleep without sirens and shouting outside my window. But as the weeks turned into months, I started to notice I was breathing easier.

Nashville gave me more space — not just physical space (for a crib and a bed, imagine!) but space in my day that was no longer spent commuting, hauling a stroller up and down stairs, and rushing to the laundromat.

It gave me more accessible green spaces than New York had; my son and I could be out on a hike within 20 minutes, no Metro-North train ride necessary.

Without a long commute, I had time to make real dinners, to lounge on porches, and to get to know my neighbors. I made friends, joined a nonprofit, and started teaching yoga at the local studio.

I had the emotional space to date around casually and have fun.

When my son was 2 ½, I met one particular musician. He was calm but passionate, goofy but grounded, Southern polite but also punk rock. He loved my son.

By year five in Nashville, we were married. Year six, he adopted my son. That same year, our second son was born.

Moving was the best decision I was scared to make

There's a common fear among people who leave big cities that we're somehow giving up. I definitely felt it.

I worried that moving to a smaller city would mean trading ambition for comfort. My work changed, yes.

I later shifted away from a traditional media job into freelance and consulting work, but I'm making more money now since I'm paid per project rather than being expected to work endless hours for an unchanging salary.

Now, I work smarter, not harder. I live smarter. I've stopped defining myself solely by my ever-climbing corporate media job title, or my precious 917 area code.

Nashville gave me the space to grow in unexpected directions. I have a garden, I volunteer, and I made friends who didn't care about who I worked for. I built a community that is unparalleled in its supportive and radically inclusive nature.

This city isn't perfect, but it's become home. At the time, leaving New York felt like the biggest risk of my life. Today, I think of how scared I was of the best decision I ever made, and laugh.

It's been nearly a decade since I left New York, and although I still visit my "hometown" often and miss it dearly sometimes, I don't regret the move for a second.

Well, maybe I just regret not leaving 10 years earlier.