Posts

I’ve Lived in Texas for 34 Years — and This Remote Beach Town Might Be the Most Peaceful Place in the State

At Matagorda Bay, its all about reconnecting with nature. Unlike otherbeach towns in Texas, Matagorda Bay is sleepy. And during those cold, dark winter months, its a glimmer of much-needed warmth and sunlight. Visitors walking along a boardwalk in Matagorda Bay Nature Park, Texas.Credit:Erich Schlegel/Courtesy of LCRA Parks JONATHAN VAIL/Courtesy of LCRA Parks Matagorda Bay sits where the Colorado River spews into the Gulf. This brackish water teems with wildlife particularly sought-after fish such as redfish, black drum, and flounder....

I’ve Lived in Thailand for 12 Years and These Are My 6 Favorite Islands in the Country

You just have to know where to look. Here, learn about my favorite islands to visit in Thailand. I recommend Jamahkirifor its safe, two-students-per-instructor rule and direct access to the best dive sites. Diving off a boat in the Andaman Sea near Koh Lipe.Credit:Chayanee Chomsaengchun Both are car-free and fewer than three miles in diameter and still under-visited. Koh Mook Sivalai Beach Resort is a collection of cozy wood-frame bungalows just steps from the sea....

I’ve Lived Through Over 2 Decades of Florida Hurricane Seasons — Here Are the 14 Safety Items You Need

If you press links we provide, we may receive compensation. As a born-and-raised Floridian, Ive experienced firsthand what its like to weather hurricane seasons for over twenty years. Growing up, I observed my parents prepare their house and family to weather the storm. Credit:Travel + Leisure / Arshed Arif The chaos of back-to-back hurricanes taught me a critical lesson: prepare for the worst. Dont wait to build your own hurricane kit....

I’ve Never Checked a Bag in My 16 Years of Cruising — Shop My 15 Fool-proof Carry-on Essentials

If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation. From Mexico to the Mediterranean, I never leave port without these sure-fire items. Haven’t mastered the art of carry-on-only packing yet? Credit:Travel + Leisure / Francesca Fasciglione Even better, each pick is available at Amazon and prices start at $14. I used to own a pair of these and wore them until the soles wore out. I am already shopping for my next pair....

I’ve Packed This $24 Dress on More Than 25 Vacations — and It’s the Ultimate Travel Outfit

If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation. I love the flattering cut-out sides and knee-length style. Im happy to say that Ive finally found the perfect dress that checks those boxes and more. Credit:Travel + Leisure / Francesca Fasciglione And, at under $25, its a total steal. After over a year of frequent washing, it still looks brand new, with no piling or staining. And at $24, its a steal that has justified early on its cost per wear....

I’ve Sailed on Almost Every Disney Cruise Ship — Here Are 15 Essentials I Always Pack From $7

If you hit links we provide, we may receive compensation. These key items will help make the most of any trip. Ive sailed on plenty of different cruise lines, but Disney Cruise Line remains my favorite. Credit:Travel + Leisure From backpacks to waterproof phone cases, here are the essentials that top my Disneycruise packing list. An autograph book is perfect for this, and it becomes a great souvenir after the trip....

I’ve Saved Hundreds of Dollars Around the World Thanks to This Travel Hack

If you tap on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Here’s my secret. One thing that has always bugged me about travel is youre forced to pay double for wireless service. Credit:pixdeluxe/Getty Images Ive used this hack in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. Heres how I do it and how much it saves me. The alternative is to buy a daily TravelPass for$10 a line per day....

I’ve Scuba Dived All Across the Caribbean—but This Little-known Island Is My Favorite

With 87 sites across the island, Bonaire is a scuba diver’s paradise. Federico Cabello/Getty Images Ive scuba-dived some pretty stellar sites across several Caribbean IslandsSt. Maarten, Dominica, St. Lucia, and Curacao, to name a few. A turtle swimming in Sampler Reef, located off the coast of Bonaire.Credit:Federico Cabello/Getty Images At 24 miles long and seven miles wide, Bonaire is small. It’s a must-visit destination for many scuba divers. On Bonaires westerly, leeward side, calmer wind and water conditions offer more favorable diving conditions....

I’ve Stayed at More Than 100 Hotels In Thailand — This Is the One I Keep Returning To

Riverfront villas, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and cocktail-making classes are only the beginning. Picking a favorite used to be an impossible feat. In a city that has perfected the art of top-notch hospitality, every other luxury hotel was a contender. Credit:Courtesy of Capella Bangkok But with the opening of Capella Bangkok at the end of 2021, I had my answer. If you have the budget for some five-star pampering in Bangkok, few hotels do it better....

I’ve Stayed in Hotels All Over the Caribbean and This Anguilla Resort Is the One I Can’t Stop Thinking About

The complimentary rum punch upon arrival helped, too. Here, she says, the emphasis is on relaxation and tranquility. Read on for my full review of Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel. Scenic views of the beach and water from one of the resort pools.Credit:Courtesy of Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla My travel companion and I went with the latter, using it almost exclusively at mealtimes. Food & Drink There are four different dining destinations at Cap Juluca....

I’ve Tested Dozens of Travel Bags This Year, and This Leather Tote Just Topped Them All

If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation. It has a pocket for everything. That is, until I discovered theQuince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Shopper Tote. Credit:Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington Another thoughtful feature that has won me over is the protective metal feet at the bottom of the bag. Beyond its functionality, theQuince Triple Compartment Shopper Toteis undeniably stylish with its top-grain Italian leather and crisp construction....

I’ve Tested Suitcases From Every Popular Luggage Brand — and Here’s Why Monos Is My Favorite

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you hit links we provide, we may receive compensation. From carry-ons to toiletry bags, here are the best Monos luggage pieces. Credit:Travel + Leisure The Canadian-based company makes suitcases and accessories that prioritize simple, functional designs at competitive prices. Keep reading to find out more about my favorite Monos carry-ons, checked bags, backpacks, and accessories. The larger capacity makes it less compact than other belt bags on the market....

I’ve Traveled Around the World by Train — and This Luxury Rail Journey in Peru Might Be My Favorite

This train tour of Peru offers the chance to see everyday life from the rails. Deftly twisting between two women in fedora hats, a waiter handed me a pisco sour. Behind us, the tracks shrank in the distance. The Andean Explorer, a Belmond Train, speeds through the Peruvian lakes at sunrise.Credit:Collin Hughes The continent lacks a contiguous connection, making it difficult to plan ambitious journeys by rail. I looked around at the carriages polished wooden walls, brass fixtures, and tiny table lamps....