Orlando Travel News for 2027: Nonstop to Tokyo, MSC World Atlantic and a $2,499 Cruise Pass
A nonstop from Orlando to Tokyo, a 6,758-guest MSC mega ship headed to Port Canaveral and an unlimited cruise pass from $2,499. Here’s my take on the biggest Orlando travel news for 2027.
Salem, Massachusetts in October: Where to Stay, Secret Spots and What’s Worth It
Salem at Halloween is like Disney World on Christmas Day, and I loved it. Where I stayed, my secret spots, what’s worth the splurge (yes, I had my aura photographed) and what’s a tourist trap.
Lake Como Travel Guide: How I Skipped the Crowds, Where to Stay and What’s Worth It
Lake Como without the crowds: why I went at the end of March, which town to stay in, my three secret spots, the one splurge I’d tell anyone to make and what’s a tourist trap (and what’s totally worth it).
Why Every Woman Needs a Girls’ Trip: Best Destinations and My 5 Planning Rules
When was the last time you took a vacation where you weren’t responsible for anyone else’s happiness? Here’s where to go, why a cruise might be the ultimate girls’ trip, and my five rules for planning one without the group chat drama.
Where to Travel in 2027: 8 Places to Visit Before Everyone Else Does
Skip the obvious list. Samantha’s picks for 2027: Albania, Slovenia, Vietnam, the Azores, Montenegro, Colombia, Northern Spain and Greenland, before everyone else catches on.
How to Get Around Europe: Trains, Planes, Rental Cars, Ferries and Cruises
Trains, budget airlines, rental cars, ferries or a cruise? Samantha’s guide to getting around Europe, plus her favorite trick: start with a nonstop flight.
Virgin Voyages for First-Timers: What to Know Before Your First Sailing
Never sailed Virgin Voyages? After over 50 sailings, Samantha explains the no-kids rule, why there’s no buffet, what’s included, how the Bar Tab works, and who will love it.
Louisville Weekend Guide: Bourbon, Churchill Downs and the Hot Brown
Louisville snuck up on Samantha: an easy long weekend with downtown bourbon tastings, a race day at Churchill Downs (and what to wear), the Muhammad Ali Center, the Louisville Slugger factory and the original Hot Brown.
First Trip to Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto and 7 Mistakes to Avoid
Samantha lived in Japan. Her first-timer’s guide to Tokyo and Kyoto: neighborhoods, food, temples, trains, luggage forwarding, Mount Fuji, Tokyo Disney and 7 mistakes to avoid.
European Christmas Markets Guide: Where to Go, When to Visit & What to Eat
Germany or Austria? Big city or small village? River cruise or land trip? Here’s Christmas markets 101: where first-timers should go, when the markets are actually open, what to eat and pack, and why you shouldn’t wait until November to plan.
Amsterdam Travel Guide: What to Do, Eat and Avoid
Amsterdam is so much more than its reputation. Samantha’s guide to the neighborhoods, a private canal cruise, the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum, what to eat, first-timer mistakes, day trips and where to stay.
Travel Advisor Confessions: 10 Things Travelers Keep Getting Wrong
The travel advisor confessional: why the cheaper online deal often isn’t the same, why we need your real budget, the 45-minute connection trap, travel insurance and more.
Quebec Summer vs. Winter: Old Quebec, Montreal and a Hotel Made of Ice
Two completely different vacations in one destination: Samantha’s guide to Quebec in summer and winter, from Old Quebec, Montreal and Île d’Orléans to Mont-Tremblant, the Château Frontenac and a hotel made entirely of ice.
Croatia Yacht Vacations: The Luxury Europe Trip That’s Cheaper Than You Think
Crewed yachts along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast cost less than you’d think. Samantha explains booking by the cabin vs. chartering the whole yacht, the dream island-hopping route, when to go for better value and who should share a yacht for seven nights.
Sandals Saint Vincent Review: I Loved Everything but This
Samantha’s honest Sandals Saint Vincent review, recorded on the island: why the island is worth exploring, which room level she’d book, the one word that changes a room category, her take on the butler, the overwater villas and how long to stay.
Virgin Voyages 2028: Northern Europe, the Arctic Circle and Sailing From Amsterdam
Virgin Voyages is heading to Northern Europe in 2028, with Scandinavia, the Norwegian fjords and the Arctic Circle, all sailing from Amsterdam. Samantha breaks down each new itinerary, why sailing in and out of Amsterdam is so cool, and why a Virgin overnight changes everything.
Expedition Cruises Explained: Antarctica, the Arctic and Galápagos (and Are They Worth It?)
Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos and more: what expedition cruising is really like, who it’s for, the Drake Passage, and whether it’s worth the splurge.
Royal Caribbean for First-Timers: Ships, Short Cruises, CocoCay and the New Beach Clubs
Samantha and her friend Kirk Debold from Royal Caribbean break it down for first-timers: choosing a ship size, short cruises from Florida, the new Royal Beach Clubs, Perfect Day at CocoCay, weddings, kids clubs and Legend of the Seas.
Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit? An Island-by-Island Guide to Hawaii
Today, we're heading somewhere that feels like another country without ever leaving the United States. Can you guess it? Hawaii. But here's something people don't realize. There isn't just one Hawaii. There are six main islands you can visit. And choosing the wrong one can completely change your vacation.
European River Cruises for First-Timers: Which River to Choose and Is It Worth It?
Planning your first river cruise? Samantha explains what river cruising is really like, how to choose between the Danube, Rhine, Seine and Douro, what’s included, which cabin to book and why you should book early.