Dubai Travel Guide: Everything I Thought About Dubai Was Wrong
I was nervous about Dubai, and everything I thought about it was wrong. Here’s what’s worth it, what I’d skip, and the Old Dubai most visitors miss, plus a note on the current U.S. travel advisory.
The Ultimate Key West Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Where to Eat & Insider Tips
Looking for the best things to do in Key West? Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a Florida Keys road trip, or a cruise stop, Key West offers colorful streets, incredible sunsets, fresh seafood, and a laid-back island vibe that's unlike anywhere else in the United States.
London Travel Guide: Everything I Wish I Knew Before Visiting
Samantha’s London guide: why the neighborhoods matter more than the landmarks, the sights worth booking ahead, the free Sky Garden, hidden spots, where to eat, the best afternoon tea and where to stay.
The Cotswolds: Hidden Villages, Local Tips and Places Tourists Miss
Samantha’s guide to the Cotswolds beyond the postcards: quiet villages with no tour buses, the touristy spots worth braving anyway, afternoon tea, the oldest inn in England and honest tips on driving and when to go.
Paris Travel Guide: How to See It All Without Wasting Your Time
Samantha’s Paris guide: how to see the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Notre-Dame without the lines, the neighborhoods to get lost in, where to eat, where to stay for the view, Versailles, the Moulin Rouge, and why you should slow down.
Disneyland Paris: Is It Worth It? An Honest Guide to Rides, Food and Hotels
Is Disneyland Paris worth it? Samantha’s honest take after three nights on property: getting there from Paris, the rides you can’t miss, the dragon under the castle, the food, Premier Access and which Disney hotel to book.
Iceland Travel Guide for First-Timers: Road Trip Tips, the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Samantha’s first-timer guide to Iceland: why you should rent a car, the Golden Circle, whether the Blue Lagoon’s Retreat Spa is worth it, sneaker waves at the black sand beach, the Glacier Lagoon by Zodiac and why Diamond Beach is best in the morning.
Nashville Travel Guide: Broadway, Hidden Gems and Where to Eat
You don’t have to love country music to love Nashville. Samantha’s guide to Broadway, where to stay, the Twelve Thirty Club, Pancake Pantry and House of Cards, 12 South, songwriter rounds and more.
Things to Do in Seattle: Pike Place, Ferry Rides & Hidden Gems
When most people think of Seattle, they think coffee, rain, the Space Needle, and maybe that gorgeous mountain in the distance, Mount Rainier. But after finally visiting, I can say Seattle is so much more than that. Honestly, Seattle might be one of America’s most underrated cities.
Alaska Cruise Tips: Best Ports, Excursions & Why to Book a Balcony
If you've ever thought an Alaska cruise was just for retirees or hardcore outdoor adventurers, let me change your mind. I honestly thought I was going to hate Alaska the first time I went almost 20 years ago. I like warmer weather, and I couldn't imagine choosing glaciers over tropical beaches. Then I stepped off the ship, and everything changed.
15 Hidden Gems in the USA That Deserve a Spot on Your Bucket List
Skip the crowds: Samantha’s list of underrated places in America, from New Mexico’s otherworldly badlands and Georgia’s wild-horse island to Capitol Reef, Valley of Fire, the Apostle Islands and quirky small towns.
From Broadway Dreams to Travel Agency Owner: Samantha’s Journey Around the World
I am Samantha, the host of Talk Travel with Samantha, and today we're flipping the camera around. Instead of talking about a destination, we're talking about me and how I got here. Along the way, I'll share the destination I have no desire to ever visit again, the city I couldn't wait to leave but now can't wait to return to, and a few travel lessons I've learned after decades of exploring the world.
Celebrity Cruises Retreat Review: Is The Retreat Worth the Money on Celebrity Beyond?
Picture this. I'm sitting on a rooftop garden eating dinner at sea. The sun is setting. Live music is playing. An island that looks like a Disney short film coming out of the sea passes by. A cocktail is in my hand. And I'm thinking, "This doesn't feel anything like the cruises people think they know." I spent the last week doing what I call extremely important travel research aboard a Celebrity cruise, and I may have ruined regular cruising for myself.
Celestyal Cruises Review: Why This Greek Island Line Is One of Cruising’s Best-Kept Secrets
What if I told you there was a cruise line where the destination, not the ship, is the star of the show? A cruise line where you can wake up in Greece, spend the afternoon exploring ancient ruins in Turkey, and be back on board in time for dinner under the stars. Today we’re talking about one of cruising’s best-kept secrets, Celestyal Cruises.
The Tourist Traps Everyone Tells You to Visit (and What to Do Instead)
Famous doesn’t automatically mean amazing. Samantha’s honest take on the Eiffel Tower, Pisa, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santorini, Stonehenge, Venice at midday and Times Square, and what to do instead.
The Biggest Mistakes Travelers Make Booking All-Inclusive Resorts
All-inclusive resorts sound simple, right? You book the trip, show up, throw your wallet into the ocean, and live your best unlimited piña colada life. And honestly, sometimes yes. But sometimes you arrive thinking you booked a luxury paradise, and suddenly you’re paying extra for steak, room service, premium drinks, beach chairs, Wi-Fi, airport transfers, and even bottled water. So let’s talk about the biggest mistakes travelers make when booking all-inclusive resorts, what “all-inclusive” actually means, and how to avoid wasting thousands on the wrong vacation.
What Nobody Tells Americans About Europe: 8 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid
Overpacking, dinner at 5:30, unvalidated train tickets, pickpockets and the new entry rules: the rookie mistakes Americans make in Europe, and how to avoid them.
Overrated vs. Underrated Caribbean Islands: Where to Book Instead
Everybody says they want a Caribbean vacation, but somehow half the internet keeps ending up in the same three places. Meanwhile, the islands with the best beaches, fewer crowds, better food, lower prices, and actual relaxation are sitting there practically begging for attention.
Why Everyone Is Obsessed With Virgin Voyages (and Is It Worth It?)
If you've ever thought cruises were floating retirement homes, floating frat parties, or floating stomach viruses, you're not alone. Virgin Voyages looked at the entire cruise industry and basically said, "What if we made this cool?" And honestly, they kind of did.
Cruise Mistakes to Avoid (and How Virgin Voyages Changed Cruising)
I cannot tell you the amount of people that come to me and say: "Oh my gosh, I saw this cruise for $399!" And they lose all common sense..