This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you.
If it isn't already obvious by the abundance of photos I have displayed anywhere you can find me, I love traveling. I haven't been everywhere yet, and that's a problem to me. That's the kind of person I am. Even when life doesn't allow it, I'm dreaming of my next trip, so I want to share with you my favorite destinations, and the things that you will need before you go on yours.
Firstly, you need to decide where you want to go. Once I'm done with all these steps and tips I will rate my favorite places that I've personally been and if they inspire your next trip, that's amazing, however if you already have a place in mind, that's great too.
Next, you need to decide how you want to get there. Are you flying, or driving? If you're flying, it's important to stay loyal to an airline and gain rewards points. With the points you gain you save money on future trips. We all know how expensive flights can be, so make an account with an airline, like United, Southwest, or Copa, and start passively gaining your discounts for future trips, or if you're close you can buy more points to get your reward flight, more on that here. Now on the other hand, if you're driving, see how many hours the trip will be, and then divide it into days with stops along the way to stay at Airbnb's or hotels if needed.
If you're driving, to make the trip more enjoyable I recommend your stops not just being random uneventful places out of convenience. Add some mini trips into your big one by planning stops in cities or towns with things to do or sights to see.
Now, it's time to pack, here's what I recommend:
Packing Cubes for Travel - Easily pack your belongings into your suitcase well organized with these cubes, even has a laundry, shoe, and accessory bag.
Travel Backpack - While your suitcase is packed away during travel, it's helpful to have an immediate access bag for things that you'll need throughout the drive or flight. Chargers, hand sanitizer, and medicine for example.
Bottles for Toiletries - To prevent your regular hygiene containers from breaking and leaking all over your bag or suitcase, keeping it in one of these bottles is just a safer option.
Portable Charger - I like to have a fully charged portable charger just in case I get unlucky no matter how I'm traveling.
Other Essentials - If you aren't sure what you personally might need, I recommend going through this list for inspiration or a reminder.
Where are you staying? I used to live by recommending hotels while traveling, but in recent time I've discovered that Airbnb is so much cheaper, easier to book, and usually provides a unique experience in and of itself. Plus it's more private than sharing a hotel with several other families also using the hotel gym or pool. Personally as I've traveled, meeting the host or other tenants in shared spaces on Airbnb has been a lovely experience. I've enjoyed talking with so many interesting people with different backgrounds through my time on Airbnb. Now I only book hotels when I absolutely have to.
Finally, it's time for the fun part of planning, the itinerary. Before you go on this trip, look up your destination and read through articles to find things you otherwise might have missed out on. If you're a foodie like me, you'll also want to scroll through Google Maps to preview all the restaurants with tasty new experiences. Make sure to plan some activities throughout each of the days you're staying on your trip.
Don't forget to take photos. If you want to begin your photography hobby on this trip (which is exactly how I got started) look into my photography starter pack, and for more on my journey read my OCD Got My Photography Hobby Started blog post.
My Favorite Destinations
Hawai'i
I went to Hawaii in August to September of 2024, however, I went to the Big Island, which isn't as common of a tourist destination as the other more popular ones like Oahu, but I don't regret my decision at all. The Big Island is much more calm due to it being toured less. I don't understand why it isn't toured more though, because it is breathtakingly beautiful here. The island is very diverse, having 8 of the 13 climate zones in the world, the Valcanoes National Park, the worlds two largest volcanos, and black and white sand beaches that make this bucket list destination very unique. Also the markets in Kona are full of souvenirs, not to mention the fresh fruit. I've never had a pineapple better than the ones I ate here. Don't forget to go on a Kona coffee tour, one of the rarest coffees in the world is very yummy and fascinating to hear about.
Restaurant Recommendation: Cipriano's Kitchen Kawaihae
Who would've thought the best Italian food I've ever had in my life would be in Hawaii. However also very unfortunate due to Hawaii being so far away. Owner is so kind and full of life, we made sure to go twice while we were there. Amazing sea food as well of course.
Packing Recommendations:
Sunscreen - The heat is no joke.
Portable Fan - Seriously.
The entire island is beautiful, I can't recommend just one spot. If you can, I encourage you to visit all parts of the Big Island. It may be a lot of road tripping, but as big as the island looks, it's not hard to get around, I promise it's so worth it. From the coastline to being 4,000ft high, view it all.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas was actually a mini trip on a larger trip I took across the western side of the United States in September of 2024. The city that never sleeps definitely holds up to its reputation. So many lights, noises, and sights to see, but it was so interesting and different from what I'm used to. If you have plans, they're best executed at night where you can see and experience the city in it's prime viewing time. Definitely visit The Strip, which is a long straight shot of all the major casinos and resorts to explore. When I went, it was Mexican Independence Day, so the chaos was at a peak, constant lights, flags, noise makers, dancers, and more random entertainers on the sidewalks. I wish I could have walked the whole thing and fully explored all the buildings, but unfortunately I couldn't.
Restaurant Recommendation: Amano Las Vegas
There are many more upscale restaurants to visit while in Las Vegas, but I didn't have the time to explore very many. However, this restaurant does offer the opportunity for a new experience. Amano's menu item "Fat Baby's" which is a pizza folded into a cone with your choice of pasta inside, is delicious. I found this place online and had to give it a try when I came, it's in an area away from central Las Vegas, so parking and getting in was not difficult.
Packing Recommendations:
Brooks Running and Walking Shoes - Especially if you decide to walk The Strip, you will need to have walking shoes. I wore stylish boots to fit my outfit, but I learned quickly to regret it. I got blisters on my feet so quickly, so please have the proper footwear to enjoy your experience without a constant painful reminder.
Pepper Spray - Self defense is a must. The chaos at night is really fast paced, and there are so many people that danger can easily go unnoticed.
Getting parking to walk The Strip is so insanely difficult, I ended up having to park two miles away after searching for two hours in a parking garage for $50. It's worth the experience though, and if you're getting a ride instead of using your own car I'm sure it'll be much easier. The Paris and Bellagio part of The Strip was my favorite part.
Brookings, Oregon
A small coastal town in Oregon on the edge of California that I visited in September of 2024, is hands down the destination that gave me the best day of my life, and I say this with the utmost confidence. There is so much more to this adventure than just the town though. Brookings is no doubt a calm, and beautiful location with many opprotunities that make it great for tourists, but my heart belongs to the road trip here. I drove from Rohnert Park, California to Brookings, Oregon in one day, and that drive on Highway 1 to 101 was filled with constant stops to take photos. Gorgeous scenery at every turn, and even now I think of that Highway every single day. From Redwood trees to coastlines, cliffs, highs, lows, rain, fog, and moments where the trees are so tall that the sun is blocked out completely, then shining through perfectly the next moment. Every couple of minutes the sights change, and a new memory is made.
Restaurant Recommendation: ABCoffee
Waking up the next morning in Brookings, I wanted to start the day with some local coffee, which I got into the habit of on this trip. The "AB" stands for the two owners first initials who run this beverage truck. I had the pleasure of meeting Brandon, who was absolutely delightful to talk to while making my morning coffee. Not only are the beverages delicious, but Brandon was really sencere in confirming everything tasted perfect. I couldn't recommend a better place to start the day while you explore such a beautiful destination.
Packing Recommendations:
If there is one time you choose to listen to me about beginning your photography journey, please let it be with this trip. You don't have to be a professional to see the beauty of Highway 101, and keep that visual forever. Beginner friendly, several options, and straight forward. Check out my photography starter pack page for what you need to pack.
The sunset photo you see here was taken on my night in Brookings. After staying the night, I continued up north on Highway 101. Everything in my body yearns to revisit this place again, and I will. Since I was just passing through, I didn't get to explore Brookings to its fullest, but I wish I had at least gone to walk through the nearby Redwood trails, or visited the natural coastal bridges. Don't make the same mistake I did. Stay more than just a night, and visit all the sights from Mendocino, California to Brookings, Oregon.