HOME

travel trends in 2022

TRAVEL TRENDS FOR 2022

Read More

Arlington National Cemetery: Honor, Remember, Explore

Read More

ecotourism

Sustainable Travel: Small Changes That Have Big Environmental Impact

Read More

Don’t Make THIS Mistake When Purchasing Airfare

Read More

duffel bag

Be Ready to Travel at a Moment’s Notice with a Go Bag

Read More

Travel Safety (Pt. 2): How to Protect Yourself When You’re Far From Home

Read More

Travel Safety Part 1

Travel Safety (Pt. 1): 5 Things to Consider When Planning Your Next Trip

Read More

How to Recover Items Lost on a Plane

How to Recover Items Lost on an Airplane

Read More

How To Stay Healthy While Traveling [A Complete Guide]

Read More

Travel Tips & Trends for 2018

Read More

go ahead

start planning

choose a destination

save YOUR MONEY

plan your adventure

some of my favorite places

get inspired

Whether you want to go away overnight or for a long vacation, the possibilities are endless!

our nation’s capital

washington, dc

maryland

st. michaels

virginia

charlottesville

louisiana

new orleans

south carolina

charleston

new york

New york city

Follow ME on instagram

@whereisatb

Get a list of DC's FREE Museums

With more FREE museums than probably any major city in the U.S., Washington, DC, offers locals and visitors alike a budget-friendly way to enjoy art, history, and culture.

Get a list of DC's free museums (complete with their address and links to their websites) so you can plan your 1st - or next - visit to Washington, DC!

View

May 6

Cloud Gate (commonly referred to as “The Bean” because of it’s shape) is synonymous with Chicago.

Located in Millennium Park in Chicago’s downtown loop, this stunning sculpture by Anish Kapoor was unveiled in 2004 and quickly became one of Chicago’s top tourist attractions.

This iconic polished stainless steel beauty is 33 feet high, 42 feet wide, and 66 feet long and weighs about 110 tons.

One of the coolest things about Cloud Gate is how it reflects the skyline around it - and of course the millions of people who visit it each year.

📍Millennium Park above McCormick Tribune Plaza, Michigan Avenue, Chicago

#thebean #cloudgate #anishkapoor @choosechicago @millennium_park #mccormicktribuneplaza #sculptures #stainlesssteelart #artinstallations #chicagotourism @dirty_corner #chicagotouristattractions @ralphvelasco @photoenrichment #thingstoseeinchicago #chicagobean #chicagoloop

View

May 3

I finally got to visit Chicago for a long weekend after wanting to go there for a long time and I LOVED it!

I walked a LOT, went on a few tours, and met some really awesome people.

There are so, so many reasons to visit (more than 3, for sure!). This video just scratches the surface!

Have YOU been to Chicago? Any must-see or do recommendations?

#windycity #secondcity #skyscrapers #chicagoskyline #photography @choosechicago #architecturelovers #ig_architecture #ig_architecture #ig_architecturelovers #ig_foodies #travelblogger #travelphotography #destinations @rpmitalian @thehamptonsocial @loumalnatis @wendellaboats #wendellariverandlaketour @_chicago_life #chicago #chicagotourism

View

Mar 2

Read Across America Day is celebrated each year on or near the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss.

Although it was originally created as a way to encourage children to read, I think Read Across America Day is also a great reminder for adults about how fun it can be to get lost in a good book.

Here are a few of my favorite books that inspire wanderlust (and maybe even a little self-reflection).

What books inspire YOU to travel?

#books #favoritebooks #readacrossamericaday #travelinspiration #travelbooks #drseuss #drseussbirthday #ohtheplacesyoullgo

View

Mar 2

Today is Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday” in French), the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Fat Tuesday is historically the last night to indulge in rich, fatty foods before Lent begins and those that observe Lent sacrifice and fast.

The first Mardi Gras in New Orleans took place in 1837. The people of New Orleans embraced this annual celebration and eventually New Orleans became synonymous with Mardi Gras during which celebrants “Laissez les bon temps rouler” (let the good times roll). Bourbon Street in the French Quarter is where most people gather.

Each of the vibrant colors of Mardi Gras associated with this celebration represent specific things:
💜 Purple = Justice
💚 Green = Faith
💛 Gold = Power

I saw these beautiful masks when I visited #TheBigEasy a few years ago and just had to take a photo 🎭

#mardigras #neworleans #letthegoodtimesroll #mardigras2022 #nawlins #beads #masks #celebrations #bourbonstreet #music #jazzmusic @visitneworleans @mardigras_2k22 #crescentcity #birthplaceofjazz @suered1985

View

Feb 22

Although Presidents’ Day is now observed in the U.S. on the 3rd Monday of February, it was originally celebrated on February 22nd - George Washington’s birthday.

Over the years, it’s evolved into a holiday celebrating George Washington’s birthday as well Abraham Lincoln’s (born February 12th).

If you live or work in the Washington, DC area or plan to visit, you can learn about these 2 historic figures at:

🇺🇸The Washington Monument - The National Mall, Washington, DC

🇺🇸 Mount Vernon, the home of George & Martha Washington - Mount Vernon, VA

🇺🇸 Lincoln Memorial - The National Mall, Washington, DC

🇺🇸 Abraham Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldier’s Home, Lincoln’s summer home during his presidency - Washington, DC

#presidentsday #travel #history #presidents #tourism #monuments #memorials @washingtonmonumentdc @mount_vernon #lincolnmemorial @lincolnscottage

View

Feb 17

Today is #RandomActsofKindnessDay. There are so many ways to show kindness when you travel. Here are a few of my favorites:

🌎 Support local businesses (like the shopkeeper in Israel pictured above)
🌎 Share a good review for a restaurant or business on Yelp, Trip Advisor, etc.
🌎 Pay the toll for the person behind you
🌎 Put coins in an expired parking meter
🌎 Offer to take a photo of a solo traveler, a couple, or a family

I have been fortunate to have been the recipient of so many acts of kindness by total strangers when I traveled…in Asheville, NC; in Costa Rica; in San Diego, CA.

You never know what your small gesture will mean to someone.

#rak #kindnessmatters #kindnessrocks #makekindnessthenorm #rakday #travelkindly #travel #rakday2022

View

Feb 14

Happy Valentine's Day! Every year, Valentine's Day coincides with Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Week. ⁠
⁠
To celebrate one of my favorite weeks of the year and to (hopefully) inspire you, over the next few days I'm going to share suggestions for random acts of kindness you can perform when you travel (or when you're at home). ⁠
⁠
💡TODAY'S #RAK IDEA: SHOW YOUR SERVER SOME LOVE AND KINDNESS WHEN YOU GO OUT TO EAT. ⁠
⁠
Greet them with a smile. // Put down your phone. // Look them in the eye when they speak to you. // Ask how they're doing. // Be understanding if your order doesn't come out as quickly as you'd like (the restaurant may be short-staffed or the cooks may be backed up in the kitchen). // Say please and thank you. // Leave a generous tip. ⁠
⁠
Customer service can be stressful, so a little kindness to your server can go a long way!
⁠
#randomactsofkindessweek2022 #MakeKindnesstheNorm #kindness #love #compassion #practicekindness #bekind #peace #happiness #kindnessmatters #positivity #instagood #inspiration #kindnessweek @rakfoundation #atravelingbroad #travelwithkindess⁠
⁠

View

Feb 1

Happy Lunar/Chinese New Year! 🎊

The Lunar New Year is viewed as a time of rebirth, marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

2022 is the Year of the Tiger 🐅. The tiger is commonly associated with bravery, wisdom, and strength. This beautiful tiger mural entitled “Mother” embodies those attributes.

📍Location: 37 New York Avenue NE (wall faces west), Washington, DC (swipe left to see the entire mural)

🎨 Artist: @nosego

#yearofthetiger2022 #lunarnewyear #tiger #murals #dcmurals #streetart #dcstreetart #chinesenewyear2022 #celebrations

View

Jan 25

Happy National Plan for Vacation Day! The purpose of this annual event (celebrated on the last Tuesday of January) is to highlight the importance of taking time off to travel—both for our personal health and wellbeing and for the overall economic prosperity of our nation. ⁠
⁠
The fundamental freedom to #travel is one of the aspects of our lives that has been most profoundly⁠
changed by the pandemic. ⁠
⁠
A recent survey by Destination Analysts found that:⁠
• 68% of American workers feel at least moderately burned out⁠
• 71% of Americans are prioritizing a change of scenery in 2022.⁠
• 64% of Americans feel they desperately need a vacation.⁠
⁠
Give yourself a much-needed break. Plan a vacation. You'll be SO glad you did!⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
@ustravel_association #vacation #paidtimeoff #pto #planforvacation #nationalplanforvacationday #mentalhealth #r&r #recreation #rest

View

Jan 10

Do you seek out anything specific when you travel? I do. I love architecture, especially old churches. They often have gorgeous stained glass windows and lots of beautiful details.

This particular church is one of my favorites. I’ve seen it many, many times over the past 10 years and each time, the ivy has taken over even more of the exterior. (It kinda reminds me of the Keebler Elf house).

📍 Rehoboth Mennonite Church - up the street from the Walton Mountain Museum in Schuyler, VA

#Mennonitechurches #placesofworship #housesofworship #schuylerva #therealwaltonsmountain @visitvirginia #religioussites #religion @visitnelsoncounty #architecture #stonechurches #churchesofinstagram #churches_of_ig

View

Jan 2

The first day of 2022 brought some rain to the DC metro area. The rain reminded me of this stunning mural I discovered while exploring Carlsbad.

I love the vibrant colors and how the paint drips to fill in the colors of the sleeping tiger’s stripes. This is one of my favorite murals to date.

🎨 ARTIST: @michaelsummers

📍LOCATION: On the corner of Grand Avenue & Carlsbad Blvd. in Carlsbad, CA

#michaelsummers #murals #art #streetart #tigers #carlsbadtigermural #rainbowrain @visitcarlsbad #travel #hiddengems #atravelingbroad #painting

View

Dec 28

If you’re a person of a certain age (or watch classic TV shows), you’ve probably heard of “The Waltons,” a wholesome series about a large depression-era family who lived in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

What most people don’t know is that the popular series was based on the book “The Homecoming” whose author, Earl Hamner, Jr., grew up in Central Virginia. Schuyler (pronounced sky-ler) to be exact.

If you visit Schuyler, you can take a trip back in time by visiting a replica of John & Olivia’s home (which is also a Bed & Breakfast); the home Earl Hamner, Jr. grew up in; the Walton Mountain Museum; and the General Store.

Have you ever seen “The Waltons?” 🤔

#thewaltons #schuylerva #centralva @visitvirginia #waltonmountainmuseum @virginialiving #earlhamnerbirthplace #earlhamnerjrhome #earlhamnerjr #classictvseries #classictvshows #tvtrivia #centralvirginia @visitnelsoncounty

View

Dec 27

We all know that “Virginia is for Lovers” but did you know that there are more than 275 LOVE signs throughout the Commonwealth of VA? Its true.

I enjoy discovering new LOVE signs during my travels and came across this one over the Christmas holiday. Its one of the more unique LOVE signs I’ve come across (check out my highlights to see the others).

📍 Schuyler, VA (Nelson County)

#schuylerva #loveva @visitvirginia @touristattractions #allyouneedislove #virginialovesigns #virginialoveworks #virginiaisforlovers #centralva @visitnelsoncounty

View

Nov 11

🇺🇸Thank you Veterans 🇺🇸

View

Oct 30

Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the cool, crisp air but the vibrant jewel tones of the leaves are the highlights for me. 🍂🍁

There are a lot of great places to “leaf peep” in/around DC. A few of my personal favorites are:
🍁 Harpers Ferry (WV)
🍁 Skyline Drive (VA)
🍁 Rock Creek Park (DC)
🍁 George Washington Nat’l Forest (VA)
🍁 Deep Creek Lake (MD)

Do you have a favorite place?

#fall #autumn #leafpeeping #changingseasons #changingleaves #autumnvibes #fallfoliage

View

Oct 11

While driving through Georgetown recently, I turned a corner and discovered this vibrant mural. Wow! I was so impressed, I turned around and pulled over to take a photo.

This beautiful work of art by Victor “Marka27” Quiñonez entitled “Alma Indigena,” is part of the @muralsdc project. Be on the lookout for this and other murals when you’re in DC. There are a lot of talented artists out there! 🎨

📍Corner of Wisconsin Avenue & P Streets, NW

#art #murals #streetart #georgetowndc @visitwashingtondc @washingtondc.us #walkingtowndc #dcmurals #georgetown #nwdc @national.indigenous.day #travel #tourism #indigenouspeoplesday @marka_27 @mainstreetdc #washingtondc #dc