Rachel Dennis
Author
Author/Co-Author of 60 articles
I travel full-time across the United States, savoring the privilege of experiencing awe-inspiring natural landmarks, vibrant cultural enclaves, acclaimed restaurants, and distinctive hotels. I’m driven by a passion for sharing authentic, firsthand insights on destinations, products, and travel strategies that help readers make confident, informed choices before setting out on their own adventures, because a touch of insight can make all the difference.
7 smart tricks to beat a travel hangover before it starts
Drinking while traveling is good, but a hangover while traveling is bad. Luckily, you don't have to deal with the latter with these 7 portable solutions.
Ten Thousand Waves Spa is a Japanese escape in the Santa Fe mountains
Ten Thousand Waves Spa has all the ambience of a Japanese onsen nestled into the mountainside of Santa Fe with warm mineral baths and more
These 6 parks make the Grand Circle the Southwest’s best road trip
A Grand Circle Road Trip is the perfect way to see America's great southwest landscape. Here's a review of each stop on this epic drive.
The best view of Washington’s Blue Mountains is at a barely year-old estate
Echolands Winery is quickly becoming a Walla Walla staple. Here's why its iconic views and bucket-list-worthy wines are worth the trip.
This lodge might be the coziest spot in the Columbia River Gorge
Experience the wilderness of the Columbia Valley Gorge just outside of Portland, in idyllic luxury treehouse units
From Hendrix to Cobain: A self-guided Seattle rock pilgrimage
Seattle musicians memorial tour: A self-guided day trip to honor legends like Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Chris Cornell, and the city’s rock legacy
A guide to Petrified Forest, the national park no one talks about
Discover Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park with this practical guide to hikes, scenic drives, history, and the best spots to stop and explore.
How Solos Smart Glasses transformed my travels
Discover how Solos Smart Glasses AirGo 3 enhance travel with AI features like ChatGPT integration, real-time translation, and customizable design.​
Tired of packed campgrounds? Farm camping might be your new favorite getaway
Farm camping is gaining popularity as the relaxing alternative to packed campgrounds, with unique stays on working farms that let guests reconnect with nature.
I tested the Vasco Translator V4: Here’s my take on the luxury travel device
The Vasco Translator V4 breaks the language barrier in 200 countries with built-in data and seamless translation. Here's my full review and feature breakdown.
The best things to do in Mérida, Mexico: A cultural gem in the heart of Yucatán
Are you considering a trip to the Yucatan Peninsula? Here are the best things to do in Mérida, Mexico.
Casa Xixim’s ecolux villa is an off-grid escape in lush Tulum, Mexico
You need to experience Casa Xixim to fully understand its beauty. I stayed at this off-grid ecolux villa in Tulum—here’s what makes it worth the trip.
I tried Daytrip: Why it’s a fantastic solution for independent travelers
Daytrip is a safe, simple, and customizable rideshare service available in over 130 countries. Here's what I experienced my first time using the service.
Discover the charm of Hotel Emma: San Antonio’s luxury hotel with a rich history
If you're seeking a historied hotel with all of the modern amenities, the luxurious Hotel Emma and Pearl District is the perfect San Antonio destination.
30 Valentine’s Day gifts for her: She’ll love these picks
Unsure of what she'll like? Well, here's a guide. We found the best Valentine's Day gifts for her, from cozy comforters to travel necessities.
Escape the city: why Vashon Island is Seattle’s hidden gem
Vashon Island is just an hour from downtown Seattle, but you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to another world. Here are a few gems that are worth a visit.
A guide to Seattle Southside: A hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest
I ventured beyond Seattle proper and spent a day in the Seattle Southside region, and I'm here to report that it's absolutely worth a visit.
Why Westerly, RI should be your next New England getaway
Westerly, RI offers calm beachfronts, an active downtown, and everything in between. Here's how to spend the perfect day in the historic New England town.
For rustic New England luxury, visit The Preserve Sporting Club & Resort
The Preserve RI Resort has something for everyone, from outdoor activities to relaxing spa treatments. Read all about my weekend on the 3,800-acre property
Why the 4Patriots Solar Go-Fridge is my ultimate all-in-one camping essential
The 4Patriots Solar Go-Fridge runs off a wall outlet, car outlet, or solar panel, making it flexible for those off-grid camping trips and long drives.
38 amazing travel gifts for the nomad in your life
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the travel lover in your life? Here are a few suggestions.
Savor the flavors of Olympia, Washington at these 6 must-visit eateries
Washington's capital city is brimming with interesting eateries. On your next visit, try one of these 6 best restaurants in Olympia.
These 9 winter car accessories bring luxury to cold weather road trips
We've hand-tested these nine winter car accessories for functionality, durability, and quality to make sure your next road trip goes as smoothly as possible.
Nomatic’s sleek new carry-on bag is your holiday travel solution
Nomatic Luggage offers the ultimate quality and the new Method Luggage Carry-On is the perfect holiday accessory - light, strong, and spacious packing.
Travel soreness be gone: Try these 3 programs for better travel fitness
Here are three effective travel workouts keep your body engaged, flexible, and toned, without taking a lot of time or requiring a lot of bulky equipment.
Here’s the perfect 3-day foodcation in Austin, Texas
The best restaurants in Austin can be hard to find without a local's advice, and here is an Austin native's 3-day itinerary featuring the most delicious bites.
Try 5 of Austin’s most beloved restaurants without even leaving the airport
The Austin airport restaurants aren't your normal chains, they're local spots that are worth trying. Here are our 5 top choices for your next visit.
These are the best California road trip itineraries: Plan your route
There's dozens of iconic California road trip routes, but these 5 are the ones to put at the top of your list, from coastal views to mountain cliff edges.
Tap, filtered, or purified water bottles: Which is best for travel?
There are 3 types of water bottles will cover you in any environment, from your hotel room to a primative campsite. Find out which one is best for your trip.
Study reveals haunting truth wabout getting lost in the wild—and how to avoid it
This study reveals how people made it through harrowing trials in the great outdoors and shows which survival skills are most important in this situation.
Is the America the Beautiful pass worth it? Here’s how to decide
The America the Beautiful pass lets visitors enjoy every national park for one annual fee. But is it worth the investment for your upcoming travel plans?
Camping insurance is a good idea, and you may already have it
Camping insurance is a good investment since you're more exposed to risk outdoors. Here's how to get it and a few ways to see if you're already covered.
These 5 river tubing experiences will float your worries away
When things heat up, river tubing can cool you down, and it's a relaxing way to see the best nature out there. Here are our 5 favorite floating spots to enjoy.
The Cape Flattery Trail offers wild coastal views that are worth the trek
What's at the end of the northwestern-most point of the United States? Take a trip down the Cape Flattery Trail to find out.
The National Parks Service offers free entry to celebrate Juneteenth 2024
Want to visit some of the most popular national parks for free? On Juneteenth, all national parks will waive fees to celebrate this moment in black history
Planning on hiking Mount Rainier this summer? NPS now requires reservations
Are you headed to Mount Rainier this summer? To make sure you can get in, read all about the new reservation requirements and how to book your trip.
Abandoned campsites are a big problem for campers: Here’s how to cope
According to a study, most campsites are abandoned. Here's why and what you can do about it to get your deserved spot.
