Rachel Dennis
Author
Author/Co-Author of 83 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.
These 8 Philadelphia historic activities reveal the America most tourists miss
Explore Philadelphia history in lesser-known gardens, churches, and estates that have stood as long as the country itself.
Oregon’s Tualatin Valley is a wine festival hub with idyllic views just outside Portland
Tualatin Valley's wine country has all the depth of the neighboring Willamette Valley with a shorter commute from Portland
Oregon’s award-winning Van Duzer Winery is part luxurious escape, part endangered species refuge
Oregon's Van Duzer Vineyards boasts some of the best PNW wines in the region while contributing to the restoration of woodlands and endangered species.
Downtown San Antonio’s newest luxury hotel brings butterfly-inspired design and dazzling public art to the historic River Walk
The Monarch San Antonio is the city's newest downtown hotel. Is the luxury property worth your visit? Here's a walkthrough to help you decide.
Cancun’s Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort reopens after a major renovation—here’s what changed
Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort boldly closed its doors in 2025 and opened in 2026 with a fully renovated property. Here's what visitors need to know.
I’m an espresso novice—the compact Casabrews 5418 Pro did the work for me with a perfect shot every time
I'm an espresso-convert after trying the the Casabrews espresso machine, equipped with Flashheat Technology that makes cafe-grade drinks in a matter of minutes.
Mt. Hood’s tiny house village offers resort-style amenities and surprisingly spacious stays
Mt. Hood Tiny House Village boasts a big personality in its relatively small package, just one hour from Portland and steps from a forested mountain.
These 4 new Portland restaurants put a Pacific Northwest spin on European cuisine
Four new Portland restaurants put a European spin on their menus with Pacific Northwest-sourced ingredients; and they're worth the visit.
This quirky Oregon resort gives a historic poor farm a luxurious second life
Take a detour to this history-laden, rustic resort, just 30 minutes outside downtown Portland, Oregon.
Forget the beach—this is the Jamaica you’ve been missing
Discover what to do in Jamaica, from waterfalls to mountain hikes, through five unforgettable natural wonders across the island.
Käydä is the bells-and-whistles backpack built for carry-on life
I tested and reviewed the Kulkea Käydä backpack, and it silently outperformed other luxury bags. Here's the anatomy of the bag, as well as who it's best for.
How to elevate your airport experience without upgrading your seat
Don't have a first class ticket but want a VIP experience while flying? These are my favorite airport hacks for a dash of luxury.
8 iconic New Orleans cocktails to sip along Bourbon Street
Explore the rich history of New Orleans cocktails, from the French 75 to the Voodoo Daiquiri, and discover where to sip these iconic drinks today.
The charcoal, gas, and wood-free grill your campsite needs
Camping but facing a burn ban or bad weather? The Kenyon Grill stands up to the natural elements and quickly cooks meals in the great outdoors.
Patriot Power Generator 1200 makes off-grid camping and RV life a breeze
The Patriot Power Generator 1200 is a practical option for modern campers who want comfort and convenience off-grid without relying on gas or noise
Why my stay at Costa Rica’s El Mangroove Hotel felt like stepping into a hidden paradise
Looking for luxurious accommodations wrapped in Costa Rica's lush jungle landscape? El Mangroove Hotel weaves nature with design on the shores of Papagayo Bay.
The Nikon Z5 II is an easy upgrade for better travel photos
Struggling to capture quality travel shots with your smartphone and want a beginner-friendly alternative? Here's why the Nikon Z5 II may be the right upgrade.
Travel wellness tech is here – and it will transform your trip for the better
These six innovative travel wellness tech tools keeps you energized, balanced, and conveniently fit in your suitcase or backpack.
Discover Amaka Ocean Living Lodge, Costa Rica’s secret eco-luxury getaway in Marina Bahia Golfito
Explore Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast at Amaka Ocean Living Lodge, a serene eco-retreat on a tropical fjord offering the perfect escape into nature.
Tasting olive oil at Durant Olive Mill changed the way I see Oregon wine country
Durant Olive Mill is just an hour from Portland, Oregon, and features award-winning olive oils that rival local wines.
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