Photos: Scenes from London, days before the Royal Wedding

Plan the perfect weekend getaway to Virginia wine country

One of my favorite ways to spend a lazy summer weekend is to head to Virginia wine country for a quick weekend getaway! The beautiful rolling hills, quaint small towns filled with restaurants and antique shops, and countless wineries are just the antidote

The best travel deals for May 2018

May means vacation planning is in full effect. Memorial Day is just around the corner, and maybe you’ve already been thinking about booking a weekend stay by the bay or beach.Because it’s “peak” vacation season, many resorts and airlines might try to gouge

Take a cruise on the Potomac with your pooch

If you're anything like me (and because I obsessively read our Google Analytics stats every day, I know many of you are!) you are constantly trying to find ways to incorporate more Fido in your life. Whether you are a dog owner looking for creative ways to

Moonshine, Mountains & Music: Kicking back in Virginia's Franklin County

Don’t worry about feeling guilty while chillaxing during your long, lazy weekend escape to Franklin County, the front porch to Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and the “Moonshine Capital of the World.” Urbanites quickly find the virtue in enjoying a slice o

Your guide to the perfect Old Town Alexandria staycation

In case you haven’t already heard, Alexandria has been ranked the top US destination to visit in 2018 by Money Magazine. Lucky for us, that’s right in our backyard, but can feel miles away from Washington, D.C. While you may have spent an evening at the Ol

Memorial Day Planner: 3 new Delmarva resorts to visit this summer

The countdown to Memorial Day Weekend is on, and if you’re a beach bum, that means you’ll be heading to one of the many shore towns that dot the coastlines of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.However, this year, there are new reasons to plan a weekend geta

Do you LOVE or HATE the planning part of traveling? This goes out to the haters...

Heading out on vacation is full of excitement for the adventure ahead. But before you can go, there is the planning. Where do you want to go? Where do you want to stay? What will you do while on holiday? Some people love the planning portion of a trip and

I vacationed solo at a couples resort and it was pretty awesome

My job as a freelance writer means I get to travel to cool places. A lot. And while usually I’m part of a group, occasionally I’ll get the chance to explore a city or region all by myself. As someone who’s always been very independent, this can be absolute

Texas (yes, Texas) showcased the best of DC in an exclusive event

With a growing sports fan base, exciting entertainment opportunities and renowned culinary achievements, the DC landscape is one that the rest of the country wants to see, hear and taste.That's why the District's finest headed down south last month from Ma

The best travel deals for April 2018

Spring is finally here, and as the temperatures slowly begin to riseplease, Mother Nature, no more Nor’easters or travel headachesyou’re probably thinking about your next spring or early-summer trip.Also, because it’s April, you’re probably looking to splu

Don't miss the return of LanternAsia at the Norfolk Botanical Garden

Think Chinese lanterns and you likely have the image of traditional paper globes hanging from the ceiling of your favorite Chinese restaurant come to mind. Odds are you are not thinking about a 200 foot long dragon or a field of dancing life size pandas, b

Take a two hour drive to a Getaway in the middle of nowhere

Does the thought of driving down to a tiny house in the woods, locking away your cell phone, and having no predetermined plans sound fantastic to you? Or are you skeptical? Either way, you need to read on.By now you have probably seen a show, read a story,

This Virginia city named #1 place to go in 2018

MONEY Magazine has released its list of the 20 Best Places to go in 2018 and a city near and dear to our hearts has made the list at number ONE! Drum roll pleassseee! Alexandria, Virginia is the number one place to go in 2018, according to MONEY Magazine..

10 tips for easy flying with your pup

Dogs are real members of our families. And would you leave a beloved family member behind when you’re going on vacation? Absolutely not (well, in most cases anyways). In recent years, airlines and airports have become more welcoming of pets. This makes it

11 ways to fly more comfortably (including compression socks!)

Flying is a part of almost all our lives, but honestly it has become uncomfortable and a huge hassle. Make flying comfortable and healthy so your next trip is a blast instead of a drag. Being able to see different parts of the world is exciting but the act

The best travel deals for March 2018

Spring break is near and that means airlines and hotels will try to woo you with some amazing March travel deals to destinations near and far.But March is also a big month for basketball lovers. NCAA March Madness means that big basketball host cities like

A Kids' Review: A stay at the Hay-Adams Hotel

One of the many perks of being a travel writer is that I get to test out some of the country’s best hotels. And when the whole family was invited to staycation at the iconic Hay-Adams Hotel steps from the White House over the holidays, I thought it would b

What to do on a day trip to Purcellville, Virginia

The town of Purcellville, Virginia is about 50 miles from D.C. and makes for a great day trip – it’s packed with quirky stores for shopping, access to wineries and breweries, trails for hiking, and no dearth of places to eat and drink, and some LOVE.  We’v

5 Places to celebrate Black History Month in the DMV

Washington, D.C. is a city filled with black history and culture, and during the month of FebruaryBlack History Monththere are several nearby destinations where you can reflect upon and celebrate African-American leaders.Even if you can’t score one of the

5 Galentine's Day trips to take with your #girlsquard

February is the month of love -- so why not celebrate with a weekend away with your girlfriends? It’s sure to be fun and endless talk with some gossip mixed in. But it doesn’t end there. You can add in spa treatments, gourmet food, and drinks. Below ar

View from the Top: Peep the best views of D.C. from these hotels

Time to book a room for Valentine's Day!

The best travel deals for February 2018

Can you feel it? February is here, and love is certainly in the air.Even if you’re not a big fan of Valentine’s Day, February is typically one of the best months to plan for and save on your next travel adventure.Thrifty wanderlusts are in luck this month

Planning a ski trip to Bryce Resort? Hit up Copper Kettle Restaurant & Bar

If you decide to get together with friends or family this ski season, let Bryce Resort come to mind. Located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, Bryce allows you to enjoy the outdoors as you’ve always dreamed. And if you're looking for the perfect place to

Five things to know for your first time out on the slopes

Skiing and snowboarding are great ways to enjoy the wonders of winter. While learning to ski or snowboard may appear to be quite an undertaking, the reality is that anyone can learn – and much quicker than you might imagine!Roundtop Mountain Resort, Libert

If you need a little spoiling, make a visit to historic Washington, VA

I don't know about you, but nothing makes me crave a getaway like the middle of winter. Unfortunately, however, vacation days aren't unlimited, so a quick close-to-home getaway can be the perfect remedy for winter wanderlust. With its close proximity to D.

Restart and recharge with a wellness package getaway

Let’s face it, when January comes around we all want to hit that restart button. Maybe it’s to exercise more, perhaps eat better, or be empowered. But with this cold weather, I know I’d much rather pull the covers over my head, stay in bed and reemerge w

The ultimate girls' getaway this winter is in Leesburg

Raise your hand if you've ever desperately  needed a girls trip? Are all my ladies' hands raised? Thought so. There's just something to be said for quality time with the gals. Every once in a way, we deserve a bit of pampering, relaxation, reminiscing and

Cozy up to these 3 Virginia Inns this winter

Warm, sunny spring days are still several long months away. Embrace the chill of the bomb cyclones, winter wallops and deep freezes upon us right now with a stay at an inviting inn. We’ve picked three top properties in the Virginia countryside--and places

10 mobile apps you must download before your next road trip

You’ve made it an hour outside D.C. when suddenly, you feel it -- you regret getting that large coffee over the small. You panic, worried you’ll get stuck on a long stretch between exits. Believe it or not, there’s an app for that. Yes, your phone can find

Which D.C. airport had the best on-time performance rate in 2017?

Busy travelers know that timing is everythinga delayed flight is not only a nuisance, it could mean missing a flight connection or rearranging your travel plansquite literally on the fly.Obviously, there are forces outside of your control when it comes to

The best travel deals for January 2018

If you’re like me, your New Year’s resolution is less about going to the gym and more about traveling rightwhich means seeing the world on a shoestring budget.Thrifty wanderlusts are in luck because things are looking good in 2018. If your resolution is to

Lessons From the Road: A year in the life of a travel writer

Travel writing is an enviable gig.Distant exotic lands to explore, fascinating cultures to uncover and a sense of wanderlust to share with readers who long to experience the taste of adventure travel brings to their life.Solid lessons accompany life on the

This local hotel is charging $20,000 for an NYE staycation

When I think of New Year's Eve, I think fancy dresses, cheap alcohol and overcrowded parties. When the Jefferson Hotel thinks of New Year's Eve they think Rolls Royce, presidential suites and next day IV Vitamin Therapy. We clearly have had very different

Weekend Road Trip: Visit Williamsburg this holiday season

The holiday season is upon us, and while it’s supposed to be a time of year filled with merriment, magic, and fun, usually it turns into a series of stressed out battles, including crowded shopping malls, boring office parties, and annoying holiday jingles

5 cozy cabins near D.C. to snuggle up in this winter

Book yourself a vacation on Cyber Monday

I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been a big fan of Black Friday. Getting up before the sun, shivering in line, and getting pushed and shoved are so unappealing. I much prefer Cyber Monday –just me and my computer. Being a travel junkie, I love that

How to plan and pack for the perfect romantic picnic date

With the crisp bite of late fall air and the trees still turning countless shades of red, yellow, and orange, now is the perfect time to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and get “lost” in the woods. Just outside the city, only twenty minute

D.C. ranked the 3rd best cold weather destination

Winter may be the most polarizing season of them all -- you either love it or hate it, and the two sides just can't fathom how the other feels the way they do! Personally, I'm a winter fan, which made me psyched to see that D.C. was ranked highly on Wallet

Day trippin’ it in Winchester, Virginia

Looking for a day trip this fall that doesn’t involve a pumpkin patch?  Need a break from the typical Saturday-afternoon-spent-at-a-winery? Then head out to Winchester. Located an hour and a half from D.C., this Virginia town in Frederick County was the ho

Getting into the Sagamore spirit in Baltimore

Most trips to Baltimore involve meandering around the city’s waterfront, taking in sights from the touristy Inner Harbor to historic Fells Point. Or maybe hitting up an Orioles game if the season is right. But if you’re looking for something a little diffe

There's more to Adams County than Gettysburg -- it has cideries

Back in the summer of 2007 after a long day selling produce from the family farm at a Philadelphia farmers market Ben Wenk and his father went to a nearby bar for drinks. Wenk ordered a hard apple cider produced in England and became an immediate fan of it

Spend a weekend exploring Devils Backbone’s Nelson County Basecamp and Brewpub

Devils Backbone is known around D.C., Maryland, and Virginia for its award-winning beers, including its Vienna Lager and Eight Point IPA; the craft beer company even unveiled a Session Pale Ale called Earned Run Ale exclusively for the Washington Nationals

Alternative warm weather vacations untouched by the hurricanes

We all watched as two major hurricanes devastated some of the most bucolic Caribbean Islands and parts of Key West. For Dominica, Puerto Rico, St. Martin, Turks and Caicos, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, palm trees toppled, hotels were damaged, and infrast

There is something special about Seattle

Take the Bill Speidel's Underground Tour and you’ll learn a lot about Seattle’s rather dysfunctional past that included frequent floodings, a faulty sewage system with exploding toilets, and multiple bankruptcies. There is also the story about how a tax on

3 Virginia day trips that’ll please both kids and adults

If you have kids, you know how tricky it is to find something to do on a weekend that will keep the whole family happy. Parents may want to chill out at a winery, but the kids prefer a more energetic activity. All it takes is a little compromise. These thr

Making the most of 24 hours in Easton, Md.

Living in Washington comes with a few omnipresent stressors politics, traffic and where to score your favorite kombucha, to name a few. On those occasions when you feel like you’ve hit peak DC, it’s time to get in the car and search for a place to slow do

A visit to the Broadmoor is like summer camp for adults

Remember the glory days of summer camp, where your biggest worry in the world was whether the boys cabin would prank you that night? Days were lazily passed playing Red Rover, while evenings were reserved for sharing ghost stories around the campfire and s

Cruise along Skyline Drive and discover Skyland lodge

Tomorrow is the autumnal equinox, meaning it’s officially acceptable to stock up on pumpkin spice-flavored everything and pull out the cable-knit sweaters. Once you’ve gotten that taken care of, you’ll want to turn your attention to the plethora of fall ac

For a taste of Provence take a road trip to the Shenandoah Valley

If you do the math, a trip to Provence is... well... pretty expensive. This southeastern-most region of France is stunningwith its ritzy beachside towns, like Saint-Tropez and Cannes, and its majestic vineyards, olive groves, and rolling hills which lead t

Where 7 local chefs vacationed and dined this summer

5 ways to explore Toronto on the cheap

Our northern neighbor, Canada, is one of the easiest ways to experience an international getaway, whether it’s for a week or weekend away from Washington, DC.Toronto, which is now the fourth-largest city in North America, is your must-visit destination, es

7 fall festivals not to miss in the DMV

Fall and festivals just go together, like peanut butter and jelly. The weather is cooler and what could be better than food, libations, and music. So mark your calendars because we have rounded up seven of the best fall festivals in the DMV.Maryland Seaf

Need Labor Day Plans? Go on a Culinary Camp Out with Compass Rose

When it comes to camping, you probably don’t imagine feasting on award-winning cuisine. You’re probably cooking frank-n-beans over a fire, or worse chowing down on some dry trail mix. But this weekend, the chefs from Compass Rose want to take you outdoors

Get off the beaten path in Upperville

We spent two nights in the Melrose's newly-renovated presidential suite

Ok, this may sound crazy, but August might be my favorite month to be in D.C! Sure, it is (usually) blazing hot and humid, but it's also virtually empty. Congress is off enjoying recess, so staffers and lobbyists tend to plan vacations to coordinate, and e

The Virginia beach town so great, we almost didn't write about it

I've lived in Virginia my entire life and have vacationed to the somewhat local beaches like Virginia Beach, Rehoboth, the Outer Banks and Myrtle. Somehow I had never heard of Cape Charles, a quiet little beach town on the eastern shore, until recently on

12 great green spaces for nature lovers to get their fix

Sometimes we all just need a break from the tourists, traffic and commotion of the city. And we are lucky that D.C. is actually located right in the heart of some of our country's most beautiful scenery and nature-filled retreats. If you're craving a littl

Explore Marshall's small town charm on your next day trip

Check out their award-winning bakery!

Pittsburgh is your perfect getaway from D.C.

Pittsburgh is known by many namesThe 'Burgh, City of Bridges, Steel City, City of Champions (thanks in part to so many Super Bowl and Stanley Cup championships). Regardless of what you call it, Pittsburgh is the perfect place for a weekend getaway from Was

Live music fan? You gotta make a trip to this yearly mega festival in Pennsylvania

If I asked you to name some of the biggest musical festivals in the country, you'd probably mention events like Coachella, Burning Man and Bonnaroo. But what if I told you that one of the largest was actually held each August in a small city in Eastern Pen

We're headed to Colorado Springs. Any recs?

When your job literally has D.C. in the title, there aren't always a lot of opportunities to escape the east coast and travel, at least for work purposes! So when an opportunity arises to jaunt on over to the other coast and explore for the good of my read

Exploring the Richmond Beer Trail: Five breweries, one day

It seems like Richmond has suddenly become the darling of the food and drink world, with all sorts of cool restaurants and food festivals. I used to live in Richmond back from 2004 – 2006 and I am pretty sure there was NO WAY anyone was talking about it be

Rewarding ways to save time and money on your next flight

Wanderlusts don’t have to spend a lot of dough to reach the destination of their dreams. With a few easy flight hacks, you can become a frequent flier that saves you both time and money.Really, it all comes down to the type of flier that you are. Knowing h

Spend a day (or weekend) in Annapolis

Crabs, dining alfresco, water views, boats of all sizes, shopping, and history. What more could you ask for on a day trip? Annapolis is the capital of Maryland and it's only a short drive away from the District, making it the perfect day trip! Trust me, a

Puerto Rico is great place to visit... Just ask my Uber driver

“Have you been to the west side of the island? That’s the most beautiful part but they do not speak much English over there. Most tourists stick to Old San Juan. They like the old buildings and the blue cobblestone streets. It’s also where the cruise ships

Escape busy D.C. and relax with a visit to the tranquil Tides Inn

Anyone who lives in the DMV knows this area is stressful. Even if you don’t work for the government or in the White House, national news is happening right in our backyards. Add in the traffic and metro delays and it’s tension city! Sometimes, you just ne

Venture inside the otherworldly depths of Luray Caverns this summer

This alien-esque landscape is just over an hour outside D.C. and makes for a perfect summer day trip with the kids.

How to spend a day in Front Royal the right way

Plus we found your new favorite swimming spot!

Travel back to a simpler time and unplug with the Amish

Do you ever wish for a simpler time, to disconnect from your phone and 24/7 news? Well, there 's a place. for that! Lancaster PA, located just two hours from the District, has the largest Amish community in America, where they still live the simple life.

Unplug and reconnect with nature at Savage River Lodge

Only two-and-a-half hours from downtown D.C. and set in the green rolling hills of northern Maryland, The Savage Mountain Lodge is the perfect hideaway to get away from it all where you can immerse yourself in nature and slow down in style.Where to stayYur

Washington D.C. -- the Staycation Capital of America

Did you know that Washington is one of the best cities in the country for a staycation? According to RewardExpert.com the District is the third best U.S. city to staycation in 2017. So if you can’t get away for a week or even a long weekend why not book a

Are You a Cool Cat? Come Get Your Groove on at DC Jazz Festival

It doesn’t matter if you’re a lifelong jazz fan or new to the genre – you’ll find music that will wow you at the DC Jazz Festival. Running June 9 – 18, the Festival is bringing 300 different artists to the District for nine days of music.

How to make your long haul coach flight feel a little more like first class

Remember that episode of Seinfeld where Jerry takes the only first class seat remaining on a rebooked flight, leaving Elaine to fend for herself in steerage? His rationale is that since he’s flown first class before he can’t possibly go back to coach--whil

Travel tips from the man who has been around the world in 100 ways

When Andrew Evans was six years old, he told his parents he was going to write for National Geographic. It took him nearly three decades, but his childhood dream came true when he got his first assignment for the magazine, an insider’s guide to Moscow’s Re

Take a revolutionary road trip to Southeastern Virginia this summer

Did you know America’s founding and historical roots are less than a three-hour drive from the District? The short drive will take you where the Historic Triangle of Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown engage with newly minted revolutions in cultural, gas

Ellicott City's Enchanted Forest may just be Maryland's quirkiest business

At Clark's Elioak Farm in Ellicott City, Maryland, the attractions from a decades-old amusement park have taken on new life.

For only $299 round trip, you can go to Iceland

I don't know what I expected Iceland to be like, but it was so much better.

Why a road trip to Chapel Hill this summer is totally worth the drive

Pack the car and cue up the driving playlist because summer is the season for road tripping! June is right around the corner, so now is the time to start planning. We think the ideal road trip is just about four hours awaynot so far that you’ll hate everyo

Streetscape plans promise exciting changes in the Shaw neighborhood

Cities are like kaleidoscopes – the pieces and parts are always shifting and change is to be expected. Still, the changes to come in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C. have residents, visitors and even Mayor Muriel Bowser extremely excited.

Choose your own adventure in wild and wonderful West Virginia

Oh Wild and Wonderful West Virginia! Every time I go, I’m blown away by its rugged natural beauty – fast-rushing rivers, mountains and rugged rock formations. For thrill seekers, it’s paradise. For me and others who like their thrills on the tamer side,

Head to The Lodge at Woodloch for a dose of the great outdoors

I’m not even going to try to sugar coat it: I’m not a fan of camping. No part of setting up a tent, showering in facilities that are generously described as rustic or cooking my own food in a makeshift kitchen with none of the tools or niceties as the one

Newly opened Pod DC is the city's latest micro-hotel

The newly opened Pod Hotel in Chinatown is the newest addition to D.C.’s options for budget travelers, bringing over 200 micro-hotel rooms to the city. What is a micro-hotel, you ask? The hotels generally have much smaller rooms than average, but much mor

Escape to the beautiful Isle of Palms this summer

Each summer, Washingtonians flee the swamp-like heat of the city in search of salt air and ocean waves. Unfortunately, we all tend to end up at the same spots,  whether it’s the collection of Delaware beach towns, Maryland’s Ocean City, or the string of Ou

These local Instagrammers will give you a serious case of wanderlust

Enjoy a small town vibe for a day in Ellicott City

I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of those fake Main Streets with no character and chain-store shopping. What I needed was a small town with a true historic vibe – boutique shopping, unusual stores, different restaurants, and even a tea room. After a

9 essential products to help you gear up for spring travel

With spring upon us can road trips be far behind? D.C. is a terrific home base, but as the weather warms, we tend to start feeling the travel itch! Whether you’re off to the mountains with the kiddos, the beach with your sweetie or just going solo to Katma

Pick your own bouquet at this Virginia flower farm

There's still time to experience this family-friendly and ultra-photogenic excursion

Chef David Guas' guide to New Orleans

When people from the DMV talk about New Orleans, Celebrity Chef David Guas’ name comes up right away. The NOLA native spent his childhood and formative years in the city before moving north to pursue his culinary career in the D.C. area. Now, he’s practica

Getting the most bang for your buck with a staycation at MGM National Harbor

Ah, the staycation -- such a glorious gift to the over-worked and under-paid! It's the perfect time to recharge, unplug and connect with yourself, or loved ones. Don't get me wrong, I love a vacation just as much as the next person! But sometimes, all you

Get a Taste of Tokyo at Events DC Cherry Blast!

Kon’nichiwa reader, and welcome (almost!) to the weekend. If you’re looking to shake up your routine, look no further: Events DC Cherry Blast! will take you on a night out in Tokyo without leaving Washington, DC. Make your way to Dock 5 at Union Market to

10 tips to elevate your glamping game this spring

Now that spring is in full force, it is time to dig out your tent, sleeping bags, and cooler and head out into the great outdoors. As we get older, I have found it is really hard to get a group of friends together for a weekend in the woods. I get the “sta

Travel back in time with a day trip to Dinosaur Land

It's campy, family-friendly and kind of amazing.

#IPulledOverForThis: These 39 Pics Will Change The Way You Drive

It's the visual equivalent of "stop and smell the roses." (& Trust us, you'll be glad you did.)

4 summer camps for adults that are sure to bring out your inner child

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go to summer camp as an adult? The fun games, late night s'more, and lounging by the water all day without a worry in the world. Well, wonder no longer! I have gathered four adult sleep away summer camps with

Tips & tricks for roadtripping with your pup

Warmer weather is here and it's the perfect time to plan a road trip getaway. What better way to travel than with your four-legged friend by your side? If you're looking to escape D.C., there are great dog-friendly options nearby and as long as you're prep