Sara Sandman

While I love discovering new places, there’s something special about returning to a destination so often that people start to mistake you for a local. For me, Key West is one of those places I never tire of. My travel philosophy is simple: always check out the popular, must-see spots—they’re iconic for a reason—but also make time to explore beyond the tourist path and experience the city like a local. This guide is designed to help you do both.

Nashville is so much more than honky-tonks, pedal taverns, and party tractors. This is your guide to my favorite neighborhoods in Nashville so you won’t miss out on your next trip.

Welcome to our Nashville Girls’ Weekend: Three Generations, One Unforgettable Getaway. This itinerary was crafted for a special kind of trip—where laughter spans generations, conversations flow freely, and every moment is a memory in the making. With a beautiful blend of women and ages (my mom, my sisters, my daughter, and me—ranging in ages from 70–17), this weekend is all about celebrating a 50th birthday, family connection, and the joy of simply being together.

This solo weekend trip to Portland, Maine was completely planned around a Wine & Oyster Sail experience that I have been wanting to do for a long time. With my ticket purchased and sail date set, the rest of the trip unfolded. Since it was a solo trip, my itinerary focused on enjoying solitude while experiencing the coastal charm of Portland at my own pace. This is the perfect itinerary that offers the ideal mix of active exploration and laid-back local experiences.

We disembarked from our 11-day Denali Explorer Cruise Tour in Vancouver bright and early and didn’t have a flight until 11 pm. We had one day to explore Vancouver and hit all the hot spots. Here are the spots to see and the ones to skip, according to my kids (ages 17 and 19) and me.

New Orleans is not just a place to go—it’s a place to experience. With its rich Creole culture, lively jazz music, local haunts, river cruises, and fabulous restaurants and bars, New Orleans should be on everyone’s bucket list. I have been here many times and each experience is unique. From the tourist attractions to local vibes, this guide will give you the best of both worlds in my favorite part of New Orleans, the French Quarter.

Welcome to the French Quarter, where I called home for a few days. Although this was far from my first time in New Orleans, it was my first stay at Hotel Monteleone, and I was impressed.

Alaska is a bucket-list destination for many. To celebrate my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary, my family (12 of us total, ranging in ages from 11–70) chose a Princess Cruise Tour. To get the most out of the Alaskan experience on a cruise, this is truly the way to go. The 11 day Denali Explorer Cruise Tour on the Coral Princess is highly recommended. My trip overview will show you why!

South Beach is a lively part of Miami that is known for its world-famous beaches, luxury oceanfront hotels, fine dining, celebrity sightings, Art Deco style, and lively nightlife. It might not be a top destination that comes to mind when traveling with teens, but it is truly a perfect place for a family with teens! I spent a long weekend in South Beach with my daughter when she was 15, and we had an amazing time. This guide will provide insider tips on what to do and what not to do with teens in South Beach.

Chicago is an excellent choice for a girls’ weekend. The city is filled with rich history and neighborhoods, great architecture, amazing museums and an excellent food and nightlife scene. There is so much to do that it can be hard to create an itinerary. I’m here to help! I recently met my sister there for a long weekend and am sharing our girls’ weekend itinerary.

In June of 2024, I did a site inspection of Brewhouse Inn & Suites in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. What better place to stay than in a historic brewery right in the heart of downtown Milwaukee? This unique stay is highly recommended.

In June of 2024, I did a site inspection of Capri Inn in Naples, Florida. This boutique hotel is part of the Opal Collection and was completely renovated in 2023. Its location, coastal-chic design, amazing staff and room options make it a great place to stay when visiting Old Naples in Southwest Florida.

Your first visit to Grand Cayman Island will not be your only visit. The island is full of unique places to explore and things to do. Away from the hustle and bustle of Seven Mile Beach and Georgetown is the East End and North Side. These are a little more off-the-beaten-path but have some of the best experiences the island has to offer. Join me on the quieter side of the island.

In just a quick drive from Boston Logan International Airport, you will be transported to the historic, waterfront of Kennebunkport and beachside of Kennebunk. You will instantly be at home and will be able to immerse yourself into the local lifestyle. With a few short-day trips out of the quaint seaside and fishing village of the Kennebunks, you will get off-the-beaten path experiences to remember for a lifetime.

If you want to experience true island life right here in the United States, look no further than Anna Maria Island. Anna Maria Island is a seven-mile island on Florida's gulf coast. It boasts white sand beaches, gorgeous sunsets, fantastic water sports activities, charming boutique shops and amazing dining experiences. No car is needed as you can easily experience all the island has to offer by foot, bike, golf cart or trolley. After my first visit to AMI almost twenty years ago, the island stole a piece of my heart.

Cabbage Key is the place to step back in time and experience Old Florida. Only accessible by boat, this 100-acre island sits atop a 38 foot Indian shell mound, making it the highest point in Southwest Florida. This family-owned island is the host to Cabbage Key Inn and Restaurant and its seven cottages. Although there is no beach on the island, this is the destination to disconnect, relax and enjoy nature.

Sometimes it is the place you stay itself that makes a trip most memorable. This guide provides you with five truly unique stays right here in the United States. Each stay provides a unique experience sure to create a lasting impression and each stay is in a location with plenty to explore. To me, that's the perfect combination for making memories.