If you want a beer or a cocktail after visiting all these great sites, I highly recommend stopping in at McSorley’s. It opened in the mid-1800s, and the history inside the place is just incredible. There’s even a chair over the bar that Abe Lincoln sat in when he was there. Word of caution, though – their beer glasses are very small, so sometimes it’s best to order more than one or even a pitcher so you don’t have to keep waiting to get your next one.

I’m planning to backpack across Europe in 2027. This will be my first time traveling light, and I’m really looking forward to the experience. I usually pack everything plus the kitchen sink! But the thought of trying to truly absorb all the different countries while carting around heavy luggage is a total turnoff. I think this will be a much nicer experience while also affording me the freedom to move around that I want.

Longwood Gardens in Philadelphia is fabulous! Walking through is a beautiful experience, and certain times of year they even do evening light shows and other special events. Those require a separate ticket, though, so I’d look at their calendar before going.

I love Puerto Rico! Sadly, I haven’t been there since pre-Covid, but I’d love to go again.

San Juan is great and very convenient, but if you get a chance to visit the rain forest, I highly recommend it.

My best friend and I get an Airbnb together every October along with her grown kids, their significant others, and my teenager. I find it to be a difficult trip because I’m a planner and she’s not, so I usually end up getting annoyed about one thing or another. My best advice is to focus on the good times and don’t let the little things overshadow the fun.

I know there is a lot we can’t see that impacts our environment, like emissions, but the most frustrating thing in the world to me is when I see tourists litter. These people would never leave their garbage lying around the pool at home, but they’ll do it at a Caribbean resort in a heartbeat, feeling entitled that it’s someone’s job to clean up after them. Next thing you know, the tropical breeze is carrying a bunch of plastic cups to the ocean. It’s very frustrating, and I find myself cleaning up after strangers when I see it happen.

My question about Jamaica has always been safety. It’s been years since this happened, but I knew several people who went and were told to stay at their respective resorts due to concerns for the tourists. I’ve always overlooked Jamaica for that reason, but if things have changed, I’d be very willing to vacation there. The pictures are always so beautiful.

That’s some great information – thank you! It seems I’ll need more than one day since I’m a total bibliophile. I’ll have to be careful with my shopping, though, because packing a ton of books to bring home will probably exceed my luggage allowance on the plane!

I live in the mountains, so most of the time I’m a beach vacationer. That said, I always take a trip in the fall with a friend and we head for another mountain location a few hours away from where we live. It’s the perfect time and place for pumpkin picking, bonfires, and holiday craft shopping.

It’s because of all those drawbacks you mentioned that I usually fly first or business class. At least with that, I know I’m getting great customer service and no extra charges for things like baggage and a decent meal. By the time I factor in the headache and discomfort of economy, it’s well worth the price.

That said, I know there are websites out there that offer last minute flights at a discounted cost. If you’re able to be spontaneous, you might end up saving a bundle.