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TRAVEL
Travel guides, itineraries, and destination ideas to plan the perfect trip
HOSTING
Dinner party plans and hosting ideas to give you an excuse to gather with friends
RECIPES
Dinner party dishes to impress your guests and easy recipes for any occasion
latest posts
Read the latest blog posts from That Planner Friend
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The Autumn Guide to the Adirondack Mountains
Upstate New York is one of the best places to see the leaves change in autumn, especially the Adirondacks. As you drive through Keene Valley, you’ll ooo and ahhh at every turn from the bright red, yellow, and orange hues. From Lake Placid to the peak of Whiteface Mountain, you’ll wish the colorful leaves would…
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The Perfect Peach Galette for Summer
Summer isn’t over until the last bushel of peaches leaves the farmers market. Stone fruit like peaches, apricots, and nectarines reach their peak at the end of summer and stay on shelves until late September. This Perfect Peach Galette is the best way to enjoy peaches while they’re in season. I always buy more peaches than…
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Grilled Peach, Halloumi, And Heirloom Tomato Salad
The end of summer is a magical time when peach season and tomato season collide. Peaches and tomatoes are a delicious combo, especially when both fruits are at their peak. Add in some salty halloumi cheese and herbaceous basil and you have the recipe for my Grilled Peach, Halloumi, and Heirloom Tomato Salad. This flavor…
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Key Lime Pie
Key Lime Pie tastes like summer. The tartness of the key limes balanced with the sweetness of the graham cracker crust and sweetened condensed milk filling mirrors the bittersweetness of summer. The pie itself was invented in Key West, Florida, a destination I visited countless times growing up in Florida. Key Lime Pie is the…
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How to Host a Summer Clam Boil
A clam boil, or clam bake as New Englanders like to call it, is an essential part of a New England summer. It screams Americana with homegrown ingredients like corn, potatoes, and, of course, clams. You can host your own clam boil wherever you are in the world to indulge in the New England lifestyle.…
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Where to Eat and Drink in Cape Cod
Lobster. Clams. …Quahogs? Cape Cod has the expected New England seafood dishes and its own unique delicacies like quahogs and steamers that may surprise you. The challenge is eating it all on your short-lived stay on the Cape. From Hyannis to Wellfleet, we’ll dive into some of the best places to eat on Cape Cod. …
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NYC Summer Day Trip: New Paltz, Swimming Hole, Beacon
Escape the city heat for a day trip to the Catskills to visit cute towns and a secret swimming hole. Whenever it’s hot, I want to dive into the nearest body of water, but it’s always hard to find a place for a refreshing dip, especially in driving distance from New York City. It doesn’t…
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The 6 Best Breweries in Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is the craft beer capital of the South. Its downtown is home to over 20 breweries, with new ones opening along the French Broad River and Patton Ave. every year. More and more bachelor and bachelorette trips are making Asheville a party destination, but Asheville’s laid-back brewery culture has stayed intact. This guide lists…
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A Day on the Blue Ridge Parkway Near Asheville
Asheville, North Carolina is a hippie, granola-loving town that loves craft beer and the outdoors. The best day in Asheville is spent outside the city limits on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic highway with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A short 15-minute drive outside of Asheville will take you to the Blue…
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The Summer Travel Guide to Mount Baker
Less than three hours from Seattle is Mount Baker, a towering glacier-covered volcano. Mount Baker is a part of the Cascade Mountain and it is the second-most thermally active crater in the Cascade Range after Mount St. Helens. Mount Baker is a part of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest near the Canadian border. Because of…
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48 Hours in Seattle Itinerary
Seattle is the poster child city for the Pacific Northwest. Its laid-back attitude welcomes you with open arms, making you feel like a local in just a few days. Because of its geography, Seattle has a reputation for being rainy and gloomy. Luckily for you, it doesn’t rain in Seattle nearly as much as people…
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Roasted Vegetable Lasagna
You won’t miss the meat in this delicious Roasted Vegetable Lasagna. It’s the perfect dish to make when you’re feeding a crowd and someone is a vegetarian. It doesn’t compromise on taste, so don’t be surprised when everyone starts serving themselves seconds. This Roasted Vegetable Lasagna is a labor of love. It takes time to…
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Your Bucharest, Romania Travel Guide
Bucharest is a place of contrast. Its stately architecture tells a story of communist rule in both its glory and downfall. Beautiful neoclassical buildings stand next to dilapidated modernist apartment buildings. Although Romania was never formally a part of the Soviet Union, like many of its neighbors, it’s still just getting its footing in the…
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Bucharest, Romania: Self-Guided Walking Tour
Bucharest is a city most people don’t know much about. The Eastern European capital doesn’t have any major landmarks and consequently gets confused with the more popular Budapest. But, Bucharest does have beautiful architecture and character. The best way to get to know a city is to walk it. And, luckily for you, the city…
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How To Host A Tiramisu Bake-Off Dinner Party
Every year, my friends get together for what we like to jokingly call “The Third Annual North Brooklyn Spring Forward Tiramisu Bake Off.” Except no one treats it like a joke. The baking of a spring tiramisu has become an anticipated and competitive ritual. It started as a competition between two friends to see who…
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Coconut Rum (Coquito) Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that layers espresso-soaked ladyfingers with sweet mascarpone cream, topped with freshly shaved chocolate or sifted cocoa powder. If tiramisu is on the menu at a restaurant, I’m ordering it no matter how full I am. It’s light and airy, making it the perfect after-dinner treat in any season. Tiramisu…
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Big Batch Baked Spaghetti for a Crowd
Baked Spaghetti is the epitome of comfort food. It’s ooey-gooey cheesiness and red meat sauce warms the soul. To make it, you layer classic spaghetti bolognese with cheese and bake it for 30 minutes in the oven. The result is a delicious, lasagna-like pasta dish that will leave you wanting seconds and thirds. Baked Spaghetti…
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New York City Chinatown Food Crawl
New York City’s Chinatown is one the best in the world. It’s the largest Chinatown in the Western Hemisphere and one of the most historical in the United States. The best way to experience Chinatown is to eat your way through it. The food is as authentic as you can get in Manhattan. Not only…
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How To Make Pickled Red Onions
Pickled red onions add vibrancy to any dish in both taste and color. They’re best served as a part of a larger spread, especially with tacos or Mediterranean food. They add life to a salad and an acidic punch to truly anything you pair them with. Pickled red onions are super simple to make. All…
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How To Make Homemade Mayo
Did you know you can make mayo at home in under 10 minutes? Mayo, mayonnaise, whatever you want to call it is a pantry staple condiment we all know and love. It’s used as a spread on sandwiches and in many recipes like my Zesty Egg Salad. Mayo is an emulsion of oil, egg yolk,…
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Spicy Salsa Verde
From taco carts to fine dining restaurants, salsa verde is a staple at restaurants in Mexico City. This Spicy Salsa Verde is fresh and hot, making it the perfect topping for any Mexican dish, especially tacos. Salsa verde translates to “green” sauce because of its bright green color. It’s packed with greens including tomatillos, Serrano…
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Spicy Chicken Tinga for Tacos
Spice up your taco night with this Spicy Chicken Tinga recipe. Shredded chicken is cooked in a spicy red chipotle sauce to create the perfect taco filling. A protein like this Spicy Chicken Tinga is the foundation for a delicious taco. The Spicy Chicken Tinga can be the star of the show in a build-your-own…
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Cape Cod 3-Day Weekend Itinerary
Escape to the Cape for a long weekend with this three-day weekend Cape Cod itinerary. The secret about Cape Cod is out, making this New Englander’s summer getaway a not-so-hidden gem. Could you do Cape Cod as a day trip from Boston? Sure, you can, but you won’t enjoy it nearly as much as going…
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10 Things To Do in Cape Cod
New York has the Hamptons, Miami has the Florida Keys, and Boston has Cape Cod. Unlike the Hamptons or the Keys, Cape Cod has so many things to do. Yes, visiting Cape Cod is technically a beach vacation but there’s plenty to do off the sand. A Cape Cod getaway is a great mix of…
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Your Cape Cod Travel Guide
We’re blasting “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” by Vampire Weekend and headed to Cape Cod this summer. You could fill an entire book with all the reasons to escape to the Cape. If the seaside cottages, picturesque lighthouses, and fresh seafood aren’t enough to entice you, this guide will convince you to book a trip to…
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How To Make A Zesty Egg Salad
Bring the taste of a deli egg salad home with this simple Zesty Egg Salad recipe. Egg salad can be made in so many different ways but its basic ingredients are hard-boiled eggs, herbs, and mayo. This Zesty Egg Salad recipe adds watercress and lemon to punch up the flavor. It makes for a delicious…
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Build Your Own Benedict Bar
What’s better than a dinner party? A brunch party with a build-your-own Eggs Benedict bar. If Eggs Benedict is on the menu, there’s a 90% chance I’m ordering it. But, it’s even better at home because you can customize it any way you’d like. If you’ve never made Eggs Benedict, here is my easy-to-follow recipe.…
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Classic Eggs Benedict for Brunch
Eggs Benedict takes home the award for the most quintessential brunch dish. If it’s on the menu at brunch, there’s a good chance I’m ordering it. Impress your guests with a fancy brunch at home with this Eggs Benedict recipe. The key to a delicious Eggs Benedict is perfectly poached eggs and a well-made hollandaise…
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How to Make Crispy Cuban Tostones
Tostones are crispy fried green plantains with an irresistible taste and crave-worthy crunch. Eating a tostone is like grabbing the first chip from a bag, you can’t have just one. Tostones are a staple in Caribbean cuisine, especially Cuban food. They’re typically served as a side, making them the perfect companion for Latin dishes like…
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Simple Lime Ceviche
Ceviche is a classic Peruvian dish. Raw fish combined with lots of lime creates a fresh and savory combo. In Peru, chefs and home cooks add all kinds of ingredients to their ceviches like sweet potatoes and corn. This Simple Lime Ceviche recipe sticks to the basics with tomato, red onion, avocado, and cilantro. Ceviche…
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Easy Chimichurri for Steak
Dressing your steak with a fresh chimichurri sauce looks good and tastes delicious, too. Chimichurri is a fresh green sauce or dressing from Argentina. Its bright green color comes from its star ingredient: parsley. Chimichurri adds an acidic and slightly spicy punch to your steak that cuts through the fat and flavors of a good…
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The 6 Best Bars on Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street in New Orleans is notorious for its nightlife. Bourbon, as we’ll call it, isn’t for the faint of heart. The drinks are strong, the music is loud, and the party doesn’t stop until 3 a.m. You will have a blast bar hopping down Bourbon, but it’s even more fun if you know where…
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New Orleans 3-Day Weekend Itinerary
New Orleans is a perfect weekend destination. A three-day weekend gives you enough time to explore the city while still taking it slow. How much you get done depends on how much partying you plan on doing. This three-day weekend itinerary is a framework that can act as your starting point to plan your trip…
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The Weekender New Orleans Guide
New Orleans gets a bad reputation. It’s known for partying too hard and hard-hitting hurricanes that have devastated the city. But since Hurricane Katrina and the pandemic, New Orleans has bounced back and blossomed. From the French Quarter to the Garden District, New Orleans has charm. New Orleans may be a little rough around the…
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How to Plan a Trip to Mardi Gras
There ain’t no party like a Mardi party. Mardi Gras is the best time to visit New Orleans because of the nice weather and endless celebrations. Going to Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a bucket list trip, but between the parades and shifting dates, it can be an intimidating one to plan. In this…
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The Dip Bowl: How To Host a Dip Party
“Instead of the Super Bowl, regular, non-athletic Americans around the country compete in the Dip Bowl, a competition to see which dips are the best for snacking on while watching grown men tackle each other on the world stage.” If the snacks on Super Bowl Sunday get you more excited than the big game playing…
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Caramelized French Onion Dip
The original French Onion Dip is neither French nor has any real onions. It was developed by an American chef in the 50s who dumped an envelope of Lipton Recipe Secrets Onion Soup Mix into sour cream. This is still the classic way to make French Onion Dip. It’s stupid easy and doesn’t require any…
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Turkey Burger Sliders for the Game
Sliders are meant for snacking, especially during football season. These Turkey Burger Sliders are a simple crowd-pleaser that comes together in no time. They’re a great addition to a summer BBQ or Super Bowl spread. Compared to regular hamburgers, turkey burgers need some love. This Turkey Burger Sliders recipe focuses on the turkey burger patties…
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No-Fry Crispy Chicken Wings
The ideal Super Bowl party spread has chips, dip, and chicken wings. But, wings can prove to be problematic. Everyone wants to eat ’em but no one wants to make ’em. Why? Is it too daunting to compete with your local sports bar? Or are you scared to start a fire when frying with hot oil?…
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Restaurant Style Fire Roasted Salsa
You know when you go to a Mexican restaurant or even (let’s be honest) a Chili’s and you can’t stop eating the chips and salsa? This Restaurant-Style Fire-Roasted Salsa makes you wish the chips and salsa were bottomless at your house, too. In Mexican cuisine, this type of salsa is called Salsa Tatemada, meaning it’s…
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NYC Day Trip: Hudson, NY
Hudson, NY is a small town on the Hudson River in Upstate New York that attracts outdoorsy NYC expats and city dwellers with a taste for art and antiques. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City for the day and pretend you’re in a Hallmark movie. Hudson is…
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Ice Cream Sundaes on Sunday
Start your week off with something sweet with an Ice Cream Sundaes on Sunday get-together. Whether it’s a bottle of wine at the dinner party or a six-pack of beer for Sunday Night Football, sometimes it feels like every get-together revolves around alcohol. And, we’re especially reminded of this during Dry January when people are…
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24 Places To Go In 2024
It’s that time of year when you start to make travel plans. How will you use your time off? Where will you go? Who will you spend it with? In this guide, you’ll find 24 ideas for places to go in 2024. I’ve visited over half of these destinations and the rest are on my…
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How To Get The Group Trip Out Of The Group Chat
Why is it so rare for trips to “make it out of the group chat”? Group trips with friends have become the butt of jokes because they never end up happening. You talk about that trip with friends to the French countryside for years but never end up going. Everyone loves to travel and dreams…
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Steamed Mussels in Garlic and White Wine
These Steamed Mussels in Garlic and White Wine are a take on Moules Frites, a classic French bistro dish. Moules Frites directly translates to “Fried Mussels” but they’re never fried, they’re served with French fries. The mussels are steamed in a garlic white wine sauce and served with the side of fries to soak up…
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Five-Ingredient Cuban Coquito
Coquito is a creamy Puerto Rican drink that is enjoyed in Caribbean and Latin households around the holidays. Some people refer to it as Puerto Rican eggnog, but don’t be fooled. You don’t need eggs to make this Five-Ingredient Cuban Coquito recipe. There are many different ways to make coquito. This recipe is a simplified…
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New Year’s Goal Setting Party
New Year’s resolutions are out. Goal setting is in. So, ditch your resolutions list and plan a New Year’s Goal Setting Party for your friends this holiday season. A New Year’s Goal Setting Party brings people together to share their visions for the upcoming year in a fun, communal way. It’s a wholesome holiday party…
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Pan-Seared Duck Breast With Orange Cranberry Sauce
Duck is decadent. It has the elegance of a perfectly cooked New York strip steak but with a distinct gamey duck taste. This Duck Breast with Orange Cranberry Sauce makes a great holiday centerpiece or main dish for your next dinner party. The tart and sweet flavor combination of the orange cranberry sauce balances out…
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Creamy Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are the quintessential American side dish. These Creamy Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes pair elegantly with whatever main dish you’re serving for a dinner party, from Thanksgiving turkey to pan-seared salmon. There are many ways to make mashed potatoes, but after testing recipe after recipe, these Creamy Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes are…
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42 Ideas For Your Thanksgiving Menu
A traditional Thanksgiving doesn’t have any surprises. You’ll find a turkey, potatoes, some vegetables, and (if you’re lucky) a pie. In this guide, we’ll explore Thanksgiving dish ideas so you can curate a menu that you’re proud of. You’ll want to curate your menu at least a week before Thanksgiving so you can get your…
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How To Host Your First Thanksgiving
Hosting your first Thanksgiving is right of passage. It’s the ultimate dinner party of the year where you can indulge in heartwarming food with the people you love. I aim for my blog posts to be objective and informative, but Thanksgiving is very personal for me. I’ve been helping my dad in the kitchen on…
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Red Wine Braised Short Ribs for Two
These Red Wine Braised Short Ribs will fall right off the bone and onto your plate. Cooking short ribs is a low and slow process that rewards you with tender braised beef. My Red Wine Braised Short Ribs are perfect for a romantic dinner at home for two and comes together in about two hours.…
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Weekend Trip to Boston Itinerary
Boston boasts a revolutionary history, delicious Italian food, and quaint cobblestone streets. It’s more of a town than a city, making it walkable and easy to explore in a weekend. It’s a great stop on a New England road trip or a weekend getaway in the northeast. This itinerary jam-packs Boston into a single weekend. …
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Guacamole for Gameday
Whether it’s NFL Sunday or Mexican Monday, this guacamole will keep your guests happy while you prepare the main dish for dinner or wait for the take out to be delivered. It’s the perfect appetizer for any size gathering that can easily be adjusted based on the number of guests you’re hosting. Four avocados typically…
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NYC Day Trip: Apple Picking Upstate
When summer slows down and the air gets a bit crisp, it’s apple season. Although apple season runs from July to November, autumn is the best time of year to go upstate to go apple picking at an orchard. In October the leaves are changing, the weather is cooler, and orchards host different fall-themed events…
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Portland to Acadia National Park Itinerary
If you’re going to Acadia National Park, you’re most likely not flying straight to Bar Harbor. In fact, you shouldn’t. The road trip from Portland to Acadia National Park is only 3 hours long with travel-worthy stops along the way. This is a five-day itinerary for driving to and around Acadia National Park from Portland,…
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Maine Fall Travel Guide: Acadia National Park and Portland
Maine gets the nickname “Vacationland” because it’s the ideal place for a laid-back getaway. It’s known for its delicious food like lobster and blueberry pie and access to the outdoors. Fall, specifically October, is a great time to visit Maine because of the lack of crowds, cool weather, and stunning fall foliage. Maine is home…
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Fig Arugula Salad With Balsamic Tahini Dressing
Whether it’s a fig jam or the figs in this salad, figs can make anything feel fancy. This Fig Arugula Salad with Balsamic Tahini Dressing is an elevated side salad that is a great addition to your next dinner party. It comes together in minutes and can be tossed right before serving your main course. …
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Lemon Zucchini Risotto
Risotto feels fancy — almost too fancy to be able to make at home. This Lemon Zucchini Risotto recipe is warm and comforting for fall but still has the taste of summer with bright lemon and seasonal zucchini. It’s affordable, decadent, and easier to make than you think. If you want to impress your guests,…
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3-Day Weekend Mexico City Itinerary
So, you’ve only got three days in Mexico City. With so much to do, see, and eat, how do you make the most of your time in one of the largest cities in the world? First, accept that you won’t see it all in three short days but get ready to cover some ground. This…
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Mexico City Neighborhood Guide
Mexico City is the largest city in the Western Hemisphere, making it one of the largest cities in the world. The city is split up into 16 boroughs and over 350 neighborhoods or colonias. In this Mexico City neighborhood guide, I’ll dive into the 5 most popular neighborhoods to acquaint yourself with on your trip…
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5-Day Mexico City Itinerary
If you’re flying more than five hours to reach Mexico City, you need to spend at least five days exploring it. In five days, you can check off most of the major sights and popular neighborhoods off your Mexico City bucket list. This five-day Mexico City itinerary will help you make the most out of…
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Day Trip To Teotihuacán From Mexico City
The ancient city of Teotihuacán is only about an hour outside of Mexico City and it’s well worth the trip. Teotihuacán is an ancient civilization that predates the Aztecs and Mayans. At its peak, it was one of the largest cities in the Americas. People make the (short) pilgrimage to the ancient city to see…
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7-Day Mexico City Itinerary
You can spend a lifetime exploring every corner of Mexico City and you still wouldn’t have seen it all. If you’re planning your first trip to Mexico City, a week is a good amount of time to get acquainted with this massive city. In this itinerary, you’ll find how to explore Mexico City to the…
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Where To Eat And Drink In Mexico City
You can create an entire itinerary revolving around the best places to eat in Mexico City. There are world-renowned restaurants with elevated takes on Mexican classics, cheap taco stands on the side of the street, and mercados filled with ingredients from all over the republic. Now, I’m not the type of trip planner who likes…
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The Ultimate Mexico City Guide
Mexico City is the largest city in the Western Hemisphere, making it the cultural capital of Latin America. It’s a must-see destination with inspiring art, enchanting architecture, and to-die-for dining experiences. In this guide, you’ll find recommendations on the must-see spots, where to stay, when to go, and valuable information to help you plan your…
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Hello From That Planner Friend
I’m that friend. The friend that plans everything. From planning trips for a crowd to planning what’s for dinner this week, planning brings me peace. You can’t plan out your entire life. Trust me, I’ve tried and miserably failed. As the wise John Lennon wrote, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making…