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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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How To Make Cuban Sofrito
When you smell the tantalizing aroma of sofrito in a pan with olive oil, you know you’re in for a delicious, authentic Cuban meal. Sofrito is the foundation of Cuban cuisine. It’s the base of countless dishes, but it isn’t exclusive to Cuba, the Caribbean, or even Latin cuisine. Cultures across the world use aromatic
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2 Days in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Two days in Kuala Lumpur is all you need to see the two big sights, explore the two main neighborhoods, and eat too much good food in Malaysia’s capital city. Kuala Lumpur (or KL as it’s affectionately called) is home to bucket list sites like the Petronas Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world,
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The First Timer’s Guide to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is a city of cultures, both old and new. 19th-century colonial buildings are juxtaposed against the glass and steel of skyscrapers that keep popping up. The city wasn’t built for tourists; it was expanded for the many cultures that inhabit it. The city streets teem with locals going about their day in an
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Explore Joshua Tree National Park in a Day
The vastness of the desert seems to go on for miles and miles in Joshua Tree National Park. Cacti, granite rocks, and Joshua Trees (shocker!) dot the landscape. With over 800,000 acres of protected land, you’d imagine it takes a few days to explore Joshua Tree, but the terrain of the park is predictable; it’s
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Pan con Tomate (Bread with Tomato) Recipe
A tapas spread isn’t complete without pan con tomate. Translating directly to “bread with tomato,” this iconic Spanish staple is as simple as its name. With a few humble ingredients, you can make this savory snack to serve at your next gathering. To make pan con tomate, you simply need to grate tomatoes and mix
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The Ultimate Spanish Snack: Gildas with Olives, Anchoives, and Peppers
The Gilda has gone mainstream. It’s been spotted on menus in New York City as an upgrade to the olives on a dirty martini. Whenever it’s on the menu, I order it, paying a pretty penny for garnish I could’ve made at home and brought in my purse (in a Ziploc bag, of course). What
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The Montreal Weekend Itinerary
Montreal feels like you’ve stepped into Europe without having to cross the Atlantic. From its cozy cafes to welcoming locals, the French-Canadian city exudes a friendly energy. It’s the perfect destination for a weekend group trip getaway or a couple’s escape. Despite being one of the largest cities in North America, Montreal has a small-town feel.
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The Ultimate Fall Road Trip from NYC to Montreal
In six hours, you can drive from the loud, congested streets of New York City to the quiet, cobbled streets of Montreal. Just head straight north on I-87 until the road signs change from English to French. Sure, you could fly to Montreal, but you’ll miss out on an incredible journey through the mountains of
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The Ultimate Iceland Road Trip: The Ring Road
The Ring Road takes road trippers on an unforgettable journey around Iceland. Route 1 makes a perfect loop around the island through scenic landscapes, quaint villages, and a myriad of stops along the way. Driving the Ring Road is the #1 thing to do in Iceland. What I love about it is its accessibility. It
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The Best Place to See Puffins in Iceland: Borgarfjarðarhöfn Guide
Is a penguin that flies? Or a seagull with makeup on? Nope, it’s just an adorable puffin on the coast of Iceland. Seeing puffins in Iceland is an absolute must-do. Puffins are a point of national pride for Iceland. It’s either that or souvenirs with puffins on them really do sell at record numbers. They’re
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Where To Stop and Stay on Iceland’s South Coast
Unless you’re lucky enough to have ancient lava fields and glacial lagoons in your backyard, Iceland’s southern coast surprises you with landscapes you’ve probably never seen before. And it doesn’t stop at ashes and ice caps; there are waterfalls, canyons, and black sand beaches to explore along the southern part of Iceland’s Route 1. Route
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The Best of Iceland in 4 Days
A European vacation doesn’t need to be 10 days long. It takes just as long to fly to Reykjavík from New York City as it does to fly to Los Angeles. So, if you’re thinking four days is too short a trip to visit Iceland, think again. Transform your next long weekend off from work
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Iceland Guide: An Adventure on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Go off the grid in Western Iceland in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to discover beaches dotted with seals, green and glacial mountains, and stunning seaside cliffs. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is Western Iceland’s best-kept secret that’s not-so secret anymore. Compared to the south coast or the Golden Circle, there are significantly fewer visitors in Snæfellsnes. It feels
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The Self-Guided Tour of the Golden Circle
Discover waterfalls, geysers, and gorges on the Golden Circle, a scenic loop drive where you can experience some of Iceland’s top natural wonders. The Golden Circle takes adventurers on a loop with stops at Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss. In this guide, we’ll visit these iconic locations, plus a few bonus
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25 Things To Do in Iceland in the Summer
When the ice thaws, Iceland comes alive, transforming into a playground for the adventurous. The warmer, longer days of summer give visitors plenty of daylight to explore its lush rolling hills and ancient frozen glaciers (yes, even in the summer, this is Iceland after all). What’s truly special about Iceland is how accessible its incredible
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The 2-Day Reykjavík, Iceland Itinerary
Can you see all of Reykjavík in 24 hours? Honestly, you could probably see it in less, but you didn’t fly all the way to Iceland just to see a city; you came to experience it. Two days is the perfect amount of time to visit Reykjavík. Ideally, you spend one day on the way into Iceland
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The Mini Guide to Reykjavík, Iceland
From a small fishing village to a global capital city, Reykjavík welcomes its influx of new visitors with colorful streets and surprisingly good eats. Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland. The city is a gateway to the country’s natural wonders, but despite its small size, Reykjavík has wonders of its own. Reykjavík’s walkable streets are
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Simple Homemade Hummus
Homemade hummus takes snacking to the next level. It’s creamy with layers of flavors. This homemade hummus is no match for the cold, processed stuff out of a plastic container from the fridge. So, forget the premade spread and elevate your hummus game by making your own at home. Hummus is more than just another
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Simple Shrimp Aguachile
Aguachile will transport you to the beaches of Mexico with every refreshing, citrusy bite. Aguachile is a traditional Mexican dish with raw seafood, lime, and fresh toppings like cucumber, red onion, and avocado. While it might look like a ceviche, it’s not because the shrimp can be eaten raw like a crudo. Aguachile literally translates
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What To Know Before Visiting São Paulo
São Paulo is the metropolitan mecca of Brazil. It’s the largest city in Latin America — even bigger than Mexico City. A city that large is worth exploring, but honestly, São Paulo isn’t built for tourism — there are no beaches or resorts. There is, though, plenty of art. The design-focused city has world-class museums,
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A Weekend in São Paulo, Brazil
When you think of Brazil, you probably picture boundless natural beauty — the beaches of Fortaleza, the treetops of the Amazon, or the mountains in Rio de Janeiro — not sprawling streets, skyscrapers, and street art. But the beauty of São Paulo lies in the concrete buildings and radio towers that soar above its streets.
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Taco Trolley Tour Around New York City
Party bus meets taco tour on this epic plan to take your friends on a taco trolley around New York City. I’m always looking for unique, fun ways to bring people together, so for my birthday, I hosted a one-of-a-kind taco trolley. On our taco tour, we visited five of the best taquerias in New
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How To Make a Mexican Michelada
Spice up your Mexican lager by turning it into a delicious Mexican Michelada. A Michelada is a Mexican drink that combines beer, lime juice, and spice. It’s more of a way to dress up your beer than a cocktail. Micheladas are super easy to make with a few simple ingredients. It’s the perfect drink for
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How To Make Red Sangria
Transport yourself to the south of Spain with this refreshing red sangria. In my opinion, sangria should always be red and shared with friends. It begs to be served at a patio party on a summer’s day. Sangria is the original batched cocktail because it’s always made in a pitcher. All you need to do
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Tour of the Scottish Highlands Day Trip
You can’t go to Scotland and just see the streets of Edinburgh. Well, you can, but you’ll miss the magic in the green rolling hills, mystical lakes, and picturesque towns of the Scottish countryside. Lucky for you, it’s easy to take a day trip from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands and other areas around the
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A Long Weekend in Edinburgh Itinerary
Old world meets new in Edinburgh with historic architecture and sights paired with an up-and-coming food scene and young crowd. It’s the perfect pocket-sized city that’s ideal for exploring in a weekend. Getting to Edinburgh has never been easier. Flights from New York City during the peak summer season are under $600 and under 7
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The Ultimate Guide to Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh enchants its visitors with its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and friendly locals. The Scottish capital isn’t the biggest city in Scotland, but it’s definitely the most charming. The small town is very walkable, taking you on a tour through little alleyways and lush green parks for the ultimate chill city getaway. You can get
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The World’s Easiest Salsa: Pico de Gallo
Pico de Gallo is the world’s most popular salsa because it’s the simplest. You only need five ingredients to make this delicious salsa without any cooking or blending required. Onions, tomato, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime come together to pack a punch of flavor. Pico de gallo dresses up a taco or burrito bowl with a
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Citrusy Cuban Shredded Chicken (Vaca Frita de Pollo)
This citrusy shredded chicken with onions is a staple in Cuban households. It’s best served with a side of rice and beans, but best enjoyed with family and friends. It’s known as Vaca Frita de Pollo in Spanish, which translates to “Fried Cow of Chicken.” …let me explain. This citrusy Cuban shredded chicken involves neither
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The Broad City Challenge: Walking 14 Miles of Manhattan
The 14-mile walk “from the tippity top of Manhattan to the tippity bottom of Manhattan” is known as the Broad City Challenge. This ambitious walk was popularized by the Comedy Central sitcom Broad City (the show that made Ilana Glazer famous). Whether you’re a Broad City fan or not, the Broad City Challenge is a
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The One Week Bali Itinerary
Out of Indonesia’s 17,000 islands, everyone flocks to Bali for its natural beauty, rich culture, and good karma. YouTube videos and travel blogs are inundated with content and headlines for “The Perfect Three-Week Bali Itinerary.” And, while I’m sure we’d all love to spend three weeks on a tropical island, it’s not always realistic. Contrary
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10 Days in Bali Itinerary
A trip to Bali actually feels like a vacation. It’s not as hectic as the streets of Europe in the summer, and you won’t feel pressured to visit a famous museum to feel accomplished. The cultural sites are inherently calm because temples are designed to be peaceful. In Bali, you can take a deep breath, unplug,
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Bali Day Trip: What It’s Really Like To Visit Nusa Penida
Tourists flock to Nusa Penida, an island off the coast of Bali, in search of vistas they’ve seen on social media featuring dramatic rock formations and turquoise blue waters. But what’s it really like? Is it just like the photos on Instagram and videos on TikTok? “Nusa” means island in Balinese. There are three islands off
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How to Host Easter Brunch
No matter what your beliefs are, you can celebrate Easter. In my house, we call it Bunny Day and invite our friends from all faiths to enjoy Easter the only way I know how: with brunch, mimosas, and flowers. Hosting Easter brunch, or any brunch, at your house is all about planning ahead. Luckily, delicious
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The Best Buttermilk Pancakes
This buttermilk pancake recipe is for the hero who says, “Let’s order pancakes for the table,” at brunch. They’re brave enough to make the executive decision at the brunch table and I know they’re willing to wake up before their friends to make these delicious, fluffy buttermilk pancakes. Buttermilk pancakes are a breakfast and brunch
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Guava Tres Leches Tiramisu
This Guava Tres Leches Tiramisu puts a Cuban twist on a classic Italian dessert. It fuses familiar Latin American flavors with the fluffiness of tiramisu. A little ice cream shop on Calle Ocho in Miami’s Little Havana serves the Abuela Maria, an ice-cream with chunks of guava paste and Maria cookies. Every bite is a
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Small Towns in the Southern Catskills Guide
Little towns dot the map of the Catskills Mountains. Most towns are no more than a stop light, gas station, and corner store, but there are plenty of small towns with big personalities brimming with cafes and cute shops. In this guide, we’ll be exploring towns in Sullivan County. This county covers the southwestern region
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Wellness Weekend in the Catskills: Scandi Girl Edition
Get in the car we’re headed upstate before summer to pretend we’re Scandinavian girls for a wellness weekend in the Catskills. Scandinavians are experts at enjoying the cold weather — it’s a means of survival in the Arctic. The Scandi Girl Aesthetic has taken over TikTok, specifically the fashion trend. And, while a chunky colorful
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Where To Go in Northern Bali
Northern Bali holds the best-kept secrets of the island — the best rice terraces, the holiest temples, and the biggest waterfalls. You don’t want to miss out on the wilder side of Bali. So, take a day trip north from Ubud to explore the beauty of the north. In this guide, we’ll go through an
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Bali Day Trip: How to Hike Mount Batur at Sunset
The towering volcano of Mount Batur soars above the villages in Northern Bali. At over 5,600 feet in elevation, Mount Batur is the second-highest peak on the island. This active volcano last erupted in 2000, but it’s safe to reach the summit, so if hiking a volcano is on your bucket list, plan a day
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The Ultimate Ubud, Bali Itinerary
Ubud is called the cultural heart of Bali because of its high concentration of temples, markets with crafts from local artisans, and unapologetic Balinese vibe. So, it’s no surprise that out of all the villages in Bali, Ubud has the most things to do. So, how will you spend your time in Ubud? The best
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The Best of Ubud, Bali
A trip to Bali isn’t complete without spending time in Ubud. The lively jungle village is known as the cultural heart of Bali, making it the best place to base yourself during your trip to the island. Around Ubud, you can hike volcanos, visit sacred temples, and explore rice terraces. But, what is there to
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24 Hours in Canggu, Bali
Beach clubs, cute cafes, and rice fields define Canggu, a small beach town on the southwestern shores of Bali. The famed beaches in Canggu are known for their black sand and strong surf. While they’re not known for swimming or sunbathing, people hang out on their shores at beach clubs. You don’t need much time
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The Perfect Day in Uluwatu, Bali
Picture this: you wake up in a villa in Uluwatu. There’s not a cloud in the sky and you can hear the distant waves crashing on the shore. It’s a perfect day in Uluwatu, Bali. How will you spend it? This one-day guide will show you the best of Uluwatu in less than 24 hours.
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How To Host The Souper Bowl
The best part about the Super Bowl is the food. But, hear me out, what if it was the only part? This year make your Super Bowl party all about food by hosting The Souper Bowl, a competition to see who can make the best soup. Instead of the grown men tackling each other on
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How To Play Super Bowl Squares
While the biggest game in America happens in a fancy stadium on Super Bowl Sunday, you can play another game in your living room: Super Bowl Squares. Super Bowl Squares is a fun betting game to keep football fans and non-football fans entertained on Super Bowl Sunday. But, you can also play it during any
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Where To Stay in Bali
In Bali, you can stay in a beach bungalow in Uluwatu, a treehouse in Ubud, a resort with an infinity pool in Seminyak, or at a Balinese man named Wayan’s guest house in Canggu. With full knowledge of how dramatic this sounds, where you stay in Bali is a very personal decision. Only you can
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The Bali Bucket List: 18 Things To Do on the Island
From surfing and snorkeling to biking and hiking, there are thousands of ways to spend a day in Bali, and you get to choose how to spend it. Lucky you! Bali is the perfect destination for people who like to spend time outdoors, whether your idea of fun is lying horizontally on a beach or
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The Non-Influencer Guide to Bali
Free-spirited tourists started flocking to Bali in the 1960s but Instagram put Bali on the map in the 21st century. From aesthetic photos of swings over rice terraces to drone footage of infinity pools, Bali populates social media feeds with travel inspiration. On social media, we see an idealized version of Bali, but what is
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The 25 Best Group Trip Destinations
Group trips bring people together like no other gathering can. People can walk into a trip as strangers and leave as best friends. A big group trip stirs a camp-like energy that makes you feel like a kid again, bonding with the people around you. It’s a great way to travel while saving money and
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Cuban Arroz con Pollo (Chicken with Rice)
You don’t need to be Cuban to make this delicious Cuban Arroz con Pollo (Chicken with Rice). Cuban Arroz con Pollo is like a cross between risotto and paella packed with flavor. The perfect Arroz con Pollo should be sticky in a good way. You want it to make that drool-worthy sound you’ve heard when
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How to Host a Fondue Night
A cold winter day begs you to host a cozy fondue night. Transport your friends to the Swiss Alps for the evening with fondue at your house. Fondue is an activity you can eat. It brings people together over a warm pot of cheese like humans have gathered around a fire for centuries. (Ok, maybe,
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Hot Chocolate Bar and Recipe
Cozy up this winter with a Hot Chocolate Bar at home. Invite your friends over to customize and enjoy mugs full of hot cocoa for a wholesome night. To host a hot chocolate bar gathering, make homemade hot chocolate and set out multiple toppings for a sweet treat. In this guide, we’ll go over everything
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Cranberry and Orange Goat Cheese Dip
’Tis the season to bring a dish like this Cranberry and Orange Goat Cheese Dip to the holiday potluck. While many foods for the holidays can be heavy or overly sweet, this dip is a refreshing change. It has a light and airy texture thanks to whipped goat cheese and a tangy finish from the
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What to Eat in Singapore
Food lovers flock to Singapore for its mouthwatering cuisine. Singapore’s Peranakan culture brings a blend of Chinese, Indonesian, and Malay flavors to every dish. Although Singapore is one of the most expensive countries in the world, you can get a Michelin-starred meal for $5. Why? A theory from a local is that Singaporean culture doesn’t
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The 6 Best Hawker Centres in Singapore
The best food in Singapore isn’t found in fancy, expensive restaurants. It’s hidden in plain sight at hawker centres across the city. A hawker centre is an open-air food market with street food vendors. Even though Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world, you can taste Singapore’s most-loved dishes for as
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The Top 11 Neighborhoods to Visit in Singapore
Over 50 neighborhoods make up the fabric of Singapore. From the historic streets of Chinatown to the futuristic architecture of Marina Bay, each diverse district features a distinct vibe. This Singapore neighborhood guide will take you through some of the must-visit neighborhoods around the city center. It is by no means comprehensive, but it covers
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Warm Spiced Apple Cider
‘Tis the season to cozy up with Warm Spiced Apple Cider by the fire (or fire escape if you live in a New York apartment like me). When apple cider starts to appear at the farmers market, you know fall has arrived. Apple cider is best served warm and spiced with cinnamon sticks and whole
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Fall in Love With This Cinnamon Cardamom Apple Tart
This Cinnamon Cardamom Apple Tart tastes like getting a warm hug from autumn. It’s the perfect seasonal dessert when you want the warmth of an apple pie without all the work. The open-face tart makes for a beautiful addition to a Thanksgiving spread with its carefully arranged apple slices. When it’s warmed up it goes
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Singapore 2-Day Itinerary
Singapore is an inspiring city from the future with access to nature, good eats, and cultural sights. Because of its strategic geographic position in the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore is a popular layover city. I’m begging you to extend your layover in Singapore and follow this two-day itinerary to see the highlights of this
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Singapore 3-Day Itinerary
Singapore may be a small country, but it’s a big city filled with things to do. Many travelers only stop in Singapore for a layover before jet-setting to other destinations in Southeast Asia. But, Singapore deserves its own three-day itinerary to explore the culturally rich, modern city. Three days is the perfect number of days
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Singapore 4-Day Itinerary
For such a small country, Singapore has a lot of things to see, do, and eat. This four-day Singapore itinerary will take you all around the city, covering the most important sights. Four days is the ideal number of days to spend in Singapore. It gives you plenty of time to explore without skipping anything. This
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What to Know Before Visiting Gardens by the Bay
You may not know Gardens by the Bay by name, but you’ve definitely seen photos and videos of it. It might even be the reason Singapore made its way onto your bucket list. People travel thousands of miles to Singapore to see one thing: the Supertrees. These world-renowned Supertrees are vertical gardens in the sky
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The Top 10 Things To Do in Singapore
For such a small country, Singapore has a surprisingly long list of things to do. This guide will take you through the top 10 things to do in Singapore without overwhelming you and your itinerary. Be wowed at Gardens by the Bay Gardens by the Bay is the top tourist attraction in Singapore. It’s best
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The Ultimate Guide to Singapore
Singapore is the city of the future. It was designed with humans in mind, giving people access to nature, delicious food, and cultural sights within a small area. While there aren’t any flying cars (…yet), Singapore’s public transportation is one of the best in the world, making it a breeze to explore this city-sized country.
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How to Cook a Whole Baked Fish
A whole baked fish is a stunning centerpiece to any dinner party. It looks effortless because it is. All you need to do is prepare your fish with seasonings and aromatics and pop it in the oven until it’s perfectly cooked. Handling a whole fish can be intimidating but your fishmonger should do most of
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Fall Trip to the Adirondacks Itinerary
Many people visit New England in the fall to see the changing of leaves. And, I can’t blame them, I’ve been lured to visit Massachusetts and Maine in autumn, too. The Adirondacks is a great fall destination hidden in plain sight. It’s less crowded than more popular fall destinations in New England or even the
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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