Kayaking – A Sweet Paradise

Time for an October Getaway in the U.S.

Posted on January 13, 2026January 13, 2026 by Nicole Benedetta

Here are my top five picks for traveling to the U.S. in October:

Acadia National Park, Maine

Though I have not yet been, Acadia National Park looks amazing! And October seems to be a great time to visit due to the smaller crowds and cooler hiking weather along trails such as Beehive Loop or the Shore Path. While there, it is recommended to drive the scenic Park Loop Road, bike the historic Carriage Roads, and visit the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, located on the southwestern corner of Mount Desert island within the park.

Hilton Head, South Carolina

Though I visited here in the month of April (and it was nice), October is another good choice as well. You will experience warm days in the mid-70s mixed with fewer summer crowds and warmer ocean water. Dolphin watching, golfing, kayaking, and fall festivals can all be enjoyed at this time of the year. You won’t want to miss the Hilton Head Island Oktoberfest or Kiwanis Chili Cook-Off & Jeep Island.

Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu is a magnificent island, with warm weather in October and the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival happening. This is ideal for hiking to Diamond Head, snorkeling at Hanuama Bay, relaxing on Waikiki Beach, and exploring Pearl Harbor. Plus the first whales start arriving from Alaska this month, so be on the lookout for them!

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta — Photo by Mark Bonica

This city is known for its world-famous International Balloon Fiesta, which is at the beginning to mid-October. It also makes for perfect mild weather to walk around the Albuquerque Old Town area. The Sandia Peak Tramway also offers incredible views of the fall foliage and the city. A hidden gem is said to be the Tinkertown Museum, full of unique architecture, eccentric collections, and interactive displays.

New England

A Road Through Autumn — Photo by Andy Thrasher

If you love fall foliage, New England would be a great road trip to take during this season. Stop in Woodstock, Vermont for a cute town known for its classic beauty, ride Mount Washington Cog Railway for exceptional sights, or take a trek at Dixville Notch State Park to see a lake, colorful trees, and Table Rock, a steep granite ledge. Other options include Salem, if that is your cup of tea, or the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in Providence, Rhode Island.

Have a great October vacation if you plan to take one. Or I hope this helped you choose where to go!

Thanks for the read.

-xo, Nicole (:

A Day In Lauderdale-By-The-Sea

Posted on April 23, 2025July 30, 2025 by Nicole Benedetta

If you’re looking to spend a day at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, here are a few suggestions for you!

Attractions

Lauderdale By The Sea - Anglin's Pier 5 of 9 — Photo by Rob Olivera

Anglins Square – made up of plazas on the waterfront with Adirondack chairs for you to sit, relax, and occasionally listen to live music
Shops – Coast Boutique, Beach King, 7-Six The Vacation Supply Company, Digs N Gifts
Beach
Gug Underwater Gallery
Frame ’n Art by the Sea
El Prado Park

Activities

Murals - Lauderdale by The Sea — Photo by Rob Olivera

Diving/snorkeling
Paddleboarding
Shuffleboard
Renting a bike
Kayaking
Boat ride

Restaurants

Tacocraft Tequila Bar — Photo by Rob Olivera

Aruba Beach Café
101 Ocean
Tacocraft Taqueria
Harat’s by the Sea
Mickey’s Downtown Bistro
Chicago Stuffed Pizza Co
The Village Grille & Pump
Vinnie’s by the Sea

September Getaways in the U.S.

Posted on August 6, 2024 by Nicole Benedetta

Washington D.C.

I do have to admit, seeing the cherry blossoms in D.C. during March-April is a beautiful sight. But September would be another grand time to take a trip to the capital of the United States. You will never get bored exploring this city, with the free museums, as well as the national zoo! You can easily spend a day there, at attractions such as the botanical gardens and taking a tour of the White House during the day, then attending a concert at one of the many venues at night!

Yellowstone National Park

As it is off-season, September may be a good choice for taking a road trip to Yellowstone. It is an enjoyable time for fishing, backpacking, hiking, camping, and wildlife sightings. The best-known locations are the Old Faithful geyser, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Grand Prismatic Spring. Some moderate trails to hike would be Elephant Back Mountain Trail or Mount Washburn.

Chicago, Illinois

Having visited Chicago during September, I can say it is a good time to go! Though I attended for the North Coast Music Festival, I also got the chance to experience the Chicago Riverwalk, The Bean/Chicago Jazz Festival at Millennium Park, eating deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s, and getting drinks at Howl at the Moon. The Windy City Wine Festival and World Music Festival are note-worthy, and the Navy Pier or Skydeck Chicago are other popular attractions to try out.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

The temperature here in September is in the 70s and 80s, making it nice for swimming at Rodanthe Beach and climbing the Bodie Island Lighthouse. Interesting events include the Outer Banks Kite Festival and the ESA Easterns Surfing Championship. Water sports available are jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing. Dolphin tours, tiki boats, and sunset cruises are offered too!

San Francisco, California

You won’t want to miss out on the Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival that takes place in San Francisco during September. I have learned that it is also the best time to go, due to fewer crowds and great weather. At Presidio Tunnel Tops, you will have fantastic views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Important points of interest may be Pier 39, right down from Fisherman’s Wharf, Aquarium of the Bay, or a tour of Alcatraz Island.

5 U.S. Spots for the Perfect June Vacation

Posted on July 28, 2023 by Nicole Benedetta

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Teton Reflection — Jackson Lake – Photo by John Mason

Not only do the mountains look stunning, being topped with snow in June, but the weather also tends to rise to the 70s during the day, making it enjoyable for hiking, fishing, camping, and kayaking. However, the weather can tend to be unpredictable in the nighttime and early morning, so be sure to bring a few extra layers just in case! Another perk to visiting in June is that the park is fully open, yet less crowded than the other summer months.

Charleston, South Carolina

If you’re looking to visit the charming city of Charleston, South Carolina, in June, you may want to look into water sports, including jet skiing, paddleboarding, and kayaking, with the temperatures being in the 80s, and possibly the 90s! Spoleto Festival, ArtWalk on the first Friday of the month, and the Charleston Farmers’ Market on Saturdays are all events in the city to add to your calendar. The White Garden Park at the Battery will be blooming and sunset cruises are excellent options as well.

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park, Vernal Falls, California, USA — Vernal Falls – Photo by Domenico Convertini

June is a good month to travel to Yosemite National Park due to the snow having melted, which reveal the beautiful waterfalls, such as Yosemite Falls and Nevada Falls. On average, the temperature at this time of year is in the high 80s. As for hiking, it is said that the Mist Trail is one of the best, with Mirror Lake also being a great spot to view.

Portland, Oregon

Portland Convention Center — Photo by Kunal Mukherjee

June in Portland, Oregon will likely be filled with consistently pleasant weather and hardly, if any, rain. During this month, the Rose Festival to kick off the summer concert season, Festival of Balloons, and Portland Beer Week take place. On the other hand is Portland’s Forest Park, Portland Japanese Garden, International Rose Test Garden, Multnomah Falls, or Powell’s City of Books are all free!

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Nobska Point, Woods Hole, MA — Photo by Bill Ilott

Typically for June, the weather in Cape Cod, is in the 70s and sometimes 80s, along with a cool, ocean breeze. The beaches aren’t yet too crowded, with the water still being a little colder. At Nauset Light Beach, you may be able to attend one of their campfires with games and music or the Cape Cod Pirate Festival with contests, food and drinks, and dancing.

Which of these sound like the right option for you? Please comment below.

Thanks for the read!

-xo, Nicole (:

Perfect International Getaways for March

Posted on February 24, 2023August 6, 2025 by Nicole Benedetta

Cayman Islands

Whether you choose Grand Cayman, the largest of the islands, or Little Cayman, March will be a wonderful time to visit. The daily temperature averages around 82 degrees, and the rates for accommodations are dropping. This is ideal for taking a dip in the ocean, due to the lack of rain and loads of sunshine. The coral reefs and crystal clear water draw in people who are looking to scuba dive and the Bioluminescent Bay is good for kayaking.

Dublin, Ireland

Of course, March would be the best time to travel to Ireland, due to the massive St. Patrick’s Day festivities that take place! Go to Dublin for the five-day carnival with a parade, music performances, food/drinks, art installations, and pubs such as The Lark Inn or The Yacht. If celebrating this holiday does not intrigue you, however, you may want to go to the Marsh Library, and in front of that, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, plus the Howth Cliff Walk, and Malahide Castle & Gardens. Yet, keep in mind that during this month, intense rainfall may take place, with the temperature staying around 50 degrees.

Galapagos Islands

Tortuga Bay, Galapagos — Tortuga Bay – Photo by Kuhnmi

March is the perfect time to spend in the Galapagos Islands, because of the warm weather, the end of rainy season, the opportunity to go snorkeling, and the colorful sunsets! The marine wildlife is abundant near these islands, especially near Gordon Rocks, a submerged volcano crater on top of a tuff cone. Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz is a popular nesting sight amongst the sea turtles.

Tokyo, Japan

Cherry Blossoms — Photo by Michael Stout

Tokyo is typically warming up to an average of 55 degrees during this month. In late March and early April, you will definitely want to catch the beautiful blooming of the cherry blossoms and attend Ueno Sakura Matsuri at Ueno Park. At the time of year, the Hina Matsuri (Japanese Doll Festival), Mt. Takao Fire-Walking Festival, and Golden Dragon Dance all occur too!

Sicily, Italy

Piazza del Duomo - Lecce, Italy - Travel photography — Photo by Giuseppe Milo

March marks the end of the winter season in Sicily, with it being the warmest city at this time of year at approximately 55 degrees. Fewer crowds, lower prices for travel, and the abundance of festivals including the Carnival of Acireale, make this month appealing as well. With less tourists, it is fantastic for exploring the city and visiting the cultural landmarks of Piazza Duomo and Villa Bellini and hiking at La Rocca Hill in Cefalù to view the ruins of an ancient castle and Mediterranean Sea.

Which of these interests you the most? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for the read,

-xo, Nicole (: