Explore local + lesser-known parts of California

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Whether it’s a new take on an iconic spot, or an off-the-beaten-path place you’ve never heard of. Plus: the occasional detour elsewhere around the world.

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Woman sitting outside a glamping tent at night under a starry sky at Under Canvas, Zion National Park
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Hi! I’m Jessie B.
your well-traveled friend.

I’ve spent more than a decade working in travel media, living in San Francisco, and road-tripping my way through California’s coolest small towns, scenic spots,, and iconic-for-a-reason places. Thanks to my industry connections, my inbox is always full of insider tips on new openings, underrated destinations, and unique travel experiences—and I’m here to share the best of it with you.

If you’re into offbeat adventures, great food and wine, charming hotels, and discovering what makes California so unapologetically California—you’re in the right place.

ARTICLES

I cover three main topics:

People on a boat near Kyoto Japan

Unique places

Go beyond the tourist hot spots in popular destinations, or travel somewhere totally unexpected.

→ Visit Japan’s Art Islands
→ Ever Been to Malta?
→ Skip Cabo, Go Here Instead

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Beautiful hotels

No bland chain hotels here. Just beautiful, welcoming properties with a sense of place.

→ Sea Ranch Lodge, California
→ Villa-des-Prés, Paris
→ Fave Hotels in California

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Useful travel gear

Don’t let your bags bog you down. Find honest travel gear recs and packing lists for any adventure.

→ My Go-To Travel Backpack
→ 9 Essential Travel Accessories
→ Mexico Packing List

Insider Travel Intel + Ideas

Join my newsletter, get two off-the-beaten-path travel ideas, every other week.

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Love travel, hate planning?

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Articles + Guides

Get intel on where to travel next, beautiful boutique hotels you can’t miss, plus itineraries and packing lists to prepare for your trip.

Smartphone displaying a Google Maps screen with a list titled 'Healdsburg (Sonoma)' showing various locations marked on the map. The description mentions planning a trip to Healdsburg, highlighting wineries, restaurants, bars, hotels, and activities. Option to save the list is visible. Thumbnail images show vineyard and wine bottle labels. Yellow background.

Google Map Lists

Instantly access all of my recommendations, right from your Google Map app with these downloadable Google Map lists.

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Trip Planning

Whether you just want to chat and get expert advice, or have your entire trip planned and booked for you, I’m here to help.

Start Planning Your Trip to California

Featured
Want to Save on a Local Getaway? These Hotels All Give Discounts to Californian Residents
Want to Save on a Local Getaway? These Hotels All Give Discounts to Californian Residents

Here’s a running list of hotels in California that give a discount to locals and residents of the state.

This New Wine Country Hotel Is Putting Lodi, California on the Map
This New Wine Country Hotel Is Putting Lodi, California on the Map

One of California’s newest wine country hotels is in an unexpected corner of the state—Lodi. But with beautiful gardens, a peaceful spa, and knock-out food, Appellation Lodi is reason enough to book a trip to the town.

These 9 Weekend Getaway Destinations Are All Within 3 Hours of San Francisco
These 9 Weekend Getaway Destinations Are All Within 3 Hours of San Francisco

Looking for an easy getaway from San Francisco? From the coast and wine country to an off-the-beaten path spots in the Sierra Nevadas, here are some of my favorite weekend getaway spots in Northern California—all within 3 hours of the city.

6 Beautiful Boutique Hotels to Book in Healdsburg, California
6 Beautiful Boutique Hotels to Book in Healdsburg, California

I absolutely love the boutique hotel scene in Healdsburg, California. Here’s where I’d recommend staying on your next trip to this charming small town in Sonoma.

I Spent the Night at Napa’s Most Scenic Hotel—Here’s What It’s Actually Like
I Spent the Night at Napa’s Most Scenic Hotel—Here’s What It’s Actually Like

Poetry Inn in Napa is a luxurious and intimate bed and breakfast with stunning views of wine country.

There’s a Playful, New Hotel in Sunnyvale—And It’s Perfect for a Bay Area Staycation
There’s a Playful, New Hotel in Sunnyvale—And It’s Perfect for a Bay Area Staycation

This new hotel, Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley, is perfect for a sunny staycation in the Bay.

The Chill California Town I Come Back to Every Summer—And How to Spend a Weekend There
The Chill California Town I Come Back to Every Summer—And How to Spend a Weekend There

This small town of Guerneville in Northern California is one of my favorite places for a summer getaway—thanks to its location on the Russian River. After years of visiting, here are my top picks for things to do, where to eat, and where to stay.

This Underrated Farm Stay Is One of Northern California’s Best Kept Secrets
This Underrated Farm Stay Is One of Northern California’s Best Kept Secrets

Farm-fresh meals, beautiful nature, and small-town community—this isn't your average weekend escape. Here's what it's like to stay at Blue Ruby Farm in this off-the-beaten-path corner of California’s Sierra foothills.

Beyond California…

Featured
A Mexico Beach Trip Packing List for Carry-On Only Travelers
A Mexico Beach Trip Packing List for Carry-On Only Travelers

Use this simple, carry-on friendly packing list to prepare for your next beach getaway to Mexico.

Don’t Visit Malta in the Summer. Here’s Why You Should Visit in the Fall Instead
Don’t Visit Malta in the Summer. Here’s Why You Should Visit in the Fall Instead

This little-known festival is a great reason to visit Malta in October.

Japan’s Most Incredible Art Isn’t Where You’d Expect—Here’s How to Visit Its “Art Island”
Japan’s Most Incredible Art Isn’t Where You’d Expect—Here’s How to Visit Its “Art Island”

Naoshima is one of Japan’s art islands, located in the Seto Inland Sea. In this guide, I’ll share how to get to this off-the-beaten-path destination, as well as everything you’ll need—from hotels and restaurant recommendations to tips on getting the most out of the island’s art scene—to plan a trip here.

Is It Rude to Tip in Japan?
Is It Rude to Tip in Japan?

You may have heard that tipping isn’t common in Japan but is it considered rude? Find out.

6 Design-Forward Boutique Hotels for Every Budget in Paris
6 Design-Forward Boutique Hotels for Every Budget in Paris

Looking for a beautiful, design-forward hotel in Paris, France? Here are 6 of my favorite options, with choices that range from budget to splurge.

This Charming Small Town in Mexico is Baja’s Best-Kept Secret. Here’s How to Visit.
This Charming Small Town in Mexico is Baja’s Best-Kept Secret. Here’s How to Visit.

Forget Cabo, this charming small town in Mexico’s Baja California Sur should be top of your list for your next beach vacation.

Everywhere We Stayed While Hiking on Japan’s Kumano Kodo Trail
Everywhere We Stayed While Hiking on Japan’s Kumano Kodo Trail

While hiking the Kumano Kodo Trail in Japan, deciding where to stay was just as important as knowing where we’d be stopping each day on our hike. Here is everywhere we stayed along the way.

Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Malta
Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Malta

Use this Malta and Gozo travel guide to plan your trip to Malta, along with travel tips and highlights from a former expat in Malta.