While many others couldn’t, wouldn’t wait out a pandemic to (safely) travel abroad, my partner and I stayed put these past couple of years. But the wait was worth it — we made amazing dream trips happen from road-tripping the American South to celebrating our anniversary in Miami and toasting a birthday in New Orleans. While I bore high levels of wanderlust waiting all this time, I became a more socially conscious traveler, a smarter traveler, and a more empathetic traveler who became hyper-aware of her responsibility as a tourist. We prioritized people and community over consumption on these recent trips - befriending locals, bartenders, and expat friends; listening to their suggestions on what to see and do (and what to avoid); learning about local customers and culture; and following their tips on where to eat and drink. We made amazing memories and had memorable meals. And I can’t wait to see what future travels lie ahead.

Below, a recap of post-pandemic travels.

5 Things to See and Do in Charleston, South Carolina

Sunsets at Bowens Island

Historic homes on Rainbow Row along East Bay Street

Walk through plant-covered side streets like Philadelphia Alley

Tour Fort Moultrie National Historical Park at Sullivan’s Island

People watch along the waterfront’s Pineapple Fountain

4 Historic Sites and Museums to Visit in Savannah, Georgia

Telfair Academy

Savannah Museum of Art

Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters

Bonaventure Cemetery

10 Places to Eat and Drink in Miami, Florida

Salvaje

Swizzle Rum Bar

Sexy Fish

Sweet Liberty Drinks

Mac’s Club Deuce

Tropezón

El Bori Food Truck

Sanguich, Little Havana

El Rey De Las Fritas

3 Latin American Restaurants Worth Trying in New Orleans, Louisiana

Cane and Table

Lengua Madre

Acamaya (opening June 2024)

Alma Cafe