My favorite spot in NYC is Central Park, and there's nothing better than grabbing an excellent sando (and other fare) and enjoying a picnic. Skip the hot dog carts and grab something from one of these spots. Set up on The Great Lawn or Sheep Meadow and enjoy!

Where to eat in the greater Silicon Valley. It’s totally underrated (I get it, the whole Bay Area is a foodies paradise). Here are a few suggestions if you find yourself in the south bay.

🍕If you've landed here, you're a pizza fan. 🍕 Same, bestie. I've spent the last 18 months investigating some of the best pizzas around the globe. It's a pretty serious study in the magic combination of dough, sauce, and cheese. From Top 50 contenders, to local spots in California, to where I grew up on the South Side of Chicago, I'm sharing some of the best slices in my book. And no, you won't see a deep dish slice on this list...tavern style all the way when you're in Chicago. If the pizza is on this list, it's good pizza. If it has 5 🍕, then it is an exceptional pizza.

I know, who actually “vacations” to Silicon Valley? Most people are either passing through on their way to SF or south to Santa Cruz or Monterrey. Here on a work trip? There are fun things to do and eat with your down time (if you have some!). If you've got a weekend in the South Bay, here are some great spots to see/do/eat. Also, you can skip the Winchester Mystery house.

I LOVE good coffee. There are tons of interesting roasters and shops all throughout SV, so skip the chains and support local. Here are my pics for the best of the best small chain/local spots to grab some coffee and get some work done or meet a VC and fund your startup.

San Jose takes it's burritos VERY seriously and it's clear from the wide variety of taquerias to the debates on best "orange sauce," that there are some great burritos to eat in what I affectionately call "The 'Jo." Burritos are an all-day affair, from breakfast to late night snack, it is a food that will be your friend 24/7. Here are the best of the best for you to sample.

I went to go visit some sloths 🦥 as well as enjoy a few days hanging out with great wildlife. Manuel Antonio is a great spot on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica and a quick drive from San Jose Airport. I'd say 2-3 days is a perfect amount of time to enjoy the area and the beaches.

Paris is always good for a few day getaway! Here are a few great spots for plant preferred trip! Paris has really gone veg friendly these days (and even vegan!).

The island of Kauai may be small, but it has a lot packed into it. Quieter and more laid back, this island offers some prime relaxation, some great natural beauty, and a variety of unique spots to eat. Divided into 3 areas with a ring road, you'll likely find yourself based in the north (ranier), east (windier) or south (sunnier). I've broken these spots into those 3 sections.

I'm an avid hiker and I've spent 17 years in the Bay Area. Here are some of my favorite local hikes. Most with decent elevation gain (and a spot to launch a paraglider...one of my favorite things to do!).

I love Tokyo. I mean any time in Tokyo is a good time to me and I’ve packed a lot into this Quick Trip guide. Want to eat great food? Check. Get a great view of the city? Check. Wander the weird and wonderful neighborhoods? Check. This city is one of my favorites and I’ve discovered new spots every time I’ve visited. Here is an assortment of fun places to see if you have limited time in Tokyo.

I just returned from my 3rd trip to Cinque Terre and I how is it possible that Italy is THIS GOOD! It's not fair, really. I joined 2 friends for 10 days and Cinque Terre was our last stop. Here are some of the highlights you don't want to miss.

Portuguese cuisine isn't really known for being "vegetable forward" but Lisbon is really turning out some great vegetarian eats. From veg takes on traditional fare to Michelin starred gourmet, the veg scene in Lisbon is pretty great.

There’s a reason George Clooney has called this beautiful lake retreat 1 hour from Milan home. Charming towns, beautiful water, mountains, and no shortage of good food makes it a great short stop on an Italian getaway. You don’t need to spend a long time there to have a great time!

Headed to Honolulu/O'ahu for the first time? This is a great 4 day itinerary for you highlighting great things to see, beautiful beaches, amazing eats, and hits the stuff I feel like all first timers should see. It's jam packed, so if it's too much, save some for your next visit! You'll be back.

Looking for lunch in all the right places! There's no shortage of great spots for lunch while sightseeing in Manhattan. Many of the top notch spots are dinner-only, so I've compliled a list of where you can get an amazing veg lunch. From fast casual burgers to Chinese to elevated veg cuisine, here are my list of great spots. Not all of these spots are "veg exclusive" so if you'd prefer an all-veg spot, I've indicated those omnivore joints (and let you know what to order for veg!).

A city that has been transformed into a young, vibrant, cool place to enjoy great food, nightlife, nature, while still appreciating it's history. Medellin is beautiful, nestled in a massive valley, but easy to get around. Base yourself in El Poblado and explore on day trips, including a getaway to Guatape.

Maui has a lot on offer for first timers. To me, Maui is more of a "resort" based island, is very family friendly, has some great, unique activities and it's own take on Hawaiian cuisine. Don't forget the banana bread! You could easily spend a week exploring. I think of Maui from a geographical standpoint and there are 4 key areas to explore: Kaanapali in the north west, Kihei in the south west, Hana in the north east, and Kahului/Haleakala in the middle. The first two are more centralized with hotels/places to stay and the other 2 are easy day trips. 4-5 days is ideal for exploring Maui for the first time!

Have a weekend to spend in the city by the Bay? Here are a few great ideas. Some standard tourist stuff (they’re crowded for a reason) and other local fare. Such a good city to eat and walk. Bring a coat, especially in summer, or you’re gonna end up with one of those tourist SF fleeces!

Need a quick getaway for some fun in the sun? Cabo San Lucas is a great destination and has a lot for foodies, water lovers, and those who just want to chill. Get some authentic Mexican, enjoy some seaside activities, and explore the area. Sure, you could find yourself in an all-inclusive, but there are plenty of fun spots in town that you don't want to miss. I've highlighted some good ones!

Retaining it's Spanish charm yet decidedly Caribbean in it's vibe, Cartagena is a short flight from the US and a great spot to getaway for a long weekend. Beautiful old town, lively beaches, and islands off the coast providing a little bit of paradise. Check out my favorite ways to spend 3 days in Cartagena!

All of the glamour, all of the pasta. Whether you day trip or spend a few days, soak up some Italian Riviera sunshine in this swanky spot.

It's a big island, there's lots to see and do for a Hawaii first timer. It has the most variety of landscapes, great hidden beaches, and a laid back vibe.