travel recommendations

Stephen Kaufer is the co-founder and former CEO of Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform which helps hundreds of millions of people each month become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip.

Before that, Steve was President of CDS, Inc., a successful independent software vendor specializing in programming and testing tools that was spun out of his first company, CenterLine Software.

After stepping down as CEO of Tripadvisor in 2022, Steve started a new venture, Give Freely, which is a platform for enabling everyday actions to help heal our world. Their first product is a browser extension that helps you find coupons while shopping online and then funnels the commissions they receive from the stores to your favorite charity.

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In the heart of the Lone Star State, Dallas, one of its major cities, is a vibrant blend of rich Texas history and modern charm. From the iconic skyline to the rich cultural culinary scene, Dallas promises an unforgettable adventure for every traveler.

We ended our Dallas trip in big ole Dallas. We kicked off Sunday with an outstanding church service at Park Cities PCPC church in downtown Dallas, then changed in the car (yes, we did that) and sped over to our JFK Assassination and Museum Tour. We met at the JFK memorial, which was ugly, isolating, and empty. A solitary place for thinking and apparently singing, this spot was supposed to be ugly, a prominent reminder of the tragedy that occurred on November 22, 1963. 

We booked this trip through TripAdvisor, and we were taken on a full walking and driving tour around the city. Our fantastic tour guide gave us the history and background of Lee Harvey Oswald, a tour of JFK's exact assignations spots, and the conspiracy (or truth) behind the horrific events. We even explored the Lee Harvey Oswald Rooming House, where Lee resided. The tour was terrific and quite informative; however, make sure you get to the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza on time! We arrived 5 minutes late to our scheduled time, and the grumpy employees would not let us in! Apparently, it was the first time this had occurred. 

The tour started at 1:40 p.m. and lasted about 4 hours. Mid-tour, our guide took us to the Dallas Farmers Market, where I had the best brisket I have ever had at Beyond the Butchers Homestead Grille. If you don't like BBQ, the market had everything from sushi to Jamaican food and cute boutiques and shops. Here, I discovered the best-smelling soaps and lotions at Abundantly Aromatic and bought way too many of them!

If you are a foodie looking for the best eats around town, try Hudson House. If you are more of a coffee person, try LaLa Land in lower Greenville, where you can order breakfast but focus on the excellent coffee. For an elegant French-inspired brunch spot, try Toulouse Cafe.

Try these Tex Mex. spots for lunch or dinner: Mesero in Klyde Warren Park, Las Palmas and Gloria's in Uptown, Meso Maya in Downtown Dallas, Javier's, and Casa Mama's.

The Velvet Taco is a great fast-food taco spot. My fave late-night downtown taquito spot was Uno Mas. They are open till 11:00 p.m. and are perfect for any late-night cravings! Their tacos and queso fundido were terrific, and our waitress was super cool and friendly. 

For the best Margarita in Dallas (called the Mambo Taxi), try Mi Cocina in Highland Park Village. For excellent rooftop drinks, try HG Supply Co. For a Casual New American kitchen & wine bar, try Sixty Vines. For the best pizza in Dallas, try Cane Rosso. 

For fresh seafood, try TJ's Seafood Market. Uchi has incredible sushi, and Bob's Steak & Chop House is an A+ steakhouse. The Honor Bar has shareable snacks and delectable sandwiches, and Pecan Lodge is a phenomenal BBQ joint. For a casual burger restaurant, try Rodeo Goat.

Other unique spots for tasty lunch, dinner, and drinks are The Henry in Uptown, Dolce Rivera in Uptown, and Casablanca in the Bishop Arts District. 

If you are looking for other activities to do in Dallas, the Fort Worth Water Gardens are a different sight. The Dallas Arboretum is gorgeous in the Spring or Autumn. We also saw the Rocky Horror Show at the Majestic Theater. It was a bit crazy for my speed but very interactive, and the regular playgoers loved it. 

Other fun areas in and around Dallas to explore include Highland Park Village, West Village, Deep Ellum Dallas, Trinity Groves, John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza, Northpark Center, and Klyde Warren Park. The homes in Highland Park are spectacularly enormous. West Village is perfect for people-watching while you eat. Deep Ellum Dallas has fun restaurants, breweries, and bars. Northpark Center is a local favorite mall, and Highland Park is a great shopping spot for all your luxury needs. 

We stayed in the Magnolia Hotel while we were in downtown Dallas. It was beautiful on the outside and a little dusty on the inside, but I loved the view of downtown Dallas, the full-length vintage mirror, the large bathtub, and the cute coffee shop attached to the Hotel. I found the Magnolia on Expedia and would give it a B+.

Some other Hot Hotel Recommendations are the Canvas Hotel, Crescent Court, The W, Virgin Hotel, and Canopy.

Haunted Houses

We went on the first Saturday of October and had a blast. From the horror-themed food to all the different haunted houses, we were totally spooked but made it through 8 out of 10 houses. The houses we thought were the scariest, in order, are as follows: Exorcist Believer, Blood Moon Dark Offerings, The Darkest Deal, Universal Monsters Unmasked, Dr. Odd Fellows Twisted Origins Chucky Ultimate Kill Count, Dueling Dragons Choose Thy Fate, and Yeti Camp Ground Kills. Blood Moon Dark Offerings was about a satanic cult, and The Darkest Deal was bayou-themed. Dr. Odd Fellows Twisted Origins was a twisted spin on clowns and creepy creatures. Our personal favorite was Universal Monsters Unmasked, and the creativity award goes to Dueling Dragons Choose Thy Fate, where I am almost positive I saw the Game of Thrones Night King in there multiple times. 

Express Pass

We recommend splurging on an express pass if you want to make it through all the haunted houses in one night. We missed 2 of the most popular ones, The Last Of Us and Stranger Things 4, which remained between 75 and 90-minute waits. If you have a season pass, you can get a discount on your Halloween Horror Night tickets.

Scare Zones

There were also five trippy and wild scare zones, including vampire hippies, Dr. Odd Fellows’ shipyard, jungle monsters, and chainsaw chasers.

Tips for Halloween Horror Nights

1. Universal Studios closes at 5:00 p.m., and the Island of Adventure stays open till 10:00 p.m. 
2. If you have a season pass or a day pass, stay in the park for horror nights and go to a holding spot that starts at 5:30 p.m. vs. 6:00 p.m. because the line to get into the park is extremely long.
3. Download the Universal App for all the details on Halloween Horror Nights, park wait times, and more.
4. Always check the Universal App for park hours because they vary by day, season, etc. 
5. A note for season pass holders: A season pass acts as an express pass once for each ride after 4:00 p.m.
6. Dress in black to get in the spirit, and try not to scream too loud!

A Brief History

Richardson's history dates back to the mid-1800s when settlers began to arrive in the area. Originally a small farming community, it grew over the years and was officially incorporated as a city in 1925. The city's namesake, E.H. Richardson, was a railroad executive who played a pivotal role in the development of the region's transportation network.
 

Today, Richardson is a vibrant and thriving city that has retained its sense of community while embracing the growth and progress of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
 

Cultural Diversity

The city's diverse population is one of its greatest strengths. Richardson is a melting pot of cultures, with residents hailing from all corners of the globe. This rich cultural tapestry is celebrated through various events and festivals throughout the year, including the annual Cottonwood Arts Festival, where visitors can experience a wide range of art, music, and cuisine from different cultures.
 

Recreation and Green Spaces

For outdoor enthusiasts, Richardson offers an abundance of parks, trails, and recreational facilities. Breckinridge Park is a local favorite, boasting over 400 acres of green space, walking trails, and even a golf course. The Spring Creek Nature Area provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering opportunities for birdwatching and hiking along scenic trails.

Where to Stay

We stayed at the Doubletree Dallas Richardson, an excellent bang for your buck hotel. My husband calls it the Cookie Hotel because they give you cookies at check-in. Another recommendation would be the Aloft Hotel, 5 minutes down the street and located in a fun little shopping center. There, you can find an incredible BBQ restaurant called Good Union Urban BBQ.

Entertainment and Dining

Richardson's dining scene is a testament to its cultural diversity, with a wide array of international cuisine to satisfy any palate. The city is also known for its lively music and arts scene, with local theaters, galleries, and music venues offering entertainment options year-round.

Right around the corner from the DoubleTree was an adorable little theatre called the Richardson Theatre Centre. Honestly, we didn’t know what to expect, but when I came across the theater on the web, they were running a production of “A Few Good Men,” which was my husband’s favorite movie, so I decided to go for it! Turns out it was wonderful! The theatre was the coziest, most unique little theater I have ever seen! When we arrived, it was rainy and dark. With the blinds drawn shut and the older-looking shopping center dimly lit, I wondered if we were even in the right place. However, when we walked in, I was taken aback. Decorated with black and white film shots covering the walls, red velvet curtains, 1920s antique couches, lamps, and rugs, it was so unique! The theatre also served complimentary snacks and drinks, a wonderful touch! Let me tell you, wine and popcorn equals happy Sof. There was also coffee and cookies if that is more your vibe. We saw the 8:00 PM showing of “A Few Good Men,” and the acting was superb.

My hands-down favorite breakfast spot in Richardson was Fairview Farmers. The presentation was gorgeous, and the taste was so rich. My favorite meal was the breakfast skillet (they have so many). Some other breakfast recommendations that we received from locals were the Lone Spur Cafe and Eddie’s Diner. If you are a pizza and wine lover, a great casual dinner spot is Sixty Vines. For a warm, quaint, and  romantic bistro, try Toulouse Cafe & Bar. For funky tacos try the Velvet Taco. For premier steak, try Bob’s Steak and Chop House. For the best burgers, beers, and cocktails, try Rodeo Goat. For Phenomenal Mexican food, try Mi Cocina. Other great Mexican spots are Meso Maya, Casa Mama, and Mesero.

Our main reason for coming to Texas on this particular trip was to attend a good friend’s wedding, which took place in Richardson at the Chapel of the Heights Church. It was a beautiful wedding, and the reception was held in a super cute, intimate Art Deco, rustic venue called 34 Events in historic downtown Richardson.

Richardson, Texas, is a city that beautifully blends the modernity of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex with a welcoming, small-town atmosphere. With abundant hidden gems, cultural diversity, and plenty of recreational activities, it's no wonder that Richardson has become an excellent spot for a short visit. Richardson proved that every place, big or small, is full of hidden gems well worth the research and while. Come and discover the charm of this vibrant Texan city for yourself!

We took a day trip to the Fort Worth Stockyards. Here, we got our true authentic cowboy experience! We saw Texas Longhorns paraded through the streets, “the Fort Worth Herd," by real cowboys and looked at some authentic cowboy hats. If you have time, stay for a rodeo!

Visit the Fort Worth Stockyards

The Fort Worth Stockyards are one of the city's top attractions. Step back in time and explore this iconic district, which is a National Historic District and home to the world's only twice-daily longhorn cattle drive. While there, check out the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and enjoy a night of live music and delicious Texas cuisine. Over at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.

Explore the Cultural District 

The Cultural District is home to some of Fort Worth's best museums, galleries, and performing arts venues. Spend an afternoon exploring the Kimbell Art Museum, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Then, catch a show at Bass Performance Hall or the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, The Fort Worth Opera. 

Other A+ Venues Include:

Billy Bob's Texas continues its decades-long run of delighting visitors by hosting some of the best performers and artists in the land. Legendary Texas musician Charlie Robison, Nashville Star Season 4 winner Chris Young and red dirt band Reckless Kelly are just a few of the acts coming to the World's Largest Honky Tonk. Don't forget to go early for the bull riding.

Enjoy a Day at the Zoo.

The Fort Worth Zoo is one of the top-rated zoos in the country and features over 7,000 animals from around the world. Spend the day exploring the habitats, watching the animal shows, and enjoying the rides and attractions. 

Explore the Water & Botanic Gardens.

The Fort Worth Water Gardens are a must-see for any visitor. This beautiful park features three distinct pools, including a large upper pool, a recirculating stream, and a lower pool. Take a walk around the gardens and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. 

Step into a blooming paradise at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens this spring! With over 2,500 species of plants and flowers bursting with color and fragrance, you'll feel like you're in a fairy tale. Take a stroll through the peaceful Japanese Garden or explore the vibrant Rose Garden.

Taste Delicious Food in Fort Worth! 

The city is home to some of the best restaurants in Texas, serving a variety of cuisines. Sample some local favorites like Tex-Mex, barbecue, and steak. Or, try some of the city's unique fusion dishes, such as tequila-lime shrimp. No matter what you're looking for in a vacation, Fort Worth has something for everyone. From the unique cowboy culture to the delicious food, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. So, come and explore all that Fort Worth has to offer. Some favorite food spots include Fred's Texas Cafe, & the Swiss Pastry Shop.

On a side note, even the chains taste better in Texas. Try Torchy's Tacos - a must-taco fast food spot that tastes better in Texas!

Seasonal things to do:

Wear your house costume or colors and attend the 5th Annual Hogwarts Ball Crawl on August 19. This ball includes themed drinks at local bars, wands, and more.

Party with the top taco chefs in DFW at the Second Annual Tacos and Tequila Festival on May 20. This festival includes live performances by Flo Rida and Ja Rulesalsa, queso competitions, a Chihuahua Beauty Pageant, and Lucha Libre wrestling!

This week Melissa welcomes Sebastian Copeland, an award-winning photographer, adventurer, and environmental advocate. Over the last 25 years, he has led numerous expeditions across both polar ice caps and continues to use his platform to sound the alarm against climate change and its consequences for not only humans and animals, but the earth itself.

Melissa and Sebastian discuss his passion for polar photography, his experiences with local cultures and harsh climates, the stark differences between the North Pole and the South Pole, the dangerous warning signs he’s seen, and his legacy as a voice for the planet and the fragile Polar Regions. Melissa is headed to Antarctica in a few weeks and they also discuss what it is like to travel to the region. Plus, Sebastian shares his tips on must-bring gear! 

For Sebastian’s latest book, Antarctica: The Walking Giant

Learn more about Sebastian’s Foundation, SEDNA

Shannon Knapp from Leading Hotels joins Melissa to talk about the trends in the luxury hotel business and what travelers can expect in the coming months as the tourism industry continues to boom.

Leading Hotels represents the world’s largest collection of impressive independent luxury hotels, such as The Lowell in New York City, Portrait Firenze in Florence, Nihi Sumba in Indonesia, Royal Mansour in Marrakech, and the iconic Ritz in Paris. 

In the fifth episode of Passport to Everywhere, host Melissa Biggs Bradly also offers tips on how to have a worry-free journey and keep from losing your luggage on Travel Hacks, and then she'll answer listener questions during Ask Melissa.

For more on Leading Hotels, visit their website. 

Follow Melissa on Instagram

Learn more about Indagare Travel

We're back with American expat Khephra White to talk about everything you need to experience when visiting Madrid, Spain.

Interested in living abroad as an expat in Spain? Check out the last episode where we share how  you can live and work in Spain via the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program.

Enjoy the episode.

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I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a certified clarity coach trained in the Enneagram who first moved abroad on my own at age 18. I’ve been permanently enjoying life in Europe since 2010.

My mission is to help my clients gain the clarity, focus, and skills they need to create a life that sets their soul on fire.

Visit sarahmikutel.com to get in touch about how we can work together one-on-one to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life.

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