It can be—but it really depends on where you’re coming from and where you’re going. The exchange rate plays a big role: if you’re visiting from Europe or Canada, costs may feel higher.

Within the U.S., prices vary wildly. Major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles are definitely splurge destinations, especially for hotels and dining. Smaller cities and off-the-beaten-path destinations can feel much more reasonable, especially if you plan ahead or travel in the shoulder season.

Flights and accommodations are usually the biggest expenses, but you can offset them by mixing boutique stays with chain hotels or Airbnbs (while we love a unique boutique stay, sometimes we opt to use credit card perks or Marriott Bonvoy points to make our trip more affordable in the accommodation lane), and prioritizing destinations where most experiences are part of just being in the destination or low-cost.

So long-story-short, yes, the U.S. can be expensive—but with smart planning (and a good exchange rate), it’s absolutely doable for non-U.S. travelers.

It depends on where you’re going!

• California: Year-round perfection (though spring and fall are my favorites).

• The South: Spring and fall for warm weather and blooming gardens.

• The Southwest: Late fall through spring for mild desert temps.

• New England: Late September to October for fall foliage.

The U.S. is huge, so “best time” really means matching the region to the season.

So far, I’ve spent time in 14 states—with a goal of visiting all 50 by the time I’m 50. I’ve lived in three different U.S. states: Washington, Oregon, and California (where I currently live). I love seeing how each state tells its own story through its people, food, and landscapes!

That’s tough, but here are a few that hold a special place in my heart:

• California: It’s home, and it truly has everything—from coastal charm in Orange County to the vineyards of Napa Valley (where we visit my in-laws a few times a year).

• Hawaii: The Hawaiian Islands feel like an absolute dream—lush, warm, and restorative. Maui is my favorite island of the three I’ve visited (Maui, O’ahu, and Kauai).

• Oregon: Growing up across the river from Portland, Oregon, and having a family beach house on the Oregon Coast, I’ve spent a lot of time in this state. I absolutely love Oregon wine country and visiting my family in the PDX area!

• Texas: While I don’t know if I’d ever live here, there’s something about Texas that keeps me coming back for a visit, especially Austin and Hill Country, and suburbs of Dallas/Fort Worth.

• Washington: I grew up in Southwest Washington in a little town called Camas. This state will always hold a special place in my heart, and I love visiting friends and family across the state!

Each place reminds me how varied and beautiful this country is—and how much I still want to explore.

I’m drawn to places that mix charm and character—coastal towns, design-forward stays, great food, and slower travel moments. Think boutique hotels, walkable downtowns, and places that feel local rather than touristy. I’m currently building more content on:

• California: My home base and the hub of most of my U.S. guides.

• The South: Especially bucket-list destinations like Charleston, Savannah, and other historic cities (I can’t wait to visit).

• The West and Southwest: From desert escapes in Arizona to wine country in Napa and Sonoma.

Sports, family and friends’ weddings, and wanderlust have taken me to places in the U.S. I never even knew existed. I’m always happy to explore the well-known and the never-heard-of spots in any state (or country).

Yes! That’s the goal—to visit all 50 by age 50. I want to experience the different sides of the U.S., not just the big cities. Historic destinations, small towns, national parks—it’s all part of it. I’ll be updating this page and my U.S. guides over time as I cross new states off the list.

I’m a planes-over-road-trips kind of traveler—if it’s more than three hours by car, I’m probably booking a flight. I love flying because it gets me where I want to go faster, which means more time to actually be in the destination. Once I arrive, I slow down—walk the neighborhoods, find cute coffee shops, and stay somewhere that feels like part of the experience.