Author spotlight

Lydia Mansel

Lydia Mansel is a Virginia-based travel writer and a contributor to Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, and Southern Living, among other publications. She frequently writes about packing tips, wellness experiences, and luxury hotels, and her areas of expertise include the American South and West. Lydia also frequently travels to the United Kingdom.
Yellow hooded chairs set on powdery sand of a beach.
Your complete beach vacation packing list
Everything you need to bring on your next beach vacation in one article.
Elderly couple covering their shoulders in a blanket hugging and looking at the sea
The 15 best anniversary trip ideas (and where to stay)
Planning something big for your special day? Here are the best destinations and hotels to celebrate.
Two women walking down a stepped pathway to the beach.
15 best adults-only, all-inclusive resorts 2025
From island retreats to wellness destinations out West, here are the best adults-only, all-inclusive resorts.
A laughing gay couple walking their bikes on a path surrounded by lush vegetation.
The 15 best places to go for Valentine’s Day 2025 (and where to stay)
From ski towns to easy-to-reach Caribbean islands, here's where to spend your Valentine’s Day this year.
Two european friends collecting money to paying in a restaurant in Dubai Marina, after their lunch break in summertime.
How to navigate tipping while traveling
Tipping culture is an important part of travel, but expectations and customs can differ depending on the destination.