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Looking to travel more with less? How about slowing down and experiencing more in your travels?

I’m glad you’re here.

Hi, I’m Elle. I love exploring this beautiful thing called Planet Earth.

My goal is to help busy people like you plan affordable yet totally memorable adventures filled with epic views, incredible food, and unique cultural experiences that go way beyond the usual tourist stops.

Travels With Elle is a travel blog that provides helpful travel guides with an off-the-beaten-path focus. I write about all things California, West Coast, Mexico, Asia–yes, the entire continent is my second home–and beyond.

Whether it’s uncovering hidden gems in a popular city or sharing lesser-known road trip stops, my guides focus on experiences you won’t find on average attraction lists.

I believe travel is about more than just checking boxes—it’s about discovering what makes a destination truly special, away from the crowds. On my blog, you’ll find practical travel tips, road trip hacks, and in-depth itineraries to help you create meaningful journeys that fit your schedule and budget.

Follow me as I experience new cultures, try new foods, discover local businesses, and roam new streets. While you’re here, you can find all kinds of travel guides, road trip itineraries, and adventure guides to get you going on your next trip!

Learn from my mistakes, discover the best-kept secrets in a city, steal my trip-planning tricks, and go experience the world for yourself!

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EXPLORE THE LATEST CALIFORNIA TRAVEL GUIDES

Featured Article

8 Best Disneyland Hotels With Free Parking (That Don’t Suck) – With Map

Planning a little getaway to sunny Southern California for a little magic in your life? Hands down, one of the most popular reasons to visit Anaheim is to visit Disneyland! …

What To Pack For Disneyland 54 Essentials To Bring

The Ultimate Disneyland Packing List: 20 Essentials For Your Park Day

Whoohoo! So you’ve got a trip to Disneyland coming up. Get ready to feel like …

The Ultimate Coachella Camping Packing List - TravelsWithElle

What To Pack For Coachella Camping: 48 Essentials For Your Packing List

Heading to Coachella this year? If you’re attending the music festival and camping, then you’re …

53 Free Things To Do In The San Francisco Bay Area California

45 Free Things To Do In The San Francisco Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area is probably one of the most expensive places to live …

Monterey Plaza Hotel Spa - Where To Stay Monterey and Carmel

Monterey & Carmel: Iconic Stays, Boutique Inns & Coastal Retreats

California’s Central Coast is my ultimate happy place—a weekend road trip destination that never fails …

Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite

Glamping Near Yosemite: 8 Places For A Luxurious Stay

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Yosemite National Park without roughing it …

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN LAKE TAHOERENO STOPS FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO LAKE TAHOE - TravelsWithElle

SF To Lake Tahoe Road Trip: Fun Stops To Make Along The Way

Lake Tahoe has got to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. …


EXPLORE THE LATEST ROAD TRIP GUIDES

Featured Article

45 Must-Have Road Trip Essentials For Your Next Road Trip

Is it almost time for your next road trip? Are you wondering whether you’re covering all your bases when it comes to preparing for the trip? We’re here to help! …

Arizona Road Trip - Phoenix, Sedona, Antelope Canyon

The Perfect 5-Day Arizona Road Trip: Phoenix, Sedona, and Antelope Canyon

Arizona is like the epitome of the American West. The desert terrain, red rock canyons, …

Oahu North Shore Itinerary - TravelsWithElle

Oahu’s North Shore: 15 Stops For A Perfect Day Trip Itinerary

A trip to Oahu is truly not complete without a visit to the majestic North …

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN LAKE TAHOERENO STOPS FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO LAKE TAHOE - TravelsWithElle

SF To Lake Tahoe Road Trip: Fun Stops To Make Along The Way

Lake Tahoe has got to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. …

morro bay ca - big sur road trip itinerary

20 Weekend Trips You Can Take From The SF Bay Area

California is the ultimate playground for road trippers. The Golden State has no shortage of …

Korbel Winery Guerneville, CA - Best Things To Do In Sonoma County, CA - Travels With Elle

The Perfect 2-Day Sonoma County Road Trip Itinerary

Just 30 miles north of San Francisco sits Sonoma County, CA. And despite sharing the …

Pleasure Point, CA - San Francisco To Santa Cruz Road Trip - TravelswithElle

San Francisco to Santa Cruz Road Trip: 15 Best Stops On Highway 1

We love a good road trip. Even if it’s just a quick weekend trip (or …


EXPLORE THE LATEST ASIA TRAVEL GUIDES

Featured Article

10 Effortless Day Trips From Tokyo For Your Japan Itinerary

Think you’ve seen it all in Tokyo? Think again! Even if you’ve checked off the usual must-sees in Tokyo, there’s a whole world of hidden gems just outside the city …

Sensuikyo Gorge - Mount Aso Area

Sensuikyo Gorge: A Must-Visit In Japan’s Aso Area During The Spring

Sensuikyo Gorge, nestled in the mountains of Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, is one of Kyushu’s …

What To Expect At Xi'an's Muslim Quarter

How To Experience Street Food In Xi’an: Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street)

If you’re not familiar with China’s long and layered history, it might surprise you to …

Fukuoka Japan

Fukuoka 101: 15 Things That Make Japan’s Coolest City Worth Visiting

Before I even knew much about Fukuoka, I knew I wanted to explore Kyushu’s green, …

2 Weeks In China Xian, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenzhen

7 Big Mistakes I Made in China (And How You Can Avoid Them)

Even though I’m Chinese myself (American-born, raised in a Cantonese-speaking household), that didn’t stop me …

Kurokawa Onsen - Japan

Kurokawa Onsen: Your Guide To Japan’s Most Scenic Hot Spring Town

Tucked into the forested hills of Kumamoto Prefecture is Kurokawa Onsen, a small hot spring …

How To Enjoy Minoh Falls Osaka

Minoh Falls: The Perfect Escape From Osaka’s Cityscape

If you’re craving a quick break from Osaka’s city energy, Minoh Falls (also spelled “Minoo” …


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Pena Palace Sintra Lisbon Portugal