The Talking Suitcase

Cruise & Curated Travel Specialist

Travel Tips & Tricks

Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Travel in Virginia Beach: Ideas of Your Next Trip

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Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

I’ve always believed that the best kind of travel leaves a place better than you found it – and in Virginia Beach, that’s not just possible, it’s super easy. This city has been quietly transforming into one of the East Coast’s most eco-conscious destinations, with locally sourced food, green hotels and nature experiences that protect what makes this place so special. The city of Virginia beach has been working hard to increase sustainability, preserving natural resources and focusing on energy saving programs.

If you love the ocean but also care about keeping it beautiful, here’s how to experience eco-friendly travel in Virginia Beach – guilt-free and an unforgettable experience.

Stay Green: Sustainable Hotels & Lodging

Virginia Beach’s hospitality scene has embraced sustainability in ways that don’t sacrifice comfort or style.

  • The Cavalier Hotel: A historic icon reborn with energy-efficient systems, eco-friendly cleaning and locally sourced restaurant menus.
  • Hyatt Place Oceanfront: Uses energy-saving tech, offers recycling programs and is within walking distance of most attractions at the oceanfront (less car use = lower footprint).
  • Airbnbs in Sandbridge or Chick’s Beach: Many local hosts promote recycling and encourage guests to “leave no trace.”

Tip: When booking, look for LEED-certified hotels or those with Virginia Green Travel Alliance certification.

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The Ultimate Virginia Beach Travel Guide: Things to Do, Hidden Gems & Weekend Trips

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Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

 

Virginia Beach isn’t just a beach town – it’s a coastal playground full of sun, sand, adventure and history. Locals know it’s the perfect place for family fun, solo trips & romantic getaways. As a longtime resident of the city, I know  what visitors enjoy as well as local “secret” spots.

From exploring the boardwalk and discovering hidden gems to hiking nature trails or taking the kids to interactive museums, this guide will help you plan the perfect Virginia Beach adventure. Take a look at my ultimate Virginia Beach travel guide to find the activities to create your perfect visit.

Beaches & Oceanfront Fun

Of course, no trip to Virginia Beach is complete without a day on the sand:

  • Oceanfront & Boardwalk: Build sandcastles, swim, bike or enjoy weekend events at Neptune Park. You even find lots of free event during the summer to keep those travel costs down!
  • JT’s Grommet Island Playground: Perfect for little travelers and its 100% handicap accessible.
  • Sandbridge Beach & Little Island Park: Family-friendly, less crowded beaches with playgrounds and sports.
  • Chicks Beach & Chesapeake Bay: Quieter, calm bays for relaxation and wildlife exploration. The is where the locals like to relax and soak up the sun.

Related article with more details: Best beaches in Virginia

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25 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Thailand: A First-Time Traveler’s Guide

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Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Thailand is known as The Land of Smiles and it doesn’t take long to see why. The country is a dazzling mix of ancient temples, bustling markets, turquoise seas, friendly locals and food that will have you wishing there was room in your belly for seconds – it’s that good!

Whether you’re wandering through Bangkok’s colorful chaos, relaxing on a beach in Phuket or exploring the quiet charm of Chiang Mai, Thailand manages to feel both exotic and welcoming.

If it’s your first time in the country, here are 25 things to know before visiting Thailand. I’ve included a mix of practical tips and cultural insights to help you make the most of your trip.  Just be prepared, if may be your first time in Thailand, but you’ll already have the next visit planned before you’ve even gotten on the flight back home.

Things to Know Before Visiting Thailand

Before You Go

1. You’ll Be Greeted with a Smile and a “Wai”

Thai people are famously warm and polite. A common greeting is the wai – palms pressed together in a prayer-like gesture with a small bow. While it may feel unfamiliar at first to return the greeting, you’ll quickly find yourself returning it without thinking.

Tip: The higher your hands are placed (closer to your face), the more respect you’re showing.

2. Download Grab & Bolt Before You Land

Grab & Bolt (Thailand’s version of Uber & Lyft) is the easiest way to book reliable transport in cities. It helps you avoid haggling and guarantees fair pricing. We tend to use Grab more frequently but Bolt is another great option. The app just didn’t like my credit cards, so we used this option more when needing to spend the rest of our cash.

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10 Things to Do in Fredericksburg, VA: A Local Travel Guide

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If you’re planning a trip to Virginia, you’ll want to add Fredericksburg to your itinerary. Nestled halfway between Washington, D.C. and Richmond, this charming city is bursting with history, local flavor, and small-town Southern charm. From battlefields and cobblestone streets to vibrant food spots and river adventures, there’s something here for everyone. As a mom of a UMW student, I’ve spent quite a bit of time in the city and can’t wait to share all that Fredericksburg has to offer.

In this travel guide, I’m sharing my favorite 10 things to do in Fredericksburg, VA (FXBG) so you can make the most of your visit to this historic gem.

10 Things to do in Fredericksburg, VA

1. Walk Through Historic Downtown Fredericksburg

Start your exploration in the heart of the city. Historic Downtown Fredericksburg is full of 18th- and 19th-century architecture, vintage shops, and locally owned restaurants. Stroll along Caroline Street, grab a coffee, and take in the history. The oldest surviving building dates back to 1737!

Tip: Stop by Possum-Bilities for cute gifts, local artwork and all things opossum. You’ll likely get the meet one of the rescued Virginia opossums!

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30 Holland America Line Tips & Tricks

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Founded in the Netherlands in 1873, Holland America Line (HAL) has been sailing for more than 150 years.

You won’t find climbing walls, zip lines, or go-karts like on the new mega-ships. Holland America Line ships are large enough to offer a wide variety of dining options, activities, and entertainment, yet small enough that it doesn’t take days to learn your way around. With an atmosphere of timeless elegance, HAL delivers exceptional food and service, striking the perfect balance between quality and affordability.

The average age of Holland America passengers is about 55, slightly higher than on some other major cruise lines. However, the age range varies by itinerary and cruises during school holidays often attract more families. For those traveling with children, supervised activities and events are available for guests ages 3–17. The only limitation is that children won’t have access to certain family-friendly features found on other lines such as waterslides, FlowRiders, or mini golf.

Holland America Line also emphasizes regionally inspired cuisine, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You should find most dishes are “kicked up a notch” from your traditional cruise fare.

Let’s start off these Holland America Line tips & tricks from the basics and work up to more little known facts for those new to sailing with HAL.

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