May 2026

Pure

Wander

Travel

Hey Reader -

On the road again! Las Vegas was something else; my first time back in 20 years! But this trip was much more laid back. We stayed in a gorgeous hotel off-strip, took a jeep tour into Red Rocks, and did some retro sightseeing at the Neon Museum. Heck, we avoided the strip all together!

Next week I'll be on a panel at WITS: The Women in Travel Summit. It's one of my favorite gatherings all year. This time we take over Chattanooga, Tennessee!

Over the summer though, it'll be back to a slower pace. It's my last season really with my kiddos being small, enjoying New England, and being by the water without too much summer camp. I can't wait.

PS, I've updated a TON of articles and guides on Pure Wander to try to beat the robots. Tucson, Arizona is fully refreshed, as is Newport, Rhode Island, and even Thailand! Take a peek and let me know if you need help, I'm here for you and your trips with the crew.

Here comes the sun,

-Eileen

Pure Wander's newest articles

UPDATED! 30+ Best Things to Do in Boston, MA: A Local’s Guide

by Eileen Cotter Wright

I’ve been born and raised around Boston my whole life. After years living abroad and traveling for work, I came back home and quickly remembered that Boston is one of the most underrated cities in the country: walkable, packed with history, great food, world-class museums, and a hometown crowd that takes its sports and its accents very seriously

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UPDATED! 30+ Best Things to Do in Oahu, Hawai’i (And What to Skip)

by Eileen Cotter Wright

It’s a wonder of nature that craggy, green mountains can seemingly burst from the ground so close to sea level. This is what brings people to Oahu, Hawai’i, in droves. The drama of this incredible landscape and deep rooted, diverse culture is a treasure to experience firsthand. Hopefully my guide can save you time in skipping the not-so-great attractions in Oahu and not missing the ones that are unforgettable.

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THIS MONTH'S TRAVEL TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

➡️ With Spirit Airlines shutting down for good on May 2nd, some of you have been asking what to book instead. Frontier has stepped up as the primary budget carrier in the U.S., and Breeze is worth a look too, with newer aircraft and a slightly more comfortable experience than the traditional ultra-low-cost model. Allegiant and Sun Country are solid for leisure routes, and if you're in a JetBlue hub their basic economy fares are worth comparing. Fares are ticking up in some markets so lock in summer travel sooner rather than later.

➡️ If Europe is on your radar this year or next, we just published a piece on how to see more and spend less on a family trip, covering flights, accommodation, getting around, and where to eat without blowing your budget. Read it here.

➡️ With everyone watching travel costs more closely right now, two things I'd put on your radar: first, if you're not using Rakuten when booking travel, you're leaving cash back on the table. It stacks on top of your credit card rewards and takes about 30 seconds to set up. Second, booking tours and experiences through Viator often saves you money versus booking direct, and most things can be cancelled up to 24 hours out, which is a lifesaver when you're traveling with kids.

➡️ With all that's happening in the world, invest a few dollars and grab an annual travel insurance plan. It's one less thing to worry about and the cost is worth it for even one trip with kids. I get mine through SafetyWing.