There’s more to
every destination.
Beautiful beaches are only the beginning. Come along for real trips, real costs, and the story behind every place.
Where will your next trip take you?
6 guides to choose from
Explore Aruba, Curaçao, New Orleans, Turks and Caicos, Fort Lauderdale, Puerto Rico.
Aruba · De Palm Island: photo by Rhode Bernadel. All photo credits
Sometimes the story chooses the destination.
The lovers of Quadirikiri Cave
Two lovers, two caves, and the light in the roof.
Read the story ↗
The people who could fly
They had wings, until they tasted salt.
Read the story ↗
The Voodoo Queen at the cathedral
She led the dances and never missed Mass.
Read the story ↗
When the masks come out
The Christmas masquerade behind the Fish Fry drums.
Read the story ↗
The river that appeared overnight
A river with a legend, and a legend with a past.
Read the story ↗
The legends of Old San Juan
A procession, a horse race and a vanished sentry.
Read the story ↗Beautiful places. Deeper stories. Better journeys.
12° N · ARUBAAruba.
Beyond the beaches.
The beaches are just the beginning. Follow Aruba’s gold-rush history to weathered ruins, explore caves and a rugged coastline, and make time for the island beyond the resorts.
Explore ArubaEXPERIENCE Another side of the coast
PLAN A four-day island escape
Travel by story.
Sometimes the story chooses the destination.
Stories worth traveling for.
ArubaAruba beyond the beaches
Hidden history, my four activity days, real trip costs and options to explore further.
Read the storyCuraçaoBehind the colors of Curaçao
Five days of beaches, Willemstad, local food, ATV adventures and practical planning from my June 2026 trip.
Read the storyNew OrleansA foodie trip through the Quarter
Five restaurants, beignets, chargrilled oysters, and French Quarter history from Rhode’s September 2022 trip.
Read the storyTurks and CaicosA birthday week in Provo
Rhode’s five-day birthday trip: beaches, Fish Fry, Noah’s Ark, a private chef, boat day and practical costs.
Read the story
Fort LauderdaleBeach days & Broadwalk nights
Four days of beaches, Hollywood food, rooftop brunch, Las Olas and a Miami Beach detour from Rhode’s January 2026 trip.
Read the storyPuerto RicoThree days in San Juan
Rhode’s San Juan trip: a beachfront condo, Old San Juan, El Morro, Condado meals and pineapple cocktails on the beach.
Read the storyNow, make it a journey.
A room.
A sense of place.
Historic neighborhoods, memorable architecture and stays that become part of the journey. Find the setting before you choose the room.
Find your kind of stay
Hi, I’m Rhode!
Hi, I’m Rhode—traveler, storyteller, planner, and creator of Secrets & Latitude. Growing up surrounded by Haitian folklore sparked my curiosity about history, culture, and the stories behind the places we visit. Now I combine firsthand travel experiences with destination storytelling and practical planning to help travelers discover more, plan smarter, and make travel work for their budget.
Get to know me →From the travel reel.
Discover It · Experience It · Plan It
Follow @secretsandlatitude ↗