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Mariette, wearing a red dress and sunglasses, walks along a pier on a cloudy day. The ocean is a beautiful turquoise color.

Aug 11, 2026

I've been to 20 Caribbean islands. Here are 7 mistakes first-time visitors should avoid making.

I've been to 20 islands in the Caribbean. During my trips, I've seen guests make mistakes like not trying the local food or island hopping.

5 min read

Mariette stands in a shallow pool in a long, patterned dress. On her left is a hut-like building, and on her right are frog statues that shoot water. Behind her are trees and greenery-covered mountains.

Jul 22, 2026

I've been to 20 Caribbean islands. These are the 5 I'd return to — and the 2 I'd skip despite having great experiences.

I've been to 20 Caribbean islands and recommend visiting places like St. Lucia, Dominica, St. John, Grenada, and Turks and Caicos.

4 min read

Mariette wears sunglasses and a red-and-white-patterned romper on a balcony overlooking the beach.

Sep 16, 2025

I've been to over 20 Caribbean islands. Here are 9 essentials I never visit the area without.

After visiting over 20 Caribbean islands, I know exactly what I need to pack. My travel essentials include water shoes, sunscreen, and a pashmina.

5 min read

Mariette walking along a beach with sandals in her hand.

Jul 15, 2025

I've been to 20 Caribbean islands. Here are 5 things you must do when you visit the region — and 2 you can skip.

I've been to 20 Caribbean islands and know which activities are worth tourists' time. I recommend snorkeling, land sailing, and hiking.

5 min read

Jun 9, 2025

Small companies are swapping performance-based reviews with a less formal approach

Small companies are swapping annual performance reviews for more open, continuous check-ins, improving employee efficiency and encouraging new ideas.

4 min read

Mariette and her friend pose on a lookout near the ocean.

May 13, 2025

I've gone on nearly 20 girls' trips. My favorite destination doesn't require a US passport and has stunning beaches.

I've been on almost 20 girls' trips to places like Montreal, Costa Rica, and Curacao. My favorite destination has great food and beautiful beaches.

4 min read

retail cyber online shopping gift card holiday black friday sale credit card

Dec 17, 2024

Negative Balance on a Credit Card: Everything You Need to Know

Learn what a negative balance on a credit card means, why it happens, and how to manage it. Explore credit card refunds and overpayments.

6 min read

Mariette Williams smiles while holding a coconut with a straw sticking out.

Aug 16, 2024

I used credit card rewards to take a dream vacation to Belize for just over $1,000

By traveling during the low season, I was able to save a ton of money on my trip, which made a long stay affordable.

5 min read

Illustration of a property manager inside his apartment, putting money into his wallet. Through the window, you can see balconies on a building that resemble wallets

Trends to Bet Your Career On

A career in property management is looking more desirable as renters and travelers opt for luxury living

Two property managers share their insight on breaking into the field of managing short-term vacation property and residential rentals.

6 min read

Trends to Bet Your Career On

How I transitioned from a career in finance to short-term property management

Shannon St. Val founded a short-term vacation-rental company, transferring her finance consulting skills to property management.

6 min read

Woman traveler being carried by four bellhops on a luggage carrier that doubles as a palanquin, surrounded by clothes and luggage

Trends to Bet Your Career On

Luxury-travel advisors are in demand as Gen Z and millennials splurge on stress-free, meaningful vacations

Luxury-travel advisors are seeing a growth in demand as Gen Z and millennial travelers look to enjoy convenient planning for fun travel experiences.

5 min read

Kaylee Stith sits at a café and smiles into the camera

Trends to Bet Your Career On

I quit teaching to become a luxury-travel advisor. Since making the transition, I've learned a lot and grown professionally.

Kaylee Stith, a former teacher, became a travel agent last year. She spoke with BI about her journey and lessons learned in the travel industry.

6 min read

Image shows two business travelers wearing suits and wheeling two suitcases from behind, walking along what appears to be a corridor in an airport. Planes are lined up outside a glass window.

Mar 13, 2024

4 of the best practices and 4 of the worst mistakes employees make when traveling for business

Three frequent business travelers said employees should consider enrolling in an airline security program and avoid overplanning on their next trip.

6 min read

woman unpacking her bag on a bed in a hotel

Feb 23, 2024

4 business-travel policies that can help employees avoid burnout and stay mentally well during a work trip

Business leaders recommend travel policies to avoid burnout, like post-trip PTO and upgraded accommodations to improve mental wellness.

5 min read

A businessman checking out from the hotel

Feb 15, 2024

5 hotel perks that make work trips both fun and productive for business travelers

Business-travel experts say companies should offer employees stays at hotels with WiFi, food service, a spa, a fitness center, and nearby attractions.

6 min read

Jan 31, 2024

A successful corporate retreat should inspire team-building and creativity among colleagues — here's how to plan one

Experts explain how to plan a successful company retreat that inspires team-building and creativity while boosting morale and connecting coworkers.

6 min read

Two colleague talking while sitting on a couch in a conference room

Jan 25, 2024

A strong exit interview could help transform a company's culture and bottom line. Here are the 5 best and worst questions to ask.

HR leaders should ask departing employees for feedback on the company's culture, leadership, successes, and failures. They shouldn't ask questions that elicit general, vague answers.

6 min read

two women shaking hands at a job interview

Jan 3, 2024

7 interview questions every recruiter should ask candidates for a senior role — and the answers they should look for

Recruiters should ask candidates questions about their career trajectory for their senior role, how they work with others, and their ideal company culture.

6 min read

two coworkers working together at a table with notebooks, food, and a laptop

Dec 12, 2023

Working in human resources is a high-stakes job — here's how HR leaders can manage the stress and pressure

The role of HR experts can be stressful. Here's how they can manage the pressure of recruiting and hiring with the help their company and colleagues.

5 min read

two colleagues laughing and walking through an airport together

Dec 7, 2023

Offering 5-star travel in your employee benefits package could help your company attract talent and boost retention

Including travel as an employee perk in the company benefits package could help boost retention and attract new hires from competitors, experts say.

5 min read

Mariette Williams

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Latest

I've been to 20 Caribbean islands. Here are 7 mistakes first-time visitors should avoid making.

I've been to 20 Caribbean islands. These are the 5 I'd return to — and the 2 I'd skip despite having great experiences.

I've been to over 20 Caribbean islands. Here are 9 essentials I never visit the area without.

I've been to 20 Caribbean islands. Here are 5 things you must do when you visit the region — and 2 you can skip.

Small companies are swapping performance-based reviews with a less formal approach

I've gone on nearly 20 girls' trips. My favorite destination doesn't require a US passport and has stunning beaches.

Negative Balance on a Credit Card: Everything You Need to Know

I used credit card rewards to take a dream vacation to Belize for just over $1,000

A career in property management is looking more desirable as renters and travelers opt for luxury living

How I transitioned from a career in finance to short-term property management

Luxury-travel advisors are in demand as Gen Z and millennials splurge on stress-free, meaningful vacations

I quit teaching to become a luxury-travel advisor. Since making the transition, I've learned a lot and grown professionally.

4 of the best practices and 4 of the worst mistakes employees make when traveling for business

4 business-travel policies that can help employees avoid burnout and stay mentally well during a work trip

5 hotel perks that make work trips both fun and productive for business travelers

A successful corporate retreat should inspire team-building and creativity among colleagues — here's how to plan one

A strong exit interview could help transform a company's culture and bottom line. Here are the 5 best and worst questions to ask.

7 interview questions every recruiter should ask candidates for a senior role — and the answers they should look for

Working in human resources is a high-stakes job — here's how HR leaders can manage the stress and pressure

Offering 5-star travel in your employee benefits package could help your company attract talent and boost retention