01 / Stay⌂
Where to stay
Hotel and resort visits with the atmosphere, location, and details we noticed along the way.
Comfort · location · value
A travel vlog with the details included
Make the most of the trip.
We’re Just Above Basic: a couple sharing travel vlogs, honest recommendations, and the practical logistics that help you decide what’s worth your time—and make the getaway easier to plan.
Real experiencesHonest takesUseful trip details
Our point of viewWorth the trip.
Worth knowing.Travel stories with the useful bits left in.
Worth knowing.Travel stories with the useful bits left in.
A trip has more than one story
From the stay to the stop you almost missed.
We bring together the places, tastes, and practical choices that shape a real getaway—so you can plan around what matters to you.
02 / Taste✳
What to savor
Restaurants, coffee, drinks, and the memorable meals that can turn a good day into a great one.
Food · drinks · local finds
03 / Explore↗
What to do
Attractions, scenic stops, and experiences—with honest context on what we’d repeat.
Highlights · trade-offs · tips
Our kind of travel advice
Is it worth it?
Let’s find out.
We want a trip to feel special without pretending every moment is perfect. We share what we enjoyed, what we’d plan differently, and the details we wish we’d known before we went.
01
The experience
What stood out, what the atmosphere was like, and who might enjoy it most.
02
The real-world logistics
When useful, we include timing, getting around, reservations, parking, and how stops fit into the day.
03
The honest takeaway
What felt worth the time and spend, what had trade-offs, and what we’d choose next time.
The latest from Just Above Basic
Seattle, Washington
Five nights in Seattle, with waterfront views at the Edgewater, a standout dinner at Barrel & Bacon, and a ferry trip to Bainbridge Island—plus our honest hits and misses.
Watch our latest video on YouTube ↗Our five-night Seattle experience
Waterfront views, unexpected favorites, and a few honest takeaways.
Seattle bookended our Pacific Northwest trip: two nights before Cannon Beach and Portland, then three more before heading home. From our waterfront stay to a last-minute restaurant discovery, here’s what stood out—and what we’d keep in mind next time.
1
Where we stayed: The EdgewaterWe spent all five Seattle nights at the Edgewater and loved the views and location. The biggest drawback was the busy lobby. With a cruise terminal next door, arrivals and departures often brought crowds of guests checking in and out.
2
Our biggest surprise: Barrel & BaconA last-minute dinner decision turned into one of our favorite discoveries of the trip. We hadn’t heard much about Barrel & Bacon beforehand, but everything we tried impressed us. The drinks were spectacular, the food was delicious, and it’s a place we’d happily return to.
3
Two experiences we’d do againThe Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass were highlights of our Seattle visit. We loved both, and we’d make time for them again on a return trip.
4
Was Bainbridge Island worth the ferry ride?Absolutely. We thought the ferry was well priced, the views were beautiful, and Pegasus Coffee became one of our favorite coffee stops of all time. For us, the trip over was part of the experience.
5
The spot that didn’t live up to our expectationsWe initially left The Pink Door off our list because the photos we’d seen online didn’t draw us in. After several locals recommended it, we decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, both the food and service felt underwhelming during our visit. It wasn’t a highlight for us.
6
Our biggest planning tipBe ready for the hills. We found getting around Seattle on foot more demanding than expected, so comfortable shoes and a little route planning go a long way. We also noticed plenty of rental bikes and scooters around the city.
More from Just Above Basic
Explore our travels.
Our stays, favorite bites, and honest takes—one destination at a time.
Portland, Oregon
Our three-night Portland experience
Inside our three-night Ritz-Carlton stay, with food stops, city exploring, and the extra costs to consider.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Two nights on the Oregon coast
Two nights at the Ocean Lodge, Haystack Rock views, and our take on this Oregon coast getaway.
Thomasville, Georgia
A wedding trip with unexpected discoveries
A wedding brought us to Thomasville, but this charming little town surprised us. Here’s what we discovered during a short visit.
Just a little
above ordinary.
above ordinary.
A little about us
We’re Charles and Syrel (pronounced “Sir-L”), a Miami-born couple chasing good views, great food, and the local coffee shop.
We were raised around Miami’s beaches, but we love mixing it up: cool mountain air, a quick hike to a big view, lively cities, and small towns with character. We’re drawn to trips that feel elevated—comfortable stays, thoughtful meals, memorable experiences—without pretending we have an unlimited budget. That balance is what Just Above Basic means to us.
Our videos started with a GoPro. Syrel wanted more photos of the two of us, and Charles figured filming was an easy way to get them. Colorado’s mountains and our Estes Park destination wedding pulled us toward scenic adventures; our Switzerland honeymoon, and a drone to capture it, made us want to share the journey. Six months later, we filmed our anniversary at Hawks Cay—and that became our first vlog.
Now we share honest reviews, practical travel logistics, and the little things that make a place memorable. We hunt for local coffee shops and restaurants, and we’re usually up for trying something new. Syrel’s likely ordering an espresso martini; Charles is asking for “The Charles”—vodka, Sprite, and a splash of juice. She’ll ask for one more selfie; he may be behind the camera or in front of it, smile optional.
Keep the conversation going
Where should we go next?
Send us a destination idea, a question about a trip, or a note about working together. We’d love to hear what you’re curious about.