“You had me at wine hotel,” I told Rachel, the expert travel planner and wine aficionado at EPIC Travel, a boutique travel agency that creates custom itineraries with bespoke experiences in Portugal and Morocco. We were reviewing the details of my girls’ trip to Portugal and deciding where to stay in the Alentejo wine region of the country. Since I love exploring new regions through its food and wine, I was all in when EPIC suggested staying at a few wine hotels in Portugal. In the States, we mostly know Portuguese wine for its Port or Vinho Verde varietals, but the more time you spend in Port ..read more

Unless you know someone who graduated from Arizona State University, you may have never heard of Tempe (pronounced Tem-pee), Arizona. Most of us on the East Coast just think of the Phoenix metro area as one sprawling city, but in reality, Tempe is a destination in its own right. More than a college town, this vibrant, Phoenix-adjacent city is jam-packed with both active and relaxing things to do in Tempe – making it a perfect spot for a girls’ trip. Of course when you say “Arizona girls’ trip”, most people will automatically think of the spa resorts in Scottsdale or Tucson, or hiking in Sedona ..read more

If I had to pick a favorite spot for a girlfriend getaway, the Finger Lakes region in New York is a top contender, especially in the fall. With 11 gorgeous lakes, rolling hills rich with verdant farmland, magnificent waterfalls, charming small cities, and over 100 wineries, cideries, breweries, and distilleries, it is a surprise this area isn’t on everyone’s radar. When my college friends and I were discussing a spot for a quick girl’s trip this fall, the Finger Lakes was top of mind. An easy drive from our homes in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, we decided to meet up in Ithaca ..read more

Admit it, when I say Buffalo, New York all you think of is its infamous Buffalo wings or maybe the Buffalo Bills football team, right? Or cold winters with the “lake effect” piling up mountains of snow? That’s what I thought of too, until recently. I had never dreamed of planning a girls’ weekend in Buffalo. That changed when I met with a representative from Visit Buffalo Niagara‘s tourism board. He started telling me all about the unique foods in Buffalo, the revitalized waterfront, the craft beer scene, and how young people were moving back to Buffalo. My ears perked up. I live in a place wi ..read more

Twenty-five years of making a relationship work is something to celebrate. Some couples may want to mark this silver anniversary with jewelry or a special gift, but if you would rather splurge on a memorable trip, I’ve brainstormed some 25th anniversary trip ideas that will make this occasion one you will never forget. Whether you are an adventure couple, foodies, beach lovers, history buffs, oenophiles, or Scotch lovers, I have something to tickle your fancy. From Europe to the USA to the Caribbean and a few further afield, these anniversary trip ideas are not just about a beautiful hotel, th ..read more

Are you in dire need of a romantic getaway?  Is your relationship in need of a romantic change of scenery?  It’s high time to get away and reconnect with your partner. These special spots in the Golden State are designed to stoke the fire of that desire and get you planning one of these romantic getaways in California. Romantic Getaways in Northern California Here are 12 romantic getaway destinations in California complete with suggestions for places to stay, where to eat, and fun things to do just the two of you!  Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link an ..read more

The incredible beauty of Santorini has made it one of the most visited of the Greek Islands. Located in the Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea, the island’s classic architecture with brilliant white houses and its signature blue-domed church roofs draws honeymooners and couples of all ages seeking that perfect Instagram-worthy vacation. All this attention can also lead to overcrowding and high prices, so find out where to stay in Santorini for couples. The three primary towns in Santorini for visitors are Fira, Imerovigli, and Oia. All offer stunning volcanic caldera and water views. Of these ..read more

Driving along scenic country roads, we breathed in deeply, inhaling not just the crisp mountain air, but also the scent of freedom. My friend and I were enjoying a Mother’s Day weekend away from our families. Is that an odd way to spend Mother’s Day? Not in my book. I think that is one holiday that the mom gets to do exactly what she wants. And what we wanted was a Vermont girls trip getaway. We needed to celebrate surviving a hellish year and being able to spend time quality together. Chances are, any girlfriend getaway would have had us exuberant at the prospect of getting away, but three da ..read more

Remember when Amsterdam was all the rage for bachelor parties and stag nights because of the “coffee shops” and the Red Light District? Well, things have changed since then and while not everyone will find love by falling into a canal like Rebecca on Ted Lasso, Amsterdam is a great option for a romantic getaway. This weekend in Amsterdam itinerary was designed for couples in mind! My husband and I decided to take a long weekend in Amsterdam when we found a great flight deal in January. It was the perfect time of year to enjoy this “Venice of the North.” While this waterlogged city is sometimes ..read more

It is a little under the radar, but Case Western Reserve University is a top-ranked private research university in the United States located in another under-rated place — Cleveland, Ohio. If you are heading to Cleveland with a prospective Spartan or going to visit current students, we have some tips for planning your Case Western Reserve University visit. The Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) campus is located in Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood, which is east of downtown and near the University Heights and Shaker Heights neighborhoods. This is also the portion of Cleveland whe ..read more