Alana Stoyas

Greece isn’t just a destination I recommend—it’s personal. It’s where I honeymooned, and it’s the cultural heritage of the family I married into, which means I’ve experienced it not just as a traveler, but as someone who has been welcomed into its traditions, its tables, and its rhythms in a way that goes far deeper than any itinerary. Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon in the caldera of Santorini, dancing until sunrise in Mykonos, or discovering the raw volcanic coastline of Milos that feels like a secret the world hasn’t quite found yet, Greece delivers in a way that stays with you long after you’ve unpacked. This is a destination I plan for clients again and again—and every single time, it exceeds expectations.

Every year for our February birthdays, my sister and I take a girls' trip to a vibrant city where we wander and explore at our hearts' leisure. We usually pick a place one or both of us has never been before since we have that insatiable need to see everything and go everywhere, but for this trip we both agreed that quaint, historic Charleston was worth visiting time and time again. The combination of rich history, which we love to immerse ourselves in, to the stunning architecture around every turn, plus the warmth, charm and hospitality of the residents and last but certainly not least, the culinary delights has been enough of an allure to keep us coming back for more over the years. You can easily spend a week in Charleston or a weekend, but here is a wonderful two day itinerary to get you started.

Traveling to Rome this summer with my husband and kids was a truly remarkable and life-changing experience for our family! As a parent, I believe that exposing our children to different cultures and destinations around the world is crucial for their holistic development. I had dreamed about wandering the streets of Rome with them for many years and pointing out all of the amazing things we had only seen in books. Plus they were of the perfect ages (14 and 11) to travel overnight and acclimate to jet lag. Rome, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture, provided the perfect backdrop for a memorable family vacation. Overall, our trip to Rome this summer was not just an ordinary vacation, but a transformative experience for our family. It broadened our children's horizons, deepened their appreciation for history and art, and created lasting memories that we will cherish for a lifetime. It reinforced the importance of traveling as a means of gaining new perspectives and learning about the world, shaping our children into well-rounded and cultured individuals.

I am blessed to live in the foothills of Virginia's wine country, where the cab franc, chambourcin and viognier grapes thrive and produce some delicious varietals for our enjoyment. So, if you are a oenophile like me, then having hundreds of wineries within a short drive is basically heaven. Charlottesville, Virginia, is located two hours away from Loudoun County where I live, so my sister and I road tripped and had the most incredible girls' weekend here one February to celebrate our birthdays. The food, cozy ambience and hotel/resort were all five-star experiences, and I am anxious to go back one day with my husband because this would also make for a perfect romantic couples' weekend away as well!