Anna Ingoglia

Visiting Costa Rica is like naturally maximizing saturation on life, and the world bursts into color. Deep emerald jungles hum with life. Vibrant ruby-red bamboo reaches toward the sky and crisp chartreuse leaves glisten under golden sunlight. On my last trip, I explored with local experts who unveiled an exclusive side of Costa Rica: secluded beachfront villas, rainforest lodges and boutique stays infused with warm Tico hospitality. Every destination felt deeply personal, designed not just for luxury but for connection: to nature, culture and the joy of Pura Vida living.

The Island of Hawai'i, affectionately called the Big Island, is the newest island in the archipelago that can sometimes feel like an alien planet. As an active volcanic island, it's more difficult to find idyllic sandy beaches compared to other islands like Maui. But this doesn't mean they don't exist — or that they're not potentially even better (i.e., way less crowds!) Luckily for you, I've traveled here over a half dozen times and I'm sharing the scoop on the best beaches on the Big Island to help you plan your trip and reduce time deciding in the car. Here is the ultimate guide to the best beaches on the Big Island.

Costa Rica is a captivating destination full of rich biodiversity, awesome adventure and delicious and healthy cuisine. From lush rainforests to warm sandy beaches, family adventures to romantic escapes or thrilling adventures to serene relaxation, Costa Rica has something for every traveler. This is a wonderful destination to tick off your list.

New Orleans has an infectious energy that’s hard to explain. Once one of the most influential cities in North America, it has a rich history and melting pot of cultures that has resulted in an irresistible allure. It’s a wonderful and unique destination in the United States that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime, whether you’re into the people, food, history or music. Let me help you choose your ideal New Orleans home away from home and let le bon temps roulez!

New Orleans is a cultural and food capital in American that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Love it or hate it, no one can deny the buzzy energy in the air the moment you land. New Orleans is full of things to do, and when the weather is good it's thrilling to get outside and explore this Southern jewel.

Portland is a gorgeous, green city in the United States' Pacific Northwest that is home to a mind-boggling number of delicious restaurants, cafes, and food pods brimming with food trucks. The hard part about visiting Portland isn't finding a good place to eat; it's filtering the choices down to where you want to go during the time you're here. As a local who works in the food industry, here is my food lover's guide to visiting Portland.

There is something magical about Maui that you can feel when you step off the plane. The air smells different. Maui is a place where you look up at night and see an asteroid shower, or you witness two sea turtles collide in slow motion while snorkeling. At least, that's whats happened to me. After visiting several times and marrying someone from Maui, my knowledge of The Valley Isle is a heartfelt mix between local and tourist. Below is my food and culture lover’s guide to Maui. As always, respect the mana and you will be rewarded!

Costa Rica is a wonderful destination full of rich biodiversity, vibrant adventure and delicious cuisine. From lush rainforests and warm sandy beaches, family friendly getaways and romantic retreats, Costa Rica has something for every traveler. Tick this country off your list and enjoy the myriad of attractions in Costa Rica. Pura Vida!

Santa Barbara is a tucked Southern Californian coastal town with the freshest seafood, banging Mexican cuisine and top-notch wine from the local Santa Ynez Valley. Just a couple hours drive north of LA or a breezy flight from anywhere along the West Coast, Santa Barbara is an easy-going, funky vacation destination. It exudes cool, So-Cal vibes and is the perfect place to do a little shopping, sip delicious wines, and hit the beach. It’s a bit under-the-radar, mostly visited by Californians and those in the know, but it’s chock full of some seriously luxurious stays both beachside and nestled in the mountains with gorgeous views. I fell in love with Santa Barbara when we made it our chill-out destination of the year and it’s the perfect place for a long weekend getaway.