Bria Rosenberg

I’ve lived in California my entire life. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and went to college in the Bay Area (go Bears!). I have made this drive up and down the gorgeous California coast countless times, in every season, with friends, family, and solo. I may be biased, but I truly think California is the most beautiful state, with so much vibrancy and diversity. You get dramatic coastal cliffs, serene beaches, redwood forests, sprawling vineyards, and big cities, all within 500 miles. This California road trip is just as much about the journey as it is the destination. This guide is written south-to-north, starting in San Diego and ending in San Francisco (or Napa), but you can absolutely reverse it if that suits your plans better.

Japan is one of those places that lives up to every bit of the hype, and then some. The food, the culture, the nature, the history, the people—every part of this country is simply incredible. I spent 10 days exploring Japan in 2023 and was blown away by the kindness of everyone I met, the beauty around every corner, and, of course, the delicious food. Endless sushi and noodles, yes please. No notes. Japan, you’re perfect.

London holds a special place in my heart—I’ve visited four times, and each trip only deepens my love for this wonderful city. London is a perfect blend of rich history and vibrant modern life, where every corner reveals stunning architecture and centuries-old stories. As an American, it’s awe-inspiring to walk through streets and buildings older than our entire country. And as a tea lover, experiencing a traditional afternoon tea in London was a dream come true—one I’ll never stop recommending. With its endless museums, layered history, diverse food scene, and lively pub culture, London truly has something for everyone.

Barcelona is one of my favorite cities in Europe. I’ve been in both summer and fall, and the weather was gorgeous both times. The food is out of this world—tapas, olives, Spanish wine, truly, what more do you need? It’s a lovely mix of historic European charm and laid-back Mediterranean vibes, with Gaudí’s whimsical architecture making it so magical and unique. Barcelona is a city I could wander around endlessly and never get tired of.

As a Los Angeles native, I’ve been going to Griffith Park my entire life. Not only is it home to the famed Griffith Observatory—perfect for stargazing—but the park also offers breathtaking views of the city, an amazing concert venue, scenic hiking trails and popular movie spots like the "La La Land" bench. As it is an absolute must-see if you’re planning to visit LA, here are some of the best hotels near Griffith Observatory.

Bali is the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and romance — which is why I always recommend it to couples planning their dream honeymoon. Start your trip in Ubud, Bali’s lush cultural center, where you can explore jungles, temples, rice terraces, volcanoes and maybe even meet a few monkeys. Then, spend the second half of your stay unwinding in one of Bali’s dreamy beach towns like Nusa Dua, Seminyak or Canggu. With its stunning scenery, vibrant culture and endless romantic experiences, Bali truly is the ultimate honeymoon destination.

Taipei is my favorite city on the planet, yet is not as big a tourist destination as many other Southeast Asian cities. It is a sprawling metropolis built in the middle of a jungle, and there is nowhere else on earth like it. Taipei has got it all: unique and astonishing nature, impressive architecture, delectable food, and a rich, enticing culture. I lived there for a summer for an internship, and I didn't want to leave. Everyone should visit Taipei!

Tokyo had been on the top of my travel bucket list for years, and it certainly did not disappoint! From the most delicious foods to the beautiful temples and the city’s vibrant and bustling culture, Tokyo has it all. It was so hard to narrow this list down to just 10 things, but here are my recommendations for the top 10 things to do in Tokyo!

Costa Rica is absolutely magnificent! From lush jungles to unique flora and fauna, to stunning tropical beaches, Costa Rica is the perfect destination for nature and adventure lovers, especially its Pacific Coast. Some of my favorite Costa Rican coastal towns include Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, Playa Herradura and Papagayo. I personally think December is the best time of year to visit. December marks the beginning of Costa Rica’s dry season, so you’ll get warm weather and not too much rain. Especially if you’re coming from somewhere with cold winters, Costa Rica is the perfect December escape to warm up!