Brittany O’Brien

Driving through the American Southwest on this national park road trip was an unforgettable adventure filled with dramatic landscapes, iconic viewpoints, and some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the United States. From sunrise at Dead Horse Point State Park and standing above Horseshoe Bend to experiencing the vastness of Grand Canyon National Park from the South Rim and hiking sections of Bright Angel Trail, every stop offered something uniquely beautiful. Northern Arizona surprised me with its diversity—from the pine forests surrounding Flagstaff and the red rock landscapes of Sedona to the colorful desert terrain and ancient petrified wood found in Petrified Forest National Park. This itinerary perfectly blends outdoor adventure, scenic drives, hiking, and small-town Southwest charm into one unforgettable road trip experience.

A road trip from Denver to the Black Hills of South Dakota turned into an unforgettable adventure filled with dramatic landscapes, fascinating American history, and surprisingly underrated national parks. Based in Rapid City, we spent our days exploring iconic sites like Mount Rushmore National Memorial, discovering the hidden beauty of Wind Cave National Park, and hiking through the otherworldly terrain of Badlands National Park. One of the most memorable surprises of the trip was how much history and variety this region offers—from walking the Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore to learning Cold War history at Minuteman Missile National Historic Site and hiking among the rugged formations of the Badlands. Between scenic drives, wildlife sightings, local breweries, and incredible meals like dinner at Tally's Silver Spoon, this South Dakota getaway proved to be the perfect blend of adventure, history, and classic American road trip nostalgia.

A long weekend exploring Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Durango, and Mesa Verde National Park was the perfect mix of adventure, scenic drives, history, and charming mountain towns. A friend and I road-tripped from Denver through the dramatic canyon landscapes of Black Canyon of the Gunnison, stopping at overlooks and trails to watch the powerful Gunnison River carve through the steep cliffs below. Driving over the breathtaking Red Mountain Pass near Silverton before arriving in historic Durango was one of the highlights of the journey, especially paired with incredible restaurants, local breweries, and the town’s Old West atmosphere. Exploring Mesa Verde’s cliff dwellings, including the Square Tower House hike and Long House tour, added a fascinating cultural and historical layer to the trip that made this Southwest Colorado adventure feel both immersive and unforgettable.

A stay in Hope Town is the kind of laid-back island escape that stays with you long after you leave. From cruising around the island by golf cart to relaxing at Tahiti Beach, enjoying sunset cocktails at Abaco Inn, or taking a boat ride to Pete’s Pub & Gallery, the destination perfectly blends barefoot luxury with authentic island charm. What makes Hope Town so special is its slower pace, stunning turquoise water, and the balance between adventure and complete relaxation. Whether you spend your evenings dining seaside at Firefly Sunset Resort or your days exploring hidden beaches by boat, this is a destination that feels effortlessly peaceful and undeniably memorable.

A weekend getaway to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve with a friend turned into one of the most unexpectedly memorable adventures in Colorado. Just a scenic 3.5-hour drive from Denver, the destination offered the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation—from hiking Zapata Falls and climbing High Dune to sandboarding down the dunes, soaking in nearby hot springs, enjoying great local food, and stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the state. Visiting in April brought fresh snow and cooler temperatures, creating ideal hiking conditions and a stunning contrast between the snow-capped mountains and towering sand dunes. It is a destination that feels both adventurous and surprisingly peaceful, making it perfect for an active weekend escape.

Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks offered some of the most diverse and breathtaking landscapes I’ve ever experienced. From hiking through the towering canyon walls of Zion National Park—including Kolob Canyon, Middle Fork Taylor Creek, Emerald Pools, and Angel’s Landing—to walking among the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park, every park felt completely unique. Driving the breathtaking Scenic Byway 12 between parks and stopping to explore Hickman Bridge in Capitol Reef National Park made the journey just as memorable as the destinations themselves. Watching the sunrise in Canyonlands National Park and exploring the dramatic landscapes of Arches National Park reminded me why Utah is one of the ultimate destinations for adventure, scenic drives, and unforgettable hikes.

Exploring Death Valley National Park, Sequoia National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Kings Canyon National Park over Festive Week was a reminder of how diverse and awe-inspiring California’s landscapes and the U.S. National Parks truly are. From snowshoeing beneath towering giant sequoias to hiking through granite valleys dusted in winter snow and watching the dramatic contrasts between alpine peaks and desert terrain, every park offered a completely different kind of beauty and adventure. Traveling through these parks during the quieter winter season made the experience feel even more intimate and magical, with peaceful trails, crisp mountain air, and unforgettable “pinch me” moments around every corner. This journey became special not only because of the landscapes themselves, but because it combined adventure, reflection, and the kind of natural wonder that stays with you long after returning home.

Winter in Banff feels genuinely magical—quiet, snow-covered landscapes paired with unforgettable alpine experiences. From riding the Banff Gondola to the summit to snowshoeing through Johnston Canyon, every moment feels immersive and awe-inspiring. The contrast of outdoor adventure with relaxing stops like the spas at Post Hotel and Spa or Fairmont Banff Springs makes the experience even more special. With iconic scenery at Lake Louise and Emerald Lake, Banff delivers awe-inspiring moments at every turn.

My 24-hour adventure in Barcelona was fast-paced, but a great way to get a taste of a beautiful city—from wandering La Rambla, walking (a long way) to Sagrada Familia and Park Güell (uphill), to having delicious meals. Barcelona is steeped in culture, history, great food, and exploration.

Lisbon is full of culture, history, and delicious food! We walked (until our feet fell off), did a few tours, and loved our TukTuk tour to learn about the history, culture, and food of Lisbon. From Pastéis de Belém to visiting the castle, Lisbon is baked in history and lively culture.

In March 2026, my husband and I embarked with my parents on our first Regent Seven Seas cruise aboard the Splendor for a 15-day, five-country adventure that departed Lisbon, Portugal and arrived in Barcelona, Spain. This was our first ultra-lux cruise and we truly did not comprehend how this line goes above and beyond to make you feel like the only passengers. From the ease of embarkation, to our butler and the staff knowing our preferences within 24 hours of arriving, to the numerous included variety of excursions, Regent Seven Seas made for an unforgettable and memorable experience.

Where the San Juan Mountains meet quiet luxury, Telluride offers adventures and an epic ski week. Whether you visit in the winter to ski all day or adventure in the summer, Telluride has something for everyone. The free gondola that connects Mountain Village to town offers easy access between the otherwise 25 minute drive, and both areas offer upscale boutique hotels, incredible views, and delectable food options.

In a last-minute switch from skiing Rocky Mountains in the USA to skiing 4 Vallées, Switzerland, Nendaz quickly became a favorite. Nendaz is a small, local valley, which accepts the Epic Ski Pass for season 2025–2026, and a gem to experience. Their food, restaurants, après-ski culture, and people were delightful and very friendly. This last-minute trip to Switzerland over New Years made for incredible and forever-memorable moments.

Fall road trip throughout the US Northeast at the prime of leaf changing?! Yes, please. Every day in the car was absolutely gorgeous as we drove through the small towns (Salem, Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, etc...), saw lighthouses, experienced Kancamagus Highway Pass and the Vermont Historic Covered Bridges. The inland and coastal northeast has charm, quaint towns to experience, and beautiful fall colors.

Fall in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park is magical and serene with its breathtaking views, quaint town of Bar Harbor on the coast, and incredible coastline. There is no limit to fall activities in Bar Harbor—everything from biking the Carriage Roads, to hiking around Jordan Pond, to enjoying homemade ice cream in town or enjoying a great lobster roll or seafood at one of the many restaurants.

London is so full of history, culture, and incredible food. I had not been to London in 20+ years and my husband had never visited, so we planned these three days with the intention to “see everything”, and we did. Everything from fishing for carp on a fly rod to The London Eye to Buckingham Palace Tour to The Orangery for afternoon tea to the Churchill War Rooms, London did not disappoint and we plan to return for additional adventures.

After having cruised for over 25 years, I now put Viking in my number-one spot for cruise ships and trips. This was our first big trip together since getting married, and Viking outdid themselves through the intimate and minimalist decor, the incredible staff, and the itinerary—we sailed the "Into The Midnight Sun" on the Viking Saturn. From the ease of embarkation through the rough seas as we traveled through the North Sea and until disembarkation, Viking made us feel like we were royalty, and their ship was impeccable.

Bergen was a surprisingly fun and quaint town that we spent five days in before boarding a Viking cruise ship. The weather was beautiful—a rarity in the summer—and we loved exploring and walking around the fish market and surrounding areas. We enjoyed going up Mt. Floyen and walking through the town each day, where we always found amazing meals and new places to experience.

Exploring the new-to-us city of San Antonio on a three-day weekend escape provided a delightful mix of history touring and relaxation. Touring spots like the Alamo, Tower of Americas, and the Riverwalk, while also relaxing at the pool or spa in the Mokara, gave us the break from “home life” we needed. San Antonio surprised us with amazing food and drink options—we never had a bad meal.