Brooke Yool

What do you think of when someone says New Mexico? The luxury of Santa Fe? The quirkiness of Roswell? These are solid New Mexico destinations, but did you know that some of the country’s best pistachios are grown in this state? Or that you can sled down white sand dunes to your heart’s content? ‌If you find yourself in this part of the country, here is a day trip itinerary packed with fun for the whole family.

I’m sure I’m not the only one to say that I love a good coffee shop when I travel. Not only is it a great opportunity to fuel up for the day, but a local café can also give you a strong sense of the local community. The Outer Banks, barrier islands in North Carolina known for their laid-back vibe, is full of coffee shops, each with their own personality.

Looking for a unique day trip in the Puget Sound area? Lynden is your answer! Just a breezy hour and a half north of Seattle, Lynden is Washington’s largest Dutch settlement. This cute town is full of European charm and is a fun place to spend an afternoon.

Have you done the usual Seattle tourist activities, but you’re longing for something with a more local vibe? You need to check out the quirky neighborhood of Fremont! Just a short bus ride away from downtown, but its artsy vibe makes it feel worlds away from observation towers and flying fish. Here are my suggestions for a fun afternoon exploring Fremont.

Raleigh, located in central North Carolina, is brimming with activities your whole family will love. It’s known for barbecue as well as a variety of international cuisines. Green spaces are everywhere, including the large Dorothea Dix Park and specialty areas like the Raleigh Rose Garden. Families will love the free museum opportunities. Catch a game from one of the city’s major sports teams—always a hit with the whole family. There is something for everyone in this lively state capital!

Everyone’s heard about Colonial Williamsburg, but did you know that there’s so much more to see in the Southwestern Virginia area? If you and your family have ever wondered what it’s like to explore the high seas, the Hampton Roads region is chock-full of activities for both kids and big kids interested in military history. Learn about its development from local museums and explore decommissioned battleships. Plus, with everything within an hour’s drive, it’s easy to see everything in a few days. This beautiful area is rich in history, both nautical and colonial, and has something for the whole family.

Located in the heart of the Balkans, Belgrade, Serbia, is an easy weekend trip from major cities such as Berlin and Budapest. It has an easily walkable downtown, allowing you to enjoy the city’s dynamic vibe. I love the energy, from live music and delectable food to historic local parks. Serbian uses the Cyrillic alphabet, but don’t worry — English is widely spoken throughout the city.

Granville Island is a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest, including a public market that I prefer over Seattle's famous Pike Place. If you’re planning a visit to Vancouver, you are in for a treat when visiting the market! The Granville Island Public Market is a treasure trove of bakeries and enticing food stalls. Explore the rest of this island — which is really a peninsula — to observe local artists at work. On a nice day, take advantage of the ample outdoor seating to enjoy your meal overlooking the vibrant Vancouver Marina.
Definitely plan to spend several hours wandering the island. It’s a fun glimpse into the life of local food purveyors and artisans — and over the course of a few hours, there’s plenty of time to try lots of good food.

Cute bunnies, a haunted hotel, gooey cinnamon rolls and more! You’ll find all of this in Eureka Springs, a charming town nestled in the Ozarks in northwest Arkansas. It is named after the many local springs that were thought to have restorative powers in the 1800’s. Today, this fun place is a haven for nature-lovers, as well as a delightful resort town chock-full of unique stores. Whether you’re a hiker or a foodie, Eureka Springs has something for you.

A trip to South Africa is a sensory delight, weaving together vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes and rich histories. From the golden savannas of Kruger National Park teeming with wildlife to the rich diversity of Johannesburg, you will be astounded every moment of your trip. If you only have 7–10 days, don’t worry — this is plenty of time to give you a taste of what South Africa’s cities and wildlife have to offer.

Enchanting Istanbul delights all the senses, but my favorite is the taste. From juicy kebabs to rich baklava, there is something for everyone. Istiklal Caddesi covers a mile of cafes, restaurants, and bars, and it's a stone's throw from all of Istanbul's best tourist sites. Get to know this magical city through its cuisine.

The Outer Banks of North Carolina are a series of barrier islands known for endless sandy beaches and that relaxed coastal vibe. It’s the perfect destination for beach lovers, complete with cute shops, delicious seafood restaurants and water sports galore. This is an ideal place to kick back, soak up the sun and watch the waves.

Gatlinburg is an inviting mountain town nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. From outdoor adventures to moonshine tastings to mini golf, the town is sure to have activities for everyone in your family. Its location on the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park makes it easy to enjoy nature while easily transitioning to the unique eateries and shops downtown.

The picturesque city of Edmonds is an easy drive from the downtown Seattle area. It has a beautiful waterfront, offering views of Puget Sound and the Olympic range. Full of local shops and diverse restaurants, Edmonds is a great place to have a locals’ experience during your trip to Seattle.

Budapest is a beautiful city on the Danube River, known for its regal architecture and hipster nightlife. You will find a kaleidoscope of Europe in Budapest, due to its central location. Between global food options, historical sights, and magnificent buildings, there is something for everyone. I hope you enjoy one of my favorite places!

Berlin is a modern, dynamic city that's exciting to visit any time of year. However, it is particularly festive in the winter, when over 50 Christmas markets pop up throughout the city. Each market has its unique character, so you can tailor your trip to your interests. Be sure to use the efficient public transportation. Berlin is large, and this will give you the best opportunity to see more markets. Be sure to check the market schedules, because some are only open on select days. You don't want to be disappointed!