Carol Johnston

I can't count the number of layovers I have had at Chicago O'Hare, but decided to finally extend one a couple of days to allow a short visit to Chicago. I chose three hotels to visit: one at a moderate rate in a great touristic area, one high-end gem and the third closer to some of the nicer residential areas of the city. All had much to offer.

Hawaii captured my heart on my first trip and has continued to be a favorite place to visit. Over the years, I have visited the islands of Hawaii, Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Lanai in addition to having the opportunity to live on Oahu for several months. Many warned me of “island fever”, but despite being able to drive from one end of the island to the other in a short period of time (without traffic, of course), I never found a shortage of things to do. This is my list of the must-do items on the islands. Combine an active vacation with a chance to learn about a rich culture and plenty of downtime to enjoy some true relaxation.

Ojai is a popular weekend trip for those in Southern California, but there are plenty of activities available to make a full week of relaxation and fun. Here is an example of what activities can fill a week. Many claim that Ojai’s name comes from the Chumash word for “the nest”, although others say it means “the moon”. Both imply the peaceful retreat that awaits you. Ojai is also known as a vortex (similar to Sedona, AZ) that attracts healers and artists. The Topa Topa Mountains glow pink in the evenings, providing yet another reminder of the valley’s charms. Surrounded by fantastic hiking trails, bike paths, and mountains, Ojai is a great place to enjoy nature, just a short drive from Los Angeles or Santa Barbara. And, if you are looking for great food and wine, you will not be disappointed.

Santorini is a must-see for any visit to Greece, whether island-hopping or focusing on the mainland. Visiting Santorini in late September, early October is a great way to enjoy everything this island has to offer with fewer crowds. I recommend a minimum of four nights here to be able to enjoy the many interests this island has to offer. A popular stop for many cruisers, the island's crowds ebb and flow as the day progresses.

San Miguel de Allende is a popular city for American expats and tourists. You will find a beautiful, colonial city with cobblestone streets and neo-gothic and baroque architecture. While most might think of tequila rather than wine in this region, vineyards are plentiful and some of the local wines are gaining international attention. San Miguel de Allende has a plethora of Mediterranean-influenced restaurants, many with rooftop dining and bars with incredible views of the city and its churches. This itinerary blends wine tourism and a vibrant local art scene with a bit of luxurious relaxation.

We have always loved Hawai'i as a family vacation spot but would typically be in Honolulu just long enough to catch a flight to one of the other islands. This changed after having the opportunity to live in Honolulu for several months. I now recommend Oahu to anyone planning a trip to Hawaii—even if it is just a 2-3 day stop on the way to or from the other islands. Here is a plan for 3 days in Honolulu. And if you choose to stay longer, there is plenty to do!

The Santa Ynez wine region can easily be added to extend a trip to Santa Barbara. While there are also many superb day trips to this region that begin and end at your Santa Barbara hotel, this guide is for an overnight trip (assuming you are within an hour or two of Santa Ynez to begin). You can easily extend this trip for a few more days, as there are many additional wineries, parks, and olive tasting places to visit. The nearby Danish village of Solvang can also be added.

We love Scotland and return there as often as we can. Hiking is always on the agenda— we have completed the West Highland Way, The Great Glen way, walks along the fishing villages in Fife, and numerous day hikes. On our most recent visit in 2022, we were traveling during a train strike. Although we did utilize the excellent bus system quite a bit, we decided upon a private driver to get us from Edinburgh to Fort William, the beginning of The Great Glen Way. This is to share out itinerary for making a fun day out of a travel day.

Sonoma County is one of my favorite wine regions. A bit more low key than Napa, it still offers fabulous food and wine options. We usually fly into San Francisco, rent a car, drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and make our way to Sonoma. Assuming a later day arrival, the first evening can be spent at your hotel — where you can relax and enjoy a glass of wine or tasting. If you arrive early enough, take advantage of a relaxing spa treatment. This itinerary is for a 3-day, 4-night stay.

Costa Rica is an amazing place for wildlife lovers. More than 900 bird species can be found, along with countless plants and animals. Sustainability practices and nature conservation make this an incredible place to find wellness and relaxation from being in nature. Guided hiking is advisable to allow for the best sightings — with multiple degrees of difficulty to appeal to families, active seniors and advanced level trekkers. Combining the Arenal Rainforest region with a beach in the Guanacaste area creates a relaxing trip with multiple opportunities to see a variety of wildlife.