Caroline Weilert

In August of 2023, my family and I decided to dive into the serenity of Oahu. And let me tell you, it was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. While we soaked up the sheer joy of our trip, we also couldn't help but feel a gut-wrenching sadness as we witnessed Maui, our island's neighbor, being devoured by the worst fire of the past century. That shook us and further made us realize how crucial tourism is for all these Hawaiian islands to keep thriving.

In keeping with a cherished family love for cruising, my family rang in 2024 aboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, a crown jewel in the fleet. Our eight-night Eastern Caribbean expedition unveiled breathtaking beaches, adrenaline-pumping adventures, and cultural immersion across St. Martin, St. Kitts, Puerto Rico and Haiti. Yet, stealing the spotlight was the towering marvel of Symphony of the Seas, a 17-story floating city accommodating over 6,000 passengers. With its well-appointed staterooms, a diverse range of dining options and quality entertainment, the ship masterfully balances comfort and extraordinary experiences, making our cruise one we’ll remember.

In August of 2024, my husband and I marked our 22nd wedding anniversary in the stunning paradise of Punta Mita, Mexico. This tropical haven, with its lush jungles and pristine beaches, is home to a wide array of resorts catering to every type of traveler and occasion. As a travel advisor, every getaway doubles as a scouting mission. During this trip, we indulged in stays at the luxurious St. Regis Punta Mita and the vibrant W Punta De Mita, spent a rejuvenating day at the Conrad Punta De Mita and conducted a site visit at the prestigious Four Seasons. Here are my takeaways.

If you're considering a luxury cruise, Crystal Cruises is a name that stands out, offering two mid-size vessels: the Crystal Serenity and the Crystal Symphony. My recent journey aboard the Serenity from Quebec City to New York reaffirmed why Crystal continues to hold its reputation for high-end cruising. This review will focus on my experience aboard the ship itself, not the itinerary, so let's dive into the highlights that make Crystal Serenity a standout in luxury cruising.

As a California-based travel advisor, I'm often asked about Los Cabos, affectionately known as Cabo. One of the top queries revolves around hotels with "swimmable beaches." Understanding Cabo's geography is key—it's a picturesque peninsula nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. Along this captivating stretch of the Baja Peninsula lie distinct areas: Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, The Corridor, and properties further afield, each offering unique charms. Most hotels here boast stunning beachfront settings with breathtaking views. Despite some beaches being non-swimmable due to rough conditions, Cabo hotels on the beach offer unforgettable vacation experiences, regardless of whether you can swim.

Asheville, North Carolina is an unexpected, eclectic gem nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains that makes for an exceptional girl’s getaway. A picturesque, small city bustling with a vibrant art scene, gastronomical delights, unique boutiques and outdoor adventures, Asheville will leave you feeling as if you stumbled upon something special. My best girlfriend and I spent three nights in Asheville, which felt like the perfect amount of time to get acquainted with the city and the nearby mountains. For those who want to delve deeper into the region, I recommend adding at least one more night. This itinerary sums up our time together in Asheville, a destination that all girlfriends should consider for their next getaway.

Buttery, flaky croissants, sidewalk cafes, grand boulevards and breathtaking architecture all stir visions of Paris, the City of Lights, the dreamiest destination in the world. For many, however, traversing to an international urban city can feel daunting and that’s understandable. After all, for many visitors, Paris is overwhelming with so much to do, navigate and check off your list. After five separate vacations to Paris and a short stint living like a local during my university’s study abroad program, I’ve learned a thing or two. Here are my top five tips bound to make any Paris vacation more enjoyable, efficient and effortless.

Stockholm, Sweden, may not receive as much attention as other popular destinations in Europe, but the city and its neighboring islands rival any destination for its culture, charm, architecture, history, food and nature. It's a city that should be on everyone's Europe bucket list. I was first intrigued by Stockholm after reading the book series, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo". The story set in the Stockholm neighborhood of Soder (translated to South in Swedish) and the archipelago (a collection of islands) intrigued me and so I set out with my family on a summer adventure to check it out. Stockholm surprised us with its plentiful offerings and promises to be a destination worth a return visit.