Connie Norwell

I had the pleasure of traveling to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, for a familiarization trip hosted by Maya Luxe, the largest luxury villa rental company in the Riviera Maya. This was a one-of-a-kind way to experience the region—complete with meals showcasing local cuisine prepared by a private in-villa chef and cultural and wellness activities hosted right onsite. We stayed at the beautiful Villa Kin Ich, located in the walkable and secure neighborhood of Playacar Phase 1, and over a few days, we experienced the best of luxury villa living—leaving us eager to return.

Earlier this year, I headed off to London for my first solo international trip—and my first visit to this incredible city. It turned out to be the perfect destination for a solo female traveler: easy to navigate, packed with things to see and do, and with a familiar language and customs not all that different from a major US city. I packed my itinerary full, with four different hotel stays and planned activities every day. Here are my takeaways on what’s worth the hype, what didn’t quite measure up, and what I think every traveler should add to their agenda.

Puerto Vallarta, the heart of Mexico’s Pacific coast, is characterized by its Sierra Madre Mountain views and swimmable beaches. This vibrant and colorful city offers a range of experiences, welcoming travelers of all ages and backgrounds. If you’re someone who’s on a mission for good food when you travel, here’s how to enjoy the relaxing and carefree atmosphere of a Puerto Vallarta all-inclusive while still enjoying the local fare.

Nestled at the base of Vail Mountain in the White River National Forest lies Vail Ski Resort, the fourth-largest skiable terrain in North America. This Bavarian-style town appeals to families as well as intermediate and advanced skiers, and it is especially known for its legendary Back Bowls, which boast some of the best powder skiing in the country. With three distinct villages, it’s important to understand the nuances of each before you go—and which one might be the best fit for you.

I moved across the country to Fort Worth, TX after graduating college, which gave me the unique opportunity of learning about my new city (and the place I still call home) as a tourist first. Having never been to Texas at the time, I couldn’t find Fort Worth on a map! I quickly grew to love this city and have learned it well from the many visitors I’ve hosted over the past decade. In my time in Texas, I’ve lived in downtown Fort Worth, downtown Dallas and now in the suburbs, but it’s Fort Worth that still has a piece of my heart. Come explore and see everything there is to offer ‘Where the West Begins.’

If you've ever been part of a group of friends eager to take a vacation together but struggling to choose a destination, I have the perfect solution for you: the pitch deck party. Each person, or couple, picks their ideal vacation and puts together a short presentation, the group comes together to each make their pitch and a vote is held to decide. This is exactly what my friends and I did about two years ago, and a combination trip to Zion and Las Vegas was our winner! The best part? The trip actually made it out of the group chat, and we had the time of our lives. Zion National Park and Las Vegas are about two hours apart, and Las Vegas is the closest international airport, making them the perfect pairing for an adventure-filled weekend. Here’s a five-day itinerary for how to make the most of these two destinations.

With some of the best skiing and snowboarding the US has to offer, Park City is a dream destination for those who love to hit the slopes. But beyond the mountain, this charming ski town has so much more to offer for skiers and non-skiers alike. From high-end shopping to top rated restaurants, and a wide range of cold weather activities, here’s how to make the most of your time in Park City, Utah.

Visiting Belize is a truly magical experience for anyone looking to immerse themselves in local history, relax on white sand beaches and fill their days with a mix of relaxation and adventure. Experience Mayan ruins firsthand, snorkel in the second largest barrier reef in the world and enjoy local cuisine with tons of cultural influence. There is truly something for everyone in this small but welcoming Central American country.

Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, the US Virgin Islands are known for their pristine beaches, blue waters, and rich cultural heritage.

Ireland is known for its vibrant cities, rich history, culture and picturesque landscapes. Travel beyond the most popular cities of Dublin and Galway to explore the rest of what this incredible country has to offer, including Michelin star dining and award-winning golf. Kinsale, Killarney and Connemara await!