Deekshita Chigullapally

My two-day trip to Edinburgh packed in more magic than I expected, from chasing dramatic views in dresses on Arthur’s Seat to sipping Scotch like a true local. I spent hours wandering the Royal Mile, shopping for cozy wool pieces, and soaking up the city’s medieval charm. The National Museum of Scotland ended up being my favorite out of my entire 20-day Europe trip—I could’ve spent all day there. One of the coolest moments? Waiting for the iconic one o’clock cannon to fire from the castle, totally worth it. Edinburgh felt like a perfect blend of history, drama, and unexpected cozy moments.

Sedona is my favorite go-to for a girls’ weekend—I’ve been four times and still can’t get enough. With its stunning red rock hikes, star-filled skies, and calming energy vortexes, it’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature and your feminine side. We always stay in the cutest desert-inspired hotels and make time for sunset views and delicious Mexican food with a view. Sedona feels both grounding and magical—and I already can’t wait to go back again next year.

With just 72 hours in Amsterdam, I knew I had to make every moment count. My days began with fluffy Dutch pancakes buried under powdered sugar, and by noon, I was weaving over postcard-perfect canals with arms full of gouda I couldn’t resist. I wandered through art galleries where Van Gogh’s brushstrokes felt alive and stepped quietly through the halls of Holocaust history. It was a whirlwind, but it worked—thanks to some serious planning, early bookings, and a crash course in trams, ferries, and everything in between. Amsterdam moves fast, but if you plan right, it lets you in on its magic.

Last Christmas, my family and I set sail on a 7-day Carnival Cruise to Mexico—and I’ll be honest, it totally changed my mind about cruises. We rolled deep with a big crew: six families, 22 people in total. And somehow, this floating city managed to keep everyone happy—from the 7-year-olds chasing ice cream cones to the teens doing their own thing, and adults with wildly different vacation styles. I can’t think of another trip that would’ve been this easy to coordinate and still feel like a vacation for everyone involved.

Montreal is a city that effortlessly mixes old-world charm with a modern, creative spirit. From iconic eats like poutine and BeaverTails to cozy cafes serving flaky pastries and egg sandos, every corner offers something delicious. Its architecture and cobblestone streets make you feel like you’ve been transported to Europe—without leaving North America. In the summer, the city comes alive with free outdoor music festivals that fill the streets with energy and rhythm. Whether you're a foodie, a music lover, or just love a good stroll through charming neighborhoods, Montreal has a little magic for everyone.

Palm Springs is a desert gem that effortlessly blends natural beauty, quirky charm, and luxurious indulgence. You can hike serene desert oases, sip the creamiest date milkshakes on a local date farm tour, and marvel at massive wind turbines—one of California’s greenest power sources. Shop in style at outdoor malls designed for the heat, unwind with spa treatments that feel otherworldly, and even take a gondola ride into snowy peaks while the desert sizzles below. With a boat ride inside a hotel (yes, with real flamingos), striking desert gardens, and a touch of old Hollywood glamor thanks to Marilyn Monroe, Palm Springs is a delightfully unexpected adventure at every turn.