Halle Rossi

This past Thanksgiving, my family and I traded turkey for waffles, canals, medieval charm, and some of the best meals we’ve had in a long time. We spent six nights between Bruges and Amsterdam—a trip filled with Christmas markets, breathtaking architecture, cozy pubs, and activities that ended up being surprise highlights of our year. Bruges completely blew us away with its quaint, fairytale feel, historic squares, and medieval towers. Amsterdam dazzled us with its energy, food scene, and one of the most magical evening canal cruises we’ve ever done. And the dinners? Every night somehow topped the last. Here’s our full itinerary, packed with what we did, what we loved, and what I’d recommend to any traveler following in our footsteps.

In April of 2023, my husband and I spent Easter break exploring Scotland—a country that quickly became one of our absolute favorites. Somehow, we got incredibly lucky and had sunshine the entire week (yes, really—only a couple of drizzles!) From the cozy charm of Edinburgh to the untamed beauty of the Isle of Skye, every day felt like a dream.

Helsinki is one of those cities that feels both laid-back and full of life, with the sea never far away. Having lived there for nearly six years, I’ve pulled together my top recommendations so you can experience Helsinki like a local—from island-hopping and sauna culture to cozy cafés and scenic neighborhoods.

In July, my husband and I spent eight unforgettable nights exploring the sun-soaked coastline of Montenegro and Croatia—a trip full of dramatic landscapes, seafood feasts, lots of wine, and crystal-clear Adriatic waters. From the quiet elegance of Perast to the vibrant energy of Dubrovnik, each stop brought its own unique magic. This was my second trip to Croatia, and I fell in love with it just as much as the first time. Here’s how our adventure unfolded.

This past March, my husband and I traveled to Morocco for the first time, and it was unlike any place we’d ever been. Our trip coincided with Ramadan, which made for a particularly meaningful cultural experience—the pace of life was different, but welcoming, and we got a deeper look into the country’s traditions, hospitality, and rhythm. Over the course of seven nights, we explored Marrakech, journeyed through the High Atlas Mountains, glamped under the stars in the Sahara, and wrapped up our trip near the ancient village of Aït Benhaddou. Here’s how it all unfolded.

I had been to Paris once before going on this five-night trip to Paris & Loire Valley. But something about traveling to Paris this time around with my husband made me really fall in love with the beauty of the city. Combining Paris with a couple nights in Loire Valley was a breeze—we only wished we could have stayed longer!

I lived in Helsinki for almost six years before recently moving back to the United States. Since moving back, I often find myself dreaming of spending endless summer nights or cold winter evenings at some of these restaurants, laughing with friends and creating lifetime memories. Helsinki's food scene and eating-out culture in general has grown quite significantly in the past 10 years, incorporating flavors from all over the globe. My husband is Finnish and his family still lives there. So, I never have to wait too long to see my favorite people again.