Hallie Blakey

Montreal is a top-notch city for a long weekend, easily accessible from anywhere in the US. While fall boasts beautiful colors and winter brings cozy Christmas vibes, summer is when this city truly comes alive. Here are my recommendations for how to make the most of Montreal’s vibrant summer energy.

Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a collision of flavors, cultures, and centuries-old traditions. From sizzling kebabs on bustling side streets to elegant Ottoman-era desserts, every bite tells a story. Yes, the Hagia Sophia will take your breath away—but the city’s true heartbeat is in its food.

My husband and I chose to stay at Maslina Resort for the first week of our Croatian honeymoon, and we could not have picked a better place. Everything about the resort is above and beyond, from the way the staff cares for each guest to the thoughtful design of every room. Not to mention the stunning scenery. We will definitely come back.

Think of all the little things that make European cities so charming, and then combine them into one city. That’s Porto, and you’ll fall in love with it at first sight. Its tile-covered buildings are stacked on the banks of the Duoro River, where you can walk across the towering Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia, the Port wine capital of the world. And in case you need another reason to visit, JK Rowling wrote the first chapters of Harry Potter in this city, inspired by its whimsical architecture and unique charm. It’s hard not to feel inspired here.

Lisbon has become a popular city to visit over the past few years, and it’s not hard to see why. Not only is it beautiful (think European San Francisco), but it’s also extremely affordable. Whether you want to explore its endless meandering streets or visit the nearby beaches and castles, you’ll find it difficult to be bored here.

A lot of people that go to Hvar Island are in their 20s looking to party all day and night. Because of that, Hvar town is overrun with beach clubs and drunk tourists — which is a shame, because this island is truly special. But don’t worry, a tranquil vacation on Croatia’s best-known island is possible! Follow this itinerary to avoid the party scene and take in all that beautiful Hvar has to offer.

Traveling alone can be intimidating, but I think it’s really important to do things that push you outside your comfort zone. Trust me, it doesn’t take long for you to realize that you are your own favorite travel buddy!

If you’ve never taken a solo trip before, Tokyo is the perfect place to start. Not only is it incredibly safe, but it’s also full of things to keep you occupied. And as a bonus, Japanese restaurants are basically built for solo diners! This guide is designed to help you prepare for a trip to Tokyo on your own, pointing out all the best things to see, do and eat by yourself.

P.s. If you’re still on the fence about a solo trip to Tokyo, check out the show “Old Enough” on Netflix. It's a Japanese reality show where parents send their young children on errands by themselves. If a four-year-old can navigate the city on their own, you can too!

Victoria is a beautiful city that somehow manages to combine the rugged natural beauty of British Columbia with the charm of a European city. While it’s a lovely place for a relaxing weekend getaway, it’s also a great day trip from the Vancouver area. This guide will give you everything you need to make your limited time in the city memorable.