Hollie Grantham

Traveling to Amsterdam in December is a magical experience that blends a love for culture, history and festive charm. The city's iconic canals transform into a winter wonderland, adorned with sparkling lights that reflect beautifully on the water. You are instantly drawn to the cozy warmth of its holiday markets, where unique crafts and delicious treats create a festive atmosphere. The Amsterdam Light Festival adds an artistic touch, with stunning light installations bringing the city to life. December in Amsterdam offers the perfect blend of cultural exploration and holiday cheer, making it one of my favorite holiday destinations.

Nestled amid the enchanting vineyards of Beaujolais, Château de Bagnols stands as an epitome of opulence and elegance, beckoning travelers to immerse themselves in a realm of unparalleled luxury. As an avid connoisseur of fine hospitality, this majestic estate left an impression on me, solidifying its status as the premier luxury hotel in France.

Milan is one of Italy’s most thriving metropolitan cities and known for its ties to the fashion industry. If you are traveling to Italy and looking for a city with elegant dining, world class museums and luxurious shopping, you should absolutely add Milan to your list. Milan was the starting point for me on a two-week trip through Italy and this guide will show you how to best indulge for 48 hours in this lively city.

Athens is not just the gateway to the Greek Islands, but a city of culture, nightlife, and delicious food. Athens is often overlooked as travelers fly in from all over the world and make their way to destinations such as Mykonos and Santorini. I had the pleasure of spending two days in Athens this past summer before setting sail on a ferry to the islands and I had some top notch meals and the opportunity to immerse myself in the historical wonder the city offers.

Venice is one of the most iconic destinations not just in Italy, but in the world. The gondolas floating up and down the canals with the backdrop of the breathtaking architecture give you the feeling of being in a fairy tale or another time. It is often thought of as a place for a romantic getaway, but I found it to be an excellent place to explore solo. Venice is a city of hidden treasures and when traveling solo, getting lost in the streets of a city to find things you love on your own time is a feeling like any other. This guide is about my experience and how you might like to spend your time in Venice on a solo trip!

London, England, is a city rich with history, culture and life. London was the first major city I visited abroad, giving it a special place in my heart and remains one of my favorite cities to this day. While I have had the pleasure of spending a lot of time in London and have many favorite ways to spend my time there, I wanted to create a guide for first timers! There is no shortage of things to experience and unless you plan to stay for months. I want to highlight some of the must see (or eat) things that simply can’t be missed! For reference, these are activities I have done or seen or many times and would at any time, happily participate in again!

Florence was a city that took me by surprise. I knew of the historical significance and the five star reputation of the local food and wine, but I never imagined just how much there was to see or eat! I spent four days in Florence and while I was able to immerse myself in the museums and visit the countryside, there are still many things I wish to see and experience. The people of Florence are warm and inviting and while I was traveling solo I never found myself lonely. It was easy to make friends over dinner or coffee and the locals were more than happy to tell you their favorite hidden gems or where to find the best pasta. If you are traveling to Florence for the first time, this guide highlights my favorite food, museums, and the best day trips!

Newport, Rhode Island, is one of the most striking places on the US East Coast. Its jaw dropping cliffs lined with mansions from the gilded age overlooking the Atlantic Ocean set the backdrop for indulging in all things luxury. As a New Yorker, this is one of my favorite weekend getaways from the city and dare I say, maybe more enjoyable than the Hamptons.

When you think of New York City, you immediately think of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, or Times Square. People visit from all over the world to see these iconic monuments but as a New York City local, I often have friends or family who have visited multiple times and want to “do what the locals do” as they have already visited the tourist attractions. This guide is intended to give you some insight to how I might spend my weekend as a woman in her 30’s in NYC. Full disclosure, these are things I never get tired of, and you may find some pet friendly activities hidden in here as well.

While I often hear Mykonos being knocked for providing the least authentic Greek experience among the islands, I find that Mykonos provides an experience that is incredible in its own right. There is authenticity in any experience if you know where to look! The stunning blue waters, architecture and opulence of Mykonos create the perfect place to escape from reality and indulge. I spent a week there with a group of friends from all over the world. Some from Greece, some from Dubai, some from France and obviously me coming from New York, and we all found adventure, a lot of laughs and all-out good times that all of us will remember forever. From its stunning hotels and villas to the perfectly curated beach clubs and restaurants, you can easily slip away into a different world and shut your mind off. Embrace the luxurious beauty of this island and get ready to soak up the sun, sing, dance and enjoy the company of the people you are with!

Lisbon is an enigma. With the feel of hustle and bustle like any other major city, it is laid back at the same time. I never felt a shortage of things to do but at the same time never felt I had to do anything or be anywhere. Perhaps its close proximity to the ocean and California-like beaches gives it this feeling. You can have the energy of the city and all its restaurants, shops, and robust nightlife, but with a quick car ride you can be relaxing on a sandy beach. With all Lisbon has to offer, there is something for everyone and makes it the perfect place to take a girls trip. This guide will give you all of the best restaurants and activities to make your trip to Lisbon with your girlfriends unforgettable.

When you think of the South of France, you think of Cannes or Nice and all of the famous towns on the Cote D'azur. Biarritz isn’t often a place that comes top of mind when you speak to Americans planning a beach vacation in France. This coastal city in the Southwest of France bordering Spain and the Atlantic Ocean is like heaven on earth. Members of my family have been vacationing here for years. As soon as I was introduced to this beautiful spot, I knew it would become a regular destination in my summer travel schedule. From the incredibly fresh seafood, to the pristine beaches and Parisian style architecture this city in Basque Country is a paradise anybody can enjoy.