Jessica Newberry

Singapore is a modern marvel of a city, which balances modern infrastructure and innovation with nature better than just about any other city on the planet. Filled with lush, green gardens in the midst of the cityscape, Singapore is one of the most jaw-dropping and beautiful cities in the world. The harmony of the blend of cultures in this city adds additional layers to what makes this city so special, and the entire time I was there I just kept thinking, “Okay, so when am I coming back?” Whether you’re simply there on a layover or have a few days to spend in the city, you’re sure to have an amazing time.

Siem Reap is such a shock to the senses, and I say that in the best way possible. It is a modern city with all the modern conveniences you could expect, but it lives in parallel with an ancient complex of temples that have withstood the test of time and showcase the beauty of Khmer architecture and design. One of the great wonders of the world, I built my entire Southeast Asia itinerary around spending some time in this incredible city—and it was so, so worth it.

Luang Prabang is maybe the most mystical and tranquil place I’ve had the opportunity to visit. The friendliest people I’ve ever encountered, the slower and more deliberate pace of life, and a calm spirit that chased every ounce of anxiety out of my body. While you can speed through the city and see all there is to see fairly quickly, it would be easy to stay for an extended period of time as well to really slow down and take it all in. My husband and I often tell each other that we want to live our lives on Lao time, and we mean it—more than any other place we’ve traveled, this is the spot we want to return to the most. I could live my trip here on repeat for the rest of my life, and it still wouldn’t be enough.

Chiang Mai was the first major stop on my honeymoon tour through Southeast Asia. From the moment we stepped out of the airport, my husband and I were blown away by the hospitality of everyone we met. The opportunities we had to meet locals, ex-pats, and other travelers were unlike any other experience I’ve ever had. Everyone was friendly, excited to chat and share their experiences with one another, and ultimately showed us the best of humanity. Not to mention, the food was 12/10.

Nairobi was the entry point into my safari adventure, and I often find myself daydreaming about going back. The entire time I was there, I was in awe of the coexistence between this bustling city and the natural wildlife. While I loved walking the streets and observing everyday life (genuinely one of my favorite things to do when in another country), the absolute highlight of my stay was a visit to the Giraffe Centre—which has been on the top of my bucket list since I first made one. I would go back just to relive that experience, let alone all the other fantastic things the city has to offer!

Zanzibar is one of those places I’d see in a magazine and add to my wish list, but was never fully sure I’d get to experience. After going on a safari in the Serengeti, it only seemed right to visit the island—I mean, we were as close as we’d ever been, right? While we spent a few days relaxing on the beach in Jambiani before our long flight home to the states, we opted to spend three days in Stone Town as well. The fusion of cultures, the long and layered history, and the incredible food and captivating streets were impossible not to fall in love with. You can see and experience most of what Stone Town has to offer in a few days, and it is absolutely worth the visit.

When I moved to Boston, one of the things I was most excited to do was take my weekends to explore the New England region. I figured I’d go to Portland for a long weekend as an easy escape and to check it off my list. I had no idea that one weekend would turn into a desire to spend as much time there as possible; this city captured my heart and immediately felt like a home away from home.

When I planned my first trip to Louisville, I was feeling stir-crazy from not having traveled in a while, and I knew my husband would say yes to this trip because he’d been talking about wanting to do the Kentucky Bourbon Trail for a while. I was delighted to find out that despite not being a bourbon drinker myself (that changed after the trip—bourbon is now my spirit of choice!), the process of making it was fascinating. I found the tours incredibly enjoyable, and found that breaking them up by visiting other cultural sites made the experience one for the books. Something about this city just captured my heart; I’ve been back several times, and will go back several more.