Jessica Weymier

There are hotels you enjoy and hotels you remember. The Shangri-La Sydney is the second kind—the kind that quietly recalibrates what you expect from every stay that follows, and does it so seamlessly you don't realize it's happening until you're already ruined for anything less.

Tasmania was never supposed to be the standout trip. It was a work trip that quickly turned into unforgettable memories. Leisure and adventure somehow coexist effortlessly on this island. One hour you’re wandering a harbor, the next you’re hand-feeding a kangaroo or standing at the top of a mountain with views that make the world feel very large and very manageable all at once. This is for anyone who has Tasmania sitting vaguely on their radar and needs someone to tell them to just go ahead and book it.

Born and raised a Wisconsin girl, Milwaukee's culture, food, and life are in my blood—even now as a North Carolina transplant—which makes any return trip all that much sweeter. This time around, I brought some friends from "across the pond" with me, and we INDULGED. The fun we had on an impromptu girls' trip might just inspire you to check out this underrated destination.

San Juan wasn’t what I expected. It was better! Four days with my girlfriends, no agenda beyond good food and clear water, and somehow it became one of those trips I’ll measure everything else against. Let this guide show you how a quick flight, short weekend, and your best friends can create the best trip.

Iceland is one of those rare destinations whose beauty can’t be fully captured on camera. Even in a matter of hours, the landscapes left a lasting impression and became some of my most vivid travel memories. What started as a brief stopover quickly turned into a place we felt drawn back to. Since then, we’ve returned multiple times to experience it again and to share it with family and friends.