Jody Holman

The Dolomites had been calling my name for years before I finally answered. These UNESCO World Heritage peaks in northern Italy deliver something rare: genuine adventure paired with extraordinary luxury. This is not a choose-one-or-the-other destination. Here, you can spend your morning scrambling across high-altitude passes, your afternoon soaking in a mountaintop spa, and your evening savoring Michelin-starred cuisine paired with wines from a 28,000-bottle cellar. The region rewards those who want it all.

Provence captured my heart beyond the lavender-scented postcards and winding, cobblestoned roads. The region's true magic lies in a mix of its natural and cultural beauty. You will find medieval villages perched above vineyards, markets where farmers still sell grandmother's recipes and Roman ruins which stand alongside contemporary art installations. What keeps drawing me back is not only the sensory pleasures, though they are abundant, but also the authentic rhythm of life that persists despite tourism and that golden hour that stays with you even once you are home. This is a place where a simple roadside lunch can become a transcendent experience.

The magic of Alsace reveals itself best on two wheels. Forget tour buses and rushed itineraries. This is a region that demands to be experienced slowly, with plenty of stops for wine, conversation and unexpected discoveries (it is also romantic!). Alsace boasts a well-maintained network of dedicated paths, particularly the scenic Véloroute du Vignoble d'Alsace. It guides cyclists through vine-covered hillsides at the foot of the dramatic Vosges Mountains. The region's relatively flat terrain along the Rhine plain makes for accessible riding. The proximity of its medieval villages allows for a leisurely pace with frequent stops. This slower mode of transport creates opportunities for genuine cultural immersion. Cycling grants easier access to historic town centers. The freedom to stop on a whim to sample cuisine or local wines directly from small producers whose families have tended these vines for generations. Find picnic spots with views that no roadside turnout could match. Enjoy the sweet satisfaction of having earned each buttery bite and velvety sip through the honest work of your own two legs.

Austria's baroque jewel is a living organism of cultural complexity and beauty. Famed for its classical music heritage, this UNESCO World Heritage site where Mozart once walked, offers a blend of history, culture and whimsy. As I discovered during a recent trip with my teenager, Salzburg is a destination that effortlessly bridges generations. Offering Instagram-worthy moments for the young and soul-stirring experiences for the culturally and historically curious.

The compact, pedestrians-only Old Town is a walker’s (and window-shopper’s) paradise. Most attractions can be covered within a delightful 15–20-minute stroll, with enough charming cafes and hidden courtyards to “call an audible” every few feet. Picture narrow, cobblestone streets that wind through beautifully preserved baroque buildings, with pastel facades adorned with ornate iron signs that hang above the doors of many businesses. These signs are a nod to the town's historical tradition of blacksmithing and craftsmanship. They lend an enchanting, almost fairy-tale quality to the experience.

As one might expect, the old town often swells with tourists. Those with a discerning eye and an ability to plan a little ahead, will uncover its quieter charms — boutique stays, culinary gems and hidden corners.

A combination of active adventure at a no-predator reserve focused on outdoor activities, and an exclusive stay experience catering to the discerning, luxury traveler in search of the Big Five is a magical pairing for a week in the Northeast region of South Africa.

"Where to go in wine country for a day or two?" you ask. My enthusiastic reply of late is Yountville! With so much to offer, including gastronomical options and wine within a four block area, Yountville is one of my favorite places in Northern California wine country. No designated driver? No worries! Park and walk the whole town on a leisurely day. Better yet, stay the night in one of its many hotels and inns. Yountville runs high on luxury indulgence and beauty, but maintains a quaint charm and sense of ease. It is also accessible to both Napa and Sonoma, and only about an hour from the city.

Santa Fe, in fact much of the Southwest, feels otherworldly- a place I believe every American should visit for exposure to its rich, Native American cultural heritage alone. Add in the expansive blue skies, vibrant art scene, adobe architecture, handmade jewelry and a varied culinary scene, and you have Santa Fe. It is a location I seek out every few years for a turquoise fix and a new pair of boots. It is renowned for its art galleries, which offer a unique blend of contemporary and traditional Southwestern art.

This summer I was given an opportunity to take a drive down Highway 1 to shoot some coastal scenes for a local magazine. I was expecting it to be fun, but I was honestly not expecting such raw (and cultivated) beauty. Nor was I expecting to see such a change in the coastal vistas and offerings from Pacifica to Paso Robles.

So in case you are planning a trip to California — and have time to rent a car, put the top down and enjoy the curves — here is one of my discoveries. Pacifica is a beautiful place to stop — either for photos, or food or just to take it all in.

The Scottish Highlands offer a unique blend of cultural charm, culinary delights and historical intrigue, all set against a backdrop of natural wonders. As a foodie, history buff or simply an appreciator of beauty, the memories you'll undoubtedly create here make it a must-visit destination. Scotland is a region where history, breathtaking landscapes and fine dining come together in perfect harmony. Let me be your custom travel designer, and I'll craft a bespoke Scottish adventure just for you. Slàinte!

Paris is one of my go-to “happy places”.  But traveling with teens can be a different beast.  As such, I am happy to share my personal experiences and list of places and activities that my teen boys also loved. Typically, I make a “half-agenda”, aiming for one museum or major site per day (tickets in advance), and then let the spirit of “la flânerie” (wandering) take over.

Once upon a time, Bordeaux was a sleepy, little town, slightly run down, without much to offer save some Medieval remnants, and a good location to launch a wine tasting experience in the region. Not so today. Now easily accessible in 2.5 hours by TGV (high speed train) from Paris, it has become a delightful city in its own right, which displays a beautiful mix of French, African and Spanish influence in the food, dress and neighborhoods. It boasts a newly accessible waterfront area and a modernized transportation system, the once-blackish building exteriors have been washed to reveal their natural stone color, restaurants and bars abound, shopping is abundant and, best of all, the character is still intact. On a trip to Bordeaux, you will find charm in the vegetation growing in the sidewalk cracks (there are even tours now precisely for this), a juxtaposition between the working fish market and the glitz of St. Catherine pedestrian street, students bustling around the square near the cathedral and many enchanting activities and cafés.

I have lived in the SF Bay area for over 20 years and as a wine and food lover (dare I say snob?), I consider Sonoma to be a favorite one-day or weekend getaway (especially given its proximity to San Francisco). Its rolling, vine-covered hills, Mediterranean climate, history, and (oh yes) its wine and food(!) make it an easy and entertaining getaway. Sonoma’s town center is perfectly manageable on foot for an afternoon of exploring and is filled with wine tasting, boutique shopping, historical landmarks and terrific food options. If you are willing to explore a bit farther, there are wineries, hiking trails and galleries to fill your itinerary, as well. Sonoma is a charming and historic destination and a place of extraordinary beauty.

When I have that rare, precious day to myself, I typically find myself headed, camera in tow and windows down, to Carmel-By-The-Sea. The vibrant fluorescent succulents along the coast almost look like a new-age rendering of a Kincaid-esque cottage scene painted on a velvet canvas and hanging on the wall of a backwoods café. The coast itself is a rugged, light-toned, craggedy tan, brushed up next to the deep, foggy blue of a never restful sea.

Carmel is quintessentially quaint, indeed Kincaid’s perfect plein-air inspiration (and yes, there is a namesake gallery there, if that’s your cup of tea). The whole town is only a few miles across. One end is lined with art galleries, locally-owned shops (no national big brands!) and restaurants; the other is a rejuvenated wildlife refuge, nestled in an inlet of the finest, white sand I have ever felt, where turkey vultures air their wings, and seals and otters poke their noses out of the water. If you love a morning jog, wind your way down to the beach, around the coast, and back through the cobblestone streets of unaddressed, and often cloyingly named (“Dream Come True”, “Chardonnay House”, “Anything Goes”), multi-million dollar “bungalows”. The whole place verges on being Disney-cute, though it doesn’t go as far as the Shirley Temple with a cherry on top.

The turn of each corner pulls you onward toward the discovery of a hidden garden, a Bilbo Baggins-style cottage, rolling roof and all, or a breath taking, glass-walled dream home, perched on a rocky overhang. Truly, no matter how many times I go, I make a new find, something else that makes me whisper ,” awwww”, or “wow” or “click”. These days, Carmel Valley is not to be overlooked either — replete with a scenic, winding drive to some beautiful, and welcoming wineries.

I like to eat, and drink and explore new places. Even after 25 years here, I continue to be amazed by this place and never tire of exploring this ever-changing city. Because it is contained by water on three sides, there is ample opportunity to access the coast, and it is small enough to enjoy a number of neighborhoods in one trip: the Mission, Embarcadero, Hayes Valley, (the newest) Dogpatch.  Oh, and did I mention the FOOD!?! 

And if you have time, plan to get out of “The City” for a drive along the coast, to points north and south.  It is a fantastic drive!

Normandy is a place that can hold the interest of adults and teens alike. Because of its poignant WW2 history, it has educational value outside of the typical museum environment. Yet with its cheeses and pastries, abbeys and churches, cobblestoned streets and ciders, it can also be a fun and a memorable introduction to Europe for tweens and teens. The coast is rugged, the towns quaint and the areas in between show the real workings of France, the agriculture and wildlife, civilians and tradespeople (cidermakers, potters, lacemakers, metal forgers and bakers). Consider going during the off season; while Wintertime in Europe can be a bit rainy and colder, it also means fewer tourists (and November/December have the added bonus of beautiful Christmas decorations).

The island of Hawai’i is called the "Big Island" for a reason and it is, indeed, big. Don’t underestimate the time it takes to drive from one end to another and there is no shortcut— here you are on Hawaiian time, the highways only go around and are often backed up. And you're going to want to see a number of things on the way including hikes, beaches, carvings, historical sites and shops.

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is a city where historic charm and modern luxuries blend. It’s a place where grand palaces sit alongside cutting-edge museums, where beer gardens thrive next to Michelin-starred restaurants, and where art and culture are celebrated year-round. Munich’s Old Town is a place where the warm mustard tones of buildings beckon, the flower boxes brim with vibrant blooms, and the sound of church bells ring in the distance. As you wander through the narrow, cobblestone streets, you'll find yourself surrounded by stunning architecture- intricate facades of Baroque churches, grand neoclassical buildings, and Gothic spires. Marienplatz, the heart of Old Town, is particularly captivating with its ornate New Town Hall and the playful Glockenspiel that enchants visitors daily.

Tucked away in the verdant Napa Valley, Calistoga offers a sublime (and casual) weekend escape where the sophistication of oenology meets the restorative powers of geothermal wonders. This charming California hamlet, with its rich history and boutique offerings, provides a lovely weekend getaway for elevating the senses and rejuvenating the spirit. Here is a curated guide to experiencing some of its under-the-radar gems and unparalleled experiences.

Forget the crowded streets of Paris or the glitzy beaches of the Riviera. Ardèche is where you go to discover the France of yesteryear, a France that many thought was lost to progress. This hidden gem in the heart of the country offers a tapestry of experiences that will make you fall in love with France all over again, from lavender fields to prehistoric sites, medieval ruins and outdoor adventure. Note: Similar to Provence, this area will require a car, if you wish to visit the small, hillside towns.