Kaitlyn Knause

Edinburgh lives rent-free in my head as one of the most surprising cities to visit. Steeped in history, culture and charm, a walk through this gem will have you planning your move in minutes. From the iconic Edinburgh Castle looming over the city to the atmospheric cobbled streets of the Old Town, every corner of this city oozes character and allure. With its stunning architecture, vibrant festivals, friendly locals and breathtaking views from Arthur's Seat hilltops, it's no wonder Edinburgh holds a special place in the hearts of all who visit. Get ready to be swept off your feet by everything this incredible city has to offer!

A safari adventure sits at the top of many a bucket list, and for good reason. It’s a rare and touching occurrence to view African wildlife in their natural habitat, and the landscapes are incredible. North Africa boasts The Great Migration, but I would highly recommend South Africa for its access through Cape Town and the variety of experiences it can offer for wildlife enthusiasts, night life lovers, wine purveyors, and adventure junkies.

Once upon a December, treat yourself to the festive season in Austria! Cozying up in Salzburg at Christmastime would bring a smile to even Scrooge’s face, getting lost among the brick-paved alleyways lined with shops and lit with cheer. Then, ring in the New Year in Vienna, celebrating among thousands of others as they waltz to Auld Lang Syne. I can’t think of a better way to stave off the post-holiday blues long after the last present is unwrapped. If you agree, follow this guide to plan the perfect festive fairytale in Austria.

Munich stands in stark contrast to other large cities in Germany. Even though the city was bombed over 70 times during World War II, it was almost completely rebuilt to keep its old-world style. It has all the modern things you need to explore, like great shopping, Michelin-starred restaurants, well-kept parks, and a lively bar scene. Munich is incredibly clean, safe, and very walkable. The city is also just an hour drive from the Bavarian Alps, where charming villages lie nestled into expansive fields and stunning castles, like Neuschwantein and Hohenschwangau, rise from the mountainside. If you happen to be visiting during the holidays, Munich has some of the most celebrated Christmas markets in Europe serving up plenty of gluhwein to keep you warm.

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul” —John Muir. This quote describes a journey through Oregon perfectly. While losing your mind is a bit easier when aided by some of the best Pinot Noirs and chardonnays in the US, Oregon’s nature is pleasantly sobering. Cast eyes on their meandering vineyards and lavender fields or travel to the coast to hike the jagged coastline, where you’ll be revived with fresh seafood at the end. The state has boundless areas to explore, but for four to five days, base your time in the gorgeous Willamette Valley with a quick sojourn to the coast, spending each day in nature and with a wine glass in hand.

The Azores is an adventurer’s dream and Sao Miguel is its perfect launching point. Just a short flight from Porto or Lisbon, consider adding Sao Miguel to your itinerary if you like hiking, surfing, and cruising for whales and dolphin sightings by day and recounting the memories made over drinks and refined dishes by night. While epically beautiful, keep in mind that Sao Miguel is decidedly more remote and rural compared to the Algarve or Cascais. That means its best for travelers who seek a refuge surrounded by nature with a side of small town. High-end, city slickers need not apply.

Enjoy the best of both worlds. Lisbon is a charismatic city with so much to offer in their food and wine scene, while the Douro Valley is a quiet respite from the hectic buzz in Lisbon or Porto. Both areas boast plenty of opportunities to experience the true vibrancy of Portugal. Engage through interactions with their wine makers, restaurant owners, tour guides and cocktail mixologists. Planning a trip to experience both is the perfect pairing.

Amsterdam is a vibrant city known for its picturesque canals, friendly locals and world-class museums. As you navigate the winding waterways that crisscross the city, you'll quickly fall in love with its charming Dutch architecture. The laid-back and open-minded attitude of the Dutch people will make you feel right at home as you explore neighborhoods like Jordaan and Nine Streets. Be sure to visit iconic museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum. At Rijksmuseum, you can admire masterpieces by renowned artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer. Whether you're sampling delicious Dutch treats at local markets or learning about the rich history at sites like Anne Frank House, Amsterdam offers something for everyone to enjoy.

St Croix may be the rougher-around-the-edges cousin of St Thomas and St John, but this little slice of paradise boasts stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters and rich history. With a mix of Danish and West Indian influences, St Croix offers a unique blend of culture and charm. The island is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, diving, hiking and even horseback riding along the beach.

Choose between staying in Christiansted for its colorful downtown or Frederiksted for a more relaxed, local vibe. Do note that Frederiksted is a popular cruise port. If you spend most of your days out and about, the crowds will be gone by the time you return for dinner. St Croix really has something for everyone to enjoy.

From the minute your plane touches down at Jackson Hole airport and you take in the Great Tetons, you know you've arrived in a special place. You'll never hear me turn down international travel, but there are so many places in the US worth exploring and the great American West is one of them. Even if you're short on vacation days, you can cover a lot of ground across Wyoming and Montana in just one week. If the scenery and wildlife in Jackson, Yellowstone National Park and Bozeman aren't enough to make you want to buy a ranch and start a new life, the emerging food scene might be just the hook.

Maine is an adventurer's paradise. If you're not an experienced hiker, don't let its rugged landscape and cold winters discourage you. Maine's small towns and cities are exploding. This is creating a pretty cool shopping and food scene, making our northernmost state a must-visit destination in the summer and fall. Five-six days is just enough time to take in its stunning coastline, gentle wilderness and hearty yet inspiring dishes. You can do it all by car, too, which provides the perfect excuse for stocking up on your favorite road trip snacks and gummy lobsters.

Talk about a melting pot of cultures. Singapore is known for melding East and West on one tiny island. You'll notice the juxtaposition of a traditional Asian aesthetic against the backdrop of a mega-urban financial and technology district. This also creates a unique mix of local and luxe experiences for your vacation.

Barcelona is a vibrant city by the sea with so much to offer. It's hard not to be immediately taken by the buzz of energy that this city ignites from within. Three-four days is recommended to explore the sites across it's expansive territory. For such a large area, it's extremely walkable which is the perfect speed to soak in the intricate architecture, lively markets and eclectic food scene.

Everyone from your trendy coworker to your down-the-street neighbor seems to be heading to Southern France lately. For good reason. Stretches of beach, awe-inspiring architecture, open-air French markets and incredible food would keep anyone around. I recommend 4–5 days, anchoring yourself in Nice and exploring nearby towns of Cannes, Antibes and Cape Ferrat. Include a quick stop in Monaco and cross one more country off your list ;)

Italy just can't disappoint. The north has the Alps and glittery Lake Como. The West has the Almafi and its stunning coastal towns. Venice excites in the East with its history and architecture. But, for breathtaking views of the Italian countryside, rustic and authentic dishes and endless opportunities for wine tastings, Tuscany takes it. Make Florence or Siena your home base as cultural centers. Follow your nose and taste buds all over the small towns that dot the countryside via rental car or private transfer.

New York City calls to many for a multitude of reasons. The architecture, check. The arts and culture, check. The diverse neighborhoods, each with their own vibe and energy, check. Restaurants and bars open until morning, check and check. Times Square, the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, yes it's got it all. But this is not a guide to those places. This one is more demure. This is the guide for those who've seen their fair share of NYC trips for girls/guys weekends, for work or for family site-seeing trips. And, while all the things I listed are just a few that make NYC the city unlike any other, my way of enjoying NYC is carving out a more relaxed, more lived-in weekend to take in its small indulgences.