Liesel Richardson

I have always loved Colorado and dreamed of living in Denver—and honestly, I still do! I first visited when I was young and immediately fell in love with the vibes, the mountains, and the natural beauty. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Denver four times over the past year thanks to a great friend who lives there. This itinerary is for those visiting Denver who want a little more than just the city. So hydrate to beat the altitude sickness and come along for the ride!

I love Hawai'i, and even though I’m not usually someone who revisits the same destination, I would return in a heartbeat—especially to Kaua'i. We chose it for our honeymoon, and I still wish we had spent more time there. The people are incredible, the views are absolutely unreal, and the hikes and activities are endlessly fun. Add in amazing food and unbeatable vibes, and it’s hard to imagine a better place. Kaua'i truly has something for everyone: if you’re looking to relax, you’ll find stunning beaches and beautiful hotels perfect for unwinding. And if adventure is more your style, buckle up—there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences waiting for you.

I’ve been to Hawaii twice—once right after getting engaged and again for my honeymoon—so it’s an especially meaningful destination for me. Each time, I found myself wishing I could stay longer. This itinerary reflects my dream Hawaiian vacation, blending experiences I’ve loved from past trips with the choices I’d make if I were to return, creating the ultimate getaway.

We’re huge national park and national forest fans—having visited roughly twenty so far—and they’re some of our favorite places to explore. The towns surrounding parks can be hit or miss, but Jackson Hole was a huge hit. The town is quaint, walkable, and cozy, yet still feels upscale, and being just minutes from Grand Teton National Park is a major bonus. The Tetons truly felt magical and genuinely took our breath away. We visited during the shoulder season and were so glad we did—there were fewer crowds, plenty of snow, and an extra layer of magic everywhere we went. The wildlife, the mountains, and the town’s charm are simply unbeatable.

We absolutely loved Lisbon and wished we had stayed longer. It’s a lively city that somehow still feels small, friendly, and wonderfully laid-back. It’s full of amazing food, great wine, beautiful architecture—and yes, hills. I loved spotting outdoor escalators running alongside stairways and slopes. Lisbon truly offers something for everyone: history buffs, food lovers, night owls, or anyone simply looking for a relaxing weekend getaway.

We spent Thanksgiving here in 2023 and it was one of the best trips we went on! International travel tends to be cheaper than domestic travel and not many people are traveling to Portugal or Europe for the holidays, so everything was cheaper. This is one of my favorite trips of all time because it felt like the perfect vacation for me. The food, the wine, the walkability, being close to the water, the charm of Porto, the people, and the ability to visit wineries daily in Porto and the surrounding areas made it a dream!

I lived in Los Angeles for six and a half years and never got tired of the drive up the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu. When we first moved, we went to Malibu most weekends to hike, explore, eat, shop, and sunbathe, and that first glimpse of the ocean as we emerged from the 10 freeway onto the PCH put a smile on my face every time. We loved the area so much that we got married there, on the cliffside over El Matador Beach, and it was perfect. It has a bohemian romance that is a reprieve from living in the bustling Los Angeles.

Iceland had been on my travel list for a long time, and I’m so glad I finally got the chance to visit. Since I’m not the best with long car rides, I wanted a more relaxed pace and didn’t want to rush through the country—so this itinerary is slower than most. That said, Iceland is easily one of the most dramatically beautiful places I’ve ever experienced.

I am originally from the East Coast, but lived in Los Angeles for six and a half years. It’s where I got engaged and married, so it holds a special place in my heart. This guide is a mix of all the things I loved to do in Los Angeles and where I would take out-of-towners.

I lived in Los Angeles for six and a half years, and the Central Coast was and is my favorite location in California. From day trips to long weekends, it was the perfect place for a relaxing getaway. Full of nature, wine, charming towns, and good food, you can’t go wrong!

Paso Robles was the ultimate weekend getaway when I lived in Los Angeles. It’s an easy drive with plenty of enjoyable stops along the way. A quaint town with good people, great wine, delicious food, and lots to do!