Lisa Verbeck

Japan has been calling me for years. I was actually booked to attend the Tokyo Olympics twice, but both trips were canceled during the pandemic. Like so many travelers, I had been dreaming of going to Japan. After years of waiting and planning trips for many of my clients, I finally made MY trip happen. We went with another couple and spent two unforgettable weeks traveling from Tokyo to Kanazawa, and then onto Kyoto, and finally relaxing onsens of Hakone. Between cities, we tested train routes, sampled ryokans and hotels, and found those authentic, less-crowded moments that always make the best memories.

Having traveled to Mexico previously, I was excited to experience it in a new way—by sea. NCL's Mexican Riviera cruise included extended port time and my first visit to Puerto Vallarta, making it easy to explore, dine locally, and enjoy each destination without feeling rushed. It’s an ideal itinerary for first-time travelers to Mexico or those who know Mexico but want to see it from a fresh point of view.

While Sydney and Melbourne typically get the spotlight, Brisbane is buzzing. With the 2032 Olympics ahead, the city is investing in culture, dining, and green spaces. New nonstops from LAX and SFO make it an easy hop for Americans, and it’s a natural launchpad for the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsundays, and Daintree.

This past summer, my partner and I decided to embark on a small-ship adventure in Alaska with UnCruise. The allure of UnCruise was its promise of an intimate, eco-conscious exploration of Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness. Unlike large-ship cruises, almost everything is included in an UnCruise — food, drinks, on-board equipment.

With more than 300 islands, Fiji offers everything from intimate boutique resorts and adult-only barefoot luxury hideaways to private island resorts that guests can have all to themselves. I've been lucky enough to have traveled to Fiji a handful of times; on a family vacation, a romantic week with my fiancé, a girlfriend's getaway, and most recently, I organized a private incentive trip for a luxury client. This guide will showcase a few of Fiji's top private island resorts for those who want to plan their own luxury private island retreat as well as describe a few other of my favorite resorts.

Embarking on a journey through Italy's enchanting Cinque Terre with my son was more than just a vacation; it was an adventure that strengthened our bond and left us with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Over five days, we explored the rugged coastline, picturesque villages and the serene beauty of the Cinque Terre National Park. Each step brought us closer and revealed the magic of this UNESCO World Heritage site. My mother had passed away the previous year, so I thought it was important that my son and I spend some quality time together. I booked this trip on the eve of the first anniversary of my mother's passing. The trip happened to fall over the same dates the following year.