Liz Schmittgens

From Edinburgh’s cobbled streets to Loch Lomond's tranquil shores, Scotland is a beautiful country with so much history and dramatic scenery. It’s a great destination to balance relaxation and sightseeing. Some of these locations are best reached by car, but trains will give you a leisurely option.

The capital city of Switzerland is rich in history and features quiet cobblestone streets tucked in among impeccable public transit lines. If you’re traveling with children or catching a few days of work during your stay, Zurich has a lot to offer. Take your time and enjoy the cheese and chocolate.

Norwich is one of the first European cities I've visited without an American within earshot. It is said to be the most intact medieval city in England and it is an UNESCO City of Literature. Take advantage this city with a slower pace. Book enough days to leisurely walk along the River Wensum and get your fill of classic British pubs. Since Americans are rare visitors, the locals will strike up a conversation with you as soon as they hear you speak.

Experience the hills in all their glory in the capital city of Portugal. When your hamstrings are burning, hop on the iconic yellow tram cars to explore the city and surrounding neighborhoods. Cascais is a 30-minute train from Lisbon and serves up relaxing beach vibes to balance out your city experience. Their motto is "stay for a day or a lifetime" — I dare you to resist. After spending six weeks living and working here, plus collecting recommendations from the locals, here is your off-the-beaten path guide to Lisbon!

The Nicoya Peninsula is situated on the western coast of Costa Rica. As a certified Blue Zone, it is home to some of the longest lifespans in the world and is the perfect location for a wellness getaway. "Pura vida," or "the simple life," is not only a common greeting instead of "good morning" or "goodbye," but also a core ethos among the people you will meet in this region. It shines through in their food, landscape and way of being, which is slower, more intentional and with an intense appreciation for nature. The good news is that you cannot go wrong with any destination in this area of the country. Here, you'll find a variety of activities and destinations up and down the coastline.

The desert landscape is a magical place to gather with the most important women in your life. It’s also a great place for a diverse group of friends looking for different things out of their long weekend with options for relaxation, outdoor and foodie activities. One of my girlfriends also introduced the idea of a Land Acknowledgement on this trip. A land acknowledgement is a way of formally recognizing and showing appreciation for the Indigenous peoples who have been traditional stewards of the land for generations before colonization. This helped bring a bit of extra magic to our long weekend together.