Lucas Mittenentzwei

From the sizzling steaks and hidden cocktail bars of Buenos Aires to the ancient ruins and breathtaking landscapes of Cusco and Machu Picchu, this itinerary is designed to immerse you in the best of South America. I’ve handpicked hotels, restaurants, and experiences that blend local flavor with modern luxury, ensuring you feel the pulse of each destination while traveling in comfort and style. Whether you’re sipping pisco sours in a speakeasy, feeding llamas in the Sacred Valley, or exploring Inca history, every moment is crafted to be unforgettable.

During my last visit to Berlin for ITB, I had the pleasure of staying at one of the city’s finest addresses. The Waldorf Astoria Berlin is a masterclass in modern luxury, blending Art Deco elegance with contemporary sophistication. From the moment you arrive, the experience feels both private and grand. The check-in process is seamless and welcoming, with a lobby that offers cookies and a sense of calm. The hotel’s attention to detail—like the Lego set of the building available for purchase—adds a playful touch to the otherwise quiet luxury atmosphere. This is a place where every element, from the sweeping city views to the inventive cocktails, is designed to impress.

I recently visited SO/ Paris, a bold, design-forward hotel on the Right Bank that feels like a true expression of modern Paris rather than a reinterpretation of the past. Set along the Seine in the 4th Arrondissement, the hotel brings together fashion, architecture, and art in a way that feels distinctly contemporary. The architecture and interiors were designed by Denis Montel of RDAI, known for his long collaboration with Hermès, and the influence of that design world is visible in the clean lines, refined materials, and strong visual identity throughout the property. Fashion designer Guillaume Henry contributed to the project by designing the staff uniforms, which adds another subtle couture element without overpowering the overall aesthetic. The result is sleek but playful, with sculptural furniture, bold color accents, and a confident, modern Parisian feel that resonates with design-conscious travelers.

I recently returned to Paris and spent time at La Fantaisie in the 9th arrondissement, and it immediately struck me as something different from the more traditional luxury hotels in the city. This is very much a “Home of Joy,” as the hotel describes it, and that feeling comes through in everything from the whimsical, garden-inspired design to the lively energy across its dining spaces. With just 73 rooms, it feels intimate and boutique, but still delivers the full-service experience of a five-star property. The overall vibe is playful, slightly irreverent, and unpretentious, with a design narrative rooted in nature and fantasy that softens the urban setting.

Spitzingsee is the kind of place that slows you down in the best possible way. Tucked into the Bavarian Alps near the Austrian border, it offers just enough adventure to get your heart rate up and just enough comfort to fully unwind afterward. This itinerary balances scenic hikes, spa time, and hearty regional food, making it ideal for travelers who want nature without roughing it.

Prague feels like stepping into a fairytale, but with better cocktails and a sharper sense of style. It’s also an especially welcoming city for LGBTQ+ travelers, with a small but vibrant queer scene, excellent public safety, and a generally inclusive vibe that’s easy to feel. Pride here is big and joyful, held every August, but the city’s warm energy lasts all year.

In June, I spent two nights at the newly opened Fairmont Golden Prague, set on the Vltava River banks just steps from Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town. The hotel, a reimagined 1970s brutalist landmark, has been thoughtfully transformed into a luxurious cultural hub. From the moment you enter, there’s no mistaking its Czech identity—an effect of collaborations with local artists, glassmakers, and craftspeople that make the stay feel both polished and rooted in place.

Athens hums with energy—equal parts ancient wonder and modern cool—while Sifnos offers a softer rhythm, with sunlit coves and whitewashed villages. Together, they make an ideal getaway for travelers who love a mix of history, beach time, and world-class dining. Travelers will find both destinations warm and welcoming, from Athens’ iconic ruins and edgy street art to Sifnos’ charming tavernas and Instagram-worthy aesthetics.

Brussels often flies under the radar, but it shouldn’t. The city is full of quiet elegance, with a playful, inclusive streak and a queer scene that feels both classic and contemporary. Whether you come during Pride in May or just for a quick escape, Brussels is a place where you can feel fully yourself while sipping something fabulous on a cobbled street.

There’s something really romantic about slipping into London mid-week—less of the weekend buzz, more space to move at your own pace. This guide is all about mixing iconic moments (hi, National Gallery) with insider favorites like rooftop cocktails, proper underground bars, and food market snacks you’ll dream about on the flight home. Come for the theater and tea, stay for the vibe.

In early June, I spent two nights at The Londoner—a boutique, design-forward hotel that somehow feels both glamorous and cheeky, like London itself—in London’s Leicester Square. With Pride just around the corner and rainbow flags already lining nearby streets, the energy in central London was electric. This hotel knows exactly where it is and who it’s for: stylish travelers, theater lovers, design enthusiasts, and, yes, the LGBTQ+ community. The Londoner leans into the pulse of its neighborhood—the history, the drama, the playfulness—and turns it into a luxurious, art-filled stay that’s right at home in the city’s most vibrant square.

Catalina Island is one of those rare places that somehow manages to feel like the South of France and a Greek island had a laidback California baby. Whether you're seeking a relaxing escape from the city or a midweek reset with coastal charm, this quick getaway delivers the perfect mix of scenic vibes, fresh seafood, and gorgeous nature. It's all just an hour away by ferry. Here's how I'd spend a couple of dreamy days in Avalon.

Taipei is a dynamic blend of tradition and trend, where you can start your day at a centuries-old temple and end it with cocktails crafted by Asia’s top mixologists. This itinerary highlights the city’s best, including luxe digs at the Mandarin Oriental, skyline views from Elephant Mountain, world-class bites from the original Din Tai Fung to Michelin-starred Japanese fare and stops at MOCA and local LGBTQ-friendly gems. Whether you're into shopping, history, food or nightlife, Taipei delivers it all with style and soul.

Guadalajara is the kind of city that sparks curiosity and invites you to slow down. It’s the birthplace of mariachi, home to some of Mexico’s best restaurants and the perfect spot for a long weekend getaway. Picture this: stylish hotels, historic plazas, craft cocktails and vibrant markets. Ready? Here’s how to spend a few unforgettable days in Mexico’s cultural capital.

Iceland in winter is nothing short of magical, offering the perfect blend of adventure, tranquility and awe-inspiring natural beauty. From the mesmerizing Northern Lights to the soothing warmth of geothermal spas, this four-day itinerary unveils Iceland’s most enchanting winter highlights. Picture staying at the ION Adventure Hotel, nestled in a remote landscape where the auroras paint the night sky, or soaking in the surreal thermal pools of the Sky Lagoon. See the Golden Circle’s iconic sites, such as the striking Gullfoss waterfall and the erupting Strokkur geyser come alive under the winter chill. Reykjavik’s vibrant culture offers a fun mix of modern luxury and traditional Nordic charm. Winter transforms Iceland into a haven for both the adventurer and those seeking serenity, making it an unforgettable destination during the colder months.

Experience Tokyo's vibrant neighborhoods and cultural gems with this eight-day itinerary. Begin with a stay at Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo, exploring Shinjuku's lively atmosphere and LGBTQ-focused spots. Venture to Minato for iconic landmarks like Tokyo Tower and watch a sumo match at Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena. Discover Shibuya's bustling streets and famous crossing before exploring Taito's historical sites and Ginza's upscale shopping. Travel to Mount Fuji for a serene retreat at Hoshinoya Fuji, indulging in nature and local cuisine, then return to Tokyo for a few more days of exploring fabulous digital art exhibitions and partaking in a traditional tea ceremony and an omakase cocktail experience.

In May of 2024, I did a site visit at one of the city’s best addresses: The St. Regis San Francisco. This gem of a downtown hotel offers sweeping city views from all of its 260 rooms and suites, and the culinary delights that await are nothing but extraordinary and exquisite. Every team member is welcoming and professional, and this Forbes five-star hotel is the perfect place for business, leisure and everything in between.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a wonderful place to relax and explore the many local boutiques and art galleries the city has to offer. There are also some really outstanding restaurant and bar options, and a stay at Le Petit Pali (part of Palisociety) will entice you to actually spend time in your room, sleeping in and enjoying pastries and champagne in bed.

The beaches in Punta de Mita are absolutely stunning and perfect to soak up some sun and recharge your batteries. The close proximity to Puerto Vallarta means you also can spend a day in the city, exploring all of its culinary and historic offerings. This itinerary has you lounge pool- and beachside, relax with wonderful spa treatments, explore Mexican cuisine and culture, and check out the many LGBTQ+ bars and clubs in PV.

A trip to Mendocino County, California, is just magical. Exploring ancient redwoods and soaking up the breathtaking views of the Northern California coastline pair fabulously with outstanding culinary options and inviting boutique motels and inns.

Charleston is the perfect destination for a long weekend or midweek trip and offers lots of history, art galleries and museums, beautiful food and cocktails and a few, very welcoming LGBTQIA+ establishments. The city is super walkable and the surrounding areas are full of gorgeous natural beauty and historic mansions.

This itinerary has it all – Eastern European city vibes in Zagreb, beach time in Split at the Dalmatian Coast, majestic waterfalls in Krka and Schnitzel in the heart of Austria. You will enjoy wonderful sights, rich history and culture, all kinds of culinary indulgences, spa pampering, a road trip, a night on the train and some LGBTQ+ fun along the way.

Have you ever flown past Mexico City, especially during sunset? The 9.2-million metropolis sparkles and glows, the sea of lights filling the airplane window, giving a first impression of the sheer size of the city and its vibrant population. It's culturally significant and easy to travel to, offering an authentic, diverse Mexican experience that includes everything from delicious food, local art, incredible entertainment and some of the best accommodation options.

A trip to Copenhagen is a journey through history, culture and culinary delights. Start your stay at the iconic Hotel D'Angleterre, where luxury meets convenience in the heart of the city, steps from landmarks like Nyhavn Canal and the Royal Theatre. Delight in Michelin-starred dining, local hidden gems and cocktails at vibrant bars. Discover Copenhagen's rich history on a guided tour through its storied streets, from royal palaces to charming harbors. Explore the enchanting Tivoli Gardens, shop along Strøget and immerse yourself in Danish design at the city's top museums. And, of course, explore the city’s many LGBTQ+ establishments while fighting your jet lag. Every day offers a unique experience, making Copenhagen a must-visit for travelers seeking both sophistication and adventure.