Maggie Pecorino

Since first visiting in 2017, Amsterdam has become a second home to me. It is difficult to put into words the sense of joy and comfort I experience while spending time in this city; I only know that these feelings increase each time I’m there. Allow me to share a few under the radar spots that I’ve discovered first hand throughout the years.

Saint Martin or St. Maarten (the French and Dutch sides, respectively) is the Caribbean paradise of your dreams. With no shortage of idyllic white sand beaches — 37 of them, to be exact — I am of the mindset that most of your time should be spent under the sun sipping your cold beverage of choice. However, what I appreciated greatly about my time on Saint Martin is that even amid its laid back island atmosphere, there is no shortage of activity to be found. With scenic hikes, quaint historical sites, water sports and several small towns to explore, "The Friendly Island" is truly a friend to all.

Amsterdam is my second home. It’s also home to far too many fantastic hotels to list in one guide, so let’s start with five of my favorites. I can vouch firsthand for their quality: I recently had the pleasure of visiting and chatting with the fantastic staff who make your stay unforgettable and I’m proud to say this guide is filled with insider intel and tidbits you may not find anywhere else. Plus, each hotel is a Fora preferred partner which means that when you book with me, you’ll be treated like the VIP you are. The best hotels in Amsterdam await.

There is just something special about Tuscany. Italy’s oasis for rest and relaxation offers an immersion into an indulgent, slow way of living that we could all take a note from. Indisputably, this region is also home to some of the best food and wine in the world. For these reasons, I could visit time and time again. Read on for a look inside a few of my favorite hotels in Tuscany — and get ready to daydream.

San Diego is one of my favorite cities in the U.S. The people are laid back. The food and drink scene is fun and fresh. And the opportunities for enjoying perfect weather are endless. While you’ll probably be out enjoying the city’s abundant sunshine for most of your trip, there are so many wonderful hotels to enjoy. Read on for a look at the best places to stay in San Diego — for all budgets.

Attention: do not skip Chiang Mai on your Thailand trip. One day in town had me asking… what is it that makes this city so incredible? My answers: a diverse population with distinct local culture and character, welcoming people, rich history, warm weather, proximity to nature, affordability, ease of transportation, variety of nightlife, and of course, top-notch food and drink. Not to mention, the airport is only twenty minutes from the center of town — love it. Welcome to one of my favorite cities in the world.

Portland is such an underrated city. Its manageable size and quaint, laidback vibes make it a wonderful escape for anyone looking to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy some fresh ocean air — plus tons of yummy food & drink, of course. Clocking in at a six-hour drive from New York, and only two hours from Boston, Portland makes a perfect choice for your next lowkey weekend getaway.

Let’s cut to the chase: Copenhagen is indeed as cool as its reputation. Simultaneously laidback and stylish. Relaxed and refined. Totally modern with a love for tradition. I think it is exactly this layered dynamic that I, and many other visitors, find so compelling. The things that make this city unique are not to be missed, but as with any international hub, the possibilities for discovery are endless. Let this guide serve as a Copenhagen 101 with tips on how to live like a local.

There is a reason that tourism in the City of Eternal Spring has exploded over the past decade — and it’s not just because the temperature is always perfect. I could list the reasons I love Medellín - its rich history, welcoming people, the affordability, the fun and the mountains lit up like galaxies at night, but nothing can do this place justice quite like visiting yourself. It’s one of those places you have to be to believe. Let’s book this trip!

The energy of Lago de Atitlan is magical. Three hours from Guatemala’s colonial city of Antigua, Central America’s deepest lake has something for everyone. Take a Spanish course in San Pedro. Rent a kayak and take in the surrounding volcanoes from the water. Enjoy a ceremonial cacao in San Marcos. Take a sunrise hike (or two.) Slowly explore each Mayan village on foot and feel for yourself what this unique place has to offer. Be warned: you may never want to leave.

I’m obsessed with San Diego. I don’t know if it’s the sunshine, the Mexican food, or the beautiful, easygoing people, but I might just have to move. This city is perfect for anyone looking for an abundance of arts & culture, A+ food and drink, and access to the great outdoors… so, literally everyone. (Unless you’re a vampire.) If SD isn’t at the top of your US trip list — put it there.

Berlin is a top tier city to visit on a budget. Summer brings an abundance of beautiful parks and waterfront locales for leisurely picnics in the sun. Dozens of open-air festivals can be found scattered throughout the city. Winter invites us inside independent galleries for browsing and later, to cozy happy hours for warming away the cold. The kicker? Accommodation here skews significantly cheaper than other European capitals. Even as the price of travel increases, Berlin’s open-minded character and welcoming vibes mean this ever-cool city stays accessible to everyone.

The Hudson Valley is home to some of the most fertile soil in the world — the Black Dirt Region. The mineral-rich soil left behind by an ancient glacial lake makes for high-quality, locally-grown crops and clean water. Enter: beer. Brewers have been taking advantage of these natural resources for many years, spawning an abundance of top-notch Hudson Valley breweries. Combine hundreds of unique beers with a taste of nature and cute, historical towns and voila: a perfect weekend upstate. There are 18 breweries on this itinerary. You won’t be able to hit them all — pick and choose! Remember: always check opening hours.

“The Napa Valley of Beer.”
“The Munich of the West.”

Comparisons are tricky, but there’s no denying that the Denver craft beer scene is legendary. It has been around longer than most, dating back to the Gold Rush when beer did not store well and had to be made on-site, on demand. Home to the major Great American Beer Festival, the Mile High City has no shortage of brews to try — classic or experimental. You can easily plan an entire trip around breweries alone… but here’s one weekend to help get you started.

Belgian beer culture is recognized by UNESCO on its “Intangible Cultural Heritage” list — and for good reason: Belgium has been brewing since as early as 1074 AD. It is also home to six of thirteen registered Trappist breweries in the world. The history of the country runs equally deep. International influence on its capital, Brussels, has coalesced into a city of diverse culture encompassing art, cuisine and its citizens. Above all, Brussels was my beer awakening. There are too many renowned breweries and beloved brasseries in and around the city to cover in one trip — use this guide as a jumping off point.

Amsterdam is a special place: a bucket-list destination renowned for its charming canal side homes, endless entertainment options and a plethora of world-class museums. The city is also home to some seriously badass breweries and beer halls. Oft overshadowed in this arena by its historically famed neighbors, Belgium and Germany, beer in the Netherlands deserves more international attention. Come enjoy some delicious Dutch brews and get to know this one-of-a-kind city in the process.

Barbados has long been a bucket list destination of mine and I’m happy to report that it more than lived up to expectations. The most easterly island of the Caribbean — and this guide — has something to offer all types of travelers. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a place to settle solo and work remotely for a while, Barbados (and I) have your back.