Melissa Curtin

We fell in love with the desert many years ago. After writing about over 20 hotels, we bought a home in Palm Springs, California during the pandemic. As a travel and food writer, I have covered Restaurant Week, Modernism Week(s), Coachella, Desert X, golf tournaments and many more festivities, so I know Palm Springs very well. I love the peace and quiet of the desert with the beauty of the mountains and swaying palm trees coupled with city culture in a small town.

Ecoventura blends wildlife into their concept of luxury expedition yachting, creating an exciting, sustainable, and chic experience that immerses travelers in an intimate voyage for up to 20 guests. Their fleet of floating five-star “boutique hotels” – named Origin, Theory, & Evolve – are part of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux collection of unique luxury hotels and restaurants. The exceptional itineraries, exquisite gastronomy, and life-enriching experiences set a new standard in the Galapagos.

Sunday departures alternate between two exhilarating 7-night itineraries visiting the outer most remote islands of the archipelago; Itinerary A “Beaches and Bays” follows a Southern & Central route, and Itinerary B, “Volcanic Wonders” follows a Northern and Western route.

You may have wondered whether a river cruise is right for you. Typically, river cruises run older – often due to cost – but I am in my 40s and it has been my favorite way to explore Europe for several reasons.

I just returned from a two-week trip as a travel writer and stayed at some fabulous properties. For more inspiration, check out my guide on the best things do do on the Mendocino Coast, beyond wine tasting.

This is the ultimate luxury expedition ship. I sailed on the glamorous modern light-filled HS Diana, a polar class ship designed for Antarctica. This was the inaugural Swan Hellenic X Chopra Wellness ‘Explore and Restore’ cruise, a holistic immersive wellbeing escape including daily yoga, breathwork, Chopra-certified-led workshops, journaling (with a booklet and journal to guide oneself), Ayurveda-inspired menu options and cultural excursions. There are various itineraries around the world.

Swan Hellenic’s Motto: Go where others can’t (due to its smaller ship size).

This is my third time traveling in Croatia, but this time I was on a Fora FAM trip with Journey2Croatia and Journey2Montenegro, a wonderful DMC who works with travel advisors to personalize trips for clients based on their interests. Croatia is one of the best countries to visit and explore in Europe because it is super safe and donned with ancient medieval towns along the coast that are exciting to explore. Also, Croatia is stuffed with grand waterfalls, exciting foods and glorious crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming until the first two weeks of October.

Admire the enchanting beauty of the land and sea on a Croatian island with vineyards, roaming cats, ancient towers, monasteries, ruins and detailed carvings on churches reminding us of Croatia’s 15th-century past. The water is so clear that it is impossible not to want to slide in off for a swim from one of the rocky coves. Split makes the best launching location to take a boat/ferry to one of the many islands off the coast. It is easy to get to know a multitude of islands here as many ferries run daily and cost around $20 to get from one island to the next. Here is my guide to exploring Croatia's islands.

In the beginning of August, I was on a seven-night cruise on Windstar and brought my 79-year-old mom. I just wanted to share how amazing this journey was as I had little expectations or understanding of what this might entail. Every day consisted of unique landscapes and wildlife. I felt like a true adventurer as we soared into new lands, islands and fjords each day.

I live in Malibu. I met my husband in Malibu and got married in Malibu. I've been obsessed with this Los Angeles escape since I landed 16 years ago. I also think Malibu has the best beaches in California. It's an excellent couple's getaway for a long weekend away from the hustle and bustle.