Meredith Celentano

Planning a trip to Spain’s capital was pure joy. Not just because of the city itself, but because it meant spending time with my daughter, who is studying there for the semester. Together, we crafted an itinerary that felt fresh and exciting to her and completely new to me. And wow — Madrid quickly stole my heart, earning a spot as one of my favorite cities in Europe. It felt more metropolitan than some of the Italian cities I adore, yet more approachable than Paris. I was hooked! The food is unbelievably delicious and diverse, and the people are warm and generous in spirit. Here’s a look at a four day itinerary that offers a wonderful taste of this spectacular city.

One of my favorite places on earth is New York City — specifically, Manhattan. I lived in the city during the amazing “Sex and the City” time period, and I still have such a romantic vision of it, even if it’s not always at its best. So, when it comes to celebrating something, I quite often opt for Manhattan. There’s a lot to do and great places to stay and you can pack a lot into one small island over a short time.

I’m a native New Yorker and, while I grew up on Long Island and live there now, I lived in
Manhattan for nearly 10 years and have been going to “The City” regularly since I was a kid. I love to share The City with my own family — and friends — and hope to instill in them the same love I have and the understanding that NYC really is the coolest place on earth. Many cities around the globe seem to try to emulate New York but none can be Manhattan. It’s a special place that has such an energy to it and makes you feel quite alive. There is something here for everyone to find.

Paris is in my blood and has been since I was a little girl doing cartwheels down the Champ de Mars, in front of the Eiffel Tower, with my grandparents looking on. There is something so captivating about this city – with its energy, food, culture and overall joie de vivre! The best thing about Paris is the ability to do so much or so little and still feel genuinely fulfilled. In my lifetime, I’ve shared this city with my grandparents, my then-boyfriend who became my fiancé — now my husband of 23 years — and, most recently, my mother and daughter. This City is tremendously special. In general, you can find just what you need in Paris to match your spirit.

Palm Springs is an oasis — it’s far enough from Los Angeles to feel like a true getaway, yet its vibe is a chic blend of upscale sophistication and desert charm. It’s a fascinating contrast: when you think of deserts, you picture heat, sand, cacti and endless vistas, often dotted with jagged rocks. While that’s part of the landscape, Palm Springs offers so much more. You’ll find miles of lush greenery, swanky pools, mid-century-modern architecture and stylish shops and hotels that retain their 1950s flair. The culinary scene is vibrant and modern, and the sunrises and sunsets are nothing short of breathtaking. This is a vacation destination brimming with unique experiences, but you could easily spend your days soaking up the sun or enjoying a round of golf instead.

Some places in the world exude such luxury that it's nearly impossible to imagine yourself there. For me, the South of France—often referred to as the French Riviera or Côte d'Azur—is one of those destinations. This summer, my family and I took a leap of faith, believing we could also experience the elegance of the Riviera during our six-night stay. We settled in Nice and spent our days basking in the incredible weather, lounging on beautiful beaches, savoring delicious, fresh food and indulging in the luxurious atmosphere all around us.