Monica Reason

As a traveler, my trips are action-packed from 7 am to 7 pm as I immerse myself in the culture, connect with locals, and seek out new experiences at every turn. Vacationers take a completely different approach by prioritizing comfort and relaxation at resorts or beaches, keeping their trips low-stress and unstructured. So choosing the vacationer route for an all-inclusive resort felt necessary since this was our mini-moon after a year and a half of wedding planning and celebrating our big day. After all that stress, doing absolutely nothing was surprisingly nice and convinced me that traveling like a vacationer every once in a while isn't so bad.

Denver has been on my travel list for a while, and with a friend who recently moved there who was begging me to visit, it felt like the perfect time to finally explore the Mile High City. What really drew me in was hearing that Denver is one of the most active cities in the US. As someone who loves using solo trips to get out in nature, that was exactly what I was looking for. While I didn't dive as deeply into the arts and culture scene this trip, I absolutely fell in love with the city's vibe—the style of the row homes, ample parks, and incredible murals everywhere. There's something really special about Denver's energy that makes it feel both urban and connected to nature at the same time.

I’ve always been curious about Australia. Maybe because it’s so far away from the continental US and you hear all the stories about their wildlife and nature, it can’t help but pique your interest. I had planned multiple Australia trips throughout the years with friends and eventually my partner. Finally getting to go for my 30th birthday after having to delay for COVID lockdowns.

Australia is an incredible destination with diverse landscapes, vibrant cities and unique wildlife. A big aspect of the trip was to see the regional animals, like kangaroos, cassowaries, koalas and quokkas (the ones I was most excited about). I also wanted to visit the Great Barrier Reef, as I knew that with global warming, the reef is starting to bleach and die. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be able to swim in it (with appropriate reef-safe sunscreen). Additionally, I know they have some of the oldest rainforests in the world, so that would also be a rare opportunity to explore. Now I am very afraid of giant bugs, so that was a constant fear throughout the trip, but I did my best to put that aside to enjoy the trip.

I’ve always been curious about Australia. Maybe because it’s so far away from the continental US and you hear all the stories about their wildlife and nature, it can’t help but pique your interest. I had planned multiple Australia trips throughout the years with friends and eventually my partner. Finally getting to go for my 30th birthday after having to delay for COVID lockdowns.

Australia is an incredible destination with diverse landscapes, vibrant cities and unique wildlife. A big aspect of the trip was to see the regional animals, like kangaroos, cassowaries, koalas and quokkas (the ones I was most excited about). I also wanted to visit the Great Barrier Reef, as I knew that with global warming, the reef is starting to bleach and die. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be able to swim in it (with appropriate reef-safe sunscreen). Additionally, I know they have some of the oldest rainforests in the world, so that would also be a rare opportunity to explore. Now I am very afraid of giant bugs, so that was a constant fear throughout the trip, but I did my best to put that aside to enjoy the trip.

I’ve always been curious about Australia. Maybe because it’s so far away from the continental US and you hear all the stories about their wildlife and nature, it can’t help but pique your interest. I had planned multiple Australia trips throughout the years with friends and eventually my partner. Finally getting to go for my 30th birthday after having to delay for COVID lockdowns.

Australia is an incredible destination with diverse landscapes, vibrant cities and unique wildlife. A big aspect of the trip was to see the regional animals, like kangaroos, cassowaries, koalas and quokkas (the ones I was most excited about). I also wanted to visit the Great Barrier Reef, as I knew that with global warming, the reef is starting to bleach and die. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be able to swim in it (with appropriate reef-safe sunscreen). Additionally, I know they have some of the oldest rainforests in the world, so that would also be a rare opportunity to explore. Now I am very afraid of giant bugs, so that was a constant fear throughout the trip, but I did my best to put that aside to enjoy the trip.

Having been to the Italian Triangle (aka Venice, Rome, Florence), it was time to explore further south along the coast. The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places in Italy with its deep blue waters and pastel-colored towns that cling to the mountainside. The area is a food lover’s paradise as many iconic Italian dishes were created there like caprese salad from Capri and gnocchi alla Sorrentina from Sorrento. Naples seemed like a necessary visit given our love of pizza, and what better place to visit than its birthplace. Additionally, with nearby Pompeii and the Herculaneum offering a window into ancient Roman life, traveling the Naples while on the Amalfi coast is a perfect way to get both cultural richness and coastal serenity while switching between ancient ruins and sunny beaches.

Whether you've seen it in movies like Gladiator and Angels and Demons, admired the masterpieces of Michelangelo and Caravaggio or savored authentic cacio e pepe and carbonara, Rome has made an indelible impact on global art, culture and history. Walking through the ruins of ancient civilizations, like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, while experiencing the city's modern vibrancy creates an unparalleled atmosphere that captivates visitors. The city's numerous piazzas, iconic fountains with drinkable water and charming cafes provide endless opportunities for exploration. My personal experience of practicing Italian there showed me how Rome continues to bridge past and present in meaningful ways.

Mexico City is an incredible destination for travelers who value delicious cuisine, accessibility and pleasant weather. The city boasts a rich culinary scene, from world-class restaurants like Quintonil to various street food stalls offering tacos, tamales and elote. Its well-connected public transportation, including a metro system and affordable ride-shares, makes navigating the sprawling metropolis easy and efficient. With mild temperatures year-round, Mexico City offers a comfortable climate for exploring its neighborhoods, like the artsy Roma and historic Coyoacán.

The city showcases its blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy through its UNESCO-listed historic center, iconic landmarks like the Palacio de Bellas Artes and bustling markets such as Mercado de la Merced. As a cultural hub, it also offers an array of museums, including the famous Frida Kahlo Museum and the National Museum of Anthropology. Mexico City combines accessibility, culinary delights and a dynamic cultural scene, making it an ideal choice for a memorable trip abroad.

One perk of living in California is being a quick flight away from Baja California Sur: home to a vast and beautiful coastline. Whether you want to visit Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo or La Paz, you’re guaranteed to have a relaxing weekend by the beach. La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur and unique in that despite being the capital, it feels more like a seaside town with a friendly, local feel. La Paz is an outdoorsy travelers wonderland. You can explore both desert and sea with various activities like ATVing, sandboarding, snorkeling, whale watching and more. If you want to get away for the weekend but stay away from the resorts of Los Cabos, then La Paz is the perfect place for you.

Canada is one of my favorite destinations for so many reasons! It’s just a quick flight from LA, making it easy to access incredible food, breathtaking nature, and lively cityscapes. Canada’s walkable cities, excellent public transportation, and friendly people make it a breeze to explore, and with a variety of activities for every interest, there’s always something new to discover. Best of all, it’s safe and welcoming—a perfect place to relax or adventure.

[This is part of a larger guide series for Japan] Being part Japanese and having relatives who were born and raised there, going to Japan to learn more about my heritage and see where they grew up was always a priority for me. We had originally intended to go in 2021, so when the country finally opened up to foreign travelers in late 2022, we put it back on our travel list. Given its amazing food culture, history, pop culture relevance for things like anime and J-Pop, beautiful nature and a wide variety of things to do, Japan is the perfect destination for any type of traveler.

Being part Japanese and having relatives who were born and raised there, going to Japan to learn more about my heritage and see where they grew up was always a priority for me. We had originally intended to go in 2021. When the country finally opened up to foreign travelers in late 2022, we put it back on our travel list. Given its amazing food culture, history, pop culture relevance for things like anime and J-Pop, beautiful nature and a wide variety of things to do, Japan is the perfect destination for any type of traveler.

Of the four major islands in Hawai'i, Kaua'i was the last one for me to visit. Since my fiancé had been there before, and I needed a break from work, I explored the island and relaxed. Kaua'i, also known as the Garden Isle, appears picturesque, almost unreal. The various shades of blue, green, yellow and orange that spread across the mountain ranges, fields and trees, the color flora throughout, it is a sight to behold. Besides world-class beaches teeming with wildlife and plenty of outdoor activities to engage in, it was a wonderful experience.