Nicole Sansone

Mystic, a charming village in coastal Connecticut, was once a hub for shipbuilding as early as the 1600s. The Mystic Seaport Museum and historical homes along the Mystic River preserve the village’s seafaring history, while the growing food scene and boutique shops continue to draw visitors. It's perfect for a weekend getaway and next door to the vineyards of Stonington, Rhode Island beaches, and Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Its location—one hour from Newport and 1.5 hours from Boston—make it an ideal stop on your New England road trip.

Newport, Rhode Island, is one of our family’s go-to spots for a quintessential New England coastal getaway. Newport really shines in the summer—think beach days, sunset sails, drinks on the lawn of Castle Hill Inn or roof deck of the Vanderbilt, music festivals, regattas, and sporting events. The restaurant scene and seasonal events at the historic mansions continue to draw visitors to the Classic Coast year-round.

As the saying goes, Paris is always a good idea. I’ve been three times and am already excited to go back with my daughter one day. There is something for everyone: beautiful architecture, gardens, history, food, and shopping. My most recent trip focused on the latter in between hotel site visits, and I’m excited to share these experiences along with the attractions and day trips I loved most from previous trips.

Vail is world renowned for its winter activities and ski terrain, but don’t sleep on this town during its other seasons. Summer and early September are also the perfect time to visit for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the humidity or as an alternative to peak European travel destinations. In fact, Vail was modeled after an Austrian village when WWII soldiers returned home from the snowy regions of Europe. Every September the villages of Vail, Lionshead, and nearby Beaver Creek alternate weekends hosting Oktoberfest festivals celebrating Bavarian culture.

I was able to start summer 2023 with my first ever Familiarization (FAM) Trip as a travel agent with FORA. The Grand Hyatt Vail graciously hosted myself and other advisors to tour the property and experience summer in Vail. I can’t wait to return in any season with my kiddos (ages 8 and 6). Summer was ideal for hiking, biking and white water rafting (and escaping the humidity in CT), but locals shared their favorite season is Fall when the Aspens turn the mountain bright yellow and Oktoberfest celebrations take place in early September. In winter, the Grand Hyatt Vail is the only hotel with a dedicated chairlift which offers the most convenient ski in/ski out access to the slopes of Vail. The Vail Residences at Cascade Village consist of unique properties ranging from 1 bedroom condos to 8-bedroom luxury homes managed by Hyatt. Guests have access to all of the upscale resort amenities and shuttle services provided by Grand Hyatt Vail.

While I visited Park Hyatt Beaver Creek during the summer, I envision myself returning to the resort with my family during the winter season. I love how the resort blends seamlessly with the village and is just steps away from ski school (where let's be honest, I’ll be there too when not at the spa) and the main chair lift. Comfy lounge chairs and Adirondacks surround giant fire pits where guests can enjoy complimentary s’more kits or beverages from 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill at the base of the mountain.

A ski valet for storing equipment makes getting on/off the mountain as stress-free as possible and walkways are heated with covered escalators so you’re not sliding around on your way to the skating rink or shops and restaurants in the village square. It offers the perfect balance of activities and relaxation in a storybook setting that turns an otherwise cold and dreary season into something magical.

Located in Tuscany, Florence is the true gem of central-northern Italy. While it is a city of arts housing some of the world’s most famous pieces, like Michelangelo’s famed David, it is also the midpoint to discovering the surrounding Tuscan region. Once a welcome spot for artists, today it is a bustling city with students and visitors from all around the world. What are you waiting for?

A week-long break to the Cape is a family summer tradition for many New England families. There’s plenty of activities to keep you busy, that is if you can pry yourself away from being a beach bum till sunset. Today it continues to be a popular vacation destination for families from all over, choosing the region for its fair weather, privacy and recreation. Both adults and children alike indulge in the welter of experiences that this legendary peninsula has to offer.

In Nashville, it's all about the music!  From the airport, to the hotel, to dinner, the Opry and Broadway, music accompanies every step of your journey here and it’s quite fun. It is a city that reminds you to make joy and be merry, to dance plenty and indulge in delicious treats and plenty of spirited libations. Nashville is one of those cities that you don’t know you already love until you visit and it’s a true joy to discover the natural cadence and rhythm of this very special place.

My mom's parents were born in Ireland. For me, like many others, going back is a chance to retrace your family history and reconnect with family abroad. No relations? No matter. The Irish reputation for being welcoming holds true. And while I didn't find any leprechauns or gold at the end of a rainbow, there is a mystical beauty to the endless green fields, rivers and rugged coastlines.

Settled by the Vikings, Ireland’s capital city offers a variety of ways to explore the history and culture of Ireland. The historic fabric is woven into a vibrant, modern city.  Visit cathedrals built on legendary ground, the oldest pub or university in Ireland, listen to the captivating rhythms of a trad session or Riverdance performance, or watch hurling matches – a sport that dates back 3,000 years. Learn about Ireland’s struggle for independence, world-renowned poets and writers and the lesser known, (but captivating, or maybe personal) stories of Irish emigrants who scatter the world.

Italy has just about everything: a floating city, stunning lakeside villas, Tuscan vineyards and medieval hillside towns. It is also the birthplace of the Renaissance. Explore its charming piazza’s and enjoy delicious regional dishes. Wander, indulge and embrace il dolce far niente. Finally, be sure to throw a coin over your shoulder at the Fontana di Trevi as one trip to Italy will surely never be enough.