Reid Crain

More so than its breathtaking views, lively music, and energetic pub scene, the people are at the root of why Ireland is such a special place. Every person my family and I encountered was so friendly and helpful, whether it be with directions in the city, a quick story about Irish history, or navigating the train with our stroller. Ireland has something for everyone to enjoy. For the nature lover, there are endless miles of countryside to explore, complete with grazing sheep, mountains to hike, and stone ruins to explore. If you’re looking for a city vibe with music, laughter, and conversation, there are many pubs where the Guinness never stops flowing. Despite being a major city, Dublin was very child-friendly. There were sidewalks throughout, making it easy to navigate, and several dining options—from casual pubs to upscale Michelin-starred restaurants. Galway is another major city on the West Coast, but unlike Dublin, it has a quaint feel to it, with narrow streets, local shops, and restaurants. Between these East and West-Coast cities, there are numerous local towns and villages connected by the Irish Rail system that are definitely worth a visit if you want to experience authentic Irish culture.

Everyone knows that Paris is the city of love! It draws thousands of visitors every year to indulge on its romantic charm, exquisite cuisine, and rich history. But did you know that there is more to France than just Paris? While Paris is fantastic and I recommend it to anyone for dreamy getaway, there are more locations in France that love birds my want to flock to.

For those seeking to decompress in luxury during a getaway in the countryside, the Loire Valley is the ideal place to be. This is home to chateaus a plenty, rolling vineyard hills, and plenty of small towns boasting authentic French culture. There is no better place to unwind after the stress of a wedding and focus solely on quality time with your person. Couples that want more of a city feel but maybe not quite as hustle and bustle as Paris, look no further than Bordeaux. Bordeaux is one of the most bicycle friendly cities in France, making navigating extremely easy.

It also offers several options for entertainment including museums, art galleries, wineries, nightlife and plenty of incredible restaurants to choose from. Bordeaux can also proudly claim the largest water mirror in the world! A must see when visiting! If city lights or dark, starry skies aren't enough, there is always the escape to sun and sea in the French Riviera - Nice to be exact! Miles of private and public beaches just off the boardwalk create the ultimate picturesque beach town. After a day on the beach, indulge in a variety of different cuisines such as fresh seafood or authentic Italian dishes (due to Nice's close proximity to Italy)! There is never a shortage of activities in Nice - Boating excursions, shopping in the marketplace, nightlife, and day trips to the medieval cities of Eze, Antibes, Cannes and St. Paul de Vence as well as the rich country of Monaco!

Hilton Waikoloa Village is not only set on a beautiful piece of property with the ocean at your fingertips, but it also is home to a large amount of local artifacts that really created a feeling of being immersed in the culture of Hawai'i. I love that when you are just strolling through the halls, guests are able to view statues, masks, busts, figurines, and more. This shows that the hotel appreciates the history of the area and is proud to display its heritage to those visiting. The indoor to outdoor living space too was so unique compared to any other hotel I've ever been in. Honestly, the only fully enclosed space was our hotel room, and that was only when our patio door was closed (which was rare!). Every aspect of Waikoloa Village invites guests to enjoy the outdoors - from the sprawling outdoor spaces, artfully manicured with local foliage and water features, to the beach and lagoon teeming with wildlife that comes in directly from the ocean, and the many pools with waterfalls and plenty of spaces to lounge and enjoy the ocean breeze.

Charleston checks all of the boxes for a local getaway! A couple looking for a romantic weekend? A family looking for kid-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained? A bachelorette party looking for food, wine and fun with the girls? Charleston offers something for everyone who decides to venture to its colorful streets! Visitors can opt to experience downtown - the charm of the Old South - and also spend some time on the water, either on the harbor or at one of the beaches! This city is also easily accessible for all; just a quick 25 minutes from Charleston International Airport, making it a great choice for a long weekend!

This London itinerary focuses on hitting those must-see sites due to their impact on the culture and history of the city while focusing on a flexible, luxury, and private experience. In London, embrace everything that makes this city thrive, including Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Westminster, while also admiring institutions that have played a very important role throughout history; The Tower of London, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and Churchill's War Rooms. There are some gems for food lovers too, including Rule's the longest-operating restaurant in London and the Taste Film organization that offers quirky, gourmet food pairings with a movie being shown simultaneously! There is so much to see just outside of London as well! Private day trips are offered as an option to extend your visit outside of the city to see castles and cities that all have played major roles over the course of history.