Rhonda Martin

There’s a handful of hotels that have truly given me the waves of emotion that result in watery eyes when departing. This is one of those places. It’s not easy to get to, but I promise it’s worth it.

Tucked away in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Takayama is the kind of place that makes you slow down, breathe deeply and fall in love with the quieter side of Japan. With its small city charm, walkable historic center, and stunning proximity to the mountains, it offers a refreshing contrast to the fast-paced buzz of Tokyo or Osaka. Whether you're wandering the preserved Edo-era streets, sipping sake at a family-run brewery, or heading out for a day trip into the mountains, Takayama feels like stepping into a storybook.

Ah, Aspen. A skier's paradise. But what happens when your girlfriends aren't in the mood to ski or don't want to pay for an Aspen day pass? You go anyway! Here's how my girlfriends and I spent a quick weekend in one of the most well-known ski towns in America. Hint: it includes a lot of dirty martinis.

Panama is often overshadowed by its neighboring country, Costa Rica, with many travelers overlooking its unique charms. Panama City is widely recognized as a bustling business and finance hub. The Panama Canal is its most iconic landmark. But there is so much more to this vibrant destination, cityscape and beyond, waiting to be explored. A major draw to Panama, for myself, might also be their best-kept secret -- the San Blas Islands.

Alaska is a bucket-list destination for many people, like myself. But, I always hear people say they want to visit by way of cruise ship, and while this might be a good option for some, I was determined to set out and explore parts of the state that are not as accessible by cruise ship and experience more of the "ruggedness" the Last Frontier is known for. You could spend a whole summer in Alaska and still not scratch the surface, so this is just ONE example of how to spend two weeks in southern Alaska. There's isn't one 'right way' to explore the 49th state, so let's curate a trip custom to YOU.

In July 2023, just a few months after opening, I visited ULUM Moab for my birthday. As a first time "glamper", I wasn't 100% sure what to expect...and now, besties, I think each one of you needs to dabble in glamping. Even my 'not boujee' boyfriend was sold immediately.

In May 2024, I did a site inspection while visiting Niu Beach Hotel on Moorea. I wanted to find a more "budget-friendly" option for clients that wanted to visit French Polynesia, but didn't have the budget for the often pricy overwater bungalows French Polynesia is known for. I would highly recommend this stay for not only budget-conscious travelers, but for families and adventure travelers as well.

Living in Colorado gives me a deep knowledge of the state, as I’m constantly exploring from corner to corner (when I’m not traveling, of course). Colorado in the wintertime is best known for skiing, as we receive an absurd amount of fluffy snow on over 25 ski resorts. You can embrace the dry climate, where even a 20-degree day can feel warm and invigorating, thanks to 300+ days of sunshine each year. March is the best time for skiing, although January and February are the busiest. There are plenty of options for those who don’t shred POW, as well! It’s hard to narrow down which towns to visit, as there’s truly a plethora of incredible options. This list provides a well-rounded compilation of bougie towns, laidback options, a city, ski towns, non-ski towns, etc. I could go into further details of each town, but for this list, I will give a summary with a few recommendations!

A vast majority of travelers tend to forget about the Middle East when it comes to deciding where to go for their next trip. Let me tell you, you shouldn’t skip out. Despite some destinations in this region being an obvious no-go zone due to political conflict, Oman makes the cut for both adventurers and luxury travelers to visit. It is considered to be the “Switzerland of the Middle East,” there’s ultimately no history of conflict and the Omani people are the most welcoming and kind that I’ve met throughout my personal travels. The landscapes are otherworldly, and the food is a delicious combination of Indian, Bengali, Persian and Omani.

I know most people visiting Greece are in a hurry to visit a new island every two to three days. Hear me out, though - Zakynthos is pretty big - stay for five days! It takes one hour to get from the south to the north end of the island, so you'll find a lot of the hidden gems are spread around the island. In order to really delve into this island, I think it deserves some extra time. Trust me, there’s plenty to see. I would highly recommend renting a car for your stay - Carreta Rentals is an awesome local company. Scooters and ATVs are an option, but be warned that the roads are windy, steep, and places are more spread out than some other islands.

Estes Park is the main hub for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, which means it gets millions of visitors per year! Even with high traffic, at its core it feels like a charming and laid back town. Set against incredible mountain landscapes, teeming with wildlife, and endless activities, mean there’s something for every one. One thing to note: this isn’t the place for staying at luxury 5 star resorts, everything feels a little more rustic.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, is a small surf town located on the Caribbean coast, a sweet relief from the heavily trafficked Pacific coast. It has been popular with backpackers and is a stones throw from the more famous Bocas Del Toro, Panama. While it's a Costa Rican town, it's heavily influenced by the Jamaican and Rastafarian culture.