Samantha Halseth

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you cross the border from the sharp, efficient beauty of the Swiss Alps into the sun-drenched, "dolce vita" lifestyle of Northern Italy. This trip isn't just about checking off famous lakes; it’s about the contrast between the misty shores of Lugano and the aristocratically elegant villas of Lake Como. I designed this for the traveler who wants the perfect mix of high-end relaxation—think private thermal spas and lakeside dinners—and deep cultural dives like seeing "The Last Supper" in person.

For a perfect pre-baby escape, my husband and I couldn’t have picked a better spot than Austin, Texas. In this trip report, I share how our stay at the Austin Proper Hotel made our “babymoon” truly memorable. I’ll walk you through our relaxing time at the hotel—from the incredible rooftop pool to the creative mocktails—and how we used the complimentary e-bikes to explore the city’s best sights and food, including everything from the famous Torchy’s Tacos to a unique high-end steakhouse. It’s a personal look at how Austin’s good vibes and the Austin Proper’s hospitality provided the perfect mix of relaxation and fun.

Carmel Valley, located just 20 minutes from the famous Carmel-by-the Sea, gives visitors all of the benefits of the beach town but is tucked away with views of the beautiful vineyards and hillsides. Carmel is a special place to me, as it's been an escape for my family for multiple generations and is now a recurring destination for me and my hubby. For anyone who wants to get away for the weekend and enjoy the beach, but is also looking for a little warmer conditions than the coast allows, look no further than Carmel Valley.

For anyone who wants to get away for the weekend and enjoy the beach, but is also looking for a little warmer conditions than the coast allows (me ... .it's me), look no further than Carmel Valley. Because of its location, the town can be as much as 10 degrees warmer in the summer months. Taking a long weekend to visit Carmel Valley will allow you to enjoy all that the area has to offer.

Carmel is a special place to me, it's been an escape for my family for multiple generations. The first time that I went to Carmel proper (Carmel-by-the-Sea), my husband (boyfriend at the time) had chosen the location without knowing that it was the same town my grandparents used to go for their weekend getaways. When I had told my mom where we were going, she laughed and it was then that I was told that my grandparents used to frequent the area and she told me that it was obviously a sign. This has never been more true. I went into the trip feeling nostalgia over a place that I had never actually been to. The idea of walking down the same streets as my grandparents (I picture them hand-in-hand) with my beau (yes, you got it, hand-in-hand) is still something that gives me goosebumps, in a good way.

Recently, for my birthday (and more than 10 years since our first trip), my mom was kind enough to take the kids so my husband and I could have a relaxing getaway. Not a surprise, but Carmel started calling my name again. Here comes the dilemma…I’m a June baby and I crave warmth, so I was a little hesitant to stay beachside, because I was looking forward to some adults only pool time. Suspenseful music playing...here comes Carmel Valley to save us. As I said, because it’s not located on the ocean, it tends to be warmer than Carmel proper, but it's still close enough that you will have plenty of time to jaunt down and get your dose of beach time. So, where should you stay and what should you do, you ask? Let’s break it down. 

Cabo San Lucas, or Cabo for short, is a destination in Mexico that has something for everyone. For those on the West Coast of the U.S., it's a fairly easy and quick jaunt down to the tip of Baja where it is located on one of the most popular beaches--Medano Beach. The location is perfect for those looking to have a good time while beachside. Plenty of beachfront restaurants and beach clubs allow travelers to choose the vibe they are looking for. The downtown is also host to plenty of restaurants, bars, and nighttime entertainment. This lively beach town is sure to please both day and night.