Vanessa Tripp

1 Hotel South Beach Miami redefines standards for what sustainable luxury looks like. Not the performative kind that talks a good game—the kind that's woven into every corner without compromising an ounce of comfort.

Santa Barbara County represents the perfect combination of adventure and luxury that defines exceptional active travel. This region taught me that challenging yourself doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort—world-class wineries, stunning coastal rides, and thoughtful accommodations create an experience that rewards every pedal stroke. It’s where I discovered that the best adventures happen when physical challenge meets refined luxury, making it ideal for travelers seeking authentic active experiences without compromise.

The number of vacations that we take with our family is limited. A unique, beautiful and adventurous trip to Iceland creates memories that won’t be forgotten. The diverse landscape and the geological wonders create magic, excitement and excellent opportunities to see things that our kids have learned in the classroom. From spending a lot of time outdoors to epic adventures and eating and drinking with the locals, Iceland is a well-rounded trip that provides new experiences and is easily accessible from the US East Coast. Start your self-driving journey on this flexible but action-packed 10-day itinerary.

Our 16-day journey was packed with excitement, visiting 14 cities across five countries and experiencing nearly every mode of transportation. Sharing this adventure with my husband, kids, brother and sister-in-law was truly magical. My family enjoys cruising as a part of our travel adventures. Cruising with friends and family enhances the experience even more. We love cruising because it combines multiple vacations into one and provides the opportunity to see much of the world in a single trip. The convenience of unpacking just once is a significant advantage. We could explore all day while the ship traveled at night. Creating the sensation of being in a floating all-inclusive hotel, waking up in a new country each day. We learned that Mediterranean cruising is quite different from Caribbean cruising as it has a quieter and more relaxing pace. We were also fortunate to sail on one of the newest ships, the NCL Viva, part of the Prima class. This class of ships takes cruising to the next level with its thoughtful layout and design, which prevents the feeling of overcrowding. My favorite aspect was the abundance of somewhere to lounge and relax, eliminating the need to wake up early to reserve a lounge chair by the pool. This vacation allowed us to broaden our kids' horizons in a beautiful way. They experienced new cultures, appreciated diverse environments and learned life lessons that only travel can provide. This was the perfect trip to take with kids, and I encourage others not to wait to show their children the world.