I’ve been lucky enough to travel to many cities around the world, but there’s something about New York City that always feels different. No matter how many times I visit, it never loses its magic. The constant energy, the mix of cultures, the iconic skyline, the food on every corner, and the people who give the city its soul all come together in a way that’s completely unmatched.

Known as the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia is one of those places that feels deeply historic yet refreshingly alive. This is where the United States was born, but it’s also a city that knows how to enjoy the present—through its neighborhoods, its food, and its unmistakable personality. Philadelphia is layered in the best way. You can spend your morning walking past iconic landmarks that shaped American history, wander through world-class art museums in the afternoon, and end the day eating something unforgettable in a neighborhood that feels entirely its own.

I’m so excited to finally share my Boston travel guide with you. So many of you have asked for recommendations on what to do here, and honestly, Boston is one of those cities that just works—even if you’re not typically a “big city” person. It’s compact, walkable, and full of character, which means you can uncover so many hidden gems in just a long weekend. That said, fair warning: even after 24 hours, you’ll probably find yourself wishing you had more time.

There’s something about Traverse City that feels instantly welcoming. Maybe it’s the calm of Lake Michigan stretching out along Grand Traverse Bay, or the way the city balances laid-back nature with an unexpectedly vibrant food and arts scene. Either way, Traverse City has a way of drawing you in and making you want to slow down and stay awhile.

There’s something about Salem that pulls you in the moment you arrive. History, mystery, and a little bit of magic all seem to coexist here—and I felt it immediately. I recently visited Salem to celebrate my 10-year anniversary with my boyfriend, and it turned into one of those trips that feels both meaningful and unforgettable. Walking through Salem felt like stepping into a storybook—one that’s equal parts eerie, fascinating, and unexpectedly charming.

Manhattan Beach is one of those places that instantly slows you down—in the best way. From the salty ocean air to the constant hum of beach life, it feels effortless, sun-soaked, and refreshingly laid-back. This guide comes straight from my own time wandering its streets, sipping coffee near the pier, and watching the sunset roll in over the Pacific. Tucked along the coast of Los Angeles County, Manhattan Beach is a seaside town that somehow balances relaxed beach energy with a polished, lively vibe.

Beverly Hills—a place where palm-lined streets, iconic hotels, and effortless elegance set the tone. If you’re drawn to destinations that feel polished, cinematic, and quietly luxurious, Beverly Hills delivers in its own understated way. Beyond the famous names and glossy storefronts, there’s a rhythm here that’s relaxed yet refined—morning coffees on sunlit patios, afternoon strolls through manicured neighborhoods, and evenings that feel unhurried and glamorous all at once.

Zion National Park is the kind of place that makes you stop mid-step and just stare. Towering canyon walls rise straight from the earth, the Virgin River carves its way through stone, and everything feels grand, ancient, and alive all at once. Zion doesn’t ask to be rushed—it invites you to slow down, look up, and move with intention. This is a park where every hike feels cinematic and every quiet moment feels earned.

Bryce Canyon doesn’t feel like a typical canyon—and that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. Instead of deep river-carved walls, you’re met with a surreal amphitheater of hoodoos: tall, spire-like rock formations glowing in shades of rust, rose, and gold. Sunrise here feels otherworldly, sunsets linger longer than you expect, and the night sky is among the darkest in the U.S. If you’re craving dramatic scenery with manageable hikes and jaw-dropping viewpoints, Bryce Canyon delivers in every season.

When you think of dramatic red rock landscapes, Colorado probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind. Arizona, Utah, maybe Nevada—same here. That’s why stumbling upon towering red rock formations right in Colorado Springs felt like such a surprise. Visiting Garden of the Gods completely changed my perspective on what Colorado has to offer.

If you’re drawn to cities with deep roots, layered stories, and a culture you can actually feel as you walk through it, Savannah is exactly that kind of place. There’s something about Savannah that slows you down in the best way—tree-lined squares draped in Spanish moss, historic homes that seem to whisper the past, and a rhythm that feels both elegant and lived-in.

Chicago—whether you call it the Windy City or Chi-Town—has a way of pulling you in almost immediately. It’s bold yet welcoming, polished yet full of character. The skyline alone feels iconic, with towering skyscrapers reflecting the sky and framing the city in a way that’s both powerful and beautiful. Add in the thoughtful urban planning, lakefront views, and endlessly vibrant neighborhoods, and it’s easy to see why people keep coming back.

Nashville is one of those cities that surprises people—in the best way. Yes, it’s Music City, and the live music is everywhere (like, you’ll hear someone casually singing on a random Tuesday and they’ll sound like they belong on a stage). But Nashville isn’t just for country music fans. It’s for anyone who loves a city with personality, great food, cute neighborhoods, and the kind of energy that makes you want to stay out “just a little longer.”

Oh, autumn — my favorite time of year. There’s just something about crisp air, cozy layers, and the way nature completely transforms that makes fall feel magical. And if there’s one place that truly shows off during this season, it’s the Smoky Mountains.

Las Vegas is one of those cities you don’t just visit—you experience it. From the moment you land, everything feels louder, brighter, and more dramatic in the best possible way. Neon lights glow against the desert night, music spills out of casinos, and there’s always something happening, no matter the hour. Vegas doesn’t sleep—and honestly, it doesn’t want you to either.

Seattle has this quiet way of pulling you in. It’s moody in the best way—gray skies that make the greens look greener, water everywhere you turn, and neighborhoods that feel like little worlds of their own. It’s a city where you can drink an unreal cup of coffee in the morning, be on a ferry by midday, and end your night eating something incredible (probably while it’s lightly raining… because Seattle).

Portland has a way of feeling effortlessly cool without trying too hard. Tucked into the Pacific Northwest, this city blends lush greenery, creative energy, and an incredibly strong sense of individuality. Known as The City of Roses, Portland lives up to the name with its gardens, parks, and tree-lined streets—but there’s so much more beneath the surface.

Lake Tahoe has a way of instantly slowing you down. The air feels crisper, the water impossibly blue, and the mountains feel both grounding and awe-inspiring all at once. Tucked into the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is one of those destinations that feels different depending on the season, yet always beautiful. Whether you arrive to snow-covered peaks in winter or sunlit beaches in summer, the landscape alone is enough to make you pause.

San Francisco is one of those cities that feels layered the moment you arrive. Fog rolling over the hills, cable cars climbing impossibly steep streets, colorful neighborhoods stitched together by culture, food, and history—it all feels alive. There’s a rhythm here that’s equal parts creative, relaxed, and quietly electric. Every neighborhood has its own personality, and no two days ever feel the same.

There’s something about Charleston that pulls you in almost immediately. Maybe it’s the soft pastel homes lining the streets, the slow clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages passing by, or the way the city feels both elegant and lived-in at the same time. Charleston has this quiet confidence—it doesn’t need to try hard to charm you. It just does.