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.

Valencia is one of those cities that surprises you—in the best way. It’s bright, coastal, creative, and full of contrasts, where historic streets meet futuristic architecture and long lunches stretch into golden evenings by the sea. From my time exploring the city, it quickly became clear that Valencia has a rhythm all its own, and it’s incredibly easy to fall into.

Córdoba is one of those places that quietly takes your breath away. It’s layered, soulful, and full of moments that make you slow down and really look around. From wandering through ancient streets to standing beneath some of the most stunning architecture in Spain, this city feels deeply rooted in history while still very much alive. I couldn’t visit Córdoba and not share it. The atmosphere, the details, the way cultures intertwine here—it all stays with you.

Welcome to Barcelona, a city that somehow manages to feel electric and effortless at the same time. Barcelona is layered—bold architecture beside quiet cafés, beach days that turn into late dinners, history woven into everyday life. It’s the kind of place where every walk feels like an experience, whether you’re admiring Gaudí’s imagination, lingering over tapas, or watching the sunset by the sea. This travel guide is here to help you navigate Barcelona in a way that feels intentional, not rushed.

If you’re craving a place that feels rich with history, color, and soul, let me introduce you to Granada. This travel guide is your invitation to one of Spain’s most captivating cities—one that completely swept me off my feet the moment I arrived. Granada is layered and magnetic. From the awe-inspiring beauty of the Alhambra, perched above the city like something out of a dream, to the energy and tradition of Sacromonte, everything here feels alive with story.

There’s something about Seville that pulls you in slowly—and then completely. It’s a city full of rhythm and soul, where flamenco echoes through quiet streets, orange trees line historic plazas, and every corner feels layered with history and emotion. Seville isn’t just beautiful; it’s alive. This travel guide to Seville is meant to help you experience the city beyond the surface.

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.

Madrid is a city that feels alive the moment you arrive. It’s energetic, expressive, and full of contrast—where historic landmarks sit comfortably beside bold architecture, and long museum days effortlessly turn into late dinners and lively streets. There’s so much to see and do here that having a plan truly helps, and that’s exactly what this travel guide is for.

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.

Pisa doesn’t try to compete with Italy’s bigger, louder cities—and that’s exactly what I appreciate about it. It may not have an endless list of headline attractions, but that’s not a drawback. If anything, it’s an invitation to slow down. Pisa offers a gentler pace, fewer crowds, and a chance to experience a Tuscan city that still feels grounded in its history and everyday life.

Rome has a way of pulling you in and never fully letting go. No matter how many times you visit, it always feels layered—ancient and alive, chaotic and beautiful, familiar and surprising all at once. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Rome isn’t just a place you see—it’s a place you feel. History lives in the streets, the ruins, the piazzas, and even in the pauses between espresso sips.

Florence isn’t loud about its beauty. It doesn’t need to be. The city reveals itself slowly — through worn stone steps, echoing church bells, espresso sipped standing at a bar, and evenings that stretch longer than planned. It’s the kind of place that rewards presence. You don’t conquer Florence; you live alongside it, even if only for a few days.

I’m sure you’ve heard of Venice, Rome, and Florence — but tucked quietly into Tuscany is another Italian city that deserves just as much attention: Lucca. It’s just as beautiful as its famous neighbors, yet noticeably calmer, less crowded, and often more affordable. Only about an hour from Pisa Airport by train or car, Lucca feels like a place where time slows down a bit.

Venice doesn’t feel like a real place when you first arrive — it feels like you’ve stepped into a painting that somehow learned how to breathe. Every turn reveals another canal, another quiet bridge, another moment that makes you slow down without even trying. This city isn’t loud about its beauty. It whispers it.

Milan surprised me in the best way. Known globally as the capital of fashion and finance, it’s easy to assume Milan is polished, fast-paced, and maybe even a little cold. But once you arrive, slow down, and actually live in the city for a few days, you realize Milan is layered, soulful, and quietly beautiful. It’s where history, creativity, and everyday Italian life exist side by side — without trying to impress you.

Reims and Épernay are often introduced as “Champagne towns,” but that description barely scratches the surface. Yes, Champagne is the heartbeat of this region — but once you’re there, you realize it’s also about history layered beneath your feet, meals that stretch longer than expected, and streets that invite wandering without a plan.

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).