Rome: Timeless Wonder

Where to Eat:

• Roscioli – A mix of deli, wine bar, and Roman trattoria. Must-try: carbonara.
• Latteria -- cozy neighborhood spot with modern takes on Roman classics. Order the meat and cheese board. You won't regret it.
• Felice a Testaccio– a local institution; don't miss the tableside cacio e pepe.
• Otaleg -- possibly the best gelato in Rome tucked into Trastevere (worth the wait!)

Must-Do's:

• Explore the Jewish Ghetto rich in history and home to unique Roman Jewish cuisine.
• Tour Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica
• Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain

Local Experiences:

• Trastevere Food Tour – Explore this charming neighborhood through food.
• Aperitivo with a View – Grab drinks at Terrazza Borromini at golden hour.
• Evening passeggiata (stroll) along the Tiber River with gelato in hand

Barcelona: Vibrant Coastal Culture

Where to Eat:

• Martínez – Elegant seafood and paella with panoramic views from Montjuïc. A bit of a "see and be seen" vibe
• Bar Cañete – A classic, buzzing spot for upscale tapas and Catalan favorites; popular with tourists and locals
• La Cova Fumada – Rustic, no-sign tapas bar in Barceloneta where the bomba was invented
• Els Tres Porquets – Hidden gem in Poblenou with rotating Catalan small plates

Must-Do’s:

• Marvel at La Sagrada Família
• Stroll through Park Güell
• Ramble down La Rambla and explore Boqueria Market
• El Born – Artsy, atmospheric neighborhood full of boutiques and hidden alleys
• Bunkers del Carmel – Local favorite for sunset views over the city and sea

Local Experiences:

• Palo Market Fest (if timing aligns)—a hip weekend market blending food, music, and design
• Bar Bodega Quimet – Old-school vermutería in Gràcia that locals adore
• Neighborhood casteller rehearsal – Watch a human tower practice in Sants or El Clot—super local and free
• Rooftop concerts or cinema at CCCB or Poble Espanyol – Seasonal, but very local vibe.

London: Royal Cool

Where to Eat:

• Gordon’s Wine Bar – A candlelit, tucked-away spot beloved by locals since 1890; expect excellent wine and cheese
• The Ledbury – Michelin-starred dining in Notting Hill; less known outside foodies and regulars
• Barrafina (Dean Street) – Legendary tapas bar with a cozy, hidden vibe (locals love the no-reservations atmosphere)
• Andrew Edmunds – A historic townhouse in Soho serving refined British cuisine with a cozy, intimate vibe

Must-Do’s:

• Stroll the Southbank for a local view of Big Ben and the London Eye (try visiting during the week to avoid crowds)
• Visit Camden Passage for antiques, local finds, and cool cafés in a lesser-known corner of Angel
• Explore Hampstead Heath for stunning city views and a more authentic escape from the crowds

Local Experiences:

• Pub crawl through Bermondsey – Hidden local spots like The Southwark Tavern and The Rake that locals frequent.
• Karaoke at The Piano Works in Farringdon – A super local vibe, always busy with those in the know
• Borough Market on weekdays – A more relaxed experience with artisan foods and fewer tourist
• Little Venice – Canal-lined area with hidden cafés and charming boat houses, less explored by tourists
• Walthamstow Village – Village vibes in East London—quaint, quiet, with great independent cafés and pubs
• Hackney Walk – A hidden corner of East London full of art galleries, independent shops, and boutiques.

CHARLESTON, SC

High-End & Touristy

• The Charleston Place – Classic Southern luxury, spa, and unbeatable location
• The Dewberry – Stylish, mid-century cool with a rooftop bar

High-End But Not Overly Expensive

• The Palmetto Hotel – Elegant and central with refined, modern finishes
• The Vendue – Art-lover’s hotel with rooftop vibes

Boutique & Special

• Zero George – Historic charm, luxury, and a renowned restaurant
• 86 Cannon Historic Inn – Adults-only, perfectly curated, and incredibly intimate

Central & Choice

• French Quarter Inn – Warm hospitality and charm right by the market
• Emeline – Trendy, well-designed, and incredibly walkable

PARIS

High-End & Touristy

• Le Meurice – Iconic luxury near the Louvre with timeless elegance
• Hôtel Plaza Athénée – Glamorous and classic, with Eiffel Tower views and legendary service

High-End But Not Overly Expensive 

• Hotel d’Aubusson – Elegant, intimate, and walkable to key sights.
• Hotel Le Six – Sophisticated and modern, in the heart of the Left Bank

Boutique & Special

• Hotel des Grands Boulevards – Quiet charm and rooftop magic
• Relais Christine – Romantic, historic, and tucked away in Saint-Germain

Central & Choice

• Hotel Brighton – Right across from Tuileries Garden with Eiffel Tower views
• Hotel Malte – Astotel – Underrated gem near the Louvre with thoughtful touches and excellent value

ROME

High-End & Touristy

• Hotel de Russie – Sophisticated oasis near Piazza del Popolo
• Baglioni Hotel Regina – Glamour on Via Veneto with Old World vibes

High-End But Not Overly Expensive

• Hotel Artemide – Excellent amenities and rooftop terrace, great location
• Rome Times Hotel – Sleek and central with smart value

Boutique & Special

• Chapter Roma – Design-forward and edgy with great walkability
• G-Rough – Bold, artsy suites just steps from Piazza Navona

Central & Choice

• Albergo del Senato – Iconic Pantheon views and perfect walkable base
• Hotel Nazionale – Refined and central near Parliament and Trevi Fountain

JAPAN (TOKYO-FOCUSED)

High-End & Touristy

• The Peninsula Tokyo – Iconic views, polished service, and central to Ginza 
• Park Hyatt Tokyo – Legendary elegance with skyline views and world-class dining

High-End But Not Overly Expensive

• Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo – Near Tokyo Station, with subtle luxury and comfort
• Shinjuku Granbell Hotel – Artsy, modern, and a stylish option in buzzing Shinjuku

Boutique & Special

• Trunk Hotel (Shibuya) – Social, design-led, and deeply Tokyo
• Claska (Meguro) – Vintage-inspired, artsy boutique (note: check status, as it has undergone changes)

Central & Choice

• The Gate Hotel Tokyo by Hulic – Ideal Ginza base with clean design
• Mimaru Tokyo Station East – Apartment-style boutique perfect for longer or group stay

Ultra-Luxury Escape: Explora Journeys

• Designed for the traveler who wants elegance without stuffiness
• Oceanfront suites with private terraces, no inside staterooms
• Slower-paced itineraries with longer port stays
• Wellness-forward experiences, curated cuisine, and personalized service
• Feels like a boutique hotel at sea—quiet luxury at its best

Modern Premium: Celebrity Cruises

• Stylish, design-forward ships with a relaxed upscale vibe
• Great for couples, solo travelers, or groups wanting comfort and value
• Thoughtful dining, spa, and entertainment without being over-the-top
• Known for their Edge Series ships and innovative onboard spaces
• Ideal balance of luxury and mainstream

Adults-Only Adventure: Virgin Voyages

• Exclusively 18+, perfect for couples, friends, and solo cruisers
• No buffets, no formal nights—just elevated, flexible dining and fun
• Incredible nightlife, wellness options, and edgy entertainment
• Gratuities, Wi-Fi, all restaurants and group fitness classes are all included
• A great option if you want a cruise that doesn’t feel like a “cruise”

Affordable Mediterranean-Style Fun: MSC Cruises

• Sleek European ships with global flair
• Great value for budget-conscious travelers who still want beautiful design
• Strong presence in the Mediterranean and Caribbean
• Yacht Club experience available for a more luxurious, exclusive vibe
• Family-friendly with diverse onboard activities

Scenic Cultural Exploration: Viking River Cruises

• Focused on immersive, educational, and scenic journeys
• Adults-only, culturally enriching experiences with guided tours included
• Smaller ships = more intimate, relaxed travel
• Ideal for travelers interested in history, food, and riverfront cities
• Sail through Europe’s most iconic rivers—Danube, Rhine, Seine, and more

Whispers of Sakura

As cherry blossoms unfurl in soft pink clouds, Japan awakens to a season of fleeting beauty. In Tokyo, ancient shrines stand quietly beneath the petals while the city hums with energy and light. In Kyoto, time slows as you wander stone-paved streets, where temples, bamboo groves, and geisha traditions paint a scene of timeless elegance. Finally, in Osaka, laughter and flavors fill the air, from lantern-lit alleyways to the grand castle framed by falling blossoms. This journey is a dance between past and present, where every petal tells a story and every moment lingers like spring itself—brief, breathtaking, and unforgettable.