I keep a running list of places I’d love to go, and when time and budget line up (since I’m still working a 9–5), we make it happen. Being on the West Coast, quick trips usually mean long weekends somewhere in the U.S. For international adventures, it’s a little more of a leap — sometimes I plan 5–6+ months in advance, and other times I just go for it. Case in point: Spain and Portugal with my parents and sister, booked only 2.5 months before takeoff.

I prefer to plan all my trips myself — I’m a little too Type A to have someone plan for me! Researching destinations is half the fun for me, whether that’s scrolling Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, or diving into travel blogs (like this one). I’ll also tap friends who’ve been before for their best tips. Honestly, there’s something so satisfying about piecing together my own adventures start to finish.

It really depends on the trip (and the group size), but nine times out of ten I’ll pick a boutique hotel. There’s just something about full-service stays that feels special. That said, I do love a good Airbnb — especially when I’m traveling with a group or trying to save a little. Some of my favorite finds have been those tucked-away Airbnb gems.

First, it depends on how long I can actually take off — but I try not to cram too much in, because I’d rather experience a place than just check it off a list. My general rule of thumb for faraway or new-to-me destinations is a minimum of three nights. Packing up every day isn’t fun, and three nights gives you enough time to settle in. If it’s somewhere I’ve been before, or a big, busy city (and since I’m not a huge city girl), two nights can be plenty. Overall, I like a balance of go-go-go and slow-down days — which makes the three-night rule feel just right.

A little bit of everything! I’ll book flights over trains if the logistics get too complicated (I’m more used to air travel anyway, since trains aren’t really a thing on the West Coast). We tend to use Uber if and when it’s an option. We’ll rent a car when it makes sense — like in Texas or Puglia — because it’s often more efficient and cost-effective when things are spread out. But I also don’t mind splurging on a private transfer, especially for wine tasting days or getting from the airport to a walkable city stay. At the end of the day, I’m a logistics girlie — I just go with whatever makes the most sense for that trip.

Absolutely, I revisit! One of the best parts of travel is falling in love with a place so much that you want to keep going back — and each time, it feels a little different. I love rediscovering familiar streets, trying new restaurants, and checking off spots I missed the first time around. The world is always evolving, which means even familiar places have something new to offer.

I literally bake downtime into the itinerary. If you don’t plan for relaxation, it won’t happen! That might look like a “free afternoon” with nothing scheduled, or a planned spa day — either way, it’s intentional. And not every activity has to be go-go-go. You can explore in a slower way too: wandering alleyways, stumbling into hidden corners, or sipping an espresso in a piazza while people-watching. That’s exploring and relaxing at the same time.