Colorado Springs was basically peaceful mountain scenery mixed with me voluntarily getting launched over a canyon on the TERROR-dactyl swing lol. Very balanced trip. Between Garden of the Gods, Royal Gorge, and those mountain drives, this one had views and adrenaline.

New Orleans was a whole experience. Alligators, swamp ziplining, haunted walks, cemeteries, art, and food in between. A little spooky, a little weird, and exactly the kind of trip that gives you stories to bring home.

Anchorage felt like the kind of trip where the city was really just the starting point. Dog sledding, mountain views, Alyeska, and having a rental car made it easy to stop whenever Alaska decided to show off.

After visiting LA for years and now living here for six, I’ve learned the best stuff is usually not the obvious tourist stuff. Think immersive movies, creative workshops, hidden estates, art, fragrance experiences, and day trips that make the city feel completely different.

Miami gave me the beach and nightlife I expected, but between lunch at the Versace Mansion and glow-in-the-dark ATV riding at night, the trip definitely had a few moments that felt very Miami.

Honolulu was beach time with a side of “why am I voluntarily getting into a cage with sharks?” lol. Between shark diving, a submarine ride, and having a rental car to explore Oʻahu on our own, this trip had plenty of stories attached to it.