If you’re heading to Maui and want a home base that blends beautiful beaches, a laid-back vibe, and easy access to the island’s top attractions, let me point you to Kihei.

Located on Maui’s sunny southwest shore, Kihei gets about 275 days of sunshine a year (yes, please) and offers a little bit of everything: calm beaches perfect for swimming, vibrant local food spots, and a central location that makes exploring the island a breeze.

Every single trip has left me with stories, photos, and a piece of my heart in a new place. But if I had to pick favorites? Japan and Germany hold the crown — Japan for its jaw-dropping mix of ancient tradition and futuristic everything, and Germany for its cozy charm, history, and beer halls that feel straight out of a storybook.

So… what’s next?

2026 is shaping up to be a year of big adventures. Maybe South America for a little Machu Picchu magic? Africa for a safari? Or Southeast Asia for street food that will ruin me for life?

Hawai‘i is more than palm trees and sandy beaches — it’s a place with deep roots, living traditions, and a spirit of aloha that you can feel the moment you arrive. This trip wasn’t about “conquering” a bucket list; it was about slowing down, supporting local businesses, and treating the island and its people with the respect they deserve.

Over seven days, we explored O‘ahu’s vibrant food scene, took in breathtaking natural beauty, and learned a little more about the culture that makes these islands so special.

4 Days in Iceland.. Can you do it? YES! Iceland has this way of making you feel small — in the best possible way. The landscapes remind you just how wild and untamed the world can be. And even though we went in 2021, the memories are still vivid: the smell of salt air on the coast, the warmth of a coffee cup in cold hands, and the endless stretch of horizon.

In late April 2023, Michael and I packed five days in Europe with enough adventure to feel like a movie montage — coffee in centuries-old cafés, vineyards tucked into rolling hills, storybook castles, and scenery so beautiful it made you pause mid-step. The trip was part celebration (friends’ wedding), part bucket-list dream (finally visiting Germany), and part reality check — with a family member sick back home, our time was short. So we took what we could get and made every moment count.

The Bluff Haus is the perfect mix of peaceful retreat and fun-filled getaway. Whether you’re planning a family trip, friends’ weekend, or romantic escape, you’ll find more than enough here to keep you cozy, entertained, and connected to nature.

Whether you spend your weekend hiking every trail or never leaving the cabin, Broken Bow delivers the reset you didn’t know you needed — all wrapped up in pine trees, fresh air, and the smell of something delicious on the grill.

Sail away on Virgin Voyages’ Dominican Daze — a 5-night, adults-only cruise from Miami to the Dominican Republic and Bimini. Read our full review of the Valiant Lady, from stunning Caribbean beaches to onboard dining, nightlife, and yes… getting a tattoo at sea.