A lifetime of adventures, misadventures, and a few too many carry-ons

Turning 40 feels surreal. I’ve seen a lot of places, eaten a lot of meals, and probably overpacked for every single trip (some things never change). But hitting this milestone made me want to look back at all the destinations that have shaped who I am as a traveler — the ones that took my breath away, made me laugh, taught me something new, or just reminded me why I love exploring this big, beautiful world.

So here it is: my 40 favorite travel destinations and moments — one for each amazing, chaotic, unforgettable year.

Favorite Destinations

1. Favorite Country Overall: Japan
Japan is a sensory overload in the best possible way — the neon glow of Tokyo, the peaceful temples of Kyoto, the precision of sushi-making that feels like an art form. It’s a country that’s both futuristic and deeply traditional, and somehow manages to make even convenience store snacks gourmet. Every visit leaves me speechless (and slightly obsessed with Japanese rice). Getting to live there was truly the icing on the cake — an experience that made me appreciate every small detail, from the quiet order of daily life … even if I couldn’t understand a word anyone was saying most of the time (tried to learn Japanese and failed miserably ha).

2. Favorite City: Prague
There’s something magical about Prague. The cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, and that fairytale skyline make you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook. I fell in love with the charm of Old Town, the Charles Bridge at sunrise, and rooftop dining with panoramic views that make you never want to leave. And the food? Absolute star of the show. I still think about those meals and find myself daydreaming about going back again… and again… and probably again after that.

3. Favorite Small Town/Village: Sugarcreek, Ohio
If you want charm with a side of cheese and rolling hills, Sugarcreek is it. Known as “The Little Switzerland of Ohio,” this town has cozy cabins, homemade fudge, and that small-town warmth that feels like a hug. It’s slow travel perfection — and it proves you don’t need to cross an ocean to find somewhere special. You can read more about my weekend there in a Weekend in Sugarcreek Ohio or stay in the coolest place Treetop Retreat.

4. Favorite Island: Bermuda
Pink sand, turquoise waters, and houses so colorful you’ll want to move in immediately. Bermuda is the definition of postcard-perfect. My favorite photo spot ever — Spanish Point — crystal clear water, a hidden gem.

5. Favorite Underrated Destination: Grenada
Grenada surprised me in the best way. The people, the food, the beaches — it’s the Caribbean without the crowds. Plus, my stay at Sandals Grenada was the perfect mix of luxury and laid-back. It’s still one of my favorite affordable-luxury resorts.

6. Favorite Bucket List Place I’ve Already Checked Off: Venice, Italy
Venice was one of those “pinch-me” moments. Floating along the canals, getting lost (literally) in alleyways, and realizing that no map app truly works here — it’s a dream come to life. Every corner is cinematic, and every pasta dish was better than the last.

7. Favorite Place I Still Want to Visit: South Africa
Safari at sunrise, vineyards at sunset, and Cape Town’s coastal beauty — South Africa is calling my name. It’s high on my list for its mix of adventure, culture, and wildlife. This will be on my year 41 travel destinations!

8. Favorite “Surprise” Destination (Better Than Expected): Boise, Idaho
I’ll be honest — Boise wasn’t on my radar. But wow, was I wrong. The food scene, secret hot springs, and community vibe made it one of those places I’d go back to in a heartbeat. Sometimes the unplanned trips are the best ones.

Nature & Adventure

1. Favorite Beach: Cas Abao Beach, Curaçao or Culebra, Puerto Rico
I can’t pick just one. Cas Abao Beach in Curaçao is all about those crystal-clear waters and the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. It’s the locals favorite beach and isn’t too crowded. Culebra’s beaches, especially Flamenco, are untouched paradise. When we snorkeled we could see straight to the bottom at least 30 feet down. Both spots feel like your own little slice of heaven.

2. Favorite Hike: Red Rock, Las Vegas
Yes, Vegas has nature — and it’s spectacular. Red Rock Canyon is my favorite hike for its colorful rock formations and peaceful desert trails just minutes away from the chaos of the Strip. I love at the end of the hike I did you can see the strip in the distance.

3. Favorite National Park: Smoky Mountains
The Smokies will always have my heart. Misty mountains, hidden waterfalls, and trails for every skill level make it my go-to park. It’s where I’ve hiked, explored, and found so many of my favorite views. It’s home.

4. Favorite Scenic Drive: Lavender Fields in Provence
Lavender fields in Provence are one of those drives that feels straight out of a dream. Rolling hills blanketed in purple stretch as far as you can see, and the air smells like a candle you wish you could bottle up and take home. Every turn reveals another postcard-perfect view — stone cottages, cypress trees, and locals zipping by on scooters as if they’re part of a movie scene. It’s peaceful, colorful, and the kind of place that makes you pull over every few minutes just to take another photo (or ten).

5. Favorite Sunrise Spot: Arches National Park
Watching the first light hit those red rock arches is unforgettable. It’s worth the 4 a.m. alarm — even if you’re not a morning person.

6. Favorite Sunset Spot: Sugar Beach
As the sun drops behind the Pitons, Sugar Beach turns into one of those rare places that actually feels quiet. The light shifts from gold to soft pink, the water goes glassy, and the whole scene feels effortless — no filters, no fuss. Just one of those sunsets that makes you stop talking and take it in.

7. Favorite Wildlife Encounter: Cats — always cats.
I’ve seen monkeys, iguanas, and dolphins, but if there’s a cat wandering around a resort or a cobblestone alley, you can bet it’ll be my favorite wildlife encounter of the trip.

8. Favorite “Wow” Natural Wonder: Grand Canyon of France
Also known as Verdon Gorge, this “Grand Canyon of France” blew me away. The turquoise water cutting through massive limestone cliffs is something photos can’t capture — it’s pure, jaw-dropping beauty.

Stays & Experiences

1. Favorite Hotel/Resort: Jade Mountain
Jade Mountain in St. Lucia is the definition of a dream resort — infinity pools in every suite, sweeping views of the Pitons, and that feeling of total serenity. This is an unforgettable experience.

2. Favorite Airbnb/Villa: Puerto Rico
I’ve stayed in some beautiful Airbnbs, but the villa in Puerto Rico had the perfect mix of tropical comfort and privacy. It was off the beaten path, relaxing, unique — it was perfection.

3. Favorite All-Inclusive Experience: Sandals Curaçao
Sandals Curaçao set a new bar for all-inclusive luxury. The dining, the service, the views — every detail felt curated. I loved that it still felt authentic to the island, not cookie-cutter resort life. The showstopper is the double infinity edge pool!

4. Favorite Luxury Splurge: Ritz-Carlton, Arizona
If you ever need a reason to splurge, make it the Ritz-Carlton in Arizona. It’s desert luxury at its best — from the spa to the pool to the mountain views.

5. Favorite Affordable Luxury Stay: Sandals Grenada
Affordable and luxurious rarely go hand-in-hand, but Sandals Grenada nails it. It’s the perfect balance of elegance and value.

6. Favorite Spa/Massage: Virgin Voyages Cruise
I’ve had a lot of massages, but the spa on Virgin Voyages? Game changer. Between the ocean views and incredible treatments, it’s easily the most relaxing experience I’ve ever had at sea.

7. Favorite Travel “First”: Scuba Diving in Honduras
My first scuba dive in Honduras was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating — and completely unforgettable. Seeing coral reefs and marine life up close made me fall in love with the ocean all over again.

8. Favorite Photo Spot I’ve Ever Found: Gibbons Bay, Bermuda
The lighting, the water, the serenity — Gibbons Bay is the kind of place that makes every shot look professional. It’s my all-time favorite photography find.

Food & Drink

1. Favorite Meal I’ve Ever Had: Miami Fontana’s Valentine’s Dinner at Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables
This dinner was pure perfection from start to finish. Fontana’s outdoor courtyard at The Biltmore Hotel sets the scene — flickering candles, fountains bubbling in the background, and that old-world Miami charm that feels effortlessly elegant. Every course was beautifully crafted, from the first bite to the last, and somehow each dish managed to top the one before it. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience that reminded me why I love dining out when it’s done right — thoughtful, memorable, and just the right amount of over the top.

2. Favorite Street Food: Japan Markets
The food markets in Japan are heaven on earth — from yakitori skewers to mochi to anything on a stick. Every stand is an experience, and yes, I tried everything.

3. Favorite Mocktail: Mango Mint Mojito
Fresh, fruity, and perfect by the pool — the Mango Mint Mojito is my go-to. If it’s on the menu, I’m ordering it.

4. Favorite Tea Spot: Tucson, Arizona
There’s a little tea shop in Tucson, Scented Leaf Tea Shop, that completely stole my heart — relaxing, aromatic, and full of charm.

5. Favorite Dessert: Crème Brûlée in Paris
I can still hear the sound of the spoon cracking the top of that perfect crème brûlée. Eating it in Paris made it even sweeter.

6. Favorite Food Festival: Food Network Festival (Miami and New York)
The Food Network Festival is every foodie’s dream — I’ve been to both the Miami and New York versions, and each brings its own flavor. In Miami, you’re sampling dishes from celebrity chefs under white tents along South Beach, ocean breeze mixing with the scent of sizzling seafood and champagne in hand. In New York, it’s rooftop tastings, bold flavors, and that fast-paced city energy that keeps you moving from one bite to the next. Whether it’s beachside glamour or big-city buzz, both festivals deliver the same result: incredible food, creative energy, and a happily overstuffed traveler.

7. Favorite “Weird Food I Actually Liked”: Alligator in Destin, Florida
When in Florida, right? Alligator was surprisingly good — kind of like chicken, but with a twist.

8. Favorite Restaurant View: Prague Rooftop (Coda Restaurant) 
Coda Restaurant in Prague has one of those views that stops you mid-conversation. Sitting on the rooftop, you’re surrounded by terracotta rooftops, church spires, and that golden evening light that makes the whole city glow. The food is just as impressive — refined without being pretentious — but it’s the setting that makes it unforgettable. Watching the sun set over Old Town while sipping something perfectly chilled is the kind of moment that makes you wonder if anywhere else could ever compare.

Travel Moments & Memories

1. Favorite Travel Buddy: Brad, Forever and Always
He’s my partner in adventure (and in carrying luggage). Traveling with Brad has made every trip better.

2. Favorite Girls Trip: Arizona, Boston, Utah
Three destinations, countless laughs, and probably way too many selfies. These girls’ trips are my absolute favorite memories.

3. Favorite “Happy Accident” While Traveling:
Sometimes the best parts of travel are the things that weren’t planned — the wrong turn that leads to a hidden cafe or the detour that becomes the highlight of the trip. When we went to Costa Rica we happened to be there during the Cart Festival. It was so fun to experience a local tradition!

4. Favorite Event: Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival
If you know me, you know I love motorcycles — especially old vintage bikes! The Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival in Birmingham, Alabama is one of my all-time favorite events for that reason. It’s basically heaven for anyone who appreciates two wheels and an engine. The weekend is packed with vintage racing, a massive swap meet, motorcycle shows, and even a full vintage motorcycle museum that’s worth the trip on its own. The energy is contagious, the craftsmanship is incredible, and the whole event has that perfect mix of nostalgia and excitement. Plus, Birmingham itself is such a fun city to explore when you’re not trackside — great food, great activities, and plenty to keep you busy between races.

5. Favorite Souvenir I’ve Ever Bought: Antigua Painting
I always look for local art when I travel, and in Antigua, I found a hand-painted piece that stopped me in my tracks. I watched the artist work, brush moving quickly but with total focus, and somehow the island came to life on the canvas right in front of me. It wasn’t flashy or overdone — just real and full of character. It’s still one of my favorite keepsakes from any trip.

6. Favorite Local Tradition: Costa Rica Cart Festival
Watching the locals celebrate with colorful carts, music, and dancing was an incredible glimpse into Costa Rican culture.

7. Favorite Travel Tip I Always Use:
“Say yes.” Try new things. It’s fun. Every adventure — from food to activities — starts with saying yes.

8. All Time Favorite Memory I’d Relive in a Heartbeat: Getting Married to Brad Plummer
Of all my travels, that moment will always top the list. Getting married to Brad was my favorite trip, favorite memory, and favorite adventure all in one.