Washington, D.C., draws millions of tourists annually, but the charming city of Alexandria, Virginia, is a quick drive across the Potomac River. Often overlooked or simply included as a day trip in a D.C. itinerary, Old Town Alexandria is full of history, character, and charm, making it a stand-out destination. There’s plenty to see and do in the heart of this historic neighborhood. Whether you have one day to explore while visiting the larger DMV area or plan to book a long weekend getaway, soak up every bit of this delightful Virginian city. 

Spring is an excellent season to visit many destinations for ideal weather and slower crowds and to experience some of the most beautiful parts of the world while they’re literally in bloom. From the quiet rolling hills of the Cotswolds to ancient ruins in Palermo and cherry blossoms in Kyoto, spring is a chance to see some of these destinations at their very best. Head into the Blue Ridge Mountains to see Asheville’s vibrant art scene. Step back in time to Evora - a city with so much historical significance it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or skip spring altogether and head to the southern hemisphere for a crisp autumn escape where harvest season is in full effect. Regardless of where you end up this spring, slow down and soak up every moment. 

Savannah is a city that knows how to leave an impression. From the unbeatable hospitality to the scores of independent bookshops, there’s something for everyone in this charming Southern town. Savannah’s haunted past pours out of the cobblestone streets and brick warehouse walls, telling the stories of the people who made the city what it is today. People come to Savannah for the stunning scenery, incredible food, and legendary hospitality, but they are left enriched by the city’s vibrant culture. Whether it’s your first or tenth time visiting Savannah, here are some top recommendations for things to do in this historic destination. 

For first-time travelers, venturing somewhere closer to home could make the experience much more comfortable. Lucky for those who live in the continental U.S., there are endless destinations to explore coast to coast. You could say it’s one of the biggest perks of living in the States. Whether you feel the most at home in a big city or prefer something quieter with big open spaces, it’s impossible not to find exactly what you’re looking for, and solo travel ensures you don’t have to compromise for anyone or anything. When it comes down to choosing a destination, ask yourself a few questions. What are you looking to get out of this trip? What are you most excited to see and do? And what do you want to take away from it? 

There’s no escaping the past in Savannah. Every street, stone, and building seems to have a story spanning generations, but it doesn’t keep locals from continuing to push forward into the future. They simply do so while holding a deep respect for the past. Keeping this in mind, for anyone willing to break out of the party atmosphere along River Street, Savannah is a cultural hub waiting to be explored. From a church that acted as a stop on the Underground Railroad to cemeteries with active residents, each site provides a window into the past. Between paranormally charged hotspots, Savannah’s culinary scene provides bold flavors in unique settings, from an old bus station to renovated mansions. Nothing fades in time in Savannah. Instead, the city ties the past and present together so that no matter what, it’s impossible to forget where it all began.  

Traveling abroad for the first time is both exciting and intimidating. Travel is an experience for the mind, the body, and the soul and when you embark on that journey by yourself for the first time, there are a lot of feelings, and that's ok. Like so many things in life, the hardest part of taking your first trip alone is leaving. Between the excitement and apprehension, a lot of thoughts infiltrate your mind…not all of them positive. The trick is to embrace them. Confront those fears and keep pushing forward because on the other side of that plane, train, or car will be the first of many unforgettable and meaningful experiences. 

Quick trips can feel limited. Between travel time, settling in, and making decisions, sometimes spending the money on a weekend away doesn't feel worth it. If planned well, you can pack quite a bit in two days, and Boston offers just enough versatility – and walkability – to make it work. While a week in Boston is even better, if two days are all you have, the city is laid out beautifully to make it possible.

Some of the best adventures happen when we’re pushed outside our comfort zones. Traveling alone can be one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences. For those planning their first solo trip, start slow by getting used to doing things alone in your hometown or city. Book a weekend getaway and work up to a more extended trip. If you feel ready or are no stranger to solo travel, find time on the calendar this year to go abroad on an epic adventure. From the temples of Cambodia to the festivals of Quebec, these are just a handful of international destinations to experience alone. 

Nothing beats a hot cup of cocoa by a roaring fireplace while wearing comfy sweats wrapped in a blanket. Add a good book during a heavy snowfall, and it’s about as perfect a day as it gets! Invented by the Danish, “hygge” simply means cozy, and it’s how we should all winter. According to the official Visit Denmark website, “hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people…Perhaps hygge explains why Danes are some of the happiest people in the world.” Inspired by this way of life, we’ve put together 8 destinations to visit this winter to embrace a hygge vibe for a well-deserved break. 

One of the things to look forward to the most with a new year is all the new trips there are to plan. Twelve months are a blank canvas to fill with destinations, escapes, cultural immersion, and memories. Whether you prefer to go on grand adventures scaling mountains and reaching high peaks or cozy, slow travel leisurely walking down old, historic cobblestone streets, dipping in and out of bookstores and cafes while getting to know the local people, a new year is a new opportunity to fill as many moments as possible with curiosity and enriching experiences. We'd love to take off for hundreds of places in the world, but these eight are currently at the top of our minds.

There are cities filled with so much history that they might as well be walking time machines, like Boston. Other cities, like Washington D.C., certainly have history but memorialize it more than anything. In fact, the nation’s capitol has over 160 memorials. So, while Boston has the past oozing out of every brick and cobblestone, D.C. is more of a testament to days gone by. That’s not to say D.C. doesn’t have sites with historical impact. Most cities have stories to be told if you know where to look, and in the Capitol, that’s in old, iconic buildings. 

Cities take on a certain magical quality during the holidays. The lights and decorations transform the urban landscape into a glittering space that brings joy to even the Scroogiest of hearts. An air of nostalgia tickles the brain in just the right way so that not even the gloomiest days can ruin the experience. Chicago is no stranger to the magic of the holiday season. While the city is known for soaking up every minute of summer, locals also love to embrace every moment that celebrates this festive time of year.