There’s something about French culture that I’ve always loved. There’s a simplicity to it that brings effortless elegance. Hospitality is quiet but thoughtful. The cuisine is understated but meticulous. It’s a unique blend of contradictions that is so intrinsically French. So naturally, when I noticed a plethora of French businesses while exploring New York City, it piqued my curiosity to see exactly how much French culture and influence this enormous city has to offer. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t disappointed. 

It’s officially one week until fall, even if the weather hasn’t quite gotten the memo yet here in Chicago. While these summer temperatures are sticking around, we’ll be dreaming of crisp fall days perfect for cozy adventures. From the historic streets of Innsbruck and Mexico City to the peaceful quiet of the Oregon coast and a small town in the Canadian Rockies, we’ve put together a list of places across the globe to look forward to this coming season. But honestly, any of these spots make for a memorable trip regardless of the time of year. Start planning, and get ready to take off…

There’s nothing quite like leaves changing in the height of autumn. The short window when fall colors are at their peak is coveted for seasonal travel and road trips through parts of the US such as Acadia National Park, the Great Lakes, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s the time of year when we trade cozy knits for beach towels, and warm apple cider for lemonade. The time of year when the sun sets earlier, so that s’mores around the bonfire are an after-dinner treat rather than a late-night snack. The sweet smell of leaves on the ground permeates the air alongside the warm spices from freshly baked goods. It’s one of the best times of year to slow down and soak in every moment, especially since it feels like the shortest of all seasons. 

With PTO controlling how much (or little) people can travel over the last few decades, itineraries have, somewhere along the way, become packed. Cramming as much as possible into a trip has become the norm, leaving us with experiences that feel overwhelming and stressful. You’re tired when you take off toward your destination, and you’re exhausted by the time you get home. Sayings like “I need a vacation to recover from my vacation” became a light-hearted way to describe a trip that was probably - if we’re being honest - overplanned. 

Heat waves ripple across the horizon as the sun’s intense rays sting your skin. Surrounded by prickly soldiers that have seen the entire history of America’s hottest desert and mountains of sand that seem never-ending, you have arrived. Welcome to Joshua Tree, California. 

I’m absolutely clueless when it comes to soccer and FIFA…but let me tell you, after accidentally being in this city during the world's largest soccer tournament, I learned way more than soccer rules and who the hot players are moment of silence for Raúl Jiménez, por favor 

I moved to Mexico City this March, and coincidentally ended up moving into an apartment that was a five-minute walk from the epicenter of Mexico’s Fan Fest for FIFA - the
“Angel of Independence.”

Summertime in Chicago has an energy you can’t experience anywhere else. Because winters are long and can be brutal, Chicagoans go all out, from patio brunches to beach days. Even if it’s one hundred degrees and humid, rooftops will be packed and the beach will be buzzing. Whether you’re a local or visiting for a few days, we’ve got your guide to summer in Chicago, from where to eat to how to escape the heat when it becomes too much. Grab your sandals and let’s get going!

Summer isn’t for everyone. We know, we know…it’s a small group of individuals. But they exist, nonetheless. In our defense, the heat waves and heat domes are overachieving this year with record-breaking temperatures across the US and Europe. With this in mind, July through September is perfect for those who favor cooler weather to go south…WAY south. The southern hemisphere is in the thick of winter, so destinations like Peru and Australia are much more temperate if the heat isn’t your speed. If staying north of the equator is more realistic, plenty of destinations have milder summers for a “coolcation,” especially in northern Europe and the upper reaches of North America (although check the forecast to pack appropriately). 

Summer is here for anyone living in the northern hemisphere! For many, that means it’s time to shut the laptop and head out for a long-anticipated vacation. Whether you’re looking for something that can be planned over a long weekend or a much lengthier adventure, we’ve compiled nine destinations to consider for your summer travels. From Turkey’s Turquoise Coast to the lesser-known Balkan city of Tirana, wildlife adventures in the Galapagos and Serengeti, a tropical escape in the Philippines, and one of the most famous destinations to catch the best DJs in the world, we’ve got a spot for whatever vibe you’re looking for this summer. Take yourself on a solo adventure and slow down to enjoy the sunshine. This time is for you, so make the most of it!  

Boston is one of the most friendly cities to visit as a solo traveler. With walkability, easily navigable public transit, and friendly locals (yes, we are breaking the stigma!), there isn’t one reason you shouldn’t visit Boston on your own. The New England city has plenty to explore, from historical sites and unique museums to sweet treats, old markets, and more. Boston is full of eclectic neighborhoods, charming cobblestone streets, and local independent stores to discover. And everything seems to have a story attached. From the oyster craze of the 1800s to a still unsolved heist that turned the art world upside down, exploring Boston is more than just visiting a few important sites. It’s becoming absorbed in centuries of people and their lives, where you can feel the impact of everyone from immigrant fishermen to influential historical figures. 

We try not to play favorites, but it’s hard not to name Boston as one of our favorite cities. The New England destination is packed with history, culture, and charm, offering endless things to explore. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, history buff, nature lover, or anything else, Boston has something for everyone to enjoy. The waterfront city has seen centuries of milestones and history, with many of those moments captured in the streets and buildings. Whether you’re visiting Boston for the first time or returning for the hundredth, here are twelve things everyone should do at least once. 

Boston is hard not to love. There’s so much the coastal New England city has to offer. Nearly four centuries of history can be felt in every cobblestone and brick-paved road. Cultural roots have been planted deep from heavy immigrant movements that shaped the city we now know today. And thanks to those immigrants, a diverse food scene that can’t be replicated anywhere else. The people of Boston are proud of where they come from. They’re proud of their ancestry, their history, and, most importantly, their sports teams. Boston has played a significant role in pop culture, with every side of the city represented from the grittiest corners of Southie to the privileged halls of Harvard and MIT. It’s a place everyone should visit at least once, but don’t say we didn’t warn you if you find yourself returning time and again.