United States Travel

June 29, 2026

America the Beautiful: Why Some of My Favorite Luxury Trips Don’t Require a Passport

There’s something about a milestone that makes you stop and really look around.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, I’ve found myself thinking about all the destinations
I spend my days planning for clients. The Amalfi Coast. The Greek Islands. The French Riviera. The
Scottish Highlands.

And while I love helping clients experience those incredible places, I’ve realized something lately:
Some of the most memorable trips I’ve planned or personally taken have happened right here in
the United States.

Maybe it’s because I spend so much time helping travelers see the world that I’ve become more
aware of what’s sitting in our own backyard. Or maybe it’s because luxury travel has never really
been about distance.

It’s about how a destination makes you feel.

And America has plenty of places that do exactly that.

Why Luxury Travel Doesn’t Have to Mean
International Travel

As a travel advisor, I spend a lot of time helping clients decide where to go next.

And almost without fail, when someone says they’re looking for a luxury vacation, their minds immediately go to Europe.

But here’s what I’ve learned after years of planning custom itineraries: Luxury isn’t defined by crossing an ocean. It’s arriving at a beautiful hotel where every detail has already been handled, knowing your dinner reservation is secured months in advance, and
walking into a destination and feeling completely present because you’re not worrying about logistics.

I’ve experienced that feeling in Italy. I’ve experienced it in Iceland. And I’ve experienced it in places like Charleston, Jackson Hole, Napa Valley, and New Orleans.

The location changes. The feeling doesn’t.

The U.S. Destinations I Keep Recommending

Over the years, there are certain destinations I find myself recommending again and again. I’ve rounded them up for you. In the weeks to follow, each destination will have it’s own blog post which I’ll come back and link here.

Charleston, South Carolina

Every time I visit Charleston, I’m reminded that some places simply know who they are.

The architecture. The food. The waterfront views. The historic homes.

It’s polished without feeling pretentious.

For couples looking for a long weekend or travelers who appreciate beautiful design, incredible restaurants, and a slower pace, Charleston rarely disappoints.

New Orleans, Louisiana

As a Southern girl, New Orleans will always have a special place in my heart.

It’s one of the few cities where I can spend an entire day simply wandering.

The food is exceptional. The history is layered. The architecture feels like a storybook.

And when you pair those things with the right hotel and a few carefully chosen experiences, it becomes so much more than a weekend getaway.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

If Europe is known for dramatic landscapes, Jackson Hole certainly gives it a run for its money.

The first time I saw the Tetons in person, I completely understood why people return year after year.

The combination of luxury lodges, wildlife, adventure, and wide-open spaces creates a type of escape that’s increasingly hard to find.

It’s one of my favorite recommendations for families and couples who want both relaxation and adventure.

Napa Valley

Napa is one of those destinations that never really goes out of style.

And while wine is certainly part of the appeal, I think people often underestimate just how much more there is to experience.

Some of my favorite Napa itineraries include private tastings, spa afternoons, incredible meals, and enough downtime to actually enjoy it all.

It’s luxurious without trying too hard.

The Maine Coast

Whenever clients tell me they want somewhere beautiful, peaceful, and a little unexpected, I often find myself talking about Maine.

The coastline feels cinematic.

The seafood is incredible.

And the charming harbor towns have a way of slowing life down in the best possible way.

It’s especially magical during the late summer and early fall months.

America’s Founding Cities

This year feels like the perfect time to revisit some of the destinations that helped shape our country’s story.

Philadelphia, Boston, Williamsburg, and Washington, D.C. offer so much more than history lessons.


They’re filled with beautiful hotels, incredible dining, and meaningful experiences that connect travelers to something bigger than themselves.


And with America’s 250th anniversary approaching, I have a feeling these destinations will be especially memorable in the years ahead.

The Difference Between a Good Trip and a Great One

One thing I’ve learned after planning hundreds of itineraries is that great trips rarely happen by accident.

They’re thoughtfully designed.

The right hotel matters.

The pacing matters.

The restaurant recommendation that becomes your favorite meal of the year matters.

The private guide who helps you see a destination differently matters.

And having someone who knows how all those pieces fit together matters, too.

That’s the part I love most about what I do.

Not just helping clients choose where to go, but helping them experience a destination in a way that feels effortless from beginning to end.

Rediscovering What’s Right Here at Home

I think that’s why I’m so excited about this summer.

While I’ll always love planning trips to Europe and beyond, there’s something special about rediscovering places that are a little closer to home.

Places with incredible stories.

Extraordinary landscapes.

World-class hospitality.

And experiences that remind us we don’t always have to travel far to be transformed.

Sometimes the most memorable journeys are waiting right here in our own backyard.

Ready to Plan Your Next Escape?

Whether you’re dreaming of Charleston, Napa Valley, Jackson Hole, the Maine Coast, or somewhere else entirely, I’d love to help you design a trip that’s thoughtful, seamless, and completely tailored to you.

Because the best trips don’t happen by accident.

They happen when someone is paying attention to the details.

And that’s exactly what I’m here for.
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