Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen holds a special place in my heart from my time visiting as a flight attendant. Walking the vibrant streets to the university district, I loved watching circus school performers perform incredible acts and exploring where Hans Christian Andersen lived. I also took a walk to see the Little Mermaid statue and learned that her head has been replaced many times.

My favorite way to experience the city is definitely aboard the classic red boat tour, passing under impossibly low bridges (so much fun) and floating past the golden royal yacht. Beyond the harbor, Copenhagen is home to Tivoli, where I saw Natalie Cole sing "Pink Cadillac" and had such an amazing time discovering this gem.

Another must do would be to hire a guide and explore medieval castles and ancient Viking villages. I kid you not... I witnessed a Viking ship surface after centuries of being trapped in the mud.

In Denmark, the people are welcoming and the shopping is great. I would bring back fun finds such as toothpaste in a container shaped like a tooth and my children were delighted. For me, history makes every trip feel like stepping into a living storybook, so Denmark is always a perfect destination for me.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

My daughter and I decided to take a trip to Italy, and we chose the Amalfi Coast, making the charming town of Maiori our base. It boasts the longest beach on the coast and this town is so quaint, clean, and lined with many beach clubs available at an excellent rate. Maiori is not full of tourists so it makes it an ideal place to experience a true immersion into the authentic Italian way of life.

We stayed at Montagnella Relax, a peaceful bed and breakfast perched right on the side of the cliff. The stairs leading up to it actually date back to the Amalfi War, where soldiers once hid from enemies, and they stretch all the way up the mountain to an ancient castle. In June, Maiori celebrates the Festa di San Pietro and this festival includes music, religious processions through the town. We were privy to fireworks almost every night of our stay. The view from our balcony. It was such a wonderful way to end the day.

 Surrounding the town are endless terraces of lemon farms and garden plots. The local restaurant owners grow their own produce, making every meal extraordinarily fresh and healthy. The hosts offer a  transfer service and they made us feel right at home every morning with the best cappuccino and lovely breakfast spreads and and an amazing view.

 Our days were filled with unforgettable moments, from exploring Pompeii to spending a full day in Positano. In Positano, we treated ourselves to the ultimate luxury at La Scogliera Beach Club. If you ever go, book sunbed 102. It is easily the best spot, complete with private steps leading down into the sea, and a short swim to a private beach. La Scogliera serves immaculate food, and an attentive sommelier paired wine for our meal. 

Afterwards, we tackled the notoriously steep steps of Positano up Da Vincenzo Ristorante (if anyone happens to find one of my lungs left behind on those stairs, please send it back!) We had made a reservation and I was so very glad we did. Guests with reservations are greeted outside before opening and escorted directly to the finest tables first. 

We took a boat ride to Capri as well. Best to have your tickets on your phone and not printed. In Capri, we had a lovely day of walking around and rode the local bus. While we waited for our boat ride back to Maori, we enjoyed pizza and arancini. What's up with those delicious fried rice balls stuffed with melted cheese. I want to hug the person who invented those!

 We spent our final days wandering through Maiori, enjoying the beach and popping into souvenir shops. One of our favorite culinary highlights was a little deli where they made loaded fresh sandwiches right in front of us. From experiencing this special time with my beautiful daughter, wandering through food shops stocked with local olives, pasta and spices, the wine stores, the warm hospitality, and pre-flight VIP lounge access,  it was truly the trip of a lifetime. 

Mauritius, Africa

Mauritius is part of the African continent, located in the Indian Ocean off the southeast coast of Africa, just past Madagascar where underwater geological formations rise above the sea.

Visiting the Indian Ocean had been a dream of mine ever since I saw it in an encyclopedia as a teenager, and stepping off the plane in Mauritius meant that dream was finally coming true.

We made our journey through Paris followed by a twelve-hour flight, but it is worth every single minute. Pro tip: plan ahead and look for discounted premium or business-class fares. Investing in extra comfort for that long haul makes a world of difference.

From the moment we landed, the happiness of the people was refreshing. Everyone was so sweet and helpful, including our hilarious cab driver. Do make sure to buckle up! Navigating those narrow roads is an adventure in itself, easily rivaling the wildest amusement park ride!

 We stayed in the south, right near the famous underwater waterfall, which made the perfect base for exploring natural wonders.  We visited the stunning Chamarel Seven Colored Earth and took in the views at the ravine lookout near Grand Bassin, where sassy, entertaining monkeys roam free.

Grand Bassin, known as Ganga Talao, is a sacred crater lake located high in the secluded mountains of the Savanne district about 550 meters above sea level where a 108-foot (33 meter) tall statue of Lord Shiva stands at the entrance. It was a very beautiful and peaceful place to be.

We went picking wild guavas straight from the trees and took on the zip-line, which at the time, was the second longest in the world, offering breathtaking panoramic views. We also visited Le Morne Brabant, a dramatic mountain with a heartbreaking history located on the southwestern tip of Mauritius. It is a famous UNESCO World Heritage site known for its striking coastal views and rich history.

The island’s unique mix of Creole, French, Indian, Chinese, influences makes the food absolutely incredible. You can also easily arrange for a local taxi driver to give you a full tour of the island at a very reasonable price. Spending time in such a gorgeous place, it’s easy to see why the locals are so happy. Leaving with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes, I knew Mauritius was truly a little paradise on earth.