As those who follow along on Instagram may have gathered, we’re in Italy right now!
Thanks again to everyone who shared suggestions and advice for this trip—I so appreciate it. In case you’re curious, here’s the routing we ended up taking: Three nights in Rome, after which we rented a car and drove south and east to Matera. From there, we drive around Puglia, basing ourselves in Ostuni, Lecce, Polignano a Mare, Santa Cesarea de Terme, and near a little town called Spongano where we get to stay in an olive grove before driving back to Rome and heading home. I’ve been posting photos on Instagram (under the hashtag #bruhnbuonviaggio) along the way.
I’m going to step away for a little while as we soak it all in.
In the meantime, if you happen to be in search of your next travel adventure, or are just feeling wanderlust-y, and enjoy those best-of-lists like I do, here have been some of my favorite destinations over the years…
Favorite International City: Paris probably still wins, but I found it to be trickier with very young kids so perhaps Rome or Mexico City would take top prize for me at this stage.
Favorite Domestic City: Another tough call (I love Los Angeles), but New York wins. The history, the people, the food, the parks, and—for the traveler—the transit system make it one of the most incredible cities in the world.
Most affordable: We did plenty of splurging in Thailand, but the dollar goes far. Bangkok is an awesome city!
Best Value: I found myself wanting to answer Mexico City for a lot of categories. We really loved our visit. And it was nice to feel like we could afford to go back! Also, is Croatia still less expensive than some of its European neighbors? It’s been a while, but I’d love to go back and find out.
Favorite for Outdoor adventuring: Yosemite Valley (which I actually thought about a lot on our trip through a Fjord yesterday, imagining what it once looked like). Glacier-shaped and once filled with water, it’s an incredible sight.
Best Roadtrip: A drive along the California Coast should be on everyone’s to-do list. Highway 1 as it passes through Big Sur is breathtaking. It will take you forever because you’ll be pulling out over and over to take photos.
Most Family-friendly: Hawaii (domestic) or anywhere from our Scandinavian trip (international). Bali would be also be a good answer, and if it were easier to get to, we’d go back in a heartbeat. Everyone wanted to help entertain our child! But it’s an easy, direct flight for us to Maui or Oahu and it seems like everyone there is traveling with kids—which means they’re welcome all over. That and the obvious: beautiful beaches!
Best for Relaxation: A spa escape in Sonoma. For obvious reasons.
Best food and drink: New York is home to the most sentimental favorites, but Italy didn’t lead the “Eat” portion of Elizabeth Gilbert’s narrative for nothing. Tasting pesto in Liguria for the first time or eating seafood on the Amalfi coast are standouts. Adding ‘eating burrata in Puglia,’ now.
Most Under-the-radar: When we last visited Roatan (Honduras), there was talk of a larger cruise ship terminal, but it still felt like a hidden gem. The diving was incredible! (And really affordable!)
Most Romantic escape: Locally, we’d likely head to Napa or Sonoma (see: Relaxation), but Thailand stands out as the most romantic to me (see: Honeymoon).
Most Worth the splurge: A single-leg, long-haul flight.
What places would you add? Any categories I’ve missed?
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