Earlier in the year, I transferred all of our Amex points to Alaska. They don’t have this transfer partnership anymore, but I knew that through Alaska you could book international American Airlines flights. I kept looking for an opportunity, and it finally came up — for our anniversary!

What’s cool about booking through Alaska is that it allowed us to book first class all the way to Nashville. We don’t have direct flights to Nashville, but with our connecting flight also being in first class, it made the entire experience incredible.

For Tim and me, it was 55k points each way, for a total of 110k points roundtrip. This would be valued at around $6,500 per person, even during the cheapest season.

To search for flights, especially if you have Alaska points, you can use the flexible dates option and choose to search with points. Change the cabin to business class, and you’ll be able to see the different options available. Sometimes it takes a little time to play around with different months, dates, and destinations to find a really good deal. I’ve noticed that Paris, Madrid, and Barcelona can have some great availability, but you definitely have to be flexible and try different city and date combinations.

For The Hotel Stay

Paris hotels can get expensive very quickly, especially if you want to stay somewhere central. On this trip, we actually stayed at two different hotels in Paris, and we booked them in two completely different ways. Both worked really well for us, but for very different reasons.

P.S. I used rewards from this card to book our stay. (Its my favorite card because of all the perks)

Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal

For our first night, we stayed at Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal. We had just landed after an overnight flight from the U.S., so early check-in was a huge priority for me. We booked it through the Chase Travel portal for 45,000 points, and our reservation included early check-in, breakfast, a $100 hotel credit, and late checkout. The stay was valued at around $700, which may seem like a lot of points for that value, but the perks were incredibly valuable for us.

Honestly, the early check-in alone made the booking worth it. There is nothing worse than landing in Europe exhausted and realizing you have hours to wait before you can get into your room. We were able to check into our room at 11 a.m., take a nap until 1 p.m., and still have a full day to enjoy Paris.

The hotel is also in a beautiful, central location near Palais Royal and the Louvre, so it was a really easy way to start the trip. This is why I always check more than one way to book a hotel. Sometimes transferring points directly to a hotel program makes the most sense, but other times booking through the Chase Travel portal can come with benefits that make the overall stay much more valuable.

After our first night in Paris, we took the train down to the South of France. I’m going to share that entire part of the trip separately because it really needs its own article — where we stayed, renting a car, the little towns, markets, antique shopping, and everything we learned along the way. Details Coming soon...

Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme

When we returned to Paris, we stayed at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, and the biggest thing that made this stay so special was the location. It truly is the best of the best. We booked the hotel using 45k points per night, while the cash value was around $1,800 per night.

You’re right by Place Vendôme, Rue Saint-Honoré, Opéra, the Tuileries, incredible shopping, cafés, bakeries, and so many of the places we wanted to visit. We were able to walk almost everywhere, come back to the hotel to drop things off, and head right back out again. That kind of location completely changes the way you experience Paris.

The service at Park Hyatt was also out of this world. The staff was incredibly attentive, and the service really elevated the entire stay.

But I do want to be transparent about one thing: the hotel needs a major update. For the price and level of hotel, parts of the property and the rooms feel dated. It didn’t take away from our experience because the location and service were so exceptional, but if you’re booking it expecting a newly renovated luxury hotel, I would definitely keep that in mind.

I’d make it sound more like this:

The way Hyatt award bookings work is that you first have to find availability for your dates, and for a hotel this popular, planning almost a year ahead really helps. I’m still seeing some nights available for around 45k points, while others are showing closer to 65k points per night, which honestly feels very high. If you find availability at 45k, that’s definitely the rate I’d try to grab. Once you find the dates you want, you can transfer the points you need and book the stay.

BTW, a few years ago we also stayed at Le Narcisse Blanc Hôtel & Spa and Hôtel Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain, and we loved them both.

My favorite credit card right now is this one. It’s worth it if you take the time to learn how to get the full value out of it. Especially if you’re already spending money on your business, you’re going to have those expenses anyway — might as well earn some free travel while you’re at it!

When I added up the value of everything we booked with points, I was honestly shocked. Our three nights at the Park Hyatt were worth about $5,400, our first-class flights for the two of us were worth around $13,000, and our night at Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal was around $700. Altogether, that’s approximately $19,100 worth of travel booked with points — which made this anniversary trip feel even more special.

Let me know what else you want to know about Paris!

That didn’t happen as much as he hoped because English is spoken almost everywhere, but either way, we absolutely loved Mallorca. I think it’s one of those places you have to visit at least once.

Getting to Mallorca

Mallorca was a little bit of a challenge for us to get to. No matter which route we took, we had two stops, so we decided to make a trip out of it.

On the way there, we spent a few days in the Cotswolds, and on the way back, we spent a few days in Manchester. It ended up being such a fun way to break up the travel and see more. It felt like three trips in one, even though I typically don’t recommend hitting so many places on one trip. But we were traveling for almost two weeks.

Where We Stayed

The first challenge was finding a place to stay that didn’t completely break the bank.

I love a fancy hotel, and Hyatt/Chase CC points have definitely spoiled us, so I struggle with staying at hotels that aren’t great. The incredible properties in Mallorca were thousands of dollars per night, and we would have needed two rooms because we were traveling with the boys. Most hotels don’t offer two large beds, and we wanted everyone to be comfortable.

We ended up choosing a two-bedroom place with two full bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a living room. It honestly could not have been more perfect. - We stayed at Agroturisme Sa Talaia Blanca.

It was private and kind of out in the middle of nowhere, but it felt like Paradise. We had a pool, gardens, an orchard, and a grill. There was so much space, which came in handy because we were together 24/7. Having room to spread out made such a difference.

If You Have a Bigger Budget

If you have a bigger budget, I would suggest staying at the Four Seasons Mallorca. We toured a few hotels on the Island, FS had most stunning property.

For us, it was around $7,000 per night for two rooms, so I didn’t even consider it. But if you can find a great deal, I would absolutely go for it.

We did get a day cabana pass at the Four Seasons, and it was reasonably priced. It gave us access to the property for the full day, and it is totally magical.

The resort is huge, with several pools, restaurants, and beach access. It was such a fun way to experience the property without committing to the hotel price and to experience a more private area of Mallorca.

A Note About the Beaches

None of the beaches in Mallorca are private. Even if you stay at a beachfront resort, locals can literally set up right next to you.

The beaches get very busy, especially in the summer. The ones closer to resorts may feel a little less crowded, but overall, they are pretty packed.

You can also do beach clubs. I had a few saved on my list, including Nu Mallorca and Gran Folies.

Book a Boat Tour

A private boat tour for the day is a must. We used - Llaüts Alejandra’s/Boat Trips Mallorca

We spent four hours on the water and had tapas on the boat. We got a chance to swim, see cliffs, wild mountain goats, and caves, and be in the most stunning, clear water.

I think this is what made our Mallorca trip very special and memorable. We are not really water people, but we still really enjoyed being on the water.

Towns to See

Because we stayed in Muro, we spent one day driving to Palma, which was a little under an hour away.

Palma is the main city, and it is so clean, with great shopping and food. It would be such a fun place to spend more time if you want a little city energy mixed into a beach trip.

Deià was probably the most magical town we visited. It has a Belmond hotel, La Residencia, and I would absolutely book lunch or dinner there. Seeing the property itself is an experience.

On the way to Deià, I would also stop in Valldemossa and Sóller. They are all so beautiful and have that dreamy mountain-town feel.

Don’t Miss This Viewpoint

If you don’t end up going to the Four Seasons, you have to drive up to Mirador des Colomer.

It has one of the most stunning viewpoints on the island. It does get busy, so plan to go earlier in the day.

Markets I Wish We Had Time For

I wish we had made it to more of the local markets. A few I had saved were:

• Santanyí

• Santa Maria del Camí

• Sóller

• Felanitx

We just didn’t have enough time, which is fine. We have an excuse to come back.

Final Thoughts

Mallorca has it all, including the most stunning water.

If you are a beach person, you can be at a beach within minutes and see completely different sides of the island. You can also be in a city, drive through mountains, or find yourself in an area that feels a little bit like Tuscany.

I do wish we had come in May or September to beat some of the crowds, but either way, this was such an incredible trip. Mallorca is absolutely one of those places I would love to go back to.

You do need an eligible Chase card, like the Sapphire Reserve to transfer points to travel partners. We have the Sapphire Reserve, and it has become one of our favorite cards for travel because we can decide how to use our points based on what gives us the best value. This Is The Card we have: For Business & Personal Use.

If you have a business with a lot of transactions, you are really missing out on some incredible travel opportunities.

I never assume that transferring points is automatically the best choice. Before booking, I always compare the cash rate, the Chase Travel portal price, and the transfer-partner option.

My Favorite Chase Benefit: The Edit

My favorite Chase travel perk is definitely The Edit. (inside Chase portal)

It is Chase’s luxury hotel collection, and certain bookings can include daily breakfast for two, a hotel credit, possible room upgrades, early check-in, or late checkout.

For a nicer hotel, those extras can make a big difference. Breakfast alone can easily save a couple hundred dollars over a few days, and I love having a hotel credit to use toward dinner, drinks, spa treatments, or whatever makes the stay feel a little more special.

Sometimes I find a really good Chase Travel deal through The Edit and use points toward the stay. I always look for high value with points. If I am spending 40,000 points, I want the hotel to be at least $1,000 per night.

Transferring Chase Points to Hyatt

The other way we love using Chase points is by transferring them to World of Hyatt.

Chase points transfer to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio, and Hyatt can be one of the best ways to get great value from your points—especially at nicer hotels where cash prices are high.

A hotel might be thousands dollars per night in cash, but the Hyatt points rate can be much more reasonable. This is especially helpful for NYC trips during the holidays, and at Park Hyatts. It can give you amazing value.

Before transferring, I always check that the hotel is actually available on points. Transfers are final, so you never want to move points over until you know exactly what you are booking.

Watch for Transfer Bonuses

Chase will occasionally offer transfer bonuses to certain airline partners, and those are always worth watching.

Virgin Atlantic is one that I pay attention to. When there is a bonus, your Chase points can turn into even more Virgin Points, which can be useful for Virgin Atlantic flights or select partner airline redemptions.

But I do not transfer points just because there is a bonus.

The points are most valuable when I already have a trip in mind and find an actual flight or hotel that makes sense. A transfer bonus is great, but only if it helps you book something you were already planning to book. I use Seats.aero to help me quickly search for award availability.

The Credit Card Fee

Because we have the Reserve, I made sure to look at all the perks and actually use them. I want to get the best value out of an expensive credit card, not just waste money on a card.

The perks alone can help cover the credit card fee, but when you also use the points, it really can create some of the most luxurious travel experand points. We get to experience things that may not have otherwise been possible, and I am so thankful.

As I write this, I am sitting on a first-class flight with my entire family. I cannot imagine having this opportunity without credit cards and points. We get to experience things that may not have otherwise been possible, and I am so thankful.

I do not know how long these perks will last, but I am definitely enjoying them while they do.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions!

But of course, we came during a literal heat wave… which is not exactly what you picture when planning a cozy countryside trip to England. We were not prepared for that part at all.

P.S. I got my dress on Amazon, and I feel like it’s the find of the year—100% cotton and such a budget-friendly find.

Getting There: London vs. Manchester

Most people probably fly into London when they do the Cotswolds, and that makes sense. But we flew into Manchester because that worked better with the Virgin Atlantic points we were using.

From Manchester, we rented a car and drove down. It was around a two-ish hour drive, depending on traffic and where exactly you are staying.

I know from London you can technically take a train to Moreton-in-Marsh, arrange a transfer from there. But I think everyone needs a car to truly experience the Cotswolds.

We Stayed: Hyll Hotel

We stayed at Hyll, and I truly loved it. It is one of those beautiful, true countryside hotels where you feel like you are staying in an old English manor, but the inside is done in a really beautiful, clean, elevated way. It was recently renovated, so it all feels brand new.

It has that cozy-but-fancy feeling, surrounded by a bee farm and what felt like an endless amount of sheep.

A few things to know:

• The service was incredible. Everyone was so kind and helpful.

• The food at the hotel was INSANE. My boys kept saying, “The food here is insane,” which is honestly the best review from teenagers. We ate at the hotel multiple times, and every meal was so good.

• Since we needed two rooms for all of us, I thought the overall stay was priced really well for the experience. I know you can stay at way fancier hotels, but with us needing two rooms, this was an amazing option.

• Our rooms did not have air conditioning, which was rough during the heat wave. Normally, I do not think that would be a big issue in the Cotswolds, but in the middle of a random hot spell… just know that could matter.

Overall, I would absolutely recommend Hyll for a real country experience. It was located close to everything.

Two other properties I would love to stay at (maybe without teens) are Thyme and Estelle Manor. Thyme feels like such a dreamy, slow Cotswolds escape—beautiful grounds, farm-to-table food, a spa, and even a cookery school. Estelle Manor is for when you want to go extra bougie. It is more of a full experience with gorgeous interiors, multiple restaurants, and the most insane Roman-inspired spa.

Our First Stop: Daylesford Farmshop

After flying into Manchester, our first real stop was Daylesford Farmshop. I knew if we picked a place that had a ton to do and could keep us busy, it would help us fight the jet lag—and it was amazing.

This is the fancy farm store everyone talks about, and yes, it is worth going.

We had coffee, walked around, ate at their Michelin restaurant, looked at all the home things, food, flowers, little gifts… basically explored every corner.

Oh my… I could be there for days!!! They have beautiful organic produce, pastries, cheeses, pantry things, and multiple cafés on the property. I wanted to buy everything.

The Towns to Visit

This part was overwhelming for me because I did not know how to pick towns, but honestly, it does not really matter. They are all sooo pretty.

You will feel like you are in a fairytale land no matter where you go. So plan the route that is most convenient for you, slow down, and really enjoy each one.

• Bourton-on-the-Water – The cutest little town with water running through it, tiny bridges, and so many people sitting outside with coffee or ice cream.

• Broadway – One of my favorites. So charming, beautiful, and full of little shops, restaurants, and old stone buildings.

• Stow-on-the-Wold – Great for wandering, shopping, and popping into little stores.

• Chipping Campden – Very pretty and quiet, with so much classic Cotswolds charm.

• Moreton-in-Marsh – A great little town to stop in, especially if you are coming by train from London.

But I will be honest… after a few days, they do start to blend together a little bit. And I mean that in the best way—they are all stunning.

HOT TIP: Visiting RH England is a must when you are in the Cotswolds. I know you might have been to other RH locations, but this one is by far the most magical. We had incredible pizza and Caesar salad too—definitely one of the highlights of our trip.

How Long I Would Stay

I think two to three full days is enough for most people. It really depends on what you want out of the experience.

If you want to drive around and see all the towns, you can technically do a lot of them in one long day. But if you want to enjoy the hotel, do a spa experience, and really truly experience it—not just see it—I think you should stay longer.

The Cotswolds is not really a “go, go, go” trip. It is more about slowing down, driving through the countryside, eating good food, having coffee, wandering little stores, and just enjoying how pretty everything is.

Let’s Talk About the Driving

Driving was probably the most stressful part of the whole trip.

Tim has driven in so many European countries, and he did amazing. Truly, he deserves an award because those roads are no joke.

I lasted in the front passenger seat for a little while, but I could not handle sitting on the driver’s side and not actually being the one driving. It felt so wrong.

So I moved to the back, Ethan took the front passenger seat, and honestly… that was the best decision for everyone. Tim drove. Ethan navigated. I sat in the back pretending I was not stressed.

Final Thoughts

Would I go back? Absolutely. The Cotswolds is beautiful, peaceful, and such a fun stop if you are already going to London or England. I would not over-plan it. Pick a beautiful hotel, make a few restaurant reservations, map out a handful of towns, and leave plenty of time to just wander.

And maybe check the weather before you pack. Because apparently England can have a heat wave too. lol….

Flight Essentials

• Bring your own slippers –It feels so much better to wear slippers on a long flight than tight shoes. In my head, it kind of gives me a first-class flight experience.

• Pack a mini essentials bag – Moisturizer, lip gloss, toothbrush and makeup remover wipes are a must for a long flight.

• Use a hydrating face mask before landing – It instantly revives tired skin and gives you a nice glow before you even step off the plane. Love this one!

• Never skip the snack bag – You never know when you’ll get stuck on the runway for hours (been there 😅).

Renting a car? Read this first.

We’ve rented cars in Italy so many times and definitely made our fair share of mistakes — so you get to skip those and learn from ours 🙌

• Get an international driver’s license – If you plan to rent a car, make sure to grab one before your trip. You can get it super easily at AAA and it only takes a few minutes.

• Insurance = peace of mind – We personally rely on our credit card coverage, but either way having insurance (whether through your card or the rental company) just lets you relax and enjoy the drive.

Where we stayed

We ended up staying at a few different hotels so we could test out different areas. The Dolomites are so large that even with a full week, we were only able to see a tiny part of it.

Eisenhut Boutique Hotel - Bolzano

We spent our very first night here and absolutely loved it. The hotel is brand new and the service was fantastic. Breakfast was incredible. They even had bikes available for guests to use! The location couldn’t be better — it’s right in the center of the main square. Just keep in mind that the hotel is on the smaller side — there’s no pool, and the “gym” is more of a small Pilates studio with a few machines.

We drove from Bolzano to Cortina and made several stops along the way — honestly some of the best parts of the entire trip. Along the route we stopped at Zone Carezza/Karerpass, Moena/Pozza di Fassa, Canazei, Dantercepies, AHC Badia, Corvara, Pralongià, and San Cassiano — all absolutely worth seeing.

Rosapetra Spa Resort - Cortina d'Ampezzo

This hotel is located in Cortina, which is actually the host town for the 2026 Winter Olympics — so it was definitely fun to see it in person. That said, I was expecting more from the resort when I booked it and it didn’t totally live up to my expectations.

• Food – We only had breakfast here and it was pretty average — nothing bad, but nothing memorable either.

• Service – The service, however, was incredible. The entire team went above and beyond to accommodate any request we had. Truly some of the best hospitality.

• Little Things – I loved all the thoughtful extras like complimentary toothbrushes, a hair brush, a beach bag, and turn-down service with water left by the bedside — such a nice touch.

• Shuttle – They also offer a car service into town, which made things so much easier (no hunting or paying for parking 🙌).

Negatives

• No air conditioning – We were there in August and temps were in the 90s. The only way to cool down the room was to sleep with the balcony doors open.

• Road noise – If your room faces the road, be prepared for traffic noise. It’s a fairly busy street right next to the hotel.

Hotel Recort – at Alta Badia (Adults Only)

This was truly our favorite place of the entire trip — brand new, incredibly clean, and honestly not a single negative thing to say.

• Food – Breakfast was automatically included (such a win 🙌). We booked through Expedia and added the dinner option for about $50/night — totally worth it. It’s a four-course meal with smaller portions, and honestly felt like such a fun way to try a bunch of different dishes.

• Service – The staff was incredible and genuinely helpful. They spent so much time pointing us toward the best hikes in the area and sharing insider tips.

• Spa – We were obsessed with the sauna, steam rooms, and the gorgeous pool area. Plus, the treatment prices were actually reasonable. I did a sports massage with Tim — painful but in the best way 😂.

• Location – This was hands-down the best location. The town had such a fun vibe and everything felt brand new. And the hiking options are literally endless.

Hikes

These are the hikes we did while we were there. Honestly, I’d suggest hiking whatever is closest to where you’re staying — that way you’re not wasting time driving. Anywhere in the Dolomites is going to be absolutely stunning.

• Karerpass – This was one of our first stops as we started our road trip through the Dolomites. There’s parking available and you can walk over to see the beautiful turquoise lake or do one of the nearby hikes. We were short on time, so we explored a little and continued on, but it’s definitely worth a longer stop if you have the time.

• Tre Cime di Lavaredo – Just a heads-up: you have to make reservations. Since we didn’t, we had to hike all the way up (a little over 3 miles), but it was totally worth it. Once you reach the Hütte at the top it feels magical — cows are just walking around. There are also bathrooms (bring a euro), food, and a place to hang out and rest before continuing on for even more views.

• Passo Gardena / Jimmie Hütte – Absolutely stunning views in every direction. You can drive right up, park, and do a short hike over to Jimmie Hütte. We stopped for donuts and cappuccinos — and even came back later for lunch because it was so good.

🛍️ Shopping

If you’re flying into Venice, make sure to stop by the Noventa di Piave Designer Outlet — it’s only about 30 minutes from the airport and totally worth the detour. We had so much fun walking around and exploring all the shops.

They have everything from Jimmy Choo and Prada to Gucci and Fendi, plus a ton of other luxury and mid-range brands. Highly recommend popping in, even if it’s just for a quick stroll and a little window shopping 😊.

We Will Be Back

The goal of this trip was simple — enjoy the nature, relax in the spa, hike, and eat really good food. And honestly, we checked every single one of those boxes… it just felt way too short. I wish we had a little more time. We’re already talking about going back.

Stay

There are so many different Airbnbs to stay at along 30A—we’ve stayed at a ton! But we still prefer places that have more of a resort feel. These are our current favorites that we keep going back to.

• Alys Beach – If it’s in your budget, this place is hard to beat. It’s immaculately maintained, and the homes are absolutely stunning.

• Kaiya – Almost as beautiful as Alys Beach and in a great location. It’s new, well-decorated, and we’ve stayed here three times and loved it. The only downside is that there’s still a lot of active construction, so it can be noisy.

• The Pearl Hotel – Tim and I did a trip here one year, just the two of us. It was such a romantic and memorable place to stay.

• Camp Creek Inn – One of our favorite places to stay. It’s more budget-friendly, in a great location, has awesome amenities, and we love that you can bike anywhere from here.

Eat

• George’s at Alys Beach - is a charming coastal restaurant, you have to try their tacos(served at lunch time)

• Playa Bowls – We love their açaí bowls! It’s our go-to spot for breakfast or a quick afternoon snack.

• Fonville Press Market + Café – Their breakfast and lunch are epic. You have to try the blueberry bagel(if they have it)—it's the best in town.

• Black Bear Coffee Co – Great coffee, and their bread and pastries are top-notch.

• La Crema Tapas & Chocolate – I love coming here. The food is amazing, and sitting outside makes it feel extra special. I even celebrated my birthday here a few years ago!

Play

• Bikes – If your place doesn’t come with bike rentals, definitely get one. It’s probably our favorite thing to do every day. We hop on a bike to grab coffee or just ride around for fun.

• Shop – Rosemary Beach has so many charming little boutiques, and I love browsing through them. I usually don’t buy anything, but I still love to window shop!

• Beach – This is the main reason we keep coming back. There’s no better beach out there—we’re obsessed with the sand here. We either lounge by the water or take long walks along the shore.

• Farmers Market – We always make a stop at the farmers market on Sundays. We have a few favorite vendors, and since things change with the seasons, it’s always a fun experience.

  

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We often get asked where to eat, stay, and explore, so I decided to put it all together in this post. Now I can share more detailed recommendations all in one place!

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Where to Stay

When we were house hunting, we visited Nashville so many times and stayed at a bunch of different hotels. Even after we officially moved, we had to wait for our home to be finished — so we ended up living out of hotels and Airbnbs for over three months.

Nashville is wild — full of music, parties, and plenty of drinking. It’s often nicknamed “NashVegas” for a reason. But if you’re looking to experience Music City beyond just the party scene, here are some of my favorite hotels.

• 1 Hotel – If you’ve stayed at a 1 Hotel before, you already know how stunning they are. The Nashville location is no exception — earthy, beautiful, and in a fantastic spot.

• Four Seasons – I love the location of this property. It’s brand new, modern, and the brunch at Mimo, the restaurant downstairs, is a must!

• Grand Hyatt – Another great location! You can see Broadway from the rooftop, which is such a fun touch. I also really love their spacious, comfortable rooms.

Franklin is such a charming escape — it feels like a completely different world from Nashville. It’s safe, family-friendly, and full of small-town charm. Downtown Franklin especially feels like it’s straight out of a Hallmark movie, with adorable shops, cozy cafés, and the sweetest atmosphere.

• Southall – If it’s in your budget, I say go for it! It truly feels like an escape from the busyness of life. The property is new, serene, and the level of luxury is next-level. Perfect for a relaxing, elevated stay just outside the city.

• The Harpeth – If you want to stay right in the heart of downtown Franklin, this is the spot. It’s a beautiful boutique hotel with cozy, elegant rooms and the perfect walkable location.

• Hilton Franklin Cool Springs – A great budget-friendly option just outside downtown Franklin. The rooms are modern, there’s a pool and gym, and the location near freeway (we stayed here so many times when we were house hunting).

Where to Eat

There are so many places to share, but I’ll try to narrow it down. The options are truly endless, and new spots seem to pop up every month.

• Brunch - Herban Market (watch out for celebrities), Mimo in Nashville, The Butter Milk Ranch and The Hampton Social and my favorite RH Cafe.

• Sweets - Five Daughter Bakery, Yolan (go here after dinner for the most fancy dessert), Dozen Bakery

• Coffee - Barista Parlor, Frothy Monkey, Crema, Honest

• Dinner - Culaccino, City House, Henry, 5th & Taylor, The Eastern Peak, Lola and Barcelona

  By the way, Perenn Bakery just opened in Franklin—if you end up coming to downtown, make sure to add it to your list!

What To Do

• Walk Downtown Franklin – They’ve filmed a ton of movies here, and the charm is next level. You’ll find plenty of boutique shopping and great coffee along the way.

• Franklin Factory – This old building was beautifully restored and is now filled with awesome restaurants (our favorite is Mojo’s), coffee shops, and donuts. There are also lots of boutiques, so it’s a great spot for shopping.

• Walk Downtown Nashville – I think everyone should see it at least once! You can choose how much you want to explore, but depending on the time and day, it can get wild. It’s loud from all the live music, and most people around are tourists—still, it’s a fun experience.

• Escape Broadway a bit – Check out Assembly Food Hall. It’s kind of like a giant food court, with tons of great restaurant options under one roof.

• Drive through beautiful neighborhoods – Nashville has some insane homes. I always recommend driving through Witherspoon—there’s no gate, and the homes are absolutely stunning.

• Drive to Leiper’s Fork – It’s the tiniest town, but the drive there is beautiful. The homes sit on huge pieces of land, and once you arrive, the town has cozy coffee spots, food, and a few boutique shops. You can even sit by the river and enjoy your lunch.

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Over time, we expanded to exploring other states, and a few years ago, we even went to Italy. This year, we dreamed of going back to Europe, including Ukraine, but with the situation still uncertain, we felt it was best to hold off for now.

So instead, we picked a destination just a few hours away by plane—and it turned out to be an amazing trip.

Where we Stayed

We recently checked off a spot that’s been sitting on our travel wishlist for a while now — the Four Seasons in Fort Lauderdale. If you’ve been eyeing this property too, let me just say: it fully lived up to the hype.

We booked it through Amex Platinum’s Fine Hotels + Resorts, which gave us some serious perks — we got upgraded to a suite, received daily $110 breakfast credit, and had both early check-in and late check-out. Those extras make such a difference!

What I Loved:

• The new, fresh vibe: The hotel feels brand new in the best way — with bright décor, earthy tones, and stunning stone details throughout. It’s stylish, but still feels warm and welcoming.

• The spa is a dream: Even if you’re not getting a treatment, you can still use the steam room and sauna. A total treat.

• Teen-boy approved gym: Our boys are gym-obsessed, and even they were impressed by the equipment.

• Beach service is included: Not only is it seamless (chairs, towels, umbrellas ready to go), but a portion of the beach is reserved just for hotel guests. It felt so relaxing and private — a major bonus.

What I Didn’t Love:

• Service felt a bit off: It wasn’t quite the level we’ve come to expect from Four Seasons. Not bad, just not as polished or warm as usual.

• Limited nearby options: There aren’t many great food or coffee spots within walking distance, so you’ll likely need a car or an Uber to explore. If you bring your own car, parking is over $60 per night. We ended up doing a day rental from the Avis right next door for just $50—definitely a good option if you only need a car.

• Hotel food is pricey: A muffin or coffee will run you around $10 — so just be prepared for resort pricing.

• Small pool deck: The pool area is beautiful but on the smaller side. If the hotel is at full capacity, it could feel a bit crowded.

What We Ate

• Breakfast at the hotel every morning: We made the most of our $110 credit — one morning we even ordered room service, which felt like such a treat. There’s something about breakfast in bed that just hits different.

• Taco Bell: Jacob rarely makes special requests, but when he asked for Taco Bell, we had to make it happen. I hadn’t had it in over 10 years, so honestly… it turned into a treat for the whole family.

• Ocean Prime Fort Lauderdale: This was hands down the highlight of our trip. We love a good steak and Caesar salad, but the tuna sushi we tried here was out of this world. Highly recommend!

• Matryoshka Deli Food: Since we live in Nashville, where Slavic food is hard to come by, we had to make a stop here. It’s not mind-blowing, but if you’re craving something homemade and comforting, it definitely hits the spot.

• Un Attino: We loved this bakery and coffee spot! Everyone got a pastry and a coffee, and every single order was a hit. Would definitely go back!

  

  What We Did

• Beach: The Four Seasons has its own private beach area with full service. It was such a treat to show up and have everything ready for you. The ocean water was incredibly warm—pure paradise.

• Spa: The hotel’s spa area was amazing, complete with a sauna and steam room. We spent hours in the sauna—it was extremely hot, but perfect for Tim’s Siberian roots.

• Shopping: We stayed close to Sawgrass Mills Outlet, and after hearing so many friends rave about it, we had to check it out. We only spent a few hours there, but I wish we had all day. The boys found stores they loved, so they didn’t even complain!

• Coffee Tasting: The hotel offered a coffee tasting experience—and if you’ve followed us for a while, you know we’re total coffee junkies. It was a fun little activity, but I do wish we got to learn more about the roasting process.

• And We Worked: We’ve been filming some podcasts on the road, and one of the highlights was recording an episode in our hotel suite with Gary, Valeria Lipovetsky’s husband. I can’t wait for this one to come out.

Honestly, I walked away from this trip feeling amazing. It reminded me that—even though they don’t always show it—my teens still enjoy being around me. We had so much fun together. Jacob and Ethan did a ton together too, and because they’re so different, they challenge each other in the best way.

I love that we’ve made it a tradition to take an end-of-school-year trip. If you have kids, I highly recommend starting one—it’s such a special way to make memories.

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It wasn’t fancy — just our favorite people, good vibes, and yummy food. I went all in on a garden theme, not because Tim’s into gardens, but because I found the cutest pottery I had to use. So basically, Tim didn’t have much say in anything (besides picking the guest list), but he was so happy — and that’s what mattered.

We went with a Mediterranean-style menu — fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor. It was one of those meals you can prep mostly in advance. I made most of the dishes the day before, Tim grilled the meats, and we kept everything warm in our Staub pots.

Here is what the Menu looked like!

Dips & Sauces

• Hummus with Herbs (Costco came in clutch)

• Whipped Cottage Cheese Dip

• Tzatziki Sauce

• Chimichurri Sauce

Veggie Sides

• Veggie Board

• Purple Cabbage Salad

• Tomato, Eggplant & Bell Pepper Salad (coming soon — a flavor bomb!)

• Grilled Zucchini

• Grilled Mushrooms

• Roasted Potatoes

Mains

• Grilled Lamb Kabobs

• 5-Minute Grilled Chicken Thighs

Dessert (of course!)

• Baklava

• Chocolate Layer Cake (ordered and it was gone in minutes)

Pottery That Sparked the Theme

I picked up a lot of pieces over time from different local boutiques, but the main one came from Anthropologie. I love the quality — and now it lives in my kitchen!

The Table Setup - Linked all everything here

• Linens - I found the cutest spring-themed linens — the tablecloth and napkins pulled everything together. This might be funny but I told Tim that they make me feel rich! They are not even that expensive but they feel like a million bucks.

• Zwilling/Staub - If you’ve followed me for a bit, you know I love the brand — it always feels like it elevates the table. I always use the Staub plates when we host. The Zwilling utensils are the set we use daily — they feel amazing in your hand. It’s funny, I keep pointing that out, but honestly, it’s part of the whole experience.

• Pottery - I got this pottery set at Anthropologie — it was small enough to use as a centerpiece and just so cute. I also picked up a few larger pots from a local boutique to tie it all together.

If you have questions…. please leave a comment and I will be sure to answer them!

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Here’s how I do it—every single time:

• Never start by searching directly on an airline’s site.
  You’ll miss out on the big picture.

• Instead, open Google and type: “City A to City B.”
  For example: “Nashville to Rome.” Google will instantly show you flights from nearly every airline, across a range of dates.

• Now you can filter it down.
  Don’t want to fly certain airlines? Remove them. Want nonstop only? Select that. You’re totally in control.

• If your dates are flexible, this is gold.
  You can see a calendar of prices to figure out the cheapest (or most convenient) travel days.

• You can also check the price difference between economy and first/business class.
  No need to click around or go back and forth—just quickly toggle between cabin types to compare pricing in one place.

Once I find the best combo of times and price, I’ll either book through Google Flights, the airline’s website, or your preferred booking site—whatever makes the most sense for that trip.

Try it next time you’re planning a trip—you’ll see what I mean.

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Unless you travel a lot, it probably won’t make sense for you…..

The $200 airline credit is nice, but I had to really make sure I used it. Same with the lounge access—I use it all the time, but if you’re flying once or twice a year, are you really going to get value from that?

Also, this card isn’t built for everyday spending. The rewards on groceries, gas, and most normal life stuff? Just 1 point per dollar. You’d get more out of something like the Amex Gold or even Chase credit cards can give you way better value.

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So why do I have it?!

• We fly a lot, so I always use the $200 credit

• We love the partnership they have with Hertz—it gives us status and we never have to worry about damage to the car because Amex has coverage automatically

• I take advantage of the Walmart+—it’s nice to have free delivery when we need it

• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit - I get to keep up with my Housewives shows.. lol

• Uber credit—we use it while traveling

• With Hilton, I love that when we stay 4 nights, our 5th night is free—it feels like we’re getting great rewards

• Their premium hotels are one of my favorite perks. I love the $100 credit, free breakfast, and early check-in/late checkout

  

I personally get value from it because of all the reasons above. But if you aren’t going to use all the perks, I don’t think it’s a card you need. There are so many better cards for everyday life (like Chase credit cards).

If you have questions or scenarios, drop them in the comments and I’ll make sure to answer.

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I wanted to share our go-to food spots—places we never skip when we’re in the city. These are the spots that always hit the mark, whether it’s for a quick bite or a treat to bring home.

• 🌮 Los Tacos No. 1
  We’ve eaten here three times in one day before. No regrets. Fast, fresh, and totally addictive.

  

• 🍕 Joe’s Pizza
  Classic NY slice. There’s a Times Square location, but we prefer the one by the Trade Center—no line that wraps around the building.

• 🍫 Breads Bakery
  The best babka in town—no contest. We always bring a few home. (Pro tip: get the chocolate one. You’re welcome.)

• 🍦 Venchi
  Our go-to for late-night gelato runs. Rich, creamy, and open late enough to satisfy those post-dinner cravings.

• ☕ Blue Bottle Coffee
  Smooth, strong, and reliably good. Great for a morning pick-me-up or a mid-day recharge.

• 🐟 Barney Greengrass
  The best smoked fish in NYC. A classic spot for a quick, delicious lunch—especially if you’re in the mood for bagels and lox.

• 🍪 Levan Cookies
  Always grab their walnut chocolate chip cookies. The perfect balance of crunchy, chewy, and sweet.

• 🍽️ Omar’s Mediterranean
  A new favorite we discovered through friends. It’s our go-to spot now and will definitely be on repeat.

• 🧺 EATALY
  I don’t even go for a meal—just love walking around, grabbing snacks, and pretending I live in Italy. Their chocolates and bakery section are musts.

I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite quick bite spots? Whether it’s a hidden gem or a go-to favorite, drop a comment or send me a message with your recommendations. Let’s keep this list growing and share the love for great food!

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When you arrive in Rome, give yourself at least a day or two to recover from the flight and adjust to the time change. Trust me, your body (and your trip) will thank you.

When taking a train from Rome, I highly recommend giving yourself extra time—that train station is huge and can be very confusing! Don’t rush it.

Going North…

If you go north, this side is my personal favorite. The countryside is relaxing, slower, and so romantic. The best route is to take a high-speed train from Rome straight to Florence (about 1.5 hours). This train ride is one of my favorites—be ready to be blown away by the views along the way. Bonus: the train drops you right in the center of the city, which is super convenient.

Plan to spend at least 2-3 days soaking in amazing food and the undeniable charm of Florence. From there, we usually rent a car and head into the Tuscan countryside—it’s honestly one of the most relaxing parts of the trip. We love staying in a small boutique hotel tucked into the hills, sipping wine and just slowing down. If driving in Italy makes you nervous (which I totally get), at least do a day tour so you can still experience those dreamy vineyards and little hill towns. It’s so worth it.

Then head back to Rome for your final day or two before flying home.

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Going South…

If you choose to go south, this side is perfect for people who really want to see the seaside. It’s often more crowded and, in my opinion, a bit more hectic—but still incredibly beautiful. Your route starts the same: fly into Rome. But instead of heading to Florence, hop on a high-speed train to Naples or Sorrento. This gives you the chance to explore the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and even take a day trip to Capri.

Spend a few days soaking in sea views, citrus groves, and scenic cliffside towns. Then return to Rome to wrap up your trip.

What Will You Pick?

The southern route gives you sun, sea, and dramatic scenery; the northern route offers art, wine, and rolling countryside. Both are unforgettable—it just depends on your flavor of Italy.

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If you’ve never stayed at a Park Hyatt, let me just say—they’re our absolute favorite (well… also, Four Seasons is too). There’s something about them that just gets us: calm, beautiful design, incredible service, and always in the best locations. Every time we stay at one, it feels like a total treat (that we don’t pay for).

We’ve stayed at a few over the years:

• Park Hyatt Milan – Probably our favorite hotel experience in Europe. Steps from the Duomo, and they somehow made us feel like royalty without being over the top.

• Park Hyatt Chicago – Sleek, modern, and right near the lake. Loved it. (We stayed here in 2023 for our anniversary.)

And now… Cabo! We’ve never stayed at this one before, so we’re super excited to check it out. It’s a brand new resort!

How We’re Doing It With Points

We’ve been using our Chase Sapphire cards (we have both personal and business) for years now, and I honestly think it’s one of the best travel tools out there. Every time we eat out, travel, or even buy groceries, we’re earning points.

Those points transfer 1:1 to World of Hyatt, which means we can book some of the nicest hotels in the world without spending actual money.

If you’ve got any big purchases coming up—like home projects, travel, or even back-to-school shopping—it might be worth getting a Chase Sapphire card and putting those expenses on it. You’ll rack up points fast, and it could totally pay for your next hotel stay.

We’ll definitely share more once we go (we always do a room tour on our family IG @thedrozhzhins). Let me know if you have more questions about this—always happy to share!

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