Postcards from Summer.
Summer is a season for getting out and exploring, whether that means a California coast road trip, discovering the Adriatic, or journeying through the Scottish Highlands. This month’s collection of travel guides spans beach escapes, mountain landscapes, and cultural capitals—from Brazil and Belize to Madrid, Montenegro, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. Wherever you’re dreaming of next, every destination has its own story to write home about.
Photo: UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa, Trancoso, Brazil
South America’s Best Beaches
The Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe may dominate beach travel wish lists, but South America is quickly emerging as a destination to watch. From stylish resorts to laid-back coastal towns, the region offers everything from barefoot charm to sophisticated resort escapes.
Destinations in Brazil and Uruguay are more accessible than many travelers realize from the U.S. Their coastal towns draw similar vibes to places like Ibiza and Tulum—beautiful beaches, boutique hotels, vibrant culture, and a creative energy—while still retaining an authentic, under-the-radar feel.
Great North American Beaches
This year, travelers are also looking closer to home, favoring nonstop flights, shorter travel times, drive-to-destinations, and adding an extra trip to round-off the summer.
For many, that means rediscovering some of North America’s classic beach destinations. From the charm of New England’s coast to the laid-back beaches of the South and the dramatic scenery of the Pacific Coast, there are plenty of shores worth exploring throughout the summer and into early fall.
California Dream & Drive
California’s iconic coast is made for road trips. Travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco, stopping along the way in Santa Barbara, Big Sur, and Carmel. Expect dramatic ocean views, charming coastal towns, rugged cliffs, and vibrant cities—all on one unforgettable journey.
Whether you stick to the classic route or extend your adventure to San Diego or Napa Valley, this is a road trip that showcases some of the very best of California.
Scotland: Castles, Lochs & Highlands
Scotland doesn’t reveal itself slowly. Castles, mist-covered lochs, and rugged coastlines create a landscape that feels both dramatic and timeless.
Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town rises beneath its iconic castle, while Glasgow blends world-class music, food, and arts into a city full of character. Beyond them, the Highlands hold Scotland’s deepest pull: winding roads, village pubs, and landscapes found nowhere else. The islands extend that wild beauty with soaring cliffs, seabird colonies, and Highland cows grazing against an Atlantic backdrop.
Belize & Guatemala
Belize and Guatemala share a border and a rich Maya heritage, but they offer two very different travel experiences.
Belize is all about the water—Caribbean beaches, the world’s second-largest barrier reef, offshore atolls, and jungle caves once considered gateways to the underworld by the ancient Maya. Guatemala draws you inland, where colorful highland markets, the cobblestone streets of Antigua, and the volcanic landscapes surrounding Lake Atitlán create some of Central America’s most unforgettable scenery.
Montenegro: The Adriatic’s Hidden Gem
Montenegro may be small enough to drive across in a few hours, but it packs an extraordinary range of landscapes into its borders. Along the Adriatic coast, medieval walled towns and yacht-filled bays give way to deep river canyons, rugged mountains, and remote northern villages.
Independent only since 2006, Montenegro still feels refreshingly undiscovered. Its wild beauty, historic towns, and dramatic coastline remain the main attraction, making it one of Europe’s most rewarding destinations for travelers looking to venture beyond the usual hotspots.
Washington, D.C. & America250
As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, Washington, D.C. will be at the heart of the celebrations, with special exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year.
Beyond its iconic monuments and museums, Washington, D.C. continues to evolve with exciting new hotels, distinctive neighborhoods, and one of the country’s most dynamic food scenes.
Madrid
Madrid is a city best enjoyed at its own pace. Long meals, late nights, lively plazas, and unhurried conversations are woven into daily life, creating an atmosphere that’s as memorable as the city’s attractions.
Visitors come for the world-class museums, exceptional food scene, and legendary nightlife, but what makes Madrid special is how naturally it blends history and modern life. Centuries-old tabernas share streets with acclaimed restaurants, while masterpieces by Velázquez and Picasso sit just minutes apart.
FIFA with Fora x Pebble Bar
If you’re in New York City this June and July, Fora has partnered with the Pebble Bar to transform the historic three-story townhouse into the Fora Football Club for the FIFA World Cup. Join fellow fans to watch the matches and enjoy the atmosphere. Reservations recommended!
All Sports Travel
World Cup fever is sweeping across host cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Whether attending a major sporting event to cheer on your favorite sports team, or organizing travel for a club social, youth league, or school sports, I’m here to help make hotel bookings easy.
As a travel advisor, I can arrange accommodations ranging from budget-friendly stays to group bookings, and provide easy bookable hotel quotes—no extensive planning required.
Keep Sharing Your Travel Dreams
One of my favorite parts of this newsletter is hearing about the places you’re dreaming of visiting. So far, you’ve shared everything from Alaskan cruises and Caribbean getaways to the Maldives, adventures in Argentina with a focus on ethical tourism, St. Augustine Florida, and soaking in Budapest’s thermal spas in the middle of winter.
Each month, I’ll be drawing one winner to receive a desk mat featuring your favorite destination. If you haven’t shared your travel wish list yet, click the button below and tell me where you want to go!
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