Laura Zapata

Puglia, the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot, is one of the country’s last true coastal gems — a place that holds a special magic for me. With its slower pace, whitewashed hill towns, ancient olive groves and miles of unspoiled coastline, Puglia offers a beach experience unlike the flashier Amalfi Coast. Here, you can linger over long seaside lunches, swim in quiet turquoise coves or simply watch local families gather at the beach just as they’ve done for generations. It’s a destination that invites you to slow down, sink into its rhythms and discover beauty that still feels untouched. Whether you’re looking to lounge at a chic beach club, swim in calm waters or explore rocky nature reserves, Puglia’s coastline — stretching between the Adriatic and Ionian seas — has something for every traveler.

Greece and Turkey are two of the most captivating destinations in the Mediterranean, and pairing them together in one unforgettable journey offers the perfect blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and vibrant local life. From the sun-drenched ruins of Athens and the serene beaches of Crete to the spice-scented bazaars of Istanbul and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, this two-week itinerary is designed to help you experience the best of both countries—balancing iconic highlights with hidden gems, boutique stays, and immersive moments that connect you to the heart of each place.

Don’t sleep on Panama. This wonderful country in Central America really has it all. Cities, colonial old-world charm and rainforests and beautiful islands are just a short flight away. Whether you’re strolling through historic Casco Viejo, sailing through turquoise waters in Bocas del Toro or exploring indigenous traditions deep in the jungle, Panama is the perfect place to experience a mix of adventure, culture and relaxation.

Colombia’s Zona Cafetera is located south of Medellin in the region of Quindio. A short plane ride from Bogota into Armenia or Pereria, the valleys and beautiful lush coffee farms make this a romantic honeymoon spot. The hotels in Quindio blend in the jungle of the region, set in areas with infinity pools overlooking the trees surrounded by local wildlife. And of course, there is the coffee. The best coffee. My pick: Stay at the Biohabitat hotel - whether you have your own aviary for bird watching or an infinity pool to view the beautiful mountains, this stunning all mountain retreat will make it very difficult to leave the property. But I highly recommend you do check out some of the most charming towns, hike through the Valley of Corocora, and visit a coffee farm.

For the past four years, my husband and I have spent a weekend at Getaway House in the Catskills in New York. All getaway posts are located within 1-3 hours outside a major city such as, New York, Boston, Austin, Nashville, Greenville, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago and more. Getaway really believes it is important to take space for more free time. Their signature tiny houses have large windows overlooking the woods where the outposts are located.

In May of 2023, I did a site inspection while staying at the beautiful Casa de Campo Resort & Villas in the Dominican Republic. The attentive staff were extremely kind in welcoming us to this 7000 acre resort with access to beaches, pools, restaurants, golf courses, spas, shops and much more. I would stay here again and highly recommend it to my clients.

An island part of the Dutch Kingdom, off the coast of Venezuela, this country is known for its colorful buildings, turquoise water, beautiful beaches, some of the best scuba diving and a mix of cultures. A nonstop five-hour flight from NYC, this island is a mix of cultures and languages. Everyone I met was so kind and spoke four different languages: Dutch, English, Spanish and Papiamentu (the local language, which is a mix of Dutch, English, Spanish and Portuguese). Curaçao is the perfect place for a solo trip - the ultimate way to recharge with a mix of beach days, friendly locals and a thriving cultural city.

Medellín is a resilient, inspiring, beautiful and magical city. It is visually stunning – terracotta buildings surrounded by mountains. Medellín is called the city of eternal spring so even though there might always be a chance of rain, the weather year-round is between 60-80 F and the sun shines most days. The food is incredible - from street food to fine dining restaurants, Medellín has an incredible culinary scene. And paisas (people from the region of Antioquia, where Medellín is located) are some of the kindest, most welcoming and most joyful people you will ever meet. It is no secret that Medellín has a difficult past, but what you’ll learn from visiting this vibrant city is how through investments in art and infrastructure the city has transformed. I’m lucky to have visited this incredible city many times, most recently to marry my husband (a paisa!), and hope to call it a second home one day. I hope you will fall in love and let Medellín inspire you the way that it has for me.

The attractions in Rome, Italy, the Eternal City, effortlessly weave together a tapestry of art, culture and gastronomy that mesmerizes visitors from around the globe. Steeped in millennia of history, its ancient streets and monumental landmarks stand as enduring testaments to human achievement. I was lucky enough to spend a semester as an art history student studying these masterpieces and trying to find the best gelato in Rome. The attractions in Rome, Italy, collectively offer a rich tapestry of history, art, architecture and culture, making it a captivating destination for travelers from around the world.

Puglia is magical. Italy’s heel is filled with olive oil farms, charming baroque towns on cliffs, turquoise waters, grottos and some of the best seafood you’ll ever have. Imagine strolling through small towns and laying in the sun on some of the most beautiful beaches. The pace is slower, much slower and you’ll find it less crowded than some of other popular Italian destinations (though this might not be for long!) The best way to experience Puglia is on a road trip. It’s about a 3-hour drive from Bari (where you’ll likely fly into) and the most Southern tip of Puglia, Santa Maria de Leuca. Both the northern part and southern part are worth visiting so I recommend spending 3 nights in a Masseria (local farm turned hotel) in the north, and 3 nights down south to properly experience it all. And, although not technically in Puglia, you cannot miss Matera only about an hour from Bari in Basilicata. Matera is one of the oldest towns in the world that has been continuously lived in since 8BC and is carved into a rock. Puglia can be quite hot in July and August, so May, June, September and October are the best times to visit.

Québec City is one of the best places I’ve visited for a quick weekend trip. It’s always been recommended to me as the ultimate romantic getaway. Think: cobblestone streets, castle and Parisian vibes. But it’s also kind of the perfect place to go with your mom. Old Québec is small, safe, walkable and filled with cute shops, delicious restaurants, cocktail bars and of course a castle and there is a spa within a 5-minute drive. It's the perfect place to relax, walk around and bond.

Morocco is a country I hope to visit over and over again. From the bustling medinas and intricate architecture of ancient cities to the dramatic landscapes of the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains, Morocco is a kaleidoscope of colors, flavors and experiences. Start with visiting the Northern part of the country - the economic and cosmopolitan hub of Casablanca to the ancient allure of Fes, a city steeped in history and adorned with intricate architecture and the blue city, Chefchaouen. After a taste of the North, travel South to witness the majestic Atlas Mountains, where every twist and turn reveals breathtaking vistas and hidden gems and finally, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Marrakech, where bustling souks, ornate palaces, and the rhythmic beats of the Djemaa el Fna square create an unforgettable sensory experience. Get ready to explore the diverse facets of Morocco, where each destination promises a unique and enriching chapter in your travel narrative.

Costa Rica is the ideal destination for a honeymoon, offering a harmonious blend of lush jungles, pristine beaches and thrilling adventures. This vibrant country provides a romantic escape for newlyweds, where days can be spent exploring verdant rainforests, soaking in natural hot springs or simply relaxing on stunning, secluded beaches. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation or a mix of both, Costa Rica’s diverse landscape ensures an unforgettable experience for your first journey as a married couple.