Willowpix/Getty Images
Growing up, my family was fortunate enough to take a few road trips from New England to Florida. We'd pile suitcases, razor scooters, Doritos, and coolers into the proverbial family station wagon and brave the tumultuous nearly 2,000 miles of Interstate 95.
This stretch of highway carries over 100 million people, including thousands of trucks and semis carrying goods throughout the country; it is not for the faint of heart at times.
My paternal grandfather started this tradition in his 70s with a group of older friends. When it got too cold in New England, they migrated south with the birds.
As my grandfather got older and his group of friends dwindled, the trip became more arduous and less frequent.
He was a virile man, working until his 80s and shoulder-pressing my adolescent sister to prove his continued strength. However, as he got into his mid-90s, that virility diminished, and even walking became difficult. After Christmas in his 94th year, his morale had crashed. He required a walker or wheelchair at times, and the cold got to him more than ever. It became clear he needed the respite of a southern migration.
Courtesy of the author
So the 94-year-old World War II vet, his motorcycle and car enthusiast son (my father), and a naive recent college grad who thought they knew more about the world than they did (me) loaded the Trailblazer and followed the birds. Grandpa sat in the back seat with his face against the window while my father and I split driving duties in the front.
The stretch 95 from the George Washington Bridge through New Jersey was always brutal, but hitting Delaware was like seeing the greener grass on the other side of the fence. Now, state sizes would fluctuate, traffic would subside, and we'd ease into the relief of warmth. This is where my grandfather found great joy in tracking the milemakers on the side of the road. He'd call out each green sign as we progressed, "10 miles to Maryland."
Next, we hit the gauntlet of the Chesapeake and mid-Atlantic. Baltimore tunnel can add hours to the already bullish commute, and DC is like playing traffic Russian roulette. Luckily, the old man knew the detours of these areas, and we passed the Mason-Dixon with comparative ease. The shift in the environment led to Grandpa spinning some new yarns: his zig zag train ride in the war that brought him to Fort Bragg, the time he nearly sold his Cadillac to a stranger at a gas station on this route, stealing oranges from a golf course.
The external temperature had barely changed from New England, but he was getting warmer.
Eventually, after reading every billboard between the Carolinas aloud, he took a long nap. There was a sort of silent understanding between my father and me, knowing this trip might be the last of its kind.
After about an 18-hour trek, we hit the Sunshine State. You could see the smile light up on the old man's face.
The following week, we pushed the wheelchair down the Hollywood boardwalk, stopping for an occasional cold beer at tiki bars or street vendors. My grandfather was in complete awe by the wave pool at Margaritaville, watching would-be surfers tumble into the chlorinated water.
The stories continued, too. I learned my grandfather was born on a kitchen table. Our ultimate patriarch (his father) had blue eyes, a rarity for Italian immigrants in the 20s. Grandpa would push his handicapped daughter's wheelchair onto the beach and carry her into the water so she could feel the surf on her legs. I wish I could have carried him from his, but the man never wore shorts.
We'd end our Floridian pilgrimage and headed back north after a week. The old man died about six months later, but moments from that week were constantly part of his conversations until then.
They'll continue to be a part of mine forever.
Darcy Flynn
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Darcy Flynn, 65, a semi-retired lawyer from Washington, DC. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
Early last year, my partner and I were figuring out how to get enough time off for a trip to Spain. I was 64 and working as a legal aid attorney in Washington, DC. Although I could have applied for extended leave, I decided it was a good time to retire to have the flexibility to travel more.
We ended up taking a two-month trip to Spain. Since then, I've traveled β both alone and with her β to Gibraltar, Morocco, Germany, and Nigeria. I've also spent time in Ireland, and, as a huge Beatles fan, finally had a chance to visit Liverpool in England.
While traveling in Europe, my partner and I strategized about what to do when we returned to the US. Having both rented out our homes for a year, we knew we'd need to get creative about where we stayed when we got back.
I got intoΒ pet sittingΒ when we were traveling and started researching other ways I could get paid to travel in the US. I found companies that pay to have cars delivered to employees around the country. As an independent contractor, I could pick up a job whenever I wanted.
So, over the past nine months, I've spent my time doing one of four things: traveling overseas, visiting my 91-year-old mother in Michigan, driving around the country, and taking on part-time legal jobs.
I was offered my first driving assignment when I was in DC, getting ready to travel to Michigan. The 1,200-mile round-trip ride usually costs about $700, including car rental and gas.
Instead, I drove a Chevrolet Equinox to Sandusky, Ohio, for $0.45 per mile. The drive earned me about $225, and I spent $32 on a three-hour Greyhound bus to Detroit. It was less convenient than going straight to my mom's, but since retiring, I've had a bit more free time.
I've continued taking on these jobs at my convenience. In January, I drove for three weeks straight, starting in Massachusetts. I made it to Tennessee, Texas, New Mexico, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.
In New Mexico, I visited Carlsbad Caverns National Park. In Los Angeles, I stopped by a few sites of the infamous and grizzly Charles Manson murders. In Atlanta, I ended up reconnecting with one of my best friends from college, and we've been keeping in touch since.
Darcy Flynn
It's a whole different approach to travel. I used to just pick a destination, make a hotel reservation, and then hit the road. But these days, I like not knowing what city my little journey will take me to.
So far, I've completed 11 drives and earned over $6,000 from them. I've spent a little under that amount, as I travel frugally and don't splurge on restaurants or lodging. The driving basically pays for itself and allows me to save my pension and rental income; I rent out my house in DC for about $1,500 a month, while my pensions total $2,700. I collect $300 a month in interest income. It adds up to about $4,500 a month.
Darcy Flynn
I initially considered fully retiring because I had sufficient income. But then, an opportunity to work on a ten-week legal project in New York came up. I had never worked in New York and saw it as an opportunity to live like a local, so I jumped at the chance.
I like the idea of continuing to work. My original plan was to work part-time until I turned 70 and started collecting Social Security, but now, I can see myself working into my 70s.
While there are opportunities for more permanent positions, I'm not interested. I need more time off to visit my mom in Michigan, travel, and explore.
I am 65 and want to continue doing this while I can. I see people around my age whose physical health would make this lifestyle hard. These days, I walk about 7 miles per day, both to save on transportation costs and to exercise. I've lost 25 pounds from walking.
It's nice being unsure about what will come next.
Got a personal essay about retiring early to travel that you want to share? Get in touch with the editor: [email protected].
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
As I heaved my snowboard bag out of the trunk, onto my back, and across the Denver airport, I debated if the effort was worth it.
Inside the awkwardly heavy bag was everything I needed for my first European ski trip β my snowboard, boots, base layers, ski pants, and ski jacket.
Bringing the 35-pound bag was a debated effort, especially since I have a dozen or so ski resorts just a drive away from my Denver apartment.
I knew snowboarding in Italy's Dolomites mountain range was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. I'd seen the striking, jagged mountains in articles, scrolling through videos, and in images across social media.
Snowboarding down them was going to be an entirely different experience.
Along with the views, I hoped to discover how the sport and culture in towns like Cortina d'Ampezzo and Brixen differ from what I've experienced in the past four ski seasons in Colorado.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
Once you've made it to a ski resort in Colorado, getting on the mountain is simple. Likely, you'll have one or two options: a ski lift or a six-person gondola up the mountain.
In Italy, I saw several options for scaling the slopes. During my ski day in Cortina d'Ampezzo, for example, I first boarded a 40-person gondola, followed by a lift.
It was by far the largest gondola I've ridden, and throughout my three days snowboarding in Italy, I boarded these large gondolas along with smaller gondolas, ski lifts, and T-bars.
The consequence was that getting to the slopes often took longer since I spent time waiting for other people to board these large spaces. On the flip side, though, I rarely sat in a lift line once on the mountain β a common occurrence on Colorado's crowded slopes.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
I read through lists of recommended restaurants in Cortina d'Ampezzo and listened to locals share their favorite spots in the Dolomites to grab a quick bite.
At each recommendation, I pulled up Google Maps to see how I could drive or walk to the spot. Often, I'd need to strap in my snowboard to get to their recommendations.
Refugios, which are mountain guesthouses, are known for great meals. Meanwhile, in Colorado, ski restaurants typically stick to the staples: chicken tenders, hamburgers, and chili.
While Colorado's mountainside restaurant scene may be changing β resorts like Snowmass and Arapahoe Basin have opened newer, nicer restaurants in the past few years β my friends and I typically stick to packed sandwiches and granola bars, basically quick bites consumed on chair lifts or at picnic tables.
Lunch some afternoons in Italy naturally led into après. The French word is similar to America's concept of happy hour. In Italy, it seemed like a staple of a ski day. In Cortina d'Ampezzo, I could hear music echoing as I snowboarded down one slope.
While the concept of après has made its way to Colorado, I rarely have friends who stick around a DJ set or carve out a few hours during the day for a sit-down meal.
The overall trend seems to be that the focus is on the sport when you're in the mountains in Colorado. In Italy, the focus is an experience that includes dining, drinking, and, of course, skiing or snowboarding.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
I stared at my first ski map in Cortina d'Ampezzo and searched for familiar colors. In Colorado, ski runs are marked green for easy, blue for intermediate, and black for hard.
As I eyed Cortina d'Ampezzo's map, I saw no green lines. Then I remembered that Europe's grading system is different. Easy runs are blue, red runs are medium, and black runs are hard. Plus, there were colors I had never seen. Orange marked the equivalent of double blacks, and green dotted lines highlighted items like hiking trails.
Beyond the differences in colors alone, most European ski maps use numbers instead of names to signify ski runs.
In Colorado, you might head down runs named Bittersweet, Copperopolis, or Kaboom. In Italy, I looked at numbers β like skiing down slopes 85 and 62.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
When it comes to the types of runs in Colorado, everyone seems to have a preference. Some skiers and snowboarders love narrow runs between groupings of trees. Others seek out moguls, a series of bumps down a run. If you're like me, you avoid both and stick to wide-open slopes.
The variety of runs was limited at the two resorts I visited in Italy. Most runs were groomed, and I didn't see a single mogul run.
The same goes for trees. Most of Italy's skiing happens above the treeline since trees stop growing at lower altitudes in the region. That means you'll find very few runs carved through pines. Instead, everything I snowboarded down in Italy was flat and open.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
I walked up to my first gondola in Cortina d'Ampezzo, a wealthy ski town in Italy often compared to Colorado's ritzy Aspen, and I was shocked to learn that a lift ticket for the day would cost a mere 70 euros, or about $73.
In Aspen, a lift ticket cost me $250 in January.
Beyond the cost of getting on the mountain, other parts of skiing in Italy were cheaper.
Aperol spritzes cost less than $7, sandwiches less than $10, and gear was less than $50 a day for boots and skis or a snowboard.
The sport is expensive at resorts like Aspen, Snowmass, and Winter Park. Ski gear can cost closer to $100. In 2023, I paid $84 for skis and boots; gear at Snowmass this year was $78.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
When I boarded my first Italian gondola, the fashion brand Guess was plastered across its walls. Minutes later, on my first lift, I noticed each pole had a bright-red Prada advertisement. At the base of my first run, a billboard showcased a Ford Bronco.
I saw ads everywhere I looked in the Dolomites.
It was unexpected, especially coming from Colorado. Sure, there are a few ads on the slopes β lunch advertisements fill lift safety bars, and you might see a luxury-sponsored bar β but it's not nearly as common as it was in Italy.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
I find Colorado's mountains breathtaking every time I end up on the slopes, but I'll admit that the views of the Dolomites were some of the most impressive I've seen.
As I snowboarded across the Brixen resort during golden hour, I was in awe of the jagged peaks.
The views alone convinced me that lugging my heavy snowboarding gear was worth every bit of discomfort, and I won't second guess a future European ski trip.
Alesandra Dubin
I've been planning girls' trips to Las Vegas since I hit the legal gambling age about two decades ago.
These epic getaways have taken many forms, including my own raging bachelorette party 15 years ago.
Recently, though, I planned a girls' trip to celebrate both my birthday and the divorce of one of my best friends (yes, she wore a sash for the occasion).
Our group has been traveling to Sin City for decades, and now that we're in our mid-40s, we have different requirements β specifically, more comfort, better food, and a well-balanced schedule.
On this trip, I'd say I nailed the exact right itinerary for our 48 hours in Las Vegas.
When we arrived in Vegas on Friday, we checked right into MGM Resorts' ARIA. It's one of my favorite places to stay on the Strip because it's centrally located, chic, and stocked with amenities β including a massive pool complex.
We wasted no time heading downstairs for a dip and spending the rest of the afternoon in the water with drinks.
As the sun started to dip, we headed upstairs to shower and get dressed before walking over to The Cosmopolitan's Boulevard pool for sunset cocktails and live music.
I love a spot that offers a view of the Strip in the evening as the lights start to pop. (Skyfall Lounge at the Delano is another great option with a view.)
Then, it was time for a spectacular meal to cap off our first night in town. We went to the buzzy French-Mediterranean restaurant CathΓ©drale, which felt perfect for a special occasion with its beautiful dining room and upscale menu.
Afterward, we called it a night to prepare for the busy Saturday ahead.
Alesandra Dubin
After a solid first night of sleep, we were ready for a busy Saturday lineup.
The main event for the day was hanging out at the Liquid Pool Lounge, an adults-only pool club. We got a cabana with a bottle of vodka and a spread of munchies for the group.
We had a blast drinking and pool dancing the afternoon away until around 5 p.m. Afterward, some of us took a nap to regroup before we put on our party clothes.
Then, we hopped in an Uber to the first stop on our itinerary for the night: the immersive, interactive art installation Fantasy Lab Las Vegas. The walk-through experience was trippy with lots of fun photo opportunities.
When we left, we were ready to chow down at Lisa Vanderpump's cocktail lounge Vanderpump a Paris.
It offered the kind of indulgent shared dishes we were craving, including a birdcage packed with cheese and a truffle-stuffed baguette. By the time we wrapped up there, it was about 11:30 p.m.
Our group then headed to Encore Beach Club, where Shaquille O'Neal spun a DJ set that began around 1:30 a.m. After that, I sleepily headed back to the hotel, though some of the other girls partied until 5 a.m.
Alesandra Dubin
The last day's agenda was simple and filled with food β just what the doctor ordered.
We headed for an over-the-top Sunday brunch at Caesars Palace's Bacchanal Buffet, the largest buffet in Vegas with hundreds of different dishes. It was truly epic, and we got enough food to last us hours.
After brunch, we were stuffed but made time for one last highlight: We'd reserved a pool cabana at Caesars' Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis, where we could cool off and enjoy the swim-up poker bar on the main level.
Finally, a few hours before our flight, we tossed coverups on top of our swimsuits, retrieved the bags we'd checked with the bellhop, and headed straight to the airport.
Vicky Faye Aquino/Shutterstock
When I spent a year driving across the country and living out of a pickup truck, I saw firsthand how each region of the United States has its own distinct flair, history, and geography.
As I explored 49 states, I found myself drawn to unique landscapes and wildlife that I couldn't find anywhere else in the world. I was shocked to find many places that felt remote, wild, and special without having to leave the country.
Here's a standout spot from each region of the US that I visited.
Ethan Quin/Shutterstock
Vermont's massive Green Mountain National Forest is beautiful throughout many seasons, and I especially loved seeing it in the fall.
It gets really dark at night β although it can be scary, it means I was able to really see the stars when I visited.
Since it's a national forest, it has plenty of backcountry camping spots where one can be alone with the immense trees that reach toward the stars.
nathaniel gonzales/Shutterstock
Assateague Island National Seashore is minutes from Maryland's famous resort town Ocean City, but it feels lifetimes away from civilization.
The coastal national park is especially famous for its wild horses β I spent a weekend hiking 26 miles round-trip on this beach and saw tons of them.
Even visitors who don't hike as I did may be able to spot horses from beaches that are somewhat easy to access along the main road through the park.
Camping on the island is an immersive experience that can be done in the backcountry, at walk-in or drive-in sites, or with an RV.
John McCormick/Shutterstock
Michigan's Upper Peninsula looks unreal in and of itself, with its beautiful landscape complete with multicolored rocks and cliffs.
A highlight of it, though, is the otherworldly Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Its water is blue and lively, and waterfalls pepper the park like jewels. The cliffs rising out of Lake Superior are stunning.
In the fall, wandering through the park's vibrant foliage will make you feel like you're walking in a painting.
Irina Montero/Shutterstock
South Florida'sΒ Everglades National ParkΒ is one of the largest national parks in the Lower 48.
Although some believe it's just a swamp filled with gators, it's actually an immense 1.5-million-acre park filled with wonder I haven't found anywhere else.
Bioluminescent algae come alive at night, mangroves make channels for canoe trips that feel like magic, and dirt roads lead to waterways with abundant fishing opportunities and picturesque sunsets.
It's filled with tropical wilderness and is home to endangered, rare species, from Florida panthers to manatees, too.
Framalicious/Shutterstock
Yellowstone National Park rightfully gets a lot of hype for its geological features, like its active geysers and hot springs. I also think it's the best place to see wildlife in the Lower 48.
During the three months I spent living in Yellowstone, I saw grizzlies, wolves, eagles, moose, elk, pronghorns, black bears, badgers, and falcons on a regular basis. Honestly, three months still isn't enough time to see the park β I'm not sure a lifetime would be.
That said, the park is still worth seeing for any amount of time and in any capacity.
Kelly vanDellen/Shutterstock
California's Channel Islands National Park isn't called "the Galapagos of North America" for nothing. The unique park consists of five islands, and my favorite is Santa Cruz.
First of all, the ferry ride from Ventura Harbor to Santa Cruz is spectacular. On my trip, I saw a megapod of dolphins, humpback whales, and sea lions. Even just the view of the islands coming out of the ocean blew me away.
Santa Cruz is mostly uninhabited and is home to many unique species, like the beautiful island scrub-jay. Also, keep an eye out for the native island fox, a tiny cutie that may take your lunch if you leave it out.
Abdel Kareem Hana/AP
Israel and Hamas have reached a tentative agreement to stop the war in Gaza, the White House announced Wednesday, a first step towards an end to 15 months of fighting that left tens of thousands dead in the Middle East.
As news of the long-awaited cease-fire deal reached Tel Aviv and the Gaza Strip, people gathered to celebrate what they hoped would be the end of hostilities and the anticipated return of their family and friends held in Hamas tunnels or Israeli prisons.
Ilia Yefimovich/picture alliance via Getty Images
Set to take effect on January 19, the complex cease-fire deal includes a phased approach. Lasting six weeks, the first phase consists of a "full and complete" cease-fire, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the release of hostages held by Hamas, US President Joe Biden said Wednesday.
Israel said it would reduce the number of forces operating in the Gaza Strip and expected to fully withdraw its military presence in a later phase of the deal. Hamas agreed to initially release nearly three dozen Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel but has not confirmed when the final hostages will return home.
Biden added that women, the elderly, and the wounded hostages would be released as part of the first phase, as well as American hostages being held in Gaza. Seven Americans are being held hostage in Gaza, three of whom are presumed to be alive.
To ensure both sides adhere to the terms of the cease-fire agreement, diplomats from the US, Qatar, and Egypt said they plan to create a "follow-up mechanism" to track reports of violations.
"We expect that the parties will adhere to the agreement and stay committed β¦ but we know that these kinds of agreements are very complex and will have some issues down the line," Qatar Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said.
Hatem Khaled/REUTERS
Over the next six weeks, Biden said negotiations between Israel and Hamas will continue to work out the second phase of the cease-fire deal: a permanent end of the war in Gaza.
"There are a number of details to negotiate, to move from phase one to phase two," the US president said. "But the plan says if negotiations take longer than six weeks, the cease-fire will continue as long as the negotiations continue."
Biden added that Palestinians can return to their homes in all areas of Gaza as officials work to get humanitarian assistance into the war-torn territory.
In a possible third phase of the deal, Biden said the remains of hostages who have been declared dead would be returned to their families, and "a major reconstruction plan for Gaza will begin."
Ramadan Abed/REUTERS
Photos and video taken in the Gaza Strip captured celebratory cheers and gunfire as Palestinians crowded the streets after learning that this could be the end of the humanitarian crisis that has gripped the Gaza Strip and forced the vast majority of them from their homes.
Israel's war against Hamas has leveled neighborhoods and led to the deaths of at least 46,000 Palestinians in Gaza.
Some gathered outside al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, a medical facility in central Gaza that doubled as a displacement camp that was frequently targeted by Israeli attacks. The Israeli military said they believed the complex concealed a Hamas command center.
One of the celebrants, Alaa Abu Karsh, told CNN that the news of the cease-fire was a "very big surprise for the Palestinian people and the whole world."
"We wish many people could be celebrating this moment with us, but they are now in a better place," he said.
Amir Levy/Getty Images
Ahead of the announcement of the cease-fire agreement, thousands of Israeli protesters gathered outside the country's defense ministry to call for the return of the hostages still being held in Gaza.
The remaining hostages have been held for 466 days in abject conditions in Gaza after being seized by Hamas fighters during the Oct. 7, 2023 terror rampage into Israel.
Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant condemned National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, both of whom were against the hostage deal and threatened to quit the government if it was approved.
"It is neither Jewish, nor Zionist, nor humane," Gallant said at the rally.
However, the protests soon turned to celebrations as news spread to Tel Aviv that the cease-fire and hostage deal had been reached.
Demonstrators were seen embracing and crying as they held their picket signs depicting their friends and family still being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.
Ohad Zwigenberg/AP
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a volunteer-based organization, said the agreement is a "significant step forward" to bring Israeli hostages home, expressing "profound gratitude" to the US and international mediators involved in brokering the peace deal.
"Since November 2023, we have been anxiously awaiting this moment," the organization said in a statement, "and now, after over 460 days of our family members being held in Hamas tunnels, we are closer than ever to reuniting with our loved ones."
"However, deep anxiety and concerns accompany us regarding the possibility that the agreement might not be fully implemented, leaving hostages behind. We urgently call for swift arrangements to ensure all phases of the deal are carried out," the group continued.
Though a majority of Israelis support the peace deal, the Tivka Forum, a right-wing organization advocating for the release of hostages, said they believe the agreement includes steep concessions, like the release of Palestinian prisoners, that could compromise Israel's national security and its leverage against Hamas.
"The proposed deal endangers the hostages and endangers the State of Israel," the organization said in a statement. "It is high time we stop the immoral surrender to terror, and demand that all the hostages be released at once, unconditionally and immediately."
The forum added: "Our only option is to win this war and to remove any incentive to ever attack Israel again."
BASHAR TALEB/AFPBASHAR TALEB/AFP via Getty Images via Getty Images
World leaders reacted with messages of hope for peace.
The peace deal came less than a week before Biden leaves office and US President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House, with both administrations taking part in the negotiations.
"In these past few days, we have been speaking as one team," Biden said, as his administration will work to implement the deal while the Trump administration will work to carry it out.
AntΓ³nio Guterres, United Nations secretary-general, emphasized the importance of implementing the deal and getting humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
"It is imperative that this ceasefire removes the significant security and political obstacles to delivering aid across Gaza so that we can support a major increase in urgent lifesaving humanitarian support," Guterres said.
Netanyahu had yet to officially announce that Israel accepts the agreement announced by Biden and Al Thani on Wednesday, saying that some final details are still being agreed upon. The Israeli prime minister said he will release a statement "after the final details of the agreement, which are currently being worked on, are completed."
Hamas said in a statement that the cease-fire was "the result of the legendary resilience of our great Palestinian people and our valiant resistance in the Gaza Strip."
Terri Peters
Florida's 30A area is a stretch of white-sand beaches, Gulf of Mexico views, and quaint beach towns that runs for 24 miles along County Road 30A.
The area, which is in the Florida panhandle between Panama City Beach or Destin, has grown in popularity in recent years and has been nicknamed "the Hamptons of the South" by those who visit.
Recently, I spent a few days in 30A and explored three beach towns there: Rosemary Beach, Seaside, and Alys Beach.
All were charming and had lots to do, but as a Florida native who writes about travel for a living, there was one spot I'd recommend if you're looking to get the full 30A experience while still feeling like you had a distinctly "Florida" vacation.
Terri Peters
Alys Beach stood out with its architecture and design. White, stone structures and beautiful landscaping were king in this area, and it's easy to see why it's a popular spot for luxury travel.
With bright, linear buildings set against a cerulean sky, the area feels like something out of the Mediterranean region or, at the very least, a spot where celebrities would buy homes or take vacations in Florida.
I had a yummy lunch here on the outdoor patio of a spot called George's at Alys Beach and shopped for a bit in the public area. Still, it wasn't my favorite.
In my opinion, this area felt the least accessible to vacationers and had the vibe of a private community β not so much an inviting beach town.
Terri Peters
I enjoyed my time in Rosemary Beach and found the TikToks I'd seen about the area to be accurate: The whole town has a European vibe, from the architecture of its homes to the design of its main shopping and dining area.
The area felt high-end and pricy, something some people vacationing in Florida may not expect.
Despite being cute and within walking distance of the main area of town, I found myself preferring to drive elsewhere in my rental car.
Terri Peters
During my visit to 30A, I stayed at an Airbnb between Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach.
A perk of this area is that most of the beach towns are within walking or biking distance, and bike-rental shops are plentiful if a bicycle isn't included with your rental property.
Seaside was about a 15-minute drive from my Airbnb, and I found myself making the trip on two separate occasions to spend time there because I liked the area so much.
Terri Peters
As someone who's lived in Florida for the last eight years, I've come to appreciate the state's quirkiness and beauty. I love everything Florida's beach towns have to offer, and walking through Seaside felt very "Florida," while also feeling upscale.
There were gorgeous beach houses and breathtaking views of the blue-green Gulf of Mexico, but the area also had beach bars, souvenir shops, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants that reminded me I was still in my state.
Terri Peters
The flavors of Seaside were delightful and I'd absolutely return to the town for meals on future trips to 30A.
One night, I had a wonderful steak dinner on the rooftop of Bud and Alley's, a historic restaurant with famous sunset views.
Another day, I visited Seaside bright and early for breakfast at Pickle's Burger and Shakes, a spot on the beach that serves Southern breakfast fare like biscuits and gravy.
Even the latte I grabbed at Amavida Coffee and Tea was excellent.
Terri Peters
The sunsets along the Gulf of Mexico are stunning, and the prettiest one I saw was while having dinner on the roof of the aforementioned Bud and Alley's.
The restaurant even rings a bell each time the sun sets.
My dream rental property in Seaside would be right on the gulf with a balcony for viewing the sunset on the days I didn't make it to Bud and Alley's roof.
Terri Peters
The best thing I did while in Seaside was actually a free self-guided walking tour created by the Seaside Institute that I played on my phone as I explored the town.
It featured recorded audio snippets from architects and town planners who founded Seaside explaining everything from the art and design of each beach entrance to how the local historic post office came to be.
Not only was it great to see the town on foot and learn about its history, but also finding a free vacation activity that's fun is always a win in my book.
Terri Peters
I love that Seaside doesn't seem to take itself as seriously as towns like Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach.
Instead, it seems to embrace its Florida roots while still maintaining stunning architecture, beautiful art installations, and vibrant public areas.
It's beautiful enough to feel like a vacation β even to someone from another part of Florida β while not feeling as pretentious as other towns in the area.
Terri Peters
I cannot wait to return to 30A for another vacation along the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.
After exploring the area, I'm definitely a Seaside girl, and would choose a rental property right in the heart of the town for my next trip.
I'd still venture into towns like Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach for a meal or some shopping, but I'd recommend a stay in Seaside to a first-time 30A visitor.
Martin Barraud/Getty Images
When 25-year-old Josh Nichols had a short work trip to Hamburg, Germany, he and a coworker decided to add a couple extra days to stop by Belgium and France, two places he'd never been.
"I was already in Europe," Nichols, who works as an analyst for United Airlines, told Business Insider, "so I'm like, 'Let me just hop down and see these other countries.'"
The combination of business and leisure travel has become so popular that it has a name: bleisure travel, also referred to as blended travel.
While the trend has been growing for years, it got an extra boost during the pandemic when travel restrictions were lifted and business travel picked up again. In early 2022, American Airlines said more than half of its recently booked trips had been a mix of business and leisure travel, up from a historic average of around 20 to 25%.
A survey published by the American Hotel and Lodging Association in 2023 found nearly half of business travelers said they'd extended a work trip in the previous year, and 84% said they were interested in bleisure. Hilton's 2025 Travel Trends Report said nearly 30% of global travelers now take trips with "frolleagues" β colleagues who are also friends.
Kenny Totten, founder and COO of AllFly, which specializes in corporate group travel, told BI that companies are embracing the trend and making it easier for their employees to do it as a way to attract and retain talent.
"About one in four corporate travelers will either come early or they'll extend their trip later, so it's been a very big trend for us," he said.
Bleisure can take several forms, but it often occurs when an employee is already on a business trip. While on the work trip, the employee might do sightseeing in their free time or meet up with a friend or family member who lives in the place they're visiting. Many bleisure travelers extend their trips to have full days to explore while off the clock.
"Anything that lets me try something new when I would otherwise just kind of sit in my hotel and wait for the next day of meetings to come is something I'd consider bleisure," Nichols said.
AllFly, which books travel for companies ranging from 50 to over 10,000 employees, has adapted the way it books trips in response to the growing demand for bleisure. It has added features that make it easy for its clients to let employees book flights for several days before or after the actual planned work event.
"The more luxurious the destination, the more people extend," Totten said, adding when AllFly coordinates work trips to Hawaii, 42% of people extend their trip.
The company also added a split pay feature, which allows employees to book all the travel through their platform but then easily split up how much the employer covers. For instance, if someone wants to bring their spouse on a work trip to Hawaii, they can easily book together while having the company cover only the employee's flight.
Some business travelers adding leisure to their trip also like to upgrade their seats to first class, so the split pay system allows the company to cover the base price and the employee to cover the upgrade cost.
Totten said the demand for bleisure has consistently grown year-over-year, and that AllFly expects to book more hybrid trips in 2025 as well.
Nichols, who travels frequently for work, said bleisure is a great way to get the most out of his business travel, but that it doesn't replace dedicated PTO. He still uses all of his vacation days and views bleisure as a "supplement."
He said the one potential downside is that travel can be tiring, so sometimes extending a work trip may not be the best move.
"Sometimes I do sit down and I'm like, 'Oh my gosh, I haven't slept in my bed in 10 days. I would like to be in my own bed a little bit.'"
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
If I ever take a ski trip, I want to retire to a cozy room with cabin vibes and luxury touches. Ideally, it would be in a slopeside, five-star hotel.
Perhaps the Four Seasons Jackson Hole would fit the bill. In September, I spent one night at theΒ ski-in, ski-out resort.
Although the mountains were not yet covered in snow, my room β which has a starting rate of nearly $1,000 a night during the winter ski season β seemed like a peaceful place to rest after an active day of gliding through powder.
Courtesy of Four Seasons Jackson Hole
The 63-year-old hotel chain has a luxurious reputation and 133 locations worldwide, each designed to reflect its destination.
"There's a sense of place at every Four Seasons," Kim Cole, the director of public relations for the Four Seasons, told Business Insider.
Cole added that the company describes the Jackson Hole location's aesthetic as "modern mountain chic," catering to hikers, bicyclists, and skiers in the winter.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The hotel has 106 guest rooms and 18 suites. The starting rate is $525 in the offseason and $995 in the peak winter season. BI received a media rate for a one-night stay.
There are also 31 Resort Residences on-site, built to serve large groups. These residences have kitchens and as many as five bedrooms. Starting prices range from $4,200 to $11,000, depending on the season.
Cole told BI that in the winter, guest rooms are typically booked with active guests who participate in winter sports, so I imagined how the room would feel as a skier.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
My room had a king-sized bed, a full bathroom, and a private balcony.
Renovated by Wimberly Interiors in 2022, the guest rooms were designed to bring the outside in, with metal accents, stone finishings, and a soft, earth-toned color palette. This nature-inspired trend, known asΒ biophilic design,Β gained traction in 2024.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The king-sized bed sat between mixed material nightstands with edgy lamps contrasting classic wooden shutters.
With one king-sized bed, the room sleeps up to three adults (or two adults and one kid). The room can also be arranged with two double beds, increasing the maximum occupancy to four adults (or two adults and two kids).
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The headboard was the standout piece in the room. A cherry wood frame juxtaposed a bright, white image, giving it a midcentury modern look.
The image was a textured carving of trees that I could feel when I brushed my fingers over the branches. A light bar glowed beneath the board, making it easier to see the details of the monochrome image.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The tablet on the nightstand served as the room's control center, commanding everything from the TV to room service. This amenity was added in the 2022 remodel.
The tablet would be especially handy after an exhausting day on the slopes.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Few things are more relaxing on a snow day than cozying up with a good book.
Luckily, my room had a small selection of biographies, historical literature, and novels ranging from realistic fiction to young-adult fantasy.
Publishing dates for these books ranged from 2003 to 2020, but I thought they looked much older. They were all sleeveless with a white or off-white binding.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Rustic drawers were to the left of the fireplace, while a modern sitting area was on the right.
I noticed all the seating in my room was soft and cushy, which seemed ideal for sore bodies after an active day.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The bar had an espresso machine, neutral-toned ceramic mugs, and Four Seasons branded water.
Beneath the bar, a cabinet hid the mini-fridge. It was stocked with alcohol and snacks like peanut M&Ms and gummy bears, which were available for an extra cost.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The bathroom had complimentary Le Labo toiletries.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The mirrors and vanities were replaced by Wimberly Interiors in 2022.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I spotted old-school amenities like a shoe horn and shine brush, which I've seen more often in high-end European accommodations than in the US.
The ample size of the bathroom and closet made the room suitable for up to four guests.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I spent some time on the deck, but since I imagined it would be less enjoyable in the cold, I appreciated that there were sliding glass doors to enjoy the view without the low temperatures.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
From the balcony, I spotted the slopes towering over the resort's courtyard.
Looking down, I pictured the green courtyard in a blanket of snow as bundled-up skiers got their bearings before hitting the slopes.
CandyRetriever/Shutterstock
Since college, I've been fortunate to have a big, close-knit group of girlfriends β and I've prioritized nurturing those friendships.
I especially love strengthening our bonds during getaways, and in my group, I handle planning and coordinating the girls' trips.
Since the '90s, I've spearheaded countless getaways for our group β from raging college spring breaks (New Orleans) to bachelorette parties and divorce parties (both Vegas), to milestone birthdays (my 21st in NYC and 30th in Jamaica), to healing retreats after illness and loss.
These trips have been a great source of joy, laughter, healing, and countless memories β one that sustains us through distance and life's tribulations.
I'm determined to keep up the girls' trip tradition, especially as life looks different for all of us.
Dmitry Molchanov/Shutterstock
In our teens and early 20s, finding time and space for bonding was easy because many of us lived together and had few distractions.
As life has gone on, those opportunities for connection have become fewer and more difficult to coordinate. We no longer live under one roof, and many of us aren't even in the same city.
In our group, there are big jobs, spouses or partners, ailing and elderly parents, a wide range of disposable incomes, and home projects.
For many of us, there are also kids. This element, in particular, makes it harder for people to commit to dates and make a trip happen: There's homework to do, drop-off and pick-up schedules to coordinate, and sometimes no partner who can help.
It can be hard to prioritize time for yourself as a parent, let alone make time for a trip with friends.
My last girls' trip to Palm Springs was an impulsive overnight stay at an Airbnb oasis with a jewel box of a pool amid a historic heat wave.
My friend had intended to celebrate her anniversary with her husband and daughter there β but when he got sick, she invited my daughter and I to join for a two-generation girls-only sleepover instead.
While we hung out, our daughters (ages 7 and 10) had fun among themselves. When we all came together, we did pedicures and facials, had cannonball contests, and shared a huge tray of nachos by the pool.
This arrangement was fun and rewarding, plus it eased some of the logistical burdens involved in coordinating childcare. It also helped me realize how nice it could be to incorporate our daughters into some of our trips.
Mom-daughter trips won't replace our old format entirely. Importantly, some friends in our group have no kids (and no interest in spending leisure time with them), and some have only sons.
Still, I'm hoping the two-generation girls' trip flourishes as one extension of a cherished tradition in our expanded circle as life goes on.
Most of all, I'm thrilled to expose the next generation to the soul-satisfying joy of girls' trips, a travel style that I believe nurtures friendships and supports sanity across all stages of life.
Courtesy of Brittany Vickers
I found myself crafting the perfect itinerary to the South of France, envisioning pristine beaches and dazzling scenery from Provence to the glamorous St. Tropez and Monaco, The dilemma? Though I was planning a solo trip, I realized it was actually the perfect destination for a glitzy girls' trip. The kind you make memories you'll still laugh about years down the line. Yet, as I'm nearing 40, the number of friends I have who can take time to travel as their lives move in the direction of marriage and growing families is dwindling.
So, I took the plunge and tossed my itinerary in a group chat a friend created after we all had a blast together at my birthday brunch, where they initially all met. I was nervous about the possible chorus of, "Love this but can't⦠maybe next year?" replies. But seconds later, responses like "I'm down!" and "I'd be interested" came rolling in.
Following the enthusiastic replies, we started seriously planning our trip to the French Riviera in another dedicated group chat.
Courtesy of Brittany Vickers
That's when the frustrations kicked off. We were four women with vastly different vacation styles who were now planning a seven-day trip to the CΓ΄te d'Azur.
The first issue was the budget. The pings from the group chat were never-ending as we attempted to merge various travel practices and budgets to fit the group.
Initially, it was suggested to fly into a cheaper city and completely rearrange the original itinerary. It became overwhelming, and to avoid headaches before takeoff, we ultimately settled to move forward with what I initially proposed to the group. Once we all agreed on expectations, the next step was to finalize bookings.
Courtesy of Brittany Vickers
From there, we leaned into each other's strengths to round out the finishing touches of the planning. I assumed the heavy lifting in finding the perfect places to stay. Because we didn't know each other well, we all agreed to look for accommodations that would allow everyone to have their own room β and if that didn't work, at least their own bed. We were excited to go on the trip, but also wanted to give each other space to unwind and recharge.
My method was simple: I looked around for spaces that fit the bill, selected my two favorite, and created a poll in the group chat for everyone to vote. It eliminated unnecessary back-and-forth and decision fatigue.
Chelsea, whom I had met in a group for girls who love fine dining, was the group's resident foodie. In a location as splashy as the South of France, it's easy to get lost in the ritzy beach clubs and restaurants and rack up unnecessarily expensive tabs for every meal. To help us avoid this, she did some digging on both the hot spots and local affordable gems. We didn't go a day wondering, "Where should we eat?"
Courtesy of Brittany Vickers
Then, Jen and Michaela β who I had met individually, at a late-night museum event and art gallery, respectively β took on the responsibility of organizing travel during the trip, which included renting a fabulous convertible, perfect for navigating the beautiful coasts and charming towns.
We wanted the freedom that comes with renting a car but also needed someone who could maneuver the endless winding roads, which Jen agreed to tackle for the entire trip. And with Michaela coordinating plans for flights, trains and yachts when needed, the group trip made it out of the chat in less than a month.
Everyone pitched in, which ensured no one was burdened by an unfair amount of responsibility. I occasionally chimed in with restaurant suggestions, and we designated a second captain to assist Jen while navigating unfamiliar roads.
Additionally, we all gave each other freedom to explore while still relishing each other's company, whether it was sharing a bottle of wine with the freshest fish as the sea stretched ahead, partying at a beach club, or having a siesta on our sun-drenched balcony before a night out.
Courtesy of Brittany Vickers
A key to a successful group trip is also accepting everyone does not have to be attached at the hip. While in Monaco, two of us spontaneously decided to splurge on a helicopter tour while the other two settled into a fabulous lunch with glasses of rosΓ©. That kind of flexibility ensured everyone walked away satisfied at the end of the trip.
You often hear the true test of friendship is if you can travel together. For us, our stay in the South of France was just the beginning of our friendship. We all took pieces of each other home. Thanks to Chelsea, I'll always remember to look for hidden gems away from tourist traps, and I've expanded my wine lists thanks to Jen, who often said, "Why not just order a bottle?" I also came home with an appreciation for jumping off yachts with Michaela. While still laughing from memories we just made, we departed already throwing out potential ideas for our next getaway.
FS Productions/Getty Images/Tetra images RF
While I was away on a recent business trip with both of my children, I found myself in a position that I would wish upon no one. My six-year-old daughter and fourteen-month-old son both ended up in the hospital with a stomach bug. And to make matters worse, I got sick too. It was far from the trip I had imagined for us, but we got through it and it taught me β and my kids β that we can handle the hard stuff.
I needed to be in Florence, Italy, for a month of work. I have my own public relations agency specializing in female-run businesses and I was booked back to back with meetings, networking, and on-site visits with clients. I told my husband I wanted our two kids to come along. My daughter is homeschooled, so being away and exploring a new place for a month would be a great educational experience for her. He agreed, but stayed home to oversee our renovations. Luckily, my mom was able to join to give me a hand with the kids.
On the eve of Halloween, my daughter woke up in the middle of the night vomiting. It lasted several hours, but by the next afternoon I thought we had turned a corner. The next morning, when my daughter finally seemed to have settled down, my son threw up. Seeing my little baby boy throw up, so tiny and frail, really startled me. And then he threw up again. And again. And again.
Since we were out of town and away from our pediatrician, I did what any concerned parent would do and took my kids to the emergency room at the nearest children's hospital. While in the waiting room, it was clear that a virus was making the rounds.
My daughter was still doing well, so she stayed with my mom in the waiting room while I took my son to be seen. He looked week and pale and a blood test showed that he had very low blood sugar. The doctors attached him to an IV for fluids, but he continued to throw up.
As soon as we had arrived at the hospital, I called my husband and told him to meet us. He drove five hours from our town further south in Italy and made it in time for me to tell him that I would need to stay the night with our son while he stayed with our daughter and my mom.
That night, things took a turn for the worse when I ended up getting sick. Early that evening, I started feeling nauseous. In the middle of the night, I woke up and threw up β right there in the hospital bed with my son sleeping next to me. A few hours later, I threw up again.
The next morning, I woke up in the hospital bed with my sweet little boy who, while he still seemed pale, seemed more like his usual smiley and giggly self. I was feeling better too. I called to check in on our daughter and it seemed she was getting worse again. My husband said she was very weak, lying on the sofa and wasn't her usual energetic self. I insisted he bring her back to the emergency room.
When she was admitted, she too had very low blood sugar. It didn't improve in a few hours, so she was going to stay for a night too.
There I found myself, lying in a hospital bed with my then-fourteen-month-old son attached to an IV holding him in bed, and my daughter in the next hospital bed, attached to an IV, as well.
Spending two nights in the hospital with both of my children was one of the most challenging and frightening experiences of my life. I felt helpless. I felt scared. I felt overwhelmed. I was so nervous, but trying to keep it together and put on a brave face for my children.
The next day, their blood sugars were in a better range and we were told we could go home. I started crying with relief.
As someone who struggles with severe anxiety, this very stressful situation taught me that I'm a lot stronger than I had realized. It also showed me that in difficult situations, I can hold it together and do what needs to be done, especially when it comes to my children.
While this was clearly not the trip I imagined, all that matters to me is that my children are okay.
Before the war, Hamada Shaqoura was a food blogger. Now, he spends his days cooking to feed children and displaced people in Gaza. And he figured out a way to reach millions on social media without saying a word. His intense stare at the camera as he cooks various dishes has been easy for many to understand. Hamada finally opens up and shares his story with Business Insider. He told us why he sees food as a symbol of resistance and why it's important for him to cook food people had before the war, like chicken wings, tacos, croissants and popsicles.
