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Before you go...
Here are a few tips and tricks I learned in these locations...
Switzerland
If you want to see the most picturesque towns, emerald colored lakes, and jaw-dropping mountains all with the quaint sound of cowbells in the distance, then Switzerland needs to be on your bucket list.
If you miss a photo op, just give it three minutes, and you'll find another. The gondolas, rail systems, and roads are all easy to navigate. You might even get to experience driving your car onto a train that transports you through mountains. Who knew those existed!?
Seattle
Seattle is a great choice for a long weekend. The Chihuly Garden and Glass museum is right under the space needle. It's worth buying the bundled admission tickets.
Try heading over to Bainbridge Island for a quaint little ferry ride and quiet afternoon.
Also, if you're feeling adventurous, the trek up to Vancouver is just a few short hours. The Sea-to-Sky highway from Vancouver to Whistler is worth every minute in that rental car. (You might want to add a few extra days to the itinerary.)
We might retire up there!
Fort Collins
Super cliché, but you can't go wrong with Old Town- The Elizabeth Hotel, The Emporium, Ginger and Baker, The Exchange. Food and breweries are endless.
Just an hour drive to Boulder, the Flatiron hike is stunning and quite moderate for those who aren't used to the altitude!
Cabo San Lucas
I could sit on the beach all day and watch the waves. Some beaches don't allow swimmers because of the undertow. But the odds of seeing whales are pretty high!
If you want THE BEST massage for the most reasonable price, check out the Sand Bar. It's right on the ocean, and less that $50. I would go back to Cabo just for this.
Italy
I've been lucky to have visited Italy three times. And it's a country that I would absolutely visit again. Each city is super unique, but if I had to choose just ONE location- do not miss the AMALFI COAST. Check it out!
Best options here to experience the area would be to visit the nearby island of Capri or reserve a sunset cruise to watch the beautiful coast lights at night.
The Amalfi drive starting in Sorrento and passing through Positano is stunning, as well, but I definitely recommend that you hire a driver to navigate the hairpin turns, narrow roads, and one way lanes. If headed south down the coast, sit on the right side of the car for the best views!!
Thinking about Venice? I truly think just a day trip here is plenty. Utilize a day pass on the water taxis through the Grand Canal and you'll cover all the ground you need.
If you're wanting to go to a place that is less touristy- then take the train from Milan to visit the Lake Como area, especially Bellagio! Who doesn't want to travel like a celebrity?!
More on Lake Como...
You'll take the train from Milan to Varenna; it's about an hour ride through beautiful scenery. Once in Varenna, you'll navigate the ferry system for the rest of your stay. While cars and buses are available here with limitations, ferries give you the best viewpoints.
Did you know that you can go online and get your international driver's license for less than $100? Do that, and rent a vespa to get around the area especially if your staying only a short time!
Paris
Paris is one of the most iconic and recognizable cities in the world. When visiting this city, (or really any city in Europe), make sure you study the rail routes and ticketing prices. There are hefty fines if you purchase a ticket for the wrong zone! This is also a city where you should probably pre-purchase your desired activities!
No matter how jetlagged you are, seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle during the nightly dusk hours is spectacular!
One of our favorite places to tour inside was the Opera House! And if you want to explore outside of the city, go rent a golfcart and explore the grounds at the Palace of Versailles.
Highway 1 Roadtrip
San Francisco- Alcatraz, Pier 39 and the sea lions, Lombardi Street, and a Golden Gate scenic drive
Napa Valley and its endless wineries
Monterey- Pebble Beach, the Aquarium, and Carmel-by-the-Sea
Las Vegas
Gambling aside, the hotels are just amazing to walk through. Up at the top of the Eiffel Tower is an amazing view of the fountains at night. Also, walking through the shops and canals of the Venetian is dreamy.
Take a day trip to the Hoover Dam as well if you want to get away from the strip.
Cancun
White Sandy Beaches with All-Inclusive access and Mango Tangos.
An excursion that you can't miss is the Xplor park where you get to zipline through waterfalls and swim in underground caves.
Colorado Springs
Just a few of the area's highlights:
Pikes Peak and the Cog Railway
The Incline Hike
North Pole for kids to meet Santa
Manitou Springs and the Penny Arcade
Garden of the Gods
Seven Falls
Cave of the Winds
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Air Force Academy
New York City
Don't cheap out on the subway pass here. Even if you're not there for a full 7 days, I recommend getting the unlimited week-long metro card. You will ride the subway more than you think, and this will pay for itself in plenty of time.
Don't miss Grand Central station...especially late at night.
And treat yourself to at least one Broadway show while you're there.
Amsterdam
Unfortunately, I felt like Amsterdam was one of the dirtiest cities we've visited! Truly we enjoyed getting out of the city to the nearby towns of Marken and Volendam to see and experience the windmills, clog factory, and cheese shops!
Salzburg
Salzburg is great for a quick stop in Austria! The main sites are walking around the fortress and visiting Mirabell Gardens. You can take a day trip to experience Hallstatt and the Sound of Music experience!