My Travel Story

This list tells the story of how I got started on travel and some of the most memorable spots along the way.

Lake Tahoe, San Francisco International Airport, Great Falls, Hapuna Beach, The Flying Pig, Nostos Restaurant, Logan Tavern, Bondi Beach, Italy, Belize, Israel

• Lake Tahoe, United States

  
  netanyas

  The actual lake of Lake Tahoe is absolutely stunning. It's piercing blue, surrounded by towering snowcapped mountains all year long. There are picture perfect moments at every turn, and if you sit down and people watch, you'll see all kinds of "Instagram boyfriends" trying to get the perfect shot for their leading lady.

• San Francisco International Airport in San Francisco, United States

  
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  The San Francisco airport hands down has the best food options of any other airport. While at most airports buying food is a decision between the least of two evils, SFO touts sought after restaurants that are healthy and delicious. They were also way ahead of the curve with creating sustainable spaces and travel experiences and it has the most beautiful view when you fly in.

• Great Falls, United States

  
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  This part of Northern Virginia has stunning homes immersed in the forest-like environment. Although just 20 minutes from DC, it feels a world away. It's the perfect blend of serenity and natural beauty, with restaurants, shopping, and culture an arm's length away whenever you want it.

• Hapuna Beach, United States

  
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  About an hour south of Hilo is this small hippie community called Pahoa. It's not at all commercialized and you'll find very few tourists. You have to know about this beach to find it, and even then, it can be a bit of a challenge. After your hike down some steep rocks, you'll find a black sand beach with all the beauty that is Hawaii, filled with free spirits in every sense of the word. Clothing is always optional and you'll never feel judged.

• The Flying Pig, Netherlands

  
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  This was the very first hostel I ever stayed at. I just graduated college and was traveling around Western Europe with 3 friends from college. We arrived in Amsterdam and checked into our dorm room, which we shared with 2 Australian guys who were 26 (which I thought was so old at the time). We all became friends instantly and had so much fun hanging out. While nothing happened, I remember being enamored by that accent and swooning over just how cool they were.

• Nostos Restaurant, United States

  
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  I love Greek food, and this hidden restaurant in Tyson's Corner, VA, was exceptional. From the moment you step inside, you feel transported across the Mediterranean and every bite was memorable.

• Logan Tavern in Washington, United States

  
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  No other place gets me excited for a Blood Mary quite like Logan Tavern! They have a whole menu dedicated to them, where you can pick your toppings as if you're ordering a pizza. The Bloody Mary mix is handcrafted, and when you add things like fresh crab, olives, and celery, your drink is as much of a star as your meal.

• Bondi Beach, Australia

  
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  Bondi Beach is my favorite beach in the whole world. This crescent shaped destination has beautiful water, sand, and scenery, but my favorite part is what's behind it. There's a huge lawn, so you can still "go to the beach" without getting sandy, and behind that is the cutest strip of restaurants, bars, and shops, that is so fun. It's the absolute perfect destination.

• Italy

  
  netanyas

  I just love having no cell service when I travel! I like to be fully present and tune out all the distractions from home. When I went to Italy 10 years ago with my now husband, neither of us got an international plan. It made the trip so enjoyable to focus on spending time together in this beautiful country without getting sidetracked by our handheld devices.

• Belize

  
  netanyas

  I'm dying to take my kids on their first international adventure, and I think Belize would be the perfect spot. I hear they have amazing beaches, snorkeling, and adventure activities, and coming from the East Coast, we wouldn't have to worry too much about a time change. I think it would be a great first stop in piquing my kids' interest in seeing the world!

• Israel

  
  netanyas

  My first solo (read: without parents) international journey was to Israel when I was 17. I went with a youth group and we spent 6 weeks touring the country. I still remember getting to experience ancient history coming to life, what it felt like to float in the Dead Sea, and the intensity of the Wailing Wall. I also remember how welcoming and generous the Israeli people were and what a beautiful country it was.