Sometimes, the hardest part of planning a vacation is choosing the right destination. Lucky for you, the well-traveled editors at SheKnows have some favorite spots, and they’re ready to share them with you. Whether it’s a Carnival cruise that takes you to multiple destinations or trip abroad to a dreamy European city, we recommend you block out a few weeks of time off, because you’re about to get bitten by the travel bug.
This post was sponsored by Carnival Cruise Line. To enter to win a seven day Carnival cruise, click here.
Corfu, Greece
“I lived in Greece for six months in my early 20s. I did a lot of island-hopping during my time there, but the tiny island of Corfu was my absolute favorite. Stunning views of the Ionian, breathtaking Venetian architecture, and I don’t know how to explain it, but I swear the light actually looks different there. It’s simply magical. ” — Kenzie Mastroe, SheKnows branded content and pets editor
Barcelona, Spain
“Perfectly balmy weather year round means every little restaurant has tables spilling out onto the sidewalk, making it perfect for strolling and grazing all day, my favorite way to travel. There’s also the incredible architecture. It’s a beautifully artsy, sophisticated city small enough to explore on foot in a long weekend.” — Adriana Velez, SheKnows food editor
Nassau, Bahamas
“I took a Carnival cruise to Nassau a few years ago. The experience was unreal. First, the cruise ship had an endless supply of fun activities and fabulous food. Once we arrived in Nassau, there were so many activity options, it was hard to choose. I signed up for snorkeling and took a bus tour of the island. The people there were so friendly and the entire island just had a super-chill vibe. I can’t wait to go back someday.” — Kenzie Mastroe, SheKnows branded content and pets editor
Todos Santos, Mexico
“An hour or two north of party town Cabo, this sweet tourist town is much quieter and more intimate, but still puts you in arm’s reach of the area’s spectacular shoreline.” — Adriana Velez, SheKnows food editor
Cape Town, South Africa
“I love Cape Town because it is the best of both worlds. An endless supply of outdoor activities, mountains to explore, trails to hike and a city full of rich culture and art.” — Kenzie Mastroe, SheKnows branded content and pets editor
Agra, India
“Because you have to see the Taj Mahal sometime in your life, but then escape out of the city to Haveli Heritage, a family-owned inn. We stayed at one outside Jaipur called Savista, and we never wanted to leave.” — Adriana Velez, SheKnows food editor
Cozumel, Mexico
“My husband and I realized years ago that cruising was our new favorite way to vacation. You get to relax, don’t have to make your bed, and see the sights (if you want). This summer was one of our most fun itineraries . We stopped in Cozumel during our Carnival cruise and got a chance to learn how to make margaritas, salsa and even got a little salsa lesson. Margaritas are probably the only way you’ll get me to dance in public, and we had a blast.” — Crystal Brown, SheKnows director of editorial operations
Zion National Park, Utah
“A super-walkable city with an incredible culture and lots of delicious restaurants, including a block full of food trucks. There’s even a gorgeous, woodsy park you can walk to from downtown and get a blood-pumping hike in. If you do decide to rent a car, make sure to check out the Columbia River Gorge and one of the many stunning waterfalls in the area.” — Colleen Stinchcombe, SheKnows community editor
Val-d’Isère, France
“I visited this quaint little ski town when I studied abroad in France. It is the definition of charming. Not to mention the amazing skiing. ” — Kenzie Mastroe, SheKnows branded content and pets editor
Cornwall, Great Britain
“Huge rocky cliffs, tight winding roads, roaring oceans and verdant pastures make Cornwall one of my favorite places in the world. Stay in a delightful little cottage, take in the stunning vistas, test your merit on the mind-boggling roads and get away from humanity for a while.” — Kaitlin Racine, SheKnows community editor
Lisbon, Portugal
“The city is beautiful, historic, full of culture and often overlooked by people traveling to Europe. But it shouldn’t be! It’s a short distance from New York City and cost-effective once you get there. I go once a year to shop — the quality of goods there is unlike any I’ve ever seen before, most everything is made in Portugal and the prices are insanely good (think $40 for a pair of hand-crafted leather gloves from Luvaria Ulisses, the oldest glove shop in the city).” — Kat Lapelosa, SheKnows senior social media editor
Sedona, Arizona
“Sedona isn’t a large town, but every inch of it sure is beautiful. This place is great for hikers, bikers, creek walkers, campers… really anyone looking to have an outdoor adventure. I particularly love the hike at Cathedral Rock. It’s pretty difficult, but you can take your time. Plus, once you get to the very top, the view is breathtaking — and it’s a vortex too! So next time you’re in Arizona, pick up Cosmic Ray’s book of trails and get exploring!” — Kristine Cannon, SheKnows entertainment editor
Finland
“Visiting Finland is like going to where the past meets the future. It’s hard to explain, but it manages to be historic and traditional, but forward-thinking at the same time. And despite having a bad reputation, I love the food!” — Elizabeth Yuko, SheKnows health and beauty editor
Jicaro Island, Nicaragua
“This absolutely stunning island is the perfect getaway. Get your own casita and try the most amazing locally sourced food during your stay. It’s also close to the colorful and historic colonial city of Granada which has plenty to explore.” — Elizabeth Yuko, SheKnows health and beauty editor
Best vacation spots
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