Take a break from the sea and immerse yourself in the Lattari Mountains for a completely different Amalfi Coast experience.
With a name that means “among the mountains,” Tramonti is the heart of the mountainous side of the Amalfi Coast. You won’t find one town center, as the village is made up of 13 little hamlets dotted around the mountain valley.
Tramonti has a rural charm that sets it apart from the seaside villages along the Amalfi Coast.
Wine enthusiasts could spend days visiting the various vineyards, like Tenuta San Francesco and Azienda Agricola Reale, whichproduce wine from centuries-old vines.
This story was originally published on June 6, 2024, and most recently updated on April 16, 2026.
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I’ve lived in Florida for over 25 years and have explored some of the state’s most peaceful islands.
I love Cedar Key, a charming small town with lots of local businesses.
North Captiva Island, which is only accessible by boat or plane, is also worth a visit.
When thinking about islands in Florida, places like Key West, Sanibel, or Fisher Island probably come to mind. However, after living in the Sunshine State for more than 25 years, I know there are so many more beautiful places to explore.
Beyond the famous names are lesser-known gems that offer natural beauty, charm, and a sense of escape. Whether you’re craving a quiet beach day, a kayaking adventure, or a peaceful getaway without the crowds, these six islands deliver.
Santa Rosa Island feels like a secret paradise.
Santa Rosa Island has gorgeous sunsets. Joseph Sohm/Shutterstock
If you’re looking for a beach that feels like a total escape, Santa Rosa Island might just be your new favorite spot.
Tucked along the Florida panhandle, this barrier island includes areas that are part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, a federally protected stretch of coastline.
I could spend days basking in the soft, sugar-white sand, emerald-green water, and peaceful vibes.
There’s plenty to do on St. George Island.
St. George Island offers everything from sunbathing to hiking. Leny Silina Helmig/Shutterstock
In my opinion, St. George Island is the definition of a true beach escape.
Located on the Florida Panhandle and connected to the mainland by a long bridge, it offers 22 miles of uncrowded beaches, clear water, and an easygoing vibe that’s hard to beat.
The island is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, stargazing (thanks to minimal light pollution), and state park, which is perfect for beachcombing, hiking, or just soaking up the sun.
Cedar Key has a charming small-town island vibe.
Cedar Key has an old-time feel. Leigh Trail/Shutterstock
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, visiting Cedar Key feels like stepping back in time — in the best way possible.
It’s a quaint little island town known for its charm, fresh seafood, and slower pace of life. I also love that most spots are small businesses run by locals.
Instead of modern architecture, you’ll find weathered wooden docks and colorful cottages, giving it an old-Florida feel. It’s the kind of place where you kayak through calm waters by day and eat local clams on a breezy porch by night.
Duck Key is the perfect place for a romantic getaway.
Visiting Duck Key is fun for the whole family. A. Emson/Shutterstock
If you’ve driven the Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys, you might’ve zoomed right past Duck Key without even realizing it. But in my opinion, it’s totally worth a stop.
About halfway between Key Largo and Key West, this little island is low-key, peaceful, and packed with old-school Keys charm.
I recommend visiting Hawks Cay Resort, which has everything from lagoon-style pools to a dolphin experience right on site. Go kayaking or paddleboarding right from the shore, take a snorkeling tour, or enjoy a cocktail with a view.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway, the island caters to both, offering activities for everyone.
Gasparilla Island is a quiet seaside escape.
My favorite part of Gasparilla Island is the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse. cpparrothead/Shutterstock
Located off Florida’s Gulf Coast, Gasparilla Island is a gorgeous spot with historic seaside charm.
With powdery white-sand beaches, clear waters, and a tranquil vibe, the island is perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.
At the heart of the island is the charming town of Boca Grande, filled with pastel-colored cottages, golf carts cruising the streets, and a laid-back atmosphere.
On the island, you’ll also find the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, which is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the state.
North Captiva Island is a true off-the-grid escape.
North Captiva Island is the perfect place to unplug. Marissa Sisco/Shutterstock
If you really want to unplug, North Captiva Island is the spot. It’s only accessible by boat or small plane, and there are no cars on the island — just golf carts and barefoot beachgoers.
With very little commercial development here, you’ll want to come prepared with snacks, water, and a good beach read. In return, you’ll get miles of untouched beaches and a truly remote escape.
This story was originally published on August 28, 2025, and most recently updated on March 16, 2026.
Our family’s first trip to Windermere changed everything.
Sitting on the bank of a stream with my feet dipped in its cold, clear water, surrounded by trees budding for spring — even with the baby kicking away inside me at eight months pregnant, I felt a kind of bliss that’s hard to put into words.
The only sounds were the distant mooing of cows and the occasional squeals of our toddler’s laughter at the nearby bed and breakfast.
I had no doubt in my mind that our four-hour drive from Northampton was worth it.
Since that trip nearly two decades ago, we’ve been to this small English town in the Lake District many times. Each visit only confirms there’s no place like Windermere — and I still dream of moving here someday.
The town feels like its own secret world, but it’s still well-connected and home to top-notch food and attractions
A train driving through the Lake District in the fall.
by Andrea Pucci/Getty Images
Tucked between rolling fells (grassy hills) and England’s largest lake of the same name, the town of Windermere feels like its own world.
Home to fewer than 10,000 residents, it’s small enough to cross on foot yet expansive in feel.
The surrounding hills and lake feel quietly confident. They soften the skyline and set a slower pace, making it clear this isn’t a place built for rushing.
All of this gives Windermere a wonderfully quiet, oasis-like rhythm.
Despite feeling removed from the hustle and bustle, it’s surprisingly well-connected and close enough to reach without much fuss.
It’s a short drive from cities like Lancaster and Carlisle. By train, it’s three hours from London, an hour and a half from Manchester, and two or three hours from Edinburgh.
It’s also in the county of Cumbria, which has something for everyone, whether you want to partake in watersports and hiking, visit Scafell Pike (England’s highest mountain and a war memorial), try local specialties like sticky toffee pudding and Cumberland sausage, or just seek out some serenity.
Fleetwith Pike and Buttermere in the English Lake District.
WhitcombeRD/Getty Images
Over the years, some of our most cherished Lake District moments have come from serene walks and hikes around the lakes and fells of Windermere and nearby towns, as well as leisurely cruises and visits to the world-famous Beatrix Potter attractions.
And though many of its local cafés have small-town charm, this area has serious food cred, too. The Lake District is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants.
Even so, unlike busier hot spots, Windermere has retained its identity and sense of self. It is protective of its pace, its peace, its essence.
People here seem to look out for each other. They don’t just nod as they pass; they stop to chat and remember people’s names.
By 5:30 p.m., many shops and cafés close, while a handful of restaurants, pubs, and the local Sainsbury’s stay open late. Even at night, the town feels safe and calm, especially compared to larger cities.
I dream of living here someday
Many places are lovely to visit, but Windermere feels like somewhere that meets you exactly where you are, offering something for every stage of life.
After all these years, I still sometimes feel that same stillness I felt on our very first trip when I was sitting by the water and realizing we’d found somewhere special.
Each visit has marked a different chapter in our family’s lives, from being pregnant with a toddler in tow to returning with teenagers who now set their own pace.
Somehow, though, Windermere has grown with us, and I often wonder what it might feel like if we stayed a little longer. After all, there’s something comforting and restorative about living where nature is such a big part of daily life.
When I imagine where I’d call home in the UK, it’s not London, Birmingham, Manchester, or even Northampton, where we live now.
It’s Windermere … maybe once the children have grown up.
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After living in the Boston area for 14 years, I’ve thoroughly explored the city and its suburbs.
I always recommend tourists visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and Chinatown.
When I see itineraries with chain-filled food halls, I suggest swapping them for local restaurants.
When I moved to the Boston area from Denver 14 years ago, I felt like I’d walked into the pages of a storybook.
Venturing outside of my Cambridge apartment, I was surrounded by centuries-old trees, red-brick buildings, and cobblestone streets.
As I’ve spent more time in Boston neighborhoods, I’ve found that each one has its own unique character and cultural richness. Even after more than a decade living here, I’m still amazed by the city’s world-class museums, diverse cuisines, and vibrant arts and music scenes.
When out-of-towners seeking a uniquely Boston experience ask for recommendations, these are the five things I tell them to do and the two I advise skipping.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum houses a world-renowned private art collection.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is one of my favorite places in the city. Atlantide Phototravel/Getty Images
Entering the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum feels like stepping into a Venetian palace, complete with a central courtyard and authentic Italian architectural fragments.
Opened in 1903, the museum houses Isabella Stewart Gardner’s personal art collection of over 18,000 pieces. It was also the site of the biggest art heist in US history, which happened in 1990.
The museum uses a timed-entry system, and tickets sometimes sell out, particularly on weekends and holidays. If you want guaranteed entry at a specific time, I suggest booking tickets in advance.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is one of my personal favorites, but Boston is full of unbelievable museums, from the Museum of Fine Arts to the Larz Anderson Auto Museum. I always encourage visitors to seek out ones that align with their interests.
For a bit of fresh air, head to the Boston Public Garden and Boston Common.
Visitors can ride on the Swan Boats in the summer months. APCortizasJr/Getty Images
The first public botanical garden in the US, Boston’s Public Garden has winding paths, manicured flowerbeds, and shady benches that are perfect for people-watching.
It’s a wonderful, calm spot to rest or have a picnic, and when the weather warms between April and September, I love to watch the iconic Swan Boats sail across the lagoon.
The Public Garden also connects directly to the Boston Common, making it easy to build a leisurely stroll into an itinerary.
Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood is vibrant and unique.
Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood is located downtown. ROC
Dating back to the 1870s, Boston’s Chinatown is one of the oldest in the US and the only one remaining in New England.
I love to walk through the traditional paifang archway onto the main street, which is located directly downtown and packed with restaurants, bakeries, and tea shops.
Beyond the food, the neighborhood reflects immigrants’ history in Boston and the community activism that’s helped preserve it amid downtown development.
My family has a tradition of going to Chinatown for a Christmas meal, and we always find it packed. Three of my favorite restaurants to recommend are Q Restaurant, Shabu-Zen, and Jade Garden.
Shopping on Newbury Street is hard to beat.
On certain summertime days, cars are blocked off from Newbury Street. CHUYN/Getty Images
Whether someone is a big shopper or not, I always recommend a stroll down Newbury Street. It’s a beautiful walk among the 19th-century brownstones, and the eight-block stretch is filled with luxury shops, independent boutiques, cafés, and art galleries.
Although you should always check opening hours, most shops are open between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
In the summer, Newbury Street is closed to traffic on certain Sundays, so the entire road is filled with pedestrians and live music.
The Boston Public Library in Copley Square is a must-visit for all tourists, bookish or not.
The Boston Public Library is free to enter and open to the public. Tracee Herbaugh
I’m admittedly a book nerd, but even those who aren’t will enjoy the Boston Public Library, which dates back to 1848. There are technically 25 branches throughout the city, but the central building in Copley Square is the one worth visiting.
The building is beautiful, with grand murals and fascinating exhibitions. McKim Courtyard, situated right in the middle, is a perfect place to take a peaceful moment to relax before or after you stroll through the stacks.
The best part? The library is free and open to the public.
However, I recommend picking and choosing your stops on the Freedom Trail.
The Old State House is one of the stops on the Freedom Trail. APCortizasJr/Getty Images
Many visitors’ first stop in Boston is the Freedom Trail,a 2½ -mile walking path that connects 16 sites related to the American Revolution. Although it details important history, the path can get crowded and noisy.
Without a knowledgeable tour guide or resources to provide the necessary historical context, it can be challenging to understand each stop.
Plus, Boston can get extremely hot in the summer and freezing cold in the winter, so it might not be ideal to stand outside for such a long time.
Instead of diving into the path from start to finish, I recommend selecting some of the individual sites and focusing on them instead.
For those set on doing the whole walking path, I’d read up on the history first and tackle the Freedom Trail on the day with the best weather forecast.
Swap Faneuil Hall Marketplace’s Quincy Market for a spot with more local options.
I usually tell visitors to skip the Quincy Market. c. 1824-26
Faneuil Hall Marketplace’s Quincy Market is a popular spot that I tell folks to avoid. I find the eateries inside to be overpriced, and the shops outside are chains that exist in other US cities.
With so much good food in Boston, don’t waste time on dishes you can get elsewhere.
Those interested in visiting a market should head to the Boston Public Market, which has a host of yummy food from local vendors, and the High Street Place Food Hall, which is perfect for groups or travelers who can’t decide on one type of food.
These market-type establishments offer local favorites such as a lobster roll, oysters on the half shell, and cannolis.
I remember arriving in Leavenworth, a town of about 3,000 people, and immediately feeling like we had stepped into an entirely new country, despite being just a short three-hour day trip from Seattle.
The drive itself revealed just how varied Washington’s landscape can be, moving from familiar surroundings into farmland and alpine scenery.
Despite visiting in early April, right before wildflower season, the setting still felt storybook-like, with open fields nearby and snow-capped peaks in the distance.
Downtown Leavenworth leaned fully into its Bavarian theme, from German restaurants and beer gardens to a quirky nutcracker museum. Even the exteriors of everyday places, such as grocery stores and coffee shops, matched the town’s aesthetic, completing the immersion.
We stayed at Abendblume Inn, a small bed-and-breakfast with a distinctly European feel that overlooks the Cascade Mountains. It famously serves up breakfast aebleskiver, Danish pancake puffs often dusted with powdered sugar or served with jam, to make the Euro experience feel complete.
Perhaps my favorite find was the local reindeer farm, where we could pet and feed the animals. Although Leavenworth is known for its Christmas festivities, visiting out of season revealed a quieter version of the town that felt just as intentional.
