Summer is here, and we're on the road, embracing the brightest season of the year with fun trips that instantly improve our moods: 

If you haven't made plans already, trust there's ample travel inspo in here for you.

Destination Editor

James visited the coastal city of Danang in central Vietnam where he wasted no time getting stuck into the region's fresh cuisine.

Stay: Ba Na Hills, a quirky European-themed resort and amusement park that's home to the Golden Bridge (footbridge held up by two giant hands). Be sure to check out the spicy cabaret show right next to the salad bar.

Eat: Sample a ton of local eats (think: avocado and soursop ice cream, freshly caught squid, and steamed rice flour cakes topped with dried shrimp). Also, visit Man Thai Beach for its famous seafood market.

Do: Attend the Danang International Fireworks Festival (an annual celebration that runs from May to July), featuring six nights of displays from teams across Asia, Europe and the Americas.

PR Coordinator

Aoife returned to Slovenia for her second visit to experience the country's alpine mountains and crystal lakes.

Stay: Vila Planinka in Jezersko (in the Julian Alps), a perfect nature getaway where you can visit the local woolmaker and feed the sheep.

Do: Take a pletna boat to Bled Island on Lake Bled and visit the Church of Assumption, where you can ring the tower bell to grant your wishes.

Eat: Olive oil tasting at Matej Lisjak vineyard is amazing! And the Culinary Time Machine at Ljubljana Castle is a must-do!

Destination Editor

Melissa completed a challenging 4-day trek to Choquequirao, Peru's less-visited "little sister" to Machu Picchu. It gets as many visitors in one year as Machu Picchu does in one day.

Stay: Palacio del Inka in Cuzco - splurge on a luxury night here after a week in the jungle.

Do: Hike the grueling trail to Choquequirao (hire a guide and allow 5+ days - I did it too quickly) and take the scenic train to Machu Picchu.

Eat: In Cuzco, try the Black Llama Cafe for lunch, Limo for exceptional Nikkei cuisine and Three Monkeys for coffee.

I used my 28L Gregory Jade pack. I've had this one for a while and had it fitted for me at REI along with my larger Deuter that I used on the Camino de Santiago. If this is your first major hiking trip, I highly recommend investing in a good pack and having it fitted for you in person. Your back will thank you.

Vice President

Aly spent a long weekend in Copenhagen, where she caught up with a friend she met while studying abroad there.

Do: Visit the Designmuseum and see the chair tunnel (you heard that right) in the Danish Modern exhibit. It was niche and very cool.

Eat: The breakfast plate from Wulff & Konstali, where you can choose 5-7 tiny dishes to round out your meal.

Highlight: Hanging out on the waterfront on PAPIRØEN, where locals lounge in the sun, drink orange wine and wave to canal boats passing by.

Digital Editor

Chamidae just returned from a 5-day road trip through Southern California's deserts, starting in Los Angeles and ending in Palm Springs.

Stay: The mid-century style Parker in Palm Springs. Relax by the pool under lemon yellow-striped umbrellas.

Eat: In Palm Springs, have lunch poolside at the Indigenous-run Séc-he spa and dinner at 533 Viet Fusion for fresh and flavorful Vietnamese food. 

Do: Visit Pioneertown, a western movie set turned into a functioning town with shops and restaurants. Stay at the rustic Pioneertown Motel.

Beware of wind and rain. Wind can lead to dust storms, and rain can lead to landslides. Make sure to have a solid vehicle and a phone that can connect to satellite, as some parts of the region are without service.

Photo credits: James Pham, Aoife Breslin, Melissa Yeager, Aly Yee, Chamidae Ford / Lonely Planet

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