February in Amsterdam is quiet and gray and cold, and I would tell anyone to go anyway. The canals are calm, the brown cafés are warm, and the whole city feels a little more like it belongs to the people actually living in it. Ours was a week built around seeing David Byrne in concert and it turned into so much more than that. Here's what I'd recommend you eat, drink, see, and explore over a week in Amsterdam in the winter.
Traveling beyond Marrakech took planning, patience, and a willingness to embrace a few long travel days, but it was worth every mile. From the coastal ease of Essaouira to the steep blue alleyways of Chefchaouen and the dense historic core of Fes, each city required something different from us. My personal guide covers where to stay, where to eat and drink, and what is actually worth your time in each place, along with my photos from our adventures. If you are mapping out Morocco travel beyond Marrakech, I've got you!
What began as a follow-up to a castle in Malta turned into a group trip to Marrakech for thirteen friends. We stayed inside the medina walls at a private riad that set the tone for the entire experience. From rooftop dinners to cocktails in hidden garden bars, we found magic in the chaos of this wild and wonderous medina. This post covers what worked, what we learned, and what I’d recommend for anyone planning a similar trip.
When a close friend turned 50, we flew to Lake Maggiore, took over a lakefront villa, and settled in for a week of good food, loose plans, and even better company. If you’re planning a luxury group trip to Lake Maggiore, this is everything I’d do again and a few things I’d make time for next time. From ferry rides to quiet islands to a private tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant, this trip struck the right balance between structured and spontaneous. I know how to travel well and it should not come as surprise that I've surrounded myself with friends who do too.
Florence is slower, smaller, and built for wandering. With just three days, you can eat incredibly well, drink local wine in quiet corners, and still have time to get lost on purpose. My 3 day travel guide for Florence, Italy skips the tourist checklist and goes straight to what I think is actually worth my time.
I waited a long time to visit Italy, partly because I worried I wouldn’t want to leave. When I finally went, I skipped the gelato lines (I don't eat it y'all), the tourist grid, the standard spots, and wandered neighborhoods instead. I ate carbonara on a side street in Esquilino, hunted down Space Invader mosaics across Pigneto, and became a regular at a wine bar in Trastevere. If you’re ready to experience Rome off the beaten path my way, this guide is for you.
Planning a summer trip to Tahoe? This is a local’s guide to Lake Tahoe — packed with honest, tried-and-true recommendations from a South Lake local of nearly 20 years. From where to eat without the wait, to hidden hikes, wine cruises, distilleries, free concerts, and places the kids will actually love — it’s everything you need to plan your best Tahoe adventure without looking like a tourist. Come for the views, stay for the poke bowls and paddleboard yoga.
Looking for a travel destination that will completely win you over? Barcelona is that city. Trust me, I used to roll my eyes when people gushed about it—but now I’m one of them! After just one week in Barcelona, I can confidently say this city is unlike any other. From jaw-dropping Gaudí architecture to endless good eats (seriously, the tapas!), there's so much to love. And it’s not just the sights—it’s the vibe, the energy, and the people that make this place special. Dive into my travel guide to discover why Barcelona became my favorite city in the world.
In the summer of 2023, amidst soaring flight costs and a rescheduled Elton John concert, I turned to Airbnb in search of a whimsical escape. What began as a quest for a Mediterranean castle transformed into a reality when I discovered a stunning 18th-century palace on the island of Malta. Despite knowing little about Malta, the idea captured my friends’ imaginations, and we soon set off for this enchanting destination. Malta, often overshadowed by larger European spots, is a gem brimming with history, culture, and gorgeous coastlines and rugged cliffs. Malta is a perfect travel choice for any adventurer and I'm here to tell you why.
As a major global hub, I always consider London an ideal stopover to break up my travel. By flying on a non-stop flight from my origin in the US, I can easily adjust to the new time zone, thanks to overnight flights. In short, I view spending 24 hours in London as a way to prevent flight delays or cancellations that would affect my trip, acclimate to the local time, stretch my legs, and then enjoy an easy non-stop flight to my next destination. This summer, a group of us rented an 18th-century palace in Malta for a week, and flying to London for 24 hours made getting to this tiny Mediterranean island much less of a headache. Here's my recommendations for an easy way to enjoy 24 hours in London.
Nestled in California's Gold Rush Region, El Dorado County boasts a wealth of wineries often overlooked by wine enthusiasts. Adjacent to South Lake Tahoe, this picturesque landscape hosts the annual El Dorado Wines Passport Weekend, a two-day event showcasing the region's finest wines and culinary delights. As the official El Dorado Hills photographer, I had the pleasure of capturing the event's essence—the laughter, camaraderie, and the wines—while sharing the experience with friends and even my dog. Join me for a weekend of wine, friends, and unforgettable memories in California's hidden wine country gem. Cheers to wine!
This past summer, thanks to two beloved clients of mine, I had the opportunity to take 10 days and explore the wild remoteness that western Montana has to offer thanks to their Glacier National Park Wedding. Glacier National Park is STUNNING, not to mention, it’s an unparalleled backdrop for a ridiculously gorgeous wedding portrait. It’s got majestic peaks, breathtaking mountains that stack on each other as far as the eye can see, expansive lakes, wilderness for days. Whether you consider yourself to be an outdoorsey adventurous go-getter or simply stick to the road more traveled, it’s still an unforgettable experience. If you’re interested in a Glacier National Park wedding, Marquie and Josh did it right – here's a few tips on how to have the perfect Big Sky Country wedding day.
Lauren Lindley is an Austin, TX and Lake Tahoe based commercial event photographer. Lauren also specializes in lifestyle and branding photography, corporate events, portraits, and headshot photography. When she’s not drinking wine, Lauren can be found traversing the globe with glee.
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