Viva Travels

Destinations

Places I plan again and again

These are the destinations I know well enough to tell you which week to go, which ship or resort to pick, and what to skip.

Natalia in Mykonos harbor with whitewashed town and turquoise water

Europe & Eastern Europe

From the Greek islands and the Amalfi Coast to Prague, Budapest and the Danube. I know which cities pair well, how long you actually need in each, and where the value is.

Best for: Multi-city itineraries, river cruises, anniversaries

Virgin Voyages ship docked below the hills of an Italian coastal town

Cruising

My specialty and my favorite way to travel. Ocean, river, expedition, adults-only — I'll match the ship and cabin to the trip you want, not just the cheapest fare.

Best for: First-time cruisers, families, repeat cruisers who want more

Alaskan glacier and snow-capped mountains reflected in still water

North America

Alaska glaciers, the national parks, Hawaii, Canada and New England. Big scenery close to home, where timing and logistics make or break the trip.

Best for: Alaska cruises, road trips, bucket-list scenery

Couple at an oceanfront resort restaurant with an infinity pool and the sea behind them

Mexico — Adults-Only & Family Resorts

Quiet adults-only escapes and kid-friendly all-inclusives, side by side. I'll tell you honestly which resorts are worth the upgrade and which ones aren't.

Best for: Couples, family vacations, quick getaways, groups

From my own trips

Places I've been, photographed by me

Every recommendation on this page comes from somewhere I've actually stood.

Lake Tahoe beach with loungers and snow-capped mountains across the waterRed rock cliff in Sedona under a cloudy skySheltered bay full of anchored boats framed by palm frondsNatalia and family on the Amalfi harbor front with the town rising behind themBuda Castle above the Danube seen from a river cruise in BudapestNatalia and her husband at a historic Viennese coffee houseNatalia and her husband relaxing on a sunny cruise ship sun deckNatalia and her husband on the long escalator of the Kyiv metroNatalia and her husband at a Bryce Canyon overlookFireworks bursting over Caesars Palace in Las Vegas at nightNatalia toasting with a glass of sparkling wine at the start of a tripNatalia and her husband at a Ukrainian pub decorated with flagsBusiness class flyer enjoying dessert in a lie-flat seatWhitewashed Mykonos taverna terrace with cane ceiling and rattan lanternsNatalia and a friend toasting loaded bloody marys at a sunny brunchHand-painted Amalfi ceramic door tiles in a shop displayCouple stepping across concrete breakwater blocks by the seaFriends wading in the pool on a Virgin Voyages sun deckGroup dinner at a specialty restaurant on board a cruise shipSydney Opera House and skyline lit up at night from a cruise shipNatalia on Sydney's Pitt Street Mall on a summer afternoonNatalia beneath the hanging birdcages of Angel Place in SydneyNatalia and her husband at the Mount Wellington summit above the cloudsNatalia and her husband on the windswept Phillip Island coastToasting drinks with friends in a classic Sydney pubSunset over a yacht-filled bay from the stern of a Waiheke Island ferryNatalia and her husband on a boat in a turquoise New Zealand bayNatalia and her husband at the Virgin Voyages 'Sea you soon' terminal wallNatalia and her husband on an Auckland rooftop with the Sky Tower behind themAuckland city centre and Sky Tower at dusk from a high balconyAuckland skyline at sunset seen from the harbour ferryNatalia and her husband inside a historic Auckland shopping arcadeNatalia and her husband by a resort pool at sunset with palm trees and mountainsNarrow whitewashed Mediterranean alleyway with blue flower potsNatalia and a friend under the glass canopy of a Montmartre-themed venueNatalia and her husband on the casino floor in Las VegasJagged red rock spire in Sedona above green desert treesSydney skyline glowing across the harbour at nightStanding in front of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna on a clear dayOutside the entrance of Cafe Sacher in ViennaA slice of Sacher torte with whipped cream at a window table in ViennaNatalia and her husband smiling in a cozy pub

Also on the map

Don't see your dream trip?

These are just the most requested. I book worldwide, so ask about anywhere.

  • Greek Islands
  • Italy & the Amalfi Coast
  • Prague & Budapest
  • Croatia & the Adriatic
  • Danube & Rhine river cruises
  • Alaska
  • Hawaii
  • Canada & New England
  • U.S. National Parks
  • Caribbean & Bahamas

Ready to start planning?

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