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Western U.S.
Arizona
Arizona is a land of contrasts, from seemingly inhospitable deserts to vibrant cities built on imported water. Where the old meets the new, and where the wild interfaces with the urban. The sophisticated metro area of Phoenix-Scottsdale spreads south to almost touch ‘The Old Pueblo” Tucson, less than 75 miles from the Mexican border. You’ll find burgeoning food and craft beer scenes, thriving arts districts, and dynamic cultural events. Sedona appeals to New Agers, while the Grand Canyon draws those wanting to witness some of the oldest exposed rocks on Earth. Arizona’s character lies in its ability to inspire. Whether it’s a hiker standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, a historian exploring the Spanish missions, or an artist painting a sunset, the state leaves indelible marks. It’s a place of discovery and connection, where every journey can become a story of personal transformation. Arizona is largely defined by its diverse geographic features. From the saguaro-studded Sonoran Desert to the snow-capped peaks of the San Francisco Mountains to the monumental Monument Valley. From the sublime beauty of Antelope Canyon to Sedona’s towering red rocks to the expansive vistas of the Petrified Forest. Its rich Native American heritage…
Central California
Between San Francisco and Los Angeles lies one of California’s greatest treasures: its wild and wonderful Central Coast. Its 300-mile coastline stretches from the Monterey Bay Area, about 75 miles south of San Francisco, down to Ventura County, just 60 miles north of Los Angeles. The Central Coast borders two huge protected ocean areas: the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (the third largest in the world) and the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary in the south. It’s also home to two national parks, Pinnacles and Channel Islands. This is where Californians head for serious rest and relaxation — a peaceful place where we can slow down and escape the crowds, and play in a vast natural playground with a mind-boggling array of things to see and do. Hike amid towering redwoods, bike along the bluffs, paddle alongside whales and otters, or surf at sunrise at one of the hundreds of beaches. We never tire of exploring the Central Coast: it awes, inspires, and rejuvenates, time and time again. –Cheryl Crabtree
Colorado
Wild and refined. Colorado’s allure is multifaceted with capital-N-Nature, every outdoor activity imaginable, history, and cultural sophistication. Landscapes are jaw-droppingly breathtaking — with jagged snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and vast mesas. Its rich history revolves around mining towns, Native American heritage, and the Wild West. World-class dining, thriving arts scenes, and intellectual hubs are dotted around the state. Yup, wild and refined. — Kim Grant
Hawaíi
Sometimes I think the last thing the world needs is more travel content to Hawai‘i. Then the phone rings and some e-mails arrive. Friends are having a tough time wading through all the information available about Hawai‘i. Should we island-hop or stick to one island? Should we believe all this marketing hype about that O‘ahu or Honolulu hotel? Should we take our one indulgent helicopter trip to Kaua‘i or save it for the Big Island? We’re going to be in Maui for seven nights; what are the seven best experiences? Or, we really don’t want to spend a fortune on dining; is that even possible? And then there’s the big one: “I really need to rest and I don’t have time to research every option and I can’t afford to make a bad decision. What should I do?” That’s why we are writing these itineraries. — Kim Grant
New Mexico
New Mexico defies easy description. It needs to be experienced, felt and lived. The Land of Enchantment’s rugged landscapes and vibrant culture seem to exist outside of time. New Mexico boasts expansive vistas, big skies, red-rock mesas, snow-capped peaks, windswept mesas, and dramatic canyons. Its epicenters include sophisticated Santa Fe, sprawling and quirky Albuquerque, and remote and funky Taos. But don’t miss traveling the backroads to get under New Mexico’s skin. New Mexico is a place of ancient traditions, where spirituality and artistry are inextricably woven into the daily fabric of life. The tapestries of its Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo peoples are celebrated through art, architecture, music, and cuisine. Visit ancient pueblos, drink in vibrant Chicano murals, and dine on history and heritage. Traditional dishes have been passed down through generations, yes, but also fused with contemporary twists. “Green or red?” New Mexico is the Chile Capitol of the World, and chile is used in stews, enchiladas, and salsas. Craft breweries, distilleries, and farm-to-table restaurants are bringing more diversity. — Kim Grant
Northern California
Northern California reflects a curious blend of stunning natural landscapes and cutting-edge spirit you won’t find anywhere else. Spectacular scenes abound, from towering redwood and sequoia trees clustered in ancient groves, to the craggy coastlines of Fort Bragg and Mendocino, to the mountain-ringed shores of Lake Tahoe. Then there’s all that intellectual stimulation and entrepreneurship. Northern California is the home of Silicon Valley, the world’s tech innovation hub, prestigious universities like Stanford and UC Berkeley, and the culturally diverse and cosmopolitan city of San Francisco. Oh, and you’ll find some of the nation’s best food and wine here, especially in the renowned viticulture areas of Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino. And fantastic sports teams (Go Giants! Go Warriors! Plus other teams in Oakland and San Jose.) Residents here — often clad in jeans, down jackets, and flannel shirts—are generally laid-back, outdoor-oriented types who promote preservation and environmental sustainability, at the same time nurturing ingenuity and progressive thinking. NorCal, as locals call it, nourishes the soul via myriad senses. Even after nearly four decades of living in the southern half of the state, I still often find myself yearning for the scents of a damp redwood forest and the sounds of scampering…
Southern California
SoCal is a vibe and a place. The Pacific Ocean is our front yard; the coast is a postcard writ large, with hiking just a chill drive away along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Where the sun comes up over Santa Monica Boulevard. LA is where the magic happens, where dreams are chased, caught, and deferred. It’s four million worlds in one city, one for every resident, each neighborhood with its own beat. East LA’s got cool murals, West Hollywood has rainbow crosswalks. Head inland for the desert, where Joshua Trees stand tall under star-loaded skies, and Palm Springs offers manmade culture. Or head further to Death Valley National Park, a haunting land of extreme. What ties it all together? A lifestyle, soaking up the sun and simple things: chowing down on food truck tacos, strolling the beach, hiking, chilling in the desert, or coming face to face with an Ellsworth Kelly at the Broad. Write your own SoCal, LA story. — Kim Grant
Utah
Utah landscapes are otherworldly, sculpted by wind, water, and time. Start with the Mighty Five National Parks of Arches and Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Bryce Canyon and Zion. Refuel with stops in Moab and St. George. And please, don’t overlook the BLM’s sublime Valley of the Gods. Canyon country is the heart of the American Southwest, where red rock formations rise like ancient cathedrals and the desert sky stretches into infinity. Here, the land speaks to us in a language beyond words, where the tales of time are etched into towering sandstone cliffs and the wind carries secrets from the depths of history. — Kim Grant
Beyond
England
England blends cutting-edge culture, history, tradition and romance against its backdrop of centuries-old towns, eye-candy cottages, pubs, cathedrals, intricate coastlines and magical countryside. Now add the English creativity responsible for some of the world’s best music, film, design, fashion, art, literature, chefs, sporting heroes, and architecture and you have a destination that delivers, big-time. England’s history is well preserved in its vast network of castles, manor houses, historic homes and mystical places including Stonehenge, Avebury and other stone circles. Our passion for gardening is legendary – so many gardens so little time! Themed travel connects people to places – Jane Austen and Bath, Shakespeare and Stratford-upon-Avon, Find Harry Potter in York, Oxford, Gloucester, London’s King’s Cross Station. The Beatles and music in Liverpool. London of course is our beloved, superstar city in a league of its own. Catch the icons but make time for fresh discoveries, too. Explore modern cityscapes where reinvented dockland and industrial precincts add designer flair and urban experiences to their cafe culture, arts, and nightlife. Wander ancient streets in historic towns, then head to the country. Away from the main roads lies the maze of English villages, fields, woods, canals and waterways accessed by inviting laneways.…
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is what I like to think of as the connoisseur’s Mexican destination. While there are miles of sandy beach, parasailing action, zip-line courses and pirate ship excursions, there is also a layered culture and a rich history. That could be the reason, combined with its reputation as a safe destination, that the city is enjoying a renaissance. Travelers who are ‘beached out’ are turning to the allure of Puerto Vallarta’s multi-faceted charm. Our Puerto Vallarta itineraries will help you experience the best of the region, and plan a visit that you will never forget. — Barbara Ramsay Orr
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Western U.S.
Arizona
Central California
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Colorado
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Hawaíi
New Mexico
Northern California
Northern California reflects a curious blend of stunning natural landscapes and cutting-edge spirit you won’t find anywhere else. Spectacular scenes abound, from towering redwood and sequoia trees clustered in ancient groves, to the craggy coastlines of Fort Bragg and Mendocino, to the mountain-ringed shores of Lake Tahoe. Then there’s all that intellectual stimulation and entrepreneurship. Northern California is the home of Silicon Valley, the world’s tech innovation hub, prestigious universities like Stanford and UC Berkeley, and the culturally diverse and cosmopolitan city of San Francisco. Oh, and you’ll find some of the nation’s best food and wine here, especially in the renowned viticulture areas of Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino. And fantastic sports teams (Go Giants! Go Warriors! Plus other teams in Oakland and San Jose.) Residents here — often clad in jeans, down jackets, and flannel shirts—are generally laid-back, outdoor-oriented types who promote preservation and environmental sustainability, at the same time nurturing ingenuity and progressive thinking. NorCal, as locals call it, nourishes the soul via myriad senses. Even after nearly four decades of living in the southern half of the state, I still often find myself yearning for the scents of a damp redwood forest and the sounds of scampering…
Southern California
Utah
Utah’s landscapes are otherworldly, sculpted by wind, water, and time. Start with the National Parks of Arches and Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Bryce Canyon and Zion. Refuel with stops in Moab and St. George. Canyon country is the heart of the American Southwest, where red rock formations rise like ancient cathedrals and the desert sky stretches into infinity. Here, the land speaks to us in a language beyond words, where the tales of time are etched into towering sandstone cliffs and the wind carries secrets from the depths of history. — Kim Grant
Beyond
Other colleagues we love. And the places they know best.
England
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is what I like to think of as the connoisseur’s Mexican destination. While there are miles of sandy beach, parasailing action, zip-line courses and pirate ship excursions, there is also a layered culture and a rich history. That could be the reason, combined with its reputation as a safe destination, that the city is enjoying a renaissance. Travelers who are ‘beached out’ are turning to the allure of Puerto Vallarta’s multi-faceted charm. Our Puerto Vallarta itineraries will help you experience the best of the region, and plan a visit that you will never forget. — Barbara Ramsay Orr
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