Playing: “Me gustas tu” – Manu Chao

Lush tropical plants, lively night markets with blasting music, and the most beautiful beaches across from your hotel room: Cancun is the best fit if you’re looking for a country that embodies summer, staying in the mid-80s year-round. This was my first trip in 2023, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect beginning to the year. Waking up every day to a clear blue sky with the sounds of ocean waves in the background was my reality in the city. Vibrant in colors and culture, there is so much to explore in Mexico, whether it’s a day at the crystal blue beaches or visiting local markets. 

While I love a day committed to lazing around on the beach in the Atelier resort, there are many opportunities nearby to take advantage of. On the more adventurous side, plenty of hidden cenotes are available to explore for a day tour. We chose to visit the Cenote Mariposa in Tulum. Dazzling emerald waters and a spiritual tour awaited us in these cenotes. For a more historical experience, the Tulum Ruins are a must-see, as they have a well-preserved limestone Mayan city to explore. Of course, you can’t miss a trip to Isla Mujeres, an island just off the shore of Cancun. Although it was only a ferry ride away, the island felt like a different world. With its bustling, narrow streets and lively nightlife, it was less tourist-curated and felt more authentic. 

Playing: “California Gurls” – Katy Perry 

LA is known for its overrated appeal as the center of Hollywood and superficial society. However, there are hidden nooks in the city that prove those stereotypes wrong. While initially visiting California to tour colleges, my mom and I also found time to explore. After spending too much on Erewhon smoothies, we found The Last Bookstore. Known as a wildly unique place, you can find anything from vintage books, records, and art studios in a large space of 22,000 square feet. I was enthralled by the famous tunnel of books and the “Annex,” a room of extremely rare art pieces. If you are ever in a creativity rut, this is the best place to regain inspiration. 

Another monumental spot for the artistic eye is the Broad, a contemporary art museum in downtown LA. Filled with art exhibitions from the Infinity Mirror rooms to the Andy Warhol installation, there is never a dull moment. My personal favorite was the giant blue statue of a Balloon Dog by Jeff Koons. After a day of mesmerizing sightseeing, an evening at the Santa Monica Pier is a peaceful way to end the night. 

Playing: “Galway Girl”- Ed Sheeran 

The emerald green isles shining in the summer sun were all I could see on my visits to Dingle, Killarney and Galway. Nothing can describe how breathtaking Ireland is until you see it in real life. At 60 degrees in mid-June, this is the warmest the nation ever gets, so I was lucky to experience it in the sunshine. There are two sides to Ireland: On the west, many small towns live a slower life in the countryside. But in the east, cities like Dublin attract international visitors and are bustling nonstop with college students and business owners. I loved both for different reasons. 

The countryside, which included Killarney and the Cliffs of Moher, reminded me of the fantasy landscapes I read about when I was little. While driving through the twisting paved roads, stone walls and castle ruins are common sights. On the other hand, with bars on every corner and loud nightlife, Dublin is the city for young people. Famous for where the Guinness beer originated from, nights on Temple Bar Street seem to last forever, with lively Irish dance music on every corner. 

Playing: “Brooklyn Baby” – Lana Del Rey

I last visited NYC when I was 8 and hated it then. This time, I fell in love with it. I knew the internet over-romanticizes the overpopulated concrete jungle, so I was prepared to be disappointed. However, as soon as the plane landed, NYC felt like a second home. I stayed here for two weeks by myself for a summer program, and during this time, I got to live like a real New Yorker. The biggest difference between Houston and here is that you can actually live without a car. Every morning, I could walk with friends to coffee and classes. To start a perfect morning in the city, I recommend Magnolia Bakery on 6th Ave. or Ladurée to experience the best banana pudding and macarons. If you’re craving bagels, Broad Nosh bagels are the way to go. In lower Manhattan, you have to see the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is home to over two million artworks. If shopping is on the agenda, I recommend Soho, a more high-end area in the city. I literally shopped until I dropped, as there are an endless amount of choices. For recreation, instead of Central Park, I recommend a lesser-known one: Washington Square Park. It’s right next to NYU and a fun place to people-watch under the giant marble arch. To end the day, it would be a waste to go to NYC and not see a Broadway show. Don’t forget to pick out a show with friends at the Shubert Theatre, a gorgeous Broadway theater in Midtown Manhattan. 

Playing: “Break from Toronto” – PARTYNEXTDOOR  

As someone used to Houston’s weather, I was unprepared for Canada’s freezing temperatures. 

Hit with the mid-20s frigid air as soon as I landed in Toronto, the two layers of pants I wore were still not sufficient. However, it was all worthwhile. I loved every moment in Toronto, from its incredible cuisines, skiing resorts, and vintage record stores. To warm up from the cold, I highly recommend Momo Ghar, a Tibetan and Nepali restaurant. They serve mouth-watering momos, which you can’t find anywhere else. After warming up, you’re ready to ski. Blue Mountain Village is about a 2-hour drive from Toronto, so be prepared for a couple of road trips. But once you arrive, it’s truly a magical sight during Christmas. Colorful lights line every tree and rooftop, and snowy hills crowded with seasonal skiers surround the festivities. While waiting your turn to ride the lift, try a Beaver Tail, a uniquely Canadian treat. Nothing beats skiing with family while you experience the holidays in Canada.