The Destinations Our Editors Return to Again and Again

There are certain destinations so captivating that they’re worthy of a repeat visit — or two, or three, or 10. Perhaps it’s a relaxing lakeside cabin that you go to with family each year, or maybe it’s a bustling city that provides endless opportunities to try new flavors, experience new sights and sounds, and embark upon new adventures. Everyone has a different answer about the places they keep going back to, so we asked the members of our editorial team for a few of the locations that hold special significance to them. Check out the travel destinations that our editors can’t get enough of.

Livingston, Montana

Several years ago, a close college friend of mine moved to Livingston, a quaint city in southwestern Montana, north of Yellowstone National Park. Before then, I’d never heard of the place, but over the last three years, I’ve found myself visiting Livingston and the surrounding area on multiple occasions. Now, I’m always looking for an opportunity to return to this idyllic Rocky Mountain locale. Despite its small size, Livingston boasts a thriving art scene, eateries that rival those back in my home of New York City, and awe-inspiring natural attractions as far as the eye can see.

One of my favorite things to do is to take a stroll along the powerful Yellowstone River, which runs adjacent to town. I’ve also seen shows at the Blue Slipper Theatre, a small community-run performing arts space that adds to Livingston’s reputation as a destination for creative types. For breakfast, I recommend the “Trû Jam Sammy” at Tru North Cafe — an English muffin topped with egg, maple sausage, cheddar, and house-made blueberry compote. As for dinner, nothing beats linguine and meatballs at the Italian eatery Campione, which made The New York Times’ list of the best U.S. restaurants in 2023. 

Lastly, you can’t visit Livingston without driving an hour south for a day trip to the gushing geysers and plentiful wildlife of Yellowstone National Park, which is among the most incredible natural wonders I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing.

–Bennett Kleinman, Staff Writer

Kraków, Poland

I may be biased (my maiden name is Pudloski, after all), but Poland really does have it all. I’ve traveled there on three occasions — twice to Kraków and once to Warsaw. It’s extremely affordable compared to other European destinations, the food is comforting and delicious (give me a plate of pierogi and a bottle of Żywiec and I’m in heaven), and the museums and heritage sites are among the most profound I’ve ever visited. 

While Kraków is a marvel in its own right (the historic city center was among the first places to be named UNESCO World Heritage Sites), I recommend taking a few day trips out of the city to the Bochnia Salt Mine, the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, and the mountain resort town of Zakopane — which, even as a reluctant hiker, I thoroughly enjoyed. In Warsaw, the standouts were the Warsaw Rising Museum, the Praga neighborhood (home to one of my all-time favorite dive bars, W Oparach Absurdu), and the sprawling Łazienki Park. Next on my Polish travel bucket list is the Baltic city of Gdańsk. 

–Kelsey Morrison, House Outlook Editor

Portland, Oregon

I visit Portland, Oregon, at least once a year — three times last year! — because my brother and a few other close friends live there. Though it’s the people that bring me out to PDX, I also love the city, especially in summer when it stops raining. (July in Portland is near-perfection in my opinion.) 

Must-dos include trying the food cart pods (the food in general gets an A-plus, and that’s coming from a New Yorker), catching a view of Mount Hood backdropping the city on a clear day, soaking in the pool at the Kennedy School (or any number of soaking spots), and visiting the Columbia River Gorge, whether it’s a swim at Rooster Rock State Park or venturing all the way out to White Salmon and Hood River. I’m a climber, so I make sure to get that in on my Portland trips, too. Of course, this list barely scratches the surface of this unique city, which often goes underappreciated compared to its neighbors on the West Coast — though I’m sure the locals are happy to keep it that way.

–Meg Neal, History Facts Editor and Deputy Managing Editor

Holmes County, Ohio, and Waxhaw, North Carolina

I’m a big fan of weekend getaways in the country, and my two favorite spots I’ve found so far are Holmes County, Ohio, and Waxhaw, North Carolina. The rolling hills and wide-open spaces of the latter make it a great place to slow down, but it also has a unique claim to fame: It’s home to the highest concentration of Amish people in the world. The locally made food is a highlight, too. For those who love fine dining as much as I do, check out Tarragon at the Inn at Honey Run and 63 Corks in nearby Strasburg. 

Waxhaw, meanwhile, feels akin to Stars Hollow, the fictional town from Gilmore Girls. I love finding bookstores anywhere I go, and Kimbrough Booksellers is a small but mighty shop tucked away in Mule Barn Mercantile, which is a great stop for those who love shopping and antiques. As for restaurants, I recommend Virtuoso Breadworks, Maxwell’s Tavern (some of the best burgers I’ve ever had), Gréco Fresh Grille, and Mary O’Neill’s Irish Pub. Also be sure to hit up A Cause for Tea in the neighboring town of Monroe for the coziest tea house you’ll ever find. My personal favorites are the cherry almond and Corsican pear flavors.

–Brooke Robinson, Interesting Facts Editor

Nashville, Tennessee

There’s something about a midsize Southern city that I haven’t been able to find anywhere else. I keep an eye on my favorite musicians’ tour schedules because I’m always up for a long weekend in Nashville. The capital of country music pairs Southern hospitality with the sophistication of a metropolitan city, though it has acquired a reputation as a mecca for bachelorette parties (yes, I did have mine there). Personally, I keep returning to Nashville for the attractions outside of the honky-tonk scene. 

I’ve attended multiple shows at the Grand Ole Opry, taken a tour of the Ryman Auditorium (which has hosted countless musicians), traveled for the opening of the Dolly Parton Broadway musical, eaten at James Beard-nominated restaurants, and shopped at local boutiques. With a few extra days, I’ve paired it with a drive down the picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway to spend some time in an Appalachian Mountains cabin.

–Jennifer Freeman, Word Smarts Editor

Kauai, Hawaii

Choosing one favorite repeat destination might seem like an impossible task for a travel editor. But the truth is, with limited vacation days and an endless appetite for wanderlust, I don’t find myself returning to many places, when there are so many others on my bucket list to explore. Sure, I can’t resist hopping on a flight for a long weekend in Paris or New York City — two of my favorite cities on Earth — but growing up in Southern California, Hawaii was one of our family’s favorite getaway spots. I’ve visited the Aloha State many times, but as an adult I find myself returning to one island in particular: Kauai. 

The Garden Isle gets its nickname from its frequent rain showers that result in its famously verdant landscapes, but don’t let the threat of rain deter you. Showers are often quick to pass and tend to be isolated to a few locations. The North Shore is typically wetter than the South Shore, but it’s also home to two of the island’s must-visits: Hanalei (the state’s best small town) and its gorgeous crescent-shaped bay and the rugged Napali Coast. If the latter looks like something out of a movie, that’s no coincidence — it has starred in flicks including Pirates of the Caribbean and Jurassic Park. 

On Kauai’s southwest side, you’ll find Waimea Canyon, and with a nickname like the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” it’s clear why it demands a visit. If you’re staying on the North Shore, be sure to break up the drive with a stop for fresh poke (Fish Express is a no-frills local favorite near Lihue Airport) or a classic Hawaiian shaved ice at JoJo’s. 

–Peter Vanden Bos, Daily Passport Editor