The Art of Arrival

Curious about cruising Alaska? Here’s my firsthand look at Norwegian Encore — from Glacier Bay views on a heated spa lounger to a seaplane over Misty Fjords and the best escargot I’ve ever had at sea. Spoiler: this ship surprised me in all the right ways — with scenery, service, and just enough sparkle to make it feel Studio M-approved. 🦚

Curious about Virgin Voyages? Here’s my honest review from a first-time cruiser turned convert — from Rockstar Suites and drag bingo to champagne at The Beach Club in Bimini, here’s everything you need to know before you sail. Discover why this adults-only cruise line delivers serious style, standout dining, and zero buffet chaos.

The Ultimate Girls’ Trip Guide is your blueprint for planning an unforgettable getaway with your favorite people. Learn how to choose the right vibe, balance budgets and personalities, and create core memories that last long after the suitcases are unpacked.

There’s something irresistible about mixing elegant stays with a side of goosebumps. Each fall, more travelers trade pumpkin patches for haunted parlors, checking into hotels and historic towns where chandeliers flicker, legends linger, and the stories are just a little too detailed to be coincidence. Whether you’re a true believer or simply love a good […]

If you thought football season was exciting, just wait. In 2026 the FIFA World Cup lands in North America—and suddenly Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. become the center of the universe.

Today I’m sharing my five favorite spa retreats that truly deliver the “ahhh” factor — plus two that left me underwhelmed. Think of it as your permission slip to press pause and plan your own little reset.

The West Coast and Pacific Northwest are tailor-made for an epic road trip. From California’s palm-lined boulevards to the forests of Oregon and the skyline of Seattle, you’ll find schools that range from laid-back beach vibes to tech-fueled innovation hubs. This route gives you not just a taste of campus life, but also unforgettable landscapes and city adventures.

The Midwest and South offer a mix of classic college-town charm and vibrant cultural hubs. Think Big Ten energy, barbecue breaks, and cities that blend Southern hospitality with world-class education. This is a route where Saturday football games and jazz nights feel just as important as the campus tours themselves.

The East Coast is where tradition meets buzz. Think ivy-draped lecture halls in New England, urban campuses where students balance internships with subway rides, and historic cities that double as classroom extensions. This stretch is packed with some of the world’s most recognizable schools—and plenty of less-intimidating (but equally exciting) options.

My second son heads off to college this September, and let me tell you, I’m feeling all the things. There’s a lot of pride, a little panic, and more than one misty-eyed moment at the thought of another one of my chicks leaving the nest. Instead of sitting around and weeping into his laundry basket […]