Places worth getting lost

Mackinac Island is the romantic escape you didn't know you needed

You don't have to be in a relationship to understand why certain places feel inherently romantic: the light, the pace, and the way they seem to slow time down. Whether you have been married for forty years, are navigating a thrilling new relationship, or are simply craving a soul-stirring escape with a dear friend or on your own, these destinations have a way of making you feel more alive. From the gas-lit cobblestone streets of Charleston to the horse-drawn carriages of Mackinac Island, here are 10 places that will show you exactly what makes them so special and unlike anywhere else.

Perched on a peninsula between two rivers on the South Carolina coast, Charleston is an easy drive from Charlotte or Savannah, and well-connected by air. Savor the slow pace of the Lowcountry as you wander past 18th-century row houses along Rainbow Row, cross the iconic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge on foot, and sit down to world-class Southern cuisine — shrimp and grits, she-crab soup — on gas-lit cobblestone streets.

The historic Battery promenade, lined with antebellum mansions, makes for an unforgettable evening stroll.

Sitting in the straits between Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas, Mackinac Island is accessible only by ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. Once you arrive, motorized vehicles disappear entirely — the island has banned cars since 1898 — leaving only horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and the sound of the wind off Lake Huron.

Stroll the 8-mile perimeter path, stop for a slice of the island's famous fudge, and settle into one of the rocking chairs on the 660-foot-long porch of the Grand Hotel, the longest in the world, as the afternoon light fades across the straits.

A short drive from Charleston and easily reached by air, Savannah is a city that seems to exist slightly outside of ordinary time. Lose yourselves under a canopy of Spanish moss and ancient oaks in Forsyth Park, wander through the city's 22 landmark squares — each one a shaded, fountain-centered oasis — and browse the boutiques and galleries of the storied City Market district.

Come evening, a ghost tour through the cobblestone streets of the historic district reveals a darker, more deliciously mysterious side of this living, breathing Southern postcard.

Strung along the southernmost tip of Florida and connected to the mainland by the Overseas Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the country, the Keys offer a laid-back, "end-of-the-road" feeling that is difficult to replicate anywhere else. Spend your days snorkeling above the only living coral reef in the continental U.S., kayaking through mangrove tunnels, or simply watching the sky turn impossible shades of orange and pink from a dock in Key West, where the nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square draws locals and visitors alike.

Just an hour north of San Francisco, Napa Valley is one of America's most celebrated wine regions, home to over 400 wineries tucked into rolling, sun-drenched hills. Hop between tastings at iconic estates like Castello di Amorosa or Robert Mondavi, linger over a long farm-to-table lunch, or take a breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon ride over the valley floor as the morning mist lifts from the vines. The town of Yountville, home to Thomas Keller's legendary French Laundry, is a destination in itself.

Located in the heart of the Hawaiian archipelago, Maui is accessible by direct flights from most major U.S. cities. Watch the sun melt into the Pacific from the black sand beaches of Waianapanapa State Park, or hold hands along the legendary Road to Hana: a winding, 64-mile coastal drive past waterfalls, rainforests, and sea cliffs that feels like the mainland is a world away.

For the adventurous, a pre-dawn drive to the Haleakalā summit rewards you with one of the most breathtaking sunrises on earth.

Tucked along the rocky Big Sur coastline about two hours south of San Francisco, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a place that somehow manages to look like it was imagined rather than built. Stroll through its fairy-tale stone cottages and secret garden courtyards, explore the tide pools of Carmel Beach at low tide, and visit the nearby 18th-century Mission San Carlos Borroméo.

Evenings here feel intimate and otherworldly, the kind of place where you find yourself walking more slowly without quite knowing why.

Nestled in Colorado's Elk Mountains and reachable by a scenic drive from Denver or by regional flight, Aspen is as breathtaking in autumn as it is in the heart of winter. Ski world-class slopes at four different mountains in the snowy months, then return in October to witness the hillsides blaze gold as the aspen trees turn, a spectacle that locals call "the golden season."

The town itself, with its blend of Victorian architecture, cozy fireplaces, and high-end galleries and restaurants along Galena Street, provides ample reason to linger long after the slopes close.

About two hours south of the Grand Canyon and 30 minutes from the Verde Valley Wine Trail, Sedona sits surrounded by some of the most dramatically beautiful landscapes in North America. The iconic red rock formations — Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte — provide a jaw-dropping backdrop for sunset jeep excursions, guided vortex hikes, and long, candlelit dinners on restaurant terraces.

Many visitors describe leaving Sedona feeling strangely restored, something the locals attribute to the area's famous energy vortexes.

The oldest state capital in the U.S., Santa Fe sits at 7,000 feet in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, about an hour from Albuquerque. Wander the ancient adobe streets of the downtown Plaza, browse more than 250 galleries along Canyon Road — considered one of the most important art markets in the world — and warm up with a bowl of authentic green chile stew or a plate of carne adovada.

The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and the centuries-old San Miguel Mission are landmarks not to be missed.

Pre-Flight Checklist

The Ultimate Pre-Flight Checklist

There’s a special kind of stress that comes with travel day, the mix of excitement and the nagging feeling that you’ve forgotten something important. Even seasoned travelers can overlook small details that turn into big inconveniences once they’re already at the gate or in the air. A solid pre-flight checklist helps calm those nerves and keeps surprises to a minimum. This guide covers the essential things to review before you leave home. From documents and devices to comfort and timing, these steps are designed to make your journey smoother, faster, and far less frantic, no matter how often you fly.

Before anything else, confirm you have all the required documents. This includes your passport or ID, boarding pass, and any necessary visas or travel authorizations. A quick check the night before can save you from a trip-ending mistake.

It’s also smart to keep digital backups on your phone or email. If something gets lost, having copies can speed up replacements or identity verification.

Double-check your flight number, departure time, and airport terminal. Schedules can change, and a minor adjustment might affect when you need to leave home.

Set reminders or alerts through your airline’s app. Real-time updates can help you react quickly to delays, gate changes, or early boarding calls.

Weigh your checked and carry-on bags before leaving. Airlines have strict size and weight limits, and surprises at the airport often come with extra fees.

Make sure your carry-on contains essentials like medications, valuables, and a change of clothes. If checked luggage is delayed, you’ll be glad you planned.

Review current security guidelines for liquids, electronics, and prohibited items. Packing these correctly saves time and frustration at the checkpoint.

Place liquids in an easily accessible bag and keep electronics where you can remove them quickly. A little organization goes a long way when lines are long.

Confirm you have your wallet, credit cards, and some form of backup payment. International travelers should notify their bank to avoid blocked transactions.

Consider carrying a small amount of local currency if you’re flying abroad. Not every airport or taxi accepts cards, especially late at night.

A dead phone can derail your entire travel day. Fully charge your devices and pack charging cables or a portable power bank.

Download useful apps ahead of time, including airline apps, maps, and entertainment. Offline access can be a lifesaver when Wi-Fi is unreliable.

Pack any medications in your carry-on, not your checked bag. Delays happen, and access to prescriptions isn’t guaranteed everywhere.

Bring basic health items like pain relievers, hand sanitizer, or motion sickness remedies. Being prepared helps you stay comfortable from takeoff to landing.

Long flights are easier when you plan for comfort. Items like a neck pillow, eye mask, or noise-canceling headphones can make a huge difference.

Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes. Cabin temperatures vary, and you’ll want to be comfortable during boarding, flight, and arrival.

Before leaving, take a moment to secure your home. Lock doors and windows, unplug unnecessary electronics, and set lights or timers if needed.

Arrange transportation to the airport and confirm parking or ride details. Knowing exactly how you’ll get there removes a major source of stress.

Do one last scan of your essentials: documents, phone, wallet, keys. This final pause helps catch mistakes before it’s too late.

Then take a breath and shift into travel mode. Being prepared lets you focus on the excitement of the journey instead of worrying about what you might have missed.