A love for traveling is something that we all have in common at Newsette HQ. Whether you’re hiking in Asheville or eating pasta in Italy, our faces light up just hearing about it. So in this week’s “HQ Hearts” we are telling you our favorite places to visit. Some near and some far, read below to check out Newsette HQ’s top 3 favorite places of all time.
Daniella, Founder and CEO

  1. St. Tropez, France. This beautiful coastal city is home to some of the most charming shops. Every fashion house has a chic store that resembles a seaside villa, and there are a handful of boutiques with great finds that are unique to the city. The beach is also spectacular.
  2. Monte Carlo, Monaco. Just walking through the Hotel de Paris makes you feel like a Bond girl. The abundance of suits and ball gowns, incredible dining, and beautiful shops is enough to be labeled as a dream destination.
  3. Asheville, North Carolina. I went to camp about an hour away from here when I was younger, and it’s a city full of incredible farm to table restaurants, shops full of stuff you need to buy but probably will never use, and beautiful scenery. It’s a must-see place for anyone who loves the cozy feeling of a campfire.

Marlena, Community Director

  1. Venice, Italy. I know I’m going to get one massive eye roll for saying this, but Venice is where I studied abroad in college. I remember being so nervous about traveling internationally for the first time, but it only took me a week to become comfortable with the maze of canals and bridges that is Venice. I also found that there is so much more to the city than just the picturesque gondolas, including a rich political and artistic history that not too many people are familiar with, a passion for environmentalism, and, of course, squid ink pasta (*heart eye emoji*). If you’re traveling there, be sure to scout out Alfredo’s for the best pasta to-go!
  2. Newport, Rhode Island. Another special place in my heart! I grew up vacationing around Newport and just love how quintessentially New England it is! Everywhere you turn looks like a sailboat-filled postcard, the shopping scene is wonderful, and the seafood (aka lobster rolls on lobster rolls) is incredible. One of my favorite ways to end the day is to drive past The Breakers and other mansions along the Historic District. My favorite is The Marble House where the original Great Gatsby was filmed!
  3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates. While I only spent 5 days there, Dubai literally made my jaw drop. Growing up around NYC, I thought I was used to ‘big’ but obviously not in the way Dubai does it. My cousin described it best: ‘Las Vegas on steroids,’ and it did feel like one giant playground! Despite the westernization of the city due to so many expats living and working there, the cultural roots of Dubai still remained strong and it was very interesting to experience from day to day. Of course, food and entertainment is plentiful there – I recommend grabbing dinner at Thiptara while watching the famous water show under the Burj Khalifa.

Molly, Digital Editor

  1. Florence, Italy. I studied abroad here so it will always have a soft spot in my heart. The Italian culture and food is to die for. Not to mention, the dreamy art, wine, and shopping! Stop by the Gucci museum and go to Il Profeta for dinner for the best meal you’ve ever had in your life.
  2. Dallas, Texas. I spent four wonderful years in Dallas and always have plans to go back. Grab a Summer Beer from Katy Trail Ice House or giant Moscow Mule from Standard Pour. Take in the good food and fun people who will show you some southern hospitality.
  3. Interlaken, Switzerland. There are an endless amount of outdoor activities in Interlaken. Go skydiving, bungee jumping, paragliding or go on a day-long hike. The water is so blue and the grass is so green it looks like the inside of an Instagram filter. Not to mention, the unreal skiing in the winter with snow-covered mountains that look straight out of a movie. Soak in the stunning views and munch on some Swiss chocolate while you wander through town.

Madeleine, Director of Partnerships

  1. Saratoga Springs, New York. Okay, I know, picking your hometown is a total cop-out, but Saratoga Springs is my absolute favorite place to visit. Such an easy weekend trip, just 3 hours north of NYC via Amtrak. There’s truly nothing like starting your day with a cup of coffee on the porch of my parent’s hotel, Anne’s Washington Inn. After that, I’ll usually go for a bike ride in the park next door, shop down on Broadway, browse the farmer’s market and, of course, attend an exciting horse race at The Saratoga Race Course.
  2. Great Falls, Montana. I visited Great Falls, Montana for the first time last summer with my boyfriend for his family reunion. I’d never been to that part of the country and was amazed by the breathtaking views, unlike any I’d ever seen. Plus, there’s quite the diverse restaurant/bar scene – from a bar where you can drink with mermaids, to a restaurant full of authentic Irish brews and bites.
  3. New Orleans, Louisiana. My favorite southern getaway is NOLA. I love walking through the Garden District, to admire all the beautiful mansions, but mainly to burn off all of the beignets, muffalettas, and jambalaya I’ve likely eaten earlier that day! Plus the lack of open container laws and constant live music lifestyle is something I could get used to. Best time to visit for live music and great food is at the end of April during Jazz Fest!

Alex, Managing Editor

  1. Asheville, North Carolina. This southern town is extremely cultural, with a booming art scene. It’s also home to the heavenly Biltmore Estate, along with some of the chicest hotels you’ll find in America. Did I mention amazing southern food? Chicken and waffles is always a plus.
  2. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Philly is an underrated city, in my opinion. I went to college there (so I’m biased), but can honestly say it has some of the best food. Even better than NYC (gasp). Stephen Starr, a famed restauranteur, has over a dozen restaurants in Philadelphia, and they’re all amazing. Along with the beautiful historic architecture, and easy-to-walk downtown, there’s also the fact that you get to have an authentic Philly Cheesesteak.
  3. Santorini, Greece. This Greek island is one of the most beautiful places in the world. With almost exclusively blue and white architecture, it’s an Instagrammer’s dream. Plus, the deep blue ocean view isn’t too shabby either. Come for the views, stay for the delicious food.

Lauren, Summer Intern

  1. Barcelona, Spain. Strut down these streets (nod to the Cheetah Girls 2), and it’ll capture your heart as it did mine. The city’s art and architecture, including the Sagrada Família and the Park Güell, made my jaw drop to the floor. And besides—who doesn’t love a man with a Spanish accent?
  2. Asheville, North Carolina. Known as the “Portland of the South” with its eclectic culture and varieties of cuisines to choose from, this town nestled in the mountains of Western N.C. has an activity for every type of person—from the foodie to the artist to the outdoorsy gal. It’s hard to go wrong when choosing an activity because there’s a view of the Blue Ridge mountains surrounding you at every corner!
  3. Charleston, South Carolina. If your perfect day includes eating great food and shopping, then this slice of Southern heaven is for you. You can’t find a better she-crab soup or shrimp and grits anywhere, and once you are ready to relax from your day of shopping adventures, you can hit the beaches.

Camille, Summer Intern

  1. London, England. I studied abroad here my junior year, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. London has all the beloved urban aspects of New York mingled with the eccentricity and quirks of England. They also have an enticing fashion scene with a myriad of vintage shops and markets galore (you can’t go to London without a stop at Portobello Market).
  2. Hong Kong, China. This city has something for every traveler. The island is home to vibrant city life built into hikeable mountains, each complete with breathtaking views of the picturesque beaches. However, the best part might have to be the food- think as many noodles and dumplings as you can stomach.
  3. Dallas, Texas. Even though I lived here for 8 years, I still love returning to Dallas’ eclectic streets. This city is divided into multiple pockets, each with a unique atmosphere and community. It is also a foodie heaven made up of everything from Tex-Mex at Chuy’s to Asian fusion in Trinity Groves. Bonus tip: stop by the shops on Main St.