DESTINATION SUMMER
How to Use Your PTO
Whoever said “it’s a small world” has never tackled the challenge of planning a vacation before. Seven continents,195 countries, and a whole host of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Where do you even begin? Are you the type of person to catch a cheap flight going anywhere, happy to make it up as you go along? Or are you endlessly bookmarking travel influencer videos on TikTok, steadily constructing the perfect itinerary? Whichever sort of traveler you are, there’s no denying that planning a vacation can be overwhelming. That’s why we did it for you. We asked our jet-setting alumni to give us their favorite travel destinations, tips, tricks, and insider know-how. Let us help you jumpstart your next trip so you can stop planning and start vacationing!
Alaska
“I’d say the 49th state [Alaska] should be on everyone’s list because of its beauty and vastness. But if you need the lowdown on Cleveland, I’m your guy!”
—Andrew Schierholz (US’90, C’94)
Isla Holbox, Mexico
“Erin [Williams] (US’96) and I love Isla Holbox in Mexico. It’s a small island off the tip of the Yucatán. No cars for the most part. It’s an easy place to mix in with the local population and still have a beautiful beach vibe as well. The hotels are all boutique, not big resorts. We loved our stay at Las Tortugas, Mawimbe, and Nomade. Each has its pluses. Being a little remote, the travel day to and from is long, but worth it. People say it’s what Tulum used to be like.”
—Daniel Fisher (US’96, C’01)
And More!
"Trending destinations right now are the lesser-known European countries with beaches similar to Italy: Albania, Montenegro, Malta—you get more bang for your buck and fewer crowds (in the off season) with the same beautiful waters and historic European charm.
Personally, Greenland has been on my radar for 20 years and now it's headed mainstream. I think there's still time to discover it, though. The dramatic scenery, the Viking history and indigenous-Danish culture of what once seemed like a forgotten land are intriguing incentives to visit!
My children have accompanied me to at least 12 countries on four continents, and I never hesitate to get them on a ferry, train, ship or other mode of transport for an adventure. Patience, awareness, and an open mind are all you need to have a great trip, no matter how you go!"
—Summer Davis (US’98)
Switzerland
“Going to Switzerland is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and I would highly recommend it! Lake Lugano ended up being one of our favorite cities—it is small enough to be walkable and big enough that there’s still a lot to do. We went at the end of April and rented a boat on the lake and the weather was perfect! I’d also recommend heading up into the Alps for some mountain views and hiking. If you go in shoulder season, it’s much more affordable and less crowded. We stayed in Engen, which is a car-less town up in the Lauterbrunnen Valley and it was incredible. It’s a short train ride up from Lauterbrunnen so it’s easy to access but you’re much higher in the mountains so the views are even better. There’s a hike that starts in Kleine Scheidegg and hikes down to Wengen and it was a highlight of the trip!”
—Amanda Breneman (C’18)
Iceland
“Iceland is incredible for so many types of adventure— you’ve got waterfalls around every corner, amazing hikes, snorkeling between tectonic plates, geothermal spas, ice climbing, and landscapes that feel like another planet. There’s something awe-inspiring in every direction.”
—Shelby (Barner) Mehring (C’17)