Since my trips to Vienna have all been quick one or one and a half day trips, I wanted to share a snapshot of my favorite Vienna attractions for those spending 36 hours in the Austrian capital.

I know what you're thinking: it's not possible to have a relaxing 3 day city break. There’s simply too much to see and do, goes the logic. But this really was our experience during a 3 day weekend in Amsterdam. We had planned our trip highlights - the things we absolutely had to do - but also left enough time in our itinerary to relax and unwind at the end of each day. It was a fantastic experience in slow tourism and it's made me a fan of this new travel trend of slowcation.

Luckily, there's a part of the world offering a multitude of unique cultures, attractions, and terrains in close proximity to one another. Its travel infrastructure is well established and easy to navigate, and depending on the route, you can fly there in less than twelve hours. And those travel fantasies? It’s got tons of those - a boat ride through the canals of Venice, throwing a penny into the Trevi Fountain, taking in the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower, a late dinner of tapas and Rioja in Spain.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is a world-renown ski resort located in the Dolomite Mountains of northeastern Italy, long beloved for its beautiful scenery, epicurean cuisine, and unique Südtirol charm. Nestled within the nearly 30,000 acre Dolomiti Superski area, Cortina d’Ampezzo boasts a full range of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. A perennial destination for winter sports championships, Cortina d’Ampezzo will co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics together with Milan.

Part of the expansive Mont Blanc massif, Megève offers over 400 kilometers of interconnected slopes to skiers and snowboarders. Beyond winter sports, the village entices visitors with high-end boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants, and a vibrant après-ski scene. This gem of the Savoy Alps seamlessly combines natural beauty with cosmopolitan sophistication, making it a sought-after destination for both winter enthusiasts and those seeking a refined mountain getaway.

One of the benefits of living so close to the Alps is that a spontaneous ski weekend is always in the cards. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is known as a bastion of Bavarian culture and traditions, and its gentle slopes seemed a perfect fit for two skiers still developing their skills. We were excited about the wealth of spa accommodations in town, and delighted to find a hotel outfitted with our one must-have: a hot tub.