Why Algarve, Portugal Is a Hidden Paradise Worth Traveling For

Chateau de la Chèvre d'Or in Eze, France

Tucked away in a small medieval town in the South of France called Eze is the dreamy 5-star hotel, Chateau de la Chèvre d'Or. This hotel truly makes you feel like you're living in the movie The Bucket List — maybe because it was also featured in the film, but still. The picturesque views of the ocean, stunning amenities like the three cliffside pools, and the sprawling gardens all make for the perfect hotel and the reason why it's my number one nice hotel I've ever stayed in.

Chateau de la Chèvre d'Or is also one of the cheaper 5-star hotels I've stayed in, with rooms sometimes costing as low as $450 a night in the off-season. While this is still expensive, it's surprising when you see all that the property has to offer alongside the spectacular views and prime location.

Villa d'Este in Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como was another favorite destination of mine, and while you can't go wrong with any of the hotels on the lake, Villa d'Este was an favorite of mine. The service is simply unmatched, along with the to-die-for views of the water. Every day, breakfast is served right out on the patio with this stunning, serene view. The grounds are hundreds of years old, with acres of gardens across the property, so you truly can never be bored. The whole hotel just exudes old fashioned luxury, and it almost makes you feel like you have been transported to another time.

While Chateau de la Chèvre d'Or is my top choice, I have to say that Villa d'Este has the best service out of all the hotels I've stayed at — they truly treat you like royalty! Plus, there's a floating pool on the lake...so you really can't say no to that, right?!

Rosewood Miramar in Santa Barbara, CA

You will NOT want to miss out on staying here! The Rosewood Miramar is like stepping straight into a Nancy Meyers movie. It's a beautiful hotel right on the beach with some of the prettiest decor and interiors that you'll want to replicate in your own home (trust me, I've tried). The amenities include a pool right by the beach, plus top-notch service — a must for a nice hotel! I love this ocean-side stay for a relaxing, coastal vacay!

The Savoy in London, England

I particularly love The Savoy in London for their incredible spa. They offer a lot of fantastic deals where you can get a room, breakfast, and two spa treatments with your booking! I'd highly recommend this hotel for their stunning decor and luxury spa! I'm sure it will be a much-needed break for some solid R&R to enjoy while vacationing to London.

Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace in Versailles, France

Walking through the gates of Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palacewas like walking through Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. They have acres of gardens covered in flowers with the background being their massive chateau-style hotel. It was truly a remarkable stay! I adored eating breakfast in the garden room, and walking out to explore the grounds every morning. Plus, if you walk right out of the hotel gate, you'll waltz straight into the Palace of Versailles itself. So, it's proximity to all the tourist attractions nearby are super ideal! I loved the spa and amenities here, as well as looking out the large windows of our hotel room to see people riding horses right outside! This is a stunning stay that makes you feel like you're royalty in the countryside of your centuries-old chateau.

Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc in Antibes, France

Do you remember when Sofia Richie-Grainge broke the internet with her incredibly luxe wedding? Well, this was exactly where it all went down — the Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc!I adore this hotel for so many reasons: the service is amazing, the rooms are to die for, the pool is iconic, and the location is prime! It's located in the adorable town of Antibes, France where there's a cute village filled with restaurants, shopping, and lots of action! There is no shortage of things to do when you're at this hotel. An added bonus is that they have the Dior spa located at the hotel, so make sure to stop in for a Dior facial! ;)

Passalacqua in Lake Como, Italy

This is another Lake Como hotel, but I had to add Passalacqua because it was recently named the #1 Hotel of the Year by The World's 50 Best! What I love about this hotel is the massive array of experiences they offer! To name a short few: private cinema screenings under the stars with canopy chairs, exquisite, Michelin-level fine dining, cooking classes, tennis lessons, and so many more! That's not even scratching the surface of this hotel. It's truly a remarkable place and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so if you get the chance to stay here, definitely do it!

Waldorf Astoria Rome Cavalieri in Rome, Italy

Perched right on the hill in Rome is this massive — and incredibly beautiful — 5-star hotel, Rome Cavalieri. The property truly speaks to the beauty of Italian architecture, design, and art. I mean, the art and decor adorning the walls is centuries old, and it seems like you're sitting right in the middle of a museum. The rooms have a gorgeous balcony that look out over the whole city of Rome, as well as the hotel's sprawling green garden. I stayed here a couple of years ago, and I still dream of their free massive buffet breakfast filled with the most divine pastries, meats, and cheeses. I love this hotel!

The Ritz Paris in Paris, France

If you're like me, you've dreamed of staying at The Ritz Paris at least once in your life. It's a legendary, iconic hotel, with the famous Bar Hemingway located inside. Words can't describe how beautiful this hotel is as soon as you step through the doors. Everything from the rooms, to the location, down to the stunning (and large) lobby is everything you'd expect from The Ritz. It's another one of those once-in-a-lifetime stays that you definitely should try and go to! As Hemingway once said, "When I dream of afterlife in heaven, the action always takes place in the Paris Ritz."Couldn't have put it better myself, Ernest!

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills, California

I've stayed at the Waldorf Beverly Hills many times (I'm a Hilton member so I often get to stay for free — thank you points!), and I will never get tired of it. The staff are some of the nicest people and truly go out of their way to help you with anything you need. This hotel also has one of my favorite amenities: the house car. At this hotel, they have a house car that will, for free, drop you anywhere within 10 minutes that you need to be. For example, one day I wanted to get bagel on Rodeo, so I thought I'd take the house car not knowing what kind it was...up pulled a blue phantom Rolls Royce with constellation ceilings and plush carpet. Everyone thought I was famous because who gets dropped off at a bagel shop in a Rolls Royce?! Well, I did — but only because it was free! So if that doesn't convince you to stay here then I don't know what will!

Rude Behaviors To Avoid At The Beach

Beach Blanket Battles

Sigh. I'm not sure what it is, but we're all guilty of claiming 'our' space in public. Sometimes it's harmless, but there are those who take things to the extreme by making sure no one gets remotely close to a space they're interested in. We've definitely seen this in parking lots, but it can at the beach too.

If you feel like you don't want someone close to you on the beach, don't be petty by positioning your beach blanket in a way that doesn't leave room for them. You can either verbally express that you'd like space, or you can try to find a spot that's not crowded.

You and other visiting beach goers don't actually own the beach, so try not to act like it.

The Loud Music Hog

I don't know too many people who dislike music. It's something that unites people from all walks of life (hello, have you been to a Taylor Swift or Beyoncé concert), having an almost transcendent effect.

However, this doesn't mean that people on the beach want to hear your summer playlist when they might be trying to relax. Also, you don't want to be that person who has no regards for kids if you're listening to something that's on the more explicit side. We know that kids will be introduced to a number of things, but don't be an a-hole just for the sake of "living your life."

Unless there's an actual approved beach party going on, it's best to pop in your Airpods to avoid disturbing others.

The Inconsiderate Splashers

Splashing in the water brings out everyone's inner kid, but everyone might not appreciate being splashed if they're trying to sunbathe, read a book, or just...in general. Some people might be forgiving, but it could irritate others.

As a courtesy, move your splash war away from large crowds so that you're not disturbing others.

Heavy Smokers

You're an adult who can do whatever they want, I know. The thing is that people don't always want to smell the residue of someone smoking while they're trying to relax.

Never mind the fact the people may want to smell fresh air, but you also don't know who could have asthma. I'm sure you don't want to be the person who accidentally triggers someone's asthma attack from your second-hand smoke.

Parents Who Let Their Kids Do Destructive Things

I'm a parent who has a busy body for a toddler, so I get that kids need to burn excess energy. However, it doesn't hurt to teach them how to be considerate of others. There's nothing cute or funny about letting your kids disrupt a volleyball game that's not theirs, or smash someone's sandcastle just for fun.

If it helps, try to come up with fun activities the entire family can do together. You can build your own sandcastles, fly kites, or even go on a beach scavenger hunt!

People Who Ignore Their Dog's Poop

Every living thing has to use the restroom at some point, so no one's gonna be mad that your dog has to do their business. The issue is that some people refuse to pick up their dog's poop in public for whatever reason.

If you willingly let your dog go to the bathroom on the beach and pretend like you don't see it, that's pretty annoying. I'm sure whoever's going for a stroll on the sand won't appreciate stepping in a fresh (or old) pile of poop. Just pick it up and toss it out, okay?

Parents Who Leave Their Kids Dirty Diapers On The Beach Or In The Ocean

I don't have much to say about this except please spare everyone. I don't know why people continue to do this, but it's unsanitary and extremely uncool. Find a trash can to dispose of their diapers or see if you can change them in a nearby restroom, but please don't subject others to your child's waste.

Excessive PDA

Freedom of speech is one of those things that people can really try to take too far — especially when it comes to PDA. If you're headed to the beach to have a handsy makeout session with your S.O., don't. No one wants to see (or hear) the two of you getting hot and heavy while they're trying to relax. Leave that for a hotel room or the beach house you're staying at.

A peek at the top 5 anti-dandruff shampoos:

• Best zinc pyrithione formula:Jupiter Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
• Best selenium sulfide formula:Vichy Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
• Best ketoconazole formula:Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
• Best gentle formula:Head & Shoulders BARE Dandruff Shampoo
• Best clinical strength formula:Selsun Blue Moisturizing Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Why anti-dandruff shampoo?

“Consistent use of anti-dandruff shampoos is critical to treating dandruff,” saysDr. Chris Tomassian, Board Certified Dermatologist and Head & Shoulders Partner. “Not only do you have to consistently use them to be effective, you also have to leave them on the scalp for several minutes for the best result.”

What causes dandruff?

To get real nerdy about it, dandruff is caused by a few factors: naturally-produced sebum, a microbe called Malassezia globosa (a type of yeast that thrives on the scalp), and genetics. It’s a common misconception that dandruff is caused by poor hygiene, which is “very far from true,” according to Dr. Tomassian. Dandruff can happen to anyone – it doesn’t discriminate!

What are the symptoms of dandruff?

Symptoms of dandruff aren't limited to just flaking. Dandruff is also inclusive of other symptoms like dryness, redness, itchiness, and irritation. You may also notice especially dry hair strands or, in severe cases, shedding. So, even if you aren’t seeing flakes, treating your irritated scalp with a reliable anti-dandruff shampoo can be extremely beneficial.

What should I look for in an anti-dandruff shampoo?

The top active ingredients to look for in an anti-dandruff shampoo, recommended by Dr. Tomassain, are zinc pyrithione (ZPT), selenium sulfide, and ketoconazole. ZPT is anti-inflammatory and essential for controlling the growth of Malassezia globosa, while Selenium Sulfide and Ketoconazole carry antifungal properties to target dandruff.

The Top 5 Anti-Dandruff Shampoos Of 2024

Best zinc pyrithione formula: Jupiter Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Pros: Clean ingredients, hydrating

Cons: On the expensive side at $30

Promising review: "After just one use, I noticed a remarkable difference. Not only did it balance and calm my oily and itchy scalp, but it also eliminated any trace of dandruff. Furthermore, it effectively controlled oil production, moisturized dry and irritated areas of my scalp, and alleviated itching and flaking. This shampoo made my scalp feel incredibly clean, healthy and rejuvenated."

Best selenium sulfide formula: Vichy Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Pros: Good for sensitive scalps, friendly on color-treated hair

Cons: On the expensive side at $29

Promising review: "Finally a shampoo I can use and feel like I didn't just dump a table spoon of goop on my head. First off, I was impressed with the smell which is so nice like the ones they use in a salon, but not overwhelming. Normally the anti dandruff shampoos I've used is thick and smells like laundry softener. I was able to use half the amount too. It lathered up nicely and I didn't have any issues with rinsing it out of my hair. Afterwards, after drying my hair, my hair felt smooth. After using it for a week, I noticed that my scalp stopped itching."

Best ketoconazole formula: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Pros: Gets to the root of dandruff, clinically proven

Cons: Can be drying with very consistent (every day) use

Promising review: "The shampoo has a fresh, pleasant scent that makes my hair smell clean without being overpowering. I also appreciate that it lathers well and rinses out easily, leaving my hair feeling soft and manageable. It’s a bit pricier than regular shampoos, but it's worth it for the results. Highly recommend for anyone dealing with dandruff!"

Best gentle formula: Head & Shoulders BARE Dandruff Shampoo

Pros: Minimal additives, hydrating, eco-friendly packaging

Cons: Longer rinse time

Promising review: “If you are looking for an anti dandruff shampoo that is not harsh on the scalp, I constantly recommend Head & Shoulders BARE," says Dr. Tomassian. "It's an effective yet simple formula with nine working ingredients, including the dandruff-fighting active zinc pyrithione (ZPT), so your dandruff will be controlled and you’ll still have a moisturized scalp.”

Best clinical strength formula: Selsun Blue Moisturizing Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Pros: Clean formula (no SLS, parabens, phosphates, and phthalates), hydrating

Cons: Strong scent

Promising review: "What I love most about Selsun Blue is its reliability. Over the years, I’ve tried various other brands and products, but I always return to this one. The shampoo has a pleasant scent that isn’t overpowering, and it lathers well, ensuring that my hair and scalp are thoroughly cleaned. Even during harsh winter months, when my dandruff tends to worsen, Selsun Blue keeps it under control. I’ve recommended this shampoo to friends and family, and they’ve all experienced similar positive results."