The Trendiest US Spring Break Destinations for 2018

Remember the days when you got a full week off of school for your spring break vacay? Yeah, we miss that too. So let’s relive the glory days by booking some (much-needed) time away from our #adulting day-to-day. Since spring break timing is just around the corner, we spoke with KAYAK on where the trendiest (based on increased searches relative to last year) US spots are going to be in 2018. (Good news: They don’t involve any MTV college-esque getaways.) Scroll down to see which ones are on the list, then gather your BFFs to starting booking your trip.

1. Colorado Springs, Colorado: If you’re looking for an outdoor spot that doesn’t include beach time, head to this city just over an hour away from Denver. Colorado Springs is up 21 percent in travel popularity this year alone for its plethora of nature activities. Bring out your inner adventurer by exploring natural wonders like Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, or, if putting on the hiking boots isn’t really your thing, keep the Olympic mentality in full swing by touring the Hall of Fame at the US Olympic Training Center. Any way you play it, you’re sure to walk away with a winning mentality.

2. Kahului, Hawaii: You don’t have to convince us twice to go to Hawaii. So it’s no surprise that this tropical hot spot, located on the island of Maui, is up 19 percent with its visitors this year. Options here range from scenic helicopter rides to driving the gorgeous Road to Hana. Whatever activity you choose, there’s one thing we’re certain of: You’re bound to walk away with some pretty epic photos to take home. (Sunsets for days? We’re in love with it!)

3. Flagstaff, Arizona: Stray from the typical Scottsdale or Phoenix scene to visit this mountainous desert city that’s up 14 percent in popularity. While the area offers a refreshing taste of humid air (bye, winter!), we’ll be honest — we’re primarily here to see the Grand Canyon. You simply can’t beat the hiking or views among gorgeous red rock canyon layers for miles on end. Just be sure to keep that water bottle handy!

4. Destin, Florida: Calling all beach babes! Squeeze in some sun in this area boasting white beaches everywhere. Up 12 percent in searches in 2018, this southern spot amply encourages relaxation with a wide range of state parks, golf courses, shopping spots, and, of course, an entire Gulf Coast to enjoy.

5. San Jose, California: California dreaming? Consider San Jose, which rose in popularity 11 percent this year. This destination is surrounded by the biggest US tech scene — Silicon Valley — and offers ample opportunities to learn about its primary industry, like The Tech Museum of Innovation. If getting some fresh west coast air is more your thing, make your way through the Municipal Rose Garden, or check out some new Cali fashion by shopping on Santana Row.

6. Asheville, North Carolina: Maybe you’ve already heard the word about this lively, artistic city that’s surging in popularity by 11 percent this year. Nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, it was once a place trodden by economic hardships, but it’s since rebounded to become a progressive, spirited, historical city hosting visitors from across the US. Whether you’re embarking on a ghost tour (it’s a thing) or taking advantage of one of the area’s many breweries, you’re bound to walk away with a whole new perspective on North Carolinan culture.

7. Punta Gorda, Florida: If spending 70-degree days by the waterside sounds like a dream, Punta Gorda (up nine percent in searches since 2017) should be on your radar. The area offers opportunities to explore “Old Florida” with shops, walkways, museums, and authentic tin-roof homes paying homage to past decades. Since it’s just a short drive from Fort Myers, it makes for a refreshing — and quick — escape from your usual beach-y trip.

8. Saint Petersburg, Florida: With a title like “Sunshine City,” this is a spot after our own hearts. Factor in some top-of-the-line cuisine and award-winning beaches, and we’re sold for a stay in this area that’s increased in popularity by nine percent since last year alone.

Which places are you eyeing for spring travel? Let us know @BritandCo.

(Photos via Getty)

While most Utah-bound visitors might make a beeline toward Zion or Arches, Bryce Canyon National Park evokes a very rare and mystical spirit I’d argue you can’t find anywhere else.

That’s not to denounce the absolutely breathtaking beauty of the other four parks under The Mighty 5, but I experienced some truly unexplainable magic on my recent adventure to Bryce Canyon. Every twist and turn left me at a loss for words.

If you happen to stumble upon it in your travels, you’ll also be caught by surprise. Between the blue, hoodoo-dotted skyline, rocks with a sprawling spectrum of colors, and the smooth canyon walls, you really can’t help but be in awe.

Aside from hitting the trails and snapping hundreds of photos in Bryce Canyon National Park’s vastness, there’s a lot more to explore in the surrounding area. Keep reading to discover everything you can get up to in this incredibly impressive region of Utah!

Meredith Holser

Hiking Queen's Garden trail in Bryce Canyon National Park

1. There are endless outdoor opportunities.

Bryce Canyon country offers all kinds of opportunities for outdoor adventure: hiking, camping, canyoneering, ATV touring, horseback riding, and more.

Meredith Holser

Inside a slot canyon near Escalante, Utah

Hit some stunning viewpoints and experience the wild rock formations through a hike in Bryce Canyon (Queen’s Garden and Mossy Cave are two great beginner-friendly options), go off the beaten path and catch some serious scenery with with Grand Staircase ATV Tours, or dare to go deep into the region’s slot canyons, guided by the playful experts at Excursions of Escalante.

Meredith Holser

Vista near Escalante, Utah

If you’re not one for hiking, nearby Scenic Byway 12 offers a 122-mile stretch worth of views to soak up without ever having to get out of your car (though, if you ask me, being immersed in it is so much better).

No matter your appetite for adventure, there’s always something to get up to!

Meredith Holser

Looking up from Queen's Garden trail in Bryce Canyon National Park

2. The natural beauty will leave you stunned.

Being in Bryce Canyon literally feels like you’re on another planet. As a native Texan-turned-Colorado girl, I was constantly gawking at the towering hoodoos, striated sandstone surfaces, and intense blue skies that I simply don’t see at home.

Meredith Holser

Rock formations surrounding Kiva Koffeehouse in Escalante, Utah

Every feature there is so vast, reminding you just how small of a piece you are in the world’s grand puzzle. I felt humbled in the most satisfying way possible.

Meredith Holser

Rainbow sighting at Ofland Escalante

My late August visit landed in the middle of southern Utah’s monsoon season, so I also got to witness rich bands of fog and torrential mid-day downpours – both equally as beautiful as the clear weather. Rainbows almost always rolled in after each rainfall, capturing every onlooker’s attention and encouraging an undeniable sense of calm.

Meredith Holser

Looking down into the Bryce Amphitheater

3. The area has a really rich history.

Bryce Canyon has seen many indigenous cultures throughout history, from Fremont, Anasazi, Pueblo, and Paiute. Tribes relied heavily on the region’s bounties as early as 1200 A.D., using native plants and animals to survive and thrive. It’s important to acknowledge that Bryce Canyon country’s indigenous roots are still undeniably present today.

The area’s founding is most commonly accredited to Ebenezer Bryce, a Mormon pioneer for whom Bryce Canyon was nicknamed around 1874. It officially became a national park in 1928.

Zooming out by 75 million years or so, dinosaurs roamed the surrounding Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Sixteen new species of dinosaurs have been discovered in the area since 1999 in addition to hundreds of animal and plant fossils mapped in Bryce Canyon itself.

Whether you seek out the canyon’s history for yourself or gather fun facts from the locals, you’ll surely learn a lot on your travels here!

Meredith Holser

Lil Dipper dome at Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

4. There are plenty of places to stay, whatever your vibe is.

From glamping to camping, there’s a nice range of options when it comes to finding accommodations in Bryce Canyon country. My top recommendations?

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon sits about 15 miles southeast (~20 minute drive) from Bryce Canyon in Cannonville, Utah. Nestled in a mellow canyon, Clear Sky’s unique windowed domes (suitable for couples or groups up to 8 people) offer unparalleled views of the stars while supplying modern comforts like air conditioning, showers, and wifi.

Meredith Holser

Looking out from a Lil Dipper dome at Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

There’s even an on-site restaurant and bar with such friendly staff members that really make the stay memorable. Coming back to your fully outfitted dome after a day-long adventure will be extremely satisfying!

Meredith Holser

Fire pit and accessible cabins at Ofland Escalante

Ofland Escalante is located in Escalante, Utah, about 46.5 miles (~1 hour drive) from Bryce Canyon. This polished accommodation surely taps into the heart of glamping, but still feels quite grounded in the surrounding nature. Ofland is fitted with a pool, a hot tub, a food truck, a lobby stocked with grab-and-go snacks and drinks, and a playful drive-in movie theater.

Meredith Holser

Inside a Deluxe Cabin at Ofland Escalante

There’s also an epic outdoor lodge to enjoy – sit around the fire pit while you sip a local brew, play a few hands of Uno, or cozy up with a book. You can book a deluxe or tiny cabin, a decked-out Airstream trailer, or set up at your very own campsite here. There are also custom-designed accessible cabins that boast extra floor space and ADA compliant details for a super cozy stay!

Meredith Holser

Overlooking formations near Escalante, Utah

If you’re looking to camp in Bryce Canyon National Park, you can certainly pitch your tent inside the park’s North and Sunset campgrounds. The Sunset campground is closed in the winter, and both locations are first come, first served, so it can be a little chaotic to land even a single-night stay.

To avoid the frantic search for a campground inside the park, you can opt for locations outside of it, like Red Canyon Campground in Dixie National Forest (about 6 miles from Bryce Canyon) or campgrounds in Kodakchrome State Park (about 15 miles from Bryce Canyon), which still provide wonderful scenery and a comfortable place to lay your head.

Meredith Holser

Brisket sandwich with mac n' cheese at i.d.k. Barbecue

5. The food is scrumptious.

Fear not, outdoorsy foodies. Bryce Canyon country has quite a few spots to get your grub on between adventures! Sink your teeth into a hefty BBQ sandwich at i.d.k. Barbecue (Tropic, UT) or grab an insanely tasty slice at family-owned The Pizza Place (Tropic).

Meredith Holser

The exterior of Kiva Koffeehouse

Down a local beer alongside your very American dinner at 4th West Pub (Escalante, UT) or sip on some ethically-sourced caffeine with your choice of Southwestern fare from Kiva Koffeehouse’s rotating menu (Escalante).

Meredith Holser

Sipping Kiitos' Blackberry Sour at Ofland Escalante

The food is grand, but the drinks are worth mentioning, too. Despite Utah’s unusual liquor laws, there are numerous breweries and distilleries creating delectable beers, IPAs, ciders, gins, whiskies, and more. Uinta, Kiitos, and Wasatch are the big names when it comes to breweries, but Utah’s distilleries are more concentrated near Salt Lake City, so you’ll find the source of stronger spirits there.

Meredith Holser

Striated rock formations near Bryce Canyon National Park

More Must-Knows

  • Best time to visit: For the best (and warmest) weather, the summer months of June through August are ideal to visit Bryce Canyon, though the park tends to see more crowds during that time. Spring and fall (April-May and September-October) may be chillier in terms of temperature, but you’ll likely catch spring blooms or fall foliage, depending on when you decide to visit. Plus, the crowds die down in these shoulder seasons. The winter months are colder than cold and bring on unpredictable weather, though the show lays out good grounds for skiing and snowshoeing, if that’s your jam.
  • How to get there: If you’re aiming to fly to get to Bryce Canyon country, your best bet is to route to either Salt Lake City or Las Vegas. From either location, the drive to Bryce Canyon is about 4 hours, offering exceptional sights as you go.
  • Cost for the park: You can enter Bryce Canyon with a standard pass, annual pass, or America the Beautiful pass. A standard park pass costs $20-$35, an annual park pass costs $70, and an America the Beautiful pass costs $80. You can learn more about what pass is right for your visit here!
  • Trip essentials: Having sturdy hiking boots, high-quality socks (I love my Smartwoolpairs), SPF, warm layers for chilly nights, and a hydration pack (this insulated one from Brümate is so worth it) on-hand proved to be the most helpful items I packed for my adventure to Bryce Canyon. Prepare to pack comfy clothes and toiletries, plus snacks and camping items if you plan to pitch a tent.

For more information about Bryce Canyon Country, visit brycecanyoncountry.com.

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Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie created reality TV gold when The Simple Life debuted in 2003. Their antics were outlandish, but we couldn't help repeating their iconic phrases like "That's hot" or "Sanasa" during random moments in our own lives.

It's no secret the two didn't really act that way, but their 'characters' left a huge mark on a generation of millennials. "I knew what I was doing but the whole world didn’t, so it was kind of frustrating to me to be perceived in that way because it’s not who I am at all," Paris told People.

Even though she may have felt judged, it seems that Paris Hilton realizes how many people actually loved The Simple Life because she and Nicole Richie are teaming up to film a reunion special that'll debut on Peacock as we speak! Here's everything we know so far!

When did speculations about 'The Simple Life' reboot begin?

NBCUniversal Media

Peacock first shared a video clip on Instagram that hinted something special involving Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie is coming in May. A nostalgic TV set with a black and white screen can be seen while our favorite duo's voices can be hearing saying, "Sanasa, Sanasa."

Peacock captioned the post, "New Era. Same Besties. Coming soon to Peacock," and fans could barely contain their excitement. Even celebs like Naomi Campbell and Katy Perry commented on these hot vibes.

Bravo

Then Paris Hilton took to her own Instagram to share more about what fans could expect. She said, "As some of you may know, we are doing a reunion special to celebrate 20 years of our show The Simple Life and it's been so much fun."

Actress Selma Blair shared how much she's looking forward to this by commenting that she's "living for this."

So are we!

What was 'The Simple Life' about?

The Simple Life/20th Century Fox

The Simple Life showed Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie as they basically traded their wealthy lifestyles for 'everyday' living. Cameras followed them from fast food jobs to dealing with getting out of sticky situations they'd supposedly never experienced. Needless to say, it was hilarious, iconic, and instant reality TV gold.

How long was 'The Simple Life' on air?

Peter Kramer/Getty Images

The Simple Life was on air from 2003 to 2007 with five successful seasons. It seemed like it wasn't going to be hit at first, but it defied expectations. By how much you ask?

According to reporting from The Cut, somewhere around 13 million viewers tuned in to watch Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie's oddball take on daily life. That's a pretty huge deal if you ask us!

When will 'Paris & Nicole: The Encore' debut?

Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Paris & Nicole: The Encore will premiere on Peacock December 12! The two were previously seen at a Sonic drive-thru yesterday so it can be assumed filming is underway (via People)!

Sporting partial Sonic uniforms, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie added accent pieces that match their signature flairs. Paris wore a pair of reflective sunglasses, silver sequin heels, and added a pink flip phone to front of her blue apron. Nicole wore gold hoops and a pair of slingback pumps alongside her hotdog mascot costume. That's hot (dog).

How does Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie feel about reuniting for a reunion special?

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Paris Hilton has expressed how much she loves to be sharing the screen with Nicole Richie again. "I'm so excited to be doing this with Nicole on Peacock. Nicole has been my best friend since we're 2 years old, every memory that I have is with her," (via E! News).

Nicole also posted a few throwback moments from The Simple Life on her Instagram, but the most notable one is the video mashup of them singing "Sanasa, Sanasa" over and over. "20 years ago, not only did we become television stars… we became song writers. Happy Anniversary Sill @parishilton#TheSimpleLife#sannnasaaaaa" she wrote in the caption.

What have Paris and Nicole said about their reunion special?

Peacock

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie sat down with W Magazine to let the world know the Paris & Nicole: The Encore show is on its way! Not only that, but fans can expect to see an Opera version of the show they fell in love with two decades ago. Paris said, "The idea of the opera was unexpected" while Nicole chimed in with, "What people need, even though they don't know it yet, is for 'Sanasa' to be an opera.'"

The two besties came up with the idea via a series of texts that started off as ideas between them. Nicole said everything "came up organically" for the two and we can only imagine the memories this brought up for them. OG influencer Paris even talked about how The Simple Life was an "important show in pop culture history" and we couldn't agree more!

Nicole truly wants people to enjoy themselves while watching Paris & Nicole: The Encore and "find the same joy" she had while filming it. According to Paris, she feels what they have is "magic" because "there's just so much history behind it."

It's not every day that you can get to have fun with your best friend while coming up with long-lasting memories that contribute to pop culture, but Paris and Nicole have always danced to the beat of their own drums. Now we'll get to see them in action again!

Watch The Trailer For 'Paris & Nicole: The Encore'

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

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This post has been updated.

Picture this: You're heading out on an exciting road trip to a fun destination, cuddled up like the passenger princess you are with a kindle, some tasty snacks for the road, and a very adorable matching set. Matching sets are perfect travel outfits, because they're comfortable loungewear that still feels stylish and put together. And when I'm on a road trip, whether driving or being said passenger princess, I definitely wanna prioritize comfort over everything else — and it just happens to help when I look cute, too. ;) I rounded up some of my fave matching set finds from Amazon that will help you achieve that comfy, yet cute vibe for your next road trip adventure!

Amazon

Knit 2 Piece Set

This set looks Sofia Richie chic. It actually went viral on TikTok for being such an affordable, great find — and I happen to agree! It's comfy with minimal design, so it will pair with any pair of shoes you choose. This one's going with me on my next roadtrip, 100%!

Amazon

Gingham Set

It's not often I find an outfit that would be perfect for lunch in the South of France or for hours on end in the car, but that's what we call versatility! It really is such a cute set that you can wear almost anywhere. Pair this with strappy sandals and a raffia bag, and you're good to go!

Amazon

Sweatpants 2 Piece Set

Everyone needs a good sweatsuit in their wardrobe, and what better one to get than an affordable matching set from Amazon? This heather grey set will be ideal for your fall road trip to keep you warm and cozy! The best news? It's 25% off (with a coupon) at the moment, so make sure to grab it quickly!

Amazon

Beige Ribbed Sweater Set

I love the simplicity of this oatmeal-nude two-piece set, because you can wear it casually, to a movie night, or just on a road trip with your besties. I like how it's styled above for a more elevated look with gold jewelry, and a fun handbag. But you can't go wrong with some tinted moisturizer, a messy bun, and sneakers.

Amazon

Pink Two Piece Linen Set

This set is ideal for my girls who like to feel more cutesy, but still stay true to that comfortable vibe we're going for. This is usually the style I sport for roadtrips, just in case we take a fun detour to grab lunch at a nice cafe. I can be prepared for any scenario, yet still feel totally cozy in the breathable linen.

Amazon

Waffle Lounge Set

You truly can't get more comfortable loungewear than a good old waffle-knit set! And you can't beat this price either, TBH! For less than $20, you can get your newest two-piece that's sure to become your go-to. The good thing about this fabric is:

  • It's light
  • It's breathable
  • And it still looks good!

Amazon

Green Striped 2 Piece Set

A good striped set will carry you through multiple seasons, and you're guaranteed to get a lot of wear out of it. I like to pair mine with sandalsand a crossbody bag whenever I'm on a roadtrip! Just add a classic white tank, and you're good to go!

Amazon

3 Piece Knit Lounge Set

This Amazon find is one of the best deals! It comes with a long, duster cardigan, a tank, and matching pants — all three for less than $40! Sometimes I'll even wear the duster with other outfits to optimize wear! Snag this deal for your upcoming road trip plans.

Amazon

Knit Pullover Set With Shorts

The balloon sleeves are the first thing that struck me with this chic outfit. It makes you look put together, but also fools everyone so they don't know you're actually wearing clothes that feel like pajamas. The ultimate win!

Amazon

Floral Ruffle Set

Who says you can't wear PJ's in the car? I definitely didn't. I'm an avid pajamas-in-public gal myself, but they have to be chic and cute like this pair here! The floral pattern is positively adorable, and I will be purchasing it immediately.

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All images via Amazon.

The average calf circumference for women is 15 inches – a fact that a lot of brands making trendy tall boots completely ignore.

My calves measure 16 inches around, meaning fitting comfortably into the boots I would give an arm and leg for (ahem, the famed Frye Campus boots and these sleek Sam Edelman steppers, 14 and 15 inches, respectively) will never be a reality.

Meredith Holser

As a gal with a little more meat and muscle on her bones, this has always been a problem for me. It’s infuriating, but it feels even more isolating. I can’t always wear the same styles that smaller women do, and even if I do find similar boot designs fashioned for wide calves, they look noticeably cheap or simply don’t check all the boxes in terms of my desired look.

I grew tired of saving all the “perfect” tall boot outfit inspo pics to my Pinterest board only to find that the boots in question had way too small of calf sizes, so I did what I always do when I shop for size-specific pieces: I took to Reddit.

Meredith Holser

I primarily consulted r/femalefashionadvice, r/plussize, and r/ausfemalefashion to see what people like me are saying about wide calf boots. The frustrations with finding good-looking, comfy tall boots was pretty similar across all three subreddits. As one passionate user put it:

“Even at a size 6, I have never been able to just buy any old pair of boots and have them fit. It is interesting to me how we've made great progress the past several years in regards to body inclusivity, yet somehow there seems to be a huge lack of sizing in regards to tall boots… It makes me so sad to see these beautiful boots everyone else gets to wear, slouchy, over the knee, western inspired, leopard/snake print, etc. Nothing like that comes in wide calf.”

Luckily, Redditors across all three threads suggested a handful of brands that actually offer cute wide calf boots with extended sizing. I had never heard of a few of them, but after scrolling through their sites, it felt like I struck gold.

The top-recommended brands for wide calf boots:

  • Penningtons
  • Børn
  • DuoBoots
  • Franco Sarto
  • Sam Edelman
  • Billini
If you, like me, have been searching endlessly for stylish tall boots (but have larger-than-average calves), consider your search over. Scroll on for the best wide calf boots that will fit like a dream.

Franco Sarto

Franco Sarto Bowman Wide Calf Knee High Boots

You're meaning to tell me these chic boots can really accomodate my calves?! The deep red color already had me sold, but that 15.75-inch calf circumference made this style so much better. They also come in a smooth brown color and a foxy faux-snake pattern, if those speak to your personal style more.

Børn

Børn Hayden Extended Calf Boots

The suede leather construction of these boots honestly rivals that of the beloved Campus boot, but their fit is much more roomy, boasting a 16.5-inch calf circumference. These zippered boots also have a playful lace-up detail on the back that's utterly unique.

Penningtons

Penningtons Extra Wide Width Black Tall Heeled Boots with Harness Straps

The calf circumference on these bad boys starts at around 17 inches for shoe size 6, and tops out around 19 inches for shoe size 12. I can't get enough of these moto-style boots and I love that they have the signature harness with silver hardware around the base that other similar boots do.

DuoBoots

DuoBoots Saffron Knee High Boots

The fact that you can choose the calf sizing yourself when purchasing these Western-esque boots is ahh-mazing. The options start at 13 inches and go up to 20 inches to hold your beautiful legs without any fuss.

Billini

Billini Granger Extended Curve Boots

From all the wide calf boot brands suggested on the Reddit threads I scrolled through, Billini has to be my favorite. They state that these adorable camel-colored boots can fit calf sizes from about 18.11 to 21.42 inches, and while they do have an elastic panel on the sides to stretch even further, I think it's discreet enough that it doesn't distract from the overall look. Score!

DSW

Baretraps Thalia Wide Calf Boots

A very similar style to my wishlist Sam Edelman boots, this black pair actually has a 16.5-inch calf circumference that'll fit my legs to a tee. The block heel is the perfect shape and height, plus the toe isn't overly pointed (I don't necessarily care for pointy toes).

Sam Edelman

Sam Edelman James Wide Calf Western Boots

Finding cowboy boots with wide calves can be a big challenge – but no more! These reddish-brown boots have a 16-inch calf circumference so you can confidently rock any and all Western looks.

Billini

Billini Oshea Curve Boots

Immediately yes. These broader-fit boots are everything you need to make a statement with your shoes. They're definitely going on my wishlist! The calf circumferences for this style start at 16 inches and go up to 19 inches based on your shoe size.

DSW

Vince Camuto Seshon Extra Wide Calf Boots

With a 18-inch calf circumference, you won't have to worry about squeezing into these tall boots. I adore the timeless squared toe and wide block heel on these!

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The Holiday movie is an absolute unicorn. Not only does it capture the Christmas magic I want to feel during ~the holiday~ season (and features an all-star cast with Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, Jack Black, and Kate Winslet), but it's also an amazing rom-comand compelling family story. Each relationship, both platonic and romantic, is compelling, and it'll make you feel just about every emotion: glee, heartbreak, yearning. And I'm convinced that, in addition to an absolutely bulletproof script from our queen Nancy Meyers, the movie's magic can be chalked up to one other thing: the fact they filmed the final scene of the movie first.

What happened at the end of The Holiday?

Sony Pictures

Yes, you read that right — they filmed the final scene of The Holiday before they filmed anything else! The final scene of the movie takes place at Jude Law's Graham's house in England during the characters' New Year's Eve party. The four leads, and Graham's daughters, are dancing, having fun, and celebrating the new year together. In an interview with Vulture, Miffy Englefield (who plays one of Graham's daughters) talks about how filming that party first set the stage for the rest of production.

"That’s the one scene in the film that all of the main characters are together," she says. "So it was a really, really nice starting point for us to be able to get to know each other...It was the loveliest first day I’ve ever had."

Miffy continues that since she was so young when they filmed the movie, she didn't really understand who she was working with. "My dad was really good at showing me [Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, and Kate Winslet's] work and more underground things that they’d done. He wanted me to realize they were humans and not just these actors."

Is Jude Law's Graham divorced in The Holiday?

Sony Pictures/YouTube

Even though Miffy didn't necessarily know Jude Law before working with him, they grew closer throughout the process of filming. When Amanda shows up to Graham's house, she learns (as do we) that he isn't divorced — he's a widower. That's why he hadn't asked Amanda over before, and why he always answers the phone when Sophie or Olivia call. They're not other women in his life, they're his daughters!

The evening Amanda spends with Graham and his daughters is one of the standout moments of the film because it shows a whole new side of Graham, but it also allows the girls (and Jude Law, TBH) to take center stage.

Why is Jack Black in The Holiday?

Sony Pictures/YouTube

While she wasn't familiar with all her costars in The Holiday, there was one actor Miffy Englefield recognized when she got to set, and that was Jack Black ("I think at that point it was when it hit me like, 'Oh goodness, this is like a thing. This is real, this is real life.'").

Even though Nancy Myers had written the role of Miles for Jack Black, he was hesitant to be in a rom-com. That is, until he realized he would get to work with Kate Winslet!

“I saw School Of Rock and thought he was the cutest guy and fell in love with him," Nancy told IndieLondon in a 2006 interview. “I assured him that I had [seen his work] and told him that I thought he was fabulous and that he’d be in a movie with Kate Winslet. He just said ‘yeah.’”

And I am literally so glad he did because Miles is my favorite part of the movie! His quirky kindness and fun personality are definitely a reason The Holiday is so successful. Another reason? The chemistry between all the actors. Thanks to the energy and community on set for the final scene — which, TBH, I'd never have known was the first scene filmed! — the rest of the movie has that same kind of giddy electricity you feel when you reunite with your best friends or host your first adult party or finally visit New York City during the holidays.

Because just like the party scene is a celebration, The Holiday is about unexpected love and finding joy despite the most heartbreaking, mundane experiences. And THAT is the true magic of Christmas, isn't it?

Did you know The Holiday's end was filmed at the beginning? What's your favorite moment of the movie? Let us know on Facebook!

This post has been updated.