POPSUGAR Culture

Why I Went on a "Relaxorette" Instead of a Bachelorette

Taylor Andrews — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:40:02 -0700

PS Photography / Taylor Andrews

In bride world, there are two types of bachelorette parties. There's the traditional bachelorette, complete with strippers, penis straws, and inevitable hangovers, and then there's what I like to call the "relaxorette." The relaxorette swaps late nights for slow mornings, with less emphasis on partying and more emphasis on lounging. Of course, there's a time and place for both, but for me and my chronic hangover anxiety, a relaxorette was the move.

The morning of my relaxorette travel day, however, was anything but relaxing: We were met with a five-hour flight delay, a forecast predicting rain all weekend, and, as a final gift from the travel gods, my suitcase was nowhere to be found when we landed.

And yet, the second we pulled into our stay at Bungalows Key Largo, none of that seemed to matter. We may have gotten there hours later than planned, and I may have had nothing to unpack but the lost-luggage receipt in my pocket, but entering the palm-tree lined South Florida resort was exactly the cure I needed. My relaxorette had officially commenced.

Finding the Perfect Location For a Relaxorette

When I thought about where I wanted my relaxorette to be, I knew I wanted it to be by the water. There's nothing more relaxing than lounging by the pool or ocean. But I also wanted the relaxorette to be easy for everyone. I wanted to find somewhere domestic, since international travel can be expensive, and I also wanted an all-inclusive option that could help mitigate the chaos of splitting bills and organizing activities - arguably some of the more tedious aspects of group travel.

Because the US isn't exactly known for their all-inclusive offerings, I didn't think I'd have much luck. But then, I found Bungalows Key Largo (starting rate $1,199), one of the only all-inclusive and adults-only resorts in the US located in the Florida Keys.

PS Photography / Taylor Andrews

At Bungalows Key Largo, I learned most everything is covered under the all-inclusive package, including food and drinks, water activities, and fitness access. Plus, it was giving tropical vacation without the international price travel. I was sold.

Getting to My Relaxorette

Bungalows Key Largo is located about 63 miles away from Miami International Airport and 87 miles away from the one in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Because I didn't want to be driving on my relaxorette or stuck in the back of a smooshed Uber on the way to the resort, I used Blacklane to organize our transportation to and from the hotel. Blacklane is an app just like Uber that offers private chauffeur services, but it feels way more personal and nice.

In the app, all I had to do was fill out my transportation details, and the rest was handled. I could even put in my flight details so the driver could know if my flight was delayed, which was helpful for my group when we arrived five hours later than expected. Communicating with our driver after a horrible travel day was easy in the app, and they were ready to pick us up immediately to kick off the relaxorette by loading up our luggage and offering us water.

PS Photography / Taylor Andrews

Once we got to Bungalow Key Largo, we were met with a coconut-flavored rum cocktail by the hotel reception, and it started to feel as though the travel gods would repay us for the day from hell.

The Stay at Bungalows Key Largo

Every guest at Bungalows Key Largo gets to stay in a private bungalow, which feels like a cozy beach hut that's surrounded by palm trees and greenery. Out front, there are two Adirondack chairs I loved lounging on during my slow mornings. And in the back, there's an outdoor shower that was both dreamy and convenient, since three people from my group were sharing one shower inside.

Our time in the bungalow was often spent laying around, laughing, and lounging in our Daphne Hannah Tees, which I had customized for everyone on my trip. It was the perfect T-shirt to wear around the resort since it was oversized, comfortable, and still cute.

Our private bungalow also came with two bikes to use around the resort, which was a highlight of our trip. Since the bungalows are walking distance from all the restaurants and pool area, we didn't necessarily need the bike access, but we loved riding them around the resort.

PS Photography / Taylor Andrews

The Food and Drinks at Bungalows Key Largo

The food may have been the star of our stay, which is surprising because all-inclusive resorts aren't often known for the quality of their food. But between the poolside snacks, breakfast buffet, and dinner options, we were more than fed and satisfied.

For dinner on our first night, we ate at the resort's Mexican specialty restaurant, Sea Señor, which is located outside next to the water. (No rain as the weather app had predicted, hallelujah.) The chips and salsa cured our stomachs from the long travel day, and the birria tacos made us feel like we were actually in Mexico.

It was here at Sea Señor when we established that a skinny margarita would be our drink of the weekend, and while the cocktails at other inclusive resorts can sometimes seem watered down or lacking alcohol, this was not the case here. I can still taste the Casa Dragones tequila when I lick my lips now.

On the second day of our stay, we treated ourselves to some French toast, omelettes, waffles, and the best breakfast potatoes at Fish Tales, which is the breakfast and lunch buffet option for guests. (Fish Tales also offers a seated dinner service.)

For lunch, we had some of my faves: poolside chicken bites, pepperoni pizza, and the best sweet potato fries, among many other snackies. As to be expected, these paired deliciously well with the margaritas and frozen daiquiris we had also ordered.

PS Photography / Taylor Andrews

On our way to dinner that night, we stopped for drinks at Hemingway Bar. There, we worked our way through the fancy cocktail list, and after tasting the Key's Passion drink, I decided that Bungalows Key Largo would have to physically vacate me from the premises in order to get me to leave. (I'm still sad about it.)

That night, we ate at Bogie and Bacall's, which is the resort's elevated dining experience. It's only included in the all-inclusive package if you stay more than four nights, so guests do have to pay for the upcharge if not. That said, the food and experience was absolutely worth it.

There, we ate steaks, many truffle-infused sides, and had the best red wine pairing recommended by our waiter Madelyn. We also learned how to fold our napkins into the shape of a sailboat, all thanks to the other waiter working our table, Lionel. (Any time someone got up to use the restroom, Madelyn and Lionel made sure we would come back to a folded napkin at our seat. If that's not incredible service, I don't know what is.)

On the final night of our stay - after a repeat of the breakfast buffet and poolside menu during the day - we ate at Fish Tales for dinner. I ordered creamy chicken alfredo, and I'm still thinking about the homemade chips and French onion dip appetizer.

The Activities at Bungalows Key Largo

I didn't want my relaxorette to be filled with an overpacked itinerary, so most of our trip was spent eating, drinking, or lounging by the pool and laying on the resort-provided raft in the water. However, the spa experience I booked is perhaps what made the relaxorette a relaxorette.

When I scheduled the 50-minute signature massage at the Zen Garden Spa, I knew it was going to feel good, but I didn't expect it to be the best massage I've ever had. The pressure my massage therapist Alisha used was hard enough that I felt like my muscles were being worked, but soft enough to relax me without leaving me sore the rest of the trip. I couldn't have felt more zen afterward, as the name of the spa promised.

PS Photography / Taylor Andrews

We also scheduled a sunset cruise, which was way more fun than I anticipated. Though it wasn't included in the all-inclusive and did require an upcharge, it was fun to relax with my girls while having an amazing backdrop for photos.

At night, there were a variety of music happenings: My group and I danced to the DJ, got in on some karaoke, and enjoyed live music the entire weekend. The vibes were immaculate, and I don't say that lightly.

Final Thoughts on My Relaxorette

Between the poolside cocktails from our favorite server GG, the spa treatment, and the general luxury of relaxing the entire weekend, my relaxorette was everything I could have wanted and more. If Bungalows Key Largo can save me from crashing out about a lost suitcase full of bachelorette outfits, I'd say the relaxorette accomplished exactly what I wanted it to. And thankfully, when I did receive my suitcase by day-two, I was already too busy relaxing to remember how upset I was about it in the first place.

Taylor Andrews (she/her) is the senior balance editor at Popsugar, specializing in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, travel, and more. With eight years of editorial experience, Taylor has a strong background in content creation and storytelling. Prior to joining PS in 2021, she worked at Cosmopolitan.

I Took My Dream Babymoon . . . With My Baby

Kelsey Garcia — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:29:49 -0700

I never realized how peaceful it would be to see a sea turtle up close.

The ocean was calm that morning as I paddled off Wailea Beach on an outrigger canoe, stopping to inspect red pencil and collector urchins, which tickled the palm of my hand like a hedgehog. The guide said there'd be a chance of a sea-turtle spotting, but to keep expectations low. Yet, as we scanned the horizon, a turtle suddenly popped its head above the water, bobbing and coasting along the canoe for a moment before descending back down. It felt like a small miracle, like when a ladybug lands on you. It was exactly the kind of experience I knew my husband would love.

But my husband wasn't there. Instead, he was back in our hotel room, sitting in total darkness and getting blasted by artificial ocean waves emanating from a sound machine as our 9-month-old takes her morning nap.

We're finally taking our dream babymoon. The only issue is, our baby's here.

I should preface this by saying we were lucky to have no shortage of adventure while we were expecting. We visited my parents in Spain, did a pre-baby couples retreat in Arizona, I even took a "hatchelorette" trip with friends in Mexico. But somehow, we never got around to taking that quintessential babymoon we'd talked about - one where we could fully unplug, relax, and let the day be dictated by buffet hours and spa treatments.

That was quite alright. Again, we'd had plenty of travel, but a few months after welcoming our daughter, a thought crept into my mind one night as I washed and sterilized breast-pump parts for the millionth time. "Fuck. We should've gone to Hawaii." An idea was planted. While we'd never be able to turn back the clock and take that trip as our more carefree pre-parenthood selves, what if we tried?

Many months later, after careful planning and a good deal of panic shopping, that's exactly what we did. We made the nearly six-hour flight from LAX to Kahului Airport and arrived at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea ready for our babymoon, baby in tow.

As we pulled up to the open-air lobby, we were greeted with sweeping views of the Pacific, with Molokini Crater off in the distance. The lobby is pristine, swathed in soft lighting and neutral tones. Viewers of "The White Lotus" will recognize the hotel as the setting for the first season. But as we took in the sights, I realized we had a bit of a problem on her hands: my daughter had a blowout en route, and she needed to be tended to immediately . . . and her onesie also needed to be disposed of. (Off to a great start already, I'm sure you're thinking.)

We settled into our room, which had graciously been set up with all the necessary baby accoutrements: a crib, of course, but also a diaper pail, bath seat, baby toiletries - the works. The hotel has even left alphabet bath sponges shaped spelling out my daughter's name.

Dinner on our first night was at Komo, the on-site sushi restaurant. Sushi is a favorite cuisine for us, but we hadn't yet taken our daughter to a sushi restaurant for obvious reasons. (We've got quite a bit of time before she's able to go to town on some toro.)

Somehow, it still managed to be fun for the whole family. We enjoyed pieces of buttery nigiri, and for the little lady, the chef whipped up a rice bowl with avocado and snow crab.

After a long travel day, however, my daughter started to melt down, and so, I brought her up to the room and put her to bed while my husband finished his food. Then, we switched off: he stayed with the baby as she slept, while I enjoyed dessert and a nightcap in the lobby lounge. I texted my husband about some of the goings-on in the lobby. People-watching is a favorite pasttime of ours, and I wished he was there, but I also really enjoyed the moment to myself.

The next morning, we enjoyed the breakfast buffet before I headed out for my aforementioned outrigger canoe excursion. When I returned, I relaxed at the pool with my daughter, as my husband enjoyed an oceanside massage. When he was done, the four of us spent the rest of the day in the cabana, transporting our daughter back and forth between the family pool and the playpen they had set up for her, complete with beach toys.

At night, we sprung for a babysitter, which was arranged with help from the concierge, so we could have dinner to ourselves at Spago. After nine months of childrearing with minimal breaks, it felt surreal to step out into the resort just us, on a date like old times.

On the walk to Spago, we were struck by the sunset. A couple on their honeymoon stopped to take some photos with the hotel's fountain pool in the background. I had been saying that we needed more photos together throughout the trip, but in that moment, we just held hands and took it all in.

At dinner, we enjoyed a bread basket with various avant-garde butters alongside Hunan glazed eggplant and a New York steak. We reflected on how we've grown since becoming parents, but also the growing that still lies ahead. Occasionally, we just sat and enjoyed the silence we've come to appreciate that much more since having a baby. We only looked at the baby monitor app twice, which felt like a win.

The next day, our final full day, I shuffled over to the concierge to see if they could arrange for my husband to do the same outrigger canoe excursion I had loved so much. Thankfully, there was an open seat that morning. He didn't see a turtle, but when the canoe stopped for a paddling break, he did get out and swim.

Though we couldn't experience it silmultaneously, we were still, in a way, experiencing it together.

After a leisurely last day, and an oceanside massage for me, we ordered our dinner to go from Ferraro's, the on-site Italian restaurant, and enjoyed it from the comforts of our balcony. It was there that our daughter discovered her love of cacio e pepe, and for this foodie, that meant the world.

I won't bore you with all the details, but the flight home would likely be interpreted by most as a disaster. We hadn't packed enough snacks or toys or whatever else, and when the travel exhaustion started hitting our daughter, she fussed and cried for the last half of the journey, only to fall asleep conveniently as we were landing.

I might've normally cried myself - and I came close - but fresh off our Hawaiian reset consisting of days spent lounging, swimming, and dining on delicious meal after delicious meal, I simply looked at my husband and laughed.

Kelsey Garcia (she/her) is the lifestyle director at PS, where she oversees coverage across Balance and Health & Fitness. Kelsey is passionate about travel, wellness trends, and evolving parenting styles. Before joining the PS team as an editorial assistant in 2015, she interned at Elle and Harper's Bazaar, among other publications.

I Tested the Galaxy Z Fold8 Phone in Aniya Harvey's Viral Commercial

Jessica Andrews — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:30:00 -0700

Image Source: Samsung and PS Photography / Jessica Andrews

By now, you've likely already seen the Samsung "Switchers" campaign taking over the internet featuring one of my favorite "Love Island USA" Season 8 couples, Aniya Harvey and Carl Schmidt, as well as "The Traitors" Season 3 alums Ciara Miller and Dylan Efron, and football stars Nick Foles and Clay Matthews. The premise of the clever ad campaign, which features the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 ($1,650, originally $1,900), is removing emotional barriers behind switching smartphones with renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Orna Guralnik offering a playful take on unpacking our hesistancy to try out new devices.

While I certainly can't relate, I have to admit I'm an easy sell when it comes to considering a new smartphone; my one and only question is: how good is the camera? As a senior style director and content creator, I need the performance equivalent of a professional camera that's the size of a handheld device I can keep on me at all times. I also need a full-blown miniature version of a laptop so I can keep up with all the editing, emailing, and Zoom meetings I take on the go. A lot to ask of a smartphone, right?

Keep reading to see how the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 held up to my admittedly high demands.

About the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8

It has a 7.6-inch main inner display with a passport-style 4:3 aspect ratio.
It has a 50MP dual camera.
It offers 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage.
It's available in lavender, cream, and graphite, as well as pistachio exclusively on Samsung.com and in Samsung stores.

Image Source: PS Photography / Jessica Andrews

What I Like About the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8

As I mentioned, the camera is a major priority for me, which essentially means the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 had me at hello. While Samsung devices are known for their powerful and clear cameras, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 takes it to a new level with an expansive screen that allows me to see every detail of my landscape photos if I'm capturing a fashion show finale or taking pics at a tennis tournament, for example.

But beyond the camera, I almost exclusively watch TV shows on my laptop (ahem, "Love Island" and Bravo's "Summer House" included) and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is the first time I've even considered watching on my smartphone. With an expanded shape, a super-steady video (using horizontal lock), and a bright display, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 offers a seamless content-consuming experience that I've never experienced before on a handheld device. And these features come in handy whether you're watching movies, reading books, gaming, or taking Zoom meetings. What's more, after I'm done, I can fold the phone again and slip it in my pocket or handbag, so it's truly the best of both worlds.

Speaking of, yes, I know the folding capability is the big draw and hype around the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and yes, it delivers. You can easily and effortlessly fold the smartphone, which feels nostalgic in the best way as someone who loved her flip phone in the early 2000s.

Image Source: PS Photography / Jessica Andrews

What's Worth Noting About the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8

If smartphones with an expansive screen are not your thing, you can opt for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 ($1,200) for the same fun flip-phone experience (and stellar camera!) at a smaller size: a main inner display of 6.9 inches when unfolded and a cover screen of 4.1 inches when folded.

Also, Samsung regularly faces criticism around the "green bubble" and the inconvenience of data transfer between smartphones from other tech companies, something the brand addresses head-on in the aforementioned "Switchers" campaign. The Smart Switch feature promises to alleviate some of that stress by allowing you to transfer contacts, photos, videos, apps, and more from your old phone seamlessly, though it's worth noting it only enables transfer to a Samsung device, not externally to non-Samsung brands.

There's also RCS messaging, which allows you to share hi-res photos and videos between devices but doesn't completely eliminate green bubbles. And finally, the brand is promoting its Quick Share feature as a convenient way to send files; while it still was a bit of a challenge for me, I find that uploading files to Google Photos or Drive helps me share them easily with any device.

Who Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Best For?

Anyone who believes in the art of multitasking. With a larger inner display, you can use the Galazy Z Fold8 for watching TV shows and movies, reading, gaming, video conferences, and more. It even lets you run multiple apps side by side, a dream for someone like me who is always juggling several tasks at once. And it still delivers the powerful camera you'd expect from a Samsung, with even more potential for beautiful landscape photos and videos thanks to the expansive screen.

Where Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Available?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is available at Samsung, Amazon, and Best Buy.

Rating:

Jessica C. Andrews (she/her) is an award-winning editor and writer who currently works as the senior style director of PS, overseeing beauty, fashion, shopping, and identity content. With more than 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include fashion, shopping, and travel. Prior to joining PS, Jessica held senior roles at Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Bustle and contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Vanity Fair, and Essence. She's appeared on "Good Morning America," NBC, and Fox 5 New York and spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.

Meet 3 Couples Who "Fake Dated" and Actually Fell in Love

Jenna Ryu — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 10:35:01 -0700

In high school, Olivia Brent had an ex who wouldn't leave her alone. Her solution? Get a fake boyfriend to get him off her back. "It was a very quick, gut-panicked reaction," says Brent, who was 17 at the time. When her ex showed up at their school football game, she turned to Tyler, a guy in her social circle sitting next to her on the bleachers.

"I said, 'Oh my god, hold my hand. We have to pretend like we're dating,'" Brent, now 33, recalls.

"What?" he said.

"Roll with it. I'm freaking out."

For the next month or so, the two committed to the bit: talking more often on the phone, coordinating their stories, and figuring out how to make their sudden romance convincing to mutual friends and, most importantly, her ex. What started as a temporary arrangement eventually became a very real, 17-year relationship. And now, it's a marriage that's been going strong for 10 years.

Courtesy of Olivia Brent

If that sounds suspiciously like the plot of a rom-com, that's because fake dating - with a friend, enemy, or a complete stranger - is one of the genre's most reliable tropes.

In "Off Campus," a shy student and hockey stud feign a relationship to get the attention of her crush. In "Anyone But You," two flings-turned-enemies pose as a couple to get through a destination wedding. And now, "The Love Hypothesis" is the latest to join in on the cliché, with Lili Reinhart starring as a student who enters a pretend relationship with a young professor.

On screen, the appeal is obvious: pair two people who insist they're not into each other, give them an opportunity to act like they're in love, and wait for the inevitable tension to kick in. But what happens when the trope leaves fiction? We talked to couples who fake-dated their way into the real thing - how it played out, what they learned, and the unofficial rules for pulling it off.

How These Fake-Dating Couples Found Love in Real Life

Pretending to be a couple might sound simple enough - until you have to keep up the act, or, say, run into your fake boyfriend's very real ex. That's exactly what happened to Jade Parnell, who fake-dated her longtime friend (and now partner of seven years) in 2019 on a two-week vacation in Budapest, Hungary. At first, their arrangement was mostly for their own spontaneous amusement. Then, somewhere between boarding the plane and landing, they realized there was one complication they hadn't anticipated.

"His ex-girlfriend from a number of years ago was also in Budapest," Parnell recalls. "He was like, 'Well, the odds of us bumping into her in a random large city is pretty low.'"

As it turns out, the odds were not that low, and they ran into her at a bathhouse. Suddenly, their innocent game of make-believe had stakes.

"It felt to me more real," she says, "because this is someone who's going to hold you more accountable. It feels more legitimate."

The more they committed to the act, the more convinced Parnell became of their potential to be more than friends. "Calling ourselves boyfriend and girlfriend . . . it just felt so easy," she says. So easy, in fact, that afterward, she suggested they stop pretending. "I was like, "we should just continue to do this." (And they did.)

Courtesy of Jade Parnell

In the movies, fictional couples can seemingly kiss, hook up, and push the boundaries of their arrangement while insisting it's all for show. In real life, however, things can get a lot messier. This is why Maia Fraser was careful about avoiding mixed signals and one-sided heartbreak when enlisting her friend to be her pretend-boyfriend for one night in an attempt to ward off creepy men at a bar.

"I was very concerned about me potentially getting upset because I developed feelings and he wouldn't," she says. So, she established clear boundaries: he could put his arm around her waist, occasionally grab her hand, and generally look the part - but that's where the performance ended. "I didn't open any sexual doors at all," she explains. There was no kissing, no hooking up, and no sneaking off together in private.

With those boundaries in place, she didn't have to second-guess herself or let physical intimacy complicate her situation. However, after the night ended, when there was no longer a charade to maintain, her friend admitted he'd liked playing the role - and wanted it permanently. Two and a half years, they're still together. "I honestly think it's because I didn't allow for those emotions to get mixed up at the same time of the fake dating."

Courtesy of Maia Fraser

It's easy to assume that every pretend couple must have secretly liked each other all along. Otherwise, why even agree to play the part? That's certainly the movie version. But for Brent, the experience itself sparked something she hadn't seen coming: feelings for someone she'd never considered romantically.

While she and her now-spouse had grown up together, to her, their relationship was purely platonic. That is, until the fake intimacy began. The hand-holding, late-night calls, the small decisions they made to sell their romance created a version of their friendship she'd never experienced before - as well as a glimpse of what it might be like to be more than friends. To her surprise, she liked it.

"People are like, 'Oh, it's just movies. It's just fantasy," Brent says. "But it is a real love story. My 33-year-old self is still as madly in love, if not more than my 17-year-old self was."

Jenna Ryu (she/her) is a writer who covers relationships, friendships, mental health, fitness, and beauty. Most recently, she was the lifestyle writer at SELF, where she reported on the latest wellness trends and launched the magazine's first friendship advice column, Asking for a Friend. Her work has also appeared in Outside Magazine and The Washington Post.

17 Hotels Doing Wellness Travel Right

Kelsey Garcia — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 14:35:00 -0700

In an age of hyperproductivity, extreme optimization, and multi-function everything, people are starting to vacation differently. Many travelers are moving past crammed itineraries and busy sightseeing, in favor of more intentional tourism. To create more restorative moments of rest and overall wellness, we've seen a rise in grief retreats, quiet quests, and even "calmcations".

Wellness tourism is booming, and it's not slowing down anytime soon, with the industry projected to grow from $1 trillion to $3.25 trillion between 2025 and 2034, per Fundamental Business Insights. The industry broadly refers to hotels and retreats with a wellness specialty, whether that means a workout program, a cutting-edge spa, a plant-based menu - or all of the above. But some properties are also carving out more specific niches with offerings like equine therapy, spiritual rituals, falconry, in-room infrared therapy, and a menu of biohacking therapies.

Henley Vazquez, the co-founder of modern travel agency Fora, says she tends to see an uptick in wellness travel bookings in January. She has a few theories as to why that might be: "One is that you come out of the holidays and you want a fresh start in the new year. Instead of just making a New Year's resolution, you're actually going and doing something about it," Vazquez says. But she also thinks there's a greater awareness around health and wellness following the COVID-19 lockdown, as many people turned to the great outdoors for relief. "For lack of anything else to do, [people] bought a pair of hiking boots and climbed a mountain and found out, 'Actually, this makes me feel really good,'" she says.

These days, there are options for every kind of traveler, making wellness travel more appealing and more accessible than ever before. But wellness has also become a baseline consideration for even the most traditional trips. Someone seeking out a summer beach vacation might also be asking themselves, "How do I come back as a better person?" Vazquez explains.

With so many wellness offerings to choose from, these are the tried-and-true properties Popsugar editors believe are doing wellness tourism right. From a luxury lifestyle hotel in Portugal, to a relaxing oceanfront property in Laguna Beach, we rounded up some of the standout stays for health, fitness, and overall wellness. Read on for our recs, but be warned: travel bookings may ensue.

Experts Featured in This Article

Henley Vazquez is the co-founder of Fora, an online travel agency and network of travel advisors.

This Affordable Hidden Gem Is My Go-To Hotel in New York

Lena Felton — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 10:05:00 -0700

Ten years ago, I spent a summer in New York City, living out my dream of working at a magazine. I was in college, and my best friend and I managed to find two month-long sublets in Williamsburg - which, at that time, was the coolest place we could imagine. There were dark, moody restaurants and rooftop bars and a newly opened Whole Foods. I took the J train every morning to work and felt like adulthood was really starting.

It was a wonderful summer, which is why I still have a soft spot in my heart for Williamsburg. A short train (or ferry) ride into Manhattan, the area still boasts very cool restaurants and bars, and it offers a slower pace that, in my 30s, feels much more suited to my lifestyle than Manhattan proper.

As a frequent traveler to New York from the West Coast, I used to try to maximize my work trips by staying in Midtown. But I found that these hotels are often crowded, expensive, and not very nice, given they're overrun with tourists. So I set out to find a hotel that felt impossible by New York standards: affordable, spacious, and well-located. And I'm excited to report that I've discovered a hidden gem: The Penny Hotel in Williamsburg.

Without further ado, here are all the reasons you should stay there on your next trip to the Big Apple.

About The Penny Hotel Williamsburg

Queen rooms come equipped with a queen-sized bed, a kitchenette with a microwave, mini fridge, and pour-over coffee setup, and a sizable bathroom.
The hotel also offers Queen Sleeper rooms, Supreme Queen rooms, and the Your Majesty suite.
When I stayed at The Penny in August, rates started at about $230 for a Queen room, but prices vary depending on demand.
ElNico, a rooftop bar and restaurant on the top floor, serves Mexican fare.
The hotel partners with local nonprofit LAND Gallery to feature artwork by New Yorkers with developmental disabilities across its rooms and common spaces.

What I Liked About The Penny Hotel

I was immediately taken by the property when I showed up at 6 a.m. after a redeye, bleary-eyed and probably smelly, and the front desk managed to get me into a room despite my showing up several hours before check-in.

But it wasn't just that: the entire property allowed me to actually exhale, even though NYC usually makes me feeling on edge. Its common areas (including a patio and a rooftop) are tastefully decorated with local art, and I was so surprised at the size and capabilities of my room when I opened its doors: it boasted a whole kitchenette, lots of space to spread out, and a colorful robe that I immediately changed into.

One of my gripes with staying in cramped Manhattan hotels is that there's virtually no room to hang out, whether that's getting some work done or chowing down on takeout. That's not the case at The Penny, where I cooked myself breakfast every morning, making delicious cups of coffee they provided with the room's high quality Fellow kettle and pour-over set-up. The entire room is outfitted with these delightful touches; there was also a colorful yoga mat and roller that allowed me to stay active throughout my stay there.

My younger self would absolutely approve of the location, which is just a two-block walk from the L train, which takes you directly downtown. I actually don't find that staying in Williamsburg makes travel any less convenient, even if most of my work events are in Manhattan. You are 15 minutes from the heart of the city, and yet you get all the benefits from being located a bit outside the fray. What's more, this hotel is significantly cheaper than its Manhattan counterparts; you pay "budget" prices for somewhere that feels far more elevated than your typical Manhattan hotel.

And it should be said that Williamsburg is worthy of a trip in and of itself - one of my favorite restaurants in all of NYC, Lilia, is right around the corner from The Penny. I also spent an entire afternoon working out of the restaurant's rooftop restaurant, elNico, enjoying the panoramic views of Brooklyn and Manhattan. I'll say that the entire building feels quiet and chill; the staff is friendly but not overly intrusive, making it feel like more like an apartment building than a stuffy hotel.

I've now been back to The Penny twice, and every time, I feel like I'm coming home. You'll never catch me squeezing into a Midtown hotel again.

Who Is The Penny Hotel Best For?

The Penny Hotel is perfect for any traveler to New York who appreciates efficiency, more space in their hotel rooms, and a very well-designed space. I've recommended it to all my friends who are looking for an affordable option in New York.

Rating

Lena Felton (she/her) is a senior director of special projects at PS, where she oversees sponsored packages, tentpole projects, and editorial partnerships. Previously, she was an editor at The Washington Post, where she led a team covering issues of gender and identity. She has been working in journalism since 2017, during which time her focus has been feature writing and editing and elevating historically underrepresented voices. Lena has worked for The Atlantic, InStyle, So It Goes, and more.

How I Reset My Nervous System on a Solo Trip in Los Cabos

Emily Zirimis — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:45:02 -0700

Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. PS Photography / Emily Zirimis

It dawned on me that I hadn't taken a deep breath in a while. I exhaled, lowered my shoulders to ease the tightness, and gazed out at the open ocean ahead of me, all while submerged in my private plunge pool at
Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – a beachfront resort located in San José del Cabo, Mexico.

Frankly speaking, the moment felt like a simulation, as I had never experienced something so simple, yet luxurious before. It was only after I returned from this trip that I realized how much my nervous system had needed a reset.

As I boarded my flight to Mexico last month, nervous with anticipation about my first solo international trip, I tried to remind myself just how incredible this stay would be. Sure enough, once the brilliant blue Sea of Cortez many miles down below me started to come into view through the airplane window, I immediately felt at ease as we touched down in the desert oasis.

The Los Cabos Tourism Board hosted me on this trip to Los Cabos, in which an intimate group stayed at two different properties, tried out a variety of food experiences and enjoyed several wellness-focused activities. This trip was my very first time visiting this region of Mexico, so I went into the stay with no expectations, and left feeling inspired, renewed, and well-rested.

About Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

The property has 87 guestrooms, 27 suites, one villa, and exclusive residences.
Standard category rooms have partial or full ocean views of the resort, as well as private plunge pools.
The Sensei spa offers a large hydrotherapy pool, wellness consultations, spa treatments, and group classes.
The property also has six culinary venues that celebrate both local and global flavors, including Humo, El Barrio, Equis, Candil Agave Bar, the intimate Sótano cellar, and the casual cafe, Azul.

What I Liked About Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Upon arrival at Zadún Los Cabos, I was greeted by the property staff at the resort entrance with an assembly line of welcome drinks, gifts, and a complimentary welcome mezcal margarita. I was soon whisked away via a golf cart driven by Miguel, my personal attendant, or "tosaoni," a word derived from the indigenous Nahuatl language that translates to "dream watcher."

Property Views

Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. PS Photography / Emily Zirimis

Miguel talked through the amenities as we zipped along the winding pathways of the property, transporting me to a true state of zen. After a tour of the room, which includes breathtaking ocean views, a dreamy outdoor shower, and a personal plunge pool, I couldn't throw a bathing suit on fast enough as the feel-like temperature outside climbed to a steamy 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

Private Plunge Pool

Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. PS Photography / Emily Zirimis

This was my first time experiencing a private plunge pool right outside my hotel room, and let me tell you, my hotel expectations are now incredibly high! It was quite magical to take a dip at my leisure: in the morning after (literally) rolling right out of bed, midday when the sun was at its highest (and hottest) point, and to close out the evening after still buzzing from dinner and drinks. The evening may have been my favorite time to take a plunge, as the sound of ocean waves breaking onto the beach in the distance lulled me into a meditative state before bed.

Sensei Spa and Lunch at Equis

Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. PS Photography / Emily Zirimis

Our itinerary at Zadún Los Cabos included an array of activities meant to focus on wellness including a sound journey, a hydrotherapy session and a daily warm up at Sensei, the incredibly tranquil spa at Zadún.

There were also multiple on-property meal experiences including breakfast at El Barrio, a stunning dinner at Humo, a cinematic dinner under the stars at El Mirador, and an informative lunch at Equis, during which we ate and spoke with executive chef Victor Garrido, who was responsible for curating the meal, overseeing the sourcing of ingredients, and working alongside the incredibly seasoned and dedicated team that showed nothing but care and hospitality toward us for the entirety of our stay. My lunch highlights were the fried tuna and tacos al pastor.

Dinner at Humo

Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. PS Photography / Emily Zirimis

One of my favorite culinary experiences was at Humo, an on-property contemporary grill where the "elemental flavors of fire, sea, and soil come together to celebrate the essence of Baja." The moody interior combined with the smell of the local mesquite wood burning in the open kitchen made for a memorable evening and meal presentation, all thanks to Karla Najera, the restaurant's chef de partie.

Menu highlights included charred local watermelon with cashew cream, pickled seaweed salad, ancho chili oil, yuca charcoals (i.e. fried yuca, squid ink, salsa brava, and leek ash), and the A-maiz-ing Cocktail, which consisted of a corn-based Oaxaca spirit and passion fruit, making for a tropical twist on a traditional piña colada.

As the sun rose on our last day at Zadún, I was sad to be checking out, but also excited at what still lay ahead of us, as our trip was only halfway through. Before arriving at our final destination, we made a pitstop at The Cape, A Thompson Hotel, by Hyatt, a luxury boutique hotel nestled along the shores of Cabo San Lucas that features stunning views of El Arco, a famous rock formation, and a saltwater pool carved into the rocks adjacent to the property.

About The Cape, A Thompson Hotel, by Hyatt

The property has 159 guestrooms, all with terraces featuring ocean or garden views.
The hotel is located on Playa Monumentos, a "surf paradise" with views of El Arco.
There is one outdoor infinity pool and one outdoor saltwater pool as well as a full service spa, salon, and fitness center.
Dining venues include Sunken Bar, The Rooftop, Point Break, The Ledge, Beach, and Manta.

What I Liked About The Cape, A Thompson Hotel, by Hyatt

A Property Tour and Brunch at The Ledge

The Cape, A Thompson Hotel, by Hyatt. PS Photography / Emily Zirimis

It was here where I first spotted the aforementioned iconic Los Cabos arch accompanied by an expansive view of turquoise ocean swells and brazen surfers catching the next best wave. This property offered us brunch at The Ledge where I ordered a Café D'Orange (iced espresso chocolate, orange and oat milk) and The Cape Toast (roasted banana, caramelized almonds, vanilla whipped cream, mint, piloncillo glaze, and raspberry atop french toast) - both of which were memorable enough for me to attempt recreating them at home just to reminisce.

About Montage Los Cabos

The property has 122 guestrooms, including suites and casas steps from Santa Maria Bay, as well as 52 resort-style Montage Residences.
There is on-property access to the finest snorkeling and swimming beach in the region.
Spa Montage is 40,000 sq ft. and features a fitness center, pool, and movement studio.
Dining venues include: Mezcal, Marea, Talay, and Paletas.

Our last and final stop of the trip was Montage Los Cabos, a 39-acre resort located on the Santa Maria Bay waterfront, with various offerings including snorkeling and scuba experiences on-property, several restaurants, four pools, and Spa Montage. We were again greeted with an assembly line of welcomes and smiles upon arrival at check-in. My room boasted another incredible view of the ocean, as well as another (dreamy!) outdoor shower.

What I Liked About Montage Los Cabos

Ocean Views and Turn-Down Treats

Montage Los Cabos. PS Photography / Emily Zirimis

We were very well taken care of at Montage and quite literally felt full throughout most of our time at the property with the many culinary delights and experiences they had to offer us, including lunch at Marea, an agave experience and dinner that followed at Mezcal, not to mention a sweet treat (abuelita's hot chocolate!) and a gift left in our room during turn-down service each evening.

Lunch at Marea

Montage Los Cabos. PS Photography / Emily Zirimis

As mentioned, the first meal at Montage Los Cabos was lunch at Marea, which offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes led by chef de cuisine Eric Arellano. The food, albeit delicious and fresh, wasn't the only thing that transported me to the Mediterranean as I stared out at the views. My favorite dishes were the Angus Iowa hanger steak and ceviche puttanesca, which included local kampachi, castelvetrano olives, sun–dried tomatoes, and calabrian chili.

Pool Cabana and Spa Day

Montage Los Cabos. PS Photography / Emily Zirimis

A pool day (at one of the property's four pools) on our last full day was the perfect way to wind down and reflect back on our time in Los Cabos. I ordered a Cabo Sunset (passion fruit-coconut sorbet, lime sorbet, fresh pineapple and vanilla bean whipped cream) from the pool cabana menu before heading off to Spa Montage for an hour-long massage, which left me feeling light on my feet and without a care in the world, even if for just a moment.

Our evening concluded with an agave experience, followed by dinner at Mezcal, all led by executive chef Xavier Salomon, head sommelier Fabián Martínez, and chef de cuisine Alejandro Euroza. During the agave experience, I discovered that I actually prefer the taste of raicilla (vs. mezcal) on the tequila spectrum, which left me wanting to try out more raicilla-forward cocktails once back home, even as a historically self-proclaimed fan of mezcal.

Dinner Off-Property

Cocina de Autor. PS Photography / Emily Zirimis

Our second to last dinner took us off property to Cocina de Autor, a Michelin-starred restaurant located at Grand Velas, featuring a sensorial dining experience of fine gastronomy led by two-Michelin-Star head chef Sidney Schutte.

The theme of the meal was "memories," wherein the chef based each dish off a specific memory he had experienced throughout his life. As the swirl of dry ice billowed off The Big Apple (matcha latte, green apple, kaffir lime, coconut, and amaranth) and the crispy crunch of the red snapper katsuobushi (hoja santa, grapefruit, avocado, dashi) lingered on my taste buds, I tried to take in this moment as much as I could, appreciating how nice it was to not have anywhere to be other than right where I was, with who I was with.

Final Thoughts

I left Los Cabos feeling full (literally) and restored - creatively, mentally, physically, my camera roll looking like a sea of bright blue and beige. But the complete effect of the trip didn't fully hit me until I returned home, and I realized just how good I actually felt. Well-rested, my skin glowing, my shoulders not feeling as tight. I thought back to how I felt before I had gone on the trip – tense, exhausted, foggy.

While it's not everyday that someone gets to have an experience as luxurious as this one, I tried to take away the aspects that left me feeling more relaxed that I could recreate on my own: slow mornings, swimming, eating wholesomely, being present. As a meme that I saw recently said, "Maybe all we really need is just a fresh tomato and a morning swim." (In this case, fresh avocado.)

Emily Zirimis is the associate creative director at Popsugar. Before joining the PS team, she worked as Creative Design Director at Teen Vogue for nearly six years. She holds a BFA in Communications Design with a minor in Art History from Pratt Institute and has been working in the digital media space since 2014.

What I Learned About Loneliness After Visiting a Blue Zone

Jordan Shalhoub (she/they) — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 11:35:02 -0700

Loneliness is so back. Between the rise of "loneliness influencers" and constant discourse about the male loneliness epidemic, loneliness has become something of a hot topic. But that doesn't make it any easier to live with.

In 2024, I moved out of my ex-partner's home and into a studio in Los Angeles. It was my first time living alone in four years and my first time being really, truly single as an adult. Almost three years later, I'm still living alone. Still really, truly single.

Unfortunately, loneliness isn't just fodder for internet discourse - it's legitimately bad for our health. A 2023 advisory from the US Surgeon General found loneliness and isolation to be "more widespread than many of the other major health issues of our day, including smoking, diabetes, and obesity, and with comparable levels of risk to health and premature death."

This point was driven home for me when I got the opportunity to visit the Nicoya Peninsula in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica - home to one of the world's five blue zones. These are areas of the world where people live significantly longer and healthier lives. The question is: why?

My trip started (alone) at the beautiful Westin Reserva Conchal by Marriott. After exploring the property, I met with a larger group for a boat safari in the Palo Verde National Park. There, our tour guide educated us on the local wildlife, the Guanacaste region, and the specific blue zone to which we were headed. This area is known as the Nicoya Peninsula, and it's currently home to 600 people over the age of 100.

Life is hard, but we don't have to go it (completely) alone.

According to our guide, this longevity can be attributed to a myriad of lifestyle factors, including eating habits and environmental resources. But every blue zone has its own secret ingredient - Nicoya's is its sense of community.

The Nicoya Peninsula is led by the "plan de vida" culture. Literally translated to mean "life plan," plan de vida tells us that we all have a unique sense of purpose. In Nicoya, plan de vida also serves the community, with relationships based on trust and care for your family, friends, and neighbors. This community-centered culture doesn't just mean greater shared resources - it's also created a calmer, less stressful way of life. People work hard, but they always know they aren't doing it alone. It takes a village, after all.

So many of us have been told to lower our stress levels at some point in our life (which . . . easier said than done). As Micaela Bayard, MD, previously explained to Popsugar, long-lasting stressors can contribute to inflammation, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, digestive problems, and other chronic health conditions. That said, some stress is unavoidable. The solution? Maybe the village has something to do with it.

The Surgeon General's report writes that "higher social connection provides increased opportunities for and access to support, thus reducing the likelihood of perceiving challenging situations as stressful." This has certainly proven to be the case in Nicoya. Life is hard, but we don't have to go it (completely) alone.

At the end of my trip, I sat (alone again) by the water, now at W Costa Rica's gorgeous Playa Conchal, and reflected on what I learned. It's natural to feel lonely sometimes, especially as a single 30-something living by herself in a big city. But if I learned anything from Nicoya, it's that - even when loneliness does strike - we're never truly alone. It's our job to call upon those doorbell friends and show up for others the same way (if only to sit with them and do nothing on the couch).

My trip to Reserva Conchal made me realize that, in many ways, I've already built a village of my own, and it's made up of people who love, trust, and show up for each other. My heart and my calendar are both full, and that's actually a great thing for my stress levels and physical health. Who knows? If I keep it up, maybe I'll be celebrating my 100th birthday with them, too.

Jordan Shalhoub (she/they) is the supervising producer for Vox Media's lifetyle group and has been creating content and digital media since 2012. They started their career as a documentary editor and continued to report and create around real stories that impact real people - at the heart of their experience is a love of storytelling. She also brings to her work a personal passion for wellness through a fitness trainer certification, mental health advocacy, and championing LGBTQ+ rights (and joy!). Currently, they oversee the short-form video program, from strategy through execution, across editorial and sponsored content.

"Mastectomy Moons" Are Helping Patients Find Peace Before Surgery

Chandler Plante — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 06:00:01 -0700

With certain diagnoses, grief is inevitable. How you cope with it is up to you. In 2012, Michele Kraus Bennett tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation, which indicates an increased risk for breast cancer. Nearly a decade later, after years of screenings, MRIs, mammograms, and blood tests, she finally scheduled her preventative prophylactic mastectomy for Dec. 1, 2021 . . . along with a road trip across the West Coast. "I was like, 'I'm going to go show my boobs a bunch of stuff,'" Kraus Bennett tells Popsugar. "'I'm going to go show my boobs Joshua Tree.'"

These kinds of "mastectomy moons" might seem a little unusual from the outside looking in. To some, the lead-up to a major surgery isn't the most opportune time for such an impromptu vacation. But for people like Kraus Bennett, there's peace in these moments of spontaneity - not to mention a unique opportunity to grieve, celebrate, and escape on one's own terms.

The trip was partially inspired by Kraus Bennett's actual honeymoon in 2020, which also involved a road trip. "We loved it so much, and at every moment in life, I always think: Is this an opportunity to do something really memorable and big?" After planning her mastectomy, Kraus Bennett had the same thought. "This is something I could just pass by, or I could really celebrate and mark this moment and do something exciting." Thus, her pre-surgery road trip was born.

Image Source: Courtesy of Michele Kraus Bennett

Kraus Bennett's trip started with a flight from Portland, OR, to Los Angeles. From there, she and her husband rented a sprinter van and started making their way across scenic camp sites along the West Coast. In various Instagram galleries documenting her journey, Kraus Bennett describes rugged rocks and blue skies, quiet mornings and peaceful hikes, soft sunrises and cold sand.

"As it turns out, I had cancer on the road trip, but I didn't know," she says. "We camped at this place called the Alabama Hills and we were all alone in the campground . . . it was like $8 a night. It was so pretty, and we would just go on walks in the evening." Throughout her trip, she also explored Death Valley, went horseback riding, visited Meow Wolf Omega Mart in Las Vegas, had breakfast in Palm Springs, saw the Hoover Dam, and spent time at Disneyland. "I took my bra off in the bathroom before Tower of Terror," she laughs. She looks back on the memories fondly.

Image Source: Courtesy of Michele Kraus Bennett

Kraus Bennett says the road trip allowed her to find some levity in a dark situation. But it also gave her space to come to terms with all the changes that were about to take place. "The other night, floating around in the pool, waving my arms around, I tried to feel the cold water on my chest, and feel how my breasts float, because that will change," she wrote in an Instagram post from Nov. 18. As a synchronized swimmer, the grief felt especially heavy. "I remember standing in the shower and being like, 'I'm not going to feel the water on my chest,'" she tells PS. "I have to soak this up."

"I went on this trip and really did something special."

When her operation finally came around, Kraus Bennett went in with a clear mind and a calm soul. "There's nothing else I can do to prepare. I feel really good about this decision," she thought to herself. She credits the mastectomy moon for helping her step into this mindset. "I made the choice and I went on this trip and really did something special," she says. "It was really nice to be celebrated and get to say goodbye."

Everyone is operating under different circumstances. But if you have the means to schedule a trip before a similar surgery or major life change, Kraus Bennett would definitely recommend it. "I think stuff like this is always a good idea," she says. Beyond all the fun memories, it also helped her approach a longer health journey in the best headspace possible.

"I felt like I was as majestic as the places we were visiting," she says. "It gave me so much more peace and happiness."

Chandler Plante (she/her) is a staff writer and PS Fit Producer. She has over six years of industry experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine, a social media manager for Millie magazine, and a contributor for Bustle Digital Group. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and is based in Los Angeles.

Inside The Standard in the East Village, Where We Hosted Our 20th Birthday

Lena Felton — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 14:49:51 -0700

There's a reason the East Village is one of New York City's most iconic neighborhoods. Walking around the area, you can feel the air buzzing with a certain young, creative energy: residents, students, and tourists alike spill out of boutique shops, bustling restaurants, and trendy bars.

Right in the heart of it all is The Standard, East Village, an equally iconic destination. Known for its sprawling views of Manhattan, the hotel has been the host of many high-profile events - including, most recently, Popsugar's 20th birthday party. We were very excited for the opportunity to partner with The Standard to bring our Y2K celebration to life at its beautiful Penthouse, an indoor-outdoor venue with panoramic views of Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Several of our team members stayed overnight at The Standard as well, and we can attest to the fact that this is the perfect spot for your next marquee event or trip to Manhattan. To learn more about the hotel, keep reading.

About The Standard, East Village

The 21-story building offers sprawling views of Manhattan, with rooms ranging from deluxe suites like the Corner King to more efficient Standard Queen rooms.
Dining options include Cuna Restaurant and Cuna Bar & Lounge, which offer Mérida-inspired dinner and brunch fare; the all-day stalwart Café Standard; and The Garden, which offers bites and beverages and turns into Chasing the Sun, a partnership with Veuve Clicquot, from June 20 through Labor Day.
The hotel offers several excellent event spaces, including The Penthouse, where we hosted our party; The Overlook, a meeting and banquet room; and The Garden, which is perfect for outdoor cocktail receptions.
While there isn't a fitness center on-site, guests have free access to Crunch Fitness, which is across the street.

What We Like About The Standard, East Village

We have to start with The Penthouse, where we hosted our Y2K-inspired birthday party. When we say that this was the ultimate venue for a special occasion like our party, it's a total understatement. As the elevator doors opened to the space, our guests audibly gasped: the views were simply breathtaking. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow the city itself to be the backdrop of any event, with unbelievable photo opps across the entire venue.

Guests, including Monique Coleman and Taryn Delanie Smith, enjoy the outside area of The Penthouse. Image Source: Melissa Alper

Speaking of, The Penthouse offers more than 1,300 feet of indoor space, where we were able to have separate areas for different aspects of the party: the main room, where our DJ spun beats; an area that housed the bar and charcuterie display; and another lounge area with seating and a photobooth. It was the perfect layout for about 150 guests to mingle, pick up their VIP gift bags, snap nostalgic photos, and dance.

On a beautiful summer evening, the wraparound outside space was also a crowd favorite: celebrities like Monique Coleman, Taryn Delanie Smith, and Kaylor Martin loved taking photos with their friends as the Empire State Building framed the background. Another note about hosting at The Penthouse: the entire staff at The Standard made sure guests were enjoying the cocktails, bites, and views, and were a pleasure to work with.

Our team also had the opportunity to stay overnight at the hotel. The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, and the large windows - which look out over the city - make you feel like you have breathing space even amid all the hustle and bustle. We enjoyed working from and hanging out in The Garden, which was a tranquil reprieve from the concrete jungle.

Photos show the inside of The Standard's guest rooms. Image Source: The Standard

And anyone who lives in or has visited New York knows that location is everything. The Standard couldn't be better situated - while it's on a relatively quiet street, it's right in the heart of downtown, just steps from SoHo shops, Washington Square Park, and all the fun bars in the Lower East Side. It'd be the perfect landing spot for someone who had never visited Manhattan before, as well as a seasoned visitor who loves being in the center of it all.

Ultimately, The Standard offers a quintessentially New York experience, with well-designed details (like a funky mirror inside the elevators) and unbeatable views of the entire city. When we say it's dreamlike, we're not exaggerating - any stay or event will make you feel like you're among the clouds.

The Personal-Item Bags Our Editors Actually Use to Travel, Starting at $14

Anvita Reddy — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:25:03 -0700

There's nothing like going on a quick end of summer trip or taking the time to visit friends and family before the school year kicks off. However, the costs of flights are skyrocketing, suitcases are getting lost, and airlines are charging a pretty penny for carry-on luggage and checked bags. The hunt for cheap flights and convenient travel is an ongoing challenge, especially during busy seasons. One way to keep travel costs as low as possible: utilizing the personal-item carry-on bag. The personal-item bag is a must when you fly a no-frills airline such as Frontier, or buy a basic economy seat for domestic travel, since it's the only bag you can bring that's free of extra costs. And fortunately, our editors try hundreds of products each year, which means we've done our fair share of traveling with the best of the best travel bags that will make your long-haul flights as easy as possible.

Our Favorite Personal-Item Bags to Shop

The best option for the committed budget flyer: Narwey Foldable Travel Duffel Bag at $14
Most durable option for weekend trips: Lubardy Travel Backpack at $38, originally $40
Most affordable option for travelers on the go: Amazon Basics Underseat Carry-On at $49
For a 48-hour summer road trip: Béis The Mini Weekender at $108
The best option that doesn't compromise on style or functionality: Béis The Commuter Duffle at $119, originally $158
For the ultimate storage tote: The North Face Never Stop Tote at $130
Best for people with frequent weekend trips: Calpak Diaper Tote Bag With Laptop Sleeve at $137, originally $195
To add some Disney magic to your luggage: Béis The Disney Large Duffle in Red Jeans at $158
The best option for busy people: Dagne Dover Landon Large Neoprene Carryall at $170
The best option that can withstand scuffs and bumps: Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage at $185
The ultimate personal-item bag: Calpak Ambeur Mini Carry-On Luggage at $215
Best hiking-approved option: Away Overnight Bag at $228
Best option with a luggage trolley sleeve: Cotopaxi Allpa 35 L Travel Pack at $230
Best for those who need a bigger carry-on: Nomad Lane V4 Bento Bag at $298
For the more compartments the better: Shinola Canvas Duffle at $595

What Qualifies as a Personal-Item Bag?

A personal-item bag can be a durable backpack, a stylish tote bag, a spacious diaper bag, a laptop or work bag, or anything small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you. Each airline has different qualifications on sizes and proportions, so we've listed a few common ones below:

Frontier: 8" depth x 18" width x 14" height
United: 9" depth x 10" width x 17" height
Delta: 9" depth x 13" width x 17" height
American: 8" depth x 14" width x 18" height
Southwest: 8.5" depth x 13.5" width x 18.5" height
JetBlue: 8" depth x 13" width x 17" height
Allegiant: 7" depth x 15" width x 16" height

How We Test the Best Personal-Item Bags

The personal-item bags we chose for the list below combine functionality and style with long-lasting use. Here are a few things our editors consider when reviewing them:

Storage - Does it have enough room for all of your travel must haves while being able to fit under the seat?
Style - Is the design flattering? Could it go with all of your airport outfits?
Extra features - Does it have other compartments that can store useful products like small toiletries or a phone charger?

In short, a quality personal-item bag has enough room for all your travel accessories while being compact enough to fit under the seat in front of you according to the airline guidelines, along with a few vacation outfits, an extra pair of shoes, makeup, skin-care, and maybe a reusable water bottle. Fortunately, we curated the best personal-item bags for planes that you can shop right now, like a top-rated, PS editor-approved weekender bag from Béis. Ready to hit "buy" on a new one for yourself? Ahead, a selection of the best personal carry-on bags for flying.

Update on August 20, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET: Updated prices and added new bags from Shinola, North Face, and Bèis.

17 Bucket-List Hotels to Visit, According to PS Editors and Reviews

Jessica Andrews — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 13:20:02 -0700

Even with all the lodging options available to travelers these days, hotels are still at the top of my list. There's nothing quite like checking in, enjoying the luxurious amenities, and having the best service at your fingertips, from the concierge to in-room dining. When those same properties offer one-of-a-kind experiences - like cooking lessons with an executive chef or exclusive access to a national park - the case for staying at a hotel is even stronger.

The best hotels truly break the mold with the experiences they offer, whether it's a personal bath butler (yes, seriously) or a nightlife curator who hosts an evening out on the town for guests. To celebrate the best of the best, we rounded up some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. The criteria? The highest ratings on check-in, amenities, staff, and demand, as well as glowing reviews from travelers around the world.

This list of hotels caters to every type of travel experience: there's a wellness retreat complete with an onsite shaman for ceremonies; a floating hotel with preserved design details for history buffs; and a glamorous beachside property that appeared in HBO's "The White Lotus." Keep scrolling to see the best hotels of the year - you're bound to find one to add to your must-visit list.

Check Out the LA Hotel Where We Stayed For Our Aughts Effect Cover Shoot

Lena Felton — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 05:45:03 -0700

This story is part of our Aughts Effect package, which celebrates 20 years of Popsugar - and enduring culture. Read all the stories here.

The Popsugar team is no stranger to travel. While we have a couple of folks in Los Angeles, most of our staff lives in New York. That means our cover shoots - which are often in LA - require quite a bit of back and forth. Such was the case when we photographed our four Aughts Effects cover stars - Daniella Monet, Monique Coleman, Sabrina Bryan, and Tahj Mowry - in a mall in Koreatown back in June.

Not only did team members fly in for the shoot; so did Coleman, who lives on the East Coast. When we met her at CitizenM, a hotel in downtown LA, she was bright-eyed and enthusiastic, even after a six-hour flight. Her vibrancy matched the decor of the lobby, which featured pops of primary color and funky accents.

We ended up using CitizenM as our home base throughout the shoot. We did a full-on fitting in one of the hotel's rooms, which proved to be spacious enough for several racks of clothing and all the heeled flip-flops your heart could desire.

Keep reading to learn more about the hotel and hear why our team thought it was the perfect landing spot for a quick trip to LA.

About CitizenM Los Angeles Downtown

Located at South Spring and West 4th Streets, the hotel is situated centrally in downtown Los Angeles.
The rooms are made for two adults, each featuring an XL king bed, rainfall shower, and a tablet to control everything from the temperature to the blackout blinds.
The hotel features a fitness center and meeting rooms on site, making it perfect for work travel.
CanteenM, the bar-restaurant on-site, is open 24 hours.

What We Liked About CitizenM

This was truly a great hotel for work travel. The location meant that we were a 15-minute drive from our shoot location in Koreatown, and not far from other popular areas of the city. Our stylist had to run all over Los Angeles tracking down the most iconic 2000s pieces, and she was able to make it back to CitizenM in time for our fitting with Coleman. The rooms, though cozy, still had ample space for several racks of clothing. We displayed all of the accessories on the roomy desk as well.

The rooms themselves proved to be highly efficient, perfect for a few nights on a work trip. The XL king-sized bed was roomy and very cozy - which actually made it difficult to get out of bed in time for our early wakeup calls.

Our creatively minded staff also loved the design touches throughout the hotel, from the paper lantern lights in the rooms to the plant walls in the lobby, which is affectionately named the "Living Room." We spent a whole afternoon spread out there, working from outlet-equipped tables and walking up to CanteenM, the bar-restaurant, for Diet Cokes and coffees. We also enjoyed a pre-dinner drink there, toasting to a successful cover shoot in the books.

Who Is CitizenM Best For?

CitizenM Los Angeles Downtown is best for solo travelers or couples looking for a hip, clean, and efficient stay in LA. We'd happily book it again the next time we're working on a shoot in the City of Angels.

How I Found Tranquility in the Center of Chicago

Lena Felton — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 10:45:03 -0700

When I first visited Chicago in the summer of 2021, I was perplexed that it had taken me more than 25 years to visit. It's a gem of a city, its architecture just as charming and impressive as it promises to be. And while it's world-class, it still has that Midwestern charm: its residents are kind and laid-back, and it's not as expensive as New York or Los Angeles.

Since that first trip with my partner - who was born in the Chicago suburbs and whose family still lives across the area - I've looked forward to every trip back (honestly, even those during the winter). When my good friend (also a Chicago native) invited us to her July wedding, we started planning a very packed itinerary to make time to see our friends and family, enjoy the wedding, and explore Chicago.

As a fan of Four Seasons properties, I reached out to the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, and the staff generously offered to host us at their property. We spent two blissful nights in the hotel's Premier Suite, where we got the full Chicago summer experience with gorgeous views of the lake, tasty meals with friends, and peaceful mornings in our luxurious suite.

As if I needed another reason to love the city, I'd be excited to visit the Four Seasons Chicago literally anytime - even in the dead of winter. (Really!)

About the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

The hotel has 345 rooms and suites equipped with marble bathrooms and premium bedding. I stayed in the Premier Suite, which has gorgeous views of the lake, a huge living room, a wet bar, and two bathrooms.
Rates start at about $485 per night for a City View room and at more than $1,000 per night for the Premier Suite.
There's an indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center in the building, and the on-site spa has treatments like massages, facials, and body treatments.
The hotel restaurant, Adorn, offers elevated American fare, and in-room dining is available 24/7.
There are many family-friendly perks, including a kids' room and an in-room ice cream sundae cart.

What I Liked About the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

Whenever I visit a big city like Chicago, I so appreciate staying somewhere that feels like a reprieve - but still allows you to step outside and into all the action. The Four Seasons Chicago is the ultimate encapsulation of this: it's located in the heart of the city and just steps from Lake Michigan, but the entire hotel is unbelievably serene and quiet. The Gold Coast, the neighborhood where the hotel is located, is perfect for newcomers to the city, given its proximity to Lake Shore Drive and excellent shopping.

Stepping into our Premier Suite, the views of the vast lake and Lincoln Park were breathtaking. It felt like we were among the clouds, and we were definitely above the noise of the city; we couldn't hear anything from our suite the entire weekend, which was especially nice the morning after the wedding.

Ahead of the wedding, I got to experience a heavenly Queen Skin Ritual Facial at the spa. Using 111Skin products, my esthetician made the 50 minutes feel like an indulgence, as if I were a celebrity prepping for a red-carpet event. I wished I could've stayed there for much, much longer.

The suite itself was also an ideal place to get ready for the festivities, with two gorgeous bathrooms outfitted with Le Labo products (my favorite). One morning, we invited our friends and their baby to the suite for a decadent room-service breakfast. The French toast was to die for, and later that night, we dined at Adorn and enjoyed the melon and burrata salad and double wagyu cheeseburger.

As has been noted in our Four Seasons reviews before, the aspect of the stay that we raved about to all our friends - which is saying a lot, given our lovely time hanging out in the suite - was the service. The staff was incredibly kind and courteous, and even left earplugs, bookmarks for our novels, and cord organizers for our laptops during one turndown service. This, aside from all the luxury furnishings of the hotel, truly made staying at the property feel like a five-star experience.

Who Is the Four Seasons Chicago Best For?

While the hotel would be wonderful for any traveler who enjoys staying in well-designed, luxurious hotels when traveling, I'll note that this Four Seasons location seemed especially kid-friendly. We saw families all over the hotel: hitting the pool in the middle of the day and grabbing dinner all together at Adorn at night. I could imagine the very spacious suites are perfect for a family, too.

Is Four Seasons Chicago Worth the Splurge?

For a special trip to Chicago, I would absolutely recommend staying at the Four Seasons. It was the perfect landing pad for a wedding weekend, and being there helped me to relax and find quiet calm during a busy weekend of socializing and travel. While the Premier Suite might only make sense for a special occasion given its price tag, the Lake View rooms are not exorbitantly expensive (especially when compared to hotels in cities like New York or San Francisco), and I'd definitely opt to stay there in the future.

Rating

What a "Creative Reset" With 40 Strangers Taught Me

Lena Felton — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:45:40 -0700

I've always thought of creativity as a solo act. I find my flow state writing alone, or taking photos on a quiet walk by myself. And while I love spending time with other people who appreciate art, the idea of networking with other "creatives" has always given me hives.

So imagine my skepticism when I got an invitation from Soho House to spend a weekend away with 40 strangers - all taking part in a "creative reset" full of conversation, wellness activities, and moments of intentional rest. The trip, I learned, was a Cities Without Houses Weekender, specifically tailored for members of Soho House who live in places without a physical property (like my home base of San Francisco).

I was familiar with Soho House, but I didn't know exactly what membership actually entails; to outsiders, the organization, which describes itself as a "club for creatives," might seem exclusive and elusive. While I remained skeptical, I was intrigued. And never being someone to turn down an opportunity to travel, I packed my bags.

Although I was grateful my partner was able to join as a plus one, my nerves were still buzzing as I walked up to San Diego's Hotel Lafayette. The group was convening there to all drive down together to Valle de Guadalupe, a wine region in Baja, Mexico. The minute we started chatting with Soho House staff and the other members, though, my anxiety melted away. The people I found myself talking to weren't pretentious or cliquish; they were just looking forward to a weekend away like I was.

Over the course of the next three days, I learned that group travel with strangers can be extremely rewarding. Of course, given that Soho House is centered on curating vibes, it was no surprise that the planning of the entire weekend was impeccable. The setting was a dream: we stayed at Banyan Tree Veya, an exquisitely designed resort perched atop Valle de Guadalupe's vineyard-strewn hills. The whole region is known as "Mexico's Napa," and I could see why, with its well-designed tasting rooms and sumptuous sunsets. There were sound baths, and yoga sessions, and happy hours, and mezcal tastings. There were also moments of unexpected joy and connection with people I would have never met otherwise - the most surprising aspect of the whole trip.

A bird's eye view of Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe. Image Source: Gabriella Valladares

It should be noted that it is a privilege to be able to attend a weekend like this. Soho House membership itself is not cheap (Cities Without Houses members pay anywhere from $4,300 to $4,950 annually, though members under 27 pay about half that price), and the trips are an additional cost. But there were learnings throughout the weekend that are applicable to any type of creative reset or group trip. Here are the three main lessons I took away from my time with Soho House.

Be Open With Others: Just Say Hi

This one should be a given on a trip with strangers, but I'm not often in a setting where I don't know anyone else. At parties, I'd rather stick to the people I know than introduce myself to someone new. But whenever you sign up for something based around a communal experience, whether that's a community art class, a trash pick-up in your neighborhood, or a speed-dating event, there's an opportunity to reimagine how you approach strangers.

Especially on group trips, there's a melting of usual social norms, and people are genuinely excited to say hello. I was surprised by how open I was with the other folks right off the bat, jumping into inside jokes and talking about everything from politics to breakups. I derive so much meaning in my life from my friendships and relationships; sometimes I forget that there's always space to expand - and sometimes that means you have to take the first step in being vulnerable.

It's a lesson that I'll be taking into my next yoga class, when the instructor implores us to introduce ourselves to someone new (a suggestion I tend to ignore). A smile at a grocery store, a conversation at the dog park: these are all opportunities to be inspired by the simple act of connection.

Group members partake in yoga and a soundbath. Image Source: Gabriella Valladares

Be Open With Yourself: Don't Be Afraid to Rest

On a group trip where an itinerary is in place, it can be hard to tap out early or to skip an event. But what made this truly a "creative reset" for me was sleeping a lot (I got at least nine hours of sleep each night), and not pushing myself to do more just because of FOMO.

Creativity, I was reminded, is contingent upon giving yourself the time and energy to create. Writing, editing, and brainstorming, day after day, can deplete the part of me that easily accesses my aforementioned flow state.

But disconnecting (and spending intentional time away from my phone) allowed me to feel as if that cup were refilling itself. Despite the go-go-go of a weekend trip, I returned back home feeling ready, even excited, for the work week ahead. It reminded me that, even at home, I need to carve out time to be by myself, to physically rest, and to say no sometimes. During the course of the weekend, too, being honest with myself as to when I needed a break from the group meant that when I was cracking jokes with new pals, I was present and able to show up as my full self.

Be Open-Minded: Allow Yourself to Be Inspired

Which brings me to the creativity of it all. Yes, it was inspiring to talk to filmmakers, visual artists, and creative directors. But it sparked joy to simply learn from new folks. I was delighted by one woman's travel outfit, a delicious mix of lace-lined bloomers and a patterned top, something I'd never choose to wear myself. And I loved listening to strangers' playlists, discovering new music in genres I usually don't listen to. Sometimes, being inspired by others is simply about surrounding yourself by people who think differently, live in different places, and do different things than you. Especially into our 30s, it's easy to stick to the people we know; I've found that my social circle has contracted more than expanded in the past couple of years.

In the unwinding of the weekend, I was also inspired by the beauty in the small collective moments. In the breath we all took before diving into a beautiful meal, or in the sound of a new friend's laugh. The opportunity to create space for inspiration and connection is all around us. It might look like walking up to that stranger at a party, or signing up for a cooking class. Take it from me: that initial flurry of butterflies is worth it.

What It's Like to Stay at the Vanderpump Hotel as a Bravo Die-Hard

Kelsey Garcia — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 08:45:04 -0700

I've spent more time with Lisa Vanderpump than I can begin to estimate. I've dined at her various Los Angeles establishments and watched all of her nine seasons of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" and 12 seasons of the subsequent spinoff show "Vanderpump Rules" several times over. It can sometimes feel like I know her personally, her idiosyncrasies etched into my psyche. And now, I've spent the night at hers.

On June 11, the English restaurateur and reality star celebrated the grand opening of The Vanderpump Hotel, her Las Vegas boutique hotel in partnership with Caesars Entertainment. Smack dab in the middle of the Strip on the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Road, the hotel - formerly The Cromwell - has Vanderpump's fingerprints all over it, from the glamorous accommodations to the sultry, velvet-draped lobby lounge.

Asked to describe the hotel in three words, Vanderpump replies: personable, decadent, and, of course, sexy.

It's important to note that Vanderpump has become somewhat of a Vegas fixture in recent years since the 2019 opening of the Vanderpump Cocktail Garden, located in Caesars Palace. She subsequently opened the restaurants Vanderpump à Paris and Pinky's at the Flamingo. The hotel, however, is a first.

I spent three days exploring the Vegas Vanderverse in celebration of the hotel's opening weekend. It was my first time in Las Vegas, actually, which felt fitting for a proud Bravo buff. Here's how it went.

About the Vanderpump Hotel

The Vanderpump Hotel has 188 accommodations, including 21 suites.
The average nightly rate ranges from $200 to $500, depending on availability and time of year.
The ground-floor casino offers 21 table games and 440 slot machines.
The on-site restaurant is Giada, the flagship restaurant from Giada De Laurentiis.
The lobby lounge, Gigolo, features a full cocktail menu and bar snacks.
The lobby also features a Starbucks.
There is a rooftop pool, Soleia, featuring bungalows and cabanas.
The hotel's nightclub, Drai's After Hours, is back in its original home beneath the hotel after previously being located on the roof.
The 24-hour fitness center features Peloton bikes.

What I Like About the Vanderpump Hotel

The first thing I noticed upon arriving in Vegas was the air. It was barely noon and the desert heat nearing 100°F nearly took my breath away. But before I had too much time to think about it, I was whisked away in a purple Cadillac featuring the license plate "2VILLA."

On the 10-minute drive from the airport, Vanderpump was everywhere. Advertisements for her hotel and restaurants towered over the Strip.

I pulled up to the lobby, where I was greeted by a giant display of fuchsia orchids. After a pleasant check-in, I scanned the casino floor, clocking campy details like the red telephone box backdropped by a floor-to-ceiling photo of Vanderpump in London. Further down, a gallery wall displayed highlights from Vanderpump's life, including a photo of her with her daughter Pandora as a baby, but then also her official "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" cast portrait.

The ground floor met all my aesthetic expectations: purple velvet furniture, fringe lampshades, gold hardware here, there, and everywhere. What I didn't expect was the lobby's real statement piece: a five-foot tall resin statue of Vanderpump's late pomeranian Giggy, watching over his namesake bar, Gigolo.

The statue is Vanderpump's favorite detail in the hotel. "The little guy that saved thousands of dogs," Vanderpump told Popsugar, reflecting on Giggy as the inspiration for the Vanderpump Dog Foundation. "He's an icon, he belongs there. I felt it was a little too much to ask people to bow down at his feet, but I thought his being there was a nod to all he did for all the dogs in the world."

Upstairs, the hotel is comparatively understated. When I opened the door to my double queen room, I was struck by the soft lavender and pistachio color scheme. Photos of Vanderpump are everywhere (because duh) and a quote about the "good life" and "glory" appears in both English and French in the shower. Honestly, my first impression was that this is the perfect hotel for a bachelorette trip.

For a boutique hotel, this one has many convenient features. Before the grand opening party, I ordered a margherita pizza and arugula salad from room service, and it was just what I needed before a long night of imbibing and yapping in the sweltering heat. (The lemon cookies at Giada also can't be missed.)

In the morning, I appreciated being able to slip down to Starbucks for an iced latte as the all-night partiers and early-bird gamblers crossed paths.

And though no one associates a trip to Vegas with restful sleep, I did manage to reset at the end of each (very indulgent) day thanks to the notably comfortable bed with its crisp sheets and nice variety of pillows.

Vanderpump's got good taste, not that I ever doubted her.

What to Consider Before Booking the Vanderpump Hotel

While my stay made this Bravo fan quite content, there are a few considerations for prospective travelers. For starters, it is a boutique hotel, so it won't have as many amenities and dining options as some of the larger properties, like Caesars Palace or The Venetian up the street.

That said, Caesars is easily accessible via a walkway, so I enjoyed hopping over to the hotel to eat at Peter Luger and Nobu. Also, after a grand tour of every Vanderpump dining establishment in Vegas, I can report that Pinky's at Flamingo Las Vegas was my hands-down favorite. It's a four-minute walk from the Vanderpump Hotel and worth it for the Art Deco decor alone.

One other consideration: parts of the hotel still feel very much in transition, at least during my stay. The pre-existing Soleia rooftop pool, for example, didn't seem to have the full Vanderpump treatment yet. In fact, "Love Island USA" fans might recognize it as the season two filming location. I, however, look forward to its aesthetic upgrade, which I was told will eventually happen.

Who the Vanderpump Hotel Is Best For

My first impression remains true: the Vanderpump Hotel is primed for bachelorette trips. (Even better if the group consists of Bravo fans.) It's also fitting for anyone attending BravoCon, which typically takes place at the Caesars Forum.

Rating

The Under-$200 Carry-On That Changed My Travel Experience

Jessica Harrington — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:40:03 -0700

As a beauty editor, when I think of "buttery smooth," the effects of a good lotion come to mind - rarely does the maneuvering of a suitcase. Let me explain: my experience with luggage up until this point has been largely lackluster. My last suitcase boasted a handle with loose screws that always threatened to fall out when my group was called to board, and the four wheels on the bottom rotated at their leisure, though sometimes not at all. My luggage growing up was the family's collection of softshell bags that seemed to get bullied by baggage handlers and always emerged at the other end of my destination noticeably less perky than before. However, my less-than-stellar experience with luggage ended recently when the Quince Expandable Carry-On Hardshell Suitcase ($170) arrived at my door.

What I Like About the Quince Expandable Carry-On Hardshell Suitcase

The first thing I noticed about the Quince Expandable Carry-On Hardshell Suitcase is how easily it moves. I've rolled it over carpet (why LGA remodeled all of the terminals with so much carpet, I'll never know), concrete, and even cobblestone streets on my recent trip to Italy, and had no issues with the wheels getting stuck. If anything, this Quince suitcase moves a little too well - if you are on a sidewalk with an incline, it may try to make a quick getaway.

The inside of the bag is a highlight, divided into two distinct sections. On the left side, the bag has a zippered compartment. I like to use this section for shoes, keeping them away from clothing. While some suitcases have optional zippered pouches, this one should stay closed once you've packed it to keep your things organized. The other side of the bag comes with a removal divider, cinched in place with two sturdy plastic buckles. The front of the divider has a mesh pocket where I like to stash things like sunglasses, jewelry, and an extra book. On the other side of the mesh pocket is your standard suitcase interior, with the bonus of a small pocket containing a rolled-up bag for dirty laundry inside.

The suitcase is also very sleek looking. I went with the dark green colorway, and while I was initially apprehensive to go with something other than my go-to (black), I found it to be a complementary shade to my other carry-on bags.

What's Worth Noting About the Quince Expandable Carry-On Hardshell Suitcase

Fans of luggage with one large, open compartment may find the zippered pouch on the left to be an adjustment. While convenient for footwear or separating your items, the zipper can limit how much you fit on that side. That said, space-saver bags can easily help you combat any challenges there.

The suitcase also has a tendency to show wear. On its inaugural outing (a quick weekend trip), I noticed small scuffs on the hard shell from different surfaces it brushed up against. However, Quince has a solution: in the mesh compartment when you first open the bag, there is a sponge eraser (think Mr. Clean) that can buff out most marks.

Who Is the Quince Expandable Carry-On Hardshell Suitcase Best For?

This suitcase is perfect for the frequent flyer and weekend getaways. The expandable middle allows for more storage space if you're feeling confined while retaining the rigid exterior shell that protects your belongings. I know from experience that the suitcase can stand up to a two-week trip around Europe.

Where Is the Quince Expandable Carry-On Hardshell Suitcase Available?

This suitcase is available on the Quince website.

Additional Details About the Quince Expandable Carry-On Hardshell Suitcase

The suitcase is made of a lightweight and durable polycarbonate hard shell, with a water-resistant 75D polyester pongee.
It comes with a three-digit security combination lock near the handle.
You can choose from 11 colors, from dark green to lavender.
It also comes in four sizes: two carry-on approved (20 inches and 21 inches) and two checked-bag options (24 inches and 27 inches).

- Additional reporting by Adelaide Giesey

Jessica Harrington is the Section Lead of Beauty at Popsugar, where she oversees all vertical coverage across the website, social media, and newsletter. With over nine years of industry experience, she has interviewed numerous celebrities, reported on hundreds of beauty trends, and swatched more lipsticks than she can count. Prior to PS, Jessica worked for publications such as Makeup.com, Skincare.com, and The Zoe Report. She's based in New York City and has a degree in journalism from Hofstra University. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling with her husband, thrifting, and cooking.

Adelaide Giesey (she/her) is a shopping writer at Popsugar. With over seven years of industry experience, she is an expert in all things beauty and enjoys writing across fashion and lifestyle categories. Prior to PS, she helped shape the beauty verticals at Byrdie, Coveteur, and InStyle.

The Ultimate London Packing Guide - From a Chic Trench Coat to a Spacious Suitcase

Kyley Warren — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:10:05 -0700

There's truly no place like London. Even after several trips to England's storied capital, I still find myself pining for more. With the city's rich history, diverse food culture, elaborate architecture, and unmatched fashion offerings, London is a mecca for all types of travelers - whether you're a foodie, historian, or bonafide fashion girlie (I like to think I'm a little of all three).

Most recently, I was able to visit London, England by way of PrettyLittleThing, the UK-based fashion retailer known for its size-inclusive options and vast occasionwear category. The brand's headquarters are in Manchester - which is a short train ride away from London - but the label also has showrooms in other major cities. Unlike past trips, I got to embrace the city in its most quintessential form, with afternoon tea appointments, garden walks around Kensington Palace, and even a double-decker bus tour that offered a quick way to take in London's most iconic sights.

Now, with a couple visits under my belt, I'm confident that I've finally mastered the ultimate London packing list. From comfortable walking shoes and roomy personal carry-on bags to editor-approved travel accessories and seasonal coats, there are a handful of items that can elevate your next trip abroad for the better. If you've ever wondered what to wear in London or what to pack for London, I've created a comprehensive guide that'll simplify planning for your next trip. That way you can focus your time on what really matters - keeping tabs on the royal family (duh!).

The Ultimate London Packing List

A tech essential: Tacomege Transparent Ring Grip at $4
A coin purse: Nipichsha Small Leather Coin Purse at $8
A wrinkle spray: Downy Wrinkle Releaser Spray at $10
A portable door lock: AceMining Portable Door Lock at $12
A body wash: Shampoohotel Miami Hydrating Body Wash at $15
A guide book: "London: A Guide for Curious Wanderers" Hardcover Book at $15, originally $22
Pimple patches: Cosrx Acne Pimple Patches at $16
A TSA-approved toiletry bag: Popsugar Travel Bottles Set at $16
A compact umbrella: Goothdurs Mini Travel Compact Windproof Umbrella at $23
For organized packing: Popsugar Packing Cubes at $25
A multifunctional beauty product: Merit Flush Cruelty-Free Blush Balm at $30
An evening dress: PrettyLittleThing Black Plisse One-Shoulder Ruched Midi Dress at $33, originally $73
The perfect night-out scent: Salt & Stone Body Mist at $45
Comfortable walking sneakers: Nike V5 RNR Sneakers at $95
A trench coat: Banana Republic Timeless Trench Coat at $125, originally $250
Chic jeans: We The Free Tennessee Low-Rise Boyfriend Jeans at $128
An eye cream: RéVive Moisturizing Renewal Eye Cream Ultra Retexturizing Hydrator at $150
A packable pullover: Patagonia R1 Pullover at $155
A sturdy suitcase: Bagsmart Getaway 20" Carry-On at $160
Wireless headphones: Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Ear Buds at $234
A travel tote: MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote at $275

For Your Next Girls' Trip, Try Sports Travel

Lena Felton — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:20:02 -0700

When I walked into SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 13, my throat caught with emotion. I'd never seen a sports arena teeming with so much fervor. American flags waved high above my head, vuvuzelas blared, strangers high-fived and wished each other luck. The security guards and ticketing staff were all smiles. It hit me then: I was about to watch the US men's national team face off against Paraguay in the World Cup. Having grown up playing soccer, the moment was surreal.

I'll caveat this with an admission: I'm not, in general, a big sports fan. While I support women's teams any chance I get and I do enjoy watching soccer, I'm generally apathetic when it comes to major sporting events. I'll go to one or two games per season for Bay Area teams, but if I'm being honest, I'm mostly just there for the good time.

I'd also never considered traveling for sports before. Plenty of my friends plan trips to see their favorite athletes and teams, whether to catch the US Open in New York City or to splurge on getting a glimpse of Formula 1. And with the World Cup this year in 16 cities across North America, plus the Olympics coming to LA in 2028, sports-related travel is only projected to grow.

All to say, when I was invited by Airbnb on a group press trip to watch the USA vs. Paraguay World Cup game, I felt a bit out of my element. But after a few days in LA, I learned that sports-related travel can be extremely fun - especially when you're surrounded by likeminded friends. Our trip consisted of a group of several women in media, and we balanced getting hyped for the game with massages, hikes, and quintessential LA experiences. I love that this trip brought together a group of awesome women who could rattle off the top international players in one breath and their favorite natural wines in the other.

I also realized that sports travel, when done right, gives your trip a purpose, and it still holds opportunity for all the other things that you might love about travel, like adventure, good food, a healthy dose of relaxation. I'm not the only one: according to a report from Priority Pass, more travelers are pairing sports and wellness for the ultimate travel experience.

Here were the elements that convinced me a girls' trip with sports and wellness elements mixed in is a winning combination.

The Location and Lodgings

If you're a diehard fan, marquee sporting events like the World Cup, Olympics, and Formula 1 can give you an excuse to travel to a place you've never been before for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

But even if it's a city you know well - I've been to Los Angeles a dozen times - you can still use the trip to explore a neighborhood you've never spent much time in. We stayed in a huge house in La Brea, which was centrally located for a massive city like LA. It meant that we could walk to the famous vintage shops on Melrose (which I hadn't done since high school) or hop in a Waymo to reach the beach. Of course, you also want to take into account the travel to and from the sporting event you're there to see. Thankfully, we were only a 45-minute drive to the stadium.

Staying in a house, versus a hotel, also changed the feel of our trip. Our airy Airbnb allowed enough space for us to spread out, but it also naturally encouraged spending downtime and meals together (I especially loved the communal feel of the kitchen) - and when you're traveling with friends, that's what vacation is all about.

The Event Itself

When it comes to making sure everyone enjoys the sporting event itself as much as possible, logistics are king. Do your research on the best way to get to the arena and how long you'll need for security; also consider booking a car service or reserving Ubers ahead of time. In our case, pre-game performances started two hours before the match, so we left extra early to make sure we didn't miss them.

Having a clear exit plan with the entire group also made all the difference. While some folks in our group arrived separately, we all left together, which made getting out of the packed stadium much more seamless. Logistical snafus can famously bring down the vibes in a group, so giving everyone different roles to make sure you're prepared for the main event is key.

The day of the event, I'd also recommend keeping the rest of your itinerary light. Dedicating an entire day to getting rested, ready, and hyped up for the big game, all together, allows you to truly convalesce around a celebration. Maybe you plan a special activity like decorating T-shirts as a group or you reserve a kickoff brunch at a fun restaurant; whatever it is, this is the time to lean into the inexplicable "collective effervescence" of a sporting event.

The Rest of Your Itinerary

While the game might be the main event, make sure whatever extra time you have on your trip, you're planning the things you genuinely enjoy, both for some solo time and to make memories with the group. Airbnb set us up with several different Airbnb Experiences to craft itineraries that felt true to our travel style. I opted for a Runyon Canyon hike with rescue dogs, an in-home massage, and a yoga class and soundbath that the practitioner set up in the backyard.

But while those were restorative self-care options, the time spent all together as a group was so special. One of my favorite parts of the trip was a private chef dinner at the house: we were all able to eat delicious World Cup-inspired fare in the comfort of our sweatpants.

Ultimately, a sports and wellness trip with friends is about making sure you're able to enjoy a thrilling experience with people you love, a new place worthy of exploring, and downtime for you to unplug. After that initial moment of awe when I stepped into the stadium, I spent the following few hours screaming my head off, jumping up and down whenever the US scored (which was a whopping four times), and genuinely embracing being a fully fledged sports fan, right alongside newfound friends. I surprised myself a little at how much I enjoyed it all, and that was thanks to the gift of the game.

This Is What It's Like to Travel With an Invisible Illness

Samantha O'Brochta — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:30:03 -0700

One day, when I was a teenager, I felt a large, painful lump in my armpit and hoped it was just an ingrown hair bothering me. It went away a few days later, so I assumed my self-diagnosis was correct. A month later, another lump appeared, but this time under my other arm. These bumps came and went, but each time hurt terribly and there didn't seem to be any remedy but to wait for them to either die down on their own or burst open and drain.

I was too afraid to tell anyone about it because it was so embarrassing. It hurt too much to shave my armpits and the bumps made them look unsightly, so I stopped wearing tank tops. The bumps got painful to the point that there were some days I couldn't even lift my arms. The cysts spread to my breasts and inner thighs as well, which made walking painful and wearing an underwire bra feel incredibly uncomfortable.

As I got closer to graduating high school and going off to college, I finally decided it was time to figure out what was wrong and I googled my symptoms. It turned out that I had hidradenitis suppurativa, a rare disease that affects your lymph nodes and causes an intense form of acne-like cysts that only get worse with age.

After finding a dermatologist and finding out there's no cure, I spent years trying to deal with it through a combination of pills and minor surgeries that didn't work. Since 2014, I stopped the treatment and decided to deal with it on my own.

Invisible illnesses plague many people in the world. Outwardly, someone may look fine and healthy, but under their clothes or hiding beneath their skin, agony is chronic and constant. There are varying levels of diseases and syndromes that can affect a person, and my hidradenitis suppurativa is definitely not at a point where I feel too debilitated to live a blissful life, but it's taken a toll on me in an unfortunate way that makes my favorite activity of travel a bit frustrating at times.

I never know when an outbreak of cysts are going to erupt and cause excruciating pain. I haven't seemed to figure out any sort of consistent trigger for the lumps to come out of hiding to attack me, but I am always feeling irritation from them in some way or another. As someone who likes to travel light and wear a backpack to avoid lugging around a suitcase, I've had to find a balance when it comes to straps that cut into my arms. Trying to travel solely with a backpack has cost me some good days when it comes to the pain that follows.

As a curvy traveler, I already get the oh-so-fun chub rub when I do a lot of walking, but on days when there's a flare-up on my thighs, I feel so terrible when I am unable to go for long without needing to take a break to avoid the friction making the problem worse. And it's hard to explain to a travel partner why I need to stop without sounding like I have no endurance and that each step hurts internally to the point where I can't enjoy anything.

Sometimes I wish I could be carefree and wear a bathing suit and go out into the water and take a cliché photo with my arms up.

Sometimes I wish I could be carefree and wear a bathing suit and go out into the water and take a cliché photo with my arms up, looking all happy and unbothered. But embarrassment haunts me with every potential change that my armpits could become visible to another human being and they could see the mangled, lumpy skin that hides under there that I am so ashamed of. Beach vacations are about letting loose and relaxing, but I avoid them at all costs to lessen the chance of wearing anything that could lead to the exposure of my secret.

I cannot go a day without taking my clothes off for the night and there not being stains on my shirt from where my lumps have decided to drain on me. A normal person can pack clothes thinking they will be able to use a shirt more than once, but often my suitcase needs a healthy ration of tops to offset this unfortunate problem. And the smell these leaks produce is not hidden by deodorant, which makes me nervous every time I sit next to a stranger on a plane, train, or bus, hoping they wont smell the aroma that I have no control over.

It's bad enough that if affects my daily life, but when I travel, the stress of the planning and making sure everything goes right makes my disease seem to rear its ugly head and get worse, leaving me with one more problem to deal with as I try to see the world. Chronic pain is not a fun thing to have to worry about when you're seeking enlightenment and beautiful sights abroad.

But here's the thing: travel is my passion and I refuse to let this stand in my way. I may have to alter certain behaviors or avoid certain things to attain my goal of being a world traveler, but I am happy to push through the pain to make this happen.

I never talk about my invisible illness with anyone because it's a personal trait that I don't want to explain to people who might think I'm contagious (I'm not), but I think it's time to be open about my affliction and let others know they're not alone. Walking through the world while worrying about balancing my health and my passion is an odd path to take because I am constantly unsure of what aches lie before me, but I am determined to take on the challenge and hopefully inspire others to do the same if they're able.

Samantha O'Brochta is a travel writer and content creator based in New York City.

How I Made My Solo "Workcation" Feel Less Lonely

Emily Zirimis — Tue, 19 May 2026 08:57:50 -0700

PS Photography / Emily Zirimis

Last month, I flew to Los Angeles for work, admittedly one of my favorite places to travel to for a work trip. And while an out-of-the-ordinary rainy day greeted me upon touchdown at LAX, the familiar line of palm trees and nearby In-N-Out still pulled me in like a warm hug.

I'm typically a pretty flexible traveler, but at this stage in my career, the novelty of a fast work trip can wear off. So this time around, I switched things up and stayed at the Moxy Downtown Los Angeles, a Marriott Bonvoy property, which is designed with solo travelers in mind. (You can check out other Marriott Bonvoy properties using Marriott Bonvoy points for your next solo work travel trip.) There are multiple restaurants, a pool, gym, and more amenities located within the same building as the Moxy and its sister property, the AC Hotel.

Fortunately for me, staying at the Moxy DTLA meant a fairly quick car ride from the airport (gotta love LA traffic), which made for a faster hotel check-in. A lovely concierge at the front desk welcomed me in the moodily lit lobby area, and went over the various amenities, again reiterating that I didn't really need to even leave the property if I didn't absolutely have to.

Michael Kleinberg, courtesy of Marriott Bonvoy

I'm not a big solo meal girl if I can help it, so eating dinner alone on my first night of this trip was out of my comfort zone (growth!) but the staff at AC Bar & Bistro was welcoming and the vibes were elite, so I felt perfectly comfortable. I ordered an appetizer of marinated olives, the hanger steak frites with arugula and chimichurri, and the Oaxacan Sour cocktail consisting of Banhez mezcal, lemon, egg white, and Angostura bitters.

While still running on east coast time, I woke up early the next morning and headed straight down to Bluestone Lane, conveniently located in the first floor lobby where I ordered two different types of toast: the peanut butter and berry toast with strawberries, raspberries, honey, and mint on multigrain toast, as well as the avocado toast, which came with cherry tomatoes, feta, prosciutto, and a sprinkle of chili flakes, also on multigrain toast. (I couldn't decide. Both were fab, no regrets.)

As I prepared for a day out and about in LA with a friend, I chilled in my room - with a corner view at that! The cozy room featuring a king-sized bed overlooking the city provided the perfect solo escape for a work trip.

Since I knew I'd have at least one day to myself in LA before work ensued, I made sure to make both plans with a good friend, as well as solo down time for myself. It was a good balance of activities, and I felt like I got a nice dose of both. We went to vintage furniture store Pop Up Home, stopped by the Damson Madder pop-up, walked Little Tokyo, and paid a visit to Erewhon, a no-brainer for an East Coaster like me. That delicious $24 Hailey Bieber smoothie? Fortunately (or unfortunately), it is good.

I Went on an "Ex-cape" After My Breakup, and It Kinda Healed Me

Renee Rodriguez — Wed, 13 May 2026 10:35:03 -0700

Last September, I broke things off with my off-again, on-again, boyfriend for what was probably the millionth time. (Okay, officially, it was the third or the fourth time, but spiritually and mentally, it felt like a lot more.) Because it had happened so many times before, it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, but that didn't mean I was immune to the emotional fallout that happens after a relationship ends.

If there's one thing I tend to do after a breakup, it's overthink everything. By November, I could feel myself getting stuck in a constant thought loop, replaying conversations, rewriting outcomes - the usual. And although I hadn't run into him yet, I knew it was imminent. We both live on the west side of Los Angeles, frequent the same bars and hang outs, and even still keep some mutual friends. I didn't want my entire emotional state hinging on a chance run-in at Erewhon, so I decided I need to make an escape.

When I was invited to visit the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica for a five-day stay to test the spa and wellness offerings, I decided to treat it as something more intentional: the escape I was looking for, an "ex-cape."

In my mind, it's exactly what it sounds like: an escape from your ex, yes, but more importantly, an escape from the version of you that only exists in relation to them. It's not about being dramatic, or cutting someone off in a grand gesture. It's about quietly removing yourself from the habits that keep you stuck. And as much as I didn't want to admit it, I was stuck.

I planned to lay around, read books, enjoy the sunshine, swim in the ocean, and try to stop looking at my ex's Spotify for an entire week - a feat I hadn't been able to accomplish since we parted ways. (First in my bloodline to stalk someone's Spotify, by the way.) That plan, for the record, lasted about five minutes.

When I first arrived in Costa Rica, the Four Seasons sent over a full itinerary, and my immediate reaction was mind panic. The activities looked amazing, but the days were stacked. I'm talking early mornings, multiple wellness sessions a day, and structured activities back to back. Instead of lying around doing nothing, I would be participating in breathwork, energy work, astrology readings, and a few things I didn't even fully understand yet.

The activities were of course optional, but I decided to embrace the intinerary full force, and what ended up happening was something I didn't expect: I didn't even have time to spiral. On my first day, I participated in an energy-balancing massage, and later that night I participated in a Yin Yoga class at the resort's Wellness Shala, an open-air structure overlooking the ocean. You could hear waves the entire time, feel the humidity in the air, and immerse yourself in the environment.

Every spa or wellness session started the same way: I would sit down with a practitioner, set an intention, and actually think about how I was feeling. It was deliberate and purposeful.

The next day, I had a private session with an energy healer and reiki master. I'll be honest, I went into it a little skeptical. There were absolutely moments where I was like, "Do I fully understand what's happening here?" The answer was a resounding "no," but I felt calm and grounded afterward, which was enough for me.

Then, there was the astrology reading: an in-depth birth chart session that lasted close to two hours. I'm a Taurus, which I already knew, but this went far beyond that. We got into planetary placements, patterns, and life timing. In mildly terrifying news, however, the astrologist did mention that I likely wouldn't find my one true love until 2027. Sad!

The standout activity, no contest, was surfing. On day three, I finally got out into the water for a surf lesson, and it was the first time the entire trip that my brain went completely quiet. I'm not referring to a calm or regulated nervous system. I mean totally silent. There is something about trying to stand up (and eventually actually standing up) on a moving wave that leaves zero room for overthinking anything - including a recent breakup. Instead, I was having fun, dude. I was living. And it was great.

I must admit - the trip wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, I did get stung by a jellyfish and step on a bee (all in the same day), but I chose to look at those mishaps as character building. Throughout my time in Costa Rica, I found pockets of what I originally thought the trip would be: lying in the sun, reading, doing absolutely nothing. But the structure, which I initially resisted, ended up being the thing that helped me the most.

Through all of this, there was no space to think about my ex, no space to overanalyze my life, and absolutely no space to stalk someone's music-listening history. I could only focus on what was directly in front of me, and it was exactly what I needed. I had experiences that required my attention, my body, my participation.

I didn't come back from the trip suddenly healed or over my breakup. It took me several more months to actually get there. But for those five days, I was pulled out of my normal patterns. I wasn't sitting around and overthinking, I wasn't reaching for distractions that didn't help. I was doing new, unfamiliar things - things that were occasionally uncomfortable - but things that required me to be present.

Ultimately, that's what an ex-cape is - an opportunity to escape from the checking, the spiraling, the overanalyzing. And it doesn't need to involve hopping on a plane and leaving the country. It can be a trip, but it can also be a weekend, a routine shift, or a decision to do something different long enough to interrupt the pattern. Mine looked like Costa Rica, a fully stacked itinerary, and a few moments where my brain finally shut up. But the point isn't where you go. It's that, for a second, you stop doing the thing that's been keeping you stuck.

Renee Rodriguez (she/her) is a senior staff writer and producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for the PS TikTok and Instagram accounts.

Step Inside the Airbnb Where We Shot Our "Off Campus" Cover

Lena Felton — Wed, 13 May 2026 05:50:02 -0700

If you've checked out our cover story with Belmont Cameli and Ella Bright, the stars of the new Amazon Prime series "Off Campus," then you know the setting of the shoot itself plays a big part in the photos. A gorgeous pool, a stylish kitchen island - these are some corners of the beautiful West Hollywood home that feature in the final photographs. And you can rent the exact location through Airbnb.

Though you can't tell from the cover story, the rental home actually boasts five bedrooms and five bathrooms, including a separate pool house. One of our favorite rooms was the upstairs master bedroom, which has a huge walk-in closet and a private rooftop with an outdoor fireplace.

PS Photography | Emily Zirmis

But every detail of this house is expertly curated: its Santa Fe-inspired design makes it feel like an ultra-luxe oasis right in the heart of Los Angeles, as if you've just stepped into a wellness resort. It'd be the perfect choice for a special birthday trip, or a treat-yourself vacation with friends. And it's walking distance from trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants, as well as The Grove, a popular outdoor mall.

Over the course of our shoot day, our editorial and production teams spread out in the living and dining rooms, which have an open floor plan and large arched windows that let in beautiful light. That area flows naturally to the aforementioned kitchen, where the fridge is hidden and the long island truly steals the show.

PS Photography | Emily Zirmis

Meanwhile, Bright got all of her glam done in the pool house, which has its own kitchenette and bathroom. It was the perfect place for a rising star to get all glammed up and feel fabulous. And when it came time for the camera, our photographer, Sophie Chan Andreassend, mostly shot the couple around the kidney-shaped pool, which turned out to be an ideal place to conjure summer love.

Ultimately, this Airbnb was the perfect setting for a romantic, aesthetic shoot day. And trust us: if you rent it, you'll feel like you're getting the celebrity treatment, photoshoot or not.

The Romance in "Devil Wears Prada 2" Was Underwhelming - and That's Kind of the Point

Kristine Thomason — Tue, 05 May 2026 12:49:52 -0700

There's so much to love about the "Devil Wears Prada 2": the little winks to iconic lines from the original film ("that's all"); a dazzling display of designer fashion; and, of course, the incredible core cast who can really do no wrong (Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, I'm looking at you).

Admittedly, when the sequel was first announced, I was excited but cautiously optimistic. I've loved the original since I saw it in theaters as a teen back in 2006 - I was awed by the glamorous world of glossy magazines, and it served as one of the many media-focused movies from that era that inspired me to become a lifestyle journalist. And, given all the disappointing reboots as of late, I tempered my expectations before seeing the much-hyped sequel during its premier weekend.

As the credits rolled, however, I found myself pleasantly satiated. It was like trying one of the specials at your favorite restaurant - not necessarily as good as your tried-and-true dish, but enjoyable nonetheless. While it doesn't overshadow the iconic original, I was impressed by just how much "Devil Wears Prada 2" got right. For one, there's the fashion, of course, which not only provides incredible stunning visuals, but also acts as its own form of storytelling.

The movie also offers an accurate (and, at times, triggering) depiction of the precarious state of media and journalism as a whole. And, most of all, I really appreciated that the character arcs all felt organic and believable. In fact, one aspect I really appreciated about Andy Sachs' character (Hathaway) is how she is confidently, unapologetically on her own path - one that might look different from what society often deems the "correct" stage for a woman in her early 40s.

When we catch up with Andy, it's been 20 years since her time as Miranda Priestly's (Streep) assistant at the prolific fashion magazine Runway. During this time, she seemingly built a successful career as a newspaper journalist, reporting on the kind of meaningful topics she'd hoped to cover as a budding writer in the first film. She's a more confident, self-assured version of the Andy we knew from the early aughts - and, while it's not rooted in any kind of rejection of norms or sacrifice, she just so happens to be single and childless.

In a scene where she's catching up with former colleague Emily (Blunt), Andy nonchalantly shares: "I'm not married. Never found the right person. And my kids are at a doctor's office on 85th. They're frozen eggs right now, but I like to think of them as my little ones, Siobhan and Esther." The tone is casual and lighthearted. It's very clear the film isn't implying Andy chose her career over having a family, the all-too-familiar trope we often see thrust upon driven female characters - rather, it simply shows that she's been doing her own thing. The writers seem to be making it clear they're not celebrating or condemning this fact. It simply is.

Similarly, the romantic storyline in this film is very much a footnote. Andy ends up hitting it off with a contractor, Peter (Patrick Brammall), while touring a new apartment, and the two begin a sweet yet simple courtship. I personally appreciated that on their first date, he actually made an effort to read some of her most recent articles (as any writer will tell you, this is our love language), and they spent the dinner engaged in fun banter. I've seen some criticism about the inclusion of this love interest, claiming the writers could have removed the character entirely without it having any bearing on the story. While that's almost certainly true, I actually really appreciate this innocuous romance.

To me, it was nice to see an example of a kind, supportive partner who wasn't threatened or irritated by Hathaway's dedication to her job. His very existence in the film was a lovely reminder that ambitious women don't need to choose one of two paths: dim their light to appease a needy partner, or girlboss in perpetual solitude. It's the perfect foil to the first movie, where Andy's boyfriend Nate (played by Adrian Grenier) seems to be perpetually irked by her job at Runway; he is wildly unsupportive and even encourages her to quit, despite knowing very well that this grueling job was an important means to an end for Andy's career. It's frustrating to watch, and has forever cemented Nate as a villain for many fans of the film, myself included.

In contrast, the only conflict that occurs between Andy and Peter is in a moment of heated work stress, where she snaps at him, saying her work is actually meaningful and implying he doesn't understand. He appropriately offers her some space - not in a nasty or passive aggressive way, but as someone who is choosing to set appropriate boundaries. At this moment, my husband turned to me and said, "I don't know enough about this character to care if they make up." Again, I feel like that's kind of the point here: Peter seems like a very nice guy, but the movie isn't centered on this relationship. He might be someone Andy ends up with long-term, or he might just be someone who brought her some joy for a few months - either way, it's totally fine.

Miranda, similarly, is paired with a kind partner in this movie (played by Kenneth Branagh), who - unlike the husband we see in the first film - isn't irritated by the attention she pays her job over him. Instead, he seems like a fully self-actualized human, happy to share his life with Miranda. He offers her an ear when she debates a career transition, and never once tries to influence her decisions based on his own desires.

"In decentering romantic relationships, the movie frees up space to focus on other types of bonds."

In decentering romantic relationships, the movie frees up space to focus on other types of bonds - namely, female friendships. As circuitous as it was, I loved watching Emily and Andy's relationship evolve onscreen. And, of course, there was something very special about the dynamic between Andy and Miranda's characters - particularly as the film came to a close, and there's a newfound mutual respect between the two.

Towards the end of the movie, we get a poignant conversation with the pair, in the backseat of a car (a clear parallel to the "don't be ridiculous Andrea, everybody wants this" scene in the original movie). I won't give away this speech, but one part that stood out to me is when Miranda mentions that there's always a cost to success. I appreciated this sentiment, because despite the happy ending of the movie, the writers aren't trying to leave you with the watered-down notion that, "Yes, you can have it all." Choosing to focus energy on one goal or area of life inherently limits the others, that's simple math. However, the story makes it clear that women's options extend far beyond the binary of a thriving career or a happy home life.

This message wasn't forced or stuffed into the plot. It was simply woven into the stories of the strong, powerful women onscreen. And, as a 30-something journalist who has often felt "behind" in life, I have to say, this thoughtful portrayal of three motivated ladies was wildly refreshing to see onscreen.

Kristine Thomason is a lifestyle writer and editor based in Southern California. Previously, she was the health and fitness director at mindbodygreen, and the fitness and wellness editor at Women's Health. Kristine's work has also appeared in PS, Travel + Leisure, Men's Health, Health, and Refinery29, among others.

What It's Like to Date Amid a New Diagnosis

Shahamat Uddin — Mon, 04 May 2026 07:10:03 -0700

It was as cute a meet-cute as could be. Megan Nicklay, 29 years old at the time, had made it from New York City to Santiago, Chile, where she'd spend the next few weeks completing a summer internship she planned over a year ago. Luck would have it that the man who owned the apartment she was staying at had a son - a son who was flirtatious, handsome, and had blue-green eyes that didn't decide on one color or the other. It was May 2025 and on this particular day, the two spent hours strolling and chatting in the crisp air, finally making their way back to the apartment that brought them together.

They sat in the back patio and string lights above watched on as Nicklay's newfound crush inched closer to her. "Can I kiss you?" he asked. Nicklay was gleeful, but as he placed his hand on her neck she flinched. One touch closer and he might have known right then: known that she was wearing a synthetic wig and had been diagnosed with cancer three months prior.

"It was all in the span of a few months," Nicklay tells Popsugar. "I first felt a lump on my body in January 2025. I got a biopsy and then I was diagnosed on February 25. I had sarcoma. I started chemo right away, first round in March . . . Two weeks later, all my hair fell out and I started radiation. In April, I had finals. I had my cousin's wedding and was feeling healthy and I thought, 'Perfect, I can go to Chile for a few weeks and do my scans when I get back.'"

Nicklay says she spent many weeks in denial after receiving her diagnosis. She was at the tail end of nursing school and attempted to proceed with her life as it had been, as a single woman in her 20s who enjoyed dates, love affairs, crushes. But after chemo, her body was different, and she asked herself, "Is anyone going to love me? Is anyone going to want me?"

Stories about illness and romance often portray couples who've already built a life together that's then tested by diagnoses, as seen in "The Notebook" or "Still Alice." But a growing number of narratives, from "Dying for Sex" to "The Big Sick," ask a different question: What happens when illness enters the conversation before love has had time to take shape? For those dating in the early stages of a diagnosis, romance can become a negotiation between disclosure and desire, vulnerability and self-protection, one that plays out before the relationship feels secure.

For Nicklay, those questions weren't theoretical, they followed her to Santiago, to the night she kissed her new crush under patio lights, and she relished it: yes, this feeling is still there, yes, it is still possible, yes she knew it, but . . . did he need to know? Over the course of their two month relationship, Nicklay never told him about the diagnosis. To this day, she still hasn't.

"There was one moment I did almost say it," Nicklay says. "We were with a lot of people who were smoking cigarettes and he was going on about how he knew people who got cancer from smoking and people who would still smoke once they had cancer, like his aunt. Then he asked me, directly, did anyone in my family have cancer?" Nicklay laughs telling this story, pointing out that she did answer his question as asked. "I said no," she says. "The truth is that there's no cancer in my family. I did not lie. It felt like a lot to drop in that moment."

Their relationship lasted the length of her time in Chile, and when she returned to New York, Nicklay decided that she wouldn't keep her diagnosis a secret with future suitors. "I was kind of a catfish on the dating apps for a little bit," she says. Nicklay took a sort of "revenge mode" approach to romance after feeling "invigorated and inspired" by her body's response to treatment, going on as many dates as she could and maximizing romantic experiences to prove to herself she still had her past self within her. Yet that too felt off, muddying the waters of how she wanted to approach love and how she wanted to approach her diagnosis.

Crush after crush and date after date, Nicklay continued to test how cancer - disclosing it or not disclosing it - impacted a relationship's trajectory. Was there a way for her to bring that aspect of her life into a relationship without it becoming a secret she carried or a challenge she was trying to outrun?

For many, dating amid diagnoses raises questions about the conditionality of love and what's worth investing in, compared to diagnoses received during long-term partnerships, where existing bonds and the strengths of lived-in relationships are tested. Jesse Cole, a 30-year-old healthcare worker, witnessed the latter firsthand.

"My dad had brain cancer when I was pretty young and was entirely bedbound for the better part of a couple of years," he says. "He had 11 brain surgeries and was quite sick, and then my mom dealt with ovarian cancer for six and a half years before passing away a couple years ago. I saw the way each one supported the other through both of their journeys and it was truly the most beautiful testament of unconditional love and support I have ever seen in any facet of life."

Having grown up with this model of love, Cole was stunned when his own medical diagnosis accelerated the demise of a new romantic relationship. In October 2024, he started to notice "crazy-looking rashes," all over his body, later combined with "electric shocks of pain." At the time, he had been on a few dates with Ryan* after being introduced by mutual friends. The two hit it off, but ultimately decided against a relationship right then. Jesse's symptoms persisted and doctors attributed them to an unspecified autoimmune disease. In early 2025, Ryan came back around, telling Cole, who was adjusting to his new normal, that he was ready for a committed relationship with him.

"Through the first couple months of the relationship, I really felt cared for and supported," Cole says. "This condition impacts virtually every aspect of my life . . . and it's really hard to be present, to go out, to enjoy things, to do anything that resembles normal life." Cole adds, "There were times where he was attentive to that. He would ask how he could help and adjust his schedule to be more in line with what I could and couldn't do, all of the things that I would want from a supportive partner."

But, in July 2025, when the two traveled to Europe for a birthday trip, Cole says the nature of the relationship started to change. Traveling between cities was difficult for him. Plans had to shift to accommodate his wellbeing, and in the moment, Cole apologized to Ryan for a "less-than-ideal vacation," and Ryan was understanding then, but his attitude shifted when they returned to the States. He confessed to Cole that he didn't "believe in unconditional love."

After telling Cole he felt "burnt out," of taking care of him, Ryan told Cole that even if they were together and married for 30 years, if Cole were to, for example, get a cancer diagnosis, Ryan would leave him. "He told me if I was hit by a car and couldn't walk - and thus go out and party anymore - he would leave me. He told me he would leave me if I gained a certain amount of weight," Cole recalls. "Suddenly all these beliefs that I guess he had the whole time were presented to me as like, of course, this is just what people think, right? And I was like, no, that's psychopathic. That's really terrible to say."

Cole says that a confluence of circumstances led to the end of the relationship, but discovering Ryan's attitudes towards him and potential romance with people who are living with chronic conditions forever changed the way he saw him. "I was angry at first," Cole says, "but now I mostly feel sad for him." He adds, "There's a life you have where you're young, hot, and your body works, but that's not always going to be the case."

Julie Stamm was 27 years old when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007. She had just moved to London and was a few months into a budding romance with a coworker, who she would go on to marry. She's "not proud to say" it, but looking back, Stamm realizes her MS diagnosis kicked her into "lockdown mode."

"I think I married him because I thought, no one's going to love me with all of this going on," she says. "I didn't know what this was going to turn into . . . After seven years of marriage, I ended up realizing that even with this chronic illness, I still deserve to have excitement."

Once separated, Stamm was "really nervous" to reenter the dating world. "I didn't know what it would look like to walk into a bar, pick someone up, and have to say, 'Oh, hey, I'm gonna run to the bathroom a couple of times because I don't feel great,' or 'I can't feel my left leg, I need to leave,' or what I would do if I walked into a bar in high heels and then be unable to walk out."

"I'm going to find the hottest guy at the bar. He's not going to know I have MS and I'm just going to do it."

Still, in the months following her divorce, Stamm set out a goal. "I'm going to have a one-night stand," she says. "I'm going to find the hottest guy at the bar. He's not going to know I have MS and I'm just going to do it." The plan never came to fruition: On her first single night out, she met her now husband and shared her MS diagnosis within five minutes of meeting him. He told her he didn't know what MS was, and Stamm replied, "Just don't Google it." But over the course of weeks that became months that became years, Stamm found their relationship could grow around her MS, not in spite of it. "We haven't spent a week apart since that night."

A year into their relationship, Stamm's husband was diagnosed with epilepsy, a condition she was able to quickly spot because of her own medical experiences. She says showing up to support him allowed her to understand how he had shown up to support her.

For people living with chronic conditions, "disclosure can be one of the worst parts of dating," Jacqueline Child says. Jacqueline was diagnosed with a chronic condition when she was 14, eventually leading to requiring a feeding tube in 2021. She had been putting off the feeding tube for years because of feelings around shame and stress - and dating.

"I experienced so much ableism and discrimination on mainstream dating apps - people running as far and as fast as they can at any mention of a diagnosis, or assuming that dating me would be burdensome or too stressful," Jacqueline says. "And it wasn't really what people wanted to deal with in their 20s."

Her experience, however, eventually inspired her and her sister, Alexa Child, to start a dating app tailored for people living with chronic conditions, Dateability. "Something that I struggled with when realizing that I wanted to meet people with chronic illness or disabilities is that everything that was built for my community was super clinical," Jacqueline says. "I would either have to meet someone at a doctor's appointment or a support group, and that's really not that fun for me. So I was like, let's make this normal and just have it be so that there's no shame attached."

The sisters launched Dateability four years ago and recently celebrated their first known wedding between two people who met on the app. They've prioritized giving the agency of disclosure to their users, allowing individuals to select from broad terms like "immunocompromised," "chronic illness," "permanent medical device," and these tags show up on a user's profile like religion, political views, or similar attributes would on traditional dating apps.

Jacqueline and Alexa shared the story of Rachel, who met her partner on the app. Rachel was born with a disability, while her match was, at the time, recently paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury. "Her partner didn't know how to navigate his new reality and she taught him that there is so much joy even in being disabled and there are so many things they can do. She changed his life forever," Alexa says.

Rachel recently passed away due to complications of her illness. And though Alexa acknowledges anxieties around timelines and life expectancy, she shares Rachel's story to say, "Life doesn't end when there's a diagnosis." No human is immortal ("we are all going to die," she says) and time doesn't inhibit the magnitude of one's love, nor do chronic conditions. Instead, they can be catalysts for the fullest of love to be felt.

"None of us know our time," Stamm says. "You take away the disease and realize this is just life . . . If you try to give control to the condition or the illness, you're giving it too much credit. I ask myself, what can I control? I can control my happiness. I can have three slices of pizza. I can drink that beer. I can walk into a bar and within minutes, find the man who is my entire universe." Google it later. Cheers to now.

Shahamat Uddin is a freelance writer largely covering queer and South Asian issues, but also related lifestyle topics and entertainment. His family hails from Sylhet, Bangladesh, but after growing up in Roswell, GA, he now lives in Brooklyn with his cat, Butter. Outside of PS, he also has bylines in Teen Vogue, Vogue, Vogue India, New York Magazine, Them, The Nation, and more.