Vacations offer the chance to unplug, reset and get away from the normal hustle and bustle. But, in the long run, they’re much more than that. Trips near and far are opportunities to create memories that last a lifetime. Whether with family, friends or a combination of both, a good trip will stay in the minds and hearts of all attendees for years to come.

Read one to hear from our staff about their most memorable trips.

British Virgin Islands & Isla Mujeres, Mexico

“In the spirit of ‘trips that you talk about forever,’ I am throwing it way back to 2007 and 2008. My childhood was filled with amazing, tropical trips with an even more amazing group we shared them with, who have all become more like family than friends. I am texting all of them right now to work out which details go to which of these two trips—the ones we continue to talk about nearly 20 years later. It’s hard to believe that it has been that long, and I wish all the time that we could go back to some of the moments we shared on these vacations. From taking kayaks to ‘deserted’ islands to all-night dance parties on the islands to learning to drive in golf carts to living off of the Fun Dip and Poptarts we brought in our backpacks, no trip was without antics, and these antics have very much lived on. Vacations aren’t just about the destination, though that’s great, too. They’re about the people we share them with. And I am so fortunate to have shared so many memories with the people pictured above. Don’t judge our outfits, though. It was a different time.”

— Riley Bienvenu Bourgeois, editor

Paris, France

“I was lucky enough to spend my 22nd birthday with five of my very best friends in my favorite place (so far), Paris, France. In 21-year-old fashion, the trip was planned extremely last-minute, with us leaving right in the middle of midterms (sincerest thanks to my professors who allowed me to take my exams early) and me getting a passport the day before our flight (you can actually get a passport expedited the same day in New Orleans!). If there’s a will, there’s a way! And once we made it there, the long days and nights were full of belly laughs and beautiful sights, making memories I’ll cherish forever.

The top highlight of the trip by far was spending the day at the Palace of Versailles. While we explored the many rooms and expansive gardens for most of the day, we only saw about a third of the grounds, and I begged to go back another day. The architecture, landscaping and Rococo interior design style had me in complete awe. And now, I’m lucky enough to explore that love of design in my job every day!”

— Sally Grace Cagle, associate editor

Lyon, Lisbon, Florence & London

“My favorite trip was about 2 years ago. I met up with some friends studying abroad with LSU in Lyon, France, just as their term ended. We spent the next 10 days country-hopping, going from Lyon to Lisbon, Florence and London before flying home. It was the trip of a lifetime, and my first time being out of the country without my family. Cinque Terre was my favorite spot. The glistening water and beautiful homes are what dreams are made of!”

— Ciara Venable, multimedia marketing consultant

Napa County, California

Australia & New Zealand

Keystone, Colorado, in summer

“After deciding we would host a wedding/family vacation, my husband and I agreed on Colorado as our destination, as it was one of a handful that met both of our non-negotiables—I had to get married outdoors in June, and he did not want to sweat. Planned in only a few months, it was the best trip ever despite missed flights, lost car keys and more than one fire alarm.

Keystone in the summer is a hidden gem. The ski resorts are nearly empty, which gave our large family a run-of-the-mill experience. And there was still a chill in the air, with only a bit of snow left on the mountaintops, making for an excellent reprieve from the south Louisiana heat and a big treat for our nieces and nephews. Keystone Lodge & Spa offered incredible mountain views, several restaurants and a cafè, a pond stocked with fish and paddle boats, a tennis center, an oxygen bar and a spa. That weekend, the city held its annual Bacon & Bourbon Festival, which was a blast for the whole family with cover bands, plenty of bacon, bourbon and beer for tasting and fun activities for the kids.”

— Bre Pizzolato, managing editor

Nevis, West Indies

“Last summer, my husband and I escaped to Nevis, West Indies, to celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary just the two of us. In a busy season of raising young kids, we treasure trips that are truly relaxing. Our daily rhythm at the resort centered around the spa. We made the hot tub and cold plunge a non-negotiable after every morning workout, and it never got old. The food and drinks were exceptional, the water was crystal clear and calm, and we even spotted starfish right from the shore. We loved soaking in the views of Nevis Peak from a distance, though the island does offer a full hike to the summit for those craving a little more adventure.”

— Caroline Smith, senior multimedia marketing consultant

Hawaii