Luxury hotels, boutique hotels, and unique, unexpected places to stay are all exciting for me. As an active traveler, I love to explore both with and without an itinerary, often spending every waking hour wandering around. Visiting historical sites, art and architecture, finding off-the-beaten-path spots, sampling regional foods—from 5-star to street food—all are musts, as is getting to know locals (and their favorite spots). I often hire local guides to enrich my travel experience.