Ever wondered where a busy woman decides to travel when she gets the chance to unwind? We invited girl boss, full time lawyer and frequent ‘girls getawayer’, Jade Smilanic to share with us her fave destinations to travel when she’s not in the courtroom…

Jade
Full-time lawyer, Part-time jet-setter

There comes a time in every young woman’s life when she asks herself the most serious question she could ever possibly ask … Paris? Or Barcelona? My answer, both! For those gals out there looking to do a bit of travelling, here is a little list of places I’ve visited that are must see destinations for all different types of reasons!

1. Paris, France
Paris - the city of love, as it is affectionately known, Paris truly is the most beautiful city in the world. Amongst the stunning architecture and famous Parisian balconies are the cobbled streets, lined with boulangerie's overflowing with croissants, and the museums and stores full of people admiring the artwork (Yves Saint Laurent handbag included). Any woman walking through Paris cannot help feel like a Parisian, independent yet vulnerable, indifferent yet adoring, and of course, beautiful. A pilgrimage to Paris should most definitely be on any woman’s to-do list!

.. but secretly the city of shopping and to-die-for macarons!

2. Maui, USA
Some of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen are in Maui. When people think of a trip to Hawaii they usually think of the shops and restaurants in downtown Waikiki, or a huge hike up Diamond Head mountain! But, perfect for a week or two away, there is little else to do in Maui but sip on cocktails, swim, and get pampered! I would highly recommend a relaxing trip to Maui with your gals for some down time.

My Maui unfiltered sunset! — My Maui **unfiltered** sunset!

3. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is known for its amazing nightlife, its beautiful beaches and its intriguing Gaudi architecture, and rightfully so! Barcelona is one of the coolest places in Europe, with a relaxed vibe, siestas (having an afternoon nap really is a drag!) and of course, sangria! There is so much to do, and so much to see in Barcelona that it will feel as though you have never spent enough time there!

Barcelona- where palm trees are found in the city and sangria is sipped on at all hours of the day

4. London, England
For those gals who love to be brunching in the city in the morning, sipping on vino by the river at noon, and finding quirky underground bars and restaurants in the evening, London is the town for you! An old English writer, Dr Samuel Johnson, famously exclaimed “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” London is a place where there is never a dull moment, with something new happening in the city nearly everyday, this is easily one of my favourite destinations. Just make sure to bring your walking shoes!

For fellow sweet addicts, brunch at Peggy Porschen is a must !

5. Dubai, UAE
Dubai is a city you have to see to believe. The sleek, modern skyscrapers sit teetering on the edge of a sparse, dry desert. Dubai is one of my favourite destinations for the diversity of activities you can do here. One day you could be doing a desert safari, the next, indoor skiing. You could be visiting a water park in the morning, and fine dining in the evening. There are no limits to the imagination in Dubai, and it is the perfect place for a stopover on the way to Europe!

Mall of the Emirates - where you can shop and ski all in one day!

Now all you have to do is book those airfares! Enjoy!

Jade xx