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Growing up in Indiana, I never imagined I’d be jet-setting around the world! Between filming Selling Sunset, developing my lifestyle brand here, and precious downtime with Romain, travel has become such an important part of my life.
Here are my absolute favorite destinations (and yes, I’ll share all my insider tips!).
France
Of course, this tops my list! Not just because it’s Romain’s homeland, but because it truly feels like my second home now. The Bonnet family has shown me parts of France tourists never see.
Must-Visit Spots:
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Paris (obviously!)
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The French Riviera
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Provence (where Romain’s family lives)
Pro Tips:
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Skip the touristy restaurants – the best meals are in tiny family-owned spots
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Learn basic French phrases – it goes a long way with locals
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Visit during shoulder season (April-May or September-October)
My French travel must-haves:
Bali
This holds such a special place in my heart – Romain and I had our delayed honeymoon here! The spiritual energy, beautiful landscapes, and incredible people make it magical.
Favorite Experiences:
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Sunrise at Mount Batur
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Traditional healing ceremonies
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Exploring rice terraces
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Luxury spa treatments (the best I’ve ever had!)
Bali essentials:
Travel insurance (trust me on this one!)
London
After living here during my marriage to Drew (not my happiest time, but the city itself is incredible), I developed such appreciation for British culture. Plus, the real estate market there is fascinating!
Hidden Gems:
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Notting Hill (not just for the movie!)
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Chislehurst (where I used to live)
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Borough Market for amazing food
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Covent Garden for shopping
London must-packs:
Italy
This country holds such a special place in both Romain’s and my hearts! We try to visit whenever we can – there’s just something magical about Italian culture, food, and lifestyle that feels like home.
Must-Visit Spots:
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Lake Como (absolutely breathtaking – the luxury real estate there is incredible!)
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Tuscany (where we love to escape from everything)
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Amalfi Coast (the views never get old)
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Rome (you can’t beat the history and energy)
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Milan (for the fashion and architecture)
Our Favorite Experiences:
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Wine tasting at small family vineyards
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Taking cooking classes together
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Early morning walks through historic towns
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Sunset boat rides along the coast
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Finding hidden local restaurants
Pro Tips:
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Visit during shoulder season (May or September)
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Stay in small towns, not just big cities
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Learn basic Italian phrases
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Rent a car to explore the countryside
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Make dinner reservations in advance (especially in tourist areas!)
Italy essentials:
Something I love about Italy is how each region has its own unique personality – just like different neighborhoods in LA! Whether we’re exploring luxury villas in Lake Como (major real estate inspiration!), getting lost in Tuscan villages, or soaking up the sun on the Amalfi Coast, every trip brings new discoveries.
Quick Tip: Always ask locals for restaurant recommendations. Some of our best meals have been in tiny family-owned places you’d never find on TripAdvisor!
Travel Tips from a Reality Star:
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Always book refundable tickets (filming schedules change constantly!)
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Pack versatile outfits (you never know when you’ll need to film)
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Research neighborhoods, not just tourist spots (the real estate agent in me!)
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Connect with locals whenever possible
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Stay somewhere with a kitchen (room service gets old fast)
On My Travel Bucket List:
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Greece (Romain keeps promising to take me!)
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Australia (where Romain used to model!)
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Maldives
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Japan
My planning essentials:
Remember: These are real recommendations from places I’ve actually visited (no fake endorsements here!). The best trips are when you can balance tourist must-sees with authentic local experiences.
Pro Tip: When possible, I always try to check out the local real estate market (once a realtor, always a realtor! 😉). It’s fascinating to see how different cities approach luxury properties.
What are your favorite travel destinations? Share with me over on Instagram – I’m always looking for new places to explore!
Safe travels! Mary ✈️🌎
