As April showers turn into May flowers, it’s time for another memorable Memorial Day weekend. This time every year holds a special place in the hearts of many Americans, especially those who eagerly plan and pack for upcoming travel. As the unofficial kick-off to the summer season, this end-of-May vacay is a quintessential American experience. Whether it’s a quick getaway or an extended 3-5 day weekend, MDW serves us all as an open door of endless potential for summer fun (and, of course, the outdated societal approval to wear white jeans). In any case, who doesn’t love a long weekend?
Our Condé Nast Traveler editors are obviously taking advantage of the last weekend in May. From international to domestic, from Panama City to Norwalk, Connecticut, all the way through the Pacific Northwest; and even to the islands of French Polynesia—our editors are jet-setting all over the world to set the stage for the summer season (and, of course, to enjoy a well-deserved holiday break). Here’s how our editors are making the most of their Memorial Day weekends.
Panama City, Panama
I’ll be heading down to the home of the Panama Canal for the long weekend since it’s just an easy five-hour flight away. I’ve long been fascinated by the history and importance of that artificial 82-kilometer waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific, but the more I’ve researched the capital—which is one of Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Places to Go in Central and South America in 2024—the more I’ve been eager to experience its jazz scene (it plays annual host to one of the world’s largest jazz fests), its diasporic food culture (hello, Chinese Panamanian cuisine!), and its historic colonial downtown (with plenty of beautiful hotels like the Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo). It’ll be my first time in the region, and—after nine days honing my Italian language skills in Milan, Rome, and Capri this April—I’m excited to put my very rusty Spanish to work. —Matt Ortile, associate editor
Seattle, Whistler, and Vancouver
After spending approximately four years talking about it, my husband and I are finally venturing on a road trip through the Pacific Northwest. We’re starting in Seattle and heading north to Vancouver and then Whistler for some outdoor adventure in mud season, which I’ve heard from so many is a magical time of year for bear sightings, off-peak rates once the snow has melted, and Indigenous activities in nearby Squamish—plus plenty of oysters and local wine. We’re staying downtown in both cities but mixing things up with two nights at the legendary Four Seasons Whistler in between. I’m intent on getting my hiking legs back into action, but also spotting some wildlife, and meandering plenty of vast, rugged beaches on the long drives between the two cities. —Shannon McMahon, destinations editor
French Polynesia
Continuing my year of far-flung travel, I’m embarking on a journey to the remote paradise of French Polynesia, the home of this year’s Olympic surfing competitions. This French overseas territory, a constellation of over 100 islands scattered across the South Pacific, has long been high on my bucket list. Staying in an overwater bungalow at the iconic Four Seasons Bora Bora is a dream come true—a true vision of luxury against the backdrop of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear lagoons.
Rounding off my Polynesian escape will be a 3-day stay at The Brando, nestled on the private island of Tetiaroa, once owned by the legendary Marlon Brando. The Hollywood icon fell in love with the island while filming in Tahiti during the 1960s, envisioning it as a carbon-neutral escape decades before sustainability became a buzzword. Today, the 33-villa beachfront resort regularly graces “best of” lists, including this year’s Conde Nast Traveler’s World’s Best Private Island Resorts. But the most coveted list it adorns is my own travel bucket list. —Eugene Shevertalov, associate entertainment director
