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TRAVEL

LIFE UPDATES

2025: A Year of Yes, Joy & Becoming – Travel, Traditions & the Magic in Between

I didn’t expect 2025 to begin surrounded by half-dressed people on the London Underground, yet there I was, unintentionally swept into the famous No Pants Tube Ride. Equal parts hilarious and mortifying, it turned out to be the perfect metaphor for the year ahead: unexpected, joyful, and a reminder not to take life quite so seriously.

Looking back now, 2025 wasn’t about ticking boxes or chasing milestones. It was about saying yes to moments, to people, to celebration, and to the kind of experiences that make a year feel full rather than fast.

TRAVEL

Visiting the Taj Mahal: A Beautiful, Practical Guide for First-Time Travelers

Some trips leave an imprint on your memory long after the suitcase has been unpacked, the passport tucked away, and life returns to its usual rhythm. Visiting the Taj Mahal was one of those moments — luminous, sweeping, unforgettable. Even now, years later, I can close my eyes and summon that first breathtaking glimpse: the perfect white marble, the quiet hum of visitors from around the world, and the feeling — unmistakable — that I was standing before one of the greatest expressions of devotion ever created.

The Savvy Bostonian smiling and pointing toward the Taj Mahal from the main viewpoint near the reflecting pool, surrounded by visitors and gardens.

I travelled to Agra in October while on a work trip to India, turning one free day into an opportunity to finally see this wonder of the world. What follows is my complete, stylish-but-practical guide — the way I would describe it to a friend over coffee, with the kind of details I wish I had known before going.

Whether you’re dreaming of India, planning a future itinerary, or traveling from your sofa with a cup of tea, I hope this brings a bit of beauty to your day.

FAB FINDS, TRAVEL

Stylish. Strong. Smart. My Honest Level8 Luggage Review

Christmas came early to The SavvyBostonian HQ! The doorbell rang, and two beautifully boxed Level8 carry-on suitcases appeared on my doorstep. It was the perfect excuse for an honest Level8 luggage review after my last carry-on lost a wheel in Birmingham.

Level8 kindly gifted me two of their best-selling models — the Luminous Textured Carry-On 20″ and the Road Runner Carry-On 20″ — to share a review here on the blog. I selected these two, as the Road Runner model has a front compartment for your laptop, while the Luminous Textured model is a similar to the carry-on that I previously had. Depending on the type of trip I’m on, I thought having one of each style carry-on would be beneficial. But, let’s get more into that in my review!

Jessica Gioglio standing with two black Level8 carry-on suitcases — the Luminous Textured and Road Runner models — for her Level8 luggage review on The SavvyBostonian blog.

BOSTON, LIFE UPDATES, LONDON, TRAVEL

7 Amazing Travel Memories From Summer 2025 in London, Boston & NYC

Every summer has its own magic, but Summer 2025 was one for the books. From glamorous days at Royal Ascot to a seaside escape in Margate, sparkling wine in the English countryside, and cherished trips back to Boston and New York City, I packed this season with experiences that will stay with me forever.

Whether you’re planning your own adventures in the UK or abroad, here are seven highlights that defined my summer.

A photo collage titled “Summer Memories” featuring highlights from London, New York, and seaside escapes. Images include: a woman in a purple dress at Wimbledon by the grass courts; Little Island floating park on the Hudson River in New York; The Vessel at Hudson Yards with a woman in a red dress; sailboats docked in Margate’s harbour; a woman in a white lace dress at Royal Ascot with pink-and-white hot air balloon decor; green vineyards at Ridgeview Winery in Sussex; and a Chelsea in Bloom floral display featuring a giant wicker handbag adorned with oversized flowers.

TRAVEL

Staying at the Harbour Hotel St. Ives: Your Ultimate Cornwall Escape

After a scenic train ride from Newquay to St. Ives, I arrived at the Harbour Hotel St. Ives, a boutique-style hotel perched on the hillside above Porthminster Beach. In true small-town fashion, I even met a member of staff on the train who pointed out a shortcut from the station to the hotel. Hint: it involves stairs, so it is best attempted if you’ve packed light.

I paid for my stay myself. Therefore, this review is an unsponsored account of my experience. Below, I’ll take you through the room, amenities, dining, location, and share my verdict on whether the Harbour Hotel St. Ives is worth booking for your Cornwall escape. As a bonus, I’ll embed my video reviews of this hotel, plus my St. Ives travel vlogs and blog posts at the end to help you as you plan a trip to this magical place.

Does that sound good? Let’s jump in!

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