My trip began with a flight to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the night before my cruise, and a stay at a budget hotel near my departure port.

This was the first of many crowded bus rides during my trip. Looking back, I wish I had called a cab — especially since the next morning, I piled into a hot bus with several other cruise guests as I headed to the port.

Inside the cruise terminal, there was another long line to get through security. While I waited, I chuckled to myself as I read signs that said, "Adventure begins here."

My obstructed view of the ship leaving Fort Lauderdale was as frustrating as standing behind tall patrons at a concert.

But I found the maps on each floor to be helpful.

While people seemed to enjoy themselves, many communal decks looked and felt like crowded malls.

The outdoor decks had three large pools and several plunge and whirlpools. These spaces were crowded throughout the day. And even though there were rules against saving chairs with towels, I saw plenty of people doing it, so finding a spot to relax was stressful.

A Royal Caribbean representative told Business Insider that crew members might remove items from lounge chairs after 30 minutes. Still, they must also consider families and groups who may be in the pool or going to the restroom when enforcing rules like these, using their best judgment.

From the cruise ship buffet to activities like water slides and mini-golf, I felt like I spent more time waiting in line than enjoying the ship. For example, I waited in line for three hours to play a round of laser tag that was less than 20 minutes long.

At port stops, I waited in lines to go through security every time I left and returned to the ship. This wait time was less annoying than the other lines because it made me feel safer.

I often had to battle through crowds just to find signs for my excursions.

The Royal Caribbean rep told BI that the cruise line worked with local tour operators for its excursions, so air conditioning standards varied.

I hoped to capture an empty image of this majestic jungle bridge, but it wasn't possible without losing my tour crew.

The most enjoyable parts of my cruise were early morning walks on the top deck before other cruisers swarmed in. I think that if I were to book a less crowded cruise next time, I might like it more.

The Duchess of Sussex launched her As Ever brand in the spring, selling items like fruit spreads, high-end honey, and flower petal sprinkles.

As Ever's first two product drops sold out within an hour, and in June, the company announced it was debuting its first-ever wine, a 2023 Napa Valley Rosé curated by Meghan.

As Ever said its rosé is supposed to taste "crisp" and has notes of "stone fruit, gentle minerality, and a lasting finish," much like Provençal rosés from France.

The rosé retails for $30 on As Ever's website, and it sold out almost immediately after going on sale on July 1. The bottles are only available in packs of three, six, or twelve, so it costs consumers at least $90 to taste Meghan's rosé. As Ever has not yet announced if or when it'll restock the rosé.

I've been writing about the royal family and Meghan for years. I've also been closely following As Ever over the past few months as Meghan further expands into the lifestyle space.

Plus, I'm a big rosé fan when I'm off the clock, so I knew I had to try Meghan's wine when it was released.

I decided the best way to experience As Ever's rosé would be in a blind taste test, comparing it to a few other popular rosés on the market.

I didn't think it would be fair to assess the wines by myself, especially because I'm pretty easy to please when it comes to rosé. Give me a glass of pink, cold wine, and I'll be a happy camper.

Three of my colleagues graciously volunteered to spend a Tuesday afternoon drinking with me. (They are such givers, I know.)

Here's a quick rundown of why you can trust us. Spoiler alert: The main qualification is that we like drinking wine.

Callie Ahlgrim, senior pop culture writer: I did work at a wine bar for like a year, but that was a long, long time ago. And since then, I drink wine recreationally and copiously.

Samantha Rollins, deputy editor of entertainment and real estate: I'm a wine enthusiast who has been to France, the rosé capital of the world, in my opinion. So that's my only qualification.

Joi-Marie McKenzie, editor in chief, Life: I'm a new wine lover. I did not drink wine that much in my 20s. I love Rieslings and rosés, and I just got into red. So I think I would be quite picky because I'm sort of new to the whole thing.

Samantha Pettyjohn, senior lifestyle reporter (me): I love rosé, especially in the summer. I'm also well-versed in Meghan Markle and went to California wine country on my honeymoon.

For the taste test, I selected three wines in addition to As Ever, choosing rosés that were pretty similar in price point to Meghan's.

It seemed only fitting to include another celebrity brand, so I chose Côtes de Provence Rosé from Château Miraval, Brad Pitt's wine company. Pitt's Provençal-style rosé cost $23.88.

Next, I selected the $22.49 Summer Water Rosé, which is made on the California coast and offers a slightly different experience with a screw cap.

Finally, I included Whispering Angel, one of the most popular rosés on the market. It's a personal favorite of mine and is made in the Provençal-style like As Ever. It was $22.96.

As Ever ended up being the most expensive wine of the bunch, which wasn't surprising considering it isn't widely available like the others.

For the test, I put a piece of tape on the bottom of each wine glass with "A," "B," "C," or "D" written on it, which corresponded to one of the wines. The code was:

• A: Summer Water
• B: As Ever
• C: Whispering Angel
• D: Château Miraval

The wine was poured out of sight and given to us in a random order, so we didn't know which rosé we were tasting.

First, we tried Miraval's rosé, aka Brad Pitt's wine, aka "wine D" during the test. The flavor was a bit intense for some of us.

McKenzie: It's good to me.

Ahlgrim: It has kind of a sharp aftertaste.

Rollins: It's honestly kind of bitter. I usually like bitter things, but it's a little too bitter.

Pettyjohn: I like it. It's sharp, and I wish I had some cheese to eat with it. It has a champagne-y flavor.

McKenzie: And that, to me, resonates.

Rollins: There's something about it that I don't really like.

Pettyjohn: If a bottle were offered to me, I would certainly have a glass, if not two.

McKenzie: It'd be perfect for hot weather.

Ahlgrim: I think it's more of a dinner wine than a relaxing by the pool kind of wine.

Next, we tried Summer Water, known to us as "wine A." We immediately noticed that it had a pinker hue and a distinct aroma. As we took our first sip, it was easy to see why.

Pettyjohn: Oh, that is way more berry-forward.

Rollins: It's a little more effervescent.

Pettyjohn: This is definitely more pool vibes to me.

McKenzie: This is a better wine.

Ahlgrim: Lighter.

McKenzie: I didn't notice the aftertaste being that sharp on D, but now, this has no aftertaste, and I'm like, "This is better."

Ahlgrim: I like a funkier, tangier wine, but I think most people expect rosé to be a bit sweeter and smoother. So I think this fits what people reach for when they reach for a rosé, more so than the first one.

McKenzie: As a sweet enthusiast, it has my vote.

Ahlgrim: I don't know if I would spend $30 on it because it feels like such easy drinking.

Rollins: To me, this is giving rosé all day. There ain't nothing wrong with it.

As Ever was the third wine we tried, under the alias "wine B." It had the most unexpected flavor profile of the bunch.

Ahlgrim: Oh, I like the smell. This smells more expensive.

Pettyjohn: This tastes expensive. But it doesn't taste like rosé to me. It's good, but it is not what I would expect.

Rollins: This is like a very dry white, maybe.

McKenzie: It has a very bold flavor.

Ahlgrim: I actually like that I don't think it tastes like a rosé. It's much bolder than I expected. I feel like it's aged.

Rollins: There's something oaky about it.

Pettyjohn: It's fancy.

Ahlgrim: It's earthy, almost.

McKenzie: It tastes like a chardonnay. It is giving oak chardonnay.

The final wine of the test was Whispering Angel, which we labeled "wine C." It was a hit or miss vibe for the testers.

Pettyjohn: I do like this one. This is what I would consider easy rosé drinking.

Ahlgrim: Oh, this is bland.

McKenzie: It's very harsh on my tongue. I don't prefer this at all.

Rollins: Really? This one seems like an easier drinking version of B and D.

McKenzie: This one? I don't like it at all. I just taste more of the alcoholic taste, which I don't love.

Ahlgrim: Yes, I think there's very little flavor, and it's more alcohol-forward. This is my least favorite of the four.

Rollins: I feel like this one splits the difference between all of them. It's got a bit of the berry of the other ones, but it's still dry, and it's got the rosé.

Ahlgrim: If somebody gave me a glass of this by the pool, I would drink it, but I would not opt for this if I had the other options.

While we still didn't know which wine was which, we compared them to each other, referring to them by their letter code.

Overall, our takeaway was that Summer Water was the best for casual rosé drinking, thanks to its light and berry flavor, but the taste of As Ever's wine stood out for being unexpected and refreshing.

Miraval sat in the middle of the pack, while Whispering Angel was too alcohol-forward for McKenzie and Ahlgrim.

When we finally found out which wine was which, we were all surprised that "wine B" was As Ever.

Ahlgrim: Oh, that's the one that doesn't taste like rosé! It's weird, and I like that.

McKenzie: It was my number two favorite!

Ahlgrim: As Ever was my top in terms of what I like in a wine. I like a weirder flavor, but I think Summer Water is more rosé-y. But if I saw As Ever at the store, I would buy it again.

Pettyjohn: Me too. I would buy this again, and I think it would be nice if you paired it with fruit or cheese — that vibe. If you brought this to a party, your friends would be like, "Oh, the rosé you brought is so good. Where did you get it?"

Rollins: I would be curious to drink it in a cup, like in one of the "Love Is Blind" cups, where you can't see what color it is, and just be like, "What does that taste like to you?"

Ahlgrim: I admire that Meghan didn't take the easiest route. So many celebrities have an alcohol brand, so I think it was bold of her to do something that does not taste like every other rosé on the market.

Pettyjohn: If I put my Meghan Scholar hat on, I also feel this reflects her as a flavor. You think you're going to get one thing, but then she surprises you, and it's a really lovely flavor, even if it's not necessarily what you were expecting.

McKenzie: It's something that I would order again.

Pettyjohn: Me too.

McKenzie: Her rosé beats Brad Pitt's.

Ahlgrim: 100%.

Once we knew which wine it was, we checked out the As Ever bottle. Its 14.5% alcohol content — the highest of the four — surprised us, particularly because it didn't taste too alcohol-forward. We also liked that the wine seemed versatile.

Ahlgrim: It is the best bang for your buck if you're looking for the highest alcohol content.

McKenzie: 14.5% is pretty high.

Ahlgrim: That surprises me because because of how alcohol-forward I felt like the Whispering Angel was. I expected that to be the highest.

Pettyjohn: I like to make a rosé sangria, and I think As Ever would be good with that.

Ahlgrim: Ooh, with a bit of prosecco or seltzer in it? Yeah, because the flavor is so strong, it would lend itself well to a mix.

Pettyjohn: Yes, exactly.

Ahlgrim: It's not a poolside rosé. It's like a charcuterie rosé.

Pettyjohn: I can see Meghan on her patio, talking to one of her friends, and drinking it.

Ahlgrim, McKenzie, and I said we would buy As Ever down the line, though we want people to know they shouldn't expect a classic rosé flavor. Rollins had reservations, especially because the bottles are only available in three, six, or 12 packs.

Rollins: As Ever was interesting, but I definitely wouldn't order three bottles because of the price and strong flavor. You really have to love the flavor.

Pettyjohn: I would buy it! When I went to Sonoma, one winery had a rosé you could try, and it was very similar to this. It didn't taste how you expected a rosé to taste, but it was good.

McKenzie: It's a good wine. I would order it again. It was my top two. It tastes like a chardonnay, and I don't mind that.

Ahlgrim: The Summer Water would be what I would drink on a Saturday during the day in the summer. Then I would switch to Meghan's at night.

Pettyjohn: I couldn't have said it better myself.

A few days after the official taste test, I revisited As Ever rosé, pouring a glass for myself and my husband.

I gave it a sniff, inhaling that full-bodied, almost orange wine-like scent that surprised me during the test. It was inviting and bright, and as I took a sip, I was delighted that As Ever tasted even more refreshing and crisp than I remembered. My husband was a fan, too, and I had to remind myself not to drink it too quickly over dinner.

Meghan's rosé is a hit in my book, and I'm intrigued to see how her foray into the wine industry continues. Cheers!

The ship has 18 decks and 2,867 staterooms, according to Royal Caribbean. 

I booked a mid-tier room — a step above interior staterooms with no windows, a step below staterooms with a balcony, and two steps below a suite.

My 179-square-foot cabin had a private bathroom, a king-size bed, and an ocean view.

I was surprised by how big the sale was with such a big discount. To me, $1,000 feels like a huge difference in price for the same vacation.

I thought the stateroom made great use of a small space with plenty of storage for my clothes and other belongings. There were two closets for hanging space and more drawers than I used. 

After leaving to start my day each morning, a stateroom attendant cleaned my room. And after I left for dinner each night, they came back to clean up again. Every evening, they brought me fresh towels — sometimes creatively folded — and a flyer featuring the next day's schedule on the ship with the weather, dress code, and any other important information, such as a time change. 

This surprised me because I am used to having my room serviced once daily, if at all, during my hotel stays, and never in Airbnbs.

An electronic shade over the window could be brought down during the day to reveal some grand views. I loved waking up after a night at sea to a front-row view of the place I'd be visiting that day. 

While windowless rooms are cheaper, I couldn't imagine staying in a room without one. My oceanview stateroom cost about $300 more than an entry-level room.

I booked a stateroom at the front of deck eight and felt constant motion in my room.

Some nights were rockier than others. On the roughest nights, I heard and felt a similar sensation to thunder beneath me every few minutes. Loud thumps and heavy vibrations in my room sounded like large pieces of furniture falling. The first night this happened, I feared the worst, but over time, I realized that this was a normal aspect of cruising — but one I would likely never get used to. 

After talking to seasoned cruisers on the ship, several told me that the front of the ship is one of the worst places to be for feeling motion. Higher decks in the middle of the ship feel calmer and more stable, they said. 

Next time, I'd choose a room in the middle of the ship. 

All I had to do for safety training was watch a couple of videos — either on my room TV or on the Royal Caribbean app — and then check into my assembly station, the area that I was assigned to go to in case of an emergency. At the assembly station, an attendant checked via the Royal Caribbean app that I had completed the mandatory training.

I was expecting to attend a large safety training session once I got on the ship, so this alternative was a breeze. 

Since there were so many elevators on the ship, I expected them to be a pretty efficient way to get around. But they were often so crowded and slow that I took the stairs instead. By the middle of my trip, unless I was going all the way up to the pool decks, I always opted for the stairs to save time. 

The ship has 16 guest decks; each deck is divided into three sections — forward, middle, and aft. 

It took me a few days to get used to the sections, and I often found myself heading to the right deck but the wrong section of the ship. Luckily, there were maps on every floor, which I used until the morning I left. 

If I woke up on deck five of Wonder of the Seas with no memory of my cruise, I'd think I was in a shopping mall. 

Aside from the slight movement of the ship, the indoor decks were so big that, as a cruise newbie, it was hard to believe that I was on a gigantic boat in the middle of the ocean. Everywhere I looked, I saw shops, stands, restaurants, large sculptures, and a unique ceiling structure that reminded me of the malls I've visited. 

Aside from music festivals, I've never heard more live music on a trip than on this cruise. On the communal decks, musicians played for hours while people relaxed and played around them. I was also surprised by the eclectic mix of genres I heard, from rock to jazz to classical. 

In addition to the music hall, where concerts were regularly held, live bands performed on indoor and outdoor communal decks. Some people watched, while others listened while swimming, relaxing, or walking around. 

I like to be comfy, so I was dreading formal nights going into this cruise. 

I brought one fancy dress with me to wear whenever I needed. But on the first formal night, I realized that the dress code wasn't strictly enforced. People wore a range of outfits, from evening gowns to T-shirts. 

For the rest of the trip, I also relaxed my interpretation of the dress code. 

One of the unique things about cruising is that most meals, snacks, and drinks are included in the cruise rate.

However, on large ships like Wonder of the Seas, more than a dozen restaurants with specialty offerings like sushi are not included, and incur additional charges, either as a one-time fee or by the dish.

However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that some of the most delicious and satisfying meals I had were in the restaurants included for guests.

There were a handful of buffets with all different types of food, and the main dining room served a three-course meal with varying menu items each night. These complimentary options satisfied every single one of my cravings. One of my best meals was in the main dining room, where I was seated alone. 

The cruise ship was full of activities and restaurants that I could go to any time, but some restaurants, like the specialty ones, and all the shows on board, required reservations that I made through the Royal Caribbean app.

However, getting reservations for the show and meal times I wanted on the day of was often hard. So, I started making reservations days before each event, depending on its popularity.

For example, the circus-like acrobatic water show in the Aquatheater seemed to be the most popular and hardest reservation to get. I tried to get one on the day of the event, but couldn't find any availability until a show two nights later.

The excursion I was most thrilled about —  a hot air balloon ride over the Bahamas — was canceled the day of because the winds were too high.

It was on the last day of my trip, and with only one day in port, it could not be rescheduled. It was the experience I was looking forward to most, so I was disappointed. On a cruise ship, I learned that all plans are subject to change based on things outside the crew's control, like the weather. 

Since we traveled such a long way to each port, I wrongfully assumed we'd spend more time in them. The ship usually docked in the morning, around 8 a.m., and left in the early afternoon. 

I thought I'd have time to explore the port for a while after each excursion, but some of my excursions took the entire day, getting me back to the boat just in time for departure. I also hoped to see what these places looked like at night, but we never departed after sundown. 

Although I got a taste of the Caribbean, I didn't have enough time to get a sense of each place, which made me realize that I would probably prefer to vacation in just one place and have time to truly explore it. 

Overall, my trip left me in awe. I learned there's nothing like looking out from the top deck and seeing only the ocean surrounding you.

But next time I want to visit the Caribbean, I'll take a plane to one place and explore it deeply. 

Michele walked the red carpet in a black tuxedo dress designed by Michael Kors.

The neckline dipped low, and a slit cut the skirt on one side, creating a sexy and balanced look. Michele also let the dress speak for itself, wearing black heels and simple jewelry.

Strong wore a floor-length, long-sleeve coat dress designed by Badgley Mischka. It had a pretty silhouette, with its collared neckline, belted waist, and full skirt.

However, the green dress was covered in an array of hot pink flowers from head to toe. The pattern was overwhelming to the eye, and the look might have been better if Strong wore the coat unbuttoned with an unpatterned shift underneath it to break up the colors.

Schiaparelli designed Erivo's taupe gown, which had a regal feel that set the tone for her role as host of the evening.

The gown's column skirt had a sheen to it, while the off-the-shoulder bodice was covered in sparkly, floral beading. The neckline hovered around Erivo's frame, playing with structure.

Holmes wore a custom Prada ensemble to the Tonys. The look featured the two main colors associated with "Wicked," as it had a high-neck, green blouse and a column-style pink skirt adorned with sparkly beading.

The two garments looked like they belonged to different outfits, and the green top in particular felt too casual for the Tonys. Holmes could have stood out on the red carpet if she had paired the skirt with a better top, but the look fell flat as it was.

Tamara Ralph Couture designed Amal Clooney's white gown, which had an off-the-shoulder neckline and hugged her figure before ending in a scalloped hem at her ankle.

Rows of pearls adorned the dress, making it look like the lawyer was dripping in the gems. White heels with a pointed detail completed her elegant ensemble.

George Clooney, on the other hand, just wore a black tuxedo and bow tie for the evening. It's a classic look, but it would have been nice to see him add a fashionable flair to the outfit through a brooch or other accessory.

Escola won the Tony for best performance by an actor in a leading role in a play on Sunday for their performance as Mary Todd Lincoln in "Oh, Mary!"

They accepted the award in a custom Wiederhoeft gown that paid tribute to Bernadette Peters, whom Escola used to emulate in YouTube videos and live performances. She also wore a similar dress when she won a Tony in 1999.

Escola's soft-blue gown had a corset bodice with a halter neckline. Ruched, off-the-shoulder sleeves made of sparkly fabric coordinated with a swath of matching fabric on Escola's waist, which gave way to a sparkly skirt. A long train trailed behind them, adding glamour to the look.

A red wig and choker tied Escola's outfit together.

Chenoweth attended the Tonys in a blue gown designed by Christian Siriano.

The corset bodice had a pointed neckline with exposed boning and sheer panels on the bodice. The asymmetrical skirt was also transparent, sitting atop a shorter bubble skirt that gave it volume.

Everything about Chenoweth's outfit looked like it belonged in 2012 instead of 2025, from the boning and sheer fabric to the electric-blue color. Chenoweth could have updated the look with modern accessories or a fuller skirt.

Raver-Lampman's deep-blue suit consisted of a jacket with a bow fastening and wide-legged pants.

She wore the suit with no top, exposing her black bra and giving the ensemble a sexy edge.

Genny designed Soo's dress, which was made of a sheer fabric in pale pink.

The bodice was busy, featuring one strap, a large bow covered in beading on the chest, and a cutout. A fabric ruffle sat on Soo's waist, and the skirt flowed to the floor.

Although the dress had interesting elements, like the bow and waist ruffle, the transparent fabric distracted from every other part of the look, making the outfit feel busier than it was. Because the fabric was such a statement, the dress would have been better for Soo if it didn't feature the bow or additional detailing, as it would have offered a cleaner look.

The actor and content creator chose an emerald green suit from Naked Wardrobe for the Tonys.

Allen wore the oversize jacket open, showing off a low-cut white blouse and the high waistline of his wide-legged trousers. Heeled, white boots peeked out from underneath the pants, and Allen's glasses conveyed a sophisticated feel for the ensemble.

Hough's white Christian Siriano gown was pretty. It had a form-fitting silhouette before poofing out in a mermaid skirt made of voluminous tulle.

However, the ensemble felt imbalanced because Hough didn't wear any jewelry with the look and kept her bob down.

The outfit would have felt more cohesive if she had added statement earrings or a bold necklace. As she wore it, it seemed like Hough just forgot to add accessories.

Sink, who was nominated for best performance by an actress in a leading role in a play for her performance in "John Proctor is the Villain," arrived at the Tonys in a custom Prada dress.

The silky, silver dress had a low, V-neckline, and it cinched at her waist before flowing into a floor-length skirt with a subtle train. Sparkly, clustered embellishments framed the neckline and formed a bow in the center for a pop of texture.

Paired with silver earrings, Sink's gown was glamorous without being over the top.

Twiggy Moore designed Lawrence's mermaid-style pink dress. The gown was covered in large black polka dots, a strip of black fabric on the neckline, and a coordinating one on the skirt, complete with a bow.

The dark color and size of the polka dots were too much for the dress, and the gown would have looked sleeker if the dots had been smaller or a paler hue.

Lawrence was nominated for best performance by a featured artist in a musical at the Tonys.

Criss won a Tony for best performance by an actor in a leading role in a musical in "Maybe Happy Ending," which also took home the award for best musical.

Criss accepted the award in a black tuxedo, pairing high-waisted, wide-legged pants with a cropped jacket. The jacket featured white lapels and white buttons, putting a fresh spin on the traditional tuxedo look.

I've spent about 100 hours on Amtrak trains from the Northeast to the Southwest. In my experience, traveling by train in the US is typically more expensive than flying, though it depends on the route.

So when I was booking my travel from Vancouver, British Columbia, in Canada to Seattle, I was shocked that a coach train ticket cost $50 compared to the $150 basic economy airfare on the same day.

I certainly paid more in hours — the train ride took four compared to the roughly 1-hour flight. Still, I was excited to travel slowly and watch landscapes transform from one country to another.

I'd traveled in first and business class on Amtrak trains before, but this was my first trip in coach since I was a kid. So I wasn't sure how it would compare to my countless experiences flying in basic economy.

Since the ticket was less than half the price, I didn't expect the train seat to be so much cozier than the stiff, flimsy plane seats I'm used to. I even avoided the neck and back pain I usually get when flying.

On the train, the seats felt wider with more legroom than on a typical economy flight.

I stepped off the Amtrak train in Seattle around noon. It was my first time stretching my legs since I'd boarded in Vancouver four hours earlier. With an indie-rock soundtrack in my earbuds and the sun shining above me, I was excited to lug my suitcase on foot to my hotel one mile away.

But I quickly learned that a mile in Seattle doesn't feel like a mile in New York. The route was almost entirely uphill. When I stopped to catch my breath at an intersection, I noticed the street to my right climbed up even taller for as far as I could see.

In my city, I walk a lot, but most of the roads are relatively flat. So I wasn't expecting to feel so exhausted after just one mile.

Situated next to the coast in Downtown Seattle, Pike Place Market is an iconic outdoor market with over 200 stores and restaurants. I've been hearing about it for decades, so I spent my first afternoon in Seattle perusing the nine-acre shopping hub.

On a sunny Thursday afternoon, the market was crowded with locals and tourists alike. I shuffled my way through what felt like a line to get a peek at the fresh seafood. When I needed a break from the mob, I found refuge inside a used bookstore.

Every so often, a delivery truck would drive through, dividing the crowd into two tightly packed globs, but most cars weren't allowed to drive through Pike Place Market. This made sense to me, since each passing vehicle halted the pedestrian flow.

But I was surprised to learn that the open-air market's cobblestone streets are normally open to all cars — the city is testing a ban on cars aside from vendors, delivery drivers, and those with disabilities, the Seattle Times reported in April. The temporary ban began on April 23 and will continue until the end of summer.

I was lucky enough to inadvertently schedule my trip during the ban. I couldn't imagine what it would be like if cars could freely move through the already crowded market.

While wandering the narrow alleyways around Pike Place Market, I was slowed down by groups of tourists stopping to take selfies in front of a vibrant brick wall. The wall was spackled with an array of hues from peach to periwinkle.

At first, I thought the specks of color were dried-up chunks of paint. But when I saw a pedestrian pull a gooey wad out of their mouth and stick it on the brick wall, I realized the wall was a gum canvas.

I was shocked and a little grossed out upon my realization, but when I focused on how the wall actually looked rather than the germ-infested materials, I thought it was a playful work of art.

Before you ask, no, I didn't add my own contribution to the Seattle gum wall.

I lost my charging port somewhere between Vancouver and Seattle, so I headed to a Target near my downtown hotel. Back home in NYC, the Targets I frequent are small and offer little more than a drug store.

So, I was shocked to learn that this location was a 96,000-square-foot, three-story establishment. While still smaller than Targets you'll find outside of cities, according to the Seattle Times, the store had a wide variety of groceries, toiletries, and tech products.

There were so many aisles of home goods that I thought I could decorate my entire apartment with its offerings.

Seattle has long been known as a tech hub where software engineers move in droves to work at big companies like Amazon and Google.

Locals told me I could find the booming scene in the South Lake Union neighborhood, home of the original Amazon headquarters. The company's presence in more than 30 office buildings led to the neighborhood's nickname, "Amazonia."

Before visiting, I expected to find nothing but business-centric streets lined with glass skyscrapers in a tech-fueled neighborhood. So I was surprised by the large presence of nature in South Lake Union.

The neighborhood borders Lake Union, where I explored a waterfront park filled with runners, bicyclists, picnickers, and geese. Locals said the park is dead on the weekends, but tech workers frequent it during the week. Nearby, the Google building had a whole forest of trees on the rooftop.

The pop of color caught my eye while strolling through "Amazonia. In an outdoor space between Amazon buildings in South Lake Union, the bright yellow trailer is hard to miss.

I got a closer look and saw boxes full of bananas beneath the awning, and a sign that read, "Take one — not just for Amazonians but for anyone in the community."

I didn't expect to find a free snack stand in the middle of a city. Amazon previously told Business Insider that founder Jeff Bezos came up with the idea to provide a complimentary healthy snack with no wrapper. The stand first opened in 2015.

From a hotel's rooftop deck, a local pointed to a mountain in the distance and told me it was an active volcano.

I could hardly see the volcano through the haze, but they told me Mount Rainier, which last erupted in 1894, was more visible on clear days.

I was shocked to learn that this city, home to nearly 800,000 people, is so close to what could be a natural disaster. According to the Seattle Office of Emergency Management, the city is a safe distance away from a potential blast's flow, but water and power resources could be affected.

Seattle's mix of natural and urban lifestyles reminded me of my previous trips to Pacific Northwestern cities, which comforted me.

But I was surprised by Seattle's unique attributes, from Pike Place Market to the oddly alluring gum wall.

And since it was so different from NYC, I definitely plan to return to Seattle to get another break from the Big Apple.

Versace designed the actor's sleeveless slip, which was covered from top to bottom in translucent sequins. The dress also had a cowl neckline and the brand's signature hardware in silver across each strap.

She wore it with black patent-leather kitten heels, a micro purse in black, and small diamond stud earrings.

Also in Versace, Hathaway wore a white button-down blouse, a loose black blazer with a gold logo embellishment at its pocket, and straight-leg trousers.

Her party look was cool and chic on its own, but it became more feminine thanks to her choice of accessories.

The actor carried a sparkling gold purse, sported large sunglasses on her face, and donned heeled sandals with beaded detailing.

Her black Versace number had long sleeves, a deep V-neckline, crystal buttons, and an above-the-knee skirt.

The garment gave a feminine edge to a classic menswear piece.

It was her silver accents, however, that really stole the show. To complete her look, she added thick sunglasses, silver sandals with bow straps, and a shimmering purse with ring handles.

Getty wore a yellow Versace minidress with long sleeves, an all-over shell print, and a plunging neckline that revealed the middle section of her torso. One of Versace's signature gold safety pins held the garment together.

She completed the look with classic accessories, including black pumps, a crystal anklet with a cross charm, a gold purse, and hoop earrings.

For the Moda Operandi party, the "Espresso" singer stepped out in a sleeveless Versace dress that hugged her body and shimmered in the light.

It had sheer sequins all over its baby-blue fabric, a gold safety pin that pulled it together at the hips, and a thigh-high slit in its skirt. For shoes, Carpenter wore her signature platforms in the form of tan sandals.

The fashion designer wore one of the brightest looks of the night: a hot-pink suit over a yellow blouse printed with shell images.

She also wore platform Versace heels in the same pink shade, dangling crystal earrings, and rectangular sunglasses with cherry-red frames.

Domingo attended pre-Met Gala events throughout the weekend, and his cream suit from Eleven Sixteen for Wayman + Micah's party spoke directly to the 2025 Met Gala theme.

The bold tailoring of his cream suit represented Black dandyism, while the thick material and checked pattern made it feel modern. Domingo's tie coordinated with the suit, and his white shoes completed the outfit effortlessly.

On Sunday, Henson also played with the silhouette of a suit, arriving at the LaQuan Smith Met Gala party in a fitted jacket and matching wide-legged trousers.

The jacket was open on Henson's chest, mirroring the pointed hemline that cinched her waist. Sparkles covered the entire outfit, giving it a glitzy edge.

Williams is also a Met Gala co-chair this year, and he arrived at the dinner that Wintour hosts the night before the event in a mix of high- and low-fashion garments.

He paired a green blouse and a brown sweatshirt with khaki trousers and a Louis Vuitton trench coat. His coat matched his bag, and Williams added sunglasses and a yellow cap to the look.

The ensemble effortlessly blended styles, perhaps offering a clue as to how Williams might be approaching his Met Gala look.

Erivo's Saint Laurent suit was double-breasted, and the coordinating pants flared wide. Her blouse underneath featured a colorful pattern of stripes, bringing out the purple hue of her tie.

Tinted sunglasses and Christian Louboutin shoes completed the look.

Page's Brioni suit was bright blue and had a classic pinstripe pattern, which the actor juxtaposed with a more relaxed pink T-shirt.

Anderson said one of the most underrated trips they've ever taken was to South Dakota in the summer of 2022, where they spent the Fourth of July camping at Custer State Park.

"We were able to get a last-minute camping spot, and it wasn't crowded," she said. "You could spend a week there because it's so beautiful, and there's so much hiking."

It was a sunny 75 degrees Fahrenheit — perfect for hiking, Anderson said. During her hikes, Anderson appreciated the park's unique geographic features.

"Custer Park is known for having these rock spires. I've never seen anything like it," she said. "You get a really good reflection of the rock formations on Sylvan Lake."

The park is also full of grasslands and wildlife, from donkeys to bison, she added.

"You can drive from Custer to Badlands National Park, and you can also stop by Mount Rushmore," Anderson said. "So you can easily make a whole road trip there."

In July 2023, Anderson explored hidden gems in eastern Idaho.

"Grand Teton National Park is really popular, but on the other side of the Tetons, the Idaho Teton Valley isn't very popular," Anderson said. "They have amazing wildflower hikes, mountains, and waterfalls."

Anderson said she also explored sand dunes nearby.

"No one was there when we went except for a few people on ATVs," she said. "But for sunset, we had the sand dunes completely to ourselves."

"Sedona, Arizona, is obviously a really popular destination, but a lot of people don't visit during the summer because it's really hot," Anderson said. But when she went in late August 2024, temperatures had cooled down a bit, and there were still no crowds.

"It would be a good destination for people who don't mind getting up early to hike and or like hiking at sunset," she said. "We hiked at sunrise and sunset to beat the heat, and we had a lot of the trails to ourselves."

Anderson recommends staying at Ambiente Sedona, an adults-only hotel, and spending the hottest hours of the day at the pool.

"In South Carolina, everybody goes to Charleston, but we went to this place called Carolina Heritage Outfitters in the Edisto River area of South Carolina," Anderson said.

Carolina Heritage Outfitters is a tour company that offers treehouse camping by canoe. Anderson told BI that her tour guide said it's a popular activity among locals.

"You canoe downstream a very easy 10 miles to a treehouse, stay overnight, and then canoe 10 miles back to the tour company," Anderson said. "That was one of the coolest things that we've done. We travel all the time, and we've never done anything like that."

Anderson said she's been to Wyoming many times.

"I think, in general, it's underrated as a state to visit for tourism. It is obviously popular because of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park," she said. "But you don't really hear about people going other than that."

South of the Tetons in Wyoming, the Wind River Range offers a similar experience and is far less crowded, Anderson said. For maximum privacy, Anderson recommends pitching a tent at the free campsites in the Green River Lakes area, as she did in July 2024.

"You do have to prepare because it is remote, there's no service, and we took a 20-mile dirt road to get there," she said. "But there's nobody else around. You can go swimming, and the landscapes are so beautiful."

Medicine Bow National Forest is another underrated destination in southern Wyoming.

"We went there in the summer of 2023, and they have amazing lakes and mountain peaks that made me surprised that it's not more popular," Anderson said.

"Mammoth Lakes in California is really popular during the winter because it has great skiing," Anderson said. "Fewer people go during the summer, but it's one of the best hiking destinations we've been to."

Anderson went in 2022 and hiked through mountains, swam and kayaked in the lakes, and marveled at waterfalls.

"It's like a quintessential summer experience," she said.