Why wait for spring? We like Paris anytime.

stay

For an affordable room steps from the Seine, we suggest Hotel Esmerelda. A listed monument, this 17th-century building is a little lopsided but oozes charm. Unfortunately there is no elevator, but the higher you go the better the views of the Notre Dame. From CDN$140/night, 4 rue St-Julien-le-Pauvre, 5th, metro St-Michel +33 1 4354 1920.

shop

Romantic, ethereal and edgy, Moon Younghee is one of our favourite designers working in Paris. She only makes one of each piece and the shop is next to the atelier so you can pop next door to try on your clothes and see the patterns being cut. 62, Rue Charlot, +33 1 48 04 39 78.

eat

For the most decadent patisserie in Paris head to Ladurée. The orange flower macaroons coupled with thé Marie Antoinette (a blend of citrus, rose and jasmine) is hard to resist. www.laduree.fr

do

Rising above the rooflines of the royal palace, Sainte Chapelle is one of the most exquisite churches in the world. On a sunny day, the colours of the floor-to-ceiling stained glass will take your breath away. http://sainte-chapelle.monuments-nationaux.fr/en/

When one of our staffer’s husband had a business trip to Iceland (and a penchant for Uma Thurman), she did what any smart girl would do and tagged along. Herewith, the tour of Reykjavik.

sleep

You may as well break open the piggy bank, cash in the RRSPs and ask the boss for a raise as Iceland is anything but cheap. And since chances are it will be a once-in-a lifetime trip, do as we did and go all out with a stay at the gorgeous Hotel 101. We loved the balcony suites with perfect views of the bluer than blue sky and the most comfortable beds we’ve ever slept in.

http://www.101hotel.is/

eat

Iceland isn’t exactly a foodie haven but the seafood is plentiful and fresh. Visit renowned local chef Siggi Hall’s quaint, residential restaurant and order the catch of the day.

http://www.siggihall.is/english/Menu/

shop

Blonde, lanky Icelandic store clerks will guide you through the racks of Alexander McQueen, Preen and See by Chloe plus emerging Icelandic fashion designers at Trilogia. Prices are random so scour the racks for the best finds in this hipster haven.

Laugavegur 7, 101 Reykjavík, 354-551-1733, http://trilogia.is/

do

The Blue Lagoon

Soak away your worries (and flashes of your dwindling bank account!) in the soothing salt waters of Iceland’s most famous geothermal pool, The Blue Lagoon. Stop in the gift shop and snag a few of their famous products to recreate your own home spa. http://www.bluelagoon.com/

Eye-popping architecture, eclectic boutiques and one of the best restaurants in the world—our kind of town, Chicago is.

stay

A short skip away from the Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park, The James is a slick, hip alternative to the Marriotts, Sheratons and Hyatts. Rooms are spacious and airy and feature a mini-theater room for late-night gangster movies. Rates from $259 per night, 55 E. Ontario, Chicago, 877-526-3755, www.jameshotels.com

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Lie down underneath Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate and take in the city’s skyline reflected against the polished stainless steel surface.

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Located side by side, Wicker Park and Bucktown are a mix of luxe labels like Derek Lam and Rachel Roy and lesser-known lines such as Foley + Corrina. Don’t miss Hejfina, an inspired showroom of art, design and fashion. 1529 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, 773-772-0002, www.hejfina.com

eat

A trip to Chicago would be incomplete without a bag of Garrett’s famous caramel cheese popcorn. But leave room for dinner. Charlie Trotter’s exquisite tasting menu is culinary genius. From $120 per person, 816 W. Armitage, Chicago, 773-248-6226, www.charlietrotters.com. For Garrett Popcorn Shop locations, visit www.garrettpopcorn.com

Who doesn’t love Paris in the spring? But the culture, cuisine, champagne and shopping are just as fetching in the shoulder season.

Stay
Until Shangri-La Hotels finishes the renos on the Bonaparte family mansion, we prefer to stay at the très friendly Hotel Nicolo, just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower. Doubles from $175 including tax and petit dejeuner. www.hotel-nicolo.fr

Eat
Rubbing elbows with your neighbours is part of the fun at Left Bank bistro, Le Comptoir. A revered gastro-pub that serves expertly prepared regional, seasonal cuisine. Le Comptoir, 9, Carrefour de l'Odéon.

Drink
Culture? Check. Sipping bubbles at the Centre Georges Pompidou’s stunning eatery Georges is art. Absorb the avant-garde, Space Odyssey design and all-male legion of gorgeous French waiters. Stop in at twilight when the city skyline explodes into sparkling lights. www.centrepompidou.fr

Shop
Get lost down fabled French streets as you pilgrimage to the surprisingly subtle shop of the red-sole master cobbler, Christian Louboutin. Victor, a virtual Prince Charming, will whisk a stocking upon your weary feet as you step into the world’s most beautiful shoes. Hello Cinderella. 19 Rue Jean- Jacques Rousseau, www.christianlouboutin.fr

Do
Leave the masses at Notre Dame and walk over the bridge to quaint Ile Saint Louis for the best ice cream known to man at Berthillon (31, rue St Louis-en-l'Ile). Reminiscent of a 17th Century French village, the island features markets, bakeries, fromageries, cafés and adorable boutiques.