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​Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants — Rent On Amazon

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is one of the best movies of all time, and I will stand by that statement for the rest of my life. The cast! The denim! "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield! The story follows best friends Tibby (Amber Tamblyn), Carmen (America Ferrera), Lena (Alexis Bledel), and Bridget (Blake Lively) as they spend their very first summer apart from one another. Tibby stays home to work (both at a minimart and on her documentary), Carmen visits her dad in South Carolina and learns he's started a whole new family, Lena's visit to Greece pokes at a decades-old family feud, and adventurous Bri bites off more than she can chew at soccer camp in Mexico.

There are so many relatable aspects of this nostalgic movie, and story doesn't shy away from how much growing up can suck. It taught me what it looks like to be there for my friends, how to navigate complicated relationships, how to build my confidence, and how to confront grief and anger. Plus, the movie takes you to four totally separate locations, and it's left me dreaming about Greece on more than one occasion.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is available to rent on Amazon Prime and stars America Ferrera, Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel, and Amber Tamblyn.

Aquamarine — Stream On Disney+

If you didn't have a mermaid phase as a child, did you really grow up in the 2000s? Aquamarine is just one nostalgic movie I can attribute that aquatic craze to, and the story follows BFFs Claire (Emma Roberts) and Hailey (JoJo) as they make the most out of the end of summer vacay. Hailey's mom is moving them to Australia, and when she prays to the ocean gods for a miracle, the girls find Aquamarine (Sara Paxton), a mermaid who's trying to escape an arranged marriage.

This is just another film that emphasizes how deep, selfless, and beautiful female friendships are. Hailey and Claire are willing to do whatever it takes to help Aquamarine, even when it puts them in danger. And for her part, Aquamarine teaches Hailey and Claire (not to mention me!) how to make the most out of spontaneous adventures. Plus, it gave us so many iconic fashion moments like A's seafoam dress. Thank goodness for that.

Aquamarine is available to stream on Disney+ and stars Emma Roberts, JoJo, and Sara Paxton.

The Cheetah Girls 2 — Stream On Disney+

At this point, The Cheetah Girls 2 is in the Disney Channel Original Movie hall of fame. The songs are catchy, the sets are gorgeous, and the cast is cheetah-licious! This nostalgic movie follows our favorite girl group: Galleria (Raven-Symoné), Chanel (Adrienne Bailon), Aqua (Kiely Williams), and Dorinda (Sabrina Bryan) as they swap New York City for Barcelona, Spain. They plan to win a local music festival...if the group doesn't fall apart first.

The most iconic part of this movie is definitely "Strut," and women from all over the world have recreated it on their own trips to Barcelona. Work it! Cheetah Girls 2 is the dreamiest summer vacation ever, but it also has so many messages about working hard to follow your dreams. The movie touches on honesty, sacrifice, and what it looks like to be bold, all of which are ideas I STILL need to be reminded of.

Stream The Cheetah Girls 2 on Disney+ now. The movie stars Raven-Symoné, Adrienne Bailon, Kiely Williams, and Sabrina Bryan.

Holiday in the Sun — Buy On Apple TV+

It's always a good time to watch a Mary Kate and Ashley movie, and Holiday in the Sun is perfect for when you have summer vacation FOMO. Mary Kate and Ashley play Madison and Alex, sisters who are overjoyed when they realize their Atlantis Resort vacation comes with their own suite. But when their new friend Jordan is blamed for theft, the twins decide to figure out who's really behind the crime. If you ask me, it's not a Mary Kate and Ashley movie without a little sleuthing!

This nostalgic movie is also a comfort film thanks to MK and A (I was obsessed!). And nothing says summer like the beach — it doesn't matter whether you're laying in the sun or playing with dolphins. There's also just something so sweet about young love, and when those relationships are paired with the twins having to stand up to mean girl Brianna (Megan Fox), it's like the perfect recipe for a 00s movie. Plus One Tree Hill's Austin Nichols?! Say no more.

You can buy Holiday in the Sun on Apple TV+. The movie stars Mary-Kate Olsen as Madison, Ashley Olsen as Alex, Austin Nichols as Griffen, Ben Easter as Jordan, and Megan Fox as Brianna.

The Parent Trap — Stream On Disney+

Thanks to Lindsay Lohan movies like Irish Wish, our favorite redhead is back! And every time I think about my favorite Lindsay flicks, The Parent Trap tops the list. Lindsay plays both Hallie and Annie in this Nancy Meyers movie, twins separated at birth who accidentally cross paths at summer camp. Armed with sass, pierced ears, and photos of their parents, the gals decide to swap places and get their divorced parents to fall in love. No big deal.

Movies about sisters always make me a little weepy (I really love my sister, okay?) and I love the extent to which Annie and Hallie look out for each other...after their summer camp feud ends, of course. From rainy days in their cabin to Hallie's California home and Annie's London flat, this film gives me all kinds of wanderlust, but the best part is the cast of characters. Elizabeth and Nick, Chessy and Martin, even the sneaky Meredith all come together to make this nostalgic movie one of the best Disney films ever!

You can stream The Parent Trap on Disney+ now. The movie stars Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson as Elizabeth, Elaine Hendrix as Meredith, Lisa Ann Walter as Chessy, and Simon Kunz as Martin.

Blue Crush — Stream On Peacock

I had SUCH a surfer phase in middle school, and watching Blue Crush is sure to bring that back to the surface ;). Best friends Anne Marie (Kate Bosworth), Eden (Michelle Rodriguez), and Lena (Sanoe Lake), plus Anne Marie's sister Penny (played by Mika Boorem) live together in a house on the North Shore. They all dream of becoming pro surfers, and when Anne Marie is invited to join a local competition, she has to face her fear of wiping out head-on.

There is so much to be said for how much these women take care of each other, both physically (they're all helping raise Penny), and emotionally. Plus, Anne Marie's biggest dream also being her biggest fear feels so personal as a viewer because that's exactly what happens in real life: the thing you want the most can also be the thing that scares the living daylights out of you. This summer movie also makes me think about the real-world female surfers who paved the way for the next generation — and I'm sure Blue Crush will be a nostalgic movie that inspires surfers for years to come.

Blue Crush is available on Peacock and stars Sanoe Lake, Michelle Rodriguez, Mika Boorem, and Kate Bosworth.

Summer Vacation Ideas That Don't Require A Passport

New Orleans, Louisiana

It's an understatement to say that New Orleans is festive. While we all know about Mardi Gras, it's safe to say there's something fun going on all year round. Our favorite area to explore is the famed French Quarter, but we recommend booking a hotel in the slightly tamer Garden District or a haunted property elsewhere in town. Luckily, NOLA is highly walkable and Ubers are readily available, which makes it so much easier to see it all. Get spooked on a ghost tour with Free Tours by Foot (they offer a variety of other, non-occult tours too!). Dance the night away on Frenchman Street, where the best jazz musicians in the city play.

Napa Valley, California

It's hard to believe that Napa Valley is only 50 miles from San Francisco and the bay area. The region, which is made up of five towns (Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville, American Canyon, and the city of Napa), is tucked between two mountain ranges. This means that the scenic views are endless, whether you're having a vineyard day or strolling through town. For a first visit, we recommend staying in Napa (colloquially known as Downtown Napa). Visitors will love the riverfront promenade and Napa Valley Wine Train. Yountville, the charming home to multiple Michelin Star restaurants, and Calistoga, which is a mix of Napa and Sonoma, are both absolutely worth a day trip while you're there, too.

Joshua Tree, California

Joshua Tree was designed with nature girlies in mind! It's made up of two different deserts, both with their own unique landscape, and dozens of picturesque hiking trails. The national park is just a two hour drive from Los Angeles, so flying into LAX is best if you're not a SoCal local. Make a list of your can't miss hikes (we recommend Hidden Valley) and get an early start. After a morning of hiking, cool off at a hot springs hotel (day passes are available for $8-$45, depending on the location).

Summer Vacation Ideas That Are A Short Flight Away

Toronto, Canada

Toronto is one of Canada's biggest (and most famous) cities. Fun fact: most NYC scenes in movies and TV shows are often shot in Toronto, thanks to the city's expansive skyline. Air Canada allows passengers to schedule a layover of up to 7 days in Toronto for free, but we think there's enough here to warrant a trip of it's own. One of the most iconic spots to visit is Casa Loma, a 98-room castle that's one of Toronto's most famous landmarks. Venture down Philosophers Walk, a scenic footpath, and spend the afternoon in Baldwin Village, famous for it's small shops and foodie-approved eateries.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Montego Bay is a lazy girl's best friend. While it's a tropical paradise that any traveler would adore, the hotels go above and beyond to ensure you never have to (nor want to) leave. Check into the S Hotel and spend your days enjoying the crystal clear beaches, dreamy pools, and delicious restaurants located right on site (there are four of them!). If you're feeling adventurous, book a catamaran tour or go rafting down the Marta Brae River.

International Summer Vacation Ideas Totally Worth The Trip

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is one of the seven modern wonders of the world, and something you have to see to truly believe. To get there, fly into Lima and spend a few days in the coastal city. From there, take a domestic flight (1-2 hours) to Cuzco and begin making your way to the mountains. Getting around the small mountain towns of Peru is no joke, so I recommend joining a guided tour for ease. Stay overnight in a traditional hacienda to continue taking in the beauty of your surroundings, and consider extending your trip to visit the Rainbow Mountains.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town has a little bit of everything: pristine beaches, vibrant city life, and untouched natural wonders. An extremely walkable port city, every neighborhood has its own personality. Check out the street art in the Woodstock neighborhood and then enjoy a fresh seafood lunch near the V&A Waterfront. Visit Boulders Beach, where several species of penguins live in harmony right on the beach. Take a day trip to the regions famous wineries, like Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, both of which are just two hours out from Cape Town proper. Spend two days on the Western Cape, where you can go on an African Safari and get up close and personal with the best of South Africa's wildlife.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Within the past few years, Denmark's capital has emerged from under-the-radar locale to a must-see destination for in-the-know travelers. Copenhagen was named one of the happiest cities in the world and in our expert opinion, it's also one of the most beautiful, thanks to Nyhavn, the famous 17th century harbor. First time visitors should stay downtown in Indre By, which is centrally located to fun activities and some of the most picturesque parts of the city. We recommend Hotel Bethel or The Socialist, for a more luxe hotel option. Stroll down the waterway and explore the medieval architecture, like Rosenborg Castle. Wander into Tivoli Gardens, a small amusement park with aesthetic gardens. Embrace the playfulness of Scandi Girl style, by supporting CPH-based designers like Saks Potts and Ganni.

Santorini, Greece

When thinking about Greece, Santorini is the first thing to come to mind. And for good reason! The infamous white-and-blue buildings have made their way into (almost) every piece of media surrounding Greece, and for all the girlies who grew up on a diet of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants rewatches, it makes our Y2K hearts happy knowing that the idyllic island exceeds expectations IRL. Since others have heard about the magic of Santorini as well, we recommend visiting at the beginning or end of the season to avoid the crowds and high prices. Oia and Thera are the most popular towns, but staying on the eastern side of the island will offer a more low-key and secluded getaway. We love Imerovigli, which offers an unobstructed view of the volcanic crater. To get the full experience, stay in a cave hotel. We love Perivolas Hotel for a luxe option, or The Architects Cave for a midrange hotel.

Seoul, South Korea

South Korea is a small country with so much to see and do. Make Seoul as your home base, and plan day trips to other areas of interest. Start in Hongdae, Seoul's most vibrant neighborhood, where you can try the newest street food and see edgy fashion trends up close. From there, make your way to Gyeongui Line Forest Park, a disused railway line turned lush, 3.7 mile walking trail. Venture into historic Seoul with a trip to Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was first built in 1395.

Marrakesh, Morocco

Morocco may seem like a world away, but with a 7 hour flight from NYC, it's actually closer than most of Western Europe. Fly direct into Casablanca, where you should stay for 1-2 days until you get sick of quoting the famous film. From there, catch the high speed train to Marrakesh, which is even more aesthetic than Instagram would have you believe. Check into La Mamounia (Anna Delvey's hotel of choice) and take your time exploring the local markets. Plan a morning at the Jardin Majorelle, Yves Saint Laurent's picturesque garden, and take pictures at the famed Ben Youssef Madrasa.

What is Materialists about?

While we haven't gotten an official synopsis on Celine Song's follow up to Past Lives, it looks like Materialists follows a professional NYC matchmaker (likely played by Dakota Johnson), via Deadline. When the matchmaker gets involved with a wealthy man, she realizes she can't shake her feelings for an actor-waiter from her past. Juicy!! It's giving a little bit of It Ends With Us, it's giving a little bit of Playing With Matches. I'm totally here for it!

According to Merriam Webster, a materialist is someone who has a "preoccupation with or stress upon material rather than intellectual or spiritual things." This feels like an indication we'll see these characters have to figure out what's important to them, and whether they prioritize material things or relationships. (But don't we all have to do that?).

Is the Materialists movie filming?

Yes, Materialists is filming in New York City as of April 2024! The first leaked videos from set (thanks to @mickmicknyc) appear to revolve around a wedding (which would make sense if Dakota's character is a matchmaker!). Based on the costumes, my guess is Chris Evans plays the actor-waiter, while Pedro Pascal plays the new man in our leading lady's life. The Vampire Diaries, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Friday Night Lights — will the love triangles never cease?!

Who's in the Materialists cast?

Materialists stars Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans. We're still waiting to hear about supporting cast! I'd also love to know whether Celine Song will pull a Greta Gerwig (who frequently recasts her beloved actors) and include Past Lives' Greta Lee in the cast.

When is Materialists coming out?

Materialists just started filming in New York City during the spring of 2024, so my guess is we'll see the movie in the summer or fall of 2025, but it all depends on when filming wraps!

Did A24 produce Past Lives?

Yes, A24 helped produce Celine Song's directorial debut Past Lives (which she also wrote). Past Lives follows childhood friends Nora and Hae Sung, reconnect two decades after Nora's family leaves South Korea. The week they spend together in New York will bring up questions they've both been holding onto — about love, life, and destiny.

The film was met with rave reviews from both critics and the Brit + Co team, and remains one of the most beautiful contemporary films in recent years.

What else has Pedro Pascal been in?

While The Last of Us catapulted Pedro Pascal even MORE into mainstream media, he's starred in a variety of shows and movies over the last 20 years! He was in an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and played the recurring role of Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones. Pedro Pascal joined the Star Wars universe with The Mandalorian in 2019, and was also in my personal favorite movie of 2022, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.

In addition to Materialists, we'll see him in the MCU's Fantastic Four and Gladiator 2. Talk about a packed schedule! I'd like to get his agent to schedule my entire life because that's some insanely impressive time management skills.

What has Chris Evans been in?

You probably recognize Chris Evans the most as Steve Rogers/Captain America in Marvel Studios' superhero flicks, but he's also done a number of other movies, too (including the 2005 Fantastic Four, which is funny considering Pedro Pascal is in the new installment!). Chris Evans has some great range, and is in everything from the wacky Scott Pilgrim vs. the World to the action-packed Snowpiercer to the mysterious Knives Out with Ana de Armas.

If you're a fan of romantic dramas and haven't seen Before We Go (which is also Chris' directorial debut), I totally recommend it. I've seen Chris in so many action movies that I loved how much space there is for the characters to get to know each other!

Where can I watch Dakota Johnson?

You can see Dakota Johnson in 2024's Madame Web, but you can also catch her in The Social Network, the Fifty Shades of Gray series, and two beloved YouTube videos: Dakota Johnson’s Favorite Comedian Isn’t Ellen and Inside Dakota Johnson's Serene Hollywood Home.

I also wholeheartedly recommend The Peanut Butter Falcon, which was written and directed by Outer Banks native Tyler Nilson alongside Michael Schwartz. The film follows a young man with Down syndrome who escapes an assisted living facility and becomes fast friends with a fisherman on the run as a social worker (played by Dakota) tries to track them.