Wild & Curious Deer of Nara Park
Located in Japan’s Kansai region just south of Kyoto and east of Osaka, Nara is a true hidden gem. It's home to many early emperor palaces, large Shinto shrines and over 1,200 wild and hungry deer that roam freely.
San Pedro de Atacama’s Serene Desert Magic
Chile’s San Pedro de Atacama sits 8,000 feet above sea level and offers outdoor activities like trekking, hiking, amateur astronomy, archaeological sightings and sandboarding in one of the most unique places in the world.
Yala National Park Safari — Wild Encounters at Sri Lanka’s Rugged Edge
Once the capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom of Ruhuna as early as the 3rd century BC, Tissamaharama is steeped in history. This quiet town in Sri Lanka is known for Buddhist monasteries, beautiful beaches and wildlife reserves like Yala National Park, where visitors can join a wildlife safari.
Floating Gardens of Xochimilco
A district of Mexico City, Xochimilco is known for its canals and chinampas, a farming system developed by the Aztecs to cultivate crops using the surrounding lakes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco harness unique agricultural techniques still in use today.
Athens of Africa
Fes, Morocco’s cultural heart, charms with the walled medina Fes El Bali — alive with art, architecture and crafts — while the world beyond its walls awaits discovery.
Mirissa Essentials: Sun-Kissed Shores, Swaying Palms & Coastal Charms
Mirissa: a sleepy southern Sri Lankan gem where salt and sizzling seafood fill the air, crescent beaches beguile, whale-watching awes and Galle waits nearby.
Hot Air Balloons & Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia
Central Turkey's dry region of Cappadocia is known for its magical fairy chimneys, hot air balloons and mysterious caves. To unwind, enjoy hookah, browse for local artifacts or smash a fiery clay pot overflowing with testi kebab for dinner.
Emerald Green Bamboo Forests of Arashiyama
Emerald bamboo groves in Arashiyama enchant at first sight — linger to wander serene temples, photogenic shrines and cherry blossoms drifting along the Ōi River.
Untouched Beaches, Wild Horses & Bioluminescent Bay of Vieques Island
An island off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, Vieques is a land of untouched beaches, roaming wild horses and spark-filled Bioluminescent Bay.
Adriatic’s Coastal Medieval Town of Kotor
Kotor, a fortified jewel on Montenegro’s Adriatic, nestles in the fjord-like Bay of Kotor with ancient ruins, winding lanes and irresistible old-world charm.
Little Gem of the Balkans
Mostar, a Balkan jewel on the Neretva, charms with its Ottoman-era stone bridge — once watched by bridge keepers — now a UNESCO-listed fairytale town.
Ella’s Must Do’s: Epic Waterfalls, Train Rides & Jungle Mountains
Ella’s iconic Nine Arches Bridge — a steel‑free viaduct amid rolling hills, tea fields and cloud forests — plus thunderous waterfalls, scenic train rides and sacred temples.
CDMX: Ancient Aztec City of Tenochtitlán
A lush metropolis brimming with green space and vibrant energy, Mexico City dazzles with world-class art, fascinating architecture and unforgettable cuisine.
Santiago’s Chilean Wine, World Class Cuisine & Undeniable Art Scene
With an unimaginable food scene, delicious Chilean wine and streets filled with art, history and culture, Santiago is worth getting to know.
Fushimi Inari Taisha’s 10,000 Torii Gates
Discover 10,000 torii gates with this travel guide to Japan’s Fushimi Inari Taisha — a shrine of foxes, prosperity, rice, tea, sake and the spirited deity Inari Ōkami.
Pearl of the Adriatic
“Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik perches on southern Dalmatia’s coast, its 16th-century stone walls encircling a charming Old Town of seafood feasts and quaint boutiques.
Nuwara Eliya’s City of Light
Once a retreat for the British elite and colonial planters of the country’s tea industry, Nuwara Eliya lies in the misty hills of central Sri Lanka with the nickname, “City of Light.” The town has a temperate, chilly climate and is littered with colonial style bungalows and tea plantations.
13 Travel Do’s & Don’ts — A Guide to Smart Solo Adventuring
With nearly 20 years and almost 60 countries under my belt, I still remind new travelers: a few smart tips are all it takes for a smooth, safe, adventure.
Charming Temples, Gardens & Geisha of Kyoto
Coined the "City of a Thousand Temples," Kyoto oozes old world charm, steeped in centuries of spiritual tradition. It's also the perfect jumping off point for areas like Japan’s Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Nara Park.
Candy Colored Colonial City of Antigua
Founded in the early 16th century, Antigua is a small town in Guatemala surrounded by massive volcanoes and famed for its candy colored Spanish colonial buildings.