How To Spend An Unforgettable Weekend In Joshua Tree
There are countless ways to spend a weekend in and around Joshua Tree National Park. Bike, hike, climb, stargaze. Take a sound bath, watch the sunrise, and spot a shooting star. Rent a vintage Airstream or a modern Airbnb. How you spend a weekend in Joshua Tree is personal, and sometimes spiritual. Need some inspiration to plan a weekend in Joshua Tree? You’re in the right place. Desert skyDream beneath the desert skyThe rivers run, but soon run dryWe need new dreams tonight —In God's...
5 Top 5 Travel Wish Lists: Where To Go Right Now
I'm at Black Coffee, sitting on a cushy, green leather banquette—my usual spot. On my right are two well-heeled Washingtonians talking about Koks, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in, wait for it—the Faroe Islands. I can’t contain my excitement! I know Koks–it’s on my travel wish list! How in the world do they know about Koks? I’m dying to ask. Then reconsider. That would be weird. My excitement manifests physically. It's like I’ve had six espresso shots in as many minutes. I’m quite literally bouncing off the...
This is winter in Finland. An Arctic Family Adventure.
“Winter in Finland? Are you crazy? Who does that?” Having been on the receiving end of these questions not long ago, I gave my answers heavy thought. ‘Yes.’, ‘Unclear.’, and ‘Me, apparently.’ I don’t have the stats on winter tourism in Finland. But, I can say with absolute certainty, that for those who crave unusual and adrenaline-filled adventures, winter in Finland is the place to go. Read on for details of our week of snow-filled adventures in the Arctic. Who knew there would be so...
The best ways to explore Croatia. Land and sea.
Croatia is one of the most alluring countries in Europe. I say that with conviction, having visited three times in the past decade. Why is Croatia’s magnetic pull so strong? It is the rich cultural roots, devastatingly beautiful scenery, and welcoming people, for a start. Read on to discover two of the best ways to explore Croatia. “Land or sea, which is better?”, I’ve often been asked since returning from Croatia last month. Why don't we have a friendly competition? Allow me to introduce the...
Searching for the peaceful life, at Amanzoe, Greece
Google Amanzoe. Go ahead, I’ll wait. With 156,000 search results, Amanzoe is hardly a well-kept secret. What can I say or write that hasn't already been said or written about this palatial property? How can I uncover beauty not instantly available by scrolling postage stamp-sized squares on the phone? Or, found in a quick Google search? Let me give it a try. But perhaps first, a few things you will find in a quick Google search of Amanzoe, because essentials are still important, naturally. Amanzoe,...
Uganda, what to see beyond the famous silverback gorillas
What to see, where to stay, and what to do, in Uganda / The famous silverback gorillas are certainly what put Uganda on the map for tourism. And rightly so, as it is the only part of the world where one can see these peaceful, majestic primates. There are none in captivity, so in order to spend any time with them, one must be prepared to travel far. And travel far I did, for a fleeting two hours observing them that I wouldn't trade for...
The Mighty Silverbacks of Uganda: How To Find Them
Last January, I received a text from a friend of a friend: ‘Happy New Year! Would you like to go gorilla tracking with me in Uganda?’ I stared at the screen for a nanosecond and wrote back, ‘Yes!’ A nanosecond later, I wrote, ‘Wait... what?’ So began nine months of planning that would eventually take us to see the indigenous Batwa Pygmies, through dusty local villages, over the golden savannah of Ishasha, into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and ultimately, to the magical moment of finding...
A Passport’s Life (and 10 places to go next)
Is your passport ready? Lately, I've thought much about where I have already been and more about where I would like to go next. I have taken a hard look at my soon-to-expire passport. What kind of life will my future passport lead? I have ten ideas, or so. I am an obsessive collector. At ten, I started collecting postage stamps, fascinated by the colorful, miniature designs and illustrations. By twelve, I was also collecting stickers; Hello Kitty, Miffy, scratch ‘n’ sniff, sparkly, and those...
Botswana is The Magic Kingdom
Why go to Botswana? Traveling to Botswana for a safari with my family remains one of my top experiences. Having the opportunity to see the wildlife of remote Botswana and travel through the vast inlets of the Okavango Delta was life-altering. I hope that Botswana stays as untouched and wild as the week we spent there a few years ago. Read on to discover the magic of Africa, Botswana, and the animals of the Okavango Delta. There is no sound I can think of that...
Is San Miguel the World’s Best City? You decide.
Exploring San Miguel de Allende, Mexico / Visit San Miguel de Allende between March and April. That's when the intensely vivid purple Jacaranda trees take over the already majestic landscape. But even if you miss the blooming Jacarandas, you won’t be disappointed. San Miguel is a city that is entirely built around color. Rich ochres, terra cottas, burnt oranges, and lush persimmon dress the Spanish Colonial architecture. They fill every street and passageway with warmth. Throughout the day, light bounces off the colorful stucco walls,...