The data is in: millennials and Gen X are flocking to travel agencies once again. But what’s behind the sudden uptick after decades of steady decline at travel agencies? To put it simply, travel agents can take the work out of planning…
Packing well for a vacation takes experience. Even well-rounded travelers are apt to forget things at the last minute, from important medications to lucky socks. Other obstacles tend to pop up, too, like leaking shampoo bottles and buried…
Travelers are hitting the road with their pets in higher numbers than ever before. In fact, many hotels are opening their doors for canine friends. Airlines, too, have stepped up to offer more dynamic options for those traveling with pets.…
I dream of solitude. Not just some time alone, but the kind of solitude that might make others uncomfortable. I don’t want to see another human, or hear their voice, or smell their pungent perfumes. No flirty men, no cute dogs, no sign of…
Everyone dreams of extravagant vacations. Unfortunately for most, over-the-top and luxurious trips don’t come around often. They’re usually reserved for some of life’s greater moments, whether a honeymoon or a landmark birthday. But for…
Maybe not everyone actively dreams of owning a private island. But who would pass up the chance to claim one as their own—especially an affordable private island? I’ve been interested in private islands for a while now. Recently, I covered…
Megan Markle is one of the most famous Americans in the world. Since her marriage to Prince Harry and transformation as the Duchess of Sussex, there’s been almost non-stop attention on the Royal couple. It’s been a bumpy and controversial…
Spain has the Camino. China has the Silk Road. The United States has the Oregon Trail. Despite the fact that this perilous trail was only used by pioneers for a short period of time (between 40-60 years), it remains prominent in the…
Ever heard of the Camino de Santiago? If you have a background in travel, European history, or Catholicism, you’ve probably heard of it once or twice. The Camino de Santiago is a thousand-year-old pilgrimage route that leads to a church in…
I’m shifting slightly away from my obsession with swamps to focus on the world’s largest wetlands: South America’s Pantanal region. It’s way vaster than Louisiana’s Bayous and Florida’s Everglades put together, stretching across Brazil,…
When you imagine the world’s most beer-centric country, what comes to mind? Most people probably think about the UK, Germany, or maybe even the US and Korea. The latter nations have had prominent beer and brewery cultures that took off in…
I remember the first time I saw someone wrap their luggage in plastic at the airport. I had a few pressing questions. What purpose does that serve? How long has this been happening? And—for the love of god—how long does it take to cut…
I’ve written extensively about tourism trends. At the moment, a few of the world’s most-visited locations include Portugal, Dubai, and Bali. Travelers from around the world flock to them by the millions each year. Every hotspot has its own…
Colombia is one of the most mystical and stunning places on earth. The Sierra Nevada mountains are towering and blanketed in healthy green jungles. The country’s coastlines have clear waters and sandy beaches. Most are rimmed with—guess…
You probably don’t think about South Africa when someone brings up fine wines. However, much of South Africa’s climate is ideal for growing a range of grapes. Just like Italy, France, and Napa Valley, South Africa is dry and sunny for much…
When you imagine magical forests, what comes to mind? Despite Europe’s many stunning castles and fanciful fairy tales, it’s not home to many memorable forests. Aside from Germany’s Black Forest, the only one that comes to mind for me is…
Pink sand beaches are some of the most sought-after in the world—and why not? Along with glass beaches and sea cave beaches, pink-sand beaches offer a totally unique perspective on coastal relaxation. But these delightful beaches are far…
Travel agents have gone slowly out of style since the early 2000s. On one hand, it’s about our perception of what ‘real’ travel is. Reality travel shows like Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations and Passport to Europe popularized the idea of…
Europe is the world’s most popular tourist destination in terms of sheer numbers. The main attraction for millions is history and culture. From stunning architecture to world-renowned cuisines, every region offers an unforgettable look at…
When it comes to European tourism, Bulgaria probably isn’t at the top of your list. But that might not always be the case. This country is a budding hotbed for unique attractions, including award-winning wineries, beautiful and sprawling…
Bali is one of the world’s most beloved tropical hotspots. This island stands out for its lush greenery, colorful coral reefs, and unique culture, which has delighted visitors for decades. That being said, if you’ve been to Bali you know…
There are hundreds of resources available to US veterans and active military members. But they’re not always easy to find and use, especially when it comes to travel offers. But there are plenty of resources out there designed to simplify…
Some destinations have an air about them. That je ne sais quoi is usually closely related to a place’s atmosphere. Whether thanks to ancient history, stunning artisanal crafts, or natural wonders, some destinations are simply more…
Imagine racing through the airport, dodging other travelers while dragging a heavy suitcase behind you. You’re arms are getting heavy, your lungs are burning. This is not a relaxing start to your Oahu escape— But if you don’t make it from…
Swamps are cool—even if they’re treated like the ugly stepchild of the natural world. Though not quite as grand as a mountain range or as colorful as a forest in autumn, swamps are endlessly intriguing and ecologically important. The…
Have you ever heard of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands? This unique Indian territory covers a swath of around 200 islands in the East Indian and Andaman Seas. The islands are similar to the Seychelles; highly tropical, surrounded by…
Pym Island isn’t cheap by any stretch of the imagination. This private island, located off the coast of British Columbia, first hit the market last year with a listing price of $7 million. It’s a surprisingly low number when you look at…
UNESCO does a lot more than designate World Heritage Sites. As a branch of the UN that focuses on education, science, and culture, there’s obviously an emphasis on the humanities. But did you know that there’s an entire sector of UNESCO…
‘Remote worker’ and ‘digital nomad’ are two trending buzzwords in the business world. Though it’s easy to clump them together, there are slight distinctions. A digital nomad is a remote worker who’s constantly on the move. They might drift…
The United States is notorious for having fifty states, represented by stars in our national flag. In reality, the US has a much broader reach. You can find unincorporated US territories dotting the globe, from the Caribbean to the Pacific…