My time in Costa Rica didn’t get off to the smoothest start. After a stunning drive through the Guanacaste landscape, I arrived in La Fortuna to thundering rain. It proceeded to rain about 22 hours out of the day for the next three days. (In the dry season!) It wasn’t a complete washout. I enjoyed […]
The Cloud Forest of Monteverde, Costa Rica Read More »
Norway’s Flåm Railway, or Flamsbana, is often cited as one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys. Beginning in the sea-level fjord hamlet of Flåm and extending to the town of Myrdal, 863 meters above sea level, the train glides through grassy mountains with waterfalls spurting out from every direction. Is it the most beautiful train journey? Well, I’ve been
Scenes from the Flåm Railway, Norway Read More »
When you think about visiting Norway, what comes to mind first? Fjords. It’s always fjords. They are the symbol of the country and one of the reasons why many people consider Norway the most naturally beautiful country in Europe. I couldn’t go to Norway for the first time without visiting any fjords, which is why I chose
Norway’s Fjords in Photos Read More »
I hate to say it, but after nearly four years of near-constant travel, it’s becoming harder and harder for me to be impressed. Of course, I love places and I appreciate them and I enjoy almost every place I visit — but being knocked over in marvel, so impressed I can barely speak? That’s incredibly special and incredibly
Skellig Michael: Ireland’s Most Striking Destination Read More »
“Downtown Reading. That’s a throwback.” “Is it really?” I asked. I was 21, temping for the summer, and my boss-of-the-week had told me that my own hometown was remarkable. “It’s something special. You don’t see a lot of towns like that anymore.” I hadn’t thought of it that way. Growing up in a Massachusetts town founded in 1644, it’s
Cruising Through Coastal Mississippi Read More »
The French Quarter might get all the fame in New Orleans, but at some point, you need a break from the constant music and crowds and good times rolling. The perfect spot? The Garden District. I’ve always loved driving around and looking at beautiful houses, seeing where people live and thinking about the choices the
New Orleans’ Garden District Read More »
I had never heard of Khao Sok National Park on my first visit to Thailand three years ago — and now that I’ve been there, I am singing its praises to everyone I know. Khao Sok is home to some of the most visually spectacular jungle I’ve ever seen. Limestone karsts rise out of everywhere
Khao Sok: Cliffs and Adventure in Southern Thailand Read More »
Of all the times to visit Italy, I always recommend that people visit in the fall. There are a few reasons for that: the weather isn’t as meltingly hot, there aren’t as many tourist crowds, and fall is prime season for enjoying the bountiful harvest. Beyond those obvious reasons, though, there’s something that I love
Autumn in Emilia-Romagna Read More »
The Northern Territory is an extreme environment. The climate is harsh; the wildlife is dangerous. The people who have survived here before modern development and technology are truly warriors, because this environment can kill you quickly — whether it’s through heatstroke or dehydration, a snake bite or a croc attack. While looking through my Northern
Australia’s Northern Territory in Black and White Read More »
Just a rock in the middle of the desert? No way. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is so much more than that. Without a doubt, it was one of my favorite destinations in all of Australia. You probably already know Uluru is smack dab in the middle of Australia and that the desert is scorching
10 Surprising Things You Didn’t Know About Uluru Read More »