Four nights in Johannesburg? I clicked through my trip itinerary in mild disbelief. In a country as wild and diverse and incredible as South Africa, did we really have to spend more than one third of our trip in this much-maligned city? Looking back, I don’t blame myself for thinking that way. There is
Johannesburg: I Guarantee It’s Not What You Think. Read More »
After two weeks of intense travel in South Africa, from safaris to townships and city visits — not to mention slicing up my knee in a Blokart crash — what I needed was a place where I could crash for a few days, taking time to enjoy South Africa’s rural beauty in the process. I
Sustainable Travel in South Africa: Living Among the Trees in Knysna Read More »
Think going on an African safari is all about the animals? Well, by definition, it might be, but seeing the awe-inspiring landscapes is a huge part of it as well! I love photographing landscapes more than anything else, and I couldn’t resist apologetically asking our guides Lee-Anne and JP to stop the vehicle again and
The Extraordinary Beauty of Kruger National Park Read More »
My African safari in Kruger National Park was one of my absolute favorite travel experiences of recent memory. A safari, in and of itself, is amazing. But this one went so far beyond my expectations, it left me reeling. What made it beyond amazing? Staying at the Ngala Tented Camp of &Beyond Safaris, in the
The Ultimate Luxury Safari — Ngala Tented Camp Read More »
This past March, I visited Barcelona for the first time. As you may recall, I was massively underwhelmed, finding the city dirty, crowded, and expensive compared to the rest of Spain, and even the lovely architecture couldn’t lift my spirits. This September, I had a day and a half to spend in Barcelona between TBU
Barcelona and Me: The Complicated Relationship Continues Read More »
Dear Readers: If you come across a contest takes little effort to enter and has no repercussions afterward, there’s no reason not to enter. Play your cards right and you could win a nice dinner out. Or a car. OR you could win a trip to Stockholm. At World Travel Market last year, I dropped
Introducing the Beautiful City of Stockholm Read More »
Shortly after arriving in Spain for the first time back in March, I swiftly declared it one of my favorite food countries (along with Italy, Vietnam, Thailand, and France). Spanish food is simple and delicious. But in Costa Brava, the food really outdid itself. You had everything that makes Spanish food great, along with plenty
I Ate Everything in Costa Brava Read More »
Costa Brava may very well be the best kept secret in Spain. This September, I spent time in this region of Catalonia for the first time ever, and I was blown away by its sheer beauty, the variety of things to do, and its warm hospitality. From beaches to cities, from jamon to tomatoes, Costa
13 Reasons to Fall in Love with Costa Brava, Spain Read More »
Early this year, I visited Spain for the first time and quickly declared it one of my favorite countries. The culture, the architecture, the food, the beautiful men — how could I not fall for Spain? Of all the cities, I found myself falling for Granada and Sevilla the most. But my new favorite? I
Girona: My New Favorite City in Spain Read More »
Portugal is a country that I don’t think gets enough press for being a destination of both incredible beauty and excellent value. And my recent trip to the Douro Valley proved that in spades! The Douro Valley is the primary wine-growing region of northern Portugal. Having read a bit about it and been intrigued, I
Into the Douro Valley of Portugal Read More »