Month: February 2025

I have nailed the long-haul-economy flight formula. I have a top-tier neck pillow. I love to sip a pre-flight glass of wine and pop a Benadryl to help me (hopefully) drift off to sleep. My silk sleep mask is my best friend. I know I can get through it. Advertisement But after an upgrade and

Kerala in southwestern India may lack the grand monuments and forts of the north, but it more than makes up for it with its breathtaking landscape. This tiny tropical state along India’s Malabar Coast has palm-fringed backwaters, uncrowded beaches, tea- and spice-covered hills in the Western Ghats, and steamy jungles. It is also rich in history, with temples,

The largest and most populous country in the South Caucasus, Azerbaijan is often described as a “land of contrasts” and for once, the cliché actually fits. Sitting at the crossroads between Asia and Europe, this resource-rich nation is defined by its diverse geography, ranging from rugged alpine peaks in the Greater Caucasus Mountains in the

Think riding the rails is a thing of the past in the USA? Think again. Although the USA has the largest network of roads in the world, it’s also an ideal country to see by train. You can stare out of huge picture windows for hours as snowy mountains, waving grasslands, expansive deserts and vibrant cities

From the great herds of the African savanna to the dense tropical rainforests of South America, the world offers some truly amazing wildlife-spotting experiences, providing a window into ecosystems that are as diverse as they are spectacular.  Whether it’s the raw power of a lion on the hunt, the whimsical mating dance of a blue-footed

Often eclipsed by Athens, Thessaloniki – Greece’s second-largest city – shouldn’t be overlooked. This student metropolis has a relaxed vibe and great nightlife, ancient sites, fabulous food and nearby wineries that will give anyone plenty to explore for a weekend break or longer, all year round. Is Thessaloniki good for tourists? Resoundingly, yes. Here are

Most famous for its Mediterranean beaches, ancient ruins and the extensive attractions of its megacity Istanbul, Türkiye also boasts mountains, rural villages, and even deserts and floodplain forests among its geographically diverse offerings. The country’s wide range of landscapes means that there’s somewhere appealing to travel at any time of year – and that visitors

Positioned at the confluence of two major rivers and under two hours from Oregon’s dramatic Pacific coastline, Portland, Oregon is actually quite the beach town. From sandy spots perfect for sunbathing to surf breaks to scenic sea stacks that have attracted cinematographers and Instagramers alike, there’s a little something for everyone. When the sun is

Between its baking hot summers and surprisingly brisk winters, spring is one of the best seasons to explore Spain. As the days grow warmer and the cherry buds of Extremadura begin to show, Spaniards are making the final preparations for the springtime festivals that take place throughout the season, starting with flaming fun in Valencia

Azerbaijan is a country shaped by nature, where boiling mud volcanoes bubble beneath the Abşeron Peninsula, mountain villages float above the clouds, and the Caspian Sea brews up warm, humid summers and cool, stormy winters.  Whatever time of year you come, you’ll find Persian-influenced culture in the south, Soviet-era remnants in expanding industrial cities and

Located between Türkiye, Georgia and Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus region, Armenia is often overlooked by travelers but there are so many good reasons to put Armenia on your radar. A landlocked country, Armenia offers a unique mix of tradition, stunning landscapes and historic sites that date back millennia. It is home to the world’s

Defined by mountainous terrain and high-altitude adventure, Kyrgyzstan is typically a summer-first destination for most visitors. Highlights include trekking up big mountain passes, horseback riding to wide-open alpine lakes or staying in yurts in hidden high pastures.  Advertisement But that doesn’t mean the rest of the calendar doesn’t offer equal opportunity for adventure. Winter sports