My suitcase was packed and sitting by the door. I had my passport, laptop, and everything I needed for a travel conference in Ticino, Switzerland, and was just about ready to call an Uber to the airport. Then Beato, my 16-year-old cat, had a seizure. Within seconds, the trip I had planned for months became […]

If you know me, you now have two degrees of separation from Nelson Mandela. During my visit to South Africa, I met two people who were close to him till his last days. Outside my hotel in Cape Town, a friendly man came to see me. If I had passed him on the street, I […]

Looking for the best things to do in Buffalo, NY? Discover why Buffalo’s architecture, museums, neighborhoods, restaurants, and local culture make it worth a weekend of its own. Every time I drove to Niagara Falls, Buffalo became little more than a highway exit. Like so many travelers, I hurried through without giving the city a […]

Know how to eat? It sounds like a rudimentary task that we are born knowing. So why do you need to travel to Mexico to learn it? As a food and travel writer, I’ve spent more than two decades training my palate. I can identify spices in a curry, tell you whether a croissant was […]

When you book an African safari, you’re probably thinking about seeing lions in the Serengeti, elephants wandering beneath ancient baobab trees, and fiery sunsets that seem to stretch across the entire horizon. But what if your trip could do more than create memories? What if it could help a child stay in school, restore a […]

Recently, I decided to stop eating on the flight. If you are like me, you crave crunchy, salty snacks on long flights. Something to keep you busy while watching movies and give you a temporary high. You opt for sparkling water instead of a gin and tonic, thinking you are making a better choice. But […]

Twelve years ago, when I traveled to Greenland and later wrote Beato Goes To Greenland, people asked me the same question: “Why Greenland?” Back then, it wasn’t on bucket lists. There were no viral reels of glowing icebergs. No nonstop flights from the United States. No trending Arctic cruise routes. Just a massive white landmass on […]

Women’s Small Group Trip to Greece (September 2026): A Curated Cultural Journey Beyond the Tourist Trail Greece has always been a place where stories unfold over long meals, where culture lives in everyday rituals, and where travel feels deeply personal. This September, I’m inviting you to experience it with me— not as a tourist, but […]

A First-Person Guide That Busts Myths, Challenges Media Narratives, and Celebrates Modern China If you’ve been paying attention to the headlines, you might think traveling to China right now is complicated, restrictive, or even intimidating. I thought so too—until I went. As someone who has traveled to over 130 countries, I’ve learned one thing again […]

I recently celebrated my 130th country milestone on the luxurious shores of Saint Barthélemy — and it changed the way I think about ringing in the New Year. For decades, I’ve chased sunsets, festivals, and countdowns around the world — from Cape Town’s bustling summer parties to New York City’s urban spectacle. Yet nothing quite […]

From altitude scares to visa surprises, here’s what I wish I knew before my trip to Bolivia. Traveling to Bolivia is one of the most rewarding experiences a traveler can have—otherworldly landscapes, Indigenous cultures that have remained beautifully intact, and a level of authenticity you rarely find in today’s global tourism circuit. But it’s also […]

As the season of giving approaches, more people are realizing that the best gifts don’t just bring joy to the receiver—they also make a difference in the world. In 2025, conscious consumerism continues to shape how we shop, reminding us that every purchase holds the power to create impact. Whether it’s empowering artisans in developing […]

Haida Gwaii—literally “Islands of the People” in the Haida language—is an archipelago of islands off the northern Pacific coast of British Columbia, Canada, positioned like a torch beneath Alaska’s panhandle. Though formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, it was officially reverted in 2010 to honor the Haida Nation’s enduring presence for over 14,000 years. […]

Imagine this: you churn some rich butter with savory herbs from your garden, snap a photo, and post it on Instagram. Within an hour, there’s a line of cars outside your door. That’s exactly what happened in Bermuda when firefighter Gavin Carter started experimenting with garlic, rum, and garden herbs infused into butter. His “Gavin’s […]

Accra, Ghana’s vibrant coastal capital, is the kind of city that makes you want to slow down, listen closely, and take it all in. In just two days here, I discovered that Accra is more than a gateway to West Africa — it’s a living tapestry of history, culture, and flavor that leaves you feeling […]

When you picture Italy, you probably imagine bowls of steaming pasta, lively piazzas, and the kind of food memories that stick long after the trip ends. For me, one of the most unforgettable ways to experience an Italian culinary journey wasn’t in a restaurant at all — it was at someone’s dining table, thanks to Cesarine, […]

Kauai, the Garden Isle, is undeniably a feast for the eyes. Towering emerald cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and golden beaches beckon travelers from around the globe. But beyond the postcard-perfect vistas lies a deeper story, a commitment to sustainability, and a profound connection to the land. While I have explored many sustainable stories across the islands […]

If you are an animal lover and conservation enthusiast like myself, you are probably driven to traveling to Africa over and over again. While I have embarking on many thrilling safaris across the continent, one of my most profound experiences was at Jabulani Safari in the Kapama Private Game Reserve. This special place offers a […]

Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”), is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and for good reason. Straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, this colossal waterfall offers an unparalleled spectacle of nature and a thrilling array of activities for every type of traveler. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a […]

Happy Holidays! It’s time for our annual edition featuring holiday gifts from around the world that also give back to causes you love. Check out these incredible items we have selected for you and get your holiday shopping off to a meaningful start. Of course, you will see a travel and food theme here in […]