Once I moved to Florida, my ignorance of lighthouses soon turned into fascination – one that led me to visit eight lighthouses across the state, climb four of them, obsess over their history enough to buy books from museum gift shops, and eventually write this blog post after speaking with one of the state’s leading […]
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 […]
When I signed up for a chimpanzee trek in Uganda’s Kibale National Park, I expected an adventure tracking primates through dense forest and a challenging hike. I expected to learn about primates, conservation, and perhaps a few interesting facts about our closest living relatives. What I did not expect was to come away questioning everything […]
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 […]
If you had asked me a decade ago whether I’d feel comfortable traveling through Saudi Arabia alone as a woman, my answer would have been complicated. Back then, the country felt like a place you heard about more than you visited, and if you did go, it came with a mental checklist of rules: escorts for women, separate “family” areas […]
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 […]
After trekking for four days through the Salkantay Pass to Machu Picchu, trading mountain mist for rainforest humidity felt like stepping into another world. My body was ready for rest, but my curiosity had other plans. So, I set off for a different kind of adventure, one that promised not ruins or relics, but unfiltered […]
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 think of bucket‑list wildlife encounters, few experiences rival locking eyes with a polar bear in its natural habitat. During my recent expedition to Churchill, Manitoba—often dubbed the Polar Bear Capital of the World—I found the best way to witness these iconic predators with Nat Hab Adventures. Their commitment to conservation, Indigenous cultures and creature comforts […]
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 […]
