212 articles tagged with hidden gems
At 62, I've traveled to forty-three countries across six continents, yet Shanghai continues to fascinate me with its remarkable duality. The city presents a captivating juxtaposition where ancient traditions dance alongside futuristic innovation—a place where centuries-old temples stand in the...
Rome wasn't built in a day, and trust me, you won't see the real Rome in one either. Seven years ago, when I first brought my son Leo to the Eternal City, we did the standard tourist circuit—Colosseum, Vatican, throw...
When most travelers picture the Amalfi Coast, their minds immediately drift to colorful cliffside villages, azure waters, and limoncello. But beneath this postcard-perfect facade lies a historical tapestry woven over thousands of years. As someone who's spent decades exploring geological...
There's something rather magical about cities that straddle the line between well-known and undiscovered. Wrocław and Strasbourg occupy this delightful middle ground—prominent enough to warrant excellent infrastructure, yet still harbouring countless secrets that reward the curious traveller. Having spent considerable...
Okay, so we all know LA for its palm trees, celebrities, and that iconic Hollywood sign. But beneath the glossy veneer of designer boutiques and film studios lies a city with layers of history that most tourists (and even locals)...
The neon glow of Shinjuku had long faded behind me as I followed my Japanese friend Kenji down an unmarked alley barely wider than my shoulders. 'Die besten Orte sind nie einfach zu finden,' I mumbled—the best places are never...
The morning mist clung to the Carpathian peaks as I stepped off the train in Sinaia, my weathered ##AFFILIATE##Osprey Tempest 20|Osprey Tempest 20 Women's Hiking Backpack##/AFFILIATE## slung over one shoulder. While most travelers come to this mountain retreat solely for...
New York City – that magnificent urban jungle where steel and concrete reign supreme. Yet beneath this metropolitan façade lies a surprising tapestry of wild spaces waiting to be discovered. As someone who has spent decades exploring deserts and remote...
After fifteen years in the vibrant streets of Rio, returning to North America always feels like slipping into an old, comfortable sweater—familiar yet somehow new. My recent autumn weekend in Boston reminded me why this city holds a special place...
Aloha, fellow wanderers! Last fall, while taking a much-needed creative sabbatical from my pottery wheel, I found myself in Nice with my dear friend Elena. Sure, everyone knows about the iconic blue chairs lining the Promenade des Anglais (which are...
There's something magical about the way Door County's peninsula juts into Lake Michigan, creating a microclimate that feels worlds away from the rest of Wisconsin. After spending childhood summers here with my grandparents and recently returning with my daughter Ellie...
¡Hola, Abenteurer! There's something magical about discovering hidden waterfalls that makes my German-Mexican heart beat faster. Having spent years inspecting safety protocols for rafting adventures, I've developed a sixth sense for finding those perfect water destinations that balance thrill with...
Standing on the medieval cobblestones of Turku Castle's courtyard, I found myself tracing the weathered stone walls with my fingertips, feeling centuries of history beneath my touch. This wasn't my first visit to a European medieval stronghold, but there's something...
When most tourists think of Puerto Vallarta, they picture the bustling Playa Los Muertos or the resort-lined shores of Zona Hotelera. But having visited this coastal gem six times over the past decade, I've discovered that Puerto Vallarta's true magic...
I've covered championship games in packed arenas across six continents, but nothing quite matches the electric intensity of Manhattan after sunset. The city transforms like a veteran athlete switching from defense to offense—suddenly alive with possibilities that remain invisible to...
