205 articles tagged with hidden gems
While Mount Maunganui Beach rightfully claims its fame as Tauranga's crown jewel, my years exploring New Zealand's Bay of Plenty have revealed hidden coastal sanctuaries that offer respite from the summer crowds. Having traded Edinburgh's moody shores for Christchurch's Pacific...
Standing on a quiet ridge overlooking the Indus River, my drone hovering silently above Skardu's dramatic landscape, I'm struck by how this remote Pakistani mountain paradise represents a fascinating intersection of ancient tradition and emerging modernity. After two decades analyzing...
¡Hola, viajeros! When most people think of Bowling Green, Kentucky, the gleaming Corvettes immediately come to mind. But after five visits to this charming city—initially for a regional tennis tournament and later for its surprising connection to thoroughbred racing—I've discovered...
As someone who spent my formative years balancing medical studies with raising my three younger siblings, I've become something of an expert at transforming ordinary vacations into extraordinary learning experiences. Orlando might be synonymous with Mickey Mouse and magical kingdoms,...
The morning bells of Santiago's Cathedral echoed through the cobblestone streets as I pedaled my rented bicycle through the city center, guided by the unmistakable aroma of freshly brewed coffee. While most travelers to the Dominican Republic beeline for the...
The sun may set early in Costa Rica, but that's when San Jose truly comes alive. I've spent years chasing the rhythm of cities around the world, and this Central American capital has a beat all its own – less...
After two decades of Miami business trips that somehow always extended into weekend beach escapes, I've developed what my wife calls an 'unhealthy obsession' with finding the perfect stretch of sand. But hey, when you're from Winnipeg where winter temperatures...
After nearly three decades managing recreation programs in Minneapolis, I've developed a knack for spotting hidden potential. The same applies to travel—especially in Edinburgh, where the Royal Mile offers far more than the obvious attractions. Having visited Scotland six times...
The moment I stepped off the metro at Baixa-Chiado, I knew Lisbon would steal a piece of my heart. Not because of the postcard-perfect tiled buildings or the iconic yellow trams (though they're definitely Instagram-worthy), but because of the city's...
New York City has always been more than the sum of its iconic landmarks. While Times Square dazzles and Central Park beckons, the true essence of this magnificent metropolis lies in its lesser-trodden pathways, particularly when traveling with family. After...
Growing up in Venice, I developed an almost spiritual connection to canal cities. While Amsterdam gets all the glory in the Netherlands, I've discovered that Utrecht—just 30 minutes south by train—offers the same charm with half the tourists and twice...
The American Midwest has always fascinated me with its quiet wisdom and unhurried rhythms—so different from both my father's bustling Delhi and my mother's ceremonial Kyoto. When a fellow Ayurvedic apprentice invited me to spend a weekend in her hometown...
After spending three years navigating the chaotic energy of Delhi, there's something almost surreal about the serene Gulf Coast beaches around Tampa. While most tourists flock to the obvious hotspots, my recent spring weekend escape revealed something magical—a collection of...
Porto may be synonymous with its eponymous fortified wine, but this northern Portuguese city harbors historical layers that extend far beyond its famous cellars. As someone who's spent considerable time analyzing evidence in courtrooms, I've found that my judicial mindset...
As someone who's monitored coastal weather patterns professionally, I've developed a sixth sense for finding beaches that balance safety with serenity. Hilton Head Island may be known for its popular shores, but my recent business trip turned family vacation revealed...