Travel Magazine
Stories, tips, and inspiration from our travel editors around the world
Italy Beyond Pizza and Spaghetti: The Regional Foods Tourists Never Find
Italy is not just the land of pizza and spaghetti. Its 20 diverse regions serve a culinary storybook filled with flavors untamed by tourist menus. From the tripe sandwiches in Florence to the sun-kissed arancini of Sicily, this is a journey through Italy’s true food soul - one bite, one region at a time.
Kyrgyzstan: Nomadic Life on the Silk Road
Imagine waking up in a yurt, the thin fabric walls glowing orange from the rising sun. Outside, horses paw at the earth, waiting to carry you across rugged mountain passes to the shimmering Song-Kol Lake. This isn’t some fantasy adventure-it’s the daily rhythm of Kyrgyzstan, where nomadic traditions pulse alongside the remnants of the ancient Silk Road. Few travelers find this land on a map, fewer still experience it from the saddle. I did-and it changed how I see the world.
Tokyo After Dark: An Izakaya Guide for the Uninitiated
Tokyo’s neon glow fades only to reveal an even hotter pulse: the hum of izakayas, standing bars, and smoky yakitori alleys where locals spill secrets over frothy mugs. If you think izakayas are just tiny pubs serving random snacks, think again. They’re an adrenaline shot of culture, flavor, and camaraderie after 9 PM. I remember the first time I ducked into an alley in Shinjuku, stepping into a fragrant cloud of charcoal, laughter, and sizzling meat - I was hooked. Here’s your no-BS field guide to navigating Tokyo’s after-dark drinking dens, from ordering etiquette to neighborhood secrets and what to sip when the sun dips below the skyscrapers.
Tulip Mania: From the World's First Financial Crash to Holland's Flower Fields
In 1637, a single tulip bulb sold for more than a canal house in Amsterdam. Today, the Netherlands still commands 80% of the global flower trade, its fields painting the landscape in geometric precision each spring. This is the story of beauty, obsession, and the economics of desire.
Surfing Portugal's Silver Coast: From Ericeira to Nazaré
If you’re chasing waves in Europe, Portugal’s Silver Coast is where it’s at. From beginner-friendly breaks to some of the world’s gnarliest big waves, this stretch between Ericeira and Nazaré offers a raw, salty ride alongside charming fishing villages, lively surf camps, and an endless Atlantic soundtrack. Pack your board, mate - we're hitting the road and the water!
Via Ferrata in the Dolomites: A Beginner's Guide to Iron Paths
At 2,500 meters above sea level, clipped into steel cables with nothing but a harness and your wits between you and a steep drop, the Dolomites’ via ferrata roads offer a raw, exhilarating taste of alpine adventure. Whether you're a first-timer or a hardened climber, navigating these iron paths rewards you with vertigo-inducing views, adrenaline jolts, and an unforgettable connection to the mountains. I’ve done 12 via ferratas here; this guide cuts through the hype with real-world insights on the best routes, gear rentals, rifugio stays, and what to expect when you sign on for your first climb.
Swedish Lapland: Dog Sledding and Aurora Under the Polar Night
A week above the Arctic Circle, where the sun bows out for the polar night and the sky explodes in curtains of green. Swedish Lapland offers more than just a frozen landscape - it's a primal playground of dog sledding through silent forests, exploring the world-famous Icehotel, and immersing in Sami culture. Join me as we chase the northern lights and find warmth in the heart of the Arctic wilderness.
Diving the Cenotes: Mexico's Underwater Cathedral
Mate, if you ever find yourself cruising through Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and you’re craving a dive unlike any other, the cenotes are calling your name. These crystal-clear freshwater caves aren’t just beautiful; they’re a peek into ancient Mayan mythology and a playground for adventurers like me. I spent weeks exploring them, and honestly, every splash felt like entering an underwater cathedral carved by time.
The Spice Routes: How Pepper Changed the Map of the World
Before Columbus sailed west, before Vasco da Gama rounded the Cape of Good Hope, the world was already intertwined by the scent of spices-especially pepper. These aromatic commodities didn’t just flavor food; they reshaped empires, sparked wars, and redrew the globe. Join me on a journey tracing the footsteps of traders, explorers, and conquerors across time and space, from the bustling spice markets of Kochi to the fragrant isles of the Moluccas and the historic bazaars of Zanzibar. This is a story where history smells as potent as the spices themselves.
Oman's Musandam Peninsula: The Norway of Arabia
A jagged peninsula where the Arabian Sea carves dramatic fjords, where ancient fishing villages whisper secrets only the waves understand, and where the scent of salt and frankincense lingers in the air. Musandam feels like a world apart - the Middle East’s quiet marvel that invites discovery beyond the usual.
Solo Female Travel in Southeast Asia: An Honest Safety Guide
Three years, four countries, countless memories-and yes, moments of uncertainty too. If you’re a woman thinking about backpacking through Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, or Indonesia, I get the swirl of excitement and nerves you’re feeling. This guide is my honest take on what’s really dangerous, what’s blown out of proportion, and how you can trust your instincts to keep you safe and thriving.
Vietnamese Coffee Culture: A Slow Drip from Hanoi to Saigon
In the bustling streets of Vietnam, coffee is less a beverage and more a ritual, an invitation to pause and savor the moment. From the rich, creamy egg coffee of Hanoi's Old Quarter to the gentle sweetness of coconut coffee in Hoi An, and the earthy robusta plantations of the Central Highlands, the country brews a story of tradition, resilience, and slow enjoyment that rivals Italy’s famed espresso culture.