If you’ve missed previous newsletter emails that I’ve sent out, you can find them below! I don’t archive the What to Be Planning ones because they are typically only relevant in the month they are sent. Let me know if any of these make you eager to travel!
Nestled in the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is one of the last remaining untouched corners of the world, where tradition and nature come together harmoniously. Often called "The Land of the Thunder Dragon," Bhutan is renowned for its commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage, spectacular landscapes, and sustainable way of life.
Read MoreSouth Africa is probably best known for the ugly apartheid, but there is so many positive things about the nation! It offers a range of experiences that cater to adventurers, culture enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. It truly is an all-encompassing destination with unique spaces for every type of traveler.
Read MorePiggybacking off the recent summer Olympics, I'm highlighting France for this month's Destination Spotlight. France is a popular destination for first time travelers to Europe, as many airlines offer direct flights from the US to Paris, and France is well-connected by public transport, including a high-speed train system, making it easy to explore the entire country without needing a car.
Read MoreSticking with the South Pacific theme from last week, this week I'm highlighting New Zealand for the Destination Spotlight! What comes to mind when you think of New Zealand? Is it the Lord of the Rings? Is it rugby? Maybe Taika Waititi? Or perhaps you know a bit about the native Māori culture. Whatever it is, New Zealand is an amazing place to visit!
Read MoreHailed as the "land of many waters," Guyana is a relative newcomer to the vacation bucket list but is an amazing country that is largely untouched from tourism. It has extensive rainforest with beautiful rivers and waterfalls (like the one above). For an eco-tourist or adventure-seeker, Guyana holds a special spot as it is full of tepuis (which are table top mountains or mesas) and wildlife.
Read MoreVietnam is one of the countries that make up Southeast Asia, and is probably most well known for the eponymous war fought there. While there are definitely historical battle sites that can be visited, Vietnam holds so much more than that - and so many more beautiful things.
Read MoreIf you're not familiar with the locations of the countries in southern Africa, you may not know where Zimbabwe lies: north of South Africa, east of Botswana, west of Mozambique and south of Zambia. For a landlocked country, it does offer a lot of water activities though - mostly due to the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls. Avid whitewater rafters (and beginners alike) often come here to experience the Class 5 water on the Zambezi, and those who love to fish will travel to try their hand at catching the Tiger Fish found in that very same river.
Read MoreNestled in the North Atlantic, the island of Ireland is a land of captivating beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Divided into two distinct political entities – the Republic of Ireland to the south and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, to the northeast – the island offers a diverse tapestry of landscapes and experiences. From the rugged cliffs of County Clare's Cliffs of Moher to the verdant hills of County Antrim's Glens, Ireland's natural splendor never fails to enchant visitors. In addition to its breathtaking scenery, the island boasts a wealth of historical and cultural treasures, from ancient Celtic ruins to medieval castles and bustling cosmopolitan cities.
Read MoreArgentina, a land of vibrant culture, breathtaking natural landscapes, and rich history, invites travelers to experience its diverse tapestry of experiences. It is here that the passionate dance known as the tango was born, loaded with expression and emotion, and a beautiful dance to watch - or perform. Embrace the cosmopolitan charm of Buenos Aires, where the echoes of European architecture blend seamlessly with Latin American flair, offering a glimpse into Argentina's colonial past and modern urban vibrancy. Beyond the bustling cities, immerse yourself in the gaucho culture of the vast pampas, where traditional folk music and horsemanship reflect Argentina's rural heritage.
Read MoreNASA scientists have predicted that 2024 will be "super season" for Aurora Borealis, also known as the northern lights - so where better to catch the painted skies than in Iceland! The best time to visit to catch a glimpse of this natural wonder is between September and April - and if you head to Iceland in December or January you may find yourself luckier to see them as there are only 4-5 hours of daylight during this time.
Read MoreGetting the 7 continent badge of honor often seems a lofty goal to people - like Antarctica is unattainable or only for "true adventurers" or those with very high disposable incomes. While of course those two categories of people do travel to Antarctica, it is possible for some of us "common folks" to go there too!
Read MoreWith a long history that is different than most of its European relatives, Spain is a terrific place to travel to. Situated on the Iberian peninsula in Western Europe, Spain has influence from not only its European neighbors, but also exhibits unique Moorish architecture and some Islamic ties from their neighbors to the south.
Read MoreThailand is a mesmerizing destination that seamlessly blends rich cultural heritage with stunning natural landscapes, making it an ideal getaway for diverse travel experiences. Nestled in Southeast Asia, Thailand boasts vibrant cities, ancient temples, and pristine beaches that cater to a wide range of interests. Bangkok, the bustling capital, offers a kaleidoscope of experiences with its vibrant street life, opulent temples like Wat Arun and Wat Pho, and a lot of delicious restaurants and eateries with authentic Thai flavors.
Read MoreMost people think of the desert when they think of Morocco, and rightly so! The Sahara Desert connects with the country, but there are also the Atlas Mountains, and warm sandy beaches on the coast to enjoy. Morocco shares many traits with Mediterranean countries sometimes more so than other African countries, due largely in part to the Atlas Mountains separating Morocco from the rest of Africa.
Read MoreBeing the 5th largest country in the world means whatever I write here will be just a drop in a bucket of what could be covered, but I'll do my best. Brazil holds the title of being the most biodiverse country in the world as well, so for those flora and fauna lovers, you may want to add this country to your bucketlist. It's landmass encompasses 60% of the Amazon rainforest, the Brazilian Highlands, the Pantanal (a wetland area shared with Bolivia and Paraguay) and the Great Escarpment along the coast. Having this much of a diverse geography also means the wildlife is diverse throughout the country, with everything from jaguars to tamarins to toucans, and everything in between!
Read MoreTürkiye, or Turkey as most English speaking countries have called it until recently, is a unique country straddling Europe and Asia. It's not often that one city (in this case, Istanbul) can claim residence in two continents! Being off the Mediterranean and near the Middle East, it has a vast history spanning multiple empires and country names.
Read MoreI don't get too many inquiries for truly off the beaten path destinations like Papua New Guinea, but this country is definitely a special one to see for yourself. The work to get there and get around makes it worth it when you meet the people and learn about the multicultural island roots.
Read MoreThe Czech Republic is a landlocked country in central Europe with Prague as its capitol. The commonly used term "Bohemian" actually comes from one of the major regions within the country, Bohemia, which also originated the country's nickname of "Land of the Bohemian Crown" from the 14th century on.
Read MoreTanzania offers amazing safari experiences that bring adventure seekers from around the globe. One of the greatest aspects of safaris in Tanzania is the diversity of its wildlife and landscapes. From the Serengeti plains, where the Great Migration unfolds with millions of wildebeest and zebras in search of greener pastures, to the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro standing majestically on the horizon, Tanzania's natural beauty is simply awe-inspiring. Whether it's a thrilling game drive, a hot air balloon safari, or an intimate walking safari, Tanzania offers a range of safari experiences that provide a profound connection with nature and leave travelers with lifelong memories.
Read MoreThe Kingdom of Jordan, in the Middle East, which once captivated ancient travelers, continues to enthrall a whole new generation as a modern, vibrant nation. There are many astounding sites to be seen, including the capital Amman, the magnificent Nabataean city of Petra, the spectacular Greco-Roman ruins of Jerash, Lawrence of Arabia’s famous Wadi Rum, and many other historical and impressive sites throughout the Kingdom.
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