Australia ranks among the worlds most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations, allowing gay and lesbian travelers to vacation openly and enjoy vibrant nightlife in major cities. Dive into the local scene with our curated guide to must-visit LGBTQ+ venues and events across Australia. LGBTQ+ Australia Highlights Melbourne: A Gay-Friendly Hub Melbourne, a top contender for Australias coolest city alongside Sydney, offers abundant LGBTQ+ nightlife options. Dont miss the Midsumma Festival (mid-January to early

Planning my Vietnam itinerary, the Mekong Delta stood out as a must-visit destination. Drawn to riverside living in tropical settings, I anticipated a slower pace amid floating markets, homes, and rural communities nourished by one of the worlds largest rivers. The Mekong spans six countries—China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam—and the Delta supplies 70% of Vietnams tropical fruits and 60% of its rice exports.Several visit options exist (detailed below), but I opted for an imme

When planning my Vietnam itinerary, I debated including Da Lat—a 100 km inland detour into the Central Highlands from the coastal route. The 300 km journey from Ho Chi Minh City takes about 7 hours by bus. But stories of lush mountains, cooler evenings, and the iconic Crazy House convinced me. Im thrilled I went! Da Lat provided refreshing relief from coastal heat (days are still warm, but evenings are jacket weather). My guidebook offered limited insights, with most tourists fixating on the Cr

In recent years, Mallorca, one of Spains Balearic Islands, has shifted from mass package tourism to a sophisticated destination. Palma de Mallorca, the capital, leads with its designer boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants. Across the island, luxury properties attract affluent Europeans seeking a sunny retreat. Mallorca remains a premier summer getaway, but it now emphasizes upscale experiences, distancing itself from Magalufs party reputation. Staying in the northeastern corner feels lik

About 99% of travelers to Peru pass through Cusco en route to Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel high in the Andes, often called the Lost City of the Incas. Yet Cusco deserves more than a quick stop—its a captivating destination in its own right. During my 10-day stay while completing the Salkantay Trek, I discovered why. (Stay tuned for trek highlights and stunning photos that will inspire your next adventure!) Instead of rushing to Machu Picchu, plan a few nights in Cusco—you wont regret i

I adore Venice, a destination everyone should experience at least once, regardless of crowd preferences. Its popularity stems from unparalleled beauty. Read on for fun facts and practical tips to maximize your visit to this extraordinary canal city.Venice enchants with its canals, surrounding waters, stunning architecture, and mix of elegant and weathered buildings.Last fall, from Milan, I took a 2-hour high-speed train to Venice on a Monday during off-season for fewer crowds. It had been years

I hadnt fallen in love with many places in Ecuador beyond the Galápagos Islands, but Cuenca raised my expectations. This Andean university town is beloved by many, offering a welcome escape from the coastal heat and mosquitoes. After an eight-hour bus journey from Montañita, with a quick transfer in Guayaquil, I arrived feeling the citys positive energy immediately. Walking to my hostel instead of taking a taxi refreshed me after the long trip. Cuencas architecture captivated me right away—a har

In cities worldwide, graffiti has evolved into stunning street art masterpieces. While tourists flock to landmarks, we prefer hunting for works by top artists on urban walls. Our summer in New York City—a hub for art, music, and hip-hop culture deeply tied to graffiti—proved challenging compared to South American cities like Buenos Aires. Street arts ephemeral nature means pieces vanish quickly, so we photographed every one we found. Though many featured here are gone, they endure on this site.

While my past trips to Germany focused on family visits, Berlins vibrant energy, and friends in Cologne and Munich, vast regions like northern Germany remained unexplored. High on my list: the Spreewald biosphere reserve, Lübecks brick Gothic architecture, East Frisias coast, and the Romantic Roads fairy-tale towns. When a friend suggested meeting beyond Berlin, I planned an affordable road trip. Car rentals from central Berlin started at under $25/day (airport pickups around $24), allowing us

In my monthly roundups, I reflect on the past four weeks of travel, successes and setbacks, and upcoming plans. Where Ive Been After months on the move, October marked a rare stationary period: I spent the entire month in Seattle, venturing only briefly to nearby Tacoma. Far from dull, I delved deeply into the citys vibrant neighborhoods, uncovering hidden gems at every turn. Life Lately October was a rollercoaster. Initial post-Seattle uncertainty gave way to promising plans that crumbled j

Sri Lanka, a compact island gem in the Indian Ocean, captivates with palm-fringed beaches, UNESCO World Heritage sites, lush tea hills, the colonial charm of Galle, abundant wildlife, and delectable cuisine. Before diving deeper, here are some intriguing facts about this nation that surprised me during my visit. Dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, it exceeded my expectations. If Sri Lanka isnt on your travel radar, my insights might change that—its budget-friendly, with direct flights from L

Less than 24 hours after arriving in Buenos Aires, we met our guide Ana downstairs from our apartment in the microcentro district, the citys vibrant financial and business hub. On this bustling Friday morning, Ana led us away from the suits toward Buenos Aires most captivating spots. Her goal: an authentic locals perspective on a private tour designed just for us. It felt like having a knowledgeable native friend for the day. As seasoned travelers, weve researched beyond Buenos Aires famed wine,

While Miamis nightlife, Orlandos Disney World, and the Florida Keys natural beauty often steal the spotlight, Floridas Gulf Coast remains a hidden gem. This underrated stretch offers thrilling adventures comparable to the Atlantic coast, with peak season from September through March. Planning a Florida getaway? Discover Gulf Countys unspoiled allure. 4 Reasons Gulf County, Florida Stands Out Expansive, Pristine Coastline Gulf County boasts an impressive 244 miles of coastline along Floridas Panh

During my recent trip to Hong Kong, I was surprised by how pricey it can be. Traveling on a tight budget, I still indulged in favorites like premium coffee at The Coffee Academics ($6 well spent), rooftop cocktails with stunning views (skipping the worlds highest at Ozone for a more affordable spot), authentic pizza at Motorino, speakeasy bars, and comfortable lodging. To balance this, I minimized costs elsewhere and succeeded. Public transport is inexpensive, many attractions are free, and bud

If Nobel Prize-winning novelist Rudyard Kipling was right that the first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it, then tasting its cuisine is surely next. Food is central to our travels, and we relish sampling local dishes wherever we go. Lately, weve focused on learning to cook them ourselves—recreating travel memories in our own kitchen. Though Argentine cuisine is meat-centric, we sought a cooking class in Buenos Aires and found Cooking with Teresita. Options included empa

My deep connection to Antigua began in 2000, when my best friend and I visited while living in Costa Rica. Captivated by its beauty, we knew we had to move there. From 2001 to 2003, I called this colonial town—once Guatemalas capital—home. I worked full-time, enjoyed a comfortable life, and daily marveled at my surroundings, greeting Maya women weaving textiles in the park near my house while reflecting on its historical significance as Central Americas former capital. By 2003, it was time to le

The UK is a premier destination for luxury travel. After living there for four years, weve stayed at everything from beautifully restored farmhouses to stylish city hotels across England. The abundance of world-class UK luxury hotels is remarkable, with many featured on elite lists like ‘Best Design Hotels,’ ‘Best Luxury Hotels,’ or ‘World’s Best Hotels.’ While spas and upscale amenities abound for adults, family-friendly luxury options that balance opul

Welcome to our Where to Stay In… series. Traveling full-time means weve tested countless hotels worldwide. While many budget options disappoint, gems like this one shine. In this edition on San Cristóbal de las Casas, we recommend Le Gîte del Sol, a charming B&B weve personally enjoyed. After a grueling overnight bus arriving at 7am in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico, we craved immediate check-in at Le Gîte del Sol. Expecting standard delays, we planned to wait on a park bench. But the welcom

While exploring attractions in Argentinas Lake District, we discovered tales of a black glacier. Unlike the typical bright white or icy blue glaciers of Patagonia, this one stood out with its dark hue. Eager to witness it firsthand, we embarked on the adventure. Crossing the Andes from Chile into Argentina, we joined a day tour in Nahuel Huapi National Park near Bariloche to visit Ventisquero Negro, the Black Glacier. The itinerary features stunning highlights, culminating at the three snowy p

I still vividly recall heading to the London airport. Dani eyed my oversized, quirky backpack, while I glanced at hers—and the extra bag stuffed with magazines she insisted on finishing before leaving the U.S.—as we boarded the bus. We buzzed with the thrill of true freedom, much like high school seniors on the last day of class. Our adventures began in 2010 across Europe, the U.S., Mexico, and Central America. 2011 took us through Central America, Europe, Canada, the U.S., and Thailand. In 201