During my recent trip to Sonoma Wine Country, the sight of vineyards ablaze with autumn colors was unforgettable. Flying from evergreen Los Angeles—where palm trees and summer-like weather persist even in December—I landed after a quick 90-minute flight into crisp fall conditions, much like Seattle weeks earlier. Id never witnessed grapevines seasonal transformation and was captivated by the brilliant reds and yellows at every winery and along every drive. The wine experiences elevated the vi

Happy New Year from Berlin! My first Polaroid of 2017 comes from Berlin, Germany’s dynamic capital. After family holidays, I arrived for work and catch-ups with friends, but wove in exciting activities—like revisiting the city’s enchanting Christmas markets after over a decade away. Though recent tragic events cast a shadow, I adopted Berliners’ resilient mindset: “We won’t let fear spoil our holiday joy,” as crowds continued flocking to the markets with spirit intact. Besides markets, I bar-ho

This week, Ive prioritized family time and fitness as I gear up for a last-minute half marathon in Israel later this month. I teased this exciting return to Israel in my December Life Lately round-up. The race route traces the Dead Sea—one of my top favorite spots—so despite not being in peak shape, I signed up without hesitation. I skipped runs during my Berlin stay and visit with my brother, but back at my sisters, Ive committed to daily 5K runs with her energetic dog Odie (whod h

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind—Ive traveled to Leipzig and Frankfurt, and Im now en route to Berlin as I write this. Suddenly, everything changed! I can finally share the real reason for my Germany trip: an invitation to my final interview at the U.S. General Consulate in Frankfurt for permanent residency. This rigorous nine-month process is complete, and I couldnt discuss it publicly until now. Ive hinted at it here, and Snapchat followers (mariposa2711) watched the journey unfold du

This week brought a whirlwind of emotions: I retrieved my passport from the US consulate just in time for my flight to Israel, reuniting with one of my favorite people. Unfortunately, challenges followed—the half-marathon I trained rigorously for in Germanys freezing temperatures was canceled due to flash floods from heavy desert rain. Compounding this, recent US immigration policy changes heightened my anxiety as a new immigrant. Ill share more in my upcoming monthly roundup, but these events c

To be honest, I initially hesitated to spend my final days in Mexico in Puerto Vallarta. I preferred the smaller beach towns of San Pancho or Sayulita, north of the city, where I had celebrated my birthday. However, as the busy season approached, cafes in San Pancho had unreliable hours, and Sayulita lacked strong WiFi and decent accommodations. With pressing deadlines, I chose Puerto Vallarta for its abundant lodging options and reliable internet. As a digital nomad, sometimes work must come fi

After two failed attempts due to traffic and cloudy skies, I finally hiked to the iconic Hollywood Sign. My hiking partner and I scrambled up rocks to a viewpoint above and behind the sign, reaching it after about an hour—just in time for a stunning sunset. You cant drive there; access is only by foot or horse, and views are from above, not in front. Originally erected in 1923 as Hollywoodland to promote local real estate—not tied to movies—the sign deteriorated over time. Playboy founder Hugh

After returning from Israel, I had just a few days in Germany to pack my essentials and bid farewell to friends and family before flying back to New York. Upon arrival, I realized how fortunate I was—flying a day later would have been impossible due to a massive blizzard that canceled over 1,700 flights across all three airports. As a first-time witness to such an intense snowstorm (Germany gets snow, but nothing like this), I was mesmerized watching 10 inches (30 cm) blanket the city in hours

Thrilled to return to South America after nearly 11 months since leaving Colombia. Recent visits to Mexico in April and November make the regions vibrant energy feel familiar. The chaotic traffic, bustling markets and plazas, constant horns, speakers, megaphones, and ubiquitous street food vendors capture Latin Americas essence. Quito, Ecuadors capital and my first stop, stands out with women in traditional indigenous attire—long skirts, braids, hats, and colorful shawls—reminiscent of Bolivia.

This week, I embarked on a trip of a lifetime: a luxurious 4-day cruise around the Galapagos Islands. This remarkable archipelago—comprising 20 islands, 42 islets, and over 250 rocks, just a 2-hour flight off Ecuadors mainland coast—is a true paradise for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Over four days, we navigated select islands, with frequent snorkeling sessions and guided explorations. Our yacht anchored offshore, and dinghies ferried us to pristine shores. Aside from Santa Cruz Island, we

After my Galápagos Islands cruise, I needed a respite in Guayaquil—Ecuadors largest city and one of South Americas major seaports—to catch up on work and sift through hundreds of backed-up emails. While tourist attractions are limited, the revitalized Malecón 2000 riverwalk offered ideal morning runs and lively evening vibes, from people-watching to an IMAX screening of La La Land. North of the Malecón lies Las Peñas, Guayaquils oldest neighborhood, with vibrant houses cascading up Cerro Santa

After a week in the hot, humid confines of Guayaquil, I eagerly headed to the coast for refreshing ocean breezes. Montañita, a vibrant village on Ecuadors Santa Elena Peninsula along the Pacific Coast, is renowned as the countrys premier surf destination. Upon arrival, I discovered its also a major party hub attracting revelers from across South America—think Ibizas energy, but with pulsating music from beachfront discos rather than massive clubs. However, I wasnt in the party mood. Safety co

After tallying over 100 mosquito bites and hearing my laptops fan scream in protest against the relentless heat, I knew it was time to escape the beaches. Both my irritated skin and overheating device deserved a break. I headed to Cuenca, elevated at 8,370 feet (2,550 meters)—high enough to deter mosquitoes and cool enough to keep tech in check. A top expat haven with around 5,000 North American residents, Cuenca captivates for good reason: affordable, serene living amid mountains, a walkable

Some landmarks captivate instantly from a single photo: Wow! This place looks amazing—I have to visit someday. The Egyptian pyramids, Taj Mahal, Balis rice terraces, and even hidden gems like the Swing at the End of the World (which I experienced last month) evoke this reaction. Las Lajas Sanctuary is another such wonder. You may not know its name, but perhaps youve seen its image? My first glimpse was years ago, before my 2010 round-the-world journey began. When my partner and I traveled sou

Exploring Izamal, Mexicos enchanting Yellow City, has been a highlight of my latest Yucatán road trip. This serendipitous journey marks my third visit to Mexico in just one year—each unplanned trip more rewarding than the last. This time, my companion and I set out on a leisurely two-week road trip circling the entire Yucatán Peninsula, with ample time to discover new gems. Izamal, alongside beloved Valladolid, is one of Yucatáns two Pueblos Mágicos (Magic Towns), a designation from Mexicos Sec

My recent trip to Cuba stirred a whirlwind of emotions and reflections on this enchanting island. Though more challenging than expected, the experience was profoundly rewarding. As I sort through thousands of photos, expect detailed Cuba articles soon. Cuba feels unlike any destination Ive explored, yet strangely familiar. Raised in Communist East Germany—a former socialist ally of Cuba—I recognized echoes of my childhood in Cuban daily life, even as my world transformed post-Communist collap

After visiting the stunning Las Lajas Sanctuary, I was eager to explore Cali, Colombias third-largest city and the worlds salsa capital. During my nine-week journey through Colombia last year, I had envisioned spending a week or two there taking salsa lessons—a popular rite of passage for solo female travelers. However, a last-minute flight to Mexico derailed those plans. My enthusiasm waned upon reading this cautionary note from Wikitravels Stay Safe section (dated 2016): Drive-by robberies

While Cuba evokes images of vibrant Spanish-colonial towns, lush tobacco fields, and Havanas historic architecture, its stunning Caribbean beaches often surprise. Featuring turquoise waters and palm-fringed shores, these hidden gems deserve a spot on any itinerary—as I discovered firsthand. Cayo Jutías stands out as one of Cubas most breathtaking beaches. Nearby Cayo Levisa is often hailed as the islands finest, but Cayo Jutías offers untouched miles of perfection. With no hotels—just a few res

Sonoma Wine Country is a premier destination for couples getaways, especially for LGBTQ+ travelers. Just 55 miles (over an hours drive) from San Francisco—the West Coasts vibrant LGBTQ+ hub—Sonoma and its largest city, Santa Rosa, offer an ideal romantic escape. Sonoma County ranks among the top 20 U.S. tourist destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers, and it was featured in Huffington Posts Top 10 LGBTQ+ Honeymoon Spots. During my visit to Santa Rosa and Guerneville, I discovered an array of LGBTQ+-f

A Cat Lovers Delight: As a self-proclaimed cat enthusiast, Ive always been drawn to these independent, charismatic creatures. Though Ive grown fond of dogs lately and envision sharing my future home with one, cats hold a special place in my heart with their unique personalities that never fail to brighten my day. Fellow travelers can attest: I cant pass a cat without a gentle pat (hand sanitizer is my constant companion 😊), and countless photos from my 100,000+ travel snaps feature felines. Des