Though my tight work schedule in Los Angeles prevented me from ticking off my entire to-do list, I revisited favorites like Santa Monica, Venice, and West Hollywood. One neighborhood I was determined to explore before leaving was Silver Lake. Often called the Brooklyn of LA or more precisely the Williamsburg of LA, Silver Lake topped Forbes inaugural list of Americas Best Hipster Neighborhoods. CNN Money also ranked it in the top ten best big-city neighborhoods in the U.S. Naturally, I had to s

What an incredible week! My spontaneous eight-day trek through Umbria and Lazio to Rome along the historic Via Amerina pilgrims path was a whirlwind of unforgettable experiences. (If you missed my September roundup, I hiked sections from Assisi to the Eternal City.)Its hard to know where to start, but this journey was easily one of the highlights of my year. When I finally removed my well-worn running shoes—standing in for proper hiking boots—on the last day, I felt a mix of profound relief and

I was thrilled to return to Rome at the end of my recent Italy trip—a city I hadnt visited in years but had always adored. With limited time, I focused on Trastevere, my favorite neighborhood on the west bank of the Tiber River (its name literally means across the Tiber). While Romes iconic sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Spanish Steps, and Pantheon draw crowds to the east bank, Trastevere remains somewhat less visited, aside from the essential Vatican stop nearby.Trastevere captivates wi

Oh Seattle… I don’t even know where to begin. I wish I’d written this on Wednesday morning, right after my refreshing run through Seward Park, offering stunning panoramic views of Lake Washington from nearly every angle—thanks to its peninsula location. The weather was so perfect that I planned to take half a day off and savor the beautiful fall day. But as I researched afternoon outdoor activities, the skies darkened, and heavy rain began pouring. It hasn’t stopped since. I’ve seen more rain in

What an incredible week in Seattle! The sun made more appearances than anticipated—far more than the prior week—and I seized every chance to explore the city. I checked off key spots from my Seattle bucket list: a leisurely walk through Olympic Sculpture Park and along Alki Beach, a visit to the Ballard Locks, and a short hike in Discovery Park. The favorable weather led me to several parks, including Lake Union Park, Seward Park, Freeway Park, and Volunteer Park.I ventured into various neighbor

October held a special place in my heart this year. After several U.S. autumns without experiencing one, I finally visited my first pumpkin patch, thanks to friends Tawny and Chris. This quintessential fall activity is now checked off my bucket list!The Buckley, Washington patch exceeded expectations. Beyond the vast field of vibrant orange pumpkins in every shape and size, it offered a corn maze, pig races, tractor-pulled hay rides, pony rides, a goat walk, and playful ducks. I especially enjoy

Though Im now on a brief stopover in Los Angeles, I couldnt resist sharing one of my top running and hiking spots in Seattle. I was fortunate to enjoy Seward Park under sunny skies just before the rain returned for my final days (a classic Seattle farewell!). Seattles proximity to water is one of its greatest charms. From Puget Sound in the west—an inlet of the Pacific Ocean—to Lake Union between downtown and Fremont, or Lake Washington to the east, youre never far from the waters edge. During

When it rains, it pours, as the saying goes—and thats been literal and figurative lately. Torrential downpours flooded Guadalajaras streets today, reminding me of Seattles relentless rains. Amid personal challenges and tough news, Ive been in a slump, but this trip is lifting my spirits.Arriving in Mexico felt like coming home—spotting that familiar OXXO store outside the airport terminal sealed it. Mexicos comforting vibe has eased me back into solo travel, and the mostly perfect weather has be

Barcelona is a captivating destination year-round, but summer brings a unique vibrancy as locals embrace a more relaxed pace. Escape the daily hustle and dive into top summer activities that make this Catalan gem unforgettable. Relax on Iconic Beaches Barcelonas beaches are a major draw, stretching up to 4km with diverse atmospheres. From lively beach bars serving refreshing drinks and gourmet bites to serene spots for sunbathing, the hottest months are ideal for coastal bliss. Experience Puls

1. Sunsets over the Mekong River2. Beer LaoOur favorite beer in Southeast Asia, thanks to its refreshing taste and unbeatable value at just $1.25 per liter.3. Alms-giving ceremoniesLuang Prabang hosts the most famous, but across Laos, early risers witness monks in bright orange robes collecting food offerings from dawn.4. Outdoor cookingLao family life thrives outdoors, with sticky rice steaming in wicker baskets over boiling pots while grilling meat unites everyone around the fire.5. Fresh frui

Planning my Mexico itinerary, I faced a choice: head straight to the coast or explore a new city first. Though beach time tempted me, my curiosity led me to Guadalajara—a cultural hub near the Pacific and just 70 km from Tequila. Inspired by a travel writers stunning Snapchat stories of agave fields and distilleries, I decided to visit, despite not being a tequila enthusiast (margaritas yes, shots no). On my last day in Guadalajara, I boarded a bus to Tequila, eager for agave landscapes and insi

When Lonely Planet named its Top 10 cities for 2015, I was lukewarm on most choices—I touched on this briefly in a previous article—but Valletta earned my full endorsement. This architectural gem is often overlooked, a mistake I once made too. While Ive shared my Malta experiences, including road trips, medieval Mdina, and Maltese cuisine, I spent the most time in Valletta, the island nations compact capital. Named European Capital of Culture for 2018, Valletta is undergoing restorations and dev

Visiting Malta without exploring its smaller sister island, Gozo, is like touring New York City without crossing to Brooklyn. Many travelers skip it and still enjoy their trip, but based on my firsthand experience, they miss a vital piece of the Maltese puzzle. A quick ferry ride to Gozo adds the perfect finishing touch to any Malta itinerary. Gozos compact size makes it ideal for a day trip. Malta itself is tiny—you can drive north to south in about 45 minutes—and Gozo is just one-third its s

After several rainy, gray, and chilly days in Guadalajara, I decided to cut my stay short and head to the coast. My plan: Sayulita, a vibrant surfer town on Mexicos Pacific coast, followed by the even smaller San Pancho just a few miles north. Friends had raved about their winter there years ago. The decision proved perfect. I boarded a bus in pouring rain from Guadalajara, but just hours later, the downpour cleared, revealing lush tropical scenery. Four hours in, I stepped off beside a vendor

After exploring the Golden Circles geysers and waterfalls, southern Icelands glaciers and black-sand beaches, and the dramatic Eastern Fjords, I wondered if northern Iceland could surpass these wonders. Iceland never disappoints—stunning vistas await around every corner.The north boasts the highest concentration of breathtaking sights. Our self-drive Ring Road itinerary included a rewarding detour to the Mývatn Peninsula, home to highlights like the majestic Goðafoss waterfall, the steaming geot

While New York Citys top cocktail bars draw crowds with their fame, a select few remain tantalizingly concealed. These speakeasies evoke the thrill of Prohibition-era secrecy, surging in popularity across NYC. No secret stays hidden forever, so heres our expert guide to the citys most coveted hidden gems. The Rise of Secret Bars Films like The Great Gatsby, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, have reignited fascination with the Roaring 20s, fueling a speakeasy boom not just in NYC but in cities like Ch

For me, nothing beats the relaxation of train travel. Picture this: seated by the window with a coffee in one hand and camera in the other, watching landscapes unfold to the rhythmic clatter of the rails. Its my ideal way to experience a country. With years of firsthand experience, Ive ridden trains in Thailand, the U.S., Spain, Portugal, Panama, India, Italy, Sri Lanka (an upcoming article details that adventure), from England to France, across the UK, and throughout Germany. My lifelong pass

Food is a cornerstone of cultural exploration, and Taiwan stands out as a true paradise for gourmands. This island nation off Chinas coast boasts one of Asias most celebrated cuisines, drawing visitors from Japan, the Philippines, and beyond. From lush mountains to pristine beaches, Taiwans diverse landscapes mirror its vibrant food scene, blending mainland Chinese influences like Cantonese and Sichuan styles with Japanese touches and abundant seafood. Taiwan: A Food Lovers Paradise Taiwanese c

Famous for its rich history, ancient cathedrals, historic architecture and vibrant nightlife, Munich, the capital city of Bavaria, has a lot to offer for all ages and tastes. With world-class museums, breathtaking landscapes, spectacular parks and stunning palaces, Munich has become an important stop for travelers across the world. The Best Time to Visit Munich Whatever time of year you visit Munich, there will be a lot of things to make your trip exciting . Sensational sights are waiting at e

This past week marked one of my busiest travel periods since returning from Italy in September—Im admittedly exhausted. After a sunny long weekend in Los Angeles, I flew to Santa Rosa in Sonoma Wine Country for a week of wine tasting, art, gourmet food, and invigorating hikes.One standout moment was an afternoon hike in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, home to the worlds tallest trees. These coastal redwoods live 500–1,000 years, reach diameters of 12–16 feet, and soar 200–250 feet tall