After my first weekend in Tucson with Katie, a surprise visitor arrived for the second, and VisitArizona highlighted an intriguing event: a powwow in Phoenix. A powwow brings together Native American communities to perform traditional dances and showcase their cultural regalia. Despite multiple Southwest visits, including reservations, I knew little about their heritage. Eager to learn, we headed to Phoenix for the day. Powwows traditionally unite Native Americans from diverse communities to dan

Ive explored the Southwest five times over the past few years, but it wasnt until my sixth visit this year that I finally experienced a genuine working dude ranch—complete with cowboys, horses, cattle, and breathtaking Sonoran Desert scenery: towering saguaro cacti, dusty trails, and rugged mountains. It took six years, but my introduction to Southwest ranch life was unforgettable at the renowned White Stallion Ranch just outside Tucson. My friend Lynn invited me one morning to photograph the ho

New York City, the ultimate destination for nightlife enthusiasts, offers an unparalleled array of venues that pulse with energy from dusk till dawn. Whether you crave the thrum of nightclubs, the charm of dive bars, or intimate live music spots, NYC delivers unforgettable experiences. Discover five standout hotspots below.1. The Subway Inn – Upper East SideNestled amid Manhattans Upper East Side skyscrapers, The Subway Inn attracts a diverse crowd perfect for people-watching. Enjoy a vast selec

Venice, the iconic lagoon city, continues to captivate visitors despite heavy tourism. To experience its true magic, stay overnight to enjoy quieter mornings after day-trippers leave, and visit outside peak seasons like July, August, or Easter. Here are seven surprising facts about this timeless destination: 1) Venice Has Barely Changed in 600 Years The citys core layout remains remarkably similar to how it was 600 years ago. Gliding through canals by gondola past ancient buildings feels like st

When travelers rave about Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane often flies under the radar. Yet Queenslands capital is an underrated gem, boasting a lively riverside vibe, thriving nightlife, dynamic art scene, stunning riverfront, and exceptional dining and coffee culture. Its the perfect gateway to the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Granite Belt wine region, world-class wildlife encounters—including the largest koala sanctuary on Earth—plus cycling paths, hiking trails, cliff climbing, and abseiling.St

Thanks for your patience during the recent site upgrade to a mobile-friendly design. A few final tweaks remain, with exciting new posts on the way. Hello from Berlin! After years of visits, this vibrant city now feels like my second home, just behind New York. I navigate its efficient transport network—buses, trams, S-Bahn, and U-Bahn—effortlessly, know the best coffee spots, and even have a favorite co-working space. This trip, I reached my Airbnb without maps when my app failed. Like last summ

Suddenly, my final weekend in New York City has arrived. As always, Im reluctant to leave, but winter has firmly settled on the East Coast. The mild Christmas Eve weather feels like a distant memory, and while Ive coped better than expected—cycling through Brooklyn and running in the park—even extreme cold snaps (down to 19°F/-12°C, amplified by arctic winds) have me eagerly awaiting Colombias sunny Caribbean shores. Ive finally delved into detailed trip planning, building excitement for this

This stark concrete barrier loomed menacingly in Berliners daily lives for 29 years, dividing their city. While most sections were swiftly dismantled after reunification, key remnants endure, including the East Side Gallery—a vast outdoor mural showcasing provocative street art. Other preserved fragments remain eerily unchanged. The Walls fall holds deep personal significance for us: as a couple from the former GDR and America, it made our meeting possible, highlighting how todays global mobil

In my monthly travel roundups, I reflect on the past four weeks journeys—what excelled, what faltered, and upcoming plans. Where I’ve Been This month, I divided my time between three beloved U.S. cities: New York, Austin, and Tucson. I also embarked on a Southwest road trip, visited Dallas for the first time, and connected with inspiring people. It was an outstanding month overall. May Highlights Nearly a Month in Austin Austin had long topped my travel list, but I wanted ample time to immerse m

Austin captured my heart from the moment I arrived. Friends had long recommended it as my kind of city, sparking my curiosity—and they were spot on. What defines this vibrant destination? A lush, green urban oasis with a booming food truck scene. Craft beer havens boasting over 100 taps. Countless live music venues. Dog-friendly spots, including private river beaches. Unique festivals like Eeyores Birthday, a hippie gathering on the last Saturday in April. Riverside apartment communities with ka

I apologize if my enthusiasm for Austin feels relentless—Ive praised this quirky Texas capital before here and here, and even listed 33 reasons I adore it. Since arriving in New York last week, Ive been sharing Austins charms nonstop, nearly overlooking that Im back in my favorite city. My final week in Austin delivered the perfect local immersion, guided by a longtime resident who knows every corner. We explored East Austins vibrant bars, including the stylish Weather Up (with a Brooklyn outpos

Click here for the soundtrack to this post 😊 Over the past week, my New York City routine revolved around work, with scenic runs offering the best views: stunning Manhattan skylines from Brooklyn Bridge Park, epic panoramas across the Brooklyn Bridge, Red Hooks pier with Statue of Liberty sights, Riverside Park along the Hudson, and Central Park. On Thursday, I escaped my laptop for a free outdoor movie—one of 28 summer highlights in NYC. Perfect timing: a warm evening, A League of Their Own,

Perus stunning landscapes and world-renowned cuisine have long captivated travelers. From the challenging Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, to the majestic Cordillera Blanca near Huaraz and Colca Canyon by Arequipa, the country offers breathtaking adventures. Dont miss the mystical Huacachina oasis amid towering sand dunes, wildlife-rich Islas Ballestas, or the Inca ruins surrounding Cusco (beyond just Machu Picchu). Limas trendy neighborhoods like San Isidro, Barranco, and Miraflores boast except

Cannes, the glamorous playground of the rich and famous on the French Riviera, boasts azure waters and a palm-lined boulevard, making it an idyllic spot for any Côte dAzur trip. Far more than its world-renowned Film Festival—where Hollywood stars flock annually—Cannes offers timeless allure. Here are five standout reasons to visit this sophisticated beach destination: 1. La Croisette This elegant, palm-fringed boulevard stretches miles along the seafront, a must-see in Cannes. Spot luxury yacht

This past week centered on Central Park, New York Citys largest and most iconic urban oasis. Staying just blocks away, I visited daily for invigorating runs—where I trained for and completed my first race in 2010—sunlit writing sessions on a blanket (freelancer perks!), a picnic park tour shared on Snapchat (ID: mariposa2711), and the above epic sunset gathering with cheese, wine, a game of boule, and catch-up chats with fellow travel bloggers Caroline and Kristin. While Prospect Park in Brook

After two months in Europe, Im thrilled to be back in New York—the worlds greatest city. It felt like no time had passed as I dove right back into the vibrant energy, kicking off August with a visit to Governors Island.What started as a plan for a relaxed beach afternoon turned into an unforgettable entertainment experience. The beach bar was closed, but we stumbled upon a captivating show by the Polish theater group PEREGRINUS. Featuring dynamic acting, dance from phenomenal performers, and eve

My final week in New York (for now) arrived, so I stepped away from my laptop to embrace the citys summer spirit. I reconnected with friends through cycling rides, sunset picnics, bustling food markets, and rooftop al fresco dinners. This year, I finally kayaked the East River—a bucket-list item from the past two summers. It exceeded expectations, reinforcing my need for more water adventures (my last was in Austin this May). In Williamsburg, I hunted fresh graffiti and murals—a favorite pursuit

I often forget just how much I love California. My last visit to Santa Monica last spring was recent, yet Id already overlooked why every trip here leaves me thrilled. While I avoid driving in L.A.s chaotic highways and traffic, cruising the coast is pure joy. The highlight of my current stay: a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) into Orange County. I once drove the full PCH from San Francisco to San Diego in 2010—one of my all-time favorite U.S. road trips—and reliving a stretch last w

Ive shared a lifelong love affair with Istanbul—the longest with any city worldwide. Since my first visit in 1998, this unparalleled metropolis has captivated me.Often described as where East meets West—a cliché thats spot-on—Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus, blending Europe and Asia. It delivers a rich, diverse cultural tapestry, historic landmarks, and hidden gems that could fill a month without boredom. Thats my dream: a full month immersing in its history, culture, art, food, and energy—yet

After enjoying Cartagena, we sought relief from the intense heat by traveling east along the Caribbean coast. Tales of pristine beaches drew us to Tayrona National Park, one of Colombias most celebrated natural reserves. Spanning 12,000 hectares of land and 3,000 hectares of sea, it stretches from the coastline into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Martas foothills.Tayrona boasts diverse beaches, rich wildlife, and invigorating jungle hikes, including a full-day trek to El Pueblito ruins, reminiscent