Bright blooming flowers, warm rains, sunny skies, and electric excitement in the air—a collective relief from millions as winter ended, buzzing with summers romantic promise. Offered a housesitting gig in New York that spring, we jumped at it. Endless summers in Thailand, Cambodia, India, Mexico, Costa Rica, Buenos Aires, and Santiago had skipped fall and winter for us, but springs magic was unforgettable. Chasing eternal summer, wed almost forgotten springs sensory delights, especially its scen

Ive finally taken a well-deserved vacation—sort of. While I didnt stop working entirely, I significantly reduced my screen time during the Christmas holidays, prioritizing quality moments with family and friends. Despite a twinge of guilt, these days have filled my heart with love and joy.Before returning to Germany for the holidays, I debated whether flying back from Asia was worth it, especially with another trip planned soon. But spending Christmas surrounded by loved ones was the perfect cho

This week, I discovered I could thrive for 48 hours without checking email—a vital lesson after being overly connected to social media, email, and the internet. To start the New Year right, I embraced a mini digital detox, breaking free from my iPhone attachment (remarkable, since just 12 months ago, I managed without a phone for nearly four years!).Snow proved more enchanting than I remembered during Germanys first winter flurries. Though running on it wasnt ideal, building a snowman and tossin

This week’s Polaroid takes us to Cambodia! If you followed my March travel itinerary, you’ll know Cambodia wasn’t planned—I should be in Indonesia right now, not in Siem Reap near the iconic temples of Angkor Wat.Travel plans don’t always go as expected. Last week, while checking in for my flight to Bali, I was denied boarding due to my passport’s condition. I was stunned. It had passed scrutiny on four flights in Thailand and five in the Philippines (plus the connecting flight), with no issues

I lounged on the vibrant orange sofa beneath three terrace windows overlooking lush tropical gardens. Two dogs relaxed on the front lawn, with only lizards sunbathing by the pool and distant monkeys audible. No tuk-tuks or crowds—just natures symphony. Villa Templeberg offered the perfect escape.Just 30 minutes earlier, Id arrived via the crowded Colombo-Galle train. A staff member picked me up, and as we drove from Galles bustle into the jungle atop a 5-acre coconut plantation, tension melted a

This week, Ive journeyed south along Cambodias coast, pausing in charming Kampot before the beaches of Sihanoukville. I first fell for this peaceful river town in 2012 and was eager to witness its evolution. The town itself remains largely unchanged, aside from a few new guesthouses. However, its appeal to travelers has grown significantly—unlike my prior visit when accommodations were sparse, this time I struggled to find a vacancy amid full bookings. Riverfront bars and restaurants now hum wit

Picture yourself lounging by an infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean, shared with just a few fellow guests. Sipping a cocktail amid crashing waves, you embrace pure serenity. At Era Beach by Jetwing Hotels on Sri Lanka’s south coast, this is everyday luxury. With only eight rooms, this exclusive boutique hotel feels like a private villa. Even at full capacity, it remains uncrowded, offering ample space at the pool and sun loungers. For an intimate, upscale beach retreat in Sri Lanka, Era B

Returning to Hong Kong was bittersweet—it marked the end of my Southeast Asia winter escape where the journey began. On this second visit, I arrived energized, adventurous, and well-prepared, unlike my first trip marred by jet lag and burnout. Despite that initial disappointment, the citys dynamic vibe had captivated me, building anticipation for round two. With nearly a week to explore, I savored Hong Kong at a relaxed pace. I wandered diverse neighborhoods, hit iconic sights, enjoyed long ru

Im thrilled to be back in New York City, specifically Brooklyn. As a longtime fan, I prefer Brooklyns edgy neighborhoods over much of Manhattans more uniform areas (with exceptions like the East Village, Washington Heights, and parts of Manhattan). Brooklyn feels like my favorite place on earth. Currently, Im cat-sitting in Prospect Heights, where I cared for a different cat three times last year. This neighborhood holds a special place in my heart—stepping into my favorite local coffee shop fel

When I arrived at OZO Wesley, the stylish entrance immediately caught my eye. Stepping inside, I was truly impressed by the lobbys vibrant, spacious design. Wavy wooden lines on the ceiling and walls, paired with bold red furniture, created a funky yet sophisticated atmosphere that confirmed my choice of hotel even before seeing my room.I chose Wan Chai to explore this dynamic Hong Kong neighborhood further, and OZO Wesleys location is ideal. A tram stop and bus stations are right outside, with

After extensively exploring the Bronx last summer, I shifted my focus to Queens this year—New York Citys largest borough, packed with hidden gems despite my past limited visits. Astoria remains my top spot, a vibrant Greek enclave now buzzing with trendy bars and artisanal coffee shops amid ongoing gentrification. The Metropolitan Operas Summer Recitals at Socrates Sculpture Park provided the ideal reason to revisit this under-the-radar gem (soon featured in my upcoming Five Undiscovered New Yor

When my friend Shannon shared shed be in London in September, I knew I had to carve out a week in my former adopted home. Having just spent time with her niece two months prior—but not seeing Shannon in over a year—I was overdue for a return. After years of global travels, Id only passed through briefly last November, nearly five years post-farewell to England. Id already promised myself more time in this beloved city; now I had the perfect excuse. A week felt too short, yet it allowed me to re

Venice marked the perfect grand finale to my tour of northern Italy. As a seasoned traveler, I was thrilled to rediscover this iconic city with my DSLR camera.My previous visit predated digital photography, so I eagerly captured Venice—one of the worlds most photogenic destinations—over two unforgettable days in the lagoon city, a highlight of my September adventures.While a single photo cant do justice, stay tuned for a comprehensive photo essay showcasing canal-side strolls, panoramic views fr

This month in New York continues to exceed expectations. As another vibrant week draws to a close, Im eagerly anticipating my first Thanksgiving in the U.S. and my upcoming birthday—sure to be the highlights ahead. Reflecting on last week, its remarkable how I balanced it all while prioritizing rest. I finally visited the Whitney Museum (a must for art enthusiasts), reconnected with old friends, tackled my ever-growing list of must-try bars and restaurants, explored favorite Brooklyn and Manhatt

This week was truly celebratory, coinciding with my birthday and Thanksgiving. Anticipating stress from a pressing freelance project due by months end, I prioritized joyful activities to recharge: catching the Broadway hit The Book of Mormon (a must-see for theater fans), the eagerly awaited Angel Haze concert, a traditional family Thanksgiving dinner, and an unexpected highlight—the Museum of Feelings, which left me utterly mesmerized.Ill detail these highlights in my upcoming monthly roundup,

This past week unfolded in blissful tranquility as I settled into life with my two temporary dogs—adorable companions Ive fallen deeply for. Im already dreading our farewell! My routine now features daily park runs, savoring the New York Times over coffee before diving into work, and whipping up nourishing lunches. Yet, I know I need fresh air and movement daily—whether its a waterfront sunset stroll, crossing the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, or wandering the park. With vibrant blue skies and endless

New York Citys street art scene thrives despite its unofficial status, with commissioned murals transforming neighborhoods like Bushwick and Williamsburg. Iconic artists such as Belgiums ROA, Britains Banksy, and Brazils Os Gemeos have left their mark across the five boroughs.The ever-evolving nature of NYC street art keeps walls fresh and inspiring. This fall brought exciting additions: French artist Invaders recent mosaics and the MonumentArt project, where international artists adorned school

Last week, selecting one photo from 1,500 shots in Iceland was tough. This week, choosing from a similar volume taken during my Italian adventures proved equally challenging. I settled on this captivating image of Salò on Lake Garda, captured as our boat approached the town. After a day exploring Sirmiones Roman ruins at Grotte di Catullo, Salò unfolded before us like the quintessential Italian lakeside retreat. Ive visited Italy numerous times, yet Ive largely overlooked the north—rushing pas

Koh Samui, Thailands third-largest island, stands out as one of Asias most coveted holiday destinations. Its allure lies in breathtaking scenery and world-class luxury accommodations. Indulge in relaxation on pristine white-sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters, with gentle ocean breezes year-round. The islands warm climate complements lush tropical rainforests, gourmet dining, and thrilling water sports. From rejuvenating spas and championship golf courses to infinity pools and state-of-

Costa Rica, Central Americas adventure paradise, boasts tropical beaches, incredible wildlife, diverse landscapes from rainforests and cloud forests to active volcanoes and rolling hills, plus unmatched thrill activities. As a frequent visitor, Im often asked about must-see spots, but thrill-seekers want my top adrenaline picks. Here are five unmissable adventures in Costa Rica: White-Water Rafting on the Pacuare and Reventazon Rivers Costa Rica excels in white-water rafting with Class III and