Many tourists visit Israel for its religious heritage, but is that the only draw? As a non-religious traveler, I wasnt sure what to expect from a destination steeped in sacred history. Capturing my first impressions through photos felt like the best way to share this journey—Ive included some exclusive shots here, beyond whats on our Instagram. Landing in NYC for my connecting EL AL flight On the overnight flight to Israel, nearly half the passengers wore traditional Hasidic attire—dark suits,

For the first time in Alaska, I beheld the stunning Dawes Glacier. Standing before its grandeur shattered my preconceptions. As someone who prides myself on basic knowledge of everyday topics, I realized how little I truly understood about glaciers. What Is a Glacier? Headlines often mention melting glaciers, global warming, and polar bears on drifting icebergs, but Id never delved into the definition. A huge mass of ice slowly flowing over a land mass, formed from compacted snow in an area wher

“Do you feel like children again?” our guide asked as our van climbed toward sea level. I wasn’t sure how to respond—and neither was anyone else, as the van fell silent. “It’s said that swimming in the Dead Sea turns back time by 20 years, so you must feel like kids,” she explained. “Ah, yes—I do feel giddy now that you mention it,” I replied from the back. I had never deeply considered the Dead Sea’s renowned healing properties. The effortless floating in its hypersaline waters always appealed

Selecting gifts for avid travelers requires thoughtfulness—they value compact, practical items that enhance their journeys without adding bulk to luggage or home. Drawing from years of global adventures, here are our top 10 traveler-tested gift recommendations.   Gorillapod Flexible Tripod Spontaneous photo ops dont wait for setup. The GorillaPod SLR-Zoom Flexible Tripods versatile, bendable legs secure it on any surface for stable, perfect shots every time.   New Trent iGeek Battery C

Travelers return year after year to Aruba Marriott Resort for its stunning scenery and genuine Aruban hospitality. During my stay, I met numerous guests who make it an annual tradition. Aruba, a compact 19.6-mile-long island, enjoys ideal year-round temperatures thanks to steady trade winds that reduce humidity and mosquito activity. Outside the hurricane belt in the Netherlands Antilles, its a safe Caribbean choice when other destinations face risks. As someone prone to bug bites in tropics, I

Israel may be compact, but its culinary scene is diverse and exceptional. During my trip, a knowledgeable local guide led me through an unforgettable food adventure, sampling a wide array of dishes for hours on end. Beyond traditional Israeli fare, influences from neighboring cultures shine through, reflecting Israels vibrant melting pot. From Israels finest hummus to irresistible Iraqi kubbah soup, here are my seven top restaurant recommendations in Israel.   Humus Said in Akko (Acre) Reno

As the new year approaches, its natural to reflect on the past years events. We all indulge in brief daydreams, pondering what we might have done differently. A fresh year sparks new resolutions: losing weight, earning more, eating healthier, or pursuing bold dreams like becoming an astronaut or taking a cooking class in Italy. I dont dwell on past mistakes—theyre part of growth. Instead, I focus on positive changes for myself and my life. Recently, my partner Christy and I discussed our paths.

Düsseldorf was my first deep dive into German culture, and it exceeded all expectations. Though a past train robbery soured my view of Germany briefly, I couldnt resist Air Berlins invitation to experience Düsseldorfs Karneval—the European equivalent of Mardi Gras. Visiting during peak festival season, I never felt overwhelmed. Traveling partly with a group but mostly solo, I navigated effortlessly without a guide. Contrary to my fears of getting lost, the city proved intuitive and welcoming. Us

“Helauuuuuu!” This infectious cry echoed endlessly in my mind long after returning home from Germany. I heard it hundreds of times during my three-day immersion in Düsseldorfs Karneval celebrations. Curious about its meaning? Helau is Düsseldorfs unique Karneval greeting—each city has its own—roughly translating to hallelujah. What is Karneval? Karneval, Europes answer to Mardi Gras, ranks among Germanys most vibrant festivals. Rooted in medieval traditions, its held between February and March

Adventure enthusiasts, meet Competitours—a thrilling twist on travel that combines competition, discovery, and camaraderie. We were excited to spotlight this innovative tour operator, offering participants the chance to compete for cash prizes while exploring hidden gems in Western Europe. What is Competitours? Assemble Your Team Eleven teams of two embark on an 11-day mystery itinerary across Western Europe, tackling daily surprise challenges for a share of up to $6,600 in cash prizes awarded t

During my four-night stay at the luxurious Breidenbacher Hof hotel in Düsseldorf amid Karneval festivities, I was continually impressed by their meticulous attention to culinary detail. Breakfast buffets featured an exquisite array of oysters, prosciutto, gourmet cheeses, fresh croissants, fruit juices, and champagne. This signature Wiener Schnitzel, served with potato-cucumber salad, is a guest favorite at their fine-dining Brasserie 1806. Explore Chef Michaels online menu for more delights an

Do you travel to savor unique cuisines or local brews like wine, beer, or scotch? Tasting regional beers is always a top priority on my trips. While I enjoy San Diego IPAs and Northern California microbrews, Ive grown especially fond of Belgian beers in recent years. Chimay is a favorite in San Diego but pricey; discovering affordable options in Brussels felt like beer paradise. During my Brussels visit, I indulged in Belgian waffles and an impressive array of beers. Here are three essential bee

Discover an affordable beachfront stay in San Diego at the stunning Kona Kai Resort on Shelter Island, offering luxury without the high price tag. While our travels often involve jam-packed itineraries to maximize exploration, they rarely provide true rest. To recharge, we prioritize short getaways to familiar nearby spots where we can unwind without the pressure to sightsee. After a hectic year of travel, we craved a relaxing weekend close to home—and found the ideal retreat just minutes from d

The Dutch-speaking gem of Antwerp is a must-visit on any Belgium itinerary. Though I arrived after sunset, missing the daylight views, I felt instantly safe strolling to dinner and fell in love with its vibrant charm. With Dutch as the primary language but English, German, and French widely spoken, Antwerp is highly tourist-friendly. Its compact size makes it ideal for a three-day trip. Here are the top 7 things to do in Antwerp, based on my firsthand experience.   Grote Markt in Antwerps O

As summer draws near, Im reflecting on my short-term goals and plans to embrace the sunny season. June marks one year of self-employment, while August celebrates our blogs 4-year anniversary. Beyond professional milestones, Im prioritizing personal ocean-inspired goals. Spending maximum time at home in our beach town during summer is essential. The electric energy under sunny skies and water temperatures above 65°F is truly unmatched. Living in San Diego means endless ocean access. On the toug

Have you ever been touched by extraordinary kindness from a stranger while traveling? Not just a polite greeting, but a gesture that truly stops you in your tracks. Ill never forget the family I met on a flight from Sicily to Spain. They welcomed me warmly and even invited me to stay at their home in Madrid. This encounter was a pivotal moment in my life, igniting my passion for travel. I believed such genuine warmth from strangers was unique to journeys abroad. As a young traveler in my twentie

As a avid home cook fueled by global travels, Ive made it a mission to recreate world cuisines in my kitchen. The ultimate way to embrace a new culture? Enrolling in local cooking classes during our trips. Our journey began in 2012 with a hands-on pasta-making class in Italy, teaching us to craft fresh pasta from scratch. This immersive approach became a travel staple, whenever schedules permit. On a recent visit to Brussels—Europes cosmopolitan capital—I attended a class at Mmmmh! to master fou

This month, I didnt need to travel far for the tropical breezes and flawless white-sand beaches Im addicted to. My 2014 summer itinerary featured mostly long-haul flights of 30 hours or more, so a six-hour trip to a gorgeous destination left me ecstatic. This marked my first visit to Panama City Beach and only my second to Florida (after the Florida Keys earlier that year). I arrived post-storm, with waters not yet crystal clear, but they cleared within days, revealing mesmerizing views on my Pa

Bologna captivates with its vibrant alleys, stunning architecture, and endless porticoes, making it a truly unique destination. Though landlocked, this laid-back city inspired dreams of everyday life: waking to the scent of garlic, strolling from café to café, enjoying aperitivo with locals, and diving deep into Italian culture. Loneliness rarely strikes during solo travel here—Bolognas welcoming vibe kept me engaged. I relished wandering alone through street markets, dining solo at restaurant

Its rare to find a destination so captivating that leaving feels truly difficult. While Ive loved Bolognas charm and Panama City Beachs beauty, Ive always eagerly returned home to Scott and summer in San Diego. Bonaire, however, left me with mixed emotions—one of the best weeks of my life ended too soon. Typically, tropical islands enchant me with their scenery alone. But Bonaire felt like home: I was leaving new friends and untouched landscapes Id yet to explore.  Bonaire holds a special p