A captivating photo of Dreamland Beach from Pecatu Indah Resort recently went viral on Pinterest, earning over 1,500 repins in under 24 hours. Doubters claimed it was edited, but this stunning vista overlooking one of Balis prettiest beaches is 100% real. Situated on the Bukit Peninsula, Dreamland Beach lies 30-45 minutes south of Kuta. During my 2009 visit, the resorts hotel and restaurant were newly built amid ongoing construction. The area has since developed further, yet its natural beauty e

Things to Do in London on a Rainy Day Planning a sightseeing trip to London? Rain is part of the British charm, but the citys abundance of indoor attractions ensures you stay dry and entertained. From cinematic escapes to shopping havens, here are expert-recommended options for rainy days. Relax in the Cinema Skip the crowded Leicester Square multiplexes and opt for intimate venues. The Prince Charles Cinema near the West End offers films from £7.50 in a cozy setting. For luxury, head to the Ele

As a seasoned traveler who recently explored Santa Cruz, I was excited to share one of the regions most captivating attractions with my companion, Scott: the legendary Mystery Spot. This renowned gravitational anomaly defies logic, leaving visitors questioning reality itself. Situated amid the towering redwood forests just outside Santa Cruz, guided tours are available for around $12 (confirm current pricing on the official site). Each 30-45 minute experience showcases astonishing phenomena, lik

As Friday the 13th evening approached, déjà vu from our last camping trip set in. I grabbed coffee near home, bracing for a stormy night. In line, the storm raged: lightning flashed, thunder rumbled. Was this our tent fate? Thankfully, Joshua Trees Indian Cove Campground isnt a flash flood risk—or Id have bailed, haunted by Havasu Falls nightmares. Our group nixed dark, stormy setup; we opted for a 2.5-hour early Saturday drive. Pro tip for Joshua Tree winter, spring, or fall: cooler days, but p

While were not fans of camping in the rain, post-storm conditions in the desert often create magical, picture-perfect moments. Our recent trip to Joshua Tree National Park proved this perfectly. Explore our favorite photos capturing the transition from day to night. The clouds parted just in time for a breathtaking, star-filled sky.

Bungee jumping stands out as one of the most accessible extreme sports, requiring no prior training—just book your jump and leap into the adrenaline rush. Unlike rafting or hang gliding, its open to nearly anyone ready for the thrill. Originating from the courage rituals of Pentecost Islands indigenous people in the South Pacific, who jumped from towers with vines tied to their ankles, modern bungee jumping enhances safety with professional gear while preserving the heart-pounding essence. Ready

Ive walked these streets at this hour before, but past visits meant stumbling home after lively nights with new Sicilian friends. This time feels entirely different. Im savoring the profound silence, wondering why more travelers dont venture out before dawn. Corso Umberto typically teems with tourists enjoying gelato or seeking their next carb-laden meal. Ive been fortunate to experience Taormina outside peak summer crowds on both visits, though many visitors arent so lucky. A local explained th

Lifes pivotal decisions often leave us at a crossroads, weighing which path truly serves us best. “What’s your annual sales projection?” the insurance agent asked as I hesitated. “That’s tough to pin down right now. Maybe $12,000 to start?” “That seems low,” he replied. “The minimum policy covers $50,000 annually.” “Okay, go with the minimum.” “I’m not sure I understand your business. It sounds like a hobby. Why bother with insurance?” he probed skeptically. “We’re covering our bases. Selling to

Cinque Terre is a paradise for photographers, drawing enthusiasts worldwide with its vibrant villages perched on dramatic cliffs in Italy. During our visits with Scott, we encountered countless tripod-toting visitors patiently awaiting the perfect light. Aspiring to capture those iconic images? Our battle-tested tips, drawn from multiple trips across seasons, will elevate your photography. Sunset is prime time here, but the dynamic lighting poses challenges: ideal illumination on the colorful bu

While researching accommodations near Cinque Terre, we discovered Levanto via an online travel forum. Fellow travelers recommended it as an excellent alternative to the five iconic villages. We had planned to stay in Riomaggiore, but limited availability led us elsewhere. Levanto instantly felt like Italys answer to Amsterdam. Laid-back locals zip around on bikes or pint-sized pickup trucks with cabs no larger than a golf carts front seat. Charming markets overflow with fresh fruits, Italian and

Today marks my 33rd birthday, the first time Ive felt inspired to share these reflections publicly. After retreating for two weeks following a major disappointment, Ive reached a place of calm and positivity.A valuable lesson learned.Sharing this on my birthday feels fitting—a day for introspection.On Friday the 13th, we drove to Los Angeles to collect our finished surf bikinis from Lemis Studio, our contracted manufacturer for the first production run. Upon inspection, my worst fears materializ

When Kia offered us the opportunity to test drive the new Kia Soul, we eagerly accepted. As frequent travelers planning to buy a car next year, were evaluating options carefully. Though we travel extensively, our home base in San Diego relies heavily on personal vehicles due to limited public transit. A reliable car is essential. Heres the car were replacing: With 226,000 miles and counting, Scotts Honda Civic has served us well, but its time for an upgrade. Our key requirements for a new car:

As a surf instructor with six years of ocean experience, Ive learned the hard way about hidden beach dangers. One memorable incident involved a stingrays barbed tail slicing my foot, leaving a deep gash and intense pain from its venom. Our buddy rushed for help while I managed the throbbing wound. Today, I prioritize precautions like the stingray shuffle—shuffling feet exaggeratedly in shallow water or paddling on my belly when surfing to avoid stingrays, sea urchins, or reefs. Key ocean safety

Exploring unique fruits while traveling is one of our greatest joys—we first discovered mangosteens in Southeast Asia. Back home, were thrilled to find them occasionally at markets, reliving those adventures.Recently, we tried prickly pears for the first time. Assuming it was straightforward, we sliced one open, only to be met with vibrant red juices that threatened to stain everything. A spoonful from the center revealed sweet, mildly tangy flavor—but it was packed with hard seeds that were tou

Off-road driving is surging in popularity not just in America but across Western Europe. Numerous off-road clubs in Ireland and Great Britain provide safety training and challenging courses featuring mud bogging, river fording, and rock crawling. Note that most of these are privately owned and operated. Western Europe discourages venturing off main roads or creating new tracks with Jeeps or 4x4s. Instead, guided tours are available in Italy, France, Spain, and Switzerland. One spectacular route

Discover Taorminas ancient Greek Theatre, an unmissable gem on any Sicily itinerary. Perched high in the enchanting hilltop town of Taormina, this iconic site combines profound history with unparalleled scenic beauty. As a seasoned travel photographer, Ive learned that time often reveals the true potential of images. Many experts advise allowing trip emotions to fade before editing, enabling a clearer, more objective eye. The photos from our May visit to Taorminas Greek Theatre initially seemed

Le Rêve Adults-Only Hotel in Playa del Carmen Le Rêve, meaning the dream in French, truly lives up to its name. Upon arriving at the serene outdoor lobby, I was immediately welcomed by attentive, friendly staff, setting a tone of instant tranquility. Unlike the sprawling all-inclusive family resorts common in Riviera Maya, Le Rêve is an intimate adults-only retreat designed for romantic escapes, honeymoons, or destination weddings. What makes it ideal for couples? Its strict no-children policy (

Discovering Cenotes, Caves, and Ziplines in Riviera Maya, Mexico When traveling, we prioritize experiences that capture a destinations unique essence—be it vibrant culture, exquisite cuisine, or heart-pounding adventures. Riviera Mayas crowning glory, in my view, lies in its wealth of cenotes (natural sinkholes), caves, and underground rivers. I was thrilled to explore two premier sites featuring all three. Our debut day in Riviera Maya delivered non-stop excitement. We linked up with our dynami

As someone with claustrophobia, Ive long avoided tight spaces. My limited caving experience includes a short, equipment-challenged tour in Laos and snorkeling in Riviera Maya caves, which surprisingly didnt trigger my fear. Recently, I explored Rio Secreto in Riviera Maya—a stunning underground river system. Despite initial apprehension, I completed the tour without panic and would return. This natural wonder is worth pushing past discomfort, especially in a safe, guided environment. My rational

As experienced travelers partnering with the Maui Visitors Bureau, were sharing this curated six-day adventure itinerary to showcase Mauis incredible offerings. From surfing and paragliding to helicopter tours and sunset cruises, discover top highlights for your perfect Hawaii getaway. (Pro tip: Check our guide to exploring Maui on a budget.)   Surfing & Cliff Diving Ceremony at Black Rock Start at the luxurious Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Lahaina. Dive right in with a two-hour surf l