INSTAGRAM – Walk it, boat it, drive it, climb it, or just sit back and enjoy it. There are many ways to experience the Amalfi Coast. Consider this weeks InstaTrip a test drive. 

London-based contributor Kerry Saretsky let her Type-A tendancies go and left the honeymoon planning to her fiancé, who delivered an amazing two-week road trip around the Sicilian countryside and the Aeolian Islands. Heres the breakdown.SICILY – We had always figured we would go somewhere otherworldly and exotic for our honeymoon. Somewhere neither of us had ever been before. And considering how much weve traveled over our combined 60 years

If left to our own devices in Mexico, were likely to OD on pork rinds and mezcal. We should probably travel with someone who has a good head on her shoulders, but well settle for the next best thing: fun and healthy Tulum tips from wellness and beauty babe Jessa Blades of Blades Natural Beauty. TULUM, Mexico – I was lucky enough to book a last minute trip to Tulum, a place everyone in New York seems has been talking about. I totally se

Calling all hopeless romantics. The fertile crescent might just be on the island of Sicily. ERICE, Sicily – I had been trying to get pregnant for six months when my husband and I visited Sicily to celebrate my nonnas 85th birthday. It seemed an appropriate time to indoctrinate him into the world of my fathers hometown, Sciacca, and the many characters, churches, and more that had become the legends of my childhood.As it often happens w

This post was sponsored by onefinestay.Lets consider a real estate conundrum. Lets assume that you are lucky enough to live in New York City, Los Angeles, London, or Paris, and that you adore your home. You love the outdoor bedroom encased in a bubble. You love the indoor wraparound balcony. And you love the trapeze in the living room.Now lets assume that youre not at this magical home as often as youd like to be because you travel. Whether

Its the final stretch of summer, which means were squeezing in as many beach days, poolside hangs, and backyard picnics as our schedule allows. Each occasion calls for ... snacks, of course ... and not the kind found at your local convenience store. Were partial to the small-batch, handmade, delicious, and beautifully packaged variety sold by Mouth, the DUMBO-based online purveyor of US-made artisan foods.We partnered with Mouth to bring yo

THE BEACH – Sand castles. Were thinking sand castles. The kind you stare at in awe. The kind you wish you could build. The kind that draw crowds from all over the world.Now youre thinking sand castles, too.UPDATE: There was a strong showing this year at Revere Beach National Sand Sculpting Festival and Blue Water SandFest. Their top picks defy physics, demand attention, and destroy any notion of what a sand castle should be. You have to see

Everyone says the Canadians are nicer than the rest. Can the same be said about their food and wine? Fathom contributor and dedicated foodie Kate Donnelly recounts a recent delicious weekend in and around The Queen City.TORONTO – My first time in Toronto, and Im already spoiled. I just landed at Billy Bishop Airport, the small island from which Porter Airlines, Canadas spiffy regional plane line, operates. I clear customs, hop a ferry, and

PEN/Hemingway Award winner Brigid Pasulkas new nove, The Sun and Other Stars, explores the small, soccer-obsessed town of San Benedetto on the Italian Riviera through the eyes of the local butchers sun. Heres an excerpt.In the beginning, God created the Azzurri and the Earth. Or at least that’s how Papà used to start the story. 1982. The genesis of all order in the universe, the Alpha with no Omega in sight, the Tigris-and-Euphrates, the Wa

Just back from: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.So, what brought you to Rio? I went for our launch party — we just opened a kate spade new york store at Shopping Leblon.Was it your first time? Yes! I have been to São Paulo a couple of times, but never Rio. They are quite different from each other. São Paulo feels a bit more like New York, while Rio feels like LA or Miami. São Paulo feels a bit more serious.What wa

In Mexico, you may hear locals talking about agua mala — bad water.  What does that mean, exactly? A Fathom reader finds out the hard way.PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico – As Sam drove north through Puerto Vallarta, I petitioned Mike and Nicole to close their eyes. I took the duct tape out of my first aid kit, pulled up my shirt, and applied the tape splat-dab on one of my ladies. I took a deep breath and ripped it off. Several time

Every year, novelist and Fathom contributor Courtney Maum returns to her husbands family home in the village of Lancieux, France, to walk among the wild roses, shuck oysters at the waters edge, and easily avoid the internet. If only we could all have such an escape plan! Follow in her footsteps, and commit these recommendations to memory.BRITTANY, France – With a romantic landscape of frothy inlets, verdant cliffs, and seaside cottages spec

Boston-based photographer Joyelle West is obsessed with the outdoors. All it took was a quick read about Iguazú Falls to get her and her adventurous husband down to South America for a visit. An inspirational reader story.THE BORDER, Brazil and Argentina – Nature is impressive. Nature is beautiful. And sometimes, by way of its sheer size, complexity, or prowess, nature is humbling. Im not talking about getting caught up in the flow of a str

Rain, cold, distance: None of these matter when the prize is an unforgettable sandwich. Street food-obsessed Fathom intern Boris Ebzeev recounts his journey for a cheap bite in Buenos Aires.BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – During the cold months, its tough to wrangle out of bed, make breakfast, and go about the day. Especially when youre alone in Argentina. But in a country whose reputation for delicious meats transcends national boundaries,

Its Wednesday, and thats Travel Loot day. Today Fathoms Berit Baugher unpacks her favorite finds from NOLA.NEW ORLEANS – When you get a chance to visit New Orleans, you go. And go. And go. And go. As I write this, Im returning from my fourth trip this year. While Im happy to be home in New York City, Im already feeling nostalgic for my time in the Big Easy. The crumbling sidewalks and gardenia-filled air get under your skin — and

In the end, were all looking for the same things. Charm. Attraction. Seduction. Kerry Saretsky and her husband found them all in a cozy Sicilian estate nestled in the foothills of Mt. Etna. It was an unforgettable affair with good hospitality.MT. ETNA, Sicily – My husband and I call Monaci delle Terre Nere the Minici because anything this beloved deserves a term of endearment. We stay in lots of hotels, but this is our favorite, the standar

INSTAGRAM – In Greater New York, you can climb to the top of a tree and still see the city on the horizon. With a mouthful of wild berries and the salty sea breeze in your hair, youll start to wonder if you can hold off going back there for just a little bit longer.

Hometown: London.Occupation: Hotelier, The Goring Hotel.Favorite destinations: Western Sumatra (for full immersion), Lisbon (for the booze and the seafood).Dying to visit: India. Disgraceful that Ive never been.Bizarre travel rituals: I never wear green. Every time Ive nearly drowned, green has been involved.In-flight relaxation regime: Pills and noise-cancelling headphones!Always in carry-on: Headphones for the avoidance of babies.Concierg

The rows of razor sharp teeth and the bloody reputation are enough to steer most away from great white sharks. But those who have spent time working to protect these magnificent beasts have a different impression. Manchester-based student Mille Vardheim tells us what it was like swimming in a cage mere feet from these creatures, and how she did her part to reverse the stigma that has hurt sharks more than sharks can ever hurt humans.GANSBAA

Its Shark Week and everyones on the beach. Whether you heed warnings or throw caution to the wind, its good to arm yourself with timely (scary) trivia.CAPE TOWN – The iconic, primary colored wooden cabanas lined the entrance to the expansive Muizenburg Beach, a little piece of paradise just outside Cape Town, South Africa. The crescent-shaped coastline encapsulated rolling sets of barrel-like waves perfect for surfing. Surf shops and cafes