The gentle rhythm of waves lapping the shore provided the only soundtrack on this serene morning. We basked in the soft early sunrays, lounging half-asleep on the warm, powdery sand shortly after arriving at Taboga Islands idyllic beach. The 30-minute, 12-mile ferry ride departs from Panama Citys Balboa Yacht Club at 8:30 a.m. daily, primarily carrying locals and workers. This left us as the sole passengers bound for the beach. With shops and restaurants still closed on this tiny Island of Flowe

Planning a trip to Panamas vibrant capital? Discover five unmissable experiences in Panama City, from engineering marvels to serene escapes. 1. Visit the Panama Canal – The Lifeline of Panama The Panama Canal is the heartbeat of Panama, driving its economy and global prestige. Spanning 51 miles east to west, the Miraflores Locks—closest to the city—are the most accessible for visitors. The visitor center features a museum on the canals history and a cinema screening a short film on its construc

Traveling in the Philippines can be remarkably affordable with smart planning—primarily by mapping your itinerary and booking domestic flights ahead. Last-minute tickets can double the cost. If youre budgeting for a trip, this guide from my firsthand experience answers: How much does it cost to travel in the Philippines?Ive broken down my actual expenses and share key considerations for your own trip.Note: Figures use 2015 rates (1 PHP = 0.02269 USD). 2020 update: 1 PHP = 0.020 USD. As of 2024,

Occasionally, a destination surpasses our expectations, much like our enduring affection for Mexico. We anticipated enjoying Nicaragua, and after six weeks immersed in its culture and landscapes, compiling this list of 33 favorites was effortless. Discover them below, in no particular order. 1. León Our top pick in Nicaragua, León buzzes with vibrant locals, stunning colonial architecture, one of Central Americas most impressive cathedrals, and endless restaurants and bars. Despite the heat, wed

While shuttles from Guatemala and Nicaragua make El Salvadors beaches seem like the main draw, theres so much more to explore. For surfers, spots like El Tunco, El Zonte, El Zunsal, and La Libertad offer consistent waves at about 25% of Costa Ricas lesson prices.Non-surfers may find the beaches less appealing. Rocky shores make access tricky—even in flip-flops—and swimming is challenging, so most hotels provide pools and restaurants.Experience the vibrant beach vibe and try surfing, but venture

While El Salvadors beaches draw surfers with their powerful waves, their rocky shores arent ideal for swimming or lounging. As experienced travelers, we found the real magic in the countrys smaller towns and villages—peaceful mornings, welcoming locals, and artistic vibes. After exploring the Ruta de las Flores, two standouts captured our hearts: Suchitoto and Alegria.AlegriaAlegria, a serene mountain village in the Usulután region, is nestled amid El Salvadors tallest peaks, coffee plantations,

Love Isnt Easy Until the 20th century, no roads connected the villages of Cinque Terre. Most residents spent their lives navigating the same winding streets and steep staircases within their own village, rarely venturing across the rugged cliffs separating them. Olive farmers and vineyard tenders on the cliffs were less isolated, but for most villagers, lifes milestones—including matters of the heart—unfolded in one small town. The Mediterranean diet and demanding terrain kept them fit, yet ro

Escaping the Crowds in Cinque Terre One of Italys most picturesque regions, Cinque Terre comprises five enchanting villages—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso—nestled into steep mountainsides, some clinging to towering cliffs, others hugging tiny fishing harbors at sea level. These five lands (cinque terre in Italian) have gained global fame, drawing waves of tourists. In Monterosso, the first village, early mornings see avid early risers, followed by cruise ship groups f

Vernazza, one of the five iconic villages of Italys Cinque Terre, exudes timeless charm. Laundry flutters along its narrow lanes in this traditional fishing village, seemingly untouched by 21st-century hustle. Situated in the rugged, mountainous Italian Riviera, the Cinque Terre villages—including Vernazza—are accessible only by train, boat, or foot, with no roads for cars. The premier way to explore is hiking the interconnecting trail, winding through lush vineyards and olive groves along shee

Ive enjoyed romantic weekend getaways to the City of Love with my partner, but traveling to Paris with kids offers a completely different—and equally rewarding—experience. While adults savor leisurely café au lait at street-side tables, children demand constant engagement, making museums and galleries challenging without nonstop entertainment. If youve explored Paris as a couple and now plan a family return, its time to shift focus to kid-approved activities that create lasting memories. A shor

Osaka, Japans third-largest city by population and metropolitan area, serves as the capital of Osaka Prefecture. This dynamic metropolis blends ancient history with modern excitement. First time in Japan? Read more about Japanese customs and etiquette here! Osaka brims with world-class attractions that captivate millions of visitors each year. From historic temples to thrilling theme parks, this guide spotlights the top five must-see spots for an unforgettable trip. Top 5 Must-Visit Places in O

While New Orleans vibrant urban energy could hold us for months, we eventually escaped the city to uncover the rural foundations that have shaped its distinctive culture over centuries. Here are our top-recommended day trips from New Orleans: Top Day Trips from New Orleans Exploring the Louisiana Bayou My vision of Louisianas bayous was shaped by the 1980s film No Mercy, featuring Richard Gere fleeing through swamps with Kim Basinger. Though we skipped the drama, we were eager to experience au

Back in London, long before embarking on our full-time travel journey, I gifted my partner Jess the iconic book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz. Our shared passion for travel began early; even as students, we saved for budget flights and long weekends exploring Europe. Flipping through its pages, we marked visited spots and dreamed of future adventures. Despite frequent trips, we only reached about 50 places, leaving 950 on the list and sparking wonder at how wed ever comp

The D-Day beaches in Normandy rank among the top day trips from Paris, drawing Americans, Brits, and Canadians eager to honor ancestors who fought in World War II against Nazi Germany. Even nearly 80 years later, the historical weight of these beaches endures. On June 6, 1944, Operation Overlord—the Allied invasion of Western Europe—unfolded here. Over 156,000 troops from the Allies landed in Normandy to confront German forces. The beaches were codenamed as follows: Utah Beach (U.S.) Omaha Bea

After settling into life in New York City, Ive explored areas I never had time for during shorter visits. With major tourist attractions checked off, I sought out lesser-known spots that offer an authentic glimpse into the citys rhythm and stunning skyline views—places most tourists and even locals overlook. These hidden gems provide genuine NYC experiences without the crowds. While paid attractions like the One World Observatory are worthwhile, these free or low-cost spots deserve a spot on yo

After the surprising popularity of Part I—where readers sought unique NYC experiences beyond the usual tourist traps—Ive spent three consecutive summers exploring New York City. Here are five more free, lesser-known attractions far from Manhattans crowds, perfect for authentic adventures. NYC Off the Beaten Path: Step Back in Time at Sylvan Terrace Hidden in Upper Manhattans Washington Heights, Sylvan Terrace is Manhattans only spot on this list—and one few tourists reach. This charming mews

December 5 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm « All Jeep Christmas Parade Winter Wonderland Market » Experience the magic of “Appalachian Christmas” at Shelton House, featuring a special visit from Santa Claus and the enchanting lights of the Tinsel Trail twinkling all evening for everyone to enjoy. This festive event takes place on December 5 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The Tinsel Trail will remain lit every evening

December 3 @ 11:00 am - December 4 @ 5:00 pm Location: TBA « Haywood Arts Council 2021 Dates All Jeep Christmas Parade » Thrilled to Welcome The Cleverlys to Balsam Range Art of Music Festival! Were excited to announce The Cleverlys will perform at this years festival—their legendary feud paused just long enough for an unforgettable show! A Celebration of Elite Bluegrass and Acoustic Talent This premier event features live concerts by some of th

November 14 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm $8.00 « Christmas Craft Show Haywood Arts Council 2021 Dates » Join us for an enchanting Open House at Agapeland Station! Discover our impressive O Scale Model Train Layout showcasing the beloved Polar Express train. Tickets: $8 (cash only at the door). Children 5 and under: Free. Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM on November 14.

November 13 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm « Ivy Rowe @ HART Theatre “Open House” featuring the Polar Express » Experience festive holiday cheer at the Christmas Craft Show, taking place on November 13 at the renowned Smoky Mountain Event Center. Date & Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Health & Safety: State-mandated face masks are required for all attendees.