(A couple of years ago, I wrote a blog about the criteria UNESCO uses to designate its World Heritage sites.  If you missed it, you can find it here.) During my recent familiarization trip to Eastern Australia, I didn’t just revisit those ideas—I experienced them firsthand. There’s something very different about reading that a place is “universally […]

When I visited Puerto Rico on a cruise back in 2019, I’ll admit—I wasn’t expecting much. I’d been to plenty of Caribbean islands before, and I thought Puerto Rico might feel like more of the same. Instead, I stepped off the ship in San Juan and quickly realized how wrong I was. Puerto Rico turned […]

I just returned from a transformational week at Virtuoso Travel Week, a global gathering of the most respected luxury travel advisors, hoteliers, cruise lines, tour operators, and destination experts from around the world. After six full days and over 160 meetings, three travel trends became very clear: 1. Multigenerational Travel Memories Over Material Gifts Grandparents […]

There’s something grounding about standing on soil your ancestors once called home. Maybe it’s the air—cooler, somehow, or charged with recognition. Or perhaps it’s just the realization that their choices shaped your path, whether they came over on a ship in the 1800s (like my ancestors did) or fled hardship with little more than a […]

There are some places where the best way to understand the culture is through a museum. Vietnam isn’t one of them. To truly understand Vietnam, follow your appetite. From street stalls to century-old royal recipes, this country shares its story through bowls of comforting broth, sizzling snacks fresh off carts, and vibrant herbs that practically […]

You’ve checked off Paris, sipped your way through Napa, and skied every inch of the Matterhorn. If your passport is full of the usual heavy hitters, it’s time to widen the viewfinder. Below are ten destination “trade-ups” that maintain the high quality of lodging, guiding, and cuisine while sidestepping crowds, overexposure, and sticker shock. Each […]

Japan has been named the “best country in the world” by Condé Nast readers in 2023, and my recent trip confirmed why it deserves a top spot on your luxury travel list. Here’s a brief guide to visiting this captivating country. Best Time to Visit Spring (March to May): Enjoy cherry blossoms in perfect weather, but […]

There’s a reason Japan keeps climbing the ranks for discerning travelers—and no, it’s not just the cherry blossoms or Michelin stars. In the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, Japan was named the best country in the world. That caught your attention, didn’t it? And for good reason: Japan is a study in contrasts that […]

When I travel to Spain, one of my favorite things to do is a Tapas tour.  I love trying different small bites to get to know the culture of the places I visit.  When I travel to Italy, it makes me so happy that Venice’s culinary scene offers a delightful tradition that rivals Spain’s tapas: cicchetti. These […]

Thailand has captured the world’s attention lately, and there’s a compelling reason why. Travel & Leisure recently named Thailand the 2025 Destination of the Year. They celebrated everything I’ve long adored about this fascinating kingdom – from its sophisticated art scene to its world-class cuisine and legendary hospitality. Adding to the buzz, the third season of HBO’s The White […]