DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Beyond Seoul: Unveiling the Magic of Korea’s Small Towns Posted on June 21, 2026August 5, 2026 South Korea is much than its big cities –much more than Daegu, Busan or Seoul. And in my humble opinion, you may find the seat of power, the mighty infrastructure and the cogs of industry in the big city, but the soul of the country lies in the mountanous terrain of its much smaller cities, villages and towns. It’s in the celebrations, rice paddies, green tea terraces and traditional hanoks that we are lucky enough to experience firsthand. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Idar Oberstein: The Prettiest Little Town in Germany Posted on June 19, 2026August 3, 2026 Discover Idar-Oberstein, one of the prettiest little towns in Germany with a 600-year gem-cutting history. This charming town offers picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and a vibrant gemstone culture, making it perfect for a memorable day trip. Read more
BLACK WOMEN WHO TRAVEL Why More People of Color Should Blog About Travel Posted on June 17, 2026August 3, 2026 Traveling as a Black woman often means carrying other people’s assumptions before they know your name. From curious stares to unexpected teaching moments, these experiences reveal how powerful representation can be. The more we share our stories, the more we challenge stereotypes and expand what the world believes is possible. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES What You Need to Know Before Visiting Byukchoji Gardens in Paju, South Korea Posted on June 13, 2026August 3, 2026 It was 6:05 and the ajusshi, an elderly man at the entrance of the Byukchoji Gardens, was friendly but didn’t allow me to enter. We spent too much time cafe hopping– the botanical garden in Paju closes at 7:00 pm, and the last tickets are sold at 6:00 pm. The next day, we arrived early in the morning. As expected, the ajusshi recognized me and reached out to shake my hand. Steven stayed in the car while I packed up my camera gear and umbrella. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Why it’s Easy to Fall for Medieval Italy: San Gimignano, Matera, and Ravello Posted on June 8, 2026August 6, 2026 Italy is home to countless historic towns and villages that have preserved their medieval charm through the centuries. This blog invites readers to step back in time and explore Italy’s lesser-known historic havens. From the fortified walls of San Gimignano to the ancient pathways of Matera, we’ll guide you through destinations where history is alive and well-preserved. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Cheongdo Persimmon Wine Tunnel: A Unique Taste of Korean Tradition Posted on April 21, 2026August 6, 2026 The Gam Wine Tunnel opened its doors in 2006 in Cheongdo and is the world’s FIRST persimmon wine cellar. Cheongdo is lined with bright orange persimmon trees and small family farms. The persimmon is dried, made into juice and wine. I love wine, but I think I prefer the dried fruit option the best. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES 7 Free Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Florence Posted on March 4, 2026August 7, 2026 Florence feels different when you slow down. Beyond crowded museums, quiet spaces like San Miniato al Monte, the Rose Garden, and the Oltrarno reveal a softer rhythm. Street shrines, wine windows, and evening light in Piazza della Signoria create simple moments that feel more personal than any timed reservation or packed gallery. Read more
HOTELS Why You’ll Love the Stay: 5 Hotels with Water Views Posted on February 25, 2026August 7, 2026 One of my favorite vacations involves water, shorelines and the sound they make when they come into contact with one another. While hotels and resorts have long leaned on Mother Nature to capture the imagination and attention of its guests, few have the capability of those with a water view picture window outward to the sea and beyond. Here are my top 5 favorite hotels with with a water view. Read more