If you’ve missed previous newsletter emails that I’ve sent out, you can find them below! I don’t archive the What to Be Planning ones because they are typically only relevant in the month they are sent. Let me know if any of these make you eager to travel!
NASA scientists have predicted that 2024 will be "super season" for Aurora Borealis, also known as the northern lights - so where better to catch the painted skies than in Iceland! The best time to visit to catch a glimpse of this natural wonder is between September and April - and if you head to Iceland in December or January you may find yourself luckier to see them as there are only 4-5 hours of daylight during this time.
Read MoreGetting the 7 continent badge of honor often seems a lofty goal to people - like Antarctica is unattainable or only for "true adventurers" or those with very high disposable incomes. While of course those two categories of people do travel to Antarctica, it is possible for some of us "common folks" to go there too!
Read MoreWith a long history that is different than most of its European relatives, Spain is a terrific place to travel to. Situated on the Iberian peninsula in Western Europe, Spain has influence from not only its European neighbors, but also exhibits unique Moorish architecture and some Islamic ties from their neighbors to the south.
Read MoreThailand is a mesmerizing destination that seamlessly blends rich cultural heritage with stunning natural landscapes, making it an ideal getaway for diverse travel experiences. Nestled in Southeast Asia, Thailand boasts vibrant cities, ancient temples, and pristine beaches that cater to a wide range of interests. Bangkok, the bustling capital, offers a kaleidoscope of experiences with its vibrant street life, opulent temples like Wat Arun and Wat Pho, and a lot of delicious restaurants and eateries with authentic Thai flavors.
Read MoreMost people think of the desert when they think of Morocco, and rightly so! The Sahara Desert connects with the country, but there are also the Atlas Mountains, and warm sandy beaches on the coast to enjoy. Morocco shares many traits with Mediterranean countries sometimes more so than other African countries, due largely in part to the Atlas Mountains separating Morocco from the rest of Africa.
Read MoreBeing the 5th largest country in the world means whatever I write here will be just a drop in a bucket of what could be covered, but I'll do my best. Brazil holds the title of being the most biodiverse country in the world as well, so for those flora and fauna lovers, you may want to add this country to your bucketlist. It's landmass encompasses 60% of the Amazon rainforest, the Brazilian Highlands, the Pantanal (a wetland area shared with Bolivia and Paraguay) and the Great Escarpment along the coast. Having this much of a diverse geography also means the wildlife is diverse throughout the country, with everything from jaguars to tamarins to toucans, and everything in between!
Read MoreTürkiye, or Turkey as most English speaking countries have called it until recently, is a unique country straddling Europe and Asia. It's not often that one city (in this case, Istanbul) can claim residence in two continents! Being off the Mediterranean and near the Middle East, it has a vast history spanning multiple empires and country names.
Read MoreI don't get too many inquiries for truly off the beaten path destinations like Papua New Guinea, but this country is definitely a special one to see for yourself. The work to get there and get around makes it worth it when you meet the people and learn about the multicultural island roots.
Read MoreThe Czech Republic is a landlocked country in central Europe with Prague as its capitol. The commonly used term "Bohemian" actually comes from one of the major regions within the country, Bohemia, which also originated the country's nickname of "Land of the Bohemian Crown" from the 14th century on.
Read MoreTanzania offers amazing safari experiences that bring adventure seekers from around the globe. One of the greatest aspects of safaris in Tanzania is the diversity of its wildlife and landscapes. From the Serengeti plains, where the Great Migration unfolds with millions of wildebeest and zebras in search of greener pastures, to the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro standing majestically on the horizon, Tanzania's natural beauty is simply awe-inspiring. Whether it's a thrilling game drive, a hot air balloon safari, or an intimate walking safari, Tanzania offers a range of safari experiences that provide a profound connection with nature and leave travelers with lifelong memories.
Read MoreThe Kingdom of Jordan, in the Middle East, which once captivated ancient travelers, continues to enthrall a whole new generation as a modern, vibrant nation. There are many astounding sites to be seen, including the capital Amman, the magnificent Nabataean city of Petra, the spectacular Greco-Roman ruins of Jerash, Lawrence of Arabia’s famous Wadi Rum, and many other historical and impressive sites throughout the Kingdom.
Read MoreAustralia is a vast country with no shortage of incredible destinations and experiences. The eight states and territories stretch across an entire continent, so exploring them all in one trip isn’t usually possible (Australia is about the same size as the USA!). But that's ok, it just means you get to come back again sometime in the future!
Read MoreColombia is found in the northwest corner of South America, is the 4th largest country in South America, and is the only country to border BOTH the Caribbean and the Pacific. In the past, there were hard times when the country was subjected to drug and guerrilla warfare. However, it is now an emerging, increasingly popular tourist destination, with tons of AMAZING immersive experiences available. Colombia is a geographically diverse land with terrain ranging from the Andes Mountains to attractive coastlines, rainforests and grasslands, and very biodiverse as well, with many species of plant and wildlife found in its borders. (Fun fact: you can find over 4000 types of orchids in Colombia).
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