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The Red, The Learned & The Fat: A Bologna Food Tour
Italy itself could be easily considered one of the culinary strongholds of Europe, its food is loved, replicated and eaten throughout the world. Now imagine out of this famed foodie country that there is a region that is lovingly revered as the “gastronomic capital” and you’ll come to find Emilia Romagna as the heart of Italian cuisine within all of Italy. Bologna is the capital of Emilia Romagna and when you visit this area of Northern Italy, you come hungry. Appetites for both regional delicacies and local history can be satiated here by spending an afternoon with Taste Bologna. This local tour operator along with passionate guides are helping to…
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Visiting California’s Channel Islands National Park
Set off the Pacific coast, Channel Islands is one of California’s least visited National Parks with around 300,000 yearly visitors. Compared to the 3.5 million people who visit Yosemite, this is the California park you want to see if you’re looking for serene hikes with fewer crowds and fabulous coastal views. Five islands make up this unique national park, each offering something for either for a day tripper or a multi-island hiking excursion. Since getting from island to island takes some planning, visitors will want to learn more about what each offers then decide how to plan your trip and pack in as much as possible. Santa Cruz The largest…
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A Georgia Road Trip: Driving Solo Through the Caucasus
The roads are windy, the routes are long, the driving is frenzied, and yet it is one of the best driving trips I’ve ever taken. A road trip in Georgia is the perfect way to explore the country and have a true adventure in the Caucasus Mountains. I’ve taken my fair share of road trips, many of them solo. I love being able to have the freedom to create your own agenda, make stops along the way and control any last minute changes. It’s the liberating part of travel I’ve come to truly enjoy. The country of Georgia at first glance may not look to be an ideal place for…
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Best Places for Fall Foliage in the US
Leaf peeping season is THE time to venture outdoors and experience the beauty of American nature. While the changing of leaves is a global seasonal event, there are so many spectacular places that come alive even more during the autumn months right in the US. I adore fall, the sunny breezy days, chill evenings, and come along through an autumnal paradise, as I list some of what I consider to be the best places for fall foliage. Eastern United States While I adore the western US, the East Coast in my opinion reigns supreme when planning a fall-themed vacation. The iconic region is the Northeast and in particular,…
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Sustainable Sonoma County and Curating a Conscious trip to California
Sustainable Sonoma County California is known to be one of the more prominent leaders of sustainable travel within the US. The Golden State has long championed initiatives to create a space for the travel industry to hold itself more accountable regarding setting a gold standard that not only attracts sustainable savvy travelers but also visitors who are looking to learn more about ways they can be more mindful. California is a prime example of how you can have the best of both worlds, a commitment to being both stewards of a destination along with showcasing everything good about a location. And with 58 counties, California visitors are spoilt for choice…
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An Insider’s Guide to Mongolia
I slouched down, ducking through the wooden doorframe of the Ger, stepping over the threshold and sinking into the muddy ground in front of the yurt. Even with a soft light, I squinted to adjust my sight from the darker, one room home without windows. The snowfall created an illusion of a sunny afternoon, but after closer inspection, the grey clouds moving in between the mountain peaks revealed otherwise. I took a few steps forward towards a large herd of goats. Several grazing without so much as even glancing up at me, while others cocked their heads to the side, their saucer shaped eyes focusing in on this large, foreign…
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Iconic “Great American” Road Trip Planning, but 5 Ways to Make it Sustainable
Buckle up, road trip season is upon us. Now more than ever, there are more Americans choosing domestic vacations, traveling by car and visiting places within the US that they’ve yet to explore. A road trip is the quintessential journey through the “lower 48” and beyond. I’ve drove tens of thousands of miles over the years, in Canada, Greece, Cuba, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Morocco, Oman and along the east and west coast of the US. Here are a few vital tips and tricks for road trip planning, the sustainable way. 1. Packed & Prepared Make sure you are prepared before you hit the road. Planning for a road trip can still…
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Black Owned in the Burgh: Supporting Black Businesses in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, a city in western Pennsylvania that since birth I’ve called home. While traveling over the last seven years, I don’t have a permanent residence in the US, but when I’m back visiting family, I’m here in the “Burgh”. Where three rivers converge, this “steel city” has had a special place in my heart. Once a predominantly blue collar, industrial town, it has made significant changes over the years to encouraging residents to stay, not stray, and it shows each time I return. I’m often finding a new restaurant, shop or place to explore. While a majority of a my writing is focused on traveling to new places more responsibly,…
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Top 10 Things To Do in Muscat Oman
Oman, a Middle Eastern country on the Arabian Peninsula may be overlooked at first, but I promise it is worthy of a second glance. Oman is a small, peaceful country with only about 4 million residents and a million reasons why you should visit. The capital is the perfect introduction to the Middle East and there are so many things to do in Muscat. Visit the Royal Opera House The Royal Opera House is a visually stunning building and shows a level of craftsmanship and design that is unparalleled. The stark white exterior with bright, beautiful flowers surrounding the building. The interior of the Opera House is floor to ceiling…
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Visiting Latvia: The Best Day Trips from Riga
Nestled in between Lithuania and Estonia, sitting along the Baltic Sea, Latvia may seem like a compact little country, but on further inspection that translates to a culturally rich country, brimming with opportunities to add uniqueness to your Eastern European itinerary. Starting a trip in Latvia and then taking day trips from Riga is an ideal way to get acquainted with the Baltic region. Visiting Latvia If you’re planning a trip to Eastern Europe, the Baltic states are not to be missed. While I think I could spend most of my time strictly exploring Riga, there are many day trips from Riga that show the true beauty and history of…
