Mei Zhang is the founder of WildChina, an experiential travel company that creates immersive journeys across China, developed in collaboration with local communities. She is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of California, Berkeley, researching how the Tea Horse Trail can be reimagined as a contemporary hiking route connecting cultures and landscapes. Q1.  When you first chose the name WildChina, how do you personally define “wild” in the context of China? When we chose the name WildChina, “wild” was never meant to describe China as untouched or remote in a literal […]

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The Galapagos islands have long been on my radar, but a visit has so far eluded me. There are few places left in the world that I’m certain feel so untouched. The Galápagos Islands located roughly 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador—are certainly one of those places. Remote, carefully protected, and biologically unlike anywhere else on earth, they are not simply a destination; they are an experience that reshapes how you think about nature, wildlife, and your place within it. The more I research these islands, the stronger their […]

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Uganda is a meeting point of several African biomes with diverse habitats hence the incredible diversity of wildlife including more than 1070 species, which accounts for about 50% of the bird species in Africa. One of the top birdwatching places in Uganda is the biggest park, Murchison Falls National Park which is more popular for big game safari trips to see animals and spectacular Murchison Falls. For the birdwatcher, Murchison Falls National Park offers vast habitats and spaces to explore and tick many birds. This article will guide you on […]

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The American casino resort industry generated a record $15.8 billion in gross gaming revenue across Nevada alone in 2025, marking the fifth consecutive year of growth. But revenue figures only tell part of the story. The real transformation happening across the country is in what these properties offer beyond the gaming floor. Today’s best casino resorts are full-service destinations combining world-class hospitality, dining from Michelin-starred chefs, spa experiences, golf courses, and entertainment lineups that rival standalone concert venues. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a full vacation built around […]

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Mount Makiling is an ASEAN Heritage Park rising to 1,090 MASL in the CALABARZON region. Managed exclusively by the UPLB Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME), the standard 2026 hike requires a mandatory guide (PHP 1,200), strictly enforced cut-off times, and a physical ID for entry. The Mariang Makiling Trail (MMT) is a 4/9 Difficulty minor climb, taking 5-7 hours to complete. Rising like a sleeping giant over the Southern Tagalog plains, Mt. Makiling is more than just a geological formation—it is a cultural institution. For decades, this dormant stratovolcano […]

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Montego Bay is more than just a picturesque spot on Jamaica’s north coast. This vibrant city actually breathes life into your vacation with its endless white-sand beaches, lush hills, and a local culture that’s genuinely inviting. It’s the sort of place where you’re as likely to hear reggae rhythms drifting on the breeze as you are to watch the sun dipping behind palm trees. If you crave a mixture of serene days by the sea and bursts of excitement, you’ve already found the right starting point. Now, before you race […]

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The morning fog held on to the mountainsides like a silk veil as our vehicle navigated the winding roads of the Cordillera Central range. I had arrived in Mountain Province, Philippines, just as the first light of dawn broke over the eastern peaks. This remote highland region, nestled in the northern part of Luzon Island, had long been on my list of destinations. As we ascended higher into the mountains, the promise of ancient traditions and breathtaking landscapes drew me forward with anticipation. My journey began in Bontoc, the provincial […]

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Vilnius, Lithuania – January 2026 – The Vilnius Light Festival returns January 23-25, 2026, transforming Lithuania’s capital into an open-air gallery of contemporary light installations across the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Now in its eighth year, the three-day event marks Vilnius’ 703rd birthday and features an evening route with 24 illuminated artworks from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The festival, which happens during the darkest time of the year, has a mission – to turn winter darkness into a city-wide spectacle of lights that spotlights Vilnius’ architecture, from historical façades to […]

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The first time I ever saw elephants in a national park, it was a life-changing experience. Africa offers some of the best places in the world to encounter these giants up close. As a travel expert with 10+ years on safari all around Africa, I’ll guide you through where to see elephants in Africa, why these national parks are special, and when to visit them (some times are better than others). By the end, you’ll know where to find them in Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Kenya: Amboseli […]

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With Missouri’s official launch into legal sports wagering in 2025, the Midwest’s entertainment map has shifted. The Show-Me State’s arrival in the regulated gaming arena puts it shoulder to shoulder with neighboring heavyweights like Illinois, Kansas, and Iowa. But legality is only part of the story. For sports fans, weekend travelers, and casual gamers alike, it’s about the full experience, convenience, pricing, culture, and game-day energy. From St. Joseph to the Bootheel, and across state lines into neighboring metros, the borderlines define more than geography. They now shape how and […]

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Lake Rio Cuarto is the deepest lake in Costa Rica and truly a hidden gem. I haven’t seen pictures or heard of this place prior to me visiting. Most tourists never end up here, unless they stay at the exact same eco lodge I stayed at, Hotel Del Bosque. They arrange all the tours on this lake and carry people to and from the hotel and the lake. We already rented a car for the duration of our trip and we just drove there ourselves. If you’d like to plan […]

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(WALLA WALLA, Wash.) — As the hustle and bustle of summer fades, fall breathes new life into the scenic Walla Walla Valley. From crisp morning strolls through Pioneer Park and along the trails of Bennington Lake, to afternoons filled with family fun at local pumpkin patches and festive harvest celebrations, autumn wraps Washington wine country in cozy, seasonal magic. Farms, Orchards & Pumpkin Patches Fall is the perfect time to explore the Walla Walla Valley’s vibrant farms and orchards, and this season begins with Walla Walla’s inaugural Tour D’Farm (Sept. […]

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Dublin, 8th September: Aer Lingus, the Irish flag carrier, is inviting explorers to experience all that Ireland has to offer this fall. As the summer crowds fade, the Emerald Isle still offers a magical blend of culture, nature, and celebration. From September to December, the country embraces the shorter days with a rich calendar of events and experiences. With the Aer Lingus Sale offering flights to Ireland from $339* roundtrip, there’s never been a better time to book that adventure. Halloween in Ireland Did you know Halloween is originally an […]

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The morning mist clung to the steep rice terraces as our jeepney wound its way through the mountain roads of Kalinga province. We had departed Tabuk City, the provincial capital, before dawn, aiming to reach the remote village of Buscalan by midday. The journey was as much a destination as the village itself—every hairpin turn revealed breathtaking vistas of emerald terraces carved into mountainsides, a testament to the agricultural ingenuity that has sustained life here for centuries. Kalinga, one of the six provinces that make up the Cordillera Administrative Region […]

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Japan is world-famous for its rich culinary heritage, with unique creations that have been imitated worldwide for years. Ramen, one-of-a-kind sushi, and exquisitely raised wagyu beef are sought after by millions yearly, earning Japan the status of the second country with the most Michelin-Star Restaurants. One-star, two-star, and many three-star establishments are dotted throughout Japan—some specializing in Japanese cuisine, others blending traditional ingredients with pasta, snails, and stir-fried rice. That’s right: plenty of Michelin Star Restaurants in Japan serve more than just Japanese food. How many Michelin Star Restaurants are […]

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