The first glimpse of Palawan takes your breath away—a slender island province in the Philippines stretching like an emerald jewel between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. As my small propeller plane descended into Puerto Princesa, the capital city, I knew this journey would be unlike any other. Palawan is not just a destination; it's a living, breathing testament to the raw beauty of nature, a place where limestone cliffs rise from … [Read more...]
George Kourounis, Adventurer and Storm Chaser
George Kourounis is a Canadian explorer, adventurer and popular TV host best known for his work on Angry Planet, where he traveled around the world documenting extreme forces of nature and some of the planet’s most dangerous natural disasters. Q. You have spent most of your life doing things most people are trying to get away from. What is it about danger and risks that keeps you hooked after all this time? Haha. I don't think it's so much … [Read more...]
Tasting Room Tabs – ePOS Systems in Wine Country, From Napa to the Douro
I’ve lived in Santa Rosa since 2009, and for most of that time I’ve made a living installing till and ordering systems for restaurants and tasting rooms around Sonoma and Napa. It’s not a glamorous job. But it means I’ve stood behind more tasting bars than most sommeliers, usually holding a screwdriver instead of a glass, and I notice how a winery handles its bills long before I notice what’s in the bottle. Wine country is hard on a tab. A … [Read more...]
A Week on a Mississippi Riverboat: Full Trip Report
There is something special about traveling along a river. Unlike a road trip, where the scenery changes with every turn, a river journey unfolds at a gentler pace. Towns, forests, farmland, and historic waterfronts gradually appear along the banks, offering a different perspective on the American landscape. A week aboard a Mississippi Riverboat offers the opportunity to experience this slower style of travel while exploring one of the … [Read more...]
Why I Went to Lamjung Instead of the Annapurna Circuit
We were at the junction in Besisahar where the road splits, and everyone else in the vehicle was going north, up the Marsyangdi, toward the Annapurna Circuit and the teahouses and the pass at 5,416 metres that people fly across the world to walk over. I asked to be let out at the turn for Hugdi. The driver repeated the name back to me twice. Then he shrugged in the way Nepali drivers shrug at foreigners and at locals who are behaving like … [Read more...]
How to Prepare Your Toddler for Their First Big Adventure
A toddler’s first big adventure can be exciting, sweet, unpredictable, and a little messy all at once. Whether you are planning a day hike, a beach trip, a long park outing, a family camping weekend, or a first real travel day, good preparation helps your child feel safe while giving them room to explore. If you have been wondering how to prepare your toddler for their first big adventure, the key is to keep the plan simple, pack thoughtfully, … [Read more...]
Where Celebrities Vacation in Mexico and How to Travel Like One
Mexico appeals to just about every kind of traveler, from people planning a getaway on a tighter budget to celebrities looking for a luxurious escape. When it comes to high-end travel, the country has become a favorite among influential names in film, music, fashion, sports, and other industries. Hollywood stars, musicians, athletes, content creators, public figures, and even members of royalty and diplomatic circles have all chosen Mexico’s … [Read more...]
Minalungao National Park: A Scenic Nueva Ecija Escape for Nature Lovers
Nueva Ecija is often known for rice fields, peaceful towns, and wide provincial roads, but hidden within General Tinio is one of Central Luzon’s most photogenic nature destinations: Minalungao National Park. With its emerald river, towering limestone cliffs, bamboo rafts, hanging bridge, caves, and scenic hilltop views, Minalungao has become one of the most visited nature spots in Nueva Ecija. It is a favorite day-trip destination for travelers … [Read more...]
Nayarit Beyond the Beach: The Artisans, Flavors and Traditions Shaping Mexico’s Pacific Coast
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico — For many travelers, Nayarit begins with the Pacific: long stretches of beach, surf towns, jungle-covered mountains and the luxury resorts of Riviera Nayarit. But travel inland — or simply a few streets beyond the shoreline — and another side of the destination emerges. This is a Nayarit shaped by artisans and traditional cooks, Indigenous communities, centuries-old towns, archaeological sites, religious … [Read more...]
Where to Stay in Sanur Bali: The Calmest Base on the Island
After enough time in Bali, I've come to think the biggest decision you make there isn't which temples to see or how long to stay. It's where to base yourself. Pick the right spot and the island feels gentle and easy. Pick the wrong one and you spend the trip stuck in traffic and heat, hunting for somewhere without a flight of stairs. I've spent a good deal of time in the quieter parts of Bali, and one town keeps pulling me back: Sanur, on the … [Read more...]