There are places in the world that demand nothing of you but your presence. No sightseeing checklists. No need to rush. Just space to slow down, breathe deeply, and let life roll by at the pace of a coconut drifting on the tide. Ekas, a tiny surf village tucked away on the east coast of Lombok, Indonesia, is one of those rare places. I stumbled into Ekas after a week in the chaos of Kuta’s surf scene, craving quiet. What I found was a village … [Read more...]
6 Michelin Star Restaurants in Japan for you to try in 2026
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 … [Read more...]
Visiting Mt. Lassen National Park
A part of the Cascades range, Mt. Lassen is a dormant volcano outside of Chester, California. While the volcano is considered dormant, it last erupted in 1915 and has many geologically active features, such as mud pots and hot springs. During the winter, this park is nearly inaccessible due to snowfall, but from late spring to early fall, it is a paradise for outdoor explorers and day trippers alike. Much of Mt. Lassen National Park can be … [Read more...]
Mexico City to Host the 2025 Day of the Dead Grand Parade: A Celebration of Life, Memory, and Tradition
Mexico City, September 29, 2025 — On Sunday, November 2, Mexico City's iconic Paseo de la Reforma will transform into a river of color, music, and remembrance as the Day of the Dead Grand Parade returns for its highly anticipated 2025 edition. This extraordinary four-hour procession honors those who have passed while celebrating the joy of life, offering visitors from around the globe an unforgettable immersion into one of Mexico's most cherished … [Read more...]
East Coast Escapade: A Whirlwind Adventure
I caught a red eye from California to JFK in New York but before I left, our flight was delayed 90 minutes due to crew who had not yet arrived at the airport. This and other delays have plagued nearly most of my flights this year - although this wasn't as bad as sitting on the tarmac in Germany earlier in the year for nearly 6 hours for maintenance issues and then having to go back to the gate because the flight was ultimately canceled. And … [Read more...]
Fjällbacka, Western Sweden – October 2025
This is one of the more picturesque towns along Western Sweden - located about a 90 minutes drive north of Gothenburg. Colorful buildings line the harbor - and on a clear and warm day this is the perfect spot to enjoy an ice cream or duck into any of a number of specialty shops here. Fjällbacka is also well known among Swedes because the country's top selling crime novel author, Camilla Lackberg sets her novels here. She is most known for her … [Read more...]
How Travelers Can Stay Flexible With Their Budgets
Travel is anything but predictable. Flights run late, attractions shut unexpectedly, exchange rates shift, and unplanned opportunities have a way of popping up. Even the most carefully designed itinerary can change in an instant, and when it does, your budget usually takes the first hit. Nobody wants to spend a trip stressed about expenses, but running out of money too soon can end the adventure early or force tough compromises. The key isn’t … [Read more...]
Ifugao: Terraced Legacy
The morning mist clung to the mountains as our car wound its way up the narrow road from Banaue town. I pressed my face against the window, eager for my first glimpse of what UNESCO had declared a World Heritage site, what locals had farmed for over 2,000 years, and what many call the "Eighth Wonder of the World"—the Ifugao rice terraces. The province of Ifugao sits in the Cordillera mountain range of Northern Luzon in the Philippines, a … [Read more...]
Embracing the Rain
Terceire, Azores: Smiles in abundance, umbrella needed The plane touched down in high winds, and I almost wanted to cheer the pilot. Normally, I'm pretty calm in planes, but it was a wobbly landing with loads of turbulence, and we both released our breath when the little plane bumped on the tarmac. Peeking out of the small porthole, I scanned the landscape. Luscious greens in all shades, a few hills, a blue sky and of course the … [Read more...]
Mario Rigby, Eco-Explorer, Author, Speaker, and Former Professional Track and Field Athlete
Mario Rigby is an eco-explorer, author, speaker, and former professional track and field athlete. Born in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, he was raised in Germany before moving to Canada. In 2015, Rigby embarked on his epic “Crossing Africa” expedition, traveling from Cape Town to Cairo entirely by foot and kayak. Over two years, he covered more than 12,000 kilometers across 8 African countries. Q. Growing up in the Turks and Caicos … [Read more...]