No trip to Egypt is truly complete without venturing south to the monumental temples of Abu Simbel. While Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan often steal the spotlight in a classic Egypt itinerary, this remote treasure near the Sudanese border is the place where Ancient Egypt’s grandeur is felt most intensely. Whether you’re planning a first-time journey through the country or returning to explore it more deeply, Abu Simbel deserves a dedicated spot on your … [Read more...]
Tamarindos, Farm to Table San Jose del Cabo, Mexico – January 2026
This organic farm is located within a very short drive of central San Jose del Cabo on easily passable dirt roads once leaving the center of San Jose del Cabo. Alternatively, allow about 30-35 minutes walking from the center of town (generally a pleasant walk during the wintertime with roaming cows and a diversity of birds hanging around the fresh water). Founded in 2006, this farm + restaurant + cooking school is operated by Chef Enrique … [Read more...]
Discovering Casa de Campo: A Traveler’s Paradise
Casa de Campo is a 7,000 acre resort on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, and it's basically a small town designed for people who want luxury without the stuffiness. The resort sits in La Romana, about an hour from Punta Cana, and it operates like its own little world with private beaches, golf courses, a marina, and enough villas to house a small army of vacationers. The Villa Situation Here's the thing about staying at Casa de … [Read more...]
Matthew Polly, American Author and Martial Artist
Matthew Polly is the national bestselling author of American Shaolin, Tapped Out and Bruce Lee: A Life. A Princeton University graduate and Rhodes Scholar, he spent two years studying kung fu at the Shaolin Temple in Henan, China. His writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Esquire, Slate, Playboy, and The Nation. He is a fellow at Yale University and lives in New Haven, Connecticut. Q1. Kung Fu, Chinese culture, and language were at the … [Read more...]
The Low-Trust Society and Hard-Earned Expat Insights
Originally published via Armageddon Safari: I recently stumbled upon a true gem of an X post from @kunley_drukpa — not necessarily a ringing endorsement of expat life in India, but an expert treatise on the “low trust society” that rings all too true for anyone with experience in the Third World. A small excerpt: “A few years ago now I spent some time in India. One of the more lasting impressions I have from that period was the degree to … [Read more...]
From Beachfront to Mountain Views: Exploring Incline Village Vacation Rental Options
Picture waking up to Lake Tahoe's crystal-clear waters lapping against the shore, or sipping morning coffee on a mountain deck overlooking fresh powder at Diamond Peak. This is the magic of Incline Village vacation rentals—where every stay feels like your own piece of alpine paradise. Nestled on Lake Tahoe's prestigious north shore, Incline Village offers a sophisticated alternative to the busier south shore. Here, vacation rentals provide the … [Read more...]
After London’s Pink Ball, Vilnius Stages a Three-Day Pink Takeover
Photos by Go Vilnius. The Vilnius Pink Soup Fest, which has attracted 93,000 visitors in 2025, is expanding into a three-day celebration of Lithuania's cold pink soup, šaltibarščiai. December, 2025 – Vilnius, Lithuania. As the British Museum prepares for its Pink Ball, the Lithuanian capital is set to continue the pink tradition next spring. After a record-breaking year, the Vilnius Pink Soup Fest, inspired by the country's iconic cold … [Read more...]
Taormina, through the eyes of a traveler
Taormina is not just a place, it's a feeling Before arriving in Taormina, people told me it was “the pearl of Sicily.” But no one warned me that it would make me feel so small—like stepping into an ancient theater where every stone has stood still for centuries, staring at Mount Etna without blinking. In this city, nestled between cliffs and sea, time takes a different path. It doesn’t rush. It lingers beside you and waits. Waits for you to … [Read more...]
Spending New Year’s Eve Alone in Dubai: An Unexpected Experience
The Dream of Celebrating New Year in Dubai For a long time, I had dreamed of spending New Year’s Eve in Dubai. On TV, the fireworks show around the Burj Khalifa always looked spectacular — a global celebration with lights, music, and thousands of people in awe of the world’s tallest building. It seemed like the perfect way to start a new year, something I wanted to experience at least once in my life. So, when I planned a ten-day trip to … [Read more...]
Taipei in a Flash: A Whirlwind Adventure Worth Remembering
A quick journey to Taipei was not meant to be. Rather than get up with the chickens at 430am in the Thai village I am staying in to catch a van to Suvarnabhumi Airport to catch an 11am flight, I opted to take a a van into Bangkok a day early at a reasonable 3pm departure. I didn't catch much sleep that night due to three women next door partying like it was December 31, 1999. The day of my flight, I left my hotel at 8am for the airport. The … [Read more...]