On my travels I have made a point to visit many of the incredible Unesco World Heritage Sites all over the world. These range from the iconic architectural sights like the Taj Mahal and Angkor Wat, to the beautiful and charming UNESCO cities of Guanajuato and Luang Prabang. I’ve picnicked in UNESCO National Parks and stared in wonder at the historic wonders of Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Take a peek at my favorite experiences over the past decade as I’ve traveled this world in search of culture, history, and connection.
When I left to travel the world in 2008, I wasn’t sure what pieces of the travel experience would most pique my interest . . . would it be the varied landscapes, the new foods and flavors, or perhaps new friends? In the intervening years, I learned that I am most engaged in my travel experience …
I’ve seen hundreds of beautiful places during my years on the road. But early in my travels, I realized that when I moved too quickly, all those epic views—waterfalls, temples, mountain peaks—started to blur together. That’s when I began slowing down. Not just to take better photos, but to truly experience the moment. And of …
A rose-red city half as old as time. These these words sound like the opening lyrics to a love song. Instead, poet John Burgon penned them in reference to an ancient civilization and ancient city: Petra. The words conjure images of a civilization that carved their history into the soft sandstone rocks jutting toward the …
The thunderclouds hung low for hours over Havana, Cuba before Louise and I decided enough was enough. If the rain was playing a game of chicken with us then we planned to spend the afternoon exploring historic Havana instead of hiding indoors in anticipation of the thick sheets of rain that had, for six long …
As nonchalance creeps into my travels, I find myself in a battle to find a way to love every new moment on the road. I arrived in China with more than enough to explore. But also, since I live on the road—like a spider building a web—my thoughts spiraled: “Is this worth my time? Could …
Sharp, cold air hit my face as the first views of the Great Wall of China appeared over the treetops. The chairlift crested the forested hillside and shot straight ahead toward the looming rock wall. It’s spring in China and warm air is still months away. The mountains are barren, just a hint of dull green …
Walking the wooden boardwalks around Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia I looked up and saw this dead tree with a very clear thought bubble painted across the sky by mother nature; like something out of a comic book. What would a tree say? Even more pointedly, what would a dead tree say on a …
Semana Santa in Guatemala isn’t just beautiful—it’s immersive. The colors, the crowds, the scent of incense in the air—it’s a celebration that sweeps you up, whether you’re visiting for the religion, the culture, or the fun. It’s an event where the vivid colors of alfombras—those intricate, ephemeral carpets—come to life on Antigua’s charming cobblestone streets. …