Most trips to Europe follow a familiar pattern, moving between well-known cities and landmarks. That works, but it doesn’t always show much of what sits in between. This guide focuses on five different ways to experience Europe by spending more time in those in-between spaces. It includes rural cycling routes, alpine walking areas, smaller coastal…
Local lore states that fairies have been spotted throughout the centuries frolicking in the waterfalls of the idyllic village of Rastoke in Croatia. It’s not hard to imagine mythical creatures prancing about when you’re surrounded by Rastoke’s quaint wooden buildings and thundering waterfalls. Rastoke is literally a town of waterfalls with a hilltop settlement sprinkled…
Located in Guatemala‘s stunningly beautiful Western Highlands, the village of Chichicastenango has long served as the regional center of commerce for the K’iche’ Maya people. Every Thursday and Sunday, Chichicastenango hosts a colorful market where travelers and people from surrounding villages can purchase fresh fruit, handmade ceremonial masks, incense, and colorful K’iche’ Maya fabrics made…
Since shortly after the Norman conquest of England in 1066, the charming fishing village of Clovelly has been privately owned. Once the property of William the Conqueror, Clovelly alternated between royal and private ownership until the village was inherited by the Hamlyn family in the late 1800s. Descendants of the Hamlyn family still run Clovelly…
The Provence region of France is celebrated for its sunshine, rich history, and gorgeous fields of lavender. Many devotees of Provence consider the hilltop village of Gordes—which is located roughly 30 miles from Avignon—to be one of the most beautiful places in the entire region. Gordes is home to cobblestone avenues that lead to a…
There are several stories about how the charming small town of Cashiers, North Carolina came to be known by the peculiar name of Cashiers. Some say that Cashiers was a star racehorse, a trusty mule, or even an eccentric hermit. Local historical records indicate that Colonel John Zachary—who helped establish the town in the 1830s—chose…
When most people think of Italy, they think of the gondolas of Venice, the stately monuments of Rome, and the gorgeous beaches of the Amalfi Coast. The Italian Alps are some of the most majestic mountains in all of Europe, but because Italy is such a cultural mecca, they often get overlooked. The Italian Alps…
In the heart of Phuket Island, nestled between verdant hills and the azure waters of the Andaman Sea, lies Kamala, a destination that embodies the tranquil yet vibrant spirit of Thailand. This village presents a tranquil charm with its untouched beaches, coupled with the vibrant mosaic of its community life. For the discerning traveller or…
