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Welcome to The Morning Shave. We read a ton of travel articles each day for our research to share the best travel tips, tricks, and news with you. Here are the articles for Friday, January 5, 2024, that we think you should read. Don’t miss out on any new posts. Join our email list for the […]

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Welcome to The Morning Shave. We read a ton of travel articles each day for our research to share the best travel tips, tricks, and news with you. Here are the articles for Thursday, January 4, 2024, that we think you should read. Don’t miss out on any new posts. Join our email list for the […]

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Welcome to The Morning Shave. We read a ton of travel articles each day for our research to share the best travel tips, tricks, and news with you. Here are the articles for Wednesday, January 3, 2024, that we think you should read. Don’t miss out on any new posts. Join our email list for the […]

The post Budget-Friendly All-Inclusive Resorts, Islands With Unique Animals, How Travel Influencers Lie appeared first on BaldThoughts.

Welcome to The Morning Shave. We read a ton of travel articles each day for our research to share the best travel tips, tricks, and news with you. Here are the articles for Monday, January 1, 2024, that we think you should read. Don’t miss out on any new posts. Join our email list for the […]

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Welcome to The Morning Shave. We read a ton of travel articles each day for our research to share the best travel tips, tricks, and news with you. Here are the articles for Thursday, December 28, 2023, that we think you should read. Don’t miss out on any new posts. Join our email list for the […]

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A few weeks ago I was approached by the fine folks at the Helsinki Freedom campaign to work with them on a project to promote Helsinki and to focus specifically on freedom as a topic. I jumped at the opportunity mostly because my one and only visit to Finland a few years ago was so much fun and so impactful that  I was excited to once again write about one of the happiest spots on the planet. More than just write about things to see and do, I love the freedom topic because it’s at the heart of life in Finland and especially Helsinki. It’s a very egalitarian society with a strong emphasis on quality of life; something that is sorely lacking here in the U.S. The greatest aspect is that even as a visitor, no matter how briefly you’re there, you are instantly indoctrinated into this unique lifestyle as perhaps best exemplified in the greatest gift the Finns gave to the world, sauna.

The Importance of Sauna

While many cultures around the world have types of saunas, the Finns take great pride in the claim that they have one of the oldest and continuously active sauna cultures in the world. The Finnish sauna started more than 2,000 years ago and was little more than a modest burrow in the earth in which a pile of stones heated for the bathing process were added. Because, ultimately, that’s what sauna really is – a way to get clean. Water thrown onto the hot stones give off vapor, which makes the bather sweat. Before leaving the sauna, it is still common today to either douse yourself with water, or to have a permanent tub installed inside the sauna. This natural process of sweat bath followed by cleansing isn’t only intensely healthy; it’s an incredibly important aspect of Finnish society.

There’s an old Finnish saying that Finns live and die in the sauna. At first I smiled thinking it was just a nice example of flowery speech, but it’s actually literally true. Naturally there are rules associated with taking a sauna, but they’re more guidelines than rules and not once was I chastised for not knowing any better. That’s because at its core, sauna is all about personal freedom.

How Sauna Changed My Life

Among the rules is that sauna goers should be naked, something that still causes my fellow Americans to unconsciously shiver. Yet the societal mores in Finland are different, and chatting with someone in Helsinki, I began to understand why these concerns about being naked don’t exist in Finland. He said growing up going to sauna several times a week and seeing all different kinds of people naked means that Finns don’t usually suffer from the same body-image issues that the rest of the world can’t seem to escape. “I just understood that everyone looked different and that was ok,” he went on to say – a refreshingly open and healthy attitude. This was a revolutionary concept for me.

Like so many other people, I have dealt with body image problems my entire life – I still do if we’re being honest. I never accepted that I was enough, that I didn’t have to be “better,” whatever that means. Sitting there without a scrap of clothing on, I began the long process of self-acceptance and learning that I can be great just the way I am. That concept has been so freeing for me, I don’t have the words to properly share its impact. Freedom is subjective, freedom has many definitions and connotations but for me I have never felt as free and alive as I did sitting there in a warm sauna in Helsinki.

Finland and Helsinki in particular will always have a part of my heart reserved and I can’t wait to return to experience not only this definition of freedom again, but to discover new shades of the word as well.

The post Sauna and Finding the Ultimate Freedom in Helsinki appeared first on LandLopers.

I’m not going to say it, I’m not. I’m bored with saying that this year has been: challenging, terrible, rough – name your adjective. But, I think we all know 2020 has been a jerk in almost every way. December is usually my favorite time of year to travel because I normally visit spots where I can celebrate the Christmas season and really get into the spirit of things. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also usually low season in many parts of the world, adding modest crowds and lower prices to the reasons why I always early look forward to my Yuletide travels. Of course, like everything else, 2020 has taken this yearly tradition away from me as well. Rather than sit here and sulk, which I am in fact doing, I instead want to share some of my favorite places around the world to travel in December. Some may make sense, others may not but I promise they’re all a lot of fun. While it’s also true one cannot enjoy these trips in 2020, hopefully by 2021 they will once again be coveted travel destinations.

Czech Republic (Czechia)

In the few weeks before Christmas, Prague somehow elevates itself into a holiday experience the likes of which I had never before witnessed. I’ve visited many Christmas markets around Europe and without a doubt, not only does Prague embrace the season more so than most others, but it’s a lot more fun to visit as well. The focal point of Christmas festivities in Prague is at the Old Town Square, where most of the most popular sites in the city are found. The massive market takes place every year in front of the massive church Our Lady before Týn and Old Town Hall. It’s large, it gets busy but it’s also a lot of fun. Having spent (and enjoyed) a week beforehand touring Germany, it was nice to see some different foods and drinks offered, along with entertainment and gifts. It reminded me of why I love visiting a variety of European countries around Christmas and the overall effect was nothing short of transformative. The best way to get an idea of the enormity of the central Christmas market is to visit the top of the Old Town Hall Tower, an easy to visit site with views you have to see to believe.

France

When hard-pressed, I usually say that France is my favorite country in the world to visit. I have a strong emotional connection to it, I speak French and I love the culture. I’ve never had a bad time visiting France and that’s particularly true in December. While the weather is nothing to write home about, France has some amazing Christmas Markets and arguably the best one is found in Strasbourg. This large city in the heart of Alsace was a great introduction not only to this fascinating region, but also to French Christmas market traditions. The Alsace region has a troubled history, ping-ponging between French and German possession over the years, you’ll find a strong influence from both cultures all around town. This unique background necessarily affects the food and in the markets I discovered everything from foie gras sandwiches to traditional beignets. There’s not just one Christmas market in Strasbourg though, there are many strewn all around, which makes an exploration of the downtown area fun and filled with yuletide surprises almost anywhere you go. Every region has their own culinary specialties and while Strasbourg has many, it’s well known for its collective love of pretzels. You’ll find them in every size and shape and even lunch versions, topped with far-too-generous amounts of cheese.

Mexico

I don’t go to Europe every December though, I like to alternate with different styles of experiences. One recent favorite was a luxury cruise along the Mexican Riviera onboard an amazing Crystal Cruises ship. While every port of call offered something new and fun to experience, one of my favorites was a side trip to the small town of Todos Santos. Walking around the old historic core, the vibrant colors of the buildings and the incredible wintertime weather all left me completely entranced. Turns out I’m not alone, Todos Santos has been quietly gaining a lot of attention by tourists in the know and even the Mexican government named it a Pueblo Magico, one of just 100 or so communities around Mexico recognized for its natural beauty, cultural richness and history. I’d never heard of this small town along the coast before, but I know it’s a spot that I won’t soon forget.

Disneyland

I’m a Disney Parks fan, so naturally I had to include my favorite park – Disneyland. Sadly this Anaheim institution remains closed, but hopefully it will be open in 2021 so I can once again enjoy the holiday transformation that takes place every year. When I planned a trip in December, I was a little concerned that I wouldn’t get the holiday feeling that I love so much, but I need not have worried. Disney does Christmas extremely well and being in the park just a few days before Christmas dramatically improved my overall holiday experience. Disneyland is a special place, especially for adults. In a world that is increasingly mean and chaotic, it remains a destination seemingly devoid of problems. That’s remarkable and to feel an honest sort of happiness for two days was the ideal way to finish the year. One of the many reasons why I love Disney is for the resort’s ability to transport guests to an easier and simpler time. For a brief few days, everything seems right in the world, and during Christmas this feeling is only enhanced. Everyone seemed happy, the decorations were festive and Christmas carols played in the background. It was a wonderful way to embrace the holiday spirit and I know it won’t be the last time that I experience Disney during the holiday season.

Portugal

Last year, just a couple of months before the world closed, I had the great opportunity to once again sail with Viking Cruises on a river cruise in Portugal. It was my first time visiting the country and while I sincerely loved every moment, my time spent in Porto was what I enjoyed the most. Cruises start and end in Porto, making this popular tourist destination an important part of anyone’s cruise experience. I didn’t know a lot about the city before arriving, but I had read dozens of accounts by fellow writers all lauding the ancient city, many even naming it the best in Europe. A natural skeptic, I went into my time there with some initial detachment, but I too fell for the allure of Porto. Porto is one of Europe’s oldest cities, founded in the 300s by the Romans and it’s Porto that eventually lent its name to the country of Portugal itself. Walking around the hilly city on a guided Viking hike, I found it impossible not to be charmed by the colors and sights of the historic center, while also trying to catch a view of the important Douro River whenever possible. I had plenty of time on my own in the city as well, and I used that time to delve even deeper into Porto’s neighborhoods and history, while also eating a fair amount of local delicacies along the way. Yes, Porto was another highlight of many for me on my Douro River Cruise, but I know I’m not unique in that feeling.

Nuremberg, Germany

The granddaddy of all German Christmas markets, I’ve been fortunate to visit this famous market not once, but twice. Given the size of the market, it’s important to be strategic otherwise it’s easy to lose track of time. In my case that meant local delicacies I can only find in Nuremberg. Every German city, town and village has a variation of sausage and my own personal favorite is found in Nuremberg. Small sausages grilled to perfection and then served three to a bun make for a manageable but delicious snack or meal. Another snack that varies around Germany are Lebkuchen, sort of like gingerbread cookies but not really. Once again, Nuremberg is home to my personal favorite version of this holiday treat and not only did I eat a few that afternoon, but I made sure to stock up for the entire Christmas season. The Nuremberg Christmas market is famous for a reason, it’s enormous and fun, but of course this year it too is a victim of COVID. Like so many other annual celebrations, the market has been cancelled out of necessity, but you can still learn more about the remarkable experience of visiting through this video that Germany Tourism shared with me. (No, this isn’t sponsored in any way, I simply love the German Christmas Markets that much and want to help share the message.)

What are some of your favorite December travel destinations?

The post My Favorite December Getaways When There’s Not a Pandemic appeared first on LandLopers.

2019 is now officially over, thank goodness, and since this is the start of the New Year I thought I would share some of my top travel picks for 2020. Some are obvious choices, others a little more unexpected but all are amazing places to discover for one reason or another. Also, these are in NO PARTICULAR ORDER. I don’t want to see anyone complaining that one destination is ranked higher or lower than another one; they all have my love and admiration.

South Africa

It’s been a few years since South Africa has been the star
of travel media coverage, which is unfortunate. After making some incredible
headway in travel and tourism, the nation took some steps backward making
planning a trip there more challenging. What never changed are the many reasons
to visit, which is why I’ve included it on my 2020 travel list. With new
direct, non-stop options from the US and other points around the globe, getting
to South Africa is easier than ever, and once you’re there you’ll be spoiled
for choice. If you’re an urban explorer then cities like Johannesburg and Cape
Town won’t disappoint thanks to their unique histories, great places to eat
and, in Cape Town, the natural beauty that is found everywhere. It’s that
nature though which draws most first-time tourists to South Africa, and getting
out of the cities is absolutely essential for all visitors. The winelands are
amongst the oldest in the world, and new hotels and restaurants are constantly
popping up to cater to the oenologically minded. Safari however is arguably the
most popular natural experience to enjoy, and there are seemingly countless
ways to enjoy the country’s wildlife and at every budget level. South Africa
really is the total travel package and is a trip no one soon forgets.

National Parks

I feel as if I’m running the risk of talking about the
National Parks too much, but I can’t believe that would ever be possible. Very
accurately called America’s Best Idea, the 419 sites included in the National
Park Service system aren’t only unparalleled in the country, but the world.
Most people only consider the 61 major National Parks, but the entire system is
much more expansive and if you do some research you’ll probably realize that
there’s one closer to you than you may think.

Rovaniemi, Finland

For whatever reason, remote destinations fascinate me and I
love visiting them perhaps more than even the largest cities in the world. I
usually tend to visit Northern areas though when it’s cold outside, but cold
doesn’t even begin to describe the Arctic temperatures I found in Rovaniemi,
deep in Finnish Lapland. This huge region is mostly woods, lakes and streams,
but it’s also home to Santa Claus. In what can only be described as a brilliant
marketing move, years ago Rovaniemi lauded itself as the official home of Santa
Claus, a moniker that stuck. You should visit Rovaniemi not only to see Santa
Claus, but also to spend time outdoors whether it’s snowmobiling, mushing with
sled dogs or spending the night in a remote cabin learning about the Finnish
obsession with both sauna and nature.

Orlando, Florida

It may seem silly to include the most popular tourist
destination in the country on this list, but hear me out. Yes, the theme parks
have added many new and fun features, but Orlando is on this list for
everything there is to do outside of the parks. While visiting Orlando in 2019,
I had the opportunity to explore more of the city itself, and I found some
really lovely and fun spots everywhere I went. What might be most notable
though is its food scene – much more dynamic than one would think. Home to one
of the largest Vietnamese communities in the country, the opportunities to
enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine is nearly unparalleled in the country. More
than Southeast Asian delicacies though, many creative chefs have opened their
doors in recent years, creating what is a surprisingly varied, dynamic and
delicious foodie experience.

Juist, Germany

Most people don’t associate Germany with islands but, as I
learned this year there are some fairly incredible islands just off the coast
of Germany, including Juist. To be clear, Americans may be surprised to learn
about Germany’s islands, but they’ve been well known to European tourists for a
long time, and with good reason. Juist in particular is a remarkably special
place thanks in large part to the absence of any motorized vehicles That’s
right, motorized transportation is not allowed on Juist, which means that the
only way to get around is by bike, foot or horse-drawn carriage. Rather than be
an annoyance, it’s a wonderful way to slow down and truly connect with the
destination in a way that’s normally impossible to do. Add to that great food
and beautiful beaches and this is one vacation spot for your travel to-do list.

Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Italy is a perennial favorite destination for tourists from
around the world, but there’s a lot more to the country than the most popular
spots like Rome, Florence and Venice. One of my favorite regions is one that I
call quietly famous, Emilia-Romagna. Home to some of the world’s most favorite
foods, this is one of the best places to visit if you like to eat. Parma ham,
balsamic vinegar, parmesan cheese, lasagna, ragu sauce and much more all hail
from this region. There’s much more to enjoy than food though, including
learning about Emilia-Romagna’s impressive automotive history. Legendary
manufacturers like Lamborghini, Ferrari and Ducati can all be found here, also
offering unique tours options for visitors. If you’re like me though and enjoy
a nice city to explore, there are a few to include, most notably Bologna. The
largest city in the region, its history goes back to before the Romans and its
university has been one of the most important in Europe for centuries. Yes,
head to those famous cities in Italy but also be sure to explore other areas of
the country, like Emilia-Romagna.

Nevis

I was on Nevis to spend some time at the incredible Four
Seasons Nevis – as idyllic a retreat as one come hope for. I discovered a lot
more than a luxurious resort though, I very quickly became entranced by the
island itself. Although Nevis is not a large island, the landscapes do vary
widely but no matter where I found myself it was always beautiful. There are
plenty of spots throughout the US, Mexico and Caribbean if all you want is a
sunny beach. If you’re like me though and want an experience that feels unique,
personalized and even adventurous, then Nevis is one of the best options.
Thanks to the small size of both the island and the Four Seasons Resort Nevis,
nothing feels prepackaged or formulaic because, well, it’s not. This is not
your massive industrial-style resort experience, this is a calming and
restorative travel experience that is unlike many others in the Caribbean.

River Cruising

An equal opportunity traveler, I enjoy mixing up how I
experience the world, which is why I like the occasional cruise – including
river cruises – to see new to me spots. Unlike their ocean-going cousins, river
cruising is a much more individual and intimate experience. The ships are smaller,
with anywhere from 100-200 people on board, and the access to the towns and
cities along the rivers are much more convenient than deep-sea cruise ports.
The most popular river cruises are found along the waterways of Europe, but you
can find fun river cruises all around the world including in Egypt, Myanmar and
China.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong has sadly been in the news a lot lately for all
the wrong reasons. In spite of those images we’ve all seen on TV though, it
remains a fantastic destination to visit whether you have a day or a week. At
first blush, Hong Kong seems little more than a flashy city full of people. But
once you delve a little deeper, then you start to discover the real city that
lies just beneath that shiny veneer. The best way to better understand Hong
Kong is through the city’s favorite pastime, eating. Whether it’s 3-star
Michelin restaurants, or some of the best dim sum in the world, you won’t walk
away hungry or disappointed. Also be sure though to explore the city, visiting
Lantau Island and even the newish PMQ, a cultural hub showcasing some of the
best emerging creative minds in the city.

Machu Picchu

Let me just say straight up that no, I didn’t do the
four-day Inca Trail hike. I have massive problems with both my knees and spending
four days in pain and suffering was not high on my to-do list. No, instead I
visited the famous ancient city like thousands of others, by taking the luxury
train to the weird mountain town of Aguas Calientes and then a short bus ride
up to Machu Picchu itself. This new world wonder surprised me in a lot of ways,
most notably how beautiful almost every part of it is in person. All we tend to
see is that ONE iconic photo overlooking the long forgotten mountain outpost of
the Inca, but there’s so much more to it than that one angle. Spending a few
hours exploring it I developed an appreciation not only of how it looked, but
the skill it took to design and build. There are many fantastic Inca sites to
explore in Peru, but it’s really only at Machu Picchu that you begin to
understand the true genius of this sadly long lost civilization.

Game of Thrones in Northern Ireland

When I was planning my return to Ireland with Tourism
Ireland, there was one experience I knew that I didn’t want to miss, a day
living out my Game of Thrones fantasies in Northern Ireland. I’d seen photos of
the special tour for quite a while, but it wasn’t until I found myself in
County Down, Northern Ireland when I finally had the chance to participate. Winterfell
Tours offers a number of different ways to learn more about the Game of Thrones
filming locations, from spending a few hours at Winterfell, Castle Ward, to
exploring more sites around the county. Game of Thrones isn’t for everyone, I
get that. But this experience in Northern Ireland is so much more than visiting
spots where they filmed the fantasy series. It’s about learning the history of
the county and experiencing its gorgeous natural landscapes. If, along the way,
you happen to meet a direwolf and throw an ax, then all the better.

Portugal

My only regret with visiting Portugal is that it took me so
long to first visit what is an extraordinary destination. It’s not that I
avoided Portugal, far from it, but the stars just never aligned until I joined
a river cruise through the Douro River just a few weeks ago. To be clear,
Portugal is a very unique and distinct destination that is thankfully unlike
any other spot  in Europe. I think I
thought it would be like Spain, but that’s certainly not true. The people are
the nicest I’ve ever met in Europe, the food is incredible, the cities vibrant
and alive and the natural beauty incomparable. Whether you decide to take a
river cruise or explore on your own, just make sure to explore sooner rather
than later.

Canadian Maritimes

I have spent a fair amount of time exploring Canada and
almost never have I had a bad experience. But not all parts of the country get
equal attention by international tourists, which is one reason why I want to
highlight the provinces that comprise the Maritimes. Specifically, over the
last several years I’ve had the great opportunity to explore two Maritime
provinces, Newfoundland & Labrador and Nova Scotia. Made famous by the
ultra-luxury hotel on Fogo Island, Newfoundland has had its fair share of press
lately, but there’s so much more to the province than a nice hotel. Whether
it’s St. John’s or taking a coastal road trip, the scenery, food and people
will quickly endear you to the province. Many of those qualities aren’t endemic
to Newfoundland though, they’re part of the overall Maritime experience, as I
learned this year spending a week in Nova Scotia. Those same kind and very
curious people made the trip remarkable, accentuated by natural wonders like
the Bay of Fundy and a surprisingly high level of great food. So skip some of
the more flashy provinces and instead plan to spend some time along the
gorgeous Atlantic seaboard of Canada.

Golden Triangle

Ever since my first trip to Thailand many years ago, I have
truly loved this part of the world. Also traveling around Laos and Myanmar,
that love has only grown over the years and was expanded upon last year when I
visited the Chinese side of the Golden Triangle in Xishuangbanna or just Banna.
Thanks to its spot in extreme Southeastern China, Banna is completely unlike
any other spot in the country. Located adjacent to the Golden Triangle,
neighboring countries of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand are very close and, other
the years, that’s meant a fluid border with a lot of cross-cultural sharing.
Exploring more of the region, the buildings all look Thai, the smells are Thai
– everything about the place screamed Chiang Mai instead of China. It was an
odd sensation, one that I never expected but one that I dearly enjoyed.

Istria, Croatia

So much of the travel love in Croatia seems to go to
Dubrovnik, that I thought I should highlight a lesser-known area of the country
– Istria. This region found in the northwest portion of the country is as
unique an area as you can imagine. It’s actually shared by three countries,
Croatia, Slovenia and Italy, and has a rich history and culture all of its own.
In fact, if you ask residents where they’re from, they’re most likely to say
Istria first and Croatia second. There are many great towns and cities to visit
here, but two I recommend are Rovinj and Pula. Each city has its own unique
appeal and no matter what you do, make sure not leave Istria without sampling
some of the famous olive oils and truffles cultivated around the peninsula.

Extraterrestrial Highway, Nevada

Otherwise known as Nevada State Route 375, this is a 98-mile
stretch of road that starts at the intersection of U.S. 93 and the
Extraterrestrial Highway and continues west to the intersection of the Highway
and U.S. 6. Thanks to the fact that Area 51 rests along the highway, this area
has long been known for alien sightings and a fierce belief in life from other
worlds visiting the remote Nevada desert. Over the years the road has developed
into what it is today, one of the quirkiest but also one of the loneliest
stretches of road in the country. Visitors should go to admire the desert
landscapes, enjoy fantastic blueberry pie at the Little A’Le’Inn, visit (sort
of) Area 51, and spend the night at a haunted hotel in Tonopah, Nevada.

Egypt

I vacillated over whether or not to include Egypt, but I
think that it’s such an important country to visit it simply has to be on this
list. The first modern tourist destination, the wonders of Egypt have called to
travelers around the world for generations. And with good reason, the monuments
and sites so well preserved aren’t just nice to behold, they are world wonders
in every sense of the term. Traveling through Egypt, the entire experience from
Cairo to Aswan was much better than I had expected, but the real highlight of
course was visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza. Located close to modern day
Cairo, these massive monuments to power have been amazing visitors since the
moment they were first built, popping up even in Ancient Greek and Roman travel
guides of the day. Standing there immediately in front of them it was hard to
mentally reconcile the fact that I was actually there. Having seen them in
books, magazines and movies all of my life, it was hard to consider the fact
that I was there at that moment in time. Since tourism is so low right now,
there weren’t many other tourists around me, creating a special and rare moment
of privacy, allowing for some introspection and time to fully grasp the
importance of the moment.

Malta

The quirky island nation of Malta in the Mediterranean has a
long and important history, but it’s one not many people actually know a lot
about. Long considered by Europeans as a sunny getaway, others from around the
world are learning about this small country not just for its beaches and
turquoise blue waters, but also for its art, architecture, cities and
incredible history.

Non-Coastal America

I’ve explored a lot of my own country in recent years,
travel experiences that I didn’t know I needed. These trips though were perhaps
my most important of the year as they brought into focus the realities of the
US in 2019. As it turns out, things aren’t nearly as bad as those of us who
live along the coasts think and driving across America was one of the most
gratifying experiences of my life. While I have had the opportunity to visit
many different parts of the country, the most memorable adventure was driving
the entirety of Route 66. More than enjoying the kitschy appeal of decades long
past, the most important aspect of the drive was meeting new people along the
way. Turns out the country isn’t the seething cauldron of anger that the news
media would have us believe, far from it. No, instead I found people living
their lives just like anyone else, and also taking pride in the communities
they call home. It’s important I think for everyone, American or not, to leave
behind them the glittering cities along the coastal edges and instead delve
deeper into the US, to learn what really makes us tick and to have a lot of fun
along the way. Cleveland, Detroit, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque and
many other cities are all fantastic places to spend some time exploring, and
they’ll teach you more about what it means to be American along the way.

Antarctica

If any continent lures travelers with the promise of special
moments, it’s Antarctica. Hard to reach, hard to travel around it’s one of the
last few truly adventurous trips still available to us in the modern era. And
my own trip to Antarctica did indeed deliver those unique moments in spades.
Aside from the impossibly cute (and slightly dirty) penguins though, it’s the
seemingly impenetrable landscapes that impressed me the most. After hiking up a
snowy switchback path to the top of a hill, I was met with one of the most
impressive scenes I’ve ever witnessed. The icy waters extended into the horizon
and all I could see were vast quantities of rock, ice and water. It seemed to
go on forever and I have never felt smaller in my entire life. Standing there
on the bottom of the world, it was an important moment to help quantify the immensity
of the planet. It’s a fact that we modern travelers tend to forget. In an age
when I can hop on a nonstop flight and be in Hong Kong tomorrow, it seems as if
the world has never been smaller. But we forget just how massive this beautiful
planet is and how many unique experiences there are to be had.

The post 20 Places You Should Visit in 2020 appeared first on LandLopers.

It’s that time of year again, when we all reflect on the previous 12 months and for me that means reflecting on the great travel experiences I was fortunate enough to enjoy. This list is more than just about far-flung locales, it’s about travel experiences that were special, many times unique and oftentimes just a whole lot of fun. Sure, we learn and grow as people when we travel, but the experience is also supposed to be fun and for me, these moments were amongst the best I enjoyed in 2019.

Island Escapes

I’m not normally the type of person who enjoys long days spent on the beach, but in 2019 I found myself enjoying a variety of island escapes that were perfect in nearly every way, but one was just a little more special than the others. I was on the Caribbean island of Nevis to spend some time at the incredible Four Seasons Nevis – as idyllic a retreat as one could hope for. I discovered a lot more than a luxurious resort though, I very quickly became entranced by the island itself. Although Nevis is not a large island, the landscapes do vary widely and no matter where I ventured I was constantly amazed by the island’s inherent beauty. There are plenty of spots throughout the US, Mexico and Caribbean if all you want is a sunny beach. If you’re like me though and want an experience that feels unique, personalized and even adventurous, then Nevis is one of the best options. Thanks to the small size of both the island and the Four Seasons Resort Nevis, nothing feels prepackaged or formulaic because, well, it’s not. This is not your massive industrial-style resort experience, this is a calming and restorative travel experience that is unlike many others in the Caribbean.

Sailing the North Atlantic

Usually my trips are carefully selected and well-planned out, but that was certainly not the case with what is the most unusual cruise I’ve ever been on. Inspired by a documentary on the Discovery Channel, as soon as I learned about the cruise-ferry that sails from Denmark to the Faroe Islands and Iceland every week I knew I had to book it. A cruise-ferry is not your normal cruise, or your normal ferry for that matter. It combines aspects of both in what is admittedly a very strange marriage of convenience. Ferrying hundreds of tourists, aspects of the ship are very much like a traditional cruise ship, although a more spartan version of it. The ship also very much fulfills an important role for the Faroe Islands though in providing an all-too important trade link with the outside world. For me, it was the best possible way to first visit the Faroe Islands, as well as revisit one of my favorite countries – Iceland. The week was just as much fun as I had hoped it would be and while it’s probably not a style of travel I would repeat, it was an exciting way to experience the North Atlantic.

National Parks

I feel as if I’m running the risk of talking about the
National Parks too much, but I can’t believe that would ever be possible. Very
accurately called America’s Best Idea, the 419 sites included in the National
Park Service system aren’t only unparalleled in the country, but the world. I
was fortunate to visit a number of them in 2019, but one of my favorite
experiences was exploring Arches National Park in Utah. Arches was first
designated a National Monument in 1929 and then a Park in 1971; the massive
76,000 acre site recognized for the more than 2,000 sandstone arches that grace
its lands. The most famous, Delicate Arch, even adorns the Utah license plate
and driving to the park itself it’s hard not to be enthralled by the natural
beauty of the region. Arches National Park though is about so much more than
its namesake geology, there also exists around the park enormous formations
that look like the handiwork of the gods. Spires, balanced rocks, sandstone fins,
and eroded monoliths are all strewn about the landscape, creating a red rock
diorama that looks more like Mars than anywhere on Earth.

Budapest Retro Tour

I sailed with river cruise company Avalon Waterways in 2019, enjoying an active adventure along the Danube. One of my first experiences happened though before I even joined the ship, a unique adventure in Budapest. The idea of exploring Budapest’s Communist past all while driving around in a vintage Trabant sounded like the perfect mix of active and historical immersion. Picked up in a 80s-era Trabant, our guide spent the afternoon taking us to a variety of different spots around Budapest, all the while sharing not just the history of the Communist era, but his own personal experiences as well. Whether it was touring a ruin bar, enjoying a spritz at the Trabant bar or walking through a grove of Communist-era statues, the afternoon was as educational as it was fun.

Juist

Most people don’t associate Germany with islands but as I learned this year there are some fairly incredible islands just off the coast of Germany, including Juist. To be clear, Americans may be surprised to learn about Germany’s islands, but they’ve been well known to European tourists for a long time, and with good reason. Juist in particular is a remarkably special place thanks in large part to the absence of any motorized vehicles That’s right, motorized transportation is not allowed on Juist, which means that the only way to get around is by bike, foot or horse-drawn carriage. Rather than an annoyance, it’s a wonderful way to slow down and truly connect with the destination in a way that’s normally impossible to do. Add to that great food and beautiful beaches and this is one vacation spot for your travel to-do list.

Disney Parks

For me, Disney is about so much more than just enjoying a theme park, it’s a type of travel immersion that’s hard to replicate. Spending time in the parks – any of them – is one of the few times I feel as if everything is truly ok in the world. I leave my adult worries at the front gate and in return I enjoy a type of pure and innocent joy that is nearly impossible to find anywhere else. This year I’ve visited three of the parks around the world, including Disneyland Paris. In a departure from my normal way of traveling, I did very little research before visiting, which made those wonderful Disney surprises even more special. The two parks that comprise Disneyland Paris aren’t huge and everything can be done in a day or two, but visiting it is absolutely worth it, even if you have just a passing interest in Disney.

Key West

There are strange and curious omissions in my travel list and the Florida Keys were high up there until a few months ago when I thankfully had the opportunity to visit. All of the keys were naturally amazing, but Key West is very much at the heart of the experience. Long regarded to be one of the most remote and strangest spots in the country, generations of acceptance and weird individuals has come together to create a fantastically wonderful place. If you love history, there’s no shortage of it from railroad tycoons to Presidential homes. Natural beauty is of course everywhere and getting on the water as often as possible is strongly recommended. Regardless of the reason you visit, just make sure you do.

Harry Potter in London

I’ve enjoyed the Harry Potter books and movies since they were first published, but I would never consider myself fanatical about the series. I like them, but I don’t own a wand and I have never played Quidditch; in other words, I’m a normal person. So I wasn’t exactly sure what I would think of the Harry Potter experience in London but I certainly didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as I did. Prescient individuals thankfully saved everything from the production of the movies, most of which is preserved in the remarkable Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio tour experience just outside of London. This could easily take a full day to properly enjoy and instantly became one of my favorite experiences in London.

Portugal

My only regret with visiting Portugal is that it took me so long to first visit what is an extraordinary destination. It’s not that I avoided Portugal, far from it, but the stars just never aligned until I joined a river cruise on the Douro River just a few weeks ago. To be clear, Portugal is a very unique and distinct destination that is thankfully unlike any other spot in Europe. I think I thought it would be like Spain, but that’s certainly not true. The people are the nicest I’ve met in Europe, the food is incredible, the cities vibrant and alive and the natural beauty incomparable. Whether you decide to take a river cruise or explore on your own, just make sure to explore sooner rather than later.

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