Scenic coastal view of La Réunion near Saint-Philippe with rainbow, ideal for first-time visitors to La Réunion, featuring black sand beaches and lush coastline

What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting La Réunion for the First Time

La Réunion is beautiful. It’s also intense. While visiting La Réunion island, I expected hikes and views, markets, and Creole food. I got all of that. But I also climbed more than I ever had before, nearly gave up on a trail, slept in a gîte without a single window, and got rescued by someone’s GPS watch on a foggy volcanic ridge. My husband and I went to visit his best friend and our témoin, who had recently moved there, and we ended up with the kind of local insight you can’t pay for. Still, there were things we got …

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What to do in Thessaloniki. View of Thessaloniki’s White Tower and seafront promenade, a top attraction recommended in most Thessaloniki travel tips and guides on what to do in the city

What to Do in Thessaloniki (If You Love Culture, Food, and Exploring Like a Local)

Most people skip Thessaloniki. I almost did too. I’d planned a few days in Athens, then a flight straight to an island. Thessaloniki was supposed to be a stopover. One night, maybe two. A buffer between places that “mattered”. But something made me pause. A friend was speaking about what to do in Thessaloniki and mentioned the food. Someone else said the street life reminded them of Istanbul. I looked at a map and saw how close it was to the Balkans, to Turkey, to history that rarely makes it into beach-brochure Greece. So I booked three nights. I stayed …

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Two trekkers pose at a scenic viewpoint on the Langtang Valley Trek in Nepal, with snow-covered peaks and prayer flags in the background under a clear blue sky.

10 Best Tips for Trekking the Langtang Valley

Planning a Langtang Valley Trek in Nepal? This practical guide covers the best trekking seasons, cultural etiquette, accommodation tips, and how to stay safe at high altitudes. Learn what to expect on the trail, when to go for clear mountain views, and how to connect with the local Tamang culture. Whether you’re trekking solo or with a guide, this is everything you need to prepare for one of Nepal’s most rewarding Himalayan hikes.

Sunset aerial view of Bologna with San Petronio Basilica and Asinelli Tower, showcasing Bologna hidden gems, best local restaurants, and historic landmarks

Visit Bologna: Hidden Gems, Culinary Delights, and Historic Treasures​

Planning to visit Bologna Italy? If you’re searching for authentic experiences, the kind that go beyond crowds and clichés, this guide is for you. You’ll find detailed info on Bologna hidden gems, the best local restaurants in Bologna, unforgettable Bologna off the beaten path spots, a practical Bologna walking tour map, and the most important historic sites in Bologna. I’ve walked these streets, eaten at these tables, and uncovered corners most guides skip. By the end, you’ll know how to navigate Bologna like someone who’s lived there. Unveiling Bologna Hidden Gems Some of Bologna’s hidden gems aren’t marked on standard …

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dolceacqua italy liguria hidden gem in italian riviera

Dolceacqua Italy Travel Guide — A Hidden Gem in Italian Riviera for Budget Travelers

Planning a trip to Liguria and looking for an affordable, off-the-beaten-path destination? Let me introduce you to Dolceacqua Italy, a hidden gem in the Italian Riviera where medieval charm meets budget-friendly travel. I visited Dolceacqua on a budget with my husband, Mathieu, on a weekend camper trip from France. At the time, I was pregnant and not up for long journeys, but I still wanted a short getaway. We parked our camper by the Nervia River in a quiet green area with picnic tables, explored the village, and found shade in the cool stone streets, where the temperature dropped a …

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