Two years ago we spent time in the Azores — nine volcanic islands smack dab in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean that Portugal has quietly protected from the kind of overtourism that has hollowed out so many extraordinary places. We visited four islands. Every single one stopped us in our tracks. Here’s what we found.
If you’re anything like me, there’s been a progression in your hotel choices over the years. Most of us start out with the “it’s just a place to sleep” mindset — which is really code for “this is what I can afford.” As we get more established, we upgrade to comfort: higher thread counts, locations…
Last month I found myself sitting in a gorgeous outdoor onsen in Aomori, Japan when a tanuki — Japan’s beloved shape-shifting trickster — strolled by like an invited guest. What followed was one of the most spontaneous, communal, and completely unself-conscious moments of my travels. Here’s why the onsen belongs on every Japan itinerary — and what to know before you go.