Last February, before the pandemic caused a shutdown, I learned about an exciting new entry into the cruise industry. I have never been on a cruise. And had no interest even in the slightest. But Atlas Ocean Voyages is not your typical cruise line. The founders saw an opening and unmet need in the market and stepped elegantly into that space. They marry that small-ship luxury experience with adventures and expeditions. And I am very excited to share with you what makes Atlas so different.

Take a summer of the road trip! No matter where you live, there’s likely a scenic drive nearby, be it a forest-lined highway or a sunny, shore-hugging route. Leave the logistics to your Virtuoso travel advisor, and your itinerary can include chic (socially distanced) overnights at Virtuoso hotels, foolproof directions, and expert insight on the best roadside seafood shacks, uncrowded parks, and more.

As we finish up National Poetry Month, you have to know of W.S. Merwin and the Merwin Conservancy which is an extraordinary place—a lush and rare, 19-acre palm forest that two-time Pulitzer prize winning poet W.S. Merwin create from land wasteland. It conserves the sense of wonder that brought forth both Merwin’s poetry and his garden. There are now nearly 3,000 individual trees of more than 400 different species, and you can visit today!

We love podcasts on travel! And we’ve curated the best of the best here. They are equal parts entertaining, inspiring, and informative. Discussing travel through a primarily auditory medium is actually (and ironically) visually stimulating because travel topics evoke exotic places in our mind’s eye. Furthermore, travel podcasts are so treasured now because they are form of escape during a time when travel is still constrained.

Hiking is always a fun and productive pastime. And great for your health. We've featured spectacular National Parks to hike on the East Cost. Our national parks on the West Coast are just as spectacular. The Mediterranean climate (characterized by dry summers and mild winters) ensures ideal conditions for yearlong hiking enthusiasts. Here are places to explore what the other side of the country has to offer.

Wellness comes in many forms: yoga, healthy eating, napping, watching Netflix — the list goes on and on. However, one wellness practice often overlooked is a hike, forest baths, and being out in nature - especially by those who live in cities. And while the United States offers experiences in unique cities like Washington DC, New Orleans, and San Francisco, our country also offers vast experiences at federally-protected nature reserves.

Whether it’s swimming with white-tip reef sharks or hiking through the desert at night, travel stories are the ones that you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life. Through my partner - tour operator G Adventures - you’ll bring back everything you discover from the places you visit and the people you meet.

Do you know of the treasure Nowness? You do now. Pun intended, and you’re welcome. I discovered them eons ago… I don’t even remember how. They assemble truly beautiful short films. Lately, I’ve been traveling virtually to some of the most gorgeous gardens around the globe, and meeting the wonderful personalities who tend to them. Some are famous; some are not… but each and every one of these films is a small gem. None is longer than four minutes. Enjoy!

A good place to visit is a sacred place to live. And places have meaning beyond our travel postcards and selfies. Today is Earth Day, and the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, so let's talk about the earth and travel.