According to the United Nations, there are 195 sovereign states in our world today. That’s a whole bunch of different countries with different cultural practices — and that number doesn’t even account for unrecognized cultural groups (like indigenous tribes)!

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.

Let's look forward, shall we?

These are the hotel openings happening in 2021 that I am the most excited for! Let's survey the world and see what's up, going up and opening up.

Ciao! It doesn't surprise me that Travel + Leisure named Italy its "Destination of the Year" for 2021. What's more, our friends at Belmond announced that their properties in Italy are reopening (carefully, of course) this upcoming spring season!

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.

Home to great international artists, creative local cuisine, and quality wines it’s no surprise that Barcelonians―and to a greater extent, Catalonians―are very proud of their unique culture. Catalonia offers tradition, innovation and design as well as warm Mediterranean character. To pair your culturally-enriching experience with a flair of luxury, here are five hotels to consider lounging at during your stay.

In the age of the internet, owning a physical book might seem redundant. But you and I both know that it's more than glancing at words on a page—reading a book is a tactile and utterly delicious experience. We've shared a roundup of the most glorious bookstores around the world. Many of these are historical and famous, so you might recognize some! They're all beautiful.

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!

The French Riviera is more than just a playground for the rich. This part of France is rich in history too. As the setting of famous films such as To Catch a Thief and The Talented Mr. Ripley and books by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tender is the Night, and Ernest Hemingway, The Garden of Eden, the Cote d’Azur is a place of legend and imagination… a place where anything can happen. The air, and the light and the history make magic.

Fingers crossed for summer travel again SOON. Where’s the first place you want to go? Summer can be the most beautiful time in many countries… but few are more attractive and scenic than the French Riviera. Nestled in southeast France, the French Riviera is home to so many seaside towns, quiet villages, and Mediterranean shores that it would fill any vacation with endless beauty. Consider these seven towns for your next summer on the Riviera!

If next summer, you want to visit Stonehenge on the Salisbury plain or the Ring of Brodgar in the Orkney Islands of Scotland or the Ring of Kerry in Ireland, it is not too soon to plan! We could even throw in Ceann Sibeal, (C-eann She-Bil) where the Jedi Temple was re-constructed for Star Wars: The Force Awakens off the Dingle Peninsula, Ireland’s most westerly point.