John

Every August, I watch thousands of cars crawl through Cannon Beach’s gridlocked streets, tourists clutching $8 lattes while hunting for parking spots that cost more than most meals. The iconic Haystack Rock disappears behind selfie sticks and beach umbrellas, its natural majesty buried under humanity’s Instagram fever. But 150 miles south, where Oregon kisses California, … Lire plus

In France’s rugged western region of Brittany, where mist rolls in from the Atlantic and Celtic traditions run deep, lies a village seemingly frozen in time. Le Faou might be small enough to miss on a map, but this medieval harbor town packs more 16th-century timber-framed houses per capita than anywhere else in Finistère. Once … Lire plus

Walking through the narrow streets of Pondicherry’s French Quarter, you’ll discover something extraordinary that exists nowhere else in India. This is the only place where authentic French colonial architecture harmoniously coexists with ancient Tamil temples, creating a cultural fusion that locals proudly call the “French Riviera of the East.” While thousands flock to Goa for … Lire plus

Twenty-five kilometers of volcanic island rising from the Indian Ocean holds Madagascar’s most extraordinary secret. While tourists crowd Nosy Be’s resorts, Nosy Komba remains the only place where sacred black lemurs live under the protection of ancient Sakalava royalty. This isn’t another tropical paradise story. This is about 5,000 black lemurs who consider humans their … Lire plus

Three local fishermen at Playa Grande asked me not to photograph their pristine beach when a cruise ship anchored offshore last month. “Please don’t make us like Cartagena,” one pleaded, pointing to the crystal-clear water that puts Colombia’s famous tourist magnet to shame. This tiny fishing village near Santa Marta harbors beaches so clean and … Lire plus