John

Tucked between vineyards and pine forests in southern France’s Occitanie region lies Lagrasse, a medieval treasure that enchants visitors with its golden stone buildings and riverside charm. Often overlooked in favor of bustling Carcassonne or coastal Narbonne, this village’s designation as one of “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” is well-earned yet remains delightfully uncrowded. … Lire plus

Hidden among the Atlantic ports of Morbihan, a tiny Breton fishing village has earned an extraordinary nickname from locals who know its secret. They call it “petit Amalfi breton” – the little Breton Amalfi – for its stunning colorful houses cascading toward the harbor like jewels spilled from an ancient treasure chest. What locals discovered … Lire plus

Standing at the edge of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, I watch a park ranger turn away another group of Instagram-armed hikers. “No permits, no entry,” she says firmly, protecting what Native Hawaiians have safeguarded for centuries. The 60 daily hiking permits aren’t just bureaucracy—they’re a deliberate shield against the social media swarms that have destroyed … Lire plus

Santillana del Mar: Spain’s Medieval Time Capsule That Rivals Toledo A town built on three lies The Spanish have a saying about Santillana del Mar: it’s neither “santa” (holy), nor “llana” (flat), nor by the “mar” (sea). Yet this paradoxical town in northern Spain’s Cantabria region captivates visitors with its remarkably preserved medieval architecture and … Lire plus

Three months ago, I was stuck in Lagos airport during a connecting flight delay, scrolling through backup travel options. Cape Verde kept appearing in my feeds—pristine beaches, but something felt too polished, too predictable. A fellow traveler mentioned Cotonou in passing, describing it as “where real West Africa happens.” Twenty-four hours later, I was walking … Lire plus

Deep in the Gulf of Guinea, where Atlantic waters meet equatorial skies, sits the world’s most exclusive Portuguese-speaking island paradise. Annobón Island, home to exactly 5,323 residents, remains the only place on Earth where ancient Fa d’Ambô creole echoes through volcanic valleys while crater lakes mirror tropical clouds. This 17-square-kilometer volcanic sanctuary stands as Equatorial … Lire plus