Travel

I've visited over 30 countries on six continents (still one to go!) I love writing about my adventures for National Geographic, The Globe and Mail, Travel + Leisure, Fodors, Lonely Planet...

Bavaria in spring: How to see the best of southern Germany in a long weekend

How to see the best of Bavaria in a long weekend

Visit medieval towns and walled cities on a spring road trip down Germany’s oldest tourist trail.

Favored as a winter destination for its abundant snowfall, winter sports, and Christmas markets, Bavaria also has plenty to see and do in warmer weather, from dense forests, towering mountains, and Alpine lakes to fairytale castles and medieval villages. As the snow melts and spring blooms, take a weekend road trip through southeastern Germany to di

Bring the Whole Family

Have you considered bringing the entire family along on an epic multigenerational trip with Hilton Grand Vacations? Family getaways are an amazing way to strengthen your bond. You’ll make special memories to cherish for years to come — be it that time grandpa took the kids snorkeling, the cousins playing in the sand or everyone creating a meal together to share — and if your family members live in another city or state, time spent together is even more precious.

Why Solo Travel Is on the Rise

Today’s travel enthusiasts aren’t waiting around for a plus one. There’s no doubt that lockdowns and restrictions during the pandemic changed the way we vacation and travel. For many months, airplanes sat dormant and airports were ghostly empty. Even some ground travel was off-limits. It’s no wonder that, as airports are once again operating normally, people are keen to get back to traveling the world freely. What is surprising however is how they are doing so...

Warm Up at an Onsen Inn

The macaque monkeys who regularly take to Japan’s natural hot springs with icicles hanging from their fur may do so simply to enjoy a reprieve from the cold winter temperatures. But there’s another intriguing reason these animals have made hot spring bathing part of their routine.

Researchers at the Jigokudani Monkey Park in Joshinetsu Kogen National Park in Nagano prefecture have found that these simians take a steamy dip to benefit from the relaxing properties of the warm mineral-rich water.

Experience the Art of Sake Making at These Breweries in Japan

“Good water makes all the difference,” my guide explains as we tour a sake brewery that uses spring water from a source tapped 656 feet below the ground. At Nakano Sake Brewery in the castle town of Kitsuki, they take that water and combine it with mold and rice, waiting 40 days for it to ferment and brew. Classical music is piped through to the tank room to create the perfect environment — and it certainly works. This 6th generation brewery has won multiple awards for its sake.

Kayaking in the Desert

When I arrived in Scottsdale, I expected to find towering saguaro cacti, parched landscapes, and red rock formations. What I wasn’t counting on were all the opportunities available to see the Sonoran Desert from the water. Arizona remains an incredibly popular U.S. destination, welcoming more than a million Canadians every year who come to escape winter, enjoy the local spas, play golf and shop. 
 
But as Old Town Scottsdale is within just a 60-minute drive of eight lakes and rivers, it’s worth trying a range of watersports in the desert, including kayaking.
Load More