Dating to the 16th century, the indigenous Ifugao people developed and maintained four terrace complexes for the cultivation of rice along the eastern slopes of the Cordillera Central mountain range in the Luzon region of the Philippines. Facing limited land and soil resources, hundreds of manmade terraces stand testament toRead More →
Big Sur is a rugged region on the Central Coast of California between Carmel and San Simeon. It’s traversed by the Pacific Coast Highway, known for its winding turns, seaside cliffs, and views of the often-misty coastline. The sparsely populated region consists of a vast wilderness that includes several stateRead More →
With over 600 miles of shoreline along the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, the Turkish Riviera, also known popularly as the Turquoise Coast, is an area of southwest Turkey known for its warm climate, warm sea, mountainous scenery, beautiful beaches, and abundant natural and archaeological sites. The Turquoise Coast is aRead More →
The Principality of Asturias is an autonomous community in north-west Spain bordered by Cantabria to the east, Castile and León to the south, Galicia to the west, and by the Bay of Biscay to the north. Though largely unknown to tourists, Asturias is a stunningly beautiful region of Spain withRead More →
Stretching from Italy, through France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria, and into Slovenia, the Alps are a stunning mountain range formed by the uplift of the European Plate as it is impacted by the African Plate. Spectacular peaks, valleys, and glacier-fed lakes abound. The Alps host some of the bestRead More →
Yap’s Outer Islands boast an amazing culture steeped in the tradition of celestial navigation. The people of the Outer Islands live off the land and sea and for many, the sole mode of transport is canoe. Traditional clothing, chores, and customs continue to hold sway. Most of the Outer IslandsRead More →
The extreme south of Patagonian Chile is home to Torres del Paine National Park, known for its dramatic jagged mountains, bright blue icebergs, and grasslands called golden pampas that support rare wildlife like the llama-like guanacos. Torres del Paine’s other attractions include the Cuernos del Paine, Grey Glacier, Lago Grey,Read More →
Off the coast of East Africa sits the Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. Once disputed between France and Great Britain, the islands eventually fell under British control. Independence was gained in 1976. The island of Mahé serves as a hub for visiting the other islandsRead More →
North of Sicily sits the Island of Salina, the second largest of the Aeolian Islands. Salina is shaped by two extinct volcanoes, Monte dei Porri and Monte Fossa delle Felci. Due to its natural freshwater springs, Salina boasts a lush, green landscape in stark contrast to the barren volcanic terrainRead More →
Off the northern coast of Mozambique sits the Quirimbas Archipelago best known for its stunning coral reefs and waters teeming with dolphins, whales, and endangered dugongs (sea cows). The remote islands of Matemo, Medjumbe, and Vamiz each boast beautiful beaches and idyllic waters for scuba diving and snorkeling. Mangrove-covered IboRead More →