Black rocky beach and white and blue restaurants in Puerto de las Nieves

Puerto de las Nieves: What to do in Gran Canaria’s Quaint Port Village

This dazzling little port village is all beauty and high contrast, its striking white and blue buildings shining against the coffee-colored volcanic cliffs and crystal-clear azure waters. Puerto de las Nieves (Port of the Snows) is located on the northwestern coast of Gran Canaria, the third largest of the Canary Islands.  A former fishing village, …

Paintings hung on walls and between buildings in the Marrakech Medina

Marrakech 2-Day Itinerary: A Guide to Morocco’s Red City

Marrakech is a bucket-list travel destination, from jewel-toned tiles and key-holed shaped doorways with ornate wooden carvings, to the magical winding streets of the Medina perpetually buzzing with activity. Saffron and cumin waft in the air from ceramic vessels, tajine, filled with slow-cooked lamb, chicken, or vegetables, intermingled with cinnamon and mint from the delicious …

Marina with waterfront restaurants.

Guide to Puerto de Mogán: Gran Canaria’s Magical Beach Town

A sparkling gem is located on the southern coast of striking Gran Canaria — whitewashed houses with colorful trim dripping in vivid bougainvillea, and a bustling harbor with crystal clear water.  Puerto de Mogán is one of the most charming towns in Gran Canaria, and it’s an easy day trip from Las Palmas or the …

Panoramic view of the Bay of Palma seen from Castell de Bellver.

Palma de Mallorca: A Guide for Auxiliares de Conversación

Durring the 2022-2023 school year, I lived in Palma de Mallorca as an auxiliar de conversación with Meddeas. I fell in love with the island and had an amazing experience living and teaching in Palma. If you’re planning to move to Palma as an aux, or are curious about what it’s like to get settled …

Lush jungle surrounding a golden sand beach with turquoise water.

The Best Beaches in Sayulita: Travel Guide

Sayulita is the quintessential Mexican surf town. Colorful papel picado, paper banners, flap lazily in the sea breeze, bohemian boutiques and surf shops line the cobbled streets, and the smell of grilling meat wafts through town, calling visitors to enjoy a quick taco al pastor. The plethora of nearby sand complements Sayulita’s beach town vibes. …

Lookout over Hahei, with lush hillside, golden beach, and a smattering of islands.

The Ultimate Guide to Hahei, New Zealand

Hahei is a sleepy beach town on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island and a beloved local vacation spot. Despite its small size, this idyllic village is home to one of New Zealand’s most iconic landmarks, Cathedral Cove, a soaring chalk-white stone archway. In addition, Hahei offers a myriad of activities for vacationers, …

View over the Motlawa River, lined by pedestrian streets and Dutch-style canal houses.

Top 6 Things to Experience in Gdańsk, Poland

Gdańsk is a magical port city on northern Poland’s Baltic coast. The town’s Dutch influence is apparent in the architecture, where narrow jewel-tone houses cram the cobbled streets, reminiscent of Amsterdam’s canal houses. While most of the city was destroyed during WWII, restoration efforts have returned the city to its former historic glory, which continues …

Quaint medieval courtyard with ivy climbing the walls and a yellow chocolate cart with red parasol.

8 Things You Can’t Miss in Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, is an enchanting city nestled on the Baltic Sea. The Old Town seems straight out of a fairytale with its beautiful pastel buildings, red clay-tile rooves, soaring turrets of Toompea Castle, winding cobbled streets, and hidden patios.  Venturing outside the charming Old Town rewards with creative hotspots like the Telliskivi Creative Market …

Girl in flowing white pants walking along a golden sand beach

Byron Bay: 24 Hours in Australia’s Coastal Paradise

Golden sand beaches, epic surf breaks, and laid-back bohemian vibes define life in eastern Australia’s most famous beach town, Byron Bay. If beach attire is your vacation outfit of choice and you don’t mind a bit of salt in your hair during brunch, this relaxed, luxe seaside town will capture your heart.  Add this 24-hour …

Coloful landscaped square surrounded by cafes and umbrellas, with colorful buildings in the backdrop.

8 Things to Do in Riga, Latvia

Riga, Latvia’s capital and the largest city in the Baltics, is a must-see on any eastern European itinerary. Bisected by the Duagava River, Riga is steeped in charm and history. From the colorful cobblestone streets of the Old Town and decadent Art Nouveau architecture to the bustling Central Market and state-of-the-art National Library, Riga has …