Experience tips

Every year I make it a point to do one trip for myself. This year, it was Nepal.

Like some, I initially balked at paying a $695 annual fee (see rates and fees) for The Platinum Card® from American Express, but with its vast array of benefits and rewards, this card drew me in — and I don't regret it.

Many people on the mainland remain unaware of the truth behind the Maui wildfires. They wrongfully believe that the entire island of Maui is closed – and nothing could be further from the truth. As of this writing, Maui’s upscale resort area of Kapalua is open – and welcoming tourists with its famous warm aloha.

Overlooking the sparkling Caribbean Sea and with stunning views of neighbouring St Vincent, Soley Kouche brings bistro-style Mediterranean dining to St Lucia’s picturesque south west coast. Opened on October 25, Soley Kouche, which means sunset in Creole, has been nearly three years in the making and features a state-of-the-art open kitchen and seating for 120 guests all within walking distance of the island’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gros Piton. A chocolate lab is also planned for phase two of the development utilising locally grown cocoa.

I'm an American who's been living in Paris since 2022, and I recently took a 3 1/2-hour, high-speed train from Paris to Amsterdam. 

Traveling for wellness has become a booming industry, with the global wellness tourism market valued at a staggering $814.6 billion in 2022. More and more individuals are seeking destinations and experiences that not only offer relaxation but also contribute to their overall well-being. Riding this wave of holistic living, VistaJet, a renowned name in the private aviation space since 2004, has unveiled its groundbreaking Wellness 360 Program, propelling the concept of wellness travel into a new stratosphere.

The sights, sounds, tastes and smells of Nairobi are a full sensory experience. The elaborately decorated Matatu busses painted ornate graffiti, the dynamic array of restaurants, food carts and cafes, and a steady rotation of arts and cultural venues all fuel a distinct coolness only found in Kenya’s capital. Add in its namesake national park teeming with wildlife within easy reach of the city center, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable trip.

Win a free stay with this month's Quiz2Win.

The moment I first set foot along the craggy coast of Monterosso al Mare, the westernmost village of the Cinque Terre, I knew I had discovered a unique paradise. It was early October 2007 and far off in the distance, the clifftop villages belonging to this unparalleled Ligurian landscape beckoned with their vivid colors, illuminated by the late summer light. After a few days spent devouring fried anchovies, focaccia, pesto, and breathtaking views, I also quickly understood why Cinque Terre, a UNESCO site since 1997, attracted tourists en masse.

You’ve spent all that money on plane tickets getting to the bottom of the southern hemisphere. Now you want to make the rest of your travel fund stretch as far as possible. The good news is that affordable travel in New Zealand is possible – if you plan carefully.

Primo Entertainment and Moment Factory announce the first-of-its-kind interactive multimedia experience — “The Messi Experience: A Dream Come True”. In April 2024, the Messi Experience will kick off its world tour in Miami as the city’s newest must-visit attraction. The interactive journey will take visitors through experiential activities from living-legend Leo Messi’s childhood to now. Messi’s arrival to Miami came with much fanfare when it was formally announced. The Messi Mania we all know is dominating the game in the U.S. to the delight of fans across the country. Visitors can pre-register until Tuesday, October 24th for the Wednesday, October 25th limited-release ticket drop. On October 26th, tickets will go on sale to the general public at www.themessiexperience.com.

A popular tourist attraction didn't exactly meet Kacey Musgraves' expectations during a recent visit.

I grew up in Paris, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Famous for being the private island playground of the rich and famous (some resorts secretly pride themselves on being the place billionaires go to escape the millionaires), Fiji doesn’t typically come to mind as a budget-friendly destination. Fortunately, a trip to the islands doesn’t have to cost a pretty penny.

Experience Turks and Caicos has been accepted into Virtuoso®’s exclusive portfolio of luxury travel partners, comprising over 2,000 preferred suppliers in 100 countries. According to Racquel Brown, Interim CEO/Change Manager of Experience Turks and Caicos, inclusion in Virtuoso will present new sales and marketing opportunities to the network’s more than 20,000 luxury travel advisors and their highly desirable clientele. Virtuoso agencies worldwide sell an average of (U.S.) $25–$30 billion annually, making the network the most significant player in luxury travel.

Lulled by the silence of the rainforest and the soft waves of the Caribbean Sea, La Casa de la Playa offers a new concept of sustainable luxury with tailor-made experiences that generate knowledge and memories that will last a lifetime. Operating with the theme of Exclusively Your Way, the resort is focused on guest’s every need to create the perfect tropical vacation experience. 

Florida isn't exactly known for having a solid public transportation system. I've been living in Florida for six years, and until recently, there have been only three ways to travel from Miami to Orlando: by car, Greyhound bus, or airplane.

Modern travel is full of conveniences. Global air hubs connect travelers to faraway places in a matter of hours. But with all these modern comforts, it’s easy to pass right by the things that make the actual travel part of the journey worthwhile. Vacation by Rail’s Winter Magic trip, on board VIA Rail’s Vancouver to Jasper train, is the ultimate way to take in Canada’s winter wilderness the slow, nostalgic way. Views of towering mountain peaks and river-carved valleys combined with a memorable onboard experience sure beats cramming into an airplane seat in economy.

Mumbai, also referred to as Bombay, is India’s largest city. This densely populated, buzzing metropolis located on India’s west coast is rich in both history and culture. Can’t-miss experiences include the lineup of tasty street food markets, bustling bazaars, and iconic landmarks — like the Gateway of India and the Elephanta Caves.

The independently owned, private retreat Ifuru Island Maldives — a new luxury private sanctuary in the Maldives — opened on September 23, 2023.

As a travel writer, I have been fortunate to visit mesmerizing places, from gorgeous seaside towns in Sicily to bustling city streets in Belgium.