Jenn King

Milan is often overlooked—dismissed as a launchpad for the famous lakes or the Dolomites, or only relevant during Fashion Week. It deserves more than that. The very walkable capital of the Lombardy region is a city worth lingering in: stylish, cultured, and quietly proud of what it offers. Beyond the fashion houses and the beautiful people, Milan holds some of Italy's most remarkable treasures. Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper" is here, as is the Duomo di Milano—a soaring Gothic cathedral, the fifth-largest Christian church in the world, adorned with more statues than any other. Climb to its rooftop for sweeping views over the city, a perspective that few visitors forget. There's plenty to fill your days: world-class shopping, exceptional risotto, and, if you fancy sports, a football match at the San Siro—one of Europe's great sporting stadiums, and home to not one but two local clubs. Milan rewards those who stay a little longer before moving on to the rest of Italy.

Amsterdam is a destination that easily stands on its own, yet it also makes an ideal stopover for those traveling onward. For many U.S. travelers—especially those from the West Coast—it’s the first point of entry into Europe, so why not linger a few days? It’s the perfect place to ease into the time change while shaking off jet lag on foot. With most hotels centrally located, the city is incredibly walkable—often making it faster to explore on foot than by taxi or Uber. Pack comfortable shoes and give yourself at least three days to take it all in… or longer, if you can.

Traveling with Micato Safaris felt like being welcomed into a local family—one that helps you discover, or rediscover, the breathtaking beauty and splendor of Africa. The personalized attention to every detail, the warm touches, and the delightful surprises along the way made the experience truly exceptional. With a dedicated safari director and concierge available 24/7, our needs were often anticipated before we even voiced them. From thoughtful gifts before departure to the final moments of the journey, Micato Safaris turned every safari dream into reality—and more—crafting an unforgettable adventure while making us feel like the most important guests they had ever hosted.

India is a delightful sensory overload blasting your sight, smell, hearing, touch, taste buds, and even your heart with memories that will last a lifetime. From the colorful culture, to the flavorful cuisine, to the centuries old historical forts and palaces, the vibrant art, and its royal heritage, India has so many places to experience. I’ve narrowed it down to include some of its well-known highlights located within the Golden Triangle. Hitting all the exotic travel vibes, India is more accessible than it appears and should be on everyone’s wish list.

While seeing the Northern Lights has always been a long-time dream of mine, stepping out of my comfort zone to experience them became a bigger bonus than I’d imagined. Having been invited on Klättermusen Experiences' inaugural adventure trip, titled "Arctic Experience: Mørketid in Norway," I admit, I had to research what "Mørketid" meant! This term describes the dark time, or polar night, occurring during the winter months in northern Norway. At 70 degrees north latitude in January, the sun never rises, providing only a few hours a day of predawn light flushed with colors from an artist's pastel palette. At this time of year, being north of the Arctic Circle and within the Finnmark region of Norway—which is both the country's northernmost and easternmost region—means that the probability of experiencing the Aurora Borealis is high. It did not take me long to sign up for this adventure-filled trip.

In April 2024, I was lucky enough to be invited on an andBeyond FAM trip to Southern Africa. We began in Cape Town, South Africa, safaried in the Okavango Delta of Botswana and ended in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls does not disappoint with its marvelous splendor bringing to life its ancient African name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, which translates to "the smoke that thunders." Although not much time may be needed here, it is worth the visit.

In April 2024, I was lucky enough to be invited on an andBeyond FAM trip to Southern Africa. We began our adventure in Cape Town, South Africa, and ended in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. In between these two countries, we experienced the Okavango Delta in Botswana, staying at two andBeyond lodges. Showcasing their hospitality, unique lodging options and expertise in all things safari, the andBeyond brand showed how well they go above and beyond!

In April of 2024, I was honored to be invited on an andBeyond FAM trip to South Africa. We started in Cape Town, safaried in two lodges in the Okavango Delta of Botswana. From there, we soared over the Natural Wonder of the World ~ Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, where we concluded our tours. Experiencing the andBeyond brand with their warm and inviting lodges, partner properties, wonderful ground transport staff, seamless continuity of care and support, and more importantly, the staff at the andBeyond properties left me wanting to book a return visit before I’d even left.