Joelle Massari

Ordinarily, when I set off for an adventure before sunrise, I find myself completely alone. But on this particular morning in Agra, the lobby of the Grand Mercure Agra was anything but quiet. Tour groups, easily identifiable by their matching name badges, gathered in clusters, exchanging polite small talk before boarding their coach buses — ready to experience the Taj Mahal en masse.

Jaipur is a place that doesn’t just welcome you — it envelops you. The Pink City pulses with color, history and an energy that feels both timeless and ever-evolving. During my stay at Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre, an IHG Hotel, I found myself perfectly positioned to explore the city’s cultural gems, bustling markets and architectural marvels. From the grandeur of Amber Fort to the vibrant chaos of local bazaars, every moment in Jaipur felt like stepping into a living tapestry of India’s past and present.

Looking for an unforgettable destination that blends adventure, culture, and affordability? Sri Lanka is the perfect place to explore before the crowds catch on. Often compared to a pre-tourism boom Costa Rica, Sri Lanka offers just the right balance of infrastructure and untouched charm. I spent six nights in this gem of a country, and I can't wait to return!

In June 2022, we returned to one of our favorite European destinations: Switzerland. We selected a home base for this particular holiday and thoroughly explored an area rather than checking off as many countries and cities as possible.

It has been 273 days since I was inside an elementary school classroom.

I don't remember exactly when I decided to do this or how I discovered The School of Hope. I think most people who come to an island in the Indian Ocean are here for exquisite beauty and tropical activities. At some point, this became a part of the itinerary and such an obvious one for an elementary teacher.

London is one of those cities that everyone raves about and goes back to time and again. But for me, I'll be honest — it just hasn't quite won me over yet. Interested in returning to the United Kingdom, but was looking for something *other* than London, I gave Edinburgh a chance. Instantly, this charming city in Scotland stole my heart.

In March of 2024, I visited Amsterdam for the first time. Spending just a long weekend in Amsterdam felt like a brief escape, especially after a marathon 34-hour journey from the Ngorongoro Crater. It was the perfect respite to recharge and rest after 12 days in Africa.

Excited to explore another country on my quest to visit a hundred, I strolled from the cruise port to meet Luis, my driver. With only eight hours to spare, I figured hiring a local would maximize my time. I am always eager to seek local culture and explore new countries. I couldn't have enjoyed Roatan more!

Lovers Beach (Playa del Amor) is one of the most stunning and iconic destinations in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Nestled at the tip of the Baja peninsula, the secluded Lovers Beach Los Cabos is accessible only by boat, adding an element of adventure to the journey. It is famous for its breathtaking views, clear turquoise waters and unique rock formations.

Takayama is a town nestled in the foothills of the Japanese Alps. Wanting to get off the beaten path of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, I researched towns with specific criteria. I wanted something accessible by train and with an authentic culture. I wanted something picturesque to use as a base camp for day trips. Most importantly, I wanted to find something that Instagram hasn’t found. I wanted to find a location that was, well, undiscovered.

Kyoto captured my heart in August 2024 with its unique blend of old-world charm and natural beauty. Wandering through its quiet temples and vibrant gardens felt like stepping into a living storybook. There was something magical about losing myself in the narrow, lantern-lit streets and discovering hidden gems that seemed to whisper secrets of a bygone era. For anyone who loves diving into rich cultural experiences and soaking up stunning landscapes, Kyoto is truly unforgettable.

I started coming to Park City, Utah, for the summer over ten years ago. Taking advantage of my schedule as an elementary school teacher, Park City was the perfect respite from the oppressive summer heat in Las Vegas. There is a saying: I came to the mountains for the winters and stayed for the summers. Park City epitomizes this motto.

Oahu weaves a spellbinding tapestry of natural beauty and cultural richness, where azure waters lap against golden shores and verdant mountains beckon adventurers. Its blend of ancient traditions and modern delights creates a captivating mosaic that promises endless exploration and unforgettable moments under the Pacific sun.