Samantha Thompson

Morocco was the trip that changed how I travel. It was the first destination that made me go all in on a private guide, invest in the right properties, and truly immerse in a culture instead of just passing through it. What strikes you most is how singular Moroccan culture really is: this is a country that doesn’t fit neatly into any regional category. It isn’t European, it isn’t sub-Saharan African, it isn’t Middle Eastern—it is entirely, beautifully its own. The combination of ancient medinas, world-class riads, sensory-overload souks, and some of the most jaw-dropping architecture I have ever seen makes Morocco one of the most inspiring places on earth. If you’ve been on the fence, this is your sign.

Most people think Jackson Hole = skiing, and they aren’t wrong. But this wonderfully chilly mountain town is just as incredible if you never clip into a pair of skis. Between wildlife tours through snow-covered valleys, snowshoeing in the backcountry, and the charm of the Wild West mixed with mountain luxury, Jackson Hole in winter offers something truly special. As someone who doesn’t ski, I’ve fallen in love with this place for entirely different reasons, and I’m excited to show you my favorite way to spend a few days here.

After experiencing the raw beauty of glaciers, the thrill of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat, and the warmth of local communities that have thrived in this rugged landscape for generations, I understand why Alaska cruises appear on virtually every traveler’s bucket list. Even the most dedicated cruise skeptics need to experience this journey at least once in their lives because this isn’t your typical cruise vacation—it’s an immersion into one of the world’s last great wildernesses, where every port tells a story of resilience, natural wonder, and authentic culture that will stay with you long after you return home.