Tiffany McClain

I don’t think you can truly understand modern France until you’ve been to Marseille, the country’s most ancient city. It is what I would consider a liminal space, a cultural and geographic borderland that challenges our expectations of what–and who–France is. Yes, the Marseillais speak French, but it’s French with a strong accent born of waves of immigration from throughout the greater Mediterranean and African worlds. To paraphrase a local tour guide, “Marseille is not a French city on the Mediterranean. It is a Mediterranean city in France.” If you mention to a French person that you are headed to Marseille or would like to visit, don’t be surprised if you are met with surprise, dire warnings and opinions loaded with stereotypes. Don’t listen. Visit anyway and judge for yourself. Maybe it will not be your favorite cup of tea, but it is a tea that is worth sampling.

One of the things I love most about Washington, D.C. is that it’s a city where you can let your nerd flag fly proudly and fit right in with everyone else because they are nerds too. Events that would only attract a niche audience in any other city are often standing room only in D.C. Why? Because it’s a city filled with people who love to learn. And also because many of these offerings are free. (Which is my other favorite thing about Washington, D.C.) Between the Smithsonian Museum complex, the monuments and parks managed by the National Park Service, and the unending rotation of new exhibits, lectures, and performances, you’ll never run out of things to do in Washington, D.C. It’s not the beach, but for us nerds, D.C. is its own kind of paradise.

Alaska's vast, awe-inspiring landscapes make it a dream destination for nature enthusiasts. From glacial fjords and coastal rainforests to towering mountains and expansive tundra, this incredible state offers endless opportunities to experience nature's raw beauty. For those intrigued by marine ecosystems or eager to spot wildlife, Alaska’s wilderness serves as a living classroom rich with discovery. But Alaska is more than just scenery — it is home to rich Indigenous cultures and histories, inviting you to learn about the people who have called it home since time immemorial. This 10-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors, combining stunning natural landscapes with a dive into Alaska’s unique heritage.