There's No App For This... August 6th, 2019 • by Matt Holmes In this digital age, it’s easy to be an armchair traveler—browsing travel magazines on an iPad, scrolling through photos on social media, or reading a blog on the newest undiscovered destination. But nothing replaces actually being there and experiencing a new culture, landscape, or activity! An app can’t leave you breathless as the Northern Lights… Read More »
5 Ways to Add Slow Travel to Your Life March 20th, 2019 • by Matt Holmes You may have heard the term Slow Travel, an offshoot of the Slow Movement, which began with Slow Food. All three are grounded in the notion that quality matters more than quantity. Slow Travel is not a mode of transportation, it’s a travel mindset that our staff and guides wholeheartedly support and champion in our… Read More »
What to do in Bilbao August 14th, 2018 • by Matt Holmes Bilbao is a city that begs to be explored. Those looking to sightsee will be delighted by museums, architecture, and history at every turn. But, if you are feeling jet-lagged, perhaps take a cue from the locals: head out for a stroll, soak up the ambiance of the Old Quarter and Nervion River, and stop… Read More »
What to do in Florence January 4th, 2018 • by Matt Holmes Florence’s historic center is cozy, and it’s easy and wonderful to get lost in the medieval alleys and winding side streets until you pop out unexpectedly on a main thoroughfare. Although packed with visitors in July and August, spring and fall are the perfect time to embark on an Italy hiking tour. You’ll have space… Read More »
What to Eat in Japan December 6th, 2017 • by Kristen Bernarsky Simple. Tidy. Fresh. These are the three adjectives we would use to describe Japanese cuisine. While many countries in Asia use a plethora of spices in their food, the Japanese prefer less complicated flavors, allowing the main ingredients and a few seasonings (commonly soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger) to speak for themselves. Even in a… Read More »
What to do in Rome July 27th, 2017 • by Matt Holmes Staying after or arriving early before your Puglia or Dolomites Italy hiking tour? You’re probably flying into and out of Rome, in which case, it’s easy to spend a couple days in this hub of culture and history. While Rome is easily walked, if you’re trying to squeeze in a lot, it’s worth taking the… Read More »
Alpine Wine & Cheese June 21st, 2017 • by Michelle Cournoyer What do you get when you travel through three countries with some of the best culinary traditions in the world? A gastronomic delight of immense proportions. While the Mont Blanc region spanning France, Italy, and Switzerland is known for big cheese names such as Gruyere and Fontina, there are many smaller cheesemakers that produce specific… Read More »
What is Ema Datse? A Guide to Bhutanese Food April 27th, 2017 • by Matt Holmes Bhutan’s culinary tradition is heavily influenced by Tibet, and with a diverse climate, Bhutan is suitable for growing all sorts of crops. I write this post with one caveat: if you’re only looking for a gourmet culinary experience, Bhutan tours may not be for you. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in a unique culture… Read More »
Introduction to Lao Cuisine March 31st, 2017 • by Matt Holmes I really didn’t have any idea what the food was going to be like on my Laos tour, but I assumed it would be a combination of Vietnamese and Thai since Laos sits directly between those two countries. Sure enough, Lao cuisine did not disappoint, and in fact, exceeded my expectations. Breakfast at my hotel… Read More »
What to do in Bangkok February 28th, 2017 • by Matt Holmes As Bangkok is the most convenient international hub from which to fly to Bhutan, most people want to spend some time exploring the city. And there is plenty to keep you busy! While on my Bhutan adventure tour, I spent two days in Bangkok before meeting up with our group, and it was certainly helpful… Read More »