My Top 10 Urban Oases

I am a quintessential city girl. I love big cities and preferred being in the midst of a concrete jungle than in the wilderness. But even a hard core city girl like me needs to chill and relax from time to time, and I retreat to a tranquil space that allows me to just that.

Botanical Garden (San Francisco) 

Smack dab in the middle of the Golden Gate Park is the Botanical Garden (at Strybing Arboretum), and it truly is a beautiful oasis in the heart of San Francisco. There are so many wonderful things to discover, and with more than 7,500 various species of plants, spouting fountains, wide open fields and a number of lovely little nooks, such as the Garden of Fragrance and the Children's Garden, you can sit quietly with your family and friends lazing together in the sunshine, reading books or exploring the various garden floras.  Also, it is one of the loveliest places for a picnic.

Shakespeare Garden (San Francisco)

Hidden away along a small path to the California Academy of Sciences, the enchanting Shakespeare Garden, with an arched iron-wrought gate, is the type of homely garden opening that one would to expect to stumble upon in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Even visitors who have strolled through Golden Gate Park dozens of times may have never wandered into Shakespeare Garden. It’s pretty easy to miss if you’re not looking for it.

The Shakespeare Garden contains numerous plants that are referenced in Shakespeare's actual writings, and on the back brick wall, quotations and passages from his plays are engraved on stone tablets for visitors to read.

Central Park (New York City) 

What more can I say about Central Park that hasn’t been said. It’s FABULOUS! Immersed in lush and wild nature with a massive skyline as a backdrop, it’s truly an urban oasis that defies all logic.

For most New Yorkers, the park is a sanctuary. Especially for me, it was a place where I would retreated to whenever my life in the city got too much, and I needed to regroup and recuperate. Also, some of the best and most memorable experiences I’ve had were in the park, like serendipitously meeting my husband.

It’s a place where we always go back to reminisce about our wonderful past lives in the city as well as creating beautiful new ones with our son who absolutely adores every corner of the park.

Our favorites in the park: Heckscher Playground, Poets Row, Bethesda Terrace, Alice in Wonderland Statue, John Lennon Imagine Memorial, and the always entertaining and eclectic street performers.

The Highline (New York City) 

After all the places I’ve seen in NYC, I can honestly say that the Highline (from Gansevoort St to West 34th St, between 10th & 11th Avenue) is my favorite. It epitomizes the city that is constantly evolving and recreating itself. Not only the design and the atmosphere of the park unique and innovative, it has transformed a neighborhood which was formally known as the “Death Avenue” into a trendy, upscale, and more importantly, family friendly area.

As the park expands from lower Manhattan to 31th Street in Midtown, it provides some of the best views of the key monuments, the Empire State building, Chrysler Building, and on a clear day, the Statue of Liberty.

There's an eclectic mix of art installations as well as tasty food carts, art vendors and musicians, and the great thing about the Highline is that it enables you to have and enjoy an urban experience in the midst of (man-made) nature.

Riverside Park (New York City)

I loved living on the Upper West Side. Aside from it being one of the more residential and child-friendly neighborhoods in Manhattan, you're privy to two of the most beautiful urban oases in the world, Central Park and Riverside Park.

Although Riverside Park is by no means as well-known as Central Park, it is a vast expanse of green space and a home to beautiful gardens, landscaped paths, sports facilities, public art, and some of the most stunning river views.

Venice Canal (Los Angeles)

Secreted away from the hustle and bustle of the famous boardwalk, the picturesque canals of Venice, California, are one of the seaside community's hidden charms.

More than 100 years ago, developer Abbot Kinney conceived the mad idea of building a "Venice of America," a cultural Valhalla dedicated to the fine arts, complete with canals, gondolas and imported Italian gondoliers. The experiment failed, and the gondoliers went home, but the canals remain and are a splendid place to take a walk.

Begin this walk near the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Pacific Avenue, at the corner of Washington and Strongs Drive. There, under a small sign that says "Venice Canals Walkway," turn in and begin exploring. Within minutes, you'll lose the roar of Venice traffic and begin to experience the charm of canal life.

Jardin du Luxembourg (Paris, France) 

The Jardin du Luxembourg has always been one of my favorite places in Paris! I love the beauty and the elegance of it all. When I lived in Paris, it was a sanctuary where I could go to think and write.

Being back in the Luxembourg Gardens with our son, I discovered that it was a delightful place for kids as well, and there were many activities for children to enjoy, and each time I’m there, it’s as memorable as the first time I’d visited Paris.

Promenade Plantée (Paris, France) 

I absolutely love the High Line in NYC! So, when I heard that it was inspired by Promenade Plantée in Paris, I had to check it out and see it for myself.

Created in 1988 by Philippe Mathieux and Jacques Vergely on the former railway line, which linked Place de la Bastille to Varenne-Saint-Maur from 1859, the Promenade Plantée mixes areas of wild vegetation that has sprung up alongside the railway line with more modern landscaped areas.

It begins behind the Bastille opera house and runs above avenue Daumesnil to the Jardin de Reuilly: it is the famous Viaduc des Arts. The Allée Vivaldi then comprises the shopping part of the walkway. Then, it continues through tunnels and trenches and ends at Porte Dorée and the Bois de Vincennes.

About halfway to Bois de Vincennes, there is a large green park with a pelouse (lawn) that's not forbidden to walk on as most of the green lawns are in Paris, and there is also a small playground.

Promenade Plantée truly is a hidden gem, and although the ambiance is definitely different from the High Line, it’s a perfect place for children – also, you won’t see many tourists here.

Kollwitz Platz (Berlin, Germany) 

Named after the famous German painter, print maker and sculptor Käthe Kollwitz, it is one of the loveliest and liveliest squares in Berlin.

Farmer's Market at Kollwitz Square has a great selection of meats, cheeses and organic food, as well as wine – and oh, fresh oysters! Also, there are playgrounds nearby, which is perfect if you have a little one.

Cheonggyecheon (Seoul, South Korea) 

Neglected merely as an overpass since 1970, Cheonggyecheon was was a small stream that flowed through the downtown area along some of Seoul’s popular sights. Then, in 2003, the mayor of the city decided to restore the stream and give the city some much-needed natural space, and when the restoration was completed in 2005, Cheonggyecheon became a haven of natural beauty and oasis in the midst the cosmopolitan city.

Situated smack dab in the middle of the city, it is one of the nicest place to take a stroll. For children, it’s an absolutely perfect place to explore as you walk along the stream, there are many artistic and fun details that are sure to delight every child.

Fun Things To Do With Children In Paris

There’s no disputing that Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  Paris, however, is not known for being the most child-friendly city – or people friendly for that matter.  

Therefore, as soon as my husband and I booked our trip to Paris and planned to do a road trip to Provence, I started to feel some reservations about taking our 7-year old to the city that is known more for its aesthetic beauty, culture and romance rather than joyous atmosphere. 

Then again, even for grown ups, visiting Paris can be daunting, and as breathtaking as the city may be, dealing with the locals can be about as pleasant as the trip to the dentist office – actually, our dentist is much nicer than the surly Parisian waiters. 

Regardless, after being away from Paris for almost a decade, I knew it was time for me to go back and introduce our son to the city of light.

We started to prepare him for the trip and generated some excitement.  We told him all about the food – oh, the food!  The delectable pastries that were like a slice of heaven and baguettes that tasted like nothing else he’s ever eaten.  He already knew that the Eiffel Tower was there and made it clear that he wanted to climb to the top of it.  Although my husband and I never felt the need to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower in all the years we’ve lived and visited Paris mainly because we absolutely detest standing in line for anything, if that’s what our little boy wanted, we were happy to oblige.

Then, a few weeks before our trip, I started to panic and wondered whether we had enough activities planned, things to do and places to go with our little boy who would literally climb the Eiffel Tower if he was bored.  I mean, we couldn’t very well sit in our hotel and stuff ourselves with pastries the entire week.

I combed the internet in search of “fun things to do with children” and found it sparse and disturbing that the majority of the list comprised of activities that seemed eccentric even for adults.  Taking a 7-year old to an underground sewage system or a cemetery – seriously?!?

Ultimately, we discovered plenty of fun things to do in Paris and found that the city is filled with lesser-known draws that are authentic and a pleasure to visit as a family.  The secret to discovering Paris like many other big cities in the world is to explore the neighborhood’s microcosm of parks, bakeries and cafes.  In other words, when in Paris, do what the Parisians do. 

I’m happy to say that we had a wonderful time, and here are some of the awesome places and fun things we did in Paris.

Les Berges de Seine 
In a city that prides itself on maintaining its tradition and old world atmosphere, innovative leisure spaces have been created all over Paris.  In one of the latest urban renewal projects, Les Berges de Seine offers Parisians and visitors a new space to relax and unwind.

The city has closed almost 1.5 miles of its UNESCO World Heritage-designated Seine riverbanks to car traffic and created an area solely for pedestrians, filled with restaurants, immaculate gardens, 'zen' spaces, and children's play areas complete with climbing wall.  It also offers some of the most picturesque views of the city.

The easiest way to reach Les Berges de Seine is just by Musée d'Orsasy via the grandiose Emmarchement staircase, which links the upper quai to the lower quai.  Other access points are Port des Invalides and Port du Gros Caillou.

The Jardin du Luxembourg 
The Jardin du Luxembourg has always been one of my favorite places in Paris!  I love the beauty and the elegance of it all.  When I lived in Paris, it was a sanctuary where I could go to think and write.   

Being back in the Luxembourg Gardens with our son, I discovered that it was a delightful place for kids as well, and there were many activities for children to enjoy.

Our little boy’s favorite was renting a sailboat (2€ for 30 minutes), and he loved navigating and watching his little boat float across the boat pond (the Grand Basin).  The sailboats are not remote control, and the boats are controlled with a long pole that your child will be given at the time of the sailboat rental.  The sailboats are marked by flags of different countries around the world, and as your child will be able choose their boat, they will know exactly which boat is theirs.

However, keep in mind that this is a very popular activity among tourists and locals, and during the weekends and summer holidays, it may take up to 30 minutes to get a boat. Nevertheless, seeing the joy on our little boy's face made the wait worthwhile.

Also, there is a large playground located in the Luxembourg Garden as well.  However, it didn’t sit well with me that we had to pay an entrance fee (2.60 euros for kids over 18 months, 1.60 euros for adults) to get into a playground – it didn’t feel very égalité. 

Jardin des Tuileries 
As I've always said, traveling with a child can be such a blessing, as it has allowed us to interact with the locals and be in an environment that is more authentic to the place that we visit.  Traveling with our son has also enabled my husband and I to see and experience a whole another side of the places we’ve visited many times and thought we knew so well. 

Although I’ve always known and enjoyed the lovely parks and gardens in Paris, not until we returned with our little boy, have I realized the wonderful nooks and crannies of it.  For instance, I didn’t know that there were so many wonderful areas for kids in the Jardin des Tuileries. 

Contrary to the playground at Jardin du Luxembourg where you have to pay, the former is free. There are slides for big kids and toddlers alike, jumping platforms, metal merry-go-rounds and net hammocks among others. The ground is also covered with sand or a foam-like material so kids don’t hurt themselves when they fall.  For an fee, you can also head to the trampolines just around the corner and a carousel.

Bateaux Vedettes du Pont Neuf 
In all the years I’ve lived and traveled in Paris, I’ve always put off taking a boat tour of the Seine, as it seemed – well, a bit too touristy. 

However, on a 90 degree summer day, we couldn’t have chosen a more perfect way to see the sites and gain a whole new perspective on a city that I thought I knew well.

Boat tours in Paris is about as common as finding taxis in NYC.  However, we opted for Bateaux Vedettes du Pont Neuf because it was closest to our hotel, and it offered a great summer discount: 9€ morning cruise, 10€ afternoon and evening cruises.

The Parc du Champs de Mars & the Eiffel Tower 
Before leaving for France, our son was adamant about one thing; he wanted to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower.  When we arrived at the Champs de Mars and saw the mile-long line for the elevator, he merely cringed and said he would rather play soccer in the park.

I realized that kids are more flexible and pragmatic than adults when traveling, and their happiness and joy doesn’t necessarily depend on seeing and checking off a list of tourist attractions but on the sharing moments and experiences.  Our son was happier playing near the Eiffel Tower rather than actually going up it.

The field in front of the Eiffel Tower (The Parc du Champs de Mars) is an absolutely lovely place for children.  The scenery is unbelievably French, and it was surreal to see our little boy and my husband playing soccer with the Eiffel Tower in the background. 

There’s also a nice playground at rue de Grennelle and a little crepe stand, where we had the best ham and cheese crepe in France!

Promenade Plantée
I absolutely love the High Line in NYC!  So, when I heard that it was inspired by Promenade Plantée in Paris, I had to check it out and see it for myself.

Created in 1988 by Philippe Mathieux and Jacques Vergely on the former railway line, which linked Place de la Bastille to Varenne-Saint-Maur from 1859, the Promenade Plantée mixes areas of wild vegetation that has sprung up alongside the railway line with more modern landscaped areas.

It begins behind the Bastille opera house and runs above avenue Daumesnil to the Jardin de Reuilly: it is the famous Viaduc des Arts. The Allée Vivaldi then comprises the shopping part of the walkway. Then, it continues through tunnels and trenches and ends at Porte Dorée and the Bois de Vincennes.

About halfway to Bois de Vincennes, there is a large green park with a pelouse (lawn) that's not forbidden to walk on as most of the green lawns are in Paris, and there is also a small playground.

Promenade Plantée truly is a hidden gem, and although the ambiance is definitely different from the High Line, it’s a perfect place for children – also, you won’t see many tourists here.

Stravinsky Fountain & Centre Pompidou 

One thing that was on my list of things to do that we didn’t get around to during our trip was seeing the Centre Pompidou.  I’ve read that there were great activities for kids: Children's Gallery (Galerie des enfants) on the ground floor and the Atelier des Enfants (a supervised activity center) that has a workshop on Wed and Sat from 2:30-4.

However, we did get around to seeing the Stravinsky Fountain, which our son really liked, and we loved watching the sunset from Le Restaurant Café Georges over the city of light, which was absolutely stunning!

Palais Royal 

As we were taking a nice stroll through the city one morning, we came upon the Palais Royal, and although it wasn’t a place we planned to take our little boy, it turned out to be an excellent place for him.  Our son loooved jumping up and down the statues (not sure what they’re called), and if he wasn’t busy jumping, he had a great time running around the courtyard.

Square d'Anvers & Sacre Coeur
The playground at Anvers station isn’t one of the more appealing places in Paris.  However, if your 7-year old has been walking all day and need a break, this little patch of greenery with few play equipment at the foothill of the Sacre Coeur might as well be Disneyland.  There’s also a nice carousel at the bottom of the stair way – the same carousel that appears in the millions of sketches of this world-famous monument.

Forum des Halles 
Despite its seedy reputation, I always love the area near the Forum des Halles.  It’s vibrant and edgy, and it’s one of the few neighborhoods in Paris, where you can really get a feel for the city's diverse culture and dynamic energy.

Unfortunately, the Forum des Halles has been going through a major renovation and construction since 2011 and due to be completed by 2016.  Equipped with two large playgrounds (2,500 sq.m for 7-12 year old and 1,370 sq.m for 2-6 year old), 8,244 sq.m of lawn, and 4 hectares of uninterrupted parkland, it will be one of the largest leisure spaces in Paris.  I look forward to taking our boy there on our next trip!

Practical Tips & Recommendations:
As mentioned in most travel guidebooks and forums, buying a book of 10 Metro tickets (carnet) is the best and the most economical way to utilize the public transportation in Paris.  There’s also a carnet for children (ages 4-9) that are ½ price of adults, which makes it a great deal!

The bus is the most scenic and easiest to board.  The Metro and RER can require a surprising amount of walking (both getting to and getting through the station) and a large number of steps if you’ve got a stroller.  Our favorites were buses 42 and 69 that stoped at all the major tourist attractions.

Although there isn't a shortage of charming, stylish and chic hotels in Paris, there are limited number of hotels that offer a room for families with children, and the majority of the hotels requires booking two rooms.  Therefore, we prefer to book an apartment hotels or a vacation rental instead.

Great shops for kids and adults alike: Hema, Village Joué Club, Au Nain Bleu, Pain d’épice 

More of my favorites in Paris
http://0dysseusjournal.blogspot.com/2011/09/expats-guide-to-paris.html

15 Unforgettable UNESCO Heritage Sites

Often, I have been asked what my dream job would be. Being able to travel the world discovering beautiful places wouldn't a bad gig.  However, I'm not talking about being a travel writer, but working for UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. 

UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that promotes international collaboration through education, science, and culture in order to further fundamental human rights, justice and freedom all over the world.  As part of this effort, UNESCO catalogs and preserves sites of outstanding importance, either cultural or natural, to the common heritage of humankind with the purpose of bringing awareness of their significance to the world. 

Each year, nations that choose to participate may nominate sites to be added to the list, and listed properties must meet at least one of 10 criteria like representing a "masterpiece of human creative genius," or that it is an area of "exceptional natural beauty." However, when you visit any one of these 936 locations, it becomes exceedingly apparent why they are considered of value to humanity.

I had the pleasure of visiting and seeing quite a few UNESCO Heritage Sites around the world, and here are some of the most unforgettable places.

Ankor Watt (Siemreap, Cambodia)

There are three things I remember distinctly about my trip to Cambodia: the overwhelming heat, the temples, and the ever-present aftermath of Khmer Rouge.

I knew so little about Cambodia prior to my trip, and even now, after visiting and seeing most of the significant sites, I’m still uncertain as if I have grasped the enormity of the atrocities the Cambodian people were subjected to for nearly three decades.

There are two faces to Cambodia: one shiny and happy, the other dark and complex, but such is the yin and yang of Cambodia, a country that inspires and confines.

The Great Wall (China)

It’s hard to overlook the magnitude of People’s Republic of China, a country where over 1.3 billion people reside, almost 130 different languages are spoken (excluding dialects or sub-dialects), and where there are more than 55 ethnic groups.

China has always intrigued me, and it has been on my bucket list of travel for as long as I could remember. The Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, and of course, Tienanmen Square, where the 1989 protests took place, the image a man standing in front of a column of tanks forever etched in my mind. It was an epic travel experience that I'd always dreamt of.

So, when Beijing was chosen as the site of the 2008 Olympics, I knew I had to make my pilgrimage to this land of one of the world’s earliest and greatest ancient civilizations.

Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara (Japan)

Japan is known as the "Land of the Rising Sun", but for me, it will forever be the land of the most spectacular sunset. It’s also a place where I’d spent one of the most tranquil and peaceful New Year’s Eve.

Melaka & George Town (Malaysia) 

No country embodies a wonderful diversity in landscape, culture and people of Southeast Asia like Malaysia, and it has everything that one can hope for in vacation destination, a great mixture of cultures, history, people and some of the most delicious food I've had in SE Asia!

Malaysian cuisine is as diverse as its people, and the mélange of Chinese, Malay and Indian and even German (Café Edelweiss) dishes I had in Georgetown were some of the best I’ve had in the world.

Of course, no trip to Malaysia would be complete without visiting Melaka, a charming little town about 3 hours north of Singapore.

My favorite part of Malaysia, however, was the warmth of its people, and there are only few countries in which I have traveled where I was treated with such remarkable hospitality, kindness, and generosity (S. Korea & Turkey being the other). I've found the Malaysian people to be genuine in their approach to foreign visitors, another fine byproduct of the underdeveloped tourism industry, and unlike other countries in SE Asia where the majority of tourists tends to be Westerners, in Malaysia, most of the vacationers and tourists were Malaysians, which I really appreciated and enjoyed.

Overall, our 3 weeks in Malaysia was an absolutely unforgettable experience ... one we hope to repeat someday soon!

Changdeokgung Palace (Seoul, South Korea)

Seoul is FABULOUS! Over the past three decades, I have witnessed my homeland transform itself from the rubble of the Korean War to become an economic powerhouse not only in Asia but worldwide, and no city in South Korea epitomizes and reflects this transition like its capital, Seoul. From the concrete jungles of the 80’s and 90’s to the softer-edged 21st century urban oasis that it has become since the new millennium, largely thanks to its visionary Mayor, Seoul is not only one of the most interesting and exciting cities in Asia but also the most tourist-friendly.

Seoul is a cosmopolitan city that equals, and in some respects, surpasses the likes of other megapolis in the world like New York City and Tokyo. Everywhere you look, there’s a reflection of prosperity that has been built from sheer determination and dedication of its citizens. From the upscale high-rises in Gangnam district to the chic boutiques in Apgujeong; or the rows galleries filled with fine art in Samcheongdong district to the regal omnipresence of Gyeongbokgung, Seoul is a sophisticated traveler’s dream come true.

Great thing about Seoul is that, like NYC, another favorite city of mine, it’s ever-changing and ever-evolving, and every time I return to the city, I’m reminded that the best is yet to come.

Istanbul (Turkey)

Sometimes, traveling is more about people than places, and I fell in love with Istanbul long before I arrived in Turkey. I was first introduced to the warmth and the generosity of the Turkish people while living in Frankfurt, Germany, also known as “little Istanbul”.

From market vendors to restaurateurs, classmates to language teachers, the vibrancy and kindness I had experienced from almost every Turkish immigrant I’d encountered was a welcoming contrast to the austerity and aloofness of the local Germans.

I’d always heard from travelers returning from Turkey that you arrive in Turkey as a guest and leave as a friend, and my experience in Istanbul was no different. Everywhere I went, I was overwhelmed by the hospitality of just about everyone I’d come across.

Needless to say, I had a wonderful time in Istanbul, an amazing city full of extraordinary history and culture, breathtaking scenery, and excellent cuisine. So, teşekkür ederim ... thank you Istanbul for an unforgettable trip.

Salzburg (Austria)

The hills may not be alive with the sound of music, but Salzburg, in my opinion is the most beautiful town in Austria.  Despite the inaccuracy of the Von Trapp family’s escape route, this birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart boasts itself as being the Golden City of High Baroque, which becomes self-evident as soon as you step into its Altstadt.

Being in Salzburg is like being in a fairytale.  Standing beside the fast-flowing Salzach River, the Altstadt’s mosaic of graceful domes and spires, the formidable cliff-top fortress and the mountains beyond will enchant you even before you get to the old town.  Everywhere you go, you’re overwhelmed by the breathtaking scenery, the skyline, and the history.

The best time to visit Salzburg is during Christmas, when the tradition and the festivities of the holiday highlight its beauty.  You’ll be charmed by the wonderful Christmas Market on the Cathedral Square, the traditional stalls, the stars overhead and the quality of the products, and enchanted by traditional craftsmanship, delicious Christmas cookies, aromatic tree ornaments and many arts and crafts of the season.  It’s definitely an experience that you should not miss.

Brugge (Belgium) 

Bruges, Venice of the North as it’s called, is a city straight out of a fairytale with its picturesque medieval architecture and gorgeous landscape reminiscent of the works of Flemish masters – and one my favorite little cities in Europe.

Prague (Czech Republic)

My first trip to Prague was when Europe was experiencing one of the coldest winters in almost a century. Although I was used to the cold winters in NYC, I never felt the kind of wind chills and frosty conditions that I'd faced in Europe. It was absolutely brutal and so cold that even my teeth hurt.

Despite the syberian weather, I was determined to travel and experience places in Europe that I’d always dreamt of. Prague had been on my travel bucket list for some time, and I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity.

Being there in the winter, it seemed that my husband and I had the whole city to ourselves. We strolled through the empty streets, admiring the dream-like scenery, stopped at little cafés straight out of Tolstoy novels, and as we crossed Charles Bridge, I felt as if we’ve been transported to another time and place. It was beauty beyond my imagination, and its alluring skyline left me breathless.

Albi, Arles, Carcassonne, Mont Saint Michel, Pont du Gard, Saint-Emilion, Strasbourg (France)

Not surprisingly, there are over 30 UNESCO Heritage Sites in France, and as a self-proclaimed Francophile, I’ve spent the past decade traveling and discovering everyone one of them. From the picture perfect country sides of Alsace to the magnificent beaches of Dune de Pyla, I love all the wonders that the country has to offer: breathtaking scenery, charming villages and towns, spectacular beaches (mostly the western coast and not the proverbial Cote d’Azur) and mountains, the divine selection of wine, the scrumptious cuisine … and the list goes on and on.

Arles

Carcassonne

Mont Saint Michel

Pont du Gard

Saint-Emilion

Strasbourg

Pisa & Siena (Italy)

Tuscany (Toscana) in the Northwestern region of Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. That’s perhaps the reason why my husband and I've had our doubts about visiting Tuscany for awhile. However, considering that it is possibly the greatest repository of art in the world, and home to world class wine and cuisine, we could no longer resist the temptation of visiting these beautiful parts of Italy.

Berne (Switzerland)

It would be hard to find a more idyllic town in Europe than Bern (Berne).

I'd visited Berne during my first trip to Switzerland, and when the train pulled into the central station, I thought I was looking a mirage.  I had to get off the train to see whether the picture perfect town outside my window wasn't a figment of my imagination.

What a beautiful city it turned out to be! A city that I’ve never even heard of until I opened my guidebook. Having arrived in the city at sunrise, I strolled through the quiet and empty streets alone, feeling as if I was walking through pages in a fairytale. Then, just as the cafes and markets were opening, I found a quaint little cafe at the edge of the Nydeggbrucke (Nydegg Bridge) near the Bear Pit.

I must say, it was a dream-like experience, and although I’ve visited Bern several times after moving to Europe, the first time was the best, and the most unforgettable.

Quito & Cuenca (Ecuador)

Traveling is like falling in love. Although I can’t put into words what it is about a place that I’m drawn to, I know it and feel it as soon as I find it, and as soon as I landed in Ecuador, I was captivated!

Sitting on the equator between Colombia and Peru, Ecuador may be one of the smallest and less-known countries in South America, but it’s packed with the most startling contrasts of scenery.

Everywhere we went, we were surrounded by breathtaking scenery, think majestic mountains of Switzerland alongside the tranquil beauty of the Greek Isles. The eye-catching colors of Ecuador leap out from every corner of its diverse landscape.

Although the country’s greatest draw are the Galápagos Islands, the rest of Ecuador shouldn’t be seen merely as a stopover. Thanks to its compact size, traveling around Ecuador is easy, and this friendly and vibrant country truly is a microcosm of South America. For me, Ecuador was a wonderful introduction to the continent that I hope to see and discover more of in the future.

Chichen Itza (Yucatan, Mexico)

My first introduction to Mexico was no different than for millions of American college students. My best friend and I’d decided we wanted to get in on the beloved tradition of going to Cancun during spring break - a rite of passage so to speak, and boy, did we get exactly what we were looking for, plenty of partying and sun.

But even through the haze of all the partying and sun, what I remember most about Mexico was the enchantment of seeing and experiencing a culture that was none like I’d ever known. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the breathtakingly beautiful white sand beach or marveling at the wondrous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá; dancing the night away at a trendy high-energy night club in Cabo or enjoying one of its delectable traditional dishes, which has been deemed also as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, Mexico is adept at satisfying everything we look for as travelers.

French poet André Breton famously called Mexico the surrealist country par excellence, and every time I’m in Mexico, I’m reminded that what is ordinary there is truly extraordinary.

Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, Taos Pueblo, Carlsbad Cavern National Park (The U.S.) 

"America's national parks are a treasure house of nature's superlatives – 84 million acres of the most stunning landscapes anyone has ever seen. They became the last refuge for magnificent species of animals that otherwise would have vanished forever; today, they remain a refuge for human beings seeking to replenish their spirit." - PBS, The National Parks