When most people think of Brazil, they think of Rio de Janeiro or the Amazon rainforest. But on the easternmost point of Brazil there is an overlooked city—Natal. Brazilians flock to Natal as a beachside vacation spot, so join the locals and have a truly Brazilian vacation!

When you think of English royalty, a few images might come to mind: Queen Elizabeth outfitted in a bright dress and matching hat, Prince William and Duchess Kate on their wedding day, or a black-and-white image of an elderly Queen Victoria. To most tourists in London, the only essential royal site to visit would be Buckingham Palace with its famous columned façade and marching guardsmen. To a royal enthusiast, however, London offers a wealth of sites steeped in regal history. With a bit of guidance, any tourist can become a royal enthusiast and have an extremely rewarding time discovering the well-known and little-known royal sites throughout London.

How would you like to explore the most beautiful sights in Peru while enjoying seven-course meals, morning yoga sessions, and daily massages? Many tour companies travel with professional chefs, but hiking to Machu Picchu and beyond with a professional yoga instructor and masseuse is a treat now provided by Kusa Treks—a small company that offers big experiences.

Just northeast of Los Angeles is a town that nearly all Californians would agree is paradise, even when compared to the multiple well-known cities of the state: Santa Barbara. Its downtown consists of white buildings with red tile roofs, a Spanish-derivative style that references lasting ties to the Spanish Franciscans who founded this paradise in the late eighteenth century. Even just a few days in Santa Barbara can show you why this old city is a treasure to California.

A whitewater river rafting trip is an unforgettable experience. There are astounding views, soul-stirring towering canyons, majestic waterfalls, magnificent overlooks, and marvelous slot canyons—all only accessible by river. Away from distractions, it is a time of absolute relaxation in the wilderness. Here are the top suggestions from my personal whitewater rafting adventures.

If you ever find yourself in Merzouga, Morocco, I have one piece of advice for you: spend a night in the Sahara Desert. Last summer, I had the opportunity to do just that while studying abroad in Morocco, and it is an experience I will never forget.

Never before has the deadness of the Dead Sea been more apparent.

Paris, France, is known throughout the world for its museums and vast collections of art. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all there is to see, so many people choose to see only the most famous works of art in each museum. While it’s great to see the Mona Lisa, it may not be worth spending your entire day at the Louvre, pushing through crowds to see one painting when there is so much beautiful artwork in Paris that often gets overlooked. Here are some of the lesser-known pieces that should be on your list of art to see in Paris. If you like Vincent Van Gogh’s Self Portrait, go see

Throughout the hustle and bustle of cities, you will find whimsical pockets of nature tucked away between alleyways and abbeys. Some are cached away, kept as a secret of sorts from unsuspecting passersby; others may be better known yet inadvertently overlooked.

Plums are one of the world’s most delightful fruits. They come in many varieties, and can range from mellow to tart. This versatile fruit is enjoyed by many cultures in both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some tasty examples!

You will find happiness in every bite of European chocolate and candy. Full of rich, unique, and sweet flavors, here are some of the best chocolates and candies from Europe:

Scrumptious Summer Strawberry Salsa

An archaeologist, a snorkeler, and a Game of Thrones superfan walk into a bar.