My Little Secret? Visiting Helsinki In March Is (Almost) Perfect

My Little Secret? Visiting Helsinki In March Is (Almost) Perfect

Visiting Helsinki in March is like catching it a bit off-guard, halfway between its winter slow pace and its spring awakening. The snow and ice haven’t fully given up their grasp on the city, but it looks more and more out of place as the days get brighter and longer. While I sang my praises…

Worth It?: Visiting Sweden’s Icehotel 365 at Any Time of Year

Worth It?: Visiting Sweden’s Icehotel 365 at Any Time of Year

When I planned a visit to Sweden to see the fall foliage in Abisko National Park (one of my favorite places in Sweden) it almost slipped my mind that you could visit Jukkasjärvi’s ice hotel any time of year. Even on bright, sunny, (relatively) warm autumn days… or even under the midnight sun! That’s right:…

15 Wonderful Things to Do in Naples in Winter [2026]

15 Wonderful Things to Do in Naples in Winter [2026]

Italy has recently gotten slammed with overtourism… but the winter season is ideal for visiting Italian cities, particularly Southern cities like Naples which tend to be more popular summertime destinations. Not only do you get mild winters, but you also get to skip the crowds. Just be aware that Naples in winter is rather rainy……

Samatan, France: Quick Guide to Occitanie’s Famed Market Town

Samatan, France: Quick Guide to Occitanie’s Famed Market Town

In the Gers department of the region of Occitanie — the sprawling rural part of Western France that stretches toward Spain and French Basque Country — you’ll find the small town of Samatan. This lovely little village is best-known for two things, which are a bit interwined: its legendary Monday market and the foie gras…