Europe

Known for its sparkling fjords, majestic mountain ranges, and expansive forests, Norway’s awe-inspiring landscape beckons to nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. For me, it was love at first sight on my initial visit more than a decade ago. While the natural beauty lured me, the culture of this magical land enticed me even more.

From 1854 onward, a yearly market shall be held in Røros, commencing the second to last Tuesday in the month of February and lasting until the following Friday,” declared the King of Norway. When the king speaks, Norwegians listen, and in February 1854, Rørosmartnan was born.

Viewing the Northern Lights is a magical experience that tops bucket lists everywhere. It beckons travelers worldwide to frosty destinations. From now until 2026, the aurora borealis activity is expected to reach its highest levels in 11 years. This uptick in solar activity makes the current era a particularly good time for aurora-viewing vacations. This winter, why not combine the experience of searching for this natural phenomenon with a cultural experience in your choice of winter wonderlands?

London during the holiday season is something I wish everyone could experience at least once in their lifetime. I mean, you think you've seen Christmas spirit, until you go to London in the month of December.

When the holiday season rolls around, few experiences match the charm of a German Christmas market. Known locally as Weihnachtsmärkte, these markets are more than just festive events—they’re spaces where history, tradition, and community come together. While you can find Christmas markets in many parts of the world now, the ones in Germany, where it all started, still stand out for their authenticity and atmosphere.

Discover what the Guaches – the indigenous inhabitants of the Canary Islands – have known for centuries: Tenerife will enchant you. The Spanish island is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Teide National Park and the city of La Laguna. With a unique volcanic landscape and plant species seen nowhere else, the island is globally known as a stargazing destination.

This time last year, we were wandering Rome’s winding cobblestone streets, navigating narrow alleys and bustling piazzas, searching for a glimpse of the iconic Trevi Fountain.

‘Philotimo’ dates back millennia, and although can’t be translated into a single word in the English language to this day, is packed with meaning, often illustrated through honourable, respectful and humble acts towards others, no matter who they are, or where they come from.

Deep in Green Spain, on a quiet, residential street in Palas de Rei, a narrow stone block stands tall, engraved with a blue square and yellow seashell — the telltale sign of Spain’s Camino de Santiago. Here, the well-trafficked pilgrimage route intersects with a stone farmhouse, robust herb garden, and outdoor tienda. These components form the Milhulloa Coop, where pilgrims can purchase — or make — herb-based toiletries, cosmetics, and even a drink, all without veering off-course.

In the 1990s, Bosnia and Herzegovina was considered one of the most dangerous places in the world. The capital city, Sarajevo, was under constant siege by sniper fire and mortar shells. Today, however, Bosnia looks very different. Though still scarred by the remnants of war, the country has seemingly found a way to come through a very dark tunnel. 

October brings us many things including colorful foliage, cooler temperatures and costumes in celebration of Halloween. While trick-or-treating has long been a tradition in the United States, the origins of Halloween lie in the ancient Celtic world.

North of the Arctic Circle, Norway’s Henningsvær plays to the strengths of its surroundings. Framed by dramatic, jagged mountains and the icy Norwegian sea, this Lofoten fishing village attracts hikers, climbers, cold plungers, and divers alike. Two of these divers — Norwegian couple Matias Nordahl Carlsen and Alexandra Anker — repeatedly zip up their dry suits for more than just sport. Since the pandemic, Carlsen and Anker have been repurposing self-collected sea urchins into colorful table lamps. The idea began when Anker accidentally illuminated a decorative sea urchin with her phone flashlight while working at Henningsvær Bryggehotell. The result? Lofotlys, which serves a role in both Henningsvær’s business ecosystem and Norway’s environmental one.