Hey hey hey! ✈️ If you’re anything like me, a fabulous, globe-loving Gen Xer with a soft spot for culture, adventure, and a good plate of local cuisine then you know we’re not here for the basic. We want experiences with soul, not selfies. So today, I’m pulling back the curtain on 5 secret travel gems that are flying under the radar (for now). Let’s roll… 🏔️ 1. Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia Why You’ll Love It: Think Santorini but with North African rhythm and ancient history wrapped in blue and white walls. Sidi Bou Said is a coastal dream where the Mediterranean breeze meets Arabic architecture. Sip mint tea on a rooftop, explore artisan shops, and feel the old-school elegance without the crowds. 🌿 2. Isla Holbox, Mexico Why You’ll Love It: It’s what Tulum used to be before the influencers showed up. No cars, just golf carts and barefoot beach bars. The island glows with bioluminescence at night, and the sunsets? Spiritual. 🏞️ 3. Mulu, Borneo (Malaysia) Why You’ll Love It: Caves, rainforests, and ancient tribal energy. Mulu National Park is home to one of the largest cave systems on Earth and it’s a vibe. Jungle treks, canopy walks, and hidden waterfalls await. And the crowds? Um, what crowds? 🕌 4. Harar, Ethiopia Why You’ll Love It: This walled city is one of Islam’s holiest places but it’s also colorful, quirky, and full of spice markets and hyena whisperers. (Yes, actual hyena whisperers.) UNESCO listed and criminally underrated, Harar blends Ethiopian, Arabic, and African traditions in the dopest way. 🌊 5. São Tomé and Príncipe Why You’ll Love It: West Africa’s best-kept secret. Volcanoes, cocoa plantations, and beaches that feel like you landed in a dream. It’s one of the smallest country in Africa, but it’s bursting with flavor literally. Food, music, and nature blend into an experience that hits your soul. ✈️ Ready to Go Off the Beaten Path? You deserve more than cookie-cutter vacations. Whether you’re solo, group-trippin, or on a self-care sabbatical, these hidden gems will fill your passport and your spirit. Let’s ditch the crowds and discover the magic one soulful journey at a time. 🌍💛

If you’ve never experienced the beauty of America’s national parks by train, you’re missing a soulful kind of magic. With Amtrak’s 21,000+ miles of track across 46 states, there's a good chance one of their iconic routes rolls right into your next adventure. Here’s why train travel to national parks should be on your bucket list especially if you're all about scenic views, ease, and a little nostalgic romance. 1. The Journey Is the Vacation Forget the stress of airports, traffic, and GPS drama. Onboard trains like the California Zephyr or Empire Builder, your vacation starts the moment you board. Think comfy seats, domed-glass Sightseer Lounges, and wide-open views of lakes, canyons, deserts, and snowcapped mountains. The views hit different when you’re gliding through untouched terrain most folks never see. 2. No Roads? No Problem. Just Nature. Trains can go where roads don’t. Whether you’re headed to Denali in Alaska, Glacier, or Grand Canyon, you’ll pass through untouched wilderness and remote landscapes that feel straight out of a dream. It's the kind of journey that slows you down in the best way and reconnects you to the land. 3. Relaxation, Not Rush Hour Trains offer private rooms, real beds, hot meals, and lounge cars. No TSA lines. No baggage fees. Just space to chill. You can nap, play games, journal, sip wine, or chat with travelers from across the globe. After a day of hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring, there’s nothing better than kicking back and letting someone else do the driving. 4. Multiple Parks, One Smooth Ride Why pick just one national park? Many rail tours like America's Treasures & Natural Wonders connect multiple gems like Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Grand Canyon in one seamless trip. Some routes, like Canyons, Glaciers & Waterfalls, even loop you through the country coast to coast, from Chicago to Los Angeles to Seattle. 5. Vintage Vibes, Modern Comfort Train stations like Chicago’s Union Station or Seattle’s King Street Station bring old-school elegance to your trip. And the trains themselves? Think large windows, traditional dining, and cozy sleeper rooms with private baths. It’s a throwback to when travel was an experience, not a chore.