DRIFT Travel Magazine Summer 2021

ANSES OF SEYCHELLES

FIVE STUNNING BUCKET LIST BEACHES

CORFU, GREECE

ONE GREEK ISLAND - A THOUSAND ADVENTURES

A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY

THE CONTRASTS OF OLD AND NEW IN DUBAI

A TASTE OF ITALY

A CULINARY TREK THROUGH EMILIA-ROMAGNA

PUBLISHER

GLOSSY MEDIA

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

STEVE DRAKE

PRODUCTION/EDITORIAL

SIMON DARCY ABBOTT, WANJIRU CIIRA, IRINA DORABIATO, KAREN GERSHOWITZ, BEVERLEY HUYNH, ANDREW MARSHALL, WILL SHAW, GABRIELLA RIBEIRO, SARA WIDNESS, DAVE WIGGINS

CREATIVE | PHOTOGRAPHY

VALTER CIRILLO, DEZALB, IRINA DORABIATO, FARRAH FUERST, BEVERLEY HUYNH, NOAH JURIK, ANDREW MARSHALL, HÉCTOR MARTÍNEZ, LIAM MCKAY, MOAB ADVENTURE CENTER, MAX NAYMAN, IRÉN NEMESS, ED SHEPHERD , WILL SHAW , MAKSIM SHUTOV, ADOBE STOCK, BOGI SZEKERES, DHARMA TRAILS

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© COPYRIGHT DRIFT TRAVEL MAGAZINE GLOSSY MEDIA

2015-2021

18 Travel Bites

BY ANDREW MARSHALL

Exploring the delicious Italian region of Emilia- Romagna.

24 Daytripping in Hungary

BY GABRIELLA RIBEIRO

Urban adventures in and beyond the bustling capital of Budapest.

30 A Photographic Journey

BY IRINA DORABIATO

The fascinating convergence of old and new in Dubai.

46 Island of Corfu

BY WANJIRU CIIRA

A jam packed itinerary on this stunning Greek island.

52 In Your Own Backyard

BY KAREN GERSHOWITZ

Tips for domestic vacations and traveling close to home in 2021.

62 Travel By Design

BY BEVERLEY HUYNH

A personal journey of culture, costumes and travel to faraway places.

64 Climbing the (Rock) Wall

BY SARA WIDNESS & DAVE WIGGINS

The post COVID surge in canyoneering and rock climbing in Utah.

Mount Cinnamon Resort - Grenada

Gracefully tucked on the hillside atop Grand Anse Beach, an enclave of 37 luxury villas and suites, each with its own veranda of sweeping views of natural, unspoiled beauty, awaits your discovery.

Yoga, paddle boarding, sailing, kayaking or just relaxing on a stretch of white-sand beach – a place not to escape life, but for life not to escape us. A retreat that revives all, even the jaded jet-set.

The hillside villas and suites feature bright, airy and spacious rooms each with fabulous views of the Caribbean Sea and glistening white sands of Grand Anse Beach. Flirty and enchanting, interiors are comfortably contemporary and chic with bold Caribbean colors. Sitting rooms with expansive outdoor terraces and full open kitchens in the Hacienda suites and villas invite families to beach living at large. Bedrooms have king-size beds with Italian linens, separate dressing areas and unique adobe-style bathrooms.

Cinnamon Spa offers hot stone massage, facials, body wraps, manicures and pedicures, pampering treatment packages and more that will surely unfurrow your brow. Peter de Savary understands that real rejuvenation occurs only when you can truly relax, let go and indulge yourself, so selecting a soul-soothing spot for spa treatments comes easy at Cinnamon Spa.

mountcinnamongrenadahotel.com

A Taste of Italy EMILIA ROMAGNA

BY: ANDREW MARSHALL

It’s a typical Saturday afternoon at the Mercato di Mezzo, a quaint little market area off Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore. In this network of ancient Roman streets, which used to be home to the city’s craftsmen, there’s plenty of hustle and bustle. Old men engage in animated conversation, lovers eat ice creams, stallholders yell out food bargains and shoppers crowd around the fish, fruit, cheese and meat stalls.

At Tamburini (via Caprarie 1), the display of produce looks like a work of art. Hams and salamis in every conceivable size and shape dangle in the window, alongside wheels of cheese, trays of colorful pasta and baskets of exotic fungi.

“There’s been a food shop here for centuries and until 1976 you could still see pigs being smoked inside,” says the owner, Giovanni Tamburini pointing to a collection of hooks still attached to the ceiling. “We sell 95 types of hand-made pasta, 250 types of cheese and 150 types of salami.”

MODENA’S FAMOUS VINTAGE

From the regional capital Bologna, I head for nearby Modena which has its own special claim to gastronomic fame, aceto balsamico tradizionale di Modena, a condiment that bears little resemblance to the commercial balsamic vinegar that most people will be familiar with.

At the Acetaia Paltrinieri (www.acetaiapaltrinieri.com) a small family producer of balsamic vinegar on the outskirts of town, the aroma of cooked ‘must’ (unfermented grape juice) lies heavily in the air. “This is the real aceto balsamico and this is my passion,” says the owner Guido Paltrineri, as he welcomes me inside his attic, where the barrels of precious brown liquid are stored.

The fruit of centuries-old knowledge, traditional balsamic vinegar is made by placing the ‘must’ in a sequence of ever-decreasing sized barrels that are constructed of different timbers, such as chestnut, cherry, mulberry, juniper and oak. At the beginning of the process when the vinegar is in the largest

barrel, more porous woods are required to facilitate evaporation, while at the end of the process, the harder woods are more suitable for conserving the aged vinegar.

“The scorching hot summers really heat the attics where the barrels are stored so the must evaporates as it condenses,” says Guido. “Modena’s sharp winters are also essential for the process.”

Aged for at least 12 years (and sometimes up to a century) aceto balsamico tradizionale di Modena is a rare and exquisite thing. The longer the vinegar ages, the thicker and more intensely flavored it becomes. Be warned, try it once and you’ll be addicted to a taste that is sweet and sour in perfect harmony. If you have plenty of euros, make sure to buy up big as prices can double when you leave Italy.

PASTA DELIGHTS

While there are some fine dining restaurants throughout the towns of Emilia Romagna, you’re just as likely to have a great culinary experience by visiting a local one. Take for example, Trattoria Aldina (Via Luigi Albinelli, 40) a typical family-run place near Modena’s bustling food market.

It’s mid-morning and pasta-maker Pierluigi Longaganani is busy at work, rolling out some delicious golden dough to make tortellini (the region’s signature dish). With deft movements he fills pieces of pasta with meat and shapes them, so they resemble small belly buttons. “We learn how to make tortellini when we are children and have nimble fingers,” he says.

Make sure to stop for lunch, when Pierluigi is only too happy to serve up some of his fresh pasta dishes for you to savor including tagliatalla salsa di noci (with nuts, oil, butter, ricotta cheese and parmesan), tortelloni (contains a filling of goat’s cheese), tortelli (stuffed with a vegetarian filling such as pumpkin) and capelletti (similar to tortellini but larger and stuffed with ricotta cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, nutmeg, lemon peel and cloves and served in a meat stock).

THE BIG CHEESE

What would a pasta meal be without that other essential ingredient Parmigiano-Reggiano? Considered the king of Italian cheeses, Parmesan cheese is without doubt the most famous product of the province. It has been in existence for at least the last 700 years and is so valuable that it was once accepted for wheels of cheese to be used as currency.

Dotting the hills and valleys around Parma are the dairies that supply the milk, and the cheese houses where the prized wheels are made by a method little changed over the centuries. What makes Parmigiano Reggiano so outstanding is its long and careful aging. Each wheel of cheese is aged for an average of 24 months, during which important changes take place that give the cheese its distinctive flavor, texture, aroma and nutritional value. The genuine article eaten with a drizzle of olive oil or a few drops of traditional balsamic vinegar is a simple pleasure of almost regal proportions.

KING OF CURED PORK

In a land that has an ancient tradition for pork, there is a staggering variety of types available, from Mortadella di Bologna (salami made with minced pork, lard and black pepper), Prosciutto di Parma (air-dried, salt-cured ham) to Culatello di Zibello, a quite remarkable delicacy that must be sliced finer than paper. This soft, sweet, delicately flavored ham whose name means ‘little rump’ in Italian, is produced in a strip of land by the banks of the River Po near Parma, which provides just the right humid conditions for the culatello to cure.

Meat taken from under the rump of the best pigs is trimmed and tied a first time, and then massaged vigorously with a mixture of salt, whole and cracked peppercorns, garlic and dry white wine. Later in the process it is put into a pig’s bladder, which is then tightly sewn onto the meat. Finally, it is tied so skilfully that it almost seems to be an artistic weaving enclosing a precious pear-shaped fruit.

The range of foods and culinary experiences that the region has to offer could easily fill a lifetime. To observe the talent and enthusiasm of a balsamic vinegar producer or pasta maker, is to realize that food isn’t just part of their cultureit’s an expression of their lives.

It’s my last day in Italy’s gastronomic heart and I find myself boarding the Parma to Bologna train, my bag bulging with foods bought on my journey. The landscape of vineyards, farms and small villages slips by as I snack on chunks of Parmesan cheese and slivers of Proscuitto de Parma wrapped around thin sticks of crispy bread. Ah, travel in Emilia Romagna - a food lover’s nirvana.

Gastronomic events in Emilia Romagna

At the ‘Fiera del Parmigiano Reggiano’ (Feast of Parmesan Cheese), held in the first week of August, crowds of visitors and locals gather in the streets of Casina, with the distinctive smell of Parmigiano in the air. The main attraction of the event is the cooking of the cheese, done by experienced dairy farmers using an ancient steam engine inside which is placed the cheese still in its rind. * Between the end of May and early June, ‘Balsamica’ is an event designed to rediscover Modena’s traditional Balsamic vinegar; exhibitions, seminars and courses on cooking, guided tours of the vinegar-producing cellars and vinegartastings in restaurants.

The medieval village of Montebello is brought to life by the annual ‘Festa del Miele’ (Feast of Honey) celebrated at the end of summer (last weekend in August/first weekend in September). It’s a unique occasion to learn about ‘the world of honey’ and all its techniques, varieties and extracts. The restaurants of the area provide honey-based meals made up of several courses, from the starter through to the desert.

*Tartufesta’ (Feast of Truffles) is a classic autumn event (October to November) promoted by the Province of Bologna to highlight the gastronomic traditions of the nearby Apennines area. Around 15 villages take part in a packed itinerary dedicated to the white truffle.

IF YOU GO

Where:

The province of Emilia Romagna is located between Tuscany to the south and Lombardy and the Veneto to the north, in northern Italy. Getting around:

An inexpensive train network links the main Emilia-Romagna town of Bologna, Modena, Reggio Emilia, Parma and Piacenza. A hire car can be useful if you wish to visit some of the food producers, which are often located out of town.

Tours & Further Information:

Visits to the various food producers (Parmesan cheese, Parma ham & traditional balsamic vinegar etc) can be arranged through the tourist offices (IAT) of the region.

5 Top Seychelles Beaches

BY: SIMON DARCY ABBOTT

Renowned for its natural beauty and incredible flora and fauna, the beaches that hem Seychelles turquoise blue and warm waters are a draw unto themselves. From secluded powder-soft crescents to long stretches of palm and vouloutier-fringed strands, every island holds its secret 'anse'.

With well over 120 beaches to choose from just on the three main islands of the Seychelles, here are five beaches which should absolutely be on every visitor's stopover list.

ANSE COCOS

An idyllic hideaway spot, on La Digue, Anse Cocos is located on the eastern coast of the small island and is only accessible by a 30-minute hike, either by taking a path from Grand Anse or in the other direction from Anse Fourmis. Less well-known than the much photographed Anse Source D'Argent, with which it shares similar features, picturesque Anse Cocos is all the more prized for its secluded aspect, which makes all its charms.

ANSE LAZIO

Known as the most famous beach on Praslin, Anse Lazio is often listed among the top ten beaches in the world. Age-old granite sentinels stand guard at both ends of the picture perfect stretch of soft white sands leading to clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. A must on every visitor's list, Anse Lazio remains agreeably soothing and will not disappoint.

ANSE

GEORGETTE

Another favorite on Praslin, the superb Anse Georgette is well worth the 30-minute hike through the grounds of the luxurious Constance Lemuria Resort. Alternatively, it is accessible by boat. If you make it to Anse Georgette, you will definitely be conquered by powder soft sand fringed by lush tropical flora, as well as an amazing snorkeling spot.

ANSE SOURCE D'ARGENT

Reputed to be the most photographed beach in the world, and accessible by a bicycle ride through La Digue's L'Union Estate, this unique landmark is treasured for its huge granite boulders but also its soft white sand and clear turquoise waters. Sheltered by the reef, the sea is endlessly calm at Anse Source D'Argent, making it a favorite for families and couples who just want to be rocked by the waves or try their hand at snorkeling. A must, if you are on La Digue!

ANSE TAKAMAKA

Often described as 'breathtaking' or even 'outstanding', Anse Takamaka is one of Mahé's most stunning beaches. Located in the south of Mahé, Anse Takamaka epitomizes the postcardperfect beach, where the wild waters of the Indian Ocean come to shore.

LUME CUBE mobile creator kit xl

Making mobile content easier one foot at a time. The Mobile Creator Kit XL has everything you need to capture content hands free, amplify audio and take your vlogging to the next level. lumecube.com

BLUE LIZARD australian sunscreen

Born in the harsh climate of Australia, where extreme UV rays make strong sun protection a must. Every Blue Lizard Sunscreen begins with the mineral Zinc Oxide, which provides broad spectrum sun protection. Zinc Oxide protects you by forming a protective layer on top of your skin and scattering UV rays away from your body. This mineral active ingredient is gentle enough for every member of your family. bluelizardsunscreen.com

NOMATIC backpack

Designed for everyday use. It’s made with durable, water-resistant materials and YKK zippers. Starting at 20L and expanding to 24L, this bag is slim but expands when you need to pack more. The patent pending strap system allows you to go from backpack to briefcase carry for those times when you need to look more professional. The full perimeter zipper, magnetic water bottle pockets, RFID safe storage, and hidden pockets, are just a few of the 20+ noteworthy features that make this backpack the most functional backpack ever! nomatic.com

RAWLOGY cork massage balls

Designed by hikers for self-massage during backpacking trips, these balls are your perfect travel companion. The cork massage ball is water-resistant and highly durable. It’s self-care, anywhere! Nonslip cork surface feels soft and grippy, even when your skin is damp. rawlogy.com

COALATREE kachula adventure blanket

This is the swiss army knife of blankets! Use it as a blanket, travel pillow, light sleeping bag, or even an emergency poncho. No matter where life takes you, the Kachula adapts to your adventure. Stay drier longer thanks to a vapor-coated Durable Water Repellent finish. Water and other liquids bead right off. coalatree.com

THERMACELL mosquito repellents

Their most advanced repellent system ever, the Thermacell Rechargeable Mosquito Repellent keeps mosquitoes away, without spray. Within minutes, the system heats and activates the scent-free, invisible repellent, protecting outdoor spaces from mosquitoes. thermacell.com

IPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK

Learn to take high-quality, stunning travel snapshots with the device you always have in your pocket or purse. In this full-color guidebook, Kelby provides his awardwinning approach to sharing his secrets and shooting advice, just like he would with a friend if they were out shooting together.

rockynook.com

SMART WOOL hike how you like socks

Smartwool’s go-to classic Hike sock has been reinvented – with a radical redesign – to bring the very best for your feet. Every pair will hug your feet with a powerful elastic that helps to eliminate in-shoe friction and prevent blisters… fits like a glove, but for your feet! The collection offers different cushioning levels, heights and patterns, so you can always find the perfect accompaniment for short trails to long journeys.

smartwool.ca

Daytripping Beyond Budapest

BY: GABRIELLA RIBEIRO

You could easily fill several calendar months with the amazing things Hungary has to offer, but if you’re short on time and prefer to hover around Budapest and its surroundings, here’s a top recommendation on how best to explore!

DAY 1

Gödöllő is just 30 KM from Budapest and home to Hungary’s largest Baroque Palace and plenty of architectural delights all around. For a fun afternoon, try a shot of Palinka the local fruit brandy and get a slice of real village life in the Domony Vally where you can get insight into the local equestrian scene

DAY 2

On to Székesfehérvár ! Easier to reach than to say and it’s one of the most important towns when it comes to a diverse mixture of art and architecture. Visits to the Hungarian Royal Hotel, the Vörösmarty Theatre and Saint Stephen's Basilica are highly recommended and for an ultra romantic day, take a jaunt to Bory Castle, a masterpiece of art, sculpture and dramatic design amazing for photographs!

DAY 3

Gaze in wonder at the snow-white Brunszvik Castle with its magnificent English garden where unique trees grow and streams of water flow, and end the day at the Etyek Wine District just 25 Km to the north and enjoy a glass of sparkling white wine on the terrace of a stunning winery.

DAY 4

Wonders abound from Pákozd which is the site of the first battle of the War of Independence, to the Castle Park which is an open air ethnographic museum filled with models of historical Hungarian castles as they once were. Find some time to mix a hike in to the equation at the Bird Song Educational Trail with opportunities to spy rare birds.

on Earth. The park is rare and unique , with a museum built on the edge of the mine pit, where you can see classic mining tools and old photographs beyond the extraordinary scenery.

It’s almost impossible to think about Dubai without imagining Burj Al Arab - the world’s only 7-star hotel.

DUBAI - the old & the new A Photographic Journey

Featured Artist: Irina Dorabiato

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T6

Canon lenses: EF 50mm f/1.8 EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

Instagram: @irina_dorabiato

For Irina photography is a way to tell a story without words, it simply freezes moments in time. She especially enjoys travel photography as it gives her an opportunity to discover new places, people and learn more about our beautiful world.

Camels are an important part of Emirati culture. In the past, camels were said to be God’s gifts to the Bedouin, as these animals often made life in the desert possible.

Dubai’s Harbor - Not far from downtown it serves as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Retrace the steps of the fishermen, pearl-divers and tradesmen that used to come to trade there.

Dubai Historical Neighborhood aims to preserve the emirate’s rich history.

At Dubai Historical Neighborhood you can discover what life in Old Dubai was like, during the mid-19th century.

Abras - traditional wooden boats found in Dubai Creek.

The word abra originates from the Arabic word “abara”, which means “to cross”. Abras were frequently used to ferry people and transport goods from the bustling markets of old Dubai to far off locations.

The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is a place where you can shop, dine and stroll by the sea.

Dubai Marina, an artificial canal city, is one of the major attractions in the UAE.

Follow in the footsteps of Dubai’s early settlers.

Greek Island of Corfu

So Much to Keep You Busy

BY: WANJIRU CIIRA

Islands have an enchanting beauty. And if you want to spend your summer holiday on an island, you would certainly not go wrong if you chose Greece. Since Greece is home to some 6,000 islands, you can spend your whole summer vacation hopping from island to island, enjoying their unparalleled beauty.

Corfu, the most northerly of the Ionian islands, offers sandy beaches, underwater caves, forested green hills, rugged limestone rock formations, museums, and hearty local dishes.

The island, with its array of accommodation, is an ideal destination for families, couples, or even the lone holidaymaker. Below are some activities you can enjoy in Corfu.

1. Take a boat tour

Enjoy more of the western and eastern coasts by taking a boat tour. You may hire a boat at Paleokastritsa in the west or Dassia in the east and motor along the coast.

Enjoy the blue-green waterfront framed by thick cypress, pine, and eucalyptus forests. Stop over at the wild Arkoudilas or the laid back Halicounas beaches to the south. You may prefer the unspoiled Agios Georgios Pagon or the arresting Paleokastritsa and Glyfada coastlines in the west.

At Corfu, you are spoiled for choice. In the east, you may spend time at Barbati or Kouloura beaches. Enjoy the luminous waters and unmatched mountain views offered by Dassia beach.

2. Visit the Canal d'Amour rock formations

The Canal d'Amour is about 20 minutes from the small village of Sidari. It features impressive sandstone rock formations that create a natural passage into the Ionian Sea. The rock formations provide hideaways from where you can dive into the warm, salty water to explore the myriad tunnels and caves that are a feature of this coastline. For even better exploration, you may hire snorkeling gear.

3. Hike or drive up Mount Pantokrator

Enjoy stunning views of Corfu and surrounding islands from the top of Mount Pantokrator (906 meters), located in the north of the island. You have the option of hiking up the mountain or driving there. Hiking takes about two hours. The views from the top of the mountain are matchless. On a clear day, you can see as far as the southern tip of Italy, some 130 kilometers away.

Another attraction on Mount Pantokrator is Pantokrator Monastery, which dates back to the 14th century. However, its current form dates from the 19th century.

4. Tour Corfu Town

Corfu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town's cobblestone streets transport one to a gone-by era of kings, noblemen, and noblewomen. The narrow alleyways of the Campiello neighborhood provide a special experience.

Visit Corfu town's Old Fortress and New Fortress for a lofty view of the capital and the Ionian Sea. Corfu is one of the Mediterranean's most fortified port cities. Browse through small stores for unique, traditional handcrafted items, shoes, and clothes. Your family and friends will thank you for these exceptional gifts.

5. Enjoy the city's culture

Corfu teems with museums and galleries. The Antivouniotissa Museum exhibits religious works covering six centuries of Ionian artistic expression. Other vestiges of interest include the Corfu Museum of Asian Art situated in the Palace of St Michael and St Georgiou, and the Banknote Museum.

The Solomos Museum, the Reading Society, the Ionian Parliament, and the Museum of the Philharmonic Society of Corfu all warrant a visit. And if you want to see how an aristocratic family lived in the 19th century, visit the Casa Parlante Museum.

6. Check out the Achilleion Palace

The Achilleion Palace is located 10 kilometers southwest of Corfu Town, just outside Gastouri village. This grand villa was the summer residence of Empress Elizabeth of Austria-Hungary, popularly known as Sissi. You can explore the villa's gardens, packed with towering palm trees and neoclassical statues.

The best time to visit

It's best to visit Greek islands between May and October. Temperatures during these months range between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius, making it warm enough to enjoy the outdoors.

Final thoughts

It's time to head for the Greek island of Corfu. There you will enjoy sandy beaches with clear blue-green waters, underwater caves, forested green hills, rugged limestone rock formations, museums, and hearty local dishes.

Traveling Close to Home in 2021

BY: KAREN GERSHOWITZ

After being cooped up for over a year, there is a lot of pent-up demand for travel. But there is also concern about how safe travel is.

A few months ago, I decided that in the interest of safety 2021 would be a year to explore North America, rather than flying to more exotic destinations. How, you ask, can staying here be as exciting as a trip to Paris, Tokyo or a safari in Tanzania? And how do I avoid the crowds that are likely to converge on major tourist destinations?

Start by thinking of activities you love. That can be jazz, antiquing, cooking, soccer, woodworking or just about anything. I’m drawn to crafts, especially artists’ studios. I’m a sucker for gardens, puppets and anything that hints at bizarre. Plan a trip around your passion. Look for festivals, out-of-the way museums, contests, workshops, or anything else that will connect you with equally enthralled people.

When you arrive, talk with locals who share your interests. A smile and genuine interest gets people to open up. Asking for tips can lead to amazing finds.

While traveling near Knoxville with a friend who’s mad for fiddle music, I visited the Museum of Appalachia. In one small cabin a guitar player sprawled on a hand-carved wooden chair as his sausage-like fingers flew. The fiddle player broke into a jig, playing all the while. A tall, stately woman played banjo and sang with a soft twang. Although there were only two of us in their audience, they played as if they were at the Grand Ole Opry.

At the end of each song, we applauded enthusiastically. My friend asked about their instruments and songs. The fiddle player tipped his hat in appreciation and said, “You gals should go over to the Lake View Inn tonight.” He went on, “Every Monday they have a pickin’ session. It’s great fun.” That’s how we ended up at a free, impromptu concert, in a motel dining room filled with devoted locals. On stage (in front of the salad bar) amateur and professional musicians played for hours to this exuberant audience. It was as wonderful and exotic an

experience as any I’ve encountered. National Parks will most likely be over-crowded this summer. But if you love nature and want to avoid throngs of people, head to the lesser-known state and provincial parks or other government owned land. At Anzo-Borrego state park in California there is some of the best stargazing on the planet. One August night I must have seen a hundred shooting stars. If you like wild, uncluttered beaches and outstanding beach combing try Ecola state park in Oregon. Letchworth state park in New York has endless waterfalls, well-maintained hiking trails and cabins for rent. In the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia I had closeup encounters with alligators and marveled at the cypress knees, dense vegetation and shimmering water. Every state has dozens of parks, from wild to tame, with a wide variety of amenities. I vividly remember going to a remote park in Ontario when I was a small child; today’s kids will retain equally wonderful memories.

The United States is a country of immigrants and each group brings their cultural heritage and cuisine with them. If you’re a foodie, you don’t have to cross an ocean to taste the best the world offers. Some of the best Vietnamese food I’ve ever eaten, including in Viet Nam, was in Minneapolis. Go on a food tour in New Orleans and take a cooking class while you’re there. In Miami sample authentic Cuban food. Charleston has great seafood—go for crab, bouillabaisse, oysters and grouper at a riverfront restaurant. In San Francisco or New York to eat specialties from across China. The list is endless and the possibilities delicious.

Plan a trip around North America’s lesser-known cities and towns. Some of my favorites include Hyde Park, NY, Lafayette, LA and Taos, NM. They’re filled with history, local attractions and places to kick back and relax. They’ll be far less expensive than visiting a major city and your chances for discovering something wonderful are high. If you chat with the owners of local businesses, they’ll clue you in to the local treasures. Stick to momand-pop establishments rather than chains and you’ll be amazed at how friendly and helpful people are. In Eureka Springs, Arkansas, a shop owner introduced me to some locals who were also shopping there. The couple invited me for lunch, then gave me a full afternoon tour of the area.

While you’re in smaller towns, buy antiques at a fraction of the cost of the same items in a city. Go to a county fair and sample the local specialties. At a fair in Mumford in upstate New York, I sampled beef on a weck, an unforgettable pretzelbun sandwich. I also saw prized vintage automobiles, talked with local craftspeople and watched kids compete in hilarious competitions. Was it Rome? No, but it was unforgettable, and I had a fabulous time.

Think you can’t see world class attractions outside of major cities? Think again. Columbus, Indiana has dozens of buildings designed by some of the world’s finest architects. It’s a small city that The American Institute of Architects has ranked as sixth in the United States for architectural innovation and design. Take a tour, I guarantee you’ll be impressed.

Most people are aware of wine tours in California. But do you know about the Tennessee whiskey trail? The distilleries are as hospitable and beautiful as any winery I’ve ever visited. And the whiskey is world class.

The Vail Dance Festival brings together top dance companies from around the world; you’ll have the chance to see the NY City Ballet with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop. For art lovers, head to Marfa, Texas or Silver City, New Mexico or Berea, Kentucky. All three (and many other towns) are brimming with galleries filled with work by emerging and established artists.

I celebrated my fortieth birthday by taking an extended road trip around the USA. Even with months of travel, I never ran out of places that delighted and intrigued me. Search around, go down the rabbit hole on your browser, you’ll be astounded at the top-notch possibilities you’ve never even heard of. Then go out and explore.

Must-Play Golf Courses in Scotland

BY: WILL SHAW

It is every golfers’ dream to play golf in Scotland, I can assure you that when you get the chance it won’t disappoint.

In this article I’ll cover my top recommendations for a great week of golf around the east coast of Scotland. This itinerary covers some classics, but also some hidden gems that are often missed by traveling golfers.

St. Andrews – The Old Course

We have to start with The Old Course at St Andrews, you’ll need to enter the ballot a few weeks ahead of your trip and hope you are lucky enough to get a spot, but this tradition seems to add to the excitement of visiting ‘the home of golf’.

From being greeted by the starter on the 1st tee, to striping your drive back towards the iconic clubhouse on the 18th hole – The Old Course will meet every one of your expectations. Playing the famous 1st, 17th and 18th holes are highly memorable, and I’m sure the memories will stay with you for a lifetime.

If you’re lucky enough to play on a day where the winds are under 20mph you’ll find The Old Course very scorable. My top tips are to practice your long distance putting before you tee off, and at all costs, make sure you avoid the deep bunkers off the tee.

Kingsbarns Golf Links

Kingsbarns is a couple of miles south from The Old Course and is set on top of beautiful clifftops. It was only built in 2000, but it feels like it has been there since the beginning of time. Kingsbarns offers you the highest levels of luxury combined with Scottish charm – it is pricey, but well worth the experience if you can afford it. You’ll be personally greeted when you first arrive, have complimentary access to the practice ground and will enjoy the beautiful clubhouse and its surrounds before you tee off.

The golf course has some of the most spectacular holes in Scotland, par 5’s running along the cliffs, elevated par 4’s and beautiful par 3’s. The course is also fun to play, rolling fairways and sloped greens require you to really think about every shot and offer you a lot of risk-rewards golf. Kingsbarns gives you a ‘Sunday at The Masters’ feeling as you hit into the greens, the large slopes and swales collect your ball and gather it towards the hole, or send it off the green, challenging you to hit a delicate chip shot back towards the pin.

Kilspindie Golf Club

Kilspindie was designed in 1899 and as soon as you reach the driveway with a vista of sand dunes and the sea, you’ll feel that you too have been transported back in time. The golf course is short, quirky and full of character. There are drivable par 4’s, stone walls running across fairways and rustic huts in between holes.

The opening stretch along the coastline is spectacular, you have most of Scotland to your left, but any miss right will result in your ball heading off the clifftops and down to the beach below. Thankfully, the course then winds inland where you’ll zigzag through the long rough and gorse before making your way back towards the clubhouse.

Kilspindie hasn’t the space or the length to host a grand tournament like The Open, but if you want to feel what it must have been like playing golf a century ago, this course is a must on your trip to Scotland. Small fairways, smaller greens and very few calm days – Kilspindie offers you a great Scottish links experience at a great price.

St Andrews – The Castle Course

The St Andrews Links Trust is actually made up of seven golf courses and while The New Course and Jubilee Course are both well worth playing, here I’d like to point you towards The Castle Course.

The Castle Course is the newest of St Andrew’s seven courses (opened in 2008), designed by David McLay Kidd. The Castle Course offers a brilliant blend of modern design with everything you want from links golf.

Giant undulating dunes and greens with some extreme slopes offer you a beautiful setting and more than enough challenge as you walk around the clifftops, with St Andrew’s Castle as a backdrop. Similar to Kingsbarns, The Castle Course requires you to hit some highly creative shots when you get out of position. If you do get a good score going, you must stay focused until the very end. The closing stretch will certainly test your nerve, with the par 3 16th hole (pictured above) leaving you no room for error as you play across the beach and sea of gorse bushes in front of you.

North Berwick GC

North Berwick is well known within the UK for being a must for golfers wanting to complete their Scottish golfing experience, but it is often missed by traveling golfers. The course has hosted many top professional and amateur events over the years and provides a tough test of golf even on a calm day.

As you clip your ball off the 1st tee you’ll have little idea of what is ahead, but when you reach the elevated 1st green you’ll be greeted by a fine view of the championship course that snakes along the beach and into the distance. The course layout is a classic nine holes out and nine holes back, meaning the wind will strongly dictate which half plays most difficult.

Be prepared to strike the ball well as you turn into the wind, the deep fairway bunkers and elevated greens will challenge your driving and your iron play with little respite. Even if your golf isn’t up to scratch, you’ll be surrounded by stunning views of the coastline and hills for your entire round. North Berwick is a must for golfers wanting to experience great links golf in Scotland.

Choosing five of Scotland’s 550 golf course to play is quite a challenge. What I like about the selection above is the contrast they offer in terms of golf venues and golf courses. I feel you’ll come away with a great sense of what Scottish golf is all about. Moreover, these are all within a short drive from each other, allowing you to base yourself in St Andrews or Edinburgh for your entire golf trip. For Scotland golf visit, golfinsideruk.com

How Traveling Influences Design

BY: BEVERLEY HUYNH

Icome from a family of travelers. An annual road trip through the Rocky Mountains sparked a source of wonder for me growing up. A trip to Vietnam after high school changed it all. It felt like home. The culture that shaped who I was to be front and center and meeting family members I never met left the travel bug and inspired me to continue traveling.

London, England always called my name. So, after a two year move to the UK, it changed the course of my career as a Costume Designer. To be in a part of the world where dress was considered an art form taught me to think differently at how I approached creating characters. London always has workshops, classes, and lectures available most of the time free of charge, including its museums and art galleries. Japan also offers classes on traditional indigo dying, Kawashimi and the art of Kasuri. Italy has an incredible ability to mix patterns in a way that always feels elegant and rich, and the outdoor watercolor artists always create palettes that I don't always think of. So are their windows and windows of colorful gelatos... which no matter where you go, you can't go wrong.

Shanghai gave me a lot of inspiration for "The Perfection". I was in the art district of Shanghai near Moganshan Road where a hand painted dress with a cello on it became a key piece of inspiration for Alison William's green dress. It's street fashion, of mixing and matching of designer with vintage was a key in creating the space of the theatre.

Next stop in my travel plans is Africa and India. I've always been intrigued by these cultures but with very little understanding of them I want to fully immerse myself into it.

Canyoneering and Rock Climbing Moab, Utah

BY SARA WIDNESS AND DAVE WIGGINS

In Moab, red rocks, arches, and cliffs are the stars when it comes to backcountry thrills and adventures. The Moab Adventure Center, which has a finger on the pulse of what to do and where to go in this iconic natural playground, reports a surge of reservations for guided canyoneering and rock climbing excursions. Canyoneering is up 75 percent from the pre-COVID record set in 2019. Requests for rock climbing have tripled over 2019.

What is the difference between rock climbing and canyoneering? Rock climbers use the textures, bumps and cracks in the rock walls (and may wear special shoes) to go up a rock wall. Once they reach the top they descend with the rope and harness back to the horizontal ground. Canyoneers slide or rappel down into canyons and grottoes where only a rope can give them access. Often there are multiple descents through a given canyon.

“What these nail-biting exercises have in common is helping people move outside of their comfort zones. Finding toeholds while scaling a rock cliff doesn’t leave any room for fear. Getting to the top is the only thing that matters,” said Cort Wright, General Manager of the Moab Adventure Center.

The Allure of Rock Climbing

1. It builds self confidence - Conquering something you never thought possible will bring an exhilaration you never imagined you could feel. And just consider the bragging rights (and photos) that will impress friends and family while reminding you of how great you are!

2. Rock climbing builds trust - Your guides will keep the rope tight while coaching you up toward the goal. It takes two, and that's pretty reassuring. Guided outings provide a perfect setting to start climbing.

3. It's a total body workout - Your heart will beat stronger, your legs and toes will flex and tighten, your fingers and hands will grip firmly on each bump and crag. When you're done, you can rest at the bottom while cheering on others in your group.

4. It trains your focus - Every climb, on every wall, presents a new way to make your way up to the top. It's problem-solving in a fun and exciting way that is hard to re-create with other outdoor pursuits.

5. It's a ton of fun and a natural high - Getting outdoors in a place like Moab, Utah, is fun; being there with a group of like-minded individuals is fun; discovering something new about yourself and sharing that experience with others is fun.

When it comes to canyoneering, this region is celebrated as “canyon country” where the sport was practically invented.

“Like rock climbing, canyoneering is a crafted experience conducted under the watchful eyes of trained instructors,” said Wright. The playing field is composed of gear and safety equipment fitted to the participants, sheer rock walls, narrow crevasses, a breathtaking natural bridge, wide-open vistas, and, always, adrenalin.

“People have been out of touch for over a year. They are clamoring to do something different, something epic,” he added. “Our trained guides help participants earn bragging rights. They don’t want the quest for ‘epic’ to get out of hand as it did in the James Franco film, 127 Hours, which was filmed outside of Moab.”

If You Go

Moab Adventure Center, the go-to specialists in everything to do in Moab, bundles assorted activities and lodging to maximize the enjoyment of Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.

moabadventurecenter.com

The Ultimate Moab Canyoneering

Guests learn how to rappel 90’ into a secluded grotto and then drop 120’ off a natural bridge to a spring below. The experience is finished off with a 3.5-mile hike along a stream through a hidden canyon on the way back out to the Colorado River. Included are all required gear and safety equipment, guided instruction, snacks and water, and transfers to and from the canyoneering site.

Moab Rock Climbing Introduction

Participants at all skill levels learn through guided instruction how to improve face and crack climbing techniques, how to use and care for equipment, the techniques of knot and rope work, and basic belaying and descending. This can help transition climbers from a climbing gym to real rock or even offer the ideal first experience for someone who has never tried rock climbing. A variety of routes and a relaxed atmosphere allow guests to progress at their own pace.

A 10-day trek across primeval glaciers in the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.