Croatia is the European destination that most reliably exceeds expectations. The combination of a Dalmatian coastline of extraordinary beauty, a sequence of medieval walled cities in outstanding condition, islands ranging from mass-tourism resorts to places so quiet that the loudest sound at noon is the cicadas, and an inland landscape of national park waterfalls and

Japan is the travel destination that most consistently exceeds expectations, and it exceeds them differently for every visitor. The traveler who arrives expecting temples and cherry blossoms finds them in abundance. The traveler who arrives expecting food culture finds one of the most extraordinary culinary traditions in the world. The traveler who arrives expecting modernity

I have driven the Pacific Coast Highway from Oregon to San Diego in a rented convertible. I have eaten beignets at Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans at 2 AM while a jazz band played on the street outside. I have stood at the rim of the Grand Canyon at sunrise and watched the light

The best places to travel with kids in 2026 include Japan, Costa Rica, Iceland, Italy, Greece, Orlando, San Diego, New Zealand, Portugal, and Kenya. Each destination offers unique kid-friendly activities, safe environments, and memorable family experiences across different budgets and age groups. Why This Guide Is Different I have traveled to over 60 countries with