Real-Life Pandora: Visit the Mountains That Inspired James Cameron’s Avatar

Pandora is one of the world’s most recognizable fictional planets.

From the imagination of James Cameron comes a fantastical landscape of jutting and flora-covered mountains.

And while the Na’vi people in 2009’s Avatar and 2022’s The Way of Water are decidedly alien, the landscape of Pandora—a habitable moon in a faraway galaxy—has its origins on Planet Earth.

The most recognizable inspiration for Pandora is China’s Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, located in the country’s northwestern Hunan province.

But that’s not all. There are two other locations that will make you feel like you’re venturing through Pandora. Vietnam is home to Ha Long Bay, while Chile is home to the lesser-known Torres del Paine.

All three locations offer an otherworldly view into our planet’s strangest natural formations.

Though I only spent a week in Ha Long Bay almost a decade ago, I remember the trip in great detail. The most memorable part of the trip was the experience of zipping between mist-covered, emerald islets, along with watching the sunset between the strange and beautiful rock formations around Cat Ba.

It’s no surprise that these three locations inspired such an epic and fantastical tale.

Best of all, they make it easy for hardcore Avatar (and Pandora) fans to step into an alien world. Ever dreamed of becoming Jake Scully or Neytiri? Here’s where to go.

Photo by Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash

Zhangjiajie National Park Forest, China

Year-round humidity feeds the lush greenery of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

This destination is characterized by towering and narrow pillars, which are the result of water erosion. These towers—made partly of sandstone—are so tall that the upper portions are only accessible via an industrial elevator.

Aside from its large-scale elevator, visitors can use two other lifts to explore Zhangjiajie’s canopy level. There’s also an extensive cable car track that weaves between the mountains.

Best of all for fans of Avatar, there’s an official tie-in to the franchise. Back in 2010, the National Park opted to name the tallest pillar ‘Avatar Hallelujah Mountain’ in honor of the film’s release.

Along with the stunning sandstone pillars, you might also recognize a few other tourist hotspots in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Ever seen videos of tourists clambering half-terrified over a glass bridge in China? Some of these videos are from the world’s longest pedestrian glass bridge, located in Zhangjiajie, which opened in 2016. (In case you didn’t know, glass bridges are big in China.)

Where to stay to explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie Utopia Hotel

Homeward Mountain Resort-English Speaking Steward

Photo by Lewis J Goetz on Unsplash

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

In terms of places that look like Pandora, Ha Long Bay might be the most well-known to Westerners.

This chain of exotic islands is located in the South China Sea in Northern Vietnam, accessible from Hanoi. The 2,000-odd islets are formed from limestone karsts and earned the term ‘Ha Long’, which means descending dragon.

Most travelers head to Cat Ba Island for lodging. I stayed here over Christmas back in 2012; it was a sleepy and misty experience that I thoroughly enjoyed. Because of the overcast weather, the islands and their vegetation weren’t particularly bright. That being said, there were few tourists, which is always a huge plus for me.

Where to stay to explore Ha Long Bay?

Hotel Perle d’Orient Cat Ba

The Moon Boutique Hotel Cat Ba

Photo by Claudio Mota

Torres del Paine, Chile

Is a trip to China or Vietnam a little too far from home? Consider hiking down to Chile instead.

This country is home to some truly stunning mountain views and otherwise rugged landscapes. Torres del Paine National Park takes that rugged moniker to another level.

Unlike Zhangjiajie and Ha Long Bay, Torres del Paine’s jutting rock formations aren’t layered with lush greenery. They rise into the sky like snow-covered giants. Seriously, the scale is hard to fathom.

These formations are also a bit harder to get to. Unlike the regions listed above, Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park isn’t too accessible to the average tourist—which means only dedicated and sporty tourists make it there.

But those who do are offered the spoils of Patagonian luxury.

Where to stay to explore Torres del Paine?

Ecocamp Patagonia

Pampa lodge

Travel Advice: Best Platforms for Home Swaps & Home Exchanges

Home swaps are on the rise again.

In the mid-2010s, interest in home swaps picked up—almost simultaneously the rise of self-directed rental platforms like Airbnb. Since the lockdown ended, they’ve seen yet another boost in travel trends.

But how do you know if a home swap is right for you?

Reciprocal home swaps (in which you trade homes directly with someone else) are great for those who want to save money, want a longer-term lodging option, and you’re okay doing things a bit more DIY.

But even if you’re not enthused by a reciprocal home swap, then you can still find a platform that’s right for you.

Many home swap platforms let you select an available option based on the number of points you have. You can use points (or other types of credit) that you’ve accrued or that you’ve purchased directly.

Best of all, there’s a home swap for just about everyone. Want reciprocal exchanges only? Or what about more luxury options? And what about platforms that offer free trials?

I’ve rounded up the best platforms for home swaps, including options for every type of traveler. All you need is an address and an enviable home to get started. (Or maybe not even!)

Best platform for newcomers: HomeExchange

Fee: $220/year
Types of exchanges: Reciprocal home exchanges or credits via GuestPoints
Members: 150,000
Countries active: 145 countries

HomeExchange is one of the biggest names in home swaps.

You’ll have plenty of options all around the world, plus flexibility thanks to its GuestPoints system. The GuestPoints system makes it easy to find a place to stay even if you’re own home isn’t a popular option. It also has an extension and highly rated customer support setup, which I’m sure comes in handy.

Best overall platform: Kindred

Fee: $600/year for the Kindred Passport or up to $35/night service fee
Types of exchanges: Reciprocal home exchanges or ‘give a night to get a night’ program
Members: Over 40,000
Countries active: USA, Canada, Mexico, and in major European cities

I recommend Kindred because it’s got both style and functionality. The platform has been shouted out in Thrillist, Tech Crunch, and other major publications—meaning it’s got a youthful edge and a strong focus on experience.

The only way to get on the app is to list your home—no grifters allowed. However, there’s a pretty limited geographic scope here, which might be a turn-off for those hoping to go to Brazil or Japan.

Best luxury platform: ThirdHome

Fee: From $500 – $1,395 per week
Types of exchanges: Non-simultaneous and non-reciprocal
Members: 15,000 properties (member count unknown)
Countries active: 100 countries

Want access to ThirdHome? Well, your own property must be listed—and it needs to be worth at least $2.4 million.

That’s a high charge that many of us won’t be able to hit. Still, it’s worth showcasing just how elevated the world of home swaps is.

Best budget platform: HomeLink

Fee: $105/year
Types of exchanges: Reciprocal only
Members: Unknown
Countries active: Over 20 countries

HomeLink got its started way back in 1953, making it the end-all vet of the home swap world. Despite all that experience, there are no exorbitant fees or complex programs involved.

Also, there’s a solid 30-day free trial to let you get acquainted with the platform, try out a home swap, and see if it works for you. Aren’t convinced about home swaps? Start here.

Best for reciprocal swaps: People Like Us

Fee: $95/year
Types of exchanges: Reciprocal home exchanges or credits via Globe system
Members: Unknown
Countries active: 100 countries

Though People Like Us offers a Globe system, it’s only for users who have been active on the platform for three years. That makes People Like Us heavily geared toward reciprocal exchanges.

The Facebook page is also very active, making it easy for newcomers to see how the platform works and peruse its offerings. Best of all, it has a solid 5/5 rating on TrustPilot.

Driver’s Digest: Which Countries Are Safest & Most Dangerous?

Travel is designed to relax us, but it can also boost our stress levels—especially where car rentals are involved.

I recently survived a trip to Sicily. As someone who has been a passenger princess on multiple continents, I can tell you that no place scared me like this Mediterranean island.

I have driven on tiny rural roads in Norway, battling big-rig drivers.

I have faced the terror of forgetting which side of the road is the ‘correct’ side in India.

I have had my pinky toe crushed on a moto in Vietnam.

I have gone on ill-advised road trips with poorly decorated camper-vans in Australia. (This one had graffiti of a rabid Ronald McDonald wielding french fries with a quote saying ‘if you loved me, you’d eat that’.)

Respectfully, the road between Siracusa and Catania in Sicily was like Mad Max: Fury Road, except with more hand gestures.

It made me think more deeply about driving in foreign countries.

When we get behind the wheel abroad, not only do we need to learn the actual rules of the road—including deciphering road signs and knowing when to yield—but we also need to pick up on dozens of unwritten rules.

Like in India, if you’re not planning on stopping while going through an intersection, give a little honk. Or, like in Spain, knowing how close you’re allowed to get to pedestrians without inciting a brawl.

From the unspoken etiquette to the hard rules of the road, there’s a lot that drivers need to think about when driving in another country. And that can be tough to keep track of—especially when driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road.

Wanna know the short-and-quick of it? I’ve done a bit of research into the most dangerous countries in the world for drivers, including tourists.

The metrics used in my rankings are based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Road Safety Report, which takes into account things like speed limits and data on road fatalities, the World Bank’s Traffic Injury Deaths report, and The Swiftest’s Travel Safety Index report.

Most dangerous countries for drivers

Based on the number of road traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, the most dangerous countries to drive in are:

Dominican Republic: 64.4 deaths
Thailand, 32.2 deaths
Vietnam, 30.6 deaths
Saudi Arabia, 35.9 deaths
Malaysia, 22.5 deaths
South Africa, 22.2 deaths

Watch out in these countries, too. They also rank highly on the traffic index score, which relates to efficacy of traffic infrastructure (ie good roads, speed limits, etc.):

Peru
Lebanon
India

Safest countries for drivers

Don’t let all the road deaths get you down. As outlined above, I’ve driven in a handful of countries and haven’t faced any major issues.

In terms of overall number of traffic-related deaths and traffic infrastructure quality, these countries come out ahead:

Japan (often regarded as the safest place in the world to drive)
Singapore
Switzerland
Sweden
Japan
Spain
Portugal
Norway
Netherlands
Denmark
Germany

Best Airbnbs in New York City Based on Location

New York City is one of the toughest cities in the world to navigate.

The subway is pretty extensive—but it’s difficult to use. Not only are delays common, but reading the maps and understanding how to get from Point A to Point B can be really confusing.

Especially when local and express trains are involved.

And even more so when train schedules and routes change on a dime—and you’ll only find that out thanks to a barely intelligble announcement over subway loudspeakers.

Taxis and rideshares aren’t much better.

Getting stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic is a daily risk—that’s why New Yorkers take the subway. It’s faster and more reliable than getting into a car. Worst of all, taxi and rideshare fees are at an all-time high.

So location should be at the top of your list when you’re looking for accommodations in New York City.

Unfortunately, finding a rental with a good location that doesn’t break the bank isn’t for the faint of heart. You also need to consider things like amenities, proximity to good restaurants, safety, windows that block out the street noise, and more.

Still, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

Let me showcase a few of the best Airbnbs in New York City for first-timers. Each offers a great location for your first foray into the Big Apple—but I’ll let you decide which other features are most important.

Best location in the city: Trendy Apartment in Chelsea

It’s beautifully appointed, it’s in one of Manhattan’s trendiest neighborhoods, and it’s not going to cost you an arm and a leg.

Seriously, I can’t recommend this stay enough.

Its location in Chelsea puts you close to the city’s most famous restaurants, parks, coffee shops, and bars. You’re a short walk from other hotspots too, including West Village, Greenwich Village, and Meatpacking.

And while it might feel small to visitors, it’s palatial by NYC studio standards.

Book here

Best shared Airbnb: Cute Room in Williamsburg Townhouse

Williamsburg is located in Brooklyn—which is a great spot for first-time visitors. (The same for Queens, but we’ll cover that below.)

It’s one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods… and by trendiest, I mean absolutely overrun with hipsters. (In a good way.)

Williamsburg is a great spot to be in Brooklyn, as it also puts you close to trains that go into Manhattan and into Queens. And given its designation as one of the coolest spots in the city, you won’t be short on things to do, from pop-up shops to odd new eateries.

Even the apartment reflects these refined tastes. It’s got an amazing design and setup, providing you with a great landing pad for your adventure in the concrete jungle. Assuming you’re okay rubbing elbows with the host.

Book here

Best location in Brooklyn: Dazzling Condo in Williamsburg

I told you Williamsburg is a great neighborhood.

Though I lived in Red Hook during my Brooklyn years, I found myself in Williamsburg a lot. In fact, this rental is located just off Metropolitan Ave—a hotspot in the borough.

The rental isn’t the cutest in terms of design—but it’s not shabby by any means.

Guests also have access to a backyard, which is prime real estate in New York City. I’m sure that’s part of the reason this spot has a perfect 5-star rating and Guest Favorite designation from Airbnb.

(Pro tip: the nearby Alligator Lounge has bingo nights, trivia nights, and other dive bar staples. It’s something of an institution.)

Book here

Best location in Queens: Sonder the Dutch

Queens should also be on your radar as a first-timer in New York City.

First, locations like Long Island City include train and metro lines that make it easy to get anywhere in the city. Or even outside of it, including to Long Island.

Second, Queens is the world’s most diverse area in terms of language and culture—which means there’s plenty to do without ever leaving its bounds. I suggest heading to Jackson Heights in search of great food.

Sonder The Dutch is a new boutique stay in Long Island City. Not only does it offer great views of the Manhattan skyline, but it’s also close to Brooklyn’s trendiest spots, too.

Just take the G (assuming it comes) down into Greenpoint and Williamsburg.

Book here

Most New Yorker vibe: Rare Penthouse Oasis

So, what’s a New Yorker vibe? Aside from using the oven as shoe storage, a New Yorker vibe involves a balance of creativity, self-determination, and hustler vibes.

It’s about getting through life with style—in every sense of the word.

This shared Airbnb gives me pure New Yorker vibes for a few reasons. First, the bohemian mismatch of furniture and textiles feels understated and stylish.

Second, the massive shared patio offers a dreamer’s view of Manhattan. Third, there’s a record player and vast record collection available to guests—a distinctly atmospheric feature. It might not be distinctly New York, but I’m sure it adds to the vibe.

Book here

Budget option: Blue Freesia

I’ve done the impossible: found you a private room in Manhattan that’s under $150.

Oh, and it’s got a fantastic location and a comfortable bed designed for knock-out sleep sessions after long days.

That being said, this spot is ideal as a landing pad—and not much more. The bedroom has all the basic features, but you might face a bit of noise at night. If that’s not a big deal for you (or if you have access to solid earplugs), then nab this spot ASAP.

Book here

Best Lux Hotel Openings in 2024 (US Only)

The best experiences in hospitality involve both comfort and flare.

When it comes to the most exceptional stays, there’s also a dash of luxury involved.

Across the United States, flashy new hotels open their doors to tourists each year. Only the truly unforgettable will keep their doors open for years—or even centuries—to come.

If you like to keep your finger on the pulse in terms of the latest and greatest hotel openings, then look no further. I’ve compiled some of the very best luxury hotels with opening dates in 2024.

They’re new, they’re swanky, and they’re going to leave a lasting impression.

If you’re on the hunt for the best new openings across all options—including mid-range and budget hotels—then start here. But if you’re seeking out the best in luxury openings, then keep scrolling.

I’ve got the crème of the crop listed below.

The Celestine, New Orleans

Open

New Orleans excels in boutique, luxury hotels. Seriously, for such a casual city, it does extravagance suspiciously well. From Hotel Mazarin to Hotel Saint Vincent, you’ll have options in the Big Easy.

The Celestine is the latest hotel to expand Nola’s portfolio of opulence. You’ve got a prime location in the French Quarter, along with star power—the grounds are where playwright Tennessee Williams wrote A Streetcar Named Desire.

The interior offers a cool shoutout to the city’s African, French, Spanish, and Caribbean influences. It’s both chic and bohemian, straddling the line between austere and cheeky.

And with only ten rooms on the grounds, you’re going to feel like you’re part of a hidden society, tucked away from the French Quarter’s madness.

Book here

Thompson Palm Springs

Opening September 2024

This Hyatt project is set to open its doors in late 2024.

The Palm Springs location casts pure SoCal magic, offering mountain views, midcentury modern design, and a sunshine-first aesthetic. (Plenty of windows and balcony space.)

One of its more unique offerings is its on-site wine-tasting room, titled HALL Napa Valley. Of all the Palm Springs stays that I’ve covered, I’ve yet to see any wine-tasting rooms on the grounds.

There’s also a rooftop pool with plenty of cabanas, adding yet another dash of the unexpected.

In terms of amenities, the Thompson Palm Springs offers all the basics that any high-profile traveler would look for. However, given its association with Hyatt, there are also features like conference rooms and meeting areas—which aren’t necessarily the sexiest lux features.

Book here

Casa Loma Beach Hotel, Laguna Beach

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Want an oceanfront experience in Laguna Beach? Look no further.

Casa Loma gives visitors direct access to the beach—along with Laguna Beach’s best art galleries and shopping districts. Seriously, if memorable stays are about location for you, this is one hotel that can’t be missed.

Great zip code aside, Casa Loma offers private balcony views of the beach (it’s like getting a VIP pass for sunsets) and a seriously curated bungalow vibe.

Or, if you plan on spending more time at the pool, grab a room that offers direct access.

I’m also a fan of Casa Loma’s approach to accessibility. It’s one of few new lux openings that offers a fully accessible stay for guests.

Book here

The Global Ambassador, Phoenix

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I shouted out The Global Ambassador in my article on the Top 10 Boutique Hotels in the US. That’s because it’s got a serious flair—one that calls back to the days of sleek speakeasies.

Aside from its stellar appointment, The Global Ambassador also offers five lavish and themed eateries. Guests can choose from three restaurants and a separate lobby bar. Don’t let the term lobby bar throw you off—it’s yet another swanky and Mad Men-esque spot.

Book here

The Rounds, Catskills

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Welcome to a new addition to Scribner’s Lodge in the Catskills: The Rounds. The Rounds refers to the property’s standalone cabin structures. They’re dodecahedrons in case you’re into geometric architecture… but you’ll probably be more focused on the interior.

The goal is to offer an opulent but secluded escape.

Every private cabin includes Japanese cedar soaking tubs and skylights designed for star-gazing. But guests also have access to the main lodge, which is Scribner’s Catskill Lodge—a mainstay from the 1960s that got a facelift in 2017.

That makes The Rounds an even more lux experience inside what’s regarded as a classy Catskill lodge stay. And while you might be imagining an elevated cabin, let’s not forget that they’re officially dodecahedrons—meaning they’re twelve-sided and unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Book here

The Georgian, Los Angeles

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Just like the Global Ambassador, The Georgian also made it onto my list of the best boutique design hotels in the US. This LA location is more focused on art deco, crafting a perfect love letter to the city.

Seriously—it oozes style. Even the bellhops are dressed to the tee.

There are other features that are worth writing home about, too. There’s a strong emphasis on room service, which can be ordered with a simple push of a button. Oh, and record players. Each room has its own player and a few records to choose from.

Book here

The Dunlin Kiawah River, Charleston

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Just twenty miles north of Charleston, you’ll find a stunning new development on the Kiawah River. Enter the magic of the Dunlin, which brings you all the private wonders of nearby Kiawah Island without ever leaving the mainland.

Plus, you get the Americana atmosphere of Charleston and the nearby Sea Islands.

There are wicker rocking chairs, porches made for chatting and sweet tea, and all the Southern amenities you could want within reach. I’m talking about delicious barbecues, fishing excursions, and even dolphin-watching.

I also love that the hotel has carefully curated walking paths that let visitors immerse themselves in the wetlands, spotting birds while they unwind and amble.

The lesson here? Just because it’s lux doesn’t mean it’s hoity-toity.

Book here

Bhutan: Enter The World’s Most Exclusive Tourist Destination

When you imagine exclusive destinations, what comes to mind?

Maybe you’re thinking of high-profile stays in Mykonos or sprawling villas in Como.

Maybe your mind drifts to the ultra-lux spas of Macao or Geneva.

Or maybe you’re imagining the best eateries in New York City or Paris.

But what if I told you that the world’s most exclusive tourist destination is actually a tiny Himalayan country by the name of Bhutan?

Bhutan is a small Buddhist country located high in the Himalayas. It’s sandwiched between China’s Tibet region and India’s northeastern arm. To the west is Nepal, to the east is Myanmar.

And for decades now, Bhutan has kept a tight cap on its tourism numbers.

In fact, that’s probably why you know about this country in the first place. The nation only opened its doors to visitors in 1974—and since then, it’s kept a tight hold on the number of visitors welcomed and what they do.

Officially, the policy targets ‘high value, low impact’ tourists. The subtext: you’re gonna need deep pockets to visit Bhutan and a serious sense of adventure. Welcome to the world’s most rugged yet financially exclusive destination in the world.

Inside Bhutan’s ‘High Value, Low Impact’ Approach

If you’ve read about overtourism, then you know that the Himalayas—and Mount Everest, especially—face heightened risks. That’s mostly due to the fragile nature of the Himalayan ecosystem.

Even back in the 1970s when the Kingdom of Bhutan was forming its tourism department and official stance on foreign visitors, sustainability was on the radar.

There was also an emphasis on preserving Bhutanese culture. It’s a deeply Buddhist nation that’s focused on self-determination and mindfulness in an increasingly globalized and rushing world. (Love it.)

To prevent overtourism, Bhutan’s tourism authority focuses on volume control and visa fees.

First, by limiting the number of tourists allowed to enter the country. Second, by requiring visitors to pay visa fees each day of their trip—which costs around $100 a day as of 2024.

One Way In, One Way Out

So, how can visitors land a visa to Bhutan? And what can they expect upon arrival?

As you might have sensed, Bhutan keeps a tight hold on its tourism industry.

In fact, there are only two airlines that service the country—and they fly in and out of its capital, Thimpu. Druk Air has been around since 1981 while Bhutan Airlines took to the air in 2011.

All visitors must apply for a visa, aside from Indians. (Indians are visa-exempt.) The process can be done entirely online.

Though most applications are eventually approved, you can expect to wait for a reply. Bhutan also caps the number of tourists entering from a single country, which means your visa could be denied based on how many other Americans are applying.

Uniquely, if you’re from Thailand, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, or Singapore, you can apply for a visa upon arrival.

Once landing a visa, visitors can organize their trip through one of the official tourist companies. As of 2018, there are over 75 licensed tour guides in the country, all of which are regulated by the Bhutan Tourism Corporation.

Despite the emphasis on homegrown and regulated tour guides, companies are allowed to design customized adventures. So, while tourism runs under a limited scope, visitors have the freedom to plan the trip of their dreams.

Why Bhutan?

So, who ends up in Bhutan, anyway?

Back in 2019, the country welcomed over 300,000 tourists—an all-time high for the country. Most tourists come from around Asia, including India, Bangladesh, China, South Korea, and Singapore.

They’re on the hunt for exotic landscapes and cultures. I’ve spent time in Sikkim, India—which is the tiny nub located between Nepal and Bhutan.

My time there could be categorized by the term ‘unspoiled’, both in terms of the stunning vistas of the Himalayan foothills and the Tibetan Buddhism still practiced.

Bhutan offers a similarly romantic and unspoiled look at life.

There’s also that exclusivity factor, which many tourists want. As the bounds of travel expand, there are fewer ‘frontiers’, so to speak. Adventure travelers prioritize this sense of boundary-pushing, making places like Bhutan a once-in-a-lifetime chance.