Alien Planets on Earth: Stunning Natural Wonders

Post-pandemic, many tourists showed heightened interest in the outdoors.

After facing periods of monotony during the lockdown, millions in the US took off to explore its many national parks. Many campsites are finally open for reservations again after being booked for years solid.

But it seems Americans are still interested in getting outdoors—even abroad.

The trend makes sense. Spending time in nature has been scientifically proven to calm adventurers down and help them regulate their nervous and endocrine systems.

On top of that, exploring nature lets travelers get up close and personal with new parts of the world. In other words, it’s a way to explore the culture and identity of our destination.

And who would argue that traveling to beautiful parks can open our minds to the power and wonders of Mother Nature?

Whether or not you’re a tree-hugger, you’ve likely been moved by some type of experience in the great outdoors. Maybe you’re thinking back to a 360-degree view from a mountaintop, a particularly colorful coral reef, or a stunning rock formation.

And maybe you’re thinking about some of our world’s crazier natural wonders.

After all, not all of Mother Nature’s creations will give you a warm and fuzzy feeling. Some might simply have you standing in place with your jaw dropped.

If you’re on the hunt for some unreal and stunning natural wonders, then start with the landmarks listed below. They look like they were pulled from alien planets.

Fly Geyser, Nevada

I’m starting out with a smaller and more reachable alien wonder: Fly Geyser, located just outside Gerlach, Nevada.

This spectacle isn’t nearly as vast as the others on this list—but it’s delightfully weird, largely unknown, and the result of a man-made well.

This cone-top geyser sits amid a tiny oasis in a broader desert. Back in 2018, the Burning Man Project (which owns the land on which the geyser sits) began opening it to the public. If you’re passing through Reno or nearby Gerlach, schedule a trip.

You can get up close to the thermophilic algae that give this geyser its bright coloring.

Dolomites, Italy

The Dolomites are a portion of the Italian Alps composed of jutting limestone mountains. They’re pale gray beauties that seem to rise out of nowhere.

Unsurprisingly, they’re a popular destination for those visiting northern Italy, especially during the winter months. But some stretches of the Dolomites offer a lot more than a scenic and snowy backdrop for snowboarding trips.

Tre Cinme di Lavaredo looks like a vista from an alien planet, while the Torri del Vajolet rises like towers made of limestone. When you head into the valleys, you’ll be surrounded on all sides by strange mountains that don’t quite look like any others on this planet.

Lake Natron, Tanzania

Tanzania is one of the world’s top safari hotspots—but you can do more than spot rhinos and giraffes near the Eastern Rift.

Lake Natron is an alkaline lake that’s popular with visitors thanks to its bright red color.

Though it’s rumored to turn animals into stone thanks to its high salt content, that’s not quite what happens. However, the lake is absolutely poisonous and inhospitable to most lifeforms thanks to its unique biology.

But there are a few notable exceptions.

The most famous are flamingos. These munch on the same algae that turns Lake Natron red seasonally. This gives the flamingoes their distinct and bright pink coloring. In fact, it’s the only breeding place for the Lesser Flamingo species.

Moon Valley, Chile (Valle de la Luna)

Similar to the Dolomites, Chile’s Moon Valley will fool you into thinking you’ve ended up on an alien planet. The rocky landscape is colorful but desolate, located inside the Atacama Desert.

Its salt deposits tend to glow brightly in the sunlight, creating a strange and illusory atmosphere.

Tourists heading to Chile are in luck.

This is a hotspot for hiking groups, meaning you can easily explore Moon Valley with a guide. Along with hiking, it’s a popular spot for photography, stargazing, and wildlife spotting. Like Lake Natron, Moon Valley is favored by flamingoes. (Are we onto something here?)

Vatnajökull, Iceland

This national park is home to some of the most accessible glaciers in the world. In fact, Vatnajökull is home to Iceland’s largest ice cap, which covers around 10% of the country. Visitors can hike across acres to explore its glowing, electric-blue face.

As you wander through the park, you’ll be able to see dozens of variations on the ice cap. In other words, you can explore archways of glacial ice, pale and icy ravines that plunge into the earth, and similarly stunning blue-ice spectacles.

Overspending Abroad: The Main Culprits

Not everyone thinks about savings when they’re traveling.

In fact, the time for budgeting is long before take-off. Usually, budgeting takes place as travelers create their itineraries and set aside funds for the major expenses like lodging, transportation, and tours.

The approach is usually methodical and measured.

But it’s easy for that financial savvy to go out the window while mid-vacation. After all, it’s time to unwind and live a little. Who cares about spending a bit here and there for an extra sweet treat or a cheeky souvenir?

Unfortunately, it’s easy to start hemorrhaging money while vacationing. We tend to be a little more impulsive and on the hunt for a good time. Even little things can pile up quickly.

Those who aren’t careful to stay on top of their spending might be in for a rude awakening when they get home and check their accounts.

If you want to avoid overspending abroad, then focus on these main areas. They’re usually the main culprits when it comes to unexpected expenditures.

International phone plans

Millions of tourists pay for international phone plans. Unfortunately, service providers know that people want to stay in the loop when traveling—which means they charge exorbitant fees for basic features like texts.

But if your cell plan already covers international roaming (and many do), you don’t need to pay extra. T-Mobile has one of the better roaming plans, for example.

Instead, you can use Wi-Fi to make phone calls, video calls, and browse social media apps. But make sure that you only connect to trusted networks. Using free public Wi-Fi exposes you to hackers and scammers.

Travel insurance

You might not need travel insurance when you travel internationally.

In general, travel insurance is useful only for those who wouldn’t be able to get home if something goes wrong on their trip. It’s required by countries because they don’t want you to become a financial burden in the case of disaster.

But if you’re in solid financial standing and didn’t fork over more than $2,000 for a single tour or day trip, you should be fine without it.

Gift shop trinkets

Tourists are always on the hunt for a quality souvenir. Not only do these serve as gifts for loved ones, but they’re also memorabilia.

But try to avoid purchasing gift shop trinkets in touristy areas. In fact, I recommend avoiding souvenir shops in general.

If you want to pick up souvenirs, try to shop around at stores that specialize in things you’re interested in. That might be a handmade book in Venice, unique tiles in Porto, and so on. These will have higher-quality products than a general souvenir shop.

Tourist trap restaurants

Just like avoiding souvenir shops in touristy areas, you might also want to avoid the restaurants. If someone walks up to you and offers you a menu, it’s a pretty good indicator that you’re going to be overcharged for a flavorless meal.

Foreign transaction fees

Most tourists have a travel rewards card—which is what you should be using abroad, almost exclusively.

Foreign transaction fees on non-travel rewards cards can quickly add up depending on your bank and the country where you’re traveling. This is one of the prime culprits when it comes to overspending abroad.

If you don’t have a travel rewards card, you can save by using cash. But this can also be a risk in terms of pickpockets.

If you don’t have a travel rewards card, consider putting all your trip charges on a single rewards card of a friend or family member who is traveling with you. It will give them a boost in terms of points, help you save on foreign transaction fees, and make it easier to divide expenses later, as they’re all in one spot.

Cabs/ride shares

Depending on where you’re going, public transportation might be more accessible and affordable than taking a cab. In many cities, it’s probably also faster.

If you’re able to, avoid taking cabs or ride shares throughout the day. Even by offsetting one of your daily journeys by taking the bus or a train can save you big – especially on longer trips.

Overpacking vs. Buying on arrival

My last piece of advice is a bit complex.

On one hand, travelers can save by avoiding overpacking. Overpacking might force you to pay insane weight fees to airlines—especially if you have multiple flights scheduled on your trip.

My first piece of advice: your luggage isn’t going to get any lighter, so it’s best to start off a little empty. This will prevent you from paying any overweight fees.

However, I also caution against the mindset of ‘I’ll buy it when I get there’ for smaller travel amenities like toiletries. Like souvenir shops, these types of toiletries can cost you an arm and a leg when in a popular area. (They know tourists might come unprepared.)

So, pack lightly to avoid paying weight fees, but not so lightly that you’ll be overspending on products when you arrive. (Simple enough, right?)

Design Spotlight: 10 of the US’s Coolest Boutique Hotels

Boutique hotels offer a more distinct and memorable experience than standard ones.

But design hotels take that specialized approach even further.

While a boutique hotel seeks to delight guests with a well-rounded and unique stay, a design hotel wants to wow guests with its visual appeal.

Not only do they tend to have a specific vision and mission, but designers aren’t afraid to spend top dollar on extravagant features that complement their projects.

They’ll borrow from a neighborhood’s history and architecture, build on local tastes and legends, and curate various atmospheres inside a larger, unified location. The goal is to uplift and touch guests through attention to detail, balance, and faithfulness to the overall vision.

But what do these hidden gems actually look like? I’ve uncovered ten of the coolest boutique hotels with a focus on design. Mark them down.

Hotel Saint Vincent, New Orleans

I haven’t stopped thinking about this hotel (and Maison de la Luz, below) since I wrote about hotels in New Orleans.

Aside from its absolutely stunning design, I love this hotel’s historical value. The grounds are located inside a massive building that was built by an Irish immigrant who wanted to construct a poor house for the area’s destitute.

Today, it’s a place for hyper-trendy visitors to rub elbows while they enjoy the wide range of activities on offer, from yoga to DJ sets.

Book a stay at the Hotel Saint Vincent

Maison de La Luz, New Orleans

I don’t envy anyone choosing between New Orleans’ Hotel Saint Vincent and Maison de la Luz. Maison de la Luz translates to House of Light – a fitting description for its uplifting design. My favorite details are the freestanding tubs and tilework.

Maison de la Luz offers a more traditional hotel stay—one with fewer socially geared amenities. The design is also slightly more elevated.

Think: fewer bright colors and patterns in lieu of more luxury fabrics and brands.

Book a stay at the Maison de la Luz

Dawn Ranch, Guerneville

At Dawn Ranch, simplicity meets nature. This hotel offers rooms with minimalist and mid-century modern décor.

Though not nearly as over-the-top as the New Orleans locations above, the building materials are all top quality—which adds an edge of luxury. But half the magic here is the environmental design. Overhead are towering ponderosa pines that tuck you into the natural world.

Book a stay at Dawn Ranch

Global Ambassador, Phoenix

Don’t just this book by its very average cover. From the outside, the Global Ambassador looks like any other chain hotel in Phoenix.

But the interior will transport you into a romantic speak-easy. The design is incredibly opulent, from the color palette to the materials.

Similarly, the dining areas have all been expertly arranged with intrigue and comfort in mind. It also has other unique amenities, like on-site car rentals.

Book a stay at the Global Ambassador

The Georgian, LA

Los Angeles is full of high-design hotels.

Like much of the southern portion of the West Coast, the Art Deco era was hugely impactful. You can still find many lodgings that preserve this history; I think The Georgian has done a particularly wonderful job.

The rooms have a beachy, mid-century feel, while the communal spaces are a bit more busy and lavish. What I love most are the color combinations, which add delightful sparks throughout the property.

Book a stay at The Georgian

KEX Hotel, Portland

KEX isn’t quite like the other locations on this list in that it functions as both as hostel and a hotel.

Though I’ve left my hostel years behind me (I think?), I wanted to showcase that even smaller-scale projects like hostels can surprise you with high design. KEX’s interior designers managed to make even multi-bunkbed rooms tasteful.

Plus, the shared spaces are truly elevated thanks to the building’s age. Both exposed brick to parquet floors have been preserved. There’s even a beautiful sauna to enjoy.

Book a stay at KEX Hotel

The Greenwich Hotel, NYC

Similar to LA, NYC isn’t short on hotels with a wow factor. In fact, narrowing that list down has been difficult.

I recommend staying at The Greenwich Hotel—it’s been a top choice for fans of design for years. It’s an entirely upscale experience, placing you right in the heart of the city. From the tilework to the brick façade, it’s a truly beautiful and well-thought-out stay.

Book a stay at the Greenwich Hotel

Bradford House, OKC

As a member of Design Hotels, the interior of Oklahoma City’s Bradford House is unsurprisingly kitschy.

I’ve fallen in love with its quirky accents and pieces, which feel both comfortable and elevated. The shared spaces are particularly bright and cheerful, while the outdoor patios are perfect for lounging or working.

It definitely has a youthful to it—which may or may not be your cup of tea.

Stay at the Bradford House

The Carpenter Hotel, Austin

Similar to Dawn Ranch, The Carpenter Hotel offers a beautifully integrated indoors-outdoors experience. Guests can enjoy the lush gardens around the pool area, along with private patios.

The interior has a slightly industrial mid-century modern twist, including concrete accents and bespoke wooden pieces. The restaurant is also well-known in the area, while the hotel’s amenities (like its robes) are for sale in a small gift shop on the grounds.

(You know a hotel is good when there’s a gift shop, y’all.)

Stay at The Carpenter Hotel

The Merchant, Salem

I have no idea why people end up in Salem, Massachusetts aside from ghost tours—but if you’re heading there, don’t miss out on The Merchant.

The Merchant is located inside a federal-style building that was constructed back in the late 1700s—it even hosted George Washington for a short period back in 1789.

Today, each room has its own unique design. I’ve found them to be funky and exciting, but they might not be perfect for everyone.

Stay at the Merchant

Dubai Travel Boom: Why Is It So Popular & Is It Worth Visiting?

Dubai has quickly (and mostly quietly) become one of the world’s most luxurious and sought-after travel destinations.

The Department on Economy and Tourism for Dubai reported around 17.15 million visitors passed through the desert city in 2023. For context, London welcomed around 38 million and Tokyo around 25 million.

So how did Dubai become such a global force in tourism?

It all started with an idea from the Dubai Commerce and Tourism Promotion Board back in 1998. The goal? To create a high-class city for the world’s elite to rub elbows and unwind.

Only fifteen years after plans were hatched, headlines around the world were raving that the shiny new city of Dubai had welcomed over 13 million visitors.

Since then, the city has achieved many feats, from completing the world’s tallest building (The Burj Khalifa) to nabbing attention from Hollywood studios (we won’t talk about Sex & the City 2).

Thanks to incremental and focused efforts, Dubai has taken its place among the world’s classiest destinations. But if you’re still a little baffled about how we got here and whether Dubai actually meets the hype, you aren’t alone.

Let’s take a closer look at the Dubai travel boom, covering what there is to do in the city and whether it’s worth visiting.

A closer look at Dubai’s travel boom

As mentioned above, much of Dubai was built with tourism in mind.

Specifically, high-class tourism.

Despite the fact that the city sits in a largely inhospitable desert, you can find things like full-sized ski slopes, scuba diving reefs, underwater theatrical shows, and similarly unfathomable spectacles.

But it’s not solely about the spectacle—it’s about an ultra-lush and modern spectacle. Not only did the UAE want to build a city that tourists would gush over, but they wanted to appeal to a certain echelon of tourists.

Specifically, those with deep pockets.

Yes—Dubai has a historic district where you can explore the city’s history and identity. But this is usually a pretty short day trip experience for tourists. The core focus for visitors is luxury shopping, not free tours.

What is there to do in Dubai?

Name-brand shopping abounds. The Dubai Mall is one of the most expensive shopping districts in the world with a long list of luxury brands.

Think: Bulgari, Karl Lagerfeld, Christian Louboutin, and many more.

Keep in mind that many luxury brands represented in Dubai come from the Middle East and Asia. In other words, Dubai isn’t only interested in meeting the brand interests of Westerners, but rich and wealthy vacationers from all across the world.

Aside from luxury shopping, visitors can also spend big on things like glamorous hotels, spa treatments. yacht tours, helicopter tours, hot air balloon experiences, PGA-caliber golf courses (or, more appropriately, LIV-caliber courses), and an almost endless list of fine dining options. As of 2023, Dubai is home to 86 Michelin-star restaurants.

There’s also a lot of emphasis on nightlife. However, I’m a little unconvinced about the nightlife.

The city is home to many big-name clubs with sparkler-heavy bottle service and tiered VIP areas. That sounds like a hellscape to me—but if you’re into the traditional clubbing experience, it’s probably an unforgettable experience.

What do travelers think of Dubai?

Clearly, Dubai wants to attract wealthy travelers who will open their wallets to its many experiences. That means that shoestring budget travelers, like backpackers or hostel-happy wanderers, are pretty much immediately priced out.

But what do travelers with funds think of the city?

Many report that they’re offered a high-class experience that’s well worth the value. In other words, the prices aren’t too exorbitant, while the level of service, cleanliness, and convenience is unmatched.

For those who aren’t shy about spending, Dubai meets the hype.

In addition to next-level service, visitors also report feeling very safe and that they were treated politely by everyone they encountered, from taxi drivers to receptionists. Apparently, even the airport offers a fulfilling experience.

Oh, and people also seem to love the guaranteed sunshine. Based on the many reviews I’ve read, it almost seems like a top-tier resort experience spread across a whole city.

Is Dubai worth visiting?

Dubai is geared toward wealthy visitors who want access to world-class shopping, dining, and nightlife. But there’s a lot more than what meets the eye here.

While I’ve never personally considered heading to Dubai, there’s a reason it’s remained one of the world’s top tourist destinations for so long.

To be honest, that uncertainty is part of the appeal for me. I want to see whether my expectations are accurate, and whether it’s been fair to write off Dubai.

However, it’s not something I’d be willing to fork over thousands to find out.

So, here’s my verdict: go to Dubai if you have the money. It seems like a place where what you spend directly correlates to how much fun you have.

American Expats: Which Countries Have the Largest Number?

American expat communities dot the globe.

These wanderers leave home for different reasons. Some just want to stretch their legs and explore the world, possibly as a digital nomad. Others are on the hunt for a place to retire and a community to join.

In 2022, the group American Citizens Abroad estimated that around five million Americans were living abroad. Around 23% are retired, highlighting an influx of later-life expats.

Regardless, what defines an expat is their desire to return home, at least semi-permanently. (By contrast, those who live full-time in another country with plans to stay are immigrants—not expats.)

Regardless of what leads them abroad and whether or not they plan on returning home, American expats usually have a community ready to join.

But can you name the countries with the largest populations of Americans abroad?

I’ve done a bit of digging to research which countries have the largest number of expats and why that may be. Please keep in mind that the stats are skewed, as the line between expat and immigrant is often blurred.

Mexico

200,000-1,000,000

El Pais reports that since 2019, the number of Americans living in Mexico has surged by 70%. Around 200,000 US nationals call the country home according to the publication.

However, the Mexican Migration Policy Unit says there are around 30,000 Americans in Mexico City alone. Other sources place that number at a much, much higher one million.

The wide range in these estimates comes from the fact that many Americans who enter Mexico on a six-month tourist visa overstay. The majority of Americans set up new homes in Mexico City, which seems to represent a hot zone for younger expats.

Older expats, by contrast, are more likely to live in the Yucatan or Riviera Maya where they own property.

There’s also a significant number of American expats in Mexico who are ethnically Mexican. Their motivation in moving to Mexico is to spend time closer to their roots with family members who didn’t immigrate to the US.

Canada

270,000

Canada comes in second place for housing American expats. Oddly enough, one of the densest zones for American expats in Canada is in Montreal—a French-speaking city in the French-speaking province of Quebec.

Similar to Mexico, one reason that many expats end up north of the border is thanks to a new romantic partner or family ties. This is a common reason that many people immigrate around the world.

However, Canada lacks the tropical appeal and warm weather of Mexico—which is a huge reason many American expats flock to the south over the north.

UK

170,000

Some reports over the last few years list the UK as the next up-and-coming American expat dream destination. In fact, in terms of 2023 numbers alone, the UK welcomed more expats than Mexico.

The metrics behind UK moves are varied.

On one hand, a move to the UK doesn’t involve any language barriers. Culturally, it’s also viewed as more accessible than other nations. Like Americans, Brits tend to like gathering together for a drink, watching sports, and debating on pop culture.

Work and education are also popular reasons for Americans to wander across the pond. In addition to better higher education opportunities, many Americans move for work opportunities, especially after graduating college.

Germany

150,000

Germany—for American expats? I was surprised to learn that so many American expats move to this country.

First, because the language barrier is hefty, along with the cultural shift. Germans, from my experience, are quite a bit colder and less chatty than Americans.

Behind the surprisingly high expat numbers are two factors.

First is Germany’s strong economy. For some businesspeople, Germany offers a gateway into European markets. Second, it’s also home to US military operations. Service members who spend time in the country are likely to return, either because they enjoyed German culture or because they left behind a loved one.

Australia

116,000

The same 2023 study that found the UK outshined Mexico in terms of American expats also found that Australia (and New Zealand) are high priorities for Americans.

Once more, the similarity in language and culture is attractive. Compared to other English-speaking nations like South Africa or the UK, Americans probably feel more at home with Australians.

They like getting out into nature and having a boisterously loud good time. Many sources also focus on Australia’s booming economy. Not only is the minimum wage high, but the economy is strong. (Don’t we all know someone who went to pick fruit in Australia and ended up staying for years?)

How to Avoid Scams in Europe

Unless you’re Jason Bourne, you’re a prime target for scammers in Europe.

As an American who has lived in Barcelona for five years, I’ve noticed a few unique things about scams, pickpockets, and petty crime, in general.

Here, robberies are quite common—but they’re very rarely violent. I’ve seen many Americans aghast by the prevalence of pickpockets and scams.

I’ll summarize the main differences from my perspective: America tends to be (really, really) hard on crime, which dissuades smaller issues like pickpocketing.

In Europe, most countries have a much more lax approach to non-violent crimes, meaning that pickpockets and scammers who don’t physically harm you aren’t likely to be charged.

I’ll let you decide which reality you’d prefer to live in.

I’m just here to help you avoid being scammed out of thousands like me. Here’s how you can avoid the most commonplace scams, including pickpockets, beggars, and more elaborate cons like the fake Airbnb that saw me flush around $2,000 down the toilet.

Pickpockets, beggars, & more

You’ve likely read plenty of advice about how to avoid pickpockets in Europe. They’re a risk anytime you wear loose bags or clothing in a busy touristy spot.

The best way to avoid losing track of your goods is to leave them behind—including passports, unneeded electronics, and cash.

But pickpockets are just the tip of the iceberg. You’ll also notice swindlers offering you things like bracelets, roses, and any other small items. They’ll say that they’re free—but as soon as the item is in your hand, it’s time to pay up. Never take anything from someone’s hands.

They’ll probably keep insisting, at which point in time it’s okay to give them a hard no. Ideally, a local will step in to help you out if things get heated. Many tourist hotspots also have information authorities nearby—you can alert them if you’re being hassled.

I’d also like to caution you about giving away money to beggars. The EU has many, many resources geared toward the public, from housing programs to free healthcare. Those who are sleeping on the streets have places they can go if needed.

I’m not cautioning you against being compassionate—all people deserve respect and dignity, especially those who are down on their luck. (One love, baby!) But I’d hate for anyone to lose sleep thinking that those who beg in Barcelona or Paris have no recourse.

Financial scams: wire transfers & ATMs

Here’s where we start to get into deeper water in terms of scams in Europe. Financial scams can happen in a variety of ways. As mentioned up top, my partner and I lost a lot of savings thanks to a very elaborate fake Airbnb website.

Here’s the easiest way to avoid a scam from a fake website offer, whether Airbnb or another major brand: go slow.

If someone is rushing you to transfer money and insists a wire is the easiest way to book lodging, a trip, or transportation, it’s likely a scam. Real offers aren’t rushed. (Seriously, things move slow in Europe.)

I also caution you against using ATMs in tourist hotspots. Scammers are able to reconfigure the keypads in order to glean financial information from your card when you take out money. The most secure way to take out money is via a currency exchange or inside a bank.

You might pay a higher ATM fee by using an official bank, but you’ll be better protected from these types of predatory ATM scams.

Electronic scams: public Wi-Fi and computers

You can find public Wi-Fi stations all across Europe. But, as with the United States (or anywhere in the world), these are the prime hunting grounds for hackers and electronic scammers.

If you struggle with network connectivity while abroad, then I’d suggest forking over a bit more for an international plan or simply going without Wi-Fi.

Similarly, you should avoid using public computers. This isn’t nearly as commonplace as it once was thanks to mobile technology, but it’s still worth mentioning. Scammers in Europe are equipped to find and leverage your personal and financial data in many ways.

Ask for identification: taxis, authorities, & more

Lastly, one of the most important ways to protect yourself from scams in Europe is to look for identification. Tourism in Europe is huge, which means many cities and governments have set up fixed prices so that swindlers can’t target tourists.

Avoid traveling with unregistered taxis or other forms of transportation. Even if you can avoid a long wait by going with an unmarked taxi, you’ll pay the price with an exorbitant fee later on.

A registered taxi will have its registration and fee information readily available, just like in the US.

The same is true for guided tour offers. These should come only from official tourist authorities, whether a hop-on, hop-off bus or a guided tour through a museum. Anytime you opt to go with an unofficial tour guide, you’re putting yourself at risk of a huge fee and, worse, a subpar tour experience.