Beth Bankhead, Author at ETB Travel Photography

Two Nights in San Vigilio di Marebbe

San Viglio di Marebbe is a small Italian Village in the Dolomites with a population of 1,200 hundred or so. Though its population routinely triples in the summer in winter as tourists enjoy the outdoor paradise. Tucked away in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is best known for preserving its Ladin language, mountain culture, and legendary alpine folklore. Today, it merges its traditional farming traditions with world-class winter sports, making it a premier skiing destination in the Dolomites.

We arrived in San Vigilio on foot after a 10-mile hike from Lago di Braies in July. For my first hike in the mountains for a few years, my legs were feeling it. As a result, sightseeing in St. Viglio did not immediately top the list when we stumbled into town around five pm. Instead, in need of getting off my feet, we checked into our hotel, located right across from the church in the middle of town.

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Alta Via 1 Highlights – Lago di Braies to St. Vigil – Day 1

Alta Via 1 Trek in the Dolomites

The Alta Via 1 is a 75-mile long-distance hiking trail in the Italian Dolomites. The iconic hut to hut trek takes approximately 8-10 days to complete and begins in Lago di Braies and ends near Belluno.

To hike it during peak season of July and August, you need to book rifugios (the mountain huts) 6-9 months in advance or join a guided tour that already has reservations. The huts vary in comfort from basic to luxurious.

HAPPY HIKING!

California on a Budget: Combining Cheap Flights, Public Transit, and San Diego

California usually brings to mind flashy convertibles and pricey beach resorts, but a weekend here can actually be pretty cheap. The trick is just pairing low-cost flights with local public transit. Planning ahead lets you skip the massive car rental fees and see the absolute best of San Diego on a budget.

Cheap Tickets and The Right Arrival Points

Starting your planning early means monitoring flights from budget airlines to the local airport. Well-known American low-cost carrier Frontier flies here regularly, offering highly attractive prices. The golden rule is to travel with a small backpack only, avoiding any extra baggage fees.

If you are already staying in neighboring Los Angeles, taking regional bus lines is the most economical choice. Comfortable FlixBus coaches run daily, dropping passengers off right at prime central locations. A ticket for this ride often costs less than a single gallon of gas for a rental car.

For those who prefer scenic views, the Pacific Surfliner rail route is a perfect match. This train moves right along the ocean, giving passengers incredible panoramic views from the window. The journey wraps up at the historic Santa Fe Depot right in the city center.

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Things to Do in Cortina

History of Cortina

Once the Pearl of the Dolomites, and now the Queen of the Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo has a rich history. Originally called Ampezzo, it was governed by several empires over the last 500 years including the Republic of Venice, the Austrian Empire, the French Empire (Napolean), the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and presently the Kingdom of Italy. Its name was changed to Cortina d’Ampezzo after World War I when it was annexed into Italy.

The once sleepy agriculture community turned into an elite tourist destination in the late 1800’s following an Austrian mountaineers famous climbs of 1864. By 1956, after Cortina hosted the first ever internationally televised Winter Olympics, the Pearl of the Dolomites was thrust into the spotlight.

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Things to Do in Tyler

Located just ninety-nine miles southeast of Dallas, Tyler is one of the biggest cities in East Texas. This lively city was named after President John Tyler, to thank him for admitting the state of Texas to the United States. While many know Tyler as the “Rose Capital of America,” it is much more than roses and thorns. This charming city is full of many opportunities for exploration, from a sprawling state park, historical sites full of incredible stories, and some delicious Texas BBQ. And if you get really lucky, you might even be in town during Tyler’s famous Rose Festival, an annual event rich in tradition and history.

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Hanoi Highlights

Established over a millennium ago as Thăng Long, Hanoi has weathered centuries of imperial rule, French colonialism, and the ravages of war. Today, Vietnam’s bustling capital blends this ancient soul with rapid modern development. For tourists, exploring the narrow alleyways of the historic Old Quarter and tasting world-famous street food are absolute must-do experiences.

Whether you’re sipping egg coffee or marveling at French colonial architecture, navigating the city’s rich past is unforgettable. Plan your walking tour of Hanoi with this guide.

On my tour with G-Adventures, we only had a few afternoons in Hanoi, as we used the Northern Vietnam City as hub for trips to Ha Long Bay and Mai Chau. Consequently, I added an extra day to my itinerary to explore the Soaring Dragon City.

DISCOVER!

Capturing the World Without Limits: What Every Traveler Should Have in Place

Traveling across the globe opens doors to unforgettable experiences and new cultures. The adventure awaits at every corner, but smart travelers know that preparation makes all the difference. Packing a suitcase and booking flights are just the start of any journey.

Real travel safety tips go much deeper than what fits in a carry-on bag. Savvy explorers understand that global health coverage plans for expats and international travelers form the backbone of any solid travel plan. Without this oundation, even the best vacation can turn stressful fast.

Travel health protection keeps adventurers focused on making memories instead of worrying about medical bills. Whether someone travels for business or pleasure, unexpected health situations can happen anywhere. That’s why having the right plan in place matters so much.

The world of remote work has changed how people travel. Healthcare for digital nomads has become increasingly important as more professionals work from different countries each month.These workers need coverage that moves with them.

Serious health emergencies can strike without warning. Emergency medical evacuation services ensure that travelers can get back home safely when crisis hits. Knowing this safety net exists brings real peace of mind to global adventurers.

This guide walks through everything travelers need to know about staying protected while exploring the world.

GET INSURED!

Overnight Cruise in Ha Long Bay

The next stop on our nine-day G-Adventure Tour of Vietnam was in Ha Long Bay. Ha Long Bay is a dramatic, ancient seascape where nearly 2,000 limestone pillars rise from emerald waters like a “rock wonder in the sky”. Sculpted over 500 million years by tectonic shifts and marine erosion, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a maze of hidden caves, secluded lagoons, and floating villages that preserve a unique maritime heritage.

Having only seen some Instagrammable moments showcasing the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay, I was very excited to visit the area. While I expected some tourism, I was dismayed to find a boat highway in Ha Long Bay, rather than tranquility among the towering karst islands!

While I am glad I visited Ha Long Bay in person and checked it off my bucket list, I must advise nature lovers who don’t mind missing the iconic sites to look for quieter cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay or otherwise be prepared for lots of tourists.

SAIL AWAY!

Mystical Mai Chau

Nestled in Hoa Binh Province, Mai Chau is a serene, verdant valley serving as the cultural heartland of the White Thai people, who settled here from Southern China around the 13th century. Historically, this area served as a remote, rugged corridor connecting northern mountainous tribes, maintaining a deeply traditional, rural lifestyle that has largely resisted modernization. Known as a “Province of Peace,” its history is rooted in traditional subsistence rice farming, unique stilt-house architecture, and a resilient, vibrant culture that has maintained its identity despite colonial influences and modern tourism.

Today, Mai Chau has transitioned from a hidden highland gem into a model for sustainable community-based tourism. While it offers a peaceful alternative to the bustling streets of Hanoi, the valley retains its soul through the stilt-house villages of Lac and Pom Coong. Visitors can immerse themselves in slow-paced, eco-friendly activities in a landscape highlighted by towering karst peaks. Mai Chau is ideal for nature lovers seeking both adventure and peace.

During our nine-day tour of Vietnam with G-Adventures, we spent one night in Mai Chau. In addition to Hoi An, it was one of our favorite stops in Vietnam. I sure wish we spent an entire weekend in Mai Chau as its culture and outdoor activities deserve more time. But when you are trying to get an overview of Vietnam in just a few weeks, we only got a glimpse of Mai Chau.

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24 Hours in Hue

After a day in Hoi An, we took a four-hour bus ride to Hue. It is closer to a three-hour drive, but many stop to explore Hai Van Gate, a defensive fortification used by many dynasties. Perched atop the mountain with expansive views, Hai Van Gate was very important to the frontier passage of Vietnam. It is free to enter and across the street are few open air restaurants catering to tourists.

About Hue

Founded as the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty in 1802, Hue served as the imperial heart of a unified Vietnam for over a century. This era of high Confucian culture and grand imperial construction eventually shattered during the mid-20th century, as the city became a brutal focal point of the Indochina Wars and the devastating 1968 Battle of Hue.

The city is split in two by the Perfume River, with the historic Citadel on the North Bank and the new city on the South Bank. We stayed at the Asia Hotel on the South Bank, where the city’s modern pulse, French colonial history, and vibrant nightlife converge. Having arrived in the late afternoon, we had a few hours to take a stroll before dinner.

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