Beyond the bustle of London, rural England is made up of rolling hills, fairytale woodlands, and rugged stretches of coastline. Countryside villages with stone cottages and cobbled streets welcome travelers from afar with snug tea rooms and traditional pubs serving British comfort food. Here are the best English villages to explore across all four seasons for heritage, scenery, and food. 

Castle Combe, Cotswolds

As a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Cotswolds is revered as one of England’s most beautiful regions. As one village simply isn’t enough to explore this idyllic place, start with Castle Combe. The original keep has long since been destroyed but the village today is a postcard-pretty scene of brookside honey-colored cottages bordered by verdant woodland.

Robin Hood’s Bay, North York Moors National Park 

Robin Hood’s Bay is a tiny fishing village next to the town of Whitby with a history of smuggling and fossil finds. Access to the beach requires a walk down a steep yet picturesque street lined with boutiques and cafes with bunting fluttering ahead. At low tide, you can wander along the tidal pools before settling in with a sunset portion of fish and chips while waves crash in from the North Sea. 

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and gather. There are so many things to be thankful for that are big and small, and if you think of one small thing you are grateful for every day, it will bring you joy.

​Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours.

Israel is a small yet mighty country. Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea in the west, Lebanon, and Syria to the north, Jordan to the east, Egypt to the southwest, and the Red Sea to the south, Israel is no larger than New Jersey. Yet, despite its size, Israel presents visitors with an impressive and diverse selection of geography, history, cultural activities, and cuisine. From the lively nightlife of Tel Aviv to the history of Jerusalem, we are breaking down the top five places you must visit while in Israel. 
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Tel Aviv  

Tel Aviv is Israel's second-largest city and the financial and cultural hub of the country. The city is most famous for its nightlife and is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. If you're looking for a more culturally enriching experience, Tel Aviv is also home to the national opera and philharmonic orchestra. 

Masada

Situated on a plateau high above the Dead Sea is the old fortress of Masada. First fortified by Herod the Great at the end of the first century, Masada is known as the last Jewish stronghold to fall to the Romans in the first Jewish-Roman war. Today, Masada is a popular hiking excursion for visitors and is especially spectacular at sunset. There is also a cable car that will take you up the hill for those who don't want to hike. 

The Republic of Ireland delights with its natural landmarks and culture-laden cities. Coming in at a similar size to the state of Indiana, it’s perfectly feasible to see a large portion of the country over the course of your vacation. Here are the top 10 luxury experiences in Ireland, the “Emerald Isle”. 

1. Stay in a castle 

One of the most luxurious experiences in Ireland is to sleep in a castle. With around 30,000 castles spread across the country, a portion of these have been revamped and will ensure you sleep, eat, and live like royalty. 

2. Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are one of the most spectacular natural sights in Ireland. A scenic 11-mile hiking trail traverses the cliff tops while helicopter tours are the best way to elevate the experience.  

3. Dublin

Ireland’s capital city is rich in cultural and heritage attractions including St Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle. This is also an excellent destination for shopping, dining, and unwinding in upbeat pubs. Those with a thirst for history and beer can visit the Guinness Storehouse where pints are served with your portrait in the foam.

​4. Bend of the Boyne

The Bend of the Boyne is a World Heritage Site that predates even the Egyptian pyramids. The complex spans chamber tombs, standing stones, henges, and grave passes that elude modern-day engineers and historians.