Varanasi is not a place you simply visit — it’s a place that absorbs you. From astrology readings and silk weavers to sunrise prayers on the Ganges, Tesa and her stepson Ryan discover the city where life and death meet in divine harmony. A journey both humbling and unforgettable.

Tucked high in Boquete’s cloud forest, Hacienda Mamecillo is no ordinary dining experience. Rolando (Rolo) Chamorro and Gabriella Carlsson have transformed an abandoned coffee farm into Panama’s hidden table, where candlelight, greenhouse-grown flavors, and a seven-course tasting menu come together in an unforgettable fusion of farm, theater, and family passion.

On my third journey to Estonia, I finally stepped beyond Tallinn’s medieval walls and into the quiet beauty of its islands. From a smoked sauna ritual at Pädaste Manor on Muhu Island to climbing the ramparts of a 14th-century citadel on Saaremaa, this trip revealed a soulful side of Estonia few take the time to see. Add in natural skincare, handcrafted woodwork, and a vodka-paired sandwich tasting in Tallinn, and you have a destination that’s both grounding and surprising.

Nestled along Vietnam’s central coast, Hoi An is a town where history, culture, and craftsmanship intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. Imagine strolling through lantern-lit streets, where ancient wooden houses stand as silent witnesses to centuries of diverse cultural influences. Known as the "tailoring capital of Southeast Asia," Hoi An offers the unique opportunity to have a custom suit crafted in just a few days, blending tradition with modern convenience. As night falls, the town transforms into a vibrant spectacle of lights and colors, with lanterns floating on the Thu Bon River, creating a scene straight out of a fairytale. Hoi An is more than a destination; it’s a place where every moment becomes a cherished memory.

Istanbul, a city where the past seamlessly intertwines with the present, beckons travelers to embark on an enchanting journey through its rich history, culture, and architectural marvels. Join me as I delve into the captivating experiences that await in this mesmerizing city, where every corner, every mosque, every market, and every experience tells a story, inviting you to become a part of its timeless narrative. From the majestic views of the Galata Tower to the spiritual grandeur of the Ayasofya Grand Mosque, and the subterranean wonders of the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul enchants and educates in equal measure. With its recent rejuvenation, the Blue Mosque stands as a testament to Istanbul's enduring beauty, while the Grand Bazaar beckons with its treasures. A Turkish bath experience and a Bosphorus sunset dinner cruise provide unique insights into the city's soul. Rediscovering Istanbul is like turning the pages of a captivating history book, one where the past dances gracefully with the present, inviting you to explore, learn, and savor its cultural richness.

Start planning your dream trip to Delhi with Travels with Tesa! Our comprehensive travel itinerary will help you explore the city's top attractions, discover hidden gems, and experience the best of Delhi. Don't miss out on this unforgettable adventure - plan your trip today with Travels with Tesa!

Embark on an unforgettable journey through India's diverse landscape with "Kathakali, Chai, and Backwaters." Join us as we explore the vibrant culture of Kerala with a Kathakali performance in Fort Cochi, taste the flavors of India with a visit to the Lockhart Tea Factory in Munnar, and relax in the tranquil backwaters of Allepey and Kumarakom Lake Resort. This is a journey that will immerse you in the beauty and diversity of India, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime.

Stepping out of the airport in Mumbai, we were hit with a wave of intense sensations. Our flight arrived on a Sunday, on the day of a marathon, and the city felt like it was on steroids. The noise, traffic, honking car horns, people, and scents overwhelmed our senses in a way that was both exhilarating and intimidating. As a first-time traveler to India, we were eager to dive into the vibrant culture of Mumbai, and we had just 48 hours to do it.

I recently returned from Saudi Arabia on a 10-day trip sponsored by Travel + Leisure, Saudi Tourism Authority and the Royal Commission of AlUla.

We’d never heard of Monemvasia until a skipper in Hydra advised us to sail down the Peleponnese to Monemvasia before crossing the Myrtoan Sea to Milos. We arrived at night, having sailed from Spetses for over six hours. The next morning, we set off the explore the town.Monemvasia is a medieval castle town entirely carved out from the backside of a sea rock and literally means “single entrance”. It’s connected to the mainland by a short causeway and was occupied by the Byzantines, Franks, Venetians, and Ottomans. It remains Europe’s only castle that has never ceased being inhabited.

It is also very dreamy, fairy-tale like in an authentic way and medievally romantic.

My three grown sons and my husband and I met up in Bali last December. It was our first time on the Island of the Gods. We stayed in a beautiful villa among the rice fields of Ubud. And because I am my mother’s child, I had everyone up in the early mornings for a plethora of activities. We visited markets and had a Balinese cooking class. We learned how to make batik. We participated in local temple rituals. We climbed Mount Batur.

Jean-Michel Basquiat was only 27 when he died in 1988, but in a few short years his paintings and other work challenged established notions of high and low art, race and class. He forged a visionary language that defied characterization.

I first came upon upon Basquiat’s name in a book my son received on his first birthday. “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me” was a poem by Maya Angelou, each line accompanied by a Basquiat painting. It was most definitely not your ordinary children’s book, but I liked its powerful words and mesmerizing images. I sang Maya Angelou’s poem, especially the phrase “shadows on the wall, noises down the hall, life doesn’t frighten me at all,” to my baby son as if it were a lullaby.

As springtime approaches, I look back on the day my brother and I took time off from Paris Fashion Week to visit Giverny, Claude Monet’s home.

Monet, a founder of the Impressionist style of painting, lived in Giverny for 43 years from 1883 to 1926. His house and garden, as well as the village and its surroundings, were his subject matter. They still attract half a million visitors each year from all over the world, including painters charmed by the distinctive light of the Seine Valley.