Adventure, Cruise, Culinary, Travel + Leisure
TESA TOTENGCO
Charting the Uncharted: A Winter Voyage with ...

On assignment for Travel + Leisure, Tesa Totengco boards PONANT’s Le Commandant Charcot—the world’s only luxury icebreaker—for a winter voyage through Canada’s frozen St. Lawrence. Snowshoeing, dogsledding, and Michelin-level dining redefine exploration. Equal parts adventure and elegance, this is the future of travel in the polar world.

Charting the Uncharted: A Winter Voyage with PONANT
Asia, Bucket List Trips, Culture, India
TESA TOTENGCO
Varanasi, India: Where Life and Death Flow on ...

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.

Varanasi, India: Where Life and Death Flow on the Ganges
Panama, Central America
TESA TOTENGCO
Panama: Beyond the Canal, Into the Cloud ...

Panama reveals its many faces — historic Casco Viejo, highland coffee farms, black-sand beaches, and living indigenous artistry. Join us as we trace a journey of flavor, craft, and connection beyond the Canal — through a country as soft and kind as its people.

Panama: Beyond the Canal, Into the Cloud Forests and Islands
Culinary, Culture, Food Trip, Off The Beaten Path
TESA TOTENGCO
Panama’s Hidden Table: Hacienda Mamecillo in ...

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.

Panama’s Hidden Table: Hacienda Mamecillo in the Cloud Forest
Cruise, Europe
TESA TOTENGCO
Seven Nights, Five Countries, One River: ...

From Prague’s cobblestones to Budapest’s ruin bars, my first river cruise aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna was a revelation. Twice the width of a traditional ship, AmaMagna brought us through five countries in seven nights, with spacious suites, flexible excursions, and unforgettable meals. Along the way, I rediscovered Vienna over schnitzel, connected with my Benedictine roots at Melk Abbey, and shopped for treasures from TONAK hats in Prague to embroidered blouses in Bratislava.

Seven Nights, Five Countries, One River: Cruising the Danube on AmaMagna

Culinary

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Sipping and Savouring South Australia's Finest: Exploring Adelaide Hills & Barossa Wine Regions

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Sipping and Savouring South Australia's Finest: Exploring Adelaide Hills & Barossa Wine Regions

Embark on a sensory journey through South Australia's wine regions with our expertly curated travel guide. From the Adelaide Hills to the Barossa Valley, discover award-winning wines, sumptuous local produce, and luxurious accommodations. Explore the region's natural beauty, encounter unique wildlife, and indulge in artisanal cheese and wine pairings. Our guide offers exclusive experiences, including private vineyard tours, barrel room blending, and paddock-to-plate lunches, providing an unforgettable adventure for wine lovers and foodies alike. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, South Australia's wine regions have something to offer everyone.

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Beyond the Golden Triangle: Uncovering Croatia's Hidden Gems

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Beyond the Golden Triangle: Uncovering Croatia's Hidden Gems

Discover the best of Croatia with our curated list of must-visit destinations. From the stunning Dalmatian Coast to the hidden gem of Istria, we've got you covered. Explore the 1700-year-old living monument of Diocletian's Palace in Split, indulge in traditional cuisine in Gata village, and unwind at the luxurious Maslina Resort on Hvar Island. Learn about the hometown of Marco Polo in Korcula town, savor award-winning wines at Villa Korta Katarina, and feast on succulent oysters in the Mali Ston bay. And of course, no visit to Croatia would be complete without exploring the walled city of Dubrovnik, also known as "King's Landing." With our expertly crafted itinerary, you'll experience the best of Croatia and create unforgettable memories.

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Discover: Sifnos, Greece

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Discover: Sifnos, Greece

“Please stop writing about Sifnos so a million people don’t go there,” pleaded my friend. But of the 24 Greek islands I’ve visited, Sifnos remains my favorite and the only one I’d consider coming back to and spending considerable time on.