1. Tanzania & Kenya: Zanzibar, Arusha, the Serengeti, Amboseli, & Nairobi
East Africa has topped our travel wishlist for as long as we can remember, and we’ll finally be making it happen with a 2+ week long adventure through Tanzania & Kenya. We’ll start with some relaxed beach time on the shores of Zanzibar before hopping on a short flight to Arusha, where we’ll head off for a 6-day safari across Northern Tanzania, exploring Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and following the great migration through the Serengeti during the country’s short dry season (which also happens to be calving season!). From there, we’ll shoot back to Arusha and cross into Kenya by land, spending a few days hanging out with massive herds of elephants and views of Kilimanjaro at Amboseli National Park, before cruising up to Nairobi for a couple of nights. A Safari Designed Trip is one of our most requested, and is honestly a dream come true for us. Stay tuned and follow our trip on social media - we leave in less than a week!

2. Panama & El Salvador
Central America has always been one of our favorite travel destinations, and this year we’re headed to Panama, a place that we've somehow still never been. After a direct flight from Madrid to Panama City, we’ll spend a couple of weeks traversing the country, from isolated islands, to mountain towns surrounded by lush jungles. From there, the plan is to hop on a short flight to El Salvador, a place we’ve only ever passed through. Another country with an unreal combination of beautiful beaches, scenic volcanoes, and incredible culture, that’s recently become much safer to visit (at the price of an extremely questionable government). But more than anything, we’re coming back for the pupusas. Oh. My. God. If you’ve never had a pupusa, consider this your sign. Our 2026 Central American adventure will most certainly result in another new Designed Trip (or two!), so keep an eye out if you’re itching for an adventure as well.

3. Balearic Islands (Menorca?)
Living less than an hour from Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera makes weekend getaways to the Balearic Islands mandatory each summer. This year, we’re planning on a quick villa vacay with some of our amigos in early June. The island? Still to be determined, but probably Mallorca or Menorca. Their dreamy coves and turquoise waters are just too tempting. 

4. Turkey -or- Brazil -or- Indonesia 
We’ve spent the last few summers hopping across the Greek Islands, and as tempting as it is to head back again this year, we’ve decided it’s time for a change. While this year’s escape from the hot and humid doldrums of August is still up in the air, we have started to narrow down the list:

• Turkey: We’ve been dreaming of a trip to Turkey for ages, but it somehow still hasn’t come to fruition. Two weeks discovering Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the Turquoise Coast is definitely happening, and this may be the year. 
• Brazil: A place that’s seemed overwhelming to us for a long time, in most part because it’s so big that it feels like we’d need at least a month just to scratch the surface. Still, we continue to be drawn to Brazil’s rich culture, varied landscapes, tropical weather, and amazing beaches. 
• Indonesia: We’ve been to Bali (and Lombok) a few times, and to us, it never gets old. Its wonderfully unique version of Hinduism, gracious and welcoming people, delicious food, beautiful natural landscapes and temples are in a lot of ways, unbeatable. With that said, our next trip to Indonesia will undoubtedly include stops to see Orangutans in the wild in Sumatra and the temples of Yogyakarta, on Java.

5. Copenhagen
Denmark’s capital seems to perfectly blend a modern and innovative culture, with rich history and a charming, cozy vibe (we’re all about that Hygge!). It’s a weekend trip from Valencia that’s long overdue. Ryanair, if you’re listening, this is a route that needs to be added to the flight schedule asap. 

6. Krakow
We’ve been told over and over again what an amazing city Krakow is and this year, it might finally be time that we see it for ourselves. With its medieval old town, Jewish quarter, and close proximity to the dark, but important history at Auschwitz, there are too many reasons to make the trip to Poland this year.

7. Laos
Last making an appearance on this annual list in 2021, we’re sad to say we didn’t make it to Laos that year (or anywhere else in Asia, sadly). A mountainous country bordered by Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and China, Laos has been on the backpacker circuit for decades now, yet it’s still far less-visited than most of its neighbors. Known for stunning natural landscapes, Buddhist culture (with temples and monasteries dotting the country), and French colonial architecture, it’s really a must-visit destination in SE Asia, but we somehow haven’t been there. We’re not sure how the year will shake out, but this could be a good option for the holiday season.

8. Tallinn
We’ve long been obsessed with Tallinn, Estonia’s historic capital city, placed on the country’s northern shores, where the Baltic Sea meets the gulf of Finland. It’s just one of those under-the-radar destinations that’s so intriguing, with a Nordic and Eastern European cultural fusion and the authenticity (we hope) of Europe’s less-traveled cities.

9. ​Thailand
We made an unexpected and quick stop in Bangkok in 2025, and were instantly reminded of how much we love this country. This, along with some friends’ recent travel stories, has us itching to get back as soon as we can. This time, we’ll head south to the islands, exploring some spots off the backpacker circuit but with the same amazing food, beaches, culture, people and relaxed SE Asia energy that we dream about (especially now, in the depths of winter!)

​Sitting in our cozy office during the first week of January, we never know what the year will bring. If we will hop around the world to all of these places, or if new interests, opportunities, or a desire to stay put, will change the course. But right now, we’re ready to go. Ready for an adventure, the delightful discomfort of somewhere new and foreign, to learn, observe and listen. And we’ll come home with more knowledge, contacts, information, and a deeper understanding to help you have enriching travel experiences too. The world is small and the possibilities in 2026 are endless. So let’s get going! 


Read our past Wishlists: 
Our 2017 Travel Wishlist
Our 2018 Travel Wishlist
Our 2019 Travel Wishlist
Our 2020 Travel Wishlist
Our 2021 Travel Wishlist
Our 2025 Travel Wishlist

The ​Philippines
Our biggest adventure of the year, we spent 3 glorious weeks exploring the powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, stunning scenery and jungle waterfalls of 6 islands to develop our new (epic) Philippines Designed Trip. With the goal of deepening our travel experiences, pushing ourselves to try new things and connect with local cultures, we boarded a traditional Filipino bangka boat with 18 travelers for a three-day journey from Coron to El Nido. Swimming from the boat to uninhabited islands, sleeping in raised beach huts, meeting friends from around the world, and being without wifi or data, was one of the most memorable travel experiences we’ve ever had. We also surfed, cliff jumped, did some incredible canyoning, and cruised around on motorbikes, tapping into the freedom and adventure that we were craving - see our full Travel Blog here, and check out our NEW Philippines Designed Trip, developed for all types of travelers - not just the adventurers! 

Thailand (again)
An unexpected cold front in SE Asia resulted in a last-minute flight change to sunny Bangkok. We went on both the bike tour and food tour in our Thailand Designed Trip, stayed at two different hotels to experience their locations and offerings, and generally were reminded of how much we love Thailand, it's amazing people, culture and incredible food. Pretty good for an impromptu visit.​

Vietnam (again)
If you’ve been with us awhile, you know that we have some serious nostalgia for Vietnam, ever since we left the U.S. to travel in 2015 (10 years ago!?) and spent nearly a month traveling the country from top to bottom. So, whenever we can squeeze in a stop to wake up to the delightful chaos of the one million motorbikes and pho for breakfast, we jump at the chance. Hanoi delivered, as always, and after 5 weeks in SE Asia, we boarded our flights home with three huge bags of Vietnamese coffee beans. 
​If Vietnam is on your 2026 Travel Wishlist, check out our Vietnam Designed Trip!

Morocco (again)
It continues to amaze us that we can reach a whole different climate, culture and experience in just a couple short hours. Morocco is perfect in springtime when warm temps haven’t yet reached the rest of Europe. This trip, we traveled with Megan’s Dad and spent a handful of days combing ancient tiled palaces, eating olives and tagines, and trying very hard not to get lost in the medina. We were reminded that sometimes a destination can be completely new based on who you experience it with, and we will always have good memories from this family adventure. (Check out our Morocco Designed Trip for a travel experience you'll never forget).

Greece (again) 
Our goal for this year’s Greece trip was to spend 2+ weeks hopping around the Cyclades in search of the best less visited, hidden gem islands. We’re talking slow mornings over spinach pies, empty beaches with turquoise water, local tavernas with cheap mezze, and goats wandering hillsides dotted with tiny white chapels. We found some of the most beautiful and relaxed summer scenes we have ever experienced and, in turn, designed our dream trip to Greece to the quiet islands of Folegandros, Sifnos, and Koufonisia. We also snuck in a stop to Milos to say Kalimera to our fave partners, and Santorini to stay in a cliffside cave hotel, because, ya know, that’s what you do there. Overall, we couldn’t imagine a more perfect summer trip if we tried. 
​Check out our NEW Gems of the Aegean Designed Trip Or, if you’re looking for a more traditional trip, check out the Classic Island Hop, or the Best Less Known Islands Designed Trip.

Menorca (again)
Following a strangely chilly September trip to Colorado and California, we were not ready for summer to end. So, after celebrating Ryan’s birthday (and obsessively tracking the weather), we hopped on a last-minute flight for a few sunny early-October days in Menorca. It was exactly what we needed - with coastal runs, cliff jumps, swims in turquoise coves and end of season hotel rates - all the ingredients of a perfect getaway. Every single time we visit the Balearic islands (especially Menorca, sigh), we have conversations about how unbelievably magical these places are and how infrequently travelers request them. So much so, that we’re in the process of developing a new Designed Trip to Menorca and Mallorca (and our home city of Valencia!). It’s high time we share these special places with fellow travelers, so keep an eye out!

Porto (again)
Megan’s childhood friend and her mom visiting was the perfect excuse to visit the riverside city of Porto once again. Although the weather was not on our side, sleeping in a former palace and an e-bike tour through the hilly cobbled streets in the pouring rain will be a lasting memory! We also met with our partners to experience the food and port tour from our Porto Designed Trip, and connected with some old friends for a traditional Francesinha dinner, which while delicious, made us all want a salad after.

Amsterdam (again)
In an effort to close out the year with some fun, we popped up to Amsterdam for a Royel Otis concert (Ryan’s birthday gift). We stayed in a cozy old hotel, walked all around the city and sat down to a vegetarian tasting menu that turned out to be the best meal of our lives. It was a delayed celebration of our anniversary, Ryan’s birthday, and another strong year of business, leaving us feeling very grateful for each other, and the life we’ve built together.

It was one for the books! But 2026 is a new year! And we have some very exciting plans in place, in hopes for an exciting year of travel to new destinations. Check out our 2026 Travel Wishlist!


NEXT UP: 2026 Travel Wishlist

​We’re new to the fine dining scene. We fought it for a while - feeling like it wasn't totally us and disliking the stuffiness, pretentiousness and (obviously) price tag of it all. But our intrigue won out, because we also really love and appreciate really good food, especially food that’s prepared with care, artistry and precision. So here we are. Our second ever Michelin Dining experience in a beautiful wood paneled open-air dining room on the outskirts of Mexico City. 

​Between all the tacos, we decide to venture over to the Frida Kahlo Museum, aka Casa Azul, which tops nearly all of the Mexico City must-see guides. Located in Coyoacán, one of the most charming neighborhoods in the city, it’s where Frida grew up, lived with her husband Diego Rivera, and created most of her iconic art. We’ve always admired Frida from afar, but getting to step inside her world was a totally different experience. 

​Frida’s home is filled with some of her best-loved works and artifacts, but it’s also surrounded by the vibrant charm of Coyoacán – a bohemian neighborhood where cobblestone streets are lined with cafés, art galleries, and lush gardens. We spent a bustling Sunday afternoon wandering around the area, popping into one of the local markets for a plate of enchiladas, walking between stalls of art and paintings and watching older couples salsa dancing in the plaza before hopping in a taxi back to Roma Norte.

Whenever we go to a new country, we always try to add a stop that's off the typical circuit and a little less traveled. For our Philippines adventure, Siquijor was that place. There are no 711’s or McDonald's, just local shops and a few recently opened smoothie bowl spots along the one main road that circles the island. The energy is slow and relaxed. It didn't take long for us to realize that this island has a little bit of magic baked in. Multiple times a day, we found ourselves looking at one another and asking if we've ever been somewhere so pretty. It reminded us of East Maui, but with giant groves of coconut trees, rice paddies and goats, dogs, cows, chickens, and the occasional pig wandering along the side of the road. We happily spent three days cliff jumping, rope swinging into waterfall pools, and snorkeling the reef in front of our little beachfront cottage before getting to work after the sun went down. Just as we were getting into the rhythm of true island life (somebody pinch us), adventure was calling and it was already time to hop on a ferry to one of the Philippines better known islands, Cebu.

A few months ago, sitting in our living room watching travel vlogs on the other side of the world, it was almost hard to believe that the Kawasan Canyon was real. With steep jungle-covered canyon walls, multiple waterfalls and a bright turquoise river running through the valley floor, it looked like something straight out of a movie set (Jurassic Park?). Although we visited on a rainy day, it was every bit as epic as we imagined. We partnered with a local canyoneering outfitter and spent a morning jumping off more waterfalls, sliding down rocks, hiking through the rainforest and swimming through the calm river. It was a pretty epic adventure - so fun and such an amazing experience. (We saw people of every age and fitness level, but if you happen to not be a jump-in-the-river type of person, there are other wonderful ways to explore and enjoy this incredibly beautiful canyon.)

Over the past few years, we've done a lot of thinking about how we like to travel and the types of experiences, tours, and excursions we want to share with other people. Since Cohica was born (9 years ago!), we've always focused on including cultural, authentic & socially responsible experiences in every one of our trips. But lately, we've been personally trying to push ourselves a bit - to try something new, to learn something different, or to dig into a culture or experience a little deeper than we normally would. Rewind to last March, when we found ourselves sitting at a yoga and surf camp in southern India (a new experience!), chatting with another traveler from Europe who told us about a boat trip she did in the Philippines. She said it was her most memorable travel experience and that we absolutely had to do it. Fast forward one year, and here we are hopping on a traditional Filipino bangka boat with a group of 18 other travelers for three days cruising from the island of Coron to El Nido in Palawan. 

Within hours of boarding the boat on day one, our minds were blown. The islands are virtually untouched - some larger and more forested and others barely-there bars of sand poking through the glowing blue water. We jumped off the boat, with fins and snorkels, taking in colorful coral, schools of parrotfish and tiny clown fish on our way to shore. Later we would learn that this was an everyday, multiple-times-a-day kinda activity. As the sun set, we cruised up to the island of our first base camp - raised traditional beach huts called bahay kubo, each with a freshly made mattress and two pillows, covered with a mosquito net. It’s far from luxury but after a day of sun and swimming and chatting with new friends, we fell asleep quickly to the sound of the waves and the coconut trees outside of our door.
​
We started to embrace a pattern, wake up, breakfast and back on the boat to explore more islands. On day two, we visited a small island village, where every kid we passed waved and screamed hello, and we got a glimpse of life on a very remote island. We walked past fish drying in the sun and food being prepared outside on fires before playing a game of basketball with the boat crew, all who had serious game, especially in flip flops. The afternoon was spent swimming with sea turtles, and sipping beers between games of beach volleyball, karaoke, and bonfires. With no data or wifi, our usually-buzzing minds were quiet, and our to-do lists were tucked away. The beauty of this multi-day excursion (something we’ve never done before!) is that it allowed us to be fully present in the moment, the scenery, and the experience - something that is rare, and completely inspiring. 

Our visit to island number 5 on our Philippines adventure was a short and sweet one. The town, El Nido, is set below towering limestone cliffs and is arguably the most famous location in the country, more for the mind-blowing natural landscapes that surround it than the town itself. With only two nights, we rented a private boat with some new pals to see all the surrounding lagoons, hidden coves, and hard-to-reach beaches. The contrast of the black limestone rock formation with the white sand and turquoise water is exactly how you envision paradise. Even after being spoiled with a fair amount of palm-covered islands over the past few days, we were still completely in awe - it's like being on a movie set, or at Disneyland, something that seems fake, it's so pretty. After nearly six days of sun, swimming and activity, we leave the island as the sun is rising, from a one-room airport with a single gate and a small propeller plane parked outside the door. 

The 6th and final island on our Philippines adventure was possibly the one we'd been looking forward to the most. We try very hard to enter into every new travel experience without expectations (this can make or break a trip!), but this island has been seriously hyped lately in the travel world. It's considered the surfing capital of the Philippines, and people are calling it the next Bali, which in SE Asia, is quite the thing. 

We've never met a surf destination that we didn't love, and Siargao was no different. It’s the laidback energy, healthy food, cheap massages and cool people that surf towns attract, so with this in mind, we spent nearly a week on this little island to catch-up on work, and of course, catch some waves. We definitely fall into the beginner surfer category, but after our first official lesson in Lombok, Indonesia, a few years ago, we were hooked on the adrenaline rush and physical challenge that comes with this easier-than-it-looks sport. The notorious Cloud 9 break in Siargao has waves for all levels, and although a bit crowded, is exactly what you picture, with surf schools lining the palm-covered shoreline and beach bars selling smoothie bowls. 

Boarding a flight home after more than a month in Asia is always a sad moment, but our bellies were full of homemade noodles and our suitcases were packed with Vietnamese coffee and matcha KitKats, so we left with zero complaints.

Interested in visiting the Philippines? We're currently working on a brand NEW Designed Trip based on the hotels and activities that we've visited and experienced and the local contacts that we've made during our trip. Stay tuned!

​It never surprises us to get a huge inflow of trip requests in January. After all, it’s a natural time to look ahead and plan/dream about all of the places you could travel to. We’re not big on New Year’s resolutions in our house, but starting the year with a travel wishlist is a tradition that we take very seriously. Every year since 2017, we sit down on a cold day in January, open a map, our travel budget and a bottle of wine, and start crafting a list of where we want to visit in the year ahead. Some places on the list will become a reality, some may get pushed to next year, or just fall off the list, but part of the joy of traveling is dreaming, so we always start with the assumption that we can go everywhere. 

​Part of this process is reflecting on last year, which included returning to a few of our favorite destinations, along with exploring a small handful of exciting firsts. As always, we met new local tour guides, visited some great boutique hotels, and experienced activities first-hand in order to develop awesome new Designed Trips and include them in our Custom Travel Plans. It was a lot of great work, but it wasn’t all work.

​We spent three exciting weeks in India, hiking through tea plantations, kayaking through the Kerala backwaters and hanging ten at a surf and yoga camp before feeding street cows, combing through palaces, and learning about the complex and fascinating history in Rajasthan. We arrived home stimulated, a bit exhausted, but mostly inspired with a strong reminder of how much we love being somewhere new and trying new things, learning about a different culture, and feeling a level of stimulation and inspiration that we don't get in our day-to-day. 

​A week working from Spain’s Canary islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura in the spring offered a nice recharge, with some cool volcanic hikes and wild landscapes. This destination has been on our wishlist list for years (see our 2019 wishlist), but unfortunately we just didn’t love it for a variety of reasons (the main one being how difficult it was to find authenticity and non-tourist experiences) which is why you haven’t seen a Canary Island Designed Trip on the site. But this is how we know - you can’t believe everything you see on travel vlogs and Instagram.

​As usual, our goal for summer was to spend as much time at the beach and in the sea as humanly possible. So, it was back to Greece for our 5th visit, and as usual, it did not disappoint. Our goal was to island hop around some of the smaller and lesser known Cycladic islands for a more relaxed, laid back and local experience. It ended up being one of the best, most relaxed trips of the year and resulted in our new (and already very popular) Greece: The Best Less Known Islands Designed Trip. 

​In August, we popped down to Puglia, another favorite destination that we can’t seem to get enough of and offers an amazing summer scene, with a side of fresh pasta. We drank primitivo and ate handmade burrata between checking in with some of our favorite hotels - most of which are ancient farms that have been converted into boutique properties. And yessss, a Puglia Designed Trip is coming, because it’s a very special spot in Italy that we can’t wait to share more. 

​Japan had been on our wishlist since the beginning of time, and we have had countless requests for a Designed Trip, so we decided 2024 was the year. After a fun city stopover in Hong Kong, we spent five days combing through Tokyo, going on food tours, checking out museums and visiting temples before heading to the Kiso Valley for three days of hiking the ancient Nakasendo Trail. The adventure ended in Kyoto where we cycled to shrines, hung out with wild deer in Nara and walked through bamboo forests. We were completely in awe of Japan and, if it's on your list,  we think you will be too.

​After all that sushi, we were craving something with a bit more spice, so in November, we hopped over to Mexico City where we ate a ridiculous number of tacos, quesadillas and tlacoyos with Megan's dad, before heading to Colorado for a family Thanksgiving.

​Finally, we wrapped 2024 with our 6th visit to London to see some of the shows and museums we’ve never been to and to ring in the new year with some of our closest pals. 

​It was a big year, and we're incredibly grateful for the continued requests we get for new Designed Trips, which allows us to continue to do what we love. But now, it’s February, and there’s a lot more world out there, so it’s time to get moving...

​Over 7,600 islands and some of the world's most beautiful beaches and we still haven't been there? How?! There are few things we love more than riding scooters from beach, to waterfall, to jungle hikes, and being suncrisp and salty for days at a time, so the island nation of The Philippines feels like the perfect destination for us. Plus, we’ve partnered with a local sailing company for a multi-day adventure at sea that will take us to uninhabited islands, which we think future travelers will love as much as we surely will. Flights are booked and we leave THIS WEEK, so it is happening!

​By far one of our all-time favorite countries in the world, we almost always try to squeeze in a stop when we’re in Asia. Vietnam has it all - culture, history, amazing people, breathtaking landscapes and omg, the food! We’ve managed to squeeze in a week on the end of our Philippines trip and are very excited to see some of our favorite partners in Hanoi and Ninh Binh (and also to eat our weight in fresh rolls and veggie pho). 

​We’ve been calling Spain home again for the last year or so after one too many rainy Tuscan winters, and since, we’ve reignited our love for this incredibly diverse and sun soaked country. The Balearic islands, specifically Menorca and Mallorca, are home to some of Europe’s best beaches and such an easy hop from Valencia (or Barcelona/Madrid!). We’re continuously astonished that more summer travelers don’t request this tiny slice of heaven in the middle of the Med, and have landed on the fact that maybe it’s still a bit of a hidden gem. We love these islands, we’ll always go back and we know them well, so ask us if you’re interested! 

​Another Spanish region to explore? Rioja. It’s easy to reach and produces some of the best wine in Europe. It's also incredibly affordable and may be a perfect long weekend escape this year.

​The thing is that it's really cold, and that's why we never go. But we think we can invest in some thick jackets and tough it out for the otherworldly landscape, volcanoes and hot springs. It’s been on our list for years, so if we go, ya better believe we're doing the full ring road to get to all the remote places.

​Eternally on Megan's list, especially after last year's super relaxed island hop around the tiny, lesser known Cycladics. Now we’re hooked - we want to discover new places and visit all the spots that no one talks about to help adventurous travelers do the same (and obviously eat all the feta along the way).

​Not sure how we haven't made it past Istanbul because Turkey has been on our list for A LOOONG time. Cappadocia, with its famous fairy chimney landscape and magical hot air balloons, and the southern coast around Antalya are calling to us. Add in Turkish food, customs and hammams, and we’ll be surprised if this one doesn’t make it on the agenda in 2025.

​Possibly an addition to a trip home, with great beaches, potential island hopping and some cool cultural experiences. It's one of the only countries we skipped in Central America and we can't figure out why with all it has to offer. 

​Will this be the year? Fingers crossed, because we've been itching for an Africa trip for what feels like forever. We know you are too - this (along with Japan) is our #1 requested destination, so we’ll do our best to make it happen. We really like the idea of combining a safari or two with a few days on Zanzibar for some relaxing beach time (yes, we squeeze in the beach whenever possible).  

​Although we already have adventures on the books, 2025 feels full of possibilities. Here’s to a new year full of new experiences, fun and adventure! Now let’s gooooo!

Megan & Ryan

Our 2017 Travel Wishlist
Our 2018 Travel Wishlist
Our 2019 Travel Wishlist
Our 2020 Travel Wishlist
Our 2021 Travel Wishlist

To celebrate Ryan’s birthday this year, we decided to head somewhere we’ve always dreamed of — Japan. Although this was definitely a trip to scratch our personal itch, our time in Japan was also packed with connecting, learning, and soaking up every bit of culture to create our next Cohica Designed Trip, which we will launch very soon, but for now, here’s a taste of what we experienced on our travels.

After a short connection in Amsterdam, we hopped on board a 12-hour flight to Hong Kong, the perfect city to explore and de-jetlag before Japan. Hot, humid, and buzzing with energy, this city has been on our list for a long time. From the shiny, modern skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island, to the organized chaos of the Kowloon markets selling snake meat and turtles just across Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong is a fascinating sensory overload. A complete cultural mish-mash from centuries as a trading and financial hub, it feels like a fusion of Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Vietnam, with distinct cultural elements everywhere you look.

There really are few things we love more than waking up somewhere completely foreign and new, and Hong Kong is no exception, offering a unique blend of modern and traditional cultures, reshaped by years of international influence. We're here for all of it — the hustle and bustle, the contrasts, and yes, even the moments of discomfort. Packing a hefty amount of sightseeing into just a few days, we sweat through the humid air and nurse cold boba teas as we walked for miles, hopping on and off the ferry and seeking out the city's best veggie dim sum. It's an action-packed experience and a clear reminder of how much we love (and could easily spend more time in) Asia.

Following a 4-hour flight northwest from Hong Kong, we arrived in Tokyo to a city blanketed by dark clouds and heavy rain, a far cry from the sunny, hot, and sticky tropical heat of Hong Kong. After successfully navigating the Narita Airport train station (with a fair amount of help from Google Translate), we zoomed toward the city center, excited to explore this massive, ultra-modern metropolis, arriving late at our cozy boutique hotel in Shimbashi, a quiet district and our home for the next handful of days.

Despite its size and modernity, Tokyo has a timeless quality to it. We found ourselves wandering quiet neighborhoods, stumbling upon hidden noodle shops, and encountering beautiful temples tucked between glass towers. Tying everything together is a distinct sense of order. Everything — from the way people eat, drink, and prepare tea — is done with intention. 

While we’re usually drawn to off-the-beaten-path experiences, we leaned into some of the popular sights, from the neon-lit streets of Shibuya and Shinjuku, to the immersive TeamLab Planets exhibit, meeting new local partners, joining small group tours and diving into the food culture to learn (and eat!) as much as we could.

Our hike took us to ryokans (traditional inns), peaceful shrines, and even the occasional onsen (hot spring bath). The experience was everything we hoped for — authentic, serene, and a perfect addition to our upcoming Designed Trip.

One of the (many) things that made this trip so special was the newness. Often times we can find connections or similar energies between countries, especially within the same region. But Japan, in particular, felt entirely it's own. The food, culture, rituals, rules, nature, and religion were all so uniquely Japanese - with so many experiences we haven't had anywhere else in the world. This made for a truly special and unique travel experience that we absolutely cannot wait to share. 

If Japan is on your list, stay tuned — our new Designed Trip, will (as always), include the hotels, activities, partners, guides and travel tips that we've experienced first-hand. Keep an eye out - it's coming soon!

Happy travels!
Megan & Ryan

We’ve spent time in Slovenia and Croatia and loved both countries, but it felt like we had just scratched the surface. We wanted to get a feel for the differences in cultures and languages that make this region so textured, varied and vibrant. We also wanted to separate the missable from the unmissable, hunting down the coolest spots and best hidden gems to share with other travelers.

​We had been to Ljubljana before around Christmas time, but August has a whole different vibe. This city is hands-down one of the most underrated in Europe.

​Given that one of our goals for the summer was to spend more time by the sea, you might ask why we chose to visit a landlocked former communist country with a torrid past. It’s a good question with a pretty simple answer… we’d never been here before and didn’t have any expectations. Both things that, in our opinion, are often the starting point for incredibly interesting, if not perfect, travel experiences.

​We weren’t entirely sure what to expect of our time in Sarajevo, but as we were driving away, Ryan said “Everyone should come here.”

But the people of Sarajevo don’t want their future to be defined by the city's past. Sarajevo has become a vibrant modern city, with craft breweries, great coffee, markets, restaurants and so much more. It’s beautiful, surrounded by the Dinaric Alps with the Miljacka River passing through the city. The people are welcoming, generous and proud of their home and what they have created in the short time since the siege.

Ryan was right, everyone should come here.

​The 2-hour drive from Sarajevo to Mostar was mind-blowingly beautiful - a little sneak peek to what we were about to experience in the city itself.

With stone bridges, hidden corners, riverside cafes and surrounding mountains, Mostar is straight out of a fairytale. The most famous old part of the city is small - like, really small - and can be easily explored in a few hours, making it a popular day trip from Dubrovnik (1.5 hours away). To say it simply, we really liked it here. We walked along the river, drank beers from a local craft microbrewery, learned about the city’s history, and enjoyed a couple of nice dinners out. Most notably, we were introduced to Bosnian burek, a much loved stuffed pastry which is absolutely worthy of the hype!

All in all, having spent a week in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we can’t help feeling that travelers miss out on an incredible experience by not visiting this wonderful country. Our time here provided the much needed context to better understand the history, the people, and the culture, and we absolutely recommend putting Bosnia on your travel wishlist.

​When most people think of Montenegro, they think of Kotor Bay. And rightfully so… it’s pretty epic. The steep mountains seem to crash into the calm, glassy, lake-like water of the narrow bay below. 

​While the last couple of weeks felt like traveling, this finally felt like vacation. We spent our days swimming in the mornings, working during the afternoon heat, and staring blankly at the sheer beauty of the place in the moments in between. At night, we watched the mountains turn pink, and enormous cruise ships sail by as we drank cold lagers and made simple dinners in our apartment. We felt so relaxed here and could stay longer, but it was time to hit the road for the 2-hour coastal drive south.

It’s not often that we feel compelled to leave a place, but this was one of those occasions. We decided to chalk it up to experience, and move on… ​

​We couldn’t drive up the Dalmatian Coast and not stop in Dubrovnik!

Also known as the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’, the famous walled city is simply stunning - no wonder it’s the most visited in the country. The calm waters are perfect for swimming and kayaking, with epic views of the coastal cliffs and hidden caves. Inland, the countryside is beautiful, with vineyards, ancient olive groves and medieval watermills. Within the city itself, the historic walls are like traveling back in time, and cliffside bars and great restaurants which (almost) make the crowds bearable. We always tell travelers that, although it can be busy and feel somewhat contrived at times, Dubrovnik is a place to visit at least once in your lifetime. It is spectacular. 

​This was our favorite stop of the summer. 4 hours north along the coast from Dubrovnik and only a few miles from Split, Marina is a beautiful, well-kept secret.

​The final stop on our 5-week summer vacation was Pula, a near 6-hour drive north. This small city, on the tip of the Istria Peninsula, is home to the only remaining Roman amphitheater with four preserved side towers, along with an absolutely amazing coastline.

We had the added joy of spending our time here with our best mates from London (which was an unfair advantage for Pula in our destination-ranking system). We left the car parked pretty much our entire time there, opting to keep it local for our last few days of vacation. We rented a tiny - like, really tiny - boat for a morning, practiced our diving skills, lounged in the sun; drank beers on the pebble beaches, jogged the undulating coastline, told stories as the sun set, and relaxed with our friends. Just a couple hours from Italy, it was the perfect end to our adventure through the Balkans.

If you’re feeling inspired and want to explore the Balkans, check out our 11-day Designed Trip to Slovenia & Croatia where you’ll discover Ljubljana, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. If you want to go a little more off the beaten path, or have different destinations in mind, get in touch and we’ll work with you to plan the perfect Custom Trip. 

 ​Covid time vortex aside, it’s shocking that five years have gone by. But at the same time, life in Europe is life for us now. It’s where we’ve grown our business, gotten married, met some of our closest friends, adopted our dog, and bought our first house. As with all major milestones or anniversaries (euroversary?) it’s impossible not to reflect on all the ups and downs, challenges, adventures and lessons learned over the last five years. 

The number one takeaway? The bigger the risk, the bigger the reward. Starting over, understanding new cultures, learning two languages, making new friends... it’s all been a challenge and a half. But (as we were all reminded last year) life is short and it’s only what you make it. So, for us, every single second has been worth it (vale la pena!), and we have every intention of continuing to push ourselves and take risks for the next five years, and the five years after that.

Pace 
Everything you’ve heard is true. Siestas, post-lunch passeggiatas, long, sunny aperitivo hours. Both Spaniards and Italians know how to slow down, open a bottle of wine, relax and enjoy life… which is wonderful until the moment you’re trying to get something done (home renovations, car registration, dental work... anything). There’s a “domani, domani” attitude that makes every task/project last faaaaar longer than it needs to. More often than not, we miss the efficiency of the USA. Life here is relaxing, but patience is key.

Money
We never realized how unique America’s capitalist-centric society is until we lived in Europe. Both Spain and Italy have a very large middle class, resulting in a general feeling that everyone (or the vast majority of people) are in the same boat. People live in generally the same size houses (read: small) and have a somewhat similar financial status. Salaries are far lower than in the U.S but pay a living wage, and the people in the highest income brackets are heavily taxed. In general, there's a different relationship with money  - it’s more about having enough to feel secure and have a high quality of life, and less about the opportunity to become a billionaire. 

Travel
Perhaps one of the main reasons (in addition to the awesome free healthcare) we love living in Europe: travel is easy, cheap and accessible. The continent is small, and within a few hours you can be almost anywhere. Having a large handful of different countries/cultures/languages at our fingertips is a dream come true, and quite different than international travel from the U.S., which is usually a bigger and pricier trip.

Infrastructure
Newsflash. Things are old here. Like, really old. Strolling down cobbled streets past 500 year-old churches may be lovely when you’re vacationing in Europe, but living in an ancient city is a whole different ballgame. When it’s hot, the streets of Valencia often smell like sewage because the sewage system is ancient and has to navigate underground Roman ruins. Here in Italy, we had a pipe break in our bathroom and watched as the contractor jack-hammered a six foot-wide hole into our tiled stone wall trying to locate it. We don’t have screens on our windows or a drier for our clothes (we literally haven’t had fluffy towels in five years). Let’s just say, there have been many, many times when we’ve missed how everything just works - and works well - in the U.S. 

Work 
As privileged college grads, we were pretty used to the idea that we could find a good job anywhere we went. Before moving to Europe, we left management and director positions and thought we could easily figure something out while we worked on growing Cohica. A few months later, we found ourselves teaching English at a kids summer camp for $125 a week - talk about a dose of humility! Good jobs (which we did find later) are not easy to come by. This is why most people find a secure and well-paying job and stick with it, sometimes for their whole career. But work here is different. It's more of a means to an end, and who you are is not what you do. Life doesn't center around work, and very few people are impressed by a fancy resume or title (we tried when we first moved, and people literally did not care).

Food 
Spain and Italy (especially Italy!) have incredible food. Not just the cuisine, but the ingredients themselves. The produce is unbelievably fresh and local (usually from our region), and meals are prepared based on what’s in season. While we sometimes yearn for strawberries in the middle of winter, we’ve learned to embrace seasonal eating. It means that the food we eat is always changing, always fresh, and almost always sustainably grown and distributed. That being said, one thing that’s severely missing: fast-casual. The U.S. offers convenience and options… SO many options! If we’re lazy and don’t feel like cooking, it’s pizza for dinner. At least once a week, one of us yearns for a burrito. Enough said.

People/Culture 
While Europe is full of different nationalities, there is a European culture that runs through every country. We love having friends from Sweden, England, Scotland, and Portugal, but multi-national doesn’t necessarily equal multi-cultural, and we miss the diversity that is found in (many parts of) the U.S. Italian culture is beautiful, but is largely based on tradition and the way things have always been done. When people from all different parts of the world bring different perspectives, foods, and traditions to one place, you naturally get a more interesting, forward thinking and modern society.

People often ask us if we miss the U.S. The answer is always, yes, of course. It will always be our home, and there’s a serious comfort with the places we’ve always known. We miss our families and our friends, the empowerment of communicating freely, and the ease of knowing how things work. And Mexican food. We really miss Mexican food. But life in southern Europe has offered many things that we were looking for - challenge, community, travel, work life balance and a very high quality of life. The low cost of living and free public healthcare allows us the freedom to comfortably work for ourselves and travel as much as we can. And the gelato doesn't hurt either.

Fast forward five years and we continue to focus on these vitally important aspects of international travel and tourism. Although we always choose environmentally sustainable travel first, we’ve recognized that some of the greatest effect travelers can have on the places they visit is through socially responsible practices that are inherent to a more culturally centered type of travel. Environmental sustainability in travel is crucial and there are a variety of things tourists can do, but the scale at which these issues must be addressed relegates any real change to large businesses, industries, and government policy. When it comes to social responsibility though, travelers, as a collective, have the power to create a fundamental shift toward a world of more ethical, sustainable, and positively impactful travel. When culture is placed at the forefront of a travel experience, there is a natural movement toward the types of trips that have the potential to create long-term value for the communities and stakeholders they involve. And in a year marked by a devastating pandemic, in which thousands of travel (and travel-related) companies have gone out of business, taking the following steps when you go on your next trip will go a long way to help tourism professionals, small businesses, and communities get back on their feet. ​

In destinations around the world, small and micro businesses make up a significant part of the tourism infrastructure. Here in Italy, more than 95% of SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) are micro businesses, with less than 10 employees. These types of businesses almost always have fewer resources, especially financial, and receive less government support in times of economic crisis. Their earnings don’t go to shareholders, nor do their CEOs receive annual bonuses in the millions. 

​What all this means is that when you stay at a small boutique hotel, eat at a local restaurant, visit the farmer’s market, or buy from a small shop, the money you’re spending goes directly to the owners of these businesses, and therefore to actual members of the community you’re visiting. There’s no better way to make sure your dollars get in the pockets of those who need them.

A handful of multinational corporations account for more than half of the world’s hotel rooms (source) and the industry continues to consolidate behind the top hotel groups. Although there are many wonderful, corporate-owned or managed hotels that employ countless people across the world, dollars spent at these properties rarely go far toward supporting the local economy. 

So instead of staying at a Marriott, choose a boutique, locally-owned hotel and book direct. More often than not, these types of properties offer a clearer view into local culture, along with a true sense of place. When you book directly with the hotel (or with us, as we do), you ensure that one of the many massive OTAs (online travel agencies) isn’t skimming 10-20% off the top of the property’s earnings. Even better, you're also likely to benefit from a more flexible change and/or cancellation policy.

There may be no industry in the world that’s been hit harder by the pandemic than the arts, and what better way to learn, while celebrating local culture, than visiting a museum, gallery, historic monument, or music venue. Take a language class, go to a concert (as soon as they're back!), discover street art with a local guide, or check out a craft market. It’s one of the fastest ways to enrich your travel experience and really get to know a place, while supporting the people and communities behind these industries.

As popular as it’s become to eat local, sticking to the same strategy when traveling is even more important. By choosing small, locally-owned restaurants, exploring traditional cuisine, and buying regional foods, you’ll make sure the food you’re eating is sustainable and continues to play an important role in the food traditions of the place you’re visiting. The more authentic your food, the more you’ll understand about what makes each community so unique. Take a trip to Valencia, Spain, and you’ll see why paella made there is unlike anywhere else in the world. Or visit the Ligurian coast to understand how true pesto genovese cannot be replicated by jars in the supermarket. When you’re done eating, buy some of the foods you love most and take them home as a souvenir to further support local farmers, shops, restaurants, and all those who work with them.

​At Cohica we strive to better connect travelers to the places they visit through amazing cultural travel experiences that are socially responsible. We design all of our Custom Travel Plans, Designed Trips, and Guided Trips to include boutique hotels and activities run by small, local businesses, while emphasizing experiences that highlight food, culture, and the arts. After an enormously difficult year, there is at long last, a light at the end of the tunnel. We can’t wait to begin anew, helping you to explore and celebrate the myriad of beautiful places, and the communities behind them, throughout the world.

After a devastating year for international travel in 2020, there are promising signs for a return to exploration and adventure in 2021. Nations across the globe have begun mass vaccination campaigns with hopes of mitigating and eventually eliminating COVID-19. In the U.S especially, vaccination efforts are quickly ramping up, with plans to inoculate every American by August as the number of cases, deaths and hospitalizations continue to decrease each day.

A not-so-insignificant part of these efforts will be to create safe and healthy travel experiences for international tourists. Since late December, Delta and Alitalia have been offering “Covid-free” flights from Atlanta to Rome, allowing visitors to bypass quarantine upon arrival in Italy. With the addition of coordinated vaccine or testing programs like this, we’re very optimistic that European borders will open to American visitors by summertime.

While we hope international travel will be completely secure in the latter half of the year, there will surely be some lingering Covid concerns among travelers. After more than a year of social distancing, mask wearing, and plenty of self-isolation, we’ll all want to feel safe and comfortable as we explore new places and share new experiences abroad. That being said, our criteria for selecting the best destinations and travel experiences are, (1) Outdoor experiences and natural beauty, (2) Effective local health and safety protocols, and of course (3) Low (or no) infection rates. With these factors in mind, we’ve crafted a list of our top eight destinations for 2021.

We’ve written a lot about the Azores and how much we absolutely love this Portuguese archipelago located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s truly one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world, with a charming culture and kind, welcoming people.

There are an endless number of outdoor activities in the Azores, from hiking and kayaking Volcanic lakes, to deep sea fishing, to mountain biking through rainforests, and dipping in natural hot springs under a waterfall. To date the Azores have had 1,192 total COVID cases with only 18 deaths. In addition to a robust national health care system the Portuguese Government has implemented thorough health and safety protocols.

Check out our Designed Trip to the Azores or contact us about a Custom Travel Plan to Portugal 

​There are few places in the world more remote than Patagonia, located at the southernmost tip of South America. A region that stretches between parts of both Argentina and Chile, Patagonia offers an abundance of breathtaking natural landscapes and awe inspiring sights, such as Torres del Paine National Park (Chile), Tierra del Fuego National Park (Argentina), and Los Glaciares National Park (Argentina). 

While both Chile and Argentina have seen their fair share of Covid cases, both have implemented significant health and safety measures to tackle the virus. While the number of tourists who visit places Patagonia has grown over the years, this region is still relatively less-traveled than many other destinations. Torres del Paine had approximately 250,000 visitors in 2017 - a tiny number when compared to somewhere like Yosemite National Park, which received 4.5 million visitors in 2019.

Contact us about a Custom Travel Plan to Patagonia! 

A small island nation set just off the southern tip of India, Sri Lanka is a geographically diverse country, full of stunning scenery, amazing wildlife, wonderful culture and centuries of complex history. With a growing tourism infrastructure and super affordable transportation and hotel rates, it’s a great destination for all types of travel budgets. (We were there this time last year and often find ourselves dreaming of terraced tea fields, open-air trains, remote white sand beaches, coconut dal, and wild elephants).

Having banned international travel starting in spring of 2020, Sri Lanka remained relatively untouched by Covid for the first part of last year. A surge in cases beginning in early October has persisted through January, however, the official total number of cases is still just over 60,000. 

Contact us about a Custom Travel Plan to Sri Lanka, and keep an eye out for a brand new Designed Trip, coming soon!

​Vietnam is hands-down one of our favorite places in the world. It’s unbeatable combination of delicious cuisine, charming people and culture, and beautiful landscapes make for diverse and unique travel experiences. The Ninh Binh Province, located in northern Vietnam, is the perfect destination for 2021. A region full of historic Buddhist temples, wondrous caves, and plenty of hiking, it’s best known for steep karst mountains that tower over beautiful green river valleys. 

In the early days of the pandemic, Vietnam closed its borders to international travel and tourism, taking an incredibly serious approach to stopping the spread of Covid within the country. To this point there have been less than 1,600 total cases, with new daily cases remaining in the single digits in recent weeks. Having experience managing SARS in 2003, Vietnam’s Covid response has been widely hailed as a success, leading to its position as the top performing Asian economy of 2020. When it does reopen its borders to international travel, we’ll be some of the first ones to visit.

Check out our Designed Trip to Vietnam or contact us about a Custom Travel Plan!

The breathtaking natural landscapes of Iceland might just be the perfect post-Covid travel experience. A sparsely populated country (there are just over 350,000 inhabitants) is a great place to explore independently, whether for only a few days or multiple weeks. The Ring Road, which circles the entire island, makes for an ideal road trip passing glacial fjords, jaw-dropping waterfalls, black sand beaches, and quaint villages. 

Through stringent health and safety measures, Iceland has managed to remain relatively unscathed by COVID, with just over 6,000 total cases and only 29 Covid-related deaths to date. As soon as international travel to the Schengen Zone is permitted, we think Iceland will be an ideal adventure destination.

​Contact us about a Custom Travel Plan to Iceland!

This past September, as the number of COVID cases remained low across most of Europe, we were fortunate enough to spend an incredible week on the islands of Rhodes and Symi, part of the Dodecanese in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Aside from the wonderful archaeological sites, beautiful ancient towns, and long, intriguing history, the Dodecanese islands are surrounded by some of the most amazing water we’ve ever seen. The warm, salty azure sea gently laps onto Symi’s deep bays and hidden coves, and Rhodes’ stunning pebble beaches. It’s truly a magical place.

If there weren’t enough reasons to visit Greece in 2021, the country’s relatively low case numbers and overall success in managing the pandemic make it an even more appealing destination. New infections have decreased significantly since Greece’s only real ‘surge’ in November and the country’s vaccination campaign has been underway since late December. 

Check out our Designed Trip to Greece or contact us about a Custom Travel Plan to the Dodecanese!

A mountainous country bordered by Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and China, Laos has been part of the Southeast Asia backpacker circuit for decades now. Yet it’s remained significantly less touristy than most of its neighboring countries, with only about 4 million international visitors annually (compared to Thailand’s nearly 40 million). Known for its stunning natural landscapes, Buddhist culture (with temples and monasteries dotting the country), and French colonial architecture in the capital of Vientiane, it’s really a must-visit destination in SE Asia.

Along with much of the region, Laos has largely avoided Covid, with total cases in just double-digits since the beginning of the pandemic. Over 108,000 Covid tests have been performed since January of last year, with only 45 positive results so far. 

​​Contact us about a Custom Travel Plan to Laos!

​Sandwiched between Croatia, Austria, Italy and Hungary, Slovenia is more than just the home of Luka and Melania. This mostly land-locked nation is just about as quaint as European countries get. The capital, Ljubljana, has a charming historic center with a mix of baroque and 20th-century architecture that straddles the calm Ljubljanica River. The rest of this little country is full of beautiful mountains, serene lakes, and unique castles. We spent nearly a week here in December 2019 with Ryan’s parents and can’t wait to go back. 

Slovenia was almost untouched by Covid until the fall, but has managed to flatten the curve significantly since then. Cases have come down significantly in the last two months and its vaccination campaign is beginning to ramp up.

​Contact us about a Custom Travel Plan to Slovenia!

​When international travel returns later this year, we think there will be no better places to explore than these countries, which have made significant efforts to manage COVID and offer unbeatable natural landscapes. Getting outside, taking in beautiful scenery, and discovering new cultures with the peace of mind that the virus is in check (and that we’re all vaccinated… hopefully!) is exactly what we’re looking forward to in 2021. What about you?