Greetings from Bhutan! I’m currently eating breakfast at a farm overlooking the iconic Punakha Dzong as the sun slowly burns off the mountain fog. It’s been quite a journey getting here: a connection in Doha, a stopover in Bangkok (hosted by The Siam Hotel, a chic and striking Art Deco complex right on the river), and then a three-hour flight to the Himalayas!
While I’m sitting here in a ski jacket, many of you are likely planning trips to warmer climates. An escape to Mexico is always a good idea, and one destination that should to be on your radar is Cozumel. An island just south of Cancun famed for its underwater activities, Cozumel is currently struggling with a boom in cruise ship tourism. Environmentalists argue that the piers and the massive ships destroy the very reefs that people come to dive and snorkel, jeopardizing the island’s massive generator of sustainable tourism. Megan Frye shows us that the real beauty this island has to offer is beyond the port. Don’t miss her tips on planning your visit off-the-beaten path, and support the local community while enjoying the beautiful sights the island has to offer.
This week we also have the latest iteration of our destination dining guide, Eat Sheet. David Farley takes us to the party city of Belgrade in Serbia. While this sometimes rough and tumble Balkan city might be best known for its clubs, you can still eat incredibly well.
A century ago this month the world of archaeology, travel, architecture, and design were forever changed with the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb in Egypt. I really enjoyed our interesting take on how the King Tut discovery changed the museum gift shop forever. Enjoy!
— William O’Connor, Travel Editor