Travel Writing

Best Time to Visit South Africa: Weather, Seasons & Tips

Few places on earth offer as much variety as South Africa. From the sun-drenched vineyards of the Western Cape to the expansive plains of Kruger National Park, each season brings its own rhythm, flavor, and adventure. Guided by insights from Collette’s own travelers and destination experts who have explored South Africa firsthand, we know that timing can transform a great trip into an unforgettable one.Whether you’re searching for lions on safari, sampling world-class wines, or traveling along a...

Best Places to Visit in the US: Month-by-Month Travel Guide

The United States is a land of contrasts, where every season paints the country in a new light. From New England’s fiery autumns to the Pacific Coast’s breezy summers, the best time to travel depends on what kind of experience you’re after. And, the U.S. is made up of different regions, each with its own unique climate, culture, and best travel seasons, so your experience can vary greatly depending on where you go.Whether you’re dreaming of leaf-peeping road trips, desert adventures, or coastal...

What Is a Safari? | What to Expect on a Safari with Collette

Picture this: the sun rising over the savanna — golden light brushing the tall grass, elephants trudging by, and a lion’s roar carrying across the plains.The term safari comes from the Swahili word for “journey.” It reflects both the physical adventure and the emotional discovery that come with venturing into the wild.A safari offers the chance to see nature at its most raw and real. From Kenya’s open savannas to Tanzania’s endless plains, safaris reveal the intricate balance of life that unfold...

The Living Art of Portuguese Tiles: Meet Artisan Luis Oliveira

When you picture Portugal, you might see golden beaches or rolling vineyards. Yet another iconic piece of scenery can be found on buildings throughout the country. Azulejos, hand-painted tiles, brighten the interiors and exteriors of churches, palaces, train stations, and people’s homes.These intricate works trace stories of faith, culture, and community across centuries, turning neighborhoods throughout Portugal into open-air galleries.Today, we’re traveling to Azeitão, a small town near Lisbon...

Life in Portugal’s Cork Country: Meet Cork Producer and Artisan David Caeiro

When you think of cork, what comes to mind? Wine bottle stoppers might be your first answer. However, this sustainable material has numerous uses, ranging from fashion accessories and clothing to shoes, furniture, flooring, wall coverings, and more. Portugal is the world’s largest producer of cork, and the cork oak tree (Quercus suber) thrives in the country’s southern Alentejo region.Today, we’re virtually taking you to the center of the cork industry—to a small village just outside of the regi...

Best Time to Visit South Africa: Weather, Seasons & Tips

Few places on earth offer as much variety as South Africa. From the sun-drenched vineyards of the Western Cape to the expansive plains of Kruger National Park, each season brings its own rhythm, flavor, and adventure. Guided by insights from Collette’s own travelers and destination experts who have explored South Africa firsthand, we know that timing can transform a great trip into an unforgettable one.Whether you’re searching for lions on safari, sampling world-class wines, or traveling along a...

Best Places to Visit in the US: Month-by-Month Travel Guide

The United States is a land of contrasts, where every season paints the country in a new light. From New England’s fiery autumns to the Pacific Coast’s breezy summers, the best time to travel depends on what kind of experience you’re after. And, the U.S. is made up of different regions, each with its own unique climate, culture, and best travel seasons, so your experience can vary greatly depending on where you go.Whether you’re dreaming of leaf-peeping road trips, desert adventures, or coastal...

What Is a Safari? | What to Expect on a Safari with Collette

Picture this: the sun rising over the savanna — golden light brushing the tall grass, elephants trudging by, and a lion’s roar carrying across the plains.The term safari comes from the Swahili word for “journey.” It reflects both the physical adventure and the emotional discovery that come with venturing into the wild.A safari offers the chance to see nature at its most raw and real. From Kenya’s open savannas to Tanzania’s endless plains, safaris reveal the intricate balance of life that unfold...

The Living Art of Portuguese Tiles: Meet Artisan Luis Oliveira

When you picture Portugal, you might see golden beaches or rolling vineyards. Yet another iconic piece of scenery can be found on buildings throughout the country. Azulejos, hand-painted tiles, brighten the interiors and exteriors of churches, palaces, train stations, and people’s homes.These intricate works trace stories of faith, culture, and community across centuries, turning neighborhoods throughout Portugal into open-air galleries.Today, we’re traveling to Azeitão, a small town near Lisbon...

Life in Portugal’s Cork Country: Meet Cork Producer and Artisan David Caeiro

When you think of cork, what comes to mind? Wine bottle stoppers might be your first answer. However, this sustainable material has numerous uses, ranging from fashion accessories and clothing to shoes, furniture, flooring, wall coverings, and more. Portugal is the world’s largest producer of cork, and the cork oak tree (Quercus suber) thrives in the country’s southern Alentejo region.Today, we’re virtually taking you to the center of the cork industry—to a small village just outside of the regi...

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