Ellen Carpenter

Nov 18, 2024 | afar.com | Ellen Carpenter

Dark sky sanctuaries. Floating nightclubs. Blueberry farms. Indigenous-owned lodges. These are just some of the facets of Afar’s list of top 25 places to go in 2025. This year’s list features some of the world’s most fascinating and lesser-visited countries, regions, and cities where you won’t find crowds of travelers angling for the same Instagram Reel. From Chios, Greece, and Columbus, Ohio, to Guyana and Jordan, these destinations are bound to inspire another year of joyful and intentional travel.

Sep 19, 2024 | hemispheresmag.com | Ellen Carpenter

By September 19, 2024 The violinists began to bow once the sky was dark and filled with stars. Fifteen thousand of us sat, ready to be swept away by the music and emotion of Aida in the Arena di Verona, an amphitheater built in 30 CE, where Ancient Romans once watched gladiators battle to the death. On this night, people would die—but that fate would last only until curtain call.

Aug 14, 2024 | hemispheresmag.com | Ellen Carpenter

By August 14, 2024 On a trip to a Montana dude ranch and Yellowstone National Park, a family disconnects from technology—and builds better connections with each other The trip starts with a bet.

Jul 1, 2024 | hemispheresmag.com | Ellen Carpenter

By Ellen Carpenter June 30, 2024 When you’re in Christchurch, all of New Zealand’s South Island feels spread out before you. The country’s most promising new wine region, Waipara, lies less than an hour’s drive to the north; its majestic Southern Alps are only a scenic train ride to the west; and Kaikōura, home to one of the world’s richest deep-sea habitats, is just a two-hour jaunt up the coast.

Jun 10, 2024 | hemispheresmag.com | Ellen Carpenter

By Ellen Carpenter June 10, 2024 Families visiting Orlando often book a “day off” from riding Space Mountain and visiting Diagon Alley to simply relax at the hotel. There’s so much going on at the new Evermore Orlando Resort, though, that guests might need to spend their day off at the parks.