Rachel King

2 weeks ago | coolmaterial.com | Rachel King |Daniel Modlin

Marlborough put New Zealand on the global wine map with Sauvignon Blanc, but visiting isn’t as straightforward as other nearby wine regions. It lacks the tourism infrastructure of popular areas like Hawke’s Bay, Waiheke Island or Central Otago. And without the obvious wine tasting routes and high-profile luxury estates you might find in Napa or Burgundy, knowing where to go takes some planning.

2 weeks ago | coolmaterial.com | Daniel Modlin |Rachel King

Laos is not an easy country to get to. Even from New York. My journey required the longest operating flight via Singapore Air, a full 18 hours, landing in Singapore, then a connecting flight to Bangkok. After spending the night at the Avani+ Riverside in Bangkok, my jet-lagged and weary self boarded another two-hour flight to Luang Prabang. Even as we flew in, sailing above chiseled cliffs, I could tell that Laos was a world apart, and worth every minute onboard an aircraft.

3 weeks ago | coolmaterial.com | Kaitlyn Rosati |Johnny Motley |Brandon Withrow |Rachel King

When it comes to planning your next trip, the world is your oyster. Should you go on an African safari, eat your way through Italy, or watch tango in Argentina? Trying to narrow down those bucket lists can feel like an impossible task, but that’s where we come in. We’re a few months into the year, and if you don’t have solid travel plans for 2025 yet, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks—from small Midwestern cities, to Southeast Asian gems, to surprising Middle Eastern destinations.

1 month ago | coolmaterial.com | Rachel King |Brett Braley |Brandon Withrow

Bonaire, the lesser-known gem of the ABC Islands off the coast of Venezuela, stands apart from its more familiar neighbors, Aruba and Curaçao, thanks to its less crowded feel and easygoing vibe. Known for its thriving coral reefs and protected marine environment, Bonaire is the ultimate destination for divers and snorkelers. Bonaire offers more than 85 dive sites along its 24-mile length and narrow width of just three to seven miles.

1 month ago | coolmaterial.com | Johnny Motley |Kaitlyn Rosati |Rachel King

Skip to Content Share Article Share through your preferred social media platform: Long experience has taught me that a trip’s success hinges on preparation: smoothing out logistics, researching itineraries, and most crucially, packing properly.