Rachel Rudwall

There’s something about being on a boat—any kind of boat, from a giant cruise liner to a humble dinghy—that makes a person feel free, adventurous, ready to explore. Here, we’ve compiled a veritable fleet of options for taking to the high seas (and low-lying rivers) this year.
Help Save the Amazon by Taking a Canoe Tour in Peru
The Amazon rainforest is home to an estimated 10 percent of the world’s known species, and it’s a major player in global climate regulation—yet, each day, more of it is...

"International travel expert and CDMX superfan Rachel Rudwall shares tips on how to best enjoy Mexico City’s Day of the Dead parade (after accidentally ending up in the parade one year—and having the time of her life)."

"Waves break onto barrier reefs. Palm trees nod in the morning light. Manta rays lazily cross the sea floor. Drizzle falls while the sun shines, inviting rainbows to gleam in each direction. Then, a mother and newborn humpback whale entrust you to swim with them in the sapphire sea, rolling, surfacing, and communing with you in the deep.

It really is the stuff of dreams, traveling Tahiti via private yacht. And yet somehow—of all the ways a person could explore French Polynesia..."

Armed with artist Mauro Díaz’s insider knowledge, celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Puerto Rican capital and explore centuries-old traditions, art, and architecture.
Founded in 1521, San Juan holds the title of oldest city in the United States, boasting more than five centuries of history spanning native Taíno, Spanish, African, and American heritages. Today, this 500-year-old city delights visitors with its rich history, vibrant creative scene, mult...

These travel influencers give expert tips on 10 places to go next, from trekking through Hawaii to exploring New Zealand.
I'm not talking about just ogling pretty pictures fr...

For a family of four, the Alkaridis claim a surprising number of countries of origin. Alaa and Lujein were born in Syria, they delivered their four-year-old daughter Leen in Egypt, and their one-year-old daughter Ritta was born in the United States. Alaa laughs when he recounts this fact, but conversation quickly makes clear that his family’s varied birth locations speak to a long and challenging journey from home in a war zone to resettlement on the other side of the world.

Here in Vancouver...

From pioneering eco-friendly cities and towns to glimmering mountain peaks and two-million-year-old skiable canyons, the Centennial State more than delivers on expansive experiences. With healing hot springs, train journeys through river-carved gorges, interactive art installations, and everything in between, Colorado offers rewarding experiences no matter the time of year.

Inspired by her recent Silversea expedition to Antarctica, AFAR Ambassador Rachel Rudwall reflects on what it means to travel not only deeper but also more responsibly.

There are places so staggering that you struggle to keep up with the speed at which your brain is processing beauty. Their vastness humbles, even as their wonders make you feel more connected to the world than ever before.

Antarctica is one of those places, and I know because I’m lucky enough to have been there. I found myself...

The Day of the Dead is about much more than sugar skulls and likenesses of dancing skeletons. Mexico’s most colorful annual tradition is all about celebrating life while honoring those who have passed away—by welcoming their spirits back to the land of the living with Mexico City’s biggest and brightest street party. From candlelit altars to the ubiquitous orange marigolds and colorful cut paper strands that adorn the city in the days leading up to the November 2 festivities, the city becomes...

You don’t have to go far for a sun-kissed beach vacation. With idyllic weather, minimal crowds, and 32 miles of soft, sandy shores, Alabama beaches are seaside escapes that are also an easy flight or convenient drive from most places in the southeastern United States. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, coastal cuisine, or charming seasonal events, Alabama’s beaches have you covered.

Accessible adventure at Alabama’s beaches

A short road trip from major cities such as New Orleans, A...

Alabama’s Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer everything you need for a family-friendly vacation.

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Courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

Waves lapping at your feet and gentle enough for little ones to play in. Sand slipping softly between your toes and shaped into castles. With azure skies overhead and a cool breeze on your skin as the sun dips low on the horizon, the whole family feels utter relaxation. Daydream, though this may seem, this reality can be yours with a visit to Ala...

Red rock canyons. Iconic music venues. White-sand beaches. Dreamy spa treatments. From picnics with llamas and award-winning stays on a dude ranch to whitewater rafting and world-class wine-tasting, immersive experiences await you in Colorado. Come see for yourself how, with sun-stretched days and star-filled nights, summer shines a little brighter in the Centennial State.

In the center of Bangkok lies a .6-square-mile ecosystem that represents a greater global whole: the community of Kadeejeen. Over the centuries, Thai residents mingled here with Chinese, Muslim, and Portuguese citizens. Together, they fended off foreign invasions and conducted trade. It’s now nearly equally divided across religions; 2000 Christians live in Kadeejeen alongside 1500 Buddhists and 1500 Muslims. Exploring its tightly wound alleyways reveals multicultural harmon...

Just back from a solo trip to Thailand, AFAR Ambassador Rachel Rudwall shares her tips for authentic island hopping.

The beaches of southern Thailand can bring to mind images of full moon parties with free-flowing Chang beer and throngs of tourists. But beyond the popular islands of Ko Chang, Ko Tao, and Ko Phi Phi (the latter made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach), I discovered a breath of fresh air: hidden trails and undisturbed parks with ample room for adventuresome travelers.

Just...

While exploring Tohoku, Japan, this fall, AFAR Ambassador Rachel Rudwall was fascinated by the tradition and presence of wabi-sabi, from the region’s cliff-leaning temples to its topography-inspired zen gardens.

This was not my first trip to Japan. I had been twice before, exploring cities both ancient and new, plus hiking a large swath of the Kumano Kodo—one of the world’s two UNESCO World Heritage Treks. After those trips, I felt I had a solid grounding in Japanese culture. I knew how to ea...