By Ann Abel

Now that the European Union is opening up to vaccinated travelers, it’s time to make up for lost time. And while busy cities still make some of us skittish, countryside destinations have never been more appealing. (And note that covid restrictions still exist, meaning that not all of this may be open right now.) The Loire River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central France, is one of those places. The main activities are touring airy old châteaux and magnificent modern gardens, tasting wine in the middle of vineyards and, this being France, eating some very good food … continue reading

Ann Abel is a travel writer and editor and was a senior editor at ForbesLife. She writes for Forbes, Departures, Conde Nast Traveller, Robb Report, Afar, National Geographic Traveler, Islands, Hemispheres, Brides, Modern Bride, Well + Good NYC, and other print and online publications.”In the name of lifestyle journalism, ” she says, ” I’ve gotten a tattoo in Bora Bora, been bitten by a massage therapist, and flown small aircraft above three continents.” She lives in Lisbon.