Escaping the Tourist Traps The Best Travel Experiences Are Always Worth the Cost

BY DAN COSTA

ating lasting memories. For this issue, we send writers to the top (Nepal) and bottom (Antarctica) of the planet and more than a few places in between.

The damage from the COVID19 pandemic can be measured in job losses, global GDP, and, most importantly, human lives.

Quantifying how the outbreak isolated us as individuals, communities, and nations is harder. The idea of a global citizen traveling the world for new experiences was quickly replaced by home-bound workers scrolling for unwatched shows on Netflix. Although difficult to quantify, the problem has drawn the attention of health authorities. Dr. Vivek Murthy, The U.S. Surgeon General, recently issued a report titled Our Epidemic of Loneliness, in which he concludes that loneliness “has to be a public health priority that we consider on par with tobacco, with substance use disorders, with obesity and other issues that we know profoundly impacted people’s lives.”

Sounds like the perfect time for Worth’s annual travel issue. Travel is more than just visiting new places or checking off a bucket list. It’s about immersing ourselves in new cultures, expanding our perspectives, and cre-

We sent Eric Cornog to hike the Himalayas in Nepal. Known for its towering peaks, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, a trip to Nepal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The trails offer stunning views of snowcapped peaks, colorful prayer flags, and friendly locals. Trekking in Nepal is also an opportunity to connect with the local culture and way of life, whether staying in tea houses or interacting with the Sherpa people.

We sent Deborah Grayson and Jonathan Russo to cruise Antarctica, the planet’s southernmost continent, to explore one of the last untouched wilderness areas in the world. Surrounded by icebergs, penguins, and other wildlife, his journey reminds us that we are all part of a global ecosystem and that our actions can profoundly impact the environment. It’s a humbling experience that can inspire us to be more mindful and responsible in our daily lives. Also, the food on board was fantastic.

This issue also allowed us to highlight Worth’s Rising Cities for 2023, many of which are destinations in their own right. Charleston, SC, for example, offers a rich history and vibrant culture. From its cobblestone streets to historic homes and gardens, Charleston is a city steeped in tradition and Southern hospitality.

The careful balance of preservation and progress has made Charleston stand out. The city has a thriving arts and culture scene, with world-class restaurants, museums, and galleries that showcase the best of Southern hospitality and creativity. At the same time, Charleston has preserved its historic architecture and landmarks, ensuring visitors and locals alike can appreciate the city’s past while looking toward the future. With a growing economy and a commitment to sustainable development, Charleston is a city that is truly on the rise and one that is leading the way in urban conservation and growth.

Finally, we scoured the world to find the most unique beaches. From pink sands to proximity to rainforests, we found beaches that offered sun, sand, and something extra. My favorite is Secret Beach in Dominica. Secret Beach is a pristine stretch of sand tucked away in a secluded cove accessible only by boat. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by crystal clear waters, gentle waves, and a sense of tranquility that is hard to find elsewhere. Although, when I arrived by kayak the sand was covered with crabs…but they politely scurried away and left me to spend a perfect afternoon with a beach entirely to myself.

As humans, we need connection and community. We also need to be alone. Travel, done right, can deliver the best of both.

— Dan Costa EDITORIAL DIRECTOR dan.costa@worth.com

Jim McCann CHAIRMAN

Josh Kampel

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Paul Stamoulis PRESIDENT

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

STAFF EDITOR

ASSISTANT EDITOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

EDITOR AT LARGE CONTRIBUTORS

Dan Costa

Eva Crouse

Gabrielle Doré

Nicole Dudka

Richard Bradley

Jason Ashlock, Cait Bazemore, Sean Captain, Kirsten Cluthe, Bob Diamond & Larry Kantor, Ruthie Kornblatt-Stier, Pam Krueger, Oliver Rist

VICE PRESIDENT OF PARTNERSHIPS & DIRECTOR OF WOMEN & WORTH

VICE PRESIDENT, PARTNERSHIPS

VICE PRESIDENT, PARTNERSHIPS

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT PARTNER

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Laura Nix Gerson

Greg Licciardi

Melissa Buono

Kendall Wyckoff

Caitlin Hamilton

Teddy Gibbs

HEAD OF MARKETING

SPECIAL PROJECT COORDINATOR

Clyde Lee III

Kimberly Anderson-Marichal

Worth helps our influential, successful community better invest their time and money. We believe business is a lever for social and economic progress. From practical financial advice to exclusive profiles of industry leaders, Worth inspires our readers to lead more purpose-driven lives. Through our conferences, digital channels, and quarterly print publication, we connect the people and companies that are building the future. We showcase products and services that are indulgent, luxurious, and sustainable.

Pam Krueger is a recognized investor advocate and award-winning personal finance journalist and author. She is the founder and CEO of Wealthramp, which helps consumers find vetted fiduciary, fee-only financial advisors. It is the only service that protects people from unwanted solicitations by putting the consumer in control of when and how they talk to their referred advisor. Since 2019, Wealthramp has paired more than 20,000 people with advisors they can trust.

Krueger is also the creator and co-host of MoneyTrack, a weekly investor education TV series that aired on 250+ public stations on PBS from 2005-2019 and was funded by the Investor Protection Trust. She is also the co-host of the popular Friends Talk Money podcast, a show for those 50 and older who are looking for practical advice on how to define retirement and deal with money on their terms.

Evan Cornog is a historian, educator, and journalist. He has served as Dean of the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University, Associate Dean at Columbia Journalism School, Publisher of Columbia Journalism Review, and as Press Secretary to New York City Mayor Edward I. Koch. He is the author of three books on American political life. In addition to travel articles for Worth, he has written for The New Yorker, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, The American Scholar, and Columbia Journalism Review.

Oliver Rist is a long-time journalist specializing in all kinds of technology. Though he lives in Connecticut, he’s traveled the world, usually on a motorcycle. Riding like this, he’s motored up and down Route 66, negotiated an ocean of switchbacks across the Alps touching Germany, France, and Italy; whizzed through the Andalusians; traveled the length of the Pacific Coast Highway down to Cabo San Lucas in Baja; even dragged a modified Norton up the Tribhuvan Highway in Nepal back when he was younger, dumber, and didn’t yet suffer from altitude sickness. His current rides are a Ducati Diavel and an aging, but nevertheless awesome, BMW K1200S. Since seeing Curtiss Motorcycles’ electric flagship, however, he’s started dreaming about one of those and maybe figuring out how to EV restomod a ‘69 Mustang Mach 1. Oliver Rist is Worth’s new automotive columnist.