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Breakfast is breakfast, but sometimes it’s elevated to a whole new level. I was recently in Morocco over Ramadan, an interesting time to be in a country which largely practices Islam and abides by the rules of fasting for an entire month. From sunrise to sunset, food and water cannot be consumed. This has been done for years to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad. It is one of the pillars of the religion and is extremely important to its followers. Of course, for non-Muslims, food is plentiful. Although I felt badly down deep eating when others were fasting, I wasn’t sure I had the will power in me to give up my warm and flaky croissants, even for a day. The beautiful Selman hotel in Marrakech offers a fantastic breakfast to its guests which can be enjoyed in your room, outside or, if you’d like, in a fountain. I opted for the latter one morning and sat with my feet dangling in the cool water while the property’s horses put on a show just a mere 10 feet away. This experience is a “must” and will surely be one you won’t soon forget.

Oslo Opera House - 1 The Oslo Opera House , Operahuset in Norwegian, is the home of The Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, and the national opera theatre in Norway. The building is situated in the Bjørvika neighborhood of central Oslo, at the head of the Oslo Fjord. It is operated by Statsbygg, the government agency which manages property for the Norwegian government. The structure contains 1,100 rooms with the main auditorium seating 1,364 people. Two other performance spaces can seat 200 and 400 people. The angled exterior surfaces of the building are covered with Italian marble and white granite and make it appear to rise from the water. It is the largest cultural building constructed in Norway since Nidarosdomen was completed in 1300 and was completed in 2007 by Norwegian architecture firm, Snøhetta, We recommend an opera or ballet while in town, or a simple walk around its beautiful environment. The structure and sheer magic of its simplicity is inspiring.

Balloon Tallinn is a suspended hot air balloon just outside of Tallinn, near the port, that takes 30 visitors up in the air over 400 feet to enjoy magical views of the city and the Gulf of Finland. The smooth and easy ride is caged, so riders feel safe and secure. The three minute journey allows you to ascend to the heights and take-in a moment of silence with the peace that is the Estonian countryside and vistas. Reservations are recommended ahead of time, especially for groups.

Tallinn is old, very old, and its old town is probably one of the best preserved medieval points in Europe offering fantastic Hanseatic architecture and an amalgamation of Russian, Swedish and Danish influences from over the centuries. Modern-day Tallinn is a sort of Silicon Valley for emerging tech companies in Europe and beyond due to its world-renowned WiFi capabilities and lower costs for rent and labor. In fact, both Hotmail and Skype were started here. But, for those interested in pure history, old town is where you will want to begin. We suggest taking a walking tour of old town, this can be done through a privately hired local guide. If you’re with children the Vana Toomas, a fun and blue “Thomas the Train” trolley, can take you around. For those who just want to explore, walking it alone is just as easy. The compact area of old town offers medieval churches, restored merchant homes, barns and warehouses. Many of the stone and wooden buildings date back to the 11th century – which is very impressive. Walking through old town you will see sights like the town hall square, the Raeapteek Pharmacy (Europe’s oldest continually working pharmacy), Viru gates (which are near one of the only left-standing original stone watch towers of the fortified walls that once surrounded the city), St. Olaf’s Church, Aleksand Nevsky Cathedral and Toompea Castle. Each impressive structure has a reason for being built and a reason for still standing today. The wonderfully hilly walk through town will mesmerize you. While in old town, don’t forget to stop-in at one of the many cafes or restaurants that line the streets. Estonian cuisine is delicious and Estonians use only the freshest, mostly organic ingredients. If you’re lucky enough to be there during mushroom season (mid to late summer) – we recommend ordering as many dishes as possible with mushrooms. All of old town can be seen in one day – each corner of the city calling you to the next with its beauty. But, there’s always reason to come back as just when you think you’ve seen all Tallinn has to offer, you’re surprised at just how much you’ve missed. I would return over and over again.

A mere 40 minutes from Frankfurt, within the Frankfurt am Main region, is Wiesbaden. Serving as the capital of the Hesse region, this incredible spa town straddles the Rhine river, which is a logical jumping-off point to take a short cruise on the water and see the historic estates and small castles which sit on its shores. You’ll witness small family-owned vineyards, tiny villages and end the cruise in the picturesque town of Rüdesheim. All of this lies within the Rheingau region – famous for its riesling wines. There are several large vineyards in the area where you can do tastings. I recommend the stunningly beautiful Schloss Johannisberg , which has been steeped in viticultural history for over 1,200 years. You should also make a stop at the The Eberbach Abbey – a monastery from 1136 that is now an event space with a fantastic restaurant, gardens and wine production. A daytime river cruise is a must for any traveler looking to spend a little time soaking-in the Rheingau’s fabulous offerings.

Visitors to Morocco often come in search of the fabled medina experience. Where can you come to find delicious honey covered treats during Ramadan? Where can you locate beautiful leather bags and hand-woven rugs at a fraction of the price you’d pay at home? How can you source antiques passed down through generations of Moroccan families to purchase and take away with you as a memory of your experience? All of this is alive and well in the media of Fes. The fact is that many Moroccan cities have medinas, which are essentially fortified old sections of villages, that once were, and have since expanded outward from the fortified areas and into modern developments. But not every medina is created equal. In Fes, throughout the huge medina, there are more than 9,000 narrow streets to explore. As you stroll through, past mosques, food halls, fish stalls and learning institutions – you are literally walking through 1,300 years of Moroccan history. This very place is a UNESCO World Heritage site. But, the main difference here, is that this site is very much still in use. The Fes medina is a thriving center of shopping, meeting, living, schooling, praying and creating – all packed into these small streets. Like a neighborhood, each street has its own mosque and school, where children who live on the street can learn and pray. Within the medina is the oldest existing, and continually operating educational institution in the world, the University of al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri. This medina will assault your senses in the best of ways through its noise, smells, beauty, color and vibrancy. Our suggestion, as a visitor to Fes, is to hire a guide and have them show you through the place. It will take you at least one day, if not more, to feel like you’ve gotten a sense of its entirety. The medina here is something you will never forget.

Estonia is known for its handmade items, which have been a part of the local culture for centuries. Being that the people of Estonia are incredibly connected with nature and their surroundings, you will find things like sewn textiles, wool garments, wooden tools and instruments made from Juniper trees, locally made jams and more, lining the store windows and quaint markets. Many small boutiques in Tallinn and other cities like Pärnu carry these items which they’ve sourced directly from their makers. But, one popular spot where you can browse through many different stands offering variations of these items is Tallinn’s handicraft market. Here, vendors set-up their wares, many which are one-of-a-kind. Spend the morning or early afternoon browsing through – my favorite purchases include warm raw wool sweaters emblazoned with traditional patterns, which are perfect for winter. Click this Tallinn handicraft map of over 30 spots around the city to purchase Estonian handicraft treasures.

Finding an experience that is totally unique and beautiful in Marrakech isn’t hard, but add “magical” and there is one event that stands out – tea at Le Palais Selman . The Selman offers guests a moment of serenity near their incredible spa in an effort to bring you into the moment and allow you to enjoy traditional Moroccan tea in the most luxurious way. The staff can organize a private seating area overlooking two reflecting pools and beyond to the desert palms. Set amongst antique rugs and seats, a small station with mint tea, dates, pastries, fruit and nuts await. A Moroccan player sits nearby and sings softly – his voice carried over the night breeze. This experience is a perfect gesture for a loved one or even yourself as a special treat. The Selman has a way of elevating things to another level, and that is what you’ll find through their tea experience.

Hotel C.O.Q , which stands for community of quality, is a new property in the bourgeoning 13th arrondissement of Paris. It was born out of the love the proprietors have of both the area and a space where community is the focus. Removed from the typical Paris scenery which graces postcards, the hotel was formed in an area largely known for its Chinese and Vietnamese immigrant population. Which, of course, means access to some of the best Asian-fusion restaurants in town. But, it’s the sense of community and effort to bring about something different to the hotel landscape that stands out here. On a quiet street near the Place d’Italie metro stop, Hotel C.O.Q offers 50 rooms, in three categories, decorated with a mix of modern touches and antique-style furnishings – all made in France. You might find an 18th-century inspired paining juxtaposed against a desk from today’s modern era. Attention to lighting is key here, both in the lobby and rooms, as there are several options for adjusting lights to fit your mood. Rooms range from small to large, some with clever walk-in showers that are hidden behind the bed wall and allow access to both sides of the space, all very sexy. C.O.Q branded glass water bottles are offered to guests in-room as well as open bathrooms with noble materials like wood and marble. The lobby at the hotel is where the hotel’s name meets its objective. Community. Guests are encouraged to interact. Tables with books, games and other activities dot the space. High tables and low tables are located in a large kitchen-like area that is open for guests to indulge in coffee, tea and snacks around the clock. Breakfast is also served here. The hotel is virtually frills-free, but offers essentials for a delightful stay. The room rates are reasonable for Paris and the mood is fun and intimate. I give the owners credit for their efforts in experimenting with bot

Brussels Airlines is special. A small European carrier that focuses on specific routes, with an affinity for Africa, the airline is our choice for the number one in luxury and comfort in the region. As a traveler throughout Europe and Africa, there are many options to choose from if you plan to visit the continents. But, none can hold a candle to Brussels Airlines. Their dedication to service and comfort, as well as their knowledge of the region, puts them in a position to serve you fully throughout your journey. I flew Brussels recently between New York and Rwanda. Having never flown them before, I was intrigued as to what I might find. With flights out of North America operating from JFK airport in New York, Washington D.C. and soon Toronto – and direct connections to Kigali from their Brussels hub, I felt they would be the best option. From the moment I stepped aboard their Airbus A330 aircraft, with a newly reimagined business class cabin, I was in utter heaven. A unique Belgian experience, Brussels offers flavors of the country throughout the flight. The new business class cabin is outfitted with state-of-the-art seats that lie flat 180 degrees (at nearly six-and-a-half feet long), large 15-inch touch screen LCD televisions with a plethora of entertainment options and menus designed by revolving Belgian chefs like Peter Goossens. The flight attendants are courteous and helpful, willing to do most anything to make your flight memorable. My experience on both the JFK to Brussels and Brussels to Kigali legs provided all I needed to help the time go by. The a la carte menu offered items like: muscles, roasted Sole, Belgian cheeses and a smattering of fantastic desserts. The airline serves all its meals accompanied by a well-curated wine menu, Laurent Perrier champagne and the country’s finest Neuhaus chocolates. For most of my 16 hours in the air, I watched new releases and slept – all in an effort to relax and prepare myself for 10 days of trekking throughout beautiful Rwanda. My journey to Rwanda was smooth, easy and made me not want to leave the aircraft. I was genuinely disappointed that the flight was coming to an end when the captain announced our descent into Kigali. As the flight attendants came through the cabin and handed-out full-sized boxes of Neuhaus chocolate as a gift to take, I couldn’t help but notice the attention to detail Brussels Airlines puts into their service. With direct routes to 19 destinations in Africa, including Kigali, Entebbe, Douala, Conakry and more – no one can provide better options when traveling to the magical continent. Brussels Airlines has emerged from its past and created a future that is, above all else, laden with hospitality, charm and convenience. It is simply the best.

Grand Pigalle Hotel is a new-ish property in the trending area of Pigalle – located in Paris’ 9th arrondissement. The hotel was created by Romée de Goriainoff, Pierre-Charles Cros and Olivier Bon, proprietors of well-known restaurants and cocktail bars. The hotel features “Wine and Dine” – a restaurant and wine bar at its lobby, run by the three proprietors and chef Giovanni Passerini. After opening the restaurant, their desire to expand further into hospitality grew, and the hotel was born. 37 rooms are simple and well done, all by designer Dorothée Meilichzon. With windows overlooking the charming streets and rooftops, light streams in and enlivens the small spaces, which offer comfortable beds and bathrooms for guests. A favorite of the fashion set, Grand Hotel Pigalle is a gathering spot for excellent cocktails and wine as well – relaxed and comfortable. Many hotel guests enjoy the delicious food at the base of the hotel without needing to step-out any further. This is not a place where service is the focus, but more a cozy locale to enjoy being in the heart of one of the city’s best locations. If location, charm and good food are important to you, this property does the trick.

Ruzizi Tented Camp is a nice tented camp in Rwanda’s beautiful Akagera National Park. Here you are able to locate yourself in the heart of it all, including sleeping in tents that lie on the edge of a hippo-filled lake. With elephant grazing nearby and monkeys in the trees above breakfast, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything more beautiful or natural during your stay in Akagera.