Visit the forest that inspired a scene from Avatar

A final hello from Argentina 😢. As this goes out, I’ll be landing back home in New York. BUT, there’s good news.

Next week will start to feature some recommendations from this wonderful trip! Now onto today’s golden nuggets. 👇

Also, I’m considering some alternative formats for this travel letter and will likely begin experimenting a bit soon. Your feedback is always encouraged!

Here’s what’s on the itinerary today:

A Japanese glampground for nature lovers

A truffle paradise in an old Castle town

Visit the famous site that inspired a scene from Avatar

Seven up-and-coming destinations to visit

Stay in Nagiso, Japan

Ties Camp Ground Nagiso

This beautiful, “glampground” on the Nakasendo Trail comes recommended by a friend of the travel letter — Catie!

Perfect for hikers looking to explore the Japanese countryside, Ties has all of the amenities and comforts you could want after hours on the trails. Plus, look at those views! If you’re a nature lover planning to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto, you need to check out Ties and the Nakasendo Trail in the Kiso Valley!

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Monte Santa Maria Tiberina, Italy

Bar Oscari

This one goes out to all my truffle lovers out there. When we ate here, literally everything we ordered had truffles (drinks aside that is) — as one does in Umbria. Bread with truffle, pasta covered in truffle, pasta stuffed with truffle, you name it. This meal was so good we ordered the same thing for takeaway.

The restaurant itself is situated high up on a hill in an old village with a castle, which made for gorgeous views as we ate!

Experience in Zhangjiajie, China

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

You may recognize this spot from a popular James Cameron movie… The pillar-like rock formations in Zhangjiajie National Forest served as inspiration for the “Hallelujah Mountains” in Avatar.

The park is only part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area that also includes Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve and Yangjiajie Scenic Area.

Carry On

Seven up-and-coming destinations to visit

For those truly looking to get off the beaten path for their next trip, check out this podcast containing seven unique destinations around the world. I won’t spoil it, give it a listen. Thanks to my sister Ali for sharing!

AI Travel Art Piece of the Week

Cheers ‘til next week,

T.O.