After more traveling than vacationing, we decided to slow down the pace and switch to relaxation mode at a private island resort called Cape Fahn on the island of Koh Samui, Thailand.

We chose Kauai, of all the Hawaiian islands, because we wanted to experience a less-touristy destination with a diverse landscape, fresh food, and opportunity for adventure. It is the 4th largest and oldest of the main Hawaiian islands and offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for resorts or off-the-beaten path accommodations with no service. We chose to mix it up and experience the best of both with a few nights at a 5-star resort and a few nights at a minimalistic cabin in the middle of Kokee State Park.

We picked up our small RV in Queenstown, after indulging in many thrill-seeking, slightly terrifying activities, and hit the road for almost 2 weeks, traversing between the South Island’s stunning, well-known spots like Milford Sound and its lesser-known, but equally beautiful, gems like Mavora Lakes, the Southern Scenic Route, and Jackson Bay, ultimately ending in Christchurch.

We spent 2 nights in Varanasi, a city of death, and one of the oldest, most spiritual places on the planet. We stayed at the beautiful BrijRama Palace, built in the early 1800s and located at the foot of the Ganges River. Life in Varanasi is centered around the sacred Ganges - prayer sessions, boat rides, and even an outdoor crematorium that has been in operation for 3,000 years - all take place at its shores.