A recent article in Men’s Journal sings the praises of Uzbekistan, giving a shout-out to MIR for being a specialist in the region. The piece, “Bustling Bazaars, Ancient Cities, and the Silk Road: 10 Ways to Explore Uzbekistan,” quotes MIR Vice President Annie Lucas. Read More
Ever considered traveling to unconventional places during an unconventional season? It's time you did: both Russia and Poland are at their most regal in winter under a blanket of fresh snow, and other travelers are few. Read More
Tibet has long been one of the world’s most remote and forbidding places. Until the early 20th century, only a handful of Europeans had been to Lhasa, and there were stringent laws against foreigners entering the city. Today, Tibet is still remote, but the path has been increasingly smoothed. Much of Lhasa itself is surprisingly urban and modern. It will take years before Lhasa is a fully modern city, but now is the time to visit, before too many changes obscure its original Tibetan culture. Make sure to have these nine extraordinary experiences when you visit Lhasa, Tibet. Read More
On a recent trip to Georgia, MIR Vice President Annie Lucas made a short stop to inspect a new hotel in Georgia’s wine country. She liked it so much that next time she’s planning to stay and spend a lot more time enjoying its amenities. Read More
Riga, the cosmopolitan capital and heart of Latvia, has long been one of the largest and most vibrant cities in the Baltics. Situated at an important crossroads between Estonia and Lithuania, the city was for centuries a strategic chess piece for several great European empires, including Poland, Sweden, Germany, and Russia, all of whom left their mark on Riga's overall look and cultural feel. Damage from both world wars and neglect during its Soviet period threatened to throw the city into utter obscurity. But today after nearly three decades of independence and extensive restoration work in its historic core, Riga has once again reclaimed its title as a flourishing center of the arts, architecture, and nightlife. The city has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997, and for good reason — it has one of the best preserved medieval town centers you can find, and has been recognized as having the largest collection of art nouveau buildings in Europe. Aside from the astonishing architectural gems, travelers will find a lively metropolis full of world-class museums, chic restaurants, a stellar music and modern art scene, and sunny squares and gardens humming with the sounds of locals, street performers, and tourists alike. Here are just a few of our favorite ways to discover the best of the best in this booming Baltic capital. Read More
Writer and traveler Ginny Day collaborated with MIR to design a tour of Uzbekistan that fit her interests and timeline. "Uzbekistan, the New Istanbul?" is her distillation of her explorations in the Silk Road country. Read More
The relatively undiscovered Central Asian country of Uzbekistan is studded not only with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but UNESCO cultural experiences as well. With a new, reform-minded government in place, it's easier than ever to visit Uzbekistan: still relatively uncrowded with visitors, and still abounding in authenticity and open-handed hospitality. This insider's guide offers 8 breathtaking ways you can experience UNESCO treasures in Uzbekistan. Read More
Lake Baikal in south Siberia stands out from all other lakes on earth: it’s the deepest and the oldest lake in the world. The lake’s biggest island, Olkhon, stands out as well. Shrouded in lore and legend, the island has been spiritually important to the people of the region for hundreds of years and is incredibly beautiful, too. Set in a peculiar rain shadow, it has more sunny days than the Black Sea coast. Here are five of our favorite ways to experience the outstanding natural and cultural beauty of Olkhon Island. Read More
John Seckel is a long-time director of MIR’s affiliated Moscow office. Originally from Wisconsin, John has made his home in Moscow for more than 20 years, and never has he seen a place that made him forget just for a moment that he was in Russia – until now. A new food hall and market has opened in a former tram depot that lets you taste foods from all over the world in one spot. Read More
MIR’s Kevin Testa knows the backroads and corners of so many MIR destinations, having traveled extensively throughout Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Central Asia, and beyond. He recently returned from his first visit to Azerbaijan, where he had an opportunity to experience the country’s ancient culture and village life away from the booming capital. Here, Kevin shares insider information on some of his favorite places and experiences in Azerbaijan’s remote corners. Read More
A recent article in Men’s Journal sings the praises of Uzbekistan, giving a shout-out to MIR for being a specialist in the ... Read more
A recent feature in Men’s Journal Magazine about adventurous — yet still accessible — far north destinations included b... Read more
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