By Joan Torres Leave a comment Last updated on May 23, 2025 Russia, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iran, Eritrea, Venezuela, and now even Israel. All of them are countries with controversial regimes, under sanctions or at war. The list goes on. From Guyana to the extreme north of Russia, Against the Compass has been traveling…

Few luxury travel experiences can rival the exclusive freedom of a private yacht charter, where every element will be tailored to your taste. But ‘when’ and ‘where’ you choose to charter will turn a great trip into an unforgettable one. The yacht charter calendar is shaped by global weather patterns, local festivities, supply and demand,…

The sunny shores of Mallorca are home to hotels aplenty. On my first visit to the island, I sought the advice of someone who had visited countless times, explaining that I wanted something unique, luxurious, and most especially, rooted in the local culture. The immediate response was, “Son Brull is what you’re looking for.” After…

By Joan Torres 36 Comments Last updated on May 22, 2025 Update 2025: The border between Georgia and Abkhazia has been closed since 2020. Today, you can only visit Abkhazia from Russia, for which you’ll need a double-entry visa. Read our Russian visa guide for more information. I was in no man’s land, walking the…

Advertiser Disclosure Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Over the past nineteen years as a business owner, I’ve used countless business cards. Some have been amazing and elevated both my travel and my business. Others have been…well,…

Travel has become really expensive. Post-COVID, the entire world seems to be traveling again and prices just keep rising. I am astonished at how high they have gotten. But it’s a product of rising costs and out-of-control demand. Everyone just wants to travel. We’re all looking for an escape. Fortunately, it’s not all bad. Airfare…

The world is shifting the 9-5 as we know it. AI is threatening job positions, there are layoffs, recessions are looming, and meanwhile, the price of everything is going up. We’ve been saying this for years, but your life experience, your passion, and your skills might be your biggest safety net, and your best opportunity…

taly’s colourful discourse of history, art and natural beauty brings a sense of an open-air art museum to the landscape. Tourists can visit the long-lasting ruins of Rome, lush canals to walk around in Venice, elegant Milanese shopping malls, and the permissive coasts of the Amalfi. Each city, town or village has its story of…

Raja Ampat is often referred to as “the last paradise on Earth”, and after experiencing even a small taste of what it has to offer, it’s easy to see why. Ancient forests and lush, verdant landscapes amazed at every turn. Beneath the surface, the marine life was nothing short of breathtaking, while on land, encounters…

Part of the charm of travel is in discovering the unknown. In a world where most places have been photographed, reviewed, and hashtagged into predictability, true discovery feels rare. But Scandinavia is different. It isn’t flashy, it’s not trying to sell you anything, and maybe that’s the point; it’s just very, very good at being…