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by Jon Miksis

Welcome to the Global Viewpoint Travel Blog!

Hey I’m Jon! My travel blog is jam-packed with ideas, tips, and guides to inspire adventure. I want to help you discover your inner explorer, and give you the tools and resources to make you a smarter and deeper traveler.

Transformational Travel

Content covering the personal development and growth side of travel:

• Top 7 Lessons I’ve Learned on Retreats

• 25 Most Unique Experiences in the World

• Misogi Challenge: A Ritual that Will Change Your Life

• The Nomad Escape Review: Retreats in Madeira

• 45 Ways to Live Life to the Fullest

Transformational Travel Experiences that Will Change Your Life

13 Transformational Travel Experiences That Will Change Your Life

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Best Adventure Quotes Featured Image

125 Adventure Quotes That Will Inspire Your Next Trip

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Bucket List Ideas Featured Image

500 Bucket List Ideas in 2025: Fun, Unique & Travel Items

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Group Travel

Fun and exciting ways to explore the world with like-minded travelers:

• 9 Deepest Lessons from Traveling the World

• Top Cities for Digital Nomads to Live & Visit

• 10 Reasons to Take a Group Tour with Globus Journeys

• Reviewing the Body Camp Fitness Retreat

• Why You Should Go on a Retreat in 2023

Best Group Vacation Spots in the US

My 10 Favorite Group Vacation Destinations in the US for 2025

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Best Coliving Spaces in the World Featured Image

8 AMAZING Coliving Spaces Around the World I Recommend to All My Friends

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Remote work travel programs featured image

8 Coolest Remote Work Travel Programs in 2025 (for International Work + Travel)

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Travel Inspiration

Beautiful places around the world that will spark your inner explorer and inspire your next vacation:

• Unique Bucket List Ideas in 2025 (& Beyond!)

• Best Travel Quotes to Feed Your Wanderlust

• Most Beautiful Islands in the World

• Coolest Places to Travel with Friends

• Most Magnificent Castles in the World

Best Adventure Quotes Featured Image

125 Adventure Quotes That Will Inspire Your Next Trip

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Most beautiful places in Switzerland

23 Most Beautiful Places in Switzerland to Visit in 2026

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Beautiful UNESCO site in Asia

30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Put on Your Bucket List

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Travel Blog Tips Photo

Travel Tips

Tips and tricks on how to save big on flights, accommodation, and hassle:

• Key Things to Do Before a Flight

• Best Travel Apps for iPhone + Android

• Top Reasons to Get Travel Insurance

• International Tips for Your First Overseas Trip

• Effective Ways to Save Money on Traveling

Cheap flights to Europe featured

The CHEAPEST Places to Fly Into Europe from the US in 2026

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My How-To Guide to Find Cheap Flights in 2025

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Airport lounge with view of airplane

My Top 21 Flight Hacks to Save Time and Money

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Destination Guides

Travel guides and itineraries that will help you with your trip planning:

• Newport Rhode Island Travel Guide

• How to Spend a Layover in Istanbul

• Top Things to do in Bogota, Colombia

• The Ultimate New England Road Trip

• Basel Switzerland Travel Guide

A Day in Dozza Italy

Dozza, Italy: A Medieval Village That Looks Straight Out of a Painting

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Yangtze River Cruise China Travel Guide

The BEST 3-Day Yangtze River Cruise: Baidicheng, Fengdu, Three Gorges

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Molokai Hawaii Travel Guide

Discover Molokai: Ultimate Travel Guide to Experiencing the Real Hawaii Like a Local

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Self Discovery

Unique content with a focus on personal development, health, wellness, and mindfulness:

• Top Things to Be Grateful For

• How to Recover Fast From a Workout

• Scientific Benefits of Infrared Light

• The Best Infrared Saunas in 2025

• Ice Bath Recovery Tips & Techniques

Misogi challenge featured image

Misogi Challenge: A Simple Practice That Will Transform Your Life

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Living Life to The Fullest Featured Image

How to Live Life to the Fullest: 50 Powerful Shifts That Actually Work

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Reasons to Go on Retreats Featured Image

My Top 10 Reasons to Choose a Retreat for Your Next Getaway

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US Travel

Unique places and things to do around the United States:

• Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the USA

• Best Hikes in New England in 2025

• Coolest Vacation Spots on the East Coast

• Top Weekend Getaways in New England

• Best Hidden Gems to Visit in the US

Coolest restaurants in Boston street view

25 Fun & Unique Restaurants in Boston (By a Local)

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Interesting Facts about Niagara Falls Featured Image

Interesting Facts about Niagara Falls that Will Inspire You: USA + Canada

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Cape Cod in the Fall Featured Image

Cape Cod in the Fall: My Guide to Second Summer on the Cape

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Europe Travel

Unique places and experiences around Europe:

• Most Beautiful Cities to Visit in Europe

• Coolest Places to Visit in Switzerland

• Best European Hidden Gems in 2025

• Most Beautiful Places in Malta

• Top Day Trips from Bologna, Italy

Most budget friendly cities in Europe featured photo

23 Absolutely Cheap Cities in Europe to Visit in 2025

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Rothenburg ob der Tauber Germany in pictures

10 AMAZING Photo Spots in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

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Long Weekend in Barcelona Travel Guide

Epic 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary: How to See It All in One Weekend

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Unique Places to Stay Airbnbs

Unique Places to Stay

Cool Airbnbs and vacation rentals around the world that you should add to your bucket list:

• Most Beautiful Airbnbs in the World

• Top Unique Airbnb Rentals in the US

• Best Airbnbs in Europe in 2025

• Coolest Rentals in New England

• Top Houseboat Airbnbs in the USA

Best Airbnbs in Washington State Featured Image

24 Unique Airbnbs in Washington State (Treehouses + Cabins)

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Best Airbnbs in the Midwest Featured Image

19 AWESOME Airbnbs in the Midwest: Treehouses, Cabins + Lake Houses

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Best Airbnbs French Riviera Featured Image

13 EPIC Airbnbs in the French Riviera (Luxury Villas + Beachfront Rentals)

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Travel Blogger Lifestyle / Resources

Here are some helpful resources for those looking to get into the travel blogger/photographer/digital nomad world:

• Best Travel Jobs Around the World

• Steps on How to Start a Travel Blog

• Best Travel Resources and Companies

• Top Travel Photography Tips for Beginners

• Coolest Travel Websites in 2025

Cool travel blogger overlooking epic canyon

TOP 25 Travel Blogs That Will Inspire Your 2025 Bucket List

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Travel blog salary featured image

Travel Blog Salary: How I Make Over $20,000 Per Month

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Travel Blog Names Featured Image

575 Catchy + Inspiring Travel Blog Names (Travel, Food, Fun)

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For more travel content that will fuel your wanderlust, follow me on Instagram: @Global.Viewpoint. Happy Travels! -Jon

Jon Miksis

About Jon Miksis

Award-winning Travel Writer • Founder of Global Viewpoint • 70+ countries visited • 10 Million+ readers

Since 2017, I’ve traveled 3–6 months a year, sharing detailed guides that have helped over 10 million readers travel smarter, deeper, and better. My work blends firsthand experiences — from U.S. road trips and cold-plunge cabins to Michelin-starred dining and business-class flights — with honest, independent reviews.

I’ve been hired by leading tourism boards in 7 countries across Europe, North America, and South America, as well as international travel brands. My travel tips and insights have been featured in Forbes, HuffPost, Yahoo Travel, and The Boston Globe. I’ve personally reviewed 500+ hotels, retreats, and flight experiences — and I never recommend a place I wouldn’t return to myself.

I also save $5–10K per year on airfare using flight tools and 10+ travel credit cards, and I’ve invested over $100K into personal development through transformational retreats and coaching since 2021.

When I’m not road-tripping across the Northeast or writing guides for Global Viewpoint, you’ll find me cold plunging in local lakes, sipping espresso in quiet cafes in Vienna, or chasing fall foliage across New England. I split my time between exploring the world and soaking up life in Boston, my lifelong home base. Some of my favorite places I keep going back to? Switzerland, Spain, Iceland, Italy, Greece, the Faroe Islands, Guatemala, California, Montana, Vermont, and coastal Maine in autumn.

See my latest adventures on Instagram and TikTok.

Read more | Editorial Policy | Press Page

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Hey, I'm Jon! Founder of Global Viewpoint

I’m an award-winning travel blogger, and I’m here to help you discover your inner explorer.

For 8 years, I’ve been a travel writer, content creator, and adventure junkie who’s visited 73 countries and 30 national parks (and counting). I travel for 3–6 months per year and my home base is Boston, MA!

I specialize in curated travel itineraries, epic bucket-list experiences, and off-the-beaten-path adventures...from chasing waterfalls in Iceland to hiking the Alps, trekking Patagonia, and road-tripping across New England. I’ve been featured in major publications including Forbes, HuffPost, Yahoo Travel, The Boston Globe, and more.

Together with my team, we provide expert reviews and curated guides on hotels, restaurants, airlines, retreats, and more.

Over the past 8+ years, I’ve helped over 10 million readers plan smarter, more meaningful trips through my site. I focus on places that spark awe...whether it’s a remote alpine lake, a hidden glamping dome, or a culturally immersive retreat.

Want to travel like a local, not a tourist? You’re in the right place. Sign up below for expert travel tips, itineraries, and bucket list ideas that will inspire your next adventure.

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    global.viewpoint

    Boston-based travel pro ✈️
    73 countries / 8 years 🌍
    Helping you plan your next life-changing trip 🗺️
    Msg me on WhatsApp for FREE trip advice! 👇

    I did not expect THIS in Uzbekistan. I walked th I did not expect THIS in Uzbekistan. 

I walked through this doorway and suddenly I was standing in Registan Square, completely stunned. The scale, the color, the quiet power of it all feels like stepping into an empire that never really left.

Samarkand is the kind of place that reminds you why you travel in the first place. Big history, unreal beauty, and that rare feeling of seeing something that still feels wildly underrated & absolutely magical. 🕌✨

If you’ve been sleeping on Uzbekistan, this is your sign. 🇺🇿 Save this for your Central Asia list and tell me what spot you want me to cover next.
    Ireland gets me every time. 🍀 You’ll fly into Dub Ireland gets me every time. 🍀

You’ll fly into Dublin, but the real magic starts when I point the car west. The Wild Atlantic Way is hands-down one of my favorite road trips in Europe. 🚗

Galway has my heart, and those cliffs still don’t feel real. The mix of moody coast, green hills, and epic jaw-drop views is exactly my kind of scenery.

And the pub scene? That surprised me the most. I was always an IPA and Belgian ale guy and never cared about Guinness or Irish beer, but being there changed that fast!! 🍻

The small towns are lively, the music hits, and strangers feel like friends in five minutes. Ireland is beautiful, yes, but it’s the people that make it one of Europe’s top destinations. 🇮🇪

#ireland #dublin #wildatlanticway #galway #irelandtravel #europetrip #travelbucketlist #friendstrip #ırıshpub #guinnessstorehouse #cliffsofmoher #europeroadtrip #adventuretraveler #livemusicrocks #ireland_insta #globus
    Winter in Colombia and we ended up trail running i Winter in Colombia and we ended up trail running in Tayrona. @joshuadeanchurch and I were cooked 😅☀️ 

Then we saw the ocean and just went for it.
Barefoot sprint. Sand is lava. Water is heaven. Felt like being a kid again! 

I love Tayrona for this exact kind of reset. Wild beaches, jungle energy, and a feeling of remoteness yet complete connection.

Santa Marta is such an underrated base for it too. Great winter weather, fresh food, friendly people, and easy access to some of Colombia’s prettiest coastline. 🇨🇴

#tayrona #travelbucketlist #tayronanationalpark #travelmemories #colombia🇨🇴 #caribbeantravel #colombiatravel #adventuretravel #wellnesstravel #hiddengem
    This island is the most dramatic place I’ve visite This island is the most dramatic place I’ve visited in the Caribbean 🏝️

Saint Lucia is one of my favorite Caribbean islands, and I’ve been to many over the years. It feels wild, cinematic, and totally unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean.

The Pitons are the main event. Two volcanic giants rising straight out of the sea near Soufrière, roughly 2,400 to 2,600 feet tall, and they make the whole coastline feel unreal. 🙌

If you’re planning winter travel and want a trip that feels completely unique, this is the move. It’s my go-to answer when people ask about the best Caribbean destination!

For a super romantic getaway, stay near Soufrière for the Pitons, jungle energy, and quieter luxury. Sugar Beach is the iconic one, sitting right between the Pitons with a view that’s absolutely magical.

If you want easier beaches, restaurants, and a bit more buzz, go for Rodney Bay. It’s a smoother base if you like mixing chill days with a little nightlife.

Beyond the romantic vacation vibes, you can spend your days on a catamaran, hitting the Sulphur Springs mud baths, and knocking out rainforest or waterfall hikes. It’s equal parts soft and adventurous, which is exactly why it works for couples.

December through April is the sweet spot for drier weather. If you’re eyeing winter 2026, now’s the time to lock in your flights and hotels! Send me a msg on WhatsApp (in bio) for my recommended hotels! 👀🏝️

#saintlucia #caribbeanvibes #stluciahoneymoon #wintervacation #travelblog #caribbeantravel #wintertravel #islandlife #beautifuldestinations #passionpassport #caribbeanvacation #2026travelgoals
    This town made me breathe deeper… I opened the cu This town made me breathe deeper…

I opened the curtains and honestly just stood there. Snowy peaks, storybook rooftops, and that inspiring Bavarian mountain energy that feels unreal. 🏔️

It’s Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany 🇩🇪 One of the most magical stops in the Alps, especially in winter! 

I love it because it’s the perfect base for big adventure days and slow, cozy nights. You can chase views at Zugspitze (Germany’s highest mountain), then end the day with a warm meal and a walk through town.

Fun fact: Garmisch-Partenkirchen is technically two towns stitched together (for the 1936 Winter Olympics). Garmisch feels more modern and lively, while Partenkirchen is sleepier…bringing more of that old-world magic.

If you’re building an Alps road trip, add this stop and nearby Mittenwald. I already can’t wait to go back! 🇩🇪 

#garmischpartenkirchen #alps #bavaria #christmasvillage #garmisch #bavarianalps #germanytravel #partenkirchen #alpsroadtrip #zugspitze #mittenwald #europetravel #visitgermany #travelblogger
    POV: Staying in a cozy hotel, watching snow fall o POV: Staying in a cozy hotel, watching snow fall outside your window, then realizing the White Mountains are just steps away… a whole winter wonderland waiting for you to explore. ❄️🏔️ Ahh the Aurora!! The perfect getaway from Boston! #newengland #aurora #visitnh #wintervibes
    POV: you book the cheapest hotel in the White Moun POV: you book the cheapest hotel in the White Mountains…and it secretly comes with a barrel sauna in fresh snow. ❄️🔥

I paid $50/night for this place and stepped into this cozy sauna with that view. My cousin owns it so I’m a little biased 😂 but this has to be one of the best winter stays for under $100 🏔️

Save this for your next cozy getaway and send it to the friend you’d drag here! 😎

#whitemountains #newhampshire #uniquehotels #wintergetaway #budgettravel #visitnh
    One of the most beautiful towns in Europe…Český Kr One of the most beautiful towns in Europe…Český Krumlov, Czechia 🇵🇭✨

Tucked into a bend of the Vltava in South Bohemia, about two hours from Prague, it feels like a real-life storybook. Every cobblestone street, every pastel facade, the castle watching over it all. 🏰

I visited in 2021 and it honestly didn’t feel real. Most old towns have one pretty square. Here, every street looks like a postcard! 📸 

Save this for your next Europe trip and tag who you’re bringing to Český Krumlov 🇨🇿✨

#ceskykrumlov #europetravel #travelbucketlist #learningnewthings #hiddengems
    Island hopping in the Philippines sounds fun. No o Island hopping in the Philippines sounds fun. No one told me it could feel like this…

Last winter I swapped New England gray for 7 islands in the Philippines, and honestly, I’m still not over it. Mornings were for workouts and deep work on my laptop, afternoons were for salt water, sunsets, and meeting people from all over the world.

The Philippines has over 7,600 islands, and you feel that variety every day. One week I was surfing in Siargao, the next I was chasing waterfalls and eerie legends in Siquijor, then scootering past (foggy) chocolate hills and hidden beaches in Bohol. Every island has its own energy, and there’s just so much to see!!

If you’re craving a tropical winter getaway where you can actually live well, not just vacation, put the Philippines at the top of your list. 🇵🇭 Come for the beaches and island hopping. Stay for the lifestyle, the kindness, and that feeling of “wait, why don’t I live like this all the time?” 🏝️ 

👇 DM this to the person you always say “we should do a big trip” with and just write: “This one.” 🤣

#philippines #siargao #siquijor #bohol #philippinestravel #travelblogger #globalviewpoint
    You think you know Egypt from textbooks… until you You think you know Egypt from textbooks… until you are standing in front of the Great Pyramid and it feels like the ground is humming beneath your feet. ✨

Growing up I was obsessed with pharaohs, mummies, and hieroglyphics, so walking through Giza and Cairo felt unreal. One minute you are staring up at Khufu’s pyramid, the next you are ducking into tombs covered in colors that have survived for thousands of years.

The museums in Egypt are on another level too. Seeing King Tut’s treasures up close, ancient papyrus, and statues that were carved before most countries even existed made my brain short-circuit in the best way. It is one of the few places where history feels alive, not like something behind glass.

Visiting Egypt was a childhood dream come to life and then some. If you grew up obsessed with ancient history too, Egypt needs to be on your radar. Share this with the one person who’d nerd out here with you. 🙌

#egypt #pyramidsofgiza #cairo #egypttravel #uniqueexperiences #travelbucketlist #internationaltravel #gizapyramids #historyiscool #ancientegypt #ancienthistory #travelbloggers
    11/10 views only in Grindelwald 🤯🇨🇭 Racing a moun 11/10 views only in Grindelwald 🤯🇨🇭

Racing a mountain cart under the Eiger, then flying down on a Trottibike scooter back to the village… this might be my number one bucket list experience in Switzerland. The combo of cow bells, fresh alpine air, and those cliffside views honestly feels unreal!

You take the gondola up to Grindelwald First, grab a mountain cart from Schreckfeld to Bort, then swap to the Trottibike scooter all the way down to Grindelwald. It is basically go-karting and scootering through a postcard, with the north face of the Eiger towering over you the whole way. 🏔️

I recommend going early to beat the crowds and get clearer runs, and booking the Adventure Package if you want to stack multiple runs and save some cash. The First Flyer zipline is also a highlight at 80+ km/h! 🦅 

I have done a lot of wild stuff in the Alps, but this day in Grindelwald genuinely felt like pure, kid-level joy. 🛴🌬️ 

Who are you bringing on this 11/10 ride? 🚠👇

#grindelwald #switzerlandwonderland #grindelwaldfirst #swissalps #travelblogging #adventuretravel #bucketlist #beautifuldestinations #globalviewpoint
    This town was built for Christmas 🎄✨ I’ve seen Sa This town was built for Christmas 🎄✨

I’ve seen Salzburg in summer. I’ve wandered it in the fall. But winter? Winter makes the whole city feel unreal. Walking through the Christmas markets with alpine snow around the cathedral honestly feels like stepping into a story I grew up with... 

I was obsessed with The Sound of Music as a kid, so Salzburg already had a hold on me. But December hit different. Roasted chestnuts drifting through the streets. Mulled wine warming your hands. Choirs echoing between baroque domes. Ice skating in the square. So cozy and festive! 🙌

The main Christkindlmarkt sits right beneath Salzburg Cathedral, and it’s one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world…dating back to the 15th century. I love the way the lights spill into every alley from Residenzplatz to Domplatz, and the entire Old Town feels built for this exact season.

My favorite part? Fresh pastries. Handmade ornaments. Warm krapfen doughnuts. The fortress glowing above the rooftops. Everything is walkable, so you can drift between stalls and side streets without losing the vibe for even a second. 🎅

I’ve been to a lot of Christmas markets across Europe, but Salzburg definitely has a cozier, more romantic charm. It’s festive without being chaotic (midweek) and historic without feeling staged.

And if you’re already here, don’t just stop at Salzburg! The city is perfectly placed for other amazing markets like Hellbrunn, Berchtesgaden over the border in Germany, and even Vienna’s famous Christkindlmarkt just a quick train ride away. 🎄

Tag the person you’d freeze your fingers off exploring Christmas markets with 🎄🇦🇹 

#christmasmarkets #europeanchristmas #christmasineurope #christmastravel #holidaytravel #salzburg #salzburgaustria #austriatravel #visitaustria #christmasinaustria #bucketlisttravel #exploreeurope #europevacation
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    Global Viewpoint
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