
Julia van der Sluis
Born and raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the taste for international travel started young, and I made a point to study and work abroad to subsist in new and exciting cultures. From the Costa del Sol in southern Spain to the buzzing city of Seoul, South Korea, to my own backyard, I continue to enjoy "traveling" through crafting destination-specific content to inspire you to plan your next adventure.
Featured trips & expertise

Best Time of Year to Visit Provence
The shoulder season months of May and September are the best times to visit Provence if you like warm weather, clear skies, and beaches without the throngs of tourists. But for travelers who can handle the crowds and surging prices, the summer (June to August) is a close second, as the lavender fields are in full bloom and the French Riviera is open for business. If you’re here in winter (December to February), enjoy a ski holiday in the Southern Alps or stick to the coast for wild carnival celebrations.

Best Time of Year to Visit France: Weather, Travel Tips, & More
France offers year-round appeal, whether you're craving sun and sea, powdery snow, or a peaceful, crowd-free escape. The winter months (December to February) are great for a ski holiday and cultural exploration, while the summer (June to August) is the busiest and priciest time of year due in part for its great weather. The best time to visit France, however, is in the spring (April to May) or fall (September to November) when the weather is warm and the crowds are manageable.

Sicily in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More
May is undoubtedly one of the best times to get outdoors and explore Sicily. The weather is consistently pleasant, the crowds aren't yet at their peak, and there are a number of fun and tasty festivals to experience, granting you an all-access pass to the Italian island. Find out what to do and where to go with this May guide.

Tuscany in August: Travel Tips, Weather, & More
Tuscany, like most of the country, is hot and crowded. It's the peak of tourist season, but this monthly guide can point you in the right direction—to less-crowded beaches and cooler locales.

Croatia in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More
February is the last full month of winter in Croatia, offering snowy adventures and massive festivals—as well as fewer tourists and lower prices. A predominantly Catholic country, Croatia gets into festive spirits around Lent and Carnival, kicking off the coming of spring with Mardi Gras celebrations across the country.

Slovenia in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More
Travelers to Slovenia in March will catch the earliest glimpses of spring, and with that, longer daylight hours, and slightly warmer weather. This is a great month to hit the slopes, explore the cities, and experience uncrowded popular attractions. Read this monthly guide to learn more.