Maria LaDuca

Before my recent trip to Turkey, I knew what UNESCO World Heritage Sites were. I had visited many of them over the years without really thinking about it. What I didn't realize was that there are travelers who intentionally plan trips around visiting UNESCO sites—and now I completely understand why. A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a location recognized for its outstanding cultural, historical, scientific, or natural significance to humanity. Think places like the Great Wall of China, Machu...

This trip shifted something in me. It reminded me that travel isn’t just about where you go, it’s about who you become while you’re there.

Just a short drive from the Poconos, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania offers a weekend filled with history, charm, incredible dining, and one of America's newest UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From my stay at the iconic Hotel Bethlehem to exploring Moravian history, the Steel Stacks, and enjoying a five-course dining experience, I discovered why this historic city deserves a place on every traveler's list.