🐎 🇯🇲 🌿 The Great Escape: From High Tides to High Steppes

TravelReport Weekly Issue 068

AuthorAuthor

Daniel Lowry & Sasha
February 06, 2026

👋 Hey besties!

Are you ready to truly get off the grid? This week, we are skipping the crowded resort lobbies and heading straight for the heart of the world. We’re talking about the lush, soulful mountains of Jamaica, the ancient, spiritual "cradle of civilization" in Mongolia, and the rolling, misty green hills of the British countryside.

Whether you want to ride horses through a river or hike through an ancient valley, this issue is for the true wanderers. Let's go!

🧠 The Traveler’s Trivia

Question: In the Orkhon Valley, the Red Waterfall (Ulaan Tsutgalan) was formed by a specific natural event thousands of years ago. What was it?

A) A massive earthquake B) A volcanic eruption C) A flash flood

🛡️ Bestie Health & Safety

  • Hydration in the Heat & High Altitudes: In both Jamaica and Mongolia, the sun is stronger than you think. In Mongolia, the dry air wicks moisture away fast—drink water even if you aren't thirsty. 💧

  • Wildlife Wisdom: In Devon and Mongolia, you’ll encounter free-roaming animals (sheep, ponies, horses). Keep your distance and never feed them—it’s for their safety and yours! 🐎

  • Terrain Check: Devon’s coastal paths and Mongolia’s steppes can be slippery and uneven. Sturdy shoes with good traction are a must-pack. 👟

    Want more safety tips? We’ve got you covered: Navigating Offbeat Destinations Safely. Travel insurance is your BFF. Missed flights, lost bags, or weather hiccups? You’re covered. ✅ Understand the true benefits of travel insurance here…

📍 Destination Spotlight: The Wildly Different Three

1. The Blue Mountains, Jamaica 🇯🇲 While the coast is famous for its blue water, the interior of Jamaica is a misty, emerald paradise. The island is bouncing back with a renewed focus on eco-tourism and authentic mountain culture.

  • The Vibe: Reggae beats echoing through the trees, the smell of fresh wood-fired coffee, and jungle humidity.

  • The Secret: Visit Holywell National Park for a picnic above the clouds. It’s where you’ll see the "other" side of Jamaica—cool, quiet, and lush.

  • Explore: Blue Mountain Guide | Mountain Vibe

2. Orkhon Valley, Mongolia 🇲🇳 A UNESCO World Heritage site, this valley is the spiritual heart of Mongolia. It’s a land of nomadic herders, sprawling steppes, and ancient history.

  • The Vibe: Endless horizons, galloping wild horses, and sleeping in traditional Gers (yurts) under a sky filled with more stars than you've ever seen.

  • The Secret: Hike to the Tuvkhun Monastery, perched high on a rocky ridge. The views of the valley are legendary, and the silence is powerful.

  • Explore: Mongolia Nomad Guide | Steppe Vibe

3. Devon, UK 🇬🇧 Devon is the ultimate English escape, home to both rugged moors and "The English Riviera."

  • The Vibe: Cream teas, thatched-roof cottages, and dramatic coastal cliffs that feel like they belong in a Jane Austen novel.

  • The Secret: Head to Valley of Rocks in Exmoor. It’s a stunning U-shaped valley with wild goats and sheer cliffs that drop straight into the sea.

  • Explore: Devon Coastal Guide | Devon Vibe

✈️ Transit Opportunities: Window of Travel (Feb 7 – Feb 21)

One-way fares to launch your next backcountry ramble.

🍎 Departing NYC

🌴 Departing LAX

 Trivia Answer: 🤓

B - A volcanic eruption! The lava flowed through the valley and cooled, and over time, the Orkhon River cut through the basalt to create the 24-meter waterfall.

👋 Catch You in the Wild!

Go pack that carry-on and get out there! Whether you're learning to herd horses in the steppes, sipping world-class coffee in a Jamaican mist, or arguing about whether the jam or cream goes first in a Devon scone, remember: the world is far too big to stay in one place.

I’ll be the one in the middle of a Mongolian field, trying to explain to a goat why my phone doesn't have a signal. See you when you resurface! 🌾✨

Sasha
✨
Editor, Travel Report Newsletter

Links and Guides:
To assist you in planning your next adventure, here are some valuable resources:

Stay safe, travel smart, and enjoy every moment of your journey. Until next week, happy travels!