This feature is part of The Kitchn's Gift Edit, our editor-curated collection of gift ideas. Need more inspiration? Check out all our guides here. Did you know that The Kitchn used to run a totally ...

Winter — especially the stretch right after the holidays — is a calm, quiet time for many. The holiday rush is over, the calendar is relatively clear and few others are making demands on your time.

Veronica Stoddart is a multiple-award-winning travel editor and writer who has visited more than 110 countries on seven continents, reporting from many of them. She has covered everything from New ...