It all started at 9pm the night before we were to head to Luxor. My phone buzzed with half a dozen text messages in quick succession. It was Mohamed, the driver we’d hired to take us on the 4-hour journey from Hurghada to Luxor: the police had denied our permission request to travel by road. …
It’s never a good sign when a friend tells you somewhere you’re going is a dump. My flight to Hurghada was already booked and plans locked in — so dump or not, I was going to Hurghada. It’s not like I ever dreamt of going there. No, I chose Hurghada purely for logistical purposes: it …
I Thought I’d Hate Hurghada. Turns Out, I Rather Liked It. Read More »
As if 2020 hasn’t been frustrating enough, it feels like the holidays have been cancelled. My family has already decided not to see each other for Christmas and most of the festivals and events I look forward to won’t be happening. Maybe that’s why I’m clinging onto what’s left of the holidays: decorations, carols, cookies, …
On my second trip to Alaska (2010), Mike, his cousin, and I were sitting at Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse in Anchorage debating over the merits of halibut tacos. It was late, I had too much to drink, and I’m sure we were causing a scene. “Why would you waste the greatest fish on earth on …
Halibut Tacos, or How I’m Trying to Wrap My Head Around Credit Card Rewards Right Now Read More »
When I drove out to Bisti Badlands, I didn’t exactly expect an epic experience. I was there for the scenery (and of course a good hike) but I assumed it would be a rather ordinary day trip. What I didn’t expect was that New Mexico’s Badlands would live up to their name, but that’s exactly …
All the civilization you need: that’s what the sign read as we entered town. Sure enough, Pinedale, Wyoming has all the basics but nothing more. Theres’s a health clinic, grocery store, gas station, some drive-through coffee shacks and a few hotels. But there’s no confusing Pinedale for its distant cousin down the road. Pinedale and …
Everyone says winter is the worst time to visit China — unless you’re heading to the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, that is. Before my visit, I found plenty of inspirational articles and photographs but I couldn’t pinpoint a recent Harbin ice festival guide to walk me through the logistics. I had zero desire …
Comprehensive Harbin Ice Festival Guide & Winter Harbin Itinerary Read More »
In the Grand Tetons, you either need two days or your whole life. During summer, this part of Wyoming is easily toured by car. Most park roads run through the valley, looking up at the imposing mountains. Drive from one overlook to the next, snap some photos, take a walk. You’ll find wildlife, watch a …
Live Vicariously Through This Photo Tour of the Grand Tetons Read More »
I still remember how long it took to plan a trip to Alaska the first time. The options were overwhelming and I wasn’t an experienced traveler. My first thought was to look into package cruisetours — but I had no interest in joining a busload of tourists in exchange for thousands of dollars. I wanted …
Best 2 Week Alaska Itinerary: Plan a Trip to Alaska by Land & Sea Read More »
I’ve been a long-time advocate for shoulder season travel. More often than not, you get smaller crowds and lower prices with only minor trade-offs. Visiting Yellowstone in September is no exception and in fact, fall might be the best time of year to go. Not only will you get traditional shoulder-season benefits, but there are …
Pros and Cons of Visiting Yellowstone in September Read More »
