I wasn’t always good at packing. Trip after trip, I’d forget something — usually something small and easily replaced, but an inconvenience nonetheless. Finally, I learned my lesson, got organized, and wrote out a list. Ever since, I’ve been using the exact same printable packing list and haven’t had problems since. If you’re looking for …
Not too Much, Not Too Little: My Carry-On Only Printable Packing List Read More »
Thank goodness travel has started back up again. Sure, things are still a little different than they were before but we can still head out and explore the world. That means it’s okay to hand out travel gifts again — we’ll all be inspired to use them. Shopping for travelers sometimes feels hard, since experience …
Awesome Gifts for Travelers (2021) – What They Actually Want! Read More »
If there’s one country I know well, it’s Guatemala. I’ve gone four times (once for six weeks!) because I can’t get enough. From the best-known sites to smaller villages and remote parks, I love it all. If you’re planning your own perfect trip, you’ll find everything you need to know about Guatemala travel: frequently asked questions plus …
The Complete Guatemala Travel Guide: FAQ to Get You Started Read More »
It’s hard to narrow down what made me love Antigua so much. There were volcano hikes, colonial architecture, and cheap Spanish classes. And there’s the food. So much of it, from traditional meals to street food to high-end entrees that would cost a fortune at home. Over the course of multiple visits, I’ve spent more …
I love Antigua but my enamoration stretches beyond city limits. Each time I return to the city, I’ve explored new corners of the area — there are a dozen surrounding communities that feel a world apart despite being exceptionally close. And, oddly enough, most of them are rarely explored by travelers. Apparently if a travel …
9 Easy and Wonderful Day Trips from Antigua, Guatemala Read More »
It sounds crazy to leave one island for another, but that’s exactly what I did. There are two small islands off the east coast of Puerto Rico, each with major claims to fame: Vieques, the largest island other than Puerto Rico itself, is home to the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. Another great side trip, …
Vieques vs Culebra: Differences Between Puerto Rico’s Islands Read More »
While most visitors spend just 2-3 days in this compact city, I’ve visited a few times, adding up to more than four weeks in the city. That’s given me lots of chances to try Antigua activities — most of which I’ve enjoyed! Since I was fortunate enough to explore the city thoroughly, here’s what I …
An Essential Resource of Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala Read More »
I wasn’t planning to travel to Guatemala this year but everything fell into place so quickly that it felt meant to be. I only booked 13 days in advance, so I didn’t have a ton of time to research covid precautions before I arrived. Turns out, I needn’t have worried: travel felt exceptionally safe and …
What to Expect Traveling to Guatemala During Covid Read More »
Guatemala isn’t known as being a beach destination, despite having a coastline on both the Atlantic and Pacific. There are no picture-perfect beaches, no award-winning resorts, and only the smallest assortment of things to do on the water. But these communities are a big contrast to what you’ll find on the typical tourist route and …
Comparing Guatemala’s Black Sand Beaches (Monterrico & El Paredon) Read More »
I’m one of those people that always thinks the grass is greener on the other side. That’s why, even after FINALLY figuring out a rental car strategy for my travels, I had to check out the new player in town. Turo car rental is a peer-to-peer car rental service — essentially Airbnb for cars. I took the …
