Although still relatively unvisited compared to neighboring countries Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, Laos is starting to gain more popularity as a travel destination. It’s easy to see why: Laos has a variety of activities, beautiful scenery, and low prices. I loved traveling throughout the country, and I hope this Laos travel guide puts it on […]
Out of all the foods in the world, rice is one of my least favorite things to eat. It ranks right up there with fruitcake and SPAM. I avoid it as much as possible, but in Laos, rice is life. They eat it breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so I figured I might as well make an effort
Snow is underrated. While everyone else is racing to warm and tropical destinations on their winter getaways, I layer up my long underwear, hide some hand warmers inside my mittens, and embrace the cold. Vieux Quebec (“Old Quebec”) oozes charm all year-round, but a layer of snow transforms it into something magical. The cobblestone streets
I have a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad confession: seeking out local culture is not the first thing I look for when planning a trip. I went to Nicaragua for the scenery, Laos for adventure, and Europe for a competition. On all those trips — and dozens more — local customs were a second or third planning point. Nevertheless, I seek out
If I told you I was going to spend four weeks traveling with someone I barely knew, what would you say? High off the excitement from my Competitours trip through Europe, I was beyond shocked the group leader emailed me to ask if I’d like to head to Asia with him this fall. My initial
Every year, there’s a country or two that captures my interest more than the others I’ve visited. After spending 10 days in Laos, my reaction is that I simply want to explore even more of this small nation. I only had time to visit three cities, but I had one fascinating experience after another. Compared
For the longest time, I thought the best way to have an authentically local experience was to avoid touristy cities. I’ve gone out of my way to visit places like Telouet in Morocco or Laguna Lachua in Guatemala and absolutely, I escaped all throngs of tourists and enjoyed my explorations. Unfortunately, it’s getting harder and harder to
I can’t imagine living without four seasons. I know some people love waking up and knowing it’ll be blue skies and 75 degrees every day, but I think I’d miss the changing weather. I love winter’s snowy landscapes and excuses to play outside before snuggling up by the fire. I can’t get enough of spring’s thunderstorms
When I first moved to Richmond, I was diligent about spending my weekends exploring the area. I went to local museums, asked around for suggestions on what to do, and took roadtrips around the state. Some of my visits were genuine hits while others were just okay. Not only did I explore my own state, but
Less than an hour from Santa Fe is a natural wonder and archaeological site of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Today, this protected area within the Frijoles Canyon is known as Bandelier National Monument, a day trip that doesn’t get nearly enough mention. Bandelier National Monument In fact, I nearly never went there. My parents and I had
