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
When I arrived in Quetzaltenango, it was cold, rainy, and nearly dark. I had spent all day on a series of bus rides from San Cristobal de las Casas, and all I wanted was something to go smoothly. My host mother (a grandmother, really) arrived at the Spanish school I was waiting at to walk
Earlier this summer, my husband and I moved in to a house with 4 roommates and the two of us shared a single car. We gave up restaurant meals, TV, and even made do with holes in our sneakers that had literally been worn for hundreds (thousands?) of miles. Then we realized we were crazy. (On the
It looked like it was going to pour when I woke up in Juneau. But they say there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing, so I gathered up my rain gear and decided to make the best of my day on a Mendenhall Glacier Trek. My plans in Juneau would be the
Mendenhall Glacier Trek in Juneau AK – Is it Worth It? Read More »
Before this year, the last group tour I went on was a trip to Ecuador back in 2005. I was brand new to international travel — or to be honest, travel without my family — and so an escorted tour seemed like the perfect fit. Even though I had a fantastic time, my next trips naturally migrated
With all due respect to Belgium, Brussels isn’t one of my favorite cities. Their beer is fantastic, but that was the highlight of my 2007 visit. My return in June 2014 was a little better since I basically ate my weight in chocolate, but still, it’s not a city I have any desire to return
Before a trip, I research the best places to visit, local foods to try, and unique activities I don’t want to miss. All this planning helps me craft the trip that fits best for me. But sometimes, I just happen to get lucky…like when I’m in Mexico for El Grito and the beginning celebrations of Mexican Independence
Celebrate El Grito (Mexican Independence Day): Isla Mujeres Read More »
