Today, Lizz and I set out early to visit one of Northern Bavaria’s most storied cities—Bamberg. Our journey began at 7 am, catching a regional train that whisked us from Thuringia to Bamberg in just about an hour. The convenience of the connection made it an ideal destination for a spontaneous day trip, and we …
Ever wonder where my love for traveling started? Honestly, it all traces back to my childhood—those early days when the world felt like an endless playground full of mysteries waiting to be explored. It all began with a small, humble collection of postcards that my grandma kept. I was a curious little boy, and these …
Let’s be honest: I’m a tropical soul. I love palm trees, balmy nights, and the smell of salt in the air. But there’s another place that managed to capture my heart and, in a way, delayed a long-cherished dream for three whole decades: Nepal and the Himalayas. Strange as it sounds, my so-called substitute for …
When I was younger, the months—or even years—between trips to somewhere warm, exotic, and tropical felt endless. I’d spend days dreaming of the next escape. That wait could feel like an eternity, especially as winter stretched on in Germany and the only palm trees in sight were the ones in travel brochures. But as any …
If you’d asked me a few weeks ago what’s next on our travel calendar, I would have replied without hesitation: Nepal! After years—no, decades—of daydreaming, scrolling through photos of prayer flags and snow-capped mountains, and watching every documentary on Everest and Annapurna, we finally bit the bullet. Tickets booked, miles spent, itinerary mapped out for …
If you’ve ever set foot in the Philippines, you might’ve felt a little jolt of culture shock—not for the usual reasons, but because this island nation feels so different from its Southeast Asian neighbors. After living here for more than 13 years, I sometimes have to remind myself that the Philippines is technically part of …
There are many kinds of travel, most of them exciting, filled with anticipation and curiosity. But then, there are journeys you never want to make—the ones you dread, yet have to embark on when you’re living thousands of miles away from family. For expats, this is the hardest part: when you get the call that …
When we first decided to add Cambodia to our Southeast Asia trip, I’ll admit—my knowledge barely extended beyond spotting it on a map and knowing a few scattered facts about its tragic recent history. Angkor Wat, that legendary sprawl of ancient temple ruins, was the main draw. Like so many travelers, we came for the …
After weeks on the road, it’s time to look back and ask: Was it worth it? What stuck with me the most? Our Vietnam and Cambodia trip was full of contrasts—ancient temples, bustling cities, tranquil landscapes, and a few unexpected aches and pains. But if I had to pick a place that left the deepest …
Let’s face it: travel snobs are everywhere. You’ve probably met at least one—if not, check the mirror (just kidding!). The ancient debate rages on: Are you a traveler or a tourist? Let’s settle this once and for all… or at least have a good laugh. Meet the Cast The Tourist The Traveler The Profi Traveler …