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 …
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 …
Before visiting Cambodia, I’ll admit—I didn’t really have the country on my travel radar. Like many people, the only image that came to mind was Angkor Wat, its ancient spires rising out of the jungle. I knew little about the rest of the country, except for a vague awareness of its troubled past. Growing up, …
Let’s be real for a second: writing a blog can be frustrating. There’s this romantic idea that you’ll pour your heart, soul, and many, many hours into a post—crafting sentences, tweaking metaphors, reliving stories you can’t wait to share—and then, miraculously, a crowd of readers will appear to devour every word. Maybe they’ll leave thoughtful …
Living on the beautiful island of Mindanao in the Philippines is an experience many dream of. With its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm communities, it’s easy to see why this island is a gem in the archipelago. However, when it comes to travel, we often find ourselves looking beyond our island paradise to explore …
Hey fellow travelers! Let’s chat about something that gives even the most seasoned travelers a bit of a jolt: turbulence. Oh my God, those unexpected shakes and rattles that can transform a calm flight into a high-flying rollercoaster. If you’ve ever gripped your armrest until your knuckles turned white, you’re definitely not alone! I’ve had …
Have you ever fantasized about prancing through airports with nothing more than a feather-light backpack? I certainly have, though my reality often involves lugging around a suitcase that could double as a small car. Despite my best intentions, I always end up with a pile of clothes that never see the light of day. Lizz …
The thrill of planning a future trip has always been almost as exciting as the journey itself. Just the thought of a getaway, even if it’s twelve months away, sends a rush of anticipation through me. That feeling of motivation kicks in, and time seems to fly by. In the early ’90s, when I was …