Days 701-800: Travel Tops & Flops – Unforgettable Highs and Lows
In yesterday's Reflections post, we recapped our last 100 days traveling through Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, India, the U.S., and Mexico. This stretch proved to be an extraordinary adventure unlike any before. In this latest edition of our Tops and Flops series, we share the ultimate highs and deepest lows from our experienced perspective after 800 days on the road.
Top Travel Moments
Cruising Kerala's Backwaters, India
We eagerly anticipated this for months, and it far exceeded expectations. Kerala's backwaters form a vast network of serene rivers, canals, and lakes where houseboats glide effortlessly. At an affordable price, friends Jaime and Val joined us to charter a private houseboat—complete with captain and chef—for three days. We watched everyday Indian life unfold: locals bathing, washing clothes, and swimming amid endless palm trees. Our chef delivered the best Indian food we've tasted (see Top Food Moments below). This serene cruise became our India highlight.
Cocktails at Marina Bay Sands SkyBar, Singapore
We rarely splurge on pricey drinks, but enjoying a Singapore Sling in Singapore was non-negotiable. Local expert Edna advised skipping the Raffles Hotel (its birthplace, now serving pre-mixed versions) for the SkyBar atop the iconic Marina Bay Sands. Bathed in a breathtaking sunset, we toasted as the city transformed into a dazzling sea of lights below.
Favorite Places
Singapore
After adoring Cambodia's rural charm, we never expected to fall for Singapore's urban vibe—but we did instantly. Far from bland, this multicultural hub blends stunning skyscrapers with vibrant neighborhoods like Kampong Glam, Chinatown, and Little India, preserving their heritage amid bustling markets and diverse cuisine. Seamless public transport made exploration effortless; we could easily spend weeks here and can't wait to return.
Tucson, Arizona
Returning to Tucson felt like home. Our first visit was June 2010, just two months into our trip, for a housesit—the same hosts welcomed us back. Beyond the house, pool, and dog, we cherish the Southwest's saguaro cacti, desert landscapes, vivid sunsets, cozy cafes, authentic Mexican eateries, and nearby gems like Bisbee and Tombstone.
Hampi, India
Jessica's injuries sidelined her, but Hampi emerged as my favorite Indian spot. I was captivated by the welcoming locals, colorful village, majestic temples, playful monkeys, delicious food, and otherworldly boulder-strewn landscapes unlike anywhere else in India.
Most Disappointing Places
Goa's Beaches
We envisioned Goa as paradise: pristine white sands, swaying palms, and flavorful Indian fare. Reality? Typical tourist traps along mediocre beaches with dangerous undertows and rough waves claiming lives annually. We'd return to India but skip Goa.
Worst Travel Moments
Rammed by a Cow in India
Jessica's cow collision in Goa topped the lows: severe bruising, torn back muscles, and hip injuries. After 50 days and thousands of miles, she's nearly recovered.
Flying Air India—Plus Lost Luggage on U.S. Arrival
Air India's India-to-Tucson route was marred by a massive strike causing widespread cancellations. We rescheduled after endless calls, but our Delhi-Chicago flight detoured via Frankfurt (no disembarkation), totaling 20+ hours airborne. In Chicago, our luggage vanished. We reached Tucson empty-handed, mourning potential losses, until Air India delivered days later. Lesson learned: pack essentials in carry-on. Great vegetarian meals aside, we'll avoid Air India henceforth.
Top Travel Mishaps
Boarding an Unreserved Train in India
Never hop on a long-distance Indian train without reservations—especially sleeper class for humane conditions. Val and I couldn't book Alleppey-to-Gokarna (14 hours), settling for Second Class. Mistake. It felt like livestock transport: overcrowded, with 6+ per four seats, people on luggage racks, barred windows, and chaos. Disaster loomed as racks sagged. Hours standing later, a kind Muslim family yielded seats, but we bailed eight hours early in an unplanned town to recover. Read the full ordeal: Riding the Indian Rails – A Real-Life Roller Coaster
Travel Recommendations
Use Foursquare for Local Exploration
We're Foursquare fans (follow GlobetrotterGirls). Check in virtually at spots like restaurants or museums—or browse anonymously for tips on popular venues, avoiding crowds. In Tucson, it uncovered dog-friendly indie coffee shops during our housesit. Tips guide must-try dishes too.
Top Food Moments
Houseboat Feasts in Kerala
Our backwaters cruise shone brighter thanks to the chef's magic in a tiny kitchen—four daily meals. Keralan breakfasts led to lavish lunches of rice, poppadoms, curries, and local specialties. Afternoon tea snacks preceded dinners with chapattis, coconut-fruit curries (pineapple, mango), and the best homemade chapattis in India.
Jessica's Homemade Huevos Rancheros
Housesitting kitchens are our joy. Jessica's Huevos Rancheros—fried eggs, salsa on tortillas with beans, guac, rice—outshine any restaurant version. We indulged daily alongside salads, cookies, lasagna, enchilada experiments, and yogurt parfaits.
If you've read this far, check our prior Tops and Flops:
Days 1-700: Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia
Days 1-600: United States, Thailand, Laos
Days 1-500: Portugal, Canada, USA
Days 1-400: Panama, Germany, Italy, Spain
Days 1-300: Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica
Days 1-200: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador
Days 1-100: Las Vegas, California, Arizona, Mexico
