600 Days of Travel: Top Highlights and Lowlights from Days 501-600
Travel isn't always easy, but it's always exhilarating. Our last 100 days were a mix of refreshing highs, frustrating lows, active adventures, lazy days, minor embarrassments, and ultimate gratification. From three weeks in Chicago to a brief stop in Denver, we embarked on our boldest journey yet: Southeast Asia. We explored southern Thailand and northern Laos before settling into Chiang Mai for a month. Discover our favorite moments, top destinations, culinary delights, recommendations for Chicago and Laos, and hard-learned lessons.
Favorite Travel Moments
Dani: Segway Tour Through Chicago
We've spotted tourists on Segways in many cities and dismissed them as overly touristy. But after just five minutes on our City Segway Tours machines, we were hooked—looks be damned! Our guide patiently taught us the basics (trickier than expected but doable), then we zipped along Lake Michigan, through Millennium Park, past Buckingham Fountain and Soldier Field to the Museum Campus.
Jess: Hiking with Tracey and Felix in Colorado
Before Bangkok, we spent a week in sunny, warm Denver visiting my best friend Tracey and her fiancé Felix—a stark contrast to the 2010 blizzard. We hiked Red Rocks, Eldorado Canyon, and near Estes Park, capping one with sunset drinks at the Stanley Hotel (The Shining filming location). Can't wait for their June wedding!
Dani: Thai Cooking Class at Koh Lanta Beach
Our standout Thailand experience was at Time for Lime on Koh Lanta. Instructor Junie taught us essential ingredients and techniques in a beachside setting. We crafted Thai red curry and veggie fried rice with a fun group of seven. Exceptional facilities, passion, and delicious results made it unforgettable.
Favorite Places
Jess: Chicago
Biased as a local? Perhaps. But travel deepens my appreciation for the Windy City's neighborhoods, friendly vibe, and global cuisine—from pupusas to Serbian fare. Amid 30+ cities visited, its architecture, green spaces, and infrastructure keep it elite.
Dani: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai (pop. 150,000) blends historic temples and night markets with modern apartments, restaurants, and malls. The moat-encircled old town contrasts the vibrant outskirts with university, healthcare, and transport hubs.
Dani: Nong Khiaw, Laos
Laos underwhelmed until Nong Khiaw. Crossing the Nam Ou River revealed misty mountains, riverside bungalows ($7.50-$12/night), diverse eateries (Lao to German), and herbal steam baths. We nearly stayed!
Most Disappointing Places
Jess: Andaman Sea Islands, Thailand
Spoiled by the Caribbean? Maybe, but Andaman beaches fell short of paradise. Koh Lanta was decent, but Ko Phi Phi was overcrowded, polluted, overpriced. Phuket's Patong: deck chairs, dead fish, sewage smells, sex tourism. Hoping Ko Lipe or Ko Chang redeem Thai islands.
Dani: Muang Sing and Luang Namtha, Laos
Unremarkable stops on the trail. Luang Namtha lacked appeal; Muang Sing (near China border) showed Chinese influence but felt meh.
Best Food Moments
Dani: Native Foods Cafe, Chicago
Post-road trip, we hit Chicago's vegan spots. This California chain's creative, organic heaps won us—affordable quality we'd eat daily.
Jess: Breakfasts at Mekhara, Nong Khiaw
Sticky rice patties dipped in egg and chili paste—irresistible motivation to rise!
Dani: Chiang Mai Vegetarian Restaurants
20+ veggie spots ensure meat-free Thai classics like Khao Soi. Favorites: Dada Kafe, Beetroot, Pun Pun, AUM.
Travel Recommendations
Jess: Explore Beyond Chicago's Loop
Start in the Loop (Willis Tower, Art Institute), then bike north: Lincoln Park Zoo (free), Lakeview, Boystown, Lincoln Square, Andersonville, Bucktown, Evanston beaches.
Dani: Pack Dramamine for Laos Buses
Mountainous roads mean 12-hour nausea fests. Locals puke too—add iPod, TP for stops.
Worst Travel Moments
Jess: Orbitz Bangkok Flight Cancellation
Great deal soured by Air China changes. Hours of calls; rebooked free but direct booking wiser next time.
Dani: Near-Robbery on Bangkok-Krabi Night Bus
Scam bus flopped; hopped another, but thief caught mid-theft. Sleepless grip on bags. Avoid Khao San agencies—use public buses.
Travel Mishaps
Jess: Unprepared for Bangkok Scams
Jet-lagged laziness cost us. Read Lonely Planet/Wikitravel first. Full story soon—our worst after 18 months.
