As I sit on the cozy balcony of my cabin, savoring a cup of green tea, our boat glides smoothly through the emerald waters of Halong Bay. Im in complete awe, passing one limestone karst after another—each rising dramatically from the sea in unique shapes and sizes. No two are alike: some sharp pinnacles piercing the sky, others slender towers or massive islets hiding secluded sandy coves. Over 1,600 such islets form Halong Bay, a vast bay in northern Vietnam near the Chinese border. UNESCO reco

When most travelers envision New York, iconic images of Manhattans skyscrapers, bustling streets, and vibrant nightlife come to mind. Yet, the Empire State holds far more than urban excitement—hidden natural wonders await discovery. Just 138 miles northwest of New York City lies Howe Caverns, a breathtaking subterranean marvel and one of the states most treasured secrets for spelunkers and nature enthusiasts. This geological gem in Schoharie County offers guided tours into a cool, ancient worl

Scotland, the northernmost part of the United Kingdom, enchants families with its dramatic valleys, serene lochs, rugged wilderness, and vibrant cities like Glasgow, alive with culture and energy that draws millions of visitors annually. Planning a family trip? Follow these seven expert tips to prepare effectively and maximize enjoyment for everyone. Here are seven valuable tips: 1. Pack Raincoats and Layered Clothing Scotlands weather is notoriously unpredictable—windy, rainy, with occasional

Hello from Vietnam! Its been a while since my last personal update, and theres no better time than now—my first solo trip in two years. Two years since my last true solo journey? I wondered, pinpointing my previous adventure to February 2017 in Ecuador, the second-to-last South American country on my list (Ive visited Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia—Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname arent priorities, leaving Brazil). Technically, I started solo in September 2017 from Germa

While most travelers kick off their Uruguayan adventures in Colonia del Sacramento, we saved this enchanting gem for last. Just a quick 1-hour ferry ride across the Río de la Plata from Buenos Aires, Colonia contrasts sharply with Uruguays typical sleepy beach and river towns. This colonial treasure was our final stop before returning to Argentina. Founded by the Portuguese in 1680, the city has expanded, but the old town remains untouched by time. Weathered wooden horse carts stand before rick

Arriving in New York City after a summer in Berlin, jetlag had me half-awake, watching the black sky turn pink at sunrise over the Chinese produce market across from The Nolitan Hotel. Beside me, my partner Dani slept soundly on our plush cloud-like bed amid soft white pillows—exactly the rest we craved after a 29-hour journey. Yet there I was, restless. As dawn broke, I grabbed the red Nolitan yoga mat and energized myself with an hour of sunrise yoga, ready for our first full day back in NYC

Our two weeks in Uruguay barely scratched the surface. This compact South American gem quickly won us over with its endless beaches, vibrant capital Montevideo, and charming colonial towns. Drawing from our firsthand experiences, heres our curated list of 14 things we adore about Uruguay—one for each day of our stay—complete with key facts and insights. 1. Punta del Diablo This fishing village emerged as our top beach destination in Uruguay. Visiting just after peak season, we savored its tran

Welcome to our Hotel Tip of the Week series. As full-time nomads with over 500 nights in hotels worldwide, weve experienced the best and worst accommodations from budget stays to luxury resorts. We only recommend hotels weve personally stayed in—ones that are clean, comfortable, offer great value, and treat guests like VIPs, not transactions. Discover our trusted picks on Globetrottergirls.com. You really do get what you pay for—with a clever twist. Weve all been burned by cheap deals that fall

While Kandy didnt initially captivate me beyond its iconic landmarks like the UNESCO-listed Temple of the Tooth Relic and the towering Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue, its an essential stop en route from Colombo to Sri Lankas Cultural Triangle or tea country.The real allure lies in the surrounding lush green mountains, valley vistas, and refreshing breezes—a welcome respite from coastal heat.Opting for elevated accommodations, I chose Theva Residency, a boutique hotel perched high above the c

You might picture New York Citys Little Italy as a vibrant Italian enclave, bustling with locals devouring fresh pasta. Our first visit in 2009 proved otherwise—and disappointed us. Just blocks from historic Ellis Island landing spots, Little Italy should brim with authenticity. Yet, this three-block area echoes faded Italian heritage amid encroaching influences, feeling more touristy than genuine. We were surprised by Chinatowns dominance, with neon Cantonese signs overshadowing Italian eateri

Sometimes, you just know a hotel is special at first sight. Like recognizing a great wine or the perfect car without being an expert, Wanderlust Hotel captivated us instantly. Amid the hit-or-miss world of design hotels—often prioritizing flash over function—this boutique gem in Singapores Little India delivers substance and style. Tucked away in backstreets that even local cabbies struggle to find, Wanderlust Hotel (2 Dickson Road) won us over from the moment we arrived until checkout. Exuding

Welcome to our weekly Hotel Tip of the Week series. Traveling full-time means weve tested countless hotels worldwide. Amid the mediocre options, we uncover true budget gems weve personally vetted and recommend with confidence. Nestled on a quiet side street with no prominent sign—but well-known to local taxi drivers—La Estancia welcomes Peace Corps volunteers and global budget travelers. Enter through the distinctive purple gate to find retro wood paneling and vintage furniture that exude comfor

Exploring the United States by car offers unparalleled freedom to discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks inaccessible by public transport. Dallas, Texass third-largest city, serves as an ideal launchpad for road trips. As a major transit hub and vibrant tourist destination, it provides easy access to urban adventures, state parks, and beyond. While having a vehicle is key, thorough planning ensures a smooth journey. Follow these expert tips for an enjoyable, safe road trip from Dallas. Dit

As avid explorers of global cuisines, we immersed ourselves in Guatemalas vibrant street food scene during our travels. Sampling local eats from bustling market stalls and park vendors fosters a deeper connection to the culture. Guatemala delivers an array of affordable, flavorful options, especially around Antiguas La Merced church. While many dishes feature meat, vegetarian choices abound. Heres our curated guide to the highlights: Must-Try Vegetarian Street Foods in Guatemala Pupusas Origina

Lake Atitlán is renowned as one of the worlds most beautiful lakes, a captivating destination blending serene beauty with dramatic landscapes. Wherever you visit along its shores, expect stunning vistas of the vast lake, verdant mountains, and the towering San Pedro Volcano. From the middle of the lake in a kayak, you can even glimpse the ever-active Volcán de Fuego, visible from distant Antigua. But which village stands out? Our guide to the seven top villages around Lake Atitlán helps you deci

Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is one of the worlds most iconic destinations, blending glamour, culture, and stunning landscapes. While it may not boast the density of landmarks like New York or San Francisco, LA offers unforgettable experiences—from the star-studded Hollywood Walk of Fame to the legendary Hollywood Sign and Malibus famous lifeguard towers from Baywatch. Discover the seven must-see landmarks that capture the essence of LA and Hollywood: The Seven Best Landmarks to See in LA 1

Rach Gia was meant to be a quick layover en route from Phu Quoc to Can Tho. Initially, I planned a morning ferry from Phu Quoc, followed by a taxi straight to the bus station for the next ride into the Mekong Delta heartland. But reconsidering the grueling 7-hour journey (30 minutes to the port, 2.5 hours on the ferry, 30 minutes by taxi, and 3.5 hours by bus), I opted to relax. With time on my side, staying overnight allowed more island time and a stress-free transition. Planning a Stay in Rach

A road notorious for claiming 200 to 300 lives annually. Officially known as the Yungas Road, this narrow, unpaved route winds through Bolivias Yungas mountains from La Paz down to Coroico in the Amazon jungle. Spanning just 43 miles (69 km), its marked by countless roadside crosses commemorating tragic accidents, including buses and trucks plummeting off cliffs. In 1995, it earned the grim title of the Worlds Most Dangerous Road. Planning our South America trip, I discovered tours offering a 40

Introduction to New York City New York City comprises five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. While Manhattan, the citys smallest borough, hosts nearly all of its iconic attractions and is often synonymous with NYC itself, the other boroughs offer unique experiences. Highlights beyond Manhattan include the Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn and the Bronx Zoo in The Bronx. As NYCs largest borough, does Queens match Manhattans allure? Manhattan Explore Manhattans offerin

As tastes evolve with age—from discovering artichokes to preferring goat cheese over orange cheddar—some foods remain timeless. For me, thats pizza. Ive hunted the perfect slice worldwide, including Buenos Aires unique style. In New York City, options span classic street slices to gourmet varieties like artichoke and goat cheese (though not together). In 2013, during two months housesitting in Brooklyn, I researched 15 highly recommended spots claiming the title of NYCs best pizza. I narrowed i