Travel isnt always easy, but its 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 Chicag

Our month-long road trip last year was a blast but far too indulgent. We ate poorly, savoring Southern comfort foods that left us craving healthier options by the time we arrived in Chicago. Beyond its iconic deep-dish pizza and Polish sausages, the Windy City offers an impressive array of vegan restaurants. As longtime vegetarians (not fully vegan), we made it a priority to visit as many as possible during our four-week stay. We enjoyed familiar favorites like veggie burgers and salads, plus ne

In yesterdays 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 Keralas Backwaters, India We eagerly anticipated this for months, and it far exceeded expectations.

We arrived in Cambodia last weekend and spent our first few days in Battambang, a charming riverside town in the north. Known for its crumbling French-colonial architecture, Battambang is often overlooked by travelers rushing to Angkor Wat near Siem Reap. Were thrilled we lingered here, savoring the vibrant local life from the balconies of colonial-style cafés. The central market pulses as Battambangs commercial heart, where farmers from nearby villages arrive daily with freshly harvested fruit

Sometimes, traveling on pure instinct leads to unforgettable experiences. We arrived in Phonsavan, the heart of Laos Xieng Khouang province, just in time for the vibrant Hmong New Years celebrations after a grueling 10-hour bus ride. The Hmong, an ethnic group originating from southeastern China, settled in Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam due to historical conflicts. Today, Xieng Khouang hosts one of the largest Hmong communities, where late November or early December festivities—lasting up to 40 d

Sunday, June 5, marked our 400th day on the road—over a year since we embarked on our nomadic journey. Time has flown, yet those initial days of freedom feel like a lifetime ago. In the last 100 days since Day 300, weve explored six countries across two continents: completing our Central America adventure by reaching its southern tip, then crossing the ocean for spring in Europe. Wrapping Up Central America + Super Tweet-Up After traversing Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula and Manuel Antonio Nation

Embarking on a scenic drive from Innsbruck, Austria, to our housesit in the Bavarian mountains, we cruised the Autobahn in a rented Smart car. Suddenly, a stunning castle emerged into view—blink and it was gone. We captured this fleeting moment with a quick Polaroid snap. Not quite a castle in the sky, this idyllic fortress perfectly embodies the Alpine charm. Our drive-by Polaroid of the day!

Montezuma boasts one of Costa Rica’s most stunning beaches, but after three days there in February 2011, our long-standing affection came to an end. This wasn’t due to hype or nostalgia—Montezuma has evolved, and our desires have shifted too. It began in 1999 during my junior year abroad in Heredia, an hour from San José. That transformative year bonded a tight group of 20 friends, who explored Costa Rica weekly and fell deeply for Montezuma at the Nicoya Peninsula’s tip on the Pacific coast. Ba

El Salvador offers limited street food variety, with few vegetarian options available. However, one standout dominates: the pupusa. These handcrafted, stuffed corn pancakes deliver unbeatable flavor, making up for the scarcity of choices. Pupusas are thick corn tortillas filled with savory ingredients, hand-flattened, and grilled to perfection. Popular fillings include: Cheese (vegetarian) Refried beans (vegetarian) Cheese and refried beans (vegetarian) Chicharrones (pork) Pollo (chicken) Chic

Were city enthusiasts who thrive on the energy, cuisine, art, and vibrant street life of urban hubs. After exploring remote northern Laos, the French colonial city of Luang Prabang felt like a bustling metropolis by comparison. In just one afternoon of wandering, it revealed itself as a delightful treasure. Home to around 100,000 residents, Luang Prabang is Laos second-largest city (behind Vientiane, with about 1.3 million people). Long after French rule ended, it has become a magnet for interna

After months exploring destinations with varying levels of LGBTQ+ acceptance, many gay travelers grapple with a half-in, half-out approach to visibility. Is there a point where discretion becomes essential for safety? As seasoned nomads, my partner Dani and I havent fully retreated into the closet, but we selectively adjust our public affection—like a strategic game of hokey pokey—while prioritizing personal security abroad.Having lived in welcoming hubs like London, Brighton, and parts of Germa

When researching accommodations in Reykjavik, Loft Hostel stood out immediately. Stunning room photos, prime location, and glowing reviews sparked my interest. Yet, appearances can deceive—vibe, service, or upkeep might fall short.Upon arrival at Loft Hostel Reykjavik, my concerns vanished. The fourth-floor reception adjoins a vibrant common area packed with travelers sharing stories over happy hour drinks. The energetic atmosphere drew me in, preferring to socialize rather than retreat after a

We recently spent a delightful weekend in the charming colonial town of Suchitoto, northern El Salvador. Its crown jewel is Iglesia Santa Lucía, a magnificent white church boasting a stunning façade with six Ionic columns and three towers. After sharing a photo on our Globetrottergirls Facebook page, Juergen from Dare2go.com highlighted the dinner plates on the tower roofs that we had missed. We returned the next day for a closer look—the roofs are indeed covered in colorful dinner plates, dona

After a few days exploring Salta, Argentinas second-largest city in the northwest, we drove four hours south to Cafayate, a picturesque village famed for its wineries and vineyards. Nestled in a verdant valley ringed by dramatic red mountains, Cafayate enchanted us with its serene charm, even as many visitors venture out for adventures.We relished what we consider Argentinas best empanadas—including unique quinoa-filled ones—wandered quiet, tree-shaded streets, sampled the intriguing Torrontés w

Vietnam and Cambodia, Indochinas treasures, enchant with stunning landscapes, palm-fringed beaches, dramatic karst formations, French colonial architecture, and exquisite Khmer temples. Perfect year-round for all travelers, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences. Our expert guide highlights the top 6 spots to inspire your next adventure. 1. Hanoi Hanoi, Vietnams vibrant capital, encapsulates over 1,000 years of political, cultural, and historical significance. Essential for any itin

I held the small bamboo cup with both hands and quickly drank the thick, dark brew. The bitter taste lingered unpleasantly, and I washed it down with water as I sat on the wooden floor of the ceremonial hut in the Colombian Amazon.The ayahuasca should take effect in about 20 minutes, shaman William informed us in Spanish. If not, Ill give you more.He pointed to the left wall, chest-high wood opening to an unglazed window above. Youre likely to vomit when it starts working—do so out the window.He

In my monthly round-ups, I reflect on the past four weeks of travels, highlighting what went well, what didnt, and my upcoming plans. Where Ive Been I began the month in Germany, bidding farewell to my family before flying to New York. The rest of November was spent between Manhattan and Brooklyn, with short trips upstate—first for a fall foliage road trip and later for Thanksgiving. What Ive Been Up To Returning to New York felt like coming home—a sentiment I echoed in my June recap upon my pr

These monthly updates share my current location, recent travels, what went well, what didnt, and a preview of whats ahead. Life Lately I departed New York at the start of September, arriving at the airport relaxed thanks to Blacklane.coms excellent chauffeur service—a worthwhile splurge before a long trans-Atlantic flight, far better than battling public transport with multiple bags and an overweight backpack. Yet, leaving the city I adore was heartbreaking; after an incredible summer that tra

Last week, I embarked on an unforgettable road trip across Israel, from the Lebanese border in the north to Eilat on the Red Sea in the south, glimpsing the Egyptian and Jordanian borders during morning runs. Highlights abounded: the stunning blue grottoes of Rosh Hanikra near Lebanon, the historic fishing village of Akko, and the breathtaking Baháí Gardens in Haifa. Heading south, we reached the Dead Sea, where I hiked Masada at 5:30 a.m. for a sunrise vista, explored Ein Gedis desert oasis wat

In my monthly round-ups, I reflect on the past four weeks of travel: what went well, what didnt, updates on Globetrottergirls.com, upcoming plans, and the months top posts. Where I’ve Been I spent February exploring the Philippines and Thailand. Aside from brief city stops in Manila, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai, I was island hopping the entire time. After a hectic January spanning six countries, I promised myself to slow down—and I did. Yet, I still covered impressive ground: Boracay, Siquijor, Ap