Costa Rica stands out in Central America for its abundant wildlife, including mammals, birds, and reptiles thriving in its lush forests. Our trip highlighted this biodiversity firsthand. Manuel Antonio National Park proved the prime spot for monkey sightings. During a serene hike in a quieter section of the park, we encountered this endearing spider monkey pausing after a playful skirmish with fellow troupe members—perhaps plotting his next adventure. Busier trails buzzed with monkeys captivati

Welcome to our weekly Hotel Tip of the Week series. Traveling full-time means weve tested countless accommodations firsthand. Amid the mediocre budget options, true gems shine through. Each week, we share one we confidently recommend based on personal experience. This week: Art Hostel Costa Linda in Manuel Antonio. Arriving by bus from Quepos to this hostel near Manuel Antonio National Park, we knew $10 per person per night wouldnt deliver luxury. Our expectations were spot on—its not paradise,

Panamanians celebrate with unmatched energy! Carnaval is Panamas premier annual festival. While less renowned than Rio de Janeiros or New Orleans Mardi Gras, it stands among the worlds largest carnivals. For seven days, streets nationwide burst with colorful parades and extravagant costumes. We immersed ourselves in Bocas del Toros carnival weekend, witnessing the gripping whipping devils tradition. Costumed devils race through the crowds, playfully whipping at onlookers legs—a symbolic reenact

Welcome to our Hotel Tip of the Week series. As full-time travelers staying in hotels year-round, weve encountered countless budget options—from disappointments to true gems. We only recommend places weve personally tested and loved. This week: Hostal Hansi, a standout hostel in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Arriving in Bocas del Toro during the annual Carnival brought non-stop festivities and cheap beer, but zero relaxation. After enduring a noisy, subpar hostel, we discovered Hostal Hansi the next d

When I arrived in New York last week, locals joked that I had brought summer with me. The spring had been unusually cold and rainy until my weekend arrival—a reassurance for skipping most of May in the city for four weeks in Austin (yes, my FOMO is real, and that decision wasnt easy!). I even considered extending my Austin stay—I loved it that much—but unforeseen circumstances shifted my plans (details soon). With just eight days in my adopted home, I maximized every moment: savoring a classic N

During our first walk across the Brooklyn Bridge in 2009, love padlocks were nowhere to be seen. On a recent visit, we spotted hundreds of these heartfelt symbols ceremonially attached to the structure. The trend took root here in 2011, inspired by a longstanding European tradition. In Italy, it gained fame through Federico Moccias novel Ho Voglia di Te, where lovers affix a padlock to a Florence bridge and toss the key into the river, sealing their bond eternally.We first encountered them along

Apologies for the recent hiatus—Ive finally rolled out the long-overdue mobile-friendly website redesign. The transition hit a few snags, so please bear with me as I squash the remaining bugs. Exciting new posts are lined up and ready to publish. After an unforgettable first weekend in Berlin, we kept the momentum going with vibrant street art hunts, classic German breakfasts, our first-ever vegetarian currywurst, breathtaking sunsets over Tempelhof Airport (one of my favorite city gems), and an

After a disappointing first trip to Hong Kong marred by poor planning, jet lag, and exhaustion, I returned determined to make the most of this vibrant city. My second visit delivered: energized from a short flight from Bangkok, I checked into the cozy OZO Wesley Hotel with stunning views of Hong Kong Island. I immediately explored Wan Chai and left six days later fully satisfied. Drawing from two visits, here are my expert tips for an unforgettable Hong Kong experience, including top eateries,

I had meticulously planned a three-day teaser trip to Hong Kong, knowing Id return in spring for warmer weather and deeper exploration. My itinerary featured the iconic Peak views, the Star Ferry crossing Victoria Harbour from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island, a hike to the Big Buddha, hipster neighborhood wanders, rooftop bar drinks, the nightly Symphony of Lights show, and dim sum at Tim Ho Wan, the worlds second-cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant.Instead, my Hong Kong adventure unraveled spectac

During my first visit to Hong Kong earlier this year, the city exceeded all expectations and revealed numerous surprises. Returning last month confirmed these observations, including the mind-blowing fact at #8. Here are 12 intriguing aspects of Hong Kong based on my firsthand experiences: 1. A Vibrant, Bustling Metropolis Arriving from Stockholm, which felt unusually quiet, Hong Kongs crowds were overwhelming. Streets in Kowloon were perpetually packed, the MTR as crowded as Londons Tube durin

Chiang Mai never fails to offer endless adventures. During our previous visit, time slipped away before we could catch a highly recommended cabaret show. Fortunately, we returned last month and enjoyed the vibrant kathoey cabaret with friends Betsy and Warren.Known as kathoeys in Thailand, these transgender women are more integrated into society than in many Western cultures. They often thrive in female-dominated fields like retail, beauty salons, and even as flight attendants for select Thai ai

On our second visit to Chiang Mai, we set out to explore Northern Thailands stunning countryside beyond the city limits. Through hands-on experience, weve found bicycle tours to be the ultimate way to connect with a destination. We joined a guided ride with Spice Roads, pedaling past endless rice paddies and watching skilled artisans handcraft the beautiful wares sold in Chiang Mai markets. The adventure wrapped up at San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, where we savored lunch and soaked our feet in the r

After witnessing countless injured stray dogs in Central America, its a welcome relief to see dogs treated so well in Thailand. Stray dogs live in Buddhist temples, fed by monks, while pets are pampered like royalty. As temperatures drop from 100°F to 80–90°F (Thailands winter), owners dress their furry friends in shirts, shoes, and push them in custom dog strollers. Poodles are especially popular, often styled like princesses with ribbons and bows, as pictured above.  

Chiang Mai in northern Thailand masterfully blends modern amenities with over 300 Buddhist temples (wats) seamlessly woven into the urban landscape. Nestled on quiet backstreets, dramatically perched along major roads, and gracing nearly every corner, each wat is uniquely captivating.Wat Chedi Luang, showcased in our photo above, ranks among Chiang Mais oldest temple complexes, constructed in the 14th century. Prior to its partial destruction in the 1545 earthquake, the main chedi was Thailands

Were confident this stunning Buddha statue, carved centuries ago, never anticipated a fly landing precisely on its nose at this exact moment. Yet, it looks like its been waiting patiently for just this whimsical encounter all these years. For more captivating Chiang Mai photos, like our Globetrottergirls Facebook page, where we share a daily travel snapshot.

In Thailand, the revered Hindu deity Ganesha is known as Phra Phikanet or Phra Phikanesuan. As Hinduism spread across Southeast Asia, it brought cultural traditions like Ganesha worship. Here, he embodies fortune and success, with shrines throughout the country. Many Thai Buddhists honor him alongside Buddha, offering sweets, incense, flowers, and fruits to prosper their businesses. We might start packing extra donuts and flowers for our Phra Phikanet visits on future trips!  

Amid the chaotic symphony of blaring horns, speeding scooters, and whizzing tuk-tuks on Bangkoks bustling streets, the citys hundreds of Buddhist temples offer tranquil sanctuaries for respite. After six months exploring North America and Europe, arriving in Thailands vibrant capital brought a wave of culture shock. We quickly embraced it by hopping into open-air tuk-tuks for tours of Bangkoks stunning wats. Zipping through main roads and back alleys, wed arrive at hushed temples adorned with sp

Welcome to our Hotel Tip of the Week series. With over 600 nights spent as digital nomads, weve experienced accommodations from budget gems to luxury retreats worldwide. We only recommend hotels weve personally stayed in—ones that are clean, comfortable, offer great value, and treat guests like family. This week: Old Capital Bike Inn in Bangkok, Thailand. Before I even retrieve my bag from the taxi, a petite staff member offers to carry it. You staying here with us? she asks warmly. Yes, I repl

When planning our Thailand trip, street food hype rivaled the beaches. Smoothies, fresh fruits, sweets, noodles, and even insects awaited. As avid street food lovers deprived of it during months in North America, Thailands legendary stalls beckoned.Upon landing in Bangkok, we dove into the Thai street food adventure, seeking the raved-about delicacies.Follow Your NoseSpotting two ladies wheeling carts through Bangkok traffic, we trailed them, betting more vendors lurked nearby. We were spot on.

Six hundred days on the road… If someone had told us 600 days ago that wed still be traveling and committed to at least another 600, we wouldnt have believed it. The past 100 days thrust us into a new world, but we feel more rested than during our 500-day reflections. This stems from our seamless adaptation to Southeast Asian life. These days were full of contrasts, shifting from Chicagos comforts to Thailands intense heat. Worlds Apart: From Chicago to Bangkok Exhausted after 34 straight days