Our trip to Salta, Argentina, highlighted the pitfalls of high expectations. Fellow travelers had raved about it, leading us to consider renting an apartment for a month-long stay to recover from exhaustive long-distance journeys. While we cherished Buenos Aires (population 3 million) and Rosario (population 1 million), we anticipated Salta as our ideal haven.Described as laid-back, colonial, and compact, Salta seemed tailor-made for our love of Latin American gems. Arriving after a 20-hour over

They say travel is about the journey, not the destination. In a recent Reflections post, we shared our passion for the real challenges of local bus travel. Here, we invite you along on our firsthand experience traveling from remote Muang Sing in northern Laos—near the Chinese border—to the stunning riverside town of Nong Khiaw. Day 1: Muang Sing to Nong Khiaw… We Hope! 6:45 AM: Alarm wakes us in our serene bungalow amid the quiet village of Muang Sing. 7:10 AM: Packed and ready, we head to the

This week, we grabbed a large bottle of water and two mountain bikes for an unforgettable adventure to caves and waterfalls near Nong Khiew, a picturesque town spanning the Nam Ou River in northern Laos. The cave was a short mile from town, reached via a bamboo footbridge over a stream and a steep three-story ladder carved into the mountainside. Pressing on, the rugged mountain trails challenged us with grueling inclines that demanded every ounce of strength to navigate each turn. The effort pa

Tourists, newcomers, or lifelong Los Angeles residents alike will find hidden gems in this vibrant city. Whether youre a seasoned traveler or first-timer, elevate your visit with these quirky, behind-the-scenes spots that reveal LAs unconventional side.Museum of Jurassic TechnologyNestled at 9341 Venice Boulevard in Culver City, this enigmatic museum offers an immersive, hands-on glimpse into bizarre artifacts and exhibits evoking ancient innovations. Rotating collections feature oddities like t

My first visit to Arizona in 2010 introduced me to its stunning diverse landscapes, from the deep red canyons and pine forests of the north to the rugged, otherworldly deserts of the south. The saguaro-filled desertscapes of southern Arizona quickly became my favorite. In June, we returned to housesit in Tucson, flying one-way from India and trading balmy humidity for the deserts dry heat topping 100°F—a welcome change. Our sun-tanned skin adapted easily, unlike our first pale arrival after year

Reflecting on our time in Cafayate, one memory stands out: the afternoon sun glinting off a stray dogs sleek black coat as she raced alongside our bicycles down a smooth, paved path through the vineyards. Her sheer joy was infectious. We formed an unlikely trio—two cyclists and one exuberant dog—cruising traffic-free paths lined with vineyards just outside this gem of a town, encountering only a handful of locals. Despite its stunning beauty, Cafayate remains one of Argentinas lesser-known dest

If youve followed our adventures, you know were passionate about sunsets. Santiago shines here, with its array of rooftop bars and pools—prime spots for upscale evenings among the citys elite, if youre dressed for the occasion. Last Saturday marked a milestone: our 1,000th day on the road! Friend Indi invited us to an exclusive rooftop party at a downtown hotel, where we celebrated in style. Witness that fiery sun dipping behind the mountains… absolute perfection!

We adore sunsets, and nothing compares to watching one unfold on the beach. After two months along Costa Ricas Pacific Coast during rainy season, clear evenings are rare treasures. Mornings often bring vibrant blue skies and abundant sunshine, but afternoons typically turn gray, cloudy, and culminate in torrential downpours unlike any weve experienced. So, on those fortunate rain-free afternoons, we head to the beach with our puppy. Were rewarded with skies transforming from bright blue to vibr

During our extensive travels across Laos, we made it a point to witness every sunset. Though landlocked, Laos delivers stunning waterfront sunsets, with riverside towns and villages nestled against majestic mountains and lush forests. The sun dips behind the peaks, transforming the sky from deep blue to purple, fiery red, and brilliant orange before the velvet night envelops the scene. One standout moment was atop Phou Si Hill in Luang Prabang, home to a hilltop temple offering the towns highes

Tucsons desert landscape and pristine skies deliver breathtaking sunsets. Our contributor Dani often captures these moments with iconic cacti or lizards silhouetted against the mountains. Todays vista, though subtly stunning, sparked our imagination about the pilots aerial view amid that sweeping contrail across the horizon.

You don’t need a guided tour to encounter stunning street art in Buenos Aires. The city’s streets burst with vibrant murals, from sharp political stencils to massive, masterful wall paintings, resembling vivid comic book pages. We spent weeks photographing these works before joining a street art tour. No matter your stay—two days or two months—if you love urban art, book this tour immediately. Here’s why: Street art tours are rare worldwide, leaving admirers guessing about artists’ stories. Unli

“We’ve been exploring Ontario for over four weeks now, and nearly every evening—rain or shine—the vast Canadian skies deliver wildly vivid, dramatic sunsets. It started with an awe-inspiring all-pink sky on our first night in Toronto, followed by a celebratory glow over Parliament in Ottawa during our inaugural Canada Day. Now based right along the Rideau River, we witness radiant reds, burning oranges, and endless shades of pink blending overhead. The scene pulses with movement as colors dance

We arrived at La Siesta Perdida hostel in León, sweaty from a short 9 a.m. walk in the intense heat, eager for our Indio Viejo cooking class—rescheduled once the previous day. The bar carried a faint morning-after scent, and a Dutch guide greeted us enthusiastically.She explained shed guide us through the market to gather ingredients before heading to Doña Anas home for the hands-on lesson in this traditional Nicaraguan dish. (Our version was vegetarian, omitting the usual meat.)Leóns market buz

One of the most astonishing sights on our travels through Central America is the remarkable skill of women in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. They expertly balance heavy loads on their heads—even while boarding and alighting buses—without using their hands.

As our bus wound through the Andes from Argentina into northern Chile, we crossed vast expanses of pristine wilderness—rolling hills, shimmering lakes, grazing llamas, and endless dunes. It seemed impossible for a town to exist amid such isolation. Yet, suddenly, houses dotted the horizon, leading us to Chiles immigration checkpoint and the captivating town of San Pedro de Atacama.This quaint settlement perches on the edge of the worlds driest and highest desert, serving as the ideal base for ad

We nearly missed the modest blackboard sign reading ‘MaPatagonia Hostel’ on the front door of a historic home along quiet Purisima Street—roughly translating to ‘super pure’ in Spanish. A last-minute booking in Puerto Varas proved to be an outstanding accommodation choice. Pierre, the French owner and former travel journalist-photographer, delivers the rare ideal hostel experience. His thoughtfully designed space is impeccably organized yet warmly inviting, perfect for tr

Welcome to our Hotel Tip of the Week series. With years of global travel under our belt, weve stayed at countless hotels—some exceptional, others forgettable. This series shares only the true standouts weve personally vetted. This week: Kospi Boutique Guesthouse in Bariloche, Argentina. Upon arriving in Bariloche, Argentina, with my 60-liter backpack, an unexpected delight unfolded. A friendly, bearded local approached, looked me in the eye, and asked, “Are you Jess?” Hesitant but hopeful, I rep

To Trek or Not to Trek? A key distinction between short vacations and long-term travel is planning. On vacation, destinations are pre-researched; as seasoned travelers, we let them unfold through conversations with fellow adventurers, inspiring blog posts, and guidebook insights. Heading to South America, we repeatedly heard, You must do the W Trek in Torres del Paine. This renowned multi-day hike, often ranked among the worlds top treks, promised glaciers, towering peaks, turquoise lakes,

Safety concerns for female travelers in India have intensified recently. After facing challenges ourselves, we spotlight the story of Melody Fears, a seasoned solo traveler to India. Her first trip in 1997 left her vowing never to return due to unwanted male attention. Discover how her perspective evolved, leading her to base herself in India—and her insights on solo female travel there. Violence and sexual harassment against women in India remain prominent in Western media, but these issues are

Typically, booking a B&B in England means expecting a cozy, traditional British home with charming, old-fashioned rooms that evoke a homely atmosphere. I adore B&Bs for their intimate scale—you often chat with the owners, creating a personal experience far removed from impersonal large hotels. However, some rooms can feel overly grandma-like; a funkier decor would be welcome.Tony and Paul, the visionary owners of Snooze in Brighton, deliver exactly that. Forget the standard British B&